I enjoy books about con artists and grifters and also a good travel thriller, so I was excited to read this, which reminded me of some favorite books and shows. Here’s my Review of Sun Damage by Sabine Durrant
Written and edited by Jen Ryland. Last updated on:
Sun Damage by Sabine Durrant
To be published on August 1, 2023 by Harper.
Thanks to the publisher for the advance copy for review!
I read this book in July 2023
Plot Summary for Sun Damage by Sabine Durrant
In a tiny village in Provence, nine guests arrive at a luxury holiday home. The visitors know each other well, or at least they think they do. The only stranger among them is Lulu, the young woman who will be the chef during their stay.
But Lulu is not exactly the woman on the video the guests thought they’d hired. Turns out Lulu has plenty to hide—and nowhere to run as the heat rises.
In this seemingly idyllic getaway, under the scorching sun, loyalties will be tested, secrets exposed, and tensions pushed to the brink . . . Dripping in intrigue, Sun Damage is a glamorous, witty, and totally riveting story chock full of secrets, lies and . . . more lies.
What Else Has Sabine Durrant Written?
British writer Sabine Durrant has written a variety of adult and children’s books. Her most recent before Sun Damage was Finders Keepers (2020), Take Me In (2018) and Lie With Me (2016).
Review of Sun Damage by Sabine Durrant
I love a good Travel Thriller and I am also fascinated by books and podcasts about con artists and grifters, so I was super-excited to read this one.
Ellie has had a tough life and gets by however she can. Sean, a more experienced grifter, has offered to teach her the ropes. But when one of their cons in the South of France goes wrong, Ellie goes on the run, impulsively deciding to impersonate a young chef who is about to start a new job for a private group in Provence.
I love a good impersonation story. They were really big in the young adult world ten or so years ago, and I may do a whole post on all kinds of grifters, con artists, and doppelgängers.
In any case, Ellie has some problems. She isn’t a professional chef. She doesn’t know how to drive. And she’s living in constant fear of being exposed, or of Sean showing up.
In addition to that, grifter that she is, she’s noticing all the secrets that the group she’s cooking for (a family and some random friends) are keeping from one another.
With its European setting and timeless feel, Sun Damage had a Patricia Highsmith vibe that I really enjoyed. It’s a very summery book, with food descriptions that had my mouth watering.
A note for those of you who like you book to be fast-paced and twisty: Sun Damage is more on the languid and summery side, but still has plenty of slow-burn suspense!
I will definitely check out more of Sabine Durrant’s backlist!
And YOU should check out my book list on Con Artists and Grifters and my list of Books Like HBO’s White Lotus!