July 2024

Caro Carver’s BAD TOURISTS sets up as one kind of book but quickly flips to another. Then comes even more twists. Caro was inspired to write this thriller as she was on vacation in the Maldives. She envisioned a hotel, like Sapphire Island, a plush location where guests would have everything taken care of for them. This spectacular setting is a star and a character since the setup of these accommodations lends itself to the action. And the beautiful waters around them hide danger. There also is a page where Caro refers to a manta ray and shares, “How difficult can it be to tell innocent and villain apart?” That is the central theme of the novel, and a tone is set.

Three women are on a celebratory divorce trip, courtesy of one member of the trio, who has just ended her marriage. They are bound by an act of violence that took place in 2001 at the Spinnaker Guesthouse, which has cast a shadow over their lives. Two additional characters play a role --- honeymooners who are just beginning their lives together --- which is a direct dichotomy to the theme of the women on the divorce trip.

BAD TOURISTS is told from various points of view, so readers are able to spend time in each character’s head. As more about them is revealed, we start to see that our initial thoughts about the story may have some holes in it. Clues are dropped, many of which spell out the danger that lies within, and the writing is compelling. I look forward to seeing what Caro writes next. In the meantime, be sure to watch or listen to my “Bookreporter Talks To” interview with her.