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The Summer Party
A glamorous, atmospheric psychological thriller about a glamorous family dynasty living on the coast of South Australia. 2023's most addictive beach read.
The most perfect families hide the most devastating secrets.
When Lucy Ross is forced to come back to her childhood summer home in Queens Point, Australia, it's supposed to only be a short stay. Just the time to pack her beloved grandmother's belongings and move on. But when a body washes up on the beach, the timing of her return seems too coincidental, and she soon finds herself pulled into a murder investigation.
At the centre of it all are the Whitlam siblings – gorgeous, wealthy, glamorous. In this beautiful coastal town Mae, Harry and Anabelle are as good as royalty. So when nineteen years before they had let shy sixteen-year-old Lucy into their inner circle, she was prepared to do anything for it to stay that way, even turn a blind eye to their secrets...
But now that things have turned out deadly, what would be stronger: the Whitlam's allure or the search for the truth?
The most perfect families hide the most devastating secrets.
When Lucy Ross is forced to come back to her childhood summer home in Queens Point, Australia, it's supposed to only be a short stay. Just the time to pack her beloved grandmother's belongings and move on. But when a body washes up on the beach, the timing of her return seems too coincidental, and she soon finds herself pulled into a murder investigation.
At the centre of it all are the Whitlam siblings – gorgeous, wealthy, glamorous. In this beautiful coastal town Mae, Harry and Anabelle are as good as royalty. So when nineteen years before they had let shy sixteen-year-old Lucy into their inner circle, she was prepared to do anything for it to stay that way, even turn a blind eye to their secrets...
But now that things have turned out deadly, what would be stronger: the Whitlam's allure or the search for the truth?
384 pages, Kindle Edition
First published January 5, 2023
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2390 people want to read
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 374 reviews
December 20, 2022
2.5 stars
Overall, this is a decent mystery novel, but it suffers from some very OTT moments, and no characters that I really liked. FYI: There's an awesome dog (literally the best part of the story) and he does encounter some scary situations a couple of times, but he comes out fine so you can read this without that worry.
Lucy has come to pack up her grandmother's home after her death. She remembers back to the summer she spent hanging around the wealthy Whitlam siblings, Annabelle, Harry, and Mae, almost twenty years ago when she was sixteen. She envied their ease and self-assuredness and was heartbroken when the friendships she made fell away. Now that she's back she hopes to spark the relationships once again, and then a body is discovered--it is Brooke Whitlam, the mother of her friends. And she hadn't been seen since the party at the end of the summer all those years before. What happened to Brooke and what secrets are everyone hiding?
I thought Lucy's simpering obsession with the Whitlams was ridiculous. She followed them around like a needy puppy, even after twenty years and a career and relationships of her own. She put them above everything else, which made me roll my eyes so many times. There was one encounter she had with Jake that made me almost quit reading it was so ridiculous. She honestly acted like a tween rather than an adult in her mid-30s. She was fawning around after the Whitlams and I could almost hear her whining "Why won't you talk to me? Why won't you be my friends?" Blah.
The mystery itself had lots of surprises and twists and I did like the way it was presented and it kept me guessing until the very end. Even after the main mystery of what happened to Brooke was revealed, there were still a few other surprises and that elevated the story for me. The pacing of the book is a bit slow, but the Australian setting is captured beautifully.
Bottom line: A bit lackluster, decent mystery but unlikable characters.
I voluntarily reviewed a complimentary copy of this book , all opinions are my own.
January 19, 2023
This is quick, fast pacing, intriguing reading you cannot put down! The mystery about the past keeps your attention intact, pushing you make guesses about whodunnit, brainstorming till the end. Australian setting is also great choice with realistic and detailed descriptions help you visualize the tense atmosphere of the murder mystery and enjoy it a little more!
And of course ending took my breath away! It made my heart ache.
Absolutely a promising, riveting, powerful debut comes from Rebecca Heath!
Here’s the quick recap:
After losing her grandmother who raised her by working as help for one of the powerful families: the Whitlams, Lucy Ross returns back to her childhood summer house in Queens Point to pack her grandmother’s belongings.
She drives there with her husband’s dog Hades: only thing she holds after his sudden death. She plans to finish her job and return back to the city to deal with her own work drama but returning back to the place after two decades later brings back so many memories she’s bottled up and she is also intrigued by the article about a shoe has found with human remains nearby. Could this be related with the party night she got her first kiss and she needed to hide when someone interrupted them! What exactly happened that night and what did she really her?
And finding a strange object when she collects her grandmother’s things fuels her curiosity! She has to reconnect with three siblings of Whitlams to find the truth about the past, answering her buried questions.
Overall: it was well developed mystery! I’m looking forward to read more future works of the author!
Many thanks to NetGalley and Aria&Aries for sharing this amazing digital reviewer copy with me in exchange my honest thoughts.
And of course ending took my breath away! It made my heart ache.
Absolutely a promising, riveting, powerful debut comes from Rebecca Heath!
Here’s the quick recap:
After losing her grandmother who raised her by working as help for one of the powerful families: the Whitlams, Lucy Ross returns back to her childhood summer house in Queens Point to pack her grandmother’s belongings.
She drives there with her husband’s dog Hades: only thing she holds after his sudden death. She plans to finish her job and return back to the city to deal with her own work drama but returning back to the place after two decades later brings back so many memories she’s bottled up and she is also intrigued by the article about a shoe has found with human remains nearby. Could this be related with the party night she got her first kiss and she needed to hide when someone interrupted them! What exactly happened that night and what did she really her?
And finding a strange object when she collects her grandmother’s things fuels her curiosity! She has to reconnect with three siblings of Whitlams to find the truth about the past, answering her buried questions.
Overall: it was well developed mystery! I’m looking forward to read more future works of the author!
Many thanks to NetGalley and Aria&Aries for sharing this amazing digital reviewer copy with me in exchange my honest thoughts.
April 12, 2023
The Summer Party was just an average read for me, the prose got me in due to Hades the dog he gets into some situations but luckily comes out of this unscathed.
Then the characters well they were very unlikable not one character I wanted to root for, then comes Lucy Rosses relationship with the Whitlam’s escapees during this was totally OTT which is not my cup of tea ☕️ I like believable characters that I can sink my teeth into.
This was an okay storyline but lacked believability it’s a shame really as I was looking forward to this one.
Then the characters well they were very unlikable not one character I wanted to root for, then comes Lucy Rosses relationship with the Whitlam’s escapees during this was totally OTT which is not my cup of tea ☕️ I like believable characters that I can sink my teeth into.
This was an okay storyline but lacked believability it’s a shame really as I was looking forward to this one.
January 3, 2023
An atmospheric story revolving around an entitled family and a murder in the year 2000. Adelaide beaches, a small community and a wealthy family are the topic of this debut, told in chapters alternating between present times and that of the murder. The town appears tranquil, but the goings on are far from that.
Wealthy, insipid, awful and spiteful matriarch Brooke Whitlam is murdered, and it seems all and sundry have the intent. She is dreadful to one daughter, whom she body shames and treats dreadfully. She also treats the hired help dreadfully and it seems anyone would kill her given the chance.
Lucy Ross is the grand daughter of the main house maid, and she returns to this sinister town to clean up the estate of her beloved grandmother who did warn her years ago to be wary of this Whitlam family. Lucy was always drawn in by them, by the sisters and by Harry, the almost adult young man who smoked too many drugs, drank too much and pretty much thought he was god’s gift.
I did not love this story. The characters were all awful, I didn’t even like Lucy. She was attracted to bad people, she had done nothing wrong, but nothing appealed. The dog was nice, and that’s about it. I was reading to see who had dunnit, and to deposit my copy to the camp kitchen at the holiday park to replace some books I’d taken, and that can’t be a good signpost. 2.5★ rounded down.
My thanks to Better Reading magazine for my limited-edition proof copy to read and review, this mag always provides generous giveaways.
Wealthy, insipid, awful and spiteful matriarch Brooke Whitlam is murdered, and it seems all and sundry have the intent. She is dreadful to one daughter, whom she body shames and treats dreadfully. She also treats the hired help dreadfully and it seems anyone would kill her given the chance.
Lucy Ross is the grand daughter of the main house maid, and she returns to this sinister town to clean up the estate of her beloved grandmother who did warn her years ago to be wary of this Whitlam family. Lucy was always drawn in by them, by the sisters and by Harry, the almost adult young man who smoked too many drugs, drank too much and pretty much thought he was god’s gift.
I did not love this story. The characters were all awful, I didn’t even like Lucy. She was attracted to bad people, she had done nothing wrong, but nothing appealed. The dog was nice, and that’s about it. I was reading to see who had dunnit, and to deposit my copy to the camp kitchen at the holiday park to replace some books I’d taken, and that can’t be a good signpost. 2.5★ rounded down.
My thanks to Better Reading magazine for my limited-edition proof copy to read and review, this mag always provides generous giveaways.
December 19, 2022
Well this one had me guessing wrong right till the end! Even when it appeared all the answers had been given there was another turn. Lucy arrives at the small South Australian coastal town of Queens Point to clear out her grandmothers cottage. She hasn’t been there since January 2000, when as a teenager she came to stay. It’s in the shadow of the local rich family’s house above the cliffs. Lucy as a teenager became obsessed with the Whitlams, who appeared to be the perfect family and she makes friends with Anabelle, adores Harry and admires their older sister Mae. It is of course, a facade and even though Lucy’s grandmother warns her she continues her idolisation and wishes she herself had their wealth and possessions. So what happened at the summer party in 2000 and how did the body of Brooke Whitlam, the family matriarch suddenly turn up buried on the beach?
The story is told in two timelines, the present and in the days leading up to the party in 2000. Lucy is a frustrating lead character, she makes some terrible decisions and lacks self confidence even at 35 when you’d think the reality of her childish adoration would’ve worn off. This is definitely an enjoyable thriller and I sped through it.
The story is told in two timelines, the present and in the days leading up to the party in 2000. Lucy is a frustrating lead character, she makes some terrible decisions and lacks self confidence even at 35 when you’d think the reality of her childish adoration would’ve worn off. This is definitely an enjoyable thriller and I sped through it.
December 12, 2022
When Lucy Ross is forced to come back to her childhood summer home in Queens Point, Australia, it's supposed to be only a short stay. Just the time to pack her beloved grandmother's belongings and move on. But when a body washes up on the beach, the timing of her return seems too coincidental, and soon finds herself pulled into a murder investigation. At the centre of it all are the Whitham siblings - gorgeous, wealthy, glamourous. In this beautiful coastal town, Mae Harry and Annabelle are as good as royalty. So, when nineteen years before they had let sixteen-year-old Lucy into their inner circle, she was prepared to do anything for it to stay that way, even turn a blind eye to their secrets.
This story is set in the present day and the early 2000s. The pace is slow to start with, but then it's not long before it picks up. Lucy had no idea how one summer staying with her grandmother would impact her life. When she returns to her grandmother's home after her death, her life is even more dominated by the events of the past. There's something going on with the Whitham's. Lucy had so wanted to be like them. Secrets begin to surface. There are lots of twists. Once the pace picked up, I was hooked. The characters are well developed. The story is told from Lucy's point of view in the present day and from multiple perspectives in the past. This story kept me on my toes.
I would like to thank #NetGalley #AriaAndAries #HeadofZeus and the author #RebeccaHeath for my ARC of #TheSummerParty in exchange for an honest review.
This story is set in the present day and the early 2000s. The pace is slow to start with, but then it's not long before it picks up. Lucy had no idea how one summer staying with her grandmother would impact her life. When she returns to her grandmother's home after her death, her life is even more dominated by the events of the past. There's something going on with the Whitham's. Lucy had so wanted to be like them. Secrets begin to surface. There are lots of twists. Once the pace picked up, I was hooked. The characters are well developed. The story is told from Lucy's point of view in the present day and from multiple perspectives in the past. This story kept me on my toes.
I would like to thank #NetGalley #AriaAndAries #HeadofZeus and the author #RebeccaHeath for my ARC of #TheSummerParty in exchange for an honest review.
May 26, 2023
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The Summer Party by Rebecca Heath. (2023).
Summer, 2000. In the tranquil town of Queen's Point in southern Australia, the Whitlam family always finish summer with a party at their clifftop mansion. Here, 16-year-old Lucy is kissed for the first time. And then sees something she shouldn't.
Winter, 2019. After twenty years of silence, Lucy returns to Queen's Point, not planning to stay long. But when human remains appear, the police close the town. Unable to leave, Lucy rekindles old friendships and begins to examine old truths she tried to forget. As long-buried secrets surface, Lucy needs to decide if she'll confront the past...
While I didn't mind this one, it's always a bit hard to read when the main character irritates you. I found some of Lucy's decisions a bit frustrating, and I couldn't quite understand why she idolised the entitled and wealthy Whitlam family for her entire adult life. The mystery aspect was intriguing with there being many possibilities as to who killed the person whose remains were found, and thus a lot of red herrings to keep readers guessing. Featuring a dual timeline that flashbacks to the summer of 2000, this is an easy read that I think many would like.
Overall: this was a decent debut for the author and I'd be intrigued to see what comes in the future as it was a well-witten and enjoyable enough story.
*www.facebook.com/onewomansbbr
The Summer Party by Rebecca Heath. (2023).
Summer, 2000. In the tranquil town of Queen's Point in southern Australia, the Whitlam family always finish summer with a party at their clifftop mansion. Here, 16-year-old Lucy is kissed for the first time. And then sees something she shouldn't.
Winter, 2019. After twenty years of silence, Lucy returns to Queen's Point, not planning to stay long. But when human remains appear, the police close the town. Unable to leave, Lucy rekindles old friendships and begins to examine old truths she tried to forget. As long-buried secrets surface, Lucy needs to decide if she'll confront the past...
While I didn't mind this one, it's always a bit hard to read when the main character irritates you. I found some of Lucy's decisions a bit frustrating, and I couldn't quite understand why she idolised the entitled and wealthy Whitlam family for her entire adult life. The mystery aspect was intriguing with there being many possibilities as to who killed the person whose remains were found, and thus a lot of red herrings to keep readers guessing. Featuring a dual timeline that flashbacks to the summer of 2000, this is an easy read that I think many would like.
Overall: this was a decent debut for the author and I'd be intrigued to see what comes in the future as it was a well-witten and enjoyable enough story.
November 20, 2022
I love a good murder mystery, and one set in Australia is always going to get my attention. The Summer Party is a clever page turner and a fantastic debut novel.
It is 2019 and Lucy has returned to Queens Point I’m South Australia to sort out her grandmothers home. She spent a summer here 19 years ago that changed her life. Now her grandmother is gone, but the memories come flooding back. As does the attention of the Whitlam family, a the perfect family that live in the top of the hill. They are rIch and beautiful, and she is soon under their spell again. But what happened at the party 19 years ago? And who’s body has just been found?
A fun read with plenty of ways that they story could have gone. Thanks to Arias and Aries for my advanced copy of this book to read. Published on January 5th.
It is 2019 and Lucy has returned to Queens Point I’m South Australia to sort out her grandmothers home. She spent a summer here 19 years ago that changed her life. Now her grandmother is gone, but the memories come flooding back. As does the attention of the Whitlam family, a the perfect family that live in the top of the hill. They are rIch and beautiful, and she is soon under their spell again. But what happened at the party 19 years ago? And who’s body has just been found?
A fun read with plenty of ways that they story could have gone. Thanks to Arias and Aries for my advanced copy of this book to read. Published on January 5th.
August 22, 2023
Lucy has been forced to return to her childhood summer home in Queens Point Australia to pack up her Grandmother's home after her death. She does not plan to stay long. But when a body is discovered on the beach it brings back memories from years ago of a party.
The story goes back nineteen years when she meets the glamorous, wealthy Whitlam siblings Harry and Annabelle. In this beautiful coastal town they are as good as royalty. They let Lucy into their inner circle and she was prepared to turn a blind eye to their secrets.
The story is told from Lucy's POV in the present day and in the past. There were plenty of twists to keep me engrossed.
Thank you to Netgalley for my copy in exchange for an honest review.
The story goes back nineteen years when she meets the glamorous, wealthy Whitlam siblings Harry and Annabelle. In this beautiful coastal town they are as good as royalty. They let Lucy into their inner circle and she was prepared to turn a blind eye to their secrets.
The story is told from Lucy's POV in the present day and in the past. There were plenty of twists to keep me engrossed.
Thank you to Netgalley for my copy in exchange for an honest review.
December 24, 2022
Lucy heads back to her hometown after her grandmother passes to clean out her cottage. Her grandmother worked for the wealthy family next door. Lucy befriended the children who lived there when she was younger and was involved in some questionable events. Now twenty years later, she reunites with them. Secrets are exposed and friendships are tested when a body is found.
This was just ok for me. It was more of a mystery than a thriller. There was nothing memorable or that stood out for me.
The Summer Party is available January 5,2023
Thank you to netgalley and aria & aries for this arc in exchange for my honest review.
This was just ok for me. It was more of a mystery than a thriller. There was nothing memorable or that stood out for me.
The Summer Party is available January 5,2023
Thank you to netgalley and aria & aries for this arc in exchange for my honest review.
October 31, 2022
Review coming soon.
November 19, 2022
Be careful what you wish for…
Alternating between the summer of 2000 and the winter of 2019, this fantastic atmospheric psychological thriller explores a devastating secret that threatens to rip the glamorous Whitlam family apart.
It all begins when 16-year-old Lucy Ross is invited to a party at the Whitlam remote clifftop mansion. What should have been a memorable evening turns into one that will haunt her for years - she sees something she shouldn’t have seen. Two decades later, Lucy finds herself in Queen’s Point again when a body washes ashore. As if this wasn’t devastating enough, it puts Lucy in a predicament: reveal what she saw 20 years ago or protect loved ones?
You’ll have to read to find out what really happened at Queen’s Point!
Are you prepared for an emotional roller-coaster ride? Heath has a fantastic journey planned for you. Not only does the journey allow you to experience a wide range of emotions, it also flips back in time. One would think with all this back and forth the whiplash would curb interest. It doesn’t. You are along for the ride as Lucy struggles with detaching herself from Whitlam’s allure and making an effort to search for the truth. With hindsight, Lucy realizes how enigmatic this family is and that she can no longer turn a blind eye to the secrets they want to keep hidden.
The writing is sublime. The twists were unpredictable. The characters were wonderful. I didn’t want this story to end.
I was gifted this copy by Aria & Aries, Head of Zeus and NetGalley and was under no obligation to provide a review.
Alternating between the summer of 2000 and the winter of 2019, this fantastic atmospheric psychological thriller explores a devastating secret that threatens to rip the glamorous Whitlam family apart.
It all begins when 16-year-old Lucy Ross is invited to a party at the Whitlam remote clifftop mansion. What should have been a memorable evening turns into one that will haunt her for years - she sees something she shouldn’t have seen. Two decades later, Lucy finds herself in Queen’s Point again when a body washes ashore. As if this wasn’t devastating enough, it puts Lucy in a predicament: reveal what she saw 20 years ago or protect loved ones?
You’ll have to read to find out what really happened at Queen’s Point!
Are you prepared for an emotional roller-coaster ride? Heath has a fantastic journey planned for you. Not only does the journey allow you to experience a wide range of emotions, it also flips back in time. One would think with all this back and forth the whiplash would curb interest. It doesn’t. You are along for the ride as Lucy struggles with detaching herself from Whitlam’s allure and making an effort to search for the truth. With hindsight, Lucy realizes how enigmatic this family is and that she can no longer turn a blind eye to the secrets they want to keep hidden.
The writing is sublime. The twists were unpredictable. The characters were wonderful. I didn’t want this story to end.
I was gifted this copy by Aria & Aries, Head of Zeus and NetGalley and was under no obligation to provide a review.
May 4, 2023
3.5 stars rounded up. Lucy has always been fascinated by the wealthy Whitman family. Their Southern Australian mansion, nestled in a cliff top in the idyllic town of Queen’s Point draws Lucy to it like a moth to a flame. Back in 2000 sixteen year old Lucy was living with her grandmother for the summer, and quickly infatuated with the confidence and style of the younger Whitman kids, Mae, Annabelle and Harry. Especially Harry. As the summer progresses she becomes more involved in their lives, fantasising that this new decadent world is partly hers. Until one evening, at the Whitlam’s summer party, she sees something she shouldn’t and reality comes crashing in.
Fast forward twenty years and Lucy is back in town to sort out her late grandmother’s house. She doesn’t plan on hanging about, her time here is over. But when a body is tragically found on the beach Lucy wonders what did happen at that party all those years ago. As she rekindles her friendship with the Whitman’s she wonders if a twenty year old secret will be unearthed…
This was a hugely evocative read and a very slow burn. Set over two timelines; 2000 and the present day, it carefully and slowly unravels the build up to the night of the party while also focusing on the current lives of the Whitmans. There is an underlying sense of menace throughout the book which will have you suspicious of everyone. There aren’t that many likeable characters here, the Whitmans are pretty awful and I found some of Lucy’s decisions crazy, which does make it tricky to empathise with anyone, but it certainly adds to the tension. There’s a melting pot of secrets, lies and clashing personalities within this small town and they’re all about to boil over.
Fast forward twenty years and Lucy is back in town to sort out her late grandmother’s house. She doesn’t plan on hanging about, her time here is over. But when a body is tragically found on the beach Lucy wonders what did happen at that party all those years ago. As she rekindles her friendship with the Whitman’s she wonders if a twenty year old secret will be unearthed…
This was a hugely evocative read and a very slow burn. Set over two timelines; 2000 and the present day, it carefully and slowly unravels the build up to the night of the party while also focusing on the current lives of the Whitmans. There is an underlying sense of menace throughout the book which will have you suspicious of everyone. There aren’t that many likeable characters here, the Whitmans are pretty awful and I found some of Lucy’s decisions crazy, which does make it tricky to empathise with anyone, but it certainly adds to the tension. There’s a melting pot of secrets, lies and clashing personalities within this small town and they’re all about to boil over.
January 25, 2023
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Adelaide based author Rebecca Heath presents her debut adult fiction novel, The Summer Party. A gripping double timeline and multiple perspective murder mystery title, this was a great read to kick off the new year!
Travelling back in time to the year 2000, we are introduced to the Whitlam family, who enjoy throwing lavish parties. The owners of a spectacular clifftop mansion, a summer season would not be complete without the traditional summer party hosted by the Whitlam clan. For sixteen-year-old Lucy Ross, an invitation to the annual Whitlam party is like gold. As Lucy experiences her first champagne and her first kiss, it will also be the first time Lucy witnesses something sinister. Moving forward twenty years later, Lucy returns to Queen’s Point. Lucy is keen to make her trip back home a short one, but the shocking discovery of a body on the local beach sends the community in a spin. The police shut down the local town and Lucy finds that she is now stranded in the place that she never wanted to return to. In the wake of this shut down, Lucy reconnects with old friends and she is also forced to look deeper into the events of the fateful night of the summer party at the Whitlam residence. Will Lucy finally uncover the truth?
A brand-new year of books to enjoy and a fresh voice in fiction to follow, yay! The Summer Party is South Australian author Rebecca Heath’s gripping debut. It is nice to meet a new face on the Australian contemporary fiction scene. The Summer Party was an evocative and page turning mystery novel that I found very entertaining.
Dual timeline novels that draw in multiple perspectives are definitely my favourite brand of fiction. The Summer Party seemed to be exactly like the sort of read I gravitate towards and my prediction was right, I enjoyed this one immensely. Situated in the summer of 2000 and the winter of 2019, the juxtaposing seasons of summer and winter was fantastic. I liked the contrast between the sultry heat of the past to the cold blustery winter of 2019. It really seemed to compound the events of this tale. The 2000 timeline gripped me the most. I was slightly older than the main protagonist in this time frame, but I distinctly remember the parties I attended during this season. It was almost a nostalgic step back into the past for me as I followed young Lucy during her pivotal awakening and summer romance. Heath does an excellent job of placing us in the thick of the action in this past narrative. I felt as though I was placed right in Lucy’s shoes as she observed the suspect events that occurred at the Whitlam residence.
In terms of the mystery side of things, Heath does a good job of releasing various clues for her reader to grasp hold of as the book makes its winding journey. The events in the present day heighten the tension and mood of this novel, so you feel as though you are clinging to the cliff face of the location in question. Heath allows us to feel a certain sense of satisfaction as though we have predicted exactly how the murder mystery happened. Then boom, we are taken in a different direction. I enjoyed feeling both clever but also fooled by Heath. There is a strong line of unpredictability and unreliability in this one, I wasn’t sure where to place my trust. I did find a connection with Lucy and I also warmed to the memorable dog Hades in this tale. For me, the setting was the absolute standout. I adored the Whitlam home and the coastal backdrop. Heath did this setting completely justice as a South Australian local.
An emerging and exciting new voice in Australian fiction, Rebecca Heath has produced a dynamite debut. I’m keen to be reacquainted with Heath’s work in the near future!
Adelaide based author Rebecca Heath presents her debut adult fiction novel, The Summer Party. A gripping double timeline and multiple perspective murder mystery title, this was a great read to kick off the new year!
Travelling back in time to the year 2000, we are introduced to the Whitlam family, who enjoy throwing lavish parties. The owners of a spectacular clifftop mansion, a summer season would not be complete without the traditional summer party hosted by the Whitlam clan. For sixteen-year-old Lucy Ross, an invitation to the annual Whitlam party is like gold. As Lucy experiences her first champagne and her first kiss, it will also be the first time Lucy witnesses something sinister. Moving forward twenty years later, Lucy returns to Queen’s Point. Lucy is keen to make her trip back home a short one, but the shocking discovery of a body on the local beach sends the community in a spin. The police shut down the local town and Lucy finds that she is now stranded in the place that she never wanted to return to. In the wake of this shut down, Lucy reconnects with old friends and she is also forced to look deeper into the events of the fateful night of the summer party at the Whitlam residence. Will Lucy finally uncover the truth?
A brand-new year of books to enjoy and a fresh voice in fiction to follow, yay! The Summer Party is South Australian author Rebecca Heath’s gripping debut. It is nice to meet a new face on the Australian contemporary fiction scene. The Summer Party was an evocative and page turning mystery novel that I found very entertaining.
Dual timeline novels that draw in multiple perspectives are definitely my favourite brand of fiction. The Summer Party seemed to be exactly like the sort of read I gravitate towards and my prediction was right, I enjoyed this one immensely. Situated in the summer of 2000 and the winter of 2019, the juxtaposing seasons of summer and winter was fantastic. I liked the contrast between the sultry heat of the past to the cold blustery winter of 2019. It really seemed to compound the events of this tale. The 2000 timeline gripped me the most. I was slightly older than the main protagonist in this time frame, but I distinctly remember the parties I attended during this season. It was almost a nostalgic step back into the past for me as I followed young Lucy during her pivotal awakening and summer romance. Heath does an excellent job of placing us in the thick of the action in this past narrative. I felt as though I was placed right in Lucy’s shoes as she observed the suspect events that occurred at the Whitlam residence.
In terms of the mystery side of things, Heath does a good job of releasing various clues for her reader to grasp hold of as the book makes its winding journey. The events in the present day heighten the tension and mood of this novel, so you feel as though you are clinging to the cliff face of the location in question. Heath allows us to feel a certain sense of satisfaction as though we have predicted exactly how the murder mystery happened. Then boom, we are taken in a different direction. I enjoyed feeling both clever but also fooled by Heath. There is a strong line of unpredictability and unreliability in this one, I wasn’t sure where to place my trust. I did find a connection with Lucy and I also warmed to the memorable dog Hades in this tale. For me, the setting was the absolute standout. I adored the Whitlam home and the coastal backdrop. Heath did this setting completely justice as a South Australian local.
An emerging and exciting new voice in Australian fiction, Rebecca Heath has produced a dynamite debut. I’m keen to be reacquainted with Heath’s work in the near future!
January 28, 2023
A debut murder mystery tale with shades of domestic drama and a whole lot of fun.
Welcome to Queen’s Point.
At the end of summer of 2000, the wealthy Whitlam family have a extravagant party celebrating the end of season in their luxurious mansion.
Sixteen year old Lucy befriends the family and receives an invitation, there she is romanced and experiences her first kiss.
But through the bushes witnesses an incident that she shouldn’t have seen.
Fast forward to 2019 and Lucy returns to the coastal town to clear out her grandmothers cottage.
While she is there, human parts wash up on the shore of the beach.
Lucy, once again reluctantly gets involved with the Whitlam family.
As secrets from the past surface, she is faced with the dilemma of telling the truth of what she saw decades before.
A dual timeline family saga with secrets that’s pure entertainment.
It’s gripping, mysterious, tension filled, moody and very enjoyable.
Expect the unexpected with a plot of misinformation and devious characters, Rebecca will mislead, trick and dazzle you with her clever writing.
It’s very easy to get wrapped up in the storyline wondering where it will all go and how it will turn out in the final chapter.
Get ready to be enticed into the fictional world of this exciting new author.
Keep an eye on Rebecca Heath, I predict big things.
Welcome to Queen’s Point.
At the end of summer of 2000, the wealthy Whitlam family have a extravagant party celebrating the end of season in their luxurious mansion.
Sixteen year old Lucy befriends the family and receives an invitation, there she is romanced and experiences her first kiss.
But through the bushes witnesses an incident that she shouldn’t have seen.
Fast forward to 2019 and Lucy returns to the coastal town to clear out her grandmothers cottage.
While she is there, human parts wash up on the shore of the beach.
Lucy, once again reluctantly gets involved with the Whitlam family.
As secrets from the past surface, she is faced with the dilemma of telling the truth of what she saw decades before.
A dual timeline family saga with secrets that’s pure entertainment.
It’s gripping, mysterious, tension filled, moody and very enjoyable.
Expect the unexpected with a plot of misinformation and devious characters, Rebecca will mislead, trick and dazzle you with her clever writing.
It’s very easy to get wrapped up in the storyline wondering where it will all go and how it will turn out in the final chapter.
Get ready to be enticed into the fictional world of this exciting new author.
Keep an eye on Rebecca Heath, I predict big things.
January 4, 2023
Very slow paced for a psychological suspense novel
Two tenses. Past and present. It goes back and forth for the duration.
The writing took a while to get into though.
Overall, I enjoyed the plot more as it was slowly paced.
Review: https://clife.blog/2023/01/05/book-re...
Two tenses. Past and present. It goes back and forth for the duration.
The writing took a while to get into though.
Overall, I enjoyed the plot more as it was slowly paced.
Review: https://clife.blog/2023/01/05/book-re...
July 3, 2023
*Thank you to Head of Zeus for gifting me a review copy of this!*
I haven’t read a thriller in a while but this was the perfect book to put me in that mood and I found that I really enjoyed it. I actually managed to read this in a single sitting and found myself really invested in the story.
From a writing standpoint, I think this one was very well done. It stands out from a lot of other crime/thriller books I’ve read recently in that I feel like so much of them are plot based, that the writing starts to slip a bit but that wasn’t the case here. I think it ended up being really well written, coupled with the fact that it had a heavy emphasis on exploring different characters and was driven by the character motivations, it made for a very intriguing read. I think the author did a really good job in here as well at building atmosphere in different scenes, some of the tension was amazingly done.
In quite a typical thriller style it adopted the dual timeline narrative which I really liked. It kept me wanting to read more as I was slowly getting to grips with the circumstances in the present day, while putting together the pieces from their past. I think the present day chapters were a lot stronger in terms of plot and keeping me interested, whereas the other chapters were a bit slower and didn’t seem to be revealing as much at the actual party which is the titular event which I found a little odd. I think the pacing of the book was pretty solid, and it remained constant throughout.
The characters were pretty interesting here, and we had enough differing personalities to really sink your teeth into and try to figure out. The slow reveal of different people’s secrets, the exploration of different dynamics, and the constant tiny plot twists really kept things interesting. I personally had no idea what was happening and I couldn’t even really fathom a guess to the actual answer of what had happened, and the one guess I did make was completely wrong so this book was definitely good at deception for me. I just really enjoyed my time with it.
I haven’t read a thriller in a while but this was the perfect book to put me in that mood and I found that I really enjoyed it. I actually managed to read this in a single sitting and found myself really invested in the story.
From a writing standpoint, I think this one was very well done. It stands out from a lot of other crime/thriller books I’ve read recently in that I feel like so much of them are plot based, that the writing starts to slip a bit but that wasn’t the case here. I think it ended up being really well written, coupled with the fact that it had a heavy emphasis on exploring different characters and was driven by the character motivations, it made for a very intriguing read. I think the author did a really good job in here as well at building atmosphere in different scenes, some of the tension was amazingly done.
In quite a typical thriller style it adopted the dual timeline narrative which I really liked. It kept me wanting to read more as I was slowly getting to grips with the circumstances in the present day, while putting together the pieces from their past. I think the present day chapters were a lot stronger in terms of plot and keeping me interested, whereas the other chapters were a bit slower and didn’t seem to be revealing as much at the actual party which is the titular event which I found a little odd. I think the pacing of the book was pretty solid, and it remained constant throughout.
The characters were pretty interesting here, and we had enough differing personalities to really sink your teeth into and try to figure out. The slow reveal of different people’s secrets, the exploration of different dynamics, and the constant tiny plot twists really kept things interesting. I personally had no idea what was happening and I couldn’t even really fathom a guess to the actual answer of what had happened, and the one guess I did make was completely wrong so this book was definitely good at deception for me. I just really enjoyed my time with it.
January 15, 2023
⭐️5 Stars⭐️
The Summer Party by Rebecca Heath
I loved this compelling dual timeline small town murder mystery story set on the York Peninsula, South Australia where the entitled Whitlam family live and are the centre of a murder investigation and everyone’s a suspect. This is an impressive debut for the author’s first adult novel!
Lucy Ross has returned to Queens Point along with her dog Hades to clear and sort out her grandmothers cottage after her passing.
Human remains are found on the nearby beach and a party that took place almost twenty years prior maybe linked. Will Lucy’s obsession with the Whitlam family siblings put her in the centre of a murder investigation?
The Whitlam family were her grandmothers closest neighbours and grandmothers employer. Lucy used to spend her summers at her grandmothers when she was sixteen and she’d also hang out with the Whitlam siblings.
Secrets from long ago surface and Lucy must find the truth.
This story was indeed a page turner, recommended for lovers of psychological thrillers. My favourite characters were Hades (what a cool name for a dog), I thought Jake was an interesting character and I hoped he would find a happy ending with Lucy. Loved the atmospheric setting, I felt I was there.
I will definitely be keeping an eye out for future releases by this author!
Publication Date 10 January 2023
Publisher Head of Zeus
Thanks so much Bloomsbury Publishing for a copy of the book to review.
The Summer Party by Rebecca Heath
I loved this compelling dual timeline small town murder mystery story set on the York Peninsula, South Australia where the entitled Whitlam family live and are the centre of a murder investigation and everyone’s a suspect. This is an impressive debut for the author’s first adult novel!
Lucy Ross has returned to Queens Point along with her dog Hades to clear and sort out her grandmothers cottage after her passing.
Human remains are found on the nearby beach and a party that took place almost twenty years prior maybe linked. Will Lucy’s obsession with the Whitlam family siblings put her in the centre of a murder investigation?
The Whitlam family were her grandmothers closest neighbours and grandmothers employer. Lucy used to spend her summers at her grandmothers when she was sixteen and she’d also hang out with the Whitlam siblings.
Secrets from long ago surface and Lucy must find the truth.
This story was indeed a page turner, recommended for lovers of psychological thrillers. My favourite characters were Hades (what a cool name for a dog), I thought Jake was an interesting character and I hoped he would find a happy ending with Lucy. Loved the atmospheric setting, I felt I was there.
I will definitely be keeping an eye out for future releases by this author!
Publication Date 10 January 2023
Publisher Head of Zeus
Thanks so much Bloomsbury Publishing for a copy of the book to review.
September 4, 2022
A glamorous, atmospheric psychological thriller about a glamorous family dynasty living on the coast of Western Australia. 2023's most addictive beach read. The most perfect families hide the most devastating secrets.
This is a debut adult novel for Rebecca Heath and she did a very good job of conveying an interesting mystery. Lucy goes back to Queens Point in Australia as her grandmother has passed away and she needs to clean out the house she has inherited from her. Not long after she arrives a body is discovered on the beach and her arrival to some seems very suspicious that this has now occurred. Lucy has history here where as a teenager she spent a summer with her grandmother. It was through this vacation that she met the wealthy Whitlam family and was instantly drawn to the glamour of their lives, she wanted to be a part of it and dreamt of having a relationship with young Harry. She became friends with Annabelle, Harry and Mae and was totally wrapped up in their lives and the secrets they held close. They are an extremely close family and will do anything to protect each other, will they go as far as covering up a murder?
I really enjoyed the story and was pulled into the twists and turns that presented themselves as the plot evolved. Lucy is now determined to find out what really happened when she was a teenager and how those events have led to what is occurring today. An easy read which I highly recommend. Thank you to Netgalley and the publisher for an advanced copy in exchange for an honest review.
This is a debut adult novel for Rebecca Heath and she did a very good job of conveying an interesting mystery. Lucy goes back to Queens Point in Australia as her grandmother has passed away and she needs to clean out the house she has inherited from her. Not long after she arrives a body is discovered on the beach and her arrival to some seems very suspicious that this has now occurred. Lucy has history here where as a teenager she spent a summer with her grandmother. It was through this vacation that she met the wealthy Whitlam family and was instantly drawn to the glamour of their lives, she wanted to be a part of it and dreamt of having a relationship with young Harry. She became friends with Annabelle, Harry and Mae and was totally wrapped up in their lives and the secrets they held close. They are an extremely close family and will do anything to protect each other, will they go as far as covering up a murder?
I really enjoyed the story and was pulled into the twists and turns that presented themselves as the plot evolved. Lucy is now determined to find out what really happened when she was a teenager and how those events have led to what is occurring today. An easy read which I highly recommend. Thank you to Netgalley and the publisher for an advanced copy in exchange for an honest review.
December 28, 2022
Oh Lucy, Lucy, Lucy. She's always wished she were rich and elegant. She's always wished she was just like her neighbors, from 1 summer in her teen years.
If you're looking for a solid mystery that will keep you guessing, this is the story for you. I was left wondering just what was true, and what happened, until the very end. Lucy has idolized and put this family on a pedestal - to the point I lost respect for her about midway through the story. One summer, and she's wanted to be a part of their orbit ever since, even though she's grown up, been married and had her own life while they ignored her messages and kind gestures.
I like that all the characters were messy. Each one was hard to like but I didn't mind the dislike since the story doesn't require you to like them. It flashes from the past Summer Party when they were all kids to present - and gives a few POV from Harry, Mae, Anabelle, & Lucy's grandma - but the main one is Lucy.
And for anyone like me, who is always nervous when there is a dog in the story, rest assured, he is okay and happy in the end.
A huge thank you to the author and publisher for providing an e-ARC via Netgalley. This does not affect my opinion regarding the book.
If you're looking for a solid mystery that will keep you guessing, this is the story for you. I was left wondering just what was true, and what happened, until the very end. Lucy has idolized and put this family on a pedestal - to the point I lost respect for her about midway through the story. One summer, and she's wanted to be a part of their orbit ever since, even though she's grown up, been married and had her own life while they ignored her messages and kind gestures.
I like that all the characters were messy. Each one was hard to like but I didn't mind the dislike since the story doesn't require you to like them. It flashes from the past Summer Party when they were all kids to present - and gives a few POV from Harry, Mae, Anabelle, & Lucy's grandma - but the main one is Lucy.
And for anyone like me, who is always nervous when there is a dog in the story, rest assured, he is okay and happy in the end.
A huge thank you to the author and publisher for providing an e-ARC via Netgalley. This does not affect my opinion regarding the book.
December 12, 2022
A glitzy, haunting psychological suspense novel about a wealthy family dynasty residing on the Western Australian coast. Where the worst secrets are kept by the most ideal households. This adult debut book does a great job of presenting an intriguing mystery.
The story is presented in two time frames: Lucy's present day and the weeks leading up to the summer party (with several POVs). You may not like it, but I personally don't mind as long as the stories were interconnected. The plot was introduced from the first page without any filler, so it depends on your preferences.
I found the pacing to be slow at first, but as the puzzle pieces started to come together, I couldn't put it down. I noticed that I was impatient to get to the book's ending. There were a lot of red gulls, but when it came down to identifying the murderer, I was a little taken aback and didn't expect it.
The writing is truly extremely good; it's simple to visualize the story in your mind. It makes it easier to picture the murder mystery's tight setting and increases your enjoyment of it slightly. Even still, I thought the buildup to the book's conclusion was a little underwhelming and dreary.
Overall, I was still engrossed in the story and was surprised by the turns the plot took as it progressed. Even if it's not my favorite, I'll be watching for the author's upcoming books.
When it becomes out on January 5th, 2023, make sure to pick up a copy if you're looking for a good read to start the new year!
I thank Netgalley to providing an Advance Reader Copy in exchange for an unbiased review.
The story is presented in two time frames: Lucy's present day and the weeks leading up to the summer party (with several POVs). You may not like it, but I personally don't mind as long as the stories were interconnected. The plot was introduced from the first page without any filler, so it depends on your preferences.
I found the pacing to be slow at first, but as the puzzle pieces started to come together, I couldn't put it down. I noticed that I was impatient to get to the book's ending. There were a lot of red gulls, but when it came down to identifying the murderer, I was a little taken aback and didn't expect it.
The writing is truly extremely good; it's simple to visualize the story in your mind. It makes it easier to picture the murder mystery's tight setting and increases your enjoyment of it slightly. Even still, I thought the buildup to the book's conclusion was a little underwhelming and dreary.
Overall, I was still engrossed in the story and was surprised by the turns the plot took as it progressed. Even if it's not my favorite, I'll be watching for the author's upcoming books.
When it becomes out on January 5th, 2023, make sure to pick up a copy if you're looking for a good read to start the new year!
I thank Netgalley to providing an Advance Reader Copy in exchange for an unbiased review.
May 30, 2025
This was an audible book, I enjoyed the Australian accent.
May 15, 2023
There’s nothing I enjoy more than a mystery that I cannot solve, and this book was just that. I had no clue what was going on and every time I thought I knew my feet were knocked out from under me, with the ending leaving me gasping. Once you start reading this one you’ll find it very hard to put it down between all the twists and turns, and trying to figure out if you even like any of the characters.
Thank you to Head of Zeus for sending me copies of this one and having me on the blog tour.
Thank you to Head of Zeus for sending me copies of this one and having me on the blog tour.
September 6, 2022
This novel takes place in a small town in Western Australia. Lucy spent a summer at her Nan's cottage when she was a teenager. She was seduced by the wealthy family who lived up on the hill that her Nan worked for. She spent the summer with them and was intoxicated with their wealth, good looks and privilege. At the family's summer party, something happens and Lucy only has hazy memories of the events. Years later Lucy is a widow and has come to clean out her Nan's cottage due to her Nan's passing. She's overall done well for herself, but the lure of the Whitlam family is still there. Human remains have turned up and the family appears to be hiding secrets. A very good debut for Rebecca Heath.
Thank you to NetGalley for an early copy.
Pub date: January 5, 2023
Thank you to NetGalley for an early copy.
Pub date: January 5, 2023
May 8, 2023
3.5/5
A very character-driven thriller set in a small coastal Australian town that followed The Whitlam’s, an extremely wealthy and glamorous family, and Lucy, a girl who wanted nothing more than to be a part of them. Now, years later Lucy is back in town and caught up in their problems once again.
I had a really good time with this. It’s a slow-burn, character-driven thriller with lots of questions that continually crop up throughout. I really enjoyed the setting and loved the dog who was low-key the best character
A very character-driven thriller set in a small coastal Australian town that followed The Whitlam’s, an extremely wealthy and glamorous family, and Lucy, a girl who wanted nothing more than to be a part of them. Now, years later Lucy is back in town and caught up in their problems once again.
I had a really good time with this. It’s a slow-burn, character-driven thriller with lots of questions that continually crop up throughout. I really enjoyed the setting and loved the dog who was low-key the best character
January 10, 2025
Full of clichés and unlikeable characters, including a victim who came across as a pantomime villain. Even Casey Withoos, one of my favourite narrators, couldn't make it shine. Nevertheless it was an easy listen and I did want to find out how one of the characters fitted in. I probably won't rush to read this author again.
Currently free on Audible.
Currently free on Audible.
May 9, 2023
Rating: 3.5
Release date: May 11th
For fans of Lucy Foley & small town fiction
Review coming when I’m not falling asleep
Release date: May 11th
For fans of Lucy Foley & small town fiction
Review coming when I’m not falling asleep
February 19, 2025
2.5 ⭐ I really wanted to like this book
December 2, 2022
Lucy Ross returns home following her grandmother’s death and her plan is to move on as soon as possible but then a body washes up on the beach everything she left behind comes to the surface.
I loved the dual timeline of this story which flits between Lucy at sixteen and the present day twenty years on; at the centre of her world at sixteen are the Whitlam siblings. The wealthy family takes Lucy into their universe and she is prepared to do almost anything to stay under their wing.
The secrets and twists in this thriller were so riveting and I really was hooked because the pacing is so well planned out. I adored the juxtaposition between the picturesque backdrop and the darkness of human desire- a definite must read for all thriller fans.
I loved the dual timeline of this story which flits between Lucy at sixteen and the present day twenty years on; at the centre of her world at sixteen are the Whitlam siblings. The wealthy family takes Lucy into their universe and she is prepared to do almost anything to stay under their wing.
The secrets and twists in this thriller were so riveting and I really was hooked because the pacing is so well planned out. I adored the juxtaposition between the picturesque backdrop and the darkness of human desire- a definite must read for all thriller fans.
December 14, 2022
The first chapter was great and then the next few chapters really dragged on. I honestly debating whether or not to finish it, it was that slow. After about 100 pages, it did start to speed up. The ending was quite clever I thought.
I’m not sure I was a fan of the main character. She seemed incredibly naïve and just wanted to be liked. Is her self respect really that low? It frustrated me that she was so easily fooled by Harry and kept thinking they were meant for each other.
Disclaimer/Spoiler: there is a dog in this novel; while he does get hurt, he does not die.
I’m not sure I was a fan of the main character. She seemed incredibly naïve and just wanted to be liked. Is her self respect really that low? It frustrated me that she was so easily fooled by Harry and kept thinking they were meant for each other.
Disclaimer/Spoiler: there is a dog in this novel; while he does get hurt, he does not die.
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