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Third Party
Is it murder? Is someone playing mind games? Or is it both? The chilling answers are in this twisting novel of psychological suspense by the Amazon Charts bestselling author of Trespassing.
The apparent suicide of a beautiful aspiring law student unites two strangers, connected only by their tangled that nothing about Margaux Stritch’s tragic end is what it looks like.
Firefighter Jessica Blythe is courageously making her mark in the male-dominated Chicago Fire Department while navigating a complicated relationship with a detective. A first responder to the crime scene, Jessica has a professional duty to Margaux. Then there’s Kirsten Holloway, a wife and mother pulling herself together after an emotional breakdown. But her husband’s infidelity has left her in a place full of mistrust and fear. Her dreaded curiosity about Margaux’s death has become very personal.
Two women are about to converge on a trail of blackmail, secrets, troubled pasts, and hidden shadows, where violence and desire entwine, unchecked. And they’re not the only ones stepping into the dark. Someone else is following. But is it to warn Jessica and Kirsten? Or to usher them into a nightmare?
The apparent suicide of a beautiful aspiring law student unites two strangers, connected only by their tangled that nothing about Margaux Stritch’s tragic end is what it looks like.
Firefighter Jessica Blythe is courageously making her mark in the male-dominated Chicago Fire Department while navigating a complicated relationship with a detective. A first responder to the crime scene, Jessica has a professional duty to Margaux. Then there’s Kirsten Holloway, a wife and mother pulling herself together after an emotional breakdown. But her husband’s infidelity has left her in a place full of mistrust and fear. Her dreaded curiosity about Margaux’s death has become very personal.
Two women are about to converge on a trail of blackmail, secrets, troubled pasts, and hidden shadows, where violence and desire entwine, unchecked. And they’re not the only ones stepping into the dark. Someone else is following. But is it to warn Jessica and Kirsten? Or to usher them into a nightmare?
384 pages, Kindle Edition
First published September 3, 2019
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 232 reviews
October 27, 2019
Seriously twisted! For once I didn’t read too much about a book before going in. Brandi Reed’s latest thriller Third Party is daring and uninhibited, exploring a very twisted web of secrets, lies, and betrayal. What a ride! By about one third through, I couldn’t put the book down. A twisted thriller with some expert reveals!
The suspicious suicide of aspiring law student Margaux leads to questions about her death. When firefighter Jessica is on the scene with her fling Detective Decker, she begins to realize there is more to Margaux's death than meets the eye, and she investigates. This leads her to meet Kristen, a wife and mother who just discovered evidence her husband may have been having an affair with none other than Margaux. As the two women work to discover what happened, a third party becomes involved. The third party seems to know exactly what happened, but is this person friend or foe?
Jessica was a great character, torn between her desire for bad-boy Decker and her blossoming relationship with financial analyst Jack. In the opposite of how magnetic her attraction to Decker is, her relationship with Jack is slower and much more normal and healthy. But most of us can’t resist a bad boy, amirite??
The death of Margaux leads Jessica to meet Kristen Holloway, a wife and stay at home mother who married her high school sweetheart. When Kristen finds a pair of red panties in the pocket of her husband’s sportscoat when she is taking in his dry cleaning, her world crashes around her. I loved Kristen. She’s not the docile woman you would think she is. Kristen confronts her husband and remains skeptical of his attempts to explain away the underwear. She saw her husband talking to Margaux at his cousin’s wedding not long before her death. Was her husband having an affair with Margaux?
We also see flashbacks into Margaux’s life in the months leading up to her death. Margaux has a very twisted tale! Margaux got taken advantage of and her trust was spent, leaving her unable to afford law school without a job. She ends up working at an underground sex club called the Aquasphere. I enjoyed the way Reeds wrote Margaux’s chapters. Because she was dead in the present but alive in her chapters, I felt I could never fully get a handle on Margaux. Her story is tragic and engaging. I was shocked and horrified by some of the things in her life, but I’ll leave those to you to discover!
Three women with very different lives are entangled by this series of events. And of course, there is another person. A third party. This person seems to know exactly who all of the players are and what happened to Margaux, and who seems to have an ulterior motive. I was so fascinated to find out what the deal with the third party was, and I wasn’t disappointed!
I thought the resounding theme of this book was actually about feminism and how women are treated. Jessica, Kristen, and Margaux all have complicated relationships with the men in their lives. I thought all three women were so strong, and there was a tone to the novel that the abused, the taken advantage of, and the victims still have a way out, through the power of women.
I really enjoyed this book! It was gripping and had a great message. I loved the author note at the end. That said, there is some very sensitive content that I’ll post at the end of the review (I don’t want to spoil it if these things don’t matter to you). I loved this, but I don’t think it will be for every reader!
Thank you to Lake Union Publishing and Amazon for my copy. Opinions are my own.
Content Warning
I don’t normally post content warnings, only these were such driving themes throughout the book, I would feel irresponsible not mentioning them. This book heavily explores abusive relationships, BDSM, consensual and nonconsensual sexual encounters, and to a much lesser extent, suicide and child abuse.
The suspicious suicide of aspiring law student Margaux leads to questions about her death. When firefighter Jessica is on the scene with her fling Detective Decker, she begins to realize there is more to Margaux's death than meets the eye, and she investigates. This leads her to meet Kristen, a wife and mother who just discovered evidence her husband may have been having an affair with none other than Margaux. As the two women work to discover what happened, a third party becomes involved. The third party seems to know exactly what happened, but is this person friend or foe?
Jessica was a great character, torn between her desire for bad-boy Decker and her blossoming relationship with financial analyst Jack. In the opposite of how magnetic her attraction to Decker is, her relationship with Jack is slower and much more normal and healthy. But most of us can’t resist a bad boy, amirite??
The death of Margaux leads Jessica to meet Kristen Holloway, a wife and stay at home mother who married her high school sweetheart. When Kristen finds a pair of red panties in the pocket of her husband’s sportscoat when she is taking in his dry cleaning, her world crashes around her. I loved Kristen. She’s not the docile woman you would think she is. Kristen confronts her husband and remains skeptical of his attempts to explain away the underwear. She saw her husband talking to Margaux at his cousin’s wedding not long before her death. Was her husband having an affair with Margaux?
We also see flashbacks into Margaux’s life in the months leading up to her death. Margaux has a very twisted tale! Margaux got taken advantage of and her trust was spent, leaving her unable to afford law school without a job. She ends up working at an underground sex club called the Aquasphere. I enjoyed the way Reeds wrote Margaux’s chapters. Because she was dead in the present but alive in her chapters, I felt I could never fully get a handle on Margaux. Her story is tragic and engaging. I was shocked and horrified by some of the things in her life, but I’ll leave those to you to discover!
Three women with very different lives are entangled by this series of events. And of course, there is another person. A third party. This person seems to know exactly who all of the players are and what happened to Margaux, and who seems to have an ulterior motive. I was so fascinated to find out what the deal with the third party was, and I wasn’t disappointed!
I thought the resounding theme of this book was actually about feminism and how women are treated. Jessica, Kristen, and Margaux all have complicated relationships with the men in their lives. I thought all three women were so strong, and there was a tone to the novel that the abused, the taken advantage of, and the victims still have a way out, through the power of women.
I really enjoyed this book! It was gripping and had a great message. I loved the author note at the end. That said, there is some very sensitive content that I’ll post at the end of the review (I don’t want to spoil it if these things don’t matter to you). I loved this, but I don’t think it will be for every reader!
Thank you to Lake Union Publishing and Amazon for my copy. Opinions are my own.
Content Warning
I don’t normally post content warnings, only these were such driving themes throughout the book, I would feel irresponsible not mentioning them. This book heavily explores abusive relationships, BDSM, consensual and nonconsensual sexual encounters, and to a much lesser extent, suicide and child abuse.
September 21, 2019
3.75 stars
I would love to thank Brandi Reeds, Lake Union Publishing and NetGalley for this book in exchange for an honest review.
Go into this book without reading the synopsis!
We have three perspectives going into this book.
First, there is Kirsten Holloway, a wife that thinks her husband might hide something from her, so she goes on a hunt after he denies some things.
Secondly, we follow Jessica Blythe, a firefighter whose complicated relationship with a detective seems to come to an end while she starts dating Jack Wyatt, a great lawyer that seems to really care for her.
And lastly, we have the perspective of Margaux Stritch, a person who died in present time but whom we get to see the past of.
I mostly liked Jessica's perspective, but as the story progressed I started liking Kirsten more because that's what I call a character improvement along the story/book.
So, what exactly is this book about?
Margaux Stritch died hanged. People think she commited suicide, but others think that she was murdered. Decker is a great detective that usually solves anything, including Jessica Blythe in bed. And she really cares about him, but he's usually bailing on her, so she thinks of giving Jack, the guy she dates, a chance.
Meanwhile, as I was saying before, Kirsten and Ian's marriage is on a thin line and he starts acting weird and tries staying far from his wife. She tries solving everything on her own, and that's how her life collides with Jessica's.
The ending is not what I expected. It wasn't extraordinary. Yes, it's a good book.
And after I have read the author's note at the end I understood that this book doesn't focus on the person who done it or how she died (although this is also important; it's a thriller, after all), but it's about a lecture, a thing that happens in real life and the author seems like a really great person who, through her book, shows the entire world that in a situation where you are abused by men or can't get out of a toxic relationship, you can get help and you have to get out because you can lose your years trying to make a man happy, you can lose possibilities, and that is not fair! I consider this book to be in kind of a feminism literature, so if you like/love either thrillers and/or feminism area/subject/etc, I recommend it to you.
Just...don't have expectations. Enjoy the book and the thrill.
This came out on 3rd of September, so you can easily buy it. Happy Reading!
I would love to thank Brandi Reeds, Lake Union Publishing and NetGalley for this book in exchange for an honest review.
Go into this book without reading the synopsis!
We have three perspectives going into this book.
First, there is Kirsten Holloway, a wife that thinks her husband might hide something from her, so she goes on a hunt after he denies some things.
Secondly, we follow Jessica Blythe, a firefighter whose complicated relationship with a detective seems to come to an end while she starts dating Jack Wyatt, a great lawyer that seems to really care for her.
And lastly, we have the perspective of Margaux Stritch, a person who died in present time but whom we get to see the past of.
I mostly liked Jessica's perspective, but as the story progressed I started liking Kirsten more because that's what I call a character improvement along the story/book.
So, what exactly is this book about?
Margaux Stritch died hanged. People think she commited suicide, but others think that she was murdered. Decker is a great detective that usually solves anything, including Jessica Blythe in bed. And she really cares about him, but he's usually bailing on her, so she thinks of giving Jack, the guy she dates, a chance.
Meanwhile, as I was saying before, Kirsten and Ian's marriage is on a thin line and he starts acting weird and tries staying far from his wife. She tries solving everything on her own, and that's how her life collides with Jessica's.
The ending is not what I expected. It wasn't extraordinary. Yes, it's a good book.
And after I have read the author's note at the end I understood that this book doesn't focus on the person who done it or how she died (although this is also important; it's a thriller, after all), but it's about a lecture, a thing that happens in real life and the author seems like a really great person who, through her book, shows the entire world that in a situation where you are abused by men or can't get out of a toxic relationship, you can get help and you have to get out because you can lose your years trying to make a man happy, you can lose possibilities, and that is not fair! I consider this book to be in kind of a feminism literature, so if you like/love either thrillers and/or feminism area/subject/etc, I recommend it to you.
Just...don't have expectations. Enjoy the book and the thrill.
This came out on 3rd of September, so you can easily buy it. Happy Reading!
September 11, 2019
Is it murder? Is someone playing mind games? Or is it both?
Well, this was a nice surprise... intriguing storyline and brilliant storytelling! Brandi Reeds really knows how to pull you in right from the start, and with all the twists and turns she adds you can't help but want to read to the end.
Margaux Stritch was a beautiful aspiring law student, and nothing about her tragic suicide is what it looks like. Firefighter Jessica Blythe is the first responder to the crime scene, Jessica has a professional duty to Margaux. Then we have Kirsten Holloway, a wife and mother pulling herself together after an emotional breakdown. Unfortunately, her husband’s infidelity has left her in a place full of mistrust and fear. Her deep curiosity about Margaux’s death has become extremely personal.
Jessica and Kirsten come together only by their twisted suspicions of Margaux's suicide. Jessica and Kirsten are about to merge on a trail of blackmail, secrets, troubled pasts, and hidden shadows, where violence and desire weave together, unchecked.
I really enjoyed reading this one and I am definitely looking forward to Brandi Reeds next book!
Well, this was a nice surprise... intriguing storyline and brilliant storytelling! Brandi Reeds really knows how to pull you in right from the start, and with all the twists and turns she adds you can't help but want to read to the end.
Margaux Stritch was a beautiful aspiring law student, and nothing about her tragic suicide is what it looks like. Firefighter Jessica Blythe is the first responder to the crime scene, Jessica has a professional duty to Margaux. Then we have Kirsten Holloway, a wife and mother pulling herself together after an emotional breakdown. Unfortunately, her husband’s infidelity has left her in a place full of mistrust and fear. Her deep curiosity about Margaux’s death has become extremely personal.
Jessica and Kirsten come together only by their twisted suspicions of Margaux's suicide. Jessica and Kirsten are about to merge on a trail of blackmail, secrets, troubled pasts, and hidden shadows, where violence and desire weave together, unchecked.
I really enjoyed reading this one and I am definitely looking forward to Brandi Reeds next book!
August 28, 2019
"You can prepare for it all you want. You can play out scenarios in your head every which way you can imagine. Suspecting it was happening . . . that’s one thing. Actually seeing it . . . that’s another."
Buy This Book : Amazon 📖
📚 Series: No.
📚 Genre: Mystery/Thriller.
📚 POV: Multiple.
📚 Cliffhanger: No.
⚠ Content Warnings: Physical, sexual, and emotional abuse. BDSM. Suspected Suicide/Murder.
⚠ Read if: you are a fan of unreliable narrators and graphically described mysteries.
The Third Party is my first read from author Brandi Reeds, and I've just got to say that it was an overall great experience.
This story revolved around the lives of three women: Margaux, who was recently found dead in her apartment, Jessica, the firefighter who responded to the scene, and Kristen, who is involved in the mess and suspecting her husband is cheating on her.
The formula used in this book can be described as a mystery classic, but it still works. My mind's gears were whirring and I was very interested in what would happen next. I was not mindblown, but it was not like the plot twist was already obvious a few pages in.
All in all, an enjoyable read!
☁ THE CRITERIA ☁
🌼 Blurb:⭐⭐⭐⭐☆
🌼 Main Character:⭐⭐⭐⭐☆
🌼 Significant Other: ⭐⭐⭐⭐☆
🌼 Support Characters:⭐⭐⭐⭐☆
🌼 Writing Style:⭐⭐⭐⭐☆
🌼 Character Development:⭐⭐⭐⭐☆
🌼 Thrill Factor: ⭐⭐⭐⭐☆
🌼 Pacing: ⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐
🌼 Ending: ⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐
🌼 Unputdownability: ⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐
🌼 Book Cover:⭐⭐⭐⭐☆
☁FINAL VERDICT: 4.27/5 ☁
Much thanks to NetGalley and Lake Union Publishing for this complimentary copy. This review is voluntary and opinions are fully my own. Also, all quotes are taken from the ARC and may be different in the final published copy.
📚 Blog ♡ Bookstagram 📚
August 20, 2019
I didn't know what I was getting into when I chose to read "Third Party" by Brandi Reeds. I had never read this author and didn't know anything about the plot of the book before I dove in. What a pleasant surprise! The plot sucked me in from the very first page and kept me reading until the end. It was fast-paced and kept me guessing. Though the book shifted between the perspectives of three important characters, I was never confused and I think the method was perfect for the story being told. I read this book quickly because I couldn't wait to find out what would happen next.
Though the plot was entertaining and interesting, I think my favorite thing about this book was its undertone of feminism. All of the women characters in this book are strong, powerful women in their own way. They are able to make the difficult choices that need to be made. They don't rely on a man to "fix" everything for them and refuse to overlook the shortcomings of the men in their lives. In contrast to most thrillers that involve a woman in trouble and a man who swoops in to save her., this book was refreshing in that the women are actually capable of saving themselves.
Many thanks to NetGalley, the publisher, and the author for the privilege and pleasure of reading an advanced digital copy of this thrilling book. I look forward to reading more by this author.
Though the plot was entertaining and interesting, I think my favorite thing about this book was its undertone of feminism. All of the women characters in this book are strong, powerful women in their own way. They are able to make the difficult choices that need to be made. They don't rely on a man to "fix" everything for them and refuse to overlook the shortcomings of the men in their lives. In contrast to most thrillers that involve a woman in trouble and a man who swoops in to save her., this book was refreshing in that the women are actually capable of saving themselves.
Many thanks to NetGalley, the publisher, and the author for the privilege and pleasure of reading an advanced digital copy of this thrilling book. I look forward to reading more by this author.
February 12, 2022
This was a great read. It had me reading continuously, not wanting to put the book down. I was surprised with the ending. Lots of twists and turns
September 1, 2019
3.5*
There are 3 perspectives that we follow. The first is a female firefighter Jessica, who is called to the scene of a suicide/possible murder. The second perspective is Margaux, the victim. And the third one is quite interesting: a woman named Kirsten,who suspects that her husband might have been having an affair with Margaux. Both Jessica and Kirsten are investigating this apparent suicide and they become friends pretty early on in the story.
There was definitely a strong theme of female empowerment and feminism in this book. Ideas of women getting together and forming a united front instead of fighting each other and making each other a villain.
Some things were a bit unbelievable. Like,Kirsten is in the force(even if it is firefighters and not the police) and yet she quickly shares a lot of personal information with Kirsten( a potential suspect) not to mention all the information related to the case that really should be confidential.
The writing sometimes didn't work for me,I considered dnfing the book a few times. It wasn't bad,it just wasn't for me.
The story had a few twists that I didn't see coming, so that is always nice.
Overall, I did like this book and would recommend it.
Thank you to netgalley for a copy of this book in exchange for an honest review.
There are 3 perspectives that we follow. The first is a female firefighter Jessica, who is called to the scene of a suicide/possible murder. The second perspective is Margaux, the victim. And the third one is quite interesting: a woman named Kirsten,who suspects that her husband might have been having an affair with Margaux. Both Jessica and Kirsten are investigating this apparent suicide and they become friends pretty early on in the story.
There was definitely a strong theme of female empowerment and feminism in this book. Ideas of women getting together and forming a united front instead of fighting each other and making each other a villain.
Some things were a bit unbelievable. Like,Kirsten is in the force(even if it is firefighters and not the police) and yet she quickly shares a lot of personal information with Kirsten( a potential suspect) not to mention all the information related to the case that really should be confidential.
The writing sometimes didn't work for me,I considered dnfing the book a few times. It wasn't bad,it just wasn't for me.
The story had a few twists that I didn't see coming, so that is always nice.
Overall, I did like this book and would recommend it.
Thank you to netgalley for a copy of this book in exchange for an honest review.
January 5, 2022
Audio - 5 Stars
Story - 3 Stars
Story - 3 Stars
September 28, 2019
Can’t understand the good reviews on this book. Absolutely the most annoying book I’ve ever read. Every single character was annoying, irritating and worthy of a slap in the head. The book was a huge stretch in reality of situations and people and the plot was just predictable. But really it’s the characters that made this book unreadable. Not a single one acted anything like a normal healthy functional person ugh. I couldn’t stand this book.
August 28, 2019
***Thank you to NetGalley for providing me a complimentary copy of THIRD PARTY by Brandi Reeds in exchange for my honest review.***
The lives of several woman and men intersect in ways that will make readers cringe, ball their fist in anger and drop their jaws.
Brandi Reeds is a master at creating plot intricacies that don’t all come together until the very end of the story. THIRD PARTY ends not with a period but with a huge exclamation point.
I’m usually a big Brandi Reeds/Sasha Dawn fan and my lack of enjoyment of THIRD PARTY is in no way indicative of how I feel about her writing and books. That said I didn’t enjoy the book.
Publishers should be more careful that blurbs don’t give away too much about the plot/resolution. After reading the blurb I thought, “I bet XYZ.” I won’t say what XYZ is as not to spoil anything. I’ll read any plot details except hurt/abused/dead animals which fortunately THIRD PARTY didn’t have. If I knew the “consensual” sexual violence was a large part of the plot, I wouldn’t have requested the ARC.
I didn’t enjoy reading THIRD PARTY, but will always be excited when Brandi Reeds/Sasha Dawn writes a new book.
The lives of several woman and men intersect in ways that will make readers cringe, ball their fist in anger and drop their jaws.
Brandi Reeds is a master at creating plot intricacies that don’t all come together until the very end of the story. THIRD PARTY ends not with a period but with a huge exclamation point.
I’m usually a big Brandi Reeds/Sasha Dawn fan and my lack of enjoyment of THIRD PARTY is in no way indicative of how I feel about her writing and books. That said I didn’t enjoy the book.
Publishers should be more careful that blurbs don’t give away too much about the plot/resolution. After reading the blurb I thought, “I bet XYZ.” I won’t say what XYZ is as not to spoil anything. I’ll read any plot details except hurt/abused/dead animals which fortunately THIRD PARTY didn’t have. If I knew the “consensual” sexual violence was a large part of the plot, I wouldn’t have requested the ARC.
I didn’t enjoy reading THIRD PARTY, but will always be excited when Brandi Reeds/Sasha Dawn writes a new book.
December 1, 2022
Messed up and twisted. Flew through it on audio.
August 6, 2019
This was a fun to read, fast-paced thriller but unfortunately it's not an overly memorable one.
This book is told through three POV's, one of which is Jessica who's a firefighter who had the job of cutting down the body of Margaux after she is found hanging in her apartment. Then we have Kirsten who is convinced her husband was having an affair with the deceased Margaux but no-one will believe her accusations. The last POV is from the past showing Margaux's life in the build-up to her death.
This one did keep me guessing throughout and I never quite managed to work out exactly what happened. I love books that can keep me questioning. However, as much as I enjoyed reading this it's not one that i'm going to remember weeks from now. I'd recommend this more to those who are new to the thriller genre.
*ARC copy provided by the publisher via Netgalley in exchange for an honest review.
This book is told through three POV's, one of which is Jessica who's a firefighter who had the job of cutting down the body of Margaux after she is found hanging in her apartment. Then we have Kirsten who is convinced her husband was having an affair with the deceased Margaux but no-one will believe her accusations. The last POV is from the past showing Margaux's life in the build-up to her death.
This one did keep me guessing throughout and I never quite managed to work out exactly what happened. I love books that can keep me questioning. However, as much as I enjoyed reading this it's not one that i'm going to remember weeks from now. I'd recommend this more to those who are new to the thriller genre.
*ARC copy provided by the publisher via Netgalley in exchange for an honest review.
January 21, 2022
This was a twisted tale and I really enjoyed it. It ended up breaking my heart in so many ways.
You do have to look past a lot of coincidences and people who obviously don’t know how to use Google but I’m willing to do so and I think you could too!
You do have to look past a lot of coincidences and people who obviously don’t know how to use Google but I’m willing to do so and I think you could too!
November 7, 2019
Have you ever stumbled in one of those movies where you spend the whole time trying to figure out who the culprit is and then, once it's revealed, you don't feel surprised but insulted because he was clearly shown somewhere else when the things happened and couldn't possibly have done them?
Well, this is the feeling this book left me. It was compelling and interesting until the verly last chapters and the twist that revealed that one of the protagonists had been franticly looking for the truth of things she not only already knew but in most cases had done herself. And this, mind you, not publicly for the sake of others but even in her inner monologues and thoughts.
With this kind of twists, you should usually be able to reread the book and see everything in a different light, going "oh, now I see what this actually meant", and appreciate it even more. Here you go "why the heck did she say/do this when she knew exactly what was happening???"
Very disappointing.
Well, this is the feeling this book left me. It was compelling and interesting until the verly last chapters and the twist that revealed that one of the protagonists had been franticly looking for the truth of things she not only already knew but in most cases had done herself. And this, mind you, not publicly for the sake of others but even in her inner monologues and thoughts.
With this kind of twists, you should usually be able to reread the book and see everything in a different light, going "oh, now I see what this actually meant", and appreciate it even more. Here you go "why the heck did she say/do this when she knew exactly what was happening???"
Very disappointing.
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
May 26, 2019
This book is seriously a whirlwind of emotions.
It’s written from three point of views after the murder of Margaux.
This book is told from Jessica, Kirsten, and Margaux’s point of view before she is murdered.
Jessica is a firefighter who is trying to get to the bottom of Margaux’s murder. She’s involved with a detective, Decker, as well as a man named Jack Wyatt. Kirsten’s husband, Ian Holloway, is a prominent attorney. He seems to have ties to a popular sex club called Aquasphere Underground. Margaux happened to work at this same club. After encountering Margaux at Ian’s cousins wedding, Kirsten feels that Ian May have more to do with Margaux’s murder than he’s letting on.
This book goes between the three points of view to craft a murder mystery that isn’t quite solved until the last page.
It’s written from three point of views after the murder of Margaux.
This book is told from Jessica, Kirsten, and Margaux’s point of view before she is murdered.
Jessica is a firefighter who is trying to get to the bottom of Margaux’s murder. She’s involved with a detective, Decker, as well as a man named Jack Wyatt. Kirsten’s husband, Ian Holloway, is a prominent attorney. He seems to have ties to a popular sex club called Aquasphere Underground. Margaux happened to work at this same club. After encountering Margaux at Ian’s cousins wedding, Kirsten feels that Ian May have more to do with Margaux’s murder than he’s letting on.
This book goes between the three points of view to craft a murder mystery that isn’t quite solved until the last page.
July 19, 2021
Umm... No. This is a DNF for me.
First, this book should be marketed as erotic suspense. If lots of sex bothers you, take a hard pass.
The plot is all wrapped up in explicit sex, most of which is outside the norm for most people (erotic asphyxiation, domination, etc.), but presented as everyday normal sexual activity. My problem isn't that the plot led us there, but that sex is so heavily relied on as a driving factor for the entire story.
Also, the female characters seemed too much alike as far as personalities and such. I got them confused frequently, forgetting which one was narrating the section I was reading.
About 1/3 of the way through, as I was reading yet another sex scene with one of the main characters, I realized I just didn't care about any of it, and so I gave up.
First, this book should be marketed as erotic suspense. If lots of sex bothers you, take a hard pass.
The plot is all wrapped up in explicit sex, most of which is outside the norm for most people (erotic asphyxiation, domination, etc.), but presented as everyday normal sexual activity. My problem isn't that the plot led us there, but that sex is so heavily relied on as a driving factor for the entire story.
Also, the female characters seemed too much alike as far as personalities and such. I got them confused frequently, forgetting which one was narrating the section I was reading.
About 1/3 of the way through, as I was reading yet another sex scene with one of the main characters, I realized I just didn't care about any of it, and so I gave up.
August 12, 2020
4.5 stars
Absolutely loved this. I didn't want to put this book down and I gobbled it up in two sittings. I love the deceit and twists, all the suspense and mystery, how everyone and everything is connected. I did not expect to be hooked from the first page, or to be savouring the story more than I was trying to figure out the whodunit.
I'm amazed at how this book was told from the POVs of three different characters and yet the author managed to capture each of their psyches so well. There is the young, beautiful but damaged girl who's been abused, hurt and used all her life, who thinks she's finally in control but is really not. There's the firefighter who's fierce and strong but trying to prove herself and conflicted when it comes to love. There's the stereotypical suburban housewife whose husband is possibly cheating on her but how can she leave?
The only thing I didn't like that much and found redundant was the final twist. It just seems a little too far-fetched. But my favourite part where everyone bands together is just magic. Moral of the story? Don't piss women off.
"When you spend your time with someone, it's hard not to rationalise. It's hard to admit when something is over. But however it happens, whenever it happens, doesn't matter. It only matters that it happens."
Absolutely loved this. I didn't want to put this book down and I gobbled it up in two sittings. I love the deceit and twists, all the suspense and mystery, how everyone and everything is connected. I did not expect to be hooked from the first page, or to be savouring the story more than I was trying to figure out the whodunit.
I'm amazed at how this book was told from the POVs of three different characters and yet the author managed to capture each of their psyches so well. There is the young, beautiful but damaged girl who's been abused, hurt and used all her life, who thinks she's finally in control but is really not. There's the firefighter who's fierce and strong but trying to prove herself and conflicted when it comes to love. There's the stereotypical suburban housewife whose husband is possibly cheating on her but how can she leave?
The only thing I didn't like that much and found redundant was the final twist. It just seems a little too far-fetched. But my favourite part where everyone bands together is just magic. Moral of the story? Don't piss women off.
"In the space of a breath, I remember how it felt not to be sneaking around with him — as if I'd just bought a great pair of one-of-a-kind strappy sandals. And they're comfortable, and sexy, and they go with everything, but after slipping them on a few times, I notice they're not holding up against normal wear and tear. Lieutenant KJ Decker is like these sandals. He's great to a certain point, but then the buckles start to fall off and the leather becomes unstitched, so to speak. And he's still beautiful, and I keep taking him out of the box to look at him, but I know if I test him out again, on actual pavement, it's only a matter of time before I'm barefoot."
"That's the way I remember it. I was enamoured with you. It was happening before I knew we'd decided to do it. And it hurt. But I thought I loved you, so I let it happen. It was a different era, Ian. Before women knew we could speak out against the most popular boys in school. Before we were educated. Before anything would do anything about it if things went too far, further than a girl was ready to go. If we knew our perpetrators — if we loved them, we assumed we got what we deserved. Furthermore, we assume that we'd subliminally asked for it, even if we'd never wanted it to begin with. And then I was too ashamed not to continue seeing you. I had to make it worth it, you see. I had to go the distance with you. I couldn't lose you, because if I did, my worst fears would have been realized — I would have been exactly what you thought I was back then. Easy. Disposable. Unimportant."
November 14, 2023
So many twists and turns, I was riveted and stayed listening and reading until sleep just took over and I passed out.
Told in the POV of the Margaux the sub, Kirsten, the wife; and Jessica the First Responder. All of these women have one person in common. Their lives converge after Margaux's suicide.
I was feeling all kinds of emotions for Margaux and Kiersten and found myself yelling at them to stop being victims. They were all groomed and abused as teenagers though so I understood the powerlessness they felt.
I figured out what the connection was between the three women, but didn't know who the third party was until the end. This popped up as a KU recommendation for me and so glad I read it. It was my first book by the author and definitely won't be the last. Highly recommend.
Warning: rape and BDSM (heavy in the S&M).
Told in the POV of the Margaux the sub, Kirsten, the wife; and Jessica the First Responder. All of these women have one person in common. Their lives converge after Margaux's suicide.
I was feeling all kinds of emotions for Margaux and Kiersten and found myself yelling at them to stop being victims. They were all groomed and abused as teenagers though so I understood the powerlessness they felt.
I figured out what the connection was between the three women, but didn't know who the third party was until the end. This popped up as a KU recommendation for me and so glad I read it. It was my first book by the author and definitely won't be the last. Highly recommend.
Warning: rape and BDSM (heavy in the S&M).
January 17, 2020
This was an interesting mystery with a lot of twists an turns. I like that you got a lot of points of view - so you were with the wife, the last few days with the victim, and then also with a female detective. I thought they all balanced out the story and I liked that you got to see the various characters from each person's POV.
The subject was a bit twisted and more than I thought it would be. I didn't mind the adult themes but was just surprised - clearly I didn't read the synopsis or other reviews well enough to know what I was getting in to. But the subject felt new and taboo and I found it fascinating as each person juggled the information in their life.
Interesting story, well flushed out and a good mystery.
The subject was a bit twisted and more than I thought it would be. I didn't mind the adult themes but was just surprised - clearly I didn't read the synopsis or other reviews well enough to know what I was getting in to. But the subject felt new and taboo and I found it fascinating as each person juggled the information in their life.
Interesting story, well flushed out and a good mystery.
May 21, 2020
5 Refreshing Stars!!! I have read my share of thrillers and I haven't read one like this before.
I highly recommend you go into this one with as little information as possible.
Brandi Reeds delivered a unique, refreshing story. The subject matter is nothing new...Questionable men using sex, money and deceit to gain power and control over women. What is new is the light that is used to expose the lengths these men will go. It starts out dim and gets ever brighter.
I love a story that challenges my view of my world and of myself. I hope that if you are reading this that you'll give this book a chance. It may not change your views but it may remind you to be vigilant and strong. Woman are powerful beings and when we join forces anything is possible.
Third Party was a well written, entertaining read with an important message and a memorable ending.
I highly recommend you go into this one with as little information as possible.
Brandi Reeds delivered a unique, refreshing story. The subject matter is nothing new...Questionable men using sex, money and deceit to gain power and control over women. What is new is the light that is used to expose the lengths these men will go. It starts out dim and gets ever brighter.
I love a story that challenges my view of my world and of myself. I hope that if you are reading this that you'll give this book a chance. It may not change your views but it may remind you to be vigilant and strong. Woman are powerful beings and when we join forces anything is possible.
Third Party was a well written, entertaining read with an important message and a memorable ending.
March 26, 2024
Wow. I love a book that makes me say WTF several times, the twists in this were 10/10. Absolutely loved it, can’t wait to read more by this author!!!!
April 29, 2025
DNF. This book started off. The dialogue just okay and thin. Part of the plot involves an underground sex club, but these people are so white bread at the sex that they consider kinky is actually pretty mainstream. And the dialogue for the sex scenes is so cringe 😬
This story is about Kristen who is a rich homemaker whose husband pays all the bills and takes care of everything financially and she was the homemaker until her last child moved out and went to college. A woman is murdered. panties are found in Kristen‘s husband‘s pocket, she confronts him and like clockwork he gaslights her. Margaux is the murdered woman who may have been fu€king Kristen’s husband. Ian, the husband is a Fuckboy and so is his son. At one point she calls her son and fills him in on his dad and HE gaslights her and it’s nasty work but like father like son. Loser….The only one on her side is her daughter Quinn. I’m sure it wrapped up neatly, but it wasn’t for me.
This story is about Kristen who is a rich homemaker whose husband pays all the bills and takes care of everything financially and she was the homemaker until her last child moved out and went to college. A woman is murdered. panties are found in Kristen‘s husband‘s pocket, she confronts him and like clockwork he gaslights her. Margaux is the murdered woman who may have been fu€king Kristen’s husband. Ian, the husband is a Fuckboy and so is his son. At one point she calls her son and fills him in on his dad and HE gaslights her and it’s nasty work but like father like son. Loser….The only one on her side is her daughter Quinn. I’m sure it wrapped up neatly, but it wasn’t for me.
July 15, 2019
I won't lie; Third Party is a bit predictable and will not be considered a classic. However, it's an awful lot of fun to read, apart from the unfortunate young woman whose death starts the action rolling. Margaux's death could be murder or could be suicide. Two very different women, a firefighter named Jessica and a homemaker named Kirsten, get involved. Jessica was the one who had to cut Margaux down from the rope that hung her. Kirsten found a pair of red thong underwear in her husband's jacket, and has reason to believe they belong to Margaux.
As Jessica and Kirsten seek to learn more, they become friends and allies. They also learn an awful lot more than they ever wanted. Margaux worked at a private, underground sex club, and this opens up a very large can of worms.
Brandi Reeds throws out lots of possible suspects, motives, and red herrings, but Kirsten and Jessica remain involved. The novel's point of view alternates between time periods and between Kirsten, Jessica, and Margaux's perspectives. The one thing for certain is that all of them could make much better decisions when it comes to men.
Fair warning, there are depictions of sex, including some that are violent. Some characters experienced sexually and emotionally abusive childhoods. That said, if you like suspense with strong female characters, you'll like this one. Enjoy it on the beach, the train, or, in my case, during the NASCAR race rain delay.
Thanks to NetGalley for providing an ARC in exchange for a review.
As Jessica and Kirsten seek to learn more, they become friends and allies. They also learn an awful lot more than they ever wanted. Margaux worked at a private, underground sex club, and this opens up a very large can of worms.
Brandi Reeds throws out lots of possible suspects, motives, and red herrings, but Kirsten and Jessica remain involved. The novel's point of view alternates between time periods and between Kirsten, Jessica, and Margaux's perspectives. The one thing for certain is that all of them could make much better decisions when it comes to men.
Fair warning, there are depictions of sex, including some that are violent. Some characters experienced sexually and emotionally abusive childhoods. That said, if you like suspense with strong female characters, you'll like this one. Enjoy it on the beach, the train, or, in my case, during the NASCAR race rain delay.
Thanks to NetGalley for providing an ARC in exchange for a review.
November 19, 2019
Third Party by Brandi Reeds is seriously twisted story full of mystery, murder, secret identities, and abuse. My first by this author, this one is a compulsively readable, rather shocking tale.
The apparent suicide of a beautiful aspiring law student unites two strangers, connected only by their tangled suspicions: that nothing about Margaux Stritch’s tragic end is what it looks like.
Firefighter Jessica Blythe is doing well in the male-dominated Chicago Fire Department whilst in the throes of a complicated relationship with Detective Decker. A first responder to the crime scene, Jessica has a professional duty to Margaux. Kirsten Holloway is a wife and mother, getting herself together after an emotional breakdown however, her husband’s infidelity has left her in a terrible place full of mistrust and fear. Her curiosity about Margaux’s death has become very personal as she suspects that her husband might have been having an affair with Margaux. Two women are about to converge on a trail of blackmail, secrets, troubled pasts, and hidden shadows, but they’re not the only ones stepping into the dark. Someone else is following, but is it to warn Jessica and Kirsten, or to direct them both into an evil nightmare?
The story was told primarily from three women’s perspectives -Jessica, Kirsten, and Margaux - one in the past and two in the present, I found myself gravitating toward Jessica the most as an interesting, complex, troubled character and it was a journey to get to know her.
From the first page, there was so much happening in this hard-hitting story! There was abundant depth to Brandi Reeds' writing which kept me hooked throughout. The author really worked wonders with most of the characters in this fabulous story and even the less personable ones still had very good parts to play and did not dampen my enthusiasm for this fascinating tale.
The plot was great and moved along at a really comfortable pace and I was very happy with the author’s general writing-style. The main focus brought incredibly good entanglement to this mystery, before hurtling towards the surprising denouement.
I thoroughly enjoyed this exciting story and I will be checking out this author's novel - Trespassing - as well as looking out for her next one. All in all, this is cracking read for anyone who has a preference for brilliant suspense thrillers.
I received a complimentary digital copy of this novel, at my request, from Lake Union Publishing via NetGalley and this review is my own unbiased opinion.
The apparent suicide of a beautiful aspiring law student unites two strangers, connected only by their tangled suspicions: that nothing about Margaux Stritch’s tragic end is what it looks like.
Firefighter Jessica Blythe is doing well in the male-dominated Chicago Fire Department whilst in the throes of a complicated relationship with Detective Decker. A first responder to the crime scene, Jessica has a professional duty to Margaux. Kirsten Holloway is a wife and mother, getting herself together after an emotional breakdown however, her husband’s infidelity has left her in a terrible place full of mistrust and fear. Her curiosity about Margaux’s death has become very personal as she suspects that her husband might have been having an affair with Margaux. Two women are about to converge on a trail of blackmail, secrets, troubled pasts, and hidden shadows, but they’re not the only ones stepping into the dark. Someone else is following, but is it to warn Jessica and Kirsten, or to direct them both into an evil nightmare?
The story was told primarily from three women’s perspectives -Jessica, Kirsten, and Margaux - one in the past and two in the present, I found myself gravitating toward Jessica the most as an interesting, complex, troubled character and it was a journey to get to know her.
From the first page, there was so much happening in this hard-hitting story! There was abundant depth to Brandi Reeds' writing which kept me hooked throughout. The author really worked wonders with most of the characters in this fabulous story and even the less personable ones still had very good parts to play and did not dampen my enthusiasm for this fascinating tale.
The plot was great and moved along at a really comfortable pace and I was very happy with the author’s general writing-style. The main focus brought incredibly good entanglement to this mystery, before hurtling towards the surprising denouement.
I thoroughly enjoyed this exciting story and I will be checking out this author's novel - Trespassing - as well as looking out for her next one. All in all, this is cracking read for anyone who has a preference for brilliant suspense thrillers.
I received a complimentary digital copy of this novel, at my request, from Lake Union Publishing via NetGalley and this review is my own unbiased opinion.
October 8, 2019
Wow, Brandi Reeds knows how to spin a tale and hook you from the first page. I was blown away by this story! It was a sexy, mysterious, enlightening, and fun - if not unsettling- read. I pulled on the correct thread throughout the book but I was never sure about it. The pace was perfect, the characters engaging, and the dialogue interesting. I appreciated the core importance of female friendships and did not see the ending coming. I loved it, will read it again, will recommend it to my girlfriends, and will read anything with Brandi Reed's name on it in the future!
August 12, 2019
Jessica is a female firefighter in Chicago, who also happens to be navigating a tricky personal relationship with Detective Decker. As a first responder to the scene, Jessica comes across a woman, Margaux, who appears to have taken her own life. Except when Decker alludes to the fact that the suicide may well not be suicide, and instead murder, Jessica becomes consumed by the investigation. Intertwined is the story of Kirsten, who becomes convinced her husband may have known the deceased in some way and she seeks out the truth. All of the stories come together to make a fast paced suspense.
The story was told in 3 POV's, by Jessica, Kirsten and Margaux. I must admit a lot of the story was fairly predictable and I have to say there were SO many triggers in this one (sex assault/violence etc). That being the case, it was a fast moving psychological suspense. It definitely lost points for me due to the fact the relationships and behaviours at the end were unbelievable and the story felt quite choppy.
2.5⭐️ rounded up.
The story was told in 3 POV's, by Jessica, Kirsten and Margaux. I must admit a lot of the story was fairly predictable and I have to say there were SO many triggers in this one (sex assault/violence etc). That being the case, it was a fast moving psychological suspense. It definitely lost points for me due to the fact the relationships and behaviours at the end were unbelievable and the story felt quite choppy.
2.5⭐️ rounded up.
March 28, 2024
i love love how
this was written and case and e wetting just the ending i kinda predicted and thus why it’s 4 stars but the jerk deserves to what happens to him so im glad it had that way of ending lol
this was written and case and e wetting just the ending i kinda predicted and thus why it’s 4 stars but the jerk deserves to what happens to him so im glad it had that way of ending lol
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
April 16, 2020
4...4 stars
I really enjoyed this book. I feel like it was well balanced when it comes to giving bits and pieces prior to revealing the truth. It was a nice plot twisting read.
I really enjoyed this book. I feel like it was well balanced when it comes to giving bits and pieces prior to revealing the truth. It was a nice plot twisting read.
May 29, 2020
4.5 Stars
August 8, 2020
2.5⭐
For those of us who religiously read thrillers, this is a pretty forgettable formulaic thriller. If you're new to the genre then I would give it a shot.
As I fall within the former, it was pretty basic for me.
For those of us who religiously read thrillers, this is a pretty forgettable formulaic thriller. If you're new to the genre then I would give it a shot.
As I fall within the former, it was pretty basic for me.
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