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The Garden Party
Saltburn meets Agatha Christie in the party of the year.‘If you aren’t reading B P Walter yet, now’s the time’ A. J. Finn
'Accomplished, dark and stylish: I will read anything B P Walter writes’ Gillian McAllister
'Dark and devilishly clever! Characters that get under your skin and keep you racing through the story’ L. C. North
'The king of complex characters is back… A compelling tale of money, power and revenge – perfect for Saltburn aficionados’ Lizzy Barber
***
The perfect family. The perfect celebration. The perfect day for revenge.
The day of the garden party should’ve been a celebration of love for Raphael and his fiancée, as they toast their engagement with their families. But for someone, it’s an opportunity to unveil the lies that have bound the family together over the years.
With their nearest and dearest gathered at the family manor, as the first glass is raised, the secrets that bind them begin to crack. And what should have been the happiest day of their lives, might just end as a day they’d rather forget…
***
Read what everyone is saying about The Garden Party:
‘An excellent psychological thriller with a foreboding atmosphere which I found dark, sinister and disturbing’ ★★★★★
'Wow!! Dark, deceptive, and definitely bingeable in a day!!’ ★★★★
‘Up there with this author’s best, I read it in one sitting as it moved along at a very quick pace’ ★★★★★
'The novel has multiple clever layers to it and parts are delicious in their dark awfulness’ ★★★★★
'Another gripping read’ ★★★★★
‘Dark and twisty and once again I was left speechless’ ★★★★★
'Good twists, great writing style, compelling upper class setting. Every character despicable in their own way’ ★★★★
'The characters were fantastically flawed and the plot twists were superb. Themes of greed, resentment, jealousy and negligence were weaved through so well’ ★★★★★
'Accomplished, dark and stylish: I will read anything B P Walter writes’ Gillian McAllister
'Dark and devilishly clever! Characters that get under your skin and keep you racing through the story’ L. C. North
'The king of complex characters is back… A compelling tale of money, power and revenge – perfect for Saltburn aficionados’ Lizzy Barber
***
The perfect family. The perfect celebration. The perfect day for revenge.
The day of the garden party should’ve been a celebration of love for Raphael and his fiancée, as they toast their engagement with their families. But for someone, it’s an opportunity to unveil the lies that have bound the family together over the years.
With their nearest and dearest gathered at the family manor, as the first glass is raised, the secrets that bind them begin to crack. And what should have been the happiest day of their lives, might just end as a day they’d rather forget…
***
Read what everyone is saying about The Garden Party:
‘An excellent psychological thriller with a foreboding atmosphere which I found dark, sinister and disturbing’ ★★★★★
'Wow!! Dark, deceptive, and definitely bingeable in a day!!’ ★★★★
‘Up there with this author’s best, I read it in one sitting as it moved along at a very quick pace’ ★★★★★
'The novel has multiple clever layers to it and parts are delicious in their dark awfulness’ ★★★★★
'Another gripping read’ ★★★★★
‘Dark and twisty and once again I was left speechless’ ★★★★★
'Good twists, great writing style, compelling upper class setting. Every character despicable in their own way’ ★★★★
'The characters were fantastically flawed and the plot twists were superb. Themes of greed, resentment, jealousy and negligence were weaved through so well’ ★★★★★
338 pages, Kindle Edition
First published July 18, 2024
About the author
B.P. Walter
22 books577 followersB.P. Walter is the Sunday Times bestselling author of psychological thrillers, including The Dinner Guest, Hold Your Breath, The Garden Party and The Winter Visitor. He also writes scarier books under the names SG Hartnell and Barnaby Walter. His most recent novel is The New Boyfriend.
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 247 reviews
August 4, 2024
There was so much tension in this, it truly kept me engaged. Not sure about the ending, but the rest was so good at building up the suspense that it more than made up for that.
May 30, 2024
4.5 rounded up
“You don’t choose your family. They are Gods gift to you, as you are to them”.
Raphael Moncrieff’s family host a celebratory garden party for his engagement to Lauren. It’s a garden party like no other. Harris accepts the invitation and attends with Rhys but he has plans, definite plans. Have you got your invitation? Accept with alacrity as trust me, you won’t want to miss this.
BP Walter has done it again! Reeled me in, hook, line and sinker to this party fest. This is a terrific domestic drama/psychological thriller that keeps you guessing until the very last words. It feels doom laden from the start of the party where conflicted Raphael seems like a man condemned. Maybe he is but entitled much? The Montcrieff family are something else. Patrick, Raphael’s father, seems pleasant, emphasis on the seems. I’m sure you’ve heard of the Iron Lady? Meet steely Isabelle, Patrick’s wife and as hard as, the original Despicable Me, mixing my metaphors I know, but what a household.
What of the complex Harris? The whys of Harris and his actions emerges from the back-and-forth in time manner in which the story is told so that emerges organically and it’s very intriguing. My feelings about Harris vary from feeling sorry for him as an outsider, to admiring his obvious intelligence, to understanding his anger but he has a cruel streak. It’s in the genes you know.
The novel has multiple clever layers to it and parts are delicious in their dark awfulness. There’s everything in the vibes between characters from awkwardness to tension you could cut with a knife. Cliffhanger Chapter endings heighten this as we learn all the poisonous family secrets and trust me, their biggies. The novel builds and escalates to the garden party where initially feathers are ruffled, the readers anticipation is keen as revenge is enacted. How the mighty are fallen. The ending is a doozy and one I so don’t see you coming. Kudos.
Overall, a powerfully understated and terrific read. Highly recommended.
With thanks to NetGalley and especially to Harper Collins, One More Chapter for the much appreciated arc in return for an honest review.
“You don’t choose your family. They are Gods gift to you, as you are to them”.
Raphael Moncrieff’s family host a celebratory garden party for his engagement to Lauren. It’s a garden party like no other. Harris accepts the invitation and attends with Rhys but he has plans, definite plans. Have you got your invitation? Accept with alacrity as trust me, you won’t want to miss this.
BP Walter has done it again! Reeled me in, hook, line and sinker to this party fest. This is a terrific domestic drama/psychological thriller that keeps you guessing until the very last words. It feels doom laden from the start of the party where conflicted Raphael seems like a man condemned. Maybe he is but entitled much? The Montcrieff family are something else. Patrick, Raphael’s father, seems pleasant, emphasis on the seems. I’m sure you’ve heard of the Iron Lady? Meet steely Isabelle, Patrick’s wife and as hard as, the original Despicable Me, mixing my metaphors I know, but what a household.
What of the complex Harris? The whys of Harris and his actions emerges from the back-and-forth in time manner in which the story is told so that emerges organically and it’s very intriguing. My feelings about Harris vary from feeling sorry for him as an outsider, to admiring his obvious intelligence, to understanding his anger but he has a cruel streak. It’s in the genes you know.
The novel has multiple clever layers to it and parts are delicious in their dark awfulness. There’s everything in the vibes between characters from awkwardness to tension you could cut with a knife. Cliffhanger Chapter endings heighten this as we learn all the poisonous family secrets and trust me, their biggies. The novel builds and escalates to the garden party where initially feathers are ruffled, the readers anticipation is keen as revenge is enacted. How the mighty are fallen. The ending is a doozy and one I so don’t see you coming. Kudos.
Overall, a powerfully understated and terrific read. Highly recommended.
With thanks to NetGalley and especially to Harper Collins, One More Chapter for the much appreciated arc in return for an honest review.
June 22, 2024
I received a free copy of, The Garden Party, by B.P. Walter, from the publisher and Netgalley in exchange for an honest review. Parties should be fun, family and friends gathering for a good time, of food, refreshments, and conversation. This garden party is not like other parties. With friends like like the characters in this book who needs enemies. It should be a celebration of an engagement, but things go horribly wrong, when people have different agendas. Wow this book is a wild ride, I'm so glad I don't have friends like the characters in this book.
July 9, 2024
A disappointing effort. The scaffolding of the plot shows at every point, without regard to making the characters real or their motivation entirely believable. The main character, Harris, is thoroughly unlikeable, and that's in a crowded field of cardboard, unreal people who speak dialogue that reads as if AI created it. I kept on reading, rather sullenly, just to see what happened, but it couldn't grip me. There's no subtlety, no clever twists. Clues to the "truth" are clearly labelled so there's no suspense, no sophistication, none of the style that would put this author up there with the classic crime/thriller writers. (Giving the Horrible Harris a house where Margery Allingham lived is just insulting! Now, she could really write.)
June 18, 2025
I read this in one sitting. This is first book I've read of B P Walter and was utterly engrossed from the first few pages. The setting, characters and somewhat realistic storyline had me gripped. Weird and dark and unpredictable. Loved it! Would have given 4.5 stars.
May 21, 2024
Rating: 4.2/5
Over recent years, B.P. Walter has emerged as a writer who consistently produces work that I thoroughly enjoy reading. His books won't appeal to everyone and regularly contain content that may make certain readers feel ill at ease. I still find this quote taken from one of Barnaby Walter's earlier novels, "The Woman on the Pier" to be a very apt description of his approach: "It sounds cruel, but I've always rather liked doing that. Disconcerting people. Challenging their sense of the norm and throwing their presumptions back in their smug faces ... A writer has to be brave enough 'to go there', I've always thought. Tackle the problems you don't want to talk about. Make people feel uncomfortable. Because that's where the find out the most about themselves. And usually - not always, but usually - they don't like what they find out."
"The Garden Party" is another deliciously dark story. B.P. Walter consistently blindsides his audience - and that is an important part of the experience when you are reading one of his books. For that reason, I will deliberately avoid going into any detail about the plot. The characterisation is, once again, impressive and entirely credible. In true noir fashion, all of the key protagonists are flawed to varying degrees. In fact, in "The Garden Party" it is a challenge to find anything that is remotely endearing about any of the main players - but that doesn't prevent the story they are involved in from being totally riveting. The time frame does move around quite a bit, which I am aware is not to everyone's taste, but it is always clearly signposted and - as with all of this writer's books - it is meticulously planned and plotted to ensure that it all ties together. If I were to be picky, I found the epilogue to be a touch disappointing. It struck me as being a little rushed and didn't do true justice to the quality of the narrative that had preceded it. That said, the overriding memory of the reading experience is a very positive one and there is no question that I will be back for more from this author.
Many thanks to NetGalley and the publisher for supplying an ARC in return for an honest review.
Over recent years, B.P. Walter has emerged as a writer who consistently produces work that I thoroughly enjoy reading. His books won't appeal to everyone and regularly contain content that may make certain readers feel ill at ease. I still find this quote taken from one of Barnaby Walter's earlier novels, "The Woman on the Pier" to be a very apt description of his approach: "It sounds cruel, but I've always rather liked doing that. Disconcerting people. Challenging their sense of the norm and throwing their presumptions back in their smug faces ... A writer has to be brave enough 'to go there', I've always thought. Tackle the problems you don't want to talk about. Make people feel uncomfortable. Because that's where the find out the most about themselves. And usually - not always, but usually - they don't like what they find out."
"The Garden Party" is another deliciously dark story. B.P. Walter consistently blindsides his audience - and that is an important part of the experience when you are reading one of his books. For that reason, I will deliberately avoid going into any detail about the plot. The characterisation is, once again, impressive and entirely credible. In true noir fashion, all of the key protagonists are flawed to varying degrees. In fact, in "The Garden Party" it is a challenge to find anything that is remotely endearing about any of the main players - but that doesn't prevent the story they are involved in from being totally riveting. The time frame does move around quite a bit, which I am aware is not to everyone's taste, but it is always clearly signposted and - as with all of this writer's books - it is meticulously planned and plotted to ensure that it all ties together. If I were to be picky, I found the epilogue to be a touch disappointing. It struck me as being a little rushed and didn't do true justice to the quality of the narrative that had preceded it. That said, the overriding memory of the reading experience is a very positive one and there is no question that I will be back for more from this author.
Many thanks to NetGalley and the publisher for supplying an ARC in return for an honest review.
June 7, 2024
This feels like an airport novel to me — I was sufficiently entertained in the couple of hours that it took me to read it, but ultimately it’s not gonna stick with me. This isn’t really a murder mystery; more of a whydunnit than a whodunnit, and unfortunately the “whys” were just not that compelling. It’s certainly a dark book but in a pretty expected way — not many surprising twists here. This is all sounding like I hated the book but I didn’t! I appreciate some good mindless entertainment.
Thank you to NetGalley and the publisher for the ARC!
Thank you to NetGalley and the publisher for the ARC!
July 29, 2024
I just didn’t care for the characters , the plot felt very expected at points and somewhat boring . I honestly just felt like the shocks and twists didn’t have that much of an impact and I wasn’t a fan of some of the plot points . The ending fell flat for me and just didn’t hit its mark as it felt expected . I think overall it wasn’t something to remember and wasn’t for me
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
January 14, 2025
Well, this was a fantastic read!
One family. Three secrets.
The toxicity, lies & general audacity of the Moncrieff family had me hooked from page 1. I couldn’t stop reading this and just when I thought I had the characters and their stories solved, I’d be blindsided by another plot twist.
Multiple POV’s, timelines & short chapters (3 of my favourite things), I was geared up to give this a full 5 stars but there were quite a few typo’s and the ending just didn’t give me as much clout as the rest of the book did. It just felt rushed and I feel we deserve better.
Still a great read and one not to be missed!
One family. Three secrets.
The toxicity, lies & general audacity of the Moncrieff family had me hooked from page 1. I couldn’t stop reading this and just when I thought I had the characters and their stories solved, I’d be blindsided by another plot twist.
Multiple POV’s, timelines & short chapters (3 of my favourite things), I was geared up to give this a full 5 stars but there were quite a few typo’s and the ending just didn’t give me as much clout as the rest of the book did. It just felt rushed and I feel we deserve better.
Still a great read and one not to be missed!
July 14, 2025
Really enjoyed it up to the last couple of chapters. Disappointing ending.
July 27, 2024
THE GARDEN PARTY, B P WALTER
Ugh… I’m conflicted about this one. I read The Garden Party quickly as a ‘palette cleanser’ and while I found myself caught up in the story, I discovered so many faults with the writing - not just typos (there are many) - but changes of tense mid paragraph at least twice and lazily repeated adjectives occurring in quick succession. (Sorry to be picky about these things but the details really affect my enjoyment of the overall experience when I’m reading).
I always enjoy a dark, psychological and complex plot, but the characters here are not likeable, not even our ‘hero’, Harris, despite his tragic backstory. Each one is on a selfish journey of manipulation fuelled by personal but somehow shallow motivations. There is a long build-up towards the actual main event - the garden party, where family secrets are set to be revealed by Harris in what we are led to believe will be the mother of all show-downs. It isn’t really very spectacular at all. The consequential fall-out from the dropped bombs fizzles out in the final fifteen page or so.
Yet I would still describe this as a ‘page turner’ because I did want to know what happens! I didn’t put it down - I was carried along by the anticipation of what was coming for these not very pleasant people. I overlooked the poor execution of the narrative and rattled through the bulk of the book in no time.
*MINI SPOILER ALERT* Disappointed with the actual garden party itself and the total non-reaction of all the guests to the outing of the hosts as disgusting sex offenders. Even Raphael’s doting fiancée seems to sit back and allow Harris to publicly shame him. Not a realistic scene. The ending didn’t do anything for me with far too many really quite important aspects ignored, such as Harris’s ability to have no emotional reaction at all to being responsible for Rhys’s death, and still no backlash from Raphael’s friends or the wider circle of his family.
I liked a lot of this story and disliked a lot of it too.
Ugh… I’m conflicted about this one. I read The Garden Party quickly as a ‘palette cleanser’ and while I found myself caught up in the story, I discovered so many faults with the writing - not just typos (there are many) - but changes of tense mid paragraph at least twice and lazily repeated adjectives occurring in quick succession. (Sorry to be picky about these things but the details really affect my enjoyment of the overall experience when I’m reading).
I always enjoy a dark, psychological and complex plot, but the characters here are not likeable, not even our ‘hero’, Harris, despite his tragic backstory. Each one is on a selfish journey of manipulation fuelled by personal but somehow shallow motivations. There is a long build-up towards the actual main event - the garden party, where family secrets are set to be revealed by Harris in what we are led to believe will be the mother of all show-downs. It isn’t really very spectacular at all. The consequential fall-out from the dropped bombs fizzles out in the final fifteen page or so.
Yet I would still describe this as a ‘page turner’ because I did want to know what happens! I didn’t put it down - I was carried along by the anticipation of what was coming for these not very pleasant people. I overlooked the poor execution of the narrative and rattled through the bulk of the book in no time.
*MINI SPOILER ALERT* Disappointed with the actual garden party itself and the total non-reaction of all the guests to the outing of the hosts as disgusting sex offenders. Even Raphael’s doting fiancée seems to sit back and allow Harris to publicly shame him. Not a realistic scene. The ending didn’t do anything for me with far too many really quite important aspects ignored, such as Harris’s ability to have no emotional reaction at all to being responsible for Rhys’s death, and still no backlash from Raphael’s friends or the wider circle of his family.
I liked a lot of this story and disliked a lot of it too.
May 26, 2024
Note: I received an advanced copy of this book from HarperCollins UK, One More Chapter via NetGalley.
Set against the backdrop of what should have been a joyous celebration, the story revolves around the engagement garden party of Raphael and his fiancée, a day meant to be filled with love and joy, but instead becomes a battleground for long-hidden truths to surface. As the first glass is raised in celebration, the façade of the perfect family begins to crumble, revealing the lies that have held them together for years.
The novel is undeniably dark, but it follows a predictable path without many surprising twists. While a dark narrative can be compelling, this book could have benefited from a glimmer of light or hope somewhere to balance the heavy themes.
The main character's unlikability poses a significant challenge, at least for me. For those who need a protagonist to root for or at least find redeemable, I felt the characters in this story fall short. Rhys is a decent character with potential, but he is underdeveloped and ultimately forgettable. His unexplored backstory, including his involvement in prostitution, feels like a missed opportunity to add depth and complexity to his character.
Overall, the execution leaves much to be desired. The lack of surprising twists and the over-the-top elements detract from what could have been a more engaging and believable story.
Set against the backdrop of what should have been a joyous celebration, the story revolves around the engagement garden party of Raphael and his fiancée, a day meant to be filled with love and joy, but instead becomes a battleground for long-hidden truths to surface. As the first glass is raised in celebration, the façade of the perfect family begins to crumble, revealing the lies that have held them together for years.
The novel is undeniably dark, but it follows a predictable path without many surprising twists. While a dark narrative can be compelling, this book could have benefited from a glimmer of light or hope somewhere to balance the heavy themes.
The main character's unlikability poses a significant challenge, at least for me. For those who need a protagonist to root for or at least find redeemable, I felt the characters in this story fall short. Rhys is a decent character with potential, but he is underdeveloped and ultimately forgettable. His unexplored backstory, including his involvement in prostitution, feels like a missed opportunity to add depth and complexity to his character.
Overall, the execution leaves much to be desired. The lack of surprising twists and the over-the-top elements detract from what could have been a more engaging and believable story.
July 26, 2024
This one really didn’t work for me sadly. The characters felt really underdeveloped and I didn’t really find them interesting to follow. There were no twists in the plot as it was made pretty clear what had happened from the start. Parts of the story, particularly the relationship between Harris and Raphael, was just weird and uncomfortable to read. The ending itself felt very underwhelming and anti-climactic after all the build up and Harris’ big speech just felt like a rushed recap of everything we already knew. Overall really disappointed with this one and after only really enjoying the dinner party from this author and giving his next 3 books two stars I don’t think I’m going to be reading from them again sadly.
January 19, 2025
The day of the party is meant to be a joyous occasion for Raphael and Lauren, on their engagement. However, someone is intent on ruining it and exposing the families secrets.
This book started well going between the past and the present. It was all what lead up to the reveal on the day. It started to fall flat in the middle and the ending was very disappointing. It left the story wide open rather than being finished.
This book started well going between the past and the present. It was all what lead up to the reveal on the day. It started to fall flat in the middle and the ending was very disappointing. It left the story wide open rather than being finished.
October 17, 2024
Started off good but took a weird turn.
May 24, 2024
4.5🌟
This was simply fabulous, I was still reading at one a.m when I really should have been asleep but I could....not....put....it....down!! 💚
All of the characters are rich, well rounded and well written and boy do they all have their issues!!
So many secrets and lies, spanning over many years, that all come home to roost at a garden party never to be forgotten!!
The story is told from different PoV's at different points in time although Harris is our main protagonist. Harris has experienced tragedy at a young age which leads him into what should be a dream life but that's not how things turn out....at all!
Over the years the things he experiences and discovers leads him to the very damaged man he becomes. Did I love his master plan? Yes I absolutely did, well most of it! Did I love who he had become? No, not at all. Was he an amazing character nonetheless? Yes absolutely!!
The writing of this is excellent, keeps you completely engrossed and engaged throughout 💚
The ONLY reason this is 4.5🌟 for me is that I really wanted just a bit more. I can't say why without being a spoiler queen but at the end I just wanted some extra things to happen and read the outcome of those. That doesn't mean the ending is in any way bad, it isn't at all, it's a great ending as it is! This is just a personal (and slightly greedy!) opinion 💚
This was simply fabulous, I was still reading at one a.m when I really should have been asleep but I could....not....put....it....down!! 💚
All of the characters are rich, well rounded and well written and boy do they all have their issues!!
So many secrets and lies, spanning over many years, that all come home to roost at a garden party never to be forgotten!!
The story is told from different PoV's at different points in time although Harris is our main protagonist. Harris has experienced tragedy at a young age which leads him into what should be a dream life but that's not how things turn out....at all!
Over the years the things he experiences and discovers leads him to the very damaged man he becomes. Did I love his master plan? Yes I absolutely did, well most of it! Did I love who he had become? No, not at all. Was he an amazing character nonetheless? Yes absolutely!!
The writing of this is excellent, keeps you completely engrossed and engaged throughout 💚
The ONLY reason this is 4.5🌟 for me is that I really wanted just a bit more. I can't say why without being a spoiler queen but at the end I just wanted some extra things to happen and read the outcome of those. That doesn't mean the ending is in any way bad, it isn't at all, it's a great ending as it is! This is just a personal (and slightly greedy!) opinion 💚
October 2, 2024
Loved this book, so many twists xxx
October 26, 2024
Not as dark as I'd been led to believe. More crepuscular. But then I'm used to opera, where revenge is never left to karma.
October 4, 2026
I wasn't sure about this book at first; it's not my usual type, but the twists and turns drew me in and it was an enjoyable read
August 15, 2024
Loved this EXCEPT the ending was super disappointing :(
October 26, 2024
Wasn't sure where it was going...
...until it didn't. Left feeling very unsatisfied. Hoped that there would be a climax or a real shocker but I felt disappointed.
...until it didn't. Left feeling very unsatisfied. Hoped that there would be a climax or a real shocker but I felt disappointed.
June 28, 2024
The Garden party by BP Walter this is a wow, OMG, what the F did I just read type of book! In this book we meet Harris his parents die and he goes to live with Patrick Montclief and his family. Patrick is a well-known movie star although he is kind to Harris he doesn’t let him being there interfere with his lifestyle as far as Isabell and Rafael go they don’t exactly welcome him with open arms. Throughout the book we learned that Harris and his “roommate” Rhys have a plan and although their plans are different for the most part they are the same plan. Throughout the book we learn why they have such a grudge on this nice family who took Harris in. Not to mention the families about to celebrate the marriage of their only son Rafael to The sweet and beautiful Lauren. In Harris‘s mind that will be the perfect time to get all his grievances out and boy does he have some grievances. This book is full of I can’t believe they did that type moment with the mic drop at the garden party and there’s no one really to root for I kind of felt bad for Harris at the beginning and found Rhys The most sympathetic character despite his initial roommate situation. I mean wow he had some weird college roommates. Having said that this is a great book and well I totally recommend BP Walter who is always an author I can depend on to put out a great book with complex characters 1 million different moving parts that all wind up making one wicked picture. I really believe she is an author who goes for quality over quantity and it definitely shows in her books.#HarperCollinsOneMoreChapter, #NetGalley, #VPWalter, #TheGardenParty,
July 25, 2026
The Garden Party follows the wealthy Moncrieff family as they come together for what should be a glamorous summer celebration celebrating an engagement. However, beneath the picture perfect setting, years of lies, grudges and buried secrets are waiting to explode. With multiple points of view and plenty of suspicious behaviour, the story gradually reveals how every member of the family is connected to the chaos unfolding around them and the ‘crimes’ that have led to their ultimate demise.
What a wild ride! This family is absolutely bonkers and SO dysfunctional! Every chapter seemed to reveal another shocking secret or horrible betrayal, and I couldn't get enough. The relationships are so toxic and twisted that I found myself constantly changing my mind about who was the worst. The tension builds brilliantly throughout, and there were plenty of twists that kept me completely hooked.
The ending let it down slightly. It went a little too far into the unbelievable and felt overly ridiculous and a little bit weird compared to the rest of the story. I would have preferred something a bit more grounded after such a cleverly built plot.
Overall, though, this is a brilliantly addictive thriller with unforgettable characters, endless family drama, and enough twists to keep you turning the pages long into the night. If you love stories about messy, dysfunctional families hiding dark secrets, this is definitely worth picking up.
What a wild ride! This family is absolutely bonkers and SO dysfunctional! Every chapter seemed to reveal another shocking secret or horrible betrayal, and I couldn't get enough. The relationships are so toxic and twisted that I found myself constantly changing my mind about who was the worst. The tension builds brilliantly throughout, and there were plenty of twists that kept me completely hooked.
The ending let it down slightly. It went a little too far into the unbelievable and felt overly ridiculous and a little bit weird compared to the rest of the story. I would have preferred something a bit more grounded after such a cleverly built plot.
Overall, though, this is a brilliantly addictive thriller with unforgettable characters, endless family drama, and enough twists to keep you turning the pages long into the night. If you love stories about messy, dysfunctional families hiding dark secrets, this is definitely worth picking up.
June 2, 2024
I have to say I really loved the book; it is up there with this author’s best, and I read it in one sitting as it moved along at a very quick pace.
Told from many POV’s the Garden Party focuses mainly on Harris, a young teenager whose life is turned upside down when his parents are killed in a car accident. He is taken in by the Montcrieff family, parents Patrick and Isabelle and their son Rafaele. On his arrival at their home, it is only Patrick that seems to care anything at all for him, welcoming him into their home, his wife Isabelle and son Rafaele do not seem at all happy that this situation has come to be.
The book centers around a garden party being held for Rafaelle Montcrieff and his fiancée Lucy (who would have to be the most irritating character), she has fallen pregnant and instead of a prominent wedding they are having this party before the pregnancy is evident as they do not want people to know anything about this. This alone should tell you something about this family.
Be warned you will not like any of these characters but in their defense, this is what carries the story. Their outright disregard for other people’s feelings and cold lack of compassion is immense. But maybe that is because they are all carrying secrets, and big ones. The plot is strong, and you will be taken in by the occurring events. They say that revenge is a dish served cold, but things will definitely heat up as the story progresses and Harris continues through with his own plan to make others suffer for the way he feels he has been wronged.
Thank you to Netgalley, the author and publisher for an advanced copy, all opinions expressed are my own.
Told from many POV’s the Garden Party focuses mainly on Harris, a young teenager whose life is turned upside down when his parents are killed in a car accident. He is taken in by the Montcrieff family, parents Patrick and Isabelle and their son Rafaele. On his arrival at their home, it is only Patrick that seems to care anything at all for him, welcoming him into their home, his wife Isabelle and son Rafaele do not seem at all happy that this situation has come to be.
The book centers around a garden party being held for Rafaelle Montcrieff and his fiancée Lucy (who would have to be the most irritating character), she has fallen pregnant and instead of a prominent wedding they are having this party before the pregnancy is evident as they do not want people to know anything about this. This alone should tell you something about this family.
Be warned you will not like any of these characters but in their defense, this is what carries the story. Their outright disregard for other people’s feelings and cold lack of compassion is immense. But maybe that is because they are all carrying secrets, and big ones. The plot is strong, and you will be taken in by the occurring events. They say that revenge is a dish served cold, but things will definitely heat up as the story progresses and Harris continues through with his own plan to make others suffer for the way he feels he has been wronged.
Thank you to Netgalley, the author and publisher for an advanced copy, all opinions expressed are my own.
November 23, 2024
When I read suspense thrillers like this I’m reminded of why I prefer them to the often insipid & implausible cozy mystery genre. The “mystery” in stories like “Garden Party” is less focused on “who” the criminal is and more focused on unraveling the tale of “why” the person is a criminal with ill intent.
Harris definitely gives classic antihero energy and the pacing, tension & methodical planning of his vengeful tale & rsponses (thankfully told in omniscient 3rd person — a hackneyed 1st person narrator would’ve cheapened the storytelling in my opinion).
Although I anticipated the tragic outcomes from the big reveal at the actual garden party, I did not anticipate the author pushing the story a little farther to incorporate more mutual manipulations leading to the devious epilogue. Although other books have ended with similar implied “arrangements” between characters, I didn’t expect it in this story.
Well played. Mr. B.P. Walter, well played.
Harris definitely gives classic antihero energy and the pacing, tension & methodical planning of his vengeful tale & rsponses (thankfully told in omniscient 3rd person — a hackneyed 1st person narrator would’ve cheapened the storytelling in my opinion).
Although I anticipated the tragic outcomes from the big reveal at the actual garden party, I did not anticipate the author pushing the story a little farther to incorporate more mutual manipulations leading to the devious epilogue. Although other books have ended with similar implied “arrangements” between characters, I didn’t expect it in this story.
Well played. Mr. B.P. Walter, well played.
June 26, 2024
I adore Walter's books so was delighted to get this one! It involves a family and all their machinations to get--and keep--what they want and believe is rightfully theirs. Raphael and Lauren plan to be married and the book opens on the day of their engagement party where things go very wrong; however, we don't know WHAT went wrong until the bitter end! It's a great story of secrets, lies, blackmail, and all the creepy things one can keep their families from discovering. Powered through this one as I couldn't read fast enough!
Thanks to NetGalley for this ARC!
July 9, 2024
5⭐️
Another gripping, thrilling novel from B.P. Walter.
Disaster strikes during Raphael and Lauren’s engagement party when the father of the groom dies unexpectedly. Another superb dissection of a family also looking at sexuality and challenging the readers morals as they’re able to decide who is in the right, and if the revenge is fitting.
There was an incidence in chapter 20, when Isabella was incorrectly called Eleanor; which was hugely disappointing as the book was perfect other than that.
Another gripping, thrilling novel from B.P. Walter.
Disaster strikes during Raphael and Lauren’s engagement party when the father of the groom dies unexpectedly. Another superb dissection of a family also looking at sexuality and challenging the readers morals as they’re able to decide who is in the right, and if the revenge is fitting.
There was an incidence in chapter 20, when Isabella was incorrectly called Eleanor; which was hugely disappointing as the book was perfect other than that.
September 12, 2026
2.5 ⭐️ rounded up
Books with dark family secrets often contain ridiculous revelations and plot-twists. This book however offered believable explanations of the characters' actions. The whole family's calculative and manipulative nature seemed to have rubbed off on their adopted son. I felt bad for Harris, until I didn't.
This could have been a 3 or 4 star read, but lazy editing bothers me. There was wrong punctuation for direct speech more than once (p. 64, 109) and wrong grammar: "...whatever row Patrick and Harris *has* had..." (p. 88)
Even worse there were obvious mistakes:
"...Harris, setting down his shake..." (p. 9) when it was Rhys who was "taking down the protein shake powder" before, or Rhys' car keys magically appearing in his left pocket (p. 283) when Harris left them on a side table at the beginning of the book (p. 30).
Also one of the main character's name changed twice when she was suddenly referred to as "Isabella" (p. 9) or "Eleanor" (p. 145) instead of Isabelle.
Books with dark family secrets often contain ridiculous revelations and plot-twists. This book however offered believable explanations of the characters' actions. The whole family's calculative and manipulative nature seemed to have rubbed off on their adopted son. I felt bad for Harris, until I didn't.
This could have been a 3 or 4 star read, but lazy editing bothers me. There was wrong punctuation for direct speech more than once (p. 64, 109) and wrong grammar: "...whatever row Patrick and Harris *has* had..." (p. 88)
Even worse there were obvious mistakes:
"...Harris, setting down his shake..." (p. 9) when it was Rhys who was "taking down the protein shake powder" before, or Rhys' car keys magically appearing in his left pocket (p. 283) when Harris left them on a side table at the beginning of the book (p. 30).
Also one of the main character's name changed twice when she was suddenly referred to as "Isabella" (p. 9) or "Eleanor" (p. 145) instead of Isabelle.
June 24, 2026
This would have had a 3.5 star rating but the glaring spelling errors and one character being called two different names knocked it back to 3.
Very easy to read and I enjoyed the way the author laid out the background which led to the day of the party. Dark and sinister with deeply awful characters, yet ultimately an enjoyable read.
Very easy to read and I enjoyed the way the author laid out the background which led to the day of the party. Dark and sinister with deeply awful characters, yet ultimately an enjoyable read.
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