By Tessa @TessaTalksBooks Posted on

Two Nights in Lisbon by Chris Pavone #BookReview #DomesticThriller

You think you know a person . . .

Ariel Pryce wakes up in Lisbon, alone. Her husband is gone—no warning, no note, not answering his phone. Something is wrong.

She starts with hotel security, then the police, then the American embassy, at each confronting questions she can’t fully answer: What exactly is John doing in Lisbon? Why would he drag her along on his business trip? Who would want to harm him? And why does Ariel know so little about her new—much younger—husband?

The clock is ticking. Ariel is increasingly frustrated and desperate, running out of time, and the one person in the world who can help is the one person she least wants to ask.

With sparkling prose and razor-sharp insights, bestselling author Chris Pavone delivers a stunning and sophisticated international thriller that will linger long after the surprising final page.

What’s it about (in a nutshell):

Two Nights in Lisbon by Chris Pavone is a thriller about the disappearance of Ariel Price’s husband and everything that follows, including different investigations and a complicatedly twisted plot for justice.

Initial Expectations (before beginning the book):

Looking at the book cover, I think of old James Bond movies because it has a 70s look. But the blurb is a whole different kind of description. It talks about a husband disappearing from the hotel the couple stayed at while in Lisbon on business – which would be more of a domestic thriller. Two Nights in Lisbon is quite a lengthy book for the genre, so it seems like it may be a complicated tale.

Actual Reading Experience:

I love the writing style the author used in telling this thriller. It’s in third-person narration but switches perspectives in small scenes within each chapter. You learn about Ariel’s past and present, how she works to save her missing husband through her eyes, and the investigation through a reporter, the local police, and the CIA, who are all three doing independent research and discovery. The way the story is written helped take a pretty lengthy tome and make it read relatively quickly.

The story tackles a few social injustices, predominantly how women are not listened to, especially when they try to alert people about sexual assault and rape. The story also

talks about media, power differentials, and politics. There are a few soapbox moments, but I only mildly took note of them as they had the capability of pulling me a bit out of the story.

I loved the twists and turns the story took. It was quite dizzying at times as the story changed quickly, and the plot doubled back on itself. I was very right about it being a complicated tale. There are so many layers, and fortunately, all my questions found answers by the end, which satisfied me. I only wish the story had been a bit more streamlined, as I didn’t believe the length felt justified. I thought that large parts reiterated what had been told, and character histories rambled slightly.

Characters:

Ariel is the main character and the only one I got to know. She’s a bit elusive, very private, and has many anxieties/fears. Yet, she is strong and independent, never tolerating injustices or feeling happy to sweep things under the rug. She preferred to stand up for herself and others.

To Read or Not to Read:

Two Nights in Lisbon will bring you to a world full of thrills and twists and give you an international thriller encompassing many social issues and investigative bodies.

My Rating:

⭐️ ⭐️⭐️⭐️

15 Replies to “Two Nights in Lisbon by Chris Pavone #BookReview #DomesticThriller”

  2. Staci Troilo says:

    I don’t mind complicated, but I don’t like length that could be tightened and streamlined. Sounds like an interesting premise. It’s one I’ll have to consider. Thanks for your review.

    Liked by 1 person

  4. Teri Polen says:

    I saw this one in a magazine listing most anticipated books this year. Glad to hear you enjoyed it, but I’m also surprised about the length. Great review, Tessa!

    Liked by 1 person

    1. Lady Tessa says:

      It is interesting and compelling, keeping me glued to the page, but that length for the genre is unusual and it did get a bit long winded.

      Liked by 1 person

  6. Carla says:

    I’ve seen this one on several lists and wondered about it. Excellent review Tessa, it definitely sounds intriguing. Too bad there were a few longer parts that could have been left out, but I am glad you enjoyed it.

    Liked by 1 person

  8. Anoushka says:

    ahhhh i love the format of this review so much!! its so unique and ALSO THE REVIEW IS PERFECTION!! i’ve never heard of this book before, and honestly speaking i dont read many thriller novels, BUT THIS ONE SOUNDS SO SO GOOD???!! I shall definitely have to check it out and THANK YOU SO SO MUCH FOR THE GORGEOUS REVIEW!! Cannot wait to read all of your future posts!!

    Like

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