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The Beach Party
Six friends.
The holiday of their dreams.
One night that changed it all . . .
1989: The tunes are loud and the clothes are louder when a group of friends arrives in Mallorca for a post-graduation holiday of decadence and debauchery at a luxury villa.
A beach party marks the pinnacle of their fun, until it isn't fun any longer. Because amidst the wild partying - sand flying from dancing feet and revellers leaping from yachts - an accident happens. Suddenly, the night of a lifetime becomes a living nightmare.
Now: The truth about that summer has been collectively buried. But someone knows what happened that night.
And they want the friends to pay for what they did.
The holiday of their dreams.
One night that changed it all . . .
1989: The tunes are loud and the clothes are louder when a group of friends arrives in Mallorca for a post-graduation holiday of decadence and debauchery at a luxury villa.
A beach party marks the pinnacle of their fun, until it isn't fun any longer. Because amidst the wild partying - sand flying from dancing feet and revellers leaping from yachts - an accident happens. Suddenly, the night of a lifetime becomes a living nightmare.
Now: The truth about that summer has been collectively buried. But someone knows what happened that night.
And they want the friends to pay for what they did.
388 pages, Kindle Edition
First published June 30, 2023
126 people are currently reading
2674 people want to read
About the author
Nikki Smith
5 books111 followersNikki Smith worked in finance until 2017, when a 'now or never' moment prompted her to apply for the Curtis Brown Creative writing course. She is the author of five novels and co-host of the podcast In Suspense. She lives in Guildford with her family and loves to travel, ideally somewhere hot and sunny.
You can find out more about her on her website www.nikkismithauthor.com & she's on twitter/X as @mrssmithmunday
You can find out more about her on her website www.nikkismithauthor.com & she's on twitter/X as @mrssmithmunday
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 342 reviews
September 5, 2025
3.5 ⭐️s rounded down.
I only picked up this book because of a Book Club Challenge, but it turned out to be an enjoyable enough thriller. It’s the story of 6 friends (Nina, Aiden, Zoe, Clare, Seb and Will), who travel out to Mallorca in 1989 to Nina’s parent’s villa to celebrate graduating from university. Amidst the drink and drugs, tragedy occurs. It then goes back and forth from 1989 to the present day (33 years later) when the past starts to catch up with them and somebody knows what they did.
It’s hard to feel sympathy with the majority of the characters, as some of them are unlikeable to the extreme (one character more so than the others), and at times I felt very frustrated with the inaction of the rest of them. It was also a little confusing at times keeping up with them all, and who did what in the story, as there seemed to be a lot of crossover. It was also fairly predictable, but it still had a few twists that I didn’t see coming.
All in all, enjoyable enough, not fantastic, but not bad either.
I only picked up this book because of a Book Club Challenge, but it turned out to be an enjoyable enough thriller. It’s the story of 6 friends (Nina, Aiden, Zoe, Clare, Seb and Will), who travel out to Mallorca in 1989 to Nina’s parent’s villa to celebrate graduating from university. Amidst the drink and drugs, tragedy occurs. It then goes back and forth from 1989 to the present day (33 years later) when the past starts to catch up with them and somebody knows what they did.
It’s hard to feel sympathy with the majority of the characters, as some of them are unlikeable to the extreme (one character more so than the others), and at times I felt very frustrated with the inaction of the rest of them. It was also a little confusing at times keeping up with them all, and who did what in the story, as there seemed to be a lot of crossover. It was also fairly predictable, but it still had a few twists that I didn’t see coming.
All in all, enjoyable enough, not fantastic, but not bad either.
August 7, 2023
I decided to read this as I am currently on holiday in Mallorca and thought this would be a good summer thriller but I was so incredibly bored.
there were too many characters with very limited development, they were all unlikeable and there was nothing really to root for, it just felt hollow.
overall it was just underwhelming, I don’t have anything else to say about it.
there were too many characters with very limited development, they were all unlikeable and there was nothing really to root for, it just felt hollow.
overall it was just underwhelming, I don’t have anything else to say about it.
August 13, 2023
It's the summer of 1989, a luxurious villa in Mallorca, six friends staying at Nina's family villa for a two week post graduation holiday.
The nights were filled with drinking, taking drugs and partying, until something goes horribly wrong at the beach party, which will forever change their lives.
Thirty three years later Nina received an email telling her that they know what she did all those years ago and for her to return back to the villa.
This amazing book kept me up late as I could not put it down. The characters were engaging and they felt real.
Thank you to Netgalley for my copy in exchange for an honest review.
The nights were filled with drinking, taking drugs and partying, until something goes horribly wrong at the beach party, which will forever change their lives.
Thirty three years later Nina received an email telling her that they know what she did all those years ago and for her to return back to the villa.
This amazing book kept me up late as I could not put it down. The characters were engaging and they felt real.
Thank you to Netgalley for my copy in exchange for an honest review.
August 2, 2023
This is one beach party that you wouldn’t want to receive an invite to. A luxurious villa in Deià, Mallorca sounds idyllic but this group of university friends have history – and too many secrets.
Moving between two timelines – the ‘now’ and July 1989, The Beach Party focuses on six friends, meeting up at Nina’s parents villa in Mallorca for a two week booze fuelled post-graduation holiday. Nina is the self appointed head of the group, a confident, selfish and entitled young woman who just has to take charge. The others follow in her wake, but it is clear that most of them have some moral debt to pay to Nina. I was fascinated to see what it was that she had on them.
This is a character focused thriller with an underlying simmering tension and one that I found addictive with its short chapters and backstories being teased out – you know that something bad will happen and are just waiting for events to escalate. The friends are complex individuals with their own issues; some I had empathy for but there were 2 or 3 that I thought were just awful and the toxicity of their relationship came as no surprise.
Fast forwarding 33 years later to ‘now’ and an anonymous person is contacting each friend with a menacing threat. The ‘who’ was a source of intrigue and suspicion. I went through each suspect in turn, trying to figure out who I could discount but the twists and curve balls gave me no chance.
With vivid and evocative descriptions, especially of location, the setting during 1989 was one that I greatly enjoyed. I loved the musical and cultural references which were so familiar to me – LouLou perfume and the Walkman 🎵 – both instantly brought back memories.
With secrets coming to light and lives unravelling, this gripping twisty thriller keeps the suspense going until the very end. If the friends learnt just one thing from their holiday it was that there is no hiding from the past.
Moving between two timelines – the ‘now’ and July 1989, The Beach Party focuses on six friends, meeting up at Nina’s parents villa in Mallorca for a two week booze fuelled post-graduation holiday. Nina is the self appointed head of the group, a confident, selfish and entitled young woman who just has to take charge. The others follow in her wake, but it is clear that most of them have some moral debt to pay to Nina. I was fascinated to see what it was that she had on them.
This is a character focused thriller with an underlying simmering tension and one that I found addictive with its short chapters and backstories being teased out – you know that something bad will happen and are just waiting for events to escalate. The friends are complex individuals with their own issues; some I had empathy for but there were 2 or 3 that I thought were just awful and the toxicity of their relationship came as no surprise.
Fast forwarding 33 years later to ‘now’ and an anonymous person is contacting each friend with a menacing threat. The ‘who’ was a source of intrigue and suspicion. I went through each suspect in turn, trying to figure out who I could discount but the twists and curve balls gave me no chance.
With vivid and evocative descriptions, especially of location, the setting during 1989 was one that I greatly enjoyed. I loved the musical and cultural references which were so familiar to me – LouLou perfume and the Walkman 🎵 – both instantly brought back memories.
With secrets coming to light and lives unravelling, this gripping twisty thriller keeps the suspense going until the very end. If the friends learnt just one thing from their holiday it was that there is no hiding from the past.
March 2, 2023
This is my first outing with this author; I have no idea if she has other books out, I went into reading this completely blind, which is unusual for me, but the gamble generally paid off on this occasion.
Firstly, I did have a niggle with this book: the grammatical errors. If this is an indie author who has edited it herself then mistakes are likely to slip through the net, however, if the author has paid someone to edit their work before publishing, I wouldn’t be happy if I was her. I would understand one or two getting missed but there were multiple errors throughout that should have been picked up - repeated words in sentences, eg. ‘and and’, and twice I noticed the word ‘bought’ instead of ‘brought’. The errors didn’t spoil the book for me, but they did stop the flow of my reading on many occasions, which was a real shame. I read the kindle book, so cannot comment on the paperback.
Putting that to one side, the story itself was interesting, enjoyable and well thought out - I was pleasantly surprised! There were a few little twists which were explained well, so weren’t just added for effect. The characters were described and developed in a considered manner. I genuinely looked forward to reading each chapter, and finding out where the story would go.
I would happily try another book by this author…ideally without the errors next time! Sorry!
Thank you to NetGalley for my free copy in exchange for an unbiased review.
Firstly, I did have a niggle with this book: the grammatical errors. If this is an indie author who has edited it herself then mistakes are likely to slip through the net, however, if the author has paid someone to edit their work before publishing, I wouldn’t be happy if I was her. I would understand one or two getting missed but there were multiple errors throughout that should have been picked up - repeated words in sentences, eg. ‘and and’, and twice I noticed the word ‘bought’ instead of ‘brought’. The errors didn’t spoil the book for me, but they did stop the flow of my reading on many occasions, which was a real shame. I read the kindle book, so cannot comment on the paperback.
Putting that to one side, the story itself was interesting, enjoyable and well thought out - I was pleasantly surprised! There were a few little twists which were explained well, so weren’t just added for effect. The characters were described and developed in a considered manner. I genuinely looked forward to reading each chapter, and finding out where the story would go.
I would happily try another book by this author…ideally without the errors next time! Sorry!
Thank you to NetGalley for my free copy in exchange for an unbiased review.
October 2, 2023
Anyone with memories of growing up in the 1980’s will find this book resonating. I was exactly the same age as the characters in this book and every song that was mentioned conjured up a memory from that time. Together with the various items common to the 80’s (e.g. Swatch watch and Walkmans) and the general ambiance of the era, this had me nodding my head in recognition feeling warm fuzzy emotions of a time I loved. This could only happen if an author uses their own experiences or carries out intense research pertaining to a period and this was evident in “The Beach Party” with Nikki Smith’s exemplary atmospheric writing.
I loved the dual time line, present day and Mallorca in July 1989 and because the chapters connected seamlessly, this ensured the story ran with a perfect continuity. I was very invested from the start in the plot and intrigued as how the friends would extricate themselves from the events of the holiday and I have to admit I was caught out with my own predictions.
This book is an excellent example of toxic, controlling friendships with a narcissist at the heart of it. Not people I’d have wanted to befriend but reading their backstories its easy to see how they were all ensnared into the group.
“The Beach Party” is an ideal summer/beach read but is equally as enjoyable anytime, anywhere and I can wholeheartedly say it kept me entertained for several days, as I time travelled back to a time I wish still existed.
#TheBeachParty - ⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️
I loved the dual time line, present day and Mallorca in July 1989 and because the chapters connected seamlessly, this ensured the story ran with a perfect continuity. I was very invested from the start in the plot and intrigued as how the friends would extricate themselves from the events of the holiday and I have to admit I was caught out with my own predictions.
This book is an excellent example of toxic, controlling friendships with a narcissist at the heart of it. Not people I’d have wanted to befriend but reading their backstories its easy to see how they were all ensnared into the group.
“The Beach Party” is an ideal summer/beach read but is equally as enjoyable anytime, anywhere and I can wholeheartedly say it kept me entertained for several days, as I time travelled back to a time I wish still existed.
#TheBeachParty - ⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️
August 12, 2023
4.5 stars.
It’s the Summer of 1989 and six friends are off to Mallorca, to an idyllic cliff top villa, to have the holiday that dreams are made of. But things don’t quite go according to plan and within a few days the dream trip has turned into a living hell.
Fast forward to the present day where the past finally catches up with them all and they are finally forced to confront their memories of that one terrible night.
This was a truly evocative read, filled with suspense and tension. It’s also incredibly atmospheric; as a child of the 80s I loved all the references to that era. They really made the book come to life and filled it with vibrancy and authenticity. There is also a great plot, with twists and turns and red herrings galore. I was swept along by it, not wanting it to end but desperate to find out what happened.
It’s the perfect summer thriller - it made me wistful for a beach holiday and nostalgic for the crazy holidays of my youth - although they were never quite as dramatic as this one, I should add!
It’s the Summer of 1989 and six friends are off to Mallorca, to an idyllic cliff top villa, to have the holiday that dreams are made of. But things don’t quite go according to plan and within a few days the dream trip has turned into a living hell.
Fast forward to the present day where the past finally catches up with them all and they are finally forced to confront their memories of that one terrible night.
This was a truly evocative read, filled with suspense and tension. It’s also incredibly atmospheric; as a child of the 80s I loved all the references to that era. They really made the book come to life and filled it with vibrancy and authenticity. There is also a great plot, with twists and turns and red herrings galore. I was swept along by it, not wanting it to end but desperate to find out what happened.
It’s the perfect summer thriller - it made me wistful for a beach holiday and nostalgic for the crazy holidays of my youth - although they were never quite as dramatic as this one, I should add!
July 23, 2023
A group of highly unlikeable graduates head off to Mallorca/Majorca to celebrate the end of their time at Uni. A combination of drink, drugs and hedonistic behaviour lead to an accident, or is it? Flash forward twenty odd years and their past is catching up with the group through a series of anonymous communications threatening to reveal their secrets.
I had high hopes for this book based on the premise and the 80’s setting but the cast of underdeveloped characters I kept confusing were so unpleasant I didn’t care what happened to them. Reading this I kept thinking it would make a great tv series but as a book it really didn’t work for me.
Thank you to netgalley for an advanced reader copy in exchange for my honest personal review.
I had high hopes for this book based on the premise and the 80’s setting but the cast of underdeveloped characters I kept confusing were so unpleasant I didn’t care what happened to them. Reading this I kept thinking it would make a great tv series but as a book it really didn’t work for me.
Thank you to netgalley for an advanced reader copy in exchange for my honest personal review.
September 21, 2023
I won't lie. I bought this book because of the absolutely gorgeous cover. It jumped out at me and I had to have it. I didn't even read the blurb.
But once I did, I knew I'd enjoy it. I loved the back-and-forth in-time POV and the events that led up to the infamous beach party. However, I did find it weird that the event itself didn't actually happen at the beach party, it happened afterwards ...
I loved the throwback to the 80s. The music. The style. The technology. And seeing how the friends had all changed over the years, thanks to the incident, really added to the drama. I found it fascinating to turn the pages and I didn't see the twist coming. Several of the characters (Nina) were highly unlikeable and I wished them nothing but pain. I mean ... who does that to their own friend!!!
A highly gripping thriller that I really enjoyed. Would recommend.
But once I did, I knew I'd enjoy it. I loved the back-and-forth in-time POV and the events that led up to the infamous beach party. However, I did find it weird that the event itself didn't actually happen at the beach party, it happened afterwards ...
I loved the throwback to the 80s. The music. The style. The technology. And seeing how the friends had all changed over the years, thanks to the incident, really added to the drama. I found it fascinating to turn the pages and I didn't see the twist coming. Several of the characters (Nina) were highly unlikeable and I wished them nothing but pain. I mean ... who does that to their own friend!!!
A highly gripping thriller that I really enjoyed. Would recommend.
April 5, 2025
3,5 ⭐️
August 19, 2024
This thriller unfortunately was quite predictable and boring, the plot felt a bit far-fetched and I overall, just wasn’t a fan of this book.
July 20, 2023
I liked the cover of this book, the colours appealed to me and I thought it seemed like the perfect summer read. I was looking for a book to read quickly and expected to read this in a couple of days. It took me ten days which I think says it all.
The story is dual timeline and follows a group of university friends who go on a holiday to Mallorca in 1989. 33 years later, each of them receive an email telling them to go back to the villa otherwise the truth of what happened on the trip will be revealed.
Initially, I thought the story started quite well. I wanted to find out what had happened on the trip. Quite quickly, I became so bored with the story. It really dragged and the pace was so so slow. Most of the story is set in 1989 and considering it takes up a hefty chunk of the book, not much really happens.
The characters were underdeveloped and unlikeable, I didn’t much care what happened to them. Some characters seemed to be forgotten about and I wondered what the point was in making such a song and dance about them.
There wasn’t any tension or suspense in the story as it dragged so much. I felt like I was reading for hours and had hardly progressed through the book.
I thought that sprinklers seemed to be mentioned constantly in the story and I didn’t see what it added at all, it became irritating.
The ending was a strange mix of weak, unrealistic and abrupt.
I wanted to enjoy this book but unfortunately it wasn’t for me at all. I’m not sure if I would read more from this author.
The story is dual timeline and follows a group of university friends who go on a holiday to Mallorca in 1989. 33 years later, each of them receive an email telling them to go back to the villa otherwise the truth of what happened on the trip will be revealed.
Initially, I thought the story started quite well. I wanted to find out what had happened on the trip. Quite quickly, I became so bored with the story. It really dragged and the pace was so so slow. Most of the story is set in 1989 and considering it takes up a hefty chunk of the book, not much really happens.
The characters were underdeveloped and unlikeable, I didn’t much care what happened to them. Some characters seemed to be forgotten about and I wondered what the point was in making such a song and dance about them.
There wasn’t any tension or suspense in the story as it dragged so much. I felt like I was reading for hours and had hardly progressed through the book.
I thought that sprinklers seemed to be mentioned constantly in the story and I didn’t see what it added at all, it became irritating.
The ending was a strange mix of weak, unrealistic and abrupt.
I wanted to enjoy this book but unfortunately it wasn’t for me at all. I’m not sure if I would read more from this author.
February 27, 2023
i found a lot of the first third or so to be largely unnecessary set up which made it very hard for me to get through
the cast of characters wasn’t particularly large but i found it hard to distinguish between most of them, especially the men
almost every character is so unlikeable that i struggled to care about the plot, it just felt painful
it really just felt like nothing happened and nothing surprised me, which like.. i need surprises and twists in a thriller for me to rate it decently otherwise why am i reading it
seeing old joe mentioned in a book was very fun tho i miss my bongy boi
thank you to the author, publisher and netgalley for the arc
the cast of characters wasn’t particularly large but i found it hard to distinguish between most of them, especially the men
almost every character is so unlikeable that i struggled to care about the plot, it just felt painful
it really just felt like nothing happened and nothing surprised me, which like.. i need surprises and twists in a thriller for me to rate it decently otherwise why am i reading it
seeing old joe mentioned in a book was very fun tho i miss my bongy boi
thank you to the author, publisher and netgalley for the arc
March 23, 2023
I found this book to be exciting in many places with many moments leaving mu speechless and a twist at the end that felt just right.
However there were occasions where this felt a bit slower and I feel like the past narrative was longer then necessary in places.
Overall I really enjoyed this thriller with Will and Zoe and Gabi being my favourite character as I felt they had the most depth
However there were occasions where this felt a bit slower and I feel like the past narrative was longer then necessary in places.
Overall I really enjoyed this thriller with Will and Zoe and Gabi being my favourite character as I felt they had the most depth
September 17, 2023
If you’re looking for the perfect immersive holiday read, then look no further than The Beach Party. The combination of complex characters with fascinating back stories and a fast-paced, unpredictable dark plot makes this a compelling novel.
Six friends decide to celebrate graduation in Mallorca, drink, drugs and partying all night are top of their priority list. But one fateful night a beach party ends in disaster. Friendships are shattered, and secrets are hidden in a web of deceit.
As we meet each character in 1989, its apparent tension is running high between the group. The characters are not a likeable group by any means. They're flawed, despicable and manipulative and yet author Nikki Smith has created the perfect characters to fit the plot. Move forward 30 years, and anonymous emails are sent to the group threatening to reveal the truth. Who is it, and what do they know about the events of that night?
Nikki Smith certainly knows how to keep the readers’ attention. The sense of foreboding that grows at every turn of the page urges the reader onwards. The thing I loved about this book was the complexities of the groups ‘friendship’ and I use that word loosely! Manipulation, secrets, and jealousy make their friendship toxic. But boy did it make for an exciting read.
Most of this story takes place in 1989 with the author slowly drip feeding how the events of that summer changed each of their lives. The plot has so many twists, turns and delicious revelations. Perfectly plotted, brilliantly tense, and utterly addictive, I absolutely loved The Beach Party.
You can follow me and read more of my reviews at
Blog: https://thebookreviewcafe.wordpress.com/
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Six friends decide to celebrate graduation in Mallorca, drink, drugs and partying all night are top of their priority list. But one fateful night a beach party ends in disaster. Friendships are shattered, and secrets are hidden in a web of deceit.
As we meet each character in 1989, its apparent tension is running high between the group. The characters are not a likeable group by any means. They're flawed, despicable and manipulative and yet author Nikki Smith has created the perfect characters to fit the plot. Move forward 30 years, and anonymous emails are sent to the group threatening to reveal the truth. Who is it, and what do they know about the events of that night?
Nikki Smith certainly knows how to keep the readers’ attention. The sense of foreboding that grows at every turn of the page urges the reader onwards. The thing I loved about this book was the complexities of the groups ‘friendship’ and I use that word loosely! Manipulation, secrets, and jealousy make their friendship toxic. But boy did it make for an exciting read.
Most of this story takes place in 1989 with the author slowly drip feeding how the events of that summer changed each of their lives. The plot has so many twists, turns and delicious revelations. Perfectly plotted, brilliantly tense, and utterly addictive, I absolutely loved The Beach Party.
You can follow me and read more of my reviews at
Blog: https://thebookreviewcafe.wordpress.com/
Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/thebookrevi...
Twitter: http://www.twitter.com/@reviewcafe
July 16, 2023
6 friends heading off for the holiday of a lifetime to Marbella - what could possibly go wrong? They have a villa, courtesy of self proclaimed leader of the pack Nina 💁🏻♀️, whose parents own the place. But things take a turn after an accident resulting in lies, secrets and doubt throughout the group.
I was a little confused at first while I got to know all of the characters and the relationships between them all. I found myself flicking back to the start of a chapter to double check or remind myself whose perspective I’m reading from. The first part of the book is a bit of a slow burner, but then we go thick and fast with the secrets, the lies, the blackmail, the toxic friendships and actions that have you excited, scared and nervous all at once. 💜
I won’t lie - I chose this book on NetGalley for the cover (yes I know the saying…) but this really came through as a great read for me, more so in the second half. Interesting story, unlikeable characters that you just need to know more about, secrets exposed keep you on your toes, always wanting to turn to the next page as soon as possible.
Multiple timelines and multiple POV allows us to get to know the characters - despite most being unlikeable, I did find myself rooting for a couple of them, but I still didn’t trust their intensions.
The thing I loved most about this book was how descriptive the author was. I have a visual mind anyway, but I could honestly see myself in the scenes she was describing! I loved it!
A 4⭐️ review from me - thank you to NetGalley and publishers Penguin Random House for the advance reader copy in exchange for an honest review
I was a little confused at first while I got to know all of the characters and the relationships between them all. I found myself flicking back to the start of a chapter to double check or remind myself whose perspective I’m reading from. The first part of the book is a bit of a slow burner, but then we go thick and fast with the secrets, the lies, the blackmail, the toxic friendships and actions that have you excited, scared and nervous all at once. 💜
I won’t lie - I chose this book on NetGalley for the cover (yes I know the saying…) but this really came through as a great read for me, more so in the second half. Interesting story, unlikeable characters that you just need to know more about, secrets exposed keep you on your toes, always wanting to turn to the next page as soon as possible.
Multiple timelines and multiple POV allows us to get to know the characters - despite most being unlikeable, I did find myself rooting for a couple of them, but I still didn’t trust their intensions.
The thing I loved most about this book was how descriptive the author was. I have a visual mind anyway, but I could honestly see myself in the scenes she was describing! I loved it!
A 4⭐️ review from me - thank you to NetGalley and publishers Penguin Random House for the advance reader copy in exchange for an honest review
August 6, 2023
I haven’t read anything from this author before but I’m glad I read this one as I found it to be a highly enjoyable read. I felt the tension start to increase when I was a couple of chapters in and it quickly took some turns that had me questioning what was going on in this group of toxic friends. With secrets, lies and blackmail filling the pages this is one of those classic thriller that keeps you glued to the pages needing to figure out what’s going on, and what exactly is going to happen as you near the ending.
This was a quick and wonderful read for me. Highly recommend.
Thank you to Viking for sending me a proof of this one and having me on the blog tour.
This was a quick and wonderful read for me. Highly recommend.
Thank you to Viking for sending me a proof of this one and having me on the blog tour.
June 8, 2024
This was a new author to me and I’m really looking forward to reading more from her.
Set between 1989 and present day. Loved the few song references back in the 80’s. This book follows the story of 6 friends who go to a villa in Majorca after uni finishes. Don’t want to say too much about what happens but it’s definitely a good read. The ending rounded it all up perfectly.
3.5 stars for me. Goodreads, you really need to add a half star rating!
Set between 1989 and present day. Loved the few song references back in the 80’s. This book follows the story of 6 friends who go to a villa in Majorca after uni finishes. Don’t want to say too much about what happens but it’s definitely a good read. The ending rounded it all up perfectly.
3.5 stars for me. Goodreads, you really need to add a half star rating!
July 28, 2024
The first 100 pages or so of the book were quite uneventful and having 6 main characters with equal airtime was a lot so it got confusing to remember who was who. No one particularly stood out as a character I really loved or really disliked they were all just a bit bland😅
But after the climax of the boat accident and the aftermath of that it got a lot better. All the loose ends from past and present were tied up nicely and overall a lot better than how is started 🙏
But after the climax of the boat accident and the aftermath of that it got a lot better. All the loose ends from past and present were tied up nicely and overall a lot better than how is started 🙏
April 3, 2025
Really enjoyed this book, very pacy thriller, left me wanting to read more! Good storyline, loved how it went between the past and present too without being confusing! Good twists too! Really recommend this book.
June 6, 2023
Nikki Smith is a new author to me and while I was drawn in by the cover and premise of this story, I wasn’t getting particularly original vibes so was unsure what to expect but I ended up really enjoying it and now know that Nikki is an author whose books I want to read more of!
We are introduced to a group of 6 friends who jet off to Mallorca in 1989 to celebrate graduating university and the story alternates between that holiday and the present day, 33 years later, where members of the group are being sent anonymous e-mails threatening to expose certain secrets.
I didn’t find any of the characters particularly likeable except for Zoe who was quite endearing. The group are shrouded in a LOT of secrets, some dating back to their pre-university days and all of which they would rather stay under wraps - at any cost - and I didn’t feel like the plot twists were overdone, they were subtle and well-placed throughout the story.
Although it took me a while to get into the story, once I did I was fully immersed and struggled to put it down at some points! Some truly dark situations arise during the Mallorca holiday and I was super keen to find out how key events played out. Overall, this was a gripping read that I would definitely recommend.
Thanks to Penguin General UK & Netgalley for an E-ARC of this book in exchange for an honest review.
We are introduced to a group of 6 friends who jet off to Mallorca in 1989 to celebrate graduating university and the story alternates between that holiday and the present day, 33 years later, where members of the group are being sent anonymous e-mails threatening to expose certain secrets.
I didn’t find any of the characters particularly likeable except for Zoe who was quite endearing. The group are shrouded in a LOT of secrets, some dating back to their pre-university days and all of which they would rather stay under wraps - at any cost - and I didn’t feel like the plot twists were overdone, they were subtle and well-placed throughout the story.
Although it took me a while to get into the story, once I did I was fully immersed and struggled to put it down at some points! Some truly dark situations arise during the Mallorca holiday and I was super keen to find out how key events played out. Overall, this was a gripping read that I would definitely recommend.
Thanks to Penguin General UK & Netgalley for an E-ARC of this book in exchange for an honest review.
March 26, 2023
The Beach House by Nikki Smith is a mystery thriller with a dual timeline, 1989 and the present day.
In July 1989 6 friends head to Mallorca for a 2 week holiday at Nina's parents' villa. What was meant to be a holiday filled with wild nights and lazy days by the pool turns into a nightmare when a tragic accident occurs on the night of the beach party.
In the present day someone knows their secret and wants to make them pay.
This was a very engaging story and shows the dynamics of this friendship group and how Nina is like the sun they all revolve around.
This was quick and easy to read while also keeping me engaged so I would recommend it to anyone who enjoys mystery thrillers.
3.5☆
Thank you to #Netgalley and #Penguin General UK for an ARC in exchange for an honest unbiased review.
In July 1989 6 friends head to Mallorca for a 2 week holiday at Nina's parents' villa. What was meant to be a holiday filled with wild nights and lazy days by the pool turns into a nightmare when a tragic accident occurs on the night of the beach party.
In the present day someone knows their secret and wants to make them pay.
This was a very engaging story and shows the dynamics of this friendship group and how Nina is like the sun they all revolve around.
This was quick and easy to read while also keeping me engaged so I would recommend it to anyone who enjoys mystery thrillers.
3.5☆
Thank you to #Netgalley and #Penguin General UK for an ARC in exchange for an honest unbiased review.
April 30, 2023
Well….what was this? Lol. 60% of this was boring and then suddenly things started happening that just didn’t make sense. Too many thin characters; I struggled to keep track of who was who and also really didn’t care.
I still don’t understand the ending properly coz how did those people know each other? Maybe I missed it idk. Think it had the potential to be a good plane read but I just didn’t find it coherent enough to enjoy.
I still don’t understand the ending properly coz how did those people know each other? Maybe I missed it idk. Think it had the potential to be a good plane read but I just didn’t find it coherent enough to enjoy.
February 16, 2023
Started off well but drags on and on to ridiculous conclusion. Writing style is poor, characters are weak and the plot isn’t great. The premise of the story could have been great but they way ya been written here didn’t work. Not for me at all
August 16, 2023
Six friends travel to the sun drenched island of Mallorca for a post university adventure. It’s all azure seas, chilling by the pool and dancing under the stars until the events of a beach party alter the course of their lives forever.
Now, more than thirty years later someone knows what they did and is intent on payback.
I was so totally hooked on this book. Told in addictive short chapters flowing seamlessly between the dual timelines, it is packed with glorious 80s details, the music, the bright clothes, the ever present Walkman and poison perfume (do you remember that stuff my sister used to drench herself in it) and loaded with unexpected twists and turns I never saw coming.
The inner turmoil of the characters was skilfully woven into an intricate tapestry of love, guilt and selfish ambition.
And the Mallorca setting was simply sublime.
I adored this intense cocktail of mystery sunshine and retribution.
Now, more than thirty years later someone knows what they did and is intent on payback.
I was so totally hooked on this book. Told in addictive short chapters flowing seamlessly between the dual timelines, it is packed with glorious 80s details, the music, the bright clothes, the ever present Walkman and poison perfume (do you remember that stuff my sister used to drench herself in it) and loaded with unexpected twists and turns I never saw coming.
The inner turmoil of the characters was skilfully woven into an intricate tapestry of love, guilt and selfish ambition.
And the Mallorca setting was simply sublime.
I adored this intense cocktail of mystery sunshine and retribution.
August 27, 2023
A dark and chilling destination thriller set in Mallorca - flashing between the current day and 1989, when six young friends embark on the holiday of a lifetime amidst complicated group dynamics, sinister secrets and romantic entanglements.
This Beach Party is both richly descriptive and fast paced creating a fantastic sense of foreboding, often the characters aren’t painted in the best light and this adds to the overall feeling of distrust and anxiety - I was on the edge of my seat throughout as the author builds tension in the lead up to the great reveal.
I definitely enjoyed the throwback chapters in the 80s the most - there are lots of fashion and music references that create a great sense of nostalgia - at times I did feel annoyed to be drawn back to the present day but I appreciate the way the author has done the dual timeline and how it comes together by the end.
This Beach Party is both richly descriptive and fast paced creating a fantastic sense of foreboding, often the characters aren’t painted in the best light and this adds to the overall feeling of distrust and anxiety - I was on the edge of my seat throughout as the author builds tension in the lead up to the great reveal.
I definitely enjoyed the throwback chapters in the 80s the most - there are lots of fashion and music references that create a great sense of nostalgia - at times I did feel annoyed to be drawn back to the present day but I appreciate the way the author has done the dual timeline and how it comes together by the end.
August 18, 2024
I always love an old friends get together plot, with secrets of the past and a hidden agenda, probably a murder that has been committed and subsequently covered up over the years which then comes to bite them in the ass later. Which was pretty much this one in a nutshell - a guarantee listen from me!
Audiobook was great, well narrated and entertaining which was one of the reasons I didn’t dnf the story. I just couldn’t gel with it. No idea why I struggled to get into this story but I didn’t connect to the characters, felt little and couldn’t get invested. My own issue me thinks but I struggled.
It did provide me with cleaning the house company though as I listened to the audio in the background. Nothing like an audio companion whilst you’re hectically hoovering, dusting and clearing out old cupboards so for the reason for helping my Sunday chores go faster, it earns its stars.
Audiobook was great, well narrated and entertaining which was one of the reasons I didn’t dnf the story. I just couldn’t gel with it. No idea why I struggled to get into this story but I didn’t connect to the characters, felt little and couldn’t get invested. My own issue me thinks but I struggled.
It did provide me with cleaning the house company though as I listened to the audio in the background. Nothing like an audio companion whilst you’re hectically hoovering, dusting and clearing out old cupboards so for the reason for helping my Sunday chores go faster, it earns its stars.
August 18, 2023
I read this book on a complete whim because I wanted an easy read with few expectations, and wow, was I surprised. The beginning is cliche and not that well written. The dialogue doesn’t feel that natural and the characters a bit middle of the road. But bare with the first few chapters, endure the set up until the characters arrive at the villa, and you’ll be rewarded. The pace suddenly ramps up without warning, there are twists and turns around every corner. You start to distrust everyone and everything you’re being told. You question everything. The only reason I did not give this book 5 stars was because of the clunky start, but if you get through it, you’re then taken on a tense holiday from hell that makes you question your own morality.
April 29, 2025
After reading the reviews for this book, i really didn't expect much going into it, but i actually really enjoyed it.
Fast pace thriller read, good storyline, unlikable characters, which I'm assuming was the point, so it was very well done.
Fast pace thriller read, good storyline, unlikable characters, which I'm assuming was the point, so it was very well done.
February 12, 2023
4,0 ⭐️
Recensie volgt nog...
Recensie volgt nog...
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