Havoc

A Novel

By: Christopher Bollen

Narrated by: Maggi-Meg Reed

In the vein of The Bad Seed comes a twisty, atmospheric psychological suspense about a meddlesome elderly guest at a decadent luxury hotel who believes she has left her problematic past behind, until she decides to interfere in the lives of a young mother and her eight-year-old son, and finally meets her wicked match.

The war between age and youth has never been so vicious.

Eighty-one-year-old widow Maggie Burkhardt came to the Royal Karnak to escape. But not in quite the same way as most other guests who are relaxing at this threadbare luxury hotel on the banks of the Nile. Maggie, a compulsive fixer of other people’s lives, may have found herself in hot water at her last hotel in Switzerland and just might have needed to get out of there fast... But here at the Royal Karnak, under the hot Saharan sun, she has a comfortable suite, a loyal confidante in the hotel manager, Ahmed, and a handful of sympathetic friends, similar “long-termers” who understand her still-vivid grief for her late husband, Peter. Here, she is merely the sweet old lady in Room 309.

One morning, however, Maggie notices a new arrival at check-in: a mournful-looking young mother named Tess and her impish eight-year-old, Otto. Eager to help, Maggie invites them into her world. But it isn’t long before Maggie realizes that in her longing to be a part of their family, she has let in an enemy much stronger than she bargained for. In scrawny, homely Otto, Maggie Burkhardt has finally met her match.

A propulsive, addictive breakout from the critically acclaimed author of A Beautiful Crime and The Lost Americans, Havoc is brilliant, twisty psychological suspense that will get under your skin like the most unforgettable Hitchcock classics.

©2024 Christopher Bollen (P)2024 HarperCollins Publishers

Excellent narration, suspenseful story and unexpected

Great audio production for a truly captivating story. Bravo to the actor who narrates as she is truly talented. And to the author who wrote a suspenseful, mysterious and twisted story that kept me on the edge of my seat!

Entering enough although not great

This was…interesting. Maggie was a mostly likable character, at least from the outside. Once you get into her head and her “meddlesome ways”, not so much. “Meddlesome” is such an understatement. You can definitely sympathize with her wanting desperately to “belong” someplace with people that love and care about her. She found that special place within the walls of the Royal Karnak. The arrival of new guests Otto and his mother (Tess) really brings out the worst in both characters. I honestly was never fond of Otto. I’m sure that’s because the author had already endeared Maggie in my heart. The worst of her “meddling” deeds have yet to be done. There were times when I got annoyed and tired of the back and forth. It became so stupid, childish, unnecessary, and extreme. It didn’t make sense to me that you would ultimately harm people you cared about just to get back at a child - regardless of how evil he might be. I did have some suspicions/predictions here and there of the eventual outcome. I think the author did a good job with the last few chapters, where everything comes together.

Extraordinary performance!!

Highly engaging story and unusual characters in an exotic locale. Highly recommended you let the author transport you.

Much ado about a so-so book

There was so much chatter about this book I really thought it would be a good read. It was just ok, honestly. The story was not really all that predictable but when all the reveals happen so close to the end, it feel’s gimmicky.

So, why?

Did not enjoy the characters and they remained their constant dark creepy selves throughout the story. Deeply disturbing and disappointing.

Intriguing Story

A well written suspense novel about the complexities of family dynamics and the distortions in reality related to trauma and secrets. Well developed characters and plot. Highly recommended

Aptly named Havoc

Slow start but really hooked me by the middle. Absolute craziness and surprise. Greatly performed by the narrator.

Disappointing

Interesting premise but the last several chapters and ending didn’t hold together - continued suspension of disbelief became onerous

Well written but not for animal lovers

The story is well written and interesting in the beginning - describing someone starting a new life in a foreign country. But I had to stop with an hour and 45 remaining because I could not stomach all of the animal killings, especially the dog. Not recommended for animal lovers as the animals in this story are killed senselessly.

Interesting read

Good story. More suspenseful than I thought it would be. The ending could’ve been more put together.