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The Pool Party
*DISCOVER YOUR NEXT SUMMER OBSESSION*
One summer's day. Two families. Countless secrets . . .
Kate is new to the idyllic village of Fletching. She's determined this move will be a fresh start for her family, though she misses her old life.
Melody has it she's as beautiful as her house, with a wealthy husband and two beloved children. But she'd love a friend she can rely on.
From the year's first school run, Kate and Melody grow close - a friendship formed during playdates and shared glasses of wine.
But when Melody's annual summer party turns into every parent's worst nightmare, a near-fatal accident threatens to expose secrets both women have kept beneath the surface.
Who is really to blame? And what have they been hiding?
'Fans of Liane Moriarty will want to dive right in!' LIZZY BARBER
'The perfect summer page-turner' CHARLOTTE DUCKWORTH
'Utterly addictive - everything you want in a summer read' EMILY FREUD
'Taut, compelling and the perfect pairing with your sun lounger next summer' KIT CONWAY
One summer's day. Two families. Countless secrets . . .
Kate is new to the idyllic village of Fletching. She's determined this move will be a fresh start for her family, though she misses her old life.
Melody has it she's as beautiful as her house, with a wealthy husband and two beloved children. But she'd love a friend she can rely on.
From the year's first school run, Kate and Melody grow close - a friendship formed during playdates and shared glasses of wine.
But when Melody's annual summer party turns into every parent's worst nightmare, a near-fatal accident threatens to expose secrets both women have kept beneath the surface.
Who is really to blame? And what have they been hiding?
'Fans of Liane Moriarty will want to dive right in!' LIZZY BARBER
'The perfect summer page-turner' CHARLOTTE DUCKWORTH
'Utterly addictive - everything you want in a summer read' EMILY FREUD
'Taut, compelling and the perfect pairing with your sun lounger next summer' KIT CONWAY
- GenresThriller
343 pages, Kindle Edition
Published July 16, 2026
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Displaying 1 - 24 of 24 reviews
July 19, 2026
When friendships, secrets, and hidden struggles collide, you know you’re in for a story full of drama and tension. The Pool Party drew me in straight away, and I found myself completely absorbed in the lives of the characters and the secrets they were trying to keep hidden.
Kate and Melody were brilliant characters to follow. Their friendship, their personal struggles, and the difficulties within their marriages added so much depth to the story. Both women are dealing with their own challenges, and I enjoyed watching the layers slowly unfold as the drama between them and those around them began to surface. The twists, secrets, and emotional moments kept me totally hooked.
What stood out to me most was the way Becca Bainbridge built the suspense throughout the book. The tension is there from the start, and the mix of friendships, marriage struggles, and hidden truths made this such an addictive read. I loved trying to work out what was really happening, but the story kept surprising me along the way.
Becca Bainbridge’s writing is beautiful. The story flows perfectly, making it easy to become fully immersed in the characters’ lives. The pacing was spot on, and I loved how the drama and suspense were woven together so naturally.
A gripping psychological thriller full of secrets, relationships, and drama that kept me turning the pages until the very end.
Thank you to NetGalley, author Becca Bainbridge, and Quercus Books for this ARC in exchange for my honest review.
Publishing date: July 16th 2026
Kate and Melody were brilliant characters to follow. Their friendship, their personal struggles, and the difficulties within their marriages added so much depth to the story. Both women are dealing with their own challenges, and I enjoyed watching the layers slowly unfold as the drama between them and those around them began to surface. The twists, secrets, and emotional moments kept me totally hooked.
What stood out to me most was the way Becca Bainbridge built the suspense throughout the book. The tension is there from the start, and the mix of friendships, marriage struggles, and hidden truths made this such an addictive read. I loved trying to work out what was really happening, but the story kept surprising me along the way.
Becca Bainbridge’s writing is beautiful. The story flows perfectly, making it easy to become fully immersed in the characters’ lives. The pacing was spot on, and I loved how the drama and suspense were woven together so naturally.
A gripping psychological thriller full of secrets, relationships, and drama that kept me turning the pages until the very end.
Thank you to NetGalley, author Becca Bainbridge, and Quercus Books for this ARC in exchange for my honest review.
Publishing date: July 16th 2026
August 8, 2026
⭐⭐⭐⭐ A gripping summer thriller!
The Pool Party by Rebecca Bainbridge is a tense and twisty domestic thriller that had me questioning who I could trust right from the start.
The story centres around two families brought together on one summer's day, when what should be a fun and carefree pool party quickly becomes anything but. Beneath the sunshine, swimming pools and seemingly perfect family lives are secrets, tensions and complicated relationships just waiting to surface.
I really enjoyed the characters in this one. They all have their own flaws, secrets and motivations, and I loved trying to work out what was really going on beneath the surface. The relationships between the characters add plenty of drama, and the different perspectives kept me guessing as the story unfolded.
The pacing worked really well for me, with the tension gradually building and more pieces of the puzzle being revealed along the way. There are plenty of twists and moments that made me stop and think, wait… what?! 😳
A great read for anyone who enjoys domestic thrillers, family secrets, complicated characters and plenty of suspense.
⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️/5
A brilliant debut that kept me turning the pages! 🏊♀️📚
The Pool Party by Rebecca Bainbridge is a tense and twisty domestic thriller that had me questioning who I could trust right from the start.
The story centres around two families brought together on one summer's day, when what should be a fun and carefree pool party quickly becomes anything but. Beneath the sunshine, swimming pools and seemingly perfect family lives are secrets, tensions and complicated relationships just waiting to surface.
I really enjoyed the characters in this one. They all have their own flaws, secrets and motivations, and I loved trying to work out what was really going on beneath the surface. The relationships between the characters add plenty of drama, and the different perspectives kept me guessing as the story unfolded.
The pacing worked really well for me, with the tension gradually building and more pieces of the puzzle being revealed along the way. There are plenty of twists and moments that made me stop and think, wait… what?! 😳
A great read for anyone who enjoys domestic thrillers, family secrets, complicated characters and plenty of suspense.
⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️/5
A brilliant debut that kept me turning the pages! 🏊♀️📚
July 26, 2026
I had originally planned to save The Pool party for a week by the pool on holiday … but there was no way I could wait. As one of my most anticipated reads from a debut author this year, I’m delighted to say it absolutely loved up to the hype.
Rebecca Bainbridge delivers a dark, twisty psychological thriller packed with school-gate gossip, simmering jealousy, long buried secrets and the kind of tension that makes you constantly question who can really be trusted. Told through the parallel narratives of Kate and Melody, the story slowly peels back later after later, revealing that everyone has something to hide.
What really stood out was the depth of the characters. They felt authentic, flawed and believable and the atmosphere Bainbridge creates is wonderfully unsettling. Nearly every chapter ends in a cliffhanger, making it almost impossible to stop reading. I kept promising “just one more chapter”… and inevitably read several more.
It’s a fast paced, addictive and effortlessly readable thriller that perfectly captures the intensity of friendships, rivalries and the pressures lurking beneath seemingly perfect lives.
And easy ⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️ read from me. Rebecca Bainbridge is definitely a debut author to watch, and I’d highly recommend the Pool Party to your summer reading list.
Rebecca Bainbridge delivers a dark, twisty psychological thriller packed with school-gate gossip, simmering jealousy, long buried secrets and the kind of tension that makes you constantly question who can really be trusted. Told through the parallel narratives of Kate and Melody, the story slowly peels back later after later, revealing that everyone has something to hide.
What really stood out was the depth of the characters. They felt authentic, flawed and believable and the atmosphere Bainbridge creates is wonderfully unsettling. Nearly every chapter ends in a cliffhanger, making it almost impossible to stop reading. I kept promising “just one more chapter”… and inevitably read several more.
It’s a fast paced, addictive and effortlessly readable thriller that perfectly captures the intensity of friendships, rivalries and the pressures lurking beneath seemingly perfect lives.
And easy ⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️ read from me. Rebecca Bainbridge is definitely a debut author to watch, and I’d highly recommend the Pool Party to your summer reading list.
August 19, 2026
A debut novel that I chose to read as it sounded like it had the potential to be an entertaining domestic thriller.
The novel revolves around the friendship of the female protagonists Kate and Melody as they navigate their seemingly perfect life styles. As the new friends get to know each other tensions mount as everyone around them, including themselves seem to be hiding secrets. The two women are both vulnerable in different ways to the dramas unfolding in their respective lives.
Rather slow in parts and did not for me deliver the pace I expect from a thriller. Nevertheless a readable character driven story if you are looking for an easy read.
With thanks to NetGalley, the author and Quercus Books for the opportunity to read and review.
https://lindyloumacbookreviews.blogsp...
The novel revolves around the friendship of the female protagonists Kate and Melody as they navigate their seemingly perfect life styles. As the new friends get to know each other tensions mount as everyone around them, including themselves seem to be hiding secrets. The two women are both vulnerable in different ways to the dramas unfolding in their respective lives.
Rather slow in parts and did not for me deliver the pace I expect from a thriller. Nevertheless a readable character driven story if you are looking for an easy read.
With thanks to NetGalley, the author and Quercus Books for the opportunity to read and review.
https://lindyloumacbookreviews.blogsp...
August 16, 2026
The Pool Party, a brilliant splash of a novel! It made for a perfect read during last week's heatwave. Intriguing female characters and plenty of simmering tension throughout. It is a thriller but it's also a subtle, delicate exploration of themes affecting so many women, especially those in the sandwich generation. I'm looking forward to seeing what comes next from Rebecca Bainbridge!
August 2, 2026
★★★★☆
I picked this up expecting a light summer read, but it ended up being far more intricate and well plotted than I anticipated. The story centers on Kate, who has recently moved to the village of Fletching hoping for a fresh start while quietly missing her old life, and Melody, who appears to have a picture-perfect existence with a wealthy husband and a beautiful home. When their paths cross on the school run, a quick friendship develops over playdates and glasses of wine. However, during Melody’s annual summer party, a near-fatal accident shatters the peaceful facade, threatening to pull their buried secrets into the light and forcing everyone to question who is truly responsible.
As a debut, it drew me in immediately, and I found myself completely engrossed in these characters and the hidden truths they were guarding. Watching the dynamic between Kate and Melody grow was particularly engaging. Having personally struggled at times to build deep female friendships, Melody’s earnest search for a reliable companion and Kate’s push to move past surface-level small talk resonated with me. The emotional honesty of the writing is what truly grounds the book. Rebecca Bainbridge captures the quiet, everyday strains of motherhood and the intense need for human connection, illustrating how relationships can offer support while simultaneously becoming restrictive. Both women make choices driven by love, fear, and self-preservation, making their vulnerabilities feel entirely genuine as the surrounding drama unfolds.
Bainbridge builds the underlying suspense with remarkable skill. The tension is present right from the beginning, seamlessly blending familiar school-gate dynamics with heavier themes of trauma, grief, and domestic strain. The narrative moves fluidly, making it effortless to sink into the story. Rather than relying on constant, high-octane twists, the book relies on a beautifully constructed atmosphere and exceptional character development to maintain its momentum. Every core relationship feels realistic and grounded, allowing you to clearly sense the internal pressure each character is experiencing. It is an impressive first novel, and I will definitely be keeping an eye out for whatever Bainbridge writes next.
Thank you to the author, publisher (Quercus Books), and NetGalley for the ARC.
I picked this up expecting a light summer read, but it ended up being far more intricate and well plotted than I anticipated. The story centers on Kate, who has recently moved to the village of Fletching hoping for a fresh start while quietly missing her old life, and Melody, who appears to have a picture-perfect existence with a wealthy husband and a beautiful home. When their paths cross on the school run, a quick friendship develops over playdates and glasses of wine. However, during Melody’s annual summer party, a near-fatal accident shatters the peaceful facade, threatening to pull their buried secrets into the light and forcing everyone to question who is truly responsible.
As a debut, it drew me in immediately, and I found myself completely engrossed in these characters and the hidden truths they were guarding. Watching the dynamic between Kate and Melody grow was particularly engaging. Having personally struggled at times to build deep female friendships, Melody’s earnest search for a reliable companion and Kate’s push to move past surface-level small talk resonated with me. The emotional honesty of the writing is what truly grounds the book. Rebecca Bainbridge captures the quiet, everyday strains of motherhood and the intense need for human connection, illustrating how relationships can offer support while simultaneously becoming restrictive. Both women make choices driven by love, fear, and self-preservation, making their vulnerabilities feel entirely genuine as the surrounding drama unfolds.
Bainbridge builds the underlying suspense with remarkable skill. The tension is present right from the beginning, seamlessly blending familiar school-gate dynamics with heavier themes of trauma, grief, and domestic strain. The narrative moves fluidly, making it effortless to sink into the story. Rather than relying on constant, high-octane twists, the book relies on a beautifully constructed atmosphere and exceptional character development to maintain its momentum. Every core relationship feels realistic and grounded, allowing you to clearly sense the internal pressure each character is experiencing. It is an impressive first novel, and I will definitely be keeping an eye out for whatever Bainbridge writes next.
Thank you to the author, publisher (Quercus Books), and NetGalley for the ARC.
Review of advance copy received from NetGalley
I absolutely loved this psychological family drama by Rebecca Bainbridge and found it to be a quite brilliant debut. First off this has a gorgeous cover and an intriguing title, and although this is not a thrill a minute thriller, it is beautifully written, with an interesting plot and an excellent level of character development.
The story centres around Kate, her husband Matthew and her daughter Rose who have recently moved from Hove to the picturesque village of Fletching. Kate quickly becomes friends with American beauty Melody, bonding over play dates and glasses of wine. Melody seems to have it all - a wealthy, handsome husband, a stunning home and two beautiful children, but when an incident at Melody’s annual pool party threatens to destroy their lives, the countless secrets the two women have been harbouring float to the surface. Will anything ever be the same again ?
It follows the lives of married couples Kate and Matthew, and Melody and Richard, and opens with a dramatic incident before shifting back in time, gradually building up a picture of the lives of these two families. Early on you get the sense that there are underlying secrets which if exposed will change the course of their lives, which kept me intrigued and invested in the outcome.
The various relationships were conveyed well with strong, core characters, all completely believable, and I could feel what they were all going through, as the author’s writing style makes the reader feel part of the narrative.
The final reveal was a genuine surprise.
The Pool Party is a reflective perception of families struggling with every day problems, pretending they’re coping when the reality is that their lives are spiralling, and it covers topics that resonate with us all - friendships, jealousies, infidelities, secrets from the past and complex family dynamics.
This book was an enjoyable domestic thriller about broken relationships and family secrets and is likely to appeal to fans of Liane Moriarty. It was a delight to read and I will be returning for Rebecca Bainbridge’s next book. 4.5 stars rounded up.
Thank you to @netgalley and @quercusbooks for the opportunity to read an advanced copy.
The story centres around Kate, her husband Matthew and her daughter Rose who have recently moved from Hove to the picturesque village of Fletching. Kate quickly becomes friends with American beauty Melody, bonding over play dates and glasses of wine. Melody seems to have it all - a wealthy, handsome husband, a stunning home and two beautiful children, but when an incident at Melody’s annual pool party threatens to destroy their lives, the countless secrets the two women have been harbouring float to the surface. Will anything ever be the same again ?
It follows the lives of married couples Kate and Matthew, and Melody and Richard, and opens with a dramatic incident before shifting back in time, gradually building up a picture of the lives of these two families. Early on you get the sense that there are underlying secrets which if exposed will change the course of their lives, which kept me intrigued and invested in the outcome.
The various relationships were conveyed well with strong, core characters, all completely believable, and I could feel what they were all going through, as the author’s writing style makes the reader feel part of the narrative.
The final reveal was a genuine surprise.
The Pool Party is a reflective perception of families struggling with every day problems, pretending they’re coping when the reality is that their lives are spiralling, and it covers topics that resonate with us all - friendships, jealousies, infidelities, secrets from the past and complex family dynamics.
This book was an enjoyable domestic thriller about broken relationships and family secrets and is likely to appeal to fans of Liane Moriarty. It was a delight to read and I will be returning for Rebecca Bainbridge’s next book. 4.5 stars rounded up.
Thank you to @netgalley and @quercusbooks for the opportunity to read an advanced copy.
Review of advance copy received from NetGalley
The Pool Party is a beautifully crafted domestic suspense that takes the sun‑drenched ease of a summer afternoon and slowly turns it into something far more unsettling. From the moment Kate arrives in the idyllic village of Fletching, there’s a gentle ache beneath her optimism — a woman trying to make a fresh start, even as she misses the life she left behind. Her friendship with Melody blooms quickly, built on school‑run smiles, shared glasses of wine, and the soft relief of finding someone who understands the daily chaos of motherhood.
But the author is clever about the cracks. Melody’s perfect life glitters a little too brightly, her home immaculate, her charm effortless, her family enviable in a way that feels almost curated. The tension builds quietly, tucked between playdates and polite conversations, until the annual summer party shatters the illusion entirely.
The near‑fatal accident at the heart of the story is handled with a deft, restrained touch — not sensationalised, but deeply felt. In its aftermath, the narrative shifts into something sharper, more intimate, as both women’s secrets begin to rise to the surface. The question of blame becomes a mirror, reflecting back everything they’ve tried to hide: guilt, fear, ambition, loneliness, and the fragile truths that hold a family together.
What makes the novel so compelling is its emotional honesty. The author understands the quiet pressures of motherhood, the longing for connection, the way friendships can become lifelines — or traps. Kate and Melody are flawed in ways that feel real, their choices shaped by love, fear, and the stories they tell themselves to survive.
Atmospheric, addictive, and quietly devastating, The Pool Party is a gripping exploration of friendship, envy, and the secrets that ripple beneath even the calmest surface. A perfect read for fans of twisty domestic drama with heart and bite.
with thanks to Rebecca Bainbridge, the publisher and netgalley for the ARC
But the author is clever about the cracks. Melody’s perfect life glitters a little too brightly, her home immaculate, her charm effortless, her family enviable in a way that feels almost curated. The tension builds quietly, tucked between playdates and polite conversations, until the annual summer party shatters the illusion entirely.
The near‑fatal accident at the heart of the story is handled with a deft, restrained touch — not sensationalised, but deeply felt. In its aftermath, the narrative shifts into something sharper, more intimate, as both women’s secrets begin to rise to the surface. The question of blame becomes a mirror, reflecting back everything they’ve tried to hide: guilt, fear, ambition, loneliness, and the fragile truths that hold a family together.
What makes the novel so compelling is its emotional honesty. The author understands the quiet pressures of motherhood, the longing for connection, the way friendships can become lifelines — or traps. Kate and Melody are flawed in ways that feel real, their choices shaped by love, fear, and the stories they tell themselves to survive.
Atmospheric, addictive, and quietly devastating, The Pool Party is a gripping exploration of friendship, envy, and the secrets that ripple beneath even the calmest surface. A perfect read for fans of twisty domestic drama with heart and bite.
with thanks to Rebecca Bainbridge, the publisher and netgalley for the ARC
Review of advance copy received from NetGalley
Kate moves to an idyllic new neighbourhood with husband Matthew and daughter Rose, determined this will be the fresh start her family needs. When she meets Melody during the school run, they strike up a friendship, arranging meet ups and play dates. But when Melody’s annual pool party arrives, it turns to every parent’s worst nightmare and also threatens hidden secrets to be exposed.
This sounded like it would be a solid, classic domestic thriller and I was drawn to the bold cover, so wanted to read this debut. This ended up being a mixed bag for me, as I liked the general storyline even if it felt familiar, however I went in believing it would be more of thriller than it actually was. I found it took a long time to go anywhere, whilst lacking the suspense and twists needed to be the usual thriller I enjoy and instead read more as a domestic drama. Even though it wasn’t what I expected, as a drama it worked well, with compelling dual timelines and characters that were explored in depth. Although the characters were unlikeable, it was interesting to find out more about them and discover what they were hiding, whilst exploring the dynamics between them.
This was a well written story overall and I’d be interested seeing what else the author comes up with, thriller or drama. This would be a great read for those looking for a simple, slow burn, character driven story. Thanks to Netgalley and the publisher for this copy in return for an honest review.
This sounded like it would be a solid, classic domestic thriller and I was drawn to the bold cover, so wanted to read this debut. This ended up being a mixed bag for me, as I liked the general storyline even if it felt familiar, however I went in believing it would be more of thriller than it actually was. I found it took a long time to go anywhere, whilst lacking the suspense and twists needed to be the usual thriller I enjoy and instead read more as a domestic drama. Even though it wasn’t what I expected, as a drama it worked well, with compelling dual timelines and characters that were explored in depth. Although the characters were unlikeable, it was interesting to find out more about them and discover what they were hiding, whilst exploring the dynamics between them.
This was a well written story overall and I’d be interested seeing what else the author comes up with, thriller or drama. This would be a great read for those looking for a simple, slow burn, character driven story. Thanks to Netgalley and the publisher for this copy in return for an honest review.
Review of advance copy received from NetGalley
Kate has been persuaded by her husband to move their family to the beautiful village of Fletching, away from the seaside town that she holds dear to her heart.
When taking her daughter Rose to school she encounters another mum Melody, a stay-at-home wife who has a gorgeous house, two adorable children and an enchanting and wealthy husband, Richard. Despite their different lives, the two mum’s become friends, enjoying their time together, often over a bottle of wine.
From the outside Melody appears to have everything, and she is generous, hosting numerous events for the school run mums, including her annual summer Pool Party. At the party the parents are busy drinking champagne and catching up on the gossip and nobody sees a near-fatal accident. The aftermath of this incident sees the parents experience an horrific nightmare and many of the adult relationships become strained. Soon, a multitude of secrets and lies are exposed. Will those involved and their relationships ever recover from this?
I really enjoyed this domestic suspense, full of drama and secrets. A great debut novel by an author I will be looking out for in the future. Highly recommended.
When taking her daughter Rose to school she encounters another mum Melody, a stay-at-home wife who has a gorgeous house, two adorable children and an enchanting and wealthy husband, Richard. Despite their different lives, the two mum’s become friends, enjoying their time together, often over a bottle of wine.
From the outside Melody appears to have everything, and she is generous, hosting numerous events for the school run mums, including her annual summer Pool Party. At the party the parents are busy drinking champagne and catching up on the gossip and nobody sees a near-fatal accident. The aftermath of this incident sees the parents experience an horrific nightmare and many of the adult relationships become strained. Soon, a multitude of secrets and lies are exposed. Will those involved and their relationships ever recover from this?
I really enjoyed this domestic suspense, full of drama and secrets. A great debut novel by an author I will be looking out for in the future. Highly recommended.
April 10, 2026
3.5⭐️
The Pool Party is much more of a character-driven domestic suspense than a twisty thriller.
Told through dual POVs, the story follows Kate and Melody — two women whose friendship grows within their seemingly idyllic village community, where appearances matter and secrets run deep. As the events surrounding Melody’s annual summer pool party start to unravel, so does the carefully curated image of the community around them.
For me, the pacing leaned slower than my usual thriller preference, and the timeline jumped around a little — both through the seasons and around the pool party itself. At times I found myself needing to reorient where we were in the story and how each POV connected to the timeline, which pulled me out of the tension slightly.
That said, this isn’t trying to be a big twisty thriller. It’s much more about the characters, their messy friendships and the secrets sitting just beneath the surface. If you enjoy unlikeable characters and domestic drama simmering under a polished exterior, this will likely work well for you.
The Pool Party is much more of a character-driven domestic suspense than a twisty thriller.
Told through dual POVs, the story follows Kate and Melody — two women whose friendship grows within their seemingly idyllic village community, where appearances matter and secrets run deep. As the events surrounding Melody’s annual summer pool party start to unravel, so does the carefully curated image of the community around them.
For me, the pacing leaned slower than my usual thriller preference, and the timeline jumped around a little — both through the seasons and around the pool party itself. At times I found myself needing to reorient where we were in the story and how each POV connected to the timeline, which pulled me out of the tension slightly.
That said, this isn’t trying to be a big twisty thriller. It’s much more about the characters, their messy friendships and the secrets sitting just beneath the surface. If you enjoy unlikeable characters and domestic drama simmering under a polished exterior, this will likely work well for you.
Review of advance copy received from NetGalley
🏊 The Pool Party ARC Review 🏊
I really enjoyed The Pool Party - it's a really good domestic thriller with lots of interconnected elements.
Kate has reluctantly moved to the village of Fletching as her husband is the new deputy head of the private school there. It's also the school he went to as a child.
Immediately, Kate finds the other mums intimidating - until she meets Melody. In Melody she finds an unexpected friend and confidant.
But within their marriages, and the wider mum friendship group, things are quite what they seem.
The story is told through dual points of view and the timeline jumps to the fateful pool party, the build up to that, and the present day.
Thank you to NetGalley, Rebecca Bainbridge and Quercus Books for this ARC.
I really enjoyed The Pool Party - it's a really good domestic thriller with lots of interconnected elements.
Kate has reluctantly moved to the village of Fletching as her husband is the new deputy head of the private school there. It's also the school he went to as a child.
Immediately, Kate finds the other mums intimidating - until she meets Melody. In Melody she finds an unexpected friend and confidant.
But within their marriages, and the wider mum friendship group, things are quite what they seem.
The story is told through dual points of view and the timeline jumps to the fateful pool party, the build up to that, and the present day.
Thank you to NetGalley, Rebecca Bainbridge and Quercus Books for this ARC.
Review of advance copy received from NetGalley
Im new to this author but totally sold! 'The Pool Party' was original, entertaining and had a little hint of twistiness! Not quite psychological fiction for me but certainly drama.
The plot features 2 women who become friends at the school gates, Kate - recently moved to the area as her husband has taken a job at deputy head at the private school. Melody is the glamorous American who feels slightly off around the other mums. The story features tragedy that challenges the friendship and secrets with the power to derail marriages.
An enjoyable read that I enjoyed and wouldn't hesitate to recommend.
My thanks to NetGalley, author and publisher for the opportunity to review this book in exchange for an advance copy.
The plot features 2 women who become friends at the school gates, Kate - recently moved to the area as her husband has taken a job at deputy head at the private school. Melody is the glamorous American who feels slightly off around the other mums. The story features tragedy that challenges the friendship and secrets with the power to derail marriages.
An enjoyable read that I enjoyed and wouldn't hesitate to recommend.
My thanks to NetGalley, author and publisher for the opportunity to review this book in exchange for an advance copy.
July 11, 2026
3.5 ⭐️
I’ve been back and forth with myself over what to read this book. I really enjoyed all the back story, the mystery, the secrecy, the twists and turns. The characters were well written and complicated, all having their own individual hidden agendas. I did however feel like the book didn’t flow well. Written in dual perspective there were no chapter headings to indicate who which chapter was about, sometimes making it confusing. The timeline jumped back and forward like crazy and it was often hard to keep track of what was going on, to whom, when and in what order. Overall I did enjoy it, just think it could have been finessed to be easier to follow.
Thank you NetGalley & Quercus books for the ARC in return for my honest review
I’ve been back and forth with myself over what to read this book. I really enjoyed all the back story, the mystery, the secrecy, the twists and turns. The characters were well written and complicated, all having their own individual hidden agendas. I did however feel like the book didn’t flow well. Written in dual perspective there were no chapter headings to indicate who which chapter was about, sometimes making it confusing. The timeline jumped back and forward like crazy and it was often hard to keep track of what was going on, to whom, when and in what order. Overall I did enjoy it, just think it could have been finessed to be easier to follow.
Thank you NetGalley & Quercus books for the ARC in return for my honest review
July 16, 2026
The Pool Party delivers a gripping, unsettling storyline that kept me turning the pages, but I finished it feeling more disturbed than satisfied. The central incident—especially the way the adults allowed something so serious to happen to a child—just didn’t sit right with me. It was uncomfortable in a way that felt less like intentional tension and more like disbelief.
I enjoyed the pacing and the messy, tangled relationships, but I guessed most of the twists early on, which took some of the punch out of the reveals. Still, it’s a solid domestic thriller with enough drama to keep you invested, even if the moral choices left me side‑eyeing several characters.
I enjoyed the pacing and the messy, tangled relationships, but I guessed most of the twists early on, which took some of the punch out of the reveals. Still, it’s a solid domestic thriller with enough drama to keep you invested, even if the moral choices left me side‑eyeing several characters.
July 17, 2026
I did enjoy reading 'The Pool Party' but I thought the plot was too drawn out and events then became dull. There are secrets and twists to uncover which made for interesting reading. The characters were good for the story, not particularly likeable but that is kind of the point. I liked that there are chapters that flash forward to the events of the pool party as well as the present so we have a real sense of foreboding of something to come.
Some of the drama is petty but again that is also the point of the book,
This was an enjoyable read that felt too drawn out.
Thank you to NetGalley and Quercus Books for an advance copy.
Some of the drama is petty but again that is also the point of the book,
This was an enjoyable read that felt too drawn out.
Thank you to NetGalley and Quercus Books for an advance copy.
August 14, 2026
Keby nevysla kniha teraz v lete, tak poviem, ze som ju uz citala 🙄 Strasne mi pripominala nejaku inu knihu alebo iny pribeh.
Kate sa pristahuje do dediny Fletching, kedze jej manzel, ktory stamade pochadza, dostane miesto v skole. Hned si ju *adoptuje* krasna Melody, ktora ma bohateho manzela a dve deti. A hoci jej aj Katin zivot vyzeraju ukazkove, opak je pravdou. Kazda zo zien nieco skryva. A potom pocas jednej bazenovej party sa stane nestastie. Kto za to moze? Mohol tomu niekto predist?
Dost mi vadili aj flashbacky a dej, ktory miestami stagnoval. Ten koniec, ked vyjde najavo, ze niekto to nestastie sledoval a mohol mu zabranit, som celkom nechapala, ze preco.
Kate sa pristahuje do dediny Fletching, kedze jej manzel, ktory stamade pochadza, dostane miesto v skole. Hned si ju *adoptuje* krasna Melody, ktora ma bohateho manzela a dve deti. A hoci jej aj Katin zivot vyzeraju ukazkove, opak je pravdou. Kazda zo zien nieco skryva. A potom pocas jednej bazenovej party sa stane nestastie. Kto za to moze? Mohol tomu niekto predist?
Dost mi vadili aj flashbacky a dej, ktory miestami stagnoval. Ten koniec, ked vyjde najavo, ze niekto to nestastie sledoval a mohol mu zabranit, som celkom nechapala, ze preco.
Review of advance copy received from NetGalley
The Pool Party is a debut thriller by Rebecca Bainbridge and I enjoyed reading it. I found it quite different and unpredictable but it was fast paced and the dual timeline and narrative kept me interested. Friendships that are forged at the school gates can be joyous but they can also become toxic and for new to the area Kate it looks that her new friend Melody has it all. Through all this there is a strong sense of foreboding and the way it all plays out is intriguing.
For a debut novel this has a lot of promise and I am keen to see what direction the author takes with her next book.
For a debut novel this has a lot of promise and I am keen to see what direction the author takes with her next book.
Review of advance copy received from Netgalley
Thank you to NetGalley and Rebecca Bainbridge for this book.
I thought I would love it as it was a thriller. However, I felt like there was no suspense, no deaths and no mystery.
It was only in the last chapter that it seemed like there was a bit of suspense as we get to know what really happened at the pool party.
I kept reading to find out if there were going to be any deaths but there wasn't.
It felt like you were reading into their everyday lives with no thriller.
I thought I would love it as it was a thriller. However, I felt like there was no suspense, no deaths and no mystery.
It was only in the last chapter that it seemed like there was a bit of suspense as we get to know what really happened at the pool party.
I kept reading to find out if there were going to be any deaths but there wasn't.
It felt like you were reading into their everyday lives with no thriller.
August 1, 2026
Wonderful debut novel from an author I hope to read from again. It centres around an accident at a pool party which we keep returning to in snippets but the real joy of the book is the depth of the 2 main characters Kate and Melody.
I really enjoyed reading about both women, how different they seemed and yet their lives become intertwined. I wouldn't say its an edge of your seat thriller, more of a character based book but it was thoroughly enjoyable
I really enjoyed reading about both women, how different they seemed and yet their lives become intertwined. I wouldn't say its an edge of your seat thriller, more of a character based book but it was thoroughly enjoyable
May 6, 2026
ARC thanks to NetGalley
This book was an enjoyable read, it’s set around the lives of two women whose friendship conceals deep secrets. The story moves between the past and the present with lots of twists throughout. It focuses on friendship, trust and deception and made me question motives and how far each character would go to protect their version of the truth.
A good summer read!
This book was an enjoyable read, it’s set around the lives of two women whose friendship conceals deep secrets. The story moves between the past and the present with lots of twists throughout. It focuses on friendship, trust and deception and made me question motives and how far each character would go to protect their version of the truth.
A good summer read!
Review of advance copy received from Netgalley
THE POOL PARTY BY REBECCA BAINBRIDGE.
Release date set for the 16th of July 2026.
4 ✨ ✨ ✨ ✨s
Great cover.
There's plenty of drama and secrets within this book.
This is the authors debut thriller and she done a really good job ☺
Release date set for the 16th of July 2026.
4 ✨ ✨ ✨ ✨s
Great cover.
There's plenty of drama and secrets within this book.
This is the authors debut thriller and she done a really good job ☺
July 26, 2026
Super summer read!!
A gripping summer read with engaging characters, plenty of twists and a mystery that keeps you turning the pages. It gave me definite Liane Moriarty vibes – the perfect book to throw in your holiday packing!
A gripping summer read with engaging characters, plenty of twists and a mystery that keeps you turning the pages. It gave me definite Liane Moriarty vibes – the perfect book to throw in your holiday packing!
Review of advance copy received from Netgalley
I was so lucky to receive an ARC of this debut thriller and wow, what a read!
Set in the idyllic village of Fletching, it follows Kate, who is new to the area and trying to give her family a fresh start, and Melody, who seems to have it all - the beautiful house, the wealthy husband, the perfect kids. The two women grow close through school runs and playdates, but when Melody's annual summer pool party turns into every parent's worst nightmare, a near-fatal accident threatens to expose secrets both women have been hiding.
What really stood out for me was how well I got to know both Kate and Melody - by the end I felt like I properly knew these women, flaws and all. As a busy, anxious mum myself I found so much of this resonated with me, especially the way it captures that constant juggle and underlying worry that comes with motherhood. It also deals so sensitively with some really difficult topics including anxiety, miscarriage and controlling behaviour, which added such an emotional depth to the story alongside the suspense.
And that ending?! The final twist completely caught me off guard and had me guessing right up until the last page.
Such an impressive debut, especially knowing Rebecca Bainbridge has roots in my hometown of Leeds - always lovely to support a local author! Definitely one to add to your summer reading list.
Set in the idyllic village of Fletching, it follows Kate, who is new to the area and trying to give her family a fresh start, and Melody, who seems to have it all - the beautiful house, the wealthy husband, the perfect kids. The two women grow close through school runs and playdates, but when Melody's annual summer pool party turns into every parent's worst nightmare, a near-fatal accident threatens to expose secrets both women have been hiding.
What really stood out for me was how well I got to know both Kate and Melody - by the end I felt like I properly knew these women, flaws and all. As a busy, anxious mum myself I found so much of this resonated with me, especially the way it captures that constant juggle and underlying worry that comes with motherhood. It also deals so sensitively with some really difficult topics including anxiety, miscarriage and controlling behaviour, which added such an emotional depth to the story alongside the suspense.
And that ending?! The final twist completely caught me off guard and had me guessing right up until the last page.
Such an impressive debut, especially knowing Rebecca Bainbridge has roots in my hometown of Leeds - always lovely to support a local author! Definitely one to add to your summer reading list.
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