This time they’re supposed to be taking a holiday at a swanky, luxurious resort not far from where they live. So a quick glance over my reading records on Goodreads indicated that I haven’t read a Sophie Hannah book before.

It probably wasn’t the best idea to go into this author’s eleventh book in a well-known series, but I didn’t pick up on this when I purchased The Couple at the Table. I enjoy the authors writing but for me following a strong start the story lacked excitement and tedious. The Couple at the Table is the 12th novel in her series featuring married police officers Simon Waterhouse and Charlie Zailer. Set in the present day, with flashbacks to happenings leading to the murder, this seemingly impossible mystery of who committed the act is slowly played out.Jane is on her honeymoon at an exclusive resort for couples when she starts to get notes left for her. Clues are few and far between, mainly consisting of people having lightbulb moments without any explanation. And while I still love a lot of things like the writing, the dual timelines, the mystery, and of course Charlie and Simon’s interactions, the story just didn’t come up to my expectations. what was that insult Sondra threw at Sellers whenever he thought he was right about something and tried to argue the point? The Couple at the Table has everything you want in a mystery – a cryptic threat, a murder, a closed circle of suspects and an unguessable solution.

The Couple at the Table is the eleventh book in a series penned by British novelist and poet Sophie Hannah.I guessed the killer at around 16-18% of the way in and figured I had a pretty good idea of their goal (I was right). I'll try another at some point but fear she may need to go on the same list I keep Ruth Ware books on (as in, "It sounds fantastic but I just know disappointment awaits. As I read The Couple at the Table, I got the feeling that it started life as a plot for one of Hannah’s Poirot novels. One of the couples receives a note stating that they should beware of the couple seated the nearest to them. The plot is simple in terms of the murder, however, the investigation and the toing and froing between the characters and timeline make sure you have to read the book slowly and take everything in as at times it comes across as a little confusing.

And yet, we soon find out there are a LOT of people at that resort who disliked – perhaps even hated – Jayne, making it much harder for Simon (and Charlie) to work out what on earth really happened. It seems only fair that one holds back the finer details when reviewing what has been described as an “unguessable mystery” by the “queen of the intricate psychological puzzle mystery” Sophie Hannah, but to a large extent, this reviewer can at least confirm that while maybe not unsolvable, The Couple At The Table certainly keeps you guessing until the very end. The story is told from different timescales and character perspectives, and whilst this wasn't confusing for me, the style of writing made it very hard to concentrate on their stories. At dinner that night, five other couples are present, and none of their tables is any nearer or farther away than any of the others.

Actually, The Couple at the Table comes across feeling somewhat like something that Agatha Christie could well have dreamed up.

Hannah has, again, pulled off a bonkers 'impossible' murder and her Poirot novels seem to have keyed her in to a definite Christie feel, but updated to a contemporary setting.Sophie Hannah has shown herself to be a master at crafting authentic, yet quirky, characters and whodunnit style. Suspenseful, spellbinding, and filled with Agatha Christie-like slightly twisted, tongue-in-cheek characters, I thoroughly enjoyed The Couple at the Table. When a note reading “Beware of the couple at the table nearest to yours” is received by seemingly loved-up honeymooners, their equal proximity to five other couples proves to be rather alarming. The cast are quite eclectic, which made this book more interesting, especially in the early stages as the audience gets to know each guest.