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Coterie of Liars
One of Us Is Lying meets The Inheritance Games with the vibes of Saltburn - a seductively commercial thriller tapping into the trend dark academia and decadence from stand up comedian Kate Weston.
It’s the party you’d KILL to be invited to…
As Evie and her friends – dubbed the ‘coterie’ in homage to her grandmother’s legendary group of artists – graduate from their elite private school, they prepare to host one last epic summer party at Evie's family mansion, D’olobelle. The D’olobelle parties are notorious, with everyone desperate for an invite and a taste of the debauchery.
And the Coterie are determined this year’s party will be the most scandalous yet.
The
Hugo: The suave and charming golden boy, and Evie’s devoted boyfriend, whose charisma hides deeper complexities.
Jess: The passionate vegan influencer who struggles with her principles –especially when she stress-eats chorizo.
Tim: The hot mess with a drink perpetually in hand and a knack for self-sabotage.
CeCe: The fashion-loving intellect who’s too clever for their own good, always ready to dissect the drama.
And Evie herself, queen bee of their elite private school and aspiring actress. She wants this last summer to be perfect.
But as the festivities unfold, a series of chilling ‘accidents’ begin to plague the group. And it seems that each of them has something to hide. Who is targeting them, and what dark secrets are lurking just beneath the surface?
And as eerie photos of the previous coterie emerge, it becomes clear that D’olobelle is not just a backdrop for their celebration – it holds secrets of its own.
Can the Coterie unravel what is going on – or will the last summer at D’olobelle be their last summer of all?
A deliciously dark comedy thriller, perfect for fans of Laura Steven and Bella Mackie.
It’s the party you’d KILL to be invited to…
As Evie and her friends – dubbed the ‘coterie’ in homage to her grandmother’s legendary group of artists – graduate from their elite private school, they prepare to host one last epic summer party at Evie's family mansion, D’olobelle. The D’olobelle parties are notorious, with everyone desperate for an invite and a taste of the debauchery.
And the Coterie are determined this year’s party will be the most scandalous yet.
The
Hugo: The suave and charming golden boy, and Evie’s devoted boyfriend, whose charisma hides deeper complexities.
Jess: The passionate vegan influencer who struggles with her principles –especially when she stress-eats chorizo.
Tim: The hot mess with a drink perpetually in hand and a knack for self-sabotage.
CeCe: The fashion-loving intellect who’s too clever for their own good, always ready to dissect the drama.
And Evie herself, queen bee of their elite private school and aspiring actress. She wants this last summer to be perfect.
But as the festivities unfold, a series of chilling ‘accidents’ begin to plague the group. And it seems that each of them has something to hide. Who is targeting them, and what dark secrets are lurking just beneath the surface?
And as eerie photos of the previous coterie emerge, it becomes clear that D’olobelle is not just a backdrop for their celebration – it holds secrets of its own.
Can the Coterie unravel what is going on – or will the last summer at D’olobelle be their last summer of all?
A deliciously dark comedy thriller, perfect for fans of Laura Steven and Bella Mackie.
320 pages, Kindle Edition
Published June 4, 2026
About the author
Kate Weston
15 books91 followersKate Weston is an ex-stand up comedian and the author of four YA murder mysteries, as well as her adult debut thriller You May Now Kill The Bride, which was published in 2024. Her most recent YA book, feminist thriller Murder on a School Night, was shortlisted for the YA Book Prize 2024. Kate has also been been a semi-finalist for Funny Women and New Comedian of the Year, longlisted for Comedy Women in Print and the Branford Boase, and nominated for the Carnegie Medal.
Kate lives in London with her partner and adorable cat Angus.
source: Amazon
Kate lives in London with her partner and adorable cat Angus.
source: Amazon
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 51 reviews
July 8, 2026
It’s a meh for me
June 13, 2026
The most important thing about a dark comedy thriller is that it should be both comedic and thrilling. I didn't find Coterie of Liars to be either. In fact, I didn't crack a smile the entire time. Don't get me wrong, I could see where the humour was meant to be. It just didn't land. As for thrilling … well, in my opinion, you have to care about the characters in order to care what happens to them, and thereby to be on the edge of your seat. Without that, it doesn't matter how gory and twisty the book is – there won't be a hint of a thrill.
The characters in Coterie of Liars are all unpleasant, shallow and out for number one. Which in itself can be interesting, if they're given at least some nuance, but here they felt like cardboard cutouts. The plot was also fairly dull for something that's so full of gore – again, not caring what happens to these people means I felt nothing when they died in blood-soaked ways. To be fair, some of the twists had real potential, but then the book was over before they could fully kick in. And I didn't understand the point of the very final twist, which had literally no impact on the plot whatsoever and felt like it was only there because both the previous chapters had such weak endings that the author felt like there needed to be something extra.
The editing was also bad. Electric Monkey is an imprint of Harper Collins. As one of the biggest publishers out there, they should be flawless. Yet there were numerous mistakes throughout, including (most egregiously) 'medalled' instead of 'meddled'.
I vacillated between 1 and 2 stars for this. I think really it's a 1.5. I did finish it, and a couple of the twists were decent enough, so I've rounded up to 2. But it's a grudging 2.
The characters in Coterie of Liars are all unpleasant, shallow and out for number one. Which in itself can be interesting, if they're given at least some nuance, but here they felt like cardboard cutouts. The plot was also fairly dull for something that's so full of gore – again, not caring what happens to these people means I felt nothing when they died in blood-soaked ways. To be fair, some of the twists had real potential, but then the book was over before they could fully kick in. And I didn't understand the point of the very final twist, which had literally no impact on the plot whatsoever and felt like it was only there because both the previous chapters had such weak endings that the author felt like there needed to be something extra.
The editing was also bad. Electric Monkey is an imprint of Harper Collins. As one of the biggest publishers out there, they should be flawless. Yet there were numerous mistakes throughout, including (most egregiously) 'medalled' instead of 'meddled'.
I vacillated between 1 and 2 stars for this. I think really it's a 1.5. I did finish it, and a couple of the twists were decent enough, so I've rounded up to 2. But it's a grudging 2.
Did Not Finish
July 16, 2026yeah no who allowed this to be published
September 2, 2026
Despite the eye rolling and hitting my word count ending.. it was okay
Maybe a 2.5 stars
I would soooooo hate watch this if this was a scream queen movie
Maybe a 2.5 stars
I would soooooo hate watch this if this was a scream queen movie
September 11, 2026
Początek dość nudny, ale końcówka satysfakcjonująca
Review of advance copy received from Publisher
I received an ARC from the publisher in preparation for a < a href = https://ukyaspotlight.co.uk/>UKYAS... interview. It has not affected my opinions.
COTERIE OF LIARS is a funny, dark tale of protecting secrets.
I really appreciated that this book was being marketed as New Adult. It could easily have been put into YA - the characters are 18 and have just finished secondary school. That makes them younger than several protagonists of books sold as YA! However, by making this NA not YA it helps with the normalisation of splitting YA into two halves, one aimed at teens and one at older readers (university aged and above) who are currently forcing the age range older and older, shutting actual teens.
Why do I think this one went NA rather than YA given the characters are still teenagers? It's darker than Kate Weston's previous YA (such as MURDER ON A SCHOOL NIGHT) and the characters themselves are more mature. They're not riding around on sparkly kiddie bikes unironically and the relationships are very sexually active (not that teens don't, but these are people who have been experimenting a while and therefore are more experience in what they enjoy. There aren't steamy scenes, but you know these characters are having a lot of sex.)
Like with Kate Weston's YA and adult books, this book is very funny. Like with the darker tone of the book, the humour is darker. It's really nice contrast to the all the blood and danger that gives a bit of relief but also highlights to insanity of what is going on at this house - and the fact that they're just carrying on.
The characters are deeply flawed. They're so privileged and, while they performatively acknowledge this, don't amend their behaviour. They're saying things like "it's not our fault the scholarship kids are poor and don't have designer clothes." Not only is there something fun about characters who are clearly not nice, it also means you can don't quite trust any of them, which makes the mystery of who's behind everything more believable.
Between the chapters there are snippets from Evie's grandma's diary about her own disastrous summer with her own coterie. It plays into the idea that there might be a curse on the family - and guides your own perceptions of what's happening with great skill. I like how the end reveals the truth of the curse to be self-fulling.
The ending does go all in, in a somewhat insane way. By then, though, the lengths the characters are willing to go have been revealed and it's just fun to watch the carnage play out. These are people who clearly believe they can get away with anything - and are maybe not entirely sane - so the absurdity of it feels in character.
COTERIE OF LIARS is a funny, dark tale of protecting secrets.
I really appreciated that this book was being marketed as New Adult. It could easily have been put into YA - the characters are 18 and have just finished secondary school. That makes them younger than several protagonists of books sold as YA! However, by making this NA not YA it helps with the normalisation of splitting YA into two halves, one aimed at teens and one at older readers (university aged and above) who are currently forcing the age range older and older, shutting actual teens.
Why do I think this one went NA rather than YA given the characters are still teenagers? It's darker than Kate Weston's previous YA (such as MURDER ON A SCHOOL NIGHT) and the characters themselves are more mature. They're not riding around on sparkly kiddie bikes unironically and the relationships are very sexually active (not that teens don't, but these are people who have been experimenting a while and therefore are more experience in what they enjoy. There aren't steamy scenes, but you know these characters are having a lot of sex.)
Like with Kate Weston's YA and adult books, this book is very funny. Like with the darker tone of the book, the humour is darker. It's really nice contrast to the all the blood and danger that gives a bit of relief but also highlights to insanity of what is going on at this house - and the fact that they're just carrying on.
The characters are deeply flawed. They're so privileged and, while they performatively acknowledge this, don't amend their behaviour. They're saying things like "it's not our fault the scholarship kids are poor and don't have designer clothes." Not only is there something fun about characters who are clearly not nice, it also means you can don't quite trust any of them, which makes the mystery of who's behind everything more believable.
Between the chapters there are snippets from Evie's grandma's diary about her own disastrous summer with her own coterie. It plays into the idea that there might be a curse on the family - and guides your own perceptions of what's happening with great skill. I like how the end reveals the truth of the curse to be self-fulling.
The ending does go all in, in a somewhat insane way. By then, though, the lengths the characters are willing to go have been revealed and it's just fun to watch the carnage play out. These are people who clearly believe they can get away with anything - and are maybe not entirely sane - so the absurdity of it feels in character.
Review of advance copy received from NetGalley
Publication date: 4th June 2026
A dark comedy thriller for readers who enjoy -
🍾 One of Us Is Lying x The Inheritance Games with a dash of Saltburn…
🩸Tight knit groups & big personalities.
🍾 Secrets, lies & accidents that MIGHT be murder.
🩸A plot that keeps you guessing.
⭑ Remember to check all content/trigger warnings prior to reading!
“Coterie is a gothic-y, comedy thriller following narrator Evie and her friends (the Coterie) as they spend their last summer before they go to university on Evie's family estate - D'olobelle. Like many of the D'olobelle Coteries before them they suffer mysterious "accidents" (but maybe they're murder?) along the way”.
~ review ~
It’s been a while since I’ve read a book like this but do you know what, I had a great time & it’s got me wanting to read more of the sort!
I loved D'olobelle & how fancy but isolated it felt. The idea of such dark things occurring in such a beautiful setting always intrigues me. The standout contrasting personalities of the Coterie were also very entertaining & the mystery/suspense that was upheld from start to finish kept me engaged & entertained. I liked the idea of history repeating itself & the way that Evie & her Grandma’s story piggybacked off one another. The use of the diary entries to share part of the story was also fun & different.
It definitely leans more towards YA than expected but that really wasn’t an issue for me. It’s not supposed to be a hugely serious, hard hitting, impactful book. Granted, it’s dark & mysterious, there’s accidents(…) with secrets, lies & a lot of questions but it’s a group of friends in their last Summer before University doing what they do best - acting up, partying & living life! There’s also something so entertaining about privileged kids doing privileged sh1t!? Like, a family estate & the use a helicopter to deliver party invitations? That’s some MTV Super Sweet 16 stuff right there! The absurdity of thinking they can get away with quite literally anything is also highly amusing! You shouldn’t like these characters but in some cases it’s very hard not to!
It’s an easy read with manageable chapters, something is always happening & things never felt stagnant or slow. I’d definitely recommend adding it to your TBR as I’ve no doubt that Coterie will be a fun, thrilling, enticing Summer read for many!
~
Thank you to NetGalley, Electric Monkey & Kate Weston for giving me the opportunity to read this ARC. This is my honest opinion & I’m sharing it voluntarily❣️
A dark comedy thriller for readers who enjoy -
🍾 One of Us Is Lying x The Inheritance Games with a dash of Saltburn…
🩸Tight knit groups & big personalities.
🍾 Secrets, lies & accidents that MIGHT be murder.
🩸A plot that keeps you guessing.
⭑ Remember to check all content/trigger warnings prior to reading!
“Coterie is a gothic-y, comedy thriller following narrator Evie and her friends (the Coterie) as they spend their last summer before they go to university on Evie's family estate - D'olobelle. Like many of the D'olobelle Coteries before them they suffer mysterious "accidents" (but maybe they're murder?) along the way”.
~ review ~
It’s been a while since I’ve read a book like this but do you know what, I had a great time & it’s got me wanting to read more of the sort!
I loved D'olobelle & how fancy but isolated it felt. The idea of such dark things occurring in such a beautiful setting always intrigues me. The standout contrasting personalities of the Coterie were also very entertaining & the mystery/suspense that was upheld from start to finish kept me engaged & entertained. I liked the idea of history repeating itself & the way that Evie & her Grandma’s story piggybacked off one another. The use of the diary entries to share part of the story was also fun & different.
It definitely leans more towards YA than expected but that really wasn’t an issue for me. It’s not supposed to be a hugely serious, hard hitting, impactful book. Granted, it’s dark & mysterious, there’s accidents(…) with secrets, lies & a lot of questions but it’s a group of friends in their last Summer before University doing what they do best - acting up, partying & living life! There’s also something so entertaining about privileged kids doing privileged sh1t!? Like, a family estate & the use a helicopter to deliver party invitations? That’s some MTV Super Sweet 16 stuff right there! The absurdity of thinking they can get away with quite literally anything is also highly amusing! You shouldn’t like these characters but in some cases it’s very hard not to!
It’s an easy read with manageable chapters, something is always happening & things never felt stagnant or slow. I’d definitely recommend adding it to your TBR as I’ve no doubt that Coterie will be a fun, thrilling, enticing Summer read for many!
~
Thank you to NetGalley, Electric Monkey & Kate Weston for giving me the opportunity to read this ARC. This is my honest opinion & I’m sharing it voluntarily❣️
Review of advance copy received from Publisher
The funniest thing about this "adult dark comedy thriller" is that I didn't realise it was meant to be adult or a comedy till I came to leave a review
This book follows five privileged rich kids in a remote summer house when someone starts to set up accidents for them around the house to expose secrets each of them are hiding.
I was kind of bored reading this. I just never felt like I cared enough about the story or the characters and for a book that is just over 300 pages somehow this just dragged on longer than it needed to. Also I definitely wouldn't call this adult - it read very YA to me as all the characters are teenagers and act like it. Although I was interested in the mystery aspect it never felt like there was enough effort put into creating any good suspects and then it went down the path of being just plain silly. The whole 'curse' aspect was a sign from page one about how silly this book was going to be and I really wish that the curse had been left out. I did think that the plot twist at the end was good but it got ridiculous very fast so the plot twist felt wasted. The characters were all unlikable and felt like caricatures of posh boarding school teenagers so as there was no one to route for I didn't care when things were happening to them.
I don't think that this book is marketed correctly - it isn't adult, comedic, or dark academia. It is very much YA with characters just out of school who act very much like teenagers but it reads much less mature than books by other YA thriller authors like Holly Jackson and Faridah Àbíké-Íyímídé. Other than chapter 1 and the odd flash back moment there is no time spent in school or with academics so I don't know why this would be considered dark academia. Finally, I wasn't aware that this book was meant to be funny when I was reading it and the only time I laughed because of this book was when I saw that it was marketed as a comedy.
Some people will like the plot twists in this and enjoy the crazy unbelievable turns that the story takes plus it was short and easy to read but this book wasn't for me and some of the marketing is off.
TW: graphic body horror (including murder)
Thank you to Electric Monkey for a proof copy of this book
This book follows five privileged rich kids in a remote summer house when someone starts to set up accidents for them around the house to expose secrets each of them are hiding.
I was kind of bored reading this. I just never felt like I cared enough about the story or the characters and for a book that is just over 300 pages somehow this just dragged on longer than it needed to. Also I definitely wouldn't call this adult - it read very YA to me as all the characters are teenagers and act like it. Although I was interested in the mystery aspect it never felt like there was enough effort put into creating any good suspects and then it went down the path of being just plain silly. The whole 'curse' aspect was a sign from page one about how silly this book was going to be and I really wish that the curse had been left out. I did think that the plot twist at the end was good but it got ridiculous very fast so the plot twist felt wasted. The characters were all unlikable and felt like caricatures of posh boarding school teenagers so as there was no one to route for I didn't care when things were happening to them.
I don't think that this book is marketed correctly - it isn't adult, comedic, or dark academia. It is very much YA with characters just out of school who act very much like teenagers but it reads much less mature than books by other YA thriller authors like Holly Jackson and Faridah Àbíké-Íyímídé. Other than chapter 1 and the odd flash back moment there is no time spent in school or with academics so I don't know why this would be considered dark academia. Finally, I wasn't aware that this book was meant to be funny when I was reading it and the only time I laughed because of this book was when I saw that it was marketed as a comedy.
Some people will like the plot twists in this and enjoy the crazy unbelievable turns that the story takes plus it was short and easy to read but this book wasn't for me and some of the marketing is off.
TW: graphic body horror (including murder)
Thank you to Electric Monkey for a proof copy of this book
June 6, 2026
Thank you to Electric Monkey and Kate Weston for sending me a finished copy of this book. After attending an event with Electric Monkey and hearing Kate talk about this book I was SOOO excited to read it, and it definitely did not disappoint.
Evie and her friends, dubbed ‘The Coterie’ following a family legacy, are graduating from an elite private school and throwing their big party at Evie’s family mansion, D’olobelle. These parties are notorious and everyone wants an invite. Creepy things start happening, and the friendship group finds themselves in turmoil trying to figure out who is behind the strange events.
This book has the perfect combination of mystery and dark humour. The tense plot is broken up by funny moments and it makes for a fast-paced and addictive read. From the outset I really didn’t like the group of friends, it’s a kind of love to hate them situation. But I will say I kinda liked their vibe as the book progressed and their characters definitely added fun to the story (especially Tim). The elitist vibes were peeeerfect for the plot.
The setting of D’olobelle was great. You could really imagine the big mansion, and I felt that Kate really brought this to life. Who doesn’t love a mystery set in a big mansion?!
The book was full of twists. I was so sure I had it figured out from the start, but definitely didn’t expect what was coming. It gave similar vibes to One of Us is Lying and Heathers (both of which I LOVE), and overall was a really fun read.
Evie and her friends, dubbed ‘The Coterie’ following a family legacy, are graduating from an elite private school and throwing their big party at Evie’s family mansion, D’olobelle. These parties are notorious and everyone wants an invite. Creepy things start happening, and the friendship group finds themselves in turmoil trying to figure out who is behind the strange events.
This book has the perfect combination of mystery and dark humour. The tense plot is broken up by funny moments and it makes for a fast-paced and addictive read. From the outset I really didn’t like the group of friends, it’s a kind of love to hate them situation. But I will say I kinda liked their vibe as the book progressed and their characters definitely added fun to the story (especially Tim). The elitist vibes were peeeerfect for the plot.
The setting of D’olobelle was great. You could really imagine the big mansion, and I felt that Kate really brought this to life. Who doesn’t love a mystery set in a big mansion?!
The book was full of twists. I was so sure I had it figured out from the start, but definitely didn’t expect what was coming. It gave similar vibes to One of Us is Lying and Heathers (both of which I LOVE), and overall was a really fun read.
July 1, 2026
At the start of this book, I was really struggling to the point where I almost put it down multiple times. However, the ending… I love it.
While I found the book to struggle with its pacing, I thoroughly enjoyed seeing all the secrets revealed. I wish we had gotten more throughout the book, with a few more hints throughout. If the author had included a few more fatal incidents at the start of the book, it would have built the sense of urgency I think it needed. The first half and second half of the book did feel so different, with the latter part being so good. However, because of this, it did feel like the final ending fell flat.
I never thought that I would sympathise with rich kids, but somehow the author made me really root for the Mc even if everything she was doing was wrong. I found the MC to be surprisingly sympathetic, and I love how the author didn’t shy away from saying what she was doing was wrong while still getting you to root for her.
However, I did not really get this with any of the other characters, which I had wished we got more from them. This did make the ending feel really flat because at the end of the book I didn’t care about anyone else but the MC and I found that I personally didn’t mind whether they survived or not.
Saying all this, the second part of the book had me hooked and gave this book an extra star in my eyes. Once you can get past the start, I found this book to be so intriguing and a fun read.
While I found the book to struggle with its pacing, I thoroughly enjoyed seeing all the secrets revealed. I wish we had gotten more throughout the book, with a few more hints throughout. If the author had included a few more fatal incidents at the start of the book, it would have built the sense of urgency I think it needed. The first half and second half of the book did feel so different, with the latter part being so good. However, because of this, it did feel like the final ending fell flat.
I never thought that I would sympathise with rich kids, but somehow the author made me really root for the Mc even if everything she was doing was wrong. I found the MC to be surprisingly sympathetic, and I love how the author didn’t shy away from saying what she was doing was wrong while still getting you to root for her.
However, I did not really get this with any of the other characters, which I had wished we got more from them. This did make the ending feel really flat because at the end of the book I didn’t care about anyone else but the MC and I found that I personally didn’t mind whether they survived or not.
Saying all this, the second part of the book had me hooked and gave this book an extra star in my eyes. Once you can get past the start, I found this book to be so intriguing and a fun read.
Review of advance copy received from Netgalley
2.85 ⭐️
Did I finish this book within the day? Yes, yes I did.
Was it everything I hoped and dreamed it would be? Definitely not, and for that I'm gutted.
Please know before you go into this book that despite it being marketed at adult dark comedy, it is anything but those things apart from the gore from the murders throughout (so please be aware if you dont like gore, that some part may be uncomfortable for you). I'd say it was more YA thriller at most, I think the gorey parts was supposed to make it adult.
I spent the first quarter absolutely despising the writing and the poor humor attempts. to then becoming absolutely obsessed when the plot kicks into full swing at the party 👀
I was so invested in the plot with the reveal after reveal and it getting more wilder than the next when the ending came it sort of fell of abit? like wow we got all this juicy tension and gory death to then a lack luster ending? Like I hoped for something alittle more wild especially with how much the plot was escalating.
I think because I'm getting back into my thrillers and murder mysteries I'm learning more what I like and dont like. Unfortunately this book had a few more downsides than positives for me to give it anything higher than a three stars.
Thank you so much Netgalley and Electric Monkey for giving me a earc of this 💖
Did I finish this book within the day? Yes, yes I did.
Was it everything I hoped and dreamed it would be? Definitely not, and for that I'm gutted.
Please know before you go into this book that despite it being marketed at adult dark comedy, it is anything but those things apart from the gore from the murders throughout (so please be aware if you dont like gore, that some part may be uncomfortable for you). I'd say it was more YA thriller at most, I think the gorey parts was supposed to make it adult.
I spent the first quarter absolutely despising the writing and the poor humor attempts. to then becoming absolutely obsessed when the plot kicks into full swing at the party 👀
I was so invested in the plot with the reveal after reveal and it getting more wilder than the next when the ending came it sort of fell of abit? like wow we got all this juicy tension and gory death to then a lack luster ending? Like I hoped for something alittle more wild especially with how much the plot was escalating.
I think because I'm getting back into my thrillers and murder mysteries I'm learning more what I like and dont like. Unfortunately this book had a few more downsides than positives for me to give it anything higher than a three stars.
Thank you so much Netgalley and Electric Monkey for giving me a earc of this 💖
June 13, 2026
The most popular group at school hosting their one final summer party that you definitely don’t want to miss? What could possibly go wrong? Except there are secrets lurking beneath their glamorous exterior, just waiting to burst through and ruin lives — but whose lives? Wait till the end of summer to find out…
This book was SOMETHING!! I loooove when an unlikable group of teens come together to party recklessly, thinking themselves above everyone else (hint hint: upper east siders), because it’s bound to end badly and they just don’t know it. Hideous secrets always get revealed and lifelong friendships are broken, and rarely anyone gets out without a scratch — so fun!! This book delivered in all the best ways, from the cliche popular group of friends to the crazy drama at their annual summer party, to the secrets and lies threatening to spill!
I absolutely loved the way this book was written - it was filled with great humour and banter, fun moments, as well as mystery elements that I really appreciated. The parallels between the Coterie from the 60s and the current Coterie was also super intriguing and it was so fun piecing the information together and making links between the two timelines.
Once enough information was revealed, I knew the direction the story was going in but the ending still caught me off guard as I kept waiting for the other shoe to drop lol (also the reason why I deducted a point because I was a bit disappointed with the ending). But overall, I really really enjoyed this book and would looooove to see it adapted into a movie omg it would be such a fun teen scream thriller movie!
This book was SOMETHING!! I loooove when an unlikable group of teens come together to party recklessly, thinking themselves above everyone else (hint hint: upper east siders), because it’s bound to end badly and they just don’t know it. Hideous secrets always get revealed and lifelong friendships are broken, and rarely anyone gets out without a scratch — so fun!! This book delivered in all the best ways, from the cliche popular group of friends to the crazy drama at their annual summer party, to the secrets and lies threatening to spill!
I absolutely loved the way this book was written - it was filled with great humour and banter, fun moments, as well as mystery elements that I really appreciated. The parallels between the Coterie from the 60s and the current Coterie was also super intriguing and it was so fun piecing the information together and making links between the two timelines.
Once enough information was revealed, I knew the direction the story was going in but the ending still caught me off guard as I kept waiting for the other shoe to drop lol (also the reason why I deducted a point because I was a bit disappointed with the ending). But overall, I really really enjoyed this book and would looooove to see it adapted into a movie omg it would be such a fun teen scream thriller movie!
July 2, 2026
I definitely had a bit of a slow start with Coterie of Liars. It took me a while to really settle into the story and connect with what was happening, but by around the final quarter I was completely hooked and flew through the ending.
One thing this book did brilliantly was make me despise pretty much every single character… and I genuinely think that was the point. Everyone is lying, manipulating, betraying each other and looking out for themselves, which made for a fascinating (if incredibly frustrating!) reading experience.
The comparison to Gossip Girl meets Saltburn couldn’t have been more accurate. The wealth, privilege, elite private-school graduates, endless snobbery, glamorous settings, shocking betrayals and constant secrets created such an addictive atmosphere. It felt like watching a train wreck you simply couldn’t look away from.
While I did find the pacing quite slow for a large portion of the book, the payoff at the end was absolutely worth it. The final twists were fantastic and had me racing through the last chapters.
Overall, this wasn’t a perfect read for me because of the slow build-up, but I’m really intrigued to read more from Kate Weston. If you love morally questionable characters, messy rich people, dark academia vibes and plenty of scandal, this is definitely one to add to your TBR.
One thing this book did brilliantly was make me despise pretty much every single character… and I genuinely think that was the point. Everyone is lying, manipulating, betraying each other and looking out for themselves, which made for a fascinating (if incredibly frustrating!) reading experience.
The comparison to Gossip Girl meets Saltburn couldn’t have been more accurate. The wealth, privilege, elite private-school graduates, endless snobbery, glamorous settings, shocking betrayals and constant secrets created such an addictive atmosphere. It felt like watching a train wreck you simply couldn’t look away from.
While I did find the pacing quite slow for a large portion of the book, the payoff at the end was absolutely worth it. The final twists were fantastic and had me racing through the last chapters.
Overall, this wasn’t a perfect read for me because of the slow build-up, but I’m really intrigued to read more from Kate Weston. If you love morally questionable characters, messy rich people, dark academia vibes and plenty of scandal, this is definitely one to add to your TBR.
Review of advance copy received from Netgalley
This is very much a book about rich kids doing privileged rich kid things!
The Coterie lead by Evie are group of five in their graduating class and about to go their separate ways. They're spending their final summer partying together at D’olobelle, Evie's family house! It seems someone is out to get them though and reveal what they're trying to keep hidden. What could possibly go wrong?
With secrets, lies, betrayals and even murder the twists just kept coming!
This book will have you questioning everything! Who did what? Who can be trusted? Who's next?
Then mixed in with history about Evie's grandma and her own Coterie!
This was an enjoyable read, the characters definitely gave spoilt rich kid vibes thinking they can do and get away with anything with no consequences!
I was just along for the ride watching everything play out!
Thank you to the publisher for the arc of this for review 🫶🏻
The Coterie lead by Evie are group of five in their graduating class and about to go their separate ways. They're spending their final summer partying together at D’olobelle, Evie's family house! It seems someone is out to get them though and reveal what they're trying to keep hidden. What could possibly go wrong?
With secrets, lies, betrayals and even murder the twists just kept coming!
This book will have you questioning everything! Who did what? Who can be trusted? Who's next?
Then mixed in with history about Evie's grandma and her own Coterie!
This was an enjoyable read, the characters definitely gave spoilt rich kid vibes thinking they can do and get away with anything with no consequences!
I was just along for the ride watching everything play out!
Thank you to the publisher for the arc of this for review 🫶🏻
Review of advance copy received from Publisher
I devoured this book!
If you are a fan of closed door murder mysteries, you HAVE to pick up this book!
It follows a group of wealthy students who spend their summer at one of their mansions for a last "hurrah" before going to University. It all sounds good until accidents and deaths are starting to happen.
I read this books in literally 2 sittings as I couldn't put it down, and even though most of the time I was right in my suspicions, Kate Weston surprised me with a series of twists that had my jaw drop to the floor.
Even though this is a murder mystery, I laughed so much with some of the character's situations and their conversations and comments. A slightly less serious story in the genre that we definitely needed.
I can't recommend this book enough and I can't wait to read more of the author's books!
Thank you so much Electric Monkey Books for providing me with a proof copy to review ahead of publication!
If you are a fan of closed door murder mysteries, you HAVE to pick up this book!
It follows a group of wealthy students who spend their summer at one of their mansions for a last "hurrah" before going to University. It all sounds good until accidents and deaths are starting to happen.
I read this books in literally 2 sittings as I couldn't put it down, and even though most of the time I was right in my suspicions, Kate Weston surprised me with a series of twists that had my jaw drop to the floor.
Even though this is a murder mystery, I laughed so much with some of the character's situations and their conversations and comments. A slightly less serious story in the genre that we definitely needed.
I can't recommend this book enough and I can't wait to read more of the author's books!
Thank you so much Electric Monkey Books for providing me with a proof copy to review ahead of publication!
June 29, 2026
What... Is this book?
I'm not one to really care about the plot twist of the book so I don't even mind that the "villain" was obvious to me since the start.
But.. the writing was so disjointed? It went on for 300 or so pages and i literally know nothing about these people other than that they're all rich snobs?
**Spoilers**
What what's the. Last few "twists"?
Whatshername didn't have money? Whut? Amber was the true heir? How does that even have an impact on anything?
Jess is the final boss????? I genuinely do not care that much about who's the perp in thriller books as long as it makes some basic sense and I had fun......can you guess what happened here based on my rating?
What. Is. This. Book?? I'm so. Dissatisfied.
It's like a bad (and NOT in a cheesy so-bad-its-good way) b-grade slasher film.
What a nothingburger of a story.
I'm not one to really care about the plot twist of the book so I don't even mind that the "villain" was obvious to me since the start.
But.. the writing was so disjointed? It went on for 300 or so pages and i literally know nothing about these people other than that they're all rich snobs?
**Spoilers**
What what's the. Last few "twists"?
Whatshername didn't have money? Whut? Amber was the true heir? How does that even have an impact on anything?
Jess is the final boss????? I genuinely do not care that much about who's the perp in thriller books as long as it makes some basic sense and I had fun......can you guess what happened here based on my rating?
What. Is. This. Book?? I'm so. Dissatisfied.
It's like a bad (and NOT in a cheesy so-bad-its-good way) b-grade slasher film.
What a nothingburger of a story.
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
July 17, 2026
Well, this wasn't good at all. The dialogue was cringey, the characters were awful, and there was just so much stupidity within these pages that I don't even know where to begin.
Too many lines of dialogue were written in all capital letters to convey shouting, and it just felt childish. One of the weirdest parts was when the butler started sucking on someone's snakebite to extract the venom without even being asked to, and I almost dnf'd at that point, but curiosity got the better of me.
I really wanted to enjoy this, and I do appreciate the vibe and feeling that the author was getting at, but for me, it just didn't work.
Thank you to the publisher for gifting me a finished copy.
Too many lines of dialogue were written in all capital letters to convey shouting, and it just felt childish. One of the weirdest parts was when the butler started sucking on someone's snakebite to extract the venom without even being asked to, and I almost dnf'd at that point, but curiosity got the better of me.
I really wanted to enjoy this, and I do appreciate the vibe and feeling that the author was getting at, but for me, it just didn't work.
Thank you to the publisher for gifting me a finished copy.
Review of advance copy received from Publisher
What sounded like something absolutely up my street ended up being a book that I should have dnfed. I’m normally all in for rich people drama but for me this book was marketed as adult but felt extremely ya even with the innuendos and more graphic scenes. I also just could not find the comedy funny it just ended up leaning more on the cringier side for me. I did like the kills in this and did not actually end up predicting one of the plot twists but overall I just don’t think this worked for me in the end sadly! I do think the author did a great job at truly making the characters insufferable and this was such a fast read overall.
Review of advance copy received from Publisher
Pretty Little Liars meets Heathers meets Saltburn in this banging little comedy thriller 🤯
This is my first time reading a thriller and what a way to start, rich kids, lies, deceit and theatrics all set on a lavish estate.
I thought I knew which way the plot was going but apparently I did not 😂
Weston captured the elite rich kid personas perfectly, they’re best friends but are they really? They’ll lie and cheat and kill to save their own necks.
The deaths felt akin to the Knives Out movies, graphic and over the top and I LOVED it.
Burton might have been my favourite character, he gave those Spalding from AHS Coven vibes and I’m here for a creepy little butler who’s loyal to the end 🤘🏻
This is my first time reading a thriller and what a way to start, rich kids, lies, deceit and theatrics all set on a lavish estate.
I thought I knew which way the plot was going but apparently I did not 😂
Weston captured the elite rich kid personas perfectly, they’re best friends but are they really? They’ll lie and cheat and kill to save their own necks.
The deaths felt akin to the Knives Out movies, graphic and over the top and I LOVED it.
Burton might have been my favourite character, he gave those Spalding from AHS Coven vibes and I’m here for a creepy little butler who’s loyal to the end 🤘🏻
July 9, 2026
What the fuck was that?
I loved the major twist...the first one at least.
Yes, it was obvious in the minor ones ( I could smell Hugo's lying ass from miles away) but it was a nice read. Obviously and heavily inspired by the icons of this genre but still good.
The ending though? What was that for? Nothing. Absolutely nothing.
It feels as if the author didn't know what to say anymore.
Honestly, I only care about Tim. The whole group was mid since the beginning. I didn't have enough time to connect with them. Not enough to actually accept or feel anything.
A big fat meh.
I loved the major twist...the first one at least.
Yes, it was obvious in the minor ones ( I could smell Hugo's lying ass from miles away) but it was a nice read. Obviously and heavily inspired by the icons of this genre but still good.
The ending though? What was that for? Nothing. Absolutely nothing.
It feels as if the author didn't know what to say anymore.
Honestly, I only care about Tim. The whole group was mid since the beginning. I didn't have enough time to connect with them. Not enough to actually accept or feel anything.
A big fat meh.
August 28, 2026
Bro I hated this so much omgggggggg 😭 I tried, I REALLY tried but this was just absolutely not for me. Rich people being horrible to each other for an entire book??? Snooze. I kept waiting for something to happen that would suddenly make me actually feel something other than frustation AND THEN THE TWIST??? Pls I wanted to headbutt a brick wall.
I can definitely see this working for someone who loves messy, unlikeable characters and rich people drama, but unfortunately I am not that someone. I simply wanted to be released from this hell lol. I probably should have DNF'd
I can definitely see this working for someone who loves messy, unlikeable characters and rich people drama, but unfortunately I am not that someone. I simply wanted to be released from this hell lol. I probably should have DNF'd
June 12, 2026
Pretty Little Liars x Saltburn
Oh, this was a good one! A dark comedy focusing on a group of extremely privileged private school students and the lengths they will go to for the desperate need to be wanted whilst holding power over one another
A delightfully messy thriller that had me laughing throughout!
Thank you to the author publisher for sending me a finished copy of this super fun book 🤎
Oh, this was a good one! A dark comedy focusing on a group of extremely privileged private school students and the lengths they will go to for the desperate need to be wanted whilst holding power over one another
A delightfully messy thriller that had me laughing throughout!
Thank you to the author publisher for sending me a finished copy of this super fun book 🤎
June 20, 2026
This story promises a good time and it delivers. Is it a revelation and touching my very soul? Nah, but that also is not the premise.
Coterie of liars is a twisty tale of friendships gone wrong. Featuring an interesting set of characters, it keeps the reader on the edge of their seats from the first to the last page. It is an entertaining, sometimes even surprising tale. A bit cliché at times, but that's okay. I liked it!
Coterie of liars is a twisty tale of friendships gone wrong. Featuring an interesting set of characters, it keeps the reader on the edge of their seats from the first to the last page. It is an entertaining, sometimes even surprising tale. A bit cliché at times, but that's okay. I liked it!
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
Did Not Finish
May 4, 2026dnf at 45 percent
I really have struggled with this one and kept pushing on, I don’t feel like it is funny. I do think the way Evie is written is well and that I do believe she comes from money. Secrets have been revealed and there’s no reaction honestly sadly I am bored and just don’t really care what happens.
thank you netgalley for the earc
I really have struggled with this one and kept pushing on, I don’t feel like it is funny. I do think the way Evie is written is well and that I do believe she comes from money. Secrets have been revealed and there’s no reaction honestly sadly I am bored and just don’t really care what happens.
thank you netgalley for the earc
June 18, 2026
This was an interesting read, not my usual go to but the concept was interesting and the cover pulled me in!
The plot itself however fell really short for me, I enjoyed reading it over all and devoured in less than 24 hours.. but it just didn’t give the wow factor I was craving in a thriller book.
The plot itself however fell really short for me, I enjoyed reading it over all and devoured in less than 24 hours.. but it just didn’t give the wow factor I was craving in a thriller book.
Review of advance copy received from Publisher
I finished this more out of curiosity than anything else, but unfortunately I can't rate it any higher. The events in this book were bizarre and felt very disjointed. I've read books with a similar premise and plot twist before, so I know it can be executed well but sadly this one wasn't
July 2, 2026
The plot twists in the second half of the book make reading the book a second time entirely worth it. I loved the vibe of this book, the characters and the chilling ending which makes you question to what extent revenge is human before it becomes entirely inhumane….
August 20, 2026
personalmente disfrute mucho de esta lectura GEN Z. tiene todas las temáticas que busco en un libro (y hace mucho no encontraba) y creo que no me decepcionó. tiene muchos twists y creo que era predecible con el título.
Evie, te merecias más
Evie, te merecias más
September 3, 2026
3,5 stars I suppose?
Don't get me wrong, the story was decent, if a little out there... But the twist? No.
You can't be inside the head of an unreliable narrator and then have them do a grand reveal after they knowingly lied to the reader. That just feels too convenient.
Don't get me wrong, the story was decent, if a little out there... But the twist? No.
You can't be inside the head of an unreliable narrator and then have them do a grand reveal after they knowingly lied to the reader. That just feels too convenient.
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