Newbourne Park

by Jennifer Marie Thorne

From the USA Today bestselling author of Diavola comes a darkly funny, blood-soaked horror novel about the terrifying seduction of unlimited power.

After years of caring for her dying mother, Martha Shaw feels empty, exhausted, and far older than her twenty-six years. So when her brother invites her to a weekend getaway at the opulent, two-hundred-acre country estate where his friend works, Martha reluctantly agrees. After all, what's the harm? The owners and all their staff will be gone. Security cameras will be off. The house will be theirs. For the first time in years, Martha might actually have fun.  

And it is fun, taking advantage of the historic mega-mansion and its vast grounds. Martha begins to feel human again. But when night falls, the rightful master of Newbourne Park returns—and she’s not alone. Suddenly, being caught trespassing is the least of their worries, because what steps out into the moonlight is something vicious. And hungry. 

What began as a lark becomes a bloody battle for survival, where greed and morality collide—and a woman must choose to bow, break, or bite back.

Genres: Horror, Mystery, Thriller, Paranormal, Adult, Mystery Thriller, Fiction

Kindle Edition

Expected publication September 29, 2026

About the author

Jennifer Thorne is the British-American author of Lute and Diavola (a USA Today bestseller), published by Tor/Nightfire, and the forthcoming Newbourne Park (Putnam). With Lee Kelly, she is co-author of The Antiquity Affair (2023), The Starlets (2024), and My Fair Frauds (2025) published by HarperMuse, as well as The Midnight Show (2026) published by Crown. As Jenn Marie Thorne, she is the author of the YA novels The Wrong Side of Right, The Inside of Out, and Night Music. Her short fiction has appeared in horror anthology One Bad Night and Other Stories and YA anthology Battle of the Bands. She is also the author of the picture book Construction Zoo. She currently lives in Gloucestershire, England with her husband and two sons.

Reviews

[Carissa | the.grim.readers · Rating 4 out of 5]

Oooo this was such a strange and fun little horror gem. I have enjoyed both of this author’s previous releases, and almost immediately when reading Newbourne Park knew I would really enjoy my time with this one as well.

I honestly think readers are doing themselves a massive disservice by viewing this book through a Diavola lens, and it’s never sat quite right with me when the only reason a new release is rated lower was because it wasn’t exactly like the last book they loved by this author. That is coming from someone who absolutely loved Diavola and is an all-time horror favorite of mine.

If you enjoyed this author’s previous work I think you’re in for a delicious treat with this one! While it so did not go where I expected about 40% in I still really enjoyed my time with this story all the same, and greatly look forward to Thorne’s next release.

[She’s Stranger Than Fiction · Rating 5 out of 5]

Newbourne Park is delicious. The characters are wonderfully complex, and layer after layer is slowly revealed as the story progresses. Martha, our protagonist, is your average girl. A tragic set of circumstances finds her leaving her pedestrian lifestyle for Newbourne Park, the grand home of a family listed among Debrett’s peerages. Newbourne Park is beautifully luxurious - and the home of Lady Lambert’s monthly “gathering”, a diverse set of individuals with one thing in common: lycanthropy. Martha quickly realizes the dark secret the group is hiding and finds herself coming face to face with her true self. Newbourne Park is a blend of social commentary, feminine rage, and the need to create a semblance of control in the face of chaos. Jennifer Thorne has earned her place among my “automatic order” authors, and other horror lovers - especially those who treasure vibes over gore - should too. Recommend!

[Kristin Centorcelli · Rating 5 out of 5]

Loved it almost as much as I loved Diavola. A must-read for horror fans.

[Christy · Rating 3 out of 5]

THIS REVIEW WILL HAVE SPOILERS!
.
.
.
.
.
.
.
.
Diavola was one of my favorite horror books the year that I read it and I've been itching for a new horror book from this author so Newbourne Park immediately went to the top of my TBR as soon as it hit my kindle. Unfortunately, it didn't quite live up to my expectations.

Here's the thing, I absolutely LOVED the first 30% of this book, Newbourne mansion was the perfect setting and the atmosphere was on point. I loved seeing the group arrive and quickly realize something isn't right. I loved seeing the night of carnage but all of that ending by the 30% mark and the rest was our FMC trying to figure out her new life after being bit, which is where I struggled. I honestly think I would've enjoyed this a bit more had the first 30% been more of the book and less about her in the aftermath.

This wasn't a bad book by any means, I just preferred the first third of the book and my attention waned after that.

[Ember · Rating 3 out of 5]

2.5

Book was good in the beginning then kind of fell flat. I feel like the horror element was there for a glimpse and then gone. I think if the beginning was the first half of the book it would have made it more enjoyable. After a while I just didn’t care.

Thank you NetGalley for the advance copy!

[Abbie · Rating 4 out of 5]

Class divides and female rage meet supernatural suspense in Newbourne Park, a werewolf story with teeth. This book went directions I didn’t expect when I started it, but I was hooked all the way through!

When Martha joins her brother and some friends for an evening sneaking into and squatting in the beautiful, old, and (they think) empty Newbourne Park, she expects the most dangerous part of the night to be avoiding security cameras or guards; but what they find is far more dangerous. Faced with folkloric beings that are very real and very hungry, Martha finds herself drawn into a battle of survival, class, and wills; and the winner will be whoever (or whatever) is willing to be the most monstrous.

I try not to have spoilers in my reviews, and I will be sure to blur out any I do write about here on Goodreads for anyone who doesn’t want to see them; but while I really enjoyed this book, I expected something different from the story as it is, so I will be a bit more spoiler-ey than I normally am to discuss where the story surprised me. For those who do not want spoilers, I will say that this is a great book, especially for fans of female-led horror, supernatural / psychological suspense, and stories of women who embrace a role of darkness or monstrosity. It was a really fun exploration of werewolf myths from the POV of a woman, which is always fascinating to me; I think werewolves are so “anti” what society tells women to be, and for me at least that makes female werewolves a very satisfying thing to read about. If you like creature features that explore the character of the main monster more than the terror it instills, and if you are a fan of stories that make you think “Good for her”, I think you will love Newbourne Park.

Now, for a more spoiler-y analysis:

From the description of this book, I was expecting something more along the lines of the movie Ready or Not, or the book Guillotine by Delilah Dawson; I thought the majority of this story would be about Martha and her brothers’ / friends’ fight for survival against the werewolves over one long night. This is not at all the case; in fact, this part of the book wraps up very quickly, probably around 20% into the story. Rather than focusing on a fight for physical survival, this is a story about a woman coming to terms with the existence of monsters in her world, the existential terror of becoming one herself, and a fight to fit into her new world and push her way up to the top of the new food chain. I will stress, this is not a bad thing; I really, really enjoyed the story as it is, and was fascinated by Martha’s journey as a character. It just threw me a little, because I went in expecting a survival horror, and instead found a very different story. Newbourne Park should 100% be on your TBR for this fall; but, don’t expect it to be a werewolf version of Ready or Not, or Guillotine.

The second way that this book ended up being very different from my expectations is more of an actual spoiler than the previous paragraph, so look away now if you don’t want story spoilers! Newbourne Park is a very class-based horror story, a steadily growing sub-genre of horror that is becoming more prevalent as the class divides in our own societies, as well as the often predatory habits of the very rich, grow more obvious. Many of these stories have an expected ending: the poor / “normal” main character wins, and burns the rich bad guys to the ground. Once it became clear that Newbourne Park was a class-focused novel, and that Martha was the outsider trying to find her way in a world of rich, literally predatory people, I unconsciously expected that if / when she won, she would tear down the bad system. (Final spoiler warning!) Martha does “win”, to a certain extent; but not only does she not burn down the bad / old system, she ultimately ends up empowering and continuing the bad / predatory acts of those before her, possibly ending up even worse than they were because she was once powerless and poor herself. Now, while I admit this really threw me, that again does not make this a bad book; if anything, I would argue that it is a more realistic / meaningful story for ending the way it does, with a warning about the corrupting influence of power and giving in to the dark sides of our natures. People are not less prone to evil because they are not rich; and every person is vulnerable to the dangerous siren song of power and wealth. The ending also doesn’t come out of nowhere; from the very beginning, Martha is strong, canny, and committed to her own survival, and her acceptance and eventual embracing of her new monstrous nature starts to bring out the dark sides of her character. It also makes sense in terms of the monster this story is about; werewolves are predators, and always have been in our mythology. The groundwork for the ending was well-laid, and the message is important; but I admit I still finished the book, and felt like “justice” hadn’t been served. I realize this is a subjective thing, and may not bother some readers at all; but in a world where I increasingly look to fiction for happy / just endings I don’t feel like we always see in real life, I wanted to mention this disconnect between my story expectations and the actual book ending in case other readers might want a heads-up.

You may think from my analysis of Newbourne Park that I didn’t enjoy this book, and I have to stress that I did; I was fascinated by Martha’s character arc, and I flew through the last 200-250 pages of the book in one day. It is very, very good, and I have actually placed the author’s other books on hold at my local library so I can read the rest of her works; so please don’t come away from my review thinking I didn’t like the book. I just came to the story with some expectations, and the story ignored those and did its own thing (as all good stories do).

I would recommend Newbourne Park to fans of Such Sharp Teeth and You Did Nothing Wrong, and to any readers who love werewolves. (I would also recommend reading this one as a buddy-read to Milkteeth by Caitlin Starling; they both have very different but fascinating things to say about monstrous women, and I’m so glad I read them one right after another!)

Thank you to NetGalley and Putnam for the digital arc! All thoughts & opinions in the review are my own.

[Lily Barna · Rating 5 out of 5]

Thank you to NetGalley, Putnam, and Jennifer Thorne for this advanced copy in exchange for my honest review. My favorite read of 2026 so far!!! Ugh it just had everything I wanted and more, and I knew I’d be falling down a gleefully horrendous rabbit hole (or should I say bone pit?) from the first sentence. Martha is a little like all of us while being entirely unique and fully formed. The plot unfurled with delightful pacing, and Thorne masterfully balances shock and awe with deep emotion, conflict, and humanity. Who are we if not monsters every once in a while??

I could write an essay on this book, and I likely will put something on my Substack when it comes out that goes more in depth into just how much I loved this and why. People will love the characters with their flaws, unabashed and nakedly vulnerable (except when they work oh so hard to hide themselves). People will love Newbourne, imagining just how they might live in a place like that. Thank you again for this wonderful book.

[Mya Joan Emma · Rating 4 out of 5]

This was definitely an interesting one for me. I really liked the premise of this book and the creepy atmosphere surrounding Newbourne Park. Martha Shaw has spent years caring for her dying mother, leaving her completely exhausted and feeling much older than her twenty-six years. So when her brother invites her to spend a weekend at a massive, luxurious country estate, she decides to go. The owners and staff are supposed to be gone, the security cameras are turned off, and for once Martha gets the chance to forget about everything and just have some fun.

And honestly, I loved that setup. There was something so unsettling about having this huge, beautiful estate completely empty and knowing that they probably shouldn't be there. At first, Martha and her brother are simply enjoying everything the property has to offer, taking advantage of a place that isn't theirs and finally getting a taste of freedom. But, of course, things don't stay peaceful for long.

When night falls and the rightful master of Newbourne Park returns, Martha quickly realizes that getting caught trespassing is the least of their problems. What comes back to the estate is vicious, hungry, and definitely not something they can reason with. From there, the story turns into a bloody fight for survival.

I really enjoyed the way the story explored greed, power, and morality. Martha is forced into a situation where she has to decide just how far she's willing to go to survive. I liked watching her go from someone who has spent so much of her life caring for someone else to someone who has to finally fight for herself. The idea of having to choose whether to bow, break, or bite back was one of my favorite aspects of the story.

There were definitely some creepy and bloody moments that worked for me, and I loved the feeling that something was seriously wrong with this beautiful estate. The contrast between the luxury of Newbourne Park and the horror unfolding inside it made for some great moments.

That being said, I think I was expecting a little more from the story. There were parts that really grabbed my attention, but other parts didn't hit quite as hard for me. I liked the overall concept more than I loved the execution, and I found myself wishing certain things had been explored a little further.

Overall, this was a solid 4-star read for me. I loved the dark premise, the mansion setting, the bloodshed, and the themes surrounding power and greed. It had some genuinely creepy moments and an interesting story underneath all the chaos. While it didn't completely blow me away, I still had a good time with it and I'm glad I gave it a chance.

[Reneaue · Rating 4 out of 5]

Martha Shaw has spent years putting her life on hold to care for her dying mother, leaving little room for friendships, romance, or her dreams of Oxford. Now, with that chapter closing, she’s ready to reclaim something for herself—even if it means leaning into a darker, more reckless side. A weekend “squatting” adventure with her brother & friends at a vacant estate, seems just the ticket....despite the bad vibes the place stirs in her. The main house is beyond her wildest dreams, and her brother’s friend brings an added benefit. That is until things go horribly wrong.

At first glance, Newbourne Park seems poised to deliver a familiar setup: a group of twenty-somethings, an eerie mansion, and a looming werewolf threat. Not typically my favorite horror formula. But Jennifer Thorne quickly proves there’s far more lurking beneath the surface. Martha is no helpless victim—she’s complex, cunning, and increasingly dangerous in her own right, making this story difficult to put down.

Yes, there are werewolves here. But this novel digs deeper, weaving in sharp commentary on class, privilege, and belonging. Martha’s transformation becomes more than physical, it’s a calculated ascent. When she’s bitten and unexpectedly welcomed into the world of the wealthy Lambert family, she recognizes opportunity when she sees it. Under the influence of the enigmatic Lady Olivia Lambert, she begins to feel something she hasn’t in years: a sense of home.

But Martha isn’t content to simply belong. So when young Freddie Lambert becomes captivated by her, she proves she knows exactly how to turn the rules of privilege to her advantage. After all, you don’t need to be born with a silver spoon to learn how to wield one.

Dark and unexpectedly sharp, Newbourne Park offers more than supernatural thrills. It’s a character-driven descent into ambition, identity, and securing your place in the pack.

******************
Thank you to NetGalley, the author and Putnam Books for the ARC in exchange for an honest review.

[Evelyn · Rating 5 out of 5]

4 1/2 stares round up to 5.
Diavola was one of my favorite books of recent years so Jennifer Thorne’s Newbourne Park was one of my most anticipated reads of the year. And while it is very different than its predecessor, it more than lived up to my expectations and is one of my favorite books of the summer.

Martha Shaw, a bright young woman gives up her place at Oxford to stay home and take care of her dying mother. And even after her mother’s death Martha remains in the family home, cleaning houses for money and with no social life to speak of. Then her brother convinces her to come along for a weekend getaway with his friends. One of his friends works as a footman at a luxurious country estate and owners and staff are away for the weekend and will have the property to themselves. What starts off as a dream getaway soon devolves into a terrifying reckoning that will completely change Martha’s life. To say more about what happens wouldn’t be fair to the reader, but just know that it is really good!

I gobbled this book up. It was everything I didn’t know I wanted. I will say this is a kind of creature feature but not in a traditional way. Yes, there are some great and terrifying scenes, but there is so much more to this book. It has a lot to say about class division and the differences between the haves and have nots. Thorne has managed to combine horror and social commentary and make it compelling. She also excels at creating characters that are complex and flawed. You may not always like them, but you understand them and their motivations and to me that is much more interesting than characters that are either purely good or inherently evil. I just love the way she writes- her books always feel accessible . She has an ease to her writing that draws you in and holds you in its thrall until the final page.
I’m excited to discuss this one. So good! Thank you to @netgalley and @putnambooks for this advanced copy.

[Tre' · Rating 4 out of 5]

"A biting, blood-drenched, eat-the-rich gothic thriller."

Newbourne Park is one of those books that starts by pulling you into the fantasy and then slowly makes you regret ever wanting in.

At the start, there is something almost inviting about it. Martha has spent so long worn down by grief and just trying to survive that sneaking away to this massive estate feels like stepping into a different life for a minute. The house is gorgeous. The grounds are beautiful. There is champagne and sunlight and all the usual rich-people nonsense. But it never feels fully safe. Even early on, you can feel that something is wrong with this place.

What I liked most was the atmosphere. To me, that’s where the book really shines. Newbourne Park feels old and beautiful, yet you know that there's something just not right lying below the surface. The poison garden. The bone pit. The sense that the whole estate has been hiding something ugly for a very long time. I also liked Martha a lot. Her voice gives the story some real "bite". She is angry, funny, and very aware of how ridiculous wealthy people can be. It keeps the book from feeling stiff or too impressed with its own message.

One thing that surprised me was how well the story shifts once the horror really kicks in. The class commentary is there from the beginning, so when the book goes all in on the “eat the rich” angle, it feels earned. And it is not subtle. At all. But honestly, it shouldn't be. This book has teeth, and once it decides to sink them in, it does. The horror gets brutal, but the anger underneath it is what really gives it weight.

By the end, Newbourne Park feels like a beautiful place built on rot.

ARC provided by Putnam through NetGalley. Many thanks for the early copy.

[Jessica Pendergraft · Rating 3 out of 5]

I’d like to thank NetGalley for providing me with an ARC in exchange for an honest review.

I went into this book expecting more of a mystery-thriller, and while there are definitely suspenseful elements, the story ultimately leans much more heavily into the supernatural than I anticipated. That shift caught me off guard, though not necessarily in a bad way at first.

What really worked for me was the setup. The first half — and honestly even into the three-quarter mark — was incredibly compelling. The author did an excellent job establishing atmosphere, tension, and intrigue. The way the plot unfolded early on felt smart and deliberate, and I was genuinely invested in uncovering what was happening beneath the surface.

However, as the story progressed, it started moving in a direction that felt increasingly elitist and morally detached. To be fair, there were hints of that throughout the novel, so it didn’t come entirely out of nowhere, but I kept expecting a larger twist or revelation that would reframe those elements in a more satisfying way.

There was also a lot of vague foreshadowing and an ongoing sense that the reader was supposed to already understand certain things that hadn’t fully been explained yet. Maybe that disorientation was intentional, but for me it created more confusion than suspense by the end. Instead of feeling intrigued, I was left uncertain about what exactly had happened and what I was meant to take away from it.

Overall, this is a book with a brilliantly constructed opening and a strong atmospheric pull, but the later shift in tone and direction didn’t fully work for me personally.

[Rose Streamer · Rating 4 out of 5]

This is the second Jennifer Thorne book I've read, after Diavola, and I was excited to see what she would do next. I went into Newbourne Park knowing very little about it, which I think worked in its favour. The opening chapters immediately pulled me in with their pace, atmosphere, and sense of unease. From the very beginning there was a tense, unsettling feeling that kept me turning the pages. 

Jennifer Thorne is incredibly good at creating an immersive atmosphere, and the supernatural horror elements were easily my favourite part of the novel. The mystery of what was happening kept me invested, and I was eager to uncover the truth behind the horrors at the heart of the story.

Unfortunately, around the halfway point I started to struggle more with the book. I never felt that I fully understood the main character's motivations, and some of her behaviour didn't quite line up with the background information we were given.

The novel also contains a lot of social commentary and explores themes of power, particularly between women which I questioned the plausibility of more than the supernatural horror element. I also didn't really buy into the central romantic relationship. It never felt entirely convincing or natural to me, which made it harder to invest in the characters' emotional journeys.

While I enjoyed the book overall, parts of it felt a little unnecessary, and I think the story was strongest when it focused on the suspense, supernatural mystery, and mounting dread.

Despite my criticisms, I still had a good time with Newbourne Park. Jennifer Thorne once again proved that she can write unsettling, atmospheric horror, and that's enough to make me look forward to whatever she writes next. Thank you to NetGalley and Titan Books for the ARC.

[Leanne · Rating 4 out of 5]

Newbourne Park is a gloriously dark, blood‑splattered horror novel that blends sharp humour with genuine dread in a way that feels fresh and addictive. Martha Shaw is such a compelling protagonist — worn down by years of caregiving, hollowed out by exhaustion, and quietly desperate for something that feels like her own life again. Her decision to join her brother for a weekend at a sprawling, empty estate feels like a small act of rebellion, and the early chapters capture that fragile sense of freedom beautifully.

The estate itself is a standout. Two hundred acres of opulence, history, and eerie quiet make for an irresistible setting, and watching Martha slowly come back to life as she explores the mansion and grounds is surprisingly touching. But once night falls, the tone shifts sharply. The rightful master of Newbourne Park returning — not alone, and not remotely human — is where the story sinks its claws in.

The horror is visceral and fast‑moving, but what gives the book its bite is the way it plays with power, temptation, and the choices people make when they’re pushed to their limits. Martha’s fight for survival is brutal, messy, and strangely empowering, and the moral tension threaded through the chaos adds real depth to the gore.

Darkly funny, wildly violent, and packed with atmosphere, Newbourne Park is a wickedly entertaining descent into the dangers of privilege, hunger, and the seductive pull of power. A perfect pick for readers who love their horror with teeth — and a heroine who refuses to go quietly.

With thanks to Jennifer Thorne, the publisher and netgalley for the ARC

[Erin · Rating 2 out of 5]

I didn't have a good time with this novel.

Diavola hit hard, thoroughly won me, so I was gutted to find that ‘Newbourne Park’ doesn't quite hold water.

Details of my grumbles? Well, principally, Martha's thought processes aren't convincing, which makes her quite unrelatable. Secondly, Thorne’s affected device where each part of the novel is one of her set of 'sins' completely turned me off, it's so contrived. Generally, though, there's just not much to grab and hold a discerning reader.

Jennifer Thorne’s writing here is clunky – not at all like ‘Diavola’ – and feels lax in many places. The prose is drably half-hearted; describing the look of someone, she writes:

'The overall effect was that of someone cosplaying a pedophile for Halloween.'

Cosplaying a pedophile?! What? Maybe the author really inhabits another world than I do, and this'll speak profoundly to some randomers who aren't bummed-out by it.

To me, I couldn’t help feeling that this was more a sketch of a novel than a finished piece.

So please, please read Such Sharp Teeth by Rachel Harrison if you want to see this idea executed in all the right ways.

My thanks are due to Titan books for the eARC through NetGalley.

[Kaci Davis · Rating 3 out of 5]

If you love horror that blends razor-sharp social commentary with genuine terror, this book absolutely delivers.

What starts as a seemingly harmless weekend getaway quickly spirals into a nightmare fueled by greed, privilege, family dysfunction, and something far more monstrous lurking in the shadows. Martha was an incredibly compelling protagonist—exhausted from years of caregiving, emotionally drained, and desperate for a chance to simply exist outside of responsibility. Her vulnerability made every horrifying moment hit even harder.

The atmosphere was one of the book's greatest strengths. Newbourne Park feels beautiful, unsettling, and dangerous all at once. The author masterfully builds tension, taking readers from moments of dark humor to scenes of pure dread without ever losing momentum. The horror elements are visceral and brutal, but beneath the blood and chaos is a story about class, power, survival, and what people are willing to become when pushed to their limits.

I especially appreciated how the book balanced its scares with biting wit. The commentary never felt preachy, and the dysfunctional family dynamics added another layer of tension that made the story feel grounded even when things became wildly supernatural.

Come for the creepy estate and creature horror. Stay for the sharp social satire, unforgettable atmosphere, and a protagonist you'll desperately root for.

A wickedly entertaining horror novel that proves sometimes the real monsters aren't the ones howling at the moon.

[Siobhan · Rating 4 out of 5]

Newbourne Park is a horror novel about a woman whose weekend getaway changes her life in a completely unexpected way. Martha is stuck, unable to move on with her life after the death of her mother, but when her brother invites her to a weekend at the country house his friend works at, she takes him up as a chance to do something. Their weekend starts well, but when the owner returns along with a whole load of other people, it turns out that the house has secrets, and Martha is about to be drawn into them.

Like Thorne's Diavola, this is a horror novel that explores class and privilege, but Newbourne Park is also a werewolf novel in a similar way to Rachel Harrison's Such Sharp Teeth. That means that instead of scares and creepy stuff, the focus is much more on the horrors of being a werewolf and the power dynamics between the characters. The first part of the book is a tense unfolding of Martha and the others spending an illicit weekend at the house, and then from there is becomes more about Martha dealing with the consequences in a slower, more drawn out way.

There's some great ridiculous moments—like having to be approved to join the werewolf pack via a Whatsapp vote—and generally this fits into the fun horror genre that I'd categorise Rachel Harrison's books as, in which there's some gore and a supernatural concept, but nothing scary. I liked all the commentary on the British class system and how that was interlinked with werewolfism. This isn't a subtle book, but it's a fun ride.

[Maggie’s Books And Brews · Rating 4 out of 5]

Thank you to Netgalley for a free ebook copy in exchange for an honest review.
Overall Star Rating: 4

The writing took me a bit to get into because the book is broken up in a very unique story telling. But once I got used to it, I was sucked in and needed to know more! For some reason, I thought this book was going to be a haunted mansion story. Not sure how or why, but boy I was wrong and so happy to be surprised in the direction this book went. This is definitely an eat the rich story that gives us our female rage that we love. It was such a quick read that I didn’t want to stop! There are moments that I felt like I was reading Ready or Not (one of my top movies) but with cryptids.

Halfway through the book, I felt the ending was very clear to the reader. Even though it was predictable, the journey was just so interesting and entertaining. I enjoyed reading it as the pieces unfolded. There were moments that I felt my jaw just hang open. The lore this story used had some unique qualities that I enjoyed. It did something slightly different and I applaud it.

The only reason for this not to be 5 stars was that there were definite “Mary Sue” moments where suddenly Martha knows how to use these items or knows a lot about certain topics. Some of those moments feel very shoehorned in to force the foreshadowing.

Regardless, I still had a really good time and would highly recommend this book. Like I’m going to message my best friend right now to tell her she will 100% want to buy this when it comes out!

[CReadsBooks · Rating 5 out of 5]

Advance copy provided via NetGalley in exchange for an honest review! Thank you!

Jennifer Thorne has this magical ability to write unlikeable characters who you can't help but root for, all while arguing with yourself about who is the true villain of the story. In most cases, they are, and that's why she's an auto-buy author for me.

Thorne's ability to write atmospheric, gothic settings is so well crafted that the settings themselves become characters in the story. It's clear early on that Newbourne Park lures you in with its beauty and lush lifestyle. It seduces you into thinking that you too could do the unthinkable if it meant staying in the owner's good graces. She also integrates the concept so well into the real world that it makes the reader question whether the supposed myth could, in fact, be true.

Thorne does an excellent job of forcing you to question your once-good opinion of the characters by revealing their flaws through interactions with other characters. She also sets up the FMC, Martha, with the perfect motivation to find a way into Newbourne Park and uses Olivia as the ideal antagonist to lead Martha to her true potential.

The slow fleshing out and destruction of the main character's morals is my favorite part of this story. It comes together nicely after a brief lull, which is unfortunately unavoidable in most stories. Otherwise, it is fast-paced, easily bingeable, and (forgive me) a delicious read.

I can't believe I'm saying this, but I enjoyed it more than Diavola. This will be a shelf trophy for sure.

[Megan Magee · Rating 4 out of 5]

Thorne writes anything, and I am THERE. I have been anxiously awaiting Newbourne Park, and I am not disappointed.
I loved Diavola SO MUCH that it took me a bit to get into this one, I must admit. I think with this author, you should suspend expectation, and go into this one coming away with a new mindset on horror in general.
Martha Shaw is our main character- she is 26, pretty vacant inside, and so tired in all the ways after being a caretaker for her now deceased mother. At a real cusp in her life, her brother invites her to a retreat for a few days to get her mind off the grief and sameness of her existence. I'll leave the description at that, and say our characters are so flawed and human and clearly stuck and grieving. This one is written with genuine snark in mind, and for all the ways Martha annoyed me with her downright negativity, I couldn't help but beam at her utter alacrity and quick wittedness. I'd dare to say some development happened all across the board, and leave it vague with that. I love this author and enjoyed the experience of this book as a whole- this dissection of horror and making it unique, this blend of genres and page turning amazement even in the moments where dialogue takes a lull, and the bravery of Thorne for even daring to invent in a time where everyone is a copy. Thanks so much to NetGalley and Putnam/ G.P. Putnam's Sons for the eARC. All opinions are entirely my own.

[GJO AND PUPS · Rating 4 out of 5]

With thanks to NetGalley and the publisher for this Arc.

I, like many others, went into this book expecting Ready or Not or The Hunger Games-style antics, but the story was nothing like that. It was so much more.
When we first meet Martha, she is a shell of her once ambitious self after spending years caring for her mother. But when a couple of nights at an empty, sprawling country manor take a dark turn, so does Martha’s life.
The first 30% of the book creates an intensely unsettling atmosphere. The sense of foreboding is evident from the very first chapter. Martha is reluctant to be part of the plan — and for good reason. I kept wondering, “What more could possibly happen?” to which the author responded with even more drama, action, and complexity that I absolutely devoured.
This book is beautifully gruesome. Newbourne Manor is extravagant and alluring, yet filled with secrets lurking beneath its surface.
Martha isn’t an immediately likeable FMC, but I think that’s because she carries such understandable resentment toward the wealthy upper-class people surrounding her. Her narration is layered and compelling; she has a dark streak, sharp anger, biting wit, and genuine comedic timing. The author blends horror, thriller, folk elements, and family drama effortlessly.
The story unfolds subtly, always carrying a tense undercurrent that guides Martha through her constantly shifting life, errupting into well-earned ending that somehow left satisfyingly sad.

[Joy · Rating 5 out of 5]

Newbourne Park by Jennifer Thorne is a novel about a woman who is convinced by her brother to join him in breaking into a fancy house and partying while the wealthy owner is away. But the owner soon comes back, and she’s brought friends. Then the killing starts. Newbourne Park follows Martha as she struggles to live with what happened that night, and to uncover the mysteries of this strange house before it swallows her whole.

I was unfamiliar with Thorne’s previous work going in, and so I had zero expectations. After that first night, which was gruesome and scary in the best possible way, I was confused because I wasn’t sure what direction the story was headed in. I shouldn’t have been worried; the back third is some of my favorite thriller/suspense storytelling I’ve read in a while. I loved watching Martha unravel the mysteries surrounding Newbourne Park and come into her own.

This book feels like a blend of Ready or Not meets Ginger Snaps, and if you’re a fan of horror and supernatural thrillers, you’re in for a fantastic time. This book is both grisly and shockingly funny, and even when I was unsure of where it was going, it still had me by the throat. If you like protagonists that are kind of bad people, badass older women, gore that doesn’t pull any punches, and mysterious old houses, this book is for you.

Thank you Putnam for providing this advance copy for review via NetGalley. All opinions are my own.

[Walt · Rating 5 out of 5]

NEWBOURNE PARK was my introduction to author Jennifer Thorne and it was a wild one. It is hard to review this book without spoilers, but I will say as much as I can.

Sacrificing her life to care for her dying mother has Martha Shaw in need of a break. So when her brother offers her a weekend at Newbourne Park, an estate where an old crush of hers works and will be there and where the owners are out of town, she decides to live a little to recharge her worn batteries.

But when the owner returns unexpectedly that night with a group of friends, the foursome do their best to hide, only to discover that they are trapped…and they are prey. And Martha must decide whether she will give in or become a predator.

The story opened and had me laughing at the outset given the irreverent style, and when the storyline changed, I spent the rest of book wondering how Martha would obtain her revenge. Martha’s transition from exhausted young woman older than her years to someone who had to learn how to take charge was entertaining. The climax left me surprised as I did not expect the final solution, but I recommend the book and I give it high marks.

Please note that this book is bloody, occasionally violent, and has some sex in it, but so did Friday the 13th. This was Gothic. This was horror. This was enjoyable.

Thank you to G.P. Putnam, Jennifer Thorne, and Netgalley for the advance copy.

[Catherine · Rating 5 out of 5]

My God, did I devour this book!

Martha was such a deep and interesting character and I loved the way she was written. No unnecessary explanation or any kind of apology for her internal bluntness or murky, shifting morality. It was simply this is whats happening, this is how Martha's going to respond, get on board - I loved it!

I'll be honest, while Diavola has been on my TBR list for a while, I haven't gotten around to it yet and in a way I'm kind of glad I didnt before starting Newbourne Park. Diavola has such a following that I preferred not having that kind of influence going into this delicious story. I will definitely be picking up a copy now though!

This novel was so original and will stay with me for a loooooong time! The setting was spot on and so well fleshed out, truly immersive. What started as a survival horror quickly turned into something unexpected in both acts 2 and 3 but the shifts between acts just built on the enjoyment of the last without taking anything away from them.

A ward of warning though, maybe don't pick up certain chapters of this book if you're in the middle of enjoying your dinner!

I can't wait to see what Jennifer gives us next!

Thank you very much to Jennifer Marie Thorne, Putnam and Netgalley for my e-ARC of this novel in exchange for an honest review!

[Kimberly Jones · Rating 5 out of 5]

5 stars

This book was the perfect combination of horror and dark humor in a completely unexpected story of Martha Shaw and a twisted weekend getaway that she never saw coming. The synopsis of this gives nothing away, and I could not have appreciated that more. Every time I thought I'd figured out what was happening, I was wrong. This story twisted and turned like the best kind of thrill ride.

The way the main characters shift and evolve over the course of the narrative made this so engaging, I could not put this book down. I literally can't wait to see what readers think of this one when it comes out. The horror elements were bloody, gruesome, and absolutely delicious. There were so many fun side characters, with plenty of representation sprinkled in, and I couldn't wait to see where the plot was headed. I will say that when I started the book, I never would have predicted where it ended up.

This is a perfect summer/fall horror novel that does not take itself too seriously. If you give in to the camp of it all, you're in for an amazing time. If you like dark humor and horror, this book checks all the boxes. I highly recommend going into this knowing as little as possible so that you can relish each surprising shift in the narrative and the characters.

Thank you to NetGalley and Penguin Random House for the eArc of this book in exchange for an honest review.

[luceski · Rating 3 out of 5]

Absolutely loved Diavola, so I went into this one with VERY high hopes. A creepy country estate, a grieving protagonist, suspiciously absent owners and… werewolves. What could possibly go wrong?

Martha arrives at Newbourne Park with her brother and his girlfriend, expecting a bit of questionable house-squatting while the owners are away. Instead, she finds herself caught up in something much darker.

There’s plenty of gothic atmosphere, a wonderfully unsettling estate, a rather deliciously unhinged cast of characters and some properly vicious moments. Martha herself is probably my favourite part. She’s ruthless, morally questionable and increasingly comfortable with the world she finds herself pulled into.

I also loved the whole strange little ecosystem surrounding Newbourne Park. There’s something very fun about watching Martha find her place amongst people who are, quite frankly, all a bit fucked up!

BUT… I think I was expecting to love this more than I actually did. I found the pacing a little slow and, despite everything that happens, I felt like not a huge amount happened overall. Lady Lambert was a particularly fun character, but I was left feeling a little underwhelmed by the end.

After Diavola, which completely grabbed me, this one just didn’t hit quite the same.

Maybe I’m just not that into werewolves.

[Jensen McCorkel · Rating 3 out of 5]

Newbourne Park is a darkly humorous and socially observant horror set on a sprawling, elegant country estate. Exploring themes of class, power, and greed, it adds rich texture to the story’s creeping horror. The novel follows Martha, a woman seeking escape at the grand estate, only to find the mansion itself almost alive, and her retreat slowly twisting into a terrifying, monstrous nightmare.

Rating 3.5

As Martha wanders the luxurious halls, she enjoys newfound freedom and reconnects with herself but the tone gradually darkens. A supernatural presence resurfaces unexpectedly, transforming her leisurely indulgence into tense, suspenseful horror. The mansion’s atmosphere is masterfully rendered: every echoing hallway, shadowed corner, and opulent room ratchets up the tension.

Newbourne Park is a smart, atmospheric horror that seamlessly blends suspense, social commentary, and dark humor. It will appeal to readers who savor slow-building dread, richly detailed settings, and a horror that lingers in both mood and thought.

Overall, its strength lies in the gradual accumulation of unease. The shift from carefree indulgence to creeping dread proves far more unsettling than sudden chaos, making the novel a compelling experience for fans of atmospheric horror.

[Nicole Marie · Rating 4 out of 5]

This was such a fun blend of horror, dark humor, and survival. Jennifer Thorne took what starts as a simple weekend getaway and slowly turned it into something tense, bloody, and completely unhinged. Once the horror kicks in, I was hooked.
One of my favorite parts was Martha. She felt like such a believable protagonist after spending years caring for her mother. Watching her finally begin to rediscover herself, only to be thrown into an impossible situation, made it easy to root for her. Her growth throughout the story was just as compelling as the horror itself.
The atmosphere was fantastic. The isolated estate felt eerie long before the real danger arrived, and the creeping sense of dread built beautifully. When the action finally exploded, it delivered plenty of gruesome moments and kept the tension high until the end.
The pacing was a little uneven in the beginning, and I would have loved a bit more time exploring some of the mythology behind what was happening. Still, once the story found its rhythm, I couldn't put it down.
If you enjoy horror with sharp social commentary, morally gray choices, creepy estates, and plenty of blood-soaked chaos, this is definitely worth picking up. It was unsettling, entertaining, and surprisingly funny in all the right places.

[Elisa · Rating 5 out of 5]

I thought this was going to be a haunted house story. It isn’t. I wasn’t expecting what this book had in store, and despite not being a fan of the trope at its heart, I absolutely loved it. Right from the start, Martha tells us that by the time the novel is over, we probably won’t like her very much. She’s wrong. Martha is strong, complicated, and ambitious. She lives in a morally gray area, has few moral qualms, and somehow, despite everything, I couldn’t help but root for her. I’d just like to know how I ended up liking her so much! The rest of the characters are just as complex and fascinating, and the plot is suspenseful, surprising, and a lot of fun. The titular Newbourne Park estate is wonderfully atmospheric, with its ghosts, darkness, and sense of unease. Martha’s transformation is subtle but inevitable, and the ending is fantastic. Once I got to the final stretch, I couldn’t put it down. I strongly recommend going into this book blind. The content and direction of the story are unexpected, and I think knowing too much beforehand would take away some of the fun.
I chose to read this book and all opinions in this review are my own and completely unbiased. Thank you, NetGalley/G.P. Putnam's Sons.

[Cate · Rating 4 out of 5]

Many thanks to NetGalley and TitanBooks for the e-arc!

This is the second book by Jennifer Throne that I’ve read, after “Diavola”, which I loved a lot! I had no idea what “Newbourne Park” is about, deep down I hope it will have ghosts in it. When I realised what is about and what’s happening, I had some second thoughts but everything is fine, because I actually loved it! It’s true that I loved “Diavola” much more, but the female rage in “Newbourne Park” was done so so well!

The mystery had me invested really fast, the plot is very well paced, and while it can be predictable, it’s not the annoying predictable stuff. The author left a lot of time for you to feel shocked and to start thinking about what’s going to actually happen.

The characters are very unlikeable, yet I understood Martha’s choices. I liked how the book was written, I felt like it’s an open journal forgotten on a nightstand and I know I shouldn’t read it, but I can’t stop.

Loved the folk elements, the setting was creepy and a little bit gothic, with this huge manor.

I must say, I’m really excited for the next book of this author.