Bad Tourists by Caro Carver Summary, Characters and Themes
Bad Tourists by Caro Carver is a thriller that explores the dark undercurrents beneath the glossy surface of an exotic vacation.
Centered on three lifelong friends—Darcy, Camilla, and Kate—who escape to an exclusive Maldivian resort to celebrate newfound freedom after divorce, the novel blends the allure of paradise with the chilling tension of buried secrets and imminent danger. What starts as a sun-soaked getaway quickly spirals into a deadly game when a body washes ashore, and the women’s personal demons collide with a sinister mystery tied to their past. It’s a tale of friendship, trauma, and survival where trust can be fatal.
Summary
Bad Tourists opens with a haunting image: a body adrift in the idyllic waters of the Indian Ocean, setting a stark contrast between paradise and the darkness lurking beneath. The narrative then rewinds to 2001 in Dover, England, where a young university student checks into the Spinnaker Guesthouse.
Exhausted from her travels, she wakes the next morning to an unspeakable horror—her beloved professor and several others brutally murdered, their deaths marked by grotesque violence.
The killer, a seemingly unremarkable receptionist, spares her life for reasons unknown. This traumatic event casts a long shadow over her future, a thread woven tightly into the novel’s present-day plot.
Fast forward twenty-two years to 2023. Darcy, Camilla, and Kate—three close friends in their forties—are navigating the turbulence of midlife. Darcy is freshly divorced from Jacob Levitt, a wealthy but emotionally distant tech entrepreneur, and grappling with the fallout, particularly her strained relationship with her eldest son.
Camilla is a charismatic fitness influencer whose glamorous persona masks vulnerabilities shaped by past abusive relationships. Kate, a cynical ghostwriter battling her own insecurities, struggles with creative frustration and anxiety.
The trio decides to celebrate Darcy’s newfound freedom with an extravagant vacation to the Sapphire Island Resort in the Maldives, a luxurious, secluded paradise promising rest, rejuvenation, and a fresh start.
Upon arrival, the women immerse themselves in the resort’s opulence—private villas, white sand beaches, and indulgent spa treatments. But beneath the surface of their friendship simmers unresolved tension.
Each woman carries emotional baggage: Darcy’s bitterness over her divorce, Kate’s self-doubt, and Camilla’s controlling tendencies masked as protective instincts.
Their dynamic is further complicated when they meet Jade, a fragile young newlywed with bruises she attributes to clumsiness. However, it’s clear to Camilla, with her sharp intuition honed by past experiences, that Jade is trapped in an abusive marriage to her charming but controlling husband, Rob.
Back in London, Darcy’s ex-husband Jacob is entangled in a data breach scandal at his AI company. His investigation uncovers unsettling information linked to Sapphire Island, prompting him to send a cryptic message to Camilla: “I need to speak with you urgently.
I think you know what it’s about.” Camilla, skeptical and protective of Darcy, dismisses the warning, unaware of the growing danger they face.
As the days unfold, tensions escalate. Jade’s façade of marital bliss crumbles, revealing Rob’s sinister control over her. The women’s friendship is tested as personal insecurities clash with the emerging threat.
Meanwhile, Kate’s fear of open water—a lingering trauma from her past—resurfaces during a snorkeling trip, triggering memories of the long-buried Dover massacre.
The narrative skillfully weaves the past and present, revealing that the traumatic events in Dover are not as distant as the women believed.
The turning point comes during an isolated beach party, where simmering conflicts explode into violence.
Rob’s jealousy and possessiveness boil over, leading to a brutal confrontation. Camilla’s protective instincts ignite as she fights back with fierce determination, fueled by memories of her own abusive relationships. Darcy, usually the peacemaker, discovers a reservoir of courage, confronting Rob and reclaiming the power she lost in her failed marriage.
The confrontation is raw and harrowing, exposing hidden alliances, betrayals, and the shocking truth—Jacob’s data breach is connected to the women’s past, linking the Dover massacre to the present-day horrors on the island.
In the aftermath, Rob is arrested, and Jade finds the strength to break free from his control, symbolizing her transformation from victim to survivor. The women, scarred but stronger, confront their personal demons.
Darcy reconciles with her sons, realizing her identity extends beyond motherhood and marriage. Kate finishes her long-delayed novel, inspired by their ordeal, stepping into her own creative power. Camilla, stripped of her influencer persona, embraces vulnerability, understanding that true strength lies in authenticity and connection.
The novel closes with the friends sitting by the ocean—not as a symbol of fear or mystery, but as a testament to their resilience and freedom.
Bad Tourists is more than a thriller; it’s a powerful exploration of female friendship, the lingering impact of trauma, and the fierce, transformative nature of survival.
Characters
Darcy
Darcy is a 42-year-old woman recovering from a divorce that has left her emotionally and mentally scarred. As a mother of three boys, her relationship with her eldest son, Charlie, is particularly strained, which adds to the weight of her personal turmoil.
She is at a crossroads in life, trying to figure out who she is outside of her marriage, and her Maldives trip with friends serves as an attempt to redefine herself. Initially, she is seen as the peacemaker, the one who tries to maintain balance in the group.
However, as the story progresses, Darcy starts to confront her past and her fears, particularly surrounding her failed marriage. She starts to rebuild her sense of self-worth, realizing that it isn’t tied to her role as a mother or a wife but to her own inner strength.
Throughout the novel, she becomes more assertive, notably when she confronts Jade’s abuser, Rob, symbolizing her reclaiming of power that she had long lost in her own abusive relationship.
Camilla
Camilla is the embodiment of confidence and independence. A fitness influencer and Pilates instructor, she exudes a glamorous exterior and uses her independence as a shield to protect herself from vulnerabilities and past traumas.
She is divorced three times and carries emotional scars from those relationships, though she hides them behind her public persona. Camilla plays a key role in the unfolding of the story, especially in her observations about Jade’s abusive marriage, which resonate with her own experiences.
Throughout the novel, her protective instincts towards her friends surface, as she becomes increasingly concerned about Jade’s safety and well-being. Despite her strong exterior, Camilla is also grappling with deep insecurities, and her journey is about confronting the hidden parts of herself that she has long kept buried.
By the end of the book, she understands the true value of friendship, realizing that it is not about perfection or an idealized image but about connection, trust, and mutual support.
Kate
Kate, the third member of the trio, is a ghostwriter from Wales who is battling multiple personal demons. She has a sharp, sarcastic wit and uses humor to mask her deeper anxieties, particularly her fear of open water and the trauma of a past she is still trying to move beyond.
Her struggle with menopause and feelings of existential doubt further complicate her self-image. Kate’s emotional landscape is rich with complexity—she feels as though she has spent her life telling other people’s stories rather than living her own.
She longs to be a writer in her own right, but her insecurities and self-doubt have kept her from taking the leap. The Maldives trip, however, forces her to face these fears.
Kate’s growth comes not only in finishing her long-awaited novel but also in recognizing her own worth beyond the roles she’s placed herself in. Her ability to confront her personal fears and step into the life she’s always wanted is a significant part of her transformation throughout the narrative.
Jade
Jade’s character serves as both a reflection of the vulnerability and a stark contrast to the other women. She is a young newlywed, seemingly caught in the perfect honeymoon phase, but her bruised face and constant attempts to downplay her abusive relationship with her husband Rob reveal the deep secrets she hides.
Jade’s inner conflict is palpable; she is trapped in an abusive marriage, torn between playing the role of the perfect wife and the growing realization that she is in danger. Throughout the novel, she oscillates between fear and hope, and her vulnerability is one of the central emotional undercurrents of the story.
Jade’s eventual transformation is one of the most powerful arcs in the novel, as she moves from being a passive victim to someone who reclaims her agency. By the end, she breaks free from Rob’s control, gaining the courage to take charge of her own narrative and future.
Jacob Levitt
Jacob, Darcy’s ex-husband, is a key figure despite his physical absence for much of the novel. He is depicted as a successful, wealthy tech entrepreneur, but his character is steeped in mystery and intrigue as the story unfolds.
Jacob’s role in the cybersecurity breach that occurs in his company adds a layer of complexity to the plot. His cryptic warning to Camilla suggests that there is something deeply connected between the events of the Maldives trip and the past trauma that the characters share, especially the unsolved murders in Dover.
While he seems to be a distant figure in Darcy’s life, his presence looms large, and his discovery of a connection between the tech company and the island adds tension and suspense to the unfolding drama. Jacob represents the lingering ties from the past that continue to influence the present, especially when his actions begin to intersect with the women’s current lives in unexpected and dangerous ways.
The Receptionist from the Dover Massacre
While not a primary character in the contemporary setting, the receptionist from the Dover Massacre plays a crucial role in the backstory that shapes the novel’s events. In 2001, the receptionist was a seemingly harmless figure at the Spinnaker Guesthouse, but it was revealed that he was behind the brutal killings of Professor Berry and several others.
His chilling smile and eerie presence in the narrative suggest that evil can often wear an unassuming face. His decision to spare the young university student is an unsettling moment that echoes throughout the novel, as it hints at the randomness and cruelty of violence, and the traumatic events of that massacre continue to influence the characters’ decisions and fears, especially in relation to the larger conspiracy at play.
The lingering mystery of the massacre is intertwined with the present-day narrative, creating a sense of unease that shadows the women’s retreat in the Maldives.
Rob
Rob, Jade’s abusive husband, is the primary antagonist in the contemporary portion of the story. At first, he appears to be the charming, ideal partner for the young woman on her honeymoon, but his dark nature is soon revealed as the layers of their relationship are peeled back.
Rob is controlling, manipulative, and violent, displaying all the traits of an abuser. His increasing jealousy over Jade’s interactions with the other women, especially with Darcy and Camilla, culminates in a violent outburst that becomes the focal point of the book’s climactic confrontation.
Rob is a catalyst for the women’s empowerment, as they step in to protect Jade and confront him. His ultimate arrest and Jade’s liberation mark a moment of triumph over the abuse she has suffered, symbolizing the larger theme of empowerment and reclaiming one’s narrative.
His character is a stark representation of the destructive power of control and the importance of breaking free from such toxic relationships.
Professor Berry
Professor Berry’s murder is a central event in the past portion of the story, setting the tone for the novel’s exploration of trauma, survival, and secrets. While his death occurs years before the main events of the novel, his role in the story is significant.
He is the professor that the young student admires and whose death sets off a series of traumatic events. His murder, along with the others at the guesthouse, creates a haunting memory that lingers in the mind of the sole survivor, the young woman who later becomes one of the main characters.
This massacre not only shapes her life but also links her to the other characters in the present, as the buried secrets of that event slowly come to light. Berry’s death is a symbol of the dark forces that have shaped the characters’ lives, creating an atmosphere of mystery and danger that persists throughout the narrative.
Themes
The Bonds of Sisterhood
One of the central and most impactful themes in Bad Tourists is the exploration of female friendship and solidarity. The narrative delves into the intricacies of how strong, albeit sometimes imperfect, friendships between women can offer both healing and empowerment in the face of life’s darkest moments.
Darcy, Camilla, and Kate, the protagonists, each carry their own emotional baggage, stemming from past trauma, failed marriages, and personal losses. However, it is their bond, built on years of shared experiences and unspoken understanding, that allows them to navigate through the chaos of their Maldives getaway.
Through their highs and lows, the women lean on each other for emotional support, drawing strength from their companionship as they confront their pasts and present dangers. This theme is especially potent as the women’s loyalty to one another serves as a counterbalance to the unraveling mysteries of the island.
The narrative portrays the depth of their solidarity, showcasing that true friendship isn’t just about joyous moments. It’s about standing together even in the face of adversity, betrayal, and crisis.
Unmasking Hidden Horrors Beneath the Surface
Another profound theme explored in Bad Tourists is the complexity of domestic abuse. Through the character of Jade, a young newlywed who appears perfect on the outside, the novel vividly portrays the psychological, emotional, and physical toll that abusive relationships can have on victims.
Jade’s situation reveals the hidden nature of many abusive marriages, where the abuser’s charm, control, and manipulation create an environment where the victim feels trapped, silenced, and powerless. This portrayal goes beyond the surface, shedding light on the internal struggle of someone in an abusive relationship.
Jade’s bruises, the increasing isolation, and the subtle ways in which her husband controls her reflect the often invisible nature of such abuse. The narrative does not just focus on the victim’s experience but also touches on the role of bystanders—Darcy and Camilla—who, while initially unaware, gradually recognize the signs of abuse and intervene.
This theme highlights the importance of recognizing abuse not just for what it appears to be, but for the deep emotional and psychological scars it leaves on both the victim and those around them. It serves as a poignant reminder of how, despite outward appearances, abuse can take many forms and remain hidden, often only becoming visible when someone is brave enough to break the silence.
Reclaiming Control and Agency Amidst a Web of Betrayals
The theme of empowerment through adversity is central to Bad Tourists, and it unfolds through the personal journeys of each woman as they confront their own fears, traumas, and regrets. Darcy, Camilla, and Kate begin the novel at different crossroads in their lives—Darcy, navigating the emotional fallout of a divorce; Camilla, presenting a seemingly confident but internally vulnerable persona; and Kate, struggling with self-doubt and fear of failure as a writer.
Throughout their trip, each woman is forced to confront both external and internal battles that challenge their sense of self. What is powerful about this theme is how their individual struggles, particularly when they intersect during the escalating tension of the vacation, eventually lead to moments of self-realization and empowerment.
Darcy’s confrontation with her abusive ex-husband’s actions and her personal journey toward accepting her own worth and independence is a pivotal turning point. Camilla’s ability to face her own trauma and vulnerability allows her to shed the façade of perfection she had built.
Kate, inspired by the turmoil and resolution around her, finally finds the courage to finish her novel and step into her identity as a writer, overcoming years of self-doubt. The empowerment theme is further punctuated by the climactic scenes where each woman asserts herself—whether through acts of bravery in the face of physical danger or through confronting their personal demons.
These moments are a testament to the fact that empowerment is not about avoiding adversity but about how one responds to it and emerges stronger.
How Trauma Reshapes Identity and Decision-Making
The past’s influence looms large over the characters in Bad Tourists, particularly through the shadow of the Dover massacre from 2001, a traumatic event that continues to shape the lives of those involved. The narrative intricately weaves this past into the present, showing how unresolved trauma, especially from a violent and life-altering experience, can have far-reaching consequences.
For the protagonist who survived the massacre, the horror of that event never truly dissipates, and it subtly informs her interactions and choices throughout the novel. For Darcy, Camilla, and Kate, the past is not just a memory, but a constant undercurrent that affects their relationships, decision-making, and the ways in which they interpret the present.
The revelation that the tragedy in Dover is not just an isolated event but is intricately connected to the present situation in the Maldives adds layers of suspense. It reveals that the past, no matter how deeply buried, has a way of surfacing when least expected.
The novel demonstrates that trauma is not something that can easily be left behind—it shapes the lens through which the present is viewed. Its consequences ripple outward, affecting those who were once innocent bystanders, as well as those directly involved.
Uncovering Hidden Motives and Deceptive Facades
Finally, Bad Tourists masterfully explores the theme of hidden secrets and betrayals, demonstrating how people’s pasts and motivations are often far more complicated than they appear on the surface. Throughout the novel, the characters—particularly the women—are gradually forced to confront their hidden truths, some of which have remained buried for years.
The tension is built through the gradual unraveling of secrets, where each woman harbors something that could either set them free or bind them further. The dynamic between the characters shifts constantly as they navigate not only their relationships with each other but also the chilling mysteries surrounding the island.
The appearance of the mysterious guesthouse massacre survivor adds an element of psychological tension, as the women discover that they are unknowingly part of a larger, more sinister web of deceit. The secrets that surface—from Darcy’s troubled relationship with her ex-husband to Camilla’s hidden vulnerability—serve as a mirror to the broader theme of betrayal, both within personal relationships and between individuals in a larger societal context.
These betrayals—both small and large—form a crucial part of the narrative, driving the characters toward self-revelation and, ultimately, their empowerment as they uncover the true motivations behind the violence on the island.
This theme illustrates the complexities of human nature, highlighting the internal and external conflicts that shape relationships, often leading to profound revelations that can change the course of an individual’s life forever.