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The Afterparty
'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
'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
381 pages, Kindle Edition
Published October 23, 2025
75 people are currently reading
99 people want to read
About the author
Ruth Kelly
5 books38 followersRuth 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.
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.
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Displaying 1 - 17 of 17 reviews
August 9, 2025
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
November 26, 2025
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.
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.
August 21, 2025
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.
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.
October 26, 2025
It's New Year's Eve, and Becca is feeling isolated and lonely in her new home in Amsterdam. Her husband is focused on the imminent opening of his new restaurant and doesn't have much time for her. When a long-lost friend suddenly reappears in her life, she decides to throw caution to the wind and goes out to party, little realising the nightmare to follow.
The Afterparty by Ruth Kelly is filled with twists and turns that are impossible to guess. As each twist is revealed, you think you've got the plot lines figured out, then the author pulls the rug out from under you with another almighty twist.
Initially, time is spent developing Becca's character. We see how isolated and vulnerable she is. Having relocated to Amsterdam from Devon 10 months earlier, she's struggled to put down roots, make friends, or find a job. Her husband, Nathan, is completely engrossed with the opening of a new restaurant and is neglecting her. Paranoia has set in, and Becca is convinced Nathan is having an affair with his business partner.
When a face from the past suddenly reappears, it is easy to understand why Becca immediately jumps at the chance to rekindle the friendship. For a few years, Becca worshiped Georgie; she had everything Becca didn't and was a force of nature. Georgie doesn't seem to have changed much and insists the pair go out to celebrate the new year. Georgie uses her charm to talk their way into an exclusive after-party filled with glamorous people. The nightmare begins when Becca wakes up in the hospital, with no idea how she got there, and Georgie is missing.
Becca's perspective alternates with that of Jamie, a Tik-Tok amateur detective who is determined to find Georgie. Jamie is an unpleasant character, highlighting the growing danger of amateur investigators who interfere with crime scenes to gain followers. The nature of his posts, filled with unsubstantiated claims, exploits his audience for financial gain. The more Jamie harasses Becca, the more sympathetic we become towards her, although none of the characters are particularly likeable.
The pace of the storyline becomes ever more frantic as the hunt for Georgie becomes a life-or-death situation. Wild accusations make Becca the prime suspect; gaps in her memory don't help her case, but she is adamant she wouldn't do anything to hurt her friend.
The author keeps you feeling unsettled as the plot takes a massive twist, making you query everything you've read. There are still unanswered questions from issues that arose earlier in the story, plot points that are slowly revealed, which once again make you wonder about any assumptions you've made. As the dust settles, the author manages to reveal another colossal surprise, leaving you shocked.
If you enjoyed my review please check out my book blog, Reading For Leisure
https://readingforleisure.blogspot.com/
or follow me on:-
Twitter; @Debbie_Hart_UK
Instagram; @reading_for_leisure_blog
The Afterparty by Ruth Kelly is filled with twists and turns that are impossible to guess. As each twist is revealed, you think you've got the plot lines figured out, then the author pulls the rug out from under you with another almighty twist.
Initially, time is spent developing Becca's character. We see how isolated and vulnerable she is. Having relocated to Amsterdam from Devon 10 months earlier, she's struggled to put down roots, make friends, or find a job. Her husband, Nathan, is completely engrossed with the opening of a new restaurant and is neglecting her. Paranoia has set in, and Becca is convinced Nathan is having an affair with his business partner.
When a face from the past suddenly reappears, it is easy to understand why Becca immediately jumps at the chance to rekindle the friendship. For a few years, Becca worshiped Georgie; she had everything Becca didn't and was a force of nature. Georgie doesn't seem to have changed much and insists the pair go out to celebrate the new year. Georgie uses her charm to talk their way into an exclusive after-party filled with glamorous people. The nightmare begins when Becca wakes up in the hospital, with no idea how she got there, and Georgie is missing.
Becca's perspective alternates with that of Jamie, a Tik-Tok amateur detective who is determined to find Georgie. Jamie is an unpleasant character, highlighting the growing danger of amateur investigators who interfere with crime scenes to gain followers. The nature of his posts, filled with unsubstantiated claims, exploits his audience for financial gain. The more Jamie harasses Becca, the more sympathetic we become towards her, although none of the characters are particularly likeable.
The pace of the storyline becomes ever more frantic as the hunt for Georgie becomes a life-or-death situation. Wild accusations make Becca the prime suspect; gaps in her memory don't help her case, but she is adamant she wouldn't do anything to hurt her friend.
The author keeps you feeling unsettled as the plot takes a massive twist, making you query everything you've read. There are still unanswered questions from issues that arose earlier in the story, plot points that are slowly revealed, which once again make you wonder about any assumptions you've made. As the dust settles, the author manages to reveal another colossal surprise, leaving you shocked.
If you enjoyed my review please check out my book blog, Reading For Leisure
https://readingforleisure.blogspot.com/
or follow me on:-
Twitter; @Debbie_Hart_UK
Instagram; @reading_for_leisure_blog
November 12, 2025
I’ve read and loved all of Ruth Kelly’s previous novels, so I was really looking forward to The Afterparty and it did not disappoint. This is another dark, fast-paced, twisty thriller that gripped me from the very first page and refused to let go until the final chapter.
The story follows Becca, who has recently relocated to Amsterdam with her husband, Nathan, as he prepares to launch his new restaurant. While Nathan is away on business, Becca’s life is unexpectedly disrupted by the sudden arrival of her old friend Georgie, someone she hasn’t seen in twelve years, ever since she was cut out of her life. Against her better judgment, Becca allows Georgie to drag her out for a New Year’s Eve celebration that spirals into something far more sinister. The night ends at a glamorous, mysterious afterparty, but the next morning Becca wakes up in hospital, with no memory of what happened. Georgie has vanished without a trace, and soon Becca finds herself the prime suspect in her friend’s disappearance. What really happened that night and who can Becca trust as she tries to piece together the truth?
I loved the way Kelly weaves together multiple perspectives, particularly the dual narrative between Becca and Georgie, as well as the intriguing voice of a TikTok true-crime investigator who becomes obsessed with the case. This structure adds layers of tension and immediacy, giving the reader a fuller picture of the events while keeping the mystery alive. The atmospheric Amsterdam setting with its canals, narrow streets, and undercurrent of secrecy provides the perfect backdrop for this dark thriller.
Kelly’s writing is sharp and immersive, balancing emotional depth with relentless suspense. The twists were genuinely shocking! The Afterparty is a gripping, stylish psychological thriller that I couldn’t put it down. I can’t wait to see what Ruth Kelly writes next.
The story follows Becca, who has recently relocated to Amsterdam with her husband, Nathan, as he prepares to launch his new restaurant. While Nathan is away on business, Becca’s life is unexpectedly disrupted by the sudden arrival of her old friend Georgie, someone she hasn’t seen in twelve years, ever since she was cut out of her life. Against her better judgment, Becca allows Georgie to drag her out for a New Year’s Eve celebration that spirals into something far more sinister. The night ends at a glamorous, mysterious afterparty, but the next morning Becca wakes up in hospital, with no memory of what happened. Georgie has vanished without a trace, and soon Becca finds herself the prime suspect in her friend’s disappearance. What really happened that night and who can Becca trust as she tries to piece together the truth?
I loved the way Kelly weaves together multiple perspectives, particularly the dual narrative between Becca and Georgie, as well as the intriguing voice of a TikTok true-crime investigator who becomes obsessed with the case. This structure adds layers of tension and immediacy, giving the reader a fuller picture of the events while keeping the mystery alive. The atmospheric Amsterdam setting with its canals, narrow streets, and undercurrent of secrecy provides the perfect backdrop for this dark thriller.
Kelly’s writing is sharp and immersive, balancing emotional depth with relentless suspense. The twists were genuinely shocking! The Afterparty is a gripping, stylish psychological thriller that I couldn’t put it down. I can’t wait to see what Ruth Kelly writes next.
November 25, 2025
The Afterparty by Ruth Kelly
The Afterparty is a dark thriller set in Amsterdam with twists on twists that I just did not see coming!!
The story follows our FMC Becca, who hooks up with an old friend, Georgie, for an unforgettable New Years Eve. The night gets wild and then spirals out of control. Becca wakes up in hospital with little to no memory of what happened the night before. She soon realises that Georgie is missing and she sets about to go find her after the police are failing to help. Throughout the story Becca gets herself in trouble trying to find both her friend and the truth, but who can she trust?
I was so desperate to uncover the truth to this one, I couldnt read it fast enough to see if my theories were correct!! (They weren't 🤯🤯🤯)
This story also leans into a fun “podcast-style” true crime trope, told in some chapters through the POV of a TikTok detective. This was a twist I found fresh, clever and totally addictive. I honestly haven’t seen anyone else pull off this format, so really enjoyed that aspect.
If you’re a fan of books with unconventional storytelling, or you can’t resist a good true crime deep dive, this one should be right at the top of your TBR.
The Afterparty is a dark thriller set in Amsterdam with twists on twists that I just did not see coming!!
The story follows our FMC Becca, who hooks up with an old friend, Georgie, for an unforgettable New Years Eve. The night gets wild and then spirals out of control. Becca wakes up in hospital with little to no memory of what happened the night before. She soon realises that Georgie is missing and she sets about to go find her after the police are failing to help. Throughout the story Becca gets herself in trouble trying to find both her friend and the truth, but who can she trust?
I was so desperate to uncover the truth to this one, I couldnt read it fast enough to see if my theories were correct!! (They weren't 🤯🤯🤯)
This story also leans into a fun “podcast-style” true crime trope, told in some chapters through the POV of a TikTok detective. This was a twist I found fresh, clever and totally addictive. I honestly haven’t seen anyone else pull off this format, so really enjoyed that aspect.
If you’re a fan of books with unconventional storytelling, or you can’t resist a good true crime deep dive, this one should be right at the top of your TBR.
July 28, 2025
Lonely and increasingly paranoid since their relocation to Amsterdam from the UK, Becca has been struggling to deal with her husband's preoccupation with his forthcoming restaurant venture and his attractive business partner, Katya.
So, when her one time best friend Georgie suddenly shows up on her doorstep and insists on dragging her out to celebrate New Year's Eve, Becca allows herself to get carried away and accompany Georgie as she blags her way into a party organised for Amsterdam's elite.
But once there, Becca is roofied, and Georgie cannot be found afterwards, leaving her friend as the primary suspect behind her disappearance. Nobody else seems to care, so Becca is desperate to find Georgie - but how?
Kelly takes the reader on a wild journey with this one, offering plenty of twists and turns along the way. Atmospheric and very dark, this one will be a hit with thriller lovers.
I received a free copy of this book from Netgalley in exchange for an honest review
So, when her one time best friend Georgie suddenly shows up on her doorstep and insists on dragging her out to celebrate New Year's Eve, Becca allows herself to get carried away and accompany Georgie as she blags her way into a party organised for Amsterdam's elite.
But once there, Becca is roofied, and Georgie cannot be found afterwards, leaving her friend as the primary suspect behind her disappearance. Nobody else seems to care, so Becca is desperate to find Georgie - but how?
Kelly takes the reader on a wild journey with this one, offering plenty of twists and turns along the way. Atmospheric and very dark, this one will be a hit with thriller lovers.
I received a free copy of this book from Netgalley in exchange for an honest review
November 9, 2025
Amsterdam on New Years Eve wasn't what Becca had been hoping for, husband Nathans sudden last minute trip to London with attractive business partner Katya had her brain taking her places she didn't want to go and an evening alone stretched ahead of her, until long lost friend Georgie makes a surprise appearance and convinces her they should go out partying.
Their adventure turns sour when Becca wakes up in hospital her memory of the night before patchy and Georgie has vanished without trace, her belongings exactly where she left them at Becca and Nathans apartment.
The Afterparty is a gripping read that had my attention from start to finish. The location intrigued and this clever, well plotted thriller with several curveballs kept me on my toes right to the bitter end. Totally recommended.
My thanks to Pan Macmillan and NetGalley for the early read, all opinions expressed are my own
Their adventure turns sour when Becca wakes up in hospital her memory of the night before patchy and Georgie has vanished without trace, her belongings exactly where she left them at Becca and Nathans apartment.
The Afterparty is a gripping read that had my attention from start to finish. The location intrigued and this clever, well plotted thriller with several curveballs kept me on my toes right to the bitter end. Totally recommended.
My thanks to Pan Macmillan and NetGalley for the early read, all opinions expressed are my own
July 27, 2025
From the very first couple of pages, you know Becca is an afterthought. From her husband’s new restaurant taking up all of his time, to miscarriage she doesn’t even tell him about because he has no time for her, you’ll be rooting for her to be put first.
Old glamorous best friend, Georgie, that ghosted her when she was younger arrives and this might be it, instead we have Georgie disappearing again from Becca’s life but in a much more sinister way.
This book is a very slow burn to start, you’ll trust no one and at the end you’ll wonder if you missed any clues. It’s a fun ride for sure and the setting of the canals of Amsterdam are truly beautiful as the mystery unfolds.
Really enjoyable, a wintery read for sure.
Thank you to Netgalley and the publishers for this eARC in return for an honest review which this is.
Old glamorous best friend, Georgie, that ghosted her when she was younger arrives and this might be it, instead we have Georgie disappearing again from Becca’s life but in a much more sinister way.
This book is a very slow burn to start, you’ll trust no one and at the end you’ll wonder if you missed any clues. It’s a fun ride for sure and the setting of the canals of Amsterdam are truly beautiful as the mystery unfolds.
Really enjoyable, a wintery read for sure.
Thank you to Netgalley and the publishers for this eARC in return for an honest review which this is.
August 2, 2025
Review of ‘The Afterparty’ by Ruth Kelly, due to be published on 20 November 2025 by Pan Macmillan.
Becca is feeling lonely and isolated ever since she gave up her life to move with her husband Nathan to Amsterdam to fulfil his dream of owning a restaurant.
When Becca’s childhood friend, Georgie, gets in touch on New Years Eve, Becca tentatively agrees to go out, seeing as Nathan is prioritising business meetings over her. When Georgie goes missing on their night out, the fingers of suspicion are pointed at Becca and what she knows.
The story has great character development, good back stories and strong female protagonists. It’s dark, twisty and surprising, you think you know what’s coming and then a curveball gets thrown in that upends everything. A really good thriller and recommended read.
Becca is feeling lonely and isolated ever since she gave up her life to move with her husband Nathan to Amsterdam to fulfil his dream of owning a restaurant.
When Becca’s childhood friend, Georgie, gets in touch on New Years Eve, Becca tentatively agrees to go out, seeing as Nathan is prioritising business meetings over her. When Georgie goes missing on their night out, the fingers of suspicion are pointed at Becca and what she knows.
The story has great character development, good back stories and strong female protagonists. It’s dark, twisty and surprising, you think you know what’s coming and then a curveball gets thrown in that upends everything. A really good thriller and recommended read.
August 2, 2025
Many thanks to netgalley, the author and the publisher for approving my request to read this book.
The Afterparty is a taut thriller in which we met Becca who is feeling increasingly lonely and isolated after moving to Amsterdam with her husband Nathan as he is fulfilling his dream of opening a restaurant.
On new years eve Becca's childhood friend Georgie gets in touch as she's passing through Amsterdam on her travels. They set off to see the new year in and then stumble across a house party which they manage to talk their way in to.
The next morning Becca discovers that Georgie is missing and tries desperately to unravel the mystery behind it.
I enjoyed this book and found myself increasingly intrigued as the story developed. I would recommend this book if you enjoy this particular genre.
The Afterparty is a taut thriller in which we met Becca who is feeling increasingly lonely and isolated after moving to Amsterdam with her husband Nathan as he is fulfilling his dream of opening a restaurant.
On new years eve Becca's childhood friend Georgie gets in touch as she's passing through Amsterdam on her travels. They set off to see the new year in and then stumble across a house party which they manage to talk their way in to.
The next morning Becca discovers that Georgie is missing and tries desperately to unravel the mystery behind it.
I enjoyed this book and found myself increasingly intrigued as the story developed. I would recommend this book if you enjoy this particular genre.
August 3, 2025
Becca and her husband have moved to Amsterdam to fulfill his dream of opening a restaurant. Whilst he is busy 24/7 with his glamorous business partner, Becca feels sidelined and forgotten. An old schoolfriend, Georgina, makes contact on New Years Eve and convinces Becca to join her on a wild night out. They end up at a debauched private party- and that’s when things go seriously wrong. The next thing Becca remembers is waking up in hospital covered in bruises, whilst Georgina is nowhere to be seen.
A TikTok investigator takes an interest in the case, keen to crack the story and make his name.
The story is told from multiple perspectives and across different timelines, building up to a huge revelation.
I enjoyed the second part the most, when the storyline gathered pace a bit more. I wasn’t blown away by the ending though.
A TikTok investigator takes an interest in the case, keen to crack the story and make his name.
The story is told from multiple perspectives and across different timelines, building up to a huge revelation.
I enjoyed the second part the most, when the storyline gathered pace a bit more. I wasn’t blown away by the ending though.
October 13, 2025
This is a good thriller which starts out with a very promising plot, packed full of twists and turns and the mysterious disappearance of a party guest after a New Years reunion of two old friends.
The writing style is good and I liked the way it unfolded and the way the reader is drip feed information from multiple characters.
The last third of the book becomes more unbelievable and I was a little disappointed that the plot line went along the lines it did, however the book as a whole is a definite 4 star read and I liked the TikTok detective angle, which is a different slant on the usual novel if this genre and makes it more current.
Thanks to Netgalley, the author and the publisher for the opportunity to read this book in exchange for an honest review.
The writing style is good and I liked the way it unfolded and the way the reader is drip feed information from multiple characters.
The last third of the book becomes more unbelievable and I was a little disappointed that the plot line went along the lines it did, however the book as a whole is a definite 4 star read and I liked the TikTok detective angle, which is a different slant on the usual novel if this genre and makes it more current.
Thanks to Netgalley, the author and the publisher for the opportunity to read this book in exchange for an honest review.
November 16, 2025
Loved this rollercoaster! Told in multiple perspectives this book kept me on my toes. There are several red herrings and everytime I thought I had it figured out things just flipped.
The book is well written with short chapters that kept me engrossed. This is written in a manner that kept me turning pages, which each chapter ending in a way that makes you want to know what's next. The characters seem equally suspicious, with supporting characters adding to the story. The book starts with action ongoing and you want to know what it is. Special mention for the ending which made me go back a few pages.
Thank you Pan Macmillan and NetGalley for this e-arc in exchange of my unbiased review.
The book is well written with short chapters that kept me engrossed. This is written in a manner that kept me turning pages, which each chapter ending in a way that makes you want to know what's next. The characters seem equally suspicious, with supporting characters adding to the story. The book starts with action ongoing and you want to know what it is. Special mention for the ending which made me go back a few pages.
Thank you Pan Macmillan and NetGalley for this e-arc in exchange of my unbiased review.
December 7, 2025
The Afterparty slowly but surely draws you in and before you know it you will be hooked on this compulsive story.
The setting is Amesterdam when Georgie and Becca reunite after years of living their own lives.
The hint is there that their realtionship is a tumultous one but the girls put that aside and decide to celebrate New Years's Eve together.
The next morning Georgie has disappeared , Becca cant remember a thing and she is number one suspect.
The story is dark and twisted with red herrings and a final twist you wont see coming.
The Afterparty is a hard book to put down and you will want to read it from cover to cover in one sitting.
The setting is Amesterdam when Georgie and Becca reunite after years of living their own lives.
The hint is there that their realtionship is a tumultous one but the girls put that aside and decide to celebrate New Years's Eve together.
The next morning Georgie has disappeared , Becca cant remember a thing and she is number one suspect.
The story is dark and twisted with red herrings and a final twist you wont see coming.
The Afterparty is a hard book to put down and you will want to read it from cover to cover in one sitting.
November 7, 2025
A fab twisty mystery. Has an air of YA about it. me intrigued from the start. A quick snappy read that got me out of a reading slump. Two old school friends, Mecca and Georgie, attend an New Years Eve after party. When one wakes up in hospital and the other goes missing, the investigation ensues. What has happened? Why is Becca in hospital? Where is Georgie? And what has just been found floating in the canal? Can Becca work it all out or is there something sinister in play? Who can she trust? I would definitely recommend
August 6, 2025
An entertaining twisty thriller which is the perfect easy holiday read. Keeps you guessing all the way through, well written as we have come to expect from this author. Thank you to NetGalley, the author and the publisher for the review copy.
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