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The Street Party
The party was supposed to be the highlight of the summer. If only I’d known that night would destroy our lives…
All the neighbours were laughing, drinking out of plastic glasses and getting along. I almost felt happy. Almost forgot about the terrible argument earlier and the sinister messages I’d been receiving from a strange address all week, threatening to expose the lies behind my perfect life.
As we finished with the red and gold fireworks and welcomed everyone back to our house, I believed that everything would be okay.
But I didn’t know who I was inviting in.
I never could have imagined what would happen here, in our home, after I’d gone up to bed.
Everyone saw something different.
It’s my daughter’s word against the story the boy from down the road is telling. But how can I find out what really happened that night without everyone finding out the truth about me?
All the neighbours were laughing, drinking out of plastic glasses and getting along. I almost felt happy. Almost forgot about the terrible argument earlier and the sinister messages I’d been receiving from a strange address all week, threatening to expose the lies behind my perfect life.
As we finished with the red and gold fireworks and welcomed everyone back to our house, I believed that everything would be okay.
But I didn’t know who I was inviting in.
I never could have imagined what would happen here, in our home, after I’d gone up to bed.
Everyone saw something different.
It’s my daughter’s word against the story the boy from down the road is telling. But how can I find out what really happened that night without everyone finding out the truth about me?
402 pages, Kindle Edition
First published June 8, 2021
468 people are currently reading
810 people want to read
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 184 reviews
June 12, 2021
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I just don’t know which of my Goodreads shelves to add this too.
It wasn’t (in my humble opinion) a thriller. It wasn’t contemporary gee I don’t know what it was. I know how it was marketed but I don’t agree.
I listened to this on audio and found the beginning very slow to take off, even when it did take off it wasn’t really a noticeable event.
I don’t wish to be unkind but maybe the narrator didn’t do the story any favours either.
There were a mish mash of characters who if it weren’t for that Street Party would have been better separated by an ocean between them.
The voices and accents that the narrator pulled was the best bit for me (sorry!) as it made me giggle.
I don’t enjoy giving feedback such as this, and I rarely have to as I tend to choice my books wisely. On this occasion it didn’t work did it! The blurb sounded oh so good. Great cover too.
I loved The Stepmother and 24 hours by this author, sadly, not this one.
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I just don’t know which of my Goodreads shelves to add this too.
It wasn’t (in my humble opinion) a thriller. It wasn’t contemporary gee I don’t know what it was. I know how it was marketed but I don’t agree.
I listened to this on audio and found the beginning very slow to take off, even when it did take off it wasn’t really a noticeable event.
I don’t wish to be unkind but maybe the narrator didn’t do the story any favours either.
There were a mish mash of characters who if it weren’t for that Street Party would have been better separated by an ocean between them.
The voices and accents that the narrator pulled was the best bit for me (sorry!) as it made me giggle.
I don’t enjoy giving feedback such as this, and I rarely have to as I tend to choice my books wisely. On this occasion it didn’t work did it! The blurb sounded oh so good. Great cover too.
I loved The Stepmother and 24 hours by this author, sadly, not this one.
May 28, 2021
The Street Party was a slow burn and felt like a long book. It did take a while for me to get into the story and in the end I really enjoyed it. 3 women with 3 very different lives - but how different are they? This is one street and group of people I would not want to live near.
I do have to say that the Aussie accent on the Australian character was not good at all - I don't think that I sound like that at all. Other than that the narration was enjoyable
I do have to say that the Aussie accent on the Australian character was not good at all - I don't think that I sound like that at all. Other than that the narration was enjoyable
April 8, 2021
This gave me all the "Big Little Lies" vibes in the best ways. Seeber weaves a seductive web of lies, secrets and betrayal that will have you hooked from the very beginning. The pacing is excellent, with one question popping up every time another is answered, keeping you intrigued.
The use of multiple perspectives worked so well as it illustrated the different personalities within this wealthy neighbourhood and their differing principles and problems. Furthermore, it was interesting to see how each character could report on one scene differently to the others, depending on their viewpoint and bias.
There are trigger warnings for sexual assault and abusive relationships but both, I felt, were handled very well throughout the novel.
Overall, this was a seductive and twisty book that had me hooked the whole way through.
The use of multiple perspectives worked so well as it illustrated the different personalities within this wealthy neighbourhood and their differing principles and problems. Furthermore, it was interesting to see how each character could report on one scene differently to the others, depending on their viewpoint and bias.
There are trigger warnings for sexual assault and abusive relationships but both, I felt, were handled very well throughout the novel.
Overall, this was a seductive and twisty book that had me hooked the whole way through.
June 9, 2021
My Rating:
4.5
Favorite Quotes:
‘Education is the key to all success, after all.’ ‘I thought that was inherited wealth and liposuction.’
I listened to a radio interview with the lead psychiatrist from Broadmoor Prison. ‘I’d rather work with a psychopathic murderer than counsel a couple in crisis,’ she joked. ‘It’s easier.’ But I found I wasn’t laughing. Laughing was getting harder these days for some reason.
The realisation hit me between my eyes, like a baton coming down. Like a fist. I had a picture in my mind, then, of all the women who ended up killing their husbands, who took a kitchen knife, who didn’t even know they had made that fatal thrust, who killed through hatred and sorrow, warped by a love laced with fear, a love that knew no other place to go – and then I knew. I knew I was capable of killing him too.
… word to the wise: if your small boy comes home boasting of learning about his Balzac, don’t be fooled into thinking he means the French writer, as I was, when in fact he means his own ball-sack. Pride so often comes before a fall.
My Review:
This is a unique hybrid of women’s fiction, suspense, and family drama. This was an oddly enticing book that kept my curiosity at the brain itching level with fret-inducing and tangled storylines while cast with obnoxious characters that continually annoyed and disappointed me, yet I had to know how their knotty issues would unravel. I was hopelessly hooked, ensnared, and unable to resist Ms. Seeber’s fiendishly clever plotting with strategic lashings of caustic wit and cunning insights. This was my first sojourn with Ms. Seeber and I plan to be a frequent flier from now on.
4.5
Favorite Quotes:
‘Education is the key to all success, after all.’ ‘I thought that was inherited wealth and liposuction.’
I listened to a radio interview with the lead psychiatrist from Broadmoor Prison. ‘I’d rather work with a psychopathic murderer than counsel a couple in crisis,’ she joked. ‘It’s easier.’ But I found I wasn’t laughing. Laughing was getting harder these days for some reason.
The realisation hit me between my eyes, like a baton coming down. Like a fist. I had a picture in my mind, then, of all the women who ended up killing their husbands, who took a kitchen knife, who didn’t even know they had made that fatal thrust, who killed through hatred and sorrow, warped by a love laced with fear, a love that knew no other place to go – and then I knew. I knew I was capable of killing him too.
… word to the wise: if your small boy comes home boasting of learning about his Balzac, don’t be fooled into thinking he means the French writer, as I was, when in fact he means his own ball-sack. Pride so often comes before a fall.
My Review:
This is a unique hybrid of women’s fiction, suspense, and family drama. This was an oddly enticing book that kept my curiosity at the brain itching level with fret-inducing and tangled storylines while cast with obnoxious characters that continually annoyed and disappointed me, yet I had to know how their knotty issues would unravel. I was hopelessly hooked, ensnared, and unable to resist Ms. Seeber’s fiendishly clever plotting with strategic lashings of caustic wit and cunning insights. This was my first sojourn with Ms. Seeber and I plan to be a frequent flier from now on.
June 11, 2022
Seeber spends a long time sowing the seeds of the characters, half the book is spent explaining the relationships of everyone in the street then their histories. Finally after the street party the mystery begins of did Zach inappropriately touch two different girls. The story of Ruby a widow, Melissa a victim of domestic abuse, Nella an ambitious wife and a few others from the street plays out, throughout the book. The ending was unrealistic and left me wishing something more spectacular had happened. I wouldn’t put this book in the category of psychological thrillers, however if presented as a fiction on the lives of women would be more apparent and then would have gained more stars from me. It was not awful and the story telling of the lives of the people on the street was good, however the thriller section was left wanting.
June 8, 2021
“One night. Three Families. Who is lying?”
Oh Yes! This one definitely ticks all the right boxes for me, as an outstanding domestic psychological thriller. No pot-boiling suspense, but a definite slow-burning story about contemporary, no holds barred, family life, in an area of London where the “haves” and the “have nots” are forced to live cheek by jowl, but definitely not always harmoniously!
A story told in the first person by three individual voices, with a couple of rather noisome interjections by a ‘yummy mummy blogger/vlogger’, who has to be the most annoying character in the story. With the storyline being very much rooted in the here and now, there is no complicated timeline to follow and with some well signposted, seamless, short chapters, I always felt on top of the action, if not the individual events, and never having to play catch-up!
From the word ‘go’, I had plenty of bad vibes about where things were heading, however author Claire Seeber, clearly knew how she ultimately wanted to lead me on this journey and she did so with great confidence, skill and total authority, although offering me little comfort or ease along the way. This well structured, multi-layered story, was textured and desperately intense, with an almost palpable and claustrophobic tension which filled the air from the very first sentence, to the very last word. There were so many twists and turns along the way, just ready to trip up the unsuspecting bystander and take them in the wrong direction, although I found that it began to make very little difference to me, as everyone seemed to be guilty of something, leaving me with very little sympathy for just about any of the characters, with the exception of Ruby, Zach and maybe poor Cici. There were times when I just wanted to throw my hands in the air, close the book and walk away from the constant anxt and misery this small and insular group of people had created for themselves. However I really needed to know why this clique of nouveau riche had chosen to open their doors to their rather ‘inferior’ neighbours, as it most certainly wasn’t going to have been for any altruistic reasons, despite their false protestations to the contrary.
With some really well detailed and observationally nuanced narrative, alongside dialogue which was often brutally honest, insensitively harmful and sometimes downright dangerous, the trio of female narrators, Nella, Ruby and Melissa, were allowed their own voices in this unfolding lugubrious melodrama, although never quite in equal share, or with any real authority over the situation. One voice belonging to this class fuelled neighbourhood and who considers herself to be queen of all she surveys; one who is most definitely from the other side of the divide, unsure of why she has been invited into unknown territory and almost frightened that she isn’t going to show herself in a good light, or act in the right way; whilst the third voice is in neither one camp nor the other, aspiring to one, but unable to stop clinging on to the other as a ‘safe’ lifeline. I know which I would consider to be in the most precarious position!
This storyline highlights so clearly the fragility and strengths of family and friendships, morals and values, and the unforgiving nature of jealousy and judgement. In an emotionally draining and soul destroying community, where facade is everything, yet everyone has their dirty little secrets and something to hide, suspicion passes from one character to another as the plot unfolds and the veneer of respectability is peeled back, laying bare the inherent greed, perceived entitlement to wealth, and elitism, lurking just beneath the surface. The tenet that family takes a back seat to prestige and self-advancement, unless of course the former can help achieve the latter is so sad to see, as is the huge influence which is attached to brand names and the power of social media.
If anything, there might have been too many of the social scandals attached to a modern society crammed into such a short timeframe and such a small, insular group of people – drugs, self-harm, sexting, bullying, racism, childhood mental illness, domestic abuse – and that’s just the tip of this massive iceberg. So many lies and secrets, so much duplicitous, vengeful and deceitful behaviour, so much spite and anger. So much hate… And at the end of it all, that final revelation, from a person I already had high on my list, but by no means at the top, about the motive behind this entire debacle, which caused so much grief and heartache to the many broken people they left in their wake.
Our three narrators are female and whilst the story very much holds true to the tenet that “the female of the species is more deadly than the male”, there is also a sprawling cast of additional characters, both female and male, who give these ladies a run for their money. Whilst they are all well developed and defined, unwholesomely complex and emotionally lacking, never genuine or believable, and most certainly not easy to relate to – not that I would have wanted to connect with them anyway!
More succinctly perhaps, I might finally observe:
“never mistake supposed class for true character, or perceived wealth for genuine happiness”
For more about the author and to read extracts from the book, visit:
https://www.fiction-books.biz/reviews...
Oh Yes! This one definitely ticks all the right boxes for me, as an outstanding domestic psychological thriller. No pot-boiling suspense, but a definite slow-burning story about contemporary, no holds barred, family life, in an area of London where the “haves” and the “have nots” are forced to live cheek by jowl, but definitely not always harmoniously!
A story told in the first person by three individual voices, with a couple of rather noisome interjections by a ‘yummy mummy blogger/vlogger’, who has to be the most annoying character in the story. With the storyline being very much rooted in the here and now, there is no complicated timeline to follow and with some well signposted, seamless, short chapters, I always felt on top of the action, if not the individual events, and never having to play catch-up!
From the word ‘go’, I had plenty of bad vibes about where things were heading, however author Claire Seeber, clearly knew how she ultimately wanted to lead me on this journey and she did so with great confidence, skill and total authority, although offering me little comfort or ease along the way. This well structured, multi-layered story, was textured and desperately intense, with an almost palpable and claustrophobic tension which filled the air from the very first sentence, to the very last word. There were so many twists and turns along the way, just ready to trip up the unsuspecting bystander and take them in the wrong direction, although I found that it began to make very little difference to me, as everyone seemed to be guilty of something, leaving me with very little sympathy for just about any of the characters, with the exception of Ruby, Zach and maybe poor Cici. There were times when I just wanted to throw my hands in the air, close the book and walk away from the constant anxt and misery this small and insular group of people had created for themselves. However I really needed to know why this clique of nouveau riche had chosen to open their doors to their rather ‘inferior’ neighbours, as it most certainly wasn’t going to have been for any altruistic reasons, despite their false protestations to the contrary.
With some really well detailed and observationally nuanced narrative, alongside dialogue which was often brutally honest, insensitively harmful and sometimes downright dangerous, the trio of female narrators, Nella, Ruby and Melissa, were allowed their own voices in this unfolding lugubrious melodrama, although never quite in equal share, or with any real authority over the situation. One voice belonging to this class fuelled neighbourhood and who considers herself to be queen of all she surveys; one who is most definitely from the other side of the divide, unsure of why she has been invited into unknown territory and almost frightened that she isn’t going to show herself in a good light, or act in the right way; whilst the third voice is in neither one camp nor the other, aspiring to one, but unable to stop clinging on to the other as a ‘safe’ lifeline. I know which I would consider to be in the most precarious position!
This storyline highlights so clearly the fragility and strengths of family and friendships, morals and values, and the unforgiving nature of jealousy and judgement. In an emotionally draining and soul destroying community, where facade is everything, yet everyone has their dirty little secrets and something to hide, suspicion passes from one character to another as the plot unfolds and the veneer of respectability is peeled back, laying bare the inherent greed, perceived entitlement to wealth, and elitism, lurking just beneath the surface. The tenet that family takes a back seat to prestige and self-advancement, unless of course the former can help achieve the latter is so sad to see, as is the huge influence which is attached to brand names and the power of social media.
If anything, there might have been too many of the social scandals attached to a modern society crammed into such a short timeframe and such a small, insular group of people – drugs, self-harm, sexting, bullying, racism, childhood mental illness, domestic abuse – and that’s just the tip of this massive iceberg. So many lies and secrets, so much duplicitous, vengeful and deceitful behaviour, so much spite and anger. So much hate… And at the end of it all, that final revelation, from a person I already had high on my list, but by no means at the top, about the motive behind this entire debacle, which caused so much grief and heartache to the many broken people they left in their wake.
Our three narrators are female and whilst the story very much holds true to the tenet that “the female of the species is more deadly than the male”, there is also a sprawling cast of additional characters, both female and male, who give these ladies a run for their money. Whilst they are all well developed and defined, unwholesomely complex and emotionally lacking, never genuine or believable, and most certainly not easy to relate to – not that I would have wanted to connect with them anyway!
More succinctly perhaps, I might finally observe:
“never mistake supposed class for true character, or perceived wealth for genuine happiness”
For more about the author and to read extracts from the book, visit:
https://www.fiction-books.biz/reviews...
June 7, 2021
The Street Party is much more of a domestic drama focusing on the lives of neighbours living on the same street and the issues and rampant toxicity that come to a head during a street party rather than a psychological thriller per se, but it was still enjoyable. Northgate Square in the West London Borough of Kensington and Chelsea where double-gated Victorian mansions and sleek Georgian townhouses: brush up against the "ugly inconvenience of concrete tower blocks." Immigrants and council tenants living centimetres from countesses, celebrities and oligarchs. The story revolves around three women and their families in particular. Ruby was recently widowed after her husband, Jonny, was killed in a hit and run and is desperately trying to make ends meet as a florist with her own small business. She has a daughter, Ali, who is currently studying in Berlin and a 15-year-old son Zach who she must now parent alone. She suffers from social anxiety and has felt increasingly isolated since losing Jonny. Melissa is Ruby's best friend and a yoga teacher and personal trainer. She is married to Rex, the headmaster of St Bede's local comprehensive and is stepmother to his daughter Cecelia. She harbours a deep desire for a child of her own but the dark secret she is keeping doesn't exactly bode well in terms of motherhood.
Then there's Nella Jackson and her husband, politician Marcus, who have only recently moved to the area. She's obsessed with money, beauty and maintaining the facade depicting her life as picture-perfect. The Jacksons have a daughter, Willow, and a son, Beau. She works as a media personality on television and has rapidly become the Queen bee of her community. She decides to organise a street party and fundraiser to raise cash for charity but among the fireworks, alcohol and fun, toxicity rears its ugly head and it isn't long before a serious allegation is made; an allegation that'll change the lives of these three women forever. This is a compelling and absorbing drama full of secrets, lies, deception, betrayal, addiction, scandals and domestic violence and the twists and turns interspersed throughout will take you by surprise. It's a slow-burner to start with as the first half introduces the three women and their families: ruthless women and their equally ruthless husbands with kids who are spoiled rotten. There is enough toxicity, envy and bitchiness in this neighbourhood to seriously make you consider moving. Told from the perspective of the three women, the alternating chapters add to the suspense and the plot ultimately highlights how you never know what is going on behind closed doors and shows how multiple people viewing the same incident can perceive it differently.
Then there's Nella Jackson and her husband, politician Marcus, who have only recently moved to the area. She's obsessed with money, beauty and maintaining the facade depicting her life as picture-perfect. The Jacksons have a daughter, Willow, and a son, Beau. She works as a media personality on television and has rapidly become the Queen bee of her community. She decides to organise a street party and fundraiser to raise cash for charity but among the fireworks, alcohol and fun, toxicity rears its ugly head and it isn't long before a serious allegation is made; an allegation that'll change the lives of these three women forever. This is a compelling and absorbing drama full of secrets, lies, deception, betrayal, addiction, scandals and domestic violence and the twists and turns interspersed throughout will take you by surprise. It's a slow-burner to start with as the first half introduces the three women and their families: ruthless women and their equally ruthless husbands with kids who are spoiled rotten. There is enough toxicity, envy and bitchiness in this neighbourhood to seriously make you consider moving. Told from the perspective of the three women, the alternating chapters add to the suspense and the plot ultimately highlights how you never know what is going on behind closed doors and shows how multiple people viewing the same incident can perceive it differently.
October 15, 2025
This audiobook has been putting me to sleep for like two weeks now. Every night, without fail, as soon as I want to sleep, I've started it and was out like a light before Nella's first POV chapter.
So. Great for a bedtime story.
As anything else.....meh. I eventually listened to it during a morning walk and it was engaging enough to make me forget I was doing exercise so maybe yay?
Story seemed all over the place. Too many focal characters, some of whom weren't that important to the central plot.
Not entirely sure I'm into the whole Zack and Cecilia reconciliation. Some things maybe shouldn't be forgivable?
Did not give af about anything going on with Melissa.
Willow needed an ass whooping.
Nella was the only intriguing character. Ruby was fighting too many concurrent demons to truly carve out a personality for herself.
Felt like a story that was trying to be too many things at once, yet at the crux of it was simply petty messy teen drama amongst the adult neighbors who live along one street.
And criminal drama amongst their kids.
May keep the audiobook downloaded as a sleep aid.
So. Great for a bedtime story.
As anything else.....meh. I eventually listened to it during a morning walk and it was engaging enough to make me forget I was doing exercise so maybe yay?
Story seemed all over the place. Too many focal characters, some of whom weren't that important to the central plot.
Not entirely sure I'm into the whole Zack and Cecilia reconciliation. Some things maybe shouldn't be forgivable?
Did not give af about anything going on with Melissa.
Willow needed an ass whooping.
Nella was the only intriguing character. Ruby was fighting too many concurrent demons to truly carve out a personality for herself.
Felt like a story that was trying to be too many things at once, yet at the crux of it was simply petty messy teen drama amongst the adult neighbors who live along one street.
And criminal drama amongst their kids.
May keep the audiobook downloaded as a sleep aid.
April 15, 2022
An event that is supposed to bring the community together will end up changing the lives of two families forever. With conflicting versions of events, and more secrets and lies bubbling under the surface, who is telling the truth? And can anything ever be the same again?
This is the first I've read by this author, and I'm definitely looking forward to reading more. It took a little while to get going, but once I got just over half way it was incredible. It's 100% worth sticking with, because I can see how that build up did maximise the effect of the rest of the book!
A he said/she said/they said with more lies, twists and secrets than you could ever see coming.
This is the first I've read by this author, and I'm definitely looking forward to reading more. It took a little while to get going, but once I got just over half way it was incredible. It's 100% worth sticking with, because I can see how that build up did maximise the effect of the rest of the book!
A he said/she said/they said with more lies, twists and secrets than you could ever see coming.
April 26, 2021
4.16 stars
If the first half of The Street Party had been shorter or faster, I would have enjoyed it more. Although my feelings for the book's beginning are lukewarm, and I was slightly lost following the many characters, Seeber backed up that choice in the second half. The slow start was vital because it allowed us to really know all the characters well by the party's time and understand their actions after the book's important event. To make it clear, I can not fault the second half of the book; it delivered everything I want in a book: terrific characters, consistent arcs, compelling prose, and a thought-provoking ending.
One thing Seeber did really well was developing the characters and making readers understand their motivation. It was hard not to empathize with all the characters, even those whose actions are dubious or morally gray. I mean, all except for Rebekah – she was something else! Bahahaha.
The Street Party is deliciously British. I was there for all the references and slang. When a character gives the "V" as another character walks away, this one scene got me cheering.
The neighbourhood of Northgate Square was brilliantly used as a microcosm of societal injustices, overt racism, elitism, and interconnectedness. One's action will impact more lives than one's own -always. The Street Party was a raw expose of many wrong things in our society and how having someone who supports us can be the determinant in overcoming adversity.
I'm always seeking books with a message of women empowering other women, and Seeber gifted us with notable examples of that.
For my full review on The Street Party Release date check: https://frostawingsit.ca/2021/06/08/t...
Disclaimer: I first read it as an ARC. In exchange for an honest review, I am thankful to Bookouture, NetGalley and Claire Seeber for providing me with a copy of The Street Party.
#FrostaWingsIt #FrostaHeat #ClaireSeeber #Bookouture #TheStreetParty #Thriller #NetGalley #advancedreadercopy #ARC #Kindle #Booksofinstagram #readersofinstagram #bookstagram #bookworm #booklover #bookstagrammer #bookaholic #bookreview #bookreviewer
If the first half of The Street Party had been shorter or faster, I would have enjoyed it more. Although my feelings for the book's beginning are lukewarm, and I was slightly lost following the many characters, Seeber backed up that choice in the second half. The slow start was vital because it allowed us to really know all the characters well by the party's time and understand their actions after the book's important event. To make it clear, I can not fault the second half of the book; it delivered everything I want in a book: terrific characters, consistent arcs, compelling prose, and a thought-provoking ending.
One thing Seeber did really well was developing the characters and making readers understand their motivation. It was hard not to empathize with all the characters, even those whose actions are dubious or morally gray. I mean, all except for Rebekah – she was something else! Bahahaha.
The Street Party is deliciously British. I was there for all the references and slang. When a character gives the "V" as another character walks away, this one scene got me cheering.
The neighbourhood of Northgate Square was brilliantly used as a microcosm of societal injustices, overt racism, elitism, and interconnectedness. One's action will impact more lives than one's own -always. The Street Party was a raw expose of many wrong things in our society and how having someone who supports us can be the determinant in overcoming adversity.
I'm always seeking books with a message of women empowering other women, and Seeber gifted us with notable examples of that.
For my full review on The Street Party Release date check: https://frostawingsit.ca/2021/06/08/t...
Disclaimer: I first read it as an ARC. In exchange for an honest review, I am thankful to Bookouture, NetGalley and Claire Seeber for providing me with a copy of The Street Party.
#FrostaWingsIt #FrostaHeat #ClaireSeeber #Bookouture #TheStreetParty #Thriller #NetGalley #advancedreadercopy #ARC #Kindle #Booksofinstagram #readersofinstagram #bookstagram #bookworm #booklover #bookstagrammer #bookaholic #bookreview #bookreviewer
March 29, 2021
This novel was full of characters who were memes of themselves. There was no one in the story who stood out as a likeable person. All were flawed and none endearing to the reader. When a young man is accused of making unwanted advances toward a young woman, he is immediately arrested. The family does not hire an attorney, but instead speaks to the police without counsel. The the families involved all continue to speak with each other. Thanks to NetGalley And The Publisher for allowing me to be an early reader in exchange for my review.
June 5, 2021
This is a slow burner that didn’t really hit the mark for me.
The story is told from the perspectives of three women who are brought together by a street party and what happens there.
The beginning of the book is quite confusing trying to keep track of who is who, and the street party doesn’t take place until 3/4 the way through the book.
This isn’t really a thriller, but is quite a good read once it gets going.
Thanks to Bookouture and NetGalley for the opportunity to read this book.
The story is told from the perspectives of three women who are brought together by a street party and what happens there.
The beginning of the book is quite confusing trying to keep track of who is who, and the street party doesn’t take place until 3/4 the way through the book.
This isn’t really a thriller, but is quite a good read once it gets going.
Thanks to Bookouture and NetGalley for the opportunity to read this book.
January 21, 2023
No, because I barely understood anything(not because it was thrilling or mysterious). 1.5
August 14, 2021
After a few stops and starts I forced myself to read this book through. Unfortunately, I was never able to really get into this story, so many different people, none of whom I liked didn’t help. I found it to be quite boring and much longer than it needed to be. I thank Netgalley for the opportunity to read and review this book.
June 4, 2021
3 Good Reasons for Fences Stars
* * * Spoiler Free-A Quick Review
This is a tale that highlights how a group of people experiencing the same street party/house party can perceive it totally differently due to where they are, how they feel about who they are observing, and how they see the reactions of others.
When all of the above is questioned by authorities and all the secrets, lies, and actions are added, you have an intriguing idea. A bit slow, yet had its moments.
The Street Party
https://www.goodreads.com/review/show...
A gifted copy was provided by Bookouture via NetGalley for an honest review.
For more Reviews, Free E-books and Giveaways
* * * Spoiler Free-A Quick Review
This is a tale that highlights how a group of people experiencing the same street party/house party can perceive it totally differently due to where they are, how they feel about who they are observing, and how they see the reactions of others.
When all of the above is questioned by authorities and all the secrets, lies, and actions are added, you have an intriguing idea. A bit slow, yet had its moments.
The Street Partyhttps://www.goodreads.com/review/show...
A gifted copy was provided by Bookouture via NetGalley for an honest review.
For more Reviews, Free E-books and Giveaways
July 6, 2021
I wasn't sure about this book at first as I thought it was a bit slow and not very interesting. However I kept with it and it did improve. It told the story from the perspective of different women which was interesting. I gave it 4 stars as it ended up keeping my attention to the end and I wanted to know how it would end. Another good read.
June 12, 2021
The Street Party by Claire Seeber is a domestic drama that focuses on the lives of neighbours living on the same street, Northgate Square in West London. The story revolves around three women and their families, Ruby, Melissa, and Nella. It is Nella Jackson who decides to have a street party. She, along with her husband, politician Marcus, has recently moved to the area. She's obsessed with money, beauty and depicting her life as perfect. The Jacksons have a daughter, Willow, and a son, Beau. She works in media and the party is meant to be a fundraiser for charity but it isn't long before a serious allegation is made that'll change the lives of these three women forever.
I thoroughly enjoyed reading this absorbing drama full of secrets, lies, deception, betrayal, and scandals. It's a slow-burning tale, to begin with as the cast of characters is introduced. The differing perspectives of the three women and the alternating chapters add to the suspense, though the plot is also heavily driven by the actions of the children in the story, too. The story really speeds ahead in the last third for a riveting, thought-provoking ending. A very worthwhile toxic tale.
I received a complimentary copy of this novel at my request from Bookouture via NetGalley. This review is my own unbiased opinion.
I thoroughly enjoyed reading this absorbing drama full of secrets, lies, deception, betrayal, and scandals. It's a slow-burning tale, to begin with as the cast of characters is introduced. The differing perspectives of the three women and the alternating chapters add to the suspense, though the plot is also heavily driven by the actions of the children in the story, too. The story really speeds ahead in the last third for a riveting, thought-provoking ending. A very worthwhile toxic tale.
I received a complimentary copy of this novel at my request from Bookouture via NetGalley. This review is my own unbiased opinion.
July 17, 2022
A slow burner with very unlikable characters. So while the plot does have twists and suspense to keep you engaged. The characters make you interest.
Thank You NetGalley and Bookouture for this ARC!
Thank You NetGalley and Bookouture for this ARC!
June 4, 2021
Ruby’s a widow struggling to make ends meet while raising her teenage son Zach. Melissa is Ruby’s best friend. Married and raising a step-daughter whom she loves, her life appears to be going well, but she’s hiding a horrible secret. Nella is obsessed with wealth, beauty, and flaunting her picture perfect life with her husband, teenage daughter, and young son. She’ll do anything to maintain her better-than-you status in the community, including turning a blind eye to the trouble festering within her own family. A street party to raise money for charity will bring these women together. The events that happen after the party will pull secrets out of the dark and shatter their realities.
Riveting, deceptive, and extremely provocative, “The Street Party” outdoes itself as a psychological thriller. Packed with plenty of heart-in-your-throat moments, the book remains taut with suspense from beginning to end while also tackling important social issues that are at the forefront in today’s world. Author Claire Seeber weaves racism and aspects of the #metoo movement into the story authentically, including sexual assault, tokenism, and stereotyping.
It’s hard to believe this is a book I started out not liking. The first few chapters had me lost. Since the story is told from the first person point of view of the three main characters, it took me a while to get my footing and figure out who’s who. But when I did? Holy smokes! There’s ultra-rich character development in “The Street Party”. Along with vivid descriptions and tension-filled scenes, you also get to experience the thought processes of the characters. Because of this, nothing is revealed quickly. Their thoughts come out as vague and fragmented as your own would seem to someone else. Seeber lets her characters tell the story. She doesn’t try to describe or explain it for them. Not only is it brilliant writing, it also creates another layer of suspense in the book.
Addictive and complex, “The Street Party” had me wide eyed and slack jawed — and unable to put my Kindle down. Quite simply, it’s now one of my favorite psychological thrillers because of the skill that went into the writing. Normally, with this genre, I’d take time to talk about the twists since the shock factor is a cherished part of the reading experience. But not this time. Even though the twists are unforeseen and startling, every single chapter of “The Street Party” is omggood! Someone come find me… this book blew me away.
Thank you to Bookouture and author Claire Seeber for the gifted eARC.
Riveting, deceptive, and extremely provocative, “The Street Party” outdoes itself as a psychological thriller. Packed with plenty of heart-in-your-throat moments, the book remains taut with suspense from beginning to end while also tackling important social issues that are at the forefront in today’s world. Author Claire Seeber weaves racism and aspects of the #metoo movement into the story authentically, including sexual assault, tokenism, and stereotyping.
It’s hard to believe this is a book I started out not liking. The first few chapters had me lost. Since the story is told from the first person point of view of the three main characters, it took me a while to get my footing and figure out who’s who. But when I did? Holy smokes! There’s ultra-rich character development in “The Street Party”. Along with vivid descriptions and tension-filled scenes, you also get to experience the thought processes of the characters. Because of this, nothing is revealed quickly. Their thoughts come out as vague and fragmented as your own would seem to someone else. Seeber lets her characters tell the story. She doesn’t try to describe or explain it for them. Not only is it brilliant writing, it also creates another layer of suspense in the book.
Addictive and complex, “The Street Party” had me wide eyed and slack jawed — and unable to put my Kindle down. Quite simply, it’s now one of my favorite psychological thrillers because of the skill that went into the writing. Normally, with this genre, I’d take time to talk about the twists since the shock factor is a cherished part of the reading experience. But not this time. Even though the twists are unforeseen and startling, every single chapter of “The Street Party” is omggood! Someone come find me… this book blew me away.
Thank you to Bookouture and author Claire Seeber for the gifted eARC.
March 7, 2024
Обикновено съседски интриги и драми са ми любима тема в трилъри и криминални мистерии и почти няма нещо, което да не ми хареса, но тази книга почти уби любовта ми към този тип атмосфера. :/
Първо, с едно 3-4 часа е твърде дълга. Общо е 11 часа, някъде 7-8 щяха да са достатъчно. Твърде много излишен плевел от думи имаше.
Второ, озвучаващите (три жени) не бяха много добри. Мъжките гласове бяха покъртително неприятни. Пълна агония си беше да слушаш тези моменти. Описват ги всичките мъжки герои като толкова привлекателни, но ти просто чуваш безумния начин, по който звучат и няма начин да ги приемеш за нещо повече от клоуни.
Трето, книгата е тотална боза. Героите са покъртително смотани. Отделно има толкова много допълнителни характери, че до края на книгата половината не ги разпознаваш все още. О, и кулминационният момент, към който цялата книга уж се гради - беше толкова безумно абсурден и никакъв, че още стоя и се чудя как това е минало редакция и въобще как тази книга е достигнала публикация. Акълът ми не го побира...
За съжаление, лошите неща не свършиха тук. До края осъзнаваш, че това не е трилър, а някаква странен миш-маш, в който авторката се опитва да представя грандиозни идеи и послания колко е важно жените да се подкрепят и подобни. Не се шегувам. В края една от героините има малък rant момент, в който говори как вярва, че всички жени могат да бъдат приятелки и да се подкрепят, независимо от раса, националност, култура, финанси и подобни...
Нямам думи колко безумно е нещо подобно в книга, която би следвало да е просто трилър и да те забавлява. Дошла съм за човешките драми, не за ted talk. Твърде много неща е искала да бъде авторката и е объркала жанра - ако е искала да пише книга за женската солидарност, да беше написала nonfiction, не трилър.
Първо, с едно 3-4 часа е твърде дълга. Общо е 11 часа, някъде 7-8 щяха да са достатъчно. Твърде много излишен плевел от думи имаше.
Второ, озвучаващите (три жени) не бяха много добри. Мъжките гласове бяха покъртително неприятни. Пълна агония си беше да слушаш тези моменти. Описват ги всичките мъжки герои като толкова привлекателни, но ти просто чуваш безумния начин, по който звучат и няма начин да ги приемеш за нещо повече от клоуни.
Трето, книгата е тотална боза. Героите са покъртително смотани. Отделно има толкова много допълнителни характери, че до края на книгата половината не ги разпознаваш все още. О, и кулминационният момент, към който цялата книга уж се гради - беше толкова безумно абсурден и никакъв, че още стоя и се чудя как това е минало редакция и въобще как тази книга е достигнала публикация. Акълът ми не го побира...
За съжаление, лошите неща не свършиха тук. До края осъзнаваш, че това не е трилър, а някаква странен миш-маш, в който авторката се опитва да представя грандиозни идеи и послания колко е важно жените да се подкрепят и подобни. Не се шегувам. В края една от героините има малък rant момент, в който говори как вярва, че всички жени могат да бъдат приятелки и да се подкрепят, независимо от раса, националност, култура, финанси и подобни...
Нямам думи колко безумно е нещо подобно в книга, която би следвало да е просто трилър и да те забавлява. Дошла съм за човешките драми, не за ted talk. Твърде много неща е искала да бъде авторката и е объркала жанра - ако е искала да пише книга за женската солидарност, да беше написала nonfiction, не трилър.
June 12, 2021
Narrated by Ruby single mum to Zach, Melissa yoga teacher, married and Ruby’s best friend and Nella ex television presenter with the picture perfect life and an unhealthy obsession with being rich.
Set in the Notting Hill area of London where the haves live beside the have nots this has very much a keeping up with the Jones’s attitude. Where the perfect facades hides a mountain of dirt behind the closed doors.
Now I abhor snobbery and judgement of any kind based on money. The nicest and most generous people are often the ones with little money and the wealthiest are often the meanest (probably why they have so much in the first place).
So a street party for charity bringing them all together seems like a fabulous idea (if you’re two sandwiches short of a picnic that is). The rest of us know this is a ticking time bomb and boy does it go off with a bang. Accusations are made, the police are called and this street becomes more divided than before.
This is a character driven slow burning book that I would put more in the family drama than thriller category. There are characters you will loathe with a passion (most of them) and topics that will stir your emotions. You will ache for sisterhood rather than women judging other women through jealousy and turning against each other.
I would thoroughly recommend this to people who enjoyed Desperate Housewives and Big Little Lies.
Set in the Notting Hill area of London where the haves live beside the have nots this has very much a keeping up with the Jones’s attitude. Where the perfect facades hides a mountain of dirt behind the closed doors.
Now I abhor snobbery and judgement of any kind based on money. The nicest and most generous people are often the ones with little money and the wealthiest are often the meanest (probably why they have so much in the first place).
So a street party for charity bringing them all together seems like a fabulous idea (if you’re two sandwiches short of a picnic that is). The rest of us know this is a ticking time bomb and boy does it go off with a bang. Accusations are made, the police are called and this street becomes more divided than before.
This is a character driven slow burning book that I would put more in the family drama than thriller category. There are characters you will loathe with a passion (most of them) and topics that will stir your emotions. You will ache for sisterhood rather than women judging other women through jealousy and turning against each other.
I would thoroughly recommend this to people who enjoyed Desperate Housewives and Big Little Lies.
June 6, 2021
The Street Party focuses on the events leading up to, including and following on from The Street Party which is organised to raise money following a tragedy in the area.
However I just found it to be a mismatch of characters that were involved in the organisation of this event.
There didn’t seem to be anything that bonded all the characters except for this party. I didn’t feel attached to any particular character and actually struggled with the various underlying themes as I kind of felt they just got lost
I found the various attempts at accents of the characters to be extremely off putting and at times almost laughable to the extent I almost didn’t finish listening. The narrator that voiced Ruby was by far the best of a bad bunch I’m afraid to say
However I just found it to be a mismatch of characters that were involved in the organisation of this event.
There didn’t seem to be anything that bonded all the characters except for this party. I didn’t feel attached to any particular character and actually struggled with the various underlying themes as I kind of felt they just got lost
I found the various attempts at accents of the characters to be extremely off putting and at times almost laughable to the extent I almost didn’t finish listening. The narrator that voiced Ruby was by far the best of a bad bunch I’m afraid to say
June 11, 2021
3.5 stars: The Street Party is advertised as a thriller, but I think it fits more into a domestic drama, or women's fiction with suspense. It focuses on the group of neighbours living in Northgate Square in Wes London. The story revolves around three women and their families. Ruby a recently widowed, working mother with two children, Melissa, Ruby's best friend who is married to Rex, the headmaster of St Bede's and is stepmother to his daughter Cecelia, and Nella Jackson who is married to local politician Marcus. She is obsessed with money, beauty and putting on airs of having a perfect life. She has a daughter, Willow, and a young son, Beau. Nella decides to organize a street party and fundraiser to raise cash for charity and give her husband an opportunity to shake some hands and raise support for his newest political endeavour. Fireworks, alcohol, drugs and fun sounds like a wonderful time, but something happens at the party that'll change the lives of these three women and their families forever.
The women are the main focus of the story, but it is the actions of their children that drive a lot of it. There is an allegation by one of the young women that puts things in motion that will change lives. Some of these kids are spoiled rotten, but giving gifts, money and protecting them from failing is not what kids need and trying to get attention often has problems. This story is a slow burn, with the first half of the story, setting the stage and introducing the families. These families are all very different and dealing with different issues, but they all have problems. The story is told from the POV of the three women. They alternate between chapters and I was often left wondering who was telling the truth. All three women pretend everything is great on the outside but behind closed doors it tells a different story. The story sped up for the last third and it kept me riveted. This story reminded a bit of Big, Little Lies with characters that didn't always present themselves honestly. This story was full of secrets, lies, deception, betrayal, addiction, scandals and domestic violence. There were some twists and turns throughout the story and some things that took me by surprise. This is a neighbourhood that I definitely don't want to move into, but I did care about several of the characters and was cheering for a certain outcome. The audiobook is narrated by three performers, Anna Cordell, Laura Brydon, and Nano Nagle. This gave each of the women their own voice which was wonderful as you could always tell which woman was sharing her story. This added to the enjoyment of the story, as I always prefer books with a cast of narrator. If you enjoy a good community story, with some well-written characters, toxicity, lies and suspense, then pick up The Street Party. There is some sexual assault and abusive relationships, so if these are triggers for you, be warned. The publisher generously provided me with a copy of this book upon request. The rating and opinions shared are my own.
The women are the main focus of the story, but it is the actions of their children that drive a lot of it. There is an allegation by one of the young women that puts things in motion that will change lives. Some of these kids are spoiled rotten, but giving gifts, money and protecting them from failing is not what kids need and trying to get attention often has problems. This story is a slow burn, with the first half of the story, setting the stage and introducing the families. These families are all very different and dealing with different issues, but they all have problems. The story is told from the POV of the three women. They alternate between chapters and I was often left wondering who was telling the truth. All three women pretend everything is great on the outside but behind closed doors it tells a different story. The story sped up for the last third and it kept me riveted. This story reminded a bit of Big, Little Lies with characters that didn't always present themselves honestly. This story was full of secrets, lies, deception, betrayal, addiction, scandals and domestic violence. There were some twists and turns throughout the story and some things that took me by surprise. This is a neighbourhood that I definitely don't want to move into, but I did care about several of the characters and was cheering for a certain outcome. The audiobook is narrated by three performers, Anna Cordell, Laura Brydon, and Nano Nagle. This gave each of the women their own voice which was wonderful as you could always tell which woman was sharing her story. This added to the enjoyment of the story, as I always prefer books with a cast of narrator. If you enjoy a good community story, with some well-written characters, toxicity, lies and suspense, then pick up The Street Party. There is some sexual assault and abusive relationships, so if these are triggers for you, be warned. The publisher generously provided me with a copy of this book upon request. The rating and opinions shared are my own.
April 27, 2021
Description
The party was supposed to be the highlight of the summer. If only I’d known that night would destroy our lives…
All the neighbours were laughing, drinking out of plastic glasses and getting along. I almost felt happy. Almost forgot about the terrible argument earlier and the sinister messages I’d been receiving from a strange address all week, threatening to expose the lies behind my perfect life.
As we finished with the red and gold fireworks and welcomed everyone back to our house, I believed that everything would be okay.
But I didn’t know who I was inviting in.
I never could have imagined what would happen here, in our home, after I’d gone up to bed.
Everyone saw something different.
It’s my daughter’s word against the story the boy from down the road is telling. But how can I find out what really happened that night without everyone finding out the truth about me
✍️✍️✍️✍️✍️✍️✍️✍️✍️✍️✍️✍️
This story takes place involving three friends from different backgrounds who plan a street party / fund raiser that goes wrong in the worst way. Cops are called and it takes off from there...
I really enjoyed this book and I really like this Authors work. It had mystery, intriguing parts, jealousy and plenty of ah-ha moments. I always love the alternating points of view. Everyone has secrets it seems and are trying their best not to let it get out. This was indeed a slow burn for me and I savored every moment. The plot stayed at a steady pace and the action was non stop making you want more . I would definitely recommend this book. Thank you to Netgalley for the opportunity to review this book for my honest opinion
#NETGALLEY. 📚📚📚📚📚📚📚
The party was supposed to be the highlight of the summer. If only I’d known that night would destroy our lives…
All the neighbours were laughing, drinking out of plastic glasses and getting along. I almost felt happy. Almost forgot about the terrible argument earlier and the sinister messages I’d been receiving from a strange address all week, threatening to expose the lies behind my perfect life.
As we finished with the red and gold fireworks and welcomed everyone back to our house, I believed that everything would be okay.
But I didn’t know who I was inviting in.
I never could have imagined what would happen here, in our home, after I’d gone up to bed.
Everyone saw something different.
It’s my daughter’s word against the story the boy from down the road is telling. But how can I find out what really happened that night without everyone finding out the truth about me
✍️✍️✍️✍️✍️✍️✍️✍️✍️✍️✍️✍️
This story takes place involving three friends from different backgrounds who plan a street party / fund raiser that goes wrong in the worst way. Cops are called and it takes off from there...
I really enjoyed this book and I really like this Authors work. It had mystery, intriguing parts, jealousy and plenty of ah-ha moments. I always love the alternating points of view. Everyone has secrets it seems and are trying their best not to let it get out. This was indeed a slow burn for me and I savored every moment. The plot stayed at a steady pace and the action was non stop making you want more . I would definitely recommend this book. Thank you to Netgalley for the opportunity to review this book for my honest opinion
#NETGALLEY. 📚📚📚📚📚📚📚
June 18, 2021
The community of Northgate Square is made up of wealthy and not so wealthy residents. Each year, they have a street party where neighbors get together for bake sales, clothing and home sales, face painting, fireworks and more with proceeds all going to charity.
This year, Nella and Marcus Jackson are heading up the planning. They are quite wealthy and Marcus is hoping to run for Prime Minister. Their daughter, Willow, is a pretty girl but will be going to public instead of private school and Nella wants her to meet some other students from public school. They also have a young son named Beau.
Ruby is the widow of Jonny working at her florist shop to make ends meet. Her daughter is living in Berlin and her teenage son, Zach, a mixed race boy, is in public school.
Melissa teaches yoga and is married to Rex, a pompous man who works at the public school. Cecelia, Rex’s daughter from his first marriage, lives with them. Melissa has never been able to have children which makes her very sad.
As the planning meetings begin, we see the true colors of the Jacksons as they field their way using the help of Ruby, Melissa, and others to get the street party together. After the party, some awful accusations appear leaving some people devastated.
It was hard for me to continue to read this book because I couldn’t figure out what the point of the story is. I refused to give up because Bookouture is the publisher and they have been so kind to by allowing me to read and review many of their novels. What I got out of the story is how wealth and privilege can sometimes produce children who feel they can bully others with no consequences. There is a lot of alcohol consumed by the adults and even by the children. Marital abuse is also a factor. An interesting read if you have the time.
Copy provided by NetGalley in exchange for a fair and honest review.
This year, Nella and Marcus Jackson are heading up the planning. They are quite wealthy and Marcus is hoping to run for Prime Minister. Their daughter, Willow, is a pretty girl but will be going to public instead of private school and Nella wants her to meet some other students from public school. They also have a young son named Beau.
Ruby is the widow of Jonny working at her florist shop to make ends meet. Her daughter is living in Berlin and her teenage son, Zach, a mixed race boy, is in public school.
Melissa teaches yoga and is married to Rex, a pompous man who works at the public school. Cecelia, Rex’s daughter from his first marriage, lives with them. Melissa has never been able to have children which makes her very sad.
As the planning meetings begin, we see the true colors of the Jacksons as they field their way using the help of Ruby, Melissa, and others to get the street party together. After the party, some awful accusations appear leaving some people devastated.
It was hard for me to continue to read this book because I couldn’t figure out what the point of the story is. I refused to give up because Bookouture is the publisher and they have been so kind to by allowing me to read and review many of their novels. What I got out of the story is how wealth and privilege can sometimes produce children who feel they can bully others with no consequences. There is a lot of alcohol consumed by the adults and even by the children. Marital abuse is also a factor. An interesting read if you have the time.
Copy provided by NetGalley in exchange for a fair and honest review.
May 26, 2021
This book was fab. It held lots of tension, was diverse and had me wanting to find out more.
It is told from 3 women’s perspectives and focuses on the lead up to a social event “The Street Party” which is also a political campaign for one of the main characters husband, and the events that happens during the party. This story is full of deceit, lies, blackmail, and how people will try to portray their lives to be something that they are not, and go to great lengths to prove that.
It was a bit of a slow burn to start but it’s worth persevering through. As the story unfolds you get a glimpse of the lives of three very different women and their family lives, and the troubles they have/are facing. With the street party intertwining them all together. There are different family dynamics involved in the book and I like the diversity and true-to-life attitudes and issues that the story has welcomed into its pages. It gives it a real modern day London feel, which the author has captured fantastically!
I enjoyed this audio book version which I switched between that and the ebook version. The narrator brought the story to life with her expressive narration and different character voices. She used difference accents and emotion in her reading and helped bring it to life for me. I found myself using a similar style of voice in my head, when reading through the ebook.
** I received an advanced copy of this audio book to listen to and review. Thank you NetGalley, the author and publisher for allowing me this opportunity **
It is told from 3 women’s perspectives and focuses on the lead up to a social event “The Street Party” which is also a political campaign for one of the main characters husband, and the events that happens during the party. This story is full of deceit, lies, blackmail, and how people will try to portray their lives to be something that they are not, and go to great lengths to prove that.
It was a bit of a slow burn to start but it’s worth persevering through. As the story unfolds you get a glimpse of the lives of three very different women and their family lives, and the troubles they have/are facing. With the street party intertwining them all together. There are different family dynamics involved in the book and I like the diversity and true-to-life attitudes and issues that the story has welcomed into its pages. It gives it a real modern day London feel, which the author has captured fantastically!
I enjoyed this audio book version which I switched between that and the ebook version. The narrator brought the story to life with her expressive narration and different character voices. She used difference accents and emotion in her reading and helped bring it to life for me. I found myself using a similar style of voice in my head, when reading through the ebook.
** I received an advanced copy of this audio book to listen to and review. Thank you NetGalley, the author and publisher for allowing me this opportunity **
June 2, 2021
Thank you to Netgalley, WF Howes and Claire Seeber for my audio review copy of The Street Party in exchange for an honest review.
Publishing: 8th June 2021
When things go awry at a street party in a fashionable London borough one summer evening, everyone has their own version of the story to tell. Following three women; Nella a rich, ex tv presenter with the perfect house, perfect life, perfect family, Ruby, widowed and trying her best to bring up son Zac on her own, and Melissa the yoga teacher and wife of the Assistant Head of the local comp the story looks at each of them and their views on what happened that night at the street party. With everyone questioning the truth it’s hard to know who to believe.
This wasn’t a great read for me sadly. It felt hard to place it in a genre it wasn’t really a thriller, more like a family drama type of book trying to be a thriller. I don’t know if listening to it on audio made it harder to like because the narrators didn’t really suit the characters. Nella for a start sounded like she was a lot older than she was supposed to be (no offence at all to the narrator I just felt the voice and accent made me picture a much older woman). The story never really got gripping and was peppered with a lot of ‘lessons’ which also didn’t feel like they fit right. All in all it was quite jumbled and messy. Very much a slow burn and very much not a thriller.
Publishing: 8th June 2021
When things go awry at a street party in a fashionable London borough one summer evening, everyone has their own version of the story to tell. Following three women; Nella a rich, ex tv presenter with the perfect house, perfect life, perfect family, Ruby, widowed and trying her best to bring up son Zac on her own, and Melissa the yoga teacher and wife of the Assistant Head of the local comp the story looks at each of them and their views on what happened that night at the street party. With everyone questioning the truth it’s hard to know who to believe.
This wasn’t a great read for me sadly. It felt hard to place it in a genre it wasn’t really a thriller, more like a family drama type of book trying to be a thriller. I don’t know if listening to it on audio made it harder to like because the narrators didn’t really suit the characters. Nella for a start sounded like she was a lot older than she was supposed to be (no offence at all to the narrator I just felt the voice and accent made me picture a much older woman). The story never really got gripping and was peppered with a lot of ‘lessons’ which also didn’t feel like they fit right. All in all it was quite jumbled and messy. Very much a slow burn and very much not a thriller.
May 8, 2021
The Street Party is populated by a seemingly awful array of characters who for reasons of their own are all engaged in putting on a street party for the local community.
It took me a while to get into the novel but once I did, it took off with multiple sub-plots to capture the reader's attention. Indeed it is only really once you are into the second part of the book that you realise the points of some of the earlier scenes. With Northgate Square housing the rich and poor(er) jowl to jowl, the scenes hold a light up to the society as many of us know it with the big news stories that have hit us over the last few years playing out in smaller, but in some ways all more revealing on the pages of this novel.
So you, like me, may find yourself expecting a psychological thriller hurtling along with twists and turns and find yourself caught up in a tale that packs a surer punch really pulling on your emotions with care about characters who have done little to redeem themselves thus far. I don't think I will forget this one in a hurry!
It took me a while to get into the novel but once I did, it took off with multiple sub-plots to capture the reader's attention. Indeed it is only really once you are into the second part of the book that you realise the points of some of the earlier scenes. With Northgate Square housing the rich and poor(er) jowl to jowl, the scenes hold a light up to the society as many of us know it with the big news stories that have hit us over the last few years playing out in smaller, but in some ways all more revealing on the pages of this novel.
So you, like me, may find yourself expecting a psychological thriller hurtling along with twists and turns and find yourself caught up in a tale that packs a surer punch really pulling on your emotions with care about characters who have done little to redeem themselves thus far. I don't think I will forget this one in a hurry!
June 5, 2021
2.5 stars
CW: death of spouse/parent, sexual assault accusations, racism, domestic violence
Thank you to NetGalley and Bookouture for an advanced electronic copy of this book in exchange for an honest review!
The mix of characters who have volunteered to help with the street party are all dealing with their own things - being a newly single parent to a teenager, a struggling marriage, keeping up stepmother and trophy wife appearances.... little does everyone know that not all is as it seems, and this street party just might bring things to light.
This book took a while to pick up, and I wanted to abandon it, but knew I had to stick it through. It did get better around 30% into the story, but it didn't really get moving until 50%. With that being said, I'm not one for a slow burn, so this one wasn't for me. Also, this is more drama than thriller/mystery, though there is an aspect of "who is telling the truth?" Overall, an interesting concept, but not a book I'd recommend to others.
CW: death of spouse/parent, sexual assault accusations, racism, domestic violence
Thank you to NetGalley and Bookouture for an advanced electronic copy of this book in exchange for an honest review!
The mix of characters who have volunteered to help with the street party are all dealing with their own things - being a newly single parent to a teenager, a struggling marriage, keeping up stepmother and trophy wife appearances.... little does everyone know that not all is as it seems, and this street party just might bring things to light.
This book took a while to pick up, and I wanted to abandon it, but knew I had to stick it through. It did get better around 30% into the story, but it didn't really get moving until 50%. With that being said, I'm not one for a slow burn, so this one wasn't for me. Also, this is more drama than thriller/mystery, though there is an aspect of "who is telling the truth?" Overall, an interesting concept, but not a book I'd recommend to others.
July 5, 2021
I'm a little bummed with the categorization of this book. I went into this book thinking it was going to be a thriller, but it was definitely not that at all. It was a political/cliche ridden family drama that was a very slow burn. If I would have known that, I would not have chosen this book since that is not my type of book to read. If you love this type of genre, this book is perfect for you.
This book hit all the major hot topics: domestic abuse, infidelity, racism, blackmail, #metoo, gun violence, drugs, slavery, LBGTQ, death of a spouse, infertility, and more. There were far too many side stories to make this book cohesive.
I was actually pretty annoyed with how book portrayed date rape and the #metoo movement. It made it out to be a joke which doesn't help victims going forward.
Thanks Netgalley and publisher for the digital copy in exchange for my honest review!
This book hit all the major hot topics: domestic abuse, infidelity, racism, blackmail, #metoo, gun violence, drugs, slavery, LBGTQ, death of a spouse, infertility, and more. There were far too many side stories to make this book cohesive.
I was actually pretty annoyed with how book portrayed date rape and the #metoo movement. It made it out to be a joke which doesn't help victims going forward.
Thanks Netgalley and publisher for the digital copy in exchange for my honest review!
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