June 2022

TWO NIGHTS IN LISBON by Chris Pavone is tough to talk about as the plot reveals will spoil it for you. I will share that these are two very action-packed nights and days.

We begin with Ariel Price waking up in Lisbon and finding out that her husband, John, is gone. Did he just run out for coffee? They had a great last evening with some spirited sex, so there is no feeling that their relationship went awry. She searches for a note, but there is none. She reaches for a phone to call him, but his phone is dead. She takes all the usual steps to locate him --- hotel security, the police, even the American embassy. He was in town on business, but they had not talked about where those meetings were. She was there to sightsee and have fun, and he was to catch up with her. The authorities question how much she does not know; her conversation feels a bit unbelievable.

There is someone who can get Ariel what she needs, but that is the last call she would want to make. The book is full of plot twists, and the stakes get higher along the way. You will want to pay attention as you read. And the ramp-up does not let you down.

One more tiny thing not on the page: The hotel in the book was inspired by a wonderful hotel that Chris stayed at in Lisbon. He remembered it, and wanted to have this crime begin at a place that he found to be serene and beautiful. You can watch or listen to my interview with him for more backstory. And trust there will be no spoilers.