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The Party at No. 12

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Hannah smiles at her guests. In this grand house rented specially for the evening, everyone admires the sparkling chandelier and raises a glass to say goodbye before Hannah moves away from this little town for good. But the next day, one of them lies cold and lifeless in their bed…

The day of her leaving party, Hannah Ford is nervous. With so many secrets and lies over the years between her friends, and arguments between her sisters, is it really a good idea to gather everyone together? But her mother insists that, after Hannah’s divorce and job struggles, she deserves a send-off to remember. So they all plaster on fake smiles and put aside their rifts for an evening of celebrations.

In the morning, one of the guests is found dead.

Hannah is desperate to tell the police. But every single guest has something to hide, or someone to protect. The group insists: they will deal with this themselves.

After all, it must have been an accident. Perhaps too much wine, on a night where emotions were running high.

But what if it wasn’t?

And what if this was just the first victim?

An absolutely unputdownable thriller that won’t let you sleep until you’ve reached the final page! Perfect for fans of Lisa Jewell, The Hunting Party and Shari Lapena.

304 pages, Kindle Edition

First published March 11, 2022

862 people are currently reading
1031 people want to read

About the author

Kerry Wilkinson

72 books1,084 followers
Recent and upcoming UK releases:
24 October 2023: The Night Of The Sleepover
15 December 2023: After The Sleepover
2024: The Girl On The Side Of The Road
2024: The Missing Body

Kerry Wilkinson has sold more than two million books - and had No.1 crime bestsellers in the UK, Australia, Canada, South Africa and Singapore. He has also written two top-20 thrillers in the United States. His book, Ten Birthdays, won the RNA award for Young Adult Novel of the Year in 2018 and Close To You won the International Thriller Award for best ebook in 2020.

As well as his Jessica Daniel series, Kerry has written a trilogy featuring private investigator Andrew Hunter, the Whitecliff series, the Silver Blackthorn trilogy - a fantasy-adventure serial for young adults - plus numerous standalone novels. He has been published around the world in more than a dozen languages.

Originally from the county of Somerset, Kerry spent way too long living in the north of England, picking up words like 'barm' and 'ginnel'.

When he's short of ideas, he rides his bike, hikes up something, or bakes cakes. When he's not, he writes it all down.

Find out more at: http://kerrywilkinson.com or http://facebook.com/KerryWilkinsonBooks

Find out more at: his website or Facebook

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5 stars
269 (25%)
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385 (37%)
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300 (28%)
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 233 reviews
Profile Image for Kaceey.
1,540 reviews4,615 followers
April 3, 2022
I’m a huge Kerry Wilkinson fan, so when I saw his latest release offered as an audio I couldn’t resist! And once again… he delivers!

Newly divorced, Hannah decides to throw herself a well-deserved going away party for herself before setting off on a dream trip abroad. She’s even rented a house so she can have her family and a few of her closest friends over to celebrate.

But of course, not everyone gets along. Not everyone feels welcome. Not everyone will survive the night!

This was truly a superb, thrilling audio. Though guessing the ending correctly I still savored every single minute. So good in fact I flew through this one in just a few sittings.

Already looking forward to see what this author is cooking up next! Once again, I might hold out for the audio!

Posted to: https://books-are-a-girls-best-friend...

Thank you to NetGalley and Bookouture Audio.🎧
Profile Image for Debra .
3,308 reviews36.5k followers
March 13, 2022
3.5 stars

Kerry Wilkinson writes fast paced twisty page turners that never disappoint!

Hannah is moving away! To celebrate a beautiful home has been rented and friends and family have been invited. Should make for a fun filled send off. But there are secrets and resentments in the group. But they gather themselves together, determined to have a good time despite all the water under the bridge.

In the morning one of them is dead!

Hannah wants to ring the police but as I mentioned, everyone has secrets and something to hide. They decide to take matters into their own hands. As they stumble over their secrets and lies, will someone stumble over the truth?

Another fun and engaging read by Wilkinson. I enjoyed switching back and forth between the book and audiobook. I often have an inkling as to whodunit, but this time, I didn't have a clue. Although not my favorite book by Wilkinson, I enjoyed this one and enjoyed not knowing what really happened until the ending.

Thank you to Bookouture, Bookouture Audio and NetGalley who provided me with a copy of this book in exchange for an honest review. All the thoughts and opinions are my own.

Read more of my reviews at www.openbookposts.com

Profile Image for Allison Faught.
381 reviews217 followers
March 11, 2022
Happy publication day! 🤗
This is only the second audiobook I’ve ever listened to so naturally I’m still getting the hang of not letting my mind wander and resisting the urge to clean the house while I listen! 😂 However, the narrators were great and it was very calming listening to this book despite the heavy plot.
I did not want to stop listening to what happened next! Most chapters left off on a cliffhanger to make you itch for more. I loved how gripping it was and how many pieces to the puzzle there were to make you wonder where they all fit. There’s something comforting about all your questions being answered as it’s the perfect closure to a book.
There were times when you have to believe the unbelievable and some of the decisions made are so wildly out of reality, but it didn’t draw me away from the story. I felt very entertained throughout and would be very interested in reading more from this author.
A huge thank you to NetGalley for providing me with an ARC.
4⭐️
Profile Image for Lisa.
931 reviews
Read
June 11, 2022
Not rating as I didn’t get had way this half way had up& down reviews for me it was a struggle the dialogue was awful & the characters were not for me the prose didn’t resonate with me either. Let’s just say this has been done a thousand times before so it’s nothing new people at a party the next day someone is dead uggh so annoying.
Profile Image for Tonya.
799 reviews198 followers
July 5, 2022
This was a twisty ride! Someone turns up dead at a sleepover and the mystery begins. Secrets and lies fuel this suspenseful thriller driven by deception and betrayal. Is a killer among them? Was the death an unfortunate accident, or is something more sinister at play! Fast paced, intriguing and extremely entertaining! This is the first book I have read by this author, but certainly won’t be the last. Thank you NetGalley and Bookouture for my copy.
Profile Image for Nicole.
494 reviews270 followers
March 11, 2022
This was just ok for me. I listened to the audiobook and found it hard to get through for multiple reasons including the narration. I did not like the narrators at all. The story reminded me of numerous other stories that I’ve read before. The only thing that made me chuckle was Sia’s Chandelier song continuously playing as I read this. If you know you know.

Hannah Ford is moving away from her small town and decides to say farewell to her friends and family by having a party. The gathering has her on edge because she’s not exactly on the best terms with her guests. The next morning one of the party guests is found dead.

Everyone in attendance is a suspect. Each has something to hide therefore it is decided that they will deal with the situation themselves. Was it an accident or is someone out to get them all?

Thank you to Netgalley and Bookouture Audio for this arc in exchange for my honest review.
Profile Image for Kat.
Author 14 books612 followers
February 17, 2022
Another outstanding psychological thriller by Kerry Wilkinson.

Hannah Ford’s grandmother has recently passed away and she left a good sum of money to her three granddaughters. Hannah is planning to spend hers on a trip around the world, but before she goes, she’s having a big send-off party. Eight women are invited to the party, including Hannah’s two sisters, her mother, several childhood friends, and a mother of the friend. During the party, there is an accident. In the morning, someone winds up dead.

From there, things get very interesting. Everyone in the group has a reason to fear going to the police, or someone else in the group they are willing to protect. And so they decide to do the unthinkable. Surely no one will come looking for the person who died?

This was such an addictive read, I couldn’t put it down. You have the eight people who were at the party who are now frantically trying to cover up what they’ve done. Someone who knows the deceased is trying to uncover the truth. Added twists in the second half of the book make this a fantastic read from start to finish. I am a big fan of Kerry Wilkinson and have read most of his standalones and many of his Jessica Daniels books and this is one of his best books to date. A really well-crafted mystery.

Disclaimer: I received a complimentary ARC copy of this book from Bookouture and NetGalley for review purposes.
Profile Image for Karine.
244 reviews76 followers
February 16, 2022
Eight women enter a house on a Saturday, but only seven will be alive on Sunday morning. Hey, you just got my undivided attention!

A rapid and enjoyable read, that is IF you are willing to suspend all disbelief. Ow dear, ow dear, there is not one of those seven that behaves logically or with any sense of maturity or responsibility. Of course, there would be no mystery if someone called the police right away. So I'm sorry, but you will have to accept that people will do very strange things when under stress to get past that point. Then you get to the end, and I found it very unlikely that the culprit would murder for this particular reason. But then again, people have killed for less, I'm sure.

But then the plot is quite good actually. It is well paced and the different pov's make it interesting. What I didn't like, and why it only got 2,5 - 3 stars is the very clinical writing. No long winding beautiful sentences, but just what you need to know to get further in the story. For example the city where it all takes place stays an anonymous town, with roads, shops and traffic signs; nothing to carve a soul into the streets and the buildings that forms it. And it is the same with the characters: you will know all you need to know to get the plot along, nothing more.

If you crave a quick whodunnit then this is just right for you. If you expect some literary fiction with a mystery twist, then give it a pass.

A sincere thanks to NetGalley, Bookouture and the author for an advanced copy in exchange for an honest review.
Profile Image for Danielle B.
1,334 reviews218 followers
March 13, 2022
With Hannah’s grandmother recently passing, she received a generous inheritance and has decided to travel abroad. She rents a nice place for her mom, friends and sisters to celebrate before she leaves for her trip. The next morning when they wake someone is found dead. Now they are trying to figure out what to do. Do they call the police? Or do they hide the body? There is much at risk here. Lots of secrets to be told and past history that is not the best between everyone. Who committed this crime and will they be brought to justice?

This was my first book by Kerry Wilkinson and I really enjoyed it. It was a quick and easy read with a lot surprises along the way. The ending was short and to the point and left me satisfied. I would definitely read more books by this author.

Many thanks to NetGalley and Bookouture for my ARC in exchange for my honest review.

This review will be posted to my Instagram Blog (@coffee.break.book.reviews) in the near future.
Profile Image for Barbara Schultz.
4,242 reviews310 followers
March 9, 2022
Name of Book: The Party at No. 12
Author: Kerry Wilkinson
Genre: Psychological Thriller
Publisher: Bookouture
Pub Date: March 11, 2022
My Rating: 4


The promo on this got my attention and I was expecting a fun read.

Hannah Ford’s grandmother recently died and left an inheritance to her three granddaughters.
Hannah is in the thirties and recently divorced. She recently moved back home to live with her mother and two younger sister.
Her sisters talk her into taking a trip around the world an also help plan a little “Leaving ~ Get Together".
A large beautiful party house was rented for the evening and seven guests were invited ~
o Hannah’s family her mother and two sisters Beth and Charlotte, and her aunt Dawn,
o Also childhood friends ~ Sophie and Catherine
o as well as Sophie’s Mother Janet.
The going away party is low key ~ eating, drinking and chit chat, however Hannah does want to play board games. Catherine was invited at the last minute and is excited about a fun party. In fact late in the evening she climbs on a cabinet and swings from the beautiful chandelier. ~ Really!
She falls and is injured with cuts and bruises but doesn’t want medical attention ~ states she is fine. The next morning she is found dead.

Hannah wants to call the police but is talked out of it; everyone appears to have a reason for being fearful if the police are called. They make the decision to just pretend it never happened and that Catherine never arrived. (Okay this seems like a bad idea but if they called the police, this story wouldn’t be nearly so entertaining.)

There is a flaw in pretending Catherine never attended the party as Catherine’s coworker Zach dropped her off at the party and is now wondering why he cannot reach her.

Story is told from the POV of Hannah and Zach; each telling the story from both sides of the investigation.

A typically psychological thriller with twists and turns; author, Wilkinson gives us just enough info to totally mislead us as to whodunit.
This was a nice surprise! Totally enjoyed it!
Narrators Tamsin Kennard and Andrew Kingston both did a great job in performing the characters~ their beautiful British accents was a delightful addition and made the audiobook so enjoyable!

I am a big psychological thriller fan; however, I was not familiar with Kerry Wilkinson novels. He is a UK writer and has had several ‘Best Selling Crime stories.
I am now looking forward to another of his stories ~ I have a new fav author!!


Want to thank NetGalley and Bookouture for this eGalley. This file has been made available to me before publication in an early form for an honest professional review.
Publishing Release Date scheduled for March 11, 2022.
Profile Image for Gary.
3,092 reviews426 followers
February 20, 2022
This is a typical Kerry Wilkinson novel, fast paced, lots of suspense and a page turner, what more could you ask for.

Hannah has inherited money and is moving away from the family home for good. To celebrate, Hannah and her family and friends are holding a get together at a rented house. But the next day, one of them is dead.

Hannah wants to call the police but every single guest has something to hide, or someone to protect. Against Hannah’s wishes the group insists on taking matters into their own hands. Surely the death was an accident.

An exciting read that will keep you gripped, full of twists and turns and surprises.

I would like to thank both Netgalley and Bookouture for supplying a copy of this novel in exchange for an honest review.
Profile Image for Louise Wilson.
3,720 reviews1,696 followers
February 27, 2022
3.5 stars rounded up to 4

The day of the leaving party, Hannah Ford is nervous. With so many secrets and lies over the years between her friends, and arrangements between her sisters, is it really a good idea to gather everyone together? But her mother insists that, after Hannah's divorce and job struggles, she deserves a send-off to remember. So they plaster on fake smiles and put aside their rifts for an evening of celebrations. In the morning, one guest is found dead.

Eight women go to a house they've rented for a leaving party, but only seven are alive in the morning. How could a leaving party end up with one person dead? Everyone of the characters have secrets. What did happen at no. 12 is slowly drip fed to us and more suspects are revealed. Hannah's mother makes some dreadful decisions, she should have had more sense. There's a few twists and the ending was a surprise. Although this was a good read, some of the decisions were questionable.

I would like to thank #NetGalley #Bookouture and the author #KerryWilkinson for my ARC of #ThePartyAtNo12 in exchange for an honest review.
Profile Image for Julie (JuJu).
1,201 reviews220 followers
April 7, 2022
This was my first book by the author. The cover is lovely and the book blurb is very enticing. The author’s descriptive writing style is very entertaining and I had quite a few giggles! At one point he compared the way someone walked to that of a “constipated crab”. That’s a new one for me!

But the story itself wasn’t for me. This is the second audiobook I’ve listened to recently that had narrators that didn’t keep me engaged. Maybe this would have been better as an actual read. I’d like to try another book by Mr. Wilkinson in the future because I did enjoy his sense of humor.

Thank you to Bookouture Audio for providing this audiobook through NetGalley. All opinions are my own.

#ThePartyatNumber12 #netgalley #kerrywilkinson #bookoutureaudio #bookstagrammer #audiobookreview
Profile Image for Andrea Pole.
818 reviews140 followers
February 7, 2022
The Party at No. 12 by Kerry Wilkinson is another compulsive read from an author who has yet to disappoint. As per usual with Mr Wilkinson's brilliant books, I was virtually propelled through the pages, and life was placed on hold as I feverishly wove my way through the clues to reach a shocking conclusion.

Hannah Ford is about to leave on her travels, and a group of family and friends have assembled at a luxury rental property to send her off in style. The night takes a deadly turn, however, when a body is discovered, and so begins a cleverly executed closed room mystery that will keep you guessing until the very end.

Many thanks to NetGalley and Bookouture for an ARC.
Profile Image for Bridget.
2,789 reviews131 followers
March 10, 2022
I just love books about parties! Hannah Ford has inherited money from her Gran and is moving away; she intends to travel. To celebrate, Hannah, her family and friends are having a gathering at a luxurious rented house. But the next day, one of them is dead.

Here, intrigue, suspense and heart-pounding moments abound. Although some of the characters are ones you will probably love to hate, this serves to make the tale more unputdownable. Bucketloads of secrets are simmering below the surface for many, waiting to be unearthed. A fantastic, well-plotted story, with a surprising ending that's well worth it.

I received a complimentary copy of this novel at my request from Bookouture via NetGalley. This review is my own unbiased opinion.
Profile Image for Monnie.
1,637 reviews789 followers
March 10, 2022
Sometimes when a roadblock threatens to derail your journey, you've just got to suck it up, walk around it and keep going till you reach your destination. Such was the case here for me early on, when a bunch of adult women made a decision so egregious and off-putting that I nearly shut off my Kindle and called it quits. But this is an author whose work I've always enjoyed - and I'd agreed to provide an honest review of the book in exchange for getting access prior to release - so I shoved my real feelings to the other side of my brain and kept plugging away. And in doing so, I found a story that kept me entertained the rest of the way.

Hannah Ford, you see, is having a party - a last hurrah of sorts before she takes off for some post-divorce traveling, with no set date to return. Her mother Alison and her friend Janet Hannah's sisters Charlotte and Beth are there, as are her old friend Sophie, Sophie's mother Dawn and another old friend, Katherine. They're staying at an old home that's been renovated for renting out. Truth is, the party-goers haven't exactly been friends (or close relatives) for some time now - and it's clear they all are trying to hide some kind of secret from the others.

That's why, or so readers are to believe, seven of the guests decide it wouldn't serve them well to bring in the police when the eighth turns up dead. After all, she'd been drinking (or worse) and was injured - perhaps more seriously than the others had thought at the time. No doubt an accident, they rationalize - but calling in the cops would call too much attention to the women and those aforementioned secrets. Instead, they agree to take matters into their own hands - literally - and if anyone asks, pretend the dead woman never existed.

At that point, my focus turned to hoping they'd all get their comeuppance - the sooner the better. The chapters ignored my opinion, though, shifting from character to character to let readers in on events and interactions of the past that shaped who they are today - all leading up to who's responsible for what happened at the party (with a twist at which some readers will be surprised). The loose ends finally get tied up, and while I can't say all's well that ends well, that's partly because I wouldn't have been happy unless each and every one got her fair share of the blame and that doesn't happen. But overall, it's a fun, easy-to-read book - and I thank the publisher, via NetGalley, for allowing me to read and review a pre-release copy.
Profile Image for Kat (Katlovesbooks) Dietrich.
1,552 reviews207 followers
August 8, 2022

The Party at No. 12 by Kerry Wilkinson
is a psychological thriller.

First, let me thank NetGalley, the publisher Bookouture and of course the author, for providing me with a copy of this book in exchange for an honest review. All opinions are my own.


My Synopsis:   (No major reveals, but if concerned, skip to My Opinions)
Hannah Ford has recently divorced her husband, and finally quit her hated job.  She moved back in with her mom, but that isn't really working either. So, she's going to travel for a bit.  A week before she is due to leave,  Hannah rents a house and has a small going away party.  Just her Mom, her two sisters, her aunt, a friend of her mothers and two old friends of hers. A few games, some alcohol, and some good conversation.

The next morning, one of the party-goers is dead.  Hannah wants to call the police, but the group decides to deal with this themselves.  Everyone either has a secret, or is protecting someone else, so they decide to cover up the death.  Besides, it was an accident, so why should the police be involved.

But covering this up isn't as easy as it originally appeared.


My Opinions:
Once again, Kerry Wilkinson has written a fast-paced, suspense-filled novel, that kept me flipping those pages to find out what happens next.

In the end, it was a straight-forward mystery, with a twist.  The perpetrator was NOT who I thought it was, and I always add a point for that!  It may not have been a deep, winding story, but it was good.

The books by this author or always good, and sometimes great.  I will definitely continue to read his books.



For a more complete review of this book and others (including the reason I chose to read/review this book, as well as author information and contact details), please visit my blog: http://katlovesbooksblog.wordpress.com/
Profile Image for Heather Adores Books.
1,625 reviews1,909 followers
March 13, 2022
3.75 ⭐ rounded up
8 party guests - 1 dead = 7 suspects

This was a fast paced, suspenseful, whodunit read that really started gripping me after about ½ to ⅔ in. Each chapter ending made me have to go onto the next one right away to see what happens.

Hannah is moving out of town and her family and friends are getting together for a proper send off. There's years worth of tension between most of the guests for various reasons.
When one of the guests turns up dead ~ shall they be logical and call the police? Shall they try to cover it up? Shall they tell the police the truth when they start asking questions?

Zach - friend/coworker/lover of the deceased. He really stirs things up and gets the ball rolling when he starts doing some investigating on his own.

My favorite writing style ~ dual pov is told by Hannah and Zach.
It always takes me a minute to get used to voices when the accent differs from my own, but I thought Tamsin Kennard and Andrew Kingston did a wonderful job.

This is my first time with this author, but not my last.

*Thanks for Netgalley, Bookouture Audio and Kerry Wilkinson for the advance audiobook. I am voluntarily leaving my honest review*
Profile Image for The Sassy Bookworm.
4,092 reviews2,879 followers
July 5, 2022
⭐⭐⭐.5

This was definitely an entertaining read. Well written. Fast-paced. Plenty of twists and turns. Intriguing characters (a little difficult to keep track of who was who at the beginning). The main issue I had with this one was the ending (twist). It was very abrupt, and dare I say, a little farfetched. Or maybe I mean a little extreme for the motive given for the murder. Maybe had the author dropped in a few hints here and there that more was amiss with this person, it would have been more believable? That said, it was still a fun read that I finished all in one sitting!

**ARC Via NetGalley**
Profile Image for Atlasi Khoramani.
235 reviews86 followers
March 8, 2022
A very good written story. really captivating and with all the surprises you could ask for.
Till near the end I had absolutely no idea who could be responsible and why. witch is a very good thing when you're reading a mystery novel, it should stay mysterious! the characters where well developed and though I can't say I didn't have problems understanding some of their motives but at the end, it's one of those stories that after you've finished and closed it, you would sit back and say " yeah this does happen." I love it when a book actually does make sense. so all and all, though I can't say it's a perfect perfect mystery/thriller, It's a very very good one that I enjoyed so much.

Many thanks to NetGallery for providing my copy.
Profile Image for Robin Loves Reading.
2,938 reviews433 followers
March 11, 2022
Hannah’s going away party will not soon be forgotten. The location of the party is deluxe house with everything needed to aid in good entertainment. After a fun night, Hannah and the other guests discover that one of them is dead. Her name was Catherine and the mystery begins.

They choose not to go to the police. Every single one of them has something to hide so they are determined to handle things themselves, even to the point of covering up evidence. Part of the evidence they are determined to hide is that the Ecstasy was available at the party. Catherine wasn't alone when it came to taking it, yet she is the only one who ended up dead.

Fast pacing and multiple POVs bring this intense story by Wilkinson to life. Catherine had someone on her side, someone who pushed for answers. It is this layer of the story that ratchets up the tension in this thrilling book tenfold. While the reader knows a lot about what will happen in this story, this talented author threw in perfect twists and turns so as to keep the reader guessing.

Many thanks to Bookouture and to NetGalley for this ARC for review. This is my honest opinion.
Profile Image for StinaStaffymum.
1,472 reviews1 follower
March 7, 2022
I am excited to be taking part in the #BooksOnTour #BlogTour for Kerry Wilkinson's compelling thriller THE PARTY AT NUMBER 12.

Kerry Wilkinson is one my favourite authors and his quick witted humour never fails to amuse me, even in dark situations such as the ones this latest set of characters find themselves in. THE PARTY AT NUMBER 12 is the perfect example of the tangled web of secrets and deception one can weave - either through intention or opportunity. And yet still they dig themselves even deeper.

Almost thirty year old Hannah is recently divorced, unsatisfied in her job and decides to escape the humdrum of her mediocre life to go travelling - funded by her share of the inheritance left to her by her late grandmother. However, before she heads off her family convince her to throw a going away party...at the luxurious bungalow found on a rental website.

The guest list for the said party include Hannah's two sisters Charlotte and Beth, their mother Alison, Hannah's best friend Sophie and her mother Janet, and Hannah's aunt Dawn.

So Hannah and her guests find themselves standing outside Number 12 awaiting admittance by the owner who lives just three doors down. Once inside, they admire the brilliant chandelier and gleaming open plan interior of the grand house. Sophie and Janet are late to arrive and it is then that Hannah tells them that there will be an eighth guest coming. An old school friend, and former best friend of Sophie and Hannah, Katherine.

A sense of discomfort settles over the guests upon Katherine's arrival which is soon replaced by plenty of drinking, board games and reminiscing. Then there are a few cross word exchanged, a sneaky fag out the back and then it's action stations as the party is under way. Soon someone is swinging from the chandelier while everyone begins to wonder if they haven't all had a bit too much to drink. Before long, goodnights are exchanged and they each toddle off to bed.

Come the morning, one of them is dead.

Hannah is desperate to tell the police but they each have something to hide or someone to protect. With the remaining seven women left trying to figure out what to do, they decide to keep it to themselves. After all, it must have been an accident. Too much wine, tensions running high... What had started out as a farewell party has turned into a nightmare.

When what appears to be an accident ends up in murder, THE PARTY AT NUMBER 12 becomes your typical Agatha Christie locked room whodunnit on a more deviously twisted scale. If no one else had entered the house, then surely that only leaves one of the other guests? Someone you love, know and trust.

The characters are a mixed bunch - the three sisters who couldn't be more different, their mother who doesn't come across as overly maternal, the best friend hiding a secret, her mother who flees to the toilet every five minutes, the aunt who is the party animal, the friend who had been betrayed by one of them ten years before, the boyfriend who knows the guests are keeping secrets and the creepy owner who is just a little too weird.

The chapters are short, keeping the pace moving, and no longwinded descriptions to lose the reader in. Just what you needed to know. This time Kerry opted for an anonymous town whereas in the past he has named them, often combining them in other books.

A deviously twisted tale I rather enjoyed, THE PARTY AT NUMBER 12 is a quick gripping read that offers something a little different, complete with twists that will have you turning the pages at the rate of knots. Some things were obvious, others less so - but each will keep you guessing.

I would like to thank #KerryWilkinson, #NetGalley and #Bookouture for an ARC of #ThePartyAtNumber12 in exchange for an honest review.

This review appears on my blog at https://stinathebookaholic.blogspot.com/.
Profile Image for theliterateleprechaun .
2,544 reviews208 followers
February 4, 2022
Hannah Ford is leaving town and her family and friends celebrate in a luxury rental home for the night of her ‘going away’ party. Putting the past with all its secrets and lies behind her, Hannah is looking forward to a fresh start. When one of the guests turns up dead after a night of celebrating, Hannah realizes it’s not the kind of send off she was imagining. Everyone on the guest list has something to hide or someone to protect.

“A man emerged from a few doors down and started along the street towards them. He was wearing jeans that were too tight, which meant he walked with something of a sideways gait, a bit like a constipated crab. His shirt was tight, too. Either he’d shrunk everything in the wash, or he was one of those blokes who confused moobs with pecs.”

Kerry Wilkinson knows how to make me giggle. With a luxury rental owner like Jeff, one has to wonder what the interior of the home must look like. Fortunately, the ladies find it lives up to the standard they’d been promised. Still, there's something off about him.

Like Jeff, there’s also something off about the ‘party.’ Imagine sitting around a table at a luxury rental and playing board games? Couldn’t they have done this at home? Then someone starts swinging on a chandelier? Now you know there’s definitely something going on that isn’t above board. Next, someone ends up dead. How did it go from an innocent ‘going away’ party to death?

This closed door mystery is a slow-burner and perfect for those who read before bed - you won’t get your pulse elevated and there’s nothing scary! It's a quick read and has a twist you won't see coming.

I was gifted this advance copy by Kerry Wilkinson, Bookouture and NetGalley and was under no obligation to provide a review.
Profile Image for AndiReads.
1,373 reviews169 followers
February 9, 2022
It's a party! Is it a low-key get together or more of a Hen Party? Hannah has rented a mansion of a house for the weekend to celebrate her plans to travel around the world. Her mother, two sisters and a handful of girl friends are there to send her off. Of course there is an issue, based on the past and one person turns up dead in the morning. This quickly moving book deals with the before and the after. It's not until the very end that you will hear the why. If you like a locked room sort of mystery, a party gone wrong, friends with shadowy pasts, then this book is for you #ThePartyAtNumber12. #Netgalley #NetGalleyReads #Bookouture

Merged review:

It's a party! Is it a low-key get together or more of a Hen Party? Hannah has rented a mansion of a house for the weekend to celebrate her plans to travel around the world. Her mother, two sisters and a handful of girl friends are there to send her off. Of course there is an issue, based on the past and one person turns up dead in the morning. This quickly moving book deals with the before and the after. It's not until the very end that you will hear the why. If you like a locked room sort of mystery, a party gone wrong, friends with shadowy pasts, then this book is for you #ThePartyAtNumber12. #Netgalley #NetGalleyReads #Bookouture
Profile Image for Karin Van duuren.
298 reviews3 followers
March 7, 2022
Mixed feelings. I loved the premise and the ending. But the story did not really hold my attention after the beginning and i found myself skimming chapters a lot to get to the end sooner. Maybe it was because the characters aren't very likeable or that it had a very slow pace, but i kinda expected more after reading the description.

I got this arc in exchange for an honest review.
Profile Image for Bookworm86 .
2,027 reviews147 followers
March 16, 2022
BLOG TOUR REVIEW

Review for 'The Party At Number 12' by Kerry Wilkinson.

Read and reviewed via NetGalley for Kerry Wilkinson, Bookouture publishers and Bookouture anonymous

Publication date 11th March 2022.

This is the third book I have read by this author. I have previously read 'The Child Across The Street' and 'The Child In The Photo' which I would also recommend reading.

I was originally drawn to this book by its eye catching cover and its intriguing synopsis and title. The synopsis stated that this book is 'An absolutely unputdownable thriller that won’t let you sleep until you’ve reached the final page! Perfect for fans of Lisa Jewell, The Hunting Party and Shari Lapena.' I am a huge fan of Lisa and Shari so am looking forward to seeing if this lives up to this statement. I am also a huge fan of Kerry and if this is as good as 'The Child Across The Street' and 'The Child In The Photo' it is sure to be an excellent read. I must admit I was also biased due to the publisher being Bookouture. I have yet to read a book published by Bookouture that I haven't enjoyed. Hopefully this won't be the first... Watch this space! (Written before I started reading the book).

This novel consists of a prologue and 45 chapters spread over 3 'sections'. The chapters are short to medium in length so possible to read 'just one more chapter' before bed...OK, I know yeah right, but still just in case!

This book is based in England, UK 🇬🇧. The bonus for me of books that are partly or fully based in the UK is that I live in the UK and have sometimes visited places mentioned in the book which makes it easier to picture. I have actually visited England on several occasions so am looking forward to seeing if I recognise anywhere that Kerry has based the book on.

This book is written in third person perspective and the main protagonists are Hannah and Zack. The benefits of third person perspective with multiple protagonists are that it let's you see the bigger picture of what's going on and you get to know more characters more, what they are thinking and what they are doing. It feels like you get to see the whole picture and not miss out in anything.

Well, well, well Wow!!! What an absolute cracker of a book!!! This book sucked me straight in from beginning to the explosive ending. It was very well written with excellent descriptions which put me straight into the storyline. The blog and the cover suited the book perfectly.

WHAT THE HOLY SMOKES DID I JUST READ!!! ABSOLUTELY GOBSMACKED!!!

The storyline was fast paced and filled with drama, lies, twists, family, shocks, deceit and suspense. A sadly and scarily very believable storyline which kept me on edge throughout. I loved all the twists and turns and throughout it kept me guessing what was going on and who was doing what. I would NEVER have guessed at the ending so a MASSIVE WELL DONE to Kerry . I have read many thrillers and it's getting harder and harder for me to be surprised so great job there. I loved the storyline and just loved everything about it. It was all done perfectly!! I loved the fact that everything was tied up and explained at the end and there were no loose strings. An absolutely addictive page turner that kept my heart in my throat on the edge of the seat and absolutely absorbed me. The fact there were so many different red herrings and so many possibilities that all would have worked perfectly and then the absolutely EXPLOSIVE ending that there was no way I would have ever expected was absolutely fantastic!!! I could not put this book down!!! I was so invested in the storyline that I was up until 2am!! I would LOVE to see this turned into a movie!!!


It is set over multiple time lines. When books show what has happened in the past and what is happening in the present I find it really helps the reader (if it is well done) understand why things are happening and what has lead to the present activities and decisions. It also shows the bigger picture.

WARNING ⚠ DO NOT START THIS UNTIL YOU HAVE CLEARED YOUR SCHEDULES AS THIS BOOK IS ADDICTIVE!!!!

THE characters were fantastic, solid and completely believable, or are they?? You just have no idea who to trust and wow was I blindsighted! They all had such different and strong personalities and all suited the storyline perfectly. I really liked Hannah , she had such a strong personality and my heart really went out to her as all she wanted was a nice send off with family and friends and deep down she wanted to become the three musketeers again along with Sophie and Katherine. There were such a mix of personalities in number 12 and its hard really to say too much about any of them without giving too much away!!! My mind was absolutely blown when I discovered what really happened and yours will be too!!

CONGRATULATIONS KERRY ON YET ANOTHER ABSOLUTELY ADDICTIVE PAGE TURNER!!!! THIS IS WHY YOU ARE ONE OF MY TOP 5 MALE AUTHORS!!! HERE'S TO YOUR NEXT SUCCESS 🥂

Overall a compelling, page turning, mind blowing psychological thriller that will keep you up late at night.

Genres covered in this novel include Thriller, Mystery, Suspense, Psychological Thriller, Noir Fiction, Psychological Fiction, Police Procedural and Crime Fiction amongst others.

I would recommend this book to the fans of the above as well as fans of Lisa Jewell, Shari Lapena, C. L TAYLOR and anyone looking for a book with a twist they will never suspect!!!


349 pages.

This book is just 99p to purchase on kindle via Amazon or free on kindle unlimited (at time of review) which I think is an absolute bargain for this book!!!

Rated 5 /5 (I LOVED it ) on Goodreads, Instagram, Amazon UK and Amazon US and on over 30 Facebook pages plus my blog on Facebook.

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Profile Image for Sarah.
2,983 reviews230 followers
February 23, 2022
Kept me guessing all the way through! A suspenseful, page turner of a read.
Profile Image for Sudasha.
666 reviews17 followers
April 8, 2022
This novel makes you ask the question- just how far would you go to protect your family? 'The Party at Number 12' by Kerry Wilkinson is centered around asking yourself just that, as this is a tale that depicts how things can go extremely wrong while celebrating at a party. Told in alternating views by Hannah and Zack, the plot unfolds through strictly third-person narration. Hannah, the main protagonist, decided that her life was in a rut, so she quit her menial job, divorced her boring husband, but was forced to move back in with her mother due to her lack of funds. However, she soon finds herself the recipient of a significant amount of money after her paternal grandmother's death, along with her sisters, Charlotte and Beth. While Charlotte and Hannah share the same parents, Beth was fathered by their mother's second husband, creating tension amongst the family members. Taking the inheritance as a sign that she should expand her horizons, she booked an around-the-world trip and booked a fancy house with the intention of having a 'last hurrah' shindig. Sounds like it should be simple, right? What can possibly go wrong when you have a house full of eight women, who all have murky pasts, questionable habits, and jealous moments? The answer- EVERYTHING.

I really enjoyed the 'whodunit' aspect of this book; unlike most other mysteries, there was a small suspect pool to choose from, but this did not take away from the fun of guessing the identity of the 'bad guy.' Overall, the plot was concise and easy to follow, but there were some gaps, especially when we learn who the killer is. I wish there had been more of an explanation of the 'why'- the conclusion was a little abrupt, and the epilogue needed to be fleshed out a bit more.

I give 'The Party at Number 12' a rating of 3 stars, for all the reasons as listed above. I recommend this to those who enjoy a mystery with build up that allows them to capture all the nuances in the novel. There are no extreme twists, but there will be a little surprise when you learn about the murderer's identity. There are no instances of foul language or sexual and erotic acts, so this is a suitable read for persons as young as teens. The only major trigger is death/killing of a loved one, so this is something to keep in mind if you are struggling with this. In the end, this is a great read, and you should definitely give it a chance!

*A great many thanks to Netgalley, Kerry Wilkinson, and Bookouture for this ARC. It is important to note that I was under no commitment to provide a positive review, and all opinions are undoubtedly my own.*
Profile Image for Yvonne (It's All About Books).
2,742 reviews318 followers
March 3, 2022

Finished reading: February 26th 2022


"Three days ago, she'd have been certain of knowing where the line between good and bad lay - but, now, she wasn't sure."

*** A copy of this book was kindly provided to me by Netgalley and Bookouture in exchange for an honest review. Thank you! ***



P.S. Find more of my reviews here.
Profile Image for Brooke | bookswithbabs.
564 reviews18 followers
March 10, 2022
Thank you netgalley and bookouture for the advanced listening copy of this audiobook.

SYNOPSIS: Hannah is just days from taking a 9 month, post-divorce trip around the world, and she’s throwing a going away get together with her closest friends and family. In a fancy, private, rented house, Hannah’s group, consisting of mother, sisters, aunt and close friends, spend the evening celebrating Hannah’s travels. They’re in for a rude awakening the next morning, though, when one of them turns up dead. With separate motives and reasons for wanting the death hidden, they make the decision to cover it up. What ensues are days of lying, walking on egg shells and looking over their shoulders. Did the group make the right decision? And what REALLY happened to the dead girl?

⭐️ I LOVED the first 70% of this book. Each character presented with a different level of mystery and motive, making it completely impossible to put down this book. However, I thought the ending could have been stronger and packed a bit more of a punch. There were a number of twists throughout and I definitely did NOT predict the ending of the story, it just felt like there was a little something missing and I can’t quite put my finger on it. That being said, this fast-paced thriller will keep you guessing and desperate to find out what happens next. I suspected one character for almost the entirety of the book and ended up being completely shocked by the ending. I don’t always root for the main characters of thrillers, but in this case I truly wanted things to work out for Hannah. This one is worth the read and I’ll definitely be looking out for others by Kerry Wilkinson!

If you like audiobooks, this was a great one to listen to! I enjoyed both narrators and thought the my painted a really great picture of what was going on!
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