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A Killer Guest List
The BRAND NEW deliciously dark and brilliantly entertaining revenge thriller from Sarah Bonner 🩸🔪 For fans of 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
⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐ '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
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
⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐ '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
322 pages, Paperback
Published February 10, 2026
34 people are currently reading
113 people want to read
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 69 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.
Review of advance copy received from Netgalley
A murder mystery weekend with a twist! There was less mystery and more murder with this one.
Written in a dual POV we follow Cassie, a hospitality manager who attends the weekend with her wife. We also follow the more 'fun' Sadie, an older lady who is accompanied by her God daughter. Sadie has been attending every year since it began and the 50th anniversary proves to be one she can really get stuck into. Sadie has a dark side to her and she's not afraid to use it.
The premise had a lot of potential, unfortunately this was too slow paced and it fell very flat. There were a LOT of characters to remember and the majority were written like caricatures. Even though this was too slow, surprisingly the ending felt rushed and inauthentic to the characters.
I took longer to read this book than it should have taken. It just wasn't reaching out to me.
Unfortunately this wasn't for me this time.
Many thanks to Boldworld books for providing me with a copy of the book for review via NetGalley. All opinions are my own.
Written in a dual POV we follow Cassie, a hospitality manager who attends the weekend with her wife. We also follow the more 'fun' Sadie, an older lady who is accompanied by her God daughter. Sadie has been attending every year since it began and the 50th anniversary proves to be one she can really get stuck into. Sadie has a dark side to her and she's not afraid to use it.
The premise had a lot of potential, unfortunately this was too slow paced and it fell very flat. There were a LOT of characters to remember and the majority were written like caricatures. Even though this was too slow, surprisingly the ending felt rushed and inauthentic to the characters.
I took longer to read this book than it should have taken. It just wasn't reaching out to me.
Unfortunately this wasn't for me this time.
Many thanks to Boldworld books for providing me with a copy of the book for review via NetGalley. All opinions are my own.
February 15, 2026
My Rating: 3⭐️⭐️⭐️ solid murder mystery, with a bit of humour!!
"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…
I have read all of Sarah Bonner’s other books and enjoyed them to varying degrees, this one was good but not great. It had her usual style of writing which I do enjoy and her fun and murderous characters again I enjoy those… for me this one went a bit too far off the deep end otherwise it would have been a solid 4 stars.
That is not to say its a bad book I just found it a little bit repetitive and a bit too OTT for the story, its already ridiculous and throw your disbelief style story… but then it just hitched a little too far so hence the 3stars. I did really enjoy the character crossover from the last book that was fun.
I normally really hate locked room mysteries but again I knew this was murderous before we went in and these are really the humorous locked room mysteries anyway so that didn't bother me so much. The side murder (the one that wasn’t part of the main story) kind of meh for me… I didn’t think we needed it, although I do get why it was there I still think completely unnecessary.
Told in two alternating POVs Sadie our 70something year old murderess and Cassie our 30something year old clueless (definitely not murderess). I preferred Sadie’s POV as I think she was a badass and it could have been cringe but it wasn’t. Cassie and her GF annoyed me. Cassie was trying too hard and her GF wasn’t trying hard enough and her story ARC was meh for me… I didn’t think that went the way it should have… and I was left a bit nahhh.
Otherwise it was fun… was good to see some familiar faces from the last book and lets just say if you are after murder you will have your monies worth in this book.
Overall, a fun book, nothing too serious despite the subject matter and good for a giggle.
Thank you to NetGalley, Boldwood Books and the author for an advanced copy in exchange for my honest review.
"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…
I have read all of Sarah Bonner’s other books and enjoyed them to varying degrees, this one was good but not great. It had her usual style of writing which I do enjoy and her fun and murderous characters again I enjoy those… for me this one went a bit too far off the deep end otherwise it would have been a solid 4 stars.
That is not to say its a bad book I just found it a little bit repetitive and a bit too OTT for the story, its already ridiculous and throw your disbelief style story… but then it just hitched a little too far so hence the 3stars. I did really enjoy the character crossover from the last book that was fun.
I normally really hate locked room mysteries but again I knew this was murderous before we went in and these are really the humorous locked room mysteries anyway so that didn't bother me so much. The side murder (the one that wasn’t part of the main story) kind of meh for me… I didn’t think we needed it, although I do get why it was there I still think completely unnecessary.
Told in two alternating POVs Sadie our 70something year old murderess and Cassie our 30something year old clueless (definitely not murderess). I preferred Sadie’s POV as I think she was a badass and it could have been cringe but it wasn’t. Cassie and her GF annoyed me. Cassie was trying too hard and her GF wasn’t trying hard enough and her story ARC was meh for me… I didn’t think that went the way it should have… and I was left a bit nahhh.
Otherwise it was fun… was good to see some familiar faces from the last book and lets just say if you are after murder you will have your monies worth in this book.
Overall, a fun book, nothing too serious despite the subject matter and good for a giggle.
Thank you to NetGalley, Boldwood Books and the author for an advanced copy in exchange for my honest review.
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
This was a dark and satirical revenge thriller, under the guise of a murder mystery weekend.
In dual Pov we follow Sadie and Cassie, it follows a series of deaths that are believed to be staged to all the other guests, but are actually happening thanks to a collection of killers slaying together.
This had some fun twists, and I liked the morality aspects of how far they will go, and where they draw the lines at revenge and justice.
I also enjoyed the inclusion of characters from previous books and the added drama and tension they bring.
In dual Pov we follow Sadie and Cassie, it follows a series of deaths that are believed to be staged to all the other guests, but are actually happening thanks to a collection of killers slaying together.
This had some fun twists, and I liked the morality aspects of how far they will go, and where they draw the lines at revenge and justice.
I also enjoyed the inclusion of characters from previous books and the added drama and tension they bring.
February 1, 2026
I love a murder mystery anything. I especially loved this one. You don’t have to wonder the who or why but the how is delicious. I loved the setting and the characters. It was such a quick read I flew through it!
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
⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️
February 15, 2026
Favourite quotes:
'Do you know what the collective noun for Bankers is? They're a Wunch. A Wunch of Bankers!'
'92% of murders are committed by men. Except they aren't...we just don't know many of the ones committed by women have even happened!'
Thank you to Boldwood Books, the author, and NetGalley for a digital review copy in exchange for an honest review.
A Killer Guest List by Sarah Bonner is a closed circle thriller set during a murder-mystery weekend - a trope I usually love. The Dartmoor hotel setting is atmospheric and well described and the premise itself is undeniably intriguing, blending dark humour with revenge themes under the guise of theatrical sleuthing. That said, this one fell short of the mark for me. I’ve previously read one other of the author's books (How to Slay at Christmas), which I really enjoyed, but unfortunately this felt like a step down in comparison. While I still enjoyed elements of the story, it was slow to get going and there were a lot of characters to keep track of. I found it difficult to remember who was who and that made it harder to fully connect with the cast or feel invested in their fates. The pacing also felt uneven. Much of the novel unfolds at a slow pace and yet the ending itself felt somewhat rushed, which in turn took away some of the impact the story was building towards. It left me feeling that the idea was stronger than the execution.
Readers who enjoy murder-mystery-weekend settings may notice similarities with The Christmas Clue by Nicola Upson, (which I read last year). Iyear in in particular the country-house setting and the blurred line between performance and reality. Where Upson leans into a more controlled, cosy, puzzle-led mystery, Bonner takes the concept in a darker, more chaotic direction, prioritising satire and moral ambiguity over traditional deduction.
Overall, this was an intriguing storyline that didn’t quite hit the mark for me, though I can easily see it working better for readers who enjoy large ensemble casts and darker, more satirical crime fiction. I’ll absolutely continue to read Sarah Bonner’s work - this one just wasn’t my favourite.
As an aside, I have never heard of Swedish Death Cleaning before - I need to investigate this trend!
#AKillerGuestList #NetGalley
'Do you know what the collective noun for Bankers is? They're a Wunch. A Wunch of Bankers!'
'92% of murders are committed by men. Except they aren't...we just don't know many of the ones committed by women have even happened!'
Thank you to Boldwood Books, the author, and NetGalley for a digital review copy in exchange for an honest review.
A Killer Guest List by Sarah Bonner is a closed circle thriller set during a murder-mystery weekend - a trope I usually love. The Dartmoor hotel setting is atmospheric and well described and the premise itself is undeniably intriguing, blending dark humour with revenge themes under the guise of theatrical sleuthing. That said, this one fell short of the mark for me. I’ve previously read one other of the author's books (How to Slay at Christmas), which I really enjoyed, but unfortunately this felt like a step down in comparison. While I still enjoyed elements of the story, it was slow to get going and there were a lot of characters to keep track of. I found it difficult to remember who was who and that made it harder to fully connect with the cast or feel invested in their fates. The pacing also felt uneven. Much of the novel unfolds at a slow pace and yet the ending itself felt somewhat rushed, which in turn took away some of the impact the story was building towards. It left me feeling that the idea was stronger than the execution.
Readers who enjoy murder-mystery-weekend settings may notice similarities with The Christmas Clue by Nicola Upson, (which I read last year). Iyear in in particular the country-house setting and the blurred line between performance and reality. Where Upson leans into a more controlled, cosy, puzzle-led mystery, Bonner takes the concept in a darker, more chaotic direction, prioritising satire and moral ambiguity over traditional deduction.
Overall, this was an intriguing storyline that didn’t quite hit the mark for me, though I can easily see it working better for readers who enjoy large ensemble casts and darker, more satirical crime fiction. I’ll absolutely continue to read Sarah Bonner’s work - this one just wasn’t my favourite.
As an aside, I have never heard of Swedish Death Cleaning before - I need to investigate this trend!
#AKillerGuestList #NetGalley
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
A Killer Guest List by Sarah Bonner
⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️
Genre: Crime | Dark Thriller
Pages: 392
Publisher: Boldwood Books - The Murder List
📚 Blurb 📚
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…
⭐️ Review ⭐️
Thanks to @lbtcrew, NetGalley and the author for the eARC copy. This was a well paced, grippy story with elements of 'Sweetpea' and 'How To Kill Your Family'. I really liked the nods to Agatha Christie and Murder mystery games in general, not just as a narrative device but also for an element of humour as the author and characters made jokes at things like the punny names for players that are part and parcel of a murder mystery event. The characters are well rounded and intriguing, especially Sadie who is an excellent choice for a protagonist. The dual POV worked really well in this murder mystery weekend context because you felt like you were gathering information from different teams as the weekend went on. The book features enough twists and turns to keep your attention, whilst still keeping the campy glamour of a murder mystery event. All in all, an excellent, fun read.
⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️
Genre: Crime | Dark Thriller
Pages: 392
Publisher: Boldwood Books - The Murder List
📚 Blurb 📚
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…
⭐️ Review ⭐️
Thanks to @lbtcrew, NetGalley and the author for the eARC copy. This was a well paced, grippy story with elements of 'Sweetpea' and 'How To Kill Your Family'. I really liked the nods to Agatha Christie and Murder mystery games in general, not just as a narrative device but also for an element of humour as the author and characters made jokes at things like the punny names for players that are part and parcel of a murder mystery event. The characters are well rounded and intriguing, especially Sadie who is an excellent choice for a protagonist. The dual POV worked really well in this murder mystery weekend context because you felt like you were gathering information from different teams as the weekend went on. The book features enough twists and turns to keep your attention, whilst still keeping the campy glamour of a murder mystery event. All in all, an excellent, fun read.
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.
February 11, 2026
A Killer Guest List by Sarah Bonner is a slow-burning, sneaky, locked-room style thriller with a twist. Sadie has been attending “Murder on the Moors” for the past fifty years. This year she’s bringing her goddaughter, Cassie. And boy, oh boy, what fun follows!
Honestly, it did take me some time to really get into the novel, but the payoff was worth it. I really enjoyed the clever idea of a murder-mystery game/house being a cover for someone else’s murder plans. There were character introductions, dynamics, and odd tensions. I would say around the 35-40% mark, I finally felt it kick into gear. That feeling of being interested morphed into something else entirely after a certain twist. It’s the feeling of “Oh Snap!” when you know you’re walking towards the edge of a cliff (or to the top of a volcano) with people who hate each other, and any one of them could push the other off the cliff (or into the volcano), and you just want to make it out alive. The atmosphere was confined, both physically and mentally. By that, I mean the literal hotel, and also, there were so many people with secrets, hidden agendas, and wavering allegiances that it was best just to…slay together. There were also hilarious, laugh-out-loud moments. This is the first book I’ve read by Bonner, but it definitely won’t be my last. Thanks so much to @lovebookstours and Boldwood Books for providing the arc copy for review. All opinions are my own.
Honestly, it did take me some time to really get into the novel, but the payoff was worth it. I really enjoyed the clever idea of a murder-mystery game/house being a cover for someone else’s murder plans. There were character introductions, dynamics, and odd tensions. I would say around the 35-40% mark, I finally felt it kick into gear. That feeling of being interested morphed into something else entirely after a certain twist. It’s the feeling of “Oh Snap!” when you know you’re walking towards the edge of a cliff (or to the top of a volcano) with people who hate each other, and any one of them could push the other off the cliff (or into the volcano), and you just want to make it out alive. The atmosphere was confined, both physically and mentally. By that, I mean the literal hotel, and also, there were so many people with secrets, hidden agendas, and wavering allegiances that it was best just to…slay together. There were also hilarious, laugh-out-loud moments. This is the first book I’ve read by Bonner, but it definitely won’t be my last. Thanks so much to @lovebookstours and Boldwood Books for providing the arc copy for review. All opinions are my own.
Review of advance copy received from Netgalley
This is the first book that I read by Sarah Bonner, and I have to say that I really liked it!
Sadie has been a regular presence at the Murder on the Moors for the last fifty years, and she believes that she knows everything that can be expected from an annual event such as this one.
However, when she gets to the hotel, she sees faces that she hasn't encountered before and she gets a feeling that something is not as usual.
Cassie and her wife are invited to Murder on the Moors, and they both believe that it is an invitation from work, but she also sees this as an opportunity to spend some quality time with her wife.
This seems to be a promising, fun weekend, where people will be involved in a murder mystery game as usual. However, it takes a turn when more people start to show up dead. Who will be the next one to die, and is there anyone safe at this hotel?
A captivating book full of twists and turns that makes you want to find not only who's the murder and who has planned this weekend, but also how and if they are all connected.
Sarah Bonner also provides us with fun and exciting moments in this book. Rich in characters and plot, is a book that is definitely worth reading.
Definitely a must-read for the year 2026
Many thanks to Netgalley for sharing this ARC in exchange for my honest opinion/review.
Sadie has been a regular presence at the Murder on the Moors for the last fifty years, and she believes that she knows everything that can be expected from an annual event such as this one.
However, when she gets to the hotel, she sees faces that she hasn't encountered before and she gets a feeling that something is not as usual.
Cassie and her wife are invited to Murder on the Moors, and they both believe that it is an invitation from work, but she also sees this as an opportunity to spend some quality time with her wife.
This seems to be a promising, fun weekend, where people will be involved in a murder mystery game as usual. However, it takes a turn when more people start to show up dead. Who will be the next one to die, and is there anyone safe at this hotel?
A captivating book full of twists and turns that makes you want to find not only who's the murder and who has planned this weekend, but also how and if they are all connected.
Sarah Bonner also provides us with fun and exciting moments in this book. Rich in characters and plot, is a book that is definitely worth reading.
Definitely a must-read for the year 2026
Many thanks to Netgalley for sharing this ARC in exchange for my honest opinion/review.
Review of advance copy received from Netgalley
"You and a guest are cordially invited to the 50th Anniversary of Murder on the Moors. Return to the golden age of crime fiction at this 1920s themed weekend of murder, mayhem, and madness." Sounds like an entertaining weekend, right?
Sadie has attended every weekend, and this year she is bringing her goddaughter. She is an Agatha Christie fan and all things crime related. Sadie has ulterior motives for attending these weekends.
Cassie is going to the weekend, with her wife, Rani, who will be doing some work. Cassie can relax and enjoy?
It comes to pass that this weekend, someone has their own agenda and a hit list. Someone knows things about the other participants. The murders, they look very real. Secrets and guests not being who they say they are. All this makes for a dark, humorous murder mystery.
A Killer Guest List is told from the POVs of Sadie and Cassie. This is a fun mystery. I love Sarah Bonner's sense of humor. I highly recommend her previous novels, also stand-alones. The novel is fast paced and there are plenty of twists to keep it entertaining and visits from characters in the previous Slay novels. I can't wait for the author's next book!
Thank you to NetGalley and the publisher, Boldwood Publishing, for an ARC. The opinions in thiscreview are my own.
Sadie has attended every weekend, and this year she is bringing her goddaughter. She is an Agatha Christie fan and all things crime related. Sadie has ulterior motives for attending these weekends.
Cassie is going to the weekend, with her wife, Rani, who will be doing some work. Cassie can relax and enjoy?
It comes to pass that this weekend, someone has their own agenda and a hit list. Someone knows things about the other participants. The murders, they look very real. Secrets and guests not being who they say they are. All this makes for a dark, humorous murder mystery.
A Killer Guest List is told from the POVs of Sadie and Cassie. This is a fun mystery. I love Sarah Bonner's sense of humor. I highly recommend her previous novels, also stand-alones. The novel is fast paced and there are plenty of twists to keep it entertaining and visits from characters in the previous Slay novels. I can't wait for the author's next book!
Thank you to NetGalley and the publisher, Boldwood Publishing, for an ARC. The opinions in thiscreview are my own.
January 30, 2026
another great book by sarah bonner!! truly become an auto read author for me! i sped through this one!
loved sadie as a character thought she was really fun and a classic feminist serial killer we love to see it. cassie was a great character too!
sooooo glad ‘jess’ and alvi from how to slay at christmas were featured!!!! was so hoping to see more from them after finishing that book, my divas!! and some more characters from the how to slay series being there too was great to see
loved the whole concept and how it was different from the other how to slay books but still in line with the vibe! very fun story to follow
short chapters are what we looove to see, made it such a quick read as i just couldn’t stop reading it, i needed to know what was going to happen next! good suspense building as well with the switching povs at the perfect times
always just gonna love a feminist serial killer book serving justice like yes!!! keep getting away with it my divas!!!!
really great fun book, an easy read that i recommend for anyone, and i can’t wait to see what sarah bonner does next!
thank you to love book tours and netgalley for this arc!!
loved sadie as a character thought she was really fun and a classic feminist serial killer we love to see it. cassie was a great character too!
sooooo glad ‘jess’ and alvi from how to slay at christmas were featured!!!! was so hoping to see more from them after finishing that book, my divas!! and some more characters from the how to slay series being there too was great to see
loved the whole concept and how it was different from the other how to slay books but still in line with the vibe! very fun story to follow
short chapters are what we looove to see, made it such a quick read as i just couldn’t stop reading it, i needed to know what was going to happen next! good suspense building as well with the switching povs at the perfect times
always just gonna love a feminist serial killer book serving justice like yes!!! keep getting away with it my divas!!!!
really great fun book, an easy read that i recommend for anyone, and i can’t wait to see what sarah bonner does next!
thank you to love book tours and netgalley for this arc!!
Review of advance copy received from Netgalley
A Killer Guest List by Sarah Bonner completely hooked me from the very first page and never let go. As a huge fan of murder mysteries, this was exactly my kind of book—dark, clever, and wickedly entertaining.
The idea of a murder-mystery weekend where the murders turn out to be very real is such a fun and twisty premise, and Sarah Bonner absolutely runs with it. The setting is deliciously atmospheric, the tension builds fast, and the twists just keep coming. I loved how the story balances classic Agatha Christie vibes with sharp, modern humour and a slightly unhinged edge.
The dual POV works brilliantly, giving the story depth and momentum, and the characters are memorable in the best way—especially Sadie, who is equal parts fascinating and terrifying. Even when you think you know where things are heading, the book finds a way to surprise you.
This was a fast, addictive read that I flew through, constantly wanting to know who was next and how it would all unravel. Dark, fun, and incredibly entertaining, A Killer Guest List is a must-read for murder mystery lovers.
Excellent read from start to finish. Highly recommend!
The idea of a murder-mystery weekend where the murders turn out to be very real is such a fun and twisty premise, and Sarah Bonner absolutely runs with it. The setting is deliciously atmospheric, the tension builds fast, and the twists just keep coming. I loved how the story balances classic Agatha Christie vibes with sharp, modern humour and a slightly unhinged edge.
The dual POV works brilliantly, giving the story depth and momentum, and the characters are memorable in the best way—especially Sadie, who is equal parts fascinating and terrifying. Even when you think you know where things are heading, the book finds a way to surprise you.
This was a fast, addictive read that I flew through, constantly wanting to know who was next and how it would all unravel. Dark, fun, and incredibly entertaining, A Killer Guest List is a must-read for murder mystery lovers.
Excellent read from start to finish. Highly recommend!
February 8, 2026
A Killer Guest List is set at an annual murder mystery weekend held at a swanky hotel, where regular attendee Sadie has brought her goddaughter Aly along for the first time. Newcomers Cassie and her wife Rani aren’t even sure how they ended up on the guest list, and what’s supposed to be a bit of fun and relaxation for the two quickly turns suspicious as bodies start dropping, leaving everyone wondering what’s part of the game and what might be something far more sinister.
I liked the overall setup and thought the twists were genuinely good, but there were just too many characters to keep straight, especially when it came to remembering who was on which team and how they fit into the larger story. A few plot points also felt implausible, even for a heightened mystery, and some storylines never got the deeper exploration they needed to really pay off. That said, it’s still a fun, pacey read that works well for the beach or a rainy afternoon when you want something twisty and dramatic without taking it too seriously.
Thanks Netgalley for the ARC in exchange for my honest opinion.
I liked the overall setup and thought the twists were genuinely good, but there were just too many characters to keep straight, especially when it came to remembering who was on which team and how they fit into the larger story. A few plot points also felt implausible, even for a heightened mystery, and some storylines never got the deeper exploration they needed to really pay off. That said, it’s still a fun, pacey read that works well for the beach or a rainy afternoon when you want something twisty and dramatic without taking it too seriously.
Thanks Netgalley for the ARC in exchange for my honest opinion.
February 10, 2026
Sarah Bonner is devious. Just when you think you have a grasp of what’s going on, she rips the rug from under you. Repeatedly.
Her new novel sees practical, logical, Cassie receive a mysterious invite for her and a plus one - in this case, her wife - to attend an exclusive Murder Mystery weekend at an exclusive Manor House hotel. With her wife working away a lot, it’s the perfect opportunity to grab some longed-for time together, and have a little fun solving a fake murder.
Sadie has been going to this Murder Mystery weekend for 50 years, and this time she’s taking her god-daughter with her. When some of the murders start to look a little bit real, Sadie is concerned. Because this time, the murders are nothing to do with her…
I read this in one sitting, jaw agape - it’s audaciously dark and so much fun!
With terrible people dying off, badass women trying to make sense of what’s happening and a constant feeling you’re on shaky ground, it’s impossible to put the book down.
Reading A Killer Guest List is like the Olympic Bobsleigh event - fast paced with more twists and turns than you can count - enjoy the ride!
Her new novel sees practical, logical, Cassie receive a mysterious invite for her and a plus one - in this case, her wife - to attend an exclusive Murder Mystery weekend at an exclusive Manor House hotel. With her wife working away a lot, it’s the perfect opportunity to grab some longed-for time together, and have a little fun solving a fake murder.
Sadie has been going to this Murder Mystery weekend for 50 years, and this time she’s taking her god-daughter with her. When some of the murders start to look a little bit real, Sadie is concerned. Because this time, the murders are nothing to do with her…
I read this in one sitting, jaw agape - it’s audaciously dark and so much fun!
With terrible people dying off, badass women trying to make sense of what’s happening and a constant feeling you’re on shaky ground, it’s impossible to put the book down.
Reading A Killer Guest List is like the Olympic Bobsleigh event - fast paced with more twists and turns than you can count - enjoy the ride!
February 15, 2026
Many thanks to NetGalley and Boldwood Books for gifting me a digital ARC of the latest book by Sarah Bonner. All opinions expressed in this review are my own - 4 stars!
The invitations come in the mail for the "Murder on the Moors" weekend at a luxury country house in Dartmoor. Sadie has attended for the past 50 years; this year she's bringing her goddaughter. Cassie and her wife are attending for the first time, hoping to relax at the luxurious setting, even though it's also sort of a work trip. But this year someone new has taken over the murder mystery event and things are going to get very interesting.
I love a locked room mystery and a weekend set in a wonderful location revolving around solving a murder mystery definitely fit the bill. Told from alternating POV between Sadie and Cassie, there are quite a few characters to keep track of, and twists and turns galore. Sadie is an older woman who has lots of secrets, so she was a fascinating character. Was it over the top? Sure, but it was definitely fun and entertaining while letting you ponder the differences between justice and revenge.
The invitations come in the mail for the "Murder on the Moors" weekend at a luxury country house in Dartmoor. Sadie has attended for the past 50 years; this year she's bringing her goddaughter. Cassie and her wife are attending for the first time, hoping to relax at the luxurious setting, even though it's also sort of a work trip. But this year someone new has taken over the murder mystery event and things are going to get very interesting.
I love a locked room mystery and a weekend set in a wonderful location revolving around solving a murder mystery definitely fit the bill. Told from alternating POV between Sadie and Cassie, there are quite a few characters to keep track of, and twists and turns galore. Sadie is an older woman who has lots of secrets, so she was a fascinating character. Was it over the top? Sure, but it was definitely fun and entertaining while letting you ponder the differences between justice and revenge.
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
A Killer Guest List by Sarah Bonner was a tense, bingeable read that kept me guessing right up until the end. The isolated setting and closed-circle of suspects immediately pulled me in, and I loved how the story slowly unraveled everyone’s secrets layer by layer.
What really worked for me was the atmosphere—there’s a constant sense of unease, where no one feels entirely trustworthy and every interaction feels loaded with hidden motives. The shifting perspectives added to the tension and made it hard to settle on a single theory for long.
The pacing is tight and fast, making this the kind of book that’s hard to put down once things start escalating. While a few twists were easier to spot than others, the overall execution kept me engaged and invested in seeing how everything would play out.
Overall, A Killer Guest List is a solid, entertaining thriller that delivers suspense, drama, and plenty of intrigue. A great pick if you enjoy locked-room mysteries, unreliable characters, and stories where everyone has something to hide.
What really worked for me was the atmosphere—there’s a constant sense of unease, where no one feels entirely trustworthy and every interaction feels loaded with hidden motives. The shifting perspectives added to the tension and made it hard to settle on a single theory for long.
The pacing is tight and fast, making this the kind of book that’s hard to put down once things start escalating. While a few twists were easier to spot than others, the overall execution kept me engaged and invested in seeing how everything would play out.
Overall, A Killer Guest List is a solid, entertaining thriller that delivers suspense, drama, and plenty of intrigue. A great pick if you enjoy locked-room mysteries, unreliable characters, and stories where everyone has something to hide.
Review of advance copy received from Netgalley
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 predictions.
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....
When the murders start, something doesn't feel right and with further investigation, Sadie uncovers something shocking!
There were quite a lot of characters to keep track of. We get twists, humour and it's entertaining.
Published 10th February 2026
I would like to thank #NetGalley #BoldwoodBooks and the author #SarahBonner for my ARC of #AKillerGuestList in exchange for an honest review.
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....
When the murders start, something doesn't feel right and with further investigation, Sadie uncovers something shocking!
There were quite a lot of characters to keep track of. We get twists, humour and it's entertaining.
Published 10th February 2026
I would like to thank #NetGalley #BoldwoodBooks and the author #SarahBonner for my ARC of #AKillerGuestList in exchange for an honest review.
February 6, 2026
Another fantastic story from Sarah.
Having read all of the ‘Slay’ books yes this definitely has a different feel to it than we’re used to and I was absolutely there for it 🤩 I LOVE murder mystery and as a fan of cozy crime and old school Agatha Christie/Poirot, this book has that kind of vibe but with the sassiness and one liners we love from Sarah’s writing!
There are a lot of characters in this book, we mainly get the POV’s of Sadie and Cassie but a whole host of characters across the Murder Mystery weekend feature throughout the book and we get to know some of them quite well. Personally, I felt it easy to follow along and keep track of who everyone was but maybe something to be aware of if you do struggle with a lot of characters.
I enjoyed the reveal about who two particular characters were half way through… I can’t say anymore without spoiling the surprise 🤭
There were some lovely twists and turns to keep you invested and some cliff hanger endings to keep you turning the pages.
I know I struggled to put this one down, the twist at the end was fabulous 🤩 and I really hope there are more to come from these Slay books!
Thank you to Netgalley, the publisher and author for an ARC of this book
⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️/5
Having read all of the ‘Slay’ books yes this definitely has a different feel to it than we’re used to and I was absolutely there for it 🤩 I LOVE murder mystery and as a fan of cozy crime and old school Agatha Christie/Poirot, this book has that kind of vibe but with the sassiness and one liners we love from Sarah’s writing!
There are a lot of characters in this book, we mainly get the POV’s of Sadie and Cassie but a whole host of characters across the Murder Mystery weekend feature throughout the book and we get to know some of them quite well. Personally, I felt it easy to follow along and keep track of who everyone was but maybe something to be aware of if you do struggle with a lot of characters.
I enjoyed the reveal about who two particular characters were half way through… I can’t say anymore without spoiling the surprise 🤭
There were some lovely twists and turns to keep you invested and some cliff hanger endings to keep you turning the pages.
I know I struggled to put this one down, the twist at the end was fabulous 🤩 and I really hope there are more to come from these Slay books!
Thank you to Netgalley, the publisher and author for an ARC of this book
⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️/5
February 7, 2026
This one ended up being a solid 4-star read for me, but I’ll be honest, it took a little while to get there.
For the first 30–40%, I wasn’t completely hooked. I was intrigued, but not gripped. There’s a lot of scene-setting, character dynamics, and simmering tension building beneath the surface, and I kept waiting for that moment.
And then it came.
Around the 40% mark, the story hit me with a full-on WTF twist that completely shifted how I was reading it. From that point on, I was locked in. Everything felt sharper, more urgent, and far more sinister than it had initially appeared.
What works really well here is the claustrophobic atmosphere and the uneasy sense that no one is entirely who they claim to be. The guest list is packed with secrets, shifting loyalties, and buried resentments, and once the layers start peeling back, it’s addictive.
It’s twisty without being chaotic, and the payoff definitely makes the slower start worthwhile. If you enjoy domestic thrillers where the tension creeps before it detonates, this one is worth sticking with.
For the first 30–40%, I wasn’t completely hooked. I was intrigued, but not gripped. There’s a lot of scene-setting, character dynamics, and simmering tension building beneath the surface, and I kept waiting for that moment.
And then it came.
Around the 40% mark, the story hit me with a full-on WTF twist that completely shifted how I was reading it. From that point on, I was locked in. Everything felt sharper, more urgent, and far more sinister than it had initially appeared.
What works really well here is the claustrophobic atmosphere and the uneasy sense that no one is entirely who they claim to be. The guest list is packed with secrets, shifting loyalties, and buried resentments, and once the layers start peeling back, it’s addictive.
It’s twisty without being chaotic, and the payoff definitely makes the slower start worthwhile. If you enjoy domestic thrillers where the tension creeps before it detonates, this one is worth sticking with.
February 10, 2026
Sarah Bonner brings back some familiar characters in A Killer Guest List.
"Sadie has been attending Murder on the Moors at a luxury country hotel house in Dartmoor for 50 years. This year she's attending with her goddaughter, Aly. Sadie has been ridding the world of bad people for years. No one knows her secret ... or so she thinks.
Because this year, someone new has taken over the murder mystery event. And they have a hit list."
I would call this Bonner's best story. She takes a familiar event - a murder mystery event - and turns it into a surprise kill-fest. There is some misdirection to keep you guessing so it takes a bit to see where the story is going. Eventually you recognize the characters from a previous book and get a sense of what's happening. But Bonner's characters take the story in a different direction.
This was a fun group of charcters - Sadie, Aly, Cassie, El. Not as much feminine rage as Bonner's previous books but some.
Loved the epilogues - Bonner is setting up for more schemes.
Great for fans of dark humor.
"Sadie has been attending Murder on the Moors at a luxury country hotel house in Dartmoor for 50 years. This year she's attending with her goddaughter, Aly. Sadie has been ridding the world of bad people for years. No one knows her secret ... or so she thinks.
Because this year, someone new has taken over the murder mystery event. And they have a hit list."
I would call this Bonner's best story. She takes a familiar event - a murder mystery event - and turns it into a surprise kill-fest. There is some misdirection to keep you guessing so it takes a bit to see where the story is going. Eventually you recognize the characters from a previous book and get a sense of what's happening. But Bonner's characters take the story in a different direction.
This was a fun group of charcters - Sadie, Aly, Cassie, El. Not as much feminine rage as Bonner's previous books but some.
Loved the epilogues - Bonner is setting up for more schemes.
Great for fans of dark humor.
February 13, 2026
This was a fun, dark revenge thriller with a really strong concept. A glamorous murder mystery weekend at a hotel where the “game” might not actually be a game? Immediately interesting.
I liked the idea that this annual event has been running for decades, and that this year feels… off. There’s a tension running through it from quite early on, especially once it becomes clear that something more serious is happening beneath the surface. The whole hit list angle definitely adds a sinister edge.
That said, it did take me a little while to fully settle into it. There are quite a few characters, and It was a bit slower than I expected at the start but once I got past that, though, I was much more invested and enjoyed watching everything unravel.
Overall I’d give it 4 stars. Not something I was instantly obsessed with, but it’s clever, dark in places, and definitely entertaining once it finds its rhythm. I just wish I’d connected with it a bit quicker at the beginning.
Thank you to Boldwood Books for this ARC.
I liked the idea that this annual event has been running for decades, and that this year feels… off. There’s a tension running through it from quite early on, especially once it becomes clear that something more serious is happening beneath the surface. The whole hit list angle definitely adds a sinister edge.
That said, it did take me a little while to fully settle into it. There are quite a few characters, and It was a bit slower than I expected at the start but once I got past that, though, I was much more invested and enjoyed watching everything unravel.
Overall I’d give it 4 stars. Not something I was instantly obsessed with, but it’s clever, dark in places, and definitely entertaining once it finds its rhythm. I just wish I’d connected with it a bit quicker at the beginning.
Thank you to Boldwood Books for this ARC.
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.
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