Goldhammer’s thriller presents a tale of deception and heartbreak amid an environmental crisis... A page-turner that reveals darkness in the Sunshine State.
Kirkus Review
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Where Snowbirds Play was chosen for the Daily Mail's Best Literary Fiction Out Now.
"The glossily privileged milieu is sharply drawn... The author’s own backstory here is every bit a match for her exotic plot, and in part its inspiration. "
Stephanie Cross, Daily Mail
'[An] expansive and fascinating novel… a riveting behind-the-scenes window into a world of privilege but also a cri-de-cœur for the damage we are wreaking on our world.'
Maggie Brookes, author of The Prisoner’s Wife and Acts of Love and War
'Goldhammer’s thriller presents a tale of deception and heartbreak amid an environmental crisis... A page-turner that reveals darkness in the Sunshine State.'
Kirkus Review
'I couldn't stop reading this gripping story… Goldhammer is tender but unsentimental.’
Elisa Seagrave, author of The Girl from Station X
'Gina Goldhammer’s debut novel, takes us into the privileged world of 1990s Palm Beach, where British graduate Philip has just secured a placement at a new marine life institute. But all is not what it seems both among the super rich who fund him and in Philip’s own story. Soon, secrets, rivalries and financial scandals are bubbling to the surface, and as hurricane season looms it seems unlikely that everyone will escape unscathed.'
Ann Morgan, A Year of Reading the World
'This felt like a bit of a slow burn for me, but actually it eased me into this world and I soon settled in. This puts a mirror up to some interesting and not always easy relationships. The intricacies of these were what made the book for me.'
Bobs and Books
'This is an evocative story that would easily translate to the small screen. It is also an emotional read as we learn about Hannah, Jesse, Sunny and the turtles who each in their own way have been damaged by uncaring human behaviour, loss or medical conditions. Philip’s ultimate rather shocking act belies his supposed love and exposes a man who is lost to his own obsession. Where Snowbirds Play is an atmospheric and striking debut well worth reading.'
LoveBooks ReadBooks
'I felt like I was peeking into the lives of the elite, but from a lens that was raw, reflective, and honestly, a little bit haunting.. I loved every bit of it.'
The Honeyed Library
"This really is an original book, with a flavour all of its own. There’s a dash of The Great Gatsby in the luxurious setting and Philip’s admiration for Hannah; a concern with the natural world that reminded me of some of Barbara Kingsolver’s work; and some wonderfully nineteenth century melodrama from the lovesick Philip, particularly when combined with the incoming storms – he’s like a 1990s Heathcliff brooding among the palm trees! It’s a heady mix, and Goldhammer’s skill with natural description and character development make this a very rewarding book to spend time with. I highly recommend Where Snowbirds Play to anyone looking for a book that’ll push them outside their usual comfort zone and provide a rich, fascinating reading experience."
Elspells Blog
'Where Snowbirds Play is an intriguing concept based on loneliness, family, intrigue and accountability presented in a manner that creates room for consideration, and captures as a snapshot, the deeply hollow nature of the world today.'
Blue Wolf Reviews