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The Garden Party
It’s so kind of our neighbours to throw this party welcoming us to our new home. My husband and I finally moved to the right place. A happy, safe street where nobody knows about my mistakes. But I soon learn their smiling faces hide even deadlier secrets…
As I take in the little plates of sandwiches arranged over checked tablecloths, the lavish cocktails, and children playing, I finally feel happy in my new home with Owen. I love hearing the gossip from the local families; the whispers about which wives I should avoid, and which husbands sneak out at night.
But then I notice that the mother at number 3, Phillipa, is completely ignoring her sweet little girl. All blue-eyed Lexi wants is for her mother to play with her. And as Lexi pulls on Phillipa’s skirt, I’m certain I hear the woman threaten to smack her.
Isn’t anyone going to say something? Even as I’m filled with rage, terrible memories flood back: of standing in a cold, thin hospital gown, hearing I may never have my own biological child.
And then a shout pierces my memory. Lexi has run away from her mother and nearly fallen into the large, deep pond in the middle of the green. Everyone rushes over to comfort her, while Philippa stays at the party to top up her drink.
I promised Owen I’d put my past behind me so that we could start a new life. But some people don’t deserve to become mothers. I plaster a smile onto my face. I need to befriend Philippa. And do whatever it takes to keep Lexi safe…
A twisty and utterly unputdownable thriller about the secrets hidden behind closed doors. Fans of Lisa Jewell, Freida McFadden and K.L. Slater will be up all night desperate to keep reading.
As I take in the little plates of sandwiches arranged over checked tablecloths, the lavish cocktails, and children playing, I finally feel happy in my new home with Owen. I love hearing the gossip from the local families; the whispers about which wives I should avoid, and which husbands sneak out at night.
But then I notice that the mother at number 3, Phillipa, is completely ignoring her sweet little girl. All blue-eyed Lexi wants is for her mother to play with her. And as Lexi pulls on Phillipa’s skirt, I’m certain I hear the woman threaten to smack her.
Isn’t anyone going to say something? Even as I’m filled with rage, terrible memories flood back: of standing in a cold, thin hospital gown, hearing I may never have my own biological child.
And then a shout pierces my memory. Lexi has run away from her mother and nearly fallen into the large, deep pond in the middle of the green. Everyone rushes over to comfort her, while Philippa stays at the party to top up her drink.
I promised Owen I’d put my past behind me so that we could start a new life. But some people don’t deserve to become mothers. I plaster a smile onto my face. I need to befriend Philippa. And do whatever it takes to keep Lexi safe…
A twisty and utterly unputdownable thriller about the secrets hidden behind closed doors. Fans of Lisa Jewell, Freida McFadden and K.L. Slater will be up all night desperate to keep reading.
310 pages, Kindle Edition
Published March 14, 2024
485 people are currently reading
419 people want to read
About the author
Wendy Clarke
26 books230 followersWendy Clarke has had over three hundred short stories published in national women’s magazines. With a degree in psychology, and intrigued with how the human mind can affect behaviour, it was inevitable she would eventually want to explore her darker side. What She Saw is her debut psychological thriller, published by Bookouture. Wendy lives with her husband, cat and step-dog in Sussex and when not writing is usually dancing, singing or watching any programme that involves food!
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 114 reviews
March 1, 2024
The Garden Party was a gripping, addictive, and captivating page turner which kept me on my toes, turning the pages and wanting to know what was going to happen next! I found it to be well written, well thought out, dramatic, and hard to put down!
Moving can be stressful, but when your new neighbors throw a garden party to welcome you to the neighborhood, it makes it all worth it, right? Wrong! Owen and Rachel have not moved into Mr. Rogers’ neighborhood! Nope, they have moved into a neighborhood full of secrets, deception, and a heartbreaking history. But like their new neighbors, Rachel and Owen have their own issues and secrets as well.
I was instantly drawn into the story of this couple and their move into this tight community. There are many characters, and each has their own distinct personality and issues. This book moves at a nice pace and just when I thought I knew what was happening, a twist snuck up upon me, letting me know there was more to come.
There is a nice amount of tension in the book. I also liked that I never fully knew who could be trusted, who was reliable, and what certain characters’ motivations were. What I did know was that I was enjoying the plot, the writing, the drama, and the pacing of this book. I was fully invested in this book from the very first page and my attention never wavered.
There might be a garden party in this book but there is also so much more!!!!
Well written, tense, dramatic, and shocking!
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
Moving can be stressful, but when your new neighbors throw a garden party to welcome you to the neighborhood, it makes it all worth it, right? Wrong! Owen and Rachel have not moved into Mr. Rogers’ neighborhood! Nope, they have moved into a neighborhood full of secrets, deception, and a heartbreaking history. But like their new neighbors, Rachel and Owen have their own issues and secrets as well.
I was instantly drawn into the story of this couple and their move into this tight community. There are many characters, and each has their own distinct personality and issues. This book moves at a nice pace and just when I thought I knew what was happening, a twist snuck up upon me, letting me know there was more to come.
There is a nice amount of tension in the book. I also liked that I never fully knew who could be trusted, who was reliable, and what certain characters’ motivations were. What I did know was that I was enjoying the plot, the writing, the drama, and the pacing of this book. I was fully invested in this book from the very first page and my attention never wavered.
There might be a garden party in this book but there is also so much more!!!!
Well written, tense, dramatic, and shocking!
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
February 10, 2024
The premise of a neighborhood full of secrets led me to requesting this book.
From the beginning, there was an ominous feel as opposed to the gossipy cul-de-sac story I was thinking it would be. Which was welcome as I love thrillers too!
A neighborhood history to be uncovered intrigued me enough to finish this before I was ready.
This felt like a shorter book even though it’s of average length at 341 pages. Not normally a fast reader, I kept returning to the story when I had to put it down and was done quickly. Not that I’m complaining as I’m not a fan of long and drawn out.
I really liked the writing and flow of the story. The two unreliable main characters had me wondering who’s view was correct as both of them were shrouded in mystery as well as some of their neighbors.
Were they likable? Not really. I didn’t feel much for either one and I’m not sure if it was a deliberate attempt by the author to keep us from taking sides or just me feeling distant.
All in all, I love a good mystery and this fits the bill.
Thank you to Bookouture and NetGalley for the opportunity to read an advance copy.
From the beginning, there was an ominous feel as opposed to the gossipy cul-de-sac story I was thinking it would be. Which was welcome as I love thrillers too!
A neighborhood history to be uncovered intrigued me enough to finish this before I was ready.
This felt like a shorter book even though it’s of average length at 341 pages. Not normally a fast reader, I kept returning to the story when I had to put it down and was done quickly. Not that I’m complaining as I’m not a fan of long and drawn out.
I really liked the writing and flow of the story. The two unreliable main characters had me wondering who’s view was correct as both of them were shrouded in mystery as well as some of their neighbors.
Were they likable? Not really. I didn’t feel much for either one and I’m not sure if it was a deliberate attempt by the author to keep us from taking sides or just me feeling distant.
All in all, I love a good mystery and this fits the bill.
Thank you to Bookouture and NetGalley for the opportunity to read an advance copy.
March 27, 2024
4.6 ⭐️
Make sure you are sitting down for chapter 45, and that all drinks and tray tables are secured in the upright position because you are about to go on a wild ride.
These people are CRAZY! I did NOT see that coming!!!
🏡 A reclusive husband in a book writing slump, an outgoing wife that craves a family, their relationship coupled with many secrets, trust and communication issues. They relocate to a new neighborhood where everyone knows your business and hides the past behind tightly sealed lips.
👀 How far would a man go for a good story? How far would a woman go to feel loved? How far would a neighborhood go to protect each other?
🤨 Ugh, I really did not like this couple. They are tangled with flaws and it’s really hard to tell who is crazy and who isn’t, or maybe they both are! Which made their relationship so interesting to watch. I mean, read… They had my sus meter bouncing all over the place.
🤐 The neighbors were covering up some major secrets of their own, leaving so much to unpack. They were dodgy, tight-lipped, potentially two-faced… I seriously couldn’t tell who to lean on, and I laughed out loud when I realized just how wrong all my theorizing was.
💫 I seriously thought I wasn’t going to like this book. It started off as a very slow read for me - I think in part due to some terminology that didn’t translate into my Southern U.S. speak-ease. But the mysteries kept me hooked, and I was invested to the end. So many mysterious things going on, I quite enjoyed the journey of seeing how they all intertwined, and the redeeming growth at the end.
Thanks to NetGalley, Bookouture, and Wendy Clarke for providing me with a complimentary ARC to review!
Make sure you are sitting down for chapter 45, and that all drinks and tray tables are secured in the upright position because you are about to go on a wild ride.
These people are CRAZY! I did NOT see that coming!!!
🏡 A reclusive husband in a book writing slump, an outgoing wife that craves a family, their relationship coupled with many secrets, trust and communication issues. They relocate to a new neighborhood where everyone knows your business and hides the past behind tightly sealed lips.
👀 How far would a man go for a good story? How far would a woman go to feel loved? How far would a neighborhood go to protect each other?
🤨 Ugh, I really did not like this couple. They are tangled with flaws and it’s really hard to tell who is crazy and who isn’t, or maybe they both are! Which made their relationship so interesting to watch. I mean, read… They had my sus meter bouncing all over the place.
🤐 The neighbors were covering up some major secrets of their own, leaving so much to unpack. They were dodgy, tight-lipped, potentially two-faced… I seriously couldn’t tell who to lean on, and I laughed out loud when I realized just how wrong all my theorizing was.
💫 I seriously thought I wasn’t going to like this book. It started off as a very slow read for me - I think in part due to some terminology that didn’t translate into my Southern U.S. speak-ease. But the mysteries kept me hooked, and I was invested to the end. So many mysterious things going on, I quite enjoyed the journey of seeing how they all intertwined, and the redeeming growth at the end.
Thanks to NetGalley, Bookouture, and Wendy Clarke for providing me with a complimentary ARC to review!
September 11, 2025
This is a book about a couple who move to a new neighbourhood. They think they can leave all their troubles behind. The neighbourhood throws them a party to welcome them.
Then Rachel notices a little girl next door. She becomes obsessed with her and thinks her mother is to blame for the little girls problems.
Rachel and Owen have their own problems to deal with but Rachel cant help herself. She has to get involved. Who can you really trust?
This is a book about secrets and manipulation. Its told by the new neighbours Rachel and Owens point of view. All the characters in this book are unlikeable. The ending was absolutely brilliant and I didnt see it coming. Unpredictable just the way I like it.
Then Rachel notices a little girl next door. She becomes obsessed with her and thinks her mother is to blame for the little girls problems.
Rachel and Owen have their own problems to deal with but Rachel cant help herself. She has to get involved. Who can you really trust?
This is a book about secrets and manipulation. Its told by the new neighbours Rachel and Owens point of view. All the characters in this book are unlikeable. The ending was absolutely brilliant and I didnt see it coming. Unpredictable just the way I like it.
July 4, 2024
This was a very odd book; the ending gave a few twists but the rest of the book was so boring😂 I only read it because I thought it would get better haha!
August 24, 2025
3.5 stars
February 20, 2024
3 stars
Rachel and Owen are a married couple intent on pulling a geographic (i.e., moving away from their troubles while forgetting that pesky detail that you can, in fact, NOT move away from yourself) by moving to a creepy little association of only five homes: Pond Close. Small neighborhood? Great. Required association meetings? Sounds like a hellscape to me.
Readers learn early in the novel that this couple has been struggling with fertility issues, and that is why the neighbors' kids and the ongoing lore about a small child who used to live there and drowned at some point make this place the actual worst for getting away from their specific traumas. But they persist, and Owen creepily works on his novel upstairs while Rachel cares for the neighbors' children, and they all learn or keep trying to hide weird secrets in the process.
This is not a bad book, but as thrillers go, it can be much more compelling. It's hard to latch on to the characters, who are noticeably unlikeable. On a minor but relevant note, the title is confounding. There is a garden party, but there are so many other options that would make for a more engaging (and relevant) hook than this. In some ways, the title does do the content justice: not wrong but not the most striking either.
I'd give this author another shot, but this one left me wanting more.
*Special thanks to NetGalley and Bookouture for this arc, which I received in exchange for an honest review. The opinions expressed here are my own.
Rachel and Owen are a married couple intent on pulling a geographic (i.e., moving away from their troubles while forgetting that pesky detail that you can, in fact, NOT move away from yourself) by moving to a creepy little association of only five homes: Pond Close. Small neighborhood? Great. Required association meetings? Sounds like a hellscape to me.
Readers learn early in the novel that this couple has been struggling with fertility issues, and that is why the neighbors' kids and the ongoing lore about a small child who used to live there and drowned at some point make this place the actual worst for getting away from their specific traumas. But they persist, and Owen creepily works on his novel upstairs while Rachel cares for the neighbors' children, and they all learn or keep trying to hide weird secrets in the process.
This is not a bad book, but as thrillers go, it can be much more compelling. It's hard to latch on to the characters, who are noticeably unlikeable. On a minor but relevant note, the title is confounding. There is a garden party, but there are so many other options that would make for a more engaging (and relevant) hook than this. In some ways, the title does do the content justice: not wrong but not the most striking either.
I'd give this author another shot, but this one left me wanting more.
*Special thanks to NetGalley and Bookouture for this arc, which I received in exchange for an honest review. The opinions expressed here are my own.
July 24, 2024
the math ain't mathin my friends
February 9, 2024
First of all, Wendy Clarke has very smooth-flowing writing, which I really appreciate. I'm always looking for that skill in a writer. I hate it when authors stall the story endlessly and dump the goodies only in the last chapters.
This thriller is simply INCREDIBLE! ♥ The more you dive into the characters minds and the events unfold, the more invested you become in knowing the truth. I was blindsided by the final twists, although like I said the story is interesting throughout. When I'd reached the end of the story, I could have read about these characters for another 10 chapters, just go about their lives.
It's a wonderful thriller that excites you but also has a dark feeling due to its depiction of heartbreak and rejection.
This thriller is simply INCREDIBLE! ♥ The more you dive into the characters minds and the events unfold, the more invested you become in knowing the truth. I was blindsided by the final twists, although like I said the story is interesting throughout. When I'd reached the end of the story, I could have read about these characters for another 10 chapters, just go about their lives.
It's a wonderful thriller that excites you but also has a dark feeling due to its depiction of heartbreak and rejection.
March 31, 2024
Thank you Bookouture and Netgalley for this Arc.
Years ago, a tragedy struck the tree-lined street. The community was devastated: they held each other close, and tried to support the poor mother who lost her young daughter, Maddie. But she soon moved away, and the house has sat untouched ever since.
Who was supposed to be looking after Maddie that day? Did someone take their eyes off this innocent little child? Just as fast as everyone speaks up, they start to become tight-lipped. Is the house the key to uncovering what someone did all those years ago? Is there a reason no one has stayed very long at number two?
But when Rachel sees a picture of Maddie’s sparkling eyes and wide smile in a newspaper clipping, a memory floods back. And she knows she cannot leave. She’s the only person who will do whatever it takes to find out the truth, even if it puts her life in terrible danger…
Wow! This book was amazing! my jaw kept dropping because every time I thought I understood this book, it changed. I had no idea who to root for because everyone seemed to have a motive. This was the first book by Wendy but I can't wait to read more. I think she's become a new repeat author.
Years ago, a tragedy struck the tree-lined street. The community was devastated: they held each other close, and tried to support the poor mother who lost her young daughter, Maddie. But she soon moved away, and the house has sat untouched ever since.
Who was supposed to be looking after Maddie that day? Did someone take their eyes off this innocent little child? Just as fast as everyone speaks up, they start to become tight-lipped. Is the house the key to uncovering what someone did all those years ago? Is there a reason no one has stayed very long at number two?
But when Rachel sees a picture of Maddie’s sparkling eyes and wide smile in a newspaper clipping, a memory floods back. And she knows she cannot leave. She’s the only person who will do whatever it takes to find out the truth, even if it puts her life in terrible danger…
Wow! This book was amazing! my jaw kept dropping because every time I thought I understood this book, it changed. I had no idea who to root for because everyone seemed to have a motive. This was the first book by Wendy but I can't wait to read more. I think she's become a new repeat author.
April 20, 2024
The Garden Party is a slow burn, quick read with just enough suspense to finish.
Owen and Rachel move to Pond Close after finances run dry.
When writer Owen’s latest book doesn’t sell, they are forced to downsize.
Rachel is happy to meet all the neighbours but Owen isn’t.
A Garden Party is arranged for them by their fellow neighbours but some are hiding secrets.
Rachel and Owen also have a shady past hoping to leave that behind then but the past always catches up with you.
A relatively casual read on some levels.
I’m a little confused as to why it’s called The Garden Party, there is one early on in the story but that’s it, it should have been titled something else.
It didn’t really evoke many feelings either way, just plodded along and finished.
I will read more from Wendy but this one is not a favourite.
Owen and Rachel move to Pond Close after finances run dry.
When writer Owen’s latest book doesn’t sell, they are forced to downsize.
Rachel is happy to meet all the neighbours but Owen isn’t.
A Garden Party is arranged for them by their fellow neighbours but some are hiding secrets.
Rachel and Owen also have a shady past hoping to leave that behind then but the past always catches up with you.
A relatively casual read on some levels.
I’m a little confused as to why it’s called The Garden Party, there is one early on in the story but that’s it, it should have been titled something else.
It didn’t really evoke many feelings either way, just plodded along and finished.
I will read more from Wendy but this one is not a favourite.
February 8, 2024
3.5 stars!
Read if you like: domestic thrillers, shady neighbors, multiple POVs, people keeping secrets, dark pasts, unsolved crimes, affairs, mysteries.
TW: child death, infertility
This domestic thriller was well written and was paced nicely. It's not super fast but it keeps up a nice foreboding sense throughout. This book is told from the POVs of a husband (Owen) and wife (Rachel) who have just moved to a new neighborhood (Pond Close) with a shady past and neighbors who won't talk about it. Rachel and Owen's relationship is rocky and we get to know in bits and pieces exactly what happened to make them move to Pond Close.
My favorite part of this author's writing was her use of skipping a bit ahead in time between chapters and alluding to important events that transpired between the last chapter and this one. Quite a bit happens in this book and I liked this both because it kept things mysterious and it didn't make the story much much longer writing about every single thing as it occurred.
For me, most of the characters were unlikeable, but not to the extent that it affected my enjoyment of the book. I went back and forth on Rachel, finding her annoying sometimes and relatable others. This book had a lot of misdirections and twists. Some twists were more obvious earlier in the book and some I absolutely did not see coming and I felt worked well.
The Garden Party was a 4 for me up until the end where I felt it was a little too scooby doo, explaining how everything fit together and I would have liked this to be a bit more organic instead of the reveal of a master plan type speech, so I knocked off half a star. I will definitely be checking out other books from this author.
Read if you like: domestic thrillers, shady neighbors, multiple POVs, people keeping secrets, dark pasts, unsolved crimes, affairs, mysteries.
TW: child death, infertility
This domestic thriller was well written and was paced nicely. It's not super fast but it keeps up a nice foreboding sense throughout. This book is told from the POVs of a husband (Owen) and wife (Rachel) who have just moved to a new neighborhood (Pond Close) with a shady past and neighbors who won't talk about it. Rachel and Owen's relationship is rocky and we get to know in bits and pieces exactly what happened to make them move to Pond Close.
My favorite part of this author's writing was her use of skipping a bit ahead in time between chapters and alluding to important events that transpired between the last chapter and this one. Quite a bit happens in this book and I liked this both because it kept things mysterious and it didn't make the story much much longer writing about every single thing as it occurred.
For me, most of the characters were unlikeable, but not to the extent that it affected my enjoyment of the book. I went back and forth on Rachel, finding her annoying sometimes and relatable others. This book had a lot of misdirections and twists. Some twists were more obvious earlier in the book and some I absolutely did not see coming and I felt worked well.
The Garden Party was a 4 for me up until the end where I felt it was a little too scooby doo, explaining how everything fit together and I would have liked this to be a bit more organic instead of the reveal of a master plan type speech, so I knocked off half a star. I will definitely be checking out other books from this author.
March 11, 2024
Rachel and Owen move to a tiny neighborhood close to where Owen grew up in hopes of a new start after some troubles in their old life lead them to desire a fresh start. Owen is a bestselling author whose last few books haven’t quite cracked the list so he’s hoping that a change of scenery will inspire him with that as well. Rachel in turn, is hoping to put her past fertility struggles behind her, but the ongoing lore about a child who lived in their new home and drowned in the pond behind it is making that difficult for her. When the neighbors throw them a welcoming garden party, Rachel discovers that they all have secrets, and go out of their way to try to keep them covered but also to blow the cover on each other. In particular, Phillippa seems to have some kind of a connection to the dead girl, and Rachel struggles to figure out what it is as well as with how she seems to not care for the young child she has when Rachel wanted a child so bad and couldn’t have one.
The story is told from both Rachel and Owen’s POV and was a slow burn. It was a super quick read for me with enough suspense to keep me engaged and the ending was unexpected.
Thank you to Bookouture and NetGalley for this eArc in exchange for my review.
The story is told from both Rachel and Owen’s POV and was a slow burn. It was a super quick read for me with enough suspense to keep me engaged and the ending was unexpected.
Thank you to Bookouture and NetGalley for this eArc in exchange for my review.
February 15, 2024
The Garden Party" by Wendy Clarke is an enthralling thriller that captivates from the very first page. Set in a picturesque neighborhood where the facade of happiness hides dark secrets, Clarke weaves a tale of suspense and intrigue that keeps readers on the edge of their seats.
The story follows a couple, newly settled into their idyllic new home, surrounded by seemingly friendly neighbors. But as the protagonist delves deeper into the lives of those around her, she uncovers layers of deception and danger lurking beneath the surface. From neglected children to whispered gossip, the tension builds with each turn of the page.
What sets "The Garden Party" apart is Clarke's skillful characterization and atmospheric storytelling. The protagonist's struggle to reconcile her past with her desire for a fresh start is both relatable and compelling, adding depth to the narrative. As the secrets unravel and tensions rise, readers are kept guessing until the very end.
The story follows a couple, newly settled into their idyllic new home, surrounded by seemingly friendly neighbors. But as the protagonist delves deeper into the lives of those around her, she uncovers layers of deception and danger lurking beneath the surface. From neglected children to whispered gossip, the tension builds with each turn of the page.
What sets "The Garden Party" apart is Clarke's skillful characterization and atmospheric storytelling. The protagonist's struggle to reconcile her past with her desire for a fresh start is both relatable and compelling, adding depth to the narrative. As the secrets unravel and tensions rise, readers are kept guessing until the very end.
March 17, 2024
There is level upon level of intrigue in this book and Wendy Clarke really drip feeds the reader with information. I found that really tantalising and read late into the night sure that I wouldn't sleep until I got to the bottom of what was really going on in this seemingly perfect cul de sac. I have to say I was stunned when everything came out into the open. In a million years I would never have suspected the truth.. I'll be looking out for this author in the future.
February 5, 2024
Thank you to NetGalley and Bookouture for providing this book, with my honest review below.
The Garden Party was a complex thriller full of misleading elements that reached a very shocking climax for this reader. We are introduced at the start of the book to Rachel and Owen, a couple moving to a new home after hitting a rough patch (the details of which are revealed as we get deeper into the story). With neighbors that vary from mysterious to vapid, it feels like Rachel in particular is going to have her work cut out for her getting into the swing of things in Pond’s Close. She quickly finds out about the death of a young child who lived in her home which occurred decades previous, and while this plays on some of her past heartbreak she also battles bad parenting on the part of her neighbor, Phillipa, who seems to have a connection to the dead girl.
This story went into several directions I didn’t anticipate with ambiguity around some conflicts that had occurred in the past. I was very shocked at how it all came together at the end. I did wish some of the backstory of Rachel and Jade was more fully explored (tug at my heartstrings please!) and that in general some of the curveballs introduced had been done in a smoother way. There were several things going on, and by not going into adequate depth on many it would have been better to scale back.
A solid thriller with a very twists upon twists ending, this would have been a real knockout with some more focus.
The Garden Party was a complex thriller full of misleading elements that reached a very shocking climax for this reader. We are introduced at the start of the book to Rachel and Owen, a couple moving to a new home after hitting a rough patch (the details of which are revealed as we get deeper into the story). With neighbors that vary from mysterious to vapid, it feels like Rachel in particular is going to have her work cut out for her getting into the swing of things in Pond’s Close. She quickly finds out about the death of a young child who lived in her home which occurred decades previous, and while this plays on some of her past heartbreak she also battles bad parenting on the part of her neighbor, Phillipa, who seems to have a connection to the dead girl.
This story went into several directions I didn’t anticipate with ambiguity around some conflicts that had occurred in the past. I was very shocked at how it all came together at the end. I did wish some of the backstory of Rachel and Jade was more fully explored (tug at my heartstrings please!) and that in general some of the curveballs introduced had been done in a smoother way. There were several things going on, and by not going into adequate depth on many it would have been better to scale back.
A solid thriller with a very twists upon twists ending, this would have been a real knockout with some more focus.
March 19, 2024
Another great psychological thriller from Wendy Clarke!
Rachel and Owen move into a house in Pond Close, a close knit cul-de-sac of just five houses. With Owen’s latest novel not doing so well they are having to downsize but are trying to see the move as a fresh start. Initially everything seems perfect, a lovely house, a safe neighbourhood, and warm and welcoming neighbours. However, when Rachel sees and hears her next door neighbour, Phillipa, treat her young daughter, Lexi, badly something stirs inside her in the face of her own fertility struggles and she feels she has to keep the little girl safe. So, Rachel begins work for Phillipa as a home help/ nanny and she grows closer to Lexi. When Rachel finds out a little girl, Maddie, died 25 years earlier in the Close all the gossip revolves around Phillipa being involved and so Rachel feels she must try extra hard to protect Lexi from Phillipa whilst trying to find out what really happened to Maddie. However, everyone in Pond Close are hiding secrets…. some more deadly than others!
Well, what a twisted tale this was!!!! I have to admit I didn’t like either of the main characters, Owen was such a selfish man, and I couldn’t understand why Rachel kept allowing him to treat her in the way he did, also both characters kept so many things from each other which, in my opinion, is not the way to a healthy marriage! However, just because I didn’t like either of them didn’t mean I didn’t enjoy the story and also, I felt the writing was great from Wendy Clarke to provoke that level of feeling about Owen and Rachel in me. I kind of had an idea about the twist but hadn’t fully nailed it down (this is probably down to me being an avid reader of psychological thrillers, rather than being an obvious twist) so still had a level of surprise and I enjoyed the premise of it (sorry this is a little mysterious, but I don’t want to giveaway any spoilers).
All in all, another great story from the talented Wendy Clarke. Any fans of psychological thrillers will enjoy this, and I very much look forward to reading what she writes next.
Thank you to NetGalley, Wendy Clarke and Bookouture for my advanced reading copy. Out now.
Rachel and Owen move into a house in Pond Close, a close knit cul-de-sac of just five houses. With Owen’s latest novel not doing so well they are having to downsize but are trying to see the move as a fresh start. Initially everything seems perfect, a lovely house, a safe neighbourhood, and warm and welcoming neighbours. However, when Rachel sees and hears her next door neighbour, Phillipa, treat her young daughter, Lexi, badly something stirs inside her in the face of her own fertility struggles and she feels she has to keep the little girl safe. So, Rachel begins work for Phillipa as a home help/ nanny and she grows closer to Lexi. When Rachel finds out a little girl, Maddie, died 25 years earlier in the Close all the gossip revolves around Phillipa being involved and so Rachel feels she must try extra hard to protect Lexi from Phillipa whilst trying to find out what really happened to Maddie. However, everyone in Pond Close are hiding secrets…. some more deadly than others!
Well, what a twisted tale this was!!!! I have to admit I didn’t like either of the main characters, Owen was such a selfish man, and I couldn’t understand why Rachel kept allowing him to treat her in the way he did, also both characters kept so many things from each other which, in my opinion, is not the way to a healthy marriage! However, just because I didn’t like either of them didn’t mean I didn’t enjoy the story and also, I felt the writing was great from Wendy Clarke to provoke that level of feeling about Owen and Rachel in me. I kind of had an idea about the twist but hadn’t fully nailed it down (this is probably down to me being an avid reader of psychological thrillers, rather than being an obvious twist) so still had a level of surprise and I enjoyed the premise of it (sorry this is a little mysterious, but I don’t want to giveaway any spoilers).
All in all, another great story from the talented Wendy Clarke. Any fans of psychological thrillers will enjoy this, and I very much look forward to reading what she writes next.
Thank you to NetGalley, Wendy Clarke and Bookouture for my advanced reading copy. Out now.
March 11, 2024
A couple moves into a new place and gets invited to a party. There are some oddities, people not connecting, people hiding things, people keeping secrets, people being strange...
It's an intriguing story with the husband being an author, not wanting his wife to have friends or being around the neighbours, acting strangely and in general something is simply off. In fact, he is so strange that he really puts me off. I did not really connect with any of the characters, to be honest. I wanted to understand and root for the wife, but her behaviour did not convince me enough for me to root for her.
There are a lot of good things in this book, and I wanted to find out the motivations behind people's behaviour, but somehow the story, might be due to the characters, did not fully win me over.
It's an intriguing story with the husband being an author, not wanting his wife to have friends or being around the neighbours, acting strangely and in general something is simply off. In fact, he is so strange that he really puts me off. I did not really connect with any of the characters, to be honest. I wanted to understand and root for the wife, but her behaviour did not convince me enough for me to root for her.
There are a lot of good things in this book, and I wanted to find out the motivations behind people's behaviour, but somehow the story, might be due to the characters, did not fully win me over.
March 11, 2024
I am always excited to get stuck into a new Wendy Clarke book, and her latest psychological thriller did not disappoint!
The first half is a slow burn, but also super suspenseful. Shortly after the halfway mark things slowly start to come to light (with one particularly shocking revelation!) and then it really ramps up! I knew then I wouldn't be able to go to sleep before I finished the book.
The Garden Party had me hooked from the start, with short chapters (which I love) and the POV of the two protagonists, neither of which I particularly liked in the beginning. I was flipping those pages like my life depended on it! If you've not yet tried a Wendy Clarke book, I recommend this one!
Thank you to NetGalley and Bookouture for an eARC of The Garden Party. Expected publication date is 14/3/24.
The first half is a slow burn, but also super suspenseful. Shortly after the halfway mark things slowly start to come to light (with one particularly shocking revelation!) and then it really ramps up! I knew then I wouldn't be able to go to sleep before I finished the book.
The Garden Party had me hooked from the start, with short chapters (which I love) and the POV of the two protagonists, neither of which I particularly liked in the beginning. I was flipping those pages like my life depended on it! If you've not yet tried a Wendy Clarke book, I recommend this one!
Thank you to NetGalley and Bookouture for an eARC of The Garden Party. Expected publication date is 14/3/24.
March 14, 2024
I would call this neighborhood the bizarre block. I got a creepy vibe immediately after the first chapter and not just from the new neighbors.
There was something off about Owen and Rachel. There’s something a bit off about each one of them.
I marveled at how engrossed Rachel is in everybody else’s business and how antisocial Owen is.
I felt like I was peering out of the curtains surveying the street as I read.
Clarke cleverly tied it all together, with an interesting twist between Owen and Rachel, which I didn’t see coming.
The read will keep you apprised of the neighborhood gossip.
Thanks to NetGalley and Bookouture for the early read.
There was something off about Owen and Rachel. There’s something a bit off about each one of them.
I marveled at how engrossed Rachel is in everybody else’s business and how antisocial Owen is.
I felt like I was peering out of the curtains surveying the street as I read.
Clarke cleverly tied it all together, with an interesting twist between Owen and Rachel, which I didn’t see coming.
The read will keep you apprised of the neighborhood gossip.
Thanks to NetGalley and Bookouture for the early read.
March 19, 2024
This book had many twists and turns, some were exciting but some I thought were unnecessary. The story started off strong and foreboding, with the introduction of the main characters to their new neighbours, but I felt it then became less of a thriller and more about a troubled relationship. At times I did wonder where the story was going and how some characters were linked to the main theme. All became clear though towards the end when the thriller aspect kicked in again. All the loose ends were starting to tie up and my questions were being answered. As a last point, I'm not quite sure why the title was chosen, as the garden party itself was such a tiny part of the story.
February 5, 2024
This was a great thriller with a high level of emotions involved. The author had me completely wrong footed making me believe something that shocked me in the end when everything was revealed. I never saw that coming, but that is what turns a thriller into an amazing one. I totally loved it, but it also broke my heart.
Once again the author proves that someone's past shapes them in what they become as adults. When it has been a happy one, there is no problem, but when they have suffered, it's a whole other ball of wax...
The damage has been done and in most cases there is no way back. In their head though, they totally believe they are helping, but they could not be further from the truth.
It's very confrontational when you thought you knew someone, you suddenly realise you did not know them that well at all.
Rejection is always hard to digest. Doing something for someone who does not appreciate it, is hurtful too,but sometimes you have to know when to stop before you overstep the line. 5 stars
Thank you
Once again the author proves that someone's past shapes them in what they become as adults. When it has been a happy one, there is no problem, but when they have suffered, it's a whole other ball of wax...
The damage has been done and in most cases there is no way back. In their head though, they totally believe they are helping, but they could not be further from the truth.
It's very confrontational when you thought you knew someone, you suddenly realise you did not know them that well at all.
Rejection is always hard to digest. Doing something for someone who does not appreciate it, is hurtful too,but sometimes you have to know when to stop before you overstep the line. 5 stars
Thank you
February 26, 2024
I received an advance copy of The Garden Party by Wendy Clarke from NetGalley.
I absolutely LOVED this book. I don’t know if it’s because I related to the main character with her infertility struggles or just the writing that had me so hooked.
I was not expecting the twist in this one at all, and was flabbergasted to be honest!
Rachel and Owen both had their moments where the characters were frustrating and almost annoyed me to read their inner thoughts…but their character development was insane.
I would definitely recommend The Garden Party!
I absolutely LOVED this book. I don’t know if it’s because I related to the main character with her infertility struggles or just the writing that had me so hooked.
I was not expecting the twist in this one at all, and was flabbergasted to be honest!
Rachel and Owen both had their moments where the characters were frustrating and almost annoyed me to read their inner thoughts…but their character development was insane.
I would definitely recommend The Garden Party!
March 21, 2024
The story is staged as a classic couple's attempt to meet and befriend the neighbors in their community. Like any society, some have secrets. The main character's conflict surrounding the happenings of a little girl in the neighborhood is a heart wrenching one. As a mom myself, I found myself connecting with the character and honestly picking my jaw off the floor as events, as they relate to this young girl, surface. It was a fast thriller with truly heart wrenching themes.
March 18, 2024
An unexpected twist came that I didn’t see coming after having ideas about multiple characters who seemed suspect. I was taken in with the intense storyline that Wendy Clarke crafted. This is a fantastic work of psychological suspense!
April 1, 2024
Thank you to @NetGalley and @bookouture for another great read and my #gifted advanced readers copy!
I really enjoyed this suspenseful thriller. Full of secrets and mysteries.
New couple move to a very close-knit neighborhood and are welcomed with open arms. The move is a needed fresh start to rekindle their marriage.
Unfortunately, famous author/husband continues to neglect his wife’s emotional and physical needs, so she begins to meet up with her former lover.
Meanwhile, the couple’s new neighbors are harboring tragedy and secrets. The mysterious death of a child and suspected child abuse from neighbor Philippa.
As the couple’s marriage deteriorates, secrets emerge and surprising, shocking danger ensues. Who is to be trusted and who is lying?
I really enjoyed this suspenseful thriller. Full of secrets and mysteries.
New couple move to a very close-knit neighborhood and are welcomed with open arms. The move is a needed fresh start to rekindle their marriage.
Unfortunately, famous author/husband continues to neglect his wife’s emotional and physical needs, so she begins to meet up with her former lover.
Meanwhile, the couple’s new neighbors are harboring tragedy and secrets. The mysterious death of a child and suspected child abuse from neighbor Philippa.
As the couple’s marriage deteriorates, secrets emerge and surprising, shocking danger ensues. Who is to be trusted and who is lying?
February 13, 2024
3.5 Stars
Rachel and Owen move into the Pond Close after Owen's latest book release doesn't go as planned and they're forced to move into a home they can afford. Both have their reasons for needing a fresh start and the hope is that this new home will have it. But the neighbors also have secrets of their own and the death of a child that used to live in their house becomes something that Rachel needs to know the truth about and her husband would like to ignore.
Rachel is hoping that this new home will bring a fresh start that is desperately needed to their marriage and would love to make new friends with the neighbors. Owen wants his wife to be happy and his next book to be a success that brings him back to the bestselling authors' list. But also why doesn't he want his wife to have friends or a job and only seems to want her to only take care of him? He has secrets but is a closed door to his wife, never letting her in, but also never wanting her to leave him. We got to see the story from both Rachel and Owen's perspectives adding another layer to the mystery of which view the reader should believe.
This book had a way of striking my curiosity but at the same time pushing my buttons. I found myself sympathizing with Rachel one minute and then the next wanting to shake her to trust her inner voice and to stop second guessing herself. Then I would get to the end of a chapter and a new development would appear and I had to continue reading to learn more.
There were numerous secrets and many unanswered questions I had, but in a very satisfying way all were answered in a beautiful package at the end of the book. Although the beginning part of the book may seem frustrating and create more mysteries than resolutions, I would recommend to keep reading.
Thank you to NetGalley for the opportunity to read an advance copy.
Rachel and Owen move into the Pond Close after Owen's latest book release doesn't go as planned and they're forced to move into a home they can afford. Both have their reasons for needing a fresh start and the hope is that this new home will have it. But the neighbors also have secrets of their own and the death of a child that used to live in their house becomes something that Rachel needs to know the truth about and her husband would like to ignore.
Rachel is hoping that this new home will bring a fresh start that is desperately needed to their marriage and would love to make new friends with the neighbors. Owen wants his wife to be happy and his next book to be a success that brings him back to the bestselling authors' list. But also why doesn't he want his wife to have friends or a job and only seems to want her to only take care of him? He has secrets but is a closed door to his wife, never letting her in, but also never wanting her to leave him. We got to see the story from both Rachel and Owen's perspectives adding another layer to the mystery of which view the reader should believe.
This book had a way of striking my curiosity but at the same time pushing my buttons. I found myself sympathizing with Rachel one minute and then the next wanting to shake her to trust her inner voice and to stop second guessing herself. Then I would get to the end of a chapter and a new development would appear and I had to continue reading to learn more.
There were numerous secrets and many unanswered questions I had, but in a very satisfying way all were answered in a beautiful package at the end of the book. Although the beginning part of the book may seem frustrating and create more mysteries than resolutions, I would recommend to keep reading.
Thank you to NetGalley for the opportunity to read an advance copy.
March 15, 2024
This psychological thriller starts with Rachel and her husband, Owen, relocating into a new neighborhood, where the residents are primarily friendly at face value. Yet, dark secrets reveal themselves behind the village’s mask as the story develops.
The crucial moment occurs when Rachel observes Phillipa verbally abusing and neglecting her young daughter Lexi at the welcome party. Lexi almost fell into a pond, and Phillipa did not give a damn. Rachel is triggered by her trauma of being told that she might never be able to have children. She gets obsessed with rescuing Lexi from her carefree mother.
On the other hand, although she shows her husband that she will put the past behind her, Rachel concludes that Philippa is not worthy of becoming a mother. Her goal is to make friends with Philippa and get close to Lexi, willing “to do anything.” This drives the plot with tension and mystery.
Maternal instinct is a recurring theme in the narrative. She desires to be accepted in the new community, but the child’s safety takes precedence. Her complicated motives make the reader ponder how far she will be between this dangerous mother-and-daughter duo.
This book will catch the reader from the beginning, when masks start falling, and secrets await just around the corner, ready to destroy the town’s polished façade. It will appeal to the readers of character-focused thrillers exploring shades of grey between good and evil under the pressure of primal instincts. I highly recommend this book; it is a fascinating psychological thriller!
Thank you to Bookouture and NetGalley for allowing me to read and review this book.
The crucial moment occurs when Rachel observes Phillipa verbally abusing and neglecting her young daughter Lexi at the welcome party. Lexi almost fell into a pond, and Phillipa did not give a damn. Rachel is triggered by her trauma of being told that she might never be able to have children. She gets obsessed with rescuing Lexi from her carefree mother.
On the other hand, although she shows her husband that she will put the past behind her, Rachel concludes that Philippa is not worthy of becoming a mother. Her goal is to make friends with Philippa and get close to Lexi, willing “to do anything.” This drives the plot with tension and mystery.
Maternal instinct is a recurring theme in the narrative. She desires to be accepted in the new community, but the child’s safety takes precedence. Her complicated motives make the reader ponder how far she will be between this dangerous mother-and-daughter duo.
This book will catch the reader from the beginning, when masks start falling, and secrets await just around the corner, ready to destroy the town’s polished façade. It will appeal to the readers of character-focused thrillers exploring shades of grey between good and evil under the pressure of primal instincts. I highly recommend this book; it is a fascinating psychological thriller!
Thank you to Bookouture and NetGalley for allowing me to read and review this book.
May 18, 2025
Spookily absorbing for a long time. Then there's a twist that caused my jaw to drop: I totally didn't see it coming.
March 21, 2024
I couldn’t wait to get stuck into the latest psychological thriller from one of my favourite authors and it certainly didn’t disappoint and once I had turned the first page I could not put it down and read in practically one sitting.
This story makes you question do you really know anyone that well and can you really trust anyone.
Lots of twists
And turns and was an engaging read from start to finish. I can’t wait to see what this author comes up with next.
This story makes you question do you really know anyone that well and can you really trust anyone.
Lots of twists
And turns and was an engaging read from start to finish. I can’t wait to see what this author comes up with next.
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