Isolation Island by Louise Minchin

 

In a new reality TV show, ten celebrities are to spend two weeks living on a remote Scottish island in winter. They all have their own reasons for being there, but for investigative journalist Lauren it gives her the chance to get closer to a Hollywood film star she's determined to unmask.

In Isolation Island author Louise Minchin mixes two popular themes extremely well, reality TV and being marooned on an island. I was surprised at how quickly the storyline gripped me and I kept turning the pages, wanting to find out more.

Lauren is an investigative journalist who is given the chance to join nine other celebrities on an island for a new reality TV series. The idea doesn't appeal to Lauren until she hears the rumour that the individual she's currently investigating, a huge Hollywood film star, might be one of the contestants. Lauren sees the show as a chance to try and get nearer to him and, hopefully, get him to confess to his sordid activities.

As well as Lauren, and the film star, there's the usual mix of contestants; sports stars, social media influencers, contestants from other reality TV shows and a soap opera star. What makes this show slightly different is the setting, a derelict medieval abbey on a remote Scottish island in winter.

From the moment they arrive, the contestants realise that all the promises made by the production team have simply been to lure them into taking part. The competition element is going to be far tougher than anyone expected as they are forced to dress and live like the monks who once inhabited the abbey as well as take part in gruelling challenges which could result in "feast or fast". A near accident very early on also makes them wonder how safe they are. It was from this point on that I was gripped, wondering if greater forces were at play.

As you read on you are willing each of the characters to survive and do well as each one is engaging, even the film star. There is obvious camaraderie as they all realise they are facing the same challenges, although some seem to be a little "star-struck" and are vying for the attention of the film star. When eliminations begin to take place you begin to worry for the safety of the contestants. Have they really left the island? The situation becomes even more extreme when a storm approaches and the remaining contestants have to survive until help from the mainland arrives. 

Danger is lurking around every corner. Not only are the celebrities fighting against nature, there is a distinct possibility that someone has nefarious intentions. Lauren begins to wonder who among the contestants she can trust. This really had me guessing as no one seemed to have an underlying motive. Obviously, a good thriller writer isn't going to reveal all at the very beginning, but the author really keeps you in suspense, wondering who the villain is. Even though I began to have my suspicions there were twists and a race-against-time ending that has you on the edge of your seat.

Isolation Island by Louise Minchin will be published on 12th September 2024 in hardback, ebook and audio format. My thanks to Headline Publishing for a review copy.

Author Details

LOUISE MINCHIN is an author, journalist, broadcaster and podcaster.
Louise presented the UK's most watched morning programme, BBC Breakfast for 20 years. Before that was a news anchor on the BBC News Channel and the BBC’s One O’clock News. She has also presented The One Show, Five Live Drive, Real Rescues and Missing Live.
Louise has taken part in several reality TV shows including I’m a Celebrity Get Me Out Of Here, Time Crashers and Celebrity MasterChef. Alongside her career in journalism Louise is an endurance athlete, and her first book, Dare to Tri, charted her journey from the Breakfast sofa to representing the Great Britain Triathlon team in her age-group at World and European Championships.
Her second book Fearless, Adventures with Extraordinary Women reflects her passion for celebrating women’s success in sport and endeavour. In each chapter Louise takes on a different challenge with a courageous woman, to get to know them and tell their incredible stories.