Let’s explore “One Big Happy Family” by Jamie Day. This riveting summer suspense novel centers around the legendary Precipice Hotel, perched on the rocky coast of Maine. Here’s a concise summary, focusing on the key elements you’ve outlined:
Introduction
The Precipice, a family-owned hotel, becomes the stage for intrigue and secrets after the recent passing of the Bishop sisters’ father. Iris, Vicki, and Faith converge at the hotel, each harboring dangerous truths. Meanwhile, Charley Kelley, the nineteen-year-old chambermaid, faces her own desperate circumstances.
Main Characters
- Iris, Vicki, and Faith Bishop: The sisters vie for their inheritance and grapple with their individual secrets.
- Charley Kelley: The resilient chambermaid, older than her years, who hides a woman on the run.
Plot
The central conflict revolves around the fate of the Precipice. As the hurricane looms, the sisters’ actions could spell disaster for Charley. Will they close the hotel, fire her, or uncover her pilfering from guests? The tension escalates as secrets unravel.
Setting
- Time: Present day
- Place: The rocky coast of Maine, home to the Precipice Hotel
- Influence: The coastal setting shapes the characters’ interactions and adds to the suspense.
Themes
- Family Bonds and Betrayal: The novel explores the complexities of sisterhood and the lengths people go to protect their interests.
- Secrets and Desperation: Characters grapple with hidden truths and desperate situations.
- Survival and Resilience: Charley’s struggle for survival underscores the theme of resilience.
Style
Jamie Day’s writing combines razor-sharp wit, heart, and unexpected twists. She weaves a unique brand of summertime suspense, drawing readers into the tangled web of family drama and intrigue.
Conclusion
“One Big Happy Family” celebrates love, secrets, and survival against the backdrop of a coastal hotel. With its compelling characters and suspenseful plot, this novel keeps readers guessing until the very end.
