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The Party Room

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A girl is attacked and left unconscious in a fashionable bar. Who was responsible? There are numerous one who deals drugs or the one who uses them? The one who hates women or the one who pretends he doesn't? The one who was in prison or the one who is mad? Or a complete stranger, someone from the past? Via each of their stories, gradually, a shocking truth is revealed.

118 pages, Kindle Edition

Published October 14, 2021

29 people are currently reading
94 people want to read

About the author

M. Novak

7 books12 followers
London-based writer of dark mysteries with an over-sensitive edge.

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5 stars
52 (44%)
4 stars
18 (15%)
3 stars
22 (18%)
2 stars
13 (11%)
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11 (9%)
Displaying 1 - 30 of 43 reviews
Profile Image for Sammie.
70 reviews7 followers
May 29, 2022
I attempted to read the sample, but even that is unreadable. Long, poorly punctuated sentences. Action tags used as dialog tags. Purple prose. And honestly, it’s just boring.

Just the portion I read is indicative of a need for deep, detailed editing.
Profile Image for Kristin.
1,036 reviews86 followers
February 9, 2022
Harry owns a bar, and he’s changed the name a few times. The last time he changed the name of the bar to The Party Room, something happened. A girl wound up unconscious in the bathroom and was attacked. The bar was packed that night. Who is responsible for what happened to this girl?

This was a strange book for me. I know the few people that have posted reviews liked the fact that it was told in many different character’s perspectives. And it’s nice to have that. But there are no chapters, it is just one long continuous story with different character names above each section.

The book itself was only about 185 pages. It should not take until 70% of the book for any action to take place that was part of the plot of the book. Everything up until then was just background and some set up. I thought that a book with 185 pages would only take me a day, maybe two. I’ve read longer books in shorter amount of time. It took me days to finish this because it just was boring until the action happened. I don’t even blame the author, whoever edited this should have realized that the plot didn’t even really begin until that late in the book. Then the point of the book, figuring out who was responsible, happened so fast that it was not worth the read.

Additonally, the author had a female character say “if she hadn’t dressed like that, she wouldn’t have been attacked.” Granted, the character said a small part of her felt that way, I felt that his put woman back so many years. We should be beyond comments like this nowadays. This book was published in 2021, not the 1980s.
Profile Image for S.P. Dawes.
Author 6 books64 followers
January 30, 2022
Fantastic book

I loved the unique way this book was written. With so many different people's points of view I thought I might be difficult or conusing to read. But it wasn't
at all. The different perspectives add a new dynamic, keeping it moving and by gathering information. I couldn't put it down.
1 review
June 6, 2022
A completely different murder mystery! Not for those who are not prepared to put some work into reading, but prefer getting through a book without turning on their grey cells.
Profile Image for Alexis.
21 reviews1 follower
October 10, 2022
utterly compelling. I thoroughly enjoyed this novel. it was fast paced. the charachters were well written. I finished this book in a weekend.
Profile Image for Helena.
180 reviews
March 1, 2023
Despite this book having 17 different characters all share their part in the story, surprisingly it was easy enough to follow.

I just didn't really see the point? I get that it was a whodunnit but I wasn't excited by it. The end was underwhelming.

Read as part of my book club.
Profile Image for John Richardson.
1 review
June 5, 2022
I bought this book with high hopes given the other reviews here. I’m wondering if I read the same book as they did given their glowing words.
The book is written from the different perspectives of the patrons and owner of “Harry’s bar”, located in an unfashionable part of London. The only problem is that the author decides to give us a detailed background story to every character that takes up a good third of the book. To what purpose, I don’t know as most of the details are superfluous to the story. Bogged down with all of these details I didn’t expect great things from the rest of the book and I was right. The (too many) characters became boring (they weren’t interesting to begin with) and the switched perspectives became irritating too soon. Good editing would have helped with many of the rambling phrases and poor construction and it’s a wonder why this wasn’t done before publication.
I couldn’t wait for the end. Actually, I didn’t wait even that long. It was a real chore to get through this and I skipped to the final pages only to find them as bad as the section I’d jumped from. The ending was predictable and unsatisfactory with characters still being described in the final pages, long after the main story was over. I’ve read messier books than this but I really can’t think when. This is one book that should have stayed on the ‘draft’ pile. A plodding mess of purple prose and uninteresting characters brought together in a mundane setting that isn’t worth your time. It certainly wasn’t worth mine.
Profile Image for Amanda Sheridan.
Author 8 books171 followers
January 21, 2022
I loved the style of this book. It is the story of the people who frequent a local bar, I'll call it Harry's because he changed the name so often, and it is told from the prospective of Harry and his customers.
We learn all about them - their good points and their bad points. Some are couples on the verge of breaking up, some are singles looking for that special someone. There are good ones nd downright evil ones. Students and a few are underage.
You can tell by the atmosphere, almost as if you were there personally, that something bad is going to happen. And when it does, it is terrible and the aftermath lingers on for a long time.
This is a short novel but, it doesn't half pack a punch. This author is brilliant.
1 review1 follower
March 24, 2024
Being a keen non-fiction reader, I’m not usually a fiction reader and often I don’t finish fiction books, but I enjoyed this book a lot, as I felt the characters were well written, authentic and there was a sense of intrigue that kept me engaged. I read this book intensely in about three evenings.

It’s an easy-read written from the perspectives of a number of characters who frequent or work at a local bar, yet the characters are developed enough that one can grasp a sense of their personality and background. Ultimately, as their relationships and characters are developed, the story escalates towards a traumatic event in the bar and a whodunnit.

For an easy-read, it deals with some challenging topics throughout the book including illegal drug use, infidelity, mental illness, sexual assault, misogyny, abusive relationships and coercive control. It is also bold in its storytelling with numerous characters telling the story from their perspective. This is well executed, and one can imagine a narrative as if watching a TV show with the perspective of numerous well-established characters; each subject is easy to identify and their different points of view are comfortable to keep up with (especially with a character summary page at the front of the book). In the end, the multiple points of view add intrigue, as each brings individual parts to the tapestry that is the story, and clues to the whodunnit. This centres the reader as a detective of sorts.

I’ve noticed there has been one review that felt the story was plodding and there were too many characters. The build up is carefully paced and one could initially wonder why so much background is laid out on each character, while little initially goes on in terms of the closing plot line, but this is an important part of the narrative, as it allows us to step inside the minds of the characters - they become familiar to us - and this allows the reader to speculate over both who the victim will be and who could commit the crime the tale culminates in. Who is the most vulnerable? Who lacks the empathy sufficient to do this? Who is the most disturbed? Who is the most reckless?

By about 40 pages in, I felt the pace pick up and the main plot begin to unfold. With this, I was hooked, as I was then desperate to know what I expected had happened and to who and to guess over the perpetrator. Armed with a sense of each characters’ behavioural patterns, empathy and impulse control, I had a sense of what was possibly coming and that made the tale all the more tantalising.

There were some very clever aspects to the storyline in that if you read the characters closely and took note of their patterns of behaviour, there were some subtle tells that carried through to the conclusion, tells of who could and could not be our villain and who may well be a villain but was not likely to be so in this particular crime of these particular circumstances. Equally, many of the characters were very troubled, displayed unsavoury characteristics and could, depending on the stretch of the imagination, be capable of darkness. So, again, the structure of this book allows the reader a position of informed detective and I have assumed this is why it’s written in this format.

Having a particular interest in psychology and having worked in a psychiatry department, overall I was impressed by some aspects of the various character development. I felt as if some of the darker and more nuanced characters were written well and I was pleased to see that some erroneous cliches often found in literature were not adhered to.

If you enjoy being analytical, in playing detective as you read, and have an interest in reading people and predicting their behaviour, this is a fun book that should keep you engaged and interested. It can easily be enjoyed over a week’s holiday or, if like me, you can’t wait to discover the ending, a few intense evenings at home.
Author 3 books24 followers
March 13, 2022
This book centers around a group of interesting characters who either frequent or work at bar located in a rough neighborhood. The name of this bar frequently changes and provides a good parallel to the storyline. The book is written in a fist person point of view from the perspective of the many characters. There are no individual chapters, rather each character is given an opportunity to provide to the storyline. Although this is a relatively short novel, the author provides just enough information for each person in the story to draw you in without it being redundant or overwhelming. We quickly learn about their dysfunctions, motivations, and struggles as the pages turn. One of the things that I enjoyed about this book was the characters and their nuances. When a horrible crime occurs in the female restroom, we see how each individual perceives and reacts to it much differently.
This book moves along well, many interesting things happen and the ending was not what I expected. Readers of mystery and suspense stories will enjoy this read.
Profile Image for Steven Decker.
Author 27 books3,610 followers
May 19, 2022
AMBITIOUS. UNIQUE. OUTSTANDING!!!

I have never read a book like The Party Room and I’ve read a lot of books. It's quite a unique "Who done It" and is highly recommended. The author moves us forward gradually, but relentlessly, with 17 different first person character narrations. Each character reveals just a bit about their relationship to the scene of the crime, in just a few paragraphs, then gives way to another character’s perceptions, then returns later to give us just a bit more. We become attached to each of them, and ultimately suspect each of them of committing the crime, and then hope it wasn’t them!

And guess what? We don’t even know who the victim is until close to the end of this page turning book! But we feel certain it was one of the female characters who’s been talking to us all along.

Masha Novak is a highly skilled writer and is to be congratulated for creating a singular piece of art in The Party Room. I am hoping to read more from her soon!
SCD
1 review
May 11, 2023
I really enjoyed this book -it is a real page turner, packed with tonnes of twists and turns, that kept me guessing right the way through - and landed with a very surprising ending. The style of the writing is very original- the author has a unique approach in how the characters interact and interconnect with each other - the end result is a fast pace read of the many different plot lines and the characters become very real. The plot lines are easy to connect with and approached in such a novel way that it made me really think and reflect. The level of detail is impressive, and often made me feel like I was watching a movie. I really couldn't put it down and would recommend it to those who love a thrilling tale with a great twist!
Profile Image for Sea Caummisar.
Author 82 books1,412 followers
November 26, 2022
This isn't my typical read, but I love supporting indies. This book is written in a way I've never seen. There are no chapters. Just snippets from different characters. Also, the beginning listed all the characters and occupations. There were so many that I was overwhelmed, but it wasn't too bad. Not too much excitement happened until the 75percent mark, so there's a ton of character building before that..plus, a couple things I need to Google (GCSM, I think it's a test?* And people kept wanting to be locked up or locked in the bar?! Huh? Not terms this American is familiar with)
Profile Image for Miriam R..
Author 10 books245 followers
April 11, 2022
Despite the fact this is far from my usual genre, I decided to give this book a try and I don't regret that decision at all.

I loved the fact that it was written from multiple perspectives and that we could get inside the minds of all the characters. I liked that I kept asking myself questions and thinking to myself that I agree with this or I completely disagree with that.

All in all it was a great read that I would recommend to this genre's fans.
Profile Image for Amanda Gibson.
Author 1 book35 followers
April 25, 2022
Had me hooked from the start, the layout and switching between so many people so often was a little different then I’m use to reading but I still thoroughly enjoyed this book. Would read this author again.
Profile Image for AnneMarie Bodensteiner.
119 reviews
May 20, 2022
This took a lot to get into- there are so many characters we hear from, it was hard to keep straight. But once you do it’s hard to put down. It’s definitely something you’ll want to read in a sitting if you can. The ending was good, surprising and satisfying.
Profile Image for Lisa Muniz.
79 reviews2 followers
May 6, 2022
I really like the way this was written. It’s a quick read with interesting characters.
2 reviews
May 30, 2022
Amazing read for the weekend!
Profile Image for Jessi.
36 reviews1 follower
May 8, 2025
It's all right

*Trigger warning* DV DR

The ending was kinda short. I had to go back and make sure I didn't miss something.
Profile Image for Sasha Heath.
45 reviews2 followers
March 5, 2023
When I first opened the book and saw the list of characters, I thought it would be difficult to remember them all. Reading it felt more like real life, with everyone’s story coming together to make a complete narrative. I enjoyed reading the different perspectives of the same scenario and also knowing what each character thought. The book kept me reading because I was intrigued to find out what had happened. I enjoyed it.

Read as part of Book Club. Looking forward to the discussions when we meet.
Profile Image for Alisha Rowe.
643 reviews34 followers
April 28, 2022
This review was originally posted at https://bit.ly/3OB01b8.











When a horrible crime is committed in a trendy bar in England to a young woman the possibilities are staggering...unless it was one of the regulars. The regulars are a rag-tag bunch where damages abound. The person who did it may be obvious or not.
I received a physical copy of this book from the author in exchange for an honest review. By the time I started reading this book, as is often the case, I had forgotten what it was about. Just flipping through I have to admit that I was a bit leery. It looked like it was going to be set up similar to a screen-play because it had a characters name followed by a segment and so it continued. I am happy to note that this was not the case. While it would be easy enough to make into a screen-play because of this, the story is basically the characters giving their first-hand accounts.

Over the course of the book we learn about each character and the events that led up to the committed crime, which is initially mentioned in the preface. While I always read the preface you have to in this book's case. The author does not go back and reiterate the points in it, as it was already covered. So, without that you would be missing a piece of the puzzle. If you are the type who normally skips the preface I strongly suggest you make an exception in this case.

The author, in providing background of the characters, will have you frequently changing your mind on who the culprit was. Derik-the sleezeball. Yes, I'm going with that term. You'll understand why in the book. Couldn't help himself and wasn't his fault my ass. Alex-the controlling pain. Revenge can be a powerful beast. Aaron-the ex-con. Being dumped hurts. Lexi-the Barbie-girl. Getting by on your looks only lasts for so long. Lola-the woman scorned. Someone from the bar was sleeping with her long-time boyfriend. Jed-the cheating prick. Almost a decade squandered because he was bored. Prick. Jen-petty hairdresser. Looking down on those pursuing a college degree can lead to some pent-up anger. Sunny-hardworking bar-man and DJ. With a mother and younger brother at home needing care and his other brother in jail it's on him to take care of his family. Just how far will he go, though? Briony-wild child. 18 year old who thinks others need to loosen up with a dark past. Claudia-sheltered princess. Little self-absorbed at the beginning, but all in all my favorite character in this book for some reason. Not that I had stellar choices. Amelia-the abused. She really didn't want to be there in the first place after everything. Can't say I blame her. Harry-bar owner in his 50s. Overly friendly with the young people in his bar and a bit of a drunk. I didn't actually suspect him, though. Rick-Harry's friend's kid who works at the bar. Bit of a slacker at first, but another I didn't suspect. Finally, Gavin-construction worker with a bad temper. He has hurt people badly in the past, so violence wasn't something he was unfamiliar with.

As always I won't give it away and hope that these brief descriptions of the characters have you seeking out who was the victim as well as who was the culprit. I genuinely enjoyed this drug-induced mystery and hope you will too. Can you choose the right person for the crime?
Profile Image for Nadine Louise.
17 reviews2 followers
February 28, 2022
The huge character list to begin had me worried as I have a memory of a goldfish and at first glance each page and even paragraph at times switched between MANY characters ... However, the unique writing style enabled (even) me to keep track of SO many characters at once. There are NO chapters or parts AT all so once you start reading don't expect to stop - it is fast paced and very intriguing - getting to know how unique characters all are with the mystery of how they will all connect to one another and the party room! Easily a one-sit read at under 200 pages! I wasn't too keen on the ending to be honest after SUCH an intense build-up but enjoyed it as a whole and feel it was worth the read! I am passing my copy on to a friend now. Will be looking for more books by this author as its good to read outside your comfort zone :)
Did anyone else accidentally mix up Jen and Jed at times when reading so quickly!? Haha
1 review
May 5, 2022
A really good first novel with some interesting characterisation and sense of place. It’s like a play (or a good soap)in some respects, given the way a large cast of characters spin through their parts in swift rotation before you. Inevitably, some are drawn in greater depth, and you can get unsteady on your feet about what’s going on and who’s really key to events or just a bit player. But most of us have felt off balance in a bar, and they say you need a crowd for a great party.

Will read more from this author, who definitely has talent and an ability to draw out human experience, to see how their use of plot and structure develops over time.
Profile Image for Kimberly Morehouse.
634 reviews29 followers
January 26, 2022
I really enjoyed how this book was written. It's in first person POV, by a FULL cast of characters. It's based around a bar called The Party Room and it's patrons and employees. We follow each of them through the plot, both at the bar and in their personal lives. We see some relationships ups and downs, personal struggles, haunting pasts, creepy behavior, budding relationships and so much more. Soon enough a few real crimes take place and we see how everyone plays in to it and the outcome. It was truly an interesting, fast and entertaining read!
Profile Image for Lanie.
180 reviews3 followers
March 11, 2025
Reading on a kindle made it difficult to keep the characters straight because it was in the beginning of the book. I liked the format- just kept getting confused on who was who at the beginning. It was suspenseful to me- I just didn’t care for the ending. That is why i am just giving it 3 stars.
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