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Safari Murder Party
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Expected 19 May 26Win a free kindle copy of this book!
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50 copies available
U.S. only
In this darkly funny, slightly unhinged, heart-pounding thriller, two office rivals must team up to escape wild animals and even wilder coworkers on a corporate retreat gone wrong.
Fletcher Spence is dying for a promotion. And her colleagues are more than happy to oblige.
After three years working seventy-hour weeks as assistant to the most terrifying CEO in the magazine world, Fletcher finally finagled a spot on Cartwright Media’s annual corporate retreat—a famously luxurious week on the Cartwrights’ private island, where promotions are handed out like party favors. And her plan to snag her dream job as a travel magazine photographer was going great...until her boss’s dramatic death reveals his last will and Whoever survives the week will inherit the company.
So now she’s stuck on her billionaire boss’s safari park island, surrounded by wild animals and on the run from coworkers who’ve swapped coffee cups for machetes and briefcases for hunting rifles.
To Fletcher’s dismay, her only ally might be her boss’s insufferably gorgeous son, Waylon Cartwright. Despite their hostile history, Fletcher is at least 80 percent sure he won’t try to kill her this week. Plus, his experience on the island might come in handy while they fend off lions and tigers and...marketing executives? Oh my.
While Fletcher battles her own ambitions and her unexpected attraction to Waylon, her power-hungry, bloodthirsty colleagues will do anything to stop them from escaping with their lives. Everyone knows the media industry is cutthroat, but in this safari party, it’s never been more true.
Fletcher Spence is dying for a promotion. And her colleagues are more than happy to oblige.
After three years working seventy-hour weeks as assistant to the most terrifying CEO in the magazine world, Fletcher finally finagled a spot on Cartwright Media’s annual corporate retreat—a famously luxurious week on the Cartwrights’ private island, where promotions are handed out like party favors. And her plan to snag her dream job as a travel magazine photographer was going great...until her boss’s dramatic death reveals his last will and Whoever survives the week will inherit the company.
So now she’s stuck on her billionaire boss’s safari park island, surrounded by wild animals and on the run from coworkers who’ve swapped coffee cups for machetes and briefcases for hunting rifles.
To Fletcher’s dismay, her only ally might be her boss’s insufferably gorgeous son, Waylon Cartwright. Despite their hostile history, Fletcher is at least 80 percent sure he won’t try to kill her this week. Plus, his experience on the island might come in handy while they fend off lions and tigers and...marketing executives? Oh my.
While Fletcher battles her own ambitions and her unexpected attraction to Waylon, her power-hungry, bloodthirsty colleagues will do anything to stop them from escaping with their lives. Everyone knows the media industry is cutthroat, but in this safari party, it’s never been more true.
346 pages, Kindle Edition
Expected publication May 19, 2026
About the author
Rachel Moore
3 books561 followersRachel Moore is the author of high-stakes, genre-blending novels. She lives in Tennessee with her husband and two cats she’s violently allergic to. (The cats, not the husband.) On the rare occasion she isn’t writing happy endings, you can find her collecting dictionaries, drinking entirely too much coffee, and drifting through the library stacks.
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 99 reviews
remind-me-once-out
February 28, 2026"...author's adult debut, pitched as THE LOST CITY meets THE MOST DANGEROUS GAME..."
why 2026 😭
why 2026 😭
October 27, 2025
This book reminds me of glass onion - camp, a bit silly, but also such a fun time. I loved Richard Connelly’s The Dangerous Game when I read it in high school, so the advertising of this was right up my alley.
While stylistically this is quite different from classic literature, it’s a solid book writing wise, although a bit slow at the start. The actual premise is very similar, but has some stylistic elements of a romcom and who-dunnit that make for a really compelling read.
Fletcher and Waylon are really solid characters, and while their hatred maybe seemed a bit contrived in places, their romance felt very fitting and managed to not feel out of place.
Given how “wild” the premise of this was, Moore handled the various moments of conflict and high tension extremely well without breaking the overall tone of the book. It has thrilling scenes without feeling like a thriller.
From what I’ve heard about in terms of the Inheritance games, I think this book would be something fans of those would really like - and if you haven’t read those (like me) but you have watched the Knives Out movies, I can say for sure that you’ll love this.
There’s one scene that would push this toward adult audiences in age just as an fyi, but if you’re someone who prefers to avoid spice, it’s definitely something you can skip without issue in this one and still have a great read. And if you don’t mind spice or even want it in your books, it’s well written and fits the story well.
Would definitely recommend and can’t wait to add to my shelves once this comes out!
Thank you to Berkeley Publishing Group for providing this ARC for review consideration via NetGalley. All opinions are my own.
While stylistically this is quite different from classic literature, it’s a solid book writing wise, although a bit slow at the start. The actual premise is very similar, but has some stylistic elements of a romcom and who-dunnit that make for a really compelling read.
Fletcher and Waylon are really solid characters, and while their hatred maybe seemed a bit contrived in places, their romance felt very fitting and managed to not feel out of place.
Given how “wild” the premise of this was, Moore handled the various moments of conflict and high tension extremely well without breaking the overall tone of the book. It has thrilling scenes without feeling like a thriller.
From what I’ve heard about in terms of the Inheritance games, I think this book would be something fans of those would really like - and if you haven’t read those (like me) but you have watched the Knives Out movies, I can say for sure that you’ll love this.
There’s one scene that would push this toward adult audiences in age just as an fyi, but if you’re someone who prefers to avoid spice, it’s definitely something you can skip without issue in this one and still have a great read. And if you don’t mind spice or even want it in your books, it’s well written and fits the story well.
Would definitely recommend and can’t wait to add to my shelves once this comes out!
Thank you to Berkeley Publishing Group for providing this ARC for review consideration via NetGalley. All opinions are my own.
Review of advance copy received from Netgalley
3.5/5
Thank you to Netgalley and Berkely for the e-arc!
Final Destination meets Hallmark’s A Safari Romance in Rachel Moore’s adult debut, and it was a wild ride. Part satire and part romance, I think my biggest issue is that this book tries to be very unserious in some aspects and then completely serious and sincere in others, which just makes the narrative sort of uncomfortably balance between these two opposites. The satire of corporate America is almost too unserious at times, which kind of makes its critiques get lost in the Final Destination-esque deaths of so many characters.
While all of this critique is happening, we have a romantic sub-plot going on that for better or worse plays as if it’s just come out of a Hallmark movie (with the addition of sexual tension and a well written sex scene). The reason for the dislike between Waylon and Fletcher is very much a let-down and not at all as serious as you’d think, and I’m not sure if some satire is supposed to come out of their first meeting. The dislike parts of their relationship last way longer than is needed, and the rest of their relationship sort of happens too fast, but it has such a Hallmark quality to it that I wasn’t too off put by it. Even down to the third act conflict it screamed Hallmark to me. I think that for what we get, it’s a cute romance, but it didn’t make me think they were going to end up together forever.
Fletcher as a main character is also so Hallmark coded that it kind of made me laugh. Her entire arc of learning what she really wants from life and her job mirrors SO many romance movies that it didn’t really leave me feeling that inspired. I liked Fletcher but I didn’t really understand her (possibly because I have no corporate ambitions). I also think that sometimes her inner monologue in 3rd person could get to be a bit heavy. Waylon is a well developed love interest, and character in his own right, but he does not deviate from the character archetype of lonely rich boy who’s always used for his money. Is this a compelling archetype that I’ll always enjoy? Yes! Does it make the story somewhat predictable? Also yes! I could basically predict all of his reactions to situations which is fine, but not something I love in a novel.
Now, the concept of the book as a whole is unique and fresh. The pacing is really well done, and the sequence of deaths is very entertaining to read. The descriptions of the island are SO vivid and I really did feel as if I was right there (this would make a great airplane movie). The amount of pop culture references are specific to this time and to a certain audience. I do wonder how this book will come across 10 years from now, when a lot of these references will be out of date. And some are references to rich people things I had to google LOL so there is that.
With so many employees to kill off, some of the logic behind everyone turning murderous requires frequent reminders that this is a satire, but the satire is sometimes, as I said, really lost in the mix. The end is so abrupt and convenient that I was a bit let-down. Just like a Hallmark film, everything is wrapped up very neatly, which although provides satisfaction for the romance and arc of Fletcher, leaves the satire of corporate America still up in the air.
This is ultimately a really fun book still, with some great writing, and I’m excited for what Rachel writes next!!
Thank you to Netgalley and Berkely for the e-arc!
Final Destination meets Hallmark’s A Safari Romance in Rachel Moore’s adult debut, and it was a wild ride. Part satire and part romance, I think my biggest issue is that this book tries to be very unserious in some aspects and then completely serious and sincere in others, which just makes the narrative sort of uncomfortably balance between these two opposites. The satire of corporate America is almost too unserious at times, which kind of makes its critiques get lost in the Final Destination-esque deaths of so many characters.
While all of this critique is happening, we have a romantic sub-plot going on that for better or worse plays as if it’s just come out of a Hallmark movie (with the addition of sexual tension and a well written sex scene). The reason for the dislike between Waylon and Fletcher is very much a let-down and not at all as serious as you’d think, and I’m not sure if some satire is supposed to come out of their first meeting. The dislike parts of their relationship last way longer than is needed, and the rest of their relationship sort of happens too fast, but it has such a Hallmark quality to it that I wasn’t too off put by it. Even down to the third act conflict it screamed Hallmark to me. I think that for what we get, it’s a cute romance, but it didn’t make me think they were going to end up together forever.
Fletcher as a main character is also so Hallmark coded that it kind of made me laugh. Her entire arc of learning what she really wants from life and her job mirrors SO many romance movies that it didn’t really leave me feeling that inspired. I liked Fletcher but I didn’t really understand her (possibly because I have no corporate ambitions). I also think that sometimes her inner monologue in 3rd person could get to be a bit heavy. Waylon is a well developed love interest, and character in his own right, but he does not deviate from the character archetype of lonely rich boy who’s always used for his money. Is this a compelling archetype that I’ll always enjoy? Yes! Does it make the story somewhat predictable? Also yes! I could basically predict all of his reactions to situations which is fine, but not something I love in a novel.
Now, the concept of the book as a whole is unique and fresh. The pacing is really well done, and the sequence of deaths is very entertaining to read. The descriptions of the island are SO vivid and I really did feel as if I was right there (this would make a great airplane movie). The amount of pop culture references are specific to this time and to a certain audience. I do wonder how this book will come across 10 years from now, when a lot of these references will be out of date. And some are references to rich people things I had to google LOL so there is that.
With so many employees to kill off, some of the logic behind everyone turning murderous requires frequent reminders that this is a satire, but the satire is sometimes, as I said, really lost in the mix. The end is so abrupt and convenient that I was a bit let-down. Just like a Hallmark film, everything is wrapped up very neatly, which although provides satisfaction for the romance and arc of Fletcher, leaves the satire of corporate America still up in the air.
This is ultimately a really fun book still, with some great writing, and I’m excited for what Rachel writes next!!
October 12, 2025
• My Reading Experience: So Fun!!!
• Book Spice: Level 1 (one chapter)
• Adjusted Rating: 4.5 stars!!!
• POV: 3rd Person / Single
• Content Thoughts:
First off, don’t let anyone tell you that begging for an ARC doesn’t work 😂
Thank you so much, Berkley! This is my first approved ARC from you all, and I couldn’t be more excited.
Now, onto the book. Rachel is such a fantastic author. I love the plots she creates and how she tells her stories in a way that’s both intriguing and genuinely funny. Who would’ve thought a murder party could make you laugh this much? 😂
This book felt like a love letter to the cutthroat, kill-or-be-killed world of corporate America. As a 9-to-5er myself, I related to so many of the FMC’s thoughts and frustrations. But wow, this story was wiiiiiiiiiiild in all the best ways.
Reading it gave me the same chaotic, hilarious energy as The Lovebirds and Glass Onion—not because of the plot itself, but because of that perfect blend of serious stakes and peak comedy.
I enjoyed every moment of this book, and one thing I know for sure is that anything with Rachel Moore’s name on the cover, I’ll be reading every single time 🙂↕️
Again, thank you Berkley Publishing for this eARC in exchange for my honest review!
🧚 Disclaimer: My reviews and ratings are always true and honest and reflect MY experience while reading the book. YOU may have the same or a totally different experience. 🧚
• Book Spice: Level 1 (one chapter)
• Adjusted Rating: 4.5 stars!!!
• POV: 3rd Person / Single
• Content Thoughts:
First off, don’t let anyone tell you that begging for an ARC doesn’t work 😂
Thank you so much, Berkley! This is my first approved ARC from you all, and I couldn’t be more excited.
Now, onto the book. Rachel is such a fantastic author. I love the plots she creates and how she tells her stories in a way that’s both intriguing and genuinely funny. Who would’ve thought a murder party could make you laugh this much? 😂
This book felt like a love letter to the cutthroat, kill-or-be-killed world of corporate America. As a 9-to-5er myself, I related to so many of the FMC’s thoughts and frustrations. But wow, this story was wiiiiiiiiiiild in all the best ways.
Reading it gave me the same chaotic, hilarious energy as The Lovebirds and Glass Onion—not because of the plot itself, but because of that perfect blend of serious stakes and peak comedy.
I enjoyed every moment of this book, and one thing I know for sure is that anything with Rachel Moore’s name on the cover, I’ll be reading every single time 🙂↕️
Again, thank you Berkley Publishing for this eARC in exchange for my honest review!
🧚 Disclaimer: My reviews and ratings are always true and honest and reflect MY experience while reading the book. YOU may have the same or a totally different experience. 🧚
November 14, 2025
What if your office brownnosers were actually willing to kill to get ahead?
If you've ever worked in a corporate environment, you should enjoy this. The author takes office politics to a whole new level with an absolute kill-fest.
Expect toxic personalities, a bit of gruesomeness and a wholesome main character who realizes that she actually has a backbone when things get tough.
There's a little spicy romance, a couple of adorable wild animals (want!) and some legitimately funny situations.
Today, I'm back in the office wondering how I can get out of going to my next corporate function. You see Michele, is fine...but Michelle (2 L's)? I think she'd feed me to the lions.
I thoroughly enjoyed this one!
* ARC via Publisher
If you've ever worked in a corporate environment, you should enjoy this. The author takes office politics to a whole new level with an absolute kill-fest.
Expect toxic personalities, a bit of gruesomeness and a wholesome main character who realizes that she actually has a backbone when things get tough.
There's a little spicy romance, a couple of adorable wild animals (want!) and some legitimately funny situations.
Today, I'm back in the office wondering how I can get out of going to my next corporate function. You see Michele, is fine...but Michelle (2 L's)? I think she'd feed me to the lions.
I thoroughly enjoyed this one!
* ARC via Publisher
October 27, 2025
Thanks to the publisher and Net Galley for the ARC. A funny, fast paced, romantic, last-person-standing inheritance race on a tropical island filled with exotic wildlife? What?! This book would make a fun movie or mini series. Knives Out with the last-man-standing twist. Couldn’t put it down!
March 30, 2026
I should have chosen to love myself and just DNF’d this book.
I’m so disappointed because the premise of this book sounded so fun & hilarious and seemed a lot like Ready or Not. (I saw a lot of people say Final Destination and while I can see that comparison, I’m not sure I agree with it, personally.)
My main issues with the book were I didn’t gel with the author’s sense of humor (Fletcher abstained from murder, even though the cocktail forks were right there.), the writing was something that would have made me laugh when I was in my late teens/early twenties, but not so much anymore. No one will be surprised to hear this but I also did not like the relationship between Waylon & Fletcher. Maybe I don’t believe they could say they love each other so quickly (6 months!) after surviving wild animals & murderous employees/coworkers because I’ve never trauma bonded with someone in that way before but everything just happened between them too fast 😭 And finally I did see character growth in Fletcher but I would have liked to see her some kind of open and honest conversation with Kent. I don’t want to spoil anything for anyone else but I’m not sure hanging up on someone counts as breaking up with them?
I think you’ll like this book if you enjoy lots of quippy one liners and if you are definitely way more of a romance reader than I am 😂
I promise I was very excited to read this book and unfortunately it just didn’t work for me at all but my one star read could be your five star!
Thanks to NetGalley and the publisher for a free eARC in exchange for an honest review.
I’m so disappointed because the premise of this book sounded so fun & hilarious and seemed a lot like Ready or Not. (I saw a lot of people say Final Destination and while I can see that comparison, I’m not sure I agree with it, personally.)
My main issues with the book were I didn’t gel with the author’s sense of humor (Fletcher abstained from murder, even though the cocktail forks were right there.), the writing was something that would have made me laugh when I was in my late teens/early twenties, but not so much anymore. No one will be surprised to hear this but I also did not like the relationship between Waylon & Fletcher. Maybe I don’t believe they could say they love each other so quickly (6 months!) after surviving wild animals & murderous employees/coworkers because I’ve never trauma bonded with someone in that way before but everything just happened between them too fast 😭 And finally I did see character growth in Fletcher but I would have liked to see her some kind of open and honest conversation with Kent. I don’t want to spoil anything for anyone else but I’m not sure hanging up on someone counts as breaking up with them?
I think you’ll like this book if you enjoy lots of quippy one liners and if you are definitely way more of a romance reader than I am 😂
I promise I was very excited to read this book and unfortunately it just didn’t work for me at all but my one star read could be your five star!
Thanks to NetGalley and the publisher for a free eARC in exchange for an honest review.
October 10, 2025
4.25 stars. What an interesting concept! SAFARI MURDER PARTY started fast, and never let go.
An aspiring photographer and executive assistant to the billionaire CEO of a media empire, Fletcher Spence wrangles an invite to join a company retreat on Lydell Island, a private island full of wild animals. When the boss dies and his will indicates the “last man standing” will inherit the company, she ends up fighting for her life against both the animals and her coworkers along with her nemesis (aka, the boss’s son), Waylon.
The pacing was fast, the writing was compelling, and I loved Fletcher’s character. There was a bit of enemies-to-lovers in this one, but it wasn’t terrible. The ending was also surprisingly clever.
🌟Thanks to the author, publisher, and NetGalley for a copy of this book in exchange for an honest review.🌟
An aspiring photographer and executive assistant to the billionaire CEO of a media empire, Fletcher Spence wrangles an invite to join a company retreat on Lydell Island, a private island full of wild animals. When the boss dies and his will indicates the “last man standing” will inherit the company, she ends up fighting for her life against both the animals and her coworkers along with her nemesis (aka, the boss’s son), Waylon.
The pacing was fast, the writing was compelling, and I loved Fletcher’s character. There was a bit of enemies-to-lovers in this one, but it wasn’t terrible. The ending was also surprisingly clever.
🌟Thanks to the author, publisher, and NetGalley for a copy of this book in exchange for an honest review.🌟
February 24, 2026
Thank you to NetGalley and the publisher for this e-ARC in exchange for an honest review!
2.5 stars— entertaining but not for me
Pop culture/brand name drops
- Slack x2
- InDesign
- Lightroom
- Sweetgreen
- Neutrogena
- Oribe
- Reddit x2
- Instagram
- Plato’s Closet
- Monday Night Football
- Foghorn Leghorn
- Taylor Swift
- Consigned denim
- Zyrtec
- Cheetos
- Lululemon
- Uber
- Friends
- Condé Nast
- Butterball turkey
- Nordstrom Rack
- Boy math (but it’s actually Monte Carlo simulations)
- Edible Arrangements
- Being a girl’s girl
- Reeboks
- Evian
- Barbie
- Wicked
- Ratatouille
- Hunger Games
- Zoo Tycoon
- Doritos
- Jeggings
- Ariana grande
- Taskrabbit
- Batman
- Jumanji
- Steve Irwin
- Tesla Cybertrucks
- Prada
- The Lion King
- Peloton
- Baywatch
- Zoolander 2
- Chuck Norris
- “Yes Chef”
- Usain Bolt
- MTV Cribs
- Louboutins
- Weekend at Bernie’s
- Titanic
- “Deserved jail time”
- “Turning off the Big Light”
- “grabby hands”
Live notes (5% —)
- rude hometown boyfriend shackling her down ✅
- NGL he is making valid points…she’s working for pennies, doesn’t call home, refuses to discuss getting married to BF she’s been dating since they were 16…let him go girl
- In-depth discussion of NY housing market✅
- Partier gay best friend ✅
- damn breaking up w the bf is brutal already
- “The olives’ freaky little belly buttons” 😭?
- Evil ass boss destroying her camera on the tarmac bc he’s so mysterious and rich✅
- “Shania Twain’s voice punctuated her thoughts with a swift ‘let’s go girls’” SPAREEEE MEEEE
- Sales VP described as having “eyes that glimmered with greed”✅
- Paragraphs upon paragraphs about the corporate org chart…..IDC abt them
- MMC calling her a receptionist rather than executive assistant….i know what you are (misogyny)
- Equally evil CFO/CTOs mocking Fletcher for being poor✅
- Bro’s name is WAYLON and all he does is smirk and kick his feet up and be more smirky in doorways while said CFO/CTO call her a charity case
- God Fletcher is so WHINYYYYYY stomping and going UGH in her head when Waylon (easily) manages to one-up her banter
- “That was on her for being a Type 9 Ennegram” girl GROW A SPINE
- How much stomping, truly, can one girl do?
- FMC being a bitch to the intern✅
- “His dickwaddedness spurred her back into motion” just please, for the love of God, use normal curse words
- Of course evil rude marketing man is so evil because he’s fat— he couldn’t possibly be skinny or toned or ANYTHING other than described as having an “obtrusive stomach” and be evil
- So the CEO, rather than treating his cancer, decides to gather the 13 best people at the company, jet out to his private island, let the lions kill him in his sleep because he loves the wild❤️, and just locks them on the open safari for 5 days? And whoever survives this SUPER DANGEROUS and TOUGH and ALL-TESTING-OF-HUMANITY game will inherit the entire goddamn company? I’m actually ctfu😭
- Fletcher is surprisingly chill for watching two people die in front of her
- Make that 3
- “I need to have a FAKE alliance with the HOT SNARKY CEO SON while LIONS roam the BACKYARD trying to KILL US so I can FULFILL my DEAL WITH THE GIRLBOSS EIC and I CANT tell him she KILLED his FRIEND”
- Describing Waylon as The “surly fuck boy action figure” is good ngl
- The FMC is walking around wearing a helmet the whole time…I’m dead😭
- we are halfway thru and we have not set foot in the safari
- Somehow this reads like a mf disney movie
- Omfg Fletcher getting angry at Waylon like this is his fault is literally making her get on my last nerves
- I read the words “Zoo Tycoon” experience and I don’t know if I can handle this anymore☠️☠️☠️☠️☠️
- “Like a porcupine wearing jeggings” i don’t think these words ever been strung together before
- Glad we have time to get almost tantalizingly freaky in the safari while people die back at the house
- Fletcher…pushing Waylon into the champagne tower and causing his father to disown him at your first meeting….dont make me side with a man
- Don’t worry, the CFO somehow rode an ostrich like a horse, wielding a suitcase like a jousting weapon, and also made zippy remarks about hating the CTO’s wife because she was having an affair with him
- “Here, the grass was shorter, like the earth had alopecia” again, I don’t think these words had been strung together before
- Glad, again, we can get freaky during a forest rain storm
- And of course, rather than packing essentials in our limited space in our survival backpack, we manage to grab some condoms
- Like I get that they’re on a murderous retreat and that everyone’s dying around them and she’s lying to Waylon about their alliance….but the stakes feel lackluster. Like I know she’ll make it out alive, and what’s changed? She has a sense of work-life boundaries and this insta-lust with Waylon? All she needed to do was grow a spine and I think that could have been achieved without a murderous safari retreat
- Also the safari is not integral to the plot, it’s just extraneous decor. The retreat could have been in the Cobo center and it would serve the same function (F = grow a pair)
- Also, would it have been that hard, truly, to tell Waylon right away and have both of you be double agents? I think her OG stance of “hey, I had to say something to get a bloodthirsty woman off my back from shooting me dead *before we were friends* and I’m so sorry for putting you up but I was doing it as a farce because I think we can work together”. Like it’s pretty obvious he wouldn’t kill you/be mad but see reason (or not really, actually, seeing how he just let half the C-Suite call her a charity case and a poor bitch at dinner and such)
- Jackie is a pretty vague “big bad” for what it’s worth— she just shows up, sticks a gun to Fletcher’s head, threatens her, and retreats into thin air, presumably going insane in the jungle
- Tied to the dock posts as sharks circle them and all bro wants to do is Mack on her….right
- I bet the ending line is going to be her telling Ford “some vacation” or something to that effect
- BITCH I KNOW YOU DID NOT JUST DROP A “I THINK IM FALLING IN LOVE WITH YOU”
- Somehow the final confrontation was both 50 minutes long and also underwhelming - I never felt like the stakes were intense
- The Melv twist was good I didn’t see that coming
- Just….a fever dream of an ending. $50M dollars and I wouldn’t have guessed it. Entertaining, yes. Slightly jipped out of a true resolution with the whole “rescue boat arrives in time! Yay!” Thing? Also yes
- I got work life boundaries and fell in love with a manchild all because of a murderous safari retreat from hell❤️ yay❤️ now I’m a photographer❤️
- “He greeted her with grabby hands” please spare me
- $20 this has already been optioned for a movie
- Ending & acknowledgements were cute ICL
- Fletcher honey I hope you find a great therapist
2.5 stars— entertaining but not for me
Pop culture/brand name drops
- Slack x2
- InDesign
- Lightroom
- Sweetgreen
- Neutrogena
- Oribe
- Reddit x2
- Plato’s Closet
- Monday Night Football
- Foghorn Leghorn
- Taylor Swift
- Consigned denim
- Zyrtec
- Cheetos
- Lululemon
- Uber
- Friends
- Condé Nast
- Butterball turkey
- Nordstrom Rack
- Boy math (but it’s actually Monte Carlo simulations)
- Edible Arrangements
- Being a girl’s girl
- Reeboks
- Evian
- Barbie
- Wicked
- Ratatouille
- Hunger Games
- Zoo Tycoon
- Doritos
- Jeggings
- Ariana grande
- Taskrabbit
- Batman
- Jumanji
- Steve Irwin
- Tesla Cybertrucks
- Prada
- The Lion King
- Peloton
- Baywatch
- Zoolander 2
- Chuck Norris
- “Yes Chef”
- Usain Bolt
- MTV Cribs
- Louboutins
- Weekend at Bernie’s
- Titanic
- “Deserved jail time”
- “Turning off the Big Light”
- “grabby hands”
Live notes (5% —)
- rude hometown boyfriend shackling her down ✅
- NGL he is making valid points…she’s working for pennies, doesn’t call home, refuses to discuss getting married to BF she’s been dating since they were 16…let him go girl
- In-depth discussion of NY housing market✅
- Partier gay best friend ✅
- damn breaking up w the bf is brutal already
- “The olives’ freaky little belly buttons” 😭?
- Evil ass boss destroying her camera on the tarmac bc he’s so mysterious and rich✅
- “Shania Twain’s voice punctuated her thoughts with a swift ‘let’s go girls’” SPAREEEE MEEEE
- Sales VP described as having “eyes that glimmered with greed”✅
- Paragraphs upon paragraphs about the corporate org chart…..IDC abt them
- MMC calling her a receptionist rather than executive assistant….i know what you are (misogyny)
- Equally evil CFO/CTOs mocking Fletcher for being poor✅
- Bro’s name is WAYLON and all he does is smirk and kick his feet up and be more smirky in doorways while said CFO/CTO call her a charity case
- God Fletcher is so WHINYYYYYY stomping and going UGH in her head when Waylon (easily) manages to one-up her banter
- “That was on her for being a Type 9 Ennegram” girl GROW A SPINE
- How much stomping, truly, can one girl do?
- FMC being a bitch to the intern✅
- “His dickwaddedness spurred her back into motion” just please, for the love of God, use normal curse words
- Of course evil rude marketing man is so evil because he’s fat— he couldn’t possibly be skinny or toned or ANYTHING other than described as having an “obtrusive stomach” and be evil
- So the CEO, rather than treating his cancer, decides to gather the 13 best people at the company, jet out to his private island, let the lions kill him in his sleep because he loves the wild❤️, and just locks them on the open safari for 5 days? And whoever survives this SUPER DANGEROUS and TOUGH and ALL-TESTING-OF-HUMANITY game will inherit the entire goddamn company? I’m actually ctfu😭
- Fletcher is surprisingly chill for watching two people die in front of her
- Make that 3
- “I need to have a FAKE alliance with the HOT SNARKY CEO SON while LIONS roam the BACKYARD trying to KILL US so I can FULFILL my DEAL WITH THE GIRLBOSS EIC and I CANT tell him she KILLED his FRIEND”
- Describing Waylon as The “surly fuck boy action figure” is good ngl
- The FMC is walking around wearing a helmet the whole time…I’m dead😭
- we are halfway thru and we have not set foot in the safari
- Somehow this reads like a mf disney movie
- Omfg Fletcher getting angry at Waylon like this is his fault is literally making her get on my last nerves
- I read the words “Zoo Tycoon” experience and I don’t know if I can handle this anymore☠️☠️☠️☠️☠️
- “Like a porcupine wearing jeggings” i don’t think these words ever been strung together before
- Glad we have time to get almost tantalizingly freaky in the safari while people die back at the house
- Fletcher…pushing Waylon into the champagne tower and causing his father to disown him at your first meeting….dont make me side with a man
- Don’t worry, the CFO somehow rode an ostrich like a horse, wielding a suitcase like a jousting weapon, and also made zippy remarks about hating the CTO’s wife because she was having an affair with him
- “Here, the grass was shorter, like the earth had alopecia” again, I don’t think these words had been strung together before
- Glad, again, we can get freaky during a forest rain storm
- And of course, rather than packing essentials in our limited space in our survival backpack, we manage to grab some condoms
- Like I get that they’re on a murderous retreat and that everyone’s dying around them and she’s lying to Waylon about their alliance….but the stakes feel lackluster. Like I know she’ll make it out alive, and what’s changed? She has a sense of work-life boundaries and this insta-lust with Waylon? All she needed to do was grow a spine and I think that could have been achieved without a murderous safari retreat
- Also the safari is not integral to the plot, it’s just extraneous decor. The retreat could have been in the Cobo center and it would serve the same function (F = grow a pair)
- Also, would it have been that hard, truly, to tell Waylon right away and have both of you be double agents? I think her OG stance of “hey, I had to say something to get a bloodthirsty woman off my back from shooting me dead *before we were friends* and I’m so sorry for putting you up but I was doing it as a farce because I think we can work together”. Like it’s pretty obvious he wouldn’t kill you/be mad but see reason (or not really, actually, seeing how he just let half the C-Suite call her a charity case and a poor bitch at dinner and such)
- Jackie is a pretty vague “big bad” for what it’s worth— she just shows up, sticks a gun to Fletcher’s head, threatens her, and retreats into thin air, presumably going insane in the jungle
- Tied to the dock posts as sharks circle them and all bro wants to do is Mack on her….right
- I bet the ending line is going to be her telling Ford “some vacation” or something to that effect
- BITCH I KNOW YOU DID NOT JUST DROP A “I THINK IM FALLING IN LOVE WITH YOU”
- Somehow the final confrontation was both 50 minutes long and also underwhelming - I never felt like the stakes were intense
- The Melv twist was good I didn’t see that coming
- Just….a fever dream of an ending. $50M dollars and I wouldn’t have guessed it. Entertaining, yes. Slightly jipped out of a true resolution with the whole “rescue boat arrives in time! Yay!” Thing? Also yes
- I got work life boundaries and fell in love with a manchild all because of a murderous safari retreat from hell❤️ yay❤️ now I’m a photographer❤️
- “He greeted her with grabby hands” please spare me
- $20 this has already been optioned for a movie
- Ending & acknowledgements were cute ICL
- Fletcher honey I hope you find a great therapist
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
Review of advance copy received from Publisher
Safari Murder Party is an unhinged romcom that will have you glued to the page from the jump. Fletcher has been the super capable assistant to the CEO at a travel magazine for a while now, but she dreams of moving up to a position as photographer. When the annual trip to the owner's private island where promotions are attained, Fletcher is dismayed to not be invited. Again. But she's not taking no for an answer and talks her way into the plane. But when her boss is killed, leaving behind a will that will have his employees fighting to the death for control, Fletcher just wants to survive. But it looks like she'll need the help of the CEOs estranged son to survive. Good luck!
October 12, 2025
Real Rating: 4.5
What a WILD ride, literally! I mean, you see the title and you think it's going to be a doozy, and it absolutely delivers. This was my third Moore book and she is easily becoming a favorite of mine. This being her debut adult novel was perfection. Talk about a cut-throat business world out there, amirite? The animals are definitely not always the scariest thing that exists in the wild.. and don't even get me started on the man that Waylon is.
What a WILD ride, literally! I mean, you see the title and you think it's going to be a doozy, and it absolutely delivers. This was my third Moore book and she is easily becoming a favorite of mine. This being her debut adult novel was perfection. Talk about a cut-throat business world out there, amirite? The animals are definitely not always the scariest thing that exists in the wild.. and don't even get me started on the man that Waylon is.
May 1, 2026
It’s like Succession meets The Most Dangerous Game meets Ready or Not. It’s brutal and fun and I couldn’t look away. I gobbled it up in basically a sitting. Suuuuper fun summery story. Highly recommend for a fun vacation read!
May 4, 2026
*3.5 stars*
For the past three years, Fletcher Spence has worked tirelessly as the CEO’s assistant at Cartwright Media, hoping to earn a promotion to photographer at their travel magazine. When she gets invited to a retreat on Cartwright’s private island, she thinks this could be her big break. But everything changes when her boss is found dead, and his will announces that whoever makes it through the week will inherit his company. Now she’s on the run from her coworkers, who are determined to do anything to reach the top, and her only ally is Waylon Cartwright, her boss’s son. The two must fight off wild animals and business executives if they have any chance of making it off the island alive.
Have you ever wanted to see business executives swap their briefcases for machetes and hunting rifles while facing wild animals on a remote island? It’s just as wild as it sounds. I’d describe this book as a comedy/thriller. I enjoyed reading about Fletcher as she fought her way off the island while everyone else turned against each other. Her understanding of the other executives was her biggest advantage. I wasn’t a huge fan of Fletcher and Waylon’s relationship, but I felt the romance was a nice break from the action.
If you are a fan of thrillers with a comedic and romance element. Then I would recommend Safari Murder Party.
Safari Murder Party is out May 19th.
Thank you to NetGalley and Berkley Publishing Group for the opportunity to review Safari Murder Party. All thoughts and opinions are my own.
For the past three years, Fletcher Spence has worked tirelessly as the CEO’s assistant at Cartwright Media, hoping to earn a promotion to photographer at their travel magazine. When she gets invited to a retreat on Cartwright’s private island, she thinks this could be her big break. But everything changes when her boss is found dead, and his will announces that whoever makes it through the week will inherit his company. Now she’s on the run from her coworkers, who are determined to do anything to reach the top, and her only ally is Waylon Cartwright, her boss’s son. The two must fight off wild animals and business executives if they have any chance of making it off the island alive.
Have you ever wanted to see business executives swap their briefcases for machetes and hunting rifles while facing wild animals on a remote island? It’s just as wild as it sounds. I’d describe this book as a comedy/thriller. I enjoyed reading about Fletcher as she fought her way off the island while everyone else turned against each other. Her understanding of the other executives was her biggest advantage. I wasn’t a huge fan of Fletcher and Waylon’s relationship, but I felt the romance was a nice break from the action.
If you are a fan of thrillers with a comedic and romance element. Then I would recommend Safari Murder Party.
Safari Murder Party is out May 19th.
Thank you to NetGalley and Berkley Publishing Group for the opportunity to review Safari Murder Party. All thoughts and opinions are my own.
November 16, 2025
This was so fun!
This follows a company trip gone wrong...the title can give you a hint as to how.
This was a fun mix of suspense and romance. And it really read so fast. I can definitely see myself rereading this in the future.
OOOO and this is also an office rivals team-up. And I just love when rivals are forced to work together.
This almost reminded me of Glass Onion (the movie) and Wrecked (the tv show).
Thanks to NetGalley for the e-ARC of this book in exchange for my honest review!
This follows a company trip gone wrong...the title can give you a hint as to how.
This was a fun mix of suspense and romance. And it really read so fast. I can definitely see myself rereading this in the future.
OOOO and this is also an office rivals team-up. And I just love when rivals are forced to work together.
This almost reminded me of Glass Onion (the movie) and Wrecked (the tv show).
Thanks to NetGalley for the e-ARC of this book in exchange for my honest review!
Review of advance copy received from NetGalley
SAFARI MURDER PARTY by Rachel Moore is a standalone contemporary Thriller with a hint of romance and a heavy helping of satire. This book made me laugh so hard I cried, gasped in surprise, and sighed with satisfaction.
Fletcher Spence has always dreamed of being a photographer for a travel adventure magazine. Three years ago, she snagged a job as an executive assistant for the CEO of Cartwright Media, the intimidating Dyer Cartwright. She's worked 72 hour plus work weeks, and has dedicated her energies to ensure the CEO's needs are met with perfection. After some machinations, she manages to secure a spot on the exclusive executive safari party. Unfortunately, her boss dies, and his will indicates that the entire media empire will go to whomever survives their time at his retreat, a beautiful island surrounded by wildlife. Oh, and the protection fences are down so the lions and tigers and bears (oh my) are free to roam. Oh, and there happens to be weapons and other instruments of murder freely available to those who know where to look.
Her co-workers transform from clean-cut executive to raving mad killers. The only chance Fletcher has to survive the bloodbath is to team up with Dyer's wayward and handsome son, Waylon. The only problem is that Fletcher doesn't trust Waylon, for... reasons. I had a blast reading this book. It had a vibe similar to one of my all-time favorite movies, Game Night, starring Jason Bateman and Rachel McAdams. It was such an entertaining read!
What I loved most:
- Having worked in corporate America, I found the comparison of professionalism vs. greed and poking fun at the corporate rat race absolutely hysterical. I laughed so hard I cried.
- There are so many truthisms in this novel about professional work, being underappreciated no matter how hard you work, nepo babies, the list goes on and on. Rachel hit the mark on these every single time
- What a strong cast of characters! Fletcher, right from the very beginning, was highly relatable and someone I wanted to protect from all the baddies on the island. I was cheering for her to get her promotion and to survive the madness. Waylon gradually grew more complex and surprised me as a reader, in the best way. The pulling back the curtain of how he came to be the guy whom Fletcher began hating was very well crafted. The supporting cast was strong as well, and honed to fit their corporate roles to a T.
- The use of corporate stereotypes was so hilariously done. The two Brians in marketing who could only talk about ad performance, The clueless intern. The cutthroat people in sales. Princeless!
- The chemistry between Fletcher and Waylon was phenomenal. Their romantic scenes were a welcome respite from the violence of the people hunting. There's a tree house! IYKYK
- The story is such a great balance between action, adventure, comedy, and romance. If I had to pick one aspect I loved most about this book is that it made me laugh. There were so many times when I looked up from my reading and read a line to my husband. He found the lines funny, too.
- The pacing was perfect. Just when I didn't think I could take another murder, there was a softer, more quiet scene before THINGS GOT CRAZY AGAIN. It was awesome.
What didn't work:
- I can't think of a single thing I'd change! Hence the five out of five star rating.
SAFARI MURDER PARTY is the corporate murder thriller that will make you laugh, cry from laughing, and appreciate how hard it is to survive in the professional world. I highly recommend it. Run, don't walk, to purchase this fantastic novel! Thank you to NetGalley and Berkley Publishing Group | Berkley for providing me with an eARC of this book for my honest feedback.
Fletcher Spence has always dreamed of being a photographer for a travel adventure magazine. Three years ago, she snagged a job as an executive assistant for the CEO of Cartwright Media, the intimidating Dyer Cartwright. She's worked 72 hour plus work weeks, and has dedicated her energies to ensure the CEO's needs are met with perfection. After some machinations, she manages to secure a spot on the exclusive executive safari party. Unfortunately, her boss dies, and his will indicates that the entire media empire will go to whomever survives their time at his retreat, a beautiful island surrounded by wildlife. Oh, and the protection fences are down so the lions and tigers and bears (oh my) are free to roam. Oh, and there happens to be weapons and other instruments of murder freely available to those who know where to look.
Her co-workers transform from clean-cut executive to raving mad killers. The only chance Fletcher has to survive the bloodbath is to team up with Dyer's wayward and handsome son, Waylon. The only problem is that Fletcher doesn't trust Waylon, for... reasons. I had a blast reading this book. It had a vibe similar to one of my all-time favorite movies, Game Night, starring Jason Bateman and Rachel McAdams. It was such an entertaining read!
What I loved most:
- Having worked in corporate America, I found the comparison of professionalism vs. greed and poking fun at the corporate rat race absolutely hysterical. I laughed so hard I cried.
- There are so many truthisms in this novel about professional work, being underappreciated no matter how hard you work, nepo babies, the list goes on and on. Rachel hit the mark on these every single time
- What a strong cast of characters! Fletcher, right from the very beginning, was highly relatable and someone I wanted to protect from all the baddies on the island. I was cheering for her to get her promotion and to survive the madness. Waylon gradually grew more complex and surprised me as a reader, in the best way. The pulling back the curtain of how he came to be the guy whom Fletcher began hating was very well crafted. The supporting cast was strong as well, and honed to fit their corporate roles to a T.
- The use of corporate stereotypes was so hilariously done. The two Brians in marketing who could only talk about ad performance, The clueless intern. The cutthroat people in sales. Princeless!
- The chemistry between Fletcher and Waylon was phenomenal. Their romantic scenes were a welcome respite from the violence of the people hunting. There's a tree house! IYKYK
- The story is such a great balance between action, adventure, comedy, and romance. If I had to pick one aspect I loved most about this book is that it made me laugh. There were so many times when I looked up from my reading and read a line to my husband. He found the lines funny, too.
- The pacing was perfect. Just when I didn't think I could take another murder, there was a softer, more quiet scene before THINGS GOT CRAZY AGAIN. It was awesome.
What didn't work:
- I can't think of a single thing I'd change! Hence the five out of five star rating.
SAFARI MURDER PARTY is the corporate murder thriller that will make you laugh, cry from laughing, and appreciate how hard it is to survive in the professional world. I highly recommend it. Run, don't walk, to purchase this fantastic novel! Thank you to NetGalley and Berkley Publishing Group | Berkley for providing me with an eARC of this book for my honest feedback.
March 25, 2026
Fletcher is the executive assistant to Dyer Cartwright, CEO of Cartwright Media, and after years of 70 hour weeks with no promotion, she’s over it. So when she’s not invited to the company’s exclusive island retreat, known for leading to promotions, she takes matters into her own hands and shows up anyway. At first, the trip feels like a strange but promising work getaway on a private safari-like island, until Fletcher and Dyer’s estranged son, Waylon, find him dead. In his wake, Dyer leaves behind a twisted challenge, whoever is the last employee standing by the end of the week inherits the company and his fortune. What follows is complete chaos, guns, machetes, tasers, it’s every man and woman for themselves. Fletcher quickly realizes her only possible ally might be Waylon, someone she has a complicated past with. All she really wants is to get off the island and somehow land her dream role as the travel magazine’s photographer, but surviving this cutthroat industry might be more literal than she ever expected.
One of the highlights of the book is how fresh and over the top the plot feels. I’ve never read anything quite this extravagant, a private island with imported exotic animals roaming around, a full staff servicing the mansion, it’s wild. Throwing corporate employees into a full fight or flight survival situation was honestly hilarious. Each department sticks to its own clique and leans hard into stereotypes, like the super social sales team and the department heads bossing around their subordinates, which made it even more entertaining. The concept and setting are easily the strongest parts of the book. The descriptions are so vivid it feels like you’re watching everything play out in a theater. The action/chase/death scenes are especially fun and had me constantly waiting for the next one because of how chaotic and comedic they were.
Where it fell short for me was the mix between murder comedy and romance. These two elements didn’t really work together, and it made it hard to know what I was supposed to take seriously. One moment you’re deep in Fletcher's emotional trauma and the next there are safari animals sneaking up on people. I get that it’s meant to be satirical and campy, but the romance didn’t blend well with that tone. It gave me a bit of whiplash trying to keep up with what the book wanted to be. Because of that, it started to feel like it was rambling on and harder to stay invested. On top of that, both Fletcher and Waylon were pretty unlikeable to me. Fletcher came across like she thought she was more insightful and funny than she actually was, and Waylon was supposed to be the likeable asshole type, but I didn’t really find any redeeming qualities in him. This is one of those couples that feels like they’d break up in six months.
I’d describe this as more of a murder comedy with a side of an underbaked Hallmark romance. If you liked Glass Onion, you’d probably enjoy this because it has that same cinematic, chaotic energy. The humor and references feel very current, which personally annoyed me a bit, but I can see others finding it relatable. For me, the imbalance between satire and romance made it hard to fully connect with the story, and the bigger theme about corporate America kind of lost its impact by the end because of the overly neat, almost cheesy romantic wrap-up.
Thank you to Berkley Publishing Group and NetGalley for the advanced reader copy!
One of the highlights of the book is how fresh and over the top the plot feels. I’ve never read anything quite this extravagant, a private island with imported exotic animals roaming around, a full staff servicing the mansion, it’s wild. Throwing corporate employees into a full fight or flight survival situation was honestly hilarious. Each department sticks to its own clique and leans hard into stereotypes, like the super social sales team and the department heads bossing around their subordinates, which made it even more entertaining. The concept and setting are easily the strongest parts of the book. The descriptions are so vivid it feels like you’re watching everything play out in a theater. The action/chase/death scenes are especially fun and had me constantly waiting for the next one because of how chaotic and comedic they were.
Where it fell short for me was the mix between murder comedy and romance. These two elements didn’t really work together, and it made it hard to know what I was supposed to take seriously. One moment you’re deep in Fletcher's emotional trauma and the next there are safari animals sneaking up on people. I get that it’s meant to be satirical and campy, but the romance didn’t blend well with that tone. It gave me a bit of whiplash trying to keep up with what the book wanted to be. Because of that, it started to feel like it was rambling on and harder to stay invested. On top of that, both Fletcher and Waylon were pretty unlikeable to me. Fletcher came across like she thought she was more insightful and funny than she actually was, and Waylon was supposed to be the likeable asshole type, but I didn’t really find any redeeming qualities in him. This is one of those couples that feels like they’d break up in six months.
I’d describe this as more of a murder comedy with a side of an underbaked Hallmark romance. If you liked Glass Onion, you’d probably enjoy this because it has that same cinematic, chaotic energy. The humor and references feel very current, which personally annoyed me a bit, but I can see others finding it relatable. For me, the imbalance between satire and romance made it hard to fully connect with the story, and the bigger theme about corporate America kind of lost its impact by the end because of the overly neat, almost cheesy romantic wrap-up.
Thank you to Berkley Publishing Group and NetGalley for the advanced reader copy!
Review of advance copy received from Netgalley
A funny and slightly murderous vacation.
Fletcher Spence was one of the best personal assistants that the world-famous Jet-Setter Magazine has ever had--at least that is what her boss has told her. Unfortunately, what Fletcher has always dreamed of was being a photographer for Jet-Setter, not scheduling lunches and refilling the copier. She wants to travel the world and take beautiful, magazine-worthy photographs.
Every year, her boss rewards his top people with a trip to his private island for a week of sun and schmoozing--with most returning with a new position in the company. This year, Fletcher made sure to put her own name on the list but she was shocked and disappointed, not only to find her name taken off but to see the Waylon Cartwright, her boss's disinherited son, listed instead. The one human being in New York that Fletcher is convinced is her actual, real-life nemesis.
Fletcher has not had the best year. She broke up with her long-time, long-distance boyfriend and she is being evicted from her affordable (i.e. cheap) apartment. She not only dreams of being on the photography staff, she needs that promotion in order to stay in New York City. If she's the best assistant ever, than she needs to be on that island to assist her boss. So in desperation, Fletcher shows up at the private airport, and just when she believes her boss is about to send her on her away, he agrees to allow her to join them.
This would be the best opportunity that Fletcher has ever had to succeed in her career, except this year her boss has something special planned. It is time for new management at Jet-Setter and he has set up a Hunger Games scenario where the winner--or survivor--takes all and becomes the new owner of Jet-Setter. With a billion dollar business on the line, what's a little murder between colleagues.
This story was very creative in its presentation of what happens when your office devolves in a Lord of the Flies way. The sales team sticks together while the CFO goes off the rails. Fletcher is always one to be ten steps ahead of what her boss needs, so they all want her on their team so they can pick her brains--off the wall if necessary. You don't want the others to get ahead, do you? Office resentments come to the forefront and pay cuts come by way of a machete. Some deaths come swiftly and some quite creatively but it is shocking how quickly your co-workers just might turn on you.
The only negative here was that Waylon is kind of one-dimensional, the misunderstood rich kid. Fletcher and Waylon have been non-friends for the three years since the met after one three-minute interlude. It was a very Pride and Prejudice meeting where Fletcher felt offended and Waylon felt slighted and it really wasn't that big of a deal.
While the story was fun, the romance lacked. It was still worth the read.
Fletcher Spence was one of the best personal assistants that the world-famous Jet-Setter Magazine has ever had--at least that is what her boss has told her. Unfortunately, what Fletcher has always dreamed of was being a photographer for Jet-Setter, not scheduling lunches and refilling the copier. She wants to travel the world and take beautiful, magazine-worthy photographs.
Every year, her boss rewards his top people with a trip to his private island for a week of sun and schmoozing--with most returning with a new position in the company. This year, Fletcher made sure to put her own name on the list but she was shocked and disappointed, not only to find her name taken off but to see the Waylon Cartwright, her boss's disinherited son, listed instead. The one human being in New York that Fletcher is convinced is her actual, real-life nemesis.
Fletcher has not had the best year. She broke up with her long-time, long-distance boyfriend and she is being evicted from her affordable (i.e. cheap) apartment. She not only dreams of being on the photography staff, she needs that promotion in order to stay in New York City. If she's the best assistant ever, than she needs to be on that island to assist her boss. So in desperation, Fletcher shows up at the private airport, and just when she believes her boss is about to send her on her away, he agrees to allow her to join them.
This would be the best opportunity that Fletcher has ever had to succeed in her career, except this year her boss has something special planned. It is time for new management at Jet-Setter and he has set up a Hunger Games scenario where the winner--or survivor--takes all and becomes the new owner of Jet-Setter. With a billion dollar business on the line, what's a little murder between colleagues.
This story was very creative in its presentation of what happens when your office devolves in a Lord of the Flies way. The sales team sticks together while the CFO goes off the rails. Fletcher is always one to be ten steps ahead of what her boss needs, so they all want her on their team so they can pick her brains--off the wall if necessary. You don't want the others to get ahead, do you? Office resentments come to the forefront and pay cuts come by way of a machete. Some deaths come swiftly and some quite creatively but it is shocking how quickly your co-workers just might turn on you.
The only negative here was that Waylon is kind of one-dimensional, the misunderstood rich kid. Fletcher and Waylon have been non-friends for the three years since the met after one three-minute interlude. It was a very Pride and Prejudice meeting where Fletcher felt offended and Waylon felt slighted and it really wasn't that big of a deal.
While the story was fun, the romance lacked. It was still worth the read.
Review of advance copy received from Netgalley
This book is a wild, darkly comedic ride that perfectly captures the "eat the rich" sentiment currently popular in fiction, but it adds a layer of corporate satire that feels painfully relatable. It takes the concept of a cutthroat workplace LITERALLY!! Seeing office rivals transform into actual hunters is hilarious. It feels like a mix between Succession and The Hunger Games, but with much more wit and a surprisingly charming romance at its center.
It follows Fletcher Spence, a hardworking assistant at Cartwright Media who has spent years chasing a promotion. She finally earns a spot on the company’s legendary annual retreat held on a private, wildlife-filled island. However, the corporate getaway turns into a literal death match when the CEO dies and leaves a shocking will: whoever survives the week inherits the entire media empire. Fletcher finds herself hunted by her own power-hungry coworkers and must team up with her boss’s handsome but infuriating son, Waylon Cartwright, to survive both the exotic predators on the island and the colleagues who have traded their spreadsheets for weapons.
Fletcher is a fantastic protagonist because her motivation is so grounded. She is not just trying to survive for the sake of it, but she is grappling with how much her own ambition has cost her over the years. Her dynamic with Waylon is the emotional heart of the story. Their enemies-to-lovers arc feels earned because it is forged in such an absurdly high-stakes environment. Their banter provides a necessary break from the tension of being chased by marketing executives with machetes!
The island setting is used brilliantly to heighten the chaos. Moore does not just focus on the human threat, but also the unpredictable nature of the safari animals that the characters are completely unprepared to handle. The pacing is incredibly fast, almost breathless, as the group dwindles and the true colors of each corporate climber are revealed. It is a cynical but deeply entertaining look at how far people will go for a title and a paycheck.
I loved how the book managed to be a genuine thriller while still making me laugh out loud at the absurdity of the situations. It is rare to find a story that can balance gruesome deaths with sharp humor and a steamy romance without losing its way. This is a perfect read for anyone who has ever felt like their job was killing them, as it takes that feeling to its most extreme and entertaining conclusion.
*Thank you to NetGalley and Berkley Publishing for the ARC*
It follows Fletcher Spence, a hardworking assistant at Cartwright Media who has spent years chasing a promotion. She finally earns a spot on the company’s legendary annual retreat held on a private, wildlife-filled island. However, the corporate getaway turns into a literal death match when the CEO dies and leaves a shocking will: whoever survives the week inherits the entire media empire. Fletcher finds herself hunted by her own power-hungry coworkers and must team up with her boss’s handsome but infuriating son, Waylon Cartwright, to survive both the exotic predators on the island and the colleagues who have traded their spreadsheets for weapons.
Fletcher is a fantastic protagonist because her motivation is so grounded. She is not just trying to survive for the sake of it, but she is grappling with how much her own ambition has cost her over the years. Her dynamic with Waylon is the emotional heart of the story. Their enemies-to-lovers arc feels earned because it is forged in such an absurdly high-stakes environment. Their banter provides a necessary break from the tension of being chased by marketing executives with machetes!
The island setting is used brilliantly to heighten the chaos. Moore does not just focus on the human threat, but also the unpredictable nature of the safari animals that the characters are completely unprepared to handle. The pacing is incredibly fast, almost breathless, as the group dwindles and the true colors of each corporate climber are revealed. It is a cynical but deeply entertaining look at how far people will go for a title and a paycheck.
I loved how the book managed to be a genuine thriller while still making me laugh out loud at the absurdity of the situations. It is rare to find a story that can balance gruesome deaths with sharp humor and a steamy romance without losing its way. This is a perfect read for anyone who has ever felt like their job was killing them, as it takes that feeling to its most extreme and entertaining conclusion.
*Thank you to NetGalley and Berkley Publishing for the ARC*
Review of advance copy received from Netgalley
✨Book Review✨
📚 This book was a toss up for me, the premise was fascinating, but at times it felt very wordy - like the authors was trying to get as many quips and one liners in as possible. It felt like it drifted between third person limited and third person omniscient which made a handful of scenes feel confusing. I had to go back and reread a few paragraphs to see where I missed a transition or development. I thought aspects of this were really strong including an unforeseen twist at the end regarding who the ultimate bad guy is. However a good amount of the characters met their untimely end in a way that felt akin to Final Destination, which tracks because there were a LOT of characters that needed to be unalived in just 350 pages. The execution of melding thrill with romance was not seamless and left me wanting both more and less.
🌟 Overall it was an interesting read, but I am not sure I would recommend putting it to the top of you TBR. It’s giving Knives Out mixed with Final Destination - so if semi cringy is your vibe then give it a try. Maybe this is a hot take… I’d love to hear a different perspective!
Thank you to @NetGalley for the advanced reader copy!
More about: Safari Murder Party - Rachel Moore
📖 Fletcher Spence has been busting her tail for three years as the executive assistant to the owner of Cartwright media. She’s hoping the company retreat to a private island will end in her receiving the promotion to the photography department that she’s been dreaming of - but when her name isn’t on the invite list she takes a chance, showing up on the tarmac packed and ready to join the group. When her boss allows her to come she thinks she has a shot at that promotion; little does she know that there’s much more at stake with this trip - including her heart, since Waylon Cartwright is joining the group. She has barely seen Waylon since their less than ideal meet-cute in the coat closet at a company event years ago. And now they’re going to be stuck on the same remote island for two weeks together. When things start to go sideways on the island she’ll have to decide who to trust with her heart and her life.
Don’t forget to like and save for later!
#SafariMurderParty #ARC #NetGalley #Contemporary #Fiction
|| Mystery, Thriller, Romance, TBR ||
Stars: 2
📚 This book was a toss up for me, the premise was fascinating, but at times it felt very wordy - like the authors was trying to get as many quips and one liners in as possible. It felt like it drifted between third person limited and third person omniscient which made a handful of scenes feel confusing. I had to go back and reread a few paragraphs to see where I missed a transition or development. I thought aspects of this were really strong including an unforeseen twist at the end regarding who the ultimate bad guy is. However a good amount of the characters met their untimely end in a way that felt akin to Final Destination, which tracks because there were a LOT of characters that needed to be unalived in just 350 pages. The execution of melding thrill with romance was not seamless and left me wanting both more and less.
🌟 Overall it was an interesting read, but I am not sure I would recommend putting it to the top of you TBR. It’s giving Knives Out mixed with Final Destination - so if semi cringy is your vibe then give it a try. Maybe this is a hot take… I’d love to hear a different perspective!
Thank you to @NetGalley for the advanced reader copy!
More about: Safari Murder Party - Rachel Moore
📖 Fletcher Spence has been busting her tail for three years as the executive assistant to the owner of Cartwright media. She’s hoping the company retreat to a private island will end in her receiving the promotion to the photography department that she’s been dreaming of - but when her name isn’t on the invite list she takes a chance, showing up on the tarmac packed and ready to join the group. When her boss allows her to come she thinks she has a shot at that promotion; little does she know that there’s much more at stake with this trip - including her heart, since Waylon Cartwright is joining the group. She has barely seen Waylon since their less than ideal meet-cute in the coat closet at a company event years ago. And now they’re going to be stuck on the same remote island for two weeks together. When things start to go sideways on the island she’ll have to decide who to trust with her heart and her life.
Don’t forget to like and save for later!
#SafariMurderParty #ARC #NetGalley #Contemporary #Fiction
|| Mystery, Thriller, Romance, TBR ||
Stars: 2
Review of advance copy received from Netgalley
Safari Murder Party by Rachel Moore, Fletcher Spence is the assistant to the CEO and owner of a vacation magazine called Jet Set but she’s really vying to be a photographer for it I am the only thing she wants more than that at the moment is to be invited to the week long Safari on Lydell Island. This is where promotions are announced raises or gotten and fun is had by all. So when she gets the guest list to go to the island for the year, she doesn’t know if she’s angrier that she’s not going or that his obnoxious son Waylon is. Waylon is Fletcher’s nemesis who she has a sketchy pass with and when she convinces her boss Mr. Dyer to allow her to the Safari she couldn’t be happier. Even when the others ignore her she doesn’t care she’s going but Fletcher has no idea that Waylon will soon become her best friend and maybe more she’ll be running for her life from the Brian’s, an intern, Rick ETC this is because when they wake up on the first day there they find Mr. Dyer eaten by lions in his will saying that it will a take a treck through the jungle a fight to the finish may the strongest person win. At first they’re baffled and don’t take it serious but when the first one among them goes missing they start eyeing each other and soon it is on and popping. I really like that this was a fast paced book I found some things in it very funny what I didn’t like is the first thing I noticed here they are hoping not to be murdered and while running for people shooting at them his touch gave her tingles… Really… Really while you’re running for your life because someone wants you dead his touch gave you butterflies I don’t think so. Also when they first started trying to get away from their fellow murderous coworkers she was telling Waylon where to go… I’m sorry isn’t that where he grew up every summer she’s never been there why would she lead the way? there’s a lot of other things but I would be lying if I say I didn’t enjoy this book because I did I just thought it could’ve done without the romance because how could you fall in love when you’re worried about being murdered? If you love popcorn thrillers/mixed with romance then you may like this book I really did like it but IDK I really I wouldn’t read it again but others I think will enjoy it. #NetGalley, #TheBlindReviewer, #MyHonestReview,
Review of advance copy received from NetGalley
Wow, this book was such a fun, wild ride that I genuinely didn’t want it to end. Rachel Moore did something incredibly unique here, blending romance with a twisty thriller while weaving in so many laugh-out-loud moments. It felt fresh, original, and had me completely locked in from chapter one.
The best way I can describe it: imagine Knives Out on a safari island… but with romance.
I don’t want to say too much because this is absolutely the kind of book where spoilers would ruin the experience. You really need to go along for the journey and let all the twists unfold. Just know that there’s a lot of murder, so if that’s not usually your thing, keep that in mind. That said, as someone who doesn’t typically read thrillers, I had no problem with it and found it more fun and adventurous than heavy.
Fletcher Spence is determined to finally get the promotion she deserves. She may be an incredible assistant to the CEO of Cartwright Media, but she knows she’s capable of so much more. After finally taking a stand, she ends up on a corporate retreat with the company’s top executives—where she absolutely wasn’t supposed to be, but absolutely deserves to be more than the CEO’s son.
Then there’s Waylon Cartwright, the seemingly unserious playboy who walked away from Cartwright Media to run his own bar. But when his father dies and declares that whoever survives the retreat will become the next CEO, everything changes.
Now the corporate staff is stranded on an island, fighting to stay alive among deadly safari animals and honestly, the human threats might be even worse.
Fletcher and Waylon form an uneasy alliance that quickly becomes one of my favorite parts of the book. Watching them work together, uncover truths, and slowly develop undeniable feelings made the romance so satisfying. Their chemistry was fantastic, and I loved how their relationship evolved naturally amidst all the chaos.
There are so many twists and turns packed into this story, and it’s such a fun, addictive adventure that somehow manages to deliver an amazing happily ever after. I absolutely adored this book and was left with a serious book hangover after finishing.
I can’t wait to read more adult novels from Rachel Moore.
Thank you to Berkley for the eARC. All opinions are my own.
The best way I can describe it: imagine Knives Out on a safari island… but with romance.
I don’t want to say too much because this is absolutely the kind of book where spoilers would ruin the experience. You really need to go along for the journey and let all the twists unfold. Just know that there’s a lot of murder, so if that’s not usually your thing, keep that in mind. That said, as someone who doesn’t typically read thrillers, I had no problem with it and found it more fun and adventurous than heavy.
Fletcher Spence is determined to finally get the promotion she deserves. She may be an incredible assistant to the CEO of Cartwright Media, but she knows she’s capable of so much more. After finally taking a stand, she ends up on a corporate retreat with the company’s top executives—where she absolutely wasn’t supposed to be, but absolutely deserves to be more than the CEO’s son.
Then there’s Waylon Cartwright, the seemingly unserious playboy who walked away from Cartwright Media to run his own bar. But when his father dies and declares that whoever survives the retreat will become the next CEO, everything changes.
Now the corporate staff is stranded on an island, fighting to stay alive among deadly safari animals and honestly, the human threats might be even worse.
Fletcher and Waylon form an uneasy alliance that quickly becomes one of my favorite parts of the book. Watching them work together, uncover truths, and slowly develop undeniable feelings made the romance so satisfying. Their chemistry was fantastic, and I loved how their relationship evolved naturally amidst all the chaos.
There are so many twists and turns packed into this story, and it’s such a fun, addictive adventure that somehow manages to deliver an amazing happily ever after. I absolutely adored this book and was left with a serious book hangover after finishing.
I can’t wait to read more adult novels from Rachel Moore.
Thank you to Berkley for the eARC. All opinions are my own.
Review of advance copy received from Netgalley
🌟🌟🌟.5 Rounding up to 4
Ready for a wild ride? Let’s talk about “Safari Murder Party” by Rachel Moore.
Thanks to the author and Berkley for this #GiftedARC via NetGalley.
I dove into this one with my expectations sky-high. That title? Instant yes. The cover? Not so much. Give me a private island, a bunch of rich people, and murder on the menu, and I’m already grabbing popcorn. I’ve read this setup before and loved every messy minute, so I was ready to get swept away.
Most of these characters are absolute nightmares. I wouldn’t trust them with my houseplants. But that’s half the fun. There’s something delicious about watching a pack of terrible people try to out-scheme each other. My kind of entertainment!
Fletcher, our main character, is the rare gem in this snake pit. She’s sharp, down-to-earth, and smart enough to realize she’s surrounded by scum. I latched onto her fast—she’s basically the only one with a moral compass.
Once everyone lands on the island, the real circus begins. That’s when the masks start to slip, secrets come out, and alliances begin to wobble like a Jenga tower. The whole vibe shifts from tense vacation to total meltdown. There’s one secret reveal that practically sucks the oxygen out of the room—I was completely hooked.
One detail to note: The book is also categorized as a romance, which slipped past me, and that element plays a significant role. If you love your thrillers with a heavy dose of swoon, you’ll be in heaven. I usually dodge romance, so I was a little thrown. It’s not what I’m expecting when I pick up a book with “Murder Party” in the title.
The twists are solid. Some surprised me, others I saw coming. But the story was entertaining enough that it didn’t bother me.
Overall, it’s about slimy rich people, bad choices, exposed secrets, and one island that can’t handle all the drama. If you want a thriller with bite and a strong romantic thread, this book will keep you turning pages. At the very least, it might make you appreciate your own friends a little more.
#SafariMurderParty
Ready for a wild ride? Let’s talk about “Safari Murder Party” by Rachel Moore.
Thanks to the author and Berkley for this #GiftedARC via NetGalley.
I dove into this one with my expectations sky-high. That title? Instant yes. The cover? Not so much. Give me a private island, a bunch of rich people, and murder on the menu, and I’m already grabbing popcorn. I’ve read this setup before and loved every messy minute, so I was ready to get swept away.
Most of these characters are absolute nightmares. I wouldn’t trust them with my houseplants. But that’s half the fun. There’s something delicious about watching a pack of terrible people try to out-scheme each other. My kind of entertainment!
Fletcher, our main character, is the rare gem in this snake pit. She’s sharp, down-to-earth, and smart enough to realize she’s surrounded by scum. I latched onto her fast—she’s basically the only one with a moral compass.
Once everyone lands on the island, the real circus begins. That’s when the masks start to slip, secrets come out, and alliances begin to wobble like a Jenga tower. The whole vibe shifts from tense vacation to total meltdown. There’s one secret reveal that practically sucks the oxygen out of the room—I was completely hooked.
One detail to note: The book is also categorized as a romance, which slipped past me, and that element plays a significant role. If you love your thrillers with a heavy dose of swoon, you’ll be in heaven. I usually dodge romance, so I was a little thrown. It’s not what I’m expecting when I pick up a book with “Murder Party” in the title.
The twists are solid. Some surprised me, others I saw coming. But the story was entertaining enough that it didn’t bother me.
Overall, it’s about slimy rich people, bad choices, exposed secrets, and one island that can’t handle all the drama. If you want a thriller with bite and a strong romantic thread, this book will keep you turning pages. At the very least, it might make you appreciate your own friends a little more.
#SafariMurderParty
Review of advance copy received from Netgalley
Does your spring or summer TBR need a wild, action packed romp? Something where bad things happen to bad people? Have I got a book for you.
Out in May, Safari Murder Party by Rachel Moore is a fast paced, plot driven adventure about going after what you want and how your job will never love you back.
It’s a genre mashup of adventure and romance with a dash of comedy. It gets slotted in romance because the heart of the book is Fletcher facing herself in a helluva situation. If she stays safe, she can never fail but things come to a head where the status quo is no longer an option.
Slotting it in romance also lowers the stakes. We know how things with Fletcher and Waylon will end. It lets readers who don’t usually dabble in higher action content explore with the safety net of knowing the ending.
I wouldn’t recommend this for those who need compassion for their poor nerves. Fletcher’s coworkers drop like flies and it is frequently not pretty. I enjoy watching terrible people meet terrible ends. If you can’t handle mild gore, you’ll need to skip some sections.
I have a couple of nits to pick. It mostly comes down to balance. Safari is so plot forward, the character development suffers. I needed to see more of how Dyer was the evil mastermind he was, how her coworkers ticked, proof Fletcher knew everything. More showing before the big game hunting.
The genre blend was also a bit off. I needed a little bit more of the romance, the yearning, the hate-flirting. Since we are only in Fletcher’s POV, and romance is this book goes, I needed 10-15% more preheating to tip the genre balance where it needed to be.
This was fully a me thing. I consume a lot of nature content so there were multiple instances of animal behavior that made me go 🤨. One of the first books I ever requested on NetGalley was a collection of NatGeo essays. My brain will always ‘Um, actually’ this kind of thing.
Overall, I had a lot of fun and stayed up past my bedtime reading it two days in a row. A great read to take on vacation or give to the friend who needs one. 4/5
Out in May, Safari Murder Party by Rachel Moore is a fast paced, plot driven adventure about going after what you want and how your job will never love you back.
It’s a genre mashup of adventure and romance with a dash of comedy. It gets slotted in romance because the heart of the book is Fletcher facing herself in a helluva situation. If she stays safe, she can never fail but things come to a head where the status quo is no longer an option.
Slotting it in romance also lowers the stakes. We know how things with Fletcher and Waylon will end. It lets readers who don’t usually dabble in higher action content explore with the safety net of knowing the ending.
I wouldn’t recommend this for those who need compassion for their poor nerves. Fletcher’s coworkers drop like flies and it is frequently not pretty. I enjoy watching terrible people meet terrible ends. If you can’t handle mild gore, you’ll need to skip some sections.
I have a couple of nits to pick. It mostly comes down to balance. Safari is so plot forward, the character development suffers. I needed to see more of how Dyer was the evil mastermind he was, how her coworkers ticked, proof Fletcher knew everything. More showing before the big game hunting.
The genre blend was also a bit off. I needed a little bit more of the romance, the yearning, the hate-flirting. Since we are only in Fletcher’s POV, and romance is this book goes, I needed 10-15% more preheating to tip the genre balance where it needed to be.
This was fully a me thing. I consume a lot of nature content so there were multiple instances of animal behavior that made me go 🤨. One of the first books I ever requested on NetGalley was a collection of NatGeo essays. My brain will always ‘Um, actually’ this kind of thing.
Overall, I had a lot of fun and stayed up past my bedtime reading it two days in a row. A great read to take on vacation or give to the friend who needs one. 4/5
Review of advance copy received from NetGalley
After three years of grunt work as an executive assistant and a week of setbacks, Fletcher Spence’s life may finally be improving when she stands up herself and gets herself invited to her company’s annual retreat on her boss’s private island. But things take a dramatic turn when the group find the CEO dead and an ominous message indicating that the company will go to whoever can make it off the island, filled with predators, both animal and human, and make it back to New York to claim the title. Teaming up with her sworn enemy, and the former boss’s estranged son, to fight for her life, Fletcher finds herself debating whether finding her voice was the worst possible choice- or the possibly the best decision she’s ever made.
This story is a bit of a rom-com, mixed with a survival/thriller, mixing genres effortlessly in a novel that really kept me interested until the very end.
The title really says it all, doesn’t it, lol? This is one heck of a company retreat! It quickly goes from a kumbaya situation to a Hunger Games scenario very quickly, with people turning on each other on a dime. This is one of those books where you have to suspend your belief a little because I have to think there would be a little more debate/attempt to settle the question before the bloodbath, but I have always said I can do so for a good story, and this is a GOOD story.
Even here there’s a couple of good twists and turns that make things interesting and fun. I was invested in both the romance and the action/thriller storylines. I definitely binged the last half of the book to find out how it was going to end.
And I loved the ending. Perfect for the tone of the book and how I wanted it to end after reading it. The author really understood what the readers wanted from the book and delivered in tone and style in this one and I appreciated that.
Overall, I greatly enjoyed this one and look forward to more from this author. If you’re looking for a good rom-com with a bit of a thriller twist, this is a perfect choice!
This story is a bit of a rom-com, mixed with a survival/thriller, mixing genres effortlessly in a novel that really kept me interested until the very end.
The title really says it all, doesn’t it, lol? This is one heck of a company retreat! It quickly goes from a kumbaya situation to a Hunger Games scenario very quickly, with people turning on each other on a dime. This is one of those books where you have to suspend your belief a little because I have to think there would be a little more debate/attempt to settle the question before the bloodbath, but I have always said I can do so for a good story, and this is a GOOD story.
Even here there’s a couple of good twists and turns that make things interesting and fun. I was invested in both the romance and the action/thriller storylines. I definitely binged the last half of the book to find out how it was going to end.
And I loved the ending. Perfect for the tone of the book and how I wanted it to end after reading it. The author really understood what the readers wanted from the book and delivered in tone and style in this one and I appreciated that.
Overall, I greatly enjoyed this one and look forward to more from this author. If you’re looking for a good rom-com with a bit of a thriller twist, this is a perfect choice!
Review of advance copy received from NetGalley
The premise of "Safari Murder Party" sounded sooooo cool and wacky and fun—a corporate retreat where colleagues start murdering each other over the company inheritance!!?!? Bring on the capitalist satire!!
But unfortunately, I think the book really failed to find its footing as it teetered away from the interesting and straight into the expected. The deaths absolutely *were* unhinged, but the narrative was missing the kind of undercutting commentary that would've (and could've!!!) made it a total knockout.
The horror gave way to a horrifyingly stereotypical romance, and it's just not what I wanted or expected from this read. Fletcher was the down-on-her-luck, driven protagonist who took herself too seriously, only taking breaks to dish out biting sarcasm for her super-hot "nemesis"; Waylon was the brooding, misunderstood rich boy who just couldn't stand being boxed in and raised his eyebrows mockingly; and I sat in the corner predicting their every line of dialogue as they fell in love at warp speed because they'd apparently always been in love with each other even though they'd only met twice.
The animals, at least, were well used. But why weren't we wondering more about all the murder?!?!
We flirted with depth but stayed mostly surface-level, prioritizing this fluffy romance over any real examination of twisted motives and societal rot. For example, I would've loved some more background on the cast of characters assembled on the island—what drove them to such depraved greed? How on earth could a boss conceive of something so insane for his subordinates?? And was there really no room, or even a pause, for a group discussion or a voice of reason?? Without central questions like these being addressed, I felt like the central *point* of the book was just lost on me.
Clearly this book just wasn't for me... but I'll be thinking about what could've been!!!
[Thank you to NetGalley and Berkley Publishing Group for an advance reader copy of this book!]
But unfortunately, I think the book really failed to find its footing as it teetered away from the interesting and straight into the expected. The deaths absolutely *were* unhinged, but the narrative was missing the kind of undercutting commentary that would've (and could've!!!) made it a total knockout.
The horror gave way to a horrifyingly stereotypical romance, and it's just not what I wanted or expected from this read. Fletcher was the down-on-her-luck, driven protagonist who took herself too seriously, only taking breaks to dish out biting sarcasm for her super-hot "nemesis"; Waylon was the brooding, misunderstood rich boy who just couldn't stand being boxed in and raised his eyebrows mockingly; and I sat in the corner predicting their every line of dialogue as they fell in love at warp speed because they'd apparently always been in love with each other even though they'd only met twice.
The animals, at least, were well used. But why weren't we wondering more about all the murder?!?!
We flirted with depth but stayed mostly surface-level, prioritizing this fluffy romance over any real examination of twisted motives and societal rot. For example, I would've loved some more background on the cast of characters assembled on the island—what drove them to such depraved greed? How on earth could a boss conceive of something so insane for his subordinates?? And was there really no room, or even a pause, for a group discussion or a voice of reason?? Without central questions like these being addressed, I felt like the central *point* of the book was just lost on me.
Clearly this book just wasn't for me... but I'll be thinking about what could've been!!!
[Thank you to NetGalley and Berkley Publishing Group for an advance reader copy of this book!]
Review of advance copy received from NetGalley
Another 5-star read! I’ll admit, I was a little nervous going into this one because I peeked at some reviews beforehand but for me, this book was funny, chaotic, and insanely fast-paced in the best way. The easiest way to describe it? Think Shark Tank meets Send Help.
The concept is so wild and entertaining. Set during a corporate retreat on a remote island, where promotions are handed out like appetizers, a group of employees suddenly tap into their most primal instincts when their CEO dies in a brutal animal attack. What follows is complete chaos as they turn on each other in a fight for power. The entire time I was reading, I kept thinking: this is basically Battle Royale but with coworkers.
What really worked for me is how easy this book is to follow despite all the madness. The chapters fly by, and it’s one of those stories you just devour because you need to know what happens next.
I also loved how balanced it felt. It’s honestly a perfect 50/50 mix of romance and survival chaos. You get the tension, the danger, the betrayals but also that slow-burn, enemies-to-lovers dynamic that keeps building alongside everything else. The emotional intensity, the anger, and the desperation between characters all feel heightened in such a fun, addictive way.
And yes, there are moments that make you question everything like why Dryer would set up such a brutal situation instead of simply choosing a successor (especially with his own son right there). But I really appreciated that the story does address this later on, and it’s backed up with a couple of satisfying plot twists.
Overall, this book fully embraces its chaotic premise and delivers on it. It’s entertaining, unhinged, and impossible to put down. If you’re into high-stakes survival stories with dark humor, romance, and a cast of characters willing to do anything to win,this one is the perfect reading for you.
The concept is so wild and entertaining. Set during a corporate retreat on a remote island, where promotions are handed out like appetizers, a group of employees suddenly tap into their most primal instincts when their CEO dies in a brutal animal attack. What follows is complete chaos as they turn on each other in a fight for power. The entire time I was reading, I kept thinking: this is basically Battle Royale but with coworkers.
What really worked for me is how easy this book is to follow despite all the madness. The chapters fly by, and it’s one of those stories you just devour because you need to know what happens next.
I also loved how balanced it felt. It’s honestly a perfect 50/50 mix of romance and survival chaos. You get the tension, the danger, the betrayals but also that slow-burn, enemies-to-lovers dynamic that keeps building alongside everything else. The emotional intensity, the anger, and the desperation between characters all feel heightened in such a fun, addictive way.
And yes, there are moments that make you question everything like why Dryer would set up such a brutal situation instead of simply choosing a successor (especially with his own son right there). But I really appreciated that the story does address this later on, and it’s backed up with a couple of satisfying plot twists.
Overall, this book fully embraces its chaotic premise and delivers on it. It’s entertaining, unhinged, and impossible to put down. If you’re into high-stakes survival stories with dark humor, romance, and a cast of characters willing to do anything to win,this one is the perfect reading for you.
Review of advance copy received from NetGalley
To put it succinctly, Safari Murder Party was completely bonkers in the best way possible. This is the first of Rachel Moore’s novels that I have read and now I’m desperate for more. It was an incredibly fun read and honestly, more engaging than about a dozen or so books combined that I read previous to it.
The number of characters introduced in the first handful of chapters was a bit overwhelming and I found myself reverting back to the flowchart/map that was provided just to keep everyone straight, especially as the initial twist/plot was revealed. Fletcher was a relatively simple protagonist who became so much more interesting throughout the storyline because of the manner in which she reacted to everything. I did find it a bit odd that her family was mentioned multiple times, but never given any names— reduced to monikers of ‘older brother’ and the like. Her dynamic with Waylon was charming and their chemistry (and her inner monologue during such scenes) electric. Waylon, for his part, was fantastic and quite endearing.
It was difficult at times to imagine the setting, not because of Moore’s descriptions, but rather due to the grandeur of it all (and maybe because I need to brush up on my zoology too). That said, each page was filled with so much action, that it almost seemed as if Moore wanted Lydell itself to take a backseat to the drama. The conflict did become muddled by the end of the novel and the conclusion of the hunt didn’t seem as intense as the beginning, or even the middle, of it. Nonetheless, the storyline was relatively tight throughout the entirety of Safari Murder Party.
I wholeheartedly recommend reading this novel anytime you are in a slump, or reading a book that has done little to keep your attention. It will take you far less time than you expect.
Thank you very much to Berkley and NetGalley for the absolute privilege to read this ARC!
The number of characters introduced in the first handful of chapters was a bit overwhelming and I found myself reverting back to the flowchart/map that was provided just to keep everyone straight, especially as the initial twist/plot was revealed. Fletcher was a relatively simple protagonist who became so much more interesting throughout the storyline because of the manner in which she reacted to everything. I did find it a bit odd that her family was mentioned multiple times, but never given any names— reduced to monikers of ‘older brother’ and the like. Her dynamic with Waylon was charming and their chemistry (and her inner monologue during such scenes) electric. Waylon, for his part, was fantastic and quite endearing.
It was difficult at times to imagine the setting, not because of Moore’s descriptions, but rather due to the grandeur of it all (and maybe because I need to brush up on my zoology too). That said, each page was filled with so much action, that it almost seemed as if Moore wanted Lydell itself to take a backseat to the drama. The conflict did become muddled by the end of the novel and the conclusion of the hunt didn’t seem as intense as the beginning, or even the middle, of it. Nonetheless, the storyline was relatively tight throughout the entirety of Safari Murder Party.
I wholeheartedly recommend reading this novel anytime you are in a slump, or reading a book that has done little to keep your attention. It will take you far less time than you expect.
Thank you very much to Berkley and NetGalley for the absolute privilege to read this ARC!
Review of advance copy received from NetGalley
Safari Murder Party sets the stage for a corporate world version of Lord of the Flies with a side of romance. The main character is Fletcher Spence, an aspiring photographer who is the executive assistant to Dyer Cartwright, media mogul and travel magazine tycoon. When the invitations roll out for the annual corporate retreat to a private island off of the coast of Madagascar, Fletcher is dismayed to discover that she is not one of the dozen C-Suite associates invited. She decides that she is going regardless, and arrives before the private jet is set to depart. Dyer, impressed by Fletcher’s chutzpah grants her passage. On the plane, Fletcher is surprised to see Waylon, Dyer’s son who she shared a fleeting, but memorable moment with three years prior. Shortly after arriving on the island, the guests find out it is everyone for themselves, and immediately the blood bath begins. The last one standing will be given ownership of the magazine and the media empire.
Although the premise sounds violent, it is more slapstick than gory. The jungle/forest/savannah settings are written vividly. You could practically hear the birds singing in the forest canopy or feel the mud squelching between your toes. The romance had cute moments, but I felt indifferent towards both characters. I did wish that the author included a list of which characters were still alive and which were eliminated. It wasn’t clear and towards the second half that part of the story seemed unimportant. Overall, it was a fun, east read and was different from a romance or thriller. There were plenty of moments of levity to keep it lighthearted.
Three and a half stars. Thank you to Berkeley and NetGalley for the eARC in exchange for my honest review.
Although the premise sounds violent, it is more slapstick than gory. The jungle/forest/savannah settings are written vividly. You could practically hear the birds singing in the forest canopy or feel the mud squelching between your toes. The romance had cute moments, but I felt indifferent towards both characters. I did wish that the author included a list of which characters were still alive and which were eliminated. It wasn’t clear and towards the second half that part of the story seemed unimportant. Overall, it was a fun, east read and was different from a romance or thriller. There were plenty of moments of levity to keep it lighthearted.
Three and a half stars. Thank you to Berkeley and NetGalley for the eARC in exchange for my honest review.
Review of advance copy received from Netgalley
Safari Murder Party is a combination of sweet enemies to lovers romance and the Lord of the Flies. Assistant to the CEO, Fletcher Spence, sometimes down but never out, manages to get a spot at the company retreat on a private island. Little does she know that her co-workers really will kill for that promotion...
This was such a fun rom-com, thriller, horror novel. Fletcher is easily relatable. She’s more capable than she realizes, has quietly made herself pretty indispensable, and doesn’t get nearly the recognition that she deserves in her job. Fletcher has some good growth throughout the story and doesn’t rely entirely on the love interest (the boss’s son, Waylon) to save her.
There are a couple of very small weak spots. The original incident that makes Waylon and Fletcher so antagonistic doesn’t seem to be all that big a deal, seems pretty silly in fact. The other is that once on the island, Fletcher’s co-workers turn murderous almost instantaneously. Not that they are that nice to begin with, and the stakes are certainly high, but there could have been a bit more of a bridge between the two. Otherwise, the pacing throughout was great and kept the pages turning.
Don’t forget the safari part either. The animals and the jungle were just as entertaining as the sales department in the luxurious house.
With its over-the-top, campy humor, moments of sweetness, and critique of corporate culture, this should appeal to fans of White Lotus or Survivor. It’s a great premise and a bit different from anything that I’ve read recently.
Thank you to NetGalley and Berkley for the eARC.
This was such a fun rom-com, thriller, horror novel. Fletcher is easily relatable. She’s more capable than she realizes, has quietly made herself pretty indispensable, and doesn’t get nearly the recognition that she deserves in her job. Fletcher has some good growth throughout the story and doesn’t rely entirely on the love interest (the boss’s son, Waylon) to save her.
There are a couple of very small weak spots. The original incident that makes Waylon and Fletcher so antagonistic doesn’t seem to be all that big a deal, seems pretty silly in fact. The other is that once on the island, Fletcher’s co-workers turn murderous almost instantaneously. Not that they are that nice to begin with, and the stakes are certainly high, but there could have been a bit more of a bridge between the two. Otherwise, the pacing throughout was great and kept the pages turning.
Don’t forget the safari part either. The animals and the jungle were just as entertaining as the sales department in the luxurious house.
With its over-the-top, campy humor, moments of sweetness, and critique of corporate culture, this should appeal to fans of White Lotus or Survivor. It’s a great premise and a bit different from anything that I’ve read recently.
Thank you to NetGalley and Berkley for the eARC.
Did Not Finish
May 14, 2026Unfortunately, this book did not work with me at all..
I was very curious after reading the synopsis but the execution failed miserably to me.
Maybe I am to blame for expecting something different from what this book actually is.
I genuinely thought this would be a somewhat funny cozy mystery with some romance.
Well, it is not.
The famale protagonist was really hard for me to follow. I thought she was very juvenile and her sense of humour did nothing for me. Or it did. It bored me.
The motivation the characters have to go on a killing spree in that safari? Ludicrous!
I thought it was very annoying and nonsensical to see all those employees from the company, with the snap of the fingers, turn into killers just because their boss said so. Wait...WHAT??
The safari scenario was one of the things that most appealed to me about this book. I thought it could be fun.
To me, it wasn't. Except for one scene with a lion and another one, this whole story could be happening anywhere. It didn't need a safari. The setting was, in my opinion, very poorly written and used.
And don't let me start talking about the romance...!
The romance trope here is one of my most hated tropes in romance novels: "enemies to lovers". I personally cannot stand that.
Anyway, sadly this book didn't work for me at all. Again, maybe it's my fault. Maybe I should have expected all of that from the synopsis, I don't know. All I know is that I really disliked this book. It wasn't fun or funny or enjoyable in any way. To me.
I am sure other readers (especially romance readers) will enjoy this book more than I did.
I was very curious after reading the synopsis but the execution failed miserably to me.
Maybe I am to blame for expecting something different from what this book actually is.
I genuinely thought this would be a somewhat funny cozy mystery with some romance.
Well, it is not.
The famale protagonist was really hard for me to follow. I thought she was very juvenile and her sense of humour did nothing for me. Or it did. It bored me.
The motivation the characters have to go on a killing spree in that safari? Ludicrous!
I thought it was very annoying and nonsensical to see all those employees from the company, with the snap of the fingers, turn into killers just because their boss said so. Wait...WHAT??
The safari scenario was one of the things that most appealed to me about this book. I thought it could be fun.
To me, it wasn't. Except for one scene with a lion and another one, this whole story could be happening anywhere. It didn't need a safari. The setting was, in my opinion, very poorly written and used.
And don't let me start talking about the romance...!
The romance trope here is one of my most hated tropes in romance novels: "enemies to lovers". I personally cannot stand that.
Anyway, sadly this book didn't work for me at all. Again, maybe it's my fault. Maybe I should have expected all of that from the synopsis, I don't know. All I know is that I really disliked this book. It wasn't fun or funny or enjoyable in any way. To me.
I am sure other readers (especially romance readers) will enjoy this book more than I did.
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