The Playgroup: A fast paced psychological thriller you won't be able to put down!

by Jami Worthington

In California’s Silicon Valley, even a children’s playgroup can be a place for power-brokering, innovation, and cut-throat competition.

In Oak Valley, a wealthy suburb of Silicon Valley, Alex Drake runs “the” playgroup in town. Even in a place where its seems like everyone has a multi-million dollar bank account or has a company that is about to go public, Alex appears to have it a delightful daughter, a handsome, adoring husband, model-like beauty, and the kind of obscene wealth that keeps her in the latest fashion, driving the newest car (electric, obviously!), and hosting playgroups where the wine flows and so does the gossip.

When Alex invites new to the neighborhood Cleo Baird to join her tight-knit playgroup, Cleo can’t believe her luck and knows she has just the “in” she’s been hoping for.

But it isn’t just luck. As the women grow closer and Alex shares more secrets, she doesn’t realize Cleo is keeping secrets of her own. It’s no coincidence that Cleo and her daughter moved to Oak Valley. Cleo came to town with a specific goal in to destroy Alex’s enviable and seemingly perfect life.

Fans of Tarryn Fisher, Jessica Knoll, and Frieda McFadden will love this book about friendships, betrayal, and how nothing, and no one, are ever exactly as they seem.

"With a final twist you’ll never see coming, The Playgroup is a bitingly clever portrayal of women whose seemingly unbreakable friendships are tested by the lies and manipulations of a seductive newcomer.”
- #1 New York Times Bestselling Author Barbara Freethy

"Infused with Jami Worthington’s sly wit, The Playgroup offers a dark and twisty take on 'mommy lit.’”
- National Bestselling Author Veronica Wolff

“With her keen observation and snarky humor, Jami Worthington masterfully reveals the dirty secrets festering beneath the seemingly “perfect” lives of Silicon Valley moms in this dark page-turner.”
- New York Times and USA Today Bestselling Author Monica McCarty

Genres: Mystery, Thriller, Psychological Thriller, Amazon, Contemporary

342 pages, Kindle Edition

Published September 21, 2023

About the author

Jami Worthington is the author of the domestic thriller The Playgroup. She previously authored over twenty contemporary romance and romantic suspense novels under a pen name. Jami is a graduate of Stanford University and still lives in the San Francisco Bay Area with her teenage sons and crazy cattle dogs. When she's not writing, she enjoys running, hiking, reading, cooking, and listening to live music. Follow her on Instagram @jamiworthingtonbooks and on Facebook at Facebook.com/jami.worthington.books

Reviews

[Amy · Rating 4 out of 5]

I was easily caught up in the lives of a group of wealthy women who can only be described as frenemies and the comparison to authors like Freida McFadden and Tarryn Fisher are spot on. I love a revenge plot and this was a delicious slow burn unraveling that came together in the end in a satisfying manner. The twists were aplenty and the author had a sly way of revealing a game changing piece of information in the most subtle way. The characters range from totally unlikable to bearable but I get a kick out of loving to hate fictional people. If you enjoy rich women and their devious behavior, toxic friendships and a whole lot of soapy fun this was an entertaining ride!

[Cynthia Kirchner · Rating 4 out of 5]

If you can get over the immature, high-schoolish, behavior of grown women, then this is a book worth reading. The story had a good pace, and lots of drama. I wanted to find out what the heck was going on with Cleo almongst these ladies. I liked the ending, didn't see it turning out the way it did.

[Kimmy Goldman · Rating 4 out of 5]

3.5⭐️.
This book was entertaining if you like rich wives drama! I would recommend audio (as I did) on this one. It was a slow burn and an easy listen. I felt as if nothing really happened until the last 10% of the book. That being said, I still appreciated the diva characters and their flaws. Most of the women were unlikeable (I did like Jenna) and were depicted perfectly as snobby housewives.

[Caroline Conley · Rating 5 out of 5]

Good read. Another new author to check out a few more books!

[Readers Choice · Rating 5 out of 5]

The Playgroup written by the author Jami Worthington is an intriguing thriller. The story is set in California's Silicon Valley. Oak Valley is a wealthy suburb of Silicon Valley. Oak Valley is a place where the average net worth of people is over ten million dollars.

Alex Drake runs the Playgroup in town. When Cleo Baird moved to the neighborhood, Alex invited her to Wyndham Preschool Potluck Picnic. Cleo wanted to use every chance she gets to be closer to Alex so she could know more about her. Before moving, Cleo already checked profiles of Alex and her husband Ethan.

Alex is a bit conscious of her weight and Cleo knows it well. For Cleo, Alex has it all. Good looks, a charming and handsome husband who earned great money from his startup. Alex and Ethan have a daughter named Ava. When Cleo moved to the neighborhood, her daughter Izzy became friends with Ava. This made things easier for Cleo to be closer to Alex. As Alex and Cleo met often, Alex started sharing her deep secrets with her. Is Cleo trustworthy?

The twists and turns in the story kept me hooked till the last page. The writing style of the author is nice. The title of the book is suitable and I enjoyed every bit of this story. The story is well paced and I wasn't bored anytime while reading it. Go for it without any second thoughts.

[Valerie Nikolaus · Rating 5 out of 5]

Super shady! Loved it. Did not expect the outcome and loved all the drama.

[_sassy_39 · Rating 5 out of 5]

I love reading thrillers. This time, I got my hands on Jami Worthington's book 'The Playgroup'. It is a captivating story that hooked me from the first page itself. In Oak Valley, things aren't exactly as they look. When Cleo moved to Oak Valley with her daughter Izzy, she was invited to Alex's Playgroup. Cleo liked Alex and her daughter Izzy liked Alex's daughter Ava's boots. Like a mother, like a daughter.

Jenna Carver andMorgan Lambert are Alex's best friends and members of the Playgroup. When Alex started opening up to Cleo, she shared secrets that could bring chaos to her life. Alex told Cleo about the difficulties she faced in conceiving her first child and how it could impact her husband Ethan's ego. Will Cleo be a good secret keeper or will she betray Alex and use her secrets against her? Cleo already envied the life of Alex as she is rich, beautiful, and has a handsome and charismatic husband.

Those who enjoy stories of friendship, lies, betrayal, revenge, jealousy should definitely read this one. This book kept me on the edge of my seat and I couldn't put it down. The storyline is interesting. This story taught me to be careful about whom I share my secrets with. It opened my eyes to not share my deepest secrets with anyone. All the characters are written well by the author. Looking forward to reading more books by the author in the future.

[bookhaven__ · Rating 5 out of 5]

The Playgroup is the first book that I have read written by the author Jami Worthington. It is a riveting thriller that will keep you curious throughout the book to know what will happen next. The Playgroup invites you into the lives of four mothers who live in Oak Valley.

Alex's husband Ethan had a very busy schedule when he was working on his startup. However, now he helps Alex in taking care of their daughter Ava. Their marriage was tested when Alex was trying to get pregnant. Cleo is a woman who has recently shifted to Oak Valley. She gave the story to Alex that she lives on rent and her husband's company has moved them here. Cleo got a chance to be a part of the close knit Playgroup. Is she in Oak Valley because of her husband's job or does she have a secret motive behind it?

I binge read this book on the weekend. Jami has done a great job with the backdrop setting. The narration is smooth and strong. The ending of the story was unexpected. This book left me wanting for more of the story after I finished reading it. Loved every bit of this book. This book teaches you to be careful of strangers and how much you want to share with them.

[Angbk · Rating 5 out of 5]

You never know if the stranger you are letting into your group is friend or foe. Such is the fate faced by three mothers of preschool aged children, in this new excellent novel by Jami Worthington. You are tossed into the lives of four mothers who live in an upper crust area of the Silicon Valley and the pre school they attend. Three good friends invite a new mom to be part of their group. This new friend has her own sociopathic agenda.

This thought provoking looking at that time of life and the different female archetypes that make it up keeps you turning pages. Some of the moms you love some you hate just like any playground. As with any good thriller the plot twist at the end will blow your mind.

[CammieOH · Rating 4 out of 5]

I liked this fast paced gossip fest. Cleo is a single mother. She’s just moved into the biggest McMansion in an elite community. She needs to make friends and zeroes in on the Queen Bee of her daughters private preschool group, Alex.

Alex has a tight knit circle of two friends: Jenna and Morgan, who don’t understand when Alex invites Cleo into the fold.

From the beginning we learn that Cleo is there for nefarious reasons. She’s collecting information about these women, but we don’t know why.

Each chapter shows that these three women have not so perfect lives. And it’s delicious. The writer has us completely invested as we watch what unfolds.

[Juli Way · Rating 5 out of 5]

"The Playgroup" by Jami Worthington is an absolute gem! This book is a must-read for anyone who appreciates brilliant storytelling. Worthington's prose is pure magic, weaving a tale that is both heartwarming and thought-provoking. The characters are vividly drawn, and the plot is filled with unexpected twists that kept me eagerly turning the pages. I couldn't put it down! If you're looking for a captivating, beautifully crafted story, "The Playgroup" is the book for you!

[Kevin Molumphy · Rating 5 out of 5]

too true for words!

This book even though “fictional” has characters that are close to reality in wealthy communities. The hierarchial games that people play are real, similar to junior high! The old saying “money doesn’t buy you happiness” was nicely plotted out. The best things in life are free, health and happiness! Thank you Jami for such a fabulous read!!!

[Dawn · Rating 5 out of 5]

A great fast-paced suspenseful psychological thriller full of twists that slowly unravel to reveal lies, revenge, and betrayal. Well written, and the characters are multifaceted. The plot was deliciously wicked and devious that blew my mind.

[Tammy Layton · Rating 5 out of 5]

Things aren't what they seem

If you are looking for an intriguing kind of book with lots of twists ,you will love this one. It keeps you on your toes until the end the characters bring you right into their very busy lives

[Dawn · Rating 1 out of 5]

I don't often write reviews, but this book was awful. If you like typos and a stupid plot, this book is for you.

[Birginia bierd · Rating 5 out of 5]

better than I thought

Very addictive read. The ending was a bit of a cliffhanger too. I ended up really liking this book! 👍

[Casey Kuchler · Rating 5 out of 5]

Great read ! Loved the plot and enjoyed the book all the way though!

[Anya Kaufmann · Rating 5 out of 5]

Fun read! The plot moved quickly and I loved the little hints that were sprinkled through the book that all come together at the end!

[S. Jeyran Main]

“The Playgroup” by Jami Worthington is a riveting and twisty psychological thriller set in the affluent and competitive world of Silicon Valley. The novel weaves a tale of friendship, betrayal, and deception, where appearances are deceiving, and everyone has secrets to hide.

The story centers around Alex Drake, the queen bee of Oak Valley’s elite playgroup, a woman who seems to have it all – beauty, wealth, and a picture-perfect family. When the newcomer Cleo Baird is invited into this exclusive circle, it seems like a dream come true. But Cleo’s entry into the playgroup is far from coincidental; she harbors a dark agenda aimed at dismantling Alex’s perfect life. Jami Worthington masterfully crafts a narrative that keeps the reader guessing at every turn. The dual perspectives of Alex and Cleo add depth to the story, allowing readers to empathize with both characters while questioning their motives and actions. The tension builds as Cleo’s carefully laid plans unfold, and Alex’s seemingly perfect world begins to crumble.

“The Playgroup” excels in its portrayal of the underbelly of a high-society playgroup, where the playground becomes a battleground for personal ambitions and hidden vendettas. The author captures the cutthroat nature of this exclusive community, where status and appearances hold sway, and friendships are often laced with envy and competition.

The character development is one of the novel’s strengths. Both Alex and Cleo are complex and multifaceted, and their interactions with the other members of the playgroup reveal the intricacies of female friendships and rivalries. The supporting characters are equally well-drawn, each contributing to the story’s intrigue and suspense.

As the plot unfolds, the reader is taken on a rollercoaster of emotions, sympathizing with both the victim and the aggressor. The book delves into themes of revenge, forgiveness, and the lengths people will go to protect their families and their secrets.

The climax of the story is both shocking and satisfying, with a twist that few will see coming. “The Playgroup” is a compelling read that will appeal to fans of domestic thrillers and anyone who enjoys a good story of psychological manipulation and suspense.

In summary, “The Playgroup” is a gripping and well-written novel that offers a fascinating glimpse into the lives of the wealthy and powerful, where friendships are as fragile as they are fierce. Jami Worthington’s skillful storytelling and richly drawn characters make this book a must-read for fans of the genre.

[Melissa Kornelsen · Rating 4 out of 5]

Alex runs a playgroup for the Moms in her town. Alex meets a new Mom, Cleo and her daughter at a school event, Alex invites Cleo to be part of their tight knit playgroup. As a plan to ruin Alex's life, Cleo tries to make Alex look like a drunk and ruin her, she learns Alex's husband is cheating on her with her best friend. While getting to know Alex, Cleo learns that Alex isn't the rich spoiled careless human that Cleo thought she was. After the affair comes out Cleo slips Alex's husband a drug in his drink, he ends up dying in a wreck. Later we find out that Alex is Cleo's step sister (Alex never knew she had a step sister), Cleo came to ruin Alex's pampered life because Cleo lived a hard life. But as Cleo got to know Alex she learned that Alex lived a hard life as well so she helped Alex our by killing her cheating husband and letting Alex move on from a bad marriage and continue her good life

[Bob Phillis · Rating 5 out of 5]

Cleo and her daughter Izzy, move into an up-market area of Oak Valley.
Alex invites her to join the moms group, and Jenna and Morgan reluctantly welcome her.
Cleo quickly becomes a part of the group, and an even bigger part of Alex's life.
All the women share secrets, except for Cleo. And where is her elusive husband Scott, never around for any family party or trip.
What is Cleo hiding?
What secrets are the group hiding from each other?
Abruptly, Alex's life seems like it is falling apart, fainting at a school party, getting arrested for driving drunk, and then suspecting her husband Ethan of having an affair, the latter fuelled by Cleo.
Is Ethan having an affair, and if so who with?
What is Cleo's real interest with Alex?
Who is Cleo really?
I did work the twist out towards the end, but it was really interesting trying to sort through.
Jami Worthington writes a great book.
Great read.

[Jodie Bartz · Rating 3 out of 5]

the Setup: "When Alex invites new to the neighborhood Cleo Baird to join her tight-knit playgroup, Cleo can’t believe her luck and knows she has just the “in” she’s been hoping for.

But it isn’t just luck. As the women grow closer and Alex shares more secrets, she doesn’t realize Cleo is keeping secrets of her own. It’s no coincidence that Cleo and her daughter moved to Oak Valley. Cleo came to town with a specific goal in to destroy Alex’s enviable and seemingly perfect life."

Cleo is messed up! This book really reminded me of another series in the whole friends betraying friends genre. Enjoyable in a traitors meets Desperate Housewives vibe.

[Dana Granville · Rating 4 out of 5]

We follow Cleo as she moves to a new, rich town in Silicon Valley with her young daughter Izzy. She gets in with the popular moms at her child's new school, which includes Alex who is married to the smart, good looking and wealthy Ethan. However, Cleo isn't exactly who she says she is and has an ulterior motive to befriending Alex...that reason being she wants to completely ruin and annihilate her life. Was a quick, fun read. Always enjoy stories about catty, rich, elitist types and the crazy lives they lead. Was shocked at the reasoning that Cleo wanted to ruin Alex's life, but was a good ending to the story. Overall, I enjoyed this read.

[Wendy Del Toro · Rating 5 out of 5]

I'll begin with the end. The big reveal about Cleo is super obvious from the start (even from reading the blurb!!) and it's such a stale overused 'motive' that I found it very disappointing. However, the journey to arrive there I enjoyed. Solid storytelling which drew me in to the messy dysfunctional lives of these frenemies. As I devoured the story, I often wondered if I would have preferred not knowing who was behind the psychological assaults on Alex. I also would prefer if the entire plot wasn't revealed in the blurb. I want to read more by this talented storyteller

[Barbara Fricks · Rating 5 out of 5]

Not much of a thriller

While I didn’t feel this fit the description of a thriller, it developed into a deeply satisfying psychological story. I did feel the story becoming a bit tedious midway through but I was happy to have the ending wrapped up. I like an ending that makes me wonder what might happen to the characters in the future.

[Sc · Rating 3 out of 5]

All the characters are very flawed. they are a bunch of drunk rich people who sit around complaining about their lives. There is really only one twist and it is explained in the end. I did enjoy disliking the characters and I enjoyed Cleo's treatment of Alex which makes me an evil person. A fast read.

[Adrienne Roberts · Rating 5 out of 5]

A great, suspenseful story-I loved that all the characters were relatable-even when they were making terrible decisions. I really want a sequel, or more tales from the playgroup diaspora. The reveal at the end made all the guessing and wondering so satisfying.

[Lisa Cohen · Rating 2 out of 5]

Very quick read. Glad I got it for free - I found at least 3 typos in the book. None of the characters were particularly likable but I was curious to see how it would all play out. I felt like Cleo's backstory wasn't fully explained.

[Miss_curly_tots · Rating 5 out of 5]

Rich wives drama in a posh neighbourhood. So many secrets.
Was not a fan of the character Morgan or Ethan , loved the plot. Was twisted and messed up and that twist blooming hell was not expecting that. But overall enjoyed the book

[Hannah Kern · Rating 5 out of 5]

Worthington delivers a solid book with relatable characters, a suspenseful plot, and a twist at the end that I didn't see coming. Bravo! Here's hoping for a sequel!