My enormous thanks to Sophie Ransom for sending me a copy of the thriller Sun Trap by Rachel Wolf. I’m delighted to share my review of Sun Trap today.

It’s a while since I read Rachel’s fantastic The Fall under her other persona of Rachel Blok which I reviewed here. 

Sun Trap was published by Bloomsbury imprint Head of Zeus on 8th May 2025 and is available for purchase through the publisher links here.

Sun Trap

BE CAREFUL

Ellie has wanted to be an actor since she was a child so, when a role in a blockbuster film presents itself, she grabs it.

WHAT YOU

On the plane to Abu Dhabi to begin filming, Ellie overhears something she shouldn’t – two people discussing plans for murder.

WISH FOR

Unsure if it’s a misunderstanding, and not wanting to ruin her big break, Ellie remains quiet. Then ten members of the cast become nine…

Ellie needs to be careful – it’s more than just her career on the line.

Because she isn’t who she says she is.

And liars are always the prime suspect.

My Review of Sun Trap

Ellie is chasing her big break.

Crikey! Sun Trap is one heck of a thrilling read. Yes, you’ll need willingly to suspend your disbelief as there is so much packed into the story, but I suggest you do so that you can enjoy this brilliant narrative as much as I did. I gulped it down in a couple of days because I found it so exciting and entertaining. 

Firstly, there’s a real sense of place in both New York and the luxury hotel in Abu Dhabi that transports the reader right into the settings. As a result of reading Sun Trap I can’t decide if I’m desperate to visit Abu Dhabi or determined to stay as far away as possible. The heat, the sand, the hotel ambience all feel perfectly drawn.

The plot is breathtakingly fast paced and there was a moment when I genuinely exclaimed ‘What?’ because I had been so taken in by the story. Its episodic nature means that it is impossible not to want to read on and I think it would make a fantastic television series or action film. 

The characters are exactly what we might expect from over-privileged famous actors, but that belies the complexity of inter-relationships between them and their fascinating hopes, fears, ambitions and desires. These are flawed, often equally repugnant and appealing, people that make the reader desperate to find out who is genuine, who’s a threat and what personal demons are driving them on. I had no idea what would happen next and who might do what – and to whom! 

Of course it is Ellie we learn about most, and what I found so intriguing is that, even at her most dislikeable, she is compelling and appealing. I didn’t always approve of what she did, but it didn’t stop me wanting her to succeed. That’s very clever writing.

With its modern day Christiesque locked room (or resort) feel and being packed with intrigue, twists and turns, I thought Sun Trap was terrific. I could not have been more entertained or have enjoyed it more. It’s definitely a book to take on holiday – but perhaps not to Abu Dhabi! 

About Rachel Wolf 

Rachel Wolf grew up in the North of England and studied at Durham University. Before turning to writing, she worked for a holiday company and travelled widely. Her thrillers take inspiration from some of those travels.

For further information, follow Rachel on Twitter/X @RachelWolfWritr, and Instagram and Bluesky.