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The Surprise Party
This book was previously published as She Didn’t Fall.
Everyone I know is here to celebrate my birthday. One of them wants me dead.
I didn’t expect anyone to throw me a surprise birthday party. My husband, Adam, would never do anything like this, so I’m touched my friends and coworkers went to all this effort.
It’s the perfect night — until it all starts to unravel.
Adam and I argue. Our teenage daughter, Caitlyn, storms off after I refuse to let her leave. I search the house to check that she’s okay. She’s not outside. Not upstairs. There’s only one place the basement.
I open the door and call her name. Then I hear footsteps behind me.
Before I can turn around, I'm shoved. Hard.
When I wake up, I’m told I had too much to drink. That I tripped down the stairs. That it was all just an accident.
But I know the truth — Someone at my party tried to kill me.
Everyone I know is here to celebrate my birthday. One of them wants me dead.
I didn’t expect anyone to throw me a surprise birthday party. My husband, Adam, would never do anything like this, so I’m touched my friends and coworkers went to all this effort.
It’s the perfect night — until it all starts to unravel.
Adam and I argue. Our teenage daughter, Caitlyn, storms off after I refuse to let her leave. I search the house to check that she’s okay. She’s not outside. Not upstairs. There’s only one place the basement.
I open the door and call her name. Then I hear footsteps behind me.
Before I can turn around, I'm shoved. Hard.
When I wake up, I’m told I had too much to drink. That I tripped down the stairs. That it was all just an accident.
But I know the truth — Someone at my party tried to kill me.
288 pages, Kindle Edition
First published August 16, 2023
696 people are currently reading
340 people want to read
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 58 reviews
October 17, 2023
Blair Banks, top agent at a real estate agency, almost died on her 40th birthday. The accident caused her to momentarily lose her memory, but as soon she as she recovered it, she remembered what happened : someone had in fact tried to kill her by pushing her down a flight of stairs. What's more concerning is that it could've been literally anyone who attended her birthday party. Everyone had a motive.
This wasn't a book for me. I'm glad is was a fast read that I was able to finish in a couple of days. I didn't like the writing and the plot wasn’t anything special. I disliked virtually every character in that book. I get that they were "meant" to be the dislikable, unscrupulous and ruthless kind (because money turns you to a bad person blah blah), but their dialogues were often immature (the amount of fat-shaming in that book is concerning. And believe me when I say that I'm not easily offended) and often a bit too dramatic (without reason).
Thank you NetGalley and Xpresso Book Tour for giving me access to a digital copy of this book for review consideration. All opinions are my own.
This wasn't a book for me. I'm glad is was a fast read that I was able to finish in a couple of days. I didn't like the writing and the plot wasn’t anything special. I disliked virtually every character in that book. I get that they were "meant" to be the dislikable, unscrupulous and ruthless kind (because money turns you to a bad person blah blah), but their dialogues were often immature (the amount of fat-shaming in that book is concerning. And believe me when I say that I'm not easily offended) and often a bit too dramatic (without reason).
Thank you NetGalley and Xpresso Book Tour for giving me access to a digital copy of this book for review consideration. All opinions are my own.
September 16, 2023
This is a fun read with plenty of potential perpetrators to keep you guessing. The protagonist is not especially likeable which makes it difficult to empathise at times, but there is so much going on that it doesn’t affect the overall experience.
January 8, 2024
This was a heavily involved, perhaps overly intricate story about a successful realtor, Blaire, whose marriage is shaky because they seem to have no time for each other or their teenage daughter. Her boss, Marcus, the manager of the realty agency she works at, throws a 40th birthday party for her at one of the houses not yet sold in a new development. In attendance are her husband, Adam, who she feels embarrasses her at times with his gauche ways; neighbor Rob who she had a dalliance with one time and his wife who is getting embarrassingly heavy considering he is a fitness entrepreneur; her boss, Marcus; and her coworker and sort of friend, Valerie.
Blaire had been drinking a lot and she goes in the house to find her daughter after demanding she stay at the party.when she opens the basement doors to look for her there, the next thing she knows is she has fallen to bottom of stairs and then is out cold. When she does finally wake up in the hospital she has short term amnesia but she slowly begins to think someone pushed her. So the rest of the book is following her around chaotically as she tries to figure out who could have done it and why.
There were so many threads to this story and so many red herrings tossed in. Gossippy and betrayer of secrets, Valerie, spreads a rumor in the office that she gets so many good listings because she is sleeping with the boss. Adam has an appt with a family law lawyer. Rob keeps nipping at her heels, interested in another rendez-vous. His wife, Alice, makes biting comments, showing her jealousy and resentment and her belief that they are having an affair. And so on.
To be honest, it was exhausting following her around and at about 75% into the story, I just stopped and took a break. I did finally go back to it and when I got to the end I just shook my head. I would have given this a lower rating but it earned 3 stars because of how intricate it was and how much effort it must have taken by the author to keep everything straight! But the characters ... meh ... didn't really like any of them, even Blaire. But I will try other books by the author.
Blaire had been drinking a lot and she goes in the house to find her daughter after demanding she stay at the party.when she opens the basement doors to look for her there, the next thing she knows is she has fallen to bottom of stairs and then is out cold. When she does finally wake up in the hospital she has short term amnesia but she slowly begins to think someone pushed her. So the rest of the book is following her around chaotically as she tries to figure out who could have done it and why.
There were so many threads to this story and so many red herrings tossed in. Gossippy and betrayer of secrets, Valerie, spreads a rumor in the office that she gets so many good listings because she is sleeping with the boss. Adam has an appt with a family law lawyer. Rob keeps nipping at her heels, interested in another rendez-vous. His wife, Alice, makes biting comments, showing her jealousy and resentment and her belief that they are having an affair. And so on.
To be honest, it was exhausting following her around and at about 75% into the story, I just stopped and took a break. I did finally go back to it and when I got to the end I just shook my head. I would have given this a lower rating but it earned 3 stars because of how intricate it was and how much effort it must have taken by the author to keep everything straight! But the characters ... meh ... didn't really like any of them, even Blaire. But I will try other books by the author.
December 14, 2025
𝗤𝗨𝗜𝗖𝗞 𝗣𝗟𝗢𝗧 𝗣𝗘𝗘𝗞
Blaire shows up at her surprise birthday party thrown by friends and coworkers, and the night goes completely off the rails when she’s pushed down the stairs and almost dies. Every single person there could’ve done it. While she’s recovering, she starts digging into who wanted her gone.
𝗔𝗨𝗗𝗜𝗢 𝗧𝗔𝗞𝗘
The narrator sets the mood right away. I liked her delivery a lot - it fit the story and made it easy to sink into.
𝗦𝗧𝗢𝗥𝗬 𝗧𝗔𝗞𝗘
This is packed with drama, gossip, and a whole bunch of messy relationships. The short chapters help the story fly by, and the little recaps are super handy.
It’s definitely more plot-focused, so you’re not getting deep character study here, but the secrets and shifting loyalties keep things fun.
I was pulling for Blaire the whole time. She’s not squeaky clean, but no one else is either - everyone’s got their own shade of gray, which keeps things feeling grounded even when the drama gets big.
I loved the format towards the end as the twists get revealed, even if I saw the final one coming. But honestly, it didn’t make the read any less enjoyable.
𝗪𝗢𝗥𝗧𝗛 𝗧𝗛𝗘 𝗥𝗘𝗔𝗗?
I loved that this actually felt like a thriller instead of a pile of drama with a half-hearted whodunnit stuck on. There’s a constant state of suspicion and it’s just a really good time.
Thank you Simon Maverick and NetGalley for this #gifted ARC.
🎧 Narrated by Patricia Santomasso
📖 Publishes 12•30•25 | 288 pages | 7h 57m
Blaire shows up at her surprise birthday party thrown by friends and coworkers, and the night goes completely off the rails when she’s pushed down the stairs and almost dies. Every single person there could’ve done it. While she’s recovering, she starts digging into who wanted her gone.
𝗔𝗨𝗗𝗜𝗢 𝗧𝗔𝗞𝗘
The narrator sets the mood right away. I liked her delivery a lot - it fit the story and made it easy to sink into.
𝗦𝗧𝗢𝗥𝗬 𝗧𝗔𝗞𝗘
This is packed with drama, gossip, and a whole bunch of messy relationships. The short chapters help the story fly by, and the little recaps are super handy.
It’s definitely more plot-focused, so you’re not getting deep character study here, but the secrets and shifting loyalties keep things fun.
I was pulling for Blaire the whole time. She’s not squeaky clean, but no one else is either - everyone’s got their own shade of gray, which keeps things feeling grounded even when the drama gets big.
I loved the format towards the end as the twists get revealed, even if I saw the final one coming. But honestly, it didn’t make the read any less enjoyable.
𝗪𝗢𝗥𝗧𝗛 𝗧𝗛𝗘 𝗥𝗘𝗔𝗗?
I loved that this actually felt like a thriller instead of a pile of drama with a half-hearted whodunnit stuck on. There’s a constant state of suspicion and it’s just a really good time.
Thank you Simon Maverick and NetGalley for this #gifted ARC.
🎧 Narrated by Patricia Santomasso
📖 Publishes 12•30•25 | 288 pages | 7h 57m
October 28, 2024
This wasn't bad, but it was so mediocre that it was hard to enjoy(no offense!). I felt like this had a lot of potential, but fell back on what felt like forced plot lines and annoying characters who weren't at all developed or explained. We're supposed to root for Blaire, who's this like, nitty-gritty, grew up poor, self-made, businesswoman. But instead of developing Blaire as an actual working person, the author just portrays her as a workaholic and an absolutely terrible wife, mother, daughter, even neighbor. While I think it's fine that we have flawed characters, I don't like the way the author portrays working women as like neglectful? I don't know, I just felt like the stereotypes were just a little too prominent, like how her husband doesn't care about moving up in his job, and how she has no friends except for one coworker who barely tolerates her, like, could we not have made an actual multi-faceted character, rather than just collecting a bunch of random stereotypes about working women and making some frankenstein of misogyny? Suspense wasn't bad, just fell flat. Wouldn't recommend.
September 18, 2023
Blaire's friend/boss throws her an elaborate party for her 40th birthday. The evening was wonderful, filled with champagne and friends. However, things took a turn when Blaire fell down the stairs. The accident nearly took her life.
Initially, Blaire has zero recollection of the accident. Over time, she recalls details and realizes that she did not fall. Someone pushed her down the stairs. Who would do such a thing? Blaire is determined to figure out who wanted to kill her. She begins to doubt the people around her. And as she investigates, she realizes many of these people are holding secrets. Secrets that may give them a reason to harm her. Blaire must figure out tried to kill her, before they strike again,
I really enjoyed this one! Twist after twist kept me on the edge of my seat. I could not get enough of this one. It is a fun and quick read. There are many potentials for "whodunit", which helps to keep the mystery alive until the end. Jam packed with suspense, this will not disappoint any thriller fans.
Thank you Waltham Publishing, LLC and NetGalley for the advanced copy in exchange for an honest review.
Initially, Blaire has zero recollection of the accident. Over time, she recalls details and realizes that she did not fall. Someone pushed her down the stairs. Who would do such a thing? Blaire is determined to figure out who wanted to kill her. She begins to doubt the people around her. And as she investigates, she realizes many of these people are holding secrets. Secrets that may give them a reason to harm her. Blaire must figure out tried to kill her, before they strike again,
I really enjoyed this one! Twist after twist kept me on the edge of my seat. I could not get enough of this one. It is a fun and quick read. There are many potentials for "whodunit", which helps to keep the mystery alive until the end. Jam packed with suspense, this will not disappoint any thriller fans.
Thank you Waltham Publishing, LLC and NetGalley for the advanced copy in exchange for an honest review.
September 9, 2023
It’s pretty typical for the genre, nothing groundbreaking.
WHAT I LIKED:
1- it’s a pretty straightforward plot.
2- quick read
3- despicable people doing despicable things. Doubt and suspicion in every relationship.
WHAT I DIDN’T LIKE:
1- the ending. But I suppose it couldn’t have been any different.
2- the relationship with the neighbor didn’t need to be there. Alice didn’t need the added motivation of her husband cheating with Blaire. And really, if she didn’t remember it happening why include it? Blaire isn’t written as an alcoholic, so why would she not be concerned with sleeping with someone that she couldn’t recall? To me it brought up issues of consent and that plot point wasn’t even needed.
3- honestly, if you look too close you can nit pick all over this thing. If you need something quick to read and don’t want to spend time trying to find the perfect book this will do.
WHAT I LIKED:
1- it’s a pretty straightforward plot.
2- quick read
3- despicable people doing despicable things. Doubt and suspicion in every relationship.
WHAT I DIDN’T LIKE:
1- the ending. But I suppose it couldn’t have been any different.
2- the relationship with the neighbor didn’t need to be there. Alice didn’t need the added motivation of her husband cheating with Blaire. And really, if she didn’t remember it happening why include it? Blaire isn’t written as an alcoholic, so why would she not be concerned with sleeping with someone that she couldn’t recall? To me it brought up issues of consent and that plot point wasn’t even needed.
3- honestly, if you look too close you can nit pick all over this thing. If you need something quick to read and don’t want to spend time trying to find the perfect book this will do.
November 10, 2024
It all began at Blair’s 40th birthday party with her friends, neighbors, and colleagues. Her marriage was in turmoil, her daughter was a moody and rebellious teen, and her fat neighbor had a bad attitude toward everyone. Then someone pushes her down the stairs. She didn’t fall.
Blair wakes up in the hospital with no memory of what happened. As soon as she gets back to work, she gets a note saying “I know what you did with him.” With who? And who sent this?
The diary prose was kind of slow as Blair mostly questions the so-called accident as she works through all the drama and construction at her real estate job. It’s kind of hard and not that interesting if all we had to go by of what happened were Blair’s spotty memory and scattered eye-witness recollections of neighbors and colleagues. After a while, you almost really don’t care who pushed her down the stairs.
Eh, an okay read. Not too thrilling.
Blair wakes up in the hospital with no memory of what happened. As soon as she gets back to work, she gets a note saying “I know what you did with him.” With who? And who sent this?
The diary prose was kind of slow as Blair mostly questions the so-called accident as she works through all the drama and construction at her real estate job. It’s kind of hard and not that interesting if all we had to go by of what happened were Blair’s spotty memory and scattered eye-witness recollections of neighbors and colleagues. After a while, you almost really don’t care who pushed her down the stairs.
Eh, an okay read. Not too thrilling.
April 15, 2024
This was a heavily involved, perhaps overly intricate story about a successful realtor, Blaire, whose marriage is shaky because they seem to have no time for each other or their teenage daughter. Her boss, Marcus, the manager of the realty agency she works at, throws a 40th birthday party for her at one of the houses not yet sold in a new development. In attendance are her husband, Adam, who she feels embarrasses her at times with his gauche ways; neighbor Rob who she had a dalliance with one time and his wife who is getting embarrassingly heavy considering he is a fitness entrepreneur; her boss, Marcus; and her coworker and sort of friend, Valerie.
Overall, this was a nice and quick read. I didn't particularly like most of the characters and felt that there were some pieces that were extraneous to the main plot that could have been eliminated.
Overall, this was a nice and quick read. I didn't particularly like most of the characters and felt that there were some pieces that were extraneous to the main plot that could have been eliminated.
November 9, 2023
Pretty good! Honestly more like 4 Stars, however…
I am new to author Rowen Chambers work, 2 books read thus far — & I’m impressed with her ability to craft quality twists & turns. A LOT of them at that, in each book.
I originally gave She Didn’t Fall 4 Stars — but adjusted it up as I didn’t figure out the whodunnit until it was revealed.
The conclusion was pretty good too. Satisfying, but not particularly surprising/shocking.
Overall it’s worth the read. But truly about 4 Star novel.
I enjoyed it, but it certainly isn’t “gripping,” nor a jaw-dropper.
Worth a read especially if psychological thrillers are your genre.
I am new to author Rowen Chambers work, 2 books read thus far — & I’m impressed with her ability to craft quality twists & turns. A LOT of them at that, in each book.
I originally gave She Didn’t Fall 4 Stars — but adjusted it up as I didn’t figure out the whodunnit until it was revealed.
The conclusion was pretty good too. Satisfying, but not particularly surprising/shocking.
Overall it’s worth the read. But truly about 4 Star novel.
I enjoyed it, but it certainly isn’t “gripping,” nor a jaw-dropper.
Worth a read especially if psychological thrillers are your genre.
October 2, 2024
Blair is celebrating her 40th birthday at a bash thrown for her, by her boss, Marcus. The party is held at a house the Company she works for is attempting to sell. She is the top realtor at the firm. Things however go pear-shaped when she is pushed down the stairs of the basement and left for dead. Who did it? Her boss whose dirty secret she knows? His wife who has an unnatural business association with Blair? Her neighbour with whom she had a one night hook -up? Her neighbour's wife who despises her? Her colleague who is jealous of her success? Or, could it be her husband, Adam, fed-up with their marriage? 4 stars
July 21, 2025
The Surprise Party by Rowen Chambers is an engaging and cleverly crafted mystery that keeps readers hooked from the very first page. What begins as a seemingly innocent gathering quickly escalates into a suspense-filled whodunit, filled with twists, secrets, and shifting dynamics that make for a truly entertaining read.
Chambers delivers a well-paced plot with vivid descriptions and a smooth narrative flow that makes it easy to devour in a single sitting. The story unfolds with precision, dropping just enough clues and red herrings to keep the reader guessing. As the layers peel back, the tension builds, and the question of “who did what and why” becomes more compelling with every chapter.
With its immersive storytelling and strong sense of intrigue, The Surprise Party is a thoroughly enjoyable mystery that balances fun with suspense. It’s a fast-paced, satisfying read perfect for fans of character-driven thrillers.
Chambers delivers a well-paced plot with vivid descriptions and a smooth narrative flow that makes it easy to devour in a single sitting. The story unfolds with precision, dropping just enough clues and red herrings to keep the reader guessing. As the layers peel back, the tension builds, and the question of “who did what and why” becomes more compelling with every chapter.
With its immersive storytelling and strong sense of intrigue, The Surprise Party is a thoroughly enjoyable mystery that balances fun with suspense. It’s a fast-paced, satisfying read perfect for fans of character-driven thrillers.
September 13, 2023
While I must say that this book didn't break new ground or provide any surprising twists, it's important to go into it with the understanding that it falls within the typical conventions of the genre. Nonetheless, it's an enjoyable ride from start to finish. The main character was fantastic, although I have to admit, there were moments when she really frustrated me. Nevertheless, the suspense and tension in the story were top-notch. Thanks again to NetGalley and the publishers for allowing me to dive into this story.
September 17, 2023
This story tells what happens when you sell your soul to the devil. Greed and ego play a large role in this twisted thriller of a mystery. Secrets abound - everyone has one or two and there is no trust between any of the cast of characters. It ended with a question mark. I would recommend this book. Thank you NetGalley and Waltham Publishing for the copy of this book.
September 17, 2023
I loved this book so much!!! This book really took me on a ride!! So many plot twists that just kept coming and didn’t stop until the very end! I had no idea who actually did it and when I did I was shocked!!! This books plot twists, characters, and general all around story was intoxicating and I couldn’t get enough!
November 22, 2023
Interesting book
I enjoyed this book. I was surprised by the ending. This has so many twists and shows how people get involved with interaction with others. Good or bad, this has it all. It definitely keeps you wanting more and just when you think you figure the outcome, bam!!! Think again. A really different thriller and mystery.
I enjoyed this book. I was surprised by the ending. This has so many twists and shows how people get involved with interaction with others. Good or bad, this has it all. It definitely keeps you wanting more and just when you think you figure the outcome, bam!!! Think again. A really different thriller and mystery.
February 18, 2024
Excellent book! Loved every second of it, from start to finish. What I loved particularly is that the reader doesn't get lost in useless description. There are lots of dialogues and there are always new things happening. You keep guessing all along who's guilty, and that what makes this book a quick and fun read. I recommend it
November 6, 2024
This was my first Rowen Chamber’s book and I’m eager to read more of her books. I did not like the main character much at the start of the book but she grew on me. Luckily there were many others who didn’t like her either which kept me guessing and trying to figure out who would try to kill her. I loved the reveal and the scenes surrounding it, unexpected and suspenseful.
September 22, 2023
Thanks to netgalley for this arc.
A very fast paced book which I raced through
Who pushed Blaire was it friend or foe?
A very successful real estate agent, has she made ememies along the way or is her adversary closer to home?
Plenty of twists and turns kept me guessing
4 stars
A very fast paced book which I raced through
Who pushed Blaire was it friend or foe?
A very successful real estate agent, has she made ememies along the way or is her adversary closer to home?
Plenty of twists and turns kept me guessing
4 stars
February 14, 2024
great until the ending
Without giving too much away, this book was so intriguing and captured my attention! I was captivated throughout the entire book, but the ending definitely fell flat for me. I still enjoyed it immensely, was just disappointed in the end!
Without giving too much away, this book was so intriguing and captured my attention! I was captivated throughout the entire book, but the ending definitely fell flat for me. I still enjoyed it immensely, was just disappointed in the end!
April 25, 2024
Not a bad book but not a great one either. The main character annoyed me as did most of the others. I found the story bogged me down quite a bit and the story just wasn’t that exciting.
I’m sure that many will love it but it just wasn’t for me.
I’m sure that many will love it but it just wasn’t for me.
August 6, 2024
Rowan Chambers has quickly become one of my favorite authors. I'll officially read her books without even knowing what they're about. The plot twists are always insane and this one was no different! I couldn't put it down and had actually anxiety at the end. Loved it!!
August 6, 2024
got me out of my slump!
This is my book by this author & I must say I’m glad I stumbled upon them! It’s just a good quick & to the point mystery/thriller. It got me over my reading slump!
This is my book by this author & I must say I’m glad I stumbled upon them! It’s just a good quick & to the point mystery/thriller. It got me over my reading slump!
August 10, 2025
Interesting!
While I thoroughly enjoyed this book, nothing stood out as being truly unique, meaning that I've read a hundred other books very similar with just a few details and different names in each one! I'd recommend this book if you want to read a suspenseful, easy read!
While I thoroughly enjoyed this book, nothing stood out as being truly unique, meaning that I've read a hundred other books very similar with just a few details and different names in each one! I'd recommend this book if you want to read a suspenseful, easy read!
August 20, 2025
I don’t even know what to say about this. I didn’t know this was a rebranded book.
It was intriguing but repetitive a bunch. There were twists like when you find out the boss has a secret, I was like what is he a _______? And I was right lol. There are far fetched twists fs.
It was intriguing but repetitive a bunch. There were twists like when you find out the boss has a secret, I was like what is he a _______? And I was right lol. There are far fetched twists fs.
September 6, 2025
Never would have guessed the ending!
Easy quick read. Interesting learning a little about real estate and how cut throat it can be…at least in this book. All the characters are flawed in some way you have to pick who you are rooting for. Would recommend
Easy quick read. Interesting learning a little about real estate and how cut throat it can be…at least in this book. All the characters are flawed in some way you have to pick who you are rooting for. Would recommend
September 19, 2023
I really loved this book. Filled with twists and suspense, because I kept wondering who the murderer would be.
A really fun, incredible fast paced read. Very enjoyable.
A really fun, incredible fast paced read. Very enjoyable.
October 19, 2023
A real estate agent
A wealthy family
Who can you trust?
Apparently nobody
A wealthy family
Who can you trust?
Apparently nobody
January 2, 2024
Another great read. Chambers kept me guessing to the end. I like her style of writing. Lots of action ! and dialogue.
January 15, 2024
Hard to get past some of the grammar errors; unacceptable for an author.
Displaying 1 - 30 of 58 reviews