The Vicious Circle

A Novel

By: Katherine St. John

Narrated by: Christine Lakin

For fans of Lucy Foley and Liane Moriarty, a twisty, escapist suspense about a mysterious retreat center harboring violent secrets.

“Masterfully plotted and superbly twisty, The Vicious Circle is a read-in-one-sitting thriller.... This novel will send you spiraling into a deadly vortex of greed, lust and lies.” —Rose Carlyle, author of #1 international bestseller The Girl in the Mirror

A perfect paradise? Or a perfect nightmare?

On a river deep in the Mexican jungle stands the colossal villa Xanadu, a wellness center that’s home to an ardent spiritual group devoted to self-help guru Paul Bentzen and his enigmatic wife Kali. But when Paul mysteriously dies, his entire estate—including Xanadu—is left not to Kali, but to his estranged niece Sveta.

Shocked and confused, Sveta travels from New York City to Mexico to pay her respects. At first, Xanadu seems like a secluded paradise with its tumbling gardens, beautiful people, and transcendent vibe. But soon the mystical façade wears thin, revealing a group of brainwashed members drunk on promises of an impossible utopia, guided by a disturbing belief system and a charismatic, dangerously capable leader.

As the sinister forces surrounding Sveta become apparent, she realizes, too late, she can’t escape. Frantic and terrified, she discovers her only chance of survival is to put her confidence in the very person she trusts the least.

Book review

Great story and narration. A little unrealistic but I enjoyed the storyline.

I would recommend it to others.

Loved it 🤗

Just the right pace. Enough twists and turns to keep my attention. Characters seemed a little mature for the ages stated, but overall held my attention.

Great twist

I really enjoyed reading this book. It had some good twist in it. There are some sensitive subjects in it that might trigger some people.

Great story.

I loved the twists and turns of this mystery. I love all of Katherine St. John’s books.

Great story

I really enjoyed this novel. It had adventure, mystery and some heartfelt angles. I will be looking for other novels by this author.