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The New Year's Party: A Novel
“ imaginative debut…eerie and satisfying.”
—Publishers Weekly on Made for You
New Year’s Eve hits different in your thirties. Especially when the party ends in murder.
It used to be an annual thing—the raucous New Year’s party full of games and hors d'oeuvres. But for Olivia and her friends, the chaos of their thirties has really challenged the definition of annual. It’s been a few years since the close friends were last…close. But this year is gonna be different. The burnout, parenting stress, credit card debt, job drama, marriage troubles, addiction—they’re going to set it all aside for the night. No, really. They swear.
Oh, except for the secrets. Every last person has one… But secrets are only as good as the people you trust to keep them, and when the wrong one slips out…well, friends or not, that just might become motive for murder.
Everybody thinks they know their closest friends—until somebody winds up dead.
—Publishers Weekly on Made for You
New Year’s Eve hits different in your thirties. Especially when the party ends in murder.
It used to be an annual thing—the raucous New Year’s party full of games and hors d'oeuvres. But for Olivia and her friends, the chaos of their thirties has really challenged the definition of annual. It’s been a few years since the close friends were last…close. But this year is gonna be different. The burnout, parenting stress, credit card debt, job drama, marriage troubles, addiction—they’re going to set it all aside for the night. No, really. They swear.
Oh, except for the secrets. Every last person has one… But secrets are only as good as the people you trust to keep them, and when the wrong one slips out…well, friends or not, that just might become motive for murder.
Everybody thinks they know their closest friends—until somebody winds up dead.
328 pages, Kindle Edition
First published November 4, 2025
103 people are currently reading
7236 people want to read
About the author
Jenna Satterthwaite
3 books213 followersJenna is an author and literary agent who writes novels under her own name as well as open pseudonym Sienna Sharpe.
Born in the Midwest, Jenna Satterthwaite grew up in Spain, lived briefly in France, and is now happily settled in Chicago with her husband and three kids.
Jenna studied classical guitar at the Conservatorio Profesional de Música de Zaragoza and earned her BAs in English Lit and French at Indiana University. Now she works a 9-5 style office job where she types many emails while drinking many cups of excellent coffee. Jenna is also a literary agent with Storm Literary Agency. Once upon a time, Jenna moonlighted as a singer-songwriter in folk band Thornfield.
In the winter, you can find Jenna obsessively and cozily pounding out novels on her laptop by the fireplace. In the summer, you can find her getting sunburned at the pool with her kids, vaguely wondering how a novel is even written.
She loves sushi, reading in her natural habitat (aka her bed), and women taking back their power. Made For You is her debut novel, and her next book with Mira/HarperCollins, The New Year's Party, is coming October 2025.
Under the pseudonym Sienna Sharpe, Jenna is the author "Beach Bodies" (UK) and "A Killer Getaway" (US title), both releasing Summer 2025.
Connect with Jenna on Twitter @jennaschmenna, Facebook on her author page, and Instagram @jenna.satterthwaite.author. She loves to hear from readers!
Born in the Midwest, Jenna Satterthwaite grew up in Spain, lived briefly in France, and is now happily settled in Chicago with her husband and three kids.
Jenna studied classical guitar at the Conservatorio Profesional de Música de Zaragoza and earned her BAs in English Lit and French at Indiana University. Now she works a 9-5 style office job where she types many emails while drinking many cups of excellent coffee. Jenna is also a literary agent with Storm Literary Agency. Once upon a time, Jenna moonlighted as a singer-songwriter in folk band Thornfield.
In the winter, you can find Jenna obsessively and cozily pounding out novels on her laptop by the fireplace. In the summer, you can find her getting sunburned at the pool with her kids, vaguely wondering how a novel is even written.
She loves sushi, reading in her natural habitat (aka her bed), and women taking back their power. Made For You is her debut novel, and her next book with Mira/HarperCollins, The New Year's Party, is coming October 2025.
Under the pseudonym Sienna Sharpe, Jenna is the author "Beach Bodies" (UK) and "A Killer Getaway" (US title), both releasing Summer 2025.
Connect with Jenna on Twitter @jennaschmenna, Facebook on her author page, and Instagram @jenna.satterthwaite.author. She loves to hear from readers!
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 99 reviews
March 25, 2025
Hi! Author here. I loved writing these morally gray disaster characters. This is the most 'real' book I've written. No speculative twists. No unbelievable (I hope) motivations. Just a 24-hour train wreck of a party among old friends that ends in murder. Who's dead? Who did it? Tell me if you can guess it...
October 18, 2025
Narrated by Karissa Vacker
OUT 11/4/2025 - 5 STARS
I just finished “The New Year’s Party” by Jenna Satterthwaite, and I’m tossing five stars at it with zero hesitation. The cover is pure eye candy, all glimmer and a wink of danger. If you’re an audiobook person, Karissa Vacker is the MVP. She squeezes every drop of sass and panic out of these pages. She could read my spam emails, and I’d still be hooked.
Forget any hopes of a cozy, nostalgic reunion. This party is a glitter bomb of chaos, guilt, and a dash of murder for good measure. The friend group is a cocktail of envy, burnout, and ambition, shaken with a few emotional grenades. Jenn’s pretending to have it all together (spoiler: she doesn’t), and Olivia is deep diving into regret. They’re all deliciously flawed, and I was glued to every secret.
This party is basically a parade of tiny betrayals. The story hops between perspectives, so you’re always in the thick of everyone’s worst decisions. I was so hooked, I didn’t even notice my headphones were about to die. It’s got bite, humor, and it’s dark in all the best ways. It makes you wonder if it's possible to move on from your past when your friends insist on dragging it along for the ride.
These thirty-somethings are juggling parenting burnout, credit card debt, marriage drama, and a few questionable decisions you’ll definitely want to gossip about. I wanted to judge, but their chaos feels so real. The author dials up the drama just enough to make you squirm, but never tips into soap opera territory.
If you like books with messy friends, juicy secrets, and humor that’s sometimes cruel, then this is for you. I can’t wait to see what Jenna does next. She’s officially on my mental must-read shelf.
Thanks to the author and Harlequin Audio for providing this gifted audiobook via Netgalley. All opinions are my own.
#TheNewYearsParty #JennaSatterthwaite #HarlequinAudio #TheHive #NetGalley
New Year's Reunion - The Hive Influencer - College Friends - Addiction - Excellent Audiobook
OUT 11/4/2025 - 5 STARS
I just finished “The New Year’s Party” by Jenna Satterthwaite, and I’m tossing five stars at it with zero hesitation. The cover is pure eye candy, all glimmer and a wink of danger. If you’re an audiobook person, Karissa Vacker is the MVP. She squeezes every drop of sass and panic out of these pages. She could read my spam emails, and I’d still be hooked.
Forget any hopes of a cozy, nostalgic reunion. This party is a glitter bomb of chaos, guilt, and a dash of murder for good measure. The friend group is a cocktail of envy, burnout, and ambition, shaken with a few emotional grenades. Jenn’s pretending to have it all together (spoiler: she doesn’t), and Olivia is deep diving into regret. They’re all deliciously flawed, and I was glued to every secret.
This party is basically a parade of tiny betrayals. The story hops between perspectives, so you’re always in the thick of everyone’s worst decisions. I was so hooked, I didn’t even notice my headphones were about to die. It’s got bite, humor, and it’s dark in all the best ways. It makes you wonder if it's possible to move on from your past when your friends insist on dragging it along for the ride.
These thirty-somethings are juggling parenting burnout, credit card debt, marriage drama, and a few questionable decisions you’ll definitely want to gossip about. I wanted to judge, but their chaos feels so real. The author dials up the drama just enough to make you squirm, but never tips into soap opera territory.
If you like books with messy friends, juicy secrets, and humor that’s sometimes cruel, then this is for you. I can’t wait to see what Jenna does next. She’s officially on my mental must-read shelf.
Thanks to the author and Harlequin Audio for providing this gifted audiobook via Netgalley. All opinions are my own.
#TheNewYearsParty #JennaSatterthwaite #HarlequinAudio #TheHive #NetGalley
New Year's Reunion - The Hive Influencer - College Friends - Addiction - Excellent Audiobook
November 24, 2025
I just did not vibe with this book. The characters were frustrating and unlikable, I could not keep their stories straight, and the plot just seemed boring and unrealistic. I had to restart it 3 times because I immediately forgot everything that was going on each time.
Maybe I'm just in a thriller slump, but this one was a no for me. Honestly should have DNF'ed it, but my OCD brain just can't seem to do that.
Maybe I'm just in a thriller slump, but this one was a no for me. Honestly should have DNF'ed it, but my OCD brain just can't seem to do that.
November 3, 2025
This was an ARC from NetGalley and Edelweiss. The author noted she wrote these characters to be morally gray disasters. While I am glad to know there was intent, these characters were just plain unlikeable. I could not get invested in the story. The main plot is fairly traditional. A childhood group of friends and all their baggage come together as adults and all their secrets from the past are laid bare. I did appreciate the twist on the "screw up" character, that he actually wasn't as big of a mess as everyone assumed. I just can't rate this higher when I spent 70% of the book completely disengaged from the characters.
October 30, 2025
THE NEW YEAR’S PARTY by @jenna.satterthwaite.author
🎧 audiobook review • pub date 11.04.25
narrated by: @karissavacker
length: 10h 4min
⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️
thanks so much to @htp_audio @htp_hive for my gifted ALC #hiveinfluencer
a New Year’s party that ends with a dead body — sign me up. Not just any friend group though, these people were absolutely unsufferable and I would have been okay if any of them had died 🤣but I honestly love books with all the insane drama so I enjoyed it.
I love books that begin with a murder but you don’t know until the very end who it was! The entire book gave motive for basically every character to murder one from the group, so I really had no idea who it was going to be! There is more of a drama/suspense feel to the story rather than thriller- and I think it will be perfect for fans of Carola Lovering books & Party of Liars. 🙌🏻
And honestly - Karissa Vacker is always an incredible choice for a narrator and I could listen to anything she narrates 🩷
🎧 audiobook review • pub date 11.04.25
narrated by: @karissavacker
length: 10h 4min
⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️
thanks so much to @htp_audio @htp_hive for my gifted ALC #hiveinfluencer
a New Year’s party that ends with a dead body — sign me up. Not just any friend group though, these people were absolutely unsufferable and I would have been okay if any of them had died 🤣but I honestly love books with all the insane drama so I enjoyed it.
I love books that begin with a murder but you don’t know until the very end who it was! The entire book gave motive for basically every character to murder one from the group, so I really had no idea who it was going to be! There is more of a drama/suspense feel to the story rather than thriller- and I think it will be perfect for fans of Carola Lovering books & Party of Liars. 🙌🏻
And honestly - Karissa Vacker is always an incredible choice for a narrator and I could listen to anything she narrates 🩷
November 3, 2025
Reads just like sitting in a public place and overhearing the juiciest gossip you have ever heard and then you also get to find out how it ends + it is even more satisfying than you could have imagined. Despite exploring heavy themes, the book maintains a brisk pace and keeps you guessing—I couldn’t tear myself away!
December 21, 2025
2.5 stars
Jenna Satterthwaite is an author I have heard of, but this was the first time I had read anything by her and to be honest, I'm not sure I enjoyed it.
This book started off REALLY slowly and unfortunately the slow pacing continued throughout. Because of this I struggled to get into the plot. I spent the majority of it just wishing it would speed up and for something interesting to happen.
This was another issue for me. I found it to be unbelievably dull. The story felt totally flat and in my opinion the writing lacked any spark. I was so bored throughout, I just didn't have a good time reading it.
I also didn't care for the characters. They did all blur into one, and I didn't like any of them.
The first half of the book did feel like it was filler and I feel like this could have worked better for me as a short story.
I would definitely class this as a slow burn domestic suspense rather than a thriller, which I thought it was going to be, so maybe that affected my enjoyment of the book.
I don't think this is a bad book by any means, but it just wasn't for me.
Thanks to Verve Books for the ARC I received in exchange for an honest review
Jenna Satterthwaite is an author I have heard of, but this was the first time I had read anything by her and to be honest, I'm not sure I enjoyed it.
This book started off REALLY slowly and unfortunately the slow pacing continued throughout. Because of this I struggled to get into the plot. I spent the majority of it just wishing it would speed up and for something interesting to happen.
This was another issue for me. I found it to be unbelievably dull. The story felt totally flat and in my opinion the writing lacked any spark. I was so bored throughout, I just didn't have a good time reading it.
I also didn't care for the characters. They did all blur into one, and I didn't like any of them.
The first half of the book did feel like it was filler and I feel like this could have worked better for me as a short story.
I would definitely class this as a slow burn domestic suspense rather than a thriller, which I thought it was going to be, so maybe that affected my enjoyment of the book.
I don't think this is a bad book by any means, but it just wasn't for me.
Thanks to Verve Books for the ARC I received in exchange for an honest review
October 23, 2025
Thank you to NetGalley and Harlequin Trade Publishing | MIRA for the eARC!
This felt like a slow moving train wreck you just could not look away from.
The multiple POVs and truly unlikeable characters all around made for an edge of your seat story.
A group of long time friends meet up every year for a New Year's Eve party. And this one is not to be forgotten. Secrets revealed and memories resurfaced, who will come out of the party on top? Or alive?
This book made me anxious and jittery. I knew who it was about half way through, but there were still a twist I did not see coming.
All in all, an enjoyable thriller that will keep you guessing until the very end!
This felt like a slow moving train wreck you just could not look away from.
The multiple POVs and truly unlikeable characters all around made for an edge of your seat story.
A group of long time friends meet up every year for a New Year's Eve party. And this one is not to be forgotten. Secrets revealed and memories resurfaced, who will come out of the party on top? Or alive?
This book made me anxious and jittery. I knew who it was about half way through, but there were still a twist I did not see coming.
All in all, an enjoyable thriller that will keep you guessing until the very end!
November 9, 2025
3.75 ⭐️.
This book hooked me in for the first 60%…then became slightly dull…then finished with a bang!
It’s a fairly quick read with every single character being completely unlikeable. I loved the crazy dynamics and the complexity of their past relationships.
Some portions could have been omitted, but overall, I was drawn to insanity that occurred in the 24 hrs leading up to the NYE party.
I look forward to reading more from this author!
This book hooked me in for the first 60%…then became slightly dull…then finished with a bang!
It’s a fairly quick read with every single character being completely unlikeable. I loved the crazy dynamics and the complexity of their past relationships.
Some portions could have been omitted, but overall, I was drawn to insanity that occurred in the 24 hrs leading up to the NYE party.
I look forward to reading more from this author!
December 28, 2025
There was a lot I liked and some I didn’t. The prologue starts at the end of the night & we know something’s happened but not what or to whom. The chapters are super quick so I flew through the book because I wanted to figure out what was going on.
I did find the ending predictable but the story was still interesting.
I did find the ending predictable but the story was still interesting.
November 8, 2025
Loved it! Fun until the end!!
November 6, 2025
Thank you to the publisher and NetGalley for the opportunity to listen to this audiobook!
The beginning of this book roped me in. I do love when the story starts in the middle of the action, hooks you, and then rewinds to the events leading up to the climax. We follow a number of characters in this story. A group of close friends, all imperfect people, but somehow they have all remained a tight unit throughout the years. The author does a great job at creating and developing these characters. They are all so unique and flawed. Sadly, I didn’t like any of them, which made it a little harder for me to want to listen. This story is also told from multiple POVs, but it switches from third person to first person. It was hard for me to understand the reason for the inconsistent POVs and kind of took me out of the story.
Overall, it was an okay read for me. The end was a little lacking, though I was satisfied with the ending for one of the characters. I do think I would read another book by this author because I did enjoy how thought out these characters were.. it’s just sad I didn’t like them.
The beginning of this book roped me in. I do love when the story starts in the middle of the action, hooks you, and then rewinds to the events leading up to the climax. We follow a number of characters in this story. A group of close friends, all imperfect people, but somehow they have all remained a tight unit throughout the years. The author does a great job at creating and developing these characters. They are all so unique and flawed. Sadly, I didn’t like any of them, which made it a little harder for me to want to listen. This story is also told from multiple POVs, but it switches from third person to first person. It was hard for me to understand the reason for the inconsistent POVs and kind of took me out of the story.
Overall, it was an okay read for me. The end was a little lacking, though I was satisfied with the ending for one of the characters. I do think I would read another book by this author because I did enjoy how thought out these characters were.. it’s just sad I didn’t like them.
December 9, 2025
I received a gifted audiobook copy of THE NEW YEAR'S PARTY by Jenna Satterthwaite from Harlequin Audio.
Rating: 3.5 / 5
THE NEW YEAR'S PARTY follows a group of friends who have celebrated the new year together since their college days. They've dropped off a bit over the years, it's been about five years since their last celebration, but it is time to get the gang back together.
These people would likely not become friends if they were just meeting in the present day. They have very different lives from income levels, substance uses, religious beliefs, and more. There is a lot of drama between them as well from infidelity to shady business. The synopsis also lets us know that before the evening is out, someone will be dead.
This is definitely a book that is tackling a lot of potentially triggering material including infidelity, pregnancy loss, substance abuse, violence.
This book really was a wild time and these characters have a lot going on! I found the book very bingable and entertaining, even though I don't think there were really any characters I particularly liked in the moment.
The synopsis speaks to there being someone dead by the end of the night and while that is true, I wouldn't go into this book waiting for that to be central to the story. Things do not escalate to that point for quite some time. The beginning starts with a lot of setup, introducing the various friends and the issues in their lives before they begin to gather for the party. Once things get moving, the pace does pick up quite a bit in the second half and there were twists and turns that I didn't entirely predict which I enjoyed.
Rating: 3.5 / 5
THE NEW YEAR'S PARTY follows a group of friends who have celebrated the new year together since their college days. They've dropped off a bit over the years, it's been about five years since their last celebration, but it is time to get the gang back together.
These people would likely not become friends if they were just meeting in the present day. They have very different lives from income levels, substance uses, religious beliefs, and more. There is a lot of drama between them as well from infidelity to shady business. The synopsis also lets us know that before the evening is out, someone will be dead.
This is definitely a book that is tackling a lot of potentially triggering material including infidelity, pregnancy loss, substance abuse, violence.
This book really was a wild time and these characters have a lot going on! I found the book very bingable and entertaining, even though I don't think there were really any characters I particularly liked in the moment.
The synopsis speaks to there being someone dead by the end of the night and while that is true, I wouldn't go into this book waiting for that to be central to the story. Things do not escalate to that point for quite some time. The beginning starts with a lot of setup, introducing the various friends and the issues in their lives before they begin to gather for the party. Once things get moving, the pace does pick up quite a bit in the second half and there were twists and turns that I didn't entirely predict which I enjoyed.
November 6, 2025
Big thanks to NetGalley and Harlequin Audio for the ALC of this new thriller, which is out now!
This was a decent listen overall. The story had a fun mix of drama and mystery, and the setup (a group of friends with secrets gathering for a New Year’s celebration) definitely pulled me in. That said, some of the characters felt a bit flat, and the pacing dragged in spots. The narrator did a good job keeping things interesting, though sometimes it felt a little over the top. Not bad, just not amazing i my opinion. I'd say it' still worth a listen if you like twisty, small-group thrillers.
This was a decent listen overall. The story had a fun mix of drama and mystery, and the setup (a group of friends with secrets gathering for a New Year’s celebration) definitely pulled me in. That said, some of the characters felt a bit flat, and the pacing dragged in spots. The narrator did a good job keeping things interesting, though sometimes it felt a little over the top. Not bad, just not amazing i my opinion. I'd say it' still worth a listen if you like twisty, small-group thrillers.
November 6, 2025
Thank you so much to Harlequin Audio and NetGalley for this ALC of The New Year's Party.
This was absolutely WILD and chaotic! I was hooked from the start. I really enjoyed all the different points of view. Every single person in this friend group was crazy. The pacing of the story was perfect. I was actually cracking up laughing at the confession. I will definitely be reading more from this author in the future.
I listened to the audiobook and it was so good. It really added to the drama and chaos of the story.
This was absolutely WILD and chaotic! I was hooked from the start. I really enjoyed all the different points of view. Every single person in this friend group was crazy. The pacing of the story was perfect. I was actually cracking up laughing at the confession. I will definitely be reading more from this author in the future.
I listened to the audiobook and it was so good. It really added to the drama and chaos of the story.
December 27, 2025
Go Jenna Go! I listened to a podcast interview with the author and fell in love with her zest for life and writing despite many challenges along the way. Aside from some minor issues I had, this book was a fun read during the hectic holidays. It was ambitious in its topics and themes yet maintained a lighthearted tone and voice. I liked that it was pretty limited in scope and kept us locked in to what was happening at the party almost the entire time. I wanted a different ending too, but some of my friends that read it really enjoyed the ending. Can’t wait to discuss in book club!
November 4, 2025
First off, thank you to NetGalley, Harlequin Audio and Jenna Satterthwaite for the advanced listener copy!
This was a twist of a ride! Karissa Vacker did a great job narrating the story!
As for the writing, Jenna has written a whole cast of questionable characters and I enjoyed every bit of the story.
Did I figure out who the “guilty” person was? Yes, but I couldn’t narrow down the connection. The genuinely took me by surprise. Would another reader pick up on it? Possibly but honestly, I was enjoying the story too much to be making notes about all the connections.
Highly recommend!
This was a twist of a ride! Karissa Vacker did a great job narrating the story!
As for the writing, Jenna has written a whole cast of questionable characters and I enjoyed every bit of the story.
Did I figure out who the “guilty” person was? Yes, but I couldn’t narrow down the connection. The genuinely took me by surprise. Would another reader pick up on it? Possibly but honestly, I was enjoying the story too much to be making notes about all the connections.
Highly recommend!
October 28, 2025
This story is about a group of friends who used to get together for annual New Year’s Eve party each year, but it's been a few years since the last one because well - parenting stress, and life drama.
But guess what? they all have secrets and over the years. Sadly - they all think they know their closest friends—until somebody winds up dead.
This story started off with a bang!!! The story was told in multiple POV and the chaos of the night began to swirl and I was hooked and had to know what was going to happen!
The narrator did a great job with all ten POVs. ( yes, TEN!!)
What to expect: toxic friendships, party gone wrong , sharing your secrets with a wrong friend.
Please note: It’s more about the drama than the murder! Lots of secrets - but it was so fun.
But guess what? they all have secrets and over the years. Sadly - they all think they know their closest friends—until somebody winds up dead.
This story started off with a bang!!! The story was told in multiple POV and the chaos of the night began to swirl and I was hooked and had to know what was going to happen!
The narrator did a great job with all ten POVs. ( yes, TEN!!)
What to expect: toxic friendships, party gone wrong , sharing your secrets with a wrong friend.
Please note: It’s more about the drama than the murder! Lots of secrets - but it was so fun.
Want to read
November 1, 2025Mystery & Detective, Women's Fiction, Family Life Fiction, Black Humor, Suspense
November 17, 2025
I love how it's New Year's going into 2020. This night is horrific, but things can only go up from here, eh? Eh?
December 23, 2025
3.5 Good, but very predictable!
October 17, 2025
Thank you NetGalley and Harlequin Trade Publishing for an Incredible book The New Year’s Party. This author is Phenomenal!!! Such a well written book with characters who were so flawed but stuck together for years. I literally felt like I was at the party. Each character I felt bad for and also felt that they got what they should have. Their relationships were complicated but most of them also cared for one another. Fantastic Read! I don’t want to give anything away so just get engrossed in this book on a weekend, you will be glad you did.
October 27, 2025
This had a total of 10, yes 10 perspectives all centered around one night. Olivia was uptight, her husband Bennett was very passive, Doug was narcissistic, and I hated him the most. His wife Hellie was an enabler. Will came off weak and wounded, his wife Jenn was a control freak and very judgmental, Bunny was a firecracker, Phelps was immature and very cocky, and his date Allie was observant. There were also a few chapters from Ted who was a know it all.
This was marketed as a thriller, but the thrills didn’t happen until maybe 90% in the book. You already know there is a dead body, but you don’t know who is dead and the reveal didn’t happen until the book was practically over. The only reason this book even got 3 stars out of me is because I was intrigued by the characters drama. Because we all know I’m nosy. However, nothing happened it was a lot of dialogue and back and forth, and by the end I just wanted the book to wrap it up.
This was marketed as a thriller, but the thrills didn’t happen until maybe 90% in the book. You already know there is a dead body, but you don’t know who is dead and the reveal didn’t happen until the book was practically over. The only reason this book even got 3 stars out of me is because I was intrigued by the characters drama. Because we all know I’m nosy. However, nothing happened it was a lot of dialogue and back and forth, and by the end I just wanted the book to wrap it up.
September 30, 2025
Firstly I was astounded at the way the characters have been written here. There is not a quiet unplanned one in this novel. Everyone is fully fleshed out and the sheer detail of their thoughts, feelings and leanings made me feel like I was watching it happen live. There haven’t been many times this year when character study has been so well showcased that I have bought the authors other work immediately.
This is exactly how I want to read reunions going forward, I loved hearing about why people didn’t want to go, it was so very well observed, why do we do these things?
It’s impossible not to relate to something or someone in this book and that will keep you reading all night.
I would also like to thank the author for Olivia’s story especially, this was dealt with so well, and even had a bit of hope at the end, so skilful.
I absolutely loved this one and so will everyone that enjoys well observed thrillers.
Thank you to Netgalley and the Publishers for this eARC in return for an honest review.
This is exactly how I want to read reunions going forward, I loved hearing about why people didn’t want to go, it was so very well observed, why do we do these things?
It’s impossible not to relate to something or someone in this book and that will keep you reading all night.
I would also like to thank the author for Olivia’s story especially, this was dealt with so well, and even had a bit of hope at the end, so skilful.
I absolutely loved this one and so will everyone that enjoys well observed thrillers.
Thank you to Netgalley and the Publishers for this eARC in return for an honest review.
October 25, 2025
📚 ARC/ALC REVIEW 📚
The New Year's Party By Jenna Satterthwaite
Publication Date: November 4, 2025
Book Publisher: HTP | Mira
Audiobook Publisher: Harlequin Audio
Narrator: Karissa Vacker
📚MY RATING: ⭐⭐⭐⭐
Thank you to HTP, Mira, #htphive, and NetGalley for gifting me both the e-ARC and the ALC of this book in exchange for my honest review!
📚MY REVIEW:
If you love stories told in multiple POVs, a whole host of shady characters, and twisty reads about friend groups in which everybody has secrets that are ready to bubble up to the surface at any moment - then do yourself a favor and grab a copy of The New Year's Party when it publishes on November 4th!
I had both the e-arc and the alc from the publisher on NetGalley and intended to read & listen in tandem. But Karissa Vacker did SUCH a fantastic job with narrating this audiobook that I just kept listening! I loved the dynamics of the different characters and the perfect way she narrated each character's inner monologue!
This story is about an insufferable group of friends who used to get together for annual raucous New Year’s Eve parties each year, but it's been a few years since the last one because of the chaos of their thirties. And it’s been a few years since the group of friends were last…close. But they all agree to get together and do it up like they used to. Here's the thing, though: all of them have secrets and over the years, they've trusted one another with their deepest secrets. And tonight, they all think they know their closest friends—until somebody winds up dead.
Satterthwaite's upcoming book is one of those reads where you will probably hate every single one of the characters at some point in the book -- and yet you can't stop reading about this New Year's Eve party because it's become one hell of a dumpster fire. Everyone seemed to be harboring resentments towards someone else - and to be honest, I started harboring resentments towards this whole group as I listened too. Lol.
This story started off with a bang, and then was almost told in reverse as the details of each person's day and evening were revealed through the alternating POVs. As the story continued, the chaos of the night began to swirl and I was riveted as I listened to everything unravel. The way the night completely fell apart was fantastically disastrous - and I loved every minute of it.
Overall, this was a fun and oh-so-entertaining debacle of a party-gone-wrong, toxic friendships, and the dangers of sharing your secrets with the wrong friend. A little bit whodunnit, a little bit satire, and a whole lot of drama.
#TheNewYearsParty #JennaSatterthwaite #HTP #Mira #HarlequinAudio #htphive #ARC #ALC #audiobooks #NetGalley #NetGalleyReviews #whodunnitmystery #toxicfriendships #satire #booklover #bookreviews #bookrecs #bookrecommendations
The New Year's Party By Jenna Satterthwaite
Publication Date: November 4, 2025
Book Publisher: HTP | Mira
Audiobook Publisher: Harlequin Audio
Narrator: Karissa Vacker
📚MY RATING: ⭐⭐⭐⭐
Thank you to HTP, Mira, #htphive, and NetGalley for gifting me both the e-ARC and the ALC of this book in exchange for my honest review!
📚MY REVIEW:
If you love stories told in multiple POVs, a whole host of shady characters, and twisty reads about friend groups in which everybody has secrets that are ready to bubble up to the surface at any moment - then do yourself a favor and grab a copy of The New Year's Party when it publishes on November 4th!
I had both the e-arc and the alc from the publisher on NetGalley and intended to read & listen in tandem. But Karissa Vacker did SUCH a fantastic job with narrating this audiobook that I just kept listening! I loved the dynamics of the different characters and the perfect way she narrated each character's inner monologue!
This story is about an insufferable group of friends who used to get together for annual raucous New Year’s Eve parties each year, but it's been a few years since the last one because of the chaos of their thirties. And it’s been a few years since the group of friends were last…close. But they all agree to get together and do it up like they used to. Here's the thing, though: all of them have secrets and over the years, they've trusted one another with their deepest secrets. And tonight, they all think they know their closest friends—until somebody winds up dead.
Satterthwaite's upcoming book is one of those reads where you will probably hate every single one of the characters at some point in the book -- and yet you can't stop reading about this New Year's Eve party because it's become one hell of a dumpster fire. Everyone seemed to be harboring resentments towards someone else - and to be honest, I started harboring resentments towards this whole group as I listened too. Lol.
This story started off with a bang, and then was almost told in reverse as the details of each person's day and evening were revealed through the alternating POVs. As the story continued, the chaos of the night began to swirl and I was riveted as I listened to everything unravel. The way the night completely fell apart was fantastically disastrous - and I loved every minute of it.
Overall, this was a fun and oh-so-entertaining debacle of a party-gone-wrong, toxic friendships, and the dangers of sharing your secrets with the wrong friend. A little bit whodunnit, a little bit satire, and a whole lot of drama.
#TheNewYearsParty #JennaSatterthwaite #HTP #Mira #HarlequinAudio #htphive #ARC #ALC #audiobooks #NetGalley #NetGalleyReviews #whodunnitmystery #toxicfriendships #satire #booklover #bookreviews #bookrecs #bookrecommendations
August 25, 2025
This gets 5 stars because it kept me turning the pages and wanting to know what would come next. Any book that does that is an instant 5-star, even if I have some qualms about anything else in the story.
I did enjoy the premise of this one quite a bit. The big party, the secrets from the past, and the way it all comes together to an inevitable catastrophe.
Honestly, I couldn't relate to a single one of these characters. They all seemed extremely unhealthy in so many ways, and I just don't get it when people are in their 30s and still dragging around shit from when they were teenagers/early twenties. Of course, it makes sense that a few of them might be, but all of them? Like, get your life in order! Which makes me sound like the judgey bitch character, Jenn, except that I'm not an insane religious fanatic who can't handle it. I just don't get it.
That being said, the trainwreck was sufficiently interesting to keep me reading, proving that we can and do enjoy stories with characters we don't "relate" to.
I love a multi-POV story, and this one was definitely that! The voices all felt distinct, and we do get a good feeling for each of the characters, so that was well done. I was a bit surprised/confused about the choice to alter the tense of the writing amongst the POVs though. From third person past to first person present was a bit jarring every time it happened. I have to assume it was a conscious decision, but it still felt odd to me. This is totally my opinion though, and other readers may not even notice, or may actually love that change.
I thought the use of italics for emphasis was overdone as well, but again, that is a personal tick, and not something that would or should bother anyone else.
I figured out the mystery fairly early on, and even the twist at the end, and the catalyst for the true murderer, but I read these kinds of stories all the time, so it is very difficult to trick me.
The writing is good, the characters feel real, and the story will keep you reading. So pick this one up! Maybe it'll be your perfect holiday read when you need to escape the in-laws' party so you don't end up killing someone.
I did enjoy the premise of this one quite a bit. The big party, the secrets from the past, and the way it all comes together to an inevitable catastrophe.
Honestly, I couldn't relate to a single one of these characters. They all seemed extremely unhealthy in so many ways, and I just don't get it when people are in their 30s and still dragging around shit from when they were teenagers/early twenties. Of course, it makes sense that a few of them might be, but all of them? Like, get your life in order! Which makes me sound like the judgey bitch character, Jenn, except that I'm not an insane religious fanatic who can't handle it. I just don't get it.
That being said, the trainwreck was sufficiently interesting to keep me reading, proving that we can and do enjoy stories with characters we don't "relate" to.
I love a multi-POV story, and this one was definitely that! The voices all felt distinct, and we do get a good feeling for each of the characters, so that was well done. I was a bit surprised/confused about the choice to alter the tense of the writing amongst the POVs though. From third person past to first person present was a bit jarring every time it happened. I have to assume it was a conscious decision, but it still felt odd to me. This is totally my opinion though, and other readers may not even notice, or may actually love that change.
I thought the use of italics for emphasis was overdone as well, but again, that is a personal tick, and not something that would or should bother anyone else.
I figured out the mystery fairly early on, and even the twist at the end, and the catalyst for the true murderer, but I read these kinds of stories all the time, so it is very difficult to trick me.
The writing is good, the characters feel real, and the story will keep you reading. So pick this one up! Maybe it'll be your perfect holiday read when you need to escape the in-laws' party so you don't end up killing someone.
November 17, 2025
No Angels. No Demons. Only Humans. This is one of those tales that has a lot going against it - multiple perspectives, pretty well everyone is "unlikeable" at best, etc. And yet... that is the very *strength* of this particular tale.
I for one enjoy and even embrace tales where humanity is shown in all of its highs - and lows. Where people are shown to be exactly what they are - flawed creatures simply trying to live their lives the best they can. Where no matter how angelic someone appears, there is clearly a demon hiding just under the surface, and no matter how demonic a person appears, there is an angel hiding in there somewhere. (Eh, maybe a fallen angel, but still an angel. ;) )
That Satterthwaite uses a fairly standard-ish overall plot of high school friends reuniting after several years apart to tell this particular story actually works well to establish expectations... which makes it even better when she actively subverts these very expectations at nearly every turn.
Fans of the particular story type and overall genre will have enough here to sink their teeth into and enjoy, while those like me who enjoy having something "more" will find a fair amount of that here as well.
Indeed, looking back to my review of Satterthwaite's 2024 debut, Made For You, it seems here that Satterthwaite leaned into the better parts of her storytelling in that tale, threw out the bits that didn't work so well, and used the remaining time to really tighten up what worked so well there and really do it even better here. Thus, showing strong progression as a storyteller that indeed makes me want to come back for book 3 to see what she has in store for us next, and if she can continue to improve her storytelling and potentially evolve it even further.
Very much recommended.
I for one enjoy and even embrace tales where humanity is shown in all of its highs - and lows. Where people are shown to be exactly what they are - flawed creatures simply trying to live their lives the best they can. Where no matter how angelic someone appears, there is clearly a demon hiding just under the surface, and no matter how demonic a person appears, there is an angel hiding in there somewhere. (Eh, maybe a fallen angel, but still an angel. ;) )
That Satterthwaite uses a fairly standard-ish overall plot of high school friends reuniting after several years apart to tell this particular story actually works well to establish expectations... which makes it even better when she actively subverts these very expectations at nearly every turn.
Fans of the particular story type and overall genre will have enough here to sink their teeth into and enjoy, while those like me who enjoy having something "more" will find a fair amount of that here as well.
Indeed, looking back to my review of Satterthwaite's 2024 debut, Made For You, it seems here that Satterthwaite leaned into the better parts of her storytelling in that tale, threw out the bits that didn't work so well, and used the remaining time to really tighten up what worked so well there and really do it even better here. Thus, showing strong progression as a storyteller that indeed makes me want to come back for book 3 to see what she has in store for us next, and if she can continue to improve her storytelling and potentially evolve it even further.
Very much recommended.
November 18, 2025
Thank you to @htp_audio, @htp_hive, and @netgalley for my #gifted ARC copy. I am leaving this review voluntarily.
What happens when a group of friends comes together to ring in the New Year? A whole lot—and you can bet there will be some juicy drama, possibly even murder!
In their thirties, Olivia and her friends attempt to reconnect at their annual New Year’s Eve party, setting aside their personal struggles. However, hidden secrets begin to surface, and when one is revealed, it leads to a murder, testing their friendships and trust.
This book unfolds through several points of view, allowing us to delve into each character's secrets along the way. We all know how competitive and spiteful friends can be, especially after being apart for so long. Secrets come pouring out faster than you can keep track of them. Honestly, having never had more than one friend, I can't even fathom how multiple friends could hurt or manipulate one another.
The audiobook is fast-paced and full of suspense, with the narrator doing an outstanding job that made it hard for me to press pause, even when I had other responsibilities to attend to. This story would make an excellent show or film given its rich potential!
It’s perfect for anyone who enjoys a crowded cast of characters with dark, deep secrets lurking just beneath the surface. There's plenty of lying and deceit, along with the inevitable drama and trauma that come from friends gathering. Everything might seem fun and games until a body turns up, and then all the hidden truths start to emerge. The twists and turns keep you guessing right until the very end, and I love it when a conclusion does a complete 180, leaving you speechless!
What happens when a group of friends comes together to ring in the New Year? A whole lot—and you can bet there will be some juicy drama, possibly even murder!
In their thirties, Olivia and her friends attempt to reconnect at their annual New Year’s Eve party, setting aside their personal struggles. However, hidden secrets begin to surface, and when one is revealed, it leads to a murder, testing their friendships and trust.
This book unfolds through several points of view, allowing us to delve into each character's secrets along the way. We all know how competitive and spiteful friends can be, especially after being apart for so long. Secrets come pouring out faster than you can keep track of them. Honestly, having never had more than one friend, I can't even fathom how multiple friends could hurt or manipulate one another.
The audiobook is fast-paced and full of suspense, with the narrator doing an outstanding job that made it hard for me to press pause, even when I had other responsibilities to attend to. This story would make an excellent show or film given its rich potential!
It’s perfect for anyone who enjoys a crowded cast of characters with dark, deep secrets lurking just beneath the surface. There's plenty of lying and deceit, along with the inevitable drama and trauma that come from friends gathering. Everything might seem fun and games until a body turns up, and then all the hidden truths start to emerge. The twists and turns keep you guessing right until the very end, and I love it when a conclusion does a complete 180, leaving you speechless!
October 12, 2025
𝗤𝗨𝗜𝗖𝗞 𝗣𝗟𝗢𝗧 𝗣𝗘𝗘𝗞
A group of old friends reunite for a New Year’s Eve party to reclaim their former closeness. But when long-buried betrayals bubble up - and someone turns up dead - the night turns from cathartic to deadly.
𝗔𝗨𝗗𝗜𝗢 𝗧𝗔𝗞𝗘
The narrator did a great job with all ten POVs. There’s a lot of contemplation in this story, and she managed to keep it engaging without it feeling endless.
I’m glad there weren’t too many texts though - they felt clunky and took me out of the story.
𝗦𝗧𝗢𝗥𝗬 𝗧𝗔𝗞𝗘
This might be the most character-driven book I’ve ever read. All ten POVs are stuck in their own head, which slows things down and makes it feel more like a slow-burn domestic suspense than a full-on thriller.
The prologue introduces Olivia at the end of the NYE party finding a dead body. It sets Olivia up as the MC and not gonna lie, I’m not sure that worked for me. Each party goer has baggage and secrets but I didn’t empathize more with Olivia than any others.
What did work was the drama of it all! We really get to know the characters so when secrets explode it was wildly satisfying!
All the many loose ends are mostly tied together at the end in a maybe not completely realistic way. While it was pretty obvious to me whodunit, it wasn’t until the reveal that I learnt why, so that was still fun.
𝗪𝗢𝗥𝗧𝗛 𝗧𝗛𝗘 𝗥𝗘𝗔𝗗?
This is a highly entertaining read - just know what you’re getting. It’s more about the drama than the murder, but once the secrets start flying, it’s juicy and totally fun.
Thank you Harlequin Audio and NetGalley for this #gifted ARC. #hiveinfluencer
🎧 Narrated by Karissa Vacker
📖 Publishes 11•04•25 | 336 pages | 10h 19m
A group of old friends reunite for a New Year’s Eve party to reclaim their former closeness. But when long-buried betrayals bubble up - and someone turns up dead - the night turns from cathartic to deadly.
𝗔𝗨𝗗𝗜𝗢 𝗧𝗔𝗞𝗘
The narrator did a great job with all ten POVs. There’s a lot of contemplation in this story, and she managed to keep it engaging without it feeling endless.
I’m glad there weren’t too many texts though - they felt clunky and took me out of the story.
𝗦𝗧𝗢𝗥𝗬 𝗧𝗔𝗞𝗘
This might be the most character-driven book I’ve ever read. All ten POVs are stuck in their own head, which slows things down and makes it feel more like a slow-burn domestic suspense than a full-on thriller.
The prologue introduces Olivia at the end of the NYE party finding a dead body. It sets Olivia up as the MC and not gonna lie, I’m not sure that worked for me. Each party goer has baggage and secrets but I didn’t empathize more with Olivia than any others.
What did work was the drama of it all! We really get to know the characters so when secrets explode it was wildly satisfying!
All the many loose ends are mostly tied together at the end in a maybe not completely realistic way. While it was pretty obvious to me whodunit, it wasn’t until the reveal that I learnt why, so that was still fun.
𝗪𝗢𝗥𝗧𝗛 𝗧𝗛𝗘 𝗥𝗘𝗔𝗗?
This is a highly entertaining read - just know what you’re getting. It’s more about the drama than the murder, but once the secrets start flying, it’s juicy and totally fun.
Thank you Harlequin Audio and NetGalley for this #gifted ARC. #hiveinfluencer
🎧 Narrated by Karissa Vacker
📖 Publishes 11•04•25 | 336 pages | 10h 19m
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