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La festa delle brave ragazze
Liz è la classica ragazza della porta accanto, positiva e solare. Non riesce nemmeno a immaginare che tutto possa crollare da un momento all’altro. Sami è la custode dei loro segreti. La più intelligente, la più posata, la più affidabile. Almeno apparentemente. Amy ha la voce di un angelo, la sua meta è sicuramente Hollywood. Salvo intralci del destino. Mo è la leader del gruppo, carismatica e protettiva. Sarà davvero ciò che vuole sembrare? Sono amiche dall’infanzia. Condividono tutto, o almeno credono, e sono inseparabili. Fino all’ultima volta in cui sono state tutte insieme, per un pigiama party, in una calda notte d’estate, sulla soglia del brillante avvenire. Ma all’arrivo dell’alba, nessuna delle loro certezze è rimasta intatta. Quindici anni dopo, Liz sta ancora cercando in ogni modo di non pensare alla notte che ha cambiato le loro vite. Dedica tutte le sue energie a ciò a cui tiene di più: la sua adorata figlia Olivia. Delle amiche di un tempo non sa più nulla. Ma all’improvviso un messaggio anonimo la getta di nuovo nel buio di quella notte lontana: Sono tornata. Chi l’ha mandato? E, soprattutto, cosa vuole? La sola cosa certa è che la verità è venuta a cercarla. E che non può più nascondersi.
303 pages, Paperback
First published March 22, 2023
754 people are currently reading
1286 people want to read
About the author
Shannon Hollinger
29 books316 followersWith degrees in Crime Scene Technology and Physical Anthropology, Florida writer Shannon Hollinger hasn’t just seen the dark side of humanity—she’s been elbow deep inside of it! She’s an avid animal lover, reader, and hiker, and has been known to use her forensic skills to figure out who ate the last cookie in the house.
A multi-genre, Amazon charts top 20 best-selling author, Shannon writes psychological thrillers filled with jaw-dropping twists and shocking endings, the police procedural Chief Maggie Riley mysteries, where the darkness of the Maine wilderness is rivaled only by the deadly secrets it conceals, and the romantic suspense Cassidy Knox mystery thrillers, where the animals will steal your heart and the nights are as hot as the days.
Her novels have been translated into multiple languages, and her short fiction has appeared in Suspense Magazine, Mystery Weekly, and The Saturday Evening Post, among many other magazines and anthologies.
Shannon is a member of the International Thriller Writers and the Short Mystery Fiction Society.
To keep current on book news and to enter monthly giveaways, sign up for Shannon’s newsletter through her website, www.shannonhollinger.com.
Find Shannon on social media:
https://www.facebook.com/thiswritersays
https://www.instagram.com/thiswritersays
https://www.tiktok.com/@shannonhollinger
http://www.pinterest.com/thiswritersays
http://www.bookbub.com/profile/shanno...
https://www.amazon.com/author/shannon...
A multi-genre, Amazon charts top 20 best-selling author, Shannon writes psychological thrillers filled with jaw-dropping twists and shocking endings, the police procedural Chief Maggie Riley mysteries, where the darkness of the Maine wilderness is rivaled only by the deadly secrets it conceals, and the romantic suspense Cassidy Knox mystery thrillers, where the animals will steal your heart and the nights are as hot as the days.
Her novels have been translated into multiple languages, and her short fiction has appeared in Suspense Magazine, Mystery Weekly, and The Saturday Evening Post, among many other magazines and anthologies.
Shannon is a member of the International Thriller Writers and the Short Mystery Fiction Society.
To keep current on book news and to enter monthly giveaways, sign up for Shannon’s newsletter through her website, www.shannonhollinger.com.
Find Shannon on social media:
https://www.facebook.com/thiswritersays
https://www.instagram.com/thiswritersays
https://www.tiktok.com/@shannonhollinger
http://www.pinterest.com/thiswritersays
http://www.bookbub.com/profile/shanno...
https://www.amazon.com/author/shannon...
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 210 reviews
June 26, 2023
This book is structured around two timelines, presenting the events before and after a prom night with a hidden secret. Years later, the repercussions of that night come back to torment the living. It's not a remarkable thriller, or the finest I've encountered. The plot unfolds smoothly and is reasonably enjoyable, while the ending provides a fitting conclusion.
March 26, 2023
Buckle your seats, this is going to be a twisty ride!
Four friends+ one slumber party= a HUGE Nightmare!
There are secrets and twists galore in this gripping book about friendship, secrets, and deception.
Liz was the girl next door, Amy dreamed of singing in Hollywood, Sami was quiet and clever, Mo was the protective leader. They were best friends, swore to always be there, fiends for life, until one devastating night changed everything.
Liz received a letter saying “I’m back. Did you miss me?” . Her past has come calling.... Thus begins her nightmare. This is only the beginning......
This was a twist filled book full of secrets and toxic friendships. What happened all those nights ago has shaped lives and changed personalities. I did not see many of the twists or reveals coming. There are quite a few shocks along the way and Hollinger kept me on my toes the entire time.
#TheSlumberParty #NetGalley #Bookouture #ShannonHollinger
Thank you to Bookouture and NetGalley who provided me with a copy of this book in exchange for an honest review. All the thoughts and opinions are my own.
Read more of my reviews at www.openbookposts.com
Four friends+ one slumber party= a HUGE Nightmare!
There are secrets and twists galore in this gripping book about friendship, secrets, and deception.
Liz was the girl next door, Amy dreamed of singing in Hollywood, Sami was quiet and clever, Mo was the protective leader. They were best friends, swore to always be there, fiends for life, until one devastating night changed everything.
Liz received a letter saying “I’m back. Did you miss me?” . Her past has come calling.... Thus begins her nightmare. This is only the beginning......
This was a twist filled book full of secrets and toxic friendships. What happened all those nights ago has shaped lives and changed personalities. I did not see many of the twists or reveals coming. There are quite a few shocks along the way and Hollinger kept me on my toes the entire time.
#TheSlumberParty #NetGalley #Bookouture #ShannonHollinger
Thank you to Bookouture and NetGalley who provided me with a copy of this book in exchange for an honest review. All the thoughts and opinions are my own.
Read more of my reviews at www.openbookposts.com
January 31, 2023
Liz, Amy, Sami and Mo were childhood friends whose prom night ended in tragedy. Now years later Liz begins receiving messages from her friend that died that night. But how could she if she’s dead?
This book had many twists and turns that I guessed right off but it was still a good book and I enjoyed reading it. I hope to read more by this author.
Thanks NetGalley and Bookouture for this ARC that will be released March 22, 2023!
This book had many twists and turns that I guessed right off but it was still a good book and I enjoyed reading it. I hope to read more by this author.
Thanks NetGalley and Bookouture for this ARC that will be released March 22, 2023!
February 3, 2023
If there's a specific kind of mystery thriller I'm a total sucker for is definitely Group Of Now Estranged Best Friend's Mysterious Past Comes Back To Bite Them In The Ass And Everything Goes To Absolute Shit From There.
The Slumber Party follows a formula that's already a winner one by itself, if and when it's properly developed, but it's also a formula that readers who enjoy this genre probably now way too well.
It'd be easier to sum it all up by saying that yes, while this was easy to read and very enjoyable, it was also not that original in the end, the execution was nothing special and the twists were indeed a tad too predictable. It'd be easier, but it wouldn't be the actual truth.
I must admit that while I was reading things from this book I couldn't help but think I'd already read them somewhere else, in other occasions, but there's a thin line that separates an original book to one that takes an overused concept and crafts it in a way that is interesting and entertaining.
I'm glad to announce Shannon Hollinger knew what she was doing when she took the second path and wrote this fast-paced, page-turner novel. Sure, her writing isn't breath-taking and her narration sometimes felt messy and approximate, but there was also a raw simplicity to her words that glued me to the pages.
I feel the same way about the characters. I think they could have used more distinct voices, and at the same time, found them very well characterized.
The Slumber Party may not be the most amazing thriller I've ever read nor the most mind-blowing one, and it definitely has its own flaws, but I had fun with it and was never bored.
Many thanks to NetGalley, the publisher and the author for providing me this ARC in exchange for a honest review.
🟢FINAL RATINGS 3,5/5🟢
The Slumber Party follows a formula that's already a winner one by itself, if and when it's properly developed, but it's also a formula that readers who enjoy this genre probably now way too well.
It'd be easier to sum it all up by saying that yes, while this was easy to read and very enjoyable, it was also not that original in the end, the execution was nothing special and the twists were indeed a tad too predictable. It'd be easier, but it wouldn't be the actual truth.
I must admit that while I was reading things from this book I couldn't help but think I'd already read them somewhere else, in other occasions, but there's a thin line that separates an original book to one that takes an overused concept and crafts it in a way that is interesting and entertaining.
I'm glad to announce Shannon Hollinger knew what she was doing when she took the second path and wrote this fast-paced, page-turner novel. Sure, her writing isn't breath-taking and her narration sometimes felt messy and approximate, but there was also a raw simplicity to her words that glued me to the pages.
I feel the same way about the characters. I think they could have used more distinct voices, and at the same time, found them very well characterized.
The Slumber Party may not be the most amazing thriller I've ever read nor the most mind-blowing one, and it definitely has its own flaws, but I had fun with it and was never bored.
Many thanks to NetGalley, the publisher and the author for providing me this ARC in exchange for a honest review.
🟢FINAL RATINGS 3,5/5🟢
April 7, 2023
Unpopular opinion, in accordance with the reviews, but I just couldn’t get into this book. I didn’t really care about the characters - I didn’t feel that they were well developed. I just wanted to finish this book.
February 27, 2023
A gripping novel about friendship and secrets.
Four childhood friends. They thought nothing could destroy their bond until one terrible night ruined it all.
The concept isn't anything new, but I love all the twists and turns. I can't wait to read more novels by this author.
***A big thank you to NetGalley, Shannon Hollinger, and Bookouture for graciously sending me the ARC to review. As always, all thoughts are my own.**
Four childhood friends. They thought nothing could destroy their bond until one terrible night ruined it all.
The concept isn't anything new, but I love all the twists and turns. I can't wait to read more novels by this author.
***A big thank you to NetGalley, Shannon Hollinger, and Bookouture for graciously sending me the ARC to review. As always, all thoughts are my own.**
March 23, 2023
I found the characters were underdeveloped the chapters were also very short switching to 2014 to the mid 1996-1999 with different P.O.V. The storyline held my interest and it had some twists I saw coming and some I didn’t. It wasn’t the best psychological thriller I’ve read. I still look forward to reading more from Shannon Hollinger.
I would like to thank NetGalley and Bookouture for the ARC of The Slumber Party by Shannon Hollinger for a honest review of the book
I would like to thank NetGalley and Bookouture for the ARC of The Slumber Party by Shannon Hollinger for a honest review of the book
January 23, 2023
Okay, so I can’t give this 5 stars because I met every single reveal in the book (except the last few pages and we’ll get to that) with a simple: well, duh…
Sorry, but seriously every reveal was mega obvious. HOWEVER, the book was entertaining and I simply loved our girls. I really wanted to find out what happened in the book and really wanted to slap one of the friends upside the head because seriously???? Just don’t. (Readers should absolutely know which one I mean.)
The last few pages were kind of unnecessary for me and I was a little disappointed – not enough to lower the stars more and not enough to throw my kindle at the wall, but enough where I was just kind of said – okay, then…
I definitely enjoyed the book and a squidge more than 3 stars. And I’d definitely try the author again in the future.
• ARC via Publisher
Sorry, but seriously every reveal was mega obvious. HOWEVER, the book was entertaining and I simply loved our girls. I really wanted to find out what happened in the book and really wanted to slap one of the friends upside the head because seriously???? Just don’t. (Readers should absolutely know which one I mean.)
The last few pages were kind of unnecessary for me and I was a little disappointed – not enough to lower the stars more and not enough to throw my kindle at the wall, but enough where I was just kind of said – okay, then…
I definitely enjoyed the book and a squidge more than 3 stars. And I’d definitely try the author again in the future.
• ARC via Publisher
February 1, 2023
I thought "Best Friends Forever" was good, ""The Slumber Party" blows it out of the water. It's a story of best friends and how they can support you and tear you down at the same time. It's about a mother doing what it takes to save her daughter. This book has twists and turns and a surprise ending. It's an easy read that keeps your attention from the get-go. Shannon Hollinger is an author to follow. She's extremely talented, and her characters are relatable. She's able to bring the teenage years to life and makes you think about how rough they could be at times. She is on my list of favorite authors. I recommend picking this book up.
Thank you to NetGalley, Bookouture, and Shannon Hollinger for this ARC.
Thank you to NetGalley, Bookouture, and Shannon Hollinger for this ARC.
February 8, 2023
Ten years ago: On a warm summer’s evening, four childhood friends gather at a slumber party… Before dawn breaks, the nightmare begins. One of them dies. One of them is a killer.
Four friends, Mo, Liz, Sami and Ami grew up together and were about as close as you can be as friends. They had been there for each other all throughout their young lives, supported each other when times where tough but an incident which happened many years ago is now coming back to haunt them. There has been a great deal of time since they have seen each other as events which happened in their youth left them to drift apart. But now everyone is much older and the reality of these past events is setting in, and quickly. Throw in a determined cop with a thirst for finding out the answers to the questions, he is now causing all sorts of anxiety and stress to our four main players.
The book is told through multiple POV's which works well in this setting as there are four main characters and this provides insight into each of their personalities. It also lets us understand the story from each point of view. Of course, none of these characters are particularly likeable but those that know me also know that often is the thing that attracts me to a story. Unlikable does not mean not enjoyable for the reader, quite often in this scenario this is what makes the story work.
I have to say I thoroughly enjoyed this book. I have seen some reviews that have said that the story is flawed or written too simply but I did not find this and I think the writing reflected what was happening in the story. I will definitely be looking out for more work from this author of whom I had not heard of before. Thank you to Netgalley and the publisher for an advanced copy of the book in exchange for an honest unbiased review. 4 big stars
Four friends, Mo, Liz, Sami and Ami grew up together and were about as close as you can be as friends. They had been there for each other all throughout their young lives, supported each other when times where tough but an incident which happened many years ago is now coming back to haunt them. There has been a great deal of time since they have seen each other as events which happened in their youth left them to drift apart. But now everyone is much older and the reality of these past events is setting in, and quickly. Throw in a determined cop with a thirst for finding out the answers to the questions, he is now causing all sorts of anxiety and stress to our four main players.
The book is told through multiple POV's which works well in this setting as there are four main characters and this provides insight into each of their personalities. It also lets us understand the story from each point of view. Of course, none of these characters are particularly likeable but those that know me also know that often is the thing that attracts me to a story. Unlikable does not mean not enjoyable for the reader, quite often in this scenario this is what makes the story work.
I have to say I thoroughly enjoyed this book. I have seen some reviews that have said that the story is flawed or written too simply but I did not find this and I think the writing reflected what was happening in the story. I will definitely be looking out for more work from this author of whom I had not heard of before. Thank you to Netgalley and the publisher for an advanced copy of the book in exchange for an honest unbiased review. 4 big stars
April 17, 2023
Unfortunately, this book just wasn't for me. I didn't like any of the characters, and I thought the twists were predictable. I didn't find the overall plot to be very thrilling or shocking.
The multiple POVs and timelines were done pretty well, and it had short chapters, which made it a pretty quick read.
Thank you, @netgalley and @bookouture, for the gifted e-arc of this book!
2.5 stars rounded up
The multiple POVs and timelines were done pretty well, and it had short chapters, which made it a pretty quick read.
Thank you, @netgalley and @bookouture, for the gifted e-arc of this book!
2.5 stars rounded up
April 23, 2023
The front cover hooked me in to start with.. A story told by multipke characters point of view over multiple timelines.
4 close friends a slumber night that changed all their lives forever. Qnly they are forced to revisit this years later.
I really like the drip feeding of the backstory of each character and the events up to and after the slumber night. I could at times feel for the characters. Towards the ends as the twists kept coming I did have to re check which character i was reading as sometimes it felt like it was about more than 1 character.
I teally enjoyed this page turner the increasing number of twists at the end some of which were slightly unbelievable made it a good solid 4.
Would highly recommend this but might be better reading it in one go.
Thank you net gallery and book culture for my arc
4 close friends a slumber night that changed all their lives forever. Qnly they are forced to revisit this years later.
I really like the drip feeding of the backstory of each character and the events up to and after the slumber night. I could at times feel for the characters. Towards the ends as the twists kept coming I did have to re check which character i was reading as sometimes it felt like it was about more than 1 character.
I teally enjoyed this page turner the increasing number of twists at the end some of which were slightly unbelievable made it a good solid 4.
Would highly recommend this but might be better reading it in one go.
Thank you net gallery and book culture for my arc
March 23, 2023
ARC provided in exchange for an honest review.
I really, really, REALLY enjoyed this book! There are so many main characters , all with well crafted backstories, and it was great to get so many different point of views and see the characters in the present as well as the past! There are so many twists and turns, most of which I didn’t see coming at all, right up until the very end. The story revolves around four best friends who have something traumatic happen towards the end of high school that separates their group and sends them into a future full of lies and betrayals. I would definitely recommend to anyone who likes psychological thrillers and mysteries!
I really, really, REALLY enjoyed this book! There are so many main characters , all with well crafted backstories, and it was great to get so many different point of views and see the characters in the present as well as the past! There are so many twists and turns, most of which I didn’t see coming at all, right up until the very end. The story revolves around four best friends who have something traumatic happen towards the end of high school that separates their group and sends them into a future full of lies and betrayals. I would definitely recommend to anyone who likes psychological thrillers and mysteries!
March 11, 2023
Thanks to NetGalley and the publisher for an early copy of this book
Four estranged best friends and the secret that binds them.
With drama, twists and secrets on secrets to be revealed, The Slumber Party is fast-paced story that will captivate readers looking to ease into the thriller genre. Told through multiple POVs and in dual timelines, the book quickly establishes the characters and the events that led to their estrangement.
Hollinger's writing is simplistic in the best way - it doesn't over complicate what the story is trying to do, making it an easy pageturner. The downside of this? There wasn't enough suspense and some of the reveals came a bit too early for me. I also had trouble connecting to these characters but honestly, this may just be down to me. Because I didn't find them likeable though, I struggled to care what happened to them when shit started hitting the fan.
Though this wasn't a hit for me, it was still an easy read and I think there is definitely an audience for this: namely new thriller readers who will enjoy the pacing, twists and reveals.
Would happily read another book by this author.
Four estranged best friends and the secret that binds them.
With drama, twists and secrets on secrets to be revealed, The Slumber Party is fast-paced story that will captivate readers looking to ease into the thriller genre. Told through multiple POVs and in dual timelines, the book quickly establishes the characters and the events that led to their estrangement.
Hollinger's writing is simplistic in the best way - it doesn't over complicate what the story is trying to do, making it an easy pageturner. The downside of this? There wasn't enough suspense and some of the reveals came a bit too early for me. I also had trouble connecting to these characters but honestly, this may just be down to me. Because I didn't find them likeable though, I struggled to care what happened to them when shit started hitting the fan.
Though this wasn't a hit for me, it was still an easy read and I think there is definitely an audience for this: namely new thriller readers who will enjoy the pacing, twists and reveals.
Would happily read another book by this author.
January 30, 2023
Four friends close as can be from the time they met as kindergarteners all the way through senior year of high school. Until prom night, when the unthinkable happens, a tragedy in which all of the girls are complicit. The girls go their separate ways until the secret that binds them draws them back together 15 years later, threatening to expose their lies.
This dual timeline, multiple POV novel gives you the perspective of the friends in both the past and the present. All of the girls are flawed or damaged in some way and are fairly unlikeable as adult women, making it hard to care what happens to them. I would recommend this book to someone new to the thriller genre: although it has plenty of twists, they are telegraphed too obviously and too early to surprise a seasoned suspense reader.
Many thanks to NetGalley and Bookouture for providing me an advance copy of this book.
This dual timeline, multiple POV novel gives you the perspective of the friends in both the past and the present. All of the girls are flawed or damaged in some way and are fairly unlikeable as adult women, making it hard to care what happens to them. I would recommend this book to someone new to the thriller genre: although it has plenty of twists, they are telegraphed too obviously and too early to surprise a seasoned suspense reader.
Many thanks to NetGalley and Bookouture for providing me an advance copy of this book.
January 26, 2023
4.75/5 stars! This book felt like an adult version of 'Pretty Little Liars.' The shifting timelines of this book gripped me and made to dive into this book and finish it in one sitting. This book is so fast-paced that it was easy to read it cover to cover and I found myself shocked by the ending. I didn't like every character but enjoyed the shifting perspectives. A great thriller and will definitely be picking up another book by this author.
I received an advance review copy for free through NetGalley, and I am leaving this review voluntarily
I received an advance review copy for free through NetGalley, and I am leaving this review voluntarily
August 7, 2023
Thank you Netgalley, Bookouture and Shannon Hollinger for letting me read “The Slumber Party” in exchange for an honest review.
This book is really intense and has very interesting twists. The characters, however, are very unlikable women, and I didn't connect with them. I didn't root for them, nor was I against them. They were supposedly friends but they seemed to hate each other.
It's a good thriller, I just thought it was very intense and I'll forget about it soon.
This book is really intense and has very interesting twists. The characters, however, are very unlikable women, and I didn't connect with them. I didn't root for them, nor was I against them. They were supposedly friends but they seemed to hate each other.
It's a good thriller, I just thought it was very intense and I'll forget about it soon.
March 28, 2023
RTC❤️
Thank you Netgalley for approving me for this book for an honest review ☺️
The nightmare you never thought you’d have has come to bite you in the ass 10 years later. As a teenage you have some of the stupidest secrets to keep; maybe like having a crush on your best friends crush or maybe even spreading a rumor about someone. Well this secret will land you somewhere you don’t wanna spend your life if it gets in the wrong hands. As the reader, you question the different possibilities of the “secret. Just wait till you find out.
It’s been a bit since I’ve read so many twist and turns with jaw dropping plot twists. Friend groups are the way to go if you need some crazy plot twists.
Liz, Sami, Amy, and Mo…
All 4 different teenagers living their lives. Dealing with the harsh realities of high school. Some realities darker than we like to talk about. Something happened 10 years ago. It’s been devouring their brain. What makes it worse? The evidence they thought no one would find, was found. How are they gonna get away with it now?
I was hooked from the beginning and could not stop reading! The split Timeline POV was PERFECT and completed every question that you had. Some questions you maybe didn’t even think about. I want a second book after that ending because GUYYYSSSS I have so many thoughts that could happen!
PLEASE read this ASAP!!! You won’t be disappointed
Thank you Netgalley for approving me for this book for an honest review ☺️
The nightmare you never thought you’d have has come to bite you in the ass 10 years later. As a teenage you have some of the stupidest secrets to keep; maybe like having a crush on your best friends crush or maybe even spreading a rumor about someone. Well this secret will land you somewhere you don’t wanna spend your life if it gets in the wrong hands. As the reader, you question the different possibilities of the “secret. Just wait till you find out.
It’s been a bit since I’ve read so many twist and turns with jaw dropping plot twists. Friend groups are the way to go if you need some crazy plot twists.
Liz, Sami, Amy, and Mo…
All 4 different teenagers living their lives. Dealing with the harsh realities of high school. Some realities darker than we like to talk about. Something happened 10 years ago. It’s been devouring their brain. What makes it worse? The evidence they thought no one would find, was found. How are they gonna get away with it now?
I was hooked from the beginning and could not stop reading! The split Timeline POV was PERFECT and completed every question that you had. Some questions you maybe didn’t even think about. I want a second book after that ending because GUYYYSSSS I have so many thoughts that could happen!
PLEASE read this ASAP!!! You won’t be disappointed
May 4, 2023
I had to stop several times because was so busy but the story kept flowing had a good plot went a bit slow at times but the ending not bad
March 17, 2023
Liz, Amy, Sami and Mo are best friends; the kind people envied in high school. But they didn’t share everything, as there are some secrets that were too dark to let see the light of day. One night, weeks before high school ended, they gathered for a slumber party at their usual spot. By the end of the night, one of them is dead. The friends haven’t spoken much since that day, and have all moved on with their own lives. But when Liz starts receiving threatening notes, the past they tried so hard to bury comes back.
I was a huge fan of the last Shannon Hollinger book I read (Best Friends Forever), so I jumped at the chance to read her newest one! She told me beforehand, “the obvious twist is not the twist at all”, and boy was that the truth. I was thrilled that I was not able to guess a few of the big twists in this story! As the past and present stories unfold in dual timelines, I was able to see why so many of the characters felt the way they did. But it also makes you wonder, just how well do you know the people closest to you? If you enjoy character-driven stories, short chapters and twists that keep you guessing right up til the very end, check this one out!
“The Slumber Party” releases March 22, 2023! Thanks to Netgalley, Bookouture and Shannon Hollinger for the ARC.
This review will be shared to my instagram blog (@books_by_the_bottle) shortly.
I was a huge fan of the last Shannon Hollinger book I read (Best Friends Forever), so I jumped at the chance to read her newest one! She told me beforehand, “the obvious twist is not the twist at all”, and boy was that the truth. I was thrilled that I was not able to guess a few of the big twists in this story! As the past and present stories unfold in dual timelines, I was able to see why so many of the characters felt the way they did. But it also makes you wonder, just how well do you know the people closest to you? If you enjoy character-driven stories, short chapters and twists that keep you guessing right up til the very end, check this one out!
“The Slumber Party” releases March 22, 2023! Thanks to Netgalley, Bookouture and Shannon Hollinger for the ARC.
This review will be shared to my instagram blog (@books_by_the_bottle) shortly.
February 4, 2023
Thank you bookouture, Shannon Hollinger, and Netgalley for allowing me to read an advanced readers copy of “The slumber Party,” due to be published march 22 2023.
Summary:
Sami, liz, Amy and Mo were childhood best friends that lasted up until prom night when tragedy struck. Now years later Liz with a child of her own now starts receiving letters from her dead best friend who died prom night.
How could she send a letter if she’s dead? This and matter other questions were asked. And one evening Liz’s daughter goes missing and Liz doesn’t know what to do . Will she be safe? Who took her? Why did they take her? These are questions you’ll ask yourself while reading.
What I loved?
I think I loved the whole book in entirety. From the writing to the twists I couldn’t put this down till I finished it. Just like the previous book I read from this author called Best Friends Forever. I highly recommend this one as well.
There was a twist almost every turn of the story. I had no idea how it was going to end even though I made a few guesses of my own throughout the book.
Leaving this honest review for free!
#TheSlumberParty #NetGalley
Summary:
Sami, liz, Amy and Mo were childhood best friends that lasted up until prom night when tragedy struck. Now years later Liz with a child of her own now starts receiving letters from her dead best friend who died prom night.
How could she send a letter if she’s dead? This and matter other questions were asked. And one evening Liz’s daughter goes missing and Liz doesn’t know what to do . Will she be safe? Who took her? Why did they take her? These are questions you’ll ask yourself while reading.
What I loved?
I think I loved the whole book in entirety. From the writing to the twists I couldn’t put this down till I finished it. Just like the previous book I read from this author called Best Friends Forever. I highly recommend this one as well.
There was a twist almost every turn of the story. I had no idea how it was going to end even though I made a few guesses of my own throughout the book.
Leaving this honest review for free!
#TheSlumberParty #NetGalley
January 22, 2023
Great Thriller.
Liz has a secret. A secret she and her friends have kept for 15 years.
This book keeps you on your toes! Every time I thought I had the storyline figured out, the story would take a complete 180. That is what makes a great thriller!
I love that we get past and present POVs from all four of the girls. It really kept the story from getting boring and dragging on.
The chapters are short and exciting. Shannon really makes you rethink everything about teenagers girls and sleep overs.
Liz has a secret. A secret she and her friends have kept for 15 years.
This book keeps you on your toes! Every time I thought I had the storyline figured out, the story would take a complete 180. That is what makes a great thriller!
I love that we get past and present POVs from all four of the girls. It really kept the story from getting boring and dragging on.
The chapters are short and exciting. Shannon really makes you rethink everything about teenagers girls and sleep overs.
February 5, 2023
Unimaginable brain flowery here with 4 besties who aren't so bestie anymore!
We're going all the way back to prom night, a shooting, and some freaky shiite with drinks, drugs, guns, and oh, yeah sex and pervs.
Anybody and anyone can get laid or so it seems but it takes skills to pay the bills and be called the slut in high school. Sorry, Mo...I'm just being honest.
Oh, wait....I'm a bit confused did I just say, "MO"?
Ok, let me start over...there's Amy, Mo, Sami, and Liz. Liz is married to David but that's on the rocks with their daughter Olivia. Olivia was the result of this prom night at just 18 yo to Liz.
Speak now or forever hold your peace --comes to my mind ---all of a sudden!
Sorry, I digress!
Let me explain...Amy and Mo are quite close but could there ever be more than just friends?
HOLD UP- bones have just been found in the woods. Could it really be Mo's aka Morgana Ripley?
You know as I'm typing this review...there's been so much news lately about all this new D.N.A. testing kits and such that I'm wondering if that might be necessary in this story?
Did I mention David hasn't always been given the, "Greatest Dad of the Year" award but his time might also be coming very soon.
Oh, snap!
Olivia's gone missing now too? Where is she? Was she kidnapped? Is she in jail? Is she dead?
Speaking of which that reminds me about this friend I knew that was a conniving lil biotch...Oh, never mind! We're out of time.
These characters have left me with nails that are now bitten to the tip....Thanks, lol.
Oh, snap!
Did you just hear that...was that a gun? Fireworks? Have you seen David lately?
I best be gone...this is too dangerous.
Thank you to Shannon Hollinger, Bookouture, and Netgalley for this ARC in exchange for this honest review.
We're going all the way back to prom night, a shooting, and some freaky shiite with drinks, drugs, guns, and oh, yeah sex and pervs.
Anybody and anyone can get laid or so it seems but it takes skills to pay the bills and be called the slut in high school. Sorry, Mo...I'm just being honest.
Oh, wait....I'm a bit confused did I just say, "MO"?
Ok, let me start over...there's Amy, Mo, Sami, and Liz. Liz is married to David but that's on the rocks with their daughter Olivia. Olivia was the result of this prom night at just 18 yo to Liz.
Speak now or forever hold your peace --comes to my mind ---all of a sudden!
Sorry, I digress!
Let me explain...Amy and Mo are quite close but could there ever be more than just friends?
HOLD UP- bones have just been found in the woods. Could it really be Mo's aka Morgana Ripley?
You know as I'm typing this review...there's been so much news lately about all this new D.N.A. testing kits and such that I'm wondering if that might be necessary in this story?
Did I mention David hasn't always been given the, "Greatest Dad of the Year" award but his time might also be coming very soon.
Oh, snap!
Olivia's gone missing now too? Where is she? Was she kidnapped? Is she in jail? Is she dead?
Speaking of which that reminds me about this friend I knew that was a conniving lil biotch...Oh, never mind! We're out of time.
These characters have left me with nails that are now bitten to the tip....Thanks, lol.
Oh, snap!
Did you just hear that...was that a gun? Fireworks? Have you seen David lately?
I best be gone...this is too dangerous.
Thank you to Shannon Hollinger, Bookouture, and Netgalley for this ARC in exchange for this honest review.
January 25, 2023
Thanks to NetGalley and the publisher for my copy of this book.
Liz, Sami, Mo and Amy are best friends, they grow up together and as such share secrets. Something major happens to them on prom night and their friendship disintegrates. What has torn them apart?
This book flips between the different characters and also between 1999, their last year at high school, and also the present day. I really enjoyed this approach because it really built suspense. I genuinely had no idea what had happened and who was involved. It definitely kept me turning the pages on my kindle!
The last page intrigued me and I feel there’s more to come with this story!
Liz, Sami, Mo and Amy are best friends, they grow up together and as such share secrets. Something major happens to them on prom night and their friendship disintegrates. What has torn them apart?
This book flips between the different characters and also between 1999, their last year at high school, and also the present day. I really enjoyed this approach because it really built suspense. I genuinely had no idea what had happened and who was involved. It definitely kept me turning the pages on my kindle!
The last page intrigued me and I feel there’s more to come with this story!
February 10, 2023
Firstly, a huge thank you to NetGalley and Bookouture for this ARC. 'The Slumber Party' will be released late March this year.
This was my first read by Shannon and I think it is fair to say that I will be back. Dual timeline, twists and turns, tense teenage friendships and the hard face of first loves.
Amy, Mo, Liz and Sami are childhood best friends who have definitely felt the ship rock during their time in high-school. Friendship strain comes and goes with age, right?
When the relationship fizzed out over time and one member begins to recieve ominous notes relating back to the night of their prom, some secrets can't be hidden forever.
This book will throw you through all the loops. My theories were flying wild right until the end. I really didn't expect where this went and I absolutely loved that about this book. There's a reason I finished it in 2 days!!
This was my first read by Shannon and I think it is fair to say that I will be back. Dual timeline, twists and turns, tense teenage friendships and the hard face of first loves.
Amy, Mo, Liz and Sami are childhood best friends who have definitely felt the ship rock during their time in high-school. Friendship strain comes and goes with age, right?
When the relationship fizzed out over time and one member begins to recieve ominous notes relating back to the night of their prom, some secrets can't be hidden forever.
This book will throw you through all the loops. My theories were flying wild right until the end. I really didn't expect where this went and I absolutely loved that about this book. There's a reason I finished it in 2 days!!
December 22, 2023
A quick page turner. I guessed some of the twists but not all of them.
February 8, 2023
Thank you NetGalley and Bookouture for the advanced readers copy of The Slumber Party by Shannon Hollinger. This book is about a group of best friends who did everything together. After high school they become estranged. One day Liz starts receiving messages from one of the old friends. Except she is dead! Who is sending these messages and who wants to dredge up the past. This book is told from the perspective of each character and I love this style of writing! A good psychological thriller that has many twists and turns.
March 3, 2023
The Slumber Party by Shannon Hollinger
Published: March 22, 2023
Bookouture
Genre: Psychological Thriller
Pages: 308
KKECReads Rating: 5/5
I received a copy of this book for free, and I leave my review voluntarily.
Shannon Hollinger is a Florida based author with degrees in Crime Scene Technology & Physical Anthropology, and she hasn't just seen the dark side of humanity - she's been elbow deep inside of it! She finds writing to be a much cleaner way to spend her time than the autopsy suite. Most days it smells better, too.
“Some secrets are meant to be forgotten.”
Having a best friend is one of life’s best gifts; having three is almost too good to be true. And for Liz, Mo, Amy, and Sami their bond is deadly.
HOLY HEADLOCK. This book kept me on the edge of my seat. I enjoyed how this story was told, with multiple narrators and alternating timelines. It was seamlessly delivered and engaging.
I liked Liz. She was calm, kind, and loyal. I liked Sami and her mysteriousness. Mo was a deep character, and you always felt that void. Amy seemed eager, almost desperate, but she wanted to be accepted.
The connection between these women was strong, and it was real. I loved watching their bond grow, then dissipate before my eyes.
This was an intense ride, and each time I thought I had figured out the twist, I was wrong. I did figure out one aspect of the big reveal, but boy, the rest was an avalanche of things I did not see coming.
I love how Shannon tells a story. Her stories are so complicated but beautifully told. There is no confusion or disconnect. She is such a gifted writer, and I am excited to read her work.
Published: March 22, 2023
Bookouture
Genre: Psychological Thriller
Pages: 308
KKECReads Rating: 5/5
I received a copy of this book for free, and I leave my review voluntarily.
Shannon Hollinger is a Florida based author with degrees in Crime Scene Technology & Physical Anthropology, and she hasn't just seen the dark side of humanity - she's been elbow deep inside of it! She finds writing to be a much cleaner way to spend her time than the autopsy suite. Most days it smells better, too.
“Some secrets are meant to be forgotten.”
Having a best friend is one of life’s best gifts; having three is almost too good to be true. And for Liz, Mo, Amy, and Sami their bond is deadly.
HOLY HEADLOCK. This book kept me on the edge of my seat. I enjoyed how this story was told, with multiple narrators and alternating timelines. It was seamlessly delivered and engaging.
I liked Liz. She was calm, kind, and loyal. I liked Sami and her mysteriousness. Mo was a deep character, and you always felt that void. Amy seemed eager, almost desperate, but she wanted to be accepted.
The connection between these women was strong, and it was real. I loved watching their bond grow, then dissipate before my eyes.
This was an intense ride, and each time I thought I had figured out the twist, I was wrong. I did figure out one aspect of the big reveal, but boy, the rest was an avalanche of things I did not see coming.
I love how Shannon tells a story. Her stories are so complicated but beautifully told. There is no confusion or disconnect. She is such a gifted writer, and I am excited to read her work.
May 5, 2023
If you know Pretty Little Liars at all, you may well have spotted some similar themes here, and maybe knowledge of that canon helped me see some twists coming, but there were still a few I didn't see!
April 20, 2023
This was such a fantastic book! I loved being taken back to the 90s and how the story was told from each of the character's point of view. So many levels to the twists and turns throughout the story, and was left speechless by the end. Definitely recommend this one!
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