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After the Party
A BRAND NEW gripping psychological thriller from C. L. Swatman for fans of Lisa Jewell and Claire Douglas
Summer, 2005: Five students attend an end of year party. As dawn breaks the next day, four of the friends are preparing to leave when they realise one of the girls is missing. That's when the screaming starts.
2025: Amy is at home when there's a knock at her door. The woman on her doorstep introduces herself as Hannah Hastings, a well-known true crime podcaster. She's investigating the drowning of a young woman at a party twenty years earlier. Amy slams the door, but the damage is done. And a few days later, she receives a threatening note, telling her not to speak to Hannah… or she'll regret it.
Now, the night Amy has spent two decades trying to forget is coming back to haunt her. But this time, she's the one in danger.
'A dark, clever and twisty page turner. I devoured it!' Claire Douglas
Summer, 2005: Five students attend an end of year party. As dawn breaks the next day, four of the friends are preparing to leave when they realise one of the girls is missing. That's when the screaming starts.
2025: Amy is at home when there's a knock at her door. The woman on her doorstep introduces herself as Hannah Hastings, a well-known true crime podcaster. She's investigating the drowning of a young woman at a party twenty years earlier. Amy slams the door, but the damage is done. And a few days later, she receives a threatening note, telling her not to speak to Hannah… or she'll regret it.
Now, the night Amy has spent two decades trying to forget is coming back to haunt her. But this time, she's the one in danger.
'A dark, clever and twisty page turner. I devoured it!' Claire Douglas
320 pages, Paperback
First published September 13, 2025
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 81 reviews
August 14, 2025
I received a free copy of, After the Party, by C.L. Swatman, from the publisher and Netgalley in exchange for an honest review. Summer 2005, five friends attend a party, but one goes missing. In 2025, one of the party goers is told to keep her mouth shut or else. Im so glad im not friends with Amy, I might be dead too.
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
August 29, 2025
After the Party by C.L. Swatman is an absolute triumph! This gripping psychological thriller hooked me from the first page and didn’t let go until the stunning conclusion. Set across two timelines—Summer 2005, where a group of friends face the chilling disappearance of one of their own at a party, and 2025, where Amy is confronted by a true-crime podcaster digging into that fateful night—Swatman masterfully weaves a tale of suspense, guilt, and buried secrets.
The characters are vividly drawn, each carrying their own emotional weight and complexity, making it impossible not to feel invested in their fates. Amy’s struggle with her past and the menacing threat of exposure kept my heart racing, while the flashbacks to 2005 were hauntingly atmospheric, capturing the innocence and chaos of youth. Swatman’s pacing is flawless, balancing tension with emotional depth, and the twists—oh, the twists!—are both shocking and brilliantly earned. I was shocked at the ending and loved everything about this book! Thanks to NetGalley and the publisher for this early release which will be out in September 2025.
The characters are vividly drawn, each carrying their own emotional weight and complexity, making it impossible not to feel invested in their fates. Amy’s struggle with her past and the menacing threat of exposure kept my heart racing, while the flashbacks to 2005 were hauntingly atmospheric, capturing the innocence and chaos of youth. Swatman’s pacing is flawless, balancing tension with emotional depth, and the twists—oh, the twists!—are both shocking and brilliantly earned. I was shocked at the ending and loved everything about this book! Thanks to NetGalley and the publisher for this early release which will be out in September 2025.
August 13, 2025
i have no words... what the hell did I just read?!
okay so first thank you to the publisher for letting me read this ARC! this was one of the best psychological thrillers I've read in a while. I liked how it went back and forth between then and now, I feel like it added more to the story. so many of the twists were so unexpected and had my jaw on the floor
okay so first thank you to the publisher for letting me read this ARC! this was one of the best psychological thrillers I've read in a while. I liked how it went back and forth between then and now, I feel like it added more to the story. so many of the twists were so unexpected and had my jaw on the floor
August 10, 2025
For the most part I really enjoyed this book. I was engaged throughout and liked the duel timeline format. Was it predictable? Yes. I figured out the culprit very early on but enjoyed watching it unfold and how the author chose to divulge the information. A bit convenient at times? Yes, but it didn’t bother me.
My biggest challenge was the epilogue. It through in a “twist” but it just wasn’t effective for many reasons which I won’t spoil. But simply, the mechanics as described just don’t work. It’s what had me put it to a 3.75⭐️ which I did round up for Goodreads.
It did keep me entertained and I cared about the main character throughout. So it can be a fun read for someone looking for a light thriller to curl up with.
I am thankful to have gotten a complimentary eARC from Boldwood Books through NetGalley to read which gave me the opportunity to voluntarily leave a review.
My general rating system is below. Since I primarily read ARC books I rate according to how I think like minded readers will receive the book. I will round up or down depending on many factors and try not to let my personal wants affect a books ratings.
⭐️ Hated It but pushed through as I don’t DNF ARCs I have received.
⭐️⭐️ Had a lot of trouble, prose issues, content issues, poorly edited.
⭐️⭐️⭐️ Meh, it was an ok read but it had something that stopped me from rounding up. Usually the book may have much more potential than what was given. I recommend it but with reservations.
⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️ I Really enjoyed it or think others will. These are solid reads that I definitely would recommend for a variety of reasons.
⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️ Outstanding! These are books that remain rent free in my head for well after unfinished the book. It can be for a variety of reasons from being very well written or just the vibes that captured my mind. These books are also ones I would probably read again
My biggest challenge was the epilogue. It through in a “twist” but it just wasn’t effective for many reasons which I won’t spoil. But simply, the mechanics as described just don’t work. It’s what had me put it to a 3.75⭐️ which I did round up for Goodreads.
It did keep me entertained and I cared about the main character throughout. So it can be a fun read for someone looking for a light thriller to curl up with.
I am thankful to have gotten a complimentary eARC from Boldwood Books through NetGalley to read which gave me the opportunity to voluntarily leave a review.
My general rating system is below. Since I primarily read ARC books I rate according to how I think like minded readers will receive the book. I will round up or down depending on many factors and try not to let my personal wants affect a books ratings.
⭐️ Hated It but pushed through as I don’t DNF ARCs I have received.
⭐️⭐️ Had a lot of trouble, prose issues, content issues, poorly edited.
⭐️⭐️⭐️ Meh, it was an ok read but it had something that stopped me from rounding up. Usually the book may have much more potential than what was given. I recommend it but with reservations.
⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️ I Really enjoyed it or think others will. These are solid reads that I definitely would recommend for a variety of reasons.
⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️ Outstanding! These are books that remain rent free in my head for well after unfinished the book. It can be for a variety of reasons from being very well written or just the vibes that captured my mind. These books are also ones I would probably read again
November 17, 2025
Loved this one as it involves a podcaster who hosts The Ugly Truth, and the events of 2004 when the enigmatic Summer--a student--and her friends were in college and things went horribly wrong at a beach party. Now protagonist Amy begins hearing weird noises in her home and believes she may be going mad. How are these things connected? It's a both a great mystery and a testament to friendships and the secrets we keep when we protect those we love!
Thanks to NetGalley for this ARC!
March 18, 2026
Disappointing ending
I loved this book all the way until the end. What an utter disappointment. I was left with a feeling of confusion and disbelief.
I loved this book all the way until the end. What an utter disappointment. I was left with a feeling of confusion and disbelief.
August 28, 2025
I know this story is meant to be heavy but I found it to be a light suspenseful read. We have 4 friends who no longer stay in touch because of a traumatic incident and we get the storyline from Amy's perspective.
Except for Amy none of the characters add much to the storyline. Threatening notes spur the plot forward as the friends are forced to meet to uncover the mystery. Well, I could identify the killer 1/4th into the plot as the first hint is thrown around. What didn't work for me was that despite knowing that they are in danger, none of them approached the police and the ridiculousness of solving the mystery on their own continued. The introduction of a certain character made the book added a fun take.
The plot wasn't very nuanced and the resolution felt OTT. However the ending does make you sit up because certain elements of the story don't line up. Overall, it's a good one time read.
I thank Boldwood books and NetGalley for the E-Arc and I am leaving this review voluntarily.
Except for Amy none of the characters add much to the storyline. Threatening notes spur the plot forward as the friends are forced to meet to uncover the mystery. Well, I could identify the killer 1/4th into the plot as the first hint is thrown around. What didn't work for me was that despite knowing that they are in danger, none of them approached the police and the ridiculousness of solving the mystery on their own continued. The introduction of a certain character made the book added a fun take.
The plot wasn't very nuanced and the resolution felt OTT. However the ending does make you sit up because certain elements of the story don't line up. Overall, it's a good one time read.
I thank Boldwood books and NetGalley for the E-Arc and I am leaving this review voluntarily.
January 8, 2026
Summer 2005 five students attend an end of year party as storm breaks the next day. Four of the friends are preparing to leave when they realise one is missing that’s when the screaming start starts
2025 Amy is at home when there’s a knock out the door the woman on her doorstep introduces herself as Hannah Hastings are well known true crime podcast she’s investigating the drowning of a young woman at a party 20 years earlier. Amy slams the door but the damage is done and a few days later she receives a threatening note telling her not to speak to Hannah or she will regret it.
Over the course of this book we jump between then 2005 and now 2025 as the four remaining friends work together to find out what happened to their friend and who is trying to keep them quiet now.
Told mainly from Amy‘s perspective this story brings together the friends after 20 years to find out the truth of exactly what happened that night twist and turns along the way I found this and enjoyable read a little predictable but it kept my interest
2025 Amy is at home when there’s a knock out the door the woman on her doorstep introduces herself as Hannah Hastings are well known true crime podcast she’s investigating the drowning of a young woman at a party 20 years earlier. Amy slams the door but the damage is done and a few days later she receives a threatening note telling her not to speak to Hannah or she will regret it.
Over the course of this book we jump between then 2005 and now 2025 as the four remaining friends work together to find out what happened to their friend and who is trying to keep them quiet now.
Told mainly from Amy‘s perspective this story brings together the friends after 20 years to find out the truth of exactly what happened that night twist and turns along the way I found this and enjoyable read a little predictable but it kept my interest
September 11, 2025
Book Review 📚
After The Party
Star Rating 4 ⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️
First of all I would like to say thank you to Boldwood Books and Netgalley for an early copy of this book.
This is the first book I've read from Clare Swatman and it certainly won't be the last !
This was a brilliant thriller, it was fast paced, kept me interested from start to finish and actually creeped me out a little too.
The books follows two timelines one set in the present and the other in the past which I really enjoyed. I find that sometimes when books have multiple timelines I dread it when I have to read one or the other but with this one I enjoyed reading about both.
I don't want to go into too much detail as I don't want to ruin anything and I'm always cautious of what some people class as spoilers. I would however definitely recommend this book to anyone looking to pick up a new thriller or a fast paced read that hooks you throughout.
After The Party
Star Rating 4 ⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️
First of all I would like to say thank you to Boldwood Books and Netgalley for an early copy of this book.
This is the first book I've read from Clare Swatman and it certainly won't be the last !
This was a brilliant thriller, it was fast paced, kept me interested from start to finish and actually creeped me out a little too.
The books follows two timelines one set in the present and the other in the past which I really enjoyed. I find that sometimes when books have multiple timelines I dread it when I have to read one or the other but with this one I enjoyed reading about both.
I don't want to go into too much detail as I don't want to ruin anything and I'm always cautious of what some people class as spoilers. I would however definitely recommend this book to anyone looking to pick up a new thriller or a fast paced read that hooks you throughout.
August 3, 2025
I received an advance review copy for free, and I am leaving this review voluntarily. This is definitely a psychological thriller that will have you on the edge of your seat. 20 years ago 5 friends are together when they realize one of them is missing. In the present, Amy is going about her life when a true crime podcaster arrives at her door. She realizes that the secrets and truth of the past are coming to light again and there’s someone who doesn’t want the truth to come out. This was a very fast paced read that was easy to follow but hard to take a break from. There were lots of twists that had me gasping. If you like thrillers - you will LOVE this book!
September 16, 2025
This book was a wild ride and will keep you wanting more. When Hannah a true crime podcaster showed up at Amy’s door digging for information about the death of one of her friends from twenty years prior it opens up a whole can of worms. Amy is forced to face what really happened and finds herself reconnecting with her friends that she has not spoken to since that night. After 20 years do you really know them? Can you trust them? Could you trust them back then? This case brings a whirlwind of trouble to all of their lives. What really happened on that night twenty years ago is sure to shock you.
October 20, 2025
Book #1 Dewey’s 24 Hour Readathon October 2025.
I felt like the dual timeline plot structure was very appropriate for this novel. I liked Amy in 2015 and felt for her when she got the note about not seeing Hannah again. I liked the way the other characters were developed and it felt realistic how time passed.
After The Party was very twisty and satisfying.
I enjoyed Clare Swatman’s Women’s Fiction books and I was curious as to what her thrillers would be like.
I recommend After The Party.
4 stars.
Thanks to C.L. Swatman and Boldwood Books for my eARC in exchange for an honest and voluntary review.
I felt like the dual timeline plot structure was very appropriate for this novel. I liked Amy in 2015 and felt for her when she got the note about not seeing Hannah again. I liked the way the other characters were developed and it felt realistic how time passed.
After The Party was very twisty and satisfying.
I enjoyed Clare Swatman’s Women’s Fiction books and I was curious as to what her thrillers would be like.
I recommend After The Party.
4 stars.
Thanks to C.L. Swatman and Boldwood Books for my eARC in exchange for an honest and voluntary review.
July 27, 2025
Thank you, Boldwood books for providing the copy of After the Party by C.L. Swatman. I liked the story and the dual timelines, and the characters were interesting, especially when they were young. I enjoyed the writing style, and it drew me deeper and deeper into the story. I liked the podcasts and wish more of the investigation had been in the podcasts instead of by Amy. This was a fast, easy, and fun read. The only thing I didn’t like was the epilogue, because it pandered to a certain type of reader, and wasn’t necessary for the story. 4 stars
September 14, 2025
After the Party was such an engaging read! I found the characters really interesting, especially in the chapters set during their younger years. The dual timelines worked so well, keeping me hooked right through. I especially loved the podcast element. It added such a modern, intriguing layer and I almost wish there had been a bit more of it. Overall, a gripping story and I’m excited to have discovered a new thriller author I’ll definitely be reading more from!
October 6, 2025
I loved this thriller about a young girls death that destroyed a group of friends and now years later a podcaster wants to rake it all up again and get to the bottom of what happened. As Amy’s life is turned upside down and she starts to receive threats can the old friends find out the truth before it’s too late! I loved this book and it had a great ending!
November 1, 2025
Audiobook
February 28, 2026
You'll never meet a character who is a worse influence on her friends than Summer, the selfish party girl and a user of people.
Amy, a strictly disciplined swimmer, falls victim to Summer's charms. Her grades slip as does her competitive swimming and training sessions.
Summer inserts herself into Amy's close circle of friends that includes Henry, Michael and Olivia. They don't necessarily accept her with open arms but begrudgingly tolerate her because Amy is fond of her.
After a big party that marks the end of the group's college days, Summer is found drowned at the edge of a the sea and foul play is suspected.
The case goes unsolved for twenty years. Hannah, a podcaster, revives interest when she chooses Summer's mysterious death as her next subject.
The four friends have all moved on with their lives and moved to different towns with the hopes of putting the painful memories of Summer's death behind them.
Hannah's podcast upsets someone, possibly the killer. The friends receive threatening notes warning them not to take part in the podcast or go to the police.
The four friends unite with the common cause of protecting themselves from the serious consequences for each that are mentioned in the anonymous notes. They conduct a clandestine investigation of their own in an attempt to quell the threats and possibly even find the killer.
The suspense grows and so does the danger. The friends are all likable, well-developed characters and you'll root for them all the way. Amy is the main character, good-hearted and courageous and the leader of the group. Dog lovers will love Amy's dog Benny who goes everywhere with her.
You'll keep turning the pages to find out the truth about Summer's death and as you might imagine a big surprise is waiting at the end.
Amy, a strictly disciplined swimmer, falls victim to Summer's charms. Her grades slip as does her competitive swimming and training sessions.
Summer inserts herself into Amy's close circle of friends that includes Henry, Michael and Olivia. They don't necessarily accept her with open arms but begrudgingly tolerate her because Amy is fond of her.
After a big party that marks the end of the group's college days, Summer is found drowned at the edge of a the sea and foul play is suspected.
The case goes unsolved for twenty years. Hannah, a podcaster, revives interest when she chooses Summer's mysterious death as her next subject.
The four friends have all moved on with their lives and moved to different towns with the hopes of putting the painful memories of Summer's death behind them.
Hannah's podcast upsets someone, possibly the killer. The friends receive threatening notes warning them not to take part in the podcast or go to the police.
The four friends unite with the common cause of protecting themselves from the serious consequences for each that are mentioned in the anonymous notes. They conduct a clandestine investigation of their own in an attempt to quell the threats and possibly even find the killer.
The suspense grows and so does the danger. The friends are all likable, well-developed characters and you'll root for them all the way. Amy is the main character, good-hearted and courageous and the leader of the group. Dog lovers will love Amy's dog Benny who goes everywhere with her.
You'll keep turning the pages to find out the truth about Summer's death and as you might imagine a big surprise is waiting at the end.
February 15, 2026
Super
What an amazing story. Sadly it had far too minds swearing throughout which was a real put off as I had to substitute them with good words every time I read them therefore two stars deducted. I enjoyed the characters their friendships then a few twists and turns made me smile at the end, totally encapsulated 😊 thank you for a good few hours reading😊
What an amazing story. Sadly it had far too minds swearing throughout which was a real put off as I had to substitute them with good words every time I read them therefore two stars deducted. I enjoyed the characters their friendships then a few twists and turns made me smile at the end, totally encapsulated 😊 thank you for a good few hours reading😊
July 30, 2026
I got this book in exchange for a review from Netgalley and the author! Thank you! I was super hooked at the beginning of this book but by chapter 8 it just felt slow going. The ending was a twist I did not see coming. I had an idea who was writing the letters, but her cover up i had to no idea was not who she really was.
February 15, 2026
Disappointed
This book was a really good read kept you reading and wanting to get to the end but that was so disappointing and just didn't make sense to me nothing about that added up for me.
This book was a really good read kept you reading and wanting to get to the end but that was so disappointing and just didn't make sense to me nothing about that added up for me.
April 4, 2026
after the party
I really enjoyed reading this book, and thought at the end that I knew the answers to the questions. But there was such a twist and I would recommend reading it. Kudos to the author.
I really enjoyed reading this book, and thought at the end that I knew the answers to the questions. But there was such a twist and I would recommend reading it. Kudos to the author.
June 26, 2026
Shocking twists and turns
I could barely put this book down. Each page brought more and more suspense. I am slightly confused by the ending. It was for sure a twist and still left me with questions.
I could barely put this book down. Each page brought more and more suspense. I am slightly confused by the ending. It was for sure a twist and still left me with questions.
September 23, 2025
Loved it!
A great story, very believable characters, some likeable and some less so but very authentic. A brilliant twist at the end too! Gripping.
A great story, very believable characters, some likeable and some less so but very authentic. A brilliant twist at the end too! Gripping.
January 12, 2026
Really enjoyed this!
February 15, 2026
A great ending
This was quite the story. I enjoyed the flow of the story right to its unexpected end. Well worth the read.
This was quite the story. I enjoyed the flow of the story right to its unexpected end. Well worth the read.
March 11, 2026
A good read
Yes I did enjoy the book , an easy read without going all around the houses . The ending spoilt it for me but still enjoyed the read
Yes I did enjoy the book , an easy read without going all around the houses . The ending spoilt it for me but still enjoyed the read
March 28, 2026
Loved it
Thoroughly enjoyed this proper thriller. The many twists and turns lead to a surprising and breathtaking climax. A great read.
Thoroughly enjoyed this proper thriller. The many twists and turns lead to a surprising and breathtaking climax. A great read.
May 24, 2026
Fantastic
Brilliant book a great read thank you for writing this book in always looking for new author I will be reading more of youts
Brilliant book a great read thank you for writing this book in always looking for new author I will be reading more of youts
May 26, 2026
Amazing read
From start to finish this book had me hooked always had you guessing on who has done what. Brilliant ending didnt want it to finish thank you for a fantastic read,
From start to finish this book had me hooked always had you guessing on who has done what. Brilliant ending didnt want it to finish thank you for a fantastic read,
August 15, 2025
I really need to start just DNF'ing books that I don't vibe with instead of forcing myself to keep going no matter how long it takes me to finish (in this case days) because it seems I am inevitably, always irritated at the time I wasted once I've finished. And sadly, this one was no different. The premise was good, the lead up was interesting, but the devil is in the details and this Scooby gang just couldn't cut it.
You know, I take that back. I feel like likening Amy, Olivia, Henry and Michael to the Scooby gang is very insulting; to the Scooby gang. Because these characters had absolutely no characteristics that made them stand out or be memorable other than Olivia had a child, Amy had a dog (that she took absolutely everywhere including into a storm even after the threat had been identified), one of the guys was a teacher of some sort I think, and the other was a former playboy. And isn't it sad I can't even remember which was which even though I just finished the story? That is how little detail was given to them throughout.
And while the plot should have been able to hold my interest, for me it was just tedious. Every other chapter has Amy's "pulse thrumming" as she loses sight of her dog. Or we have to read about how she's "clipped Benny's lead" or "unclipped his lead". There are notes sent to our cast of characters that are meant to be threatening, but instead of involving the actual authorities they decide to investigate the threats themselves (even though they get nowhere fast and the threats escalate).
Then when we go into the events of the past, not only is it hard to sympathize with Summer as it would be obvious to a blind man that she is a bad influence (although Amy needed to grow a damn backbone), but the entirety of the night she was murdered gets lost in the "tipped the bottle back", "tipped the liquid down my throat" boozefest that would have landed these kids in the hospital with alcohol poisoning (if not worse for the ones mixing the booze with drugs), yet somehow they are all okay?
What sealed the deal for me and dropped this down to a 1 star from a potential 2 star was the absurdity of the climax of events. And I don't just mean having the "bad guy" be someone who while wasn't a key player still seemed kind of obvious, but the fact that Amy who hadn't swum competitively in years, and even said she had never swam in those kinds of conditions before, still managed to do what she did. It went beyond the realm of disbelief.
Then again, considering the ending itself? Which made absolutely no sense whatsoever considering everything else? Yeah..... I don't think this author is for me.
DISCLAIMER: I received a complimentary copy of this novel from the publisher. This has not affected my review in any way. All thoughts and opinions expressed in this review are 100% my own.
You know, I take that back. I feel like likening Amy, Olivia, Henry and Michael to the Scooby gang is very insulting; to the Scooby gang. Because these characters had absolutely no characteristics that made them stand out or be memorable other than Olivia had a child, Amy had a dog (that she took absolutely everywhere including into a storm even after the threat had been identified), one of the guys was a teacher of some sort I think, and the other was a former playboy. And isn't it sad I can't even remember which was which even though I just finished the story? That is how little detail was given to them throughout.
And while the plot should have been able to hold my interest, for me it was just tedious. Every other chapter has Amy's "pulse thrumming" as she loses sight of her dog. Or we have to read about how she's "clipped Benny's lead" or "unclipped his lead". There are notes sent to our cast of characters that are meant to be threatening, but instead of involving the actual authorities they decide to investigate the threats themselves (even though they get nowhere fast and the threats escalate).
Then when we go into the events of the past, not only is it hard to sympathize with Summer as it would be obvious to a blind man that she is a bad influence (although Amy needed to grow a damn backbone), but the entirety of the night she was murdered gets lost in the "tipped the bottle back", "tipped the liquid down my throat" boozefest that would have landed these kids in the hospital with alcohol poisoning (if not worse for the ones mixing the booze with drugs), yet somehow they are all okay?
What sealed the deal for me and dropped this down to a 1 star from a potential 2 star was the absurdity of the climax of events. And I don't just mean having the "bad guy" be someone who while wasn't a key player still seemed kind of obvious, but the fact that Amy who hadn't swum competitively in years, and even said she had never swam in those kinds of conditions before, still managed to do what she did. It went beyond the realm of disbelief.
Then again, considering the ending itself? Which made absolutely no sense whatsoever considering everything else? Yeah..... I don't think this author is for me.
DISCLAIMER: I received a complimentary copy of this novel from the publisher. This has not affected my review in any way. All thoughts and opinions expressed in this review are 100% my own.
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