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The Invite
Seven college friends. One stunning lakehouse. A weekend reunion that ends in murder…
The email arrives at 2.47 pm on an overcast October afternoon. An invite to a reunion at a luxurious, isolated lakeside house. It’s from Lexie, my ex-fiancée. The first contact we’ve had in three years, since she ripped my heart out with a single text message. Why is she back?
My wife, Serena, insists we go. She and Lexie were best friends once, and I can tell she’s worried about her reappearance. But Serena’s strong, she won’t show weakness or allow Lexie to destroy the perfect life we’ve built. I’m not as confident. I can’t help but wonder if Lexie shares some of my regrets.
But as we gather with our friends to party on the deck, old resentments and ugly secrets immediately start to bubble up, and tensions are running high by the time we finally stumble to bed.
And the next morning, there is a body floating in the dark water…
A dark, deadly story that will consume you until the final perfect twist. Fans of Lucy Foley, Ruth Ware and Alice Feeney will be hooked.
The email arrives at 2.47 pm on an overcast October afternoon. An invite to a reunion at a luxurious, isolated lakeside house. It’s from Lexie, my ex-fiancée. The first contact we’ve had in three years, since she ripped my heart out with a single text message. Why is she back?
My wife, Serena, insists we go. She and Lexie were best friends once, and I can tell she’s worried about her reappearance. But Serena’s strong, she won’t show weakness or allow Lexie to destroy the perfect life we’ve built. I’m not as confident. I can’t help but wonder if Lexie shares some of my regrets.
But as we gather with our friends to party on the deck, old resentments and ugly secrets immediately start to bubble up, and tensions are running high by the time we finally stumble to bed.
And the next morning, there is a body floating in the dark water…
A dark, deadly story that will consume you until the final perfect twist. Fans of Lucy Foley, Ruth Ware and Alice Feeney will be hooked.
316 pages, Kindle Edition
First published January 12, 2026
225 people are currently reading
419 people want to read
About the author
Irina Shapiro
109 books1,187 followersTo write a novel was a dream of mine since I was a child. Life, my practical nature, and self-doubt got in the way, so it was decades later that an opportunity to write finally presented itself. I honestly didn't think I had what it takes to write a full-length novel, but once I faced the blank screen and my fingers touched the keyboard, everything disappeared except my characters and their surroundings, and suddenly I knew that this was what I was born to do.
Since then, I've written many books and have enjoyed some positive reviews, but sometimes, when I stop to reflect, I'm still amazed that I'm living my dream.
Follow me on BookBub for discount deals and new release alerts.
https://www.bookbub.com/authors/irina...
Since then, I've written many books and have enjoyed some positive reviews, but sometimes, when I stop to reflect, I'm still amazed that I'm living my dream.
Follow me on BookBub for discount deals and new release alerts.
https://www.bookbub.com/authors/irina...
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 228 reviews
Review of advance copy received from Netgalley
🎵IT'S ME, HI, I'M THE PROBLEM, IT'S ME🎵!!!!!!!!! The Invite written by Irina Shapiro was a DNF at 40% for me, now I think this book could have been great, but the pacing was way too slow and there were way too many characters to keep track of. I often found myself flipping back many pages and past chapters to remember who was who. I don't necessarily think this was a horrible book by any means, maybe I'm just the problem, but I never really felt engaged with the story, I never felt a personal connection to any of the characters. I noticed some reviewers said that the action and pacing picked up by the end of the book, but that's a bit too late in my honest opinion. I don't know if it was the author's intentions, but it felt like some of the characters backstories were used as a filler I honestly wanted to love this book because I mean who doesn't love a good mystery/thriller? But unfortunately, The Invite simply wasn't for me, and that's okay because what works for you might not work for me, and what works for me might not work for you. I initially grabbed this book because of the cover and the synopsis, but to sum it up for you, I was left feeling disappointed. If The Invite written by Irina Shapiro piques your interest, please do yourselves a favor and check out other readers reviews and mark your calendars for January 12th, 2026 for the publication of this book.
THANK YOU TO NETGALLEY AND STORM PUBLISHING FOR AN ARC OF THIS BOOK IN EXCHANGE FOR AN HONEST REVIEW!!!!!!!
💙🔪Seven college friends. One stunning lake house. A weekend reunion that ends in murder.....💙🔪
On one overcast October afternoon at 2:47pm an email arrives to seven college friends inviting them to an all expenses paid weekend reunion at Witch Lake. These seven friends have all seemed surprised when they received this email, because after college they all went their separate ways and got a taste of real life, also all of their friendships were short fused. If it wasn't for social media, the group of friends likely wouldn't have kept in touch with each other, but y'all know how social media is nowadays, everyone is in everyone else's business. This whole weekend reunion was organized by Lexie whom everyone has a mutual connection with. After a night of catching up and dirty laundry being aired, everyone goes to bed or so they thought, but the next morning, there's a dead body floating in the water. Despite going their separate ways, this group of friends is wondering why Lexie decided to reach out on a random day with an invitation to an all expenses paid reunion at an isolated lake side house. Personally, I would be shaking in my boots if I ever received an email like this, but at the same time I would probably be one of the first to say yes with no questions asked. The crime shows I watch scare me enough as it is, I don't think I'd want to go to an isolated lake house knowing the worst can happen at any time after semi-reading this book and all of the crime shows I watch where people end up dead at the most unexpected places for the most unexpected reasons.
THANK YOU TO NETGALLEY AND STORM PUBLISHING FOR AN ARC OF THIS BOOK IN EXCHANGE FOR AN HONEST REVIEW!!!!!!!
💙🔪Seven college friends. One stunning lake house. A weekend reunion that ends in murder.....💙🔪
On one overcast October afternoon at 2:47pm an email arrives to seven college friends inviting them to an all expenses paid weekend reunion at Witch Lake. These seven friends have all seemed surprised when they received this email, because after college they all went their separate ways and got a taste of real life, also all of their friendships were short fused. If it wasn't for social media, the group of friends likely wouldn't have kept in touch with each other, but y'all know how social media is nowadays, everyone is in everyone else's business. This whole weekend reunion was organized by Lexie whom everyone has a mutual connection with. After a night of catching up and dirty laundry being aired, everyone goes to bed or so they thought, but the next morning, there's a dead body floating in the water. Despite going their separate ways, this group of friends is wondering why Lexie decided to reach out on a random day with an invitation to an all expenses paid reunion at an isolated lake side house. Personally, I would be shaking in my boots if I ever received an email like this, but at the same time I would probably be one of the first to say yes with no questions asked. The crime shows I watch scare me enough as it is, I don't think I'd want to go to an isolated lake house knowing the worst can happen at any time after semi-reading this book and all of the crime shows I watch where people end up dead at the most unexpected places for the most unexpected reasons.
December 9, 2025
The Invite by Irina Shapiro
Synopsis /
Seven college friends. One stunning lakehouse. A weekend reunion that ends in murder…
The email arrives at 2.47 pm on an overcast October afternoon. An invite to a reunion at a luxurious, isolated lakeside house. It’s from Lexie, my ex-fiancée. The first contact we’ve had in three years, since she ripped my heart out with a single text message. Why is she back?
My wife, Serena, insists we go. She and Lexie were best friends once, and I can tell she’s worried about her reappearance. But Serena’s strong, she won’t show weakness or allow Lexie to destroy the perfect life we’ve built. I’m not as confident. I can’t help but wonder if Lexie shares some of my regrets.
But as we gather with our friends to party on the deck, old resentments and ugly secrets immediately start to bubble up, and tensions are running high by the time we finally stumble to bed.
And the next morning, there is a body floating in the dark water…
My Thoughts /
rounding up to 3.5
First and foremost, a huge THANK YOU to NetGalley, Storm Publishing and author, Irina Shapiro for providing me with a copy of this publication, which allows me to provide you with an unbiased review.
Let me start off by saying that I love reading this author, and her Tate and Bell Mystery series is one of my all-time favourite series. But. I have mixed feelings about this book.
The plot was interesting – seven college friends, each of whom receive an invitation for an all expenses paid weekend reunion at a place called Witch Lake. The whole reunion was organised by Lexie, a mutual friend of everyone in the group. All seven seemed surprised by the invitation because not only had their friendships mostly fizzed out since college, everyone had gotten a taste of 'real' life and gone their own ways. If it wasn't for being actively engaged on social media, the group wouldn't have kept in touch.
The short, punchy chapters were written from multiple POVs – each member of the friendship group had a voice. Each of them had their own reasons for attending the weekend reunion, and every person had a secret or secrets they didn't want exposed.
The writing was engaging and easy to follow, but the story was let down by the pacing – it was uneven and at times far too slow. If you enjoy slow burn novels, this one is for you.
There were plot twists, but this reader was left with quite a few unanswered questions and at one point felt that the story veered off course into the abyss.
The characters were interesting for the most part, although some of them became quite chaotic with their actions, or should I say reactions? The ending – far from gradually peaking to a climactic finish, became very intense very quickly and was quite the shift from the easy going pace of the majority of the story.
Overall, this one was an okay read, but IMO not up to the author's usual standard.
With thanks to NetGalley and especially to one of my favourite publishers, Storm Publishing 💗 for the much appreciated arc in return for an honest review. All opinions expressed in this review are my own. The publication date is currently set for January 12, 2026.
Synopsis /
Seven college friends. One stunning lakehouse. A weekend reunion that ends in murder…
The email arrives at 2.47 pm on an overcast October afternoon. An invite to a reunion at a luxurious, isolated lakeside house. It’s from Lexie, my ex-fiancée. The first contact we’ve had in three years, since she ripped my heart out with a single text message. Why is she back?
My wife, Serena, insists we go. She and Lexie were best friends once, and I can tell she’s worried about her reappearance. But Serena’s strong, she won’t show weakness or allow Lexie to destroy the perfect life we’ve built. I’m not as confident. I can’t help but wonder if Lexie shares some of my regrets.
But as we gather with our friends to party on the deck, old resentments and ugly secrets immediately start to bubble up, and tensions are running high by the time we finally stumble to bed.
And the next morning, there is a body floating in the dark water…
My Thoughts /
rounding up to 3.5
First and foremost, a huge THANK YOU to NetGalley, Storm Publishing and author, Irina Shapiro for providing me with a copy of this publication, which allows me to provide you with an unbiased review.
Let me start off by saying that I love reading this author, and her Tate and Bell Mystery series is one of my all-time favourite series. But. I have mixed feelings about this book.
The plot was interesting – seven college friends, each of whom receive an invitation for an all expenses paid weekend reunion at a place called Witch Lake. The whole reunion was organised by Lexie, a mutual friend of everyone in the group. All seven seemed surprised by the invitation because not only had their friendships mostly fizzed out since college, everyone had gotten a taste of 'real' life and gone their own ways. If it wasn't for being actively engaged on social media, the group wouldn't have kept in touch.
The short, punchy chapters were written from multiple POVs – each member of the friendship group had a voice. Each of them had their own reasons for attending the weekend reunion, and every person had a secret or secrets they didn't want exposed.
The writing was engaging and easy to follow, but the story was let down by the pacing – it was uneven and at times far too slow. If you enjoy slow burn novels, this one is for you.
There were plot twists, but this reader was left with quite a few unanswered questions and at one point felt that the story veered off course into the abyss.
The characters were interesting for the most part, although some of them became quite chaotic with their actions, or should I say reactions? The ending – far from gradually peaking to a climactic finish, became very intense very quickly and was quite the shift from the easy going pace of the majority of the story.
Overall, this one was an okay read, but IMO not up to the author's usual standard.
With thanks to NetGalley and especially to one of my favourite publishers, Storm Publishing 💗 for the much appreciated arc in return for an honest review. All opinions expressed in this review are my own. The publication date is currently set for January 12, 2026.
January 9, 2026
3.5 ⭐️ | A sudden invite to a reunion at a secluded lake house over Halloween already had me thinking, nope… count me out! From the start, the setup feels eerie, especially when the person who sent the invitations… doesn’t even show up. That alone sets the tone for what’s to come.
Told through multiple POVs, the story dives into a friend group absolutely drowning in secrets. And I mean many secrets. Just when you think the truth has finally surfaced, another bombshell drops. Seriously, how many secrets can one group take?!
The tension continues to build as the chapters unfold until things take a dark turn and one of the guests ends up dead, instantly making everyone a suspect. The claustrophobic setting, lies and tangled relationships keep you guessing who’s hiding what and who can be trusted.
This one isn’t for readers looking for immediate action right out the gate. It’s a slower burn, but for me the secrets that were revealed were worth the wait. If you enjoy atmospheric thrillers, complex characters and twisted pasts, The Invite is a solid read. Thank you Storm Publishing and NetGalley for an advanced reader copy. All opinions are my own.
Publication 🗓️ : 01.12.26
Told through multiple POVs, the story dives into a friend group absolutely drowning in secrets. And I mean many secrets. Just when you think the truth has finally surfaced, another bombshell drops. Seriously, how many secrets can one group take?!
The tension continues to build as the chapters unfold until things take a dark turn and one of the guests ends up dead, instantly making everyone a suspect. The claustrophobic setting, lies and tangled relationships keep you guessing who’s hiding what and who can be trusted.
This one isn’t for readers looking for immediate action right out the gate. It’s a slower burn, but for me the secrets that were revealed were worth the wait. If you enjoy atmospheric thrillers, complex characters and twisted pasts, The Invite is a solid read. Thank you Storm Publishing and NetGalley for an advanced reader copy. All opinions are my own.
Publication 🗓️ : 01.12.26
December 10, 2025
3.5
I went into this book with a lot of excitement, but overall it didn’t quite land for me. The pacing in the first 60% felt sluggish, making it hard to stay fully engaged. While I appreciated the use of multiple POVs, many of the backstories seemed more like filler and ultimately didn’t add much to the narrative. The final 40% picked up considerably, delivering the bulk of the action and intensity I had been waiting for.
The last few chapters were gripping and fast-paced, and I really enjoyed how the story wrapped up.
Thank you Storm Publishing and NetGalley for the ARC!
Pub date: Jan 12, 2026
I went into this book with a lot of excitement, but overall it didn’t quite land for me. The pacing in the first 60% felt sluggish, making it hard to stay fully engaged. While I appreciated the use of multiple POVs, many of the backstories seemed more like filler and ultimately didn’t add much to the narrative. The final 40% picked up considerably, delivering the bulk of the action and intensity I had been waiting for.
The last few chapters were gripping and fast-paced, and I really enjoyed how the story wrapped up.
Thank you Storm Publishing and NetGalley for the ARC!
Pub date: Jan 12, 2026
Review of advance copy received from Netgalley
This was a slow burn and unfortunately spoiled my read. The characters were awful, very spoiled and selfish. Not a great start to the new year. My thanks to netgalley and the publishers for giving me the opportunity to read this book in return for an honest review.
January 1, 2026
“Secrets — everyone has them, and some were more damaging than others”
The Invite by Irina Shapiro - I was accepted to ARC read this & I am giving this book a 3.5 ⭐️.
This Thriller/Crime Mystery book follows a group of 7 friends who received an invite by a long lost friend named Lexi Hall. Mind you, these friends haven’t heard from Lexi in a few years so this invitation came as a shock to all of them.
Not sure of what to do, they all accepted the invitation to a so-called friend reunion at a lake house. All paid for by Lexi herself.
But the day after they arrive one of them shows up dead and it’s up to the police to uncover who did it.
With them all being a suspect, it leaves us as readers trying to guess who done it. With plot twists and secrets being uncovered, this book will leave you sitting at the edge of your seat wanting to know more about each and every one of them!
The Invite by Irina Shapiro - I was accepted to ARC read this & I am giving this book a 3.5 ⭐️.
This Thriller/Crime Mystery book follows a group of 7 friends who received an invite by a long lost friend named Lexi Hall. Mind you, these friends haven’t heard from Lexi in a few years so this invitation came as a shock to all of them.
Not sure of what to do, they all accepted the invitation to a so-called friend reunion at a lake house. All paid for by Lexi herself.
But the day after they arrive one of them shows up dead and it’s up to the police to uncover who did it.
With them all being a suspect, it leaves us as readers trying to guess who done it. With plot twists and secrets being uncovered, this book will leave you sitting at the edge of your seat wanting to know more about each and every one of them!
Review of advance copy received from Netgalley
Thank you to NetGalley and Storm Publishing for this ARC in exchange for an honest review.
Seven college friends, lake-side vacation house, deadly secrets...
As a big fan of the Tate and Bell Mystery Series, I was super excited to read this book and it lived up to the hype! It was a quick, fast paced mystery. And the suspense! It was definitely a page turner!
Shapiro's writing is easy to follow. There are a lot of characters, multiple POVs, but each character had an interesting back story. The multiple POVs didn't take away from the story. The characters were written really well.
Toward the end, things seemed a little far fetched and messy with the investigation. But this book kept me up at night with the twisty, fast paced mystery!
4⭐️
Seven college friends, lake-side vacation house, deadly secrets...
As a big fan of the Tate and Bell Mystery Series, I was super excited to read this book and it lived up to the hype! It was a quick, fast paced mystery. And the suspense! It was definitely a page turner!
Shapiro's writing is easy to follow. There are a lot of characters, multiple POVs, but each character had an interesting back story. The multiple POVs didn't take away from the story. The characters were written really well.
Toward the end, things seemed a little far fetched and messy with the investigation. But this book kept me up at night with the twisty, fast paced mystery!
4⭐️
December 15, 2025
Lexie abruptly abandoned her old life, friends and fiance to go travelling around the world, keeping very little contact. Imagine their surprise when, out of the blue, they receive an email to let them know she is coming back and has booked a reunion in an idyllic lake house. What follows is a story full of twists and turns. The plot is well-written and pacy, particularly in the second half where I couldn’t put it down. At first, I thought the many different perspectives would be confusing but it certainly adds to the suspense and suspicion. I did guess the ending but not until very close to the end.
This book is thoroughly recommended for fans of mysteries. It was a relatively easy read and certainly and enjoyable one. I only gave 4 instead of 5 as I sometimes found the dialogue to be a bit ‘clunky’ and it didn’t feel like a natural conversation that would take place, however this didn’t put me off the story at all.
Thank you to Netgalley and Storm Publishing for allowing me to read this ARC in exchange for a fair and honest review.
This book is thoroughly recommended for fans of mysteries. It was a relatively easy read and certainly and enjoyable one. I only gave 4 instead of 5 as I sometimes found the dialogue to be a bit ‘clunky’ and it didn’t feel like a natural conversation that would take place, however this didn’t put me off the story at all.
Thank you to Netgalley and Storm Publishing for allowing me to read this ARC in exchange for a fair and honest review.
December 10, 2025
Reading The Invite felt like being stuck at a posh weekend getaway where everyone insists on telling you their life story… in the same exact voice… at the same exact volume… for far too many hours. It’s as if Gossip Girl went on a retreat, read The Guest List, and said, “Great idea! Let’s do that, but with zero chill and fifteen narrators.”
There are so many points of view that I started feeling like I needed a name tag just to keep myself organized. And not one of these characters has a distinct voice. They all blend together like someone copy-pasted the same personality template and just shuffled the names.
By chapter five, I wasn’t turning pages... I was speed-walking. And every time the characters drifted off into another meandering monologue, I wanted to politely tap the book and say, “Sweetie, focus.”
In short: dramatic setup, fun premise, but drowned in so much internal rambling you might need a flotation device.
I received a complimentary copy of this book. Opinions expressed in this review are completely my own. Thank you to Storm Publishing and NetGalley for the ARC.
There are so many points of view that I started feeling like I needed a name tag just to keep myself organized. And not one of these characters has a distinct voice. They all blend together like someone copy-pasted the same personality template and just shuffled the names.
By chapter five, I wasn’t turning pages... I was speed-walking. And every time the characters drifted off into another meandering monologue, I wanted to politely tap the book and say, “Sweetie, focus.”
In short: dramatic setup, fun premise, but drowned in so much internal rambling you might need a flotation device.
I received a complimentary copy of this book. Opinions expressed in this review are completely my own. Thank you to Storm Publishing and NetGalley for the ARC.
dnf
January 2, 2026PUBLISH DATE: January 12, 2026
DNF (Did Not Finish). I will not be reading this book. Within the first few chapters of this book, there was quite a few curse words and it was simply off putting to me. I can read books with foul language but to start with so many, the f*** and d*** are more vulgar and I just cannot finish this book. Thank you for the opportunity to attempt to read and review this book and I look forward to reading a different by the publisher in the future.
BOOK TITLE: The Invite
SERIES: NONE
AUTHOR: Emily Mendenhall
NARRATOR: Morgan Hallett
PUBLISHER: RBmedia | Recorded Books
FORMAT: aduiobook
DURATION: 8 hours, 56 minutes
I received a complimentary digital ARC [Advanced Readers Copy] of this book via NetGalley. Thank you to the Publisher and the Author for the opportunity to read and review this title prior to publication. As always, the opinions expressed in this review are my own.
DNF (Did Not Finish). I will not be reading this book. Within the first few chapters of this book, there was quite a few curse words and it was simply off putting to me. I can read books with foul language but to start with so many, the f*** and d*** are more vulgar and I just cannot finish this book. Thank you for the opportunity to attempt to read and review this book and I look forward to reading a different by the publisher in the future.
BOOK TITLE: The Invite
SERIES: NONE
AUTHOR: Emily Mendenhall
NARRATOR: Morgan Hallett
PUBLISHER: RBmedia | Recorded Books
FORMAT: aduiobook
DURATION: 8 hours, 56 minutes
I received a complimentary digital ARC [Advanced Readers Copy] of this book via NetGalley. Thank you to the Publisher and the Author for the opportunity to read and review this title prior to publication. As always, the opinions expressed in this review are my own.
December 8, 2025
Seven university friends are invited to a lake side lodge by Lexie, a friend they havent seen for years. Serena is dreading it as her husband Noah is Lexie's ex boyfriend. She's worried that he still has feelings for her but a conversation with Noah during the journey has her reeling. The weekend goes downhill from there.
This novel is a gripping, tense read with twists that keep you turning the pages. While some characters are unlikeable, it only adds to the tension and intrigue. A compelling story that pulls you in from the start.
This novel is a gripping, tense read with twists that keep you turning the pages. While some characters are unlikeable, it only adds to the tension and intrigue. A compelling story that pulls you in from the start.
January 13, 2026
The Invite is a gripping read that will have you turning the pages quickly.
A reunion is in the works for Hallowe'en weekend ( a character unto itself) for a group of college friends.
Lexie has put the invitation out and all of them have reasons that makes them want to go as at the same time dread every moment.
What could possibly go wrong with that scenario.
Bodies pile up, you trust no one and you can only guess who will survive.
Twists and turns and complete with an atmospheric read, The Invite is not to be missed.
A reunion is in the works for Hallowe'en weekend ( a character unto itself) for a group of college friends.
Lexie has put the invitation out and all of them have reasons that makes them want to go as at the same time dread every moment.
What could possibly go wrong with that scenario.
Bodies pile up, you trust no one and you can only guess who will survive.
Twists and turns and complete with an atmospheric read, The Invite is not to be missed.
December 9, 2025
Seven close friends who once shared every joy and hardship during their school years—yet never truly managed to keep that strong bond alive—are suddenly invited by one of them to a reunion weekend. Fun, you might think at first glance, but as a thriller reader you immediately know there’s more beneath the surface. Something far less pleasant, where some will be cast in an unflattering light… and old conflicts will be dug up again.
Spending a whole weekend together in one isolated house, right at Halloween, and at a place called Witch Lake… That’s seriously creepy and practically asking for trouble, isn’t it? Absolutely!
Everyone has secrets, and the atmosphere between the friends is anything but natural. Some would prefer to keep certain things buried, while others are clearly eager to bring them to the surface—and that is the perfect foundation for this kind of story.
I love locked-room mysteries. You know the culprit has to be someone present, but who? That’s the million-dollar question, and it’s up to the author to keep the truth hidden from the reader for as long as possible. When a writer succeeds at that, the result is a little gem.
I can assure you that, for me personally, this was executed brilliantly. I had absolutely no idea whom to suspect, even when the number of possibilities began to shrink. I kept doubting right up until the very end—almost the final pages of the book—and that says everything. An impressive achievement!
I thoroughly enjoyed it and wouldn’t mind at all if the author decided to write a sequel. Who knows! In any case, I truly loved the entire package: the writing style, the plot, the characters, and the setting—all wonderfully chosen and combined. For me, this book absolutely deserves the full 5 stars, without a moment of hesitation.
Thank you
Spending a whole weekend together in one isolated house, right at Halloween, and at a place called Witch Lake… That’s seriously creepy and practically asking for trouble, isn’t it? Absolutely!
Everyone has secrets, and the atmosphere between the friends is anything but natural. Some would prefer to keep certain things buried, while others are clearly eager to bring them to the surface—and that is the perfect foundation for this kind of story.
I love locked-room mysteries. You know the culprit has to be someone present, but who? That’s the million-dollar question, and it’s up to the author to keep the truth hidden from the reader for as long as possible. When a writer succeeds at that, the result is a little gem.
I can assure you that, for me personally, this was executed brilliantly. I had absolutely no idea whom to suspect, even when the number of possibilities began to shrink. I kept doubting right up until the very end—almost the final pages of the book—and that says everything. An impressive achievement!
I thoroughly enjoyed it and wouldn’t mind at all if the author decided to write a sequel. Who knows! In any case, I truly loved the entire package: the writing style, the plot, the characters, and the setting—all wonderfully chosen and combined. For me, this book absolutely deserves the full 5 stars, without a moment of hesitation.
Thank you
January 18, 2026
4.5 ⭐
This was a book that I was so excited to read. And now, after reading this, I'm happy to say it was such a thrilling experience.
Thrillers set in an isolated location with limited number of characters remain one of my favourite categories of thriller. And this one, was successful in delivering exactly what I hoped for!
One of the best things about this story was the element of suspense in it. When I started this, I did think that the suspense and the thrill would come only after the characters reach their reunion place, at Witch Lake. But no! The story was suspenseful from the beginning with the introduction of characters.
Another highlight was the characters. They were well-written and it was easy to know that all seven of them had something to hide. This made the characters flawed but that worked well for this story. Also the povs were from each character, so it gave a sneak peek to who they really were, beneath their interactions with others.
The ending was also good. The only trouble was that I was able to guess who the killer was by the end. I would have liked it more, if my assumption would have been proven false.
That said, this was a thrilling experience for me and I enjoyed it a lot!!!
This was a book that I was so excited to read. And now, after reading this, I'm happy to say it was such a thrilling experience.
Thrillers set in an isolated location with limited number of characters remain one of my favourite categories of thriller. And this one, was successful in delivering exactly what I hoped for!
One of the best things about this story was the element of suspense in it. When I started this, I did think that the suspense and the thrill would come only after the characters reach their reunion place, at Witch Lake. But no! The story was suspenseful from the beginning with the introduction of characters.
Another highlight was the characters. They were well-written and it was easy to know that all seven of them had something to hide. This made the characters flawed but that worked well for this story. Also the povs were from each character, so it gave a sneak peek to who they really were, beneath their interactions with others.
The ending was also good. The only trouble was that I was able to guess who the killer was by the end. I would have liked it more, if my assumption would have been proven false.
That said, this was a thrilling experience for me and I enjoyed it a lot!!!
January 12, 2026
would like to thank netgalley and the publisher for letting me read this book
when the invites landed in their emails inviting them to an all expense paid weekend by the lake well who could refuse that offer......
that it had come from their friend lexie who had left them high and dry several years ago without contacting them.... all made them feel a bit weird but for them now to get together and spend time with each other..... well how could they all refuse.....
maybe noah who had been engaged to lexie before she went off and dumped him and maybe his wife should have as well because she was lexie best friend and had married noah.....
but everyone went because they all wanted to see lexie after all this time and just maybe get some answers......
what they werent expecting to find after the first night there as they were getting back into their groove with their mates was that the next morning one of them would be dead.....
omg what a terrifying read and you really dont know who you friends are really do you..... i was gripped wanting to know where lexie was and why....
ohhh what a tangled web we weave when we practise to deceive and this book had it all...
when the invites landed in their emails inviting them to an all expense paid weekend by the lake well who could refuse that offer......
that it had come from their friend lexie who had left them high and dry several years ago without contacting them.... all made them feel a bit weird but for them now to get together and spend time with each other..... well how could they all refuse.....
maybe noah who had been engaged to lexie before she went off and dumped him and maybe his wife should have as well because she was lexie best friend and had married noah.....
but everyone went because they all wanted to see lexie after all this time and just maybe get some answers......
what they werent expecting to find after the first night there as they were getting back into their groove with their mates was that the next morning one of them would be dead.....
omg what a terrifying read and you really dont know who you friends are really do you..... i was gripped wanting to know where lexie was and why....
ohhh what a tangled web we weave when we practise to deceive and this book had it all...
December 27, 2025
The invitation to spend the weekend at a secluded lake house comes out of the blue from one of the college friends who has sent sparing updates of her foreign travels. So, the others are surprised by her invitation. To most of the friends the reunion
sounds wonderful. Friends getting together to reminisce, laugh, eat and drink. But not all are thrilled about being together again.
Undertones of tension, secrets and sly innuendoes start almost immediately as the friends meet up. By morning one of them is dead from a terrible accident. Or was it?
Thank you to Netgalley and Storm Publishing for the Ebook. The concept of this book was interesting and the characters were multilayered.
Although ‘The Invite’ was slow for about 50%, which included background on each of the characters, the pace did eventually pick up. As did the tension and its twisted end.
This review is my personal opinion and given without remuneration.
sounds wonderful. Friends getting together to reminisce, laugh, eat and drink. But not all are thrilled about being together again.
Undertones of tension, secrets and sly innuendoes start almost immediately as the friends meet up. By morning one of them is dead from a terrible accident. Or was it?
Thank you to Netgalley and Storm Publishing for the Ebook. The concept of this book was interesting and the characters were multilayered.
Although ‘The Invite’ was slow for about 50%, which included background on each of the characters, the pace did eventually pick up. As did the tension and its twisted end.
This review is my personal opinion and given without remuneration.
January 19, 2026
The Invite begins when seven college friends receive an unexpected reunion invitation to a luxurious, secluded lakehouse — sent by Lexie, the protagonist’s ex-fiancée, who hasn’t been in contact for three years. Despite mixed feelings, the protagonist and his wife Serena agree to attend, hoping to reconnect with old friends. As everyone gathers and old tensions and buried resentments resurface, the atmosphere becomes uneasy. By the next morning, what was meant to be a long-overdue reunion turns into a nightmare when a body is found floating in the dark water near the house. The story then unfolds as long-held secrets, regrets, and lies unravel among the group, turning a weekend getaway into a deadly mystery that keeps readers guessing until the final twist.
This was a very average read for me. It did drag on a bit at parts and had a little too much thriller. I did enjoy that there were many possibilities for "whodunnit" and I was genuinely guessing right until the end. The story is told through multiple POVs, so as the reader, it is difficult to know who to trust.
Thank you Storm Publishing and NetGalley for the ARC in exchange for an honest review.
This was a very average read for me. It did drag on a bit at parts and had a little too much thriller. I did enjoy that there were many possibilities for "whodunnit" and I was genuinely guessing right until the end. The story is told through multiple POVs, so as the reader, it is difficult to know who to trust.
Thank you Storm Publishing and NetGalley for the ARC in exchange for an honest review.
Review of advance copy received from Netgalley
Seven friends reunite after years, and one of them ends up dead. Start of a thriller!
For some reason these whodunit's are so fun, especially figuring out the killer. The setting was really good and a unique aspect was getting povs from everyone. I think it helped understand the characters really well though it made the pacing slow in the first half of the book.
The twists were interesting and kept me guessing till the end. Though the characters did not have likable traits, this book is definitely a page turner.
*I received an ARC in exchange for a honest review from Netgalley and Storm publishing*
For some reason these whodunit's are so fun, especially figuring out the killer. The setting was really good and a unique aspect was getting povs from everyone. I think it helped understand the characters really well though it made the pacing slow in the first half of the book.
The twists were interesting and kept me guessing till the end. Though the characters did not have likable traits, this book is definitely a page turner.
*I received an ARC in exchange for a honest review from Netgalley and Storm publishing*
December 24, 2025
The Invite was an example of an interesting idea that didn’t quite hang together.
A large cast of characters who, if I’m being honest, had little to offer us. They’ve known each other since college but have their secrets and issues. When one of the group, Lexie, arranges a weekend trip to a beautiful lakeside cottage it sounds idyllic, but she doesn’t show up and then individuals within the group turn up dead or have mysterious accidents.
As the police investigate we learn more about this cast and their relationships. It’s clear they all have secrets - and it becomes a case of working out which is most relevant.
Thanks to NetGalley for giving me the chance to read and review this before publication.
A large cast of characters who, if I’m being honest, had little to offer us. They’ve known each other since college but have their secrets and issues. When one of the group, Lexie, arranges a weekend trip to a beautiful lakeside cottage it sounds idyllic, but she doesn’t show up and then individuals within the group turn up dead or have mysterious accidents.
As the police investigate we learn more about this cast and their relationships. It’s clear they all have secrets - and it becomes a case of working out which is most relevant.
Thanks to NetGalley for giving me the chance to read and review this before publication.
December 5, 2025
I love a good eerie, small-group thriller — and The Invite delivered exactly that claustrophobic, who-can-you-trust tension I crave. A reunion at a secluded lake house, old wounds reopened, and then bodies start dropping… I was hooked.
This was my first book by Irina Shapiro and I’m not disappointed. The pacing is quick, the atmosphere is moody, and the unraveling friendships kept me guessing right until the end. If you enjoy Lucy Foley–style group dynamics and twisty weekend-gone-wrong vibes, this one is a fun, fast read.
This was my first book by Irina Shapiro and I’m not disappointed. The pacing is quick, the atmosphere is moody, and the unraveling friendships kept me guessing right until the end. If you enjoy Lucy Foley–style group dynamics and twisty weekend-gone-wrong vibes, this one is a fun, fast read.
December 8, 2025
I was hooked from page one. The Invite is eerie, fast-paced, and packed with the kind of unsettling tension that keeps you guessing—and second-guessing—right up to the final reveal.
Because really, what could possibly go wrong when you reunite with your old college friends for a weekend getaway? 🤔
As it turns out: secrets, simmering regrets, and a mounting sense of dread that pulls you in completely.
This was my first book by Irina Shapiro, and it absolutely won’t be my last. Her ability to layer intrigue with emotion made this an addictive read.
A huge thank you to Storm Publishing and Irina Shapiro for the opportunity to dive into this eARC via NetGalley in exchange for my honest review.
Because really, what could possibly go wrong when you reunite with your old college friends for a weekend getaway? 🤔
As it turns out: secrets, simmering regrets, and a mounting sense of dread that pulls you in completely.
This was my first book by Irina Shapiro, and it absolutely won’t be my last. Her ability to layer intrigue with emotion made this an addictive read.
A huge thank you to Storm Publishing and Irina Shapiro for the opportunity to dive into this eARC via NetGalley in exchange for my honest review.
December 27, 2025
Wow, I was immediately hooked on this one. The story weaves a spiderweb of characters to connect, yet the multiple POVs make it easy to follow. This book is packed with jaw-dropping twists and deadly secrets. The tension is high- I could feel the characters’ anxiety right along with them. The deep, twisty relationships within this friend group kept me guessing until the very end.
Publishing January 12- Add this to your calendar! If you’re a thriller fan, this is one you won’t want to miss. 🔥📚
Publishing January 12- Add this to your calendar! If you’re a thriller fan, this is one you won’t want to miss. 🔥📚
January 12, 2026
Thank you to Storm publishing for the advanced digital review copy. Below is my honest review.
The Invite follows a group of college friends who receive an ominous invite to a lake house by one of the group. There’s secrets, lies and there is mystery. It is told through multiple POVs which were easy enough to keep up with.
I was hoping I’d enjoy this more than I did, I just felt like some parts didn’t grip me and felt quite far fetched. The story and writing overall however is good and I know others will love it!
If you have any content triggers, I advise you to read any trigger warnings beforehand.
I recommend this to anyone who is looking to read a tense thriller with mystery elements.
Thank you Storm and Irina for letting me read and review.
I give this 3.5 (rounded up to 4 on Goodreads)
The Invite follows a group of college friends who receive an ominous invite to a lake house by one of the group. There’s secrets, lies and there is mystery. It is told through multiple POVs which were easy enough to keep up with.
I was hoping I’d enjoy this more than I did, I just felt like some parts didn’t grip me and felt quite far fetched. The story and writing overall however is good and I know others will love it!
If you have any content triggers, I advise you to read any trigger warnings beforehand.
I recommend this to anyone who is looking to read a tense thriller with mystery elements.
Thank you Storm and Irina for letting me read and review.
I give this 3.5 (rounded up to 4 on Goodreads)
January 9, 2026
A classic murder mystery with twists and turns, this book took me about 30% until I was truly engaged. This is approximate when we discover the name of the body, and the story starts to pick up. The back and forth among characters was good, not great. The backstories felt a little forced, however, the twist at the end was a surprise.
Review of advance copy received from Netgalley
So glad I was able to get an early copy of this book! I was hooked the moment I started reading. I kept thinking i had figured it out but then would be proved wrong. I do hope we get a second book!
January 25, 2026
Great read!
I love a storyline that keeps me guessing! A fast paced and twisty who done it!! Love me some Irish Shapiro!!!
I love a storyline that keeps me guessing! A fast paced and twisty who done it!! Love me some Irish Shapiro!!!
December 12, 2025
Fast paced thriller with multiple points of view and multiple murders. Kept me guessing throughout. Thanks to Netgalley and Storm Publishing for the ARC.
Review of advance copy received from Netgalley
If you’ve ever wanted to watch a group of former college friends air their dirty laundry at a lake house before slowly descending into Lord of the Flies territory, The Invite delivers that exact energy... but, like, with more wine and murder. It’s giving The Big Chill meets Scream 3 reunion vibes, but everyone’s got a secret, a motive, and a personality somewhere between “yoga mom who drinks at noon” and “guy who peaked in undergrad and knows it.”
The drama kicks off with Noah getting a mysterious email invite to a lakeside reunion from Lexie, his ex-fiancée who ghosted him via text before dipping to Thailand for a full Eat Pray Ghost run. She hasn’t spoken to anyone in years, and now she wants to throw a Halloween weekend getaway like they’re all still friends? Sure, Jan.
Noah is now married to Serena, aka Lexie’s former bestie, who is serving some real Regina George energy the whole trip. These two do not need to be in the same zip code, let alone the same lakehouse, but they pack up their marriage full of microaggressions and go anyway. Joining them are the rest of the squad: messy, secretive, and possibly murder-y. Also Vince, who gives strong "I was invited out of obligation and definitely brought mushrooms" vibes.
And because this is a locked-room thriller, obviously someone ends up face down in the water by sunrise. And from there? It’s open season. Trust no one. Everybody’s lying. And every POV shift is like spinning a wheel labeled “Trauma,” “Infidelity,” “Blackmail,” or “I Saw Something That Night But Didn’t Say Anything.”
Here’s the thing: I was into it. I love a hot mess cast who all lowkey hate each other. I love the claustrophobic setting, the bad decisions, the vibes of “we should definitely not be doing shots when there’s a killer in the group.” And the pacing in the second half absolutely goes feral in the best way. Bodies drop. Secrets explode. The epilogue had me doing the slow clap.
But... and it’s a big but, like Serena’s ego... the first half drags. We get POVs from literally everyone, which at first is kind of fun but quickly turns into emotional whiplash. Everyone sounds vaguely the same. Their backstories start to blur. At one point I was like, “Wait, did I just read four pages of internal monologue about someone’s gym routine and weird college nickname?” Yes. Yes, I did.
Also, the tone waffles between “psychological thriller” and "CW soap opera," and not in the deliciously unhinged way. There’s a scene where someone monologues about lost love like they’re auditioning for a sad-boy indie movie while another person is literally missing and possibly dead. Priorities, babes.
Still, once the chaos hits, it hits. The twist isn’t impossible to guess, but it’s satisfying, and the interpersonal implosions along the way are solid gold. Noah, especially, is such a walking red flag he might as well wear a cape, and watching Serena try to hold their “perfect life” together with sheer spite was weirdly compelling.
This isn’t going to shatter the genre, but it is a good time if you like your thrillers with unreliable narrators, toxic nostalgia, and characters who make you shout “GET OUT OF THE HOUSE” every five chapters.
Pure popcorn thriller with slightly too much seasoning. It’s messy. It’s twisty. It’s the literary equivalent of going to your college reunion and realizing half your friend group still hasn’t emotionally graduated. 3.5 stars.
Whodunity Award: For Most Likely to Ruin a Group Chat With a Murder Confession
Huge thanks to Storm Publishing and NetGalley for letting me RSVP to this unhinged murder weekend early. I didn’t pack a bag, I just showed up in emotional chaos and snacks. Worth it.
The drama kicks off with Noah getting a mysterious email invite to a lakeside reunion from Lexie, his ex-fiancée who ghosted him via text before dipping to Thailand for a full Eat Pray Ghost run. She hasn’t spoken to anyone in years, and now she wants to throw a Halloween weekend getaway like they’re all still friends? Sure, Jan.
Noah is now married to Serena, aka Lexie’s former bestie, who is serving some real Regina George energy the whole trip. These two do not need to be in the same zip code, let alone the same lakehouse, but they pack up their marriage full of microaggressions and go anyway. Joining them are the rest of the squad: messy, secretive, and possibly murder-y. Also Vince, who gives strong "I was invited out of obligation and definitely brought mushrooms" vibes.
And because this is a locked-room thriller, obviously someone ends up face down in the water by sunrise. And from there? It’s open season. Trust no one. Everybody’s lying. And every POV shift is like spinning a wheel labeled “Trauma,” “Infidelity,” “Blackmail,” or “I Saw Something That Night But Didn’t Say Anything.”
Here’s the thing: I was into it. I love a hot mess cast who all lowkey hate each other. I love the claustrophobic setting, the bad decisions, the vibes of “we should definitely not be doing shots when there’s a killer in the group.” And the pacing in the second half absolutely goes feral in the best way. Bodies drop. Secrets explode. The epilogue had me doing the slow clap.
But... and it’s a big but, like Serena’s ego... the first half drags. We get POVs from literally everyone, which at first is kind of fun but quickly turns into emotional whiplash. Everyone sounds vaguely the same. Their backstories start to blur. At one point I was like, “Wait, did I just read four pages of internal monologue about someone’s gym routine and weird college nickname?” Yes. Yes, I did.
Also, the tone waffles between “psychological thriller” and "CW soap opera," and not in the deliciously unhinged way. There’s a scene where someone monologues about lost love like they’re auditioning for a sad-boy indie movie while another person is literally missing and possibly dead. Priorities, babes.
Still, once the chaos hits, it hits. The twist isn’t impossible to guess, but it’s satisfying, and the interpersonal implosions along the way are solid gold. Noah, especially, is such a walking red flag he might as well wear a cape, and watching Serena try to hold their “perfect life” together with sheer spite was weirdly compelling.
This isn’t going to shatter the genre, but it is a good time if you like your thrillers with unreliable narrators, toxic nostalgia, and characters who make you shout “GET OUT OF THE HOUSE” every five chapters.
Pure popcorn thriller with slightly too much seasoning. It’s messy. It’s twisty. It’s the literary equivalent of going to your college reunion and realizing half your friend group still hasn’t emotionally graduated. 3.5 stars.
Whodunity Award: For Most Likely to Ruin a Group Chat With a Murder Confession
Huge thanks to Storm Publishing and NetGalley for letting me RSVP to this unhinged murder weekend early. I didn’t pack a bag, I just showed up in emotional chaos and snacks. Worth it.
Review of advance copy received from Netgalley
★★★½☆
Seven college friends. One remote lakehouse. A reunion that should have stayed in the past… and ends in murder.
When an unexpected email arrives inviting a group of old friends to a luxurious, isolated lakeside house, it reopens wounds that were never properly healed—especially for the narrator, whose ex-fiancée Lexie is the one extending the invitation. Now married to Serena, Lexie’s former best friend, he agrees to attend despite lingering doubts and unresolved feelings. As the weekend unfolds, old resentments, buried secrets, and simmering tensions quickly rise to the surface. By morning, a body is found floating in the lake, and everyone present becomes a suspect.
This book delivered exactly what I usually enjoy in a locked-room mystery: a contained setting, a suspicious cast, mounting tension, and plenty of finger-pointing. I loved the atmosphere—there’s a constant underlying sense of dread—and I genuinely enjoyed playing armchair detective as new clues, secrets, and twists emerged. My suspect list changed repeatedly, which is always a win for me. The short, punchy chapters and multiple POVs kept the pacing brisk, and Shapiro’s writing style is clear and easy to follow.
That said, this one didn’t quite stick the landing for me. There were a lot of characters—too many, in fact—and while I understand the need for a sizeable suspect pool in this type of mystery, not everyone needed their own POV. Many of the backstories felt more like filler or “trauma dumps” than meaningful character development, and several raised questions that were never fully resolved. I also struggled with some timeline inconsistencies and plausibility issues, particularly around the speed of the police work, forensic results, and how quickly outside agencies became involved. Toward the end, the investigation felt messy and a bit far-fetched, and the final resolution left me with more unanswered questions than I would have liked.
Overall, The Invite was a fast, twisty, and entertaining read that kept me turning pages late into the night—but clunky dialogue at times, an overcrowded cast, and a disappointing ending kept it firmly at 3.5 stars rather than pushing it higher.
Thank you to the author, Storm Publishing, and NetGalley for the advanced reader copy.
Seven college friends. One remote lakehouse. A reunion that should have stayed in the past… and ends in murder.
When an unexpected email arrives inviting a group of old friends to a luxurious, isolated lakeside house, it reopens wounds that were never properly healed—especially for the narrator, whose ex-fiancée Lexie is the one extending the invitation. Now married to Serena, Lexie’s former best friend, he agrees to attend despite lingering doubts and unresolved feelings. As the weekend unfolds, old resentments, buried secrets, and simmering tensions quickly rise to the surface. By morning, a body is found floating in the lake, and everyone present becomes a suspect.
This book delivered exactly what I usually enjoy in a locked-room mystery: a contained setting, a suspicious cast, mounting tension, and plenty of finger-pointing. I loved the atmosphere—there’s a constant underlying sense of dread—and I genuinely enjoyed playing armchair detective as new clues, secrets, and twists emerged. My suspect list changed repeatedly, which is always a win for me. The short, punchy chapters and multiple POVs kept the pacing brisk, and Shapiro’s writing style is clear and easy to follow.
That said, this one didn’t quite stick the landing for me. There were a lot of characters—too many, in fact—and while I understand the need for a sizeable suspect pool in this type of mystery, not everyone needed their own POV. Many of the backstories felt more like filler or “trauma dumps” than meaningful character development, and several raised questions that were never fully resolved. I also struggled with some timeline inconsistencies and plausibility issues, particularly around the speed of the police work, forensic results, and how quickly outside agencies became involved. Toward the end, the investigation felt messy and a bit far-fetched, and the final resolution left me with more unanswered questions than I would have liked.
Overall, The Invite was a fast, twisty, and entertaining read that kept me turning pages late into the night—but clunky dialogue at times, an overcrowded cast, and a disappointing ending kept it firmly at 3.5 stars rather than pushing it higher.
Thank you to the author, Storm Publishing, and NetGalley for the advanced reader copy.
January 29, 2026
This one took me a while to complete. I don't know what it was exactly. The cover and synopsis drew me in enough to request an ARC from NetGalley and I am thankful for the opportunity to read and review this title as I have not read this author previously. So thank you to NetGalley, the publisher and the author for this!
The book just started out slow for me. The first 22 chapters go by without much action and then all of a sudden, one of the college friends who were mysteriously invited to a Halloween weekend away at a lakeside cottage on Witch Island is found face up in the lake. While I stuck this one out, I just couldn't really relate to any of the characters. These adults seemed far too immature to be real, although perhaps there are adults who exist in this world today who behave the way these men and women did when they set up camp so to speak at the house, awaiting Lexie's arrival.
Except for Serena, who we learn early on is pregnant, the rest of the group kicks back, indulging in copious amounts of booze and cocaine. I believe this could be what turned me off as sadly I do know thirty year olds who are partaking in this sort of lifestyle as their potential diminishes and their credibility vanishes. I found it a bit odd that a lawyer would be using drugs this way but perhaps one just never knows what professionals do behind closed doors in their personal time.
The book does get better, despite the long introduction into the various relationships between characters. We soon learn that each one of the friends could have the motive to kill Serena and that friendship is a term I might not use to describe their relationships. Serena is not the only casualty of this friends getaway weekend and things are not what they seem. It's a guessing game to the end of this one as the police investigate the murder.
Overall, I am glad to have read this book just to see what Irina Shapiro is all about as I will recommend her to some of my patrons at the library even though I wouldn't call this book one of my favorites. I'm also open to the possibility of trying another novel by this author as she certainly has written a few! I would tend to think that fans of Freida McFadden might enjoy reading this book.
The book just started out slow for me. The first 22 chapters go by without much action and then all of a sudden, one of the college friends who were mysteriously invited to a Halloween weekend away at a lakeside cottage on Witch Island is found face up in the lake. While I stuck this one out, I just couldn't really relate to any of the characters. These adults seemed far too immature to be real, although perhaps there are adults who exist in this world today who behave the way these men and women did when they set up camp so to speak at the house, awaiting Lexie's arrival.
Except for Serena, who we learn early on is pregnant, the rest of the group kicks back, indulging in copious amounts of booze and cocaine. I believe this could be what turned me off as sadly I do know thirty year olds who are partaking in this sort of lifestyle as their potential diminishes and their credibility vanishes. I found it a bit odd that a lawyer would be using drugs this way but perhaps one just never knows what professionals do behind closed doors in their personal time.
The book does get better, despite the long introduction into the various relationships between characters. We soon learn that each one of the friends could have the motive to kill Serena and that friendship is a term I might not use to describe their relationships. Serena is not the only casualty of this friends getaway weekend and things are not what they seem. It's a guessing game to the end of this one as the police investigate the murder.
Overall, I am glad to have read this book just to see what Irina Shapiro is all about as I will recommend her to some of my patrons at the library even though I wouldn't call this book one of my favorites. I'm also open to the possibility of trying another novel by this author as she certainly has written a few! I would tend to think that fans of Freida McFadden might enjoy reading this book.
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