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A Killer Guest List
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Expected 10 Feb 26The BRAND NEW deliciously dark and brilliantly entertaining revenge thriller from Sarah Bonner
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Expected publication February 10, 2026
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Displaying 1 - 24 of 24 reviews
January 18, 2026
I love Sarah Bonner and I have loved all the other Slay books. A Killer Guest List fell a bit flat for me. It was different from the other books and I just couldn’t connect the same way.
There are a lot of characters to get your head around, I struggled to keep them straight or like any of them. It was more of a slow paced story, it just didn’t have the same impact as I had expected.
I do love a good murder mystery, a locked room where anyone could be the killer. The setting was fantastic, and the descriptions of the hotel and surroundings were great. The story just didn’t get me
Thanks to Boldwood Books for my early copy to read. I will continue to read anything that this author writes.
There are a lot of characters to get your head around, I struggled to keep them straight or like any of them. It was more of a slow paced story, it just didn’t have the same impact as I had expected.
I do love a good murder mystery, a locked room where anyone could be the killer. The setting was fantastic, and the descriptions of the hotel and surroundings were great. The story just didn’t get me
Thanks to Boldwood Books for my early copy to read. I will continue to read anything that this author writes.
January 22, 2026
A really fun murder mystery! I read an eARC of this book on NetGalley so thank you to the author and the publisher.
This has so much affection for classic murder mystery novelists like Agatha Christie. However it also provides its own spin to create utter carnage! This takes place at a hotel. The hotel hosts an annual murder mystery weekend. There’s actors brought in, a different story each time and character immersion for the attendees. This year, they’ve amped up the level of dramatic events, or so the guests think. But of course there’s something else going on.
I liked the concept here, the idea of popular murder mystery experiences being a cover for someone else’s nefarious plans. It just works so well! It would be hard to think of another setting where this plot could have taken place as believably as it does. It does get a bit over the top at times but because of the way the novel is constructed, that actually works really well. There’s a questionable level of morality here, particularly through one of our narrators, an older lady with heaps of her own secrets.
I found this to be great fun. It’s a speedy read, the pace never lets up. There’s plenty of pivots and content to keep you on your toes. Second book from this author and I’ve had a fantastic time with both!
This has so much affection for classic murder mystery novelists like Agatha Christie. However it also provides its own spin to create utter carnage! This takes place at a hotel. The hotel hosts an annual murder mystery weekend. There’s actors brought in, a different story each time and character immersion for the attendees. This year, they’ve amped up the level of dramatic events, or so the guests think. But of course there’s something else going on.
I liked the concept here, the idea of popular murder mystery experiences being a cover for someone else’s nefarious plans. It just works so well! It would be hard to think of another setting where this plot could have taken place as believably as it does. It does get a bit over the top at times but because of the way the novel is constructed, that actually works really well. There’s a questionable level of morality here, particularly through one of our narrators, an older lady with heaps of her own secrets.
I found this to be great fun. It’s a speedy read, the pace never lets up. There’s plenty of pivots and content to keep you on your toes. Second book from this author and I’ve had a fantastic time with both!
Review of advance copy received from Netgalley
📚A Killer Guest List
✍🏻Sarah Bonner
Blurb:
The BRAND NEW deliciously dark and brilliantly entertaining revenge thriller from Sarah Bonner 🩸🔪 For fans of Bella Mackie, Katy Brent, CJ Skuse and Killing Eve.
"You are cordially invited to Murder on the Moors, the most glamorous murder mystery event of the season..." ✨
Sadie has attended ‘Murder on the Moors’, at a luxury country house hotel in Dartmoor, for the past fifty years. This time, she’s bringing her goddaughter. But what the girl doesn’t know is that the game is merely a cover for Sadie’s darker predilections…
Cassie’s weekend at the hotel is more of a work trip for her wife, though she’s looking forward to relaxing in the swanky surroundings, plus a little fun detective work. She doesn’t realise that the game is about to reveal some shocking truths…
Because this year, someone new has taken over the murder mystery event. Someone who knows exactly who Sadie is, and who has compiled a dossier of crimes committed by the other guests. Someone with a hit list.
The only chance of staying one step ahead – and not being murdered for real – is to slay together…
PRAISE FOR SARAH BONNER:
⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐ 'A hilarious romp that I just couldn’t put down.' Katy Brent
⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐ 'Brilliantly twisty and thoroughly entertaining.' T.M. Logan, bestselling author of The Holiday
⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐ 'A perfect thriller, we read this in one sitting.' Closer
⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐ 'A wonderfully twisty, and twisted, thriller that will have you up until the early hours, and with an ending that you will NOT see coming. Brilliant.' SJ Watson, bestselling author of Before I Go To Sleep
⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐ 'Captivating.' Janice Hallett, bestselling author of The Appeal
⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐ 'Constant twists, turns and delicious backstabbing betrayals.' Culturefly
⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐ 'A twisted tale I could not have loved more.' Natasha Harding, The Sun
My Thoughts:
Amongst the guests are old faithful attendees, Sadie and Theodore, along with several new people who have never been invited before. When the ‘murders’ start to happen, they all seem a little too realistic - although the other guests appear oblivious to the facts in front of them. Sadie may be an elderly woman, but she is also an idiosyncratic serial killer. A murder mystery weekend with character deaths that are just a little too real.
Thanks NetGalley, Boldwood Books and Author Sarah Bonner for the advanced copy of "A Killer Guest List" I am leaving my voluntary review in appreciation.
#NetGalley
#BoldwoodBooks
#SarahBonner
#AKillerGuestList
⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️
✍🏻Sarah Bonner
Blurb:
The BRAND NEW deliciously dark and brilliantly entertaining revenge thriller from Sarah Bonner 🩸🔪 For fans of Bella Mackie, Katy Brent, CJ Skuse and Killing Eve.
"You are cordially invited to Murder on the Moors, the most glamorous murder mystery event of the season..." ✨
Sadie has attended ‘Murder on the Moors’, at a luxury country house hotel in Dartmoor, for the past fifty years. This time, she’s bringing her goddaughter. But what the girl doesn’t know is that the game is merely a cover for Sadie’s darker predilections…
Cassie’s weekend at the hotel is more of a work trip for her wife, though she’s looking forward to relaxing in the swanky surroundings, plus a little fun detective work. She doesn’t realise that the game is about to reveal some shocking truths…
Because this year, someone new has taken over the murder mystery event. Someone who knows exactly who Sadie is, and who has compiled a dossier of crimes committed by the other guests. Someone with a hit list.
The only chance of staying one step ahead – and not being murdered for real – is to slay together…
PRAISE FOR SARAH BONNER:
⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐ 'A hilarious romp that I just couldn’t put down.' Katy Brent
⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐ 'Brilliantly twisty and thoroughly entertaining.' T.M. Logan, bestselling author of The Holiday
⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐ 'A perfect thriller, we read this in one sitting.' Closer
⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐ 'A wonderfully twisty, and twisted, thriller that will have you up until the early hours, and with an ending that you will NOT see coming. Brilliant.' SJ Watson, bestselling author of Before I Go To Sleep
⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐ 'Captivating.' Janice Hallett, bestselling author of The Appeal
⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐ 'Constant twists, turns and delicious backstabbing betrayals.' Culturefly
⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐ 'A twisted tale I could not have loved more.' Natasha Harding, The Sun
My Thoughts:
Amongst the guests are old faithful attendees, Sadie and Theodore, along with several new people who have never been invited before. When the ‘murders’ start to happen, they all seem a little too realistic - although the other guests appear oblivious to the facts in front of them. Sadie may be an elderly woman, but she is also an idiosyncratic serial killer. A murder mystery weekend with character deaths that are just a little too real.
Thanks NetGalley, Boldwood Books and Author Sarah Bonner for the advanced copy of "A Killer Guest List" I am leaving my voluntary review in appreciation.
#NetGalley
#BoldwoodBooks
#SarahBonner
#AKillerGuestList
⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️
Review of advance copy received from Netgalley
In this book we follow a bunch of people attending a murder mystery weekend at a country house in deepest darkest Dartmoor. Our MC is Sadie who has attended this series of weekends for 50 years and, this time has brought her goddaughter with her. Also in attendance is Cassie who is with her wife. She is not sure where her invitation has come from but has her suspicions. When they get there, they find out that things are working a little differently than previous years, another company is driving the event, which is made up of both frequent fliers and newbies.
Long story short something just doesn't feel right, the "murders" start to look a little too real and, well, on further investigation, Sadie uncovers something quite shocking... Even more shocking than her own secret...
There is scant synopsis for this book which I think is as it should be as I think you really do need to go in as blind as you can to realise all the gory details as the author intended. Especially the motivation and all the twists and turns you will encounter along the way. My advice, strap yourself in and enjoy the wild ride...
And wild it is when we really get going. The cast of characters is, well, eclectic doesn't quite cover it. But spoilers prevent me from going into much more detail but suffice to say that they are all very well drawn and the majority offer shock after surprise as more of the story unfolds.
And the race to the end is a rollercoaster ride. Ramping up at speed until eventually finishing with a wholly satisfying conclusion. Yes, with hindsight, the whole is a bit on the bonkers side, but I had so much fun...
This is the first book I have read by this author and I see that is actually part of a series, well more a collection - How to Slay - well... on the back of what I read here, I'm eager to catch up on what I have missed. My thanks go to the Publisher and Netgalley for the chance to read this book.
Long story short something just doesn't feel right, the "murders" start to look a little too real and, well, on further investigation, Sadie uncovers something quite shocking... Even more shocking than her own secret...
There is scant synopsis for this book which I think is as it should be as I think you really do need to go in as blind as you can to realise all the gory details as the author intended. Especially the motivation and all the twists and turns you will encounter along the way. My advice, strap yourself in and enjoy the wild ride...
And wild it is when we really get going. The cast of characters is, well, eclectic doesn't quite cover it. But spoilers prevent me from going into much more detail but suffice to say that they are all very well drawn and the majority offer shock after surprise as more of the story unfolds.
And the race to the end is a rollercoaster ride. Ramping up at speed until eventually finishing with a wholly satisfying conclusion. Yes, with hindsight, the whole is a bit on the bonkers side, but I had so much fun...
This is the first book I have read by this author and I see that is actually part of a series, well more a collection - How to Slay - well... on the back of what I read here, I'm eager to catch up on what I have missed. My thanks go to the Publisher and Netgalley for the chance to read this book.
Review of advance copy received from Netgalley
A Killer Guest List is a wickedly entertaining revenge thriller that had me hooked from the very first page. Sarah Bonner blends glamour, tension, and pitch‑black humour into a story that feels both sharply modern and delightfully theatrical — the perfect pick for readers who love their thrillers with a stylish, slightly unhinged edge.
The setup is irresistible: a luxury Dartmoor hotel, a decades‑old murder‑mystery event, and a guest list full of people with secrets they’d rather keep buried. Sadie, with her unsettling charm and long history at “Murder on the Moors,” is a standout — the kind of character who makes you grin even as you’re quietly terrified of what she might do next. Bringing her goddaughter along adds a fresh layer of tension, especially once you realise just how much Sadie has been hiding.
Cassie’s storyline offers a brilliant counterbalance: grounded, curious, and unsuspecting, she walks straight into a weekend that becomes far more dangerous than she ever imagined. Watching the two threads twist together as the new event organiser reveals their chilling dossier of crimes is incredibly satisfying. Every chapter feels like another mask slipping.
What I loved most is how the book leans into the fun of the genre — the campy glamour, the shifting alliances, the sense that everyone is performing — while still delivering genuine suspense. The stakes rise quickly, the twists land, and the “slay together” dynamic is as clever as it is chaotic.
Dark, delicious, and wonderfully entertaining, A Killer Guest List is a thriller that knows exactly what it’s doing. Fans of Bella Mackie, Katy Brent, CJ Skuse, and Killing Eve will feel right at home among the secrets, the bloodstains, and the sparkling champagne flutes.
With thanks to Sarah Bonner, the publisher and netgalley for the ARC
The setup is irresistible: a luxury Dartmoor hotel, a decades‑old murder‑mystery event, and a guest list full of people with secrets they’d rather keep buried. Sadie, with her unsettling charm and long history at “Murder on the Moors,” is a standout — the kind of character who makes you grin even as you’re quietly terrified of what she might do next. Bringing her goddaughter along adds a fresh layer of tension, especially once you realise just how much Sadie has been hiding.
Cassie’s storyline offers a brilliant counterbalance: grounded, curious, and unsuspecting, she walks straight into a weekend that becomes far more dangerous than she ever imagined. Watching the two threads twist together as the new event organiser reveals their chilling dossier of crimes is incredibly satisfying. Every chapter feels like another mask slipping.
What I loved most is how the book leans into the fun of the genre — the campy glamour, the shifting alliances, the sense that everyone is performing — while still delivering genuine suspense. The stakes rise quickly, the twists land, and the “slay together” dynamic is as clever as it is chaotic.
Dark, delicious, and wonderfully entertaining, A Killer Guest List is a thriller that knows exactly what it’s doing. Fans of Bella Mackie, Katy Brent, CJ Skuse, and Killing Eve will feel right at home among the secrets, the bloodstains, and the sparkling champagne flutes.
With thanks to Sarah Bonner, the publisher and netgalley for the ARC
Review of advance copy received from Netgalley
Rating: 3.9/5
The accompanying marketing blurb claims that this book will appeal to fans of C.J. Skuse. It is not unusual for publishers to make such claims as they endeavour to tap into dedicated readers of other established authors, but the claims are not necessarily always substantiated. However, in this instance, I would say that it is perfectly appropriate, although Sarah Bonner's approach is more light-hearted and tongue-in-cheek.
If you are familiar with "Sweetpea" by C.J. Skuse then it will be impossible not to make comparisons and draw parallels with that novel when you read Sarah Bonner's "How to Slay..." series. It could be argued that C.J. Skuse's creation, Sweetpea, paved the way for a sub-genre of strong, individual leading ladies with a penchant for serial killing. There are a number of other writers (predominantly female) who have taken their inspiration from this source to create their own darkly humorous novels. Some have done it quite successfully, while others have produced rather disappointing facsimiles. I am pleased to say that Sarah Bonner is at the better end of the scale.
This is the fourth book in the author's "How to Slay ..." series, although the working title of "How to Slay Together" has been replaced by "A Killer Guest List". The writing is fluent and the characters are engaging. Sarah Bonner has also taken a slightly different and amusing approach by featuring a 72 year old as her vigilante protagonist. A highly entertaining and amusing read and I am sure I will be back for more from Sarah Bonner.
Many thanks to NetGalley and the publisher for supplying an ARC in return for an honest review.
The accompanying marketing blurb claims that this book will appeal to fans of C.J. Skuse. It is not unusual for publishers to make such claims as they endeavour to tap into dedicated readers of other established authors, but the claims are not necessarily always substantiated. However, in this instance, I would say that it is perfectly appropriate, although Sarah Bonner's approach is more light-hearted and tongue-in-cheek.
If you are familiar with "Sweetpea" by C.J. Skuse then it will be impossible not to make comparisons and draw parallels with that novel when you read Sarah Bonner's "How to Slay..." series. It could be argued that C.J. Skuse's creation, Sweetpea, paved the way for a sub-genre of strong, individual leading ladies with a penchant for serial killing. There are a number of other writers (predominantly female) who have taken their inspiration from this source to create their own darkly humorous novels. Some have done it quite successfully, while others have produced rather disappointing facsimiles. I am pleased to say that Sarah Bonner is at the better end of the scale.
This is the fourth book in the author's "How to Slay ..." series, although the working title of "How to Slay Together" has been replaced by "A Killer Guest List". The writing is fluent and the characters are engaging. Sarah Bonner has also taken a slightly different and amusing approach by featuring a 72 year old as her vigilante protagonist. A highly entertaining and amusing read and I am sure I will be back for more from Sarah Bonner.
Many thanks to NetGalley and the publisher for supplying an ARC in return for an honest review.
Review of advance copy received from Netgalley
I've been a fan of Sarah Bonner since reading Her Perfect Twin a few years back, and more recently I read How to Slay at Christmas, so I was really looking forward to seeing what she'd do with a classic locked-room mystery setup. This time we’re at a luxury hotel on Dartmoor for a 50th anniversary murder mystery weekend, but of course, things get a lot more real than the guests bargained for.
The story follows Sadie, who has been attending these events for decades, and Cassie, who is there while her wife works. It’s got that dark and twisty vibe I’ve come to expect from this author. The plot moves along at a cracking pace and I really enjoyed how the "game" starts to unravel as someone with a hit list takes over.
I’ll be honest, it was all a bit over the top in places, but in a fun, popcorn-thriller sort of way. Some of the twists were definitely a bit out there and required a bit of a leap, but I had a good time following the breadcrumbs to the end. I wasn't quite on the edge of my seat and there was a bit of eye-rolling going on at times but it was still a solid, entertaining read that kept me guessing to see how it all ended.
If you're looking for a murder/mystery/thriller that doesn't take itself too seriously, this is a great shout. It’s definitely made me want to see what Sarah Bonner comes up with next.
Many thanks to the author, Boldwood Books and NetGalley for enabling me to read and share my thoughts of this book.
The story follows Sadie, who has been attending these events for decades, and Cassie, who is there while her wife works. It’s got that dark and twisty vibe I’ve come to expect from this author. The plot moves along at a cracking pace and I really enjoyed how the "game" starts to unravel as someone with a hit list takes over.
I’ll be honest, it was all a bit over the top in places, but in a fun, popcorn-thriller sort of way. Some of the twists were definitely a bit out there and required a bit of a leap, but I had a good time following the breadcrumbs to the end. I wasn't quite on the edge of my seat and there was a bit of eye-rolling going on at times but it was still a solid, entertaining read that kept me guessing to see how it all ended.
If you're looking for a murder/mystery/thriller that doesn't take itself too seriously, this is a great shout. It’s definitely made me want to see what Sarah Bonner comes up with next.
Many thanks to the author, Boldwood Books and NetGalley for enabling me to read and share my thoughts of this book.
January 10, 2026
Review of ‘A Killer Guest List’ by Sarah Bonner, due to be published on 10 February 2026 by Boldwood Books.
Cassie can’t believe her luck, she and her wife Rani receive an exclusive invitation to a murder mystery weekend, now in its fiftieth year.
Amongst the guests are old faithful attendees, Sadie and Theodore, along with several new people who have never been invited before. When the ‘murders’ start to happen, they all seem a little too realistic - although the other guests appear oblivious to the facts in front of them.
Cassie finds herself drawn into a world of secrets, lies and serial killers - not knowing who to trust or what to do.
There is a largish cast list, who all have a part to play and are keeping secrets of their own. The killers are revealed about halfway into the book, with the second half being more killing and the motives driving the character selection. There were some unexpected twists to the story, which is a quick read and a fun addition to the ‘How To Slay’ series of previous books.
Cassie can’t believe her luck, she and her wife Rani receive an exclusive invitation to a murder mystery weekend, now in its fiftieth year.
Amongst the guests are old faithful attendees, Sadie and Theodore, along with several new people who have never been invited before. When the ‘murders’ start to happen, they all seem a little too realistic - although the other guests appear oblivious to the facts in front of them.
Cassie finds herself drawn into a world of secrets, lies and serial killers - not knowing who to trust or what to do.
There is a largish cast list, who all have a part to play and are keeping secrets of their own. The killers are revealed about halfway into the book, with the second half being more killing and the motives driving the character selection. There were some unexpected twists to the story, which is a quick read and a fun addition to the ‘How To Slay’ series of previous books.
Review of advance copy received from Netgalley
"Murder on the moors" is an annual event where participants gather to play at sleuthing while they relax and enjoy haute cuisine in a luxurious setting. But not everyone is there to play.
Sadie may be an elderly woman, but she is also an idiosyncratic serial killer. And this event provides her with not only tips and tricks to put into action, but also a very special source of raw materials for her favourite method of murder, namely poisoning.
Cassie has no such hidden agenda. She is accompanying her partner, for whom it is a work trip, but is looking forward to relaxing in these lush surroundings. Unfortunately, there is someone attending with a very different agenda, whose plans will impact both Sadie and Cassie's experience beyond their wildest imaginings...
Sarah Bonner delivers a real cracker with this one - consistently amusing, entertaining, and original. It gets 4.5 stars. Don't miss it!
I received a free copy of this book from Netgalley in exchange for an honest review
Sadie may be an elderly woman, but she is also an idiosyncratic serial killer. And this event provides her with not only tips and tricks to put into action, but also a very special source of raw materials for her favourite method of murder, namely poisoning.
Cassie has no such hidden agenda. She is accompanying her partner, for whom it is a work trip, but is looking forward to relaxing in these lush surroundings. Unfortunately, there is someone attending with a very different agenda, whose plans will impact both Sadie and Cassie's experience beyond their wildest imaginings...
Sarah Bonner delivers a real cracker with this one - consistently amusing, entertaining, and original. It gets 4.5 stars. Don't miss it!
I received a free copy of this book from Netgalley in exchange for an honest review
Review of advance copy received from Netgalley
Thank you Boldwood and NetGalley for the arc for honest review. I have read this whole series so I was excited to get this one. Sadie has been one of my favorite characters as she has taken out one bad person at a time.
Now, she is going to Murder at the Moors weekend and she is taking her god daughter Aly with her. This is a murder mystery weekend set is a luxury hotel with delicious cuisine. This is also when Sadie usually stocks up on her supplies from the garden. At first you aren't sure who to trust and then you learn who is behind it all.
This year things are different as the murders are real this time. There are many different people to keep track of and the back and forth made is hard to keep everyone straight. The killers are revealed during the read and things then took a different direction. There were a lot of bodies piling up as they need to decide how to end this.
The ending made me think this will be the start of a new series.
Now, she is going to Murder at the Moors weekend and she is taking her god daughter Aly with her. This is a murder mystery weekend set is a luxury hotel with delicious cuisine. This is also when Sadie usually stocks up on her supplies from the garden. At first you aren't sure who to trust and then you learn who is behind it all.
This year things are different as the murders are real this time. There are many different people to keep track of and the back and forth made is hard to keep everyone straight. The killers are revealed during the read and things then took a different direction. There were a lot of bodies piling up as they need to decide how to end this.
The ending made me think this will be the start of a new series.
January 23, 2026
A murder mystery held at the expensive, exclusive Holne Hall. Sadie is a veteran, having attended for the last 50 years and is bringing her Goddaughter to join. We meet them in amongst others joining for this anniversary year. We also have a narrative for a newcomer, Cassie is attending with her wife Rani and she manages to find herself deep in to a mystery at the mystery weekend.
As the weekend starts it becomes obvious that things are not right, and who is behind the hit list?
This was a fun novel, you need to suspend your disbelief and you will need to round out those characters (aside from Cassie) in your imagination, but the real downside was the ending. It suffers from wanting to tie the ending in a pretty bow, without actually satisfying all of your questions.
Fun not thriller.
Thank you to Netgalley and the publishers for this e-arc in exchange for an honest review.
As the weekend starts it becomes obvious that things are not right, and who is behind the hit list?
This was a fun novel, you need to suspend your disbelief and you will need to round out those characters (aside from Cassie) in your imagination, but the real downside was the ending. It suffers from wanting to tie the ending in a pretty bow, without actually satisfying all of your questions.
Fun not thriller.
Thank you to Netgalley and the publishers for this e-arc in exchange for an honest review.
Review of advance copy received from Publisher
thank you to Boldwood Books for sending me an ARC of this book!!
this was such a thrilling read! i wasn't sure if the premise was something that would interest me, but as soon as I started reading, the story totally hooked me in. the author writes in a way that even though the "mystery" part of the mystery thriller is revealed quite early on, i was still excited to see if the story would end the way I thought it would. having real people die during the murder mystery weeked was pretty fun to read about, but I found that at certain times it relied on characters to act dumb, which contradicts all their earlier thoughts and actions. overall it would be a book i would recommend to readers that enjoy a whodunnit with multiple storylines
this was such a thrilling read! i wasn't sure if the premise was something that would interest me, but as soon as I started reading, the story totally hooked me in. the author writes in a way that even though the "mystery" part of the mystery thriller is revealed quite early on, i was still excited to see if the story would end the way I thought it would. having real people die during the murder mystery weeked was pretty fun to read about, but I found that at certain times it relied on characters to act dumb, which contradicts all their earlier thoughts and actions. overall it would be a book i would recommend to readers that enjoy a whodunnit with multiple storylines
January 21, 2026
✨3 stars✨
This is the first book that I have read by this author and I liked it. It definitely follows a common murder mystery structure of a bunch of people being invited to a secluded place and then are murdered one by one. I found it quite difficult to keep track of all the characters and their motives/reasons for being invited to the hotel, especially as there seemed to be so many and they all felt quite flat. Also, most of the reveals felt somewhat lacklustre and convenient and the ending felt abrupt despite having two epilogues.
However, I did enjoy the author’s writing and humour so I wouldn’t rule out reading more from this author in the future.
I received an ARC from the publishers via NetGalley in exchange for an honest review. Thank you!
This is the first book that I have read by this author and I liked it. It definitely follows a common murder mystery structure of a bunch of people being invited to a secluded place and then are murdered one by one. I found it quite difficult to keep track of all the characters and their motives/reasons for being invited to the hotel, especially as there seemed to be so many and they all felt quite flat. Also, most of the reveals felt somewhat lacklustre and convenient and the ending felt abrupt despite having two epilogues.
However, I did enjoy the author’s writing and humour so I wouldn’t rule out reading more from this author in the future.
I received an ARC from the publishers via NetGalley in exchange for an honest review. Thank you!
Review of advance copy received from Netgalley
Love this series and this book did not disappoint.
A new twist with it being a murder mystery weekend and the introduction of god daughter Aly.
It will make you smile and wonder what will happen next.
Perhaps the start of a new series as Sadie ages.
Can be read as a stand alone very easily.
When is the weekend murders a reality not just part of scenario? Are multiple murders part of the fun or part of a dossier of international crimes not punishable by the legal system?
When good triumphs over evil in an unorthodox way.
A new twist with it being a murder mystery weekend and the introduction of god daughter Aly.
It will make you smile and wonder what will happen next.
Perhaps the start of a new series as Sadie ages.
Can be read as a stand alone very easily.
When is the weekend murders a reality not just part of scenario? Are multiple murders part of the fun or part of a dossier of international crimes not punishable by the legal system?
When good triumphs over evil in an unorthodox way.
Review of advance copy received from Netgalley
Many thanks to netgalley, the author and Boldwood Books for approving my request to read this book.
I thoroughly enjoyed this book which is set at a murder mystery weekend where the guests are invited to work together in teams to crack the clues and solve the mystery but not everybody's playing safe.
I loved the characters in this book and I am a sucker for dark humour which this book had in bucket loads. I'm also a huge who done it book fan so that aspect really appealed to me.
Overall a highly enjoyable, fun, twisty read that i would recommend to others.
I thoroughly enjoyed this book which is set at a murder mystery weekend where the guests are invited to work together in teams to crack the clues and solve the mystery but not everybody's playing safe.
I loved the characters in this book and I am a sucker for dark humour which this book had in bucket loads. I'm also a huge who done it book fan so that aspect really appealed to me.
Overall a highly enjoyable, fun, twisty read that i would recommend to others.
Review of advance copy received from Netgalley
Thanks Boldwood Books and NetGalley for an ARC of this book in exchange for an honest review. I was really excited about this book because I loved the SLAY series by this same author. This one was not as enjoyable for me. The back-and-forth points of view became tiring at times. The repetitive nature of the book also made the plot feel draggy. Things picked up a bit in the second half, but there were some extreme twists with an ending that seemed a bit too neat. You can check out this book for yourself though when it’s released in February 2026.
Review of advance copy received from Netgalley
Thanks to NetGalley, the publisher, and the author for the opportunity to read an advance copy of this book.
2.5 stars
My least favorite of the series by far - the pacing was too slow and there were a ton of characters to keep track of, most of whom were entirely forgettable. It didn't keep my attention like the others. I read a little, put it down, came back to it days later - never a good thing in my reading journey. Definitely recommend the others over this one.
2.5 stars
My least favorite of the series by far - the pacing was too slow and there were a ton of characters to keep track of, most of whom were entirely forgettable. It didn't keep my attention like the others. I read a little, put it down, came back to it days later - never a good thing in my reading journey. Definitely recommend the others over this one.
Review of advance copy received from Netgalley
✨️Spoiler Free Review✨️
Thanks to.@netgalley the author & @theboldbookclub for the ARC.
This was the first time reading anything by this author & was a good murder mystery type where anyone can be the killer.
The writing was good but I felt in some parts it was a bit flat and lacklustre and there were so many characters to get your head around and it was quite repetitive in parts. That being said I did enjoy it and can see it being made into a series at some time in the future.
Thanks to.@netgalley the author & @theboldbookclub for the ARC.
This was the first time reading anything by this author & was a good murder mystery type where anyone can be the killer.
The writing was good but I felt in some parts it was a bit flat and lacklustre and there were so many characters to get your head around and it was quite repetitive in parts. That being said I did enjoy it and can see it being made into a series at some time in the future.
January 8, 2026
ARC review
3.5⭐️
This started off strong and I was enjoying the whole murder mystery weekend aspect where people actually died without other players knowing, but then you find out who the killers are by the 40% mark and it gets a little convoluted from there. Overall I liked this book but have liked other books by the author better.
3.5⭐️
This started off strong and I was enjoying the whole murder mystery weekend aspect where people actually died without other players knowing, but then you find out who the killers are by the 40% mark and it gets a little convoluted from there. Overall I liked this book but have liked other books by the author better.
January 9, 2026
I really enjoyed this ! I love a good murder mystery especially one with a twist!
I adored Sadie Aly & Cassie I definitely found Sadie interesting and was rooting for her!
I liked how it was set up it was such a good fun read!
I read it in 2 sittings as I couldn’t put it down.
I adored Sadie Aly & Cassie I definitely found Sadie interesting and was rooting for her!
I liked how it was set up it was such a good fun read!
I read it in 2 sittings as I couldn’t put it down.
January 20, 2026
A Killer Guest List (ARC) ⭐⭐⭐
Great premise, mixed execution. I loved the setting and the idea of a murder‑mystery weekend gone wrong, but the pacing and character motivations didn’t always land. Still an enjoyable, atmospheric thriller overall.
Great premise, mixed execution. I loved the setting and the idea of a murder‑mystery weekend gone wrong, but the pacing and character motivations didn’t always land. Still an enjoyable, atmospheric thriller overall.
January 21, 2026
I have enjoyed the previous Slay books and whilst I enjoyed this, I think it was not quite as good as the previous ones, perhaps because there were too many characters.
The book is told in alternative chapters by Cassie and Sadie and builds up and up with death after death until the ending.
The book is told in alternative chapters by Cassie and Sadie and builds up and up with death after death until the ending.
Review of advance copy received from Netgalley
A murder mystery weekend with character deaths that are just a little too real. Sarah Bonner brings another vigilante romp you can't help but cheer on.
Review of advance copy received from Netgalley
this was a creative idea.... my review will follow
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