Review of Tourist Season: The Seasons of Carnage Trilogy, Book 1 by Brynne Weaver
Sometimes, a book comes along that mixes genres in a way that makes you sit up, take notice, and whisper to yourself, “That sounds absolutely wild!” Tourist Season by Brynne Weaver was precisely that for me. As a fan of dark romantic comedies, I couldn’t resist the combination of humor, suspense, and a touch of murder set against the backdrop of the quaint yet ominous Cape Carnage.
From the very first page, I was drawn into Harper Starling’s world—a town where tourists may find more than just a sunny beach, and where the quirky vibe can quickly turn lethal. Harper, a skilled gardener with fierce loyalty to her community and aging mentor, is not just nurturing her flowers; she’s also protecting her haven from an ever-growing body count. Enter Nolan Rhodes, the devilishly charming tourist with a vendetta, and boy—what a tangled web they weave! The enemies-to-lovers dynamic between Harper and Nolan is filled with an angst that kept me turning the pages, eager to see how their relationship would unravel amidst the chaos.
What I particularly loved about Weaver’s writing was her ability to balance the grotesque with laugh-out-loud moments. The witty banter, especially between Harper and her mentor Arthur, is reminiscent of those classic dark comedies, striking the perfect chord of humor amidst the underlying threat of violence. I found myself chuckling at moments that caught me completely off guard, making me almost forget the book’s darker themes. One reader’s comment about the “unhinged energy” of the plot resonated with me deeply, highlighting how humor and horror can coexist in a wonderfully chaotic bubble.
Weaver’s pacing kept me on the edge of my seat, as each twist in the plot led to a new layer of intrigue. The unexpected cliffhanger left me questioning everything and eagerly anticipating what might come next in this gripping trilogy. “You can hide in the farthest reaches of the deepest hell, and I will still drag you out.” This line exemplified the intense stakes at play—both in the plot and between the characters.
While the story offers a rich blend of dark humor and romance, it bears a few explicit themes that could be unsettling for some readers. I would recommend checking the content warnings if this is your first time diving into such territory.
In conclusion, Tourist Season is a treat for readers who appreciate a mix of gritty suspense laced with humor. If you enjoy character-driven plots with a dash of danger, or if you’re a fan of found families and complex relationships, Brynne Weaver’s latest offering is a perfect fit. Personally, I found this book to be more than just an entertaining read; it was a delightful escapade filled with tension and unexpected warmth. I can’t wait to see where the story leads us in the next installment!
You can find Tourist Season: The Seasons of Carnage Trilogy, Book 1 here >>