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After the Party
264 pages, Hardcover
Published September 13, 2025
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19 people want to read
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Displaying 1 - 18 of 18 reviews
August 31, 2025
Due to be released September 13, 2025, I was given an advanced digital copy for free and I leave this review voluntarily.
The story begins with Amy and her dog Benji. Amy bought a fixer upper house but ran out of money before finishing it. She lives in 1/2 the house, leaving the other side in disrepair for someday. She begins to feel edgy.
Then True Crime podcaster, Hannah, contacts her about the death of her friend, Summer, during a student party. Amy has spent 20 years trying not to think about it, nor has she kept in touch with her tight knit group of friends, Olivia, Michael and Henry. Spurned by the podcast and threats if they talk to her, they try to figure things out for themselves.
The plot continues at a good pace with either new information or action in the present or explaining their lives “then”. It was a pleasure to read and I highly recommend. I found the epilogue haunting.
The story begins with Amy and her dog Benji. Amy bought a fixer upper house but ran out of money before finishing it. She lives in 1/2 the house, leaving the other side in disrepair for someday. She begins to feel edgy.
Then True Crime podcaster, Hannah, contacts her about the death of her friend, Summer, during a student party. Amy has spent 20 years trying not to think about it, nor has she kept in touch with her tight knit group of friends, Olivia, Michael and Henry. Spurned by the podcast and threats if they talk to her, they try to figure things out for themselves.
The plot continues at a good pace with either new information or action in the present or explaining their lives “then”. It was a pleasure to read and I highly recommend. I found the epilogue haunting.
September 10, 2025
It was ok wasn’t a fan of it but good book to read
Blurb
Twenty years ago, a dark truth was buried. Now, the past is at her door and a killer will stop at nothing to keep it buried. 👀😱
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.
Blurb
Twenty years ago, a dark truth was buried. Now, the past is at her door and a killer will stop at nothing to keep it buried. 👀😱
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.
February 5, 2026
I enjoyed this book; it kept me interested. I certainly didn't expect that ending!
February 18, 2026
A thriller in the 'college friends with a secret' storyline. Amy is a grief counselor who lives with her dog Benji. She basically lives in half of a house because she ran out of time and money to rehab the other half. One day she receives a visit from a podcaster who is looking into the death of one of Amy's friends back when she was in college. The friend was a young woman named Summer, who was believed to have escaped from a local cult and who was not attending school but hanging around with Amy and her friends. Amy is not interested in the podcast but when she begins receiving threatening notes, she reaches out to her college friends who have now gone their own ways and have not stayed in contact.
The novel goes back and forth in time between Amy and her friends (Olivia, Michael and Henry) when they were in school and back to the present. It turns out Amy's friends didn't like Summer and felt she was a bad influence on Amy because Summer encouraged Amy to party all the time instead of attend swim practice or study. In the present, Amy's friends have all received notes suggesting something bad will happen if they pursue this mystery from the past.
I liked Amy and her dog but found the story to be less suspenseful than I would want. The cult part of the story is under developed and could have added more tension to the plot. I found the ending confusing considering what we knew about the characters. Thank you to Boldwood Books and NetGalley for a copy of this ARC in exchange for a review.
The novel goes back and forth in time between Amy and her friends (Olivia, Michael and Henry) when they were in school and back to the present. It turns out Amy's friends didn't like Summer and felt she was a bad influence on Amy because Summer encouraged Amy to party all the time instead of attend swim practice or study. In the present, Amy's friends have all received notes suggesting something bad will happen if they pursue this mystery from the past.
I liked Amy and her dog but found the story to be less suspenseful than I would want. The cult part of the story is under developed and could have added more tension to the plot. I found the ending confusing considering what we knew about the characters. Thank you to Boldwood Books and NetGalley for a copy of this ARC in exchange for a review.
September 11, 2025
Summer, 2005: Five students attend an end of the year party. As dawn breaks the next day, four of the friends are preparing to leave when they realise on of the girls is missing. That's when the screaming starts.
2025: Amy is at home when there is 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.
When a true-crime podcaster tries to find out what happened to Summer twenty years ago, the remaining four friends start getting threatening letters. Someone doesn't want them telling what happened on the night of the end of the year party.
This story has a dual timeline - twenty years ago and the present day. I did not care for any of the characters. I found the epilogue a little confusing.
Published 13th September 2025
I would like to thank #NetGalley #BoldwoodBooks and the author #CLSwatman for my ARC of #AfterTheParty in exchange for an honest review.
2025: Amy is at home when there is 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.
When a true-crime podcaster tries to find out what happened to Summer twenty years ago, the remaining four friends start getting threatening letters. Someone doesn't want them telling what happened on the night of the end of the year party.
This story has a dual timeline - twenty years ago and the present day. I did not care for any of the characters. I found the epilogue a little confusing.
Published 13th September 2025
I would like to thank #NetGalley #BoldwoodBooks and the author #CLSwatman for my ARC of #AfterTheParty in exchange for an honest review.
August 5, 2025
A group of student friends have never recovered from the death of the enigmatic girl, Summer, whom they befriended over a few months, at a student party that took place just before they graduated. Years later, they still know very little about Summer herself, except that her background included a strange commune that sounded more like a cult.
Now, with a true crime podcaster determine to find out the truth of the matter, the four friends begin to receive threatening letters and experience intrusions into their homes. Can they work together, after all these years, to find the identity of the murderer before he or she makes good on the threats?
This is clever, original writing on what is an otherwise familiar trope. One of the twists at the end involving the revelation of the murderer's identity is very interesting, the additional twist at the very end less so. The latter caused me to shave off half a star on what would otherwise have been a 4.5 star read. Nevertheless, this book *is* highly recommended to thriller readers.
I received a free copy of this book from Netgalley in exchange for an honest review
Now, with a true crime podcaster determine to find out the truth of the matter, the four friends begin to receive threatening letters and experience intrusions into their homes. Can they work together, after all these years, to find the identity of the murderer before he or she makes good on the threats?
This is clever, original writing on what is an otherwise familiar trope. One of the twists at the end involving the revelation of the murderer's identity is very interesting, the additional twist at the very end less so. The latter caused me to shave off half a star on what would otherwise have been a 4.5 star read. Nevertheless, this book *is* highly recommended to thriller readers.
I received a free copy of this book from Netgalley in exchange for an honest review
August 26, 2025
After the Party is an easy, fast-paced psychological thriller told through a dual timeline. Twenty years ago, five friends attended a wild end of year party; unfortunately, only four of the friends survived. Two decades later, Amy is contacted by a true-crime podcaster who is re-investigating the death of Amy's friend from all those years ago. After reaching out to the rest of the former friends, the group realizes that someone out there really does not want this mystery solved. Now, everyone in the group is being threatened and no one knows who to trust.
I found the overall plot of After the Party to be interesting and was definitely kept in suspense until the end. The chapters are quick and short, which makes it an easy read. With that said, I found the characters to be underdeveloped and unlikable. I wish there had been more plot focused on Hannah and her podcast. Additionally, there wasn't enough background information provided for the commune storyline. I had more questions than answers after finishing those chapters. Finally, the epilogue was both confusing and unnecessary. I did appreciate that I couldn't guess the villain - I definitely had multiple suspects.
I found the overall plot of After the Party to be interesting and was definitely kept in suspense until the end. The chapters are quick and short, which makes it an easy read. With that said, I found the characters to be underdeveloped and unlikable. I wish there had been more plot focused on Hannah and her podcast. Additionally, there wasn't enough background information provided for the commune storyline. I had more questions than answers after finishing those chapters. Finally, the epilogue was both confusing and unnecessary. I did appreciate that I couldn't guess the villain - I definitely had multiple suspects.
September 15, 2025
Starting in the present we meet Amy and Benji, her dog. Amy is contacted by Hannah, a true crime podcaster, who thinks she has new information regarding a death that happened when Amy was at university. Amy and her three Uni friends befriended a girl called Summer who died during a wild student party. Summer's death was recorded as accidental but Hannah is determined to find evidence that will confirm Summer was murdered. The friends went their separate ways however come back together when they all receive threats telling them not to talk to Hannah. Desperate to know who is behind the threats the four friends attempt to figure out what really happened themselves.
Fast paced with short chapters, the book goes back and forth between the present and past but is easy to follow with chapters helpfully titled 'now' and 'then'. The characters are well developed, I particularly enjoyed the changing dynamics as Summer integrated herself into the group. This is not a thriller with loads of twists and red herrings however is well thought out with some unexpected events and reveals. A great read that quickly hooks you in and then becomes difficult to put down.
Thank you to NetGalley and Boldwood Books for my advanced reader copy in return for my honest and unbiased review
Fast paced with short chapters, the book goes back and forth between the present and past but is easy to follow with chapters helpfully titled 'now' and 'then'. The characters are well developed, I particularly enjoyed the changing dynamics as Summer integrated herself into the group. This is not a thriller with loads of twists and red herrings however is well thought out with some unexpected events and reveals. A great read that quickly hooks you in and then becomes difficult to put down.
Thank you to NetGalley and Boldwood Books for my advanced reader copy in return for my honest and unbiased review
August 21, 2025
After the Party by C.L. Swatman is a dramatic and suspenseful thriller that keeps readers hooked from start to finish. The story follows a group of friends whose seemingly perfect gathering takes a dark turn, revealing hidden secrets and tensions among them. As the investigation unfolds, unexpected twists keep the reader guessing, and the hunt for the killer exposes surprising motives and alliances. The pacing is excellent, and the characters are engaging and well-drawn, keeping you intrigued throughout. That said, a few elements felt unexpected, and the killer’s motivations remain somewhat unclear, including in the ending—moments that were jarring but did not lessen the overall tension. Fans of suspenseful, character-driven thrillers will find plenty to enjoy here.
Thanks to Netgalley and Boldwood Books for this ARC. This is my honest review.
Thanks to Netgalley and Boldwood Books for this ARC. This is my honest review.
September 15, 2025
After the Party
by C.L. Swatman
Pub Date: Sep 13 2025
"After the Party" is a fast paced read with lots of twists and turns that keep you not wanting to stop reading until you finish the book. It's a very, very addictive, gripping page turner. A great psychological thriller I guarantee you won't be able to put down!
Synopsis: 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.
I want to thank #AftertheParty #NetGalley and #BoldwoodBooks for providing me an E-ARC of this fantastic 5 star read!
by C.L. Swatman
Pub Date: Sep 13 2025
"After the Party" is a fast paced read with lots of twists and turns that keep you not wanting to stop reading until you finish the book. It's a very, very addictive, gripping page turner. A great psychological thriller I guarantee you won't be able to put down!
Synopsis: 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.
I want to thank #AftertheParty #NetGalley and #BoldwoodBooks for providing me an E-ARC of this fantastic 5 star read!
September 8, 2025
Thank you to NetGalley, the author and publisher for an ARC of After the Party.
I love this sort of book. People running away from their past. The past rearing its ugly head when someone totally out of the loop starts meddling and researching. Just like… a true crime podcaster.
My opinion of ‘whodunnit’ changed with every chapter! And then… WHAM… take that! I did not see it coming until 2 sentences before the big reveal!
A very enjoyable, short read that will keep you entertained from start to finish!
I love this sort of book. People running away from their past. The past rearing its ugly head when someone totally out of the loop starts meddling and researching. Just like… a true crime podcaster.
My opinion of ‘whodunnit’ changed with every chapter! And then… WHAM… take that! I did not see it coming until 2 sentences before the big reveal!
A very enjoyable, short read that will keep you entertained from start to finish!
September 14, 2025
Told through a dual timeline we find out what happened 20 years ago when 5 friends attend a party but 1 of them did not survive.
It’s a fast read as the short chapters keep you gripped and hard to put dow. I loved how the reader is kept guessing as to why and who is responsible for this death, as with any good psychological thriller there are plenty of suspects, and the true crime podcaster gave a great premise for the investigation being looked at now.
A really good read.
Thank you @lovebookstours for having me on this tour
#Ad #LBTCrew #Bookstagram #FreeBookReview
It’s a fast read as the short chapters keep you gripped and hard to put dow. I loved how the reader is kept guessing as to why and who is responsible for this death, as with any good psychological thriller there are plenty of suspects, and the true crime podcaster gave a great premise for the investigation being looked at now.
A really good read.
Thank you @lovebookstours for having me on this tour
#Ad #LBTCrew #Bookstagram #FreeBookReview
September 3, 2025
After the Party is a suspenseful psychological thriller that had me on the edge of my seat. I felt what the characters were feeling. The novel has a dual timeline: the summer of 2005 and the present. C. L. Swatman puts in lots of twists and turns to the very last page. If you enjoy thrillers, you will love this book.
Thank you, NetGalley, for an advanced copy of this book in exchange for an honest review.
Thank you, NetGalley, for an advanced copy of this book in exchange for an honest review.
September 9, 2025
I had forgotten just how much I love this author and hadn’t read their books for a while. This was a fast paced psychological thriller which reopens the events of a party from 20 years ago and the events of that evening unfold through the pages interspersed with the present day. This story would make a good tv adaptation.
This was a quick read with lots of twists which kept me guessing until the end.
This was a quick read with lots of twists which kept me guessing until the end.
August 16, 2025
I wasn’t a huge fan of After the Party. I couldn’t really get into the characters they just seemed to blend in to each other. They don’t really stand out. The dual time line was alright. Kept it a bit interesting. The ending to me was just out there. I didn’t see it at all. I’m actually kinda confused by it. Not really a book I would recommend to someone unfortunately.
August 27, 2025
I really enjoyed this book. I liked getting to know the characters although I found Amy and Summer to be a bit annoying. The dog was a cute touch. I did not see the twist coming and was shocked. Thanks to Netgalley and the publisher for this ARC!
September 13, 2025
I loved this read! We weren’t very far in and I was feeling creeped out myself! Amy was hearing noises and then got a knock on the door that took her back 20 years! I liked Amy and felt really quite sorry for her that all this was going on.
I loved seeing the four friends from years ago getting together when they had all received the notes telling them to leave Summers death in the past where it belonged. But could Amy trust them all?
There were some twists and turns along the way along with a high power ending where I wasn’t sure what was going to happen. The ending had me shocked, I was not expecting it at all!
It was brilliantly written and it had me gripped throughout. I seemed to just fly through the pages.
I loved seeing the four friends from years ago getting together when they had all received the notes telling them to leave Summers death in the past where it belonged. But could Amy trust them all?
There were some twists and turns along the way along with a high power ending where I wasn’t sure what was going to happen. The ending had me shocked, I was not expecting it at all!
It was brilliantly written and it had me gripped throughout. I seemed to just fly through the pages.
November 23, 2025
A fascinating read with a mystery from the past, still unsolved, still affecting those who bore witness to it.
The main protagonist, Amy, is trying to rebuild her life, 20 years after a tumultuous time at Uni, including the death of a friend and a breakdown. She has lost contact with her friends and is living anxiously in her own home now, with her dog Benjii. She has completed half of a house renovation project, so lives next to the unfinished half, where noises can be heard - what a fabulous setting!
The story takes place in two timelines, 2005 and 2025, which I felt made for a gripping read, trying to piece together what happened all those years ago and wondering why the case is coming to light again now.
The characterisation of the friends is richly portrayed, keeping an element of the unknown and
building some distrust in amongst the familiarity, that runs deep between them all.
The settings vary, from Amy’s part complete renovation project, to a lake, to a remote community and to the other Uni friends homes. All is never quite what it seems.
This is a compelling read, with suspense and action that is paced to build towards a climactic finale, when the pieces all begin to drop into place, including aspects that had not seemed relevant previously. Loved it!
The main protagonist, Amy, is trying to rebuild her life, 20 years after a tumultuous time at Uni, including the death of a friend and a breakdown. She has lost contact with her friends and is living anxiously in her own home now, with her dog Benjii. She has completed half of a house renovation project, so lives next to the unfinished half, where noises can be heard - what a fabulous setting!
The story takes place in two timelines, 2005 and 2025, which I felt made for a gripping read, trying to piece together what happened all those years ago and wondering why the case is coming to light again now.
The characterisation of the friends is richly portrayed, keeping an element of the unknown and
building some distrust in amongst the familiarity, that runs deep between them all.
The settings vary, from Amy’s part complete renovation project, to a lake, to a remote community and to the other Uni friends homes. All is never quite what it seems.
This is a compelling read, with suspense and action that is paced to build towards a climactic finale, when the pieces all begin to drop into place, including aspects that had not seemed relevant previously. Loved it!
Displaying 1 - 18 of 18 reviews