The Afterparty

by Ruth Kelly

'Ruth Kelly is my go-to for destination thrillers' – ANDREA MARA

'A slick, multi-layered thriller with a fabulous Amsterdam setting - a true page-turner' – CATHERINE COOPER


She was your best friend. Now she's missing. And everyone suspects you.

People drift apart. You and Georgie were inseparable once; she knew you better than anyone. But that was then.

Now, out of the blue, Georgie's back. She's inviting you to a glamorous New Year's Eve afterparty in Amsterdam - a chance to relive the good old days and the fun you used to have.

You go. You laugh. You remember.

But then Georgie vanishes.

And just like that, you're the prime suspect.

She knows all your secrets – the ones you've managed to bury. But as the clock ticks and the accusations mount, you're left with one terrifying how well do you really know her?

From bestselling, Richard & Judy book club pick author Ruth Kelly, The Afterparty is perfect for fans of Lisa Jewell and Sarah Pearse.


Praise for Ruth Kelly

'Queen of the chiller thriller' - Veronica Henry, Sunday Times bestselling author of The Impulse Purchase

'Deliciously addictive' - TM Logan, Sunday Times bestselling author of The Daughter

'A great thriller writer' - John Marrs, Sunday Times bestselling author of What Lies Between Us

'Page-turning' - BP Walter, Sunday Times bestselling author of The Dinner Guest

'I loved every page of this delicious thriller' - Caroline Corcoran, Sunday Times bestselling author of Through The Wall

'Beautifully paced and darkly twisted' - Katy Brent, bestselling author of How To Kill Men and Get Away With It

'A writer full of imagination' - Daily Mail

'Thrilling, atmospheric and so twisty!' - Fabulous

'Kelly keeps the tensions high and the emotions raw in this sleek, modern missing-person thriller' - The i Paper

'Thrilling' - Crime Monthly

Genres: Audiobook, Mystery, Thriller

381 pages, Kindle Edition

First published October 23, 2025

About the author

Ruth Kelly is a journalist who has ghosted a string of Sunday Times top ten bestsellers – with The Prison Doctor, having sold over 250,000 copies, and The Governor, going straight in at number one on the Amazon charts and number five in the Sunday Times bestseller list.

Holiday destinations feature heavily in Ruth’s thriller writing having spent most of her life traveling and exploring the world. Her family relocated to Papua New Guinea when she was seven-years-old and the travel bug hasn’t let up since. The simmering threat of what lies beneath the surface, the dichotomy of how paradise can also be hell fascinates Ruth. Making a destination a character in its own right - both a friend and an enemy, not someone to be trusted – is a thread explored throughout her writing.

Reviews

[Joanna · Rating 4 out of 5]

3.75 rounded to 4 stars for me.

Becca is living in Amsterdam with her husband .Being there mostly by herself ,as Nathan is busy with new restaurant,she's lonely.At the last expected minute Becca is alone to celebrate New Year by herself,and it come as surprise when her old friend Georgie reappear after years of silence.They celebrate together and go to afterparty.Becca wake up in hospital without memory what happened,and Georgie is missing.It seems that police suspect Becca have something to do with it,and she have to find out what happened before it's to late.

Is Georgie still alive?
Will Becca remember what happened at the party?

I will be honest, this book was very engaging,I had to know what is going on.The twists were surprising,and it's disturbing the things some can do to get what they want,even when that can destroy your life.The only thing that didn't sit right with me in the beginning was Becca,this lost soul who wants to please everyone,that changed after a while,and saved the story for me from lower rating.She really surprise me toward the end,good for her.My first book by this author,and I hope to read more.

If you like thriller with surprising twists I would recommend this book.

Thank you netgalley and Pan Macmillan publisher for arc,the review is honest and my own.

[Heather Cairns · Rating 4 out of 5]

Quite good with a few twists and turns but maybe some parts a little unbelievable from the police procedural side of it and not tracking georgies phone etc

[Balthazarinblue · Rating 4 out of 5]

3.75

Becca is floundering. Living abroad to chase her husband's dream, she's yet to find her footing. Lonely, unemployed, and feeling neglected in her marriage, Georgie's sudden reappearance after 10 years of no contact feels like the universe is finally giving her a break. Becca and her one-time best friend easily settle back into the dynamic that defined their adolescence. A wild New Year's Eve party ends with Becca in the hospital and Georgie missing, but the police aren't taking the situation seriously.

Ruth Kelly has an easy breezy writing style that lends itself perfectly to this kind of beach read thriller. THE AFTERPARTY took a minute to establish itself but once the second POV, a brash social media 'detective', was introduced things ramped up quickly. Every twist heightened the tension and soon this mystery was a Gordian knot of competing motives.

Becca is a hot mess kind of POV character. She's the embodiment of the miscommunication trope. She drinks too much, can't recall crucial details, keeps quiet when speaking up would straighten things out quickly. My frustration with her is what kept me from entirely enjoying THE AFTERPARTY even while I understood why she was the way she was. She felt a little like a throwback to the standard 2010s thriller protagonist that ended up parodied in THE WOMAN IN THE HOUSE ACROSS THE STREET FROM THE GIRL IN THE WINDOW. If you're feeling nostalgic for that era of thrillers, this will scratch that itch for you.

[Bookshortie · Rating 4 out of 5]

Becca and Georgie were once best friends but they drifted apart. Fast forward to the present and Georgie has reached out to Becca. They attend a New Year's Eve party and then Georgie disappears. With the world watching Becca can she find out what happened to Georgie.

I really enjoy reading thrillers by this author because they are a complete and utter whirlwind. This book was no different. The storyline was intense and full of twists and turns.

Becca was an interesting character and she’s certainly one I would describe as a bit lost. Her husband is in the process of opening a restaurant and they're trying for a baby so there's a lot of pressure in Becca’s life and in her marriage. Becca does suffer from quite a lot of anxiety and that radiated off the page. It becomes worse when Georgie appears back in her life and then disappears. The relationship between Becca and Georgie was fascinating to follow. They haven’t seen each other for many years and when they reconnect they are at very different points in their life. In flashbacks to the past the reader is given an insight into how Becca and Georgia’s friendship started. At times it seemed like Becca was more invested in their friendship than Georgie was. Although Becca had changed it did seem that Georgie hadn’t. They also come from very different worlds. Georgie was from a privileged background whereas Becca wasn’t.

One of the issues that Becca faces is she can’t remember what happened the last time she saw Georgie. She starts to piece together what happened but her progress is hampered by the fact that Georgie’s disappearance has become an online obsession fuelled by Jamie. Jamie is an arm chair detective calling himself a TikTok Detective and he believes that Becca was involved in Georgie’s disappearance. He has no evidence this, it’s just his personal view that goes viral. Initially it did feel like he wanted to help but then it started to become apparent that he was using Georgie’s disappearance as clickbait and for views. He then slowly becomes more of a nuisance and a hindrance to the investigation rather than a help. I thought this aspect of the story was very realistic and portrayed well the impact and role social media has on cases.

If you enjoy psychological thrillers then this is one to add to your list.

[Lisagrace · Rating 4 out of 5]

Lots of twists. Guessed some and not others and went back and forth between what I thought might happen. I preferred the friend’s narrative to the TikTok detective (why did he say lol after literally everything?!) and I liked that we continued to get additional narrators as the book went on.

[Zoe · Rating 4 out of 5]

Menacing, dark, and suspenseful!

The Afterparty is a tight, sinister tale that draws us into the life of Becca, a young woman who, after reconnecting with an old friend on New Year’s Eve, suddenly finds herself the prime suspect in a possible murder when her friend disappears without a trace during the night’s festivities.

The prose is intense and ominous. The characters are troubled, vulnerable, and secretive. The plot, told from multiple perspectives, unravels briskly into an unpredictable story of deception, lies, drama, manipulation, abuse, desperation, and the obsessive nature of social media.

Overall, The Afterparty is a complex, twisty, gritty thriller by Kelly that serves as a chilling reminder of just how low some people will go for a little taste of fame and fortune.

[Tracy Fenton · Rating 4 out of 5]

Thoroughly enjoyed this twisted psychological thriller.

The After Party kept me glued to the pages, guessing who/what/how from the opening page to the end.

Definitely recommend this to fans of twisted tales.

Note: currently lost my review mojo so I'm writing brief comments for now x

[BookswithLydscl | · Rating 2 out of 5]

Becca is the worst, not helped by the narrator. she's meant to be a 30 year old wife and mother to be and comes across as a pathetic teenager. the tik tok detective chapters are cringe worthy. Georgie is also the worst, completely unsympathetic.

couple of decent twists though. an easy popcorn thriller but it felt more like a hate read at times.

[Louise Roach · Rating 5 out of 5]

Loved this book! Easy to read, quick page turner with short chapters which meant you could always read a little bit more! I liked the characters, the overall plot and the twists along the way. Right up my street! 4.5 stars rounded up to 5! ⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️

[Michelle · Rating 3 out of 5]

3.5, review to follow

[Poppy Boulter · Rating 3 out of 5]

it was alright at best with the twists and turns but i really just couldn’t deal with the tiktok mention every 5 minutes, plus every single character is unbearable oh my god

[Linda · Rating 4 out of 5]

A great read, so addictive with a great twist at the end.

[shannon · Rating 2 out of 5]

Easy read, a bit silly.

[Emma · Rating 4 out of 5]

All my reviews can be found at damppebbles.com

Ruth Kelly is fast becoming one of my favourite authors, having read all but one of her psychological thrillers (it’s now very near the top of my TBR!). So I was delighted to see a new release on the horizon in the form of The Afterparty. I’ve come to expect exotic international locations, thrilling twists and a lovely dark edge to Kelly’s stories. The Afterparty, set in Amsterdam, follows Becca as she is reunited with her childhood best friend, popular and privileged Georgie. The pair reconnect instantly. It feels as though no time has passed whatsoever. Becca’s husband is away on a last-minute business trip and, as it’s New Year’s Eve, it seems the only thing for the two women to do is go out and celebrate in style. But Becca has forgotten how demanding and exhausting a night out with Georgie can be. Before long, the two women are gate-crashing a party they have no right to be at. The drinks are flowing, the crowds are disorientating, and Becca has pretty much had enough. The following day, Becca wakes up in the hospital. There’s no sign of Georgie. Where has she gone? Did something happen the previous night? And why can’t Becca remember any of it…?

The Afterparty is a dark and intriguing read with a killer twist that I certainly did not see coming. Becca and Georgie have a long history together, but Georgie’s memory of the past and Becca’s are two very different things. They’re polar opposites; one living her early years in a large, luxurious house equipped with a swimming pool. The other, living on the brink of poverty. Despite their differences, an unlikely friendship is built up. Does it mean as much to Georgie as it does to Becca? Well, you’ll have to read the book to see the complexities of that one!

The book is told using different time frames and from different perspectives. Alongside Becca’s account is the voice of Jamie, a TikTok detective and quite possibly the most irritating character I have met in fiction in a long time! Jamie’s aim in life is to accumulate followers and views of his TikToks. If he needs to do that at Becca’s expense, then he will without a moment’s thought. When Georgie is declared missing, Jamie turns all of his attention on confused Becca. Putting her in a spotlight she doesn’t want to be in. Asking questions she doesn’t have the answers to. Jamie made my blood boil. I hated him. In my notes I wrote ‘Jamie is utterly vile!!’! But I was in awe of how well the author has written the character. How easily Kelly invoked a kind of bookish rage in me, the reader. Grrr. The other characters in the novel are well-written and play their parts well. I felt a lot of sympathy for Becca, who clearly had no idea what happened to her friend on New Year’s Eve (or to her, as an afterthought). She is playing second fiddle in her marriage to her husband’s pet project, the opening of a new trendy restaurant in the up-and-coming cool part of Amsterdam. She’s recently suffered a devastating loss of her own, and she can’t ignore the niggling feeling that her husband is much more suited to his business partner, the glamorous Katya. I didn’t like her, but oh my gosh, I really, really felt for her!

Would I recommend this book? I would, yes. The Afterparty is another stellar read from Ruth Kelly. Interesting and intriguing characters, a compelling, page-turning plot, and with Amsterdam – the good, and the not so good bits – shining from the page. I enjoyed this twisty thriller. There is a lot going on in this book. All the more for the reader to get their teeth into! With a before-and-after timeline, different perspectives and everything coming together beautifully in the end, I was hooked from the moment I started reading. A great addition to the author’s catalogue of work, and I very much look forward to seeing what Ruth Kelly publishes next. Recommended.

[Aliyah · Rating 2 out of 5]

This is the first book I’ve read after not reading for a long time. The story line was okay, but I found the whole tiktok thing to be quite cringe. It was an easy read to get me back into reading but overall it was not something to write home about

[Mana · Rating 3 out of 5]

The Afterparty by Ruth Kelly is a tense and emotionally stuffed mystery about the sudden disappearance of Georgie, a young woman who used to be the narrator's best friend. Georgie unexpectedly resurfaces in the protagonist's life with an invitation to a New Year's Eve party in Amsterdam, sparking a mix of excitement and anxiety around the reunion. Memories flood back of when the two were almost inseparable, but then quickly fall into darkness when Georgie disappears without a trace, and suspicion falls on the narrator. The main conflict revolves around what actually happened that night and how well the protagonist knows Georgie, leaving the reader in palpable suspense throughout.

The protagonist is yet on a journey of self-discovery, which thematically runs alongside the mystery. The whole novel showcases how the characters struggle with guilt, mistrust, and fragmented memories while trying to unravel the truth from the most uncomfortable parts of their past, sending them to those they might suspect. Supporting characters like different partygoer attendees and mutual acquaintances all provide a perspective, thereby further complicating the relationships and the story. As the protagonist battles with his growing confusion and doubts, it becomes his clear realization of the narrator implicating a case of more than just one missing person; it's the delicate nature of friendships and deeper secrets people keep from each other.

Mainly truths, betrayals, and the mask social facades allow visibility into the book. This story speaks more about prevailing conversations around mental health; peering into the effects of social media in the lives of people, and how individuals sometimes outgrow each other over time. Past errors or relationships often presented a feeling of entrapment; in particular, the protagonist already doubts his grounds concerning the authenticity of Georgie's disappearance; thus, the resonance of such a theme becomes even stronger. This gives the novel a contemporary feeling in connecting the personal drama to broader societal anxieties.

Ruth Kelly's style of writing is straightforward, and since it balances between tension and inward-looking introspection, it makes the narration move rapidly, especially when the unraveling of the mystery takes place in the advancement of the story. Sometimes, some parts are a little uneven and take too much in some details, thus slowing its pace. It deepens the emotional impact of first-person narration by putting readers directly inside the protagonist, thereby making the unfolding suspicion immediate, imminent, and personal. The atmosphere is charged with unease and uncertainty, thereby keeping the reader engaged, even in the quieter moments.

In the basement of the typically unexciting thriller space, The Afterparty achieves something else: the emotional fallout of fractured friendships and trust. The novel itself creates a weighty number of questions in its readers' minds about identity and memory, though at times it could try to flesh out its characters a little bit more thoroughly and explore its themes.

Overall, it presents an encouraging thought on how well we really know our nearest companions and ourselves. The fans of whip-smart modern psychological mysteries will find something to appreciate here, even if the book didn't quite reach its full potential for me. This is a solid read with missed opportunities for deeper insight.

[Shannon 💃🏻 · Rating 3 out of 5]

3.25

This could have been quite a forgettable thriller, will I remember it forever? No. But it did have a decent enough plot twist that I liked. It was a little slow paced in the middle but the ending was ultimately satisfying! I liked the shifting of POV’s and the inclusion of modern culture everyone’s a couch detective now. I do wish this was explored more as I think diving in to the dangers and potential help the internet’s has in today world is interesting but it was more surface level here still a nice addition. I did guess this but I read a lot of thrillers, I think this is a good thriller for readers new to the genre.
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[Natasha Fitzsimons · Rating 1 out of 5]

Absolutely one of the worst books I’ve ever read. Horrible characters, horrible conversations that people simply wouldn’t conduct. Nothing happens and then a plot is wrapped up in 3 pages. A criminal mastermind makes mistakes that are beyond stupid. I will never touch a Ruth Kelly book again, yes it’s that bad.

[MiniMicroPup · Rating 4 out of 5]

Messy but addictive. It’s like the story kept tripping over itself. Every time I was ready to DNF, something would hook me back. I’m glad I kept reading though.

Energy: Volatile. Ominous. Pitiful.

🐺 Growls: The dialogue seemed too for-the-reader. Moods and tones changing too quickly. The TikTokker’s perspective was over-the-top and pulled me out of the story initially. Some interactions were awkward or too sudden, and characters often changed personalities halfway through scenes. The writing veered into subplots or new scenes in a way that interrupted the suspense. Certain scenes dragged on and distracted from the main missing friend storyline.

🐕 Howls: The first-person thoughts seemed too simplistic and juvenile. Some conclusions, like the marriage dynamics, felt forced and very “because I said so.” The MC’s moral ambiguity was interesting, but I don’t know about that ending... it felt rushed and too tidy.

🐩 Tail Wags: The Amsterdam setting and descriptions made it easy to imagine. The early part was suspenseful, with good foreshadowing. Intriguing premise, the clues and mystery. The true-crime influencer angle was fun once I got past the caricature. There are some well placed cliffhangers and surprising reveals.

Scene: 🇳🇱 Bloemgracht Canal neighbourhood, Amsterdam, Netherlands
Perspectives (3): (1) A newlywed feeling homesick while their spouse opens a restaurant agrees to reconnect with an old friend for New Year’s Eve. (2) A 25 yo wannabe TikTok true crime sleuth chasing a missing woman case. (3) The old friend who sneaks in to an elite party.
Timeline: Now (2010s or 2020s) & Before (6 days before a body is found in the canal). December to New Year’s Eve. ❄️ Wintery.
Narrative: Confidant-like, mind-reading vantage point with close, informal tone (first person).
Fuel (for me): Invested in the plot and curious about how things will turn out, where the story is going.
Cred: Plausible
Stakes: Medium-High. Emotional instability, toxic friendships, missing memories, missing friend, a body in the canal, marital secrecy, accusations, escalating danger.

Mood Reading Match-Up:
Rain and darkness. Unknown number. Expensive perfume. Trance beats. Champagne. Stale canal water.
• Casual, simplistic writing style
• Awkward, flawed, anxious, nasty, and questionable characters
• Old-friends reunion
• Homebody at a chaotic party
• Missing memories after a night out
• Emotional affairs and newlywed insecurities
• Missing friend mystery
• Framed-or-guilty suspense
• TikTokker behaving badly
• Expat loneliness and homesickness
• Escalating stakes and quick pivots
• Reverse whodunit (who is the victim?)

Content Heads-Up: Alcohol (intoxication, recreational, social). Alcoholic parent. Anxiety, negative thoughts. Cannabis use. Domestic violence (recalls). Drug use (pills, cocaine; mentions on page). Drugging. Infidelity (temptation, suspicions). Intoxicated driving (mention). Kidnapping. Medical (stroke, diabetic complications). Memory loss (during party). Miscarriage (memory). Sex work. Sexual content (lusting, attempted, transactional, consenting). Slurs, prejudice (against law enforcement). Substance abuse, addiction.

Rep: British. British Dutch. Syrian Dutch. Cis. Hetero. Pale, bleach white skin tones. Type II diabetes (peripheral character).

📚 Format: Advance Reader’s Copy from Pan Macmillan and NetGalley

My musings 💖 powered by puppy snuggles 🐶

[The Cookster · Rating 3 out of 5]

Rating: 3.4/5

Firstly, ignore the précis that appears on certain sites! This may have been the planned basis for the story at some point, but the finished book does not include characters called Bex & Marcella, but it is set in Amsterdam. The actual storyline revolves around two former, but long since estranged friends, Becca and Georgie, who get back together for a New Year's Eve night out. Things go awry during the course of the celebrations and Georgie disappears. Nobody, including the Dutch police, seem to take the disappearance too seriously, but TikTok Detective, Jamie, makes it his mission to track down Georgie's whereabouts.

I was full of praise for Ruth Kelly's first two novels, "The Villa" and the even more impressive follow-up, "The Escape". Her third novel, "The Ice Retreat" was disappointing, but I am pleased to say that "The Afterparty" represents a return to better form, whilst not quite matching the standard of her first two offerings. That said, for the first 80% of the book I was convinced this was going to be a solidly impressive four-star read. The premise had the necessary hook, the characters were interesting and well portrayed and the pace well-judged. As the story developed there were intriguing possibilities emerging and some moments of tangible tension. This was enhanced by the convincing Amsterdam backdrop, where the author has lived for many years. Sadly, the final 20% felt overly contrived and rushed, which was a pity, given the quality of the writing and plotting leading up to that point. Nonetheless, I am pleased that the misstep in "The Ice Retreat" has been followed by something markedly better and I am sure I will be back for book five.

[Shona · Rating 4 out of 5]

She was your best friend. Now she's missing. And everyone suspects you. People drift apart. Becca & Georgie were inseparable once, they knew each other better than anyone. But that was then & now, out of the blue, Georgie's back, inviting Becca to a glamorous New Year's Eve afterparty in Amsterdam - a chance to relive the good old days and the fun they used to have. But then Georgie vanishes & Becca becomes the prime suspect. As the clock ticks & the accusations mount, she is left with one terrifying thought: How well does she really know Georgie?

Ruth’s books are always fabulous destination thrillers & this time she takes us to Amsterdam for another trip with a mystery to solve.

Right from the beginning we are thrown into Becca’s world, entering at a point where her life is in turmoil & therefore easily influenced by the return of her oldest friend. There is an element of naivety in her character but I think that is intentional to involve the reader in her journey to find out the truth.

The insertion of a ‘TikTok Detective’ worked really well to ramp up the intrigue, the emphasis on this character’s perspective a clever way to reflect the social media impact & obsessive nature, that can happen in real life police cases. His character is very different to everyone else in the story & I really enjoyed how Ruth used the writing style of him ‘talking to camera’ to portray his thoughts and actions.

As always the author keeps us turning those pages with short chapters, filled with intrigue & clues, taking you in one direction before turning things around with several unexpected twists. It’s hard to say much more without giving away any spoilers but I continue to look forward to where Ruth will take me next time, always enjoyable reads from her.

[Emerald Maple · Rating 4 out of 5]

Honestly, when I started reading this, I wasn't sure I had the right book. It starts off very un-party like as we see an older man navigating Amsterdam's canals and then Becca's life. Her husband leaves for a last minute business leaving her alone for New Year's Eve when a childhood friend suddenly calls. The next morning, Becca wakes up in hospital, Georgie is missing and things are about to get very messy.

I wanted to like this as it is Ruth Kelly and The Villa was great but it fell a little flat for me until about half way through the book. It is multiple POVs over a short timeline but fairly easy to follow which one is speaking with clear headers for each. The pacing is good too once you get past the initial chapters laying out Becca's personality and isolation. There are some good twists where it gets interesting and and a great ending.

Despite the characters growing and learning about themselves, it just didn't wow me. Becca just isn't very likeable and I found it hard to care for everything she was going through. Georgie clearly has some secrets. Nathan just sucks. The TikTok detective is an interesting angle. Lots of books have private investigators but there is something deeper with non licensed detectives who are trying to make it big on someone else's pain. Jamie is clearly in it for himself and not just trying to find Georgie. He doesn't care who he hurts as long as it brings views and donations.

Overall, a decent read. Just a bit slow to start but the details matter in the end. Thanks to Pan Macmillan and Netgalley for the copy for review.

[Hannah · Rating 4 out of 5]

Becca is now living in Amsterdam with her husband, who is opening a new restaurant, and is feeling lonely with his attention focused on work. When Georgie turns up, a friend she hasn’t seen for years, she is excited to have some fun. They end up at an After party and the night takes a drastic turn when Georgie vanishes. Soon Becca’s life is spiralling, as she is the prime suspect.

I have read all of this author’s books, ever since reading and thoroughly enjoying The Villa. This ended up being another entertaining, fast paced thriller by this author and another that I really enjoyed. I haven’t read many books set in Amsterdam, so that was refreshing and interesting to read about. The author does a good job at creating a descriptive, rich environment, which helped to keep the story compelling.

The characters were engaging and written well, however I couldn’t fully warm to Becca as a character, finding her annoying and feeble at times. There were moments in the story that were slightly inaccurate and at times the plot was far fetched, letting that slide though, this was a well written thriller and I will certainly continue to enthusiastically seek more stories by this author. 3.5 stars rounded up. Thanks to NetGalley and the publisher for this copy in return for an honest review.

[Katie · Rating 4 out of 5]

Kelly really knows how to write a taut and twisty destination thriller! I picked this up after enjoying The Ice Retreat, and enjoyed The Afterparty just as much.

The opening imagery sucked me straight in— the body, the icy Amsterdam canals— made for a sinister start. The glitz and glamour of New Year’s Eve, and the thrill of being reunited with a long-lost friend quickly devolves into an evening of bacchanalian excess. This sets the tone for the dark spiral of the story, which doesn’t let up until the very last page.

Becca’s deep-seated insecurity and dogged pursuit of justice create an unsettling dynamic, heightening the sense of suspense and threat. Combined with the fast pacing, quickly alternating POV, red herrings, and twists, it makes for a quick and engrossing read. Great for fans of authors such as Lisa Jewell, Sarah Pearse, and Andrea Mara.

Thank you to the publishers for an ARC of this book. Opinions expressed are my own.

[Laura · Rating 3 out of 5]

I enjoyed Ruth Kelly's The Ice Retreat and The Villa because, although far-fetched, their unusual settings and slightly bonkers plots set them apart from the usual thriller fare. Unfortunately, The Afterparty is much more run-of-the-mill. Becca is surprised to be invited on a trip to Amsterdam by old friend Georgie, who dumped her long ago for not fitting in with her glamorous social circle. But when Georgie goes missing after a wild New Year's party, Becca has to figure out what happened. The plot of this one is intensely predictable, there's little sense of place, and Kelly's writing is just not very good (the sections written from the point of view of the TikTok detective were especially awkward). We are meant to sympathise with Becca, but I found her weak-minded and a bit wet. Nothing here that stands out from the vast number of other thrillers on the market. 2.5 stars.

I received a free proof copy of this novel from the publisher for review.

[Fiona · Rating 1 out of 5]

If I cried as much as the main character did, maybe it would wash away the ink, and prevent anyone else from having to read this book.

Not a single compelling character in this story, with the flattest of character arcs (if they even got them), and I have had more history with a spider living on my wall than Becca had with Georgie.

The end plot made no sense, and came from literally nowhere. Perhaps, if there had been any indication that the husband was hiding some kind of killer instinct, it would have hit, but to have all the build-up of thinking he had had an affair, then to let that fizzle out, then to find out he had murdered someone and kidnapped Georgie?? The most ridiculous plot twist, and felt like the author was just desperate for something to justify this book being 'interesting'.

A waste of an epilogue as well, which made little sense, and just reinforced how much time I had wasted reading this story.

[Sharon Valler: Live Love Read Review · Rating 3 out of 5]

Twisty! Becca is struggling with her new life in Amsterdam and with her husband away on business over new year, she is feeling low and alone. When her old school friend, Georgie, shows up, after ten years of silence, a night out celebrating with champagne and catching up on old times reminds her of who she used to be.

The following morning, Becca wakes up in hospital and Georgie has disappeared, but that’s just the start of the nightmare.

I enjoyed this book and there were some unexpected twists and surprises along the way. I felt Becca was weak and wanted to give her a good shake and tell her to man up though! The story felt a little disjointed at times; I can’t put my finger on what it was, it just didn’t flow smoothly but still a good read.

3 ⭐️ Thanks to Netgalley, Ruth Kelly and Pan Macmillan for an ARC of this book.

[Brooke · Rating 5 out of 5]

Multiple POVs told over a timeline of 5 days. The twists are twisting, and that mid point twist will have your jaw on the floor!! Tension bubbling, dark and toxic throughout, gripping you with short chapters.

Paranoid Becca, turns amateur sleuth in this destination thriller that will have your heart pounding at the twists and turns! Unsettling, race against time, storyline. Her character development is exquisite, going from meek, and frustrating to unravelled and fierce while she digs into Amsterdam’s criminal underworld to find her friend.

TikTok crime detective, Jamie, is a great POV, loved this viewpoint, highlighting the danger of internet armchair detectives only in it for the likes and monetary gain.

This is a must read! Flown through it in just over day. Thank you to and for having me on this book tour!

[Jo-anne Atkinson · Rating 5 out of 5]

Becca has moved from her quiet Devon hometown to Amsterdam as her husband prepares to launch a new restaurant. Struggling after a miscarriage and lonely, Becca is called by an estranged friend Georgie who is in town. Becca and Georgie are worlds apart but after being persuaded to go out, they gatecrash an elite party. Becca wakes up in hospital after hitting her head and finds that she has been drugged, Georgie is missing.
From the start this is a bit of a crazy ride of a book and it just gets crazier and crazier. There are numerous twists and turns, it's totally unbelievable - BUT, it's also fantastically addictive to read. There are some great points made about the obsession with true crime and the power of money. I raced through it in a couple of hours and just enjoyed the madness.

[K · Rating 3 out of 5]

Becca and Nathan moved to Amsterdam so that Nathan could set up his dream restaurant. Becca had a job back in the UK, but here she doesn’t and she feels useless. It’s New Year’s Eve and Nathan announces he has to go to London to try and get an investor on board, so Becca is now left alone. Her friend Georgie, who she hasn’t seen for 10 years turns up unexpectedly and they head out to celebrate New Year. Becca is very drunk and somehow she ends up in hospital having been drugged and Georgia is missing.
I would have enjoyed this a lot more if Becca had been a likeable character, but she is rather useless, doesn’t say things when she should. So I’m afraid only three stars.
My thanks to NetGalley and the publishers for the arc.