Before writing my review, I want to extend a huge thank you to NetGalley, Darby Kane, and William Morrow, William Morrow Paperbacks for gifting me the ARC of this book! I appreciate you trusting me with an honest review!! It was a privilege to be able to read THE ENGAGEMENT PARTY before publication on December 5th.
I love love love locked-room mysteries! So when I read the premise of this book and saw the comparisons made to Agatha Christie’s AND THEN THEY WERE NONE, I knew I just had to get my hands on THE ENGAGEMENT PARTY! And I’m so glad I did!
This was my first book from Darby Kane and I really enjoyed it! The storyline was captivating and kept me reading well into the night. The escalating suspense propelled the book forward at lightening speed and kept the reader guessing until the very end. The characters, for the most part, were well developed, especially one of our main protagonists, Sierra. Her evolving relationship with Mitch was an intriguing part of the narrative. However, not all of the characters were likable— in fact, some were quite despicable. But each added something unique to the storyline and helped progress plot points.
The isolated setting with a raging storm as the backdrop added to the eeriness and mystery of the story. There was a claustrophobic feel emanating from the characters as it became clear there was something or someone keeping them from leaving the island. And just when you think you have all of the answers, think again! In this clever thriller by Darby Kane, nothing is as it first seems, long buried secrets define friendships, and reliable narrators are few and far between. What you are left with is a fun, twisty, suspenseful read, perfect for mystery lovers and night owls alike!