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The Hen Party
Have you ever been to a party… and deeply regretted it?
Caitlyn and her nine hens arrive in Dublin for a never-to-be-forgotten weekend.
As the drink flows and the laughter echoes, her attendees put aside their buried resentments and secret agendas.
But one of these agendas will be executed - no matter what.
Ten is about to become nine. Who will be the one?
Caitlyn and her nine hens arrive in Dublin for a never-to-be-forgotten weekend.
As the drink flows and the laughter echoes, her attendees put aside their buried resentments and secret agendas.
But one of these agendas will be executed - no matter what.
Ten is about to become nine. Who will be the one?
Kindle Edition
First published August 1, 2021
671 people are currently reading
657 people want to read
About the author
Maria Frankland
99 books542 followersMaria Frankland has a dubious internet search history and a very worried mother-in-law. However, neither of these things can stop her writing gripping psychological thrillers in which you’ll never find a happy-ever-after.
Her novels are mostly set in Yorkshire where you’ll hear the accent through all her characters. These are people you could live next door to, or closer still… don’t say you haven’t been warned.
Maria’s novels are fast-paced, down to earth and realistic. You never know what’s around the corner…
Find out more about Maria at https://www.mariafrankland.co.uk. Whilst you’re there, you can download your free novella – The Brother-in-Law.
Her novels are mostly set in Yorkshire where you’ll hear the accent through all her characters. These are people you could live next door to, or closer still… don’t say you haven’t been warned.
Maria’s novels are fast-paced, down to earth and realistic. You never know what’s around the corner…
Find out more about Maria at https://www.mariafrankland.co.uk. Whilst you’re there, you can download your free novella – The Brother-in-Law.
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 169 reviews
August 19, 2021
What a brilliant twist!
During May this year, I participated in the Blog Tour of Hit and Run by Maria Frankland and I loved the book. When I was invited to review The Hen Party, I accepted knowing I would enjoy the book. However, I was not prepared for what awaited me when I opened this book. The Hen Party is a fantastic read. The ending is not what you would expect. Maria Frankland delivers a remarkable tale with the twist of all twists at the end.
Maria Frankland tells this story with each chapter told from one of the characters' perspectives allowing you to get to know everyone involved. As you get to know the characters you form an opinion liking and disliking them as you spend more time with them. The author draws you into the story and keeps you guessing as you turn the pages eager to find out who “dunnit”! I enjoyed this title even more than Hit and Run and I cannot wait to see what Maria Frankland has in store for us with her next book.
Ten women board a flight from Leeds to Dublin for a hen party they will never forget. These ladies are a peculiar group who do not see eye to eye, emotions are high as some dislike and jealousy cause a divide. When one is found dead in her bed, clearly suffocated, these women face a gruelling day of police interviews, and with emotions already strained this leads to doubt and uncertainty as they realise one of them is capable of murder.
I raced through this book in just over a day as I could not wait to find out how the author would conclude this tale. The final twist was marvellous, and it left me loving this character even more. I was left saying “You go, girl!” The ending was clever and original making me love the book.
What a group of women this was. The soon to be in-laws – Karin, Michaela and Lucy were a horrible bunch of women and I found myself saying thank heavens I do not have any in-laws like them. As I got to know Ben, I could not help but wonder what Caitlyn was thinking. The man was an idiot, why would she want to marry him? Caitlyn’s sisters – Emma and Annette – mmmm Emma was a little too sweet, I kept thinking she was hiding something and as for Annette, she was cold and unappealing. Mari and Adele were oddballs who didn’t fit in but I guess we all have those odd friends that are always just a little different. I did not doubt that Shelley was hiding something and when her secret is revealed you immediately understand why you didn’t like her. Jen was the strong, determined friend you cannot help liking even when her bossy nature leaves you a little annoyed. Caitlyn starts the story a little submissive and soft, simply going along. As you keep reading her character develops and you discover she is not as meek and mild as she appears. I loved this character and took my hat off her for the strength she ends up showing.
This is a five-star read. Maria Frankland did a magnificent job with this book. The ending cemented my five-star rating While the ending could be considered a little harsh, it was different and surprising. I would never have predicted the twist at the end.
Psychological thriller and mystery fans are in for a huge treat with this title. If you are looking for a book that will keep you guessing and then deliver a completely unexpected twist at the end, then this is the book for you.
I loved this book. Maria Frankland has turned me into a fan with this title. I eagerly await her next book. This was brilliantly unique, I loved it!
During May this year, I participated in the Blog Tour of Hit and Run by Maria Frankland and I loved the book. When I was invited to review The Hen Party, I accepted knowing I would enjoy the book. However, I was not prepared for what awaited me when I opened this book. The Hen Party is a fantastic read. The ending is not what you would expect. Maria Frankland delivers a remarkable tale with the twist of all twists at the end.
Maria Frankland tells this story with each chapter told from one of the characters' perspectives allowing you to get to know everyone involved. As you get to know the characters you form an opinion liking and disliking them as you spend more time with them. The author draws you into the story and keeps you guessing as you turn the pages eager to find out who “dunnit”! I enjoyed this title even more than Hit and Run and I cannot wait to see what Maria Frankland has in store for us with her next book.
Ten women board a flight from Leeds to Dublin for a hen party they will never forget. These ladies are a peculiar group who do not see eye to eye, emotions are high as some dislike and jealousy cause a divide. When one is found dead in her bed, clearly suffocated, these women face a gruelling day of police interviews, and with emotions already strained this leads to doubt and uncertainty as they realise one of them is capable of murder.
I raced through this book in just over a day as I could not wait to find out how the author would conclude this tale. The final twist was marvellous, and it left me loving this character even more. I was left saying “You go, girl!” The ending was clever and original making me love the book.
What a group of women this was. The soon to be in-laws – Karin, Michaela and Lucy were a horrible bunch of women and I found myself saying thank heavens I do not have any in-laws like them. As I got to know Ben, I could not help but wonder what Caitlyn was thinking. The man was an idiot, why would she want to marry him? Caitlyn’s sisters – Emma and Annette – mmmm Emma was a little too sweet, I kept thinking she was hiding something and as for Annette, she was cold and unappealing. Mari and Adele were oddballs who didn’t fit in but I guess we all have those odd friends that are always just a little different. I did not doubt that Shelley was hiding something and when her secret is revealed you immediately understand why you didn’t like her. Jen was the strong, determined friend you cannot help liking even when her bossy nature leaves you a little annoyed. Caitlyn starts the story a little submissive and soft, simply going along. As you keep reading her character develops and you discover she is not as meek and mild as she appears. I loved this character and took my hat off her for the strength she ends up showing.
This is a five-star read. Maria Frankland did a magnificent job with this book. The ending cemented my five-star rating While the ending could be considered a little harsh, it was different and surprising. I would never have predicted the twist at the end.
Psychological thriller and mystery fans are in for a huge treat with this title. If you are looking for a book that will keep you guessing and then deliver a completely unexpected twist at the end, then this is the book for you.
I loved this book. Maria Frankland has turned me into a fan with this title. I eagerly await her next book. This was brilliantly unique, I loved it!
May 2, 2024
Ten women, including the bride-to-be, Caitlyn, were spending time together in a rented apartment in Italy for a hen party. However, Caitlyn was found dead, and one of the remaining women is definitely responsible for her murder. They are all about to be questioned by the Gardis unit. Will the Italian police be able to find the murderer before another woman loses her life?
There is no shortage of drama as the women are questioned in a nearby apartment in the building. Some are unfriendly. Some are even catty. They all want to leave and go home. That is not about to happen. At least not before the killer is identified. Written with multiple POVs, this intriguing book will most certainly keep you guessing. Any one of the women could be the killer, and it is definitely one of them. With surprising twists and turns, the reader will certainly be trying to ascertain the killer’s identity, making this a well-written, exciting book.
Of course, there is a crime to be solved, and there are secrets, lies and more proving to be the case. With those factors, finding answers is certainly not easy. Even though there are characters easy to hate, there is no doubt that readers will be just as drawn to this story just as I was.
Many thanks to Bookouture and to NetGalley for this ARC for review. This is my honest opinion.
There is no shortage of drama as the women are questioned in a nearby apartment in the building. Some are unfriendly. Some are even catty. They all want to leave and go home. That is not about to happen. At least not before the killer is identified. Written with multiple POVs, this intriguing book will most certainly keep you guessing. Any one of the women could be the killer, and it is definitely one of them. With surprising twists and turns, the reader will certainly be trying to ascertain the killer’s identity, making this a well-written, exciting book.
Of course, there is a crime to be solved, and there are secrets, lies and more proving to be the case. With those factors, finding answers is certainly not easy. Even though there are characters easy to hate, there is no doubt that readers will be just as drawn to this story just as I was.
Many thanks to Bookouture and to NetGalley for this ARC for review. This is my honest opinion.
January 6, 2022
The claws are out and these ladies are ready to draw blood!
This book has all the cattiness and drama you could ever want and then some.
Caityln is getting married, but not all the ladies at her hen party are happy for her. Some are resentful, some are jealous and some have shameful secrets. All of this culminates into lots of tension, mayhem....and murder!
This book is so much fun! It's like watching an OTT Lifetime movie, and I was living for it!
There's a lot of characters, but each one gets there own chapter/s. This gave a lot of insight into their various personalities, emotions and motives. The characterization could have been fleshed out more, but it was still well done. All the characters are suspicious and have a motive, which made it less obvious who the perpetrator really was. And the ending was brilliant! However, I do wish there had been an epilogue to tie a few things up a bit tighter. Otherwise, this was an enjoyable read.
If you're a fan of In a Dark, Dark Wood and The Hunting Party, I would recommend this book.
This book has all the cattiness and drama you could ever want and then some.
Caityln is getting married, but not all the ladies at her hen party are happy for her. Some are resentful, some are jealous and some have shameful secrets. All of this culminates into lots of tension, mayhem....and murder!
This book is so much fun! It's like watching an OTT Lifetime movie, and I was living for it!
There's a lot of characters, but each one gets there own chapter/s. This gave a lot of insight into their various personalities, emotions and motives. The characterization could have been fleshed out more, but it was still well done. All the characters are suspicious and have a motive, which made it less obvious who the perpetrator really was. And the ending was brilliant! However, I do wish there had been an epilogue to tie a few things up a bit tighter. Otherwise, this was an enjoyable read.
If you're a fan of In a Dark, Dark Wood and The Hunting Party, I would recommend this book.
August 13, 2023
A quick read! The theme was relatively simple- someone dies at a hen party! The rest of the book is interviewing the ones involved, but it really held my interest. When the reveal came, it was truly shocking! I loved it! This is my second book by this author and I’ll definitely read more by her!
August 24, 2021
Firstly a huge thank you to @annecater14 and @maria for my #gifted copy for @randomttours
▪︎SYNOPSIS▪︎
Caitlyn and her nine hens arrive in Dublin for a never-to-be-forgotten weekend. As the drink flows and the laughter echoes, her attendees put aside their buried resentments and secret dark agendas.
But one of these disturbing agendas will be executed - no matter what...
'Ten is about to become nine. Who will be the one?'
▪︎MY THOUGHTS▪︎
This is my second Maria Frankland book I've read, (first being Hit and Run earlier this year) and the synopsis sounded like an absolute dream to me. Did I love it though? I'm 50/50.
Like with Hit and Run, I really struggled with all the characters in this book. None of them were nice at all and I really didn't care for them. I felt so bad for Caitlyn and she is probably the only one I felt more sympathy for. But the other hens...jesus they make the devil look nice!
For me there was to much cattieness, backstabbing and honestly I have no idea why all of these hens and 'so called friends', were even there to celebrate Caitlyn's soon to be wedding. With this being my second Frankland book I'm wondering if this is how she writes. I have a feeling she makes all the characters so awful that you suspect them all, and in that sense never know who really did it. Part of me hopes that's the case as then I can sort of get that. But I really felt so miffed with all these characters and I just couldn't get over that, which for me took the crime out of the limelight.
However, I did like the plot of this book and how fast paced everything is. At the first 5ish chapters it's the hen parties events and then the crime happens. From then onwards we have all of the 9 hens povs. I loved getting each hens backstory and learning there secrets and agendas. I think out of all of them Jen (Chief Bridesmaid), was the only one who was near enough innocent. I really liked the interview stages with all the hens but I LOVED it when we had the two main DCI's from Dublin and London. It was actually a really interesting take seeing how they ticked and there thought process with everything, and how cool and calm they were even though underneath they were seething.
I also liked the terminal illness representation with cancer, particularly Cervical Cancer. I feel Cervical Cancer is a very hidden disease and so it was good to have a good decent representation of it, signs and how treatment went. Also the big message is to get seen straight away, not put it off as the quicker it's caught- the better of survival chances.
Last bit I extremely liked was the twist of this book. I had no idea that was going to play out and it shocked me. I also loved how I started thinking is this right or wrong. A big part of me felt what happened was a huge justice, but another felt that it's a very big drastic thing to do. The only issue I have of this twist in the book was the ending. It just left it and I was like "is that it!?" I personally could of done with like another two chapters, or one and an epilogue kind of thing just to tie up those loose ends the story gave us. But that's just my preference more than anything.
I'd like to say that this rating is a positive one. Yes I had some issues but most of that is purely nit bits and just personal preferences. I cannot fault Maria's writing and she knows how to get you rattled and under your skin. She also knows how to write an entertaining plot.
I feel if I hadn't read a psychological thriller (which was an absolute knock out for me) before this one, I honestly think I'd of enjoyed this a lot more. However, it's a very good written story and I really recommend my fellow crime lovers out there to pick this up. It's quick, an easy read and you certainly have to keep at it right till the end.
QOTD: 𝗛𝗮𝘃𝗲 𝘆𝗼𝘂 𝗲𝘃𝗲𝗿 𝗯𝗲𝗲𝗻 𝘁𝗼 𝗮 𝗽𝗮𝗿𝘁𝘆… 𝗮𝗻𝗱 𝗱𝗲𝗲𝗽𝗹𝘆 𝗿𝗲𝗴𝗿𝗲𝘁𝘁𝗲𝗱 𝗶𝘁?
▪︎SYNOPSIS▪︎
Caitlyn and her nine hens arrive in Dublin for a never-to-be-forgotten weekend. As the drink flows and the laughter echoes, her attendees put aside their buried resentments and secret dark agendas.
But one of these disturbing agendas will be executed - no matter what...
'Ten is about to become nine. Who will be the one?'
▪︎MY THOUGHTS▪︎
This is my second Maria Frankland book I've read, (first being Hit and Run earlier this year) and the synopsis sounded like an absolute dream to me. Did I love it though? I'm 50/50.
Like with Hit and Run, I really struggled with all the characters in this book. None of them were nice at all and I really didn't care for them. I felt so bad for Caitlyn and she is probably the only one I felt more sympathy for. But the other hens...jesus they make the devil look nice!
For me there was to much cattieness, backstabbing and honestly I have no idea why all of these hens and 'so called friends', were even there to celebrate Caitlyn's soon to be wedding. With this being my second Frankland book I'm wondering if this is how she writes. I have a feeling she makes all the characters so awful that you suspect them all, and in that sense never know who really did it. Part of me hopes that's the case as then I can sort of get that. But I really felt so miffed with all these characters and I just couldn't get over that, which for me took the crime out of the limelight.
However, I did like the plot of this book and how fast paced everything is. At the first 5ish chapters it's the hen parties events and then the crime happens. From then onwards we have all of the 9 hens povs. I loved getting each hens backstory and learning there secrets and agendas. I think out of all of them Jen (Chief Bridesmaid), was the only one who was near enough innocent. I really liked the interview stages with all the hens but I LOVED it when we had the two main DCI's from Dublin and London. It was actually a really interesting take seeing how they ticked and there thought process with everything, and how cool and calm they were even though underneath they were seething.
I also liked the terminal illness representation with cancer, particularly Cervical Cancer. I feel Cervical Cancer is a very hidden disease and so it was good to have a good decent representation of it, signs and how treatment went. Also the big message is to get seen straight away, not put it off as the quicker it's caught- the better of survival chances.
Last bit I extremely liked was the twist of this book. I had no idea that was going to play out and it shocked me. I also loved how I started thinking is this right or wrong. A big part of me felt what happened was a huge justice, but another felt that it's a very big drastic thing to do. The only issue I have of this twist in the book was the ending. It just left it and I was like "is that it!?" I personally could of done with like another two chapters, or one and an epilogue kind of thing just to tie up those loose ends the story gave us. But that's just my preference more than anything.
I'd like to say that this rating is a positive one. Yes I had some issues but most of that is purely nit bits and just personal preferences. I cannot fault Maria's writing and she knows how to get you rattled and under your skin. She also knows how to write an entertaining plot.
I feel if I hadn't read a psychological thriller (which was an absolute knock out for me) before this one, I honestly think I'd of enjoyed this a lot more. However, it's a very good written story and I really recommend my fellow crime lovers out there to pick this up. It's quick, an easy read and you certainly have to keep at it right till the end.
QOTD: 𝗛𝗮𝘃𝗲 𝘆𝗼𝘂 𝗲𝘃𝗲𝗿 𝗯𝗲𝗲𝗻 𝘁𝗼 𝗮 𝗽𝗮𝗿𝘁𝘆… 𝗮𝗻𝗱 𝗱𝗲𝗲𝗽𝗹𝘆 𝗿𝗲𝗴𝗿𝗲𝘁𝘁𝗲𝗱 𝗶𝘁?
November 27, 2021
Once I go the email from Amazon that a new book was out I had to drop everything and amend my reading plans for today. Now read and so enjoyed. Love all the twists and turns, SPOILER yes as soon as the letter got mentioned yes I knew who had did it but still not how.
Just brilliant.
Updated for audible version
Yet again Maria has delivered - the narration just adds another element to the story and makes it so intense that I had to keep listening to the end of the story.
So fully recommend, especially in these cold wintery nights.
I was given a free copy by the author but this review is entirely my own.
Just brilliant.
Updated for audible version
Yet again Maria has delivered - the narration just adds another element to the story and makes it so intense that I had to keep listening to the end of the story.
So fully recommend, especially in these cold wintery nights.
I was given a free copy by the author but this review is entirely my own.
February 26, 2024
Much of this is that exact same book you’ve read before. And before, and before, and before.
Really, most of the book is incredibly predictable. Even one big reveal is so obvious the moment you meet the character that it might as well be pointed out with laser beams.
What saves this book is when you find out the who and why of it all. Total shock!
I absolutely appreciated what the author pulled off in the end. I only wish the rest of the book had something (anything really) unique or subtle about it.
The ending saves it, but it may not be worth the journey.
• ARC via Publisher
Really, most of the book is incredibly predictable. Even one big reveal is so obvious the moment you meet the character that it might as well be pointed out with laser beams.
What saves this book is when you find out the who and why of it all. Total shock!
I absolutely appreciated what the author pulled off in the end. I only wish the rest of the book had something (anything really) unique or subtle about it.
The ending saves it, but it may not be worth the journey.
• ARC via Publisher
June 9, 2021
Maria Frankland does it again. I was gripped from the prologue. Having different chapters narrated by each of the characters really gives you a chance to understand them better. The twist at the end is inspired and brilliant.
Highly recommended.
Highly recommended.
December 31, 2021
Everyone has a motive, but who has the guts! Don’t trust anyone!
The Hen party follows an unlikely bunch of women, with little in common, all with grudges to bear and secrets to hide. This fantastic read follows Caitlyn and her nine hens on an alcohol fuelled weekend in Dublin. Recently, Caitlyn has had her fair share of heartache battling the big C, with a step daughter not keen on sharing her dad and in laws who aren’t shy at their distain for the upcoming union, the should be restful and fun weekend is covered in a cloud of tension and arguments that run deep.
Fast forward to the next morning and 10 have become 9, but who is to blame and who is the victim; the real victim. The fast pace and multiple points of view makes this read engaging and unputdownable. Everyone has a motive or an axe to grind, add in money, sex and long lost secret boyfriends, the police have their work cut out to find the culprit or culprits!
Full of twists and turns, this book leaves you wanting to read just one more page. It felt there was never a satisfactory place to stop for the night. Maria writes the dynamics of human behaviour, particularly the group of women excellently, I could almost visualise my own friends in the designated roles. Maria did a stellar job of peppering the book with enough details and information, true and false, to make you second guess your own conclusion and I for one, didn’t see the ending coming.
This was a brilliant 4.5 star read, my only, only criticism was the byline of: A death before marriage story with a shock twist; and that was purely because I spent the first part of the book waiting for the murder and in some ways rushed to it, but it did not detract of a cleverly, well written twist and turn tale of murder and revenge! Would definitely read more books by Maria
The Hen party follows an unlikely bunch of women, with little in common, all with grudges to bear and secrets to hide. This fantastic read follows Caitlyn and her nine hens on an alcohol fuelled weekend in Dublin. Recently, Caitlyn has had her fair share of heartache battling the big C, with a step daughter not keen on sharing her dad and in laws who aren’t shy at their distain for the upcoming union, the should be restful and fun weekend is covered in a cloud of tension and arguments that run deep.
Fast forward to the next morning and 10 have become 9, but who is to blame and who is the victim; the real victim. The fast pace and multiple points of view makes this read engaging and unputdownable. Everyone has a motive or an axe to grind, add in money, sex and long lost secret boyfriends, the police have their work cut out to find the culprit or culprits!
Full of twists and turns, this book leaves you wanting to read just one more page. It felt there was never a satisfactory place to stop for the night. Maria writes the dynamics of human behaviour, particularly the group of women excellently, I could almost visualise my own friends in the designated roles. Maria did a stellar job of peppering the book with enough details and information, true and false, to make you second guess your own conclusion and I for one, didn’t see the ending coming.
This was a brilliant 4.5 star read, my only, only criticism was the byline of: A death before marriage story with a shock twist; and that was purely because I spent the first part of the book waiting for the murder and in some ways rushed to it, but it did not detract of a cleverly, well written twist and turn tale of murder and revenge! Would definitely read more books by Maria
April 17, 2024
In The Bridal Party by Maria Franklin Jen has arranged a hen party for her best friend Kaitlyn and it seems she invited everyone who has a bone to pick with the bride. Kaitlyn has recently gone in to remission from cervical cancer and she assumed to marry “the love of her life!“ Jen and Kaitlyn stay up late the first night in Ireland because Kaitlyn wants to tell Jen she learned Ben was cheating on her and his mistress was pregnant. Jen is shocked by the news but is even more shocked when they wake up the next morning and find the bride to be dead in her bed obviously by murder. After calling the police the book is mainly the iris Garda interviewing the ladies and it’s certain points it really looks like the suspect is known to the reader but hold on they have twist coming that will shock the most well read thriller reader! I have been reading the authors books since her very first and find she always comes out with the most spellbinding twist interns that never cease to astound me I dare say Maria Franklin is one of the best thriller mystery writers out there. She is one of those go to Author’s when you want a verified good book no reviews needed if it’s Maria Franklin it’s a great read! A totally five star read! I want to thank Bookoucher for my free arc via NetGalley please forgive any mistakes as I am blind and dictate my review.
April 26, 2024
There was drama and female cattiness galore in this book! Initially, it was difficult to keep up with all the different characters. Also, the main scene backdrop seemed to be the police precinct, which also threw me off. Once the story got going, I feel things picked up and I found myself enjoying the development of things. It was interesting to see the POVs of the women at the hen party. I had no idea who to trust throughout the story, and I doubted everyone and their motives. There were definitely twists and turns, and oh so sweet revenge in this book! The ending made me change this from 3 stars to 4 stars! The ending was completely unexpected and brilliant!
Thank you NetGalley and Bookouture for the ARC in exchange for my honest review.
Thank you NetGalley and Bookouture for the ARC in exchange for my honest review.
July 19, 2024
3.5 stars
A great concept and the ending saved this one for me because I did not see it coming. But my main issue was the awful characters. Not one of them was nice. I didn't care about any of them. So much moaning and bitchiness and horrible comments. I just didn't connect to any of them.
The writing was good and pacy but it did feel repetitive at times during the police interviews.
A decent thriller which a shocking ending but be prepared for the awful characters.
A great concept and the ending saved this one for me because I did not see it coming. But my main issue was the awful characters. Not one of them was nice. I didn't care about any of them. So much moaning and bitchiness and horrible comments. I just didn't connect to any of them.
The writing was good and pacy but it did feel repetitive at times during the police interviews.
A decent thriller which a shocking ending but be prepared for the awful characters.
February 29, 2024
Flew through this, a really easy, engaging read.
Caitlyn is found dead in the apartment she is sharing with her 'hens' on her hen do. The police are called and all the hens are questioned.
Secrets are exposed and it seems there are a few people who might have motive, one in particular.
Told from the different characters point of view the story unfolds at a good pace.
I had mostly worked out the ending, the why and most of the how, I just had the wrong character in mind for the person who knew the whole story....
Would recommend.
Thanks to Netgalley for the opportunity to review this book, this is my honest opinion.
Caitlyn is found dead in the apartment she is sharing with her 'hens' on her hen do. The police are called and all the hens are questioned.
Secrets are exposed and it seems there are a few people who might have motive, one in particular.
Told from the different characters point of view the story unfolds at a good pace.
I had mostly worked out the ending, the why and most of the how, I just had the wrong character in mind for the person who knew the whole story....
Would recommend.
Thanks to Netgalley for the opportunity to review this book, this is my honest opinion.
August 28, 2021
The Hen Party is Maria Frankland's latest release and I love her books, so was hoping this would be as good as her others. A psychological thriller that I couldn't wait to start. Let's have a look at what it is about first seeing as this grabbed me immediately.
Synopsis
Have you ever been to a party… and deeply regretted it?
Caitlyn and her nine hens arrive in Dublin for a never-to-be-forgotten weekend.
As the drink flows and the laughter echoes, her attendees put aside their buried resentments and secret dark agendas.
But one of these disturbing agendas will be executed - no matter what.
Ten is about to become nine. Who will be the one?
Another resounding success of a book! The prologue was enough for me to know this was going to be a great read. The story is told from multiple viewpoints with each chapter being told by the different characters. This means we get to know each character pretty quickly and have a broader view of the story. What a group of women! Some of whom I wouldn't want as my relatives, that's for sure! I enjoyed Caitlyn's character, at first I thought she was a 'little woman' but as the story unfolds Maria Frankland has developed her so well, that character has hidden depths and we eventually see her strength peeking through. I did wonder what she saw in her fiancé, but it takes all sorts I suppose.
A thriller that keeps you reading until you can't read anymore and you just have to put the book down. Just the bitchiness, resentments, secrets between them all kept me in suspense wondering who could be capable of murder! The twists and turns of the plot as well were fantastically placed, I was guessing until the end!
Thanks to Anne Cater of Random Things Tours and Maria Frankland for the gifted copy of another one of her books so I coild give you my thoughts today.
Synopsis
Have you ever been to a party… and deeply regretted it?
Caitlyn and her nine hens arrive in Dublin for a never-to-be-forgotten weekend.
As the drink flows and the laughter echoes, her attendees put aside their buried resentments and secret dark agendas.
But one of these disturbing agendas will be executed - no matter what.
Ten is about to become nine. Who will be the one?
Another resounding success of a book! The prologue was enough for me to know this was going to be a great read. The story is told from multiple viewpoints with each chapter being told by the different characters. This means we get to know each character pretty quickly and have a broader view of the story. What a group of women! Some of whom I wouldn't want as my relatives, that's for sure! I enjoyed Caitlyn's character, at first I thought she was a 'little woman' but as the story unfolds Maria Frankland has developed her so well, that character has hidden depths and we eventually see her strength peeking through. I did wonder what she saw in her fiancé, but it takes all sorts I suppose.
A thriller that keeps you reading until you can't read anymore and you just have to put the book down. Just the bitchiness, resentments, secrets between them all kept me in suspense wondering who could be capable of murder! The twists and turns of the plot as well were fantastically placed, I was guessing until the end!
Thanks to Anne Cater of Random Things Tours and Maria Frankland for the gifted copy of another one of her books so I coild give you my thoughts today.
April 23, 2024
I really liked the redesign of the cover; it's much more eye-catching, but it is also a bit misleading because it makes you think that the main death will be bloody. Perhaps very nitpicky, but I wanted to point that out to start.
We get introduced to the nine women travelling with Caitlyn, the bride, and even though most of the book is seen through Jen, the best friend's lenses, once the death kickstarts the book, we read from the everyone's POV. There were A LOT of characters; there are a lot of books that have wide casts of characters; however, in The Bridal Party, it gets very info-dumpy at times, especially when the party arrives in Dublin.
It took me around a week to finish this, even though it was about 230 pages, but it got very boring when the book stalled after Caitlyn's death because we spent all the time in one single setting, the police department, everyone being questioned, and every time a chapter finished, the other was the same, just from a different point of view. This, paired with the fact that I saw from a mile away how everything was going to pan out, made for a bit of a slog of a read. Still, I think the writing was fine, and perhaps I will check out more of her books.
We get introduced to the nine women travelling with Caitlyn, the bride, and even though most of the book is seen through Jen, the best friend's lenses, once the death kickstarts the book, we read from the everyone's POV. There were A LOT of characters; there are a lot of books that have wide casts of characters; however, in The Bridal Party, it gets very info-dumpy at times, especially when the party arrives in Dublin.
It took me around a week to finish this, even though it was about 230 pages, but it got very boring when the book stalled after Caitlyn's death because we spent all the time in one single setting, the police department, everyone being questioned, and every time a chapter finished, the other was the same, just from a different point of view. This, paired with the fact that I saw from a mile away how everything was going to pan out, made for a bit of a slog of a read. Still, I think the writing was fine, and perhaps I will check out more of her books.
June 26, 2023
This is the first book I have read from this author, but I see her books recommended a lot, so couldn't wait to read it.
Despite there being lots of characters, which I sometimes find confusing, each chapter was clearly labelled as to who's point of view the book was from, so it was very easy to read and flowed nicely.
It was a great read from the start and quite fast paced with lots of twists and turns - I did guess the main twist but it didn't spoil it for me at all.
Although the ending was abrupt, it cleared everything up and didn't leave any unanswered questions for me.
Great read - would definitely recommend
Despite there being lots of characters, which I sometimes find confusing, each chapter was clearly labelled as to who's point of view the book was from, so it was very easy to read and flowed nicely.
It was a great read from the start and quite fast paced with lots of twists and turns - I did guess the main twist but it didn't spoil it for me at all.
Although the ending was abrupt, it cleared everything up and didn't leave any unanswered questions for me.
Great read - would definitely recommend
November 18, 2021
Really enjoyed the way this book was narrated by a different character for each chapter as it really allowed you to fully understand the character. Loved the twist at the end. Struggled to actually like many of the girls on the hen party especially Ben’s sister! Easy quick read with a twist you won’t see coming!
July 29, 2023
2.5 stars
This was a quick, fun enough read, I liked the hen drama but I got disappointed with the ending, can’t really say that this is a twist, it was predictable once you know that Caytlin was terminal.
And would the police really take a handwritten letter from a person saying these ppl killed me as doubt proof evidence without looking into further motives?
This was a quick, fun enough read, I liked the hen drama but I got disappointed with the ending, can’t really say that this is a twist, it was predictable once you know that Caytlin was terminal.
And would the police really take a handwritten letter from a person saying these ppl killed me as doubt proof evidence without looking into further motives?
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
December 10, 2021
I guessed a few things from the get go.
BUT still a cool story.
I liked how it flowed. Reminded me of the guest list by Lucy Foley so if your a fan of that story you’ll like this.
Interesting murder mystery.
Gifted audio/for honest review ⭐️⭐️⭐️
BUT still a cool story.
I liked how it flowed. Reminded me of the guest list by Lucy Foley so if your a fan of that story you’ll like this.
Interesting murder mystery.
Gifted audio/for honest review ⭐️⭐️⭐️
May 24, 2023
Wasn't half bad
January 20, 2025
Wow! What a twist. Did not see that coming. Could not put this down.
July 20, 2025
Loved this! Read in a day, short chapters
August 29, 2021
Gripping
I honestly had to finish the book in one sitting! It seemed like a classic whodunit but far more gripping in its story telling. Wish it hasn't ended so abruptly but I guess it's safe to assume what would've happened next anyway. Fantastic read, would recommend
I honestly had to finish the book in one sitting! It seemed like a classic whodunit but far more gripping in its story telling. Wish it hasn't ended so abruptly but I guess it's safe to assume what would've happened next anyway. Fantastic read, would recommend
February 20, 2022
This is an excellent thriller and I've given it 5 stars because though I had worked out who the "culprit" was, I didn't do so until 70% in.
Hen parties are meant to be happy, fun, let your hair down occasions but Caitlin's hen party organized by her chief bridesmaid Jen in the form of a weekend away in Dublin is a nightmare. The guests are frankly each awful from being attention-seeking, jealous, bitchy, ugly, vindictive and down right nasty which makes the reader's guessing game more difficult of who dunnit. I haven't read this author before, but I'll be looking out for her in future 5 Stars.
Hen parties are meant to be happy, fun, let your hair down occasions but Caitlin's hen party organized by her chief bridesmaid Jen in the form of a weekend away in Dublin is a nightmare. The guests are frankly each awful from being attention-seeking, jealous, bitchy, ugly, vindictive and down right nasty which makes the reader's guessing game more difficult of who dunnit. I haven't read this author before, but I'll be looking out for her in future 5 Stars.
January 23, 2022
This was a really good story with an end I didn't see coming, which was a nice surprise. I wasn't too keen on the narrator but that has no effect on my rating of the novel. I will definitely read more by this author.
August 18, 2021
This is now the 5th book I've read by Maria, and I was 100% sure I'd enjoy this one as much as all the others, and as always, it didn't disappoint one bit.
From the prologue I was grabbed and pulled in the story. I wanted to know who this was.
The chapters are short, pacy and twisty and packed full of drama. The story is told from the perspective of all the characters, and as the storyline progresses it is clear that everyone at the Hen Party has secrets, jealousies and resentments towards each other, but is one really capable of murder?
I don't want to give too much of the plot away without giving massive spoilers. However it is safe to say, I couldn't work out who the culprit might be.
This was a brilliant read. One to put on your wishlists - Maria has certainly done it again.
From the prologue I was grabbed and pulled in the story. I wanted to know who this was.
The chapters are short, pacy and twisty and packed full of drama. The story is told from the perspective of all the characters, and as the storyline progresses it is clear that everyone at the Hen Party has secrets, jealousies and resentments towards each other, but is one really capable of murder?
I don't want to give too much of the plot away without giving massive spoilers. However it is safe to say, I couldn't work out who the culprit might be.
This was a brilliant read. One to put on your wishlists - Maria has certainly done it again.
January 21, 2022
A truly unique thriller.
I never saw it coming and neither will you ,I was gripped from start to finish and wanted to know more
I never saw it coming and neither will you ,I was gripped from start to finish and wanted to know more
August 20, 2021
Fast paced and excellent read. I loved the plot. Although the ending was obvious of ---- being the one to pull the plug, still it was well constructed. It was a quick read for me after work hours. Maria is one of my favorite British author. I would everyone to read her thrillers.
January 17, 2022
audible:This was an amazing book!Getting each persons side of the story was a neat idea.Naomi Rose-Mock was a fantastic narrator.I was given this free review copy audiobook at my request and have voluntarily left this review.
February 13, 2022
Definitely a 5 star read for several reasons. The first reason is that it's a great and entertaining story. The second is that it's written in first person narration with many different narrators and done so seamlessly which is not easy to do. Also the story takes a group of unlikeable women and keeps the reader engaged in their narrative.
A little different twist to the locked room genre and one that is most enjoyable.
A little different twist to the locked room genre and one that is most enjoyable.
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