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After the Party
He should have chosen me.
I never should have chosen him.
Lizzie has been in love with her colleague Dean for three years but he’s never given her a second glance.
When a job offer in London promises to launch her art career she finally feels ready to upend her life in pursuit of her dream … until the night of the office Christmas party when Dean confesses his love for someone else – Rebecca, one of Lizzie’s closest friends.
A few days later, the police show up on her doorstep.
Rebecca is missing.
After the Party is another mesmerising thriller of secrets and lies from the author of The Girl Upstairs.
I never should have chosen him.
Lizzie has been in love with her colleague Dean for three years but he’s never given her a second glance.
When a job offer in London promises to launch her art career she finally feels ready to upend her life in pursuit of her dream … until the night of the office Christmas party when Dean confesses his love for someone else – Rebecca, one of Lizzie’s closest friends.
A few days later, the police show up on her doorstep.
Rebecca is missing.
After the Party is another mesmerising thriller of secrets and lies from the author of The Girl Upstairs.
289 pages, Kindle Edition
First published August 12, 2022
80 people are currently reading
738 people want to read
About the author
Georgina Lees
5 books104 followersGeorgina studied creative writing and film at university and has since pursued a career in video-games journalism, covering some of the most popular games in the world. Her psychological thrillers are inspired by her surroundings, from the congested London streets to the raw English countryside. She can be found playing games, writing stories, and reading anything from fantasy to crime fiction.
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 153 reviews
May 24, 2022
Thank you Harper Collins UK, One More Chapter and NetGalley for an ARC in exchange for an honest review. IYKYK, my reviews are always honest.
3 stars does not mean this is a bad book. Please do not be dissuaded by the star rating alone.
Writing: 4/5 | Plot: 3/5 | Ending: 3/5
THE PLOT
Lizzie is in love with Dean, but Dean is in love with Rebecca. And when Rebecca goes missing, Lizzie's love for Dean is tested.
MY OPINION
Let me preface this by saying I've never read a novel by Georgina Lees before, so when I speak about her writing skills, it's only with this book in mind. This is a rare situation where I felt like Lees showed she can write her cheeks off, but the content itself was too on the safe side. GEORGINA IF YOU'RE LISTENING I, an irrelevant reader, would love to see you write a character-driven contemporary fiction with a lil side of mystery. You've got da skills girl, don't settle for mainstream thriller content.
Tbh, I felt like this book was sorta rebelling on itself. The writing itself elicited many emotions for me: dread, wtf-ism, lil nervous, etc... but just as Lees was peeling back the layers on this formulaic story, it crammed itself back into the mould.
I loved how Lees painted a picture (hehe... if you read the book this will make sense) of a deranged mother. Oftentimes I read books and I'm like, I need the mom's POV to understand what's going on in her mind. But despite this book being narrated only by Lizzie, I didn't feel like I was missing any of the puzzle pieces with mother dearest. She was brazy, and her actions made sense in context of her character.
I didn't like who Lizzie ended up with. FK that guy lol. As usual, I was ready to fight all male characters involved!!!! So your gf is missing yet you're out here macking on two diff girls??? Good. Bye. My other complaint is Lizzie's obsession with Dean was TEW much at times. I felt like she was a 16-year-old bemoaning her schoolyard crush, not a fully grown adult. The scene where she eats the old donut Dean gave her whilst crying... oh honey. BUT yet, knowing how her mother behaves, Lizzie's obsession also tracks.
FREE LIZZIE!!!!!!!
PROS AND CONS
Pros: solid writing, easy to follow storyline, made me feel tings
Cons: content was too shallow for writer's abilities
3 stars does not mean this is a bad book. Please do not be dissuaded by the star rating alone.
Writing: 4/5 | Plot: 3/5 | Ending: 3/5
THE PLOT
Lizzie is in love with Dean, but Dean is in love with Rebecca. And when Rebecca goes missing, Lizzie's love for Dean is tested.
MY OPINION
Let me preface this by saying I've never read a novel by Georgina Lees before, so when I speak about her writing skills, it's only with this book in mind. This is a rare situation where I felt like Lees showed she can write her cheeks off, but the content itself was too on the safe side. GEORGINA IF YOU'RE LISTENING I, an irrelevant reader, would love to see you write a character-driven contemporary fiction with a lil side of mystery. You've got da skills girl, don't settle for mainstream thriller content.
Tbh, I felt like this book was sorta rebelling on itself. The writing itself elicited many emotions for me: dread, wtf-ism, lil nervous, etc... but just as Lees was peeling back the layers on this formulaic story, it crammed itself back into the mould.
I loved how Lees painted a picture (hehe... if you read the book this will make sense) of a deranged mother. Oftentimes I read books and I'm like, I need the mom's POV to understand what's going on in her mind. But despite this book being narrated only by Lizzie, I didn't feel like I was missing any of the puzzle pieces with mother dearest. She was brazy, and her actions made sense in context of her character.
I didn't like who Lizzie ended up with. FK that guy lol. As usual, I was ready to fight all male characters involved!!!! So your gf is missing yet you're out here macking on two diff girls??? Good. Bye. My other complaint is Lizzie's obsession with Dean was TEW much at times. I felt like she was a 16-year-old bemoaning her schoolyard crush, not a fully grown adult. The scene where she eats the old donut Dean gave her whilst crying... oh honey. BUT yet, knowing how her mother behaves, Lizzie's obsession also tracks.
FREE LIZZIE!!!!!!!
PROS AND CONS
Pros: solid writing, easy to follow storyline, made me feel tings
Cons: content was too shallow for writer's abilities
June 9, 2023
Well, I had to know what happened After The Party!!
This was an entertaining listen from Audible. My first from this author.
I almost gave up several times during the first half because Lizzie was troublesome, but the second half really revved up. The author did a great job creating intrigue around the love triangle and throwing in some red herrings to keep the guessing game going!
We learn things at the party, a detective will be calling soon, and the question everyone wants to know is Where is Rebecca?
The narration was mostly good, but Dean's voice was robotic and made me almost laugh every time he spoke (then again it kinda matched his personality)!
The ending wasn't as surprising as I'd hope, but overall I enjoyed the book. 3 1/2 stars for the story and 4 stars for the narration. I would try another from the author.
Audible audio (2.99) Narrated by Polly Edsell 9 hours/15 min
This was an entertaining listen from Audible. My first from this author.
I almost gave up several times during the first half because Lizzie was troublesome, but the second half really revved up. The author did a great job creating intrigue around the love triangle and throwing in some red herrings to keep the guessing game going!
We learn things at the party, a detective will be calling soon, and the question everyone wants to know is Where is Rebecca?
The narration was mostly good, but Dean's voice was robotic and made me almost laugh every time he spoke (then again it kinda matched his personality)!
The ending wasn't as surprising as I'd hope, but overall I enjoyed the book. 3 1/2 stars for the story and 4 stars for the narration. I would try another from the author.
Audible audio (2.99) Narrated by Polly Edsell 9 hours/15 min
August 6, 2022
After the Party by Georgina Lees is a gripping psychological thriller brimming with atmosphere.
Lizzie has been infatuated with her colleague Dean since he started working at the same company as her. Sometimes, Lizzie thinks he must feel the same about her.
However, Lizzie’s bubble bursts at a work party when Dean confesses he is in love with Rebecca, another colleague. It comes as a shock a few days later when the police show up at Lizzie’s door, informing her that Rebecca has disappeared.
The rest of this psychological thriller follows Lizzie as she tries to help with the investigation.
This novel really delves into Lizzie’s mind and the tumult of emotions she goes through. Lizzie is not immediately likeable, she initially gives off stalker vibes, but she does grow on you.
This is the second thriller I’ve read by Georgina Lees, and I would say it ranks second too. I was in the minority of readers who enjoyed The Girl Upstairs. Lees excels at the psychological aspect of her thrillers. Plot-wise, nothing much happens, but the author really makes the reader feel everything the main character does: dread, anxiety, gloominess.
I will say that the party does not actually take place until a good chunk of the way through the book. The ending was a huge letdown, but I can appreciate what the author was trying to do. This was a solid four-star read until that disappointing ending.
Still, I can’t wait to see what Georgina Lees comes up with next.
Thank you to One More Chapter for providing an arc via Netgalley in exchange for an honest review.
https://booksandwheels.com
Lizzie has been infatuated with her colleague Dean since he started working at the same company as her. Sometimes, Lizzie thinks he must feel the same about her.
However, Lizzie’s bubble bursts at a work party when Dean confesses he is in love with Rebecca, another colleague. It comes as a shock a few days later when the police show up at Lizzie’s door, informing her that Rebecca has disappeared.
The rest of this psychological thriller follows Lizzie as she tries to help with the investigation.
This novel really delves into Lizzie’s mind and the tumult of emotions she goes through. Lizzie is not immediately likeable, she initially gives off stalker vibes, but she does grow on you.
This is the second thriller I’ve read by Georgina Lees, and I would say it ranks second too. I was in the minority of readers who enjoyed The Girl Upstairs. Lees excels at the psychological aspect of her thrillers. Plot-wise, nothing much happens, but the author really makes the reader feel everything the main character does: dread, anxiety, gloominess.
I will say that the party does not actually take place until a good chunk of the way through the book. The ending was a huge letdown, but I can appreciate what the author was trying to do. This was a solid four-star read until that disappointing ending.
Still, I can’t wait to see what Georgina Lees comes up with next.
Thank you to One More Chapter for providing an arc via Netgalley in exchange for an honest review.
https://booksandwheels.com
August 27, 2022
Office party gone wrong; a classic who-dunnit with serious mystery vibes. The characters were really well presented, but I personally didn't relate to any of them. The storyline was well thought out with a good plot. More mystery than thriller. I honestly didn't see the ending playing out like it did.
Thank you Netgalley and HarperCollins UK for this ARC.
Thank you Netgalley and HarperCollins UK for this ARC.
August 9, 2022
“He should have picked me, but he didn’t.”
This mystery set in a cozy village with plenty of romantic suspense to go around will keep you guessing until the very end.
Lizzie wants to be an artist but she’s insecure and has things tying her to her village like her family and her love for a coworker, Dean. She is starting to think he likes her back but after an embarrassing little guessing game at the office Xmas party, finds out it’s another woman from work.
The only thing worse than finding that out comes a few days later when lo and behold, that girl is missing. Who knows what happened? She is a bit of a drunk so it stands to reason she ran off or hurt herself by accident. But the cops are looking at the people in her life. Who did this and why? Will it bring her closer to getting what she wants or taking it away forever?
This was a fun and quick read and I liked the village setting but I didn’t love the twists, they were a bit outrageous for me, and I never really felt a connection between the characters. The chemistry wasn’t there and their unrealistic actions made it hard to get to know them or speculate on how they could possibly behave. It’s not that serious though and it was interesting.
Thank you to NetGalley and the publisher for the chance to read and review!
This mystery set in a cozy village with plenty of romantic suspense to go around will keep you guessing until the very end.
Lizzie wants to be an artist but she’s insecure and has things tying her to her village like her family and her love for a coworker, Dean. She is starting to think he likes her back but after an embarrassing little guessing game at the office Xmas party, finds out it’s another woman from work.
The only thing worse than finding that out comes a few days later when lo and behold, that girl is missing. Who knows what happened? She is a bit of a drunk so it stands to reason she ran off or hurt herself by accident. But the cops are looking at the people in her life. Who did this and why? Will it bring her closer to getting what she wants or taking it away forever?
This was a fun and quick read and I liked the village setting but I didn’t love the twists, they were a bit outrageous for me, and I never really felt a connection between the characters. The chemistry wasn’t there and their unrealistic actions made it hard to get to know them or speculate on how they could possibly behave. It’s not that serious though and it was interesting.
Thank you to NetGalley and the publisher for the chance to read and review!
May 15, 2022
Wow, what a wild ride this one was! The story centers on Lizzie, who has been in love with her coworker Dean for years and is just waiting for him to reciprocate. When she finally gets up the nerve to tell him, he beats her to it by telling her that he is in a serious relationship with one of her friends. That friend just happens to go missing later that night, and the rest of the book is focused on trying to figure out what happened. The story is told in linear fashion and solely from Lizzie’s POV.
This one is full of twists and keeps you guessing the entire way through. I did get a little tired of Lizzie constantly bemoaning her love for Dean without doing anything about it, but most of the book was very action packed. I also thought it was weird that she kept talking about her “red hair”. We knew is was red and it felt like an odd speech pattern to regularly say things like “I am my fingers through my red hair”. Maybe that’s just me, though…..
The ending of the book was a surprise that actually included a few different twists. It didn’t turn out how I expected and I can’t say that I approved of decisions that were made, but I loved the unexpectedness of how it all came together.
Overall, this is a fun and fast read and I’d recommend it to those who like mysteries and psychological thrillers. Thanks to Netgalley for providing me with a copy of this book in exchange for an honest review.
This one is full of twists and keeps you guessing the entire way through. I did get a little tired of Lizzie constantly bemoaning her love for Dean without doing anything about it, but most of the book was very action packed. I also thought it was weird that she kept talking about her “red hair”. We knew is was red and it felt like an odd speech pattern to regularly say things like “I am my fingers through my red hair”. Maybe that’s just me, though…..
The ending of the book was a surprise that actually included a few different twists. It didn’t turn out how I expected and I can’t say that I approved of decisions that were made, but I loved the unexpectedness of how it all came together.
Overall, this is a fun and fast read and I’d recommend it to those who like mysteries and psychological thrillers. Thanks to Netgalley for providing me with a copy of this book in exchange for an honest review.
July 26, 2022
What was with that ending?!? HATED it!!
After the Party has an intriguing premise - your crush confesses their love for someone else and that person ends up missing. Unfortunately that's where the positivity ends. The novel was filled with detail after detail about what the main character, Lizzie, was doing, how she felt, what other people were doing. I was so bored. It also didn't help that everyone was awful! I hated Lizzie who couldn't make a decision and had to rely on others to think for her. It was a mystery that she was so invested in finding out what had happened with Rebecca, since their interactions showed that they didn't have a friendship or even really liked each other. Then there was Dean (Lizzie's crush). No idea why Lizzie had a crush on him. He had no redeeming qualities at all.
Thank you to Netgallery and HarperCollins UK, One More Chapter for an ARC in exchange for my honest review.
After the Party has an intriguing premise - your crush confesses their love for someone else and that person ends up missing. Unfortunately that's where the positivity ends. The novel was filled with detail after detail about what the main character, Lizzie, was doing, how she felt, what other people were doing. I was so bored. It also didn't help that everyone was awful! I hated Lizzie who couldn't make a decision and had to rely on others to think for her. It was a mystery that she was so invested in finding out what had happened with Rebecca, since their interactions showed that they didn't have a friendship or even really liked each other. Then there was Dean (Lizzie's crush). No idea why Lizzie had a crush on him. He had no redeeming qualities at all.
Thank you to Netgallery and HarperCollins UK, One More Chapter for an ARC in exchange for my honest review.
June 14, 2023
2⭐️ Lizzie grow some balls and move away from your mom, you’ll be better off!
June 18, 2022
What The Shhhheeep! 😳😯🤯
I'm gonna say, I had some real high hopes for this one just by the synopsis but sadly it just didn't work for me. I really struggled reading this one and it wasn't because it was slow. It was the fact that Lizzie drove me nuts. She reminded me of a whiny high schooler dealing with her obsession of unrequited love with Dean. I will say this had such real potential and writing was really well done, but a lot of redundancy in it that made it difficult.
Mყ 𝐒ყɴ𝐨ρѕιѕ: Lizzie has just gotten a promotion as a project manager at small company, and she's absolutely in love with her co-worker, Dean, for the past three years. She starts to feel that maybe he has feelings for her too until at a Christmas party, he admits he has feelings for her colleague, Rebecca. A heartbroken Lizzie is more determined to take a job offer in London when police show up and say Rebecca has disappeared. What could have possibly happened and does it have anything to do with the Christmas party days earlier?
Now I will say that it had some real redeeming qualities as the plot unfolded. And I enjoyed the thriller aspect & mystery she bloomed along that kept me wondering and unsure. She has real talent and I think just needs to hone it a bit more. This had super good potential and I think she'll get there. The ending definitely made up for the rest of the book for me.
Thank you to NetGalley & Harper Collins UK for this ARC.
Release Date: August 12, 2022
𝐌𝐞𝐫𝐢𝐭: 3 / 5 Beach Waves! 🌊
I'm gonna say, I had some real high hopes for this one just by the synopsis but sadly it just didn't work for me. I really struggled reading this one and it wasn't because it was slow. It was the fact that Lizzie drove me nuts. She reminded me of a whiny high schooler dealing with her obsession of unrequited love with Dean. I will say this had such real potential and writing was really well done, but a lot of redundancy in it that made it difficult.
Mყ 𝐒ყɴ𝐨ρѕιѕ: Lizzie has just gotten a promotion as a project manager at small company, and she's absolutely in love with her co-worker, Dean, for the past three years. She starts to feel that maybe he has feelings for her too until at a Christmas party, he admits he has feelings for her colleague, Rebecca. A heartbroken Lizzie is more determined to take a job offer in London when police show up and say Rebecca has disappeared. What could have possibly happened and does it have anything to do with the Christmas party days earlier?
Now I will say that it had some real redeeming qualities as the plot unfolded. And I enjoyed the thriller aspect & mystery she bloomed along that kept me wondering and unsure. She has real talent and I think just needs to hone it a bit more. This had super good potential and I think she'll get there. The ending definitely made up for the rest of the book for me.
Thank you to NetGalley & Harper Collins UK for this ARC.
Release Date: August 12, 2022
𝐌𝐞𝐫𝐢𝐭: 3 / 5 Beach Waves! 🌊
July 18, 2023
Lizzie has been in love with Dean for years on the night she plans to reveal all he confesses his secret relationship and love for fellow workmate and casual friend Rebecca leaving Lizzie devastated. But the morning after this discovery Rebecca is missing and everyone’s a suspect in the small community they all reside.
This was an engaging easy read it was slightly predictable as in I guessed or at least had a strong inkling quite early on who the protagonist was and it turned out I was right.
It’s all told from Lizzie POV and has decent pacing but Lizzie was somewhat of a doormat and I wanted to give her a big kick up the backside and tell her to stop being so passive about everything. In some ways I even thought her behaviour encouraged people to take her for granted as she constantly rolled over and turned the other cheek. I can’t imagine myself ever being so compliant and forgiving.
Lizzie also had a massive vein of selfishness to go along with her passiveness this was showcased by her eventual actions and willingness to let the status quo be if it meant she’d now get what she wanted all along. Even her sheer determination to discover what had happened to Rebecca was fuelled in most part by Dean’s approval whatever she told herself otherwise. She was one of those people who appears a benevolent saint and actually believes her own hype and pure motives when the truth is far different.
And then there’s Dean who was hardly the prize of the century. He really didn’t come across at all well in all of this and because of that I totally didn’t like the ending we arrived at here Lizzie should definitely have chosen differently.
In conclusion, though this was well written and I did mostly enjoy it just don’t be expecting to be enamoured by the characters involved as they were to be frank a pretty unlikable bunch and yes that included the perfect Lizzie. I voluntarily reviewed a copy of After The Party.
Reviewed By Beckie Bookworm
https://www.facebook.com/beckiebookworm/
www.beckiebookworm.com
September 4, 2023
Lizzie has been in love with her work colleague Dean for years. She had planned to tell him at the work's Christmas party, but he confesses his secret relationship and love for fellow worker Rebecca and admits he is upset as she is moving to London.
Lizzie is devastated and ends up calling her mother to collect her from the party as she is drunk and has been sick.
The next morning Lizzie discovers Rebecca has gone missing, everyone is a suspect. What did happen after the party?
WOW this was a great whodunnit, with lots of clues and red herrings to keep you guessing. I did not see the ending coming and had to re-read it just to make sure my eyes were not deceiving me!!
Thank you to Netgalley for my copy in exchange for an honest review.
Lizzie is devastated and ends up calling her mother to collect her from the party as she is drunk and has been sick.
The next morning Lizzie discovers Rebecca has gone missing, everyone is a suspect. What did happen after the party?
WOW this was a great whodunnit, with lots of clues and red herrings to keep you guessing. I did not see the ending coming and had to re-read it just to make sure my eyes were not deceiving me!!
Thank you to Netgalley for my copy in exchange for an honest review.
May 18, 2022
Lizzie has had a crush on her co-worker Dean for many years. One night at a work Christmas party he tells her that he is love Rebecca, a friend of Lizzie's. Lizzie is crushed. Soon after, Rebecca goes missing and everyone is a suspect. Lizzie tries to find out what happened to her friend.
This was my first book by Georgina Lees and I loved it. It was a quick and easy read. I did have my suspicions and I was correct, but it didn't take away from my enjoyment of the novel. Overall, a very entertaining read I think many people will have a hard time putting down.
Many Thanks to NetGalley and HarperCollins UK, One More Chapter for my ARC in exchange for my honest review.
This was my first book by Georgina Lees and I loved it. It was a quick and easy read. I did have my suspicions and I was correct, but it didn't take away from my enjoyment of the novel. Overall, a very entertaining read I think many people will have a hard time putting down.
Many Thanks to NetGalley and HarperCollins UK, One More Chapter for my ARC in exchange for my honest review.
September 19, 2022
Was there anything about this book which I enjoyed? The murderer was instantly guessable, following a pattern seen a thousand times before in crime fiction, and the protagonist throws away all of her character development about twenty pages before the end for the sake of the author’s ‘shock’ ending. The women in this novel are catty and men-obsessed, but there is no kind of condemnation of behaviour (see the wonderful Crazy Ex Girlfriend, a satirical take on women’s obsession with getting men to love them) or nuance applied whatsoever here - women simply sleep around, cheat, and cry over men. And that’s fine, according to the author.
July 12, 2022
The story opens with a love triangle; at one corner, Lizzie, at another, Dean, and at another, Rebecca. When Rebecca is discovered missing, it messes up the love triangle and the remainder of the book is about what transpired.
Let’s get what frustrated me out of the way. Firstly, I hated it every time Lizzie moaned on about Dean. Do something about it or move on. Secondly, I had trouble connecting to the really unlikeable, manipulative characters and as a result, I did plenty of skimming. Thirdly, the black cloud hanging over the plot. On a bright summer’s day it was difficult to get into a dark, depressing read.
Now for the stuff I did enjoy! This was a quick read, full of twists, terrible choices, and tension. The setting and the mystery were the stars of the show; I loved the quaint village and the mystery was a difficult one to figure out. The ending left me yelling in disbelief!
I was gifted this advance copy by Georgina Lees, Harper Collins UK, One More Chapter and NetGalley and was under no obligation to provide a review.
Let’s get what frustrated me out of the way. Firstly, I hated it every time Lizzie moaned on about Dean. Do something about it or move on. Secondly, I had trouble connecting to the really unlikeable, manipulative characters and as a result, I did plenty of skimming. Thirdly, the black cloud hanging over the plot. On a bright summer’s day it was difficult to get into a dark, depressing read.
Now for the stuff I did enjoy! This was a quick read, full of twists, terrible choices, and tension. The setting and the mystery were the stars of the show; I loved the quaint village and the mystery was a difficult one to figure out. The ending left me yelling in disbelief!
I was gifted this advance copy by Georgina Lees, Harper Collins UK, One More Chapter and NetGalley and was under no obligation to provide a review.
August 12, 2022
Wow, Georgina Lees can deliver fantastic psychological thrillers, indeed she can!
This one is packed with relatable, but mostly unlikable characters, a great, unusual plot and the most unexpected, unforseen ending you would ever think of (and which I had to read twice just to be sure it was really ending that way).
This is the second book I read by this author and I will recommend both to anyone!
Thank you to NetGalley and the publisher for this ARC in exchange for an honest review.
This one is packed with relatable, but mostly unlikable characters, a great, unusual plot and the most unexpected, unforseen ending you would ever think of (and which I had to read twice just to be sure it was really ending that way).
This is the second book I read by this author and I will recommend both to anyone!
Thank you to NetGalley and the publisher for this ARC in exchange for an honest review.
July 27, 2022
Meh….
I’m sorry, but this just isn’t an exciting book.
I really have no idea why:
a) These women were friends.
b) Why ANY of them wanted Dean. (To be fair, maybe he had a magic penis or something, but I’d think the author would have told us that.)
c) The police officer. I didn’t leave out any words there – I literally mean ‘why the police officer’?!?!? I don’t get it…or him.
Finally, the big reveal was…different. Yep, it was certainly different.
Slow pacing, dull characters, and I hated every single character.
This was a skip for me.
• ARC via Publisher
I’m sorry, but this just isn’t an exciting book.
I really have no idea why:
a) These women were friends.
b) Why ANY of them wanted Dean. (To be fair, maybe he had a magic penis or something, but I’d think the author would have told us that.)
c) The police officer. I didn’t leave out any words there – I literally mean ‘why the police officer’?!?!? I don’t get it…or him.
Finally, the big reveal was…different. Yep, it was certainly different.
Slow pacing, dull characters, and I hated every single character.
This was a skip for me.
• ARC via Publisher
July 17, 2022
This was a pretty easy to follow book. I didn't care much for the characters and had to take a few breaks before I finally got it finished.
August 12, 2022
This book had way too much "Oh but I love him" and not enough actual suspense for me. Or maybe it had the right enough suspense but it was overpowered by the constant mooning of the main character about how much she loves a coworker. It felt like a middle school crush more than a grown up person having actual feelings. That is too bad because the actual mystery was good! It was really good! But it got overly bogged down by the weird pining and that made it extremely difficult to even try and like or sympathize with the characters. So, if you can handle a lot of that adolescent love talk (the word "love" was used 145 times) interrupting your murder and suspense, this is a great book for you!
Thanks to NetGalley and Harper Collins for a copy of the book. This review is my own opinion.
Thanks to NetGalley and Harper Collins for a copy of the book. This review is my own opinion.
August 12, 2022
Lizzie's life is stagnating. She still lives in her hometown, & works a job she doesn't like all that much instead of pursuing an art career. One major reason for this is that she has been in love with work colleague, Dean, for three years. Lizzie has never told Dean how she feels but, after all the lingering gazes between them, she wonders if he feels the same. When she is basically goaded into applying for a job in London, she realises that now is the time before it's too late.
On the night of their work's Christmas party, they go out into the garden where Dean confesses his love.......for someone else, other work colleague, Rebecca. Apparently they have been dating for a year & Lizzie had no idea & feels humiliated & ends up leaving early, claiming illness. The next day, two police officers turn up to question Lizzie about the party as it seems that Rebecca never made it home afterwards & no-one knows where she is or what has happened to her.
From the synopsis I thought it was going to be a taut thriller where the main character fights to clear their name, but instead, Lizzie goes all Nancy Drew & decides she is better placed than the police to find Rebecca & work out what happened. In fact most of what she does is chase after/call Dean to find out what's going on. It gets very repetitive & very boring very fast. It's obvious the detective is attracted to her but really, would any police officer have a drink in the local pub with someone who is involved in the case they are investigating? Not if they want to keep their job I would have thought.
The main character is so much in Dean's thrall that it's slightly embarrassing to read about it. Her mother is almost smothering in her attention, & as for Dean - I think most of us have met a Dean sometime or another. The kind of person that has no qualms in taking advantage of the feelings of the woman who has a crush on them & yet viewing her as pathetic for having those feelings. Everyone else was quite thinly drawn, even the detective investigating the case seemed a rather shadowy figure. It's a bit of a shame as the author can definitely write well but this is not a great book. Finally, I hated the ending. 2.5 stars (rounded up)
My thanks to NetGalley & publishers, HarperCollins UK/One More Chapter, for the opportunity to read an ARC.
On the night of their work's Christmas party, they go out into the garden where Dean confesses his love.......for someone else, other work colleague, Rebecca. Apparently they have been dating for a year & Lizzie had no idea & feels humiliated & ends up leaving early, claiming illness. The next day, two police officers turn up to question Lizzie about the party as it seems that Rebecca never made it home afterwards & no-one knows where she is or what has happened to her.
From the synopsis I thought it was going to be a taut thriller where the main character fights to clear their name, but instead, Lizzie goes all Nancy Drew & decides she is better placed than the police to find Rebecca & work out what happened. In fact most of what she does is chase after/call Dean to find out what's going on. It gets very repetitive & very boring very fast. It's obvious the detective is attracted to her but really, would any police officer have a drink in the local pub with someone who is involved in the case they are investigating? Not if they want to keep their job I would have thought.
The main character is so much in Dean's thrall that it's slightly embarrassing to read about it. Her mother is almost smothering in her attention, & as for Dean - I think most of us have met a Dean sometime or another. The kind of person that has no qualms in taking advantage of the feelings of the woman who has a crush on them & yet viewing her as pathetic for having those feelings. Everyone else was quite thinly drawn, even the detective investigating the case seemed a rather shadowy figure. It's a bit of a shame as the author can definitely write well but this is not a great book. Finally, I hated the ending. 2.5 stars (rounded up)
My thanks to NetGalley & publishers, HarperCollins UK/One More Chapter, for the opportunity to read an ARC.
May 19, 2022
Thank you Netgalley and Harper Collins UK, One More Chapter for this ARC of After the Party by Georgina Lee's.
Lizzie has had a somewhat obsessive crush on her co-worker Dean for years but has never confessed this to him or anyone else. On the night of their employee Christmas party she finally finds the courage to tell him. Except before she gets the chance, Dean informs her that he is in love with their co-worker, Rebecca. Heartbroken and torn, Lizzie leaves the party and goes home in tears. The next day, she wakes up to find out that Rebecca is now missing.
This was a good mystery with an unpredictable ending, however, I just could not get into this. I found myself skimming through somewhat unnecessary details throughout. I couldn't relate to, nor did I particularly like any of the characters in this either. I did enjoy the overall story and mystery, I just don't think this author's style is for me personally.
Lizzie has had a somewhat obsessive crush on her co-worker Dean for years but has never confessed this to him or anyone else. On the night of their employee Christmas party she finally finds the courage to tell him. Except before she gets the chance, Dean informs her that he is in love with their co-worker, Rebecca. Heartbroken and torn, Lizzie leaves the party and goes home in tears. The next day, she wakes up to find out that Rebecca is now missing.
This was a good mystery with an unpredictable ending, however, I just could not get into this. I found myself skimming through somewhat unnecessary details throughout. I couldn't relate to, nor did I particularly like any of the characters in this either. I did enjoy the overall story and mystery, I just don't think this author's style is for me personally.
July 30, 2023
This was good, I literally flew through it on audio. Good old fashioned mystery with lots of clues and red herrings chucked in. I did guess the twist quite early on but not the why’s and what for’s so it didn’t ruin anything for me. I was a little disappointed with the ending… I had an alternative I would have preferred but again, this didn’t impact on my overall opinion of the book. I look forward to reading more from this author.
September 18, 2022
*3.5 I generally liked this author's style of writing however the main character was cringy re her obsessive unrequited love with her colleague for 3 years I had to keep reminding myself she was an adult. Let's not talk about her overbearing mother...
Of course I had to keep reading to find out what happened to Rebecca.
Alas I hated OK hate is a strong word I disliked the ending.
Of course I had to keep reading to find out what happened to Rebecca.
Alas I hated OK hate is a strong word I disliked the ending.
May 24, 2024
Thrilling
September 18, 2022
It was horrible but I felt like to get to the main part of the story it took way too long. The plot was okay, I do feel like that it’s been done a lot but you can always throw something in there to switch it up but it was a good read, I just wish the plot had more.
May 15, 2022
Lizzie has been in love with Dean for years, but he has never tried to take things further with her. Then one day, at the office party, he tells her that he is in love with her friend Rebecca. Lizzie goes home upset, and is shocked afterwards to find out that Rebecca went missing after the party. What happened to her?
A thrilling read that keeps you turning the pages and guessing until the end. A good range of characters and you are kept wondering how each of them could be involved. Recommended!
Thanks to NetGalley and the publisher for an advance copy of the book in return for my honest feedback.
A thrilling read that keeps you turning the pages and guessing until the end. A good range of characters and you are kept wondering how each of them could be involved. Recommended!
Thanks to NetGalley and the publisher for an advance copy of the book in return for my honest feedback.
May 15, 2022
After the Party by G. Lees, published by Harper Collins UK/ One More Chapter, is a book that stays with you. I literally just finished the book and I can't even say how the story threw me. A thriller of it's finest, a story that quietly, sneakily grows on you, then grips you with both hands and doesn't let you go anymore.
Twisty full of unexpected turns gives all the feels books like this are the best reads ever. I loved connecting with the characters, sitting on the edge of my seat reading this unputdownable book.
Twisty full of unexpected turns gives all the feels books like this are the best reads ever. I loved connecting with the characters, sitting on the edge of my seat reading this unputdownable book.
December 21, 2023
After reading The Girl Upstairs, I really wanted to try another book by this author. As I said in my review for that book, I liked the way the author was able to write characters that, in the beginning weren't very likable, but then grew into likable characters that I understood. While that book had a main character who was reclusive, this one had a main character who was obsessed with a coworker. I liked that this author writes these types of flawed characters, but in this case it didn't work for me, and the main reason it didn't work for me was because there was no growth. I just wanted Lizzie to realize some things about herself and make a change, but Lizzie was never strong enough to really be her own person, and that was sad.
I also felt like this book was more predictable. I figured out what had happened and why well before the end, and speaking of the end, that was a terrible ending! I disliked who she ended up with in the end, and I didn't like that certain things were swept under the rug. Despite disliking this book, I'll probably still read the other book on my to-read list by this author.
Review also posted at Writings of a Reader and on Facebook.
I also felt like this book was more predictable. I figured out what had happened and why well before the end, and speaking of the end, that was a terrible ending! I disliked who she ended up with in the end, and I didn't like that certain things were swept under the rug. Despite disliking this book, I'll probably still read the other book on my to-read list by this author.
Review also posted at Writings of a Reader and on Facebook.
July 31, 2022
Rating: 1.4/5
I was impressed by Georgina Lees' debut novel, "The Girl Upstairs" and immediately made a note to ensure that I picked up her second book too. Sadly, "After the Party" is not a patch on its predecessor and it makes for a bitterly disappointing reading experience.
When I reviewed "The Girl Upstairs" I felt that it exhibited a surprising level of maturity and dexterity for a new writer, that was only hampered by the fact that it took a little too long to get into its stride. "After the Party" shares the same negative trait of taking a very (very) long time to get going, but has none of the redeeming characteristics of its forerunner. For far too long the pace of the novel is painfully slow and the tone pretty dreary. By the time I reached the halfway point, boredom had long since set in and I was tired of reading Lizzie's delusional ramblings. Even from the early stages it was difficult to be convinced by the storyline or the setting and even when the pace of the narrative did eventually pick up, it was a case of it moving from pointlessly dull to melodramatically ridiculous.
Georgina Lees certainly has the ability to write - she showed that in her debut novel - but there are only glimpses of that talent in "After the Party" and it is best avoided.
As ever, I would still like to convey my thanks to NetGalley and the publisher for supplying an ARC in return for an honest review. It is a pity I was not in a position to pass more favourable comment on this occasion.
I was impressed by Georgina Lees' debut novel, "The Girl Upstairs" and immediately made a note to ensure that I picked up her second book too. Sadly, "After the Party" is not a patch on its predecessor and it makes for a bitterly disappointing reading experience.
When I reviewed "The Girl Upstairs" I felt that it exhibited a surprising level of maturity and dexterity for a new writer, that was only hampered by the fact that it took a little too long to get into its stride. "After the Party" shares the same negative trait of taking a very (very) long time to get going, but has none of the redeeming characteristics of its forerunner. For far too long the pace of the novel is painfully slow and the tone pretty dreary. By the time I reached the halfway point, boredom had long since set in and I was tired of reading Lizzie's delusional ramblings. Even from the early stages it was difficult to be convinced by the storyline or the setting and even when the pace of the narrative did eventually pick up, it was a case of it moving from pointlessly dull to melodramatically ridiculous.
Georgina Lees certainly has the ability to write - she showed that in her debut novel - but there are only glimpses of that talent in "After the Party" and it is best avoided.
As ever, I would still like to convey my thanks to NetGalley and the publisher for supplying an ARC in return for an honest review. It is a pity I was not in a position to pass more favourable comment on this occasion.
December 28, 2023
Mixed feelings about this one!
First, the writing is very good. It kept me reading all the way through, even if I had other reservations. I would read another story by this author, for sure.
However, the plot/mystery fell a little flat. It was very obvious early on who the killer was, and unfortunately the mc's arc was very repetitive. I wasn't sure why certain characters were in the story, other than to serve as potential culprits. The summary made it seem like the story revolved around the party, and 'something' that happened there, but the party scene was very short and not suspicious.
Sadly wasn't impressed with this one, but would definitely give the author another go. Very grateful to Netgalley and the publisher for the arc!
First, the writing is very good. It kept me reading all the way through, even if I had other reservations. I would read another story by this author, for sure.
However, the plot/mystery fell a little flat. It was very obvious early on who the killer was, and unfortunately the mc's arc was very repetitive. I wasn't sure why certain characters were in the story, other than to serve as potential culprits. The summary made it seem like the story revolved around the party, and 'something' that happened there, but the party scene was very short and not suspicious.
Sadly wasn't impressed with this one, but would definitely give the author another go. Very grateful to Netgalley and the publisher for the arc!
May 20, 2022
Thank you to Netgalley for allowing me to read this author.
I was a little confused in the beginning which character was talking and what the main character's name was as it wasn't initially clear. However I soon got into this story and three quarters of the way through I was still wondering if a murder had been committed. I still am.
At times I thought Lizzie was going to get into hot water with her investigations and even to a point where I thought surely she can't trust her neighbour she's too nice, what is she hiding.
Her undying love for Dean never wavers though clearly it should.
You never hear much from her dad, her mum being the pivotal person in her life who seemingly acts irrationally several times throughout.
At 60% into the book, yes I was reading on a kindle, I couldn't put it down, so keen to know where the missing character was and why still no murder. The story raced along but with no clear clues or motive it kept me gripped for hours whilst I tried to find out more.
The ending left me with more questions than answers, characters I didn't expect to be instrumental to the missing character and Lizzie to my mind with the wrong person.
This book left me with unfinished endings which made a refreshing change to a story being neatly tied up.
The ultimate question is "How far would you go to protect your family"?
I was a little confused in the beginning which character was talking and what the main character's name was as it wasn't initially clear. However I soon got into this story and three quarters of the way through I was still wondering if a murder had been committed. I still am.
At times I thought Lizzie was going to get into hot water with her investigations and even to a point where I thought surely she can't trust her neighbour she's too nice, what is she hiding.
Her undying love for Dean never wavers though clearly it should.
You never hear much from her dad, her mum being the pivotal person in her life who seemingly acts irrationally several times throughout.
At 60% into the book, yes I was reading on a kindle, I couldn't put it down, so keen to know where the missing character was and why still no murder. The story raced along but with no clear clues or motive it kept me gripped for hours whilst I tried to find out more.
The ending left me with more questions than answers, characters I didn't expect to be instrumental to the missing character and Lizzie to my mind with the wrong person.
This book left me with unfinished endings which made a refreshing change to a story being neatly tied up.
The ultimate question is "How far would you go to protect your family"?
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