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The Party
This will be a party to remember. For all the wrong reasons.
Ruth loves her life in London – she has a high-powered career and a handsome and successful fiancé. This Christmas she’s bringing him back to her home town to meet her family and school friends, one of whom, Holly Murphy, has a new baby.
But, as the Christmas Eve party is in full swing, the unthinkable happens – Ruth drops the baby, injuring the little boy.
Or did she?
Ruth becomes convinced she didn’t cause the baby’s injuries, that they were inflicted before the party, that the Murphys are not the lovely family they appear to be.
Determined to discover what really happened to the child, Ruth digs for the truth. And won’t stop even when she’s shunned by her old friends, alienated from her fiancé, and sacked from her dream job.
But are her suspicions justified? Or is she in the grip of a deadly obsession that threatens to utterly destroy her perfect life?
Ruth loves her life in London – she has a high-powered career and a handsome and successful fiancé. This Christmas she’s bringing him back to her home town to meet her family and school friends, one of whom, Holly Murphy, has a new baby.
But, as the Christmas Eve party is in full swing, the unthinkable happens – Ruth drops the baby, injuring the little boy.
Or did she?
Ruth becomes convinced she didn’t cause the baby’s injuries, that they were inflicted before the party, that the Murphys are not the lovely family they appear to be.
Determined to discover what really happened to the child, Ruth digs for the truth. And won’t stop even when she’s shunned by her old friends, alienated from her fiancé, and sacked from her dream job.
But are her suspicions justified? Or is she in the grip of a deadly obsession that threatens to utterly destroy her perfect life?
318 pages, Kindle Edition
First published November 16, 2022
1423 people are currently reading
742 people want to read
About the author
Nora Valters
8 books78 followersNora Valters grew up in the New Forest in the south of England and has lived in London, Manchester, Bournemouth, Oxford and Dubai. She currently resides in Weston-super-Mare.
She studied English Literature and Language at Oxford Brookes University before embarking on a career in marketing and copywriting.
Her debut psychological thriller Her Biggest Fan was published in October 2020. Now You Know came out in June 2021, Here For You in January 2022, and The Party in November 2022. The New Girl was released in February 2024 and she’s currently writing her sixth novel, which will be out soon.
Nora loves to travel and has journeyed around the world. She enjoys exploring new places, knitting/crochet, painting, hiking, and is an avid reader. She’s also a bit obsessed with dogs!
Subscribe to be notified by email when Nora’s next novel is released, for giveaways, price promotions, book recommendations as well as exclusive extra content at www.noravalters.com/subscribe
She studied English Literature and Language at Oxford Brookes University before embarking on a career in marketing and copywriting.
Her debut psychological thriller Her Biggest Fan was published in October 2020. Now You Know came out in June 2021, Here For You in January 2022, and The Party in November 2022. The New Girl was released in February 2024 and she’s currently writing her sixth novel, which will be out soon.
Nora loves to travel and has journeyed around the world. She enjoys exploring new places, knitting/crochet, painting, hiking, and is an avid reader. She’s also a bit obsessed with dogs!
Subscribe to be notified by email when Nora’s next novel is released, for giveaways, price promotions, book recommendations as well as exclusive extra content at www.noravalters.com/subscribe
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 196 reviews
April 30, 2024
3⭐
Genre ~ psychological thriller
Setting ~ Salisbury & London
Publication date ~ November 16, 2022
Page Count ~ 312 (p+ 30 chapters +e)
Audio length ~ 8 hours 5 minutes
Narrator ~ Lucy Price-Lewis
POV ~ single 1st, present tense
Featuring ~ injured baby, awful father, secrets, lies, infidelity, murder
The prologue is intriguing and sets the plot up nicely, but it also gives quite a bit away.
Ruth is having a grand old time at an annual Christmas party until she accidentally drops her friend, Holly's, baby. The party comes to an end and Ruth is practically shunned from the tight knit, unlikable group.
We have an unreliable narrator that likes to tip back the drink and make OTT decisions which makes her seem unhinged. Gotta say I was surprised by how it all went down, so yay for that, but then again not with everything if you paid attention to the prologue.
I don't like to cause harm to anyone, especially the elderly, but Ruth's father was awful and totally deserved a swift kick to the nards. She's 37 and he tells her she must produce at least 2 heirs, when she's clearly stated time and time again she does not want to have children. He was not supportive and just all around rude to his wife and daughter, but lovely as a fried pickle dipped in thousand island, not ranch, to everyone else.
Overall, fine, but not great. It was super fast paced so there's that. Can't say I was thrilled about the epilogue either.
Side bar ~ the whole thing with the paperweight seemed quite implausible.
*Thanks to the author, Inkubator Books and NetGalley for the ARC. I am voluntarily leaving my honest review*
Thanks to hoopla's bonus borrow for April I was able to listen to a copy as well, which ticked another old NG title off my shelf.
Narration notes:
Lucy does a wonderful job bringing Ruth's obsession out.
Connect with me ➡ Blog ~ Facebook ~ Twitter
Genre ~ psychological thriller
Setting ~ Salisbury & London
Publication date ~ November 16, 2022
Page Count ~ 312 (p+ 30 chapters +e)
Audio length ~ 8 hours 5 minutes
Narrator ~ Lucy Price-Lewis
POV ~ single 1st, present tense
Featuring ~ injured baby, awful father, secrets, lies, infidelity, murder
The prologue is intriguing and sets the plot up nicely, but it also gives quite a bit away.
Ruth is having a grand old time at an annual Christmas party until she accidentally drops her friend, Holly's, baby. The party comes to an end and Ruth is practically shunned from the tight knit, unlikable group.
We have an unreliable narrator that likes to tip back the drink and make OTT decisions which makes her seem unhinged. Gotta say I was surprised by how it all went down, so yay for that, but then again not with everything if you paid attention to the prologue.
I don't like to cause harm to anyone, especially the elderly, but Ruth's father was awful and totally deserved a swift kick to the nards. She's 37 and he tells her she must produce at least 2 heirs, when she's clearly stated time and time again she does not want to have children. He was not supportive and just all around rude to his wife and daughter, but lovely as a fried pickle dipped in thousand island, not ranch, to everyone else.
Overall, fine, but not great. It was super fast paced so there's that. Can't say I was thrilled about the epilogue either.
Side bar ~ the whole thing with the paperweight seemed quite implausible.
*Thanks to the author, Inkubator Books and NetGalley for the ARC. I am voluntarily leaving my honest review*
Thanks to hoopla's bonus borrow for April I was able to listen to a copy as well, which ticked another old NG title off my shelf.
Narration notes:
Lucy does a wonderful job bringing Ruth's obsession out.
Connect with me ➡ Blog ~ Facebook ~ Twitter
May 1, 2023
A woman drops a baby at a Christmas Eve party
and he's badly injured.
Or is he?
I am giving this eye-rolling and twisty thriller an "F".
The "F" is for "fast-paced"(good!) and "far-fetched" (bad!).
In other words, this book required a HUGE suspension of disbelief.
I listened to the audiobook read by Lucy Price Lewis, who did an outstanding job with the narration.
3.5 stars
and he's badly injured.
Or is he?
I am giving this eye-rolling and twisty thriller an "F".
The "F" is for "fast-paced"(good!) and "far-fetched" (bad!).
In other words, this book required a HUGE suspension of disbelief.
I listened to the audiobook read by Lucy Price Lewis, who did an outstanding job with the narration.
3.5 stars
November 26, 2022
This was just an average read for me. I thought there was too much of the main character looking unreliable and doing some really questionable and at times stupid things to prove their innocence.
August 13, 2023
Ruth & fiancé Kofi are at a Christmas Eve party with her friends and family, having fun dancing and drinking when Ruth accidentally drops baby Dylan injuring the little boy or did she?
Ruth is adamant she did not cause the babies injuries and that they happened before the party. She starts to dig around for the truth, but it's hard when everyone blames her and she is shunned by her friends.
A great page turner, I just knew this was going to be good from the first page. I will definitely be reading more of Nora's books.
Thank you to Netgalley for my copy in exchange for an honest review.
Ruth is adamant she did not cause the babies injuries and that they happened before the party. She starts to dig around for the truth, but it's hard when everyone blames her and she is shunned by her friends.
A great page turner, I just knew this was going to be good from the first page. I will definitely be reading more of Nora's books.
Thank you to Netgalley for my copy in exchange for an honest review.
November 29, 2022
I received an advance reader copy of this book to read in exchange for an honest review as part of the book tour hosted by Zooloos Book Tours.
The Party is a fast paced, believable and page turning thriller that was hard to pull away from. We follow Ruth who accidentally drops her friends baby and gets distanced and shunned by their group of friends after this as the baby received injuries from the fall. Even Ruth's boyfriend and dad have distanced themselves from her and she feels very alone. Ruth gets a sense that she isn't the one to have caused the injuries to the baby and suspects her friend of hurting her baby herself. I liked that the book made you question yourself and what you would do in this kind of situation. The story was well fitted together and I loved the twists and turns the book throws at you. The pieces are all there for you to fit together as to who had hurt the baby and what was going on, but the ending still threw a curve ball! I'll be looking out for more from this author!
The Party is a fast paced, believable and page turning thriller that was hard to pull away from. We follow Ruth who accidentally drops her friends baby and gets distanced and shunned by their group of friends after this as the baby received injuries from the fall. Even Ruth's boyfriend and dad have distanced themselves from her and she feels very alone. Ruth gets a sense that she isn't the one to have caused the injuries to the baby and suspects her friend of hurting her baby herself. I liked that the book made you question yourself and what you would do in this kind of situation. The story was well fitted together and I loved the twists and turns the book throws at you. The pieces are all there for you to fit together as to who had hurt the baby and what was going on, but the ending still threw a curve ball! I'll be looking out for more from this author!
February 7, 2023
A party to remember...for all the wrong reasons...
All it takes is a split second. One minute Ruth has everything - friends, a loving fiance, a high-powered job she loves - to having nothing. And all it took was one moment in time when she was tipsy for her whole life, as she knew it, to change dramatically.
It's Christmas Eve and Ruth is up from London with her fiance Kofi to join her closest friends at their annual Christmas Eve party at friend Thandi's house. One of the group, Holly, has recently had a baby and is passing him around her friends. As the night draws further in and a few more drinks are consumed, Ruth finds herself with Holly, her once close friend whom she hasn't been close to since before her marriage to Shane. Ruth is the only one who hasn't had a hold of baby Dylan and so naturally she asks if she could. Holly hesitates before handing him over but Dylan goes easily and moulds himself in Ruth's arms.
But then in a split second when she reaches for her glass, baby Dylan slips from her lap and falls to the floor. You could cut the air with a knife through the silence as the group waits with baited breath for any sign of movement from the baby. Suddenly his eyes open followed by his mouth is an ear screeching howl. Ruth breathes a sigh of relief. He's okay; the baby is okay.
And then it is discovered his little body is covered in bruisesand suddenly all fingers point to Ruth.
But something doesn't add up. She's no expert but the marks on baby Dylan's body are not consistent with the fall...or at least they don't appear to be to Ruth. But who would believe her? No one, it appears. And very soon Ruth finds herself without friends, fiance, job or a place to stay...since London held nothing for her in her quest to find out what really happened. Ruth is adamant that she will prove that she did not cause those marks on baby Dylan's little body. However, her quest turns into an obsession in which she becomes almost manic and incoherent at times in her search for the truth. But something was going on in Shane and Holly's house and she was determined to find out exactly what...just to keep Dylan safe, if nothing else.
At the beginning of the book we are thrown headlong into the party and find ourselves amidst such a group of people it was difficult to get one's head around them all at once. But they soon made their own unique presence felt. Mihika was certainly a force to be reckoned with while Thandi and Briony were pretty much kept in the background. The main players from the party we came up against were Ruth, Kofi, Lewis, Holly and Shane. And of course baby Dylan.
THE PARTY is a unique tale that certainly kept me engaged and had me thinking about the book even when I wasn't reading it, and I couldn't wait to get back to it. But the thing I struggled with was that Ruth's entire network of friends she had grown up with from school to now thirty-somethings just turned on her. They were meant to be close friends for nigh on over twenty years! Why would such close friends do that at the mere drop of a hat? And be so quick to judge and point the finger at her as being responsible yet couldn't possibly entertain the fact that something else was going on. And then there was Kofi. My gosh, his reaction and subsequent behaviour was just cold. I found him to be selfish and controlling not to mention his sudden rage at the mere sniff of alcohol or even mention of it. Ruth would be well rid of him, in my opinion. I don't care what his excuses are, his treatment of someone he was meant to love and support was atrocious. And don't get me started on her father. It was like he wasn't even related to her. So quick to disown her and believe the worst in her...bullying both her and her mother with snide little comments and insults. The man never had a kind word to say in the entire book!
And then there were Ruth's actions. They were seriously questionable to say the least and while I understood her motives they weren't really believable. I mean, would you do half the things she did in her position? I don't think so. But still...while the story wasn't overly believable it was certainly entertaining and kept me turning the pages to find out what happened.
When the twist came, I wasn't surprised. I had my suspicions as there were a few pieces I had already put together. But I didn't know the whole story and I was itching to uncover them. There was one aspect of the ending I didn't like...and given my review, when you read it I'm sure you'll know exactly what part I am referring to. But overall, a relatively satisfying conclusion.
I've not read Nora Valters before but after delving into this madhouse of events, I'm keen to test out some of her others.
Overall, THE PARTY is a good solid thriller that was a bit of a train wreck while at the same time you are unable look away as you fly through the pages. An entertaining read.
I would like to thank #NoraValters, #Netgalley and #InkubatorBooks for an ARC of #TheParty in exchange for an honest review.
This review appears on my blog at https://stinathebookaholic.blogspot.com/.
All it takes is a split second. One minute Ruth has everything - friends, a loving fiance, a high-powered job she loves - to having nothing. And all it took was one moment in time when she was tipsy for her whole life, as she knew it, to change dramatically.
It's Christmas Eve and Ruth is up from London with her fiance Kofi to join her closest friends at their annual Christmas Eve party at friend Thandi's house. One of the group, Holly, has recently had a baby and is passing him around her friends. As the night draws further in and a few more drinks are consumed, Ruth finds herself with Holly, her once close friend whom she hasn't been close to since before her marriage to Shane. Ruth is the only one who hasn't had a hold of baby Dylan and so naturally she asks if she could. Holly hesitates before handing him over but Dylan goes easily and moulds himself in Ruth's arms.
But then in a split second when she reaches for her glass, baby Dylan slips from her lap and falls to the floor. You could cut the air with a knife through the silence as the group waits with baited breath for any sign of movement from the baby. Suddenly his eyes open followed by his mouth is an ear screeching howl. Ruth breathes a sigh of relief. He's okay; the baby is okay.
And then it is discovered his little body is covered in bruisesand suddenly all fingers point to Ruth.
But something doesn't add up. She's no expert but the marks on baby Dylan's body are not consistent with the fall...or at least they don't appear to be to Ruth. But who would believe her? No one, it appears. And very soon Ruth finds herself without friends, fiance, job or a place to stay...since London held nothing for her in her quest to find out what really happened. Ruth is adamant that she will prove that she did not cause those marks on baby Dylan's little body. However, her quest turns into an obsession in which she becomes almost manic and incoherent at times in her search for the truth. But something was going on in Shane and Holly's house and she was determined to find out exactly what...just to keep Dylan safe, if nothing else.
At the beginning of the book we are thrown headlong into the party and find ourselves amidst such a group of people it was difficult to get one's head around them all at once. But they soon made their own unique presence felt. Mihika was certainly a force to be reckoned with while Thandi and Briony were pretty much kept in the background. The main players from the party we came up against were Ruth, Kofi, Lewis, Holly and Shane. And of course baby Dylan.
THE PARTY is a unique tale that certainly kept me engaged and had me thinking about the book even when I wasn't reading it, and I couldn't wait to get back to it. But the thing I struggled with was that Ruth's entire network of friends she had grown up with from school to now thirty-somethings just turned on her. They were meant to be close friends for nigh on over twenty years! Why would such close friends do that at the mere drop of a hat? And be so quick to judge and point the finger at her as being responsible yet couldn't possibly entertain the fact that something else was going on. And then there was Kofi. My gosh, his reaction and subsequent behaviour was just cold. I found him to be selfish and controlling not to mention his sudden rage at the mere sniff of alcohol or even mention of it. Ruth would be well rid of him, in my opinion. I don't care what his excuses are, his treatment of someone he was meant to love and support was atrocious. And don't get me started on her father. It was like he wasn't even related to her. So quick to disown her and believe the worst in her...bullying both her and her mother with snide little comments and insults. The man never had a kind word to say in the entire book!
And then there were Ruth's actions. They were seriously questionable to say the least and while I understood her motives they weren't really believable. I mean, would you do half the things she did in her position? I don't think so. But still...while the story wasn't overly believable it was certainly entertaining and kept me turning the pages to find out what happened.
When the twist came, I wasn't surprised. I had my suspicions as there were a few pieces I had already put together. But I didn't know the whole story and I was itching to uncover them. There was one aspect of the ending I didn't like...and given my review, when you read it I'm sure you'll know exactly what part I am referring to. But overall, a relatively satisfying conclusion.
I've not read Nora Valters before but after delving into this madhouse of events, I'm keen to test out some of her others.
Overall, THE PARTY is a good solid thriller that was a bit of a train wreck while at the same time you are unable look away as you fly through the pages. An entertaining read.
I would like to thank #NoraValters, #Netgalley and #InkubatorBooks for an ARC of #TheParty in exchange for an honest review.
This review appears on my blog at https://stinathebookaholic.blogspot.com/.
November 11, 2022
Okay .. so this was my first ARC. I started it and felt like there was absolutely no way I would give it over three stars. Well here I am giving it four .. because WHAT?! My mind is honestly blown. I loved that the "who did it" wasn't so far out there and definitely believable .. but everything else that was happening was just crazy! There is so much going on in this book, there is so much to unpack! The reason I gave it four stars instead of five was because the whole first half of the book was so cringe and out there, with what the main character was doing. Like I actually hated the main character at that point. But the second half just turned it all around and I binged it in a day. Just read it. Do it.
March 9, 2024
you can really get anything published, huh?
November 11, 2022
This was a unique read that kept me engaged, though it wasn't my favorite book this year. The story centers on Ruth, who drops her friend Holly's baby, causing him some injuries, and is susequently shunned by her entire group of friends as well as her own father and boyfriend. Ruth thinks there is something going on with Holly and that maybe Ruth wasn't the one hurting the baby after all, and sets out to get to the truth.
I struggled a bit with the fact that pretty much everyone Ruth knew turned on her. I didnt' feel that this would happen in real life with a tight-knit group of friends (not to mention her own family, though there were some background issues there). However, this did make for added suspense when Ruth refused to give up on her intuition despite the fact that everyone thought she was crazy. I appreciated that she wouldn't let go, but questioned whether I (or anyone) would have done the same things. There are a couple crazy twists at the end of the book; one was satisfying and the other one felt like a BIT of a stretch, but the author did do a good job of building a plausible case for it to happen the way it did. The ending felt just a tad unrealistic to me but I rather enjoyed how it all turned out.
Overall, I thought the story was sound and it stood out in a crowded genre, but I had some trouble getting beyond not only Ruth's actions, but those of her so-called friends. I'd give the story 3.5 stars. Thanks to Netgalley for providing me with a copy of this book in exchange for an honest review.
I struggled a bit with the fact that pretty much everyone Ruth knew turned on her. I didnt' feel that this would happen in real life with a tight-knit group of friends (not to mention her own family, though there were some background issues there). However, this did make for added suspense when Ruth refused to give up on her intuition despite the fact that everyone thought she was crazy. I appreciated that she wouldn't let go, but questioned whether I (or anyone) would have done the same things. There are a couple crazy twists at the end of the book; one was satisfying and the other one felt like a BIT of a stretch, but the author did do a good job of building a plausible case for it to happen the way it did. The ending felt just a tad unrealistic to me but I rather enjoyed how it all turned out.
Overall, I thought the story was sound and it stood out in a crowded genre, but I had some trouble getting beyond not only Ruth's actions, but those of her so-called friends. I'd give the story 3.5 stars. Thanks to Netgalley for providing me with a copy of this book in exchange for an honest review.
December 5, 2022
This was a decent thriller. I felt it had a unique spin on the plot and really wanted to see where the author took it. There were so many characters introduced immediately I struggled to keep it all straight. Once the accident occurs things tumbled into suspense. There were a lot of characters I disliked. Most of them in fact. Some I enjoyed hating while others were annoying. Delicious twists abound among this cast of brats.
November 25, 2022
Meh.
Not a great story because all of the characters, I found, to be mostly jerks. None of them were likeable and most of them were obnoxious. Ruth, accidentally dropped Holly's baby, from her lap, at an annual get together of friends. Everyone turned on her and acted like she purposely threw the baby off a roof! Her obsession over the babies fall.was way over the top. I just skimmed the last 40 pages to get to the ending. I do not recommend.
Not a great story because all of the characters, I found, to be mostly jerks. None of them were likeable and most of them were obnoxious. Ruth, accidentally dropped Holly's baby, from her lap, at an annual get together of friends. Everyone turned on her and acted like she purposely threw the baby off a roof! Her obsession over the babies fall.was way over the top. I just skimmed the last 40 pages to get to the ending. I do not recommend.
April 28, 2024
So I finished this book at like 1AM. I was so determined to see what Ruth was obsession with Dylan was. When I say I was floored to find out what she found out I was floored. I thought it was strange to say the least how she got obsessed over Dylan but I’m happy she didn’t let up seriously because baby Ruth saved them all but holly ass threw me for a loop when she was acting like Ruth was actually out to get her. But I guess that would make sense because Holly ass was deranged too. Louis really really threw me off. I thought he was on Ruth side but that twist I didn’t see coming at all. Ruth did her big one with stalking but honestly I’m so glad she did because she saved Dylan.
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
May 16, 2024
I AM OUT OF MY SLUMP!! Another psychological thriller down. This one had me on the edge of my seat. I basically saw none of it coming and never knew who was truly guilty until the end. This was mind blowing. It didn’t take long for me to get into the book. I developed my own theories as to what was going to happen, and I was usually wrong. Everything was unexpected, but if I looked back, I could see the clues. I can’t say I really liked any of the characters. They were all annoying suspects tbh. But the story made up for their garbage personalities. It’s nothing against the author. It’s just easy to not like some of the characters.
December 27, 2022
If you love a good thriller....then this is a must read for you! From the very first page you get sucked into the story , you end up finding yourself completely absorbed by it. The way the book is written is perfect , the setting is atmospheric, beautifully described by the author.
The character of Ruth is very relatable, she has the same thoughts as a lot of people will do , this brings the book to a whole new level with a lot of depth. The storyline is fast paced , you will devour this book in no time !
The character of Ruth is very relatable, she has the same thoughts as a lot of people will do , this brings the book to a whole new level with a lot of depth. The storyline is fast paced , you will devour this book in no time !
February 7, 2024
had potential but it fell very flat for me ...
Synopsis: Ruth loves her life in London – she has a high-powered career and a successful fiancé. This Christmas she’s bringing him back to her home town to meet her family and friends, one of whom, Holly, has a new baby. But, as the Christmas Eve party is in full swing, the unthinkable happens – Ruth drops the baby, injuring the little boy. Or did she? Ruth becomes convinced she didn’t cause the baby’s injuries, that they were inflicted before the party, that the Murphys are not the lovely family they appear to be. Determined to discover what really happened to the child, Ruth digs for the truth. And won’t stop even when she’s shunned by her old friends, alienated from her fiancé, and sacked from her dream job. But are her suspicions justified? Or is she in the grip of a deadly obsession that threatens to utterly destroy her perfect life?
I think the thing that grates on me about a thriller and makes it COMPLETELY unbelievable is when you have to ask yourself "What would I do if this were me?" If the answer is the complete opposite to what the main character is doing, I don't want to continue reading. It needs to be somewhat believable for us to want to read on. For example, Ruth ends up doing crazily illegal things that almost completely destroy her life because of this obsession to find out the truth, but i kept asking myself why would she do that? Why would she risk her job and career? I felt like the characters werent developed enough for her to risk her job and life for these reasons.
I was disappointed by the ending, it was as though 90% of the book was twists and turns and then the author threw in an epilogue where everything was happy and rosy. The happy ending was also not satisfying to the reader, because the problems during Kofi & Ruth's relationship was noted throughout, so it actually made no sense. Sometimes endings dont need a pretty bow and to be all wrapped up, sometimes they can just be messy.
Overall, I felt disappointed by this book but I would read another by the author in the hopes that it was better.
Synopsis: Ruth loves her life in London – she has a high-powered career and a successful fiancé. This Christmas she’s bringing him back to her home town to meet her family and friends, one of whom, Holly, has a new baby. But, as the Christmas Eve party is in full swing, the unthinkable happens – Ruth drops the baby, injuring the little boy. Or did she? Ruth becomes convinced she didn’t cause the baby’s injuries, that they were inflicted before the party, that the Murphys are not the lovely family they appear to be. Determined to discover what really happened to the child, Ruth digs for the truth. And won’t stop even when she’s shunned by her old friends, alienated from her fiancé, and sacked from her dream job. But are her suspicions justified? Or is she in the grip of a deadly obsession that threatens to utterly destroy her perfect life?
I think the thing that grates on me about a thriller and makes it COMPLETELY unbelievable is when you have to ask yourself "What would I do if this were me?" If the answer is the complete opposite to what the main character is doing, I don't want to continue reading. It needs to be somewhat believable for us to want to read on. For example, Ruth ends up doing crazily illegal things that almost completely destroy her life because of this obsession to find out the truth, but i kept asking myself why would she do that? Why would she risk her job and career? I felt like the characters werent developed enough for her to risk her job and life for these reasons.
I was disappointed by the ending, it was as though 90% of the book was twists and turns and then the author threw in an epilogue where everything was happy and rosy. The happy ending was also not satisfying to the reader, because the problems during Kofi & Ruth's relationship was noted throughout, so it actually made no sense. Sometimes endings dont need a pretty bow and to be all wrapped up, sometimes they can just be messy.
Overall, I felt disappointed by this book but I would read another by the author in the hopes that it was better.
March 4, 2023
Thank you to Booksprout for my ARC.
I sat down to read this book and realised I was nearly 50% through in just over an hour! The book is short. However, that first half was a page-turner. I became so infuriated by the actions of the other characters that the search for justice kept me wanting more.
I enjoyed the main character and felt themes reminiscent of the Girl on The Train, the isolation, the alcohol references, and that spiralling feeling.
As the book continued, I felt it start to flail. Whilst mistresses and a disgruntled ex-business partner were plausible leads Ruth would take, it began to feel padded out and a little disjointed, as if it was simply waiting for the next section to occur.
I enjoyed the dénouement and the twist ending, and there were just enough breadcrumbs to suspect the loyal friend and to pick up on the references in the news. However, it all just felt a bit rushed. No sooner is she arrested than she’s released. The interviewing officer didn’t feel authentic and then questioned unconvincingly. I thought, at some point, undoubtedly, one officer would have the brains to properly looks at the case, providing those all-important glimmers of hope; sometimes, just a slither is all we need, even if they are snatched away.
It was overall a good read; I just felt it could have been thought through a little better, made longer and given a bit more depth to each stage.
I was disappointed to find out she took Kofi back, and the back story of the bar fight didn’t excuse his behaviour. It also seemed hypocritical to block and delete all her friends who didn’t stand up for her and yet take back the guy who behaved the same!
I sat down to read this book and realised I was nearly 50% through in just over an hour! The book is short. However, that first half was a page-turner. I became so infuriated by the actions of the other characters that the search for justice kept me wanting more.
I enjoyed the main character and felt themes reminiscent of the Girl on The Train, the isolation, the alcohol references, and that spiralling feeling.
As the book continued, I felt it start to flail. Whilst mistresses and a disgruntled ex-business partner were plausible leads Ruth would take, it began to feel padded out and a little disjointed, as if it was simply waiting for the next section to occur.
I enjoyed the dénouement and the twist ending, and there were just enough breadcrumbs to suspect the loyal friend and to pick up on the references in the news. However, it all just felt a bit rushed. No sooner is she arrested than she’s released. The interviewing officer didn’t feel authentic and then questioned unconvincingly. I thought, at some point, undoubtedly, one officer would have the brains to properly looks at the case, providing those all-important glimmers of hope; sometimes, just a slither is all we need, even if they are snatched away.
It was overall a good read; I just felt it could have been thought through a little better, made longer and given a bit more depth to each stage.
I was disappointed to find out she took Kofi back, and the back story of the bar fight didn’t excuse his behaviour. It also seemed hypocritical to block and delete all her friends who didn’t stand up for her and yet take back the guy who behaved the same!
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
November 25, 2022
The Party by Nora Valters is an author that always has me gripped from the beginning till the end especially as it was full of twists and turns that just had you turning the pages to find out what happened next.
"This will be a Christmas Eve's party to remember. But, all for the wrong reasons."
Ruth loves her life in London, she is doing well in her high-powered career and a handsome and successful fiancé. who she loves. what could go wrong? she is coming home for Christmas with her fiance, she wants him to meet all her family and school friends, especially Holly Murphy who is her closest friend and she has a new baby Boy.
As the Christmas Eve party is in full swing, the unthinkable happens. Ruth drops the baby, injuring the little Dylan.
Or did she?
Ruth becomes convinced she didn’t cause the baby’s injuries, and they were inflicted before the party, that the Murphy's are not the lovely family they appear to be.
Ruth needs to discover what really happened to the child, and digs for the truth. She will not stop even when she’s shunned by her old friends, alienated from her fiancé, and sacked from her dream job.
I highly recommend this book and was a really good page turner from start to finish.
"This will be a Christmas Eve's party to remember. But, all for the wrong reasons."
Ruth loves her life in London, she is doing well in her high-powered career and a handsome and successful fiancé. who she loves. what could go wrong? she is coming home for Christmas with her fiance, she wants him to meet all her family and school friends, especially Holly Murphy who is her closest friend and she has a new baby Boy.
As the Christmas Eve party is in full swing, the unthinkable happens. Ruth drops the baby, injuring the little Dylan.
Or did she?
Ruth becomes convinced she didn’t cause the baby’s injuries, and they were inflicted before the party, that the Murphy's are not the lovely family they appear to be.
Ruth needs to discover what really happened to the child, and digs for the truth. She will not stop even when she’s shunned by her old friends, alienated from her fiancé, and sacked from her dream job.
I highly recommend this book and was a really good page turner from start to finish.
November 8, 2022
Sounded like it was going to be a great read..for me it was too much speculating this or that constantly over and over..found myself skimming through it because of this.
Just wasn't for me hope others enjoy it.
Thanks to the author, the publisher and NetGalley for an early release of this book.
Just wasn't for me hope others enjoy it.
Thanks to the author, the publisher and NetGalley for an early release of this book.
October 24, 2024
Lol that was interestinggggg. I think if the main character was a bit more unreliable there would’ve been more of a mystery. But even though that’s what it was trying to do I just felt like I never doubted her??? It was a fun read, I will prob check out the other titles by this author.
October 22, 2022
Gobbling Goblins! 😳😯🤯
Wow! This novel definitely packed a huge punch with the plot and the ultimate crazy conundrum. I happily gobbled this novel up and it was a fast-paced, unrelenting turn of events over and over. It kept me fully invested, unsure, doubtful and put me at the edge of my seat. I was completely enthralled. A very interesting & different plot for me that I had high expectations for. However, I will say the ending of it somehow fell a bit short for me. While the writing was great, the premise was wonderful, I kept getting very frustrated and irritated with the main character about half way through and a lot of her choices. The ending also felt a little rushed to hit a conclusion and while I will say it did deliver, it felt a bit too smooshed. But Valters definitely knew how to catch you off guard, knock you off your seat & leave you shocked. Definitely a satisfying read like a welcome cup of coffee after a long day!
Mყ 𝐒ყɴ𝐨ρѕιѕ: Ruth is at a point of loving her life. Now living in London with her fiancée, working as an investor and financially stable. With Christmas approaching, the annual get together with her friends and their families back in Salisbury. With all the merry and jolly easy going fun of food and drink, the unthinkable happens; Ruth drops Holly's baby causing injury. As the days pass after the incident, Ruth becomes unsure if she caused the injuries and before she realizes it she's turned her life upside down and inside out to investigate the truth. The question is, what is the truth?
Thank you to NetGalley (Inkubator Books) for this ARC.
Release Date: November 16, 2022
𝐌𝐞𝐫𝐢𝐭: 3.5 / 5 Jack-o'-lanterns! 🎃
Wow! This novel definitely packed a huge punch with the plot and the ultimate crazy conundrum. I happily gobbled this novel up and it was a fast-paced, unrelenting turn of events over and over. It kept me fully invested, unsure, doubtful and put me at the edge of my seat. I was completely enthralled. A very interesting & different plot for me that I had high expectations for. However, I will say the ending of it somehow fell a bit short for me. While the writing was great, the premise was wonderful, I kept getting very frustrated and irritated with the main character about half way through and a lot of her choices. The ending also felt a little rushed to hit a conclusion and while I will say it did deliver, it felt a bit too smooshed. But Valters definitely knew how to catch you off guard, knock you off your seat & leave you shocked. Definitely a satisfying read like a welcome cup of coffee after a long day!
Mყ 𝐒ყɴ𝐨ρѕιѕ: Ruth is at a point of loving her life. Now living in London with her fiancée, working as an investor and financially stable. With Christmas approaching, the annual get together with her friends and their families back in Salisbury. With all the merry and jolly easy going fun of food and drink, the unthinkable happens; Ruth drops Holly's baby causing injury. As the days pass after the incident, Ruth becomes unsure if she caused the injuries and before she realizes it she's turned her life upside down and inside out to investigate the truth. The question is, what is the truth?
Thank you to NetGalley (Inkubator Books) for this ARC.
Release Date: November 16, 2022
𝐌𝐞𝐫𝐢𝐭: 3.5 / 5 Jack-o'-lanterns! 🎃
November 13, 2022
Many thanks to Netgalley for providing this ARC in exchange for an honest review.
The Party was an easy breezy read, perfect to tap through on a Saturday afternoon or a day at the beach. This novel centers around our home girl Ruth and spins from the events of the first chapter where Ruth accidentally drops a baby at a Christmas party. Ruth becomes obsessed with baby Dylan and family (Holly and Hubby) she can't believe she created all the bruises that seem to be on baby the day after the accident.
This book had me scrunching up my forehead, the acts of the characters were just so frustrating, I swear there was not one likable person in this entire book :') okay maybe Ruth's mum. The male characters were actual trash, this author has got to have a problem with men ngl. The way her friends all dropped her like a hot cake over an actual accident had me so confused, posting photos in their group chat of the baby's bruises, telling Ruth to stay away from them all, I mean these people have been friends since childhood was that realistic?
SPOLIER - the biggest shock that had my jaw dropping to the floor was at the end of the book when Ruth took back her fiance, who literally dumped her, fired her, didn't support her and basically called her an alcoholic. Ruth had the sense to knock her toxic father to the kerb but why couldn't she do the same for Kofi? Ruth get it together.
The Party was an easy breezy read, perfect to tap through on a Saturday afternoon or a day at the beach. This novel centers around our home girl Ruth and spins from the events of the first chapter where Ruth accidentally drops a baby at a Christmas party. Ruth becomes obsessed with baby Dylan and family (Holly and Hubby) she can't believe she created all the bruises that seem to be on baby the day after the accident.
This book had me scrunching up my forehead, the acts of the characters were just so frustrating, I swear there was not one likable person in this entire book :') okay maybe Ruth's mum. The male characters were actual trash, this author has got to have a problem with men ngl. The way her friends all dropped her like a hot cake over an actual accident had me so confused, posting photos in their group chat of the baby's bruises, telling Ruth to stay away from them all, I mean these people have been friends since childhood was that realistic?
SPOLIER - the biggest shock that had my jaw dropping to the floor was at the end of the book when Ruth took back her fiance, who literally dumped her, fired her, didn't support her and basically called her an alcoholic. Ruth had the sense to knock her toxic father to the kerb but why couldn't she do the same for Kofi? Ruth get it together.
October 28, 2022
What did I just read!? This book was crazy. I knew there’d be a twist but I seriously thought the main character was acting suspiciously throughout.
The story follows Ruth, a woman who is recently engaged and doesn’t want children. She’s considered an “auntie” to the children of her friends. On Christmas Eve, she attends a party with them and accidentally drops one of the children. There is extensive bruising and she is guilt ridden that she caused such horrible pain to the child. She believes something more sinister is going on, and she follows her gut.
The end of this book is pretty satisfying with the double twist. I thought that Ruth was losing track of herself with the insomnia, and her friends were not supportive. Her fiancé wasn’t either, he dropped her like a hot potato when she was suspicious of the bruises on the baby.
I will not say any more, but this was a very quick read. I didn’t put it down once. Definitely pick this one up!
Thank you NetGalley and the publisher for an ARC in exchange for an honest review.
The story follows Ruth, a woman who is recently engaged and doesn’t want children. She’s considered an “auntie” to the children of her friends. On Christmas Eve, she attends a party with them and accidentally drops one of the children. There is extensive bruising and she is guilt ridden that she caused such horrible pain to the child. She believes something more sinister is going on, and she follows her gut.
The end of this book is pretty satisfying with the double twist. I thought that Ruth was losing track of herself with the insomnia, and her friends were not supportive. Her fiancé wasn’t either, he dropped her like a hot potato when she was suspicious of the bruises on the baby.
I will not say any more, but this was a very quick read. I didn’t put it down once. Definitely pick this one up!
Thank you NetGalley and the publisher for an ARC in exchange for an honest review.
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
November 2, 2022
Relentless Ruth is what I wanted to call the main character. She just wouldn't give up.
This story while not terribly believable was certainly entertaining to read. Lots of twists and turns.
Things escalate pretty quickly with every character in Ruth's life. From the baby, her friends, fiance, family. It seems to all blow up rather fast making you disagree with the decisions Ruth makes.
Overall it's a good quick read that will keep you guessing.
Thank you Netgalley, publisher, and author for the RAC.
This story while not terribly believable was certainly entertaining to read. Lots of twists and turns.
Things escalate pretty quickly with every character in Ruth's life. From the baby, her friends, fiance, family. It seems to all blow up rather fast making you disagree with the decisions Ruth makes.
Overall it's a good quick read that will keep you guessing.
Thank you Netgalley, publisher, and author for the RAC.
December 3, 2023
This book started out with at least 20 characters introduced in just the first chapter. I had to take notes to keep them all straight. Only about a third of them were continuing characters. The majority of it involved the main character Ruth becoming manic and obsessive, making terrible decisions and watching her train wreck of a life unravel. It kept going on and on to the point where, as a reader, I just couldn't wait for it to end. I figured out a major twist early on, but there were a few unexpected twists at the end.
Thank you to NetGalley and Inkubator Books for this eARC.
Thank you to NetGalley and Inkubator Books for this eARC.
November 5, 2022
Wow this book is amazing. It's one of those books that when you look back on it you realise all the clues were there all along. But did you seem them no! Did you know what the ending would be no! It was like going to watch derren brown live. Showing you all the answers screaming in your face. But you don't put it all together until the very end when you want to reveal it to you. Great work.
December 24, 2022
One crazy ass book that I couldn't stop reading
It was like a car-wreck where I wanted to stop but couldn't
There was nothing logical about the story. The characterization was haywire, a financial wiz who was a supposedly a dootzy in making plans didn't gel with me.
But I hope to read more of this author's books until I come to a final decision
It was like a car-wreck where I wanted to stop but couldn't
There was nothing logical about the story. The characterization was haywire, a financial wiz who was a supposedly a dootzy in making plans didn't gel with me.
But I hope to read more of this author's books until I come to a final decision
January 3, 2023
Unbelievable
Too far fetched. Ridiculous story. Don*t believe the good reviews. I wish I hadn*t. I always read to the end, no matter how bad, and this was bad.
Too far fetched. Ridiculous story. Don*t believe the good reviews. I wish I hadn*t. I always read to the end, no matter how bad, and this was bad.
March 11, 2023
I read a lot of books and I always try to finish a book once I've started it. But, I just couldn't finish this book. It was so far fetched that I had to stop reading it.
July 6, 2023
I was totally thrown for a loop with this one. It felt a bit all over the place but I kind of enjoyed the chaos. There were a lot of distinct characters in this so it was easy to differentiate them and throw suspicion on each one. Not a single character felt trustworthy, which is my favorite part of a good thriller. After the party ended, I really had no idea where this would lead because I thought it would center around the party. I was delighted by the turn of events and was shocked by it all. The pieces were all there for me to fit together as to who had hurt the baby and what was going on but the ending still threw a huge curve ball! I'll definitely be looking out for more from this author. I really liked her writing style. Thank you to NetGalley and the publisher for this ARC in exchange for an honest review.
January 4, 2023
this book kinda reminded me of "Girl on the Train" with some similarities. it was a quick read and a good one. i definitely felt gaslighted at some points. recommend it to someone that wants a quick read between other books.
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