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The Search Party
A spellbinding locked-room mystery about a glamping trip gone horribly wrong when a powerful storm leaves the participants stranded and forced to confront long-held secrets and a shocking disappearance.
Max and Annie Kingsley have left the London rat race with their twelve-year-old son to set up a glamping site in the wilds of Cornwall. Eager for a dry run ahead of their opening, they invite three old university friends and their families for a long-needed reunion. But the festivities soon go awry as tensions arise between the children (and subsequently their parents), explosive secrets come to light, and a sudden storm moves in, cutting them off from help as one in the group disappears.
Moving between the police investigation, a hospital room, and the catastrophic weekend, The Search Party is a propulsive and twisty destination thriller about the tenuous bonds of friendship and the lengths parents will go to protect their children—perfect for fans of Ruth Ware and Lucy Foley.
Max and Annie Kingsley have left the London rat race with their twelve-year-old son to set up a glamping site in the wilds of Cornwall. Eager for a dry run ahead of their opening, they invite three old university friends and their families for a long-needed reunion. But the festivities soon go awry as tensions arise between the children (and subsequently their parents), explosive secrets come to light, and a sudden storm moves in, cutting them off from help as one in the group disappears.
Moving between the police investigation, a hospital room, and the catastrophic weekend, The Search Party is a propulsive and twisty destination thriller about the tenuous bonds of friendship and the lengths parents will go to protect their children—perfect for fans of Ruth Ware and Lucy Foley.
400 pages, Paperback
First published January 16, 2024
499 people are currently reading
25755 people want to read
About the author
Hannah Richell
8 books727 followersI wrote my debut novel, Secrets of the Tides, around the time my first child was born. Since then, I’ve written four novels, with my fifth, The Search Party, to be published by Simon & Schuster in 2024. My work is available in twenty-four territories and has been translated into nineteen languages. My books have been selected for the Richard & Judy Book Club, the Waterstones Book Club, WHSmith Book of the Week, shortlisted for two ABIAs and an Indie Book Award in Australia, as well as shortlisted for the Bonniers Bokklubb Book of the Year Award in Sweden.
While each of my novels is a stand-alone story, what connects them all is my fascination with families and secrets, my desire to dive below the surface and explore the darker recesses of the human experience, the weight of grief and the echoes of loss, the light and resilience that can be found in unexpected places, combined with my ambition to tell you a cracking story that will keep you turning the pages late into the night.
I have written fiction and non-fiction pieces for various media outlets in both the UK and Australia and am a judge on the annual Richell Prize, established in 2014 by Hachette and the Emerging Writers’ Festival in memory of my late husband, Matt Richell. It’s an incredible privilege to be invited to read a writer’s first pages and to support new authors as they take the next steps in their career.
I am a dual citizen of Australia and the United Kingdom but currently live in the South West of England with my family.
While each of my novels is a stand-alone story, what connects them all is my fascination with families and secrets, my desire to dive below the surface and explore the darker recesses of the human experience, the weight of grief and the echoes of loss, the light and resilience that can be found in unexpected places, combined with my ambition to tell you a cracking story that will keep you turning the pages late into the night.
I have written fiction and non-fiction pieces for various media outlets in both the UK and Australia and am a judge on the annual Richell Prize, established in 2014 by Hachette and the Emerging Writers’ Festival in memory of my late husband, Matt Richell. It’s an incredible privilege to be invited to read a writer’s first pages and to support new authors as they take the next steps in their career.
I am a dual citizen of Australia and the United Kingdom but currently live in the South West of England with my family.
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 1,358 reviews
September 1, 2023
A reunion thriller that not only includes a group who met at University some twenty years ago, but also their children, who it has to be said play quite a prominent part in the storyline.
Max and Annie have invited their former Uni friends and their families to join them at their new Glamping site on the beautiful Cornish coast, prior to it opening to the general public. Sounds perfect doesn’t it? Well, of course it turns out to be anything but.
Lots of themes at play, with different viewpoints from various characters, including those of the children, though the beautiful location is spoilt by the weather on this occasion, it’s absolutely atrocious but lends much to the atmosphere, especially when one of the party goes missing.
Smoke and mirrors were used to full effect to create doubt and suspicion, and I wasn’t sure how this one was going to end, but I certainly enjoyed the journey. Kept me gripped throughout. Loved it!
*Thank you to Netgalley and Simon and Schuster for my ARC in exchange for an honest unbiased review *
Max and Annie have invited their former Uni friends and their families to join them at their new Glamping site on the beautiful Cornish coast, prior to it opening to the general public. Sounds perfect doesn’t it? Well, of course it turns out to be anything but.
Lots of themes at play, with different viewpoints from various characters, including those of the children, though the beautiful location is spoilt by the weather on this occasion, it’s absolutely atrocious but lends much to the atmosphere, especially when one of the party goes missing.
Smoke and mirrors were used to full effect to create doubt and suspicion, and I wasn’t sure how this one was going to end, but I certainly enjoyed the journey. Kept me gripped throughout. Loved it!
*Thank you to Netgalley and Simon and Schuster for my ARC in exchange for an honest unbiased review *
January 26, 2024
2.5 stars. Way way way too long and way too many characters .
It took me so long to get through this book, and when I got to the end I thought "that was it?"
Group of people who have been friends since college, along with their significant others and assorted spawn, go to spend a long weekend at one couple's new glamping (bougie camping) place on the Cornwall coast. Did anyone check the weather? Of course not! Do they even like each other? Not really. Something happens and various people are in the hospital and others are being interviewed by the police and then we jump back and forth between the present and the recent past while everyone gives their version of the events that happen.
I couldn't keep people straight, and in the end the way things played out was honestly kind of boring. A bunch of people getting hysterical and going off about nothing. Let me tell you, if Simon Cowell, whoops I mean Dominic, put his hands on my kid, I'd pack him and his family up and send them on their way. The fact that he was allowed to stay and everything was kind of brushed aside was horrific.
I voluntarily reviewed a complimentary copy of this book, all opinions are my own.
It took me so long to get through this book, and when I got to the end I thought "that was it?"
Group of people who have been friends since college, along with their significant others and assorted spawn, go to spend a long weekend at one couple's new glamping (bougie camping) place on the Cornwall coast. Did anyone check the weather? Of course not! Do they even like each other? Not really. Something happens and various people are in the hospital and others are being interviewed by the police and then we jump back and forth between the present and the recent past while everyone gives their version of the events that happen.
I couldn't keep people straight, and in the end the way things played out was honestly kind of boring. A bunch of people getting hysterical and going off about nothing. Let me tell you, if Simon Cowell, whoops I mean Dominic, put his hands on my kid, I'd pack him and his family up and send them on their way. The fact that he was allowed to stay and everything was kind of brushed aside was horrific.
I voluntarily reviewed a complimentary copy of this book, all opinions are my own.
March 13, 2024
My thanks to Atria, Hannah Richell and Netgalley.
So, turns out that I should have been glamping instead of camping.
Camping gets you a sore backside. Glamping gets a mystery! Had I known that, then I would have glamped my way through all those summers. 😬 Though I would have missed out on grizzly bears rampaging through camp. Moose eating off my apple tree and skunks scaring the pooey out of me! O.K. Maybe, just maybe...I'll take camping! The wildlife is wild! Also, I live in between Glacier national park and Yellowstone national park. Or as I call it, Jellystone. Thanks, Yogi bear! Boo boo too! I never forget my pic-a-nic basket!
There were some pretty awesome peeps in this book, and one major ass. He was such an asshole that there were times I'd have liked to string him up by his nutsack and watched him scream and squirm! So really, just a perfect protagonist!
I'll admit that I had no clue who the big bad was. I love that!
So, for a book that I wasn't expecting much from, turned into a pretty good story. I'll be looking for more from Ms. Richell.
So, turns out that I should have been glamping instead of camping.
Camping gets you a sore backside. Glamping gets a mystery! Had I known that, then I would have glamped my way through all those summers. 😬 Though I would have missed out on grizzly bears rampaging through camp. Moose eating off my apple tree and skunks scaring the pooey out of me! O.K. Maybe, just maybe...I'll take camping! The wildlife is wild! Also, I live in between Glacier national park and Yellowstone national park. Or as I call it, Jellystone. Thanks, Yogi bear! Boo boo too! I never forget my pic-a-nic basket!
There were some pretty awesome peeps in this book, and one major ass. He was such an asshole that there were times I'd have liked to string him up by his nutsack and watched him scream and squirm! So really, just a perfect protagonist!
I'll admit that I had no clue who the big bad was. I love that!
So, for a book that I wasn't expecting much from, turned into a pretty good story. I'll be looking for more from Ms. Richell.
December 29, 2023
4.5🌟
Glamping anyone?💁🏼♀️
Max and Annie are about to open a new business away from the hustle and bustle of the big city, it’s a glamping site in Cornwall. But before officially opening their new enterprise they invite their closest group of friends with their families for a private getaway. They also consider this a “soft opening.” A chance to work out all the kinks. And oy, are there issues!🤦🏻♀️
Three couples and their families have arrived. And not everyone is happy about being there. Add a large dose of disagreements, a raging storm, not to mention a missing camper, and you have the recipe for one vacation everyone wants to forget.
Told in two timelines.
The vacation itself, as well as the aftermath with the police!
Yes, this getaway went THAT far off the rails.
There’s a massive cast of characters! But don't panic (like I did). The author breaks the cast down by family in the beginning of the book. Since my form was digital it was easiest to just take screen shots. But I only had to refer to the lists a few times before it all clicked and I was familiar with each family’s identity. The author did a great job of developing all the characters…parents and their kids.
I was so pleasantly surprised by this book! It absolutely exceeded my expectations! I was instantly drawn into the storyline and found it impossible to put down.
Thank you to Atria Books via Edelweiss.
Glamping anyone?💁🏼♀️
Max and Annie are about to open a new business away from the hustle and bustle of the big city, it’s a glamping site in Cornwall. But before officially opening their new enterprise they invite their closest group of friends with their families for a private getaway. They also consider this a “soft opening.” A chance to work out all the kinks. And oy, are there issues!🤦🏻♀️
Three couples and their families have arrived. And not everyone is happy about being there. Add a large dose of disagreements, a raging storm, not to mention a missing camper, and you have the recipe for one vacation everyone wants to forget.
Told in two timelines.
The vacation itself, as well as the aftermath with the police!
Yes, this getaway went THAT far off the rails.
There’s a massive cast of characters! But don't panic (like I did). The author breaks the cast down by family in the beginning of the book. Since my form was digital it was easiest to just take screen shots. But I only had to refer to the lists a few times before it all clicked and I was familiar with each family’s identity. The author did a great job of developing all the characters…parents and their kids.
I was so pleasantly surprised by this book! It absolutely exceeded my expectations! I was instantly drawn into the storyline and found it impossible to put down.
Thank you to Atria Books via Edelweiss.
March 13, 2024
The Search Party by Hannah Richell centers around a group of old college friends, their spouses, and children who gather for a luxury camping eco-holiday on the picturesque Cornish coast.
Picture bell tents on raised decks, fluffy duvets on beds, wood burning stoves, fairy lights, wildflower meadows, and craggy cliffs.
Now that’s my idea of camping!
But as lovely as that may sound, ominous clouds hang over the group from an altercation around the campfire on the first night that begins among the kids and rapidly escalates to the parents.
Tempers flare…as does the tempestuous weather of wild coastal Cornwall.
Dun, dun, dunnnnnnn.
On this glamping trip, friendships disintegrate and marriages crumble.
The Search Party is a by-the-numbers thriller: friends reunite in an isolated place, explosive secrets come out, and someone goes missing.
Still, Richell builds on the tense atmosphere with the pounding coastal waves, the aggressive winds, and plummeting temperatures deftly reflecting the characters and their feelings toward one another.
Confession: there’s one particular character I would have happily thrown off the Cornish cliffs myself.
Multiple timelines and narrative perspectives coupled with plenty of red herrings planted throughout, keep the reader interested and turning pages late into the night.
Picture bell tents on raised decks, fluffy duvets on beds, wood burning stoves, fairy lights, wildflower meadows, and craggy cliffs.
Now that’s my idea of camping!
But as lovely as that may sound, ominous clouds hang over the group from an altercation around the campfire on the first night that begins among the kids and rapidly escalates to the parents.
Tempers flare…as does the tempestuous weather of wild coastal Cornwall.
Dun, dun, dunnnnnnn.
On this glamping trip, friendships disintegrate and marriages crumble.
The Search Party is a by-the-numbers thriller: friends reunite in an isolated place, explosive secrets come out, and someone goes missing.
Still, Richell builds on the tense atmosphere with the pounding coastal waves, the aggressive winds, and plummeting temperatures deftly reflecting the characters and their feelings toward one another.
Confession: there’s one particular character I would have happily thrown off the Cornish cliffs myself.
Multiple timelines and narrative perspectives coupled with plenty of red herrings planted throughout, keep the reader interested and turning pages late into the night.
June 12, 2024
EXCERPT: The girl stands in grey morning light, her feet perched at the crumbling cliff edge. Below her, waves smash against jagged rocks, granite shards rising like decaying teeth from the foaming sea. At her back are fear and despair, and his words urging her on.
She tries to distract herself with the details around her. The roar of the ocean. The gusting wind ripping at the bracken. The small, white flowers growing at her feet. The loud, too-fast thump of her heart. Only it's impossible to focus; she can't seem to fix anything in her mind. Nothing can compete with his voice - all his ugly words bearing down on her. Do it, he says. What are you waiting for?
The ledge shifts beneath her toes. A fragment of earth crumbles and falls, vanishing into the swirling water far below. Carried on the wind, a bird cry rises high and mournful. She lifts her gaze and sees a gull turn in the sky above. Free.
Do it now. His voice is louder, closer. Goosebumps rise as if his words curl through the air and graze the back of her neck. What are you waiting for?
There is no escape. Nowhere else to go.
ABOUT 'THE SEARCH PARTY': A spellbinding locked-room mystery about a glamping trip gone horribly wrong when a powerful storm leaves the participants stranded and forced to confront long-held secrets and a shocking disappearance.
Max and Annie Kingsley have left the London rat race with their twelve-year-old son to set up a glamping site in the wilds of Cornwall. Eager for a dry run ahead of their opening, they invite three old university friends and their families for a long-needed reunion. But the festivities soon go awry as tensions arise between the children (and subsequently their parents), explosive secrets come to light, and a sudden storm moves in, cutting them off from help as one in the group disappears.
MY THOUGHTS: The Search Party marks a move in genre for author Hannah Richell. I have loved everything this author has written, and The Search Party is no different. It crackles with tension as the readers tries to determine who is missing, who is in hospital and, most importantly, who is responsible.
Decades long friendships aren't always all they are cracked up to be. Inevitably some people are more successful than others, have better lifestyles - or so they think! The keeping of secrets can take a toll on friendships and lies will always out. A secret is not a secret unless only one person knows. Partners change the dynamics of old friendships, especially when old ones are discarded and new blood brought in.
Children also alter the dynamics. Parents boast and compare. Children don't always get on. There always has to be one weaker one, the one that gets picked on. And not necessarily only by the other children.
All these models are in play in The Search Party. What starts out as a trial run for the glamping business Max and Annie have set up quickly deteriorates into a maelstrom of anger compounded by a storm that cuts off all access to the outside world.
Most of these characters are not at all likeable, particularly Dominic. You'll soon see why. Suze and Annie are at the other end of the spectrum, the other characters falling somewhere in between. But in The Search Party, the characters are secondary to the plot. From the prologue on, Richell keeps her readers guessing. The story is told from multiple points of view, the flashbacks to earlier events in the form of police interviews. Layers of suspense are interspersed with those of dread and foreboding. The reader is kept in the dark for as long as possible as to the identities of the characters in danger which only adds to the suspense.
Twisty, fast-paced and thrilling, suspenseful and chilling. Hannah Richell has hit a home run.
⭐⭐⭐⭐.5
#TheSearchParty @WaitomoDistrictLibrary
THE AUTHOR: While each of my novels is a stand-alone story, what connects them all is my fascination with families and secrets, my desire to dive below the surface and explore the darker recesses of the human experience, the weight of grief and the echoes of loss, the light and resilience that can be found in unexpected places, combined with my ambition to tell you a cracking story that will keep you turning the pages late into the night.
https://sandysbookaday.wordpress.com/...
She tries to distract herself with the details around her. The roar of the ocean. The gusting wind ripping at the bracken. The small, white flowers growing at her feet. The loud, too-fast thump of her heart. Only it's impossible to focus; she can't seem to fix anything in her mind. Nothing can compete with his voice - all his ugly words bearing down on her. Do it, he says. What are you waiting for?
The ledge shifts beneath her toes. A fragment of earth crumbles and falls, vanishing into the swirling water far below. Carried on the wind, a bird cry rises high and mournful. She lifts her gaze and sees a gull turn in the sky above. Free.
Do it now. His voice is louder, closer. Goosebumps rise as if his words curl through the air and graze the back of her neck. What are you waiting for?
There is no escape. Nowhere else to go.
ABOUT 'THE SEARCH PARTY': A spellbinding locked-room mystery about a glamping trip gone horribly wrong when a powerful storm leaves the participants stranded and forced to confront long-held secrets and a shocking disappearance.
Max and Annie Kingsley have left the London rat race with their twelve-year-old son to set up a glamping site in the wilds of Cornwall. Eager for a dry run ahead of their opening, they invite three old university friends and their families for a long-needed reunion. But the festivities soon go awry as tensions arise between the children (and subsequently their parents), explosive secrets come to light, and a sudden storm moves in, cutting them off from help as one in the group disappears.
MY THOUGHTS: The Search Party marks a move in genre for author Hannah Richell. I have loved everything this author has written, and The Search Party is no different. It crackles with tension as the readers tries to determine who is missing, who is in hospital and, most importantly, who is responsible.
Decades long friendships aren't always all they are cracked up to be. Inevitably some people are more successful than others, have better lifestyles - or so they think! The keeping of secrets can take a toll on friendships and lies will always out. A secret is not a secret unless only one person knows. Partners change the dynamics of old friendships, especially when old ones are discarded and new blood brought in.
Children also alter the dynamics. Parents boast and compare. Children don't always get on. There always has to be one weaker one, the one that gets picked on. And not necessarily only by the other children.
All these models are in play in The Search Party. What starts out as a trial run for the glamping business Max and Annie have set up quickly deteriorates into a maelstrom of anger compounded by a storm that cuts off all access to the outside world.
Most of these characters are not at all likeable, particularly Dominic. You'll soon see why. Suze and Annie are at the other end of the spectrum, the other characters falling somewhere in between. But in The Search Party, the characters are secondary to the plot. From the prologue on, Richell keeps her readers guessing. The story is told from multiple points of view, the flashbacks to earlier events in the form of police interviews. Layers of suspense are interspersed with those of dread and foreboding. The reader is kept in the dark for as long as possible as to the identities of the characters in danger which only adds to the suspense.
Twisty, fast-paced and thrilling, suspenseful and chilling. Hannah Richell has hit a home run.
⭐⭐⭐⭐.5
#TheSearchParty @WaitomoDistrictLibrary
THE AUTHOR: While each of my novels is a stand-alone story, what connects them all is my fascination with families and secrets, my desire to dive below the surface and explore the darker recesses of the human experience, the weight of grief and the echoes of loss, the light and resilience that can be found in unexpected places, combined with my ambition to tell you a cracking story that will keep you turning the pages late into the night.
https://sandysbookaday.wordpress.com/...
June 10, 2024
After fleeing the day-to-day problems of a life in London, Max and Annie Kingsley have created a glamping site on the remote coast of Cornwall. Just weeks away from being able to open their doors to the public, they’ve decided to invite their closest friends and their families for a trial run. After all, it’s been far too long since the whole group has been together, so this opportunity is perfect for an overdue reunion.
Gathered together amidst the luxurious tents and roaring bonfire, drinks are poured and stories are told. Until, that is, two of the children get into a scuffle. Before they all know it, the parents have taken sides and old grudges start to bubble to the surface. The next morning, despite the glorious weather, there’s a definite tension in the air. A tension that only gets worse when one of their party is discovered missing just as an almighty storm starts to roll in.
As the search gets underway, questions and accusations are hurled between friends. Is it merely a misunderstanding? Or has something far more sinister happen? How far will a parent go to protect their children? And how much does friendship really mean in the end? All of these questions will get answered over the next forty-eight hours, but what kind of damage will be done before then?
Holy cow! Between the poignant themes and jaw-dropping twists and turns, The Search Party was a ride and a half of pure chills and thrills. From the evocative descriptions to the finely tuned plot, I was caught up in the action from the very first word. Especially given the fact that it all began with such a riveting prologue that grabbed me from the start and didn’t let go.
Out of all of its selling points, it was the plot that made this book sing. Full of deep, dark topics such as how far a parent will go for their children and the difficulties of adoption, the heaviness of the storyline paired well with the ever ratcheting suspense and unrivaled foreboding. Building and building, the climax erupted onto the scene with explosive intensity that had me flying through the pages. Happily, it was followed up by a soul satisfying conclusion so that the plot, in its entirety, hit just the right chord.
The characters delivered in spades for the most part. A group filled with complex problems and complicated pasts, they laid the foundation for this action-packed tale. While not exactly true-to-life, there were a few a thoroughly liked and one I absolutely loved to hate. Although, they were rather one-dimensional, all said and done. Despite some rather thorough backstories, they just didn’t seem to pop off of the page as exactly alive, even with the multiple POVs.
Then there were the deftly hidden clues and glorious red herrings, however, which kept me utterly blind until each perfectly timed revelation. Essentially a locked room whodunnit, I was overjoyed to find it complete with a map and character list. You know, like all of those classic Golden Age mystery books? Only this time, the group dynamics that were pockmarked with modern secrets and lies gave the plot a thoroughly enjoyable present-day flair.
All in all, this propulsive storyline delivered one daredevil of an awe-inspiring twist right at the end when the true culprit and motives were revealed. Despite some inklings on my part, I ultimately didn’t see it coming, which is always a great turn of events when I’m reading a dynamite thriller. From the plot charging drama to the well-written prose, I was certainly won over hook, line, and sinker. After all, the atmospheric setting and palpable tension meant one wholly bingeable, unputdownable tale. Rating of 4.5 stars.
Thank you to Hannah Richell and Atria Books for my complimentary copy. All opinions are my own.
PUB DATE: January 16, 2024
Trigger warning: issues with an adopted child, infidelity, missing child, depression, getting drugged, forced captivity, mention of: child abuse, suicide
Gathered together amidst the luxurious tents and roaring bonfire, drinks are poured and stories are told. Until, that is, two of the children get into a scuffle. Before they all know it, the parents have taken sides and old grudges start to bubble to the surface. The next morning, despite the glorious weather, there’s a definite tension in the air. A tension that only gets worse when one of their party is discovered missing just as an almighty storm starts to roll in.
As the search gets underway, questions and accusations are hurled between friends. Is it merely a misunderstanding? Or has something far more sinister happen? How far will a parent go to protect their children? And how much does friendship really mean in the end? All of these questions will get answered over the next forty-eight hours, but what kind of damage will be done before then?
Holy cow! Between the poignant themes and jaw-dropping twists and turns, The Search Party was a ride and a half of pure chills and thrills. From the evocative descriptions to the finely tuned plot, I was caught up in the action from the very first word. Especially given the fact that it all began with such a riveting prologue that grabbed me from the start and didn’t let go.
Out of all of its selling points, it was the plot that made this book sing. Full of deep, dark topics such as how far a parent will go for their children and the difficulties of adoption, the heaviness of the storyline paired well with the ever ratcheting suspense and unrivaled foreboding. Building and building, the climax erupted onto the scene with explosive intensity that had me flying through the pages. Happily, it was followed up by a soul satisfying conclusion so that the plot, in its entirety, hit just the right chord.
The characters delivered in spades for the most part. A group filled with complex problems and complicated pasts, they laid the foundation for this action-packed tale. While not exactly true-to-life, there were a few a thoroughly liked and one I absolutely loved to hate. Although, they were rather one-dimensional, all said and done. Despite some rather thorough backstories, they just didn’t seem to pop off of the page as exactly alive, even with the multiple POVs.
Then there were the deftly hidden clues and glorious red herrings, however, which kept me utterly blind until each perfectly timed revelation. Essentially a locked room whodunnit, I was overjoyed to find it complete with a map and character list. You know, like all of those classic Golden Age mystery books? Only this time, the group dynamics that were pockmarked with modern secrets and lies gave the plot a thoroughly enjoyable present-day flair.
All in all, this propulsive storyline delivered one daredevil of an awe-inspiring twist right at the end when the true culprit and motives were revealed. Despite some inklings on my part, I ultimately didn’t see it coming, which is always a great turn of events when I’m reading a dynamite thriller. From the plot charging drama to the well-written prose, I was certainly won over hook, line, and sinker. After all, the atmospheric setting and palpable tension meant one wholly bingeable, unputdownable tale. Rating of 4.5 stars.
Thank you to Hannah Richell and Atria Books for my complimentary copy. All opinions are my own.
PUB DATE: January 16, 2024
Trigger warning: issues with an adopted child, infidelity, missing child, depression, getting drugged, forced captivity, mention of: child abuse, suicide
December 1, 2023
A Reunion. It is a time to reconnect, right? The Search Party was equal parts atmospheric, tense, and dramatic. As the tension mounts, secrets are exposed, and as things take a turn for the worst, the characters will see their friendships tested in ways they never imagined.
College friends who have begun to drift apart are invited, along with their families, by Max and Annie Kingsley for a weekend glamping trip. It should have been a time to reconnect, their children to play together, and for memories to be made. But a powerful storm and "tensions" damper the mood. The setting and the storm set the stage while adding to the tension and feeling of isolation in the book. They are cut off from help as one of their group members goes missing.
I enjoyed this book and the how it was told through multiple POV's, the weekend itself, and police interrogations-investigation.
Well written, atmospheric, and dramatic.
Thank you to Atria Books and Edelweiss 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
College friends who have begun to drift apart are invited, along with their families, by Max and Annie Kingsley for a weekend glamping trip. It should have been a time to reconnect, their children to play together, and for memories to be made. But a powerful storm and "tensions" damper the mood. The setting and the storm set the stage while adding to the tension and feeling of isolation in the book. They are cut off from help as one of their group members goes missing.
I enjoyed this book and the how it was told through multiple POV's, the weekend itself, and police interrogations-investigation.
Well written, atmospheric, and dramatic.
Thank you to Atria Books and Edelweiss 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
December 17, 2023
Annie and Max Kingsley had settled into their new country residence on the cliffs of Cornwall with their troubled twelve year old son Kip. Setting up a glamping site for the tourist season, the two of them wanted to test it out so invited their old friends for the weekend. There were quite a few people once they'd arrived - eight adults plus their children, plus the handyman who was nearby in case of emergencies.
Sitting around the campfire, toasting marshmallows the first night, the hilarity was great. Everyone was having a good time catching up until something went wrong. The results were almost catastrophic - but a tension filled peace availed and everyone went to bed. The following day - Saturday - the women went to the homestead for some girl time, while the guys looked after the children. Sounded good in theory - but by Saturday late afternoon, someone was missing, and with a storm heading their way, everyone wanted results quickly. With power lines down, no reception to call the police, the weekend revellers were stranded. Searching the hills and bush, checking out the cliffs in the driving rain - would they find the missing person? Would they ever get through to emergency services?
The Search Party by Aussie author Hannah Richell is a tension filled, gritty and traumatic situation, with secrets and lies causing much of the problem. I wasn't particularly enamored with most of the characters, although I liked Annie, Max and Kip. And Dominic!!! - 😡 I always enjoy Hannah Richell's writing and this one is no exception. Recommended.
With thanks to NetGalley and the publisher for my digital ARC to read in exchange for an honest review.
Sitting around the campfire, toasting marshmallows the first night, the hilarity was great. Everyone was having a good time catching up until something went wrong. The results were almost catastrophic - but a tension filled peace availed and everyone went to bed. The following day - Saturday - the women went to the homestead for some girl time, while the guys looked after the children. Sounded good in theory - but by Saturday late afternoon, someone was missing, and with a storm heading their way, everyone wanted results quickly. With power lines down, no reception to call the police, the weekend revellers were stranded. Searching the hills and bush, checking out the cliffs in the driving rain - would they find the missing person? Would they ever get through to emergency services?
The Search Party by Aussie author Hannah Richell is a tension filled, gritty and traumatic situation, with secrets and lies causing much of the problem. I wasn't particularly enamored with most of the characters, although I liked Annie, Max and Kip. And Dominic!!! - 😡 I always enjoy Hannah Richell's writing and this one is no exception. Recommended.
With thanks to NetGalley and the publisher for my digital ARC to read in exchange for an honest review.
October 4, 2023
The Search Party is a wild ride of a thriller about a glamping weekend gone horribly wrong. Told from multiple points of view and moving back and forth in time, it's a suspenseful story that keeps the reader guessing right up until the very end.
I was a little concerned when I initially saw the extensive list of characters because I figured it was going to be hard to keep track of everyone (especially considering that a good portion of the characters are kids), but it ended up being a non-issue. Everyone has distinct personalities and, honestly, it helped a lot that the hippy family's kids all have hippy names. The narrative's point of view switches between the various adults (and, occasionally, a couple of the children) with each chapter, and slowly the events of their fateful trip to rural Cornwall are revealed.
The plot isn't particularly fast-paced, at least not until the very end, but the drama between the group of friends keeps things interesting. After one of the children goes missing, secrets and betrayals are revealed as tempers rise. The mystery itself (what happened to Phoebe?) is excellent. There were several times when I thought I had everything figured out, but I still found myself surprised at the end – there are lots of red herrings to distract from the truth.
The ending isn't especially novel – it's about what you'd expect from this sort of thriller – but it was still a nail-biter. The last 30% or so of this book was pretty much unputdownable.
Overall, The Search Party is an entertaining and suspenseful read that kept me turning pages well into the night. If you enjoy thrillers of the “old friends reunite and things get weird” variety, you'll probably enjoy this one.
Many thanks to NetGalley and Atria Books for providing me with an advance copy of this book to review.
I was a little concerned when I initially saw the extensive list of characters because I figured it was going to be hard to keep track of everyone (especially considering that a good portion of the characters are kids), but it ended up being a non-issue. Everyone has distinct personalities and, honestly, it helped a lot that the hippy family's kids all have hippy names. The narrative's point of view switches between the various adults (and, occasionally, a couple of the children) with each chapter, and slowly the events of their fateful trip to rural Cornwall are revealed.
The plot isn't particularly fast-paced, at least not until the very end, but the drama between the group of friends keeps things interesting. After one of the children goes missing, secrets and betrayals are revealed as tempers rise. The mystery itself (what happened to Phoebe?) is excellent. There were several times when I thought I had everything figured out, but I still found myself surprised at the end – there are lots of red herrings to distract from the truth.
The ending isn't especially novel – it's about what you'd expect from this sort of thriller – but it was still a nail-biter. The last 30% or so of this book was pretty much unputdownable.
Overall, The Search Party is an entertaining and suspenseful read that kept me turning pages well into the night. If you enjoy thrillers of the “old friends reunite and things get weird” variety, you'll probably enjoy this one.
Many thanks to NetGalley and Atria Books for providing me with an advance copy of this book to review.
May 19, 2024
Max and Annie Kingsley with their twelve year old son, Kip left their hectic yet plush lives in London to move out in the wild countryside to open a glamping business while also wanting to secure a more safer environment for their son who was not thriving in their old life due to many PTSD issues from his old life before Max and Annie.
The Kingsley's want to make a trial run of their business so they invited three close old university friends with their families on a three day reunion to catch up on all their lives since they only see each other once a year if they're lucky.
No one could have predicted the internal fires of resentment and chaos of unexpected and unexpressed feelings that had been buried throughout the years would now be simmering then boiling over into the tranquil environment with a couple of missing children where the adults hadn't noticed until it was too late. When a merciless, brutal storm beats down on the families with downed wires and no connections to the outside world and now a couple of adults are missing as well. The chances for everyone to survive is lessened by the hour as the once close friends point fingers of blame with their anger while the friendships deteriorate rapidly where they have become adversaries which will have dire consequences for every person who came to have a relaxing "glamping" trip in the peaceful countryside which is no more than a bitter end to twenty year friendships.
This was a wonderful read for myself filled with so much anxiety, secrets, big egoes, jealousy, hidden insecurities, catty spouses along with a few unhappy children who didn't want to be part of this glamping reunion. The writing and editing were very well done which made the book an exciting pleasure to read. The pacing of the book starts slow and easy and then just continues to build with a frenzy of emotion spilling forth from all of the characters which I loved. All the characters were interesting and well-written where I cared about what would happen to all of these flawed humans among the chaos of the relentless storm and tempers tumbling out of control. The book's suspense truly lived up to the climax which left every family affected in ways that were unpredictable in so many ways.
This was my first book by Hannah Richelle and I will definitely be looking for more of her works in the future.
I want to thank the publisher "Atria Books" and Netgalley for the opportunity to read this novel and any thoughts or opinions expressed are unbiased and mine alone!
I highly recommend this novel and have given a rating of 4 UNRELENTING AND DRAMATIC 🌟🌟🌟🌟 STARS!!
The Kingsley's want to make a trial run of their business so they invited three close old university friends with their families on a three day reunion to catch up on all their lives since they only see each other once a year if they're lucky.
No one could have predicted the internal fires of resentment and chaos of unexpected and unexpressed feelings that had been buried throughout the years would now be simmering then boiling over into the tranquil environment with a couple of missing children where the adults hadn't noticed until it was too late. When a merciless, brutal storm beats down on the families with downed wires and no connections to the outside world and now a couple of adults are missing as well. The chances for everyone to survive is lessened by the hour as the once close friends point fingers of blame with their anger while the friendships deteriorate rapidly where they have become adversaries which will have dire consequences for every person who came to have a relaxing "glamping" trip in the peaceful countryside which is no more than a bitter end to twenty year friendships.
This was a wonderful read for myself filled with so much anxiety, secrets, big egoes, jealousy, hidden insecurities, catty spouses along with a few unhappy children who didn't want to be part of this glamping reunion. The writing and editing were very well done which made the book an exciting pleasure to read. The pacing of the book starts slow and easy and then just continues to build with a frenzy of emotion spilling forth from all of the characters which I loved. All the characters were interesting and well-written where I cared about what would happen to all of these flawed humans among the chaos of the relentless storm and tempers tumbling out of control. The book's suspense truly lived up to the climax which left every family affected in ways that were unpredictable in so many ways.
This was my first book by Hannah Richelle and I will definitely be looking for more of her works in the future.
I want to thank the publisher "Atria Books" and Netgalley for the opportunity to read this novel and any thoughts or opinions expressed are unbiased and mine alone!
I highly recommend this novel and have given a rating of 4 UNRELENTING AND DRAMATIC 🌟🌟🌟🌟 STARS!!
March 31, 2024
⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️- NetGalley ARC
Description:
Max and Annie Kingsley have left the London rat race with their twelve-year-old son to set up a glamping site in the wilds of Cornwall. Eager for a dry run ahead of their opening, they invite three old university friends and their families for a long-needed reunion. But the festivities soon go awry as tensions arise between the children (and subsequently their parents), explosive secrets come to light, and a sudden storm moves in, cutting them off from help as one in the group disappears.
This locked-room mystery is told from multiple points of view, moving between the police investigation, a hospital room, and the weekend itself. It is atmospheric and intense, keeping you on the edge of your seat. All their lives are changed by the events that happen and not all for the better. Highly recommended!
Thank you to NetGalley and Atria for the opportunity to read this for an honest review.
Description:
Max and Annie Kingsley have left the London rat race with their twelve-year-old son to set up a glamping site in the wilds of Cornwall. Eager for a dry run ahead of their opening, they invite three old university friends and their families for a long-needed reunion. But the festivities soon go awry as tensions arise between the children (and subsequently their parents), explosive secrets come to light, and a sudden storm moves in, cutting them off from help as one in the group disappears.
This locked-room mystery is told from multiple points of view, moving between the police investigation, a hospital room, and the weekend itself. It is atmospheric and intense, keeping you on the edge of your seat. All their lives are changed by the events that happen and not all for the better. Highly recommended!
Thank you to NetGalley and Atria for the opportunity to read this for an honest review.
November 25, 2023
What could YOU be capable of when you’re pushed to the edge?
In short: Four college friends and their families get more than they bargained for when they reunite at a remote eco-glamping site on the Cornish coast.
This is a tautly plotted locked room mystery where (1) conflict within and between the four families, (2) their frayed friendships, and (3) the hidden secrets between them drive them to commit the darkest acts.
One of the guests goes missing.
What you will get:
✔️Evocative location
✔️Atmospheric prose
✔️Thread of suspense/intrigue
✔️Shadowy characters who lurk the pages
✔️Locked room mystery
✔️Map of campground
✔️Alternating POV
✔️Multi timeline
✔️Distinct characters
✔️twisty destination thriller
✔️propulsive read
I loved that readers meet the characters first and get to ‘sum up’ who they are before heading off into the wilderness with them. The setting of the broody Cornish cliffs during a storm was the perfect backdrop to the multiple storms the four families faced. I really felt the isolation and tension.
The name of the campsite was perfect and the author’s exploration of ‘wilderness’ was stellar. I was reminded that wilderness doesn’t only surround the Wildernest glamping site in rugged Cornwall, it also rises within all of us when we’re pushed to the edge or facing extreme circumstances.
Clever use of the Cornish word ‘Morvoren.’
We never know how far we’ll go until we’re pushed to the edge….
I was gifted this copy by Simon & Schuster Canada and NetGalley and was under no obligation to provide a review.
In short: Four college friends and their families get more than they bargained for when they reunite at a remote eco-glamping site on the Cornish coast.
This is a tautly plotted locked room mystery where (1) conflict within and between the four families, (2) their frayed friendships, and (3) the hidden secrets between them drive them to commit the darkest acts.
One of the guests goes missing.
What you will get:
✔️Evocative location
✔️Atmospheric prose
✔️Thread of suspense/intrigue
✔️Shadowy characters who lurk the pages
✔️Locked room mystery
✔️Map of campground
✔️Alternating POV
✔️Multi timeline
✔️Distinct characters
✔️twisty destination thriller
✔️propulsive read
I loved that readers meet the characters first and get to ‘sum up’ who they are before heading off into the wilderness with them. The setting of the broody Cornish cliffs during a storm was the perfect backdrop to the multiple storms the four families faced. I really felt the isolation and tension.
The name of the campsite was perfect and the author’s exploration of ‘wilderness’ was stellar. I was reminded that wilderness doesn’t only surround the Wildernest glamping site in rugged Cornwall, it also rises within all of us when we’re pushed to the edge or facing extreme circumstances.
Clever use of the Cornish word ‘Morvoren.’
We never know how far we’ll go until we’re pushed to the edge….
I was gifted this copy by Simon & Schuster Canada and NetGalley and was under no obligation to provide a review.
January 12, 2024
I do love Hannah Richell’s stories and this one is a change of genre but so very good, this one was unputdownable for me, a fabulous setting, so many characters come to life on the pages some good some not so good, what happens when five friends and their families get together for a glamping weekend in the wilds of Cornwall?
When Annie and Max Kingsley and their twelve year old son Kip decide to leave the rat race of London and start a glamping business in Cornwall, they want to have a dry run before opening and ask their friends and families along for a long weekend of fun, it has been a while since they have all caught up, should be fun and it was at first, Friday night BBQ everyone was laughing until an incident that could have caused a catastrophe.
Things settled down and Saturday three of the woman went up to the farm house, one went shopping in town and the men sat around talking having a drink and watching the children, some serious talking by a couple of the men soon had tensions running high and the kids went off on their own for a while to explore, when the kids return frantic, one of them is missing and a bad storm is coming the air is thick now with tension and worry, they must find this child, people are pointing fingers and tempers are rising.
This book had me turning the pages, the tension heated up not only between the children but more so between the adults, with accusations thrown around and secrets discovered, everyone is on edge, when the storm hits it just gets worse, power is lost, what else will happen will anyone else go missing, will they finally get help to search?
I can highly recommend this one, it will not disappoint, a cast of characters who all added to the story even when they weren’t so nice but I did really like young Kip and Annie and Max, if you love a good mystery, thriller then this is one for you, don’t miss it.
My thanks to the publisher and Netgalley for my digital copy to read and review.
When Annie and Max Kingsley and their twelve year old son Kip decide to leave the rat race of London and start a glamping business in Cornwall, they want to have a dry run before opening and ask their friends and families along for a long weekend of fun, it has been a while since they have all caught up, should be fun and it was at first, Friday night BBQ everyone was laughing until an incident that could have caused a catastrophe.
Things settled down and Saturday three of the woman went up to the farm house, one went shopping in town and the men sat around talking having a drink and watching the children, some serious talking by a couple of the men soon had tensions running high and the kids went off on their own for a while to explore, when the kids return frantic, one of them is missing and a bad storm is coming the air is thick now with tension and worry, they must find this child, people are pointing fingers and tempers are rising.
This book had me turning the pages, the tension heated up not only between the children but more so between the adults, with accusations thrown around and secrets discovered, everyone is on edge, when the storm hits it just gets worse, power is lost, what else will happen will anyone else go missing, will they finally get help to search?
I can highly recommend this one, it will not disappoint, a cast of characters who all added to the story even when they weren’t so nice but I did really like young Kip and Annie and Max, if you love a good mystery, thriller then this is one for you, don’t miss it.
My thanks to the publisher and Netgalley for my digital copy to read and review.
June 9, 2024
Maybe it's leftover from my fantasy reading days, but I love a book that begins with a map and a list of characters.
A group of friends and their families get together for a glamping weekend and a mystery ensues. Only we aren't sure what exactly the mystery is for most of the book. Who's missing? Who's injured? Who is dead? The author lays down an enjoyable narrative of breadcrumbs that kept me coming back for more. The end was maybe a bit too neat...too optimistic for me but other than that it was entertaining.
A group of friends and their families get together for a glamping weekend and a mystery ensues. Only we aren't sure what exactly the mystery is for most of the book. Who's missing? Who's injured? Who is dead? The author lays down an enjoyable narrative of breadcrumbs that kept me coming back for more. The end was maybe a bit too neat...too optimistic for me but other than that it was entertaining.
April 5, 2024
the setup…
Max Kingsley is a highly successful architect, married to Annie and living in London with their 12-year old son. They decided to abandon it all and move to the cliffs of Cornwall, setting up a glamping site called Wildernest. Before they officially open, they invite their longtime college friends to come for a test run and serve as their annual get together. Dominic Davis, a famous reality TV judge on a show called Star Search, is coming with his second wife Tanya and his three children; Jim and Suze Miller are bring their brood of three; and Kira de Silva, a surgeon, rounds out the group, bringing her 5-month old baby and her guy Fred. Things start well but soon go off the rails the first night. The next day brings more trouble when a storm sets in, power goes out and someone goes missing.
the heart of the story…
I liked the structure of this story, beginning near the end when the police are interviewing the adults to get a clear picture of everything leading up to what eventually happened. As with every group of friends, there are secrets and old fissures lying beneath the surface that are triggered in the midst of high tension, and there’s a LOT of them. We don’t even know exactly the “who” or the “why” but the journey getting there exposed the best and worst of everyone involved. I was hopelessly hooked, drawn into the drama and the mystery.
the narration…
Both Eyre and Parker are excellent storytellers and captured the essences of the characters very well, including the children. It was similar to them sharing a good ghost story by the campfire!
the bottom line…
Beware of red herrings and this is loaded with them, I mean really good ones. I’d figured most of it out by the time of the final reveal but there still were a couple of surprises. This was a bit twisty and be sure to check the sample for the character list so you don’t get confused by all those kids’ names (if you’re listening to the story). I might not have liked a lot of the adults but they were well crafted and human. This was a wonderful “locked room” mystery that kept me engaged and guessing in a perfect setting.
Posted on Blue Mood Café
(Thanks to Simon & Schuster Audio for my complimentary copy. All opinions are my own.)
Max Kingsley is a highly successful architect, married to Annie and living in London with their 12-year old son. They decided to abandon it all and move to the cliffs of Cornwall, setting up a glamping site called Wildernest. Before they officially open, they invite their longtime college friends to come for a test run and serve as their annual get together. Dominic Davis, a famous reality TV judge on a show called Star Search, is coming with his second wife Tanya and his three children; Jim and Suze Miller are bring their brood of three; and Kira de Silva, a surgeon, rounds out the group, bringing her 5-month old baby and her guy Fred. Things start well but soon go off the rails the first night. The next day brings more trouble when a storm sets in, power goes out and someone goes missing.
the heart of the story…
I liked the structure of this story, beginning near the end when the police are interviewing the adults to get a clear picture of everything leading up to what eventually happened. As with every group of friends, there are secrets and old fissures lying beneath the surface that are triggered in the midst of high tension, and there’s a LOT of them. We don’t even know exactly the “who” or the “why” but the journey getting there exposed the best and worst of everyone involved. I was hopelessly hooked, drawn into the drama and the mystery.
the narration…
Both Eyre and Parker are excellent storytellers and captured the essences of the characters very well, including the children. It was similar to them sharing a good ghost story by the campfire!
the bottom line…
Beware of red herrings and this is loaded with them, I mean really good ones. I’d figured most of it out by the time of the final reveal but there still were a couple of surprises. This was a bit twisty and be sure to check the sample for the character list so you don’t get confused by all those kids’ names (if you’re listening to the story). I might not have liked a lot of the adults but they were well crafted and human. This was a wonderful “locked room” mystery that kept me engaged and guessing in a perfect setting.
Posted on Blue Mood Café
(Thanks to Simon & Schuster Audio for my complimentary copy. All opinions are my own.)
March 31, 2024
Decent suspense! Drama-filled!
A well-written story that I enjoyed reading. While the story may not compel you to stay up all night to finish. It will, however, keep your interest peaked and wanting to read for the finale. I'm intrigued by the author's potential and what her future works may hold.
(Update: while reading and reviewing The Search Party, I did not remember that I had previously read another book by this author. Which I disliked and rated 2 stars. I'm glad I didn't realize until now. It may have stopped me from reading her newest release. Which as noted above, was much improved from the previous experience.)
A well-written story that I enjoyed reading. While the story may not compel you to stay up all night to finish. It will, however, keep your interest peaked and wanting to read for the finale. I'm intrigued by the author's potential and what her future works may hold.
(Update: while reading and reviewing The Search Party, I did not remember that I had previously read another book by this author. Which I disliked and rated 2 stars. I'm glad I didn't realize until now. It may have stopped me from reading her newest release. Which as noted above, was much improved from the previous experience.)
June 1, 2024
This was quite an intriguing book. Obviously from the beginning there was tension - a group of university friends who have known each other for twenty years. Annie and Max are ex-city architects who have escaped the city to set up a glamping venture on the Cornish coastline. They have an adopted son who has behavioural and learning difficulties due to an abusive childhood. As a test run, they invite their friends to a free weekend to check it all out. Dominic, a reality TV star and his second wife Tanya, are bring his two teenagers as well as their daughter Phoebe who is six. Max and Suze, who live a hippy, relaxed life are bringing their three children, and Kira a GP is bring her boyfriend and five month old daughter.
When a storm comes in and two of the kids are missing, tempers flare and accusations are made that are vehement and damaging. The twists in the story kept me guessing pretty much to the end as to what had actually happened. A fast paced and thrilling tale.
Thank you Netgalley and Simon Schuster Australia for the opportunity to read this digital ARC.
When a storm comes in and two of the kids are missing, tempers flare and accusations are made that are vehement and damaging. The twists in the story kept me guessing pretty much to the end as to what had actually happened. A fast paced and thrilling tale.
Thank you Netgalley and Simon Schuster Australia for the opportunity to read this digital ARC.
November 4, 2023
This book is a crazy ride! In a good way! The prologue was so scintillating that I knew I’d like it right away! I immediately wanted to find out who the villain was and see if I was right.
The Search Party is so much more than someone goes missing story. The dynamics between the characters and their families has as much to do with why things happened, as does the individual relationships between the MC’s.
After the epilogue, Hannah Richell cleverly begins the story by introducing each character with their own chapters. Chapters also alternate between then and now. I liked that there is a list of the characters and a map of the campground at the beginning. It helped me to “see” how everything played out.
As things moved along, I keep thinking I knew the culprit was only to be blindsided with a sneaky twist! This kept happening throughout the whole story! All the way to the end. I was shocked at the ending!
It was a really entertaining, can’t put down, suspense novel! Additionally, I liked that I felt like I knew the characters and went through what they went through.
I am glad I won this book from, Atria Publishing, in a GoodReads giveaway! I suggest it to anyone who likes thriller/suspense books!! It’s a good one!
The Search Party is so much more than someone goes missing story. The dynamics between the characters and their families has as much to do with why things happened, as does the individual relationships between the MC’s.
After the epilogue, Hannah Richell cleverly begins the story by introducing each character with their own chapters. Chapters also alternate between then and now. I liked that there is a list of the characters and a map of the campground at the beginning. It helped me to “see” how everything played out.
As things moved along, I keep thinking I knew the culprit was only to be blindsided with a sneaky twist! This kept happening throughout the whole story! All the way to the end. I was shocked at the ending!
It was a really entertaining, can’t put down, suspense novel! Additionally, I liked that I felt like I knew the characters and went through what they went through.
I am glad I won this book from, Atria Publishing, in a GoodReads giveaway! I suggest it to anyone who likes thriller/suspense books!! It’s a good one!
February 1, 2024
In my opinion, the book 'The Search Party' started a bit slow, but I'm glad that I didn't give up on it. Once the dark and twisted story got going, the pacing was perfect.
The mystery of who did it takes place in various settings over the course of a single weekend. The elevated emotions and increased tensions make the timeframe feel much longer. The multiple perspectives give readers a convincing portrayal of the different characters. This glamping weekend among old college friends and their families is anything but fun, as a child goes missing, massive secrets are uncovered, and tempers escalate, all in the midst of a massive storm. The pace is frantic as we are propelled towards the astonishing conclusion.
I've been missing out on a great author!
Thanks to the author and publisher for this complimentary ARC provided through NetGalley. As always, all opinions are my own and are left voluntarily.
#TheSearchParty #HannahRichell #NewRelease #Mystery #Librofm #Edelweiss #ARC #Audiobook #honestreview #bookreviewer #thrillerbookloverspromotions #thrillerfriendsunite #thrillerobsessedbookishclub #ReadersOfTheLateArc #TalkWordyToMeTeam #lovetoread #bookworms #lovebooks #booknerd #readaholic #bookstagrammer
The mystery of who did it takes place in various settings over the course of a single weekend. The elevated emotions and increased tensions make the timeframe feel much longer. The multiple perspectives give readers a convincing portrayal of the different characters. This glamping weekend among old college friends and their families is anything but fun, as a child goes missing, massive secrets are uncovered, and tempers escalate, all in the midst of a massive storm. The pace is frantic as we are propelled towards the astonishing conclusion.
I've been missing out on a great author!
Thanks to the author and publisher for this complimentary ARC provided through NetGalley. As always, all opinions are my own and are left voluntarily.
#TheSearchParty #HannahRichell #NewRelease #Mystery #Librofm #Edelweiss #ARC #Audiobook #honestreview #bookreviewer #thrillerbookloverspromotions #thrillerfriendsunite #thrillerobsessedbookishclub #ReadersOfTheLateArc #TalkWordyToMeTeam #lovetoread #bookworms #lovebooks #booknerd #readaholic #bookstagrammer
December 10, 2023
First and foremost, a large thank you to NetGalley, Hannah Richell, and Simon & Schuster Canada, for providing me with a copy of this publication, which allows me to provide you with an unbiased review.
Having never read —or heard of—Hannah Richell before, I took a gamble with this book. Richell offers up quite the story that is sure to pull the reader into the middle of the novel and leave them wondering which way is up. When a large group go camping in style, something horrible take place, forcing them to protect themselves and perhaps turn on others. Richell builds the suspense up until all is revealed and the true feelings of all come to the surface. An interesting piece that has me intrigued and wondering if I want to come back for more.
Wanting away from the busy life that London breeds, Max and Annie Kingsley decide to pack it all up and head to Cornwall with their pre-teen son to look into the quieter life. Before opening their glamping establishment, they decide to test it out by inviting some university friends to see that things will run smoothly. This is the perfect reunion for these families, as life got away from them and they have let their friendships stale.
With a number of families together, the children of various ages are pushed to interact. As the clashes between the younger ones escalate, the parental units will surely become involved, drawing lines in the proverbial sand. When something tragic takes place, all eyes turn to how these various families will cope. In a story that moves both between numerous timelines and settings, Hannah Richell offers up a special look into the tensions that arise as families seek to protect their own and toss others out to the authorities. Friendships be damned, family preservation means more than anything. Still, there has been a crime and someone will have to pay. Richell does well to keep the reader hooked in this piece.
I always enjoy a good mystery and Hannah Richell delivers one here. With her strong narrative style, she is able to push the story along, gaining momentum as the action heats up. Her eagerness to put the reader in the middle of it all is shown by the various timeline changes, as well as the setting swaps that provides all angles for the reader to see as things progress.
Character development is key to keeping the reader interested. Richell does well with that as she weaves the story around strong characters that emerge. From the central Kingsleys to some of those introduced on the glamping adventure, the characters take on a life of their own in this piece. I was happy to see things progressing and can only hope that this remains in other of Richell’s novels.
Plot twists help thicken things in this piece, especially as the mysterious nature of the tragic events heightens. The climactic build is not lost on the attentive reader, though things can sometimes be predictable. I can only hope that others felt the same about this piece, where Richell tosses many possibilities before revealing all in a monumental reveal towards the end o the book. This is the sign of a strong novel and a capable writer. I enjoyed the journey and hope others can help. With promoting a great book that many would enjoy.
Kudos, Madam Richell, for piquing my interest through this novel.
Love/hate the review? An ever-growing collection of others appears at:
http://pecheyponderings.wordpress.com/
Having never read —or heard of—Hannah Richell before, I took a gamble with this book. Richell offers up quite the story that is sure to pull the reader into the middle of the novel and leave them wondering which way is up. When a large group go camping in style, something horrible take place, forcing them to protect themselves and perhaps turn on others. Richell builds the suspense up until all is revealed and the true feelings of all come to the surface. An interesting piece that has me intrigued and wondering if I want to come back for more.
Wanting away from the busy life that London breeds, Max and Annie Kingsley decide to pack it all up and head to Cornwall with their pre-teen son to look into the quieter life. Before opening their glamping establishment, they decide to test it out by inviting some university friends to see that things will run smoothly. This is the perfect reunion for these families, as life got away from them and they have let their friendships stale.
With a number of families together, the children of various ages are pushed to interact. As the clashes between the younger ones escalate, the parental units will surely become involved, drawing lines in the proverbial sand. When something tragic takes place, all eyes turn to how these various families will cope. In a story that moves both between numerous timelines and settings, Hannah Richell offers up a special look into the tensions that arise as families seek to protect their own and toss others out to the authorities. Friendships be damned, family preservation means more than anything. Still, there has been a crime and someone will have to pay. Richell does well to keep the reader hooked in this piece.
I always enjoy a good mystery and Hannah Richell delivers one here. With her strong narrative style, she is able to push the story along, gaining momentum as the action heats up. Her eagerness to put the reader in the middle of it all is shown by the various timeline changes, as well as the setting swaps that provides all angles for the reader to see as things progress.
Character development is key to keeping the reader interested. Richell does well with that as she weaves the story around strong characters that emerge. From the central Kingsleys to some of those introduced on the glamping adventure, the characters take on a life of their own in this piece. I was happy to see things progressing and can only hope that this remains in other of Richell’s novels.
Plot twists help thicken things in this piece, especially as the mysterious nature of the tragic events heightens. The climactic build is not lost on the attentive reader, though things can sometimes be predictable. I can only hope that others felt the same about this piece, where Richell tosses many possibilities before revealing all in a monumental reveal towards the end o the book. This is the sign of a strong novel and a capable writer. I enjoyed the journey and hope others can help. With promoting a great book that many would enjoy.
Kudos, Madam Richell, for piquing my interest through this novel.
Love/hate the review? An ever-growing collection of others appears at:
http://pecheyponderings.wordpress.com/
February 12, 2024
I was really looking forward to reading this one, as the locked-room thriller aspect of it immediately attracted me. Unfortunately there were a few issues that I just couldn't overcome, which led to a lower rating. A combination of too many predictable and annoying characters and storylines amongst said characters, and some frankly unbelievable situations, such as a new mother taking her 5-month-old on a glamping trip, as well as very minimal action resulted in me feeling disappointed upon turning the final page, sadly.
That being said, it wasn't all together bad, the writing was pacey, and the situations did evoke emotional responses, but I just felt like this was a story I had read a few times already and by the end of this year I most likely won't remember much about this one. I'm not saying don't give this one a shot, but I would temper my expectations going in.
Despite this one not exactly standing out, I know this author has potential and I will continue following and reading any of her forthcoming work!
That being said, it wasn't all together bad, the writing was pacey, and the situations did evoke emotional responses, but I just felt like this was a story I had read a few times already and by the end of this year I most likely won't remember much about this one. I'm not saying don't give this one a shot, but I would temper my expectations going in.
Despite this one not exactly standing out, I know this author has potential and I will continue following and reading any of her forthcoming work!
March 11, 2024
Came for a thriller, stayed for the drama 🍸
January 16, 2024
*https://www.instagram.com/mrsb_book_r...
4.5 stars
🏕Hannah Richell is the international bestselling author of four previous books that have been translated into twenty-one different languages. Richell makes a noteworthy return to the book scene with her latest release The Search Party. A tale of reconnection, complicated relationships, escape, flooring secrets, friendship, protection and the dangers of mother nature all swirl around The Search Party.
🏕Hannah Richell’s new novel follows a group of five friends who all converge on a luxury glamping site in remote location in Cornwall. This weekend was meant to be about reconnection and fun, but it soon takes a sinister turn. A huge incoming storm, a disappearance, flooring secrets and fractured relationships all come into play in The Search Party.
🏕Multiple perspectives, focal points (hospital, police investigation station and the camping site) and shifting cast views define The Search Party. This is an ambitious whodunnit, it’s not standard fare and it is done very, very well. The highlight of Richell’s latest is the complex web of relationships and tensions that move around the protagonists. The issues, secrets and conflict that arise between the characters is delivered with a kind of whiplash style impact. It is real, raw and considered. Richell takes the time to consider themes of long-standing friendships, family ties, trauma, childhood, motherhood, adoption, parenting, marriage, teen angst, life pressures and more. The main shining element in The Search Party for me was the Cornish setting. The lure of this mysterious locale seemed to call out to me. It suited the mood of the tale just perfectly. The narrative was suitably paced and builds up to the final shocking reveal, which I definitely didn’t pick. Thanks to Hannah Richell for shrouding her main suspense plotline in such a thick air of mystery.
🏕A towering page turner that demands to be read in a sitting. Seek The Search Party out today!
📢Out now via @simonschusterau
4.5 stars
🏕Hannah Richell is the international bestselling author of four previous books that have been translated into twenty-one different languages. Richell makes a noteworthy return to the book scene with her latest release The Search Party. A tale of reconnection, complicated relationships, escape, flooring secrets, friendship, protection and the dangers of mother nature all swirl around The Search Party.
🏕Hannah Richell’s new novel follows a group of five friends who all converge on a luxury glamping site in remote location in Cornwall. This weekend was meant to be about reconnection and fun, but it soon takes a sinister turn. A huge incoming storm, a disappearance, flooring secrets and fractured relationships all come into play in The Search Party.
🏕Multiple perspectives, focal points (hospital, police investigation station and the camping site) and shifting cast views define The Search Party. This is an ambitious whodunnit, it’s not standard fare and it is done very, very well. The highlight of Richell’s latest is the complex web of relationships and tensions that move around the protagonists. The issues, secrets and conflict that arise between the characters is delivered with a kind of whiplash style impact. It is real, raw and considered. Richell takes the time to consider themes of long-standing friendships, family ties, trauma, childhood, motherhood, adoption, parenting, marriage, teen angst, life pressures and more. The main shining element in The Search Party for me was the Cornish setting. The lure of this mysterious locale seemed to call out to me. It suited the mood of the tale just perfectly. The narrative was suitably paced and builds up to the final shocking reveal, which I definitely didn’t pick. Thanks to Hannah Richell for shrouding her main suspense plotline in such a thick air of mystery.
🏕A towering page turner that demands to be read in a sitting. Seek The Search Party out today!
📢Out now via @simonschusterau
February 7, 2024
A weekend to die for?? Locked room mystery?? Sign this girl up!! 🙋♀️ Grab your bags 💼… we are going glamping!! ⛺️ 🪵🍷… Thank you so much to @atriabooks @atriathrillers for my gorgeous gifted copy!! 🥰I love this cover! So atmospheric. 😍
Reunion time!! 👏👏 When Annie and Max decide to open their own little piece of paradise.. away from London… a getaway… a glamorous glamping retreat… and what better way to kick it all off.. was to invite their university BFF’s!! 💼🥳
Isolation… drinks.. some .. not so winning personalities.. What could go wrong?? 🙄EVERYTHING!! 😂 That is what!! 😳
I really enjoyed this atmospheric thriller that kept me up wayyy too late!! I mean the title is The Search 🔦 Party… so you know someone goes missing… 😬🤫… but there is SO much more! Lies.. secrets… maybe.. murder?? Oh and don’t forget… the storm ⛈ ☔️ … and a whole bunch of drama. 😳
⛺️💼🔒☔️😳 Is this on your TBR?? Do you love a good locked 🔒 room mystery?? How do you feel about glamping?? ⛺️🍷 It’s a hard no from me.. even if wine 🍷 is involved. 😂🤷♀️
Reunion time!! 👏👏 When Annie and Max decide to open their own little piece of paradise.. away from London… a getaway… a glamorous glamping retreat… and what better way to kick it all off.. was to invite their university BFF’s!! 💼🥳
Isolation… drinks.. some .. not so winning personalities.. What could go wrong?? 🙄EVERYTHING!! 😂 That is what!! 😳
I really enjoyed this atmospheric thriller that kept me up wayyy too late!! I mean the title is The Search 🔦 Party… so you know someone goes missing… 😬🤫… but there is SO much more! Lies.. secrets… maybe.. murder?? Oh and don’t forget… the storm ⛈ ☔️ … and a whole bunch of drama. 😳
⛺️💼🔒☔️😳 Is this on your TBR?? Do you love a good locked 🔒 room mystery?? How do you feel about glamping?? ⛺️🍷 It’s a hard no from me.. even if wine 🍷 is involved. 😂🤷♀️
January 5, 2024
This was the first book by Hannah Richell that I have read and certainly will not be my last. This was a gripping family suspense/thriller that kept me guessing until the very end.
There was so much to like about this story. The setting, on the Cornwall coast in a massive storm, gave it plenty of atmosphere and that isolated feel. Cut off from everything, these people are stuck in a situation that none of them could ever imagine. A group of long time friends get together for a weekend of glamping, and it all goes horribly wrong. There are quite a few characters to keep up with but I didn’t have any issue with it at all. All the characters had their own voice and personality. That being said, there were some very unlikeable people here, making it even easier to keep them straight.
Thanks to Simon and Schuster Australia and NetGalley for my advanced copy of this book to read. Thoroughly enjoyed it.
There was so much to like about this story. The setting, on the Cornwall coast in a massive storm, gave it plenty of atmosphere and that isolated feel. Cut off from everything, these people are stuck in a situation that none of them could ever imagine. A group of long time friends get together for a weekend of glamping, and it all goes horribly wrong. There are quite a few characters to keep up with but I didn’t have any issue with it at all. All the characters had their own voice and personality. That being said, there were some very unlikeable people here, making it even easier to keep them straight.
Thanks to Simon and Schuster Australia and NetGalley for my advanced copy of this book to read. Thoroughly enjoyed it.
August 21, 2024
**4.5 stars**
I found this one to be a super easy and engaging read; I finished it in two sittings. I've really enjoyed past novels by this author and this one is no exception. With the point-of-views changing frequently and between a number of characters, it gives readers a well-rounded view on what is happening for everyone. The time changes also mean readers definitely know something bad has happened and it is gradually revealed what. The tension is quite high the whole way through the book with a lot of clever red herrings and twists.
I would happily and highly recommend this one for any fans of the mystery/thriller genre.
I found this one to be a super easy and engaging read; I finished it in two sittings. I've really enjoyed past novels by this author and this one is no exception. With the point-of-views changing frequently and between a number of characters, it gives readers a well-rounded view on what is happening for everyone. The time changes also mean readers definitely know something bad has happened and it is gradually revealed what. The tension is quite high the whole way through the book with a lot of clever red herrings and twists.
I would happily and highly recommend this one for any fans of the mystery/thriller genre.
January 4, 2026
A glamping weekend reunion among five former college friends and their families. When tensions arise between the children and subsequently their parents, what could possibly go wrong?
This destination thriller set in the wilds of Cornwall, is packed with psychological suspense, parental protectiveness and the unraveling of long-held secrets.
The chapters alternate between the catastrophic weekend, the police investigation and a hospital room...
The audiobook is narrated well by Beth Eyre and Jamie Parker.
This destination thriller set in the wilds of Cornwall, is packed with psychological suspense, parental protectiveness and the unraveling of long-held secrets.
The chapters alternate between the catastrophic weekend, the police investigation and a hospital room...
The audiobook is narrated well by Beth Eyre and Jamie Parker.
June 12, 2025
Lots of drama packed in one book!
Lots of characters too but it had a guide at the beginning to help.
I liked this one. It wasn’t over the top and still very fun to read.
4⭐️
Lots of characters too but it had a guide at the beginning to help.
I liked this one. It wasn’t over the top and still very fun to read.
4⭐️
February 11, 2024
“The Search Party”, by Hannah Richell
4 solid stars! ⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️
I purchased a copy of this book just because of its cover.
It also came up constantly on my feeds, so it was hard to ignore it.
And I’m glad I got it.
And I went totally blind, not reading the synopsis or the reviews.
And what a terrific surprise!
This is a character driven novel.
The writing is solid and the timeline structure was skilfully executed.
The storytelling was superb, creating that perfect atmosphere of a suspenseful drama.
There were many secrets between the characters that were slowly revealed, and those secrets and twists were clever, avoiding the far-fetched plots that are so common nowadays.
My only complaint is that I thought there were too many characters (but it wasn’t hard to follow them, and after a while I just got used to them).
But they were all believable, although not that likeable.
The development of the storyline is told by multiple POVs.
The characterization of Kip, a boy who experienced traumatic events (and the circumstances surrounding his life) was spectacular (and heartbreaking) but left me wanting for more.
The conclusion wasn’t to my satisfaction, but I can’t give a negative review just based on that.
I thought that this was a great work of fiction.
This was my first book by this author and I’m looking forward to reading her past and future works.
e-book (Kobo): 306 pages (default), 95k words
Paperback (Simon & Schuster) - Canadian released date: January 16, 2024: 352 pages
4 solid stars! ⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️
I purchased a copy of this book just because of its cover.
It also came up constantly on my feeds, so it was hard to ignore it.
And I’m glad I got it.
And I went totally blind, not reading the synopsis or the reviews.
And what a terrific surprise!
This is a character driven novel.
The writing is solid and the timeline structure was skilfully executed.
The storytelling was superb, creating that perfect atmosphere of a suspenseful drama.
There were many secrets between the characters that were slowly revealed, and those secrets and twists were clever, avoiding the far-fetched plots that are so common nowadays.
My only complaint is that I thought there were too many characters (but it wasn’t hard to follow them, and after a while I just got used to them).
But they were all believable, although not that likeable.
The development of the storyline is told by multiple POVs.
The characterization of Kip, a boy who experienced traumatic events (and the circumstances surrounding his life) was spectacular (and heartbreaking) but left me wanting for more.
The conclusion wasn’t to my satisfaction, but I can’t give a negative review just based on that.
I thought that this was a great work of fiction.
This was my first book by this author and I’m looking forward to reading her past and future works.
e-book (Kobo): 306 pages (default), 95k words
Paperback (Simon & Schuster) - Canadian released date: January 16, 2024: 352 pages
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