What do you think?
Rate this book
Win a free print copy of this book!
14 days and 08:19:13
10 copies available
U.S. only
The Murder Party
Not yet published
Expected 13 Oct 26Win a free print copy of this book!
14 days and 08:19:13
10 copies available
U.S. only
When June Chan's older sister Lily is stabbed to death at a secret party in front of a dozen people, June learns about the exclusive murder mystery club Lily was in, and the themed games that members played.
The police rule Lily's death an accident caused by a malfunctioning prop knife and close the case. The school warns all the members—including Lily's boyfriend and best friends—and shuts Murder Club down.
Everyone seems fine to move on. Accept that life isn't fair and that Lily's death was just a tragic accident…everyone but June. Determined to find out more about the Club, its members, and exactly what happened that night, she dives into the personal lives of everyone who witnessed Lily's death.
As June begins to uncover secrets the club would prefer to remain hidden, it becomes clear Lily's death wasn't an accident. June realizes that the only way she can find out what really happened is to revive Murder Club and set a trap. To catch her sister's killer, she will have to host the deadliest Murder Night of all…
The police rule Lily's death an accident caused by a malfunctioning prop knife and close the case. The school warns all the members—including Lily's boyfriend and best friends—and shuts Murder Club down.
Everyone seems fine to move on. Accept that life isn't fair and that Lily's death was just a tragic accident…everyone but June. Determined to find out more about the Club, its members, and exactly what happened that night, she dives into the personal lives of everyone who witnessed Lily's death.
As June begins to uncover secrets the club would prefer to remain hidden, it becomes clear Lily's death wasn't an accident. June realizes that the only way she can find out what really happened is to revive Murder Club and set a trap. To catch her sister's killer, she will have to host the deadliest Murder Night of all…
368 pages, Paperback
Expected publication October 13, 2026
About the author
Cindy R.X. He
4 books362 followersCindy R. X. He is an Edgar Award nominated author, and the queen of tension and psychological crimes against readers¹, who writes chilling and suspense-filled tragedies² with propulsive, Hitchcockian plots³ and complex relationship dynamics⁴. Her books have been an Edgar Award nominee, a Junior Library Guild Gold Standard Selection, a Children's Book Council Favorites Awards Winner, nominated for the Arkansas Teen Book Award, recommended by the Chicago Public Libraries for Best Teen Fiction, as well as a finalist for the Daphne du Maurier Award and the Killer Nashville Claymore Award.
Born and raised in multicultural Singapore, she currently resides in the French Alps with her husband, children, and rescue cat. She skis in the winter, gets dragged on hikes in the summer (and sometimes, even worse still, camping), and hoards books all year round.
¹ Courtney Summers ² Kirkus ³ Booklist ⁴ Publishers Weekly
Born and raised in multicultural Singapore, she currently resides in the French Alps with her husband, children, and rescue cat. She skis in the winter, gets dragged on hikes in the summer (and sometimes, even worse still, camping), and hoards books all year round.
¹ Courtney Summers ² Kirkus ³ Booklist ⁴ Publishers Weekly
Ratings & Reviews
Friends & Following
Create a free account to discover what your friends think of this book!
Community Reviews
Displaying 1 - 30 of 65 reviews
Review of advance copy received from NetGalley
The Murder Party written by Cindy R.X. He is a slow paced mystery novel filled with curious characters. While this novel had less thrill than I anticipated, it did deliver a clever plot with a few surprising moments.
I enjoyed getting to know the characters and watching how a curiously suspicious June Chan uncovers the details of her older sister’s surprising death.
👉A peak inside:
Investigators quickly close this case just days after they found Lily Chan dead at a high school “murder club” party. Investigators citing the death was not a murder, but caused by malfunctioning drama props; an accident. June is immediately suspicious and a journey of discovery begins...June and her best friend, Zoey Williams are determined to find out what really happened that night at Murder Club and was Lily Chan murdered?!😳
👉A few things that made me take pause:
Written in the first person, this novel is narrated by June Chan. For me, the style of revealing the story felt slow and unhurried. There was a lot of “he said” and “she said” as she contacts members of the “club,” which made the story feel drawn out. Additionally, June always had jumbled thoughts crowded in her head, which at times made the story feel disjointed. But overall, this was a good book!
The Murder Party is a fun, easy read and will be a hit among young adults for sure! 3⭐️⭐️⭐️ stars for the YA mystery novel.
Thank you NetGalley and the publisher for this Arc in exchange for an honest review.
(Edited for typos.😩7/24/26)
I enjoyed getting to know the characters and watching how a curiously suspicious June Chan uncovers the details of her older sister’s surprising death.
👉A peak inside:
Investigators quickly close this case just days after they found Lily Chan dead at a high school “murder club” party. Investigators citing the death was not a murder, but caused by malfunctioning drama props; an accident. June is immediately suspicious and a journey of discovery begins...June and her best friend, Zoey Williams are determined to find out what really happened that night at Murder Club and was Lily Chan murdered?!😳
👉A few things that made me take pause:
Written in the first person, this novel is narrated by June Chan. For me, the style of revealing the story felt slow and unhurried. There was a lot of “he said” and “she said” as she contacts members of the “club,” which made the story feel drawn out. Additionally, June always had jumbled thoughts crowded in her head, which at times made the story feel disjointed. But overall, this was a good book!
The Murder Party is a fun, easy read and will be a hit among young adults for sure! 3⭐️⭐️⭐️ stars for the YA mystery novel.
Thank you NetGalley and the publisher for this Arc in exchange for an honest review.
(Edited for typos.😩7/24/26)
July 28, 2026
It was a fine read, but nothing memorable for me. Nothing I’ll really remember, unfortunately. And that’s a shame, because I thought I was going to like it more than I actually did. The murder mystery itself was the best part of the story, so that’s cool. It was predictable at times but all mysteries kinda are in a way, so it didn’t bother me. However, I did not like the murder’s motive and certainly not the misogynistic words at all, especially from one female character. It rubbed me the wrong way. Speaking of the characters, I did not particularly enjoy them. June did not stand out. And I definitely did not like the romance, I saw it coming from miles away and it annoyed me. Despite all that, it was easy and quick to read so I would still recommend it.
Thank you to Netgalley for an e-ARC in exchange for a honest review.
Thank you to Netgalley for an e-ARC in exchange for a honest review.
June 10, 2026
What happens when a high school murder mystery party turns deadly? Everyone says Lily’s death by stage prop knife was an accident, that it malfunctioned, but June thinks there’s more to it. This was a very enjoyable read for me that explored themes such as grief and friendship through a murder investigation by a high schooler. I appreciated that June felt like a very believable high school girl, with a variety of peers and struggles. For example, she struggled in the shadow of her “perfect” sister Lily. I felt the sibling struggle as well as the frustration towards her parent’s treatment of each girl. June was smart, yet sometimes was an overthinker, especially when it came to her crush on Alex, which was kind of charming for her character. Speaking of crush, there’s definitely some petty high school drama, and you definitely must suspend reality for a bit to find the investigation and reveal of the killer believable. However, I really found this to be a cute and fun read. I loved the murder mystery game and watching the game begin to unravel.
Trigger warning: sexual assault, cursing
Trigger warning: sexual assault, cursing
May 25, 2026
Thank you Netgalley for providing me with an e-arc in exchange for an honest review.
When June's sister is killed by a malfunctioning knife during a secret party, June is not satisfied with the police calling it an "accident". So she takes matters into her own hands and starts her own investigation. She's determined to find out how these murder game parties went and how this could happen. And she goes to great lengths for this....
This YA murder mystery has a fast pace which makes this book a quick read. It's also really thrilling to find stuff together with June as a reader. It's really. Although the real investigation isn't that big from the start, the pacing made me want to continue with the story. The writing style is straight to the point which suits the story really well.
June is a nice main character to follow. She has her flaws, but it kinda helps her to find her sister's murderer. Her determination is admirable. She's going to do everything to find out who did it. The side characters, well the likable ones, were nice to follow as well. Even the 'bad ones' were written really well, I mean, I disliked them together with June. It's just that you feel everything June feels as a reader.
I really liked this YA murder mystery and would recommend reading this if you love this genre! It's a quick, enjoyable and nice read!
When June's sister is killed by a malfunctioning knife during a secret party, June is not satisfied with the police calling it an "accident". So she takes matters into her own hands and starts her own investigation. She's determined to find out how these murder game parties went and how this could happen. And she goes to great lengths for this....
This YA murder mystery has a fast pace which makes this book a quick read. It's also really thrilling to find stuff together with June as a reader. It's really. Although the real investigation isn't that big from the start, the pacing made me want to continue with the story. The writing style is straight to the point which suits the story really well.
June is a nice main character to follow. She has her flaws, but it kinda helps her to find her sister's murderer. Her determination is admirable. She's going to do everything to find out who did it. The side characters, well the likable ones, were nice to follow as well. Even the 'bad ones' were written really well, I mean, I disliked them together with June. It's just that you feel everything June feels as a reader.
I really liked this YA murder mystery and would recommend reading this if you love this genre! It's a quick, enjoyable and nice read!
June 5, 2026
This was such a good fast paced book. I love YA thrillers/horror and this was so well written, it really stands out in the genre. I also fear I wouldn’t have joined Murder Club back in high school! This is such a unique take on the murder mystery party trope (one of my faves) and I LOVED it! These characters were really written and our FMC was so complex and well written. I didn’t guess the ending either, which is always a bonus. A fun read. I look forward to more from Cindy R X He.
Thank you to NetGalley for the ARC
Thank you to NetGalley for the ARC
July 8, 2026
Thank you to the publisher for an advanced copy! I had a lot of fun reading this
Review of advance copy received from NetGalley
Thank you NetGalley and Sourcebooks Fire for the ARC in exchange for an honest review!
“The Murder Party” by Cindy R. X. He was such a fun YA mystery that hooked me almost immediately with its unique premise. A murder mystery party where the fake murder becomes a real one? I was sold from page one. I would definitely recommend this book to younger YA readers, though the ending does discuss SA a bit (so readers should be aware of this).
The story follows June after her older sister Lily is killed during a secret Murder Club event. Lily was supposed to be "stabbed" with a retractable prop knife as part of the game, but the knife was real, and she died. The police rule it an accident, but June refuses to believe that explanation. As she starts digging into Lily's life, the members of the exclusive Murder Club, and all the secrets her seemingly perfect sister was hiding, she becomes convinced someone got away with murder.
One of my favorite parts of this book was June herself. She definitely feels like a younger teenager, which makes sense given the target audience. She can be impulsive, emotional, and sometimes immature, but that also made her feel realistic. Her grief over losing Lily was handled really well. At the beginning, she feels completely lost, struggling to understand who her sister really was and how to move forward without her. The mystery is important, but underneath it all this is also a story about grief, family, and realizing that the people we love often have sides we never knew existed.
The pacing worked really well for me. Even though the actual investigation takes a little while to get moving, the chapters are short, the writing is straightforward, and I constantly wanted to keep reading to uncover the next clue alongside June. The threatening messages she starts receiving raise the stakes nicely, and once she fully commits to investigating, the story becomes much more engaging.
I also really enjoyed the supporting cast. June's friendships were one of the highlights for me, especially the ride-or-die support she gets from her best friend. Alex and Zoey added some lighter moments while still contributing to the investigation. There's also a small romance subplot that felt sweet and age-appropriate without completely taking over the story.
As a mystery, I do think more experienced mystery readers will probably figure out some of the twists before June does. I guessed several of the connections fairly early, and some of the reveals weren't especially shocking. That said, the mystery was still entertaining because the fun comes from watching all the pieces slowly come together. The motive behind the murder ended up being darker than I expected, and the story does touch on some heavier topics, including sexual assault, so definitely pay attention to the content warnings.
My favorite part of the entire book was the climax. June using another murder game to expose the killer and force a confession was such a clever full-circle moment that fit the story perfectly. It felt like the ideal way to bring everything back to the Murder Club concept while wrapping up the investigation.
Overall, “The Murder Party” is a fast-paced, accessible YA mystery that combines grief, secrets, friendship, and a unique murder-game premise. While some of the twists may be predictable for seasoned mystery readers, June is an easy protagonist to root for, the mystery is engaging, and the emotional journey gives the story extra depth. Younger YA readers and fans of lighter murder mysteries will definitely have a great time with this one.
“The Murder Party” by Cindy R. X. He was such a fun YA mystery that hooked me almost immediately with its unique premise. A murder mystery party where the fake murder becomes a real one? I was sold from page one. I would definitely recommend this book to younger YA readers, though the ending does discuss SA a bit (so readers should be aware of this).
The story follows June after her older sister Lily is killed during a secret Murder Club event. Lily was supposed to be "stabbed" with a retractable prop knife as part of the game, but the knife was real, and she died. The police rule it an accident, but June refuses to believe that explanation. As she starts digging into Lily's life, the members of the exclusive Murder Club, and all the secrets her seemingly perfect sister was hiding, she becomes convinced someone got away with murder.
One of my favorite parts of this book was June herself. She definitely feels like a younger teenager, which makes sense given the target audience. She can be impulsive, emotional, and sometimes immature, but that also made her feel realistic. Her grief over losing Lily was handled really well. At the beginning, she feels completely lost, struggling to understand who her sister really was and how to move forward without her. The mystery is important, but underneath it all this is also a story about grief, family, and realizing that the people we love often have sides we never knew existed.
The pacing worked really well for me. Even though the actual investigation takes a little while to get moving, the chapters are short, the writing is straightforward, and I constantly wanted to keep reading to uncover the next clue alongside June. The threatening messages she starts receiving raise the stakes nicely, and once she fully commits to investigating, the story becomes much more engaging.
I also really enjoyed the supporting cast. June's friendships were one of the highlights for me, especially the ride-or-die support she gets from her best friend. Alex and Zoey added some lighter moments while still contributing to the investigation. There's also a small romance subplot that felt sweet and age-appropriate without completely taking over the story.
As a mystery, I do think more experienced mystery readers will probably figure out some of the twists before June does. I guessed several of the connections fairly early, and some of the reveals weren't especially shocking. That said, the mystery was still entertaining because the fun comes from watching all the pieces slowly come together. The motive behind the murder ended up being darker than I expected, and the story does touch on some heavier topics, including sexual assault, so definitely pay attention to the content warnings.
My favorite part of the entire book was the climax. June using another murder game to expose the killer and force a confession was such a clever full-circle moment that fit the story perfectly. It felt like the ideal way to bring everything back to the Murder Club concept while wrapping up the investigation.
Overall, “The Murder Party” is a fast-paced, accessible YA mystery that combines grief, secrets, friendship, and a unique murder-game premise. While some of the twists may be predictable for seasoned mystery readers, June is an easy protagonist to root for, the mystery is engaging, and the emotional journey gives the story extra depth. Younger YA readers and fans of lighter murder mysteries will definitely have a great time with this one.
Review of advance copy received from Publisher
3.6/5
Thank you to the author, publicist, and NetGalley for the advanced reader copy!
The Murder Party is a solid young adult murder mystery with several suspects and decent motives.
It follows June Chan, whose older sister Lily was stabbed to death at a secret party in front of her friends. While the police are calling it an accident, June has her suspicions that one of the murder mystery party members may have rigged the fake knife to actually stab Lily on purpose. Since the police are no longer investigating, June soon realizes the best way to catch the culprit could be to revive the "Murder Parties" and trap the killer.
June is a pretty well-written main character - kind of awkwardly relatable and yet smart and quick-witted enough to be the driving force behind the novel. Her guilt over previous fights with her sisters really sets the plot in motion and makes the reader relate to her imperfections. Not a whole lot is said about her likes and dislikes and she is slightly bland, but it works perfectly well for this book, making her a moldable character that fits the needs of the story. I like that she's kind of a bad student, too lol.
Zoey, June's best friend, is a really likable character because she's fiercely loyal and determined to keep giving June a chance, despite the space between them due to Lily's death. She's pretty much on board with the investigation immediately, which I love. She isn't super skeptical of June's motives and doesn't undermine her by questioning whether she's just doing this because of guilt - she genuinely believes her and wants to help her.
Alex is another likable side character that helps move the plot along quite well. I do be suspicious, though. I thought he was too perfect at first, but this is actually remedied by the author in the third or so quarter of the book, which just made him a more realistic and dynamic character to me. DEF still a suspect, though (aren't they all?).
The other suspects/friends in the book mostly all have believable motives and enough distinct qualities for the reader to really be able to mentally slide them along the spectrum of suspiciousness. Sometimes murder mysteries have too many characters or even not enough characters, but I think this book falls healthily in the middle and provides the readers enough suspects without overwhelming them. And they all have delicious secrets they're hiding!
Another thing I liked about The Murder Party - it's not too long or trying too hard. It safely hits all the notes a murder mystery needs to, plot- and character-wise, and doesn't try to be anything it's not. Cindy R.X. He is a good writer with an understanding of the genre that I think will really appeal to the young adult level! I'm looking forward to recommending this book to my niece and checking out other novels by the author!
Thank you to the author, publicist, and NetGalley for the advanced reader copy!
The Murder Party is a solid young adult murder mystery with several suspects and decent motives.
It follows June Chan, whose older sister Lily was stabbed to death at a secret party in front of her friends. While the police are calling it an accident, June has her suspicions that one of the murder mystery party members may have rigged the fake knife to actually stab Lily on purpose. Since the police are no longer investigating, June soon realizes the best way to catch the culprit could be to revive the "Murder Parties" and trap the killer.
June is a pretty well-written main character - kind of awkwardly relatable and yet smart and quick-witted enough to be the driving force behind the novel. Her guilt over previous fights with her sisters really sets the plot in motion and makes the reader relate to her imperfections. Not a whole lot is said about her likes and dislikes and she is slightly bland, but it works perfectly well for this book, making her a moldable character that fits the needs of the story. I like that she's kind of a bad student, too lol.
Zoey, June's best friend, is a really likable character because she's fiercely loyal and determined to keep giving June a chance, despite the space between them due to Lily's death. She's pretty much on board with the investigation immediately, which I love. She isn't super skeptical of June's motives and doesn't undermine her by questioning whether she's just doing this because of guilt - she genuinely believes her and wants to help her.
Alex is another likable side character that helps move the plot along quite well. I do be suspicious, though. I thought he was too perfect at first, but this is actually remedied by the author in the third or so quarter of the book, which just made him a more realistic and dynamic character to me. DEF still a suspect, though (aren't they all?).
The other suspects/friends in the book mostly all have believable motives and enough distinct qualities for the reader to really be able to mentally slide them along the spectrum of suspiciousness. Sometimes murder mysteries have too many characters or even not enough characters, but I think this book falls healthily in the middle and provides the readers enough suspects without overwhelming them. And they all have delicious secrets they're hiding!
Another thing I liked about The Murder Party - it's not too long or trying too hard. It safely hits all the notes a murder mystery needs to, plot- and character-wise, and doesn't try to be anything it's not. Cindy R.X. He is a good writer with an understanding of the genre that I think will really appeal to the young adult level! I'm looking forward to recommending this book to my niece and checking out other novels by the author!
Review of advance copy received from NetGalley
Thank you to the publisher and NetGalley for the E-Arc.
The premise of this book had me hooked from the beginning! It’s such an interesting idea for a real murder to occur at a murder mystery party as a result of a malfunctioning prop knife that “stabs” and kills Lily, June’s older sister. The author’s writing style was very unique which made it so much more interesting to read this book, especially because her pacing feels almost natural to the book and makes it easy to follow while also suspending me in confusion and disbelief every time a new tidbit of information is provided. The chapters were shorter which made it almost feel like a quicker read and the mystery itself had me near the edge of my seat trying to figure out what happened.
I really appreciated the small roles her best friends played in her investigation and life in general. It made the characters feel less one dimensional and almost felt real and tangible. The introduction of her best friends as side characters seems to contribute to the overall mood of the book as it does provide to be a comic relief when times get tough and June finds herself stumped. I also liked how there was a small side plot of romance which didn’t take over the entire plot but seemed to work parallel to the main investigation and didn’t redirect the entire focus of the book.
The plausibility of her friends being suspects was done exceptionally well as it seemed each person was hiding some sort of secret or motive to kill June’s sister. While at times, books can have too many characters making it difficult to follow along or not enough characters making it easily predictable but this book had just enough characters to make it simple to follow along while also keeping the readers conflicted about who to accuse.
I do feel the twists would be predictable for more advanced mystery readers and thus might not be as fit for avid mystery readers who are looking for shocking twists and turns. It would still be an interesting read regardless and would be easy to follow along. The ending did hold a lot of weight and seemed to go past the initial reasons why the killer had a motive. I strongly suggest heeding to trigger warnings as it may catch readers off guard.
I highly recommend this book for readers who are looking for a fast paced mystery book that they wont be able to put down once they start and get submerged into the book!
The premise of this book had me hooked from the beginning! It’s such an interesting idea for a real murder to occur at a murder mystery party as a result of a malfunctioning prop knife that “stabs” and kills Lily, June’s older sister. The author’s writing style was very unique which made it so much more interesting to read this book, especially because her pacing feels almost natural to the book and makes it easy to follow while also suspending me in confusion and disbelief every time a new tidbit of information is provided. The chapters were shorter which made it almost feel like a quicker read and the mystery itself had me near the edge of my seat trying to figure out what happened.
I really appreciated the small roles her best friends played in her investigation and life in general. It made the characters feel less one dimensional and almost felt real and tangible. The introduction of her best friends as side characters seems to contribute to the overall mood of the book as it does provide to be a comic relief when times get tough and June finds herself stumped. I also liked how there was a small side plot of romance which didn’t take over the entire plot but seemed to work parallel to the main investigation and didn’t redirect the entire focus of the book.
The plausibility of her friends being suspects was done exceptionally well as it seemed each person was hiding some sort of secret or motive to kill June’s sister. While at times, books can have too many characters making it difficult to follow along or not enough characters making it easily predictable but this book had just enough characters to make it simple to follow along while also keeping the readers conflicted about who to accuse.
I do feel the twists would be predictable for more advanced mystery readers and thus might not be as fit for avid mystery readers who are looking for shocking twists and turns. It would still be an interesting read regardless and would be easy to follow along. The ending did hold a lot of weight and seemed to go past the initial reasons why the killer had a motive. I strongly suggest heeding to trigger warnings as it may catch readers off guard.
I highly recommend this book for readers who are looking for a fast paced mystery book that they wont be able to put down once they start and get submerged into the book!
Review of advance copy received from NetGalley
Thank you to NetGalley for allowing me an ARC in exchange for an honest review.
The Murder Party by Cindy R.X. He was a fun enjoyable read!. When the older sister of June Chan, Lily, dies at the latest meeting of the Murder Club, the police rule it as an accident. But June doesn't believe it. She goes down the rabbit hole of secrets and lies, secret groups and toxic 'ships that probably should have sailed ages ago. And I bet you'll never guess the twist at the end.
Let me first say this. I loved June. She was a hoot and a half. She definitely gave the energy of being the main character though I wish she had been a little more fleshed out as an individual. It did feel at times like the only background we received of her was when she was being compared to Lily. But it was still very fun getting to know her.
One thing I did come to realize is that Cindy sure loves brand names! Burts Bees, Google, TikTok, Twilight, Jennifer's Body, Get Out, Spotify and more. I had fun counting them. Hee hee!
While I feel the story flowed nicely, it did feel like a few points became like traffic jams where I was just sitting there waiting for the next part to start. A few of the plot lines I feel were a little more drawn out than needed or took up quite a bit of the book to where I was starting to feel it a chore to keep reading but it wasn't so much of the book that it kept me from turning to the next page. The end did feel a little rushed and I wish there had been more action and events after the twist at the end but it did end nicely (what I wanted to happen happened but not giving you any spoilers on what it was; you'll have to read it for yourself!).
I do believe this will be a great YA thriller that will be perfect for its release date later this year. Readers will definitely enjoy this book. Readers should be mindful of the language that some of the different characters have (those potty mouths!) and that some of the subject matter, especially at the end, can be more for the mature minded.
Overall this was a fun book to read that I recommend to anyone who enjoys a good mystery that takes you in one direction and yeets you around the corner of the plot roller coaster without a moment's notice. A definite recommend!
The Murder Party by Cindy R.X. He was a fun enjoyable read!. When the older sister of June Chan, Lily, dies at the latest meeting of the Murder Club, the police rule it as an accident. But June doesn't believe it. She goes down the rabbit hole of secrets and lies, secret groups and toxic 'ships that probably should have sailed ages ago. And I bet you'll never guess the twist at the end.
Let me first say this. I loved June. She was a hoot and a half. She definitely gave the energy of being the main character though I wish she had been a little more fleshed out as an individual. It did feel at times like the only background we received of her was when she was being compared to Lily. But it was still very fun getting to know her.
One thing I did come to realize is that Cindy sure loves brand names! Burts Bees, Google, TikTok, Twilight, Jennifer's Body, Get Out, Spotify and more. I had fun counting them. Hee hee!
While I feel the story flowed nicely, it did feel like a few points became like traffic jams where I was just sitting there waiting for the next part to start. A few of the plot lines I feel were a little more drawn out than needed or took up quite a bit of the book to where I was starting to feel it a chore to keep reading but it wasn't so much of the book that it kept me from turning to the next page. The end did feel a little rushed and I wish there had been more action and events after the twist at the end but it did end nicely (what I wanted to happen happened but not giving you any spoilers on what it was; you'll have to read it for yourself!).
I do believe this will be a great YA thriller that will be perfect for its release date later this year. Readers will definitely enjoy this book. Readers should be mindful of the language that some of the different characters have (those potty mouths!) and that some of the subject matter, especially at the end, can be more for the mature minded.
Overall this was a fun book to read that I recommend to anyone who enjoys a good mystery that takes you in one direction and yeets you around the corner of the plot roller coaster without a moment's notice. A definite recommend!
Review of advance copy received from NetGalley
The Murder Party • Cindy R.X. He
One phrase: murder mystery club gone very wrong 🔪🎭
A high school murder mystery party where someone actually dies?
Immediately yes.
The Murder Party follows June after her older sister Lily is stabbed during a secret Murder Club event. Everyone says it was an accident. A malfunctioning prop knife. A tragic mistake. Case closed.
But June is not buying it.
And honestly? Neither was I.
Determined to figure out what really happened, June starts digging into the club, its members, and the dozen people who were there the night Lily died. Everyone seems ready to move on, but the more June uncovers, the more obvious it becomes that Lily’s death was not the simple accident everyone wants it to be.
So naturally, June does the most logical and dangerous thing possible.
She revives Murder Club and sets a trap.
I really enjoyed this one. It is fast paced, fun, and such a unique take on the murder mystery party trope. I loved watching the game begin to unravel while June slowly uncovered secrets everyone wanted buried.
June felt like such a believable high school FMC too. She is smart, determined, grieving, and still very much a teenager. Her complicated feelings about Lily, especially living in the shadow of a “perfect” older sister, added a lot of emotional depth to the mystery.
There is grief, friendship, petty high school drama, crush overthinking, secrets, suspects, and a finale I did not guess, which is always a win.
You definitely have to suspend reality a little bit, but honestly? That is part of the fun.
✨ Tropes and vibes:
🔪 YA murder mystery
🎭 murder mystery party
🕯 secret club
💔 sister grief
🔍 amateur investigation
👀 everyone has secrets
📚 high school drama
💬 crush overthinking
🧩 set a trap for the killer
😱 fast paced twists
🖤 suspicious friend group
🎲 deadly game vibes
📚 Read this if you like:
YA thrillers, murder mystery parties, secret clubs, amateur sleuths, complicated sibling dynamics, high school drama, and books where the game gets way too real.
This was fast, fun, twisty, and such an entertaining mystery to fly through.
#TheMurderParty #CindyRXHe #YAMystery #MysteryThriller #BookReview @SourcebooksFire
One phrase: murder mystery club gone very wrong 🔪🎭
A high school murder mystery party where someone actually dies?
Immediately yes.
The Murder Party follows June after her older sister Lily is stabbed during a secret Murder Club event. Everyone says it was an accident. A malfunctioning prop knife. A tragic mistake. Case closed.
But June is not buying it.
And honestly? Neither was I.
Determined to figure out what really happened, June starts digging into the club, its members, and the dozen people who were there the night Lily died. Everyone seems ready to move on, but the more June uncovers, the more obvious it becomes that Lily’s death was not the simple accident everyone wants it to be.
So naturally, June does the most logical and dangerous thing possible.
She revives Murder Club and sets a trap.
I really enjoyed this one. It is fast paced, fun, and such a unique take on the murder mystery party trope. I loved watching the game begin to unravel while June slowly uncovered secrets everyone wanted buried.
June felt like such a believable high school FMC too. She is smart, determined, grieving, and still very much a teenager. Her complicated feelings about Lily, especially living in the shadow of a “perfect” older sister, added a lot of emotional depth to the mystery.
There is grief, friendship, petty high school drama, crush overthinking, secrets, suspects, and a finale I did not guess, which is always a win.
You definitely have to suspend reality a little bit, but honestly? That is part of the fun.
✨ Tropes and vibes:
🔪 YA murder mystery
🎭 murder mystery party
🕯 secret club
💔 sister grief
🔍 amateur investigation
👀 everyone has secrets
📚 high school drama
💬 crush overthinking
🧩 set a trap for the killer
😱 fast paced twists
🖤 suspicious friend group
🎲 deadly game vibes
📚 Read this if you like:
YA thrillers, murder mystery parties, secret clubs, amateur sleuths, complicated sibling dynamics, high school drama, and books where the game gets way too real.
This was fast, fun, twisty, and such an entertaining mystery to fly through.
#TheMurderParty #CindyRXHe #YAMystery #MysteryThriller #BookReview @SourcebooksFire
Review of advance copy received from NetGalley
Thank you as always to NetGalley and Sourcebooks Fire for the ARC! All opinions are my own
June and her older sister Lily have been disconnected in the last year, barely speaking unless necessary.
But when Lily is unexpectedly stabbed to death in front of a group of her peers at a secret party… June realizes that she didn’t know her sister as well as she thought. Starting with the reveal of Murder Club, a secret group of students who gathered often to play out murder mysteries.
Even though the police rule her death as a tragic accident with a prop knife, June can’t help but feel like there’s more to the story. As she attempts to talk to the former club members, including Lily’s boyfriend and her best friend, June finds out that a lot has happened in the year she and her sister weren’t speaking.
More and more, the pieces begin to reveal that Lily’s death was in fact a murder, and June realizes that the best way to catch her sister’s killer is to revive Murder Club. But with no script to follow, June may find herself in a deadly game where she becomes the next victim.
As someone who loves murder mysteries (and performs in then on occasion), this book was right up my alley.
I loved the concept of the Murder Club and how they did things quite a lot. I also liked that June began to use the format of the games as a basis for her investigation. It also served as a way for her to feel connection with her sister, and to attempt to make her feel less guilty about their fallout.
The twist was a total surprise, and I loved it a lot. There was a secondary twist following the first that I also really enjoyed and did not expect. June as a protagonist was really well written, and the primary players around her also felt fleshed out to a good enough degree that the ways certain characters behaved and the possibilities for their motives made sense.
This book is slated for an October release and it is a read I’d highly recommend for the season! It’s an enjoyable read, and you’ll find yourself not able to put it down when you reach the climax. Another excellent read from Cindy R. X. He!
June and her older sister Lily have been disconnected in the last year, barely speaking unless necessary.
But when Lily is unexpectedly stabbed to death in front of a group of her peers at a secret party… June realizes that she didn’t know her sister as well as she thought. Starting with the reveal of Murder Club, a secret group of students who gathered often to play out murder mysteries.
Even though the police rule her death as a tragic accident with a prop knife, June can’t help but feel like there’s more to the story. As she attempts to talk to the former club members, including Lily’s boyfriend and her best friend, June finds out that a lot has happened in the year she and her sister weren’t speaking.
More and more, the pieces begin to reveal that Lily’s death was in fact a murder, and June realizes that the best way to catch her sister’s killer is to revive Murder Club. But with no script to follow, June may find herself in a deadly game where she becomes the next victim.
As someone who loves murder mysteries (and performs in then on occasion), this book was right up my alley.
I loved the concept of the Murder Club and how they did things quite a lot. I also liked that June began to use the format of the games as a basis for her investigation. It also served as a way for her to feel connection with her sister, and to attempt to make her feel less guilty about their fallout.
The twist was a total surprise, and I loved it a lot. There was a secondary twist following the first that I also really enjoyed and did not expect. June as a protagonist was really well written, and the primary players around her also felt fleshed out to a good enough degree that the ways certain characters behaved and the possibilities for their motives made sense.
This book is slated for an October release and it is a read I’d highly recommend for the season! It’s an enjoyable read, and you’ll find yourself not able to put it down when you reach the climax. Another excellent read from Cindy R. X. He!
Review of advance copy received from NetGalley
Tropes: Exclusive Club, Secret Parties
Murderous Games Within Games
Best Liar Wins
Dead Girls Keep Secrets
When June's older sister Lily is stabbed to death at a secret club murder party, her inner Sherlock starts to come out because she starts to believe it wasn't an accident like the police say. Police close the case before really looking into it saying it was a faulty prop knife but was it? After hearing her sister was in a secret club she knew nothing about she starts asking Lily's friends questions and things aren't adding up making her think something more sinister was at play that night. But with so many characters in the game who does she trust? Who does she suspect?
This book was aaaaaamazing! It took me second to get into it because the very beginning had me confused for a second (I also started this book at like midnight so not all cylinders were firing) but I ended up finishing this in 3 hours. I was hooked. After secrets started coming out I needed to know
'whodunit': Dinah Johnson- The Social Justice Warrior Jesse Park- The Brain Mason Carter- The Boyfriend Sky Bailey- The Best Friend Wyatt Hudson- The Rich Kid Micah Jones- The Desperate Son Cindy Park-The Love Rival Alex Torres- The Nice Guy. As the story goes on the characters each have more & more secrets come out and no ones is safe, everyone is a suspect! Besides her best friend Zoey, who can June trust? (And low key I didn't trust Zoey for a Long time either! lol)
The way this book caught my attention by chapter 2... I needed to know what happened to poor Lily and if June was right about it not being so accidental and more murdery. Especially after the threats June starts receiving.
This book is the first by this author and it blew me away. I will be making sure to keep her as an auto read because it didn't disappoint at all.
Thank you net galley because this book was amazing!
Murderous Games Within Games
Best Liar Wins
Dead Girls Keep Secrets
When June's older sister Lily is stabbed to death at a secret club murder party, her inner Sherlock starts to come out because she starts to believe it wasn't an accident like the police say. Police close the case before really looking into it saying it was a faulty prop knife but was it? After hearing her sister was in a secret club she knew nothing about she starts asking Lily's friends questions and things aren't adding up making her think something more sinister was at play that night. But with so many characters in the game who does she trust? Who does she suspect?
This book was aaaaaamazing! It took me second to get into it because the very beginning had me confused for a second (I also started this book at like midnight so not all cylinders were firing) but I ended up finishing this in 3 hours. I was hooked. After secrets started coming out I needed to know
'whodunit': Dinah Johnson- The Social Justice Warrior Jesse Park- The Brain Mason Carter- The Boyfriend Sky Bailey- The Best Friend Wyatt Hudson- The Rich Kid Micah Jones- The Desperate Son Cindy Park-The Love Rival Alex Torres- The Nice Guy. As the story goes on the characters each have more & more secrets come out and no ones is safe, everyone is a suspect! Besides her best friend Zoey, who can June trust? (And low key I didn't trust Zoey for a Long time either! lol)
The way this book caught my attention by chapter 2... I needed to know what happened to poor Lily and if June was right about it not being so accidental and more murdery. Especially after the threats June starts receiving.
This book is the first by this author and it blew me away. I will be making sure to keep her as an auto read because it didn't disappoint at all.
Thank you net galley because this book was amazing!
Review of advance copy received from NetGalley
Plot
After her older sister Lily is stabbed to death during a secret Murder Club party, June Chan refuses to believe it was just an accident, despite the police closing the case. Determined to uncover the truth, she investigates the exclusive club Lily belonged to and the dangerous secrets its members are hiding. As June digs deeper into the lives of Lily’s friends and boyfriend, she realizes someone at that party is a killer. To expose them, she decides to revive the Murder Club and host one final deadly game.
Thoughts
This was such a fast-paced and entertaining read. The pacing made it really easy to fly through the book and I loved discovering clues alongside June as the story unfolded. Even though the actual investigation takes a little time to fully develop, the suspense and writing style kept me completely engaged from beginning to end. The writing is very straight to the point, which worked perfectly for the story and made every chapter feel intense and easy to binge.
June was a great main character to follow. She definitely has flaws but honestly, that made her feel more realistic and helped her stand out as she searched for the truth behind Lily’s death. Her determination throughout the book was admirable because she was willing to do whatever it took to uncover her sister’s murderer. She was not only a strong detective figure, but also a really caring sister, which added an emotional layer to the mystery.
The side characters were also enjoyable to follow, especially Alex and Zoey. Their dynamic with June brought some lighter moments into the story while still adding to the investigation. And even the characters I disliked were written well enough that I genuinely felt frustrated with them right alongside June.
The overall mystery plot was really fun and thrilling to piece together. I will admit that I found parts of the ending a little predictable but it was still such an enjoyable read overall.
After her older sister Lily is stabbed to death during a secret Murder Club party, June Chan refuses to believe it was just an accident, despite the police closing the case. Determined to uncover the truth, she investigates the exclusive club Lily belonged to and the dangerous secrets its members are hiding. As June digs deeper into the lives of Lily’s friends and boyfriend, she realizes someone at that party is a killer. To expose them, she decides to revive the Murder Club and host one final deadly game.
Thoughts
This was such a fast-paced and entertaining read. The pacing made it really easy to fly through the book and I loved discovering clues alongside June as the story unfolded. Even though the actual investigation takes a little time to fully develop, the suspense and writing style kept me completely engaged from beginning to end. The writing is very straight to the point, which worked perfectly for the story and made every chapter feel intense and easy to binge.
June was a great main character to follow. She definitely has flaws but honestly, that made her feel more realistic and helped her stand out as she searched for the truth behind Lily’s death. Her determination throughout the book was admirable because she was willing to do whatever it took to uncover her sister’s murderer. She was not only a strong detective figure, but also a really caring sister, which added an emotional layer to the mystery.
The side characters were also enjoyable to follow, especially Alex and Zoey. Their dynamic with June brought some lighter moments into the story while still adding to the investigation. And even the characters I disliked were written well enough that I genuinely felt frustrated with them right alongside June.
The overall mystery plot was really fun and thrilling to piece together. I will admit that I found parts of the ending a little predictable but it was still such an enjoyable read overall.
Review of advance copy received from Netgalley
The Murder Party is a gripping YA thriller that perfectly blends mystery, suspense, and emotional depth. The story begins with the death of Lily Chan during an event hosted by an exclusive murder mystery club. While the authorities rule it an accident, her younger sister, June, refuses to believe that explanation and sets out to uncover the truth, only to find herself tangled in a web of secrets, lies, and hidden motives.
What I enjoyed most was the way the mystery unfolds. Every member of the Murder Club seems to be hiding something, and with each new clue June discovers, the list of suspects grows longer. Just when I thought I had figured everything out, another revelation completely changed my perspective.
June is a protagonist who is easy to root for. Her grief over losing Lily is present throughout the novel and adds a strong emotional layer to the story. Her investigation is not only about finding a killer but also about understanding who her sister truly was and the secrets she kept hidden from those closest to her.
The pacing is fast and addictive, with short chapters that make it nearly impossible to stop reading. The tension steadily builds as every answer leads to even more questions. I especially appreciated that the author focuses not only on twists and surprises but also on developing the relationships between the characters and exploring their motivations.
Beyond the mystery, the novel explores themes of grief, guilt, loyalty, and the consequences of buried truths. These themes give the story additional depth and make it feel like more than just a typical murder investigation.
Cryptic messages, long-buried secrets, and the lingering shadow of the Murder Club create an atmosphere filled with suspicion and unease. As June gets closer to the truth, it becomes clear that Lily’s death was only the beginning of a much darker game, making the final revelations both shocking and deeply satisfying.
Fans of A Good Girl's Guide to Murder, One of Us Is Lying and The Inheritance Games are likely to find a lot to enjoy in this fast-paced and twist-filled mystery.
What I enjoyed most was the way the mystery unfolds. Every member of the Murder Club seems to be hiding something, and with each new clue June discovers, the list of suspects grows longer. Just when I thought I had figured everything out, another revelation completely changed my perspective.
June is a protagonist who is easy to root for. Her grief over losing Lily is present throughout the novel and adds a strong emotional layer to the story. Her investigation is not only about finding a killer but also about understanding who her sister truly was and the secrets she kept hidden from those closest to her.
The pacing is fast and addictive, with short chapters that make it nearly impossible to stop reading. The tension steadily builds as every answer leads to even more questions. I especially appreciated that the author focuses not only on twists and surprises but also on developing the relationships between the characters and exploring their motivations.
Beyond the mystery, the novel explores themes of grief, guilt, loyalty, and the consequences of buried truths. These themes give the story additional depth and make it feel like more than just a typical murder investigation.
Cryptic messages, long-buried secrets, and the lingering shadow of the Murder Club create an atmosphere filled with suspicion and unease. As June gets closer to the truth, it becomes clear that Lily’s death was only the beginning of a much darker game, making the final revelations both shocking and deeply satisfying.
Fans of A Good Girl's Guide to Murder, One of Us Is Lying and The Inheritance Games are likely to find a lot to enjoy in this fast-paced and twist-filled mystery.
Review of advance copy received from NetGalley
This was such a fun, entertaining and easy read. I never got bored, and the pacing stayed steady throughout without straying from the main plot. I stayed engaged with it from beginning to end.
I loved the mystery and sleuth vibes and how there were many possible suspects that kept me guessing, and each character stood out. I was never confused about any of the characters and who they were. The author did a great job at keeping the suspense up, and I really thought I had it figured out. Though I had my suspicions and I was somewhat correct about one thing, I really didn't see the ending coming. I was genuinely surprised by the reveal and it had me yelling at the characters 😂 There was one aspect of the ending that felt a little bit like a stretch at first, but the author addressed it through the FMC's point of view by revealing there was a backup plan put in place had anything gone astray.
Overall, I really enjoyed this book and plan to read more from this author in the future.
One thing I will mention is that at first it did read like a YA mystery however there are references to sex, sexual assault, and a couple of stronger curse words. None of it is particularly graphic or detailed, but because of these elements it may be more suited for older YA readers. Just something to keep in mind if you're a parent.
It also doesn't read so young or very immature that adult readers would lose interest. In fact, I found it more entertaining than some adult mystery, thrillers, and suspense novels I've read recently.
I received an early ecopy of this book from netgalley and sourcebooks in exchange for an honest review. This is my own honest opinions and thoughts on this book.
I loved the mystery and sleuth vibes and how there were many possible suspects that kept me guessing, and each character stood out. I was never confused about any of the characters and who they were. The author did a great job at keeping the suspense up, and I really thought I had it figured out. Though I had my suspicions and I was somewhat correct about one thing, I really didn't see the ending coming. I was genuinely surprised by the reveal and it had me yelling at the characters 😂 There was one aspect of the ending that felt a little bit like a stretch at first, but the author addressed it through the FMC's point of view by revealing there was a backup plan put in place had anything gone astray.
Overall, I really enjoyed this book and plan to read more from this author in the future.
One thing I will mention is that at first it did read like a YA mystery however there are references to sex, sexual assault, and a couple of stronger curse words. None of it is particularly graphic or detailed, but because of these elements it may be more suited for older YA readers. Just something to keep in mind if you're a parent.
It also doesn't read so young or very immature that adult readers would lose interest. In fact, I found it more entertaining than some adult mystery, thrillers, and suspense novels I've read recently.
I received an early ecopy of this book from netgalley and sourcebooks in exchange for an honest review. This is my own honest opinions and thoughts on this book.
Review of advance copy received from NetGalley
The Murder Party is exactly the kind of thriller that reminds me why I love this genre — propulsive, twisty, character-driven, and genuinely fun to read even when the subject matter is dark.
The setup is immediately compelling: a girl dies at a murder mystery party, the death is ruled accidental, and her sister refuses to believe it. What follows is a tightly plotted investigation that turns the entire whodunit premise into something personal and emotionally grounded rather than just a puzzle to solve.
Cindy R.X. He writes with an accessibility that makes this incredibly easy to consume — I read it in two days because I simply could not stop. The pacing is just right throughout, and while parts of the ending felt like they were signaled in advance, the twists along the way were genuinely effective at keeping me uncertain about my own predictions. There were multiple moments where I was convinced I had it figured out only to find myself questioning everything again.
The character work is one of the genuine highlights. The sister is a compelling protagonist and her grief feels real. The friendships she builds and navigates throughout the story add real warmth and texture to what could have easily been a straight procedural.
My only note is that a few of the side characters felt slightly underdeveloped — I wanted more of them, which honestly speaks to how well the writing works when it gives characters room to breathe.
Content warnings: violence, grief and loss, death of a child.
Four stars. A fantastic ARC and an author I will absolutely follow going forward.
ARC received via NetGalley. All opinions are my own.
The setup is immediately compelling: a girl dies at a murder mystery party, the death is ruled accidental, and her sister refuses to believe it. What follows is a tightly plotted investigation that turns the entire whodunit premise into something personal and emotionally grounded rather than just a puzzle to solve.
Cindy R.X. He writes with an accessibility that makes this incredibly easy to consume — I read it in two days because I simply could not stop. The pacing is just right throughout, and while parts of the ending felt like they were signaled in advance, the twists along the way were genuinely effective at keeping me uncertain about my own predictions. There were multiple moments where I was convinced I had it figured out only to find myself questioning everything again.
The character work is one of the genuine highlights. The sister is a compelling protagonist and her grief feels real. The friendships she builds and navigates throughout the story add real warmth and texture to what could have easily been a straight procedural.
My only note is that a few of the side characters felt slightly underdeveloped — I wanted more of them, which honestly speaks to how well the writing works when it gives characters room to breathe.
Content warnings: violence, grief and loss, death of a child.
Four stars. A fantastic ARC and an author I will absolutely follow going forward.
ARC received via NetGalley. All opinions are my own.
Review of advance copy received from Netgalley
This novel in emojis:
🗡☠️🧐🤥🤨🥸😲😍
This book had me hooked from the start.
I had no clue who the murderer was, whenever I was certain it was 1 person some more evidence would come into light about the others that had me 2nd guessing myself.
Each character was so well thought out (bar the parents who just seemed to be existing, neither had any real personality). But the important ones all had their own stories, motives, wishes & dreams.
Some of the characters I strongly disliked (in the agggghhhgg this person sucks way not the this character was written really badly way), I really wanted them to be the murderer. The more I read the more I wanted to read.
June seemed so real, she totally let her emotions get in the way of her investigation🧐. Maybe not the brightest cookie but she did everything with a passion.
I loved the concept of murder night. I mean fingers crossed you don't end up dead 🗡, but aside from that how fun would it be!
My only problem: The romance between Alex and June. They were so cute together but I just couldn't enjoy it as much because of how suspicious I was of everyone. My mantra for these sort of books is "guilty until proven innocent." Also it seemed kinda off, June was still grieving her sisters death hard when they started talking.
It was a great ending but I would've liked some scenes with the rest of The Murder Club members aswell. It all made so much sense (afterwards, I gasped in shock 😲while it was actually happening though (multiple times)) and was wrapped up well.
I would definitely recommend 👌
🗡☠️🧐🤥🤨🥸😲😍
This book had me hooked from the start.
I had no clue who the murderer was, whenever I was certain it was 1 person some more evidence would come into light about the others that had me 2nd guessing myself.
Each character was so well thought out (bar the parents who just seemed to be existing, neither had any real personality). But the important ones all had their own stories, motives, wishes & dreams.
Some of the characters I strongly disliked (in the agggghhhgg this person sucks way not the this character was written really badly way), I really wanted them to be the murderer. The more I read the more I wanted to read.
June seemed so real, she totally let her emotions get in the way of her investigation🧐. Maybe not the brightest cookie but she did everything with a passion.
I loved the concept of murder night. I mean fingers crossed you don't end up dead 🗡, but aside from that how fun would it be!
My only problem: The romance between Alex and June. They were so cute together but I just couldn't enjoy it as much because of how suspicious I was of everyone. My mantra for these sort of books is "guilty until proven innocent." Also it seemed kinda off, June was still grieving her sisters death hard when they started talking.
It was a great ending but I would've liked some scenes with the rest of The Murder Club members aswell. It all made so much sense (afterwards, I gasped in shock 😲while it was actually happening though (multiple times)) and was wrapped up well.
I would definitely recommend 👌
Review of advance copy received from NetGalley
4.5 ⭐️
I loved June from the very first page. She is grieving, guilty, and completely relentless, and that combination made her one of the most compelling YA protagonists I have read in a while. Watching her dig into her sister's secret life while carrying the weight of their unresolved relationship gave this book an emotional core that went well beyond the mystery itself.
The Murder Club premise is genuinely brilliant. A secret high school group that stages elaborate murder mystery games, until one of them becomes real? I was hooked immediately. Cindy R.X. He uses the concept to its full potential, and the decision to revive the club as a trap for the killer is one of the most satisfying full-circle moments I have read in the genre. The final murder game climax was tense, clever, and exactly the kind of payoff a mystery like this deserves.
The short chapters and propulsive pacing made this nearly impossible to put down. Zoey and Alex were fantastic side characters who added warmth and texture without ever overshadowing June's journey. The twists landed well and I genuinely did not see all of them coming, which is always a win.
My only reservations are a slight dip in momentum in the middle section and one or two reveals I had pieced together ahead of time. Neither took away from how much I enjoyed this overall.
A must read for fans of A Good Girl's Guide to Murder and anyone who loves a mystery with real emotional stakes.
Pub Day: October 13, 2026
Categories: Teens & YA
Huge thanks to NetGalley and Sourcebooks Fire for an ARC.
I loved June from the very first page. She is grieving, guilty, and completely relentless, and that combination made her one of the most compelling YA protagonists I have read in a while. Watching her dig into her sister's secret life while carrying the weight of their unresolved relationship gave this book an emotional core that went well beyond the mystery itself.
The Murder Club premise is genuinely brilliant. A secret high school group that stages elaborate murder mystery games, until one of them becomes real? I was hooked immediately. Cindy R.X. He uses the concept to its full potential, and the decision to revive the club as a trap for the killer is one of the most satisfying full-circle moments I have read in the genre. The final murder game climax was tense, clever, and exactly the kind of payoff a mystery like this deserves.
The short chapters and propulsive pacing made this nearly impossible to put down. Zoey and Alex were fantastic side characters who added warmth and texture without ever overshadowing June's journey. The twists landed well and I genuinely did not see all of them coming, which is always a win.
My only reservations are a slight dip in momentum in the middle section and one or two reveals I had pieced together ahead of time. Neither took away from how much I enjoyed this overall.
A must read for fans of A Good Girl's Guide to Murder and anyone who loves a mystery with real emotional stakes.
Pub Day: October 13, 2026
Categories: Teens & YA
Huge thanks to NetGalley and Sourcebooks Fire for an ARC.
Review of advance copy received from NetGalley
I had such a great time reading this book! As someone who loves YA thrillers and mysteries, this one checked all the boxes for me. The concept of a secret Murder Club was so intriguing, and I was immediately invested in finding out what really happened to Lily.
I loved following June as she tried to uncover the truth behind her sister's death. She felt like a genuine teenager dealing with grief, family pressure, and the complicated feelings that come with always being compared to a sibling. Her determination to get answers kept me rooting for her the entire time.
The pacing was fantastic. Every time I thought I would stop reading, another clue or twist would pull me right back in. The murder mystery party element made the story feel fresh and unique, and I loved trying to figure everything out alongside June.
What I appreciated most was that I didn't see the ending coming. The author did a great job keeping me guessing without making the reveal feel unrealistic. The characters all had secrets, which made it difficult to know who to trust and added to the suspense.
Overall, this was a fun, fast-paced, and addictive read that kept me engaged from beginning to end. If you enjoy YA thrillers with mystery, drama, and plenty of twists, I definitely recommend picking this one up. I'll definitely be looking for more books from Cindy R. X. He in the future!
I loved following June as she tried to uncover the truth behind her sister's death. She felt like a genuine teenager dealing with grief, family pressure, and the complicated feelings that come with always being compared to a sibling. Her determination to get answers kept me rooting for her the entire time.
The pacing was fantastic. Every time I thought I would stop reading, another clue or twist would pull me right back in. The murder mystery party element made the story feel fresh and unique, and I loved trying to figure everything out alongside June.
What I appreciated most was that I didn't see the ending coming. The author did a great job keeping me guessing without making the reveal feel unrealistic. The characters all had secrets, which made it difficult to know who to trust and added to the suspense.
Overall, this was a fun, fast-paced, and addictive read that kept me engaged from beginning to end. If you enjoy YA thrillers with mystery, drama, and plenty of twists, I definitely recommend picking this one up. I'll definitely be looking for more books from Cindy R. X. He in the future!
Review of advance copy received from NetGalley
YA--Good, fast pace mystery--good girls guide to murder vibes-
June Chan sister Lily is stabbed while participating in a secret "drama" club. Her death is ruled an accident as it was a prop knife that malfunctioned. But for June she just can't move on..there is so much she does not know about her sister. This leads her to start to look for understanding as well as answers as she begins digging. She didn't know her sister was sneaking out for this "murder club" or that she had been having fights with her BF. Why was a friend group photo in the trash? She begins to realize there is so much she did not know about her sister. As guilt racks her, she is determined to question everyone apart of the "club" She is obsessed and some of her actions are questionable but it doesn't detract from the story.
The supporting characters in the story fall together nicely. From the best friend who insist on staying by her side after June had been pushing people away, the boy crush that she didn't even know her sister knew, the BF as well as his friend & girlfriend not to mention the girl who doesn't even like June, she was a hoot.
Keep in mind it is a YA mystery --it is enjoyable well written as it combines grief, secrets, and high school drama well.
Thank you NetGalley for the preview. Very enjoyable
June Chan sister Lily is stabbed while participating in a secret "drama" club. Her death is ruled an accident as it was a prop knife that malfunctioned. But for June she just can't move on..there is so much she does not know about her sister. This leads her to start to look for understanding as well as answers as she begins digging. She didn't know her sister was sneaking out for this "murder club" or that she had been having fights with her BF. Why was a friend group photo in the trash? She begins to realize there is so much she did not know about her sister. As guilt racks her, she is determined to question everyone apart of the "club" She is obsessed and some of her actions are questionable but it doesn't detract from the story.
The supporting characters in the story fall together nicely. From the best friend who insist on staying by her side after June had been pushing people away, the boy crush that she didn't even know her sister knew, the BF as well as his friend & girlfriend not to mention the girl who doesn't even like June, she was a hoot.
Keep in mind it is a YA mystery --it is enjoyable well written as it combines grief, secrets, and high school drama well.
Thank you NetGalley for the preview. Very enjoyable
Review of advance copy received from NetGalley
The Murder Party by Cindy R.X. He is a slow-paced mystery novel filled with curious characters, clever twists, and a few surprising moments. The story follows June Chan as she questions the official explanation of her older sister Lily’s death after investigators quickly rule it an accident caused by malfunctioning drama props at a high school “murder club” party. Suspicious that there is more to the story, June and her best friend Zoey Williams begin a journey to uncover what really happened that night. I enjoyed watching June piece together the clues and reveal the secrets surrounding Lily’s death, although the novel did not have as much suspense or excitement as I expected. At times, the mystery felt predictable, and some character choices, including the romance and the motive behind the crime, were disappointing. Despite these flaws, the murder investigation was the strongest part of the story, and the book was an easy, quick read with an interesting plot. While The Murder Party was not a mystery I will remember for a long time, it still offers an enjoyable experience for readers who like character-driven mysteries.
Special thanks to NetGalley & SOURCEBOOKS Fire for this digital ARC in exchange for an honest review.
Special thanks to NetGalley & SOURCEBOOKS Fire for this digital ARC in exchange for an honest review.
Review of advance copy received from NetGalley
Thank you Sourcebooks Fire and Netgalley for this eARC, these opinions are my own. I consumed this one! June’s life is turned upside down the day that her family learns that her big sister Lily was killed at a secret Murder Club party. They get together and play murder mystery games, only this time a prop malfunctioned and Lily died for real. They’ve ruled it an accident and everybody gets to just move on. But for June, she can’t let go, not after the last words she ever said to Lily. Then she sees a comment on one of Lily’s IG posts. Something that chills her to her bones. Is it possible that what happened wasn’t an accident? Soon June starts digging and she knows she’s on to something when it becomes clear someone doesn’t want her to. But what will June find? There are nine members of the club, including Lily, and anyone of them could have killed her. It’s clear that many of them have a motive but who did it? Or is it all in June’s head? A thrilling story that kept me reading and guessing! And I didn’t see the why coming for sure! It’s suspenseful, exciting, and unputdownable everything I’ve come to expect from a Cindy R. X. He story!
Review of advance copy received from NetGalley
Thank you to NetGalley for providing me with an ARC of this book.
This was my first book by Cindy R. X. He, and it definitely won't be my last.
June has always lived in the shadow of her older, "perfect" sister, Lily. When Lily is stabbed to death in front of a dozen witnesses as part of a secret murder club, the case appears straightforward. But the more June learns about her sister's life, the more suspicious she becomes. Was Lily really murdered the way everyone believes?
As June digs deeper, she uncovers secrets, lies, and plenty of possible suspects. Her guilt over the fractured relationship she and Lily had before Lily's death adds an emotional layer to the mystery and makes June a compelling protagonist.
Beyond the mystery itself, the story tackles several serious issues and raises thought-provoking questions about society, accountability, and the lengths people will go to protect appearances.
This was an engaging and suspenseful read that kept me guessing throughout. Just when I thought I had everything figured out, the story delivered a shocking ending that I never saw coming.
This was my first book by Cindy R. X. He, and it definitely won't be my last.
June has always lived in the shadow of her older, "perfect" sister, Lily. When Lily is stabbed to death in front of a dozen witnesses as part of a secret murder club, the case appears straightforward. But the more June learns about her sister's life, the more suspicious she becomes. Was Lily really murdered the way everyone believes?
As June digs deeper, she uncovers secrets, lies, and plenty of possible suspects. Her guilt over the fractured relationship she and Lily had before Lily's death adds an emotional layer to the mystery and makes June a compelling protagonist.
Beyond the mystery itself, the story tackles several serious issues and raises thought-provoking questions about society, accountability, and the lengths people will go to protect appearances.
This was an engaging and suspenseful read that kept me guessing throughout. Just when I thought I had everything figured out, the story delivered a shocking ending that I never saw coming.
Review of advance copy received from NetGalley
Thank you to NetGalley and Sourcebooks Fire for sending me this eARC. This book took me longer than usual to read, which I partially attribute to the slow beginning. In my opinion, the writing was somewhat choppy in the early chapters, which made it difficult to continue reading. However, the book picked up after the first third, and I found myself racing through the last 50 pages.
June's grief and guilt were portrayed really well throughout the story, and if that didn't make her root-able enough, she was always direct - a girl after my own heart. When she had questions or suspicions, she just laid them out; no beating around the bush here. I found that refreshing since most protagonists in such novels are always harboring secret thoughts for 50% of the book (lol). Zoey was a fantastic sidekick, no notes.
It might've been nice to have an epilogue to witness the aftermath of the party, including the wellbeing of June and her parents, her friendship with Zoey and the fate of the killer. Still, the slightly open ending was satisfactory on its own.
I'm not one to give half stars, but I'd rate "The Murder Party" 3.5 stars, rounded up to 4.
June's grief and guilt were portrayed really well throughout the story, and if that didn't make her root-able enough, she was always direct - a girl after my own heart. When she had questions or suspicions, she just laid them out; no beating around the bush here. I found that refreshing since most protagonists in such novels are always harboring secret thoughts for 50% of the book (lol). Zoey was a fantastic sidekick, no notes.
It might've been nice to have an epilogue to witness the aftermath of the party, including the wellbeing of June and her parents, her friendship with Zoey and the fate of the killer. Still, the slightly open ending was satisfactory on its own.
I'm not one to give half stars, but I'd rate "The Murder Party" 3.5 stars, rounded up to 4.
Review of advance copy received from Publisher
The Murder Party is a unique read that will appeal to a wide variety of readers. The story follows twelve high school students, one unauthorized school club, and an evening of murder mystery games that does not end the way anyone expected. When June's older sister dies during one of the games, everyone believes it was a tragic accident—but June isn't convinced. Determined to uncover the truth, she sets out to find justice for her sister. With the help of two loyal friends, June digs into her sister's life, searching for clues that might reveal why someone would want to kill her.
In addition to its compelling mystery, the novel offers strong cultural representation, featuring an Asian American protagonist. At just over 200 pages, The Murder Party is an excellent choice for reluctant readers or anyone intimidated by longer books. Readers who enjoy suspenseful mysteries without excessive violence or graphic content will also appreciate this novel. Blending mystery, suspense, romance, friendship, and family, The Murder Party offers something for almost every reader. Link to complete review: https://ysbookreviews.wordpress.com/2...
In addition to its compelling mystery, the novel offers strong cultural representation, featuring an Asian American protagonist. At just over 200 pages, The Murder Party is an excellent choice for reluctant readers or anyone intimidated by longer books. Readers who enjoy suspenseful mysteries without excessive violence or graphic content will also appreciate this novel. Blending mystery, suspense, romance, friendship, and family, The Murder Party offers something for almost every reader. Link to complete review: https://ysbookreviews.wordpress.com/2...
Review of advance copy received from Netgalley
3.75⭐️
I do know this is a very specific rating but it felt right because this wasnt a 4 star but I also enjoyed it more than my 3 star reads.
I really thought the premise of this book was so unique; I've never read anything like it before and I really enjoyed the murder party part of the plot. The plot twist really did get me the ending was WILDDDD and it had me turning the pages at record time. If you're looking for a YA mystery I would definitely recommend.
I really loved the friendship in this book, because I would be as ride or die for my best friend as they were in the book, that was so beautiful to witness.
The little sprinkle of romance also gave me so much life.
However I didn't think for a mystery that the story was twisty enough, I feel as though alot happened but not enough. Secondly I do know this book is YA and it doesnt necessarily read that way but when it comes to June's outburst or decisions you can definitely see that shes a bit young however I still dont really think teenagers atleast not the one's I know react the way she does.
I do know this is a very specific rating but it felt right because this wasnt a 4 star but I also enjoyed it more than my 3 star reads.
I really thought the premise of this book was so unique; I've never read anything like it before and I really enjoyed the murder party part of the plot. The plot twist really did get me the ending was WILDDDD and it had me turning the pages at record time. If you're looking for a YA mystery I would definitely recommend.
I really loved the friendship in this book, because I would be as ride or die for my best friend as they were in the book, that was so beautiful to witness.
The little sprinkle of romance also gave me so much life.
However I didn't think for a mystery that the story was twisty enough, I feel as though alot happened but not enough. Secondly I do know this book is YA and it doesnt necessarily read that way but when it comes to June's outburst or decisions you can definitely see that shes a bit young however I still dont really think teenagers atleast not the one's I know react the way she does.
Review of advance copy received from NetGalley
Cindy R.X. He has quickly become one of my favorite YA authors. Her debut Perfect Little Monsters was a five star read for me! So, when I saw she was publishing a new book, I knew I needed to read it! The Murder Party didn’t disappoint! It started out a bit slow, but after it picked up, I couldn’t put it down!
Lily Chan is murdered during a secret party in the wood with friends. It’s deemed an accident, but Lily’s sister, June doesn’t believe that! She determined to find out what’s going on and uncover the truth! I found June to be a really likable character! She felt very real with all the things she was going through. Plus, I liked the addition of the budding romance between her and Alex! June’s investigation skills and dedication to finding the killer were admirable. I don’t want to say much more about what happens and spoil anything. I thought everything came together perfectly in the end!
If you enjoy YA thrillers, then I highly recommend you read anything by Cindy R.X. He! I don’t think you’ll regret it.
Lily Chan is murdered during a secret party in the wood with friends. It’s deemed an accident, but Lily’s sister, June doesn’t believe that! She determined to find out what’s going on and uncover the truth! I found June to be a really likable character! She felt very real with all the things she was going through. Plus, I liked the addition of the budding romance between her and Alex! June’s investigation skills and dedication to finding the killer were admirable. I don’t want to say much more about what happens and spoil anything. I thought everything came together perfectly in the end!
If you enjoy YA thrillers, then I highly recommend you read anything by Cindy R.X. He! I don’t think you’ll regret it.
Review of advance copy received from NetGalley
Overall, I quite enjoyed this murder mystery story!
One thing I really liked about this book was the pacing. It was definitely a quick read, which I enjoyed because the plot didn’t really drag anywhere for me. That was great because it allowed me to stay engaged as I tried to figure out the mystery alongside the characters.
As far as characters go, I really liked June. She was a great protagonist to follow along with, as she was not only likeable, but relatable as well. Additionally, she was not only a great detective, but a great sister. The side characters were also really great—June’s dynamic with Alex and Zoey was a lot of fun.
The overall murder mystery plot was great as well. I will say that I found the ending to be a bit predictable. But this was still a really entertaining read that I would recommend to those who love a murder mystery story.
Thank you so much to Sourcebooks Fire and NetGalley for allowing me to read the eARC!
Review of advance copy received from NetGalley
Thank you, SOURCEBOOKS Fire, for providing the copy of The Murder Party by Cindy R. X. He. I loved this book as soon as I started it. He is one of my favorite authors, and her writing style just resonates with me. The story was captivating, and kept me turning the pages. I loved June, and I related to her being in the shadow of her ‘perfect’ older sister, Lily. Even though the sisters were feuding, June jumps right in to figure out who murdered Lily. I liked how June single-mindedly infiltrated Lily’s friend group, and her theories about who the murderer was and why Lily was killed. The ‘murder scripts’ were fun. The requisite budding Teen/YA romance was well-written and believable. I didn’t love the reason Lily died, but I loved the journey of learning the truth! 4.5 stars rounded up to 5.
Displaying 1 - 30 of 65 reviews