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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
- GenresThriller
320 pages, Paperback
Published September 13, 2025
3 people are currently reading
96 people want to read
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 59 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!
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!
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
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.
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 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
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!
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.
August 25, 2025
Title: After the Party
Author: C. L. Swatman
Publisher: Boldwood Books
Genre: Psychological Thriller
Pub Date: September 13, 2025
My Rating: 4.5 Rounded up
Pages: 316
Story is told in the dual timeline 2005 and 2025 and we experience both.
The Party - Summer, 2005: Five students and friends from the University of Anglia ~Amy Stewart , Olivia Clark, Henry Campbell, Michael Lambert, and Summer Carpenter attend an end of year party. However the next morning there are only four. - Amy, Olivia, Henry and Michael
2025: Amy lives in a beachfront fixer-upper. She renovated half of it prior to 2020 and then as we know things changed and everything as it knew it stopped. Since the house half was livable f she decided to live in it and board up the other half until she could afford to finish. Now she is experiencing strange sound coming from that side of the house. She and her faithful dog Benny investigate and find a toothbrush but nothing else. Now she finds Hannah Hastings, a well-known true-crime podcaster on her doorstep. She tells Amy she is investigating the drowning that happened at a party twenty years earlier. Amy slams the door. A few days later, Amy receives a threatening note, - not to speak to Hannah… and mentioned her beautiful dog.. ~ The twenty year old nightmare Amy has been tried to hide wants to surface. Plus someone doesn’t want the truth to come out.
Amy is contacted by Olivia who wants to meet. When Amy arrives with Benny as she is too afraid to leave him, she finds Henry and Michael. All received similar threatening note. Olivia mentioning her son Connor, Michael is gay and is a Drama teacher in a school. And his threating not has a picture of him and a young boy stated he wouldn’t want his Head to know. Henry is a law partner and was a playboy when he was younger and his threatening note is regarding a sexual assaults.
Although these reports are not true the allegations again and there’s someone who would be damaging.
They start discussing other at the party who may have some motive.
Things get more and more involved and I was more and more curious.
I read a lot of psychological thrillers and I I always enjoy the challenge
I know to be suspicious of everyone!
I know to expect twists and turns!
I know there will secrets!
Okay I was sure I knew whodunit ~ and was and wasn’t correct-After all I suspect everyone.
However, I did not have it ALL figured it out! It turned out to be a surprise for me
This is C.L. Swatman’s second thriller. The first was No Son of Mine.
She also writes as Clare Swatman.
This was my first and excited that I found a new author to follow!
Want to thank NetGalley and Boldwood Books for this early eGalley.
Publishing Release Date scheduled for September 13, 2025.
Author: C. L. Swatman
Publisher: Boldwood Books
Genre: Psychological Thriller
Pub Date: September 13, 2025
My Rating: 4.5 Rounded up
Pages: 316
Story is told in the dual timeline 2005 and 2025 and we experience both.
The Party - Summer, 2005: Five students and friends from the University of Anglia ~Amy Stewart , Olivia Clark, Henry Campbell, Michael Lambert, and Summer Carpenter attend an end of year party. However the next morning there are only four. - Amy, Olivia, Henry and Michael
2025: Amy lives in a beachfront fixer-upper. She renovated half of it prior to 2020 and then as we know things changed and everything as it knew it stopped. Since the house half was livable f she decided to live in it and board up the other half until she could afford to finish. Now she is experiencing strange sound coming from that side of the house. She and her faithful dog Benny investigate and find a toothbrush but nothing else. Now she finds Hannah Hastings, a well-known true-crime podcaster on her doorstep. She tells Amy she is investigating the drowning that happened at a party twenty years earlier. Amy slams the door. A few days later, Amy receives a threatening note, - not to speak to Hannah… and mentioned her beautiful dog.. ~ The twenty year old nightmare Amy has been tried to hide wants to surface. Plus someone doesn’t want the truth to come out.
Amy is contacted by Olivia who wants to meet. When Amy arrives with Benny as she is too afraid to leave him, she finds Henry and Michael. All received similar threatening note. Olivia mentioning her son Connor, Michael is gay and is a Drama teacher in a school. And his threating not has a picture of him and a young boy stated he wouldn’t want his Head to know. Henry is a law partner and was a playboy when he was younger and his threatening note is regarding a sexual assaults.
Although these reports are not true the allegations again and there’s someone who would be damaging.
They start discussing other at the party who may have some motive.
Things get more and more involved and I was more and more curious.
I read a lot of psychological thrillers and I I always enjoy the challenge
I know to be suspicious of everyone!
I know to expect twists and turns!
I know there will secrets!
Okay I was sure I knew whodunit ~ and was and wasn’t correct-After all I suspect everyone.
However, I did not have it ALL figured it out! It turned out to be a surprise for me
This is C.L. Swatman’s second thriller. The first was No Son of Mine.
She also writes as Clare Swatman.
This was my first and excited that I found a new author to follow!
Want to thank NetGalley and Boldwood Books for this early eGalley.
Publishing Release Date scheduled for September 13, 2025.
September 15, 2025
C.L. Swatman’s After the Party is a gripping and atmospheric thriller that masterfully blends the weight of the past with the dangers of the present. The story follows Amy, whose life is disrupted when a podcaster arrives determined to dig into a case that has remained unsolved for twenty years. What begins as an exploration of long-buried truths quickly escalates into a chilling journey where the past refuses to stay hidden, and new threats begin to close in.
Swatman’s writing shines in the way she balances past and present timelines, weaving them together to create a seamless narrative that steadily builds suspense. The flashbacks add depth and context, while the current-day investigation raises the stakes, creating a sense of unease that lingers throughout the book. Every detail is layered with tension, making it difficult to put the story down as new revelations come to light.
Amy is a compelling protagonist—haunted yet resilient. Her interactions with the podcaster highlight both her vulnerability and her determination, giving readers a deeply human character to connect with. The addition of the podcasting angle adds a modern and timely twist, making the story feel fresh while also tapping into our collective fascination with true crime and unsolved mysteries.
The novel thrives on its ability to keep readers second-guessing. Swatman skillfully introduces red herrings and shifting suspicions, ensuring that the truth remains just out of reach until the very end. This unpredictability is what makes After the Party such an addictive read—you’re never entirely certain who to trust or what the next page will bring.
In the end, After the Party is a suspenseful, emotionally charged thriller that explores the consequences of secrets left to fester and the dangers of uncovering them too late. With its tense pacing, memorable characters, and haunting atmosphere, it’s a must-read for fans of psychological thrillers who enjoy stories where the past and present collide in dangerous and unexpected ways.
Swatman’s writing shines in the way she balances past and present timelines, weaving them together to create a seamless narrative that steadily builds suspense. The flashbacks add depth and context, while the current-day investigation raises the stakes, creating a sense of unease that lingers throughout the book. Every detail is layered with tension, making it difficult to put the story down as new revelations come to light.
Amy is a compelling protagonist—haunted yet resilient. Her interactions with the podcaster highlight both her vulnerability and her determination, giving readers a deeply human character to connect with. The addition of the podcasting angle adds a modern and timely twist, making the story feel fresh while also tapping into our collective fascination with true crime and unsolved mysteries.
The novel thrives on its ability to keep readers second-guessing. Swatman skillfully introduces red herrings and shifting suspicions, ensuring that the truth remains just out of reach until the very end. This unpredictability is what makes After the Party such an addictive read—you’re never entirely certain who to trust or what the next page will bring.
In the end, After the Party is a suspenseful, emotionally charged thriller that explores the consequences of secrets left to fester and the dangers of uncovering them too late. With its tense pacing, memorable characters, and haunting atmosphere, it’s a must-read for fans of psychological thrillers who enjoy stories where the past and present collide in dangerous and unexpected ways.
September 15, 2025
After the Party by C.L. Swatman was a gripping psychological thriller that will have you hooked from the very first few pages till the very end, especially as it had brilliant twists and turns throughout that will have you sitting on the edge of your seat. I found it hard to put my kindle down, This was the first book I have read by this author and I loved it! Excellent from the very beginning and I wanted to find out what happened at the Party in the Summer, of 2005: When 5 students and friends from the University of Anglia,. Olivia Clark, Henry Campbell, Amy Stewart, Michael Lambert, and Summer Carpenter all attend an end of year party. With the music playing out loud and the alcohol is flowing this should have been a great party. . . . . As dawn breaks the next day, only 4 of the friends are preparing to leave, when they realise one of the girls is missing.
Where is Anglia?
What has happened to her?
As the years go by, Amy who is a true crime podcaster has spent the last two decades trying to forget what happened on that summer night! However, it keeps on coming back to haunt her. So many secrets of that night has been buried deep but they have started to bubble to the surface, now the truth of what happened are coming to light again and there’s someone who doesn’t want the truth to come out and will do anything to keep those secrets and the truth buried!!!.
Now this time,. . . . . . Amy the one in danger.
WoW. . .. Superb. . .and a great page turner! I highly recommend this book - great for a holiday read.
Big Thank you to NetGalley and Boldwood books for my ARC.
Where is Anglia?
What has happened to her?
As the years go by, Amy who is a true crime podcaster has spent the last two decades trying to forget what happened on that summer night! However, it keeps on coming back to haunt her. So many secrets of that night has been buried deep but they have started to bubble to the surface, now the truth of what happened are coming to light again and there’s someone who doesn’t want the truth to come out and will do anything to keep those secrets and the truth buried!!!.
Now this time,. . . . . . Amy the one in danger.
WoW. . .. Superb. . .and a great page turner! I highly recommend this book - great for a holiday read.
Big Thank you to NetGalley and Boldwood books for my ARC.
September 2, 2025
After the Party by C.L. Swatman is a tense and absorbing psychological thriller that explores how one night can destroy lives and how the past never truly stays buried. The novel moves seamlessly between two timelines. In 2005, five friends attend a university party that ends in tragedy when Summer disappears and never comes home. In 2025, Amy has built a quiet life by the sea, but everything she has tried to forget comes crashing back when a true-crime podcaster appears on her doorstep asking questions about that night. Soon, Amy and the others receive threatening notes that make it clear someone wants to keep the truth hidden.
Swatman does a brilliant job of capturing the recklessness of youth in the flashbacks while layering in an atmosphere of dread. In the present, Amy’s fear and isolation are palpable, especially as she begins to realize that danger is closing in. The shifting timelines are executed with precision, each chapter deepening the mystery and tightening the suspense. The characters are flawed and complex, each carrying guilt and secrets that make them compelling to follow.
What makes this story stand out is its atmosphere. Every secret feels heavy, every twist hits with impact, and the creeping sense of menace makes it impossible to put down. The conclusion is shocking, with revelations that left me both stunned and satisfied.
This is an engrossing thriller about friendship, betrayal, and the weight of the past. I highly recommend it to readers who enjoy layered mysteries that deliver both emotional depth and relentless tension.
Swatman does a brilliant job of capturing the recklessness of youth in the flashbacks while layering in an atmosphere of dread. In the present, Amy’s fear and isolation are palpable, especially as she begins to realize that danger is closing in. The shifting timelines are executed with precision, each chapter deepening the mystery and tightening the suspense. The characters are flawed and complex, each carrying guilt and secrets that make them compelling to follow.
What makes this story stand out is its atmosphere. Every secret feels heavy, every twist hits with impact, and the creeping sense of menace makes it impossible to put down. The conclusion is shocking, with revelations that left me both stunned and satisfied.
This is an engrossing thriller about friendship, betrayal, and the weight of the past. I highly recommend it to readers who enjoy layered mysteries that deliver both emotional depth and relentless tension.
September 15, 2025
Amy lives in part of large house near the beach. When she bought it, it was rundown and she planned to renovate all of it. However, her funds ran out after she only finished half of the house so the other half is boarded up. She had worked a difficult job as a trader but ended up having a breakdown. Now, she lives quietly with her beloved dog, Benny, and works as a grief counselor. Amy feels like she hears noises in the walls at times and Benny barks at odd areas of the house.
Amy is contacted by a woman named Hannah Hastings who has a true crime podcast called Ugly Truths. She says she is investigating the death of Summer Carpenter and wants to interview her. Her first reaction is a No. The name sends Amy spiraling. Twenty years ago, Amy and her friends Olivia, Michael, and Henry were all roommates in college. One day, they met and befriended Summer Carpenter. Today that young woman is dead. Now, Amy has received a threatening note saying if she talks to Hannah, something could happen to Benny. She is soon contacted after 20 years by Olivia who asks her to meet with her, Michael and Henry. It appears all of them have been contacted by Hannah and they have all received a threatening note. What happened and what should they do?
This book seemed to drag at times for me. I can't say that I liked any of the characters. The only thing that saves the story and makes the reader think is the ending. That explains a lot of one character’s actions during the story.
Copy provided by NetGalley in exchange for a fair and honest review.
Amy is contacted by a woman named Hannah Hastings who has a true crime podcast called Ugly Truths. She says she is investigating the death of Summer Carpenter and wants to interview her. Her first reaction is a No. The name sends Amy spiraling. Twenty years ago, Amy and her friends Olivia, Michael, and Henry were all roommates in college. One day, they met and befriended Summer Carpenter. Today that young woman is dead. Now, Amy has received a threatening note saying if she talks to Hannah, something could happen to Benny. She is soon contacted after 20 years by Olivia who asks her to meet with her, Michael and Henry. It appears all of them have been contacted by Hannah and they have all received a threatening note. What happened and what should they do?
This book seemed to drag at times for me. I can't say that I liked any of the characters. The only thing that saves the story and makes the reader think is the ending. That explains a lot of one character’s actions during the story.
Copy provided by NetGalley in exchange for a fair and honest review.
August 13, 2025
After the Party is one of those thrillers that quietly creeps under your skin and refuses to let go. C.L. Swatman has crafted a gripping, emotionally layered story that blends past trauma with present danger in a way that feels both intimate and unsettling.
The dual timeline—flashing between a summer party in 2005 and the present day in 2025—is handled beautifully. You’re drawn into the carefree chaos of youth, only to be jolted by the chilling aftermath of a girl’s disappearance. Fast forward twenty years, and Amy, one of the partygoers, is forced to confront the secrets she’s buried deep. The arrival of a true-crime podcaster at her door is the spark that reignites everything she’s tried to forget.
Swatman’s writing is sharp and atmospheric. The tension builds slowly but relentlessly, and the emotional stakes feel real. Amy is a compelling protagonist—flawed, haunted, and deeply human. The mystery itself is layered with twists, but it’s the psychological depth that makes this book stand out.
If you enjoy thrillers that explore memory, guilt, and the long shadows of the past, this one’s worth your time. It’s perfect for fans of Lisa Jewell and Claire Douglas, with just the right mix of suspense and heart.
Thank you to CL Swatman, the publisher and NetGalley for the ARC.
The dual timeline—flashing between a summer party in 2005 and the present day in 2025—is handled beautifully. You’re drawn into the carefree chaos of youth, only to be jolted by the chilling aftermath of a girl’s disappearance. Fast forward twenty years, and Amy, one of the partygoers, is forced to confront the secrets she’s buried deep. The arrival of a true-crime podcaster at her door is the spark that reignites everything she’s tried to forget.
Swatman’s writing is sharp and atmospheric. The tension builds slowly but relentlessly, and the emotional stakes feel real. Amy is a compelling protagonist—flawed, haunted, and deeply human. The mystery itself is layered with twists, but it’s the psychological depth that makes this book stand out.
If you enjoy thrillers that explore memory, guilt, and the long shadows of the past, this one’s worth your time. It’s perfect for fans of Lisa Jewell and Claire Douglas, with just the right mix of suspense and heart.
Thank you to CL Swatman, the publisher and NetGalley for the ARC.
September 15, 2025
5 friends go to an end of term party... only 4 leave the party alive. 20 years later, the 4 friends join forces to try and figure out how their friend died. With everything on the line, will they find the killer in time?
This book had a bit of a slow start for me, but after a bit, I was flying through the pages! Once the story got on its feet, it was hard to put down. The writing made for an easy read, the suspense built throughout the book, and the plot twists were plentiful. One place where I felt the book was lacking was in character development. I don't feel like we got to know many of the characters, making it somewhat hard to care about what was happening to them. I understand that in a book of this nature, where no one should be trusted, there are limitations... but other thrillers have fully developed characters and maintain the mystery.
Also, I know I've said this before... but I didn't love the epilogue! The final twist felt like it was there solely for shock value. It didn't feel genuine and was the thing that turned the book from a 5-star read to a 4-star read. This is definitely still a Read It, but beware the final twist!
Note: I received an ARC of this book from NetGalley and am leaving this honest review voluntarily.
This book had a bit of a slow start for me, but after a bit, I was flying through the pages! Once the story got on its feet, it was hard to put down. The writing made for an easy read, the suspense built throughout the book, and the plot twists were plentiful. One place where I felt the book was lacking was in character development. I don't feel like we got to know many of the characters, making it somewhat hard to care about what was happening to them. I understand that in a book of this nature, where no one should be trusted, there are limitations... but other thrillers have fully developed characters and maintain the mystery.
Also, I know I've said this before... but I didn't love the epilogue! The final twist felt like it was there solely for shock value. It didn't feel genuine and was the thing that turned the book from a 5-star read to a 4-star read. This is definitely still a Read It, but beware the final twist!
Note: I received an ARC of this book from NetGalley and am leaving this honest review voluntarily.
September 23, 2025
After the party by C.L. Swatman is a tense psychological thriller that will have you flipping the pages right to the very end.
20 years ago, Five students attended an end of year party but the next day, one of them who was missing turns up dead. They tried to put the past behind them and move on thinking it was just a terrible accident until now a well-known true-crime podcaster is investigating the death and wants to dig up what happened 20 years prior. A few days later a threatening note is warning her not to speak a word or she'll regret it. What she thought was behind her is now coming for her.
Definitely a page turner that had me engrossed right from the very start, dual timeline from the past and present was really easy to get into and i enjoyed the back and forth wondering what had happened. There is plenty of suspects and even moments you are questioning what someone could be capable off. A really good read and i would definitely recommend you to pick this up.
Thank you to NetGalley, the publisher Boldwood Books for the copy of this arc in exchange of my full honest review.
20 years ago, Five students attended an end of year party but the next day, one of them who was missing turns up dead. They tried to put the past behind them and move on thinking it was just a terrible accident until now a well-known true-crime podcaster is investigating the death and wants to dig up what happened 20 years prior. A few days later a threatening note is warning her not to speak a word or she'll regret it. What she thought was behind her is now coming for her.
Definitely a page turner that had me engrossed right from the very start, dual timeline from the past and present was really easy to get into and i enjoyed the back and forth wondering what had happened. There is plenty of suspects and even moments you are questioning what someone could be capable off. A really good read and i would definitely recommend you to pick this up.
Thank you to NetGalley, the publisher Boldwood Books for the copy of this arc in exchange of my full honest review.
October 8, 2025
This was a decent mystery, though I don’t feel like it all really came together at the end. The story centers primarily on Amy, who (along with her 3 college roommates) was tied to the death of their friend Summer 20 years ago. Now an up-and-coming podcaster named Hannah wants to figure out what really happened and Amy and her former friends are getting threatening letters.
There was suspense throughout as Amy and the others tried to navigate their situation and keep their loved ones and reputations safe. I liked reading the flashbacks to the previous timeline as well, so I could better understand the dynamic between the friends around the time of Summer’s death. Amy was a likable enough character though I never felt like I fully understood her. I really didn’t like the way the story ended, though- motives of multiple characters didn’t really make sense to me and I was left with more questions than answers.
Overall, this was fun in its suspense but I just didn’t think it was tied together that well when all was said and done. Thanks to NetGalley for providing me with a copy of this book in exchange for an honest review.
There was suspense throughout as Amy and the others tried to navigate their situation and keep their loved ones and reputations safe. I liked reading the flashbacks to the previous timeline as well, so I could better understand the dynamic between the friends around the time of Summer’s death. Amy was a likable enough character though I never felt like I fully understood her. I really didn’t like the way the story ended, though- motives of multiple characters didn’t really make sense to me and I was left with more questions than answers.
Overall, this was fun in its suspense but I just didn’t think it was tied together that well when all was said and done. Thanks to NetGalley for providing me with a copy of this book in exchange for an honest review.
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.
September 26, 2025
This book sure had me hooked from the first chapter. The dual timeline structure works brilliantly here. Summer 2005 draws you into the heady, reckless atmosphere of student life, while 2025 brings the creeping dread of secrets refusing to stay hidden. I loved how the tension built steadily: from Hannah Hastings knocking on Amy’s door to the threatening notes, every thread pulling me deeper in.
I loved how the author nailed that unsettling feeling of “what if the people you trusted most were lying?” The friendship dynamic, loyalty, lies and hidden truths was giving Big Little Lies vibes and I was so down for it.
And the podcast element? Absolutely brilliant. Although I do wish that was fleshed out a little bit more.
If you enjoy stories with dual timelines, cold cases resurfacing, with a dash of twists, lies, and danger lurking on every page, then After The Party might be a really good pick for you.
Many thanks to the author and Boldwood books for access to the digital ARC via Netgalley in exchange for honest feedback.
I loved how the author nailed that unsettling feeling of “what if the people you trusted most were lying?” The friendship dynamic, loyalty, lies and hidden truths was giving Big Little Lies vibes and I was so down for it.
And the podcast element? Absolutely brilliant. Although I do wish that was fleshed out a little bit more.
If you enjoy stories with dual timelines, cold cases resurfacing, with a dash of twists, lies, and danger lurking on every page, then After The Party might be a really good pick for you.
Many thanks to the author and Boldwood books for access to the digital ARC via Netgalley in exchange for honest feedback.
September 26, 2025
Special thanks to Boldwood Books and NetGalley for allowing me early access to this literary jewel in return for an honest review.
I love a good book that allows me to play detective and create my own table of suspects as the story progresses. Page after page, I became more and more absorbed in the story and more curious to find clues that would lead me to a good path in terms of discovering the culprit. I can't help but say that After the Party gives me vibes of 'One of us is lying' in a way, and the song I would associate this book with is 'no body, no crime' by Taylor Swift.
I liked the fact that the story is somewhat airy in the sense that the reader is not inundated with a very large volume of information from the beginning, but is gradually introduced into the universe of the book.
The epilogue at the end seemed to me to be the cherry on top because I was dying to find out the deceased's perspective regarding the turning point that influenced the characters' lives.
A very well written story that keeps you hooked.
I love a good book that allows me to play detective and create my own table of suspects as the story progresses. Page after page, I became more and more absorbed in the story and more curious to find clues that would lead me to a good path in terms of discovering the culprit. I can't help but say that After the Party gives me vibes of 'One of us is lying' in a way, and the song I would associate this book with is 'no body, no crime' by Taylor Swift.
I liked the fact that the story is somewhat airy in the sense that the reader is not inundated with a very large volume of information from the beginning, but is gradually introduced into the universe of the book.
The epilogue at the end seemed to me to be the cherry on top because I was dying to find out the deceased's perspective regarding the turning point that influenced the characters' lives.
A very well written story that keeps you hooked.
August 14, 2025
Review of ‘After the Party’ by C. L. Swatman, due to be published on 13 September 2025 by Boldwood Books.
Four university friends - Amy, Olivia, Henry and Michael - estranged from each other since a terrible night 20 years ago, when their friend, Summer, drowned in the lake at the end of year party.
Hannah - true crime podcaster, determined to get to that truth of that happened that night, opening old wounds.
All five receive threatening letters telling them to leave what happened in the past, all but Hannah terrified of the consequences but determined to get to the truth.
Amy, as the central character, is well written, especially her fear over the letter and being at home on her own. Backstories tell us that not everyone is being entirely truthful, fingers of suspicion point to any number of characters knowing more than they are letting on.
It’s a great storyline, and the ending was a complete shock - did not see that coming at all! Recommended read.
Four university friends - Amy, Olivia, Henry and Michael - estranged from each other since a terrible night 20 years ago, when their friend, Summer, drowned in the lake at the end of year party.
Hannah - true crime podcaster, determined to get to that truth of that happened that night, opening old wounds.
All five receive threatening letters telling them to leave what happened in the past, all but Hannah terrified of the consequences but determined to get to the truth.
Amy, as the central character, is well written, especially her fear over the letter and being at home on her own. Backstories tell us that not everyone is being entirely truthful, fingers of suspicion point to any number of characters knowing more than they are letting on.
It’s a great storyline, and the ending was a complete shock - did not see that coming at all! Recommended read.
September 3, 2025
Thank you to NetGalley and Boldwood Books for providing me with an ARC in exchange for my honest review. Twenty years ago there was a party and Summer ended up drowning. Fast forward to today and podcaster Hannah is re-opening this cold case file to find out what really happened that fateful night. As Hannah starts to contact Summer;s friends who were also at the party that night, they all start to receive threatening letters stating that if they talk to Hannah some kind of harm will come to their loved ones. The group of 4 friends get together to compare notes and to see if they can find out who is sending the letters and what is being hidden from them. As they continue to investigate, a young woman shows up on Amy's doorstep who is the spitting image of Summer. I did enjoy this book for the most part until the reveal was made and then I was kind of not really interested anymore as I don't care for these cult story lines........Enjoy!!!
October 26, 2025
Told from the point of Amy and in two timeperiods 20 years apart, this is a psychological thriller. In the earlier time whilst Amy is at university, a girl is found dead, drowned. In the present day, the case has been investigated by a true crime podcaster. Some body doesn't want this and sends threatening letters to the group of 4 friends who were knew the dead girl. Amy was scared of a lot of things and rather than this building up the suspense, it just came across as a very timid person. This was not helped by her being totally taken over by Summer (the dead girl) in the earlier time.
The characterizations all seemed too flat, was not keen on Amy setting off with one of the men to investgate the commune themselves and strange that she invited a stranger to stay with her. The obsession with her dog, who was being threatened, became irritating because of the repetition.
Not bad, but have read better . Thanks to Net Galley for the ARC
The characterizations all seemed too flat, was not keen on Amy setting off with one of the men to investgate the commune themselves and strange that she invited a stranger to stay with her. The obsession with her dog, who was being threatened, became irritating because of the repetition.
Not bad, but have read better . Thanks to Net Galley for the ARC
August 10, 2025
After The Party by C.L. Swatman is an intriguing suspense story centering around a group of five college friends.
Twenty years before, five college friends attended a party. One of the friends died that night, but the case was never solved. Now, a true crime podcaster has decided to delve into the case and hunts down the remaining four friends to do an interview. Someone gets wind that the case is being looked at again and sends each of the remaining friends threatening letters to not talk to the podcaster. When someone else dies, it's a race against time to find the murderer before anyone else is killed.
This was a quick, fun read that kept my attention to the end. It's told in the past and present and has very well developed characters. There is also a great shocker ending. I highly recommend this one.
Thanks to Netgalley and Boldwood Books for the advanced copy
Twenty years before, five college friends attended a party. One of the friends died that night, but the case was never solved. Now, a true crime podcaster has decided to delve into the case and hunts down the remaining four friends to do an interview. Someone gets wind that the case is being looked at again and sends each of the remaining friends threatening letters to not talk to the podcaster. When someone else dies, it's a race against time to find the murderer before anyone else is killed.
This was a quick, fun read that kept my attention to the end. It's told in the past and present and has very well developed characters. There is also a great shocker ending. I highly recommend this one.
Thanks to Netgalley and Boldwood Books for the advanced copy
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