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Detectives Carmine & Greene #2
The Party Season
It's the most deadly time of the year...
The festive season is in full swing - parties, mistletoe and Christmas crackers abound.
In a hotel bar, a woman approaches you. Her party dress glitters with sequins.
What you don't know is that your life is now in her hands - and now that you've met, there's only one thing that will determine whether you live or die.
Are you a good person? Are you really? . . .
A cracking Christmas crime thriller for the festive season - perfect for fans of C.L. Taylor, Mark Edwards and Alex Pine.
The festive season is in full swing - parties, mistletoe and Christmas crackers abound.
In a hotel bar, a woman approaches you. Her party dress glitters with sequins.
What you don't know is that your life is now in her hands - and now that you've met, there's only one thing that will determine whether you live or die.
Are you a good person? Are you really? . . .
A cracking Christmas crime thriller for the festive season - perfect for fans of C.L. Taylor, Mark Edwards and Alex Pine.
273 pages, Kindle Edition
First published October 27, 2023
123 people are currently reading
474 people want to read
About the author
S.J.I. Holliday
16 books231 followersLibrarian Note: Also writes under the name Susi Holliday.
Susi (S.J.I.) Holliday grew up near Edinburgh and spent many years working in her family’s newsagent and pub before studying microbiology and statistics at university. She has worked as a statistician in the pharmaceutical industry for 20 years, but it was on a 6-month round-the-world-trip that she took with her husband several years ago that she rediscovered her passion for writing.
You can find out more at www.sjiholliday.com, or on Twitter and Facebook @SJIHolliday.
Susi (S.J.I.) Holliday grew up near Edinburgh and spent many years working in her family’s newsagent and pub before studying microbiology and statistics at university. She has worked as a statistician in the pharmaceutical industry for 20 years, but it was on a 6-month round-the-world-trip that she took with her husband several years ago that she rediscovered her passion for writing.
You can find out more at www.sjiholliday.com, or on Twitter and Facebook @SJIHolliday.
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 149 reviews
December 27, 2023
My Reviews Can Also Be Found On:
The Storygraph and The Book Review Crew Blog
EDIT DECEMBER 27TH, 2023:
The publishers have finally decided to note that this is part two in a series. Thanks for nothing!
THIS REVIEW CONTAINS MANY SPOILERS BUT YOU WON'T WANT TO READ THIS BOOK ANYWAY
As I was reading this book it felt like a part two in a series and then I came to realize it is! Nowhere does it indicate that this is part of a series but here is book one under the author's other name, Suzi Holliday. This made me very upset as I felt lost when they were talking about an older case with a photographer who may have been wrongfully convicted by a false confession. I was so confused! We pretty much know who the killer is right away and her boyfriend figures out what she's doing immediately..oh ya and he's kind of a stalker.
This was also just way too over the top for me. I mean there were things done that just weren't plausible. Stealing drugs from a pharmaceutical company, no passwords on computers, manipulating medical staff. I didn't buy it. My aunt is in a care home for dementia patients and it is locked up like Fort Knox. There were many coincidences I didn't buy into either like the murderer's mother and the cop's mother are in the same care home and the murderer's pharmaceutical company is testing their drugs there as well. The police find clues very easily and very quickly. And of course, the female cop gets all googly-eyed over her partner. BARF! I didn't like this holiday thriller at all.
The Storygraph and The Book Review Crew Blog
EDIT DECEMBER 27TH, 2023:
The publishers have finally decided to note that this is part two in a series. Thanks for nothing!
THIS REVIEW CONTAINS MANY SPOILERS BUT YOU WON'T WANT TO READ THIS BOOK ANYWAY
As I was reading this book it felt like a part two in a series and then I came to realize it is! Nowhere does it indicate that this is part of a series but here is book one under the author's other name, Suzi Holliday. This made me very upset as I felt lost when they were talking about an older case with a photographer who may have been wrongfully convicted by a false confession. I was so confused! We pretty much know who the killer is right away and her boyfriend figures out what she's doing immediately..oh ya and he's kind of a stalker.
This was also just way too over the top for me. I mean there were things done that just weren't plausible. Stealing drugs from a pharmaceutical company, no passwords on computers, manipulating medical staff. I didn't buy it. My aunt is in a care home for dementia patients and it is locked up like Fort Knox. There were many coincidences I didn't buy into either like the murderer's mother and the cop's mother are in the same care home and the murderer's pharmaceutical company is testing their drugs there as well. The police find clues very easily and very quickly. And of course, the female cop gets all googly-eyed over her partner. BARF! I didn't like this holiday thriller at all.
December 22, 2023
*Seasonal Christmas read for 2023*
If you are not a fan of Hallmark sweet Christmas movies or Company Christmas parties, this may be the seasonal read for you!
Beware the beautiful “Party Girl” that you don’t recognize from the office.
There’s a reason for that. It isn’t because she is new-it’s because she is crashing your company’s Christmas party and it isn’t free booze that she is looking for.
Naughty or Nice?
If you fail her “test” you just might become her next Victim.
On the case in this Christmas Police Procedural are DI Eddie Carmine and DS Becky Greene who were introduced to readers in an earlier book, “The Deaths of December”.
There are multiple POV’s, including that of our “Party Girl”. I knew who she was from the start, but I don’t think the author was really trying to fool us here. There is also a big COINCIDENCE that helps to solve the case, but you know what?
I didn’t care about either of those things as this was definitely more FUN to read than attending my own company’s Christmas party!!
I didn’t realize this was a sequel and although some things from the first book in the series are mentioned, the serial killer from book one is only referred to as “The Photographer” so this CAN be read as a stand-alone and now that I have backtracked and read the first- I can say for certain that reading this book first DID NOT spoil book #1.
Happy Holidays everyone-enjoy your Party Season! 🥂
If you are not a fan of Hallmark sweet Christmas movies or Company Christmas parties, this may be the seasonal read for you!
Beware the beautiful “Party Girl” that you don’t recognize from the office.
There’s a reason for that. It isn’t because she is new-it’s because she is crashing your company’s Christmas party and it isn’t free booze that she is looking for.
Naughty or Nice?
If you fail her “test” you just might become her next Victim.
On the case in this Christmas Police Procedural are DI Eddie Carmine and DS Becky Greene who were introduced to readers in an earlier book, “The Deaths of December”.
There are multiple POV’s, including that of our “Party Girl”. I knew who she was from the start, but I don’t think the author was really trying to fool us here. There is also a big COINCIDENCE that helps to solve the case, but you know what?
I didn’t care about either of those things as this was definitely more FUN to read than attending my own company’s Christmas party!!
I didn’t realize this was a sequel and although some things from the first book in the series are mentioned, the serial killer from book one is only referred to as “The Photographer” so this CAN be read as a stand-alone and now that I have backtracked and read the first- I can say for certain that reading this book first DID NOT spoil book #1.
Happy Holidays everyone-enjoy your Party Season! 🥂
September 22, 2023
4+
The party girl, her dress glittery with seasonal sequins, arrives at the hotel, knows no one, but as it’s a Holly Jolly Christmas and everyone is having fun, she probably won’t be alone for long. Sure enough, a man approaches her at the bar, he’s slightly the worse for wear but it’s just as well he doesn’t know his life is now in her hands… The subsequent investigation is led by DI Eddie Carmine and DS Becky Greene.
Well, this is a Christmas cracker of a read which I enjoy and relish from page one. It’s intensely dark but relieved with some humour right from the beginning. There are several occasions when the naughty thought sneaks into my head, that one or two of these incidents is poetic justice, as Nemesis talks the Christmas festivities.
I like the way this is written, the style is lively and engaging with several contrasting points of view which works well as it deepens the suspense, tension and intrigue. It includes the killers voice and their identity has me going round and round in circles and then right back to my original thought. I especially like Eddie and Becky‘s perspectives as these two are excellent characters who are so likeable and relatable with a terrific relationship between the pair of them. The dialogue bats back-and-forth in a very entertaining way and I like how much they understand each other. I certainly want to read more books featuring these two.
The plot is very well thought out, the pace is quick with plenty of twists and turns as it builds to an excellent end… bah, humbug, indeed.
If you’re looking for a Christmas read that doesn’t smack of Hallmark then this is well worth checking out as it’s a very enjoyable read. Highly recommended.
With thanks to NetGalley and especially to Hodder and Stoughton for the much appreciated arc in return for an honest review.
The party girl, her dress glittery with seasonal sequins, arrives at the hotel, knows no one, but as it’s a Holly Jolly Christmas and everyone is having fun, she probably won’t be alone for long. Sure enough, a man approaches her at the bar, he’s slightly the worse for wear but it’s just as well he doesn’t know his life is now in her hands… The subsequent investigation is led by DI Eddie Carmine and DS Becky Greene.
Well, this is a Christmas cracker of a read which I enjoy and relish from page one. It’s intensely dark but relieved with some humour right from the beginning. There are several occasions when the naughty thought sneaks into my head, that one or two of these incidents is poetic justice, as Nemesis talks the Christmas festivities.
I like the way this is written, the style is lively and engaging with several contrasting points of view which works well as it deepens the suspense, tension and intrigue. It includes the killers voice and their identity has me going round and round in circles and then right back to my original thought. I especially like Eddie and Becky‘s perspectives as these two are excellent characters who are so likeable and relatable with a terrific relationship between the pair of them. The dialogue bats back-and-forth in a very entertaining way and I like how much they understand each other. I certainly want to read more books featuring these two.
The plot is very well thought out, the pace is quick with plenty of twists and turns as it builds to an excellent end… bah, humbug, indeed.
If you’re looking for a Christmas read that doesn’t smack of Hallmark then this is well worth checking out as it’s a very enjoyable read. Highly recommended.
With thanks to NetGalley and especially to Hodder and Stoughton for the much appreciated arc in return for an honest review.
December 9, 2023
I really enjoyed my first Susi Holliday book!
It was a fast paced read, with chapters from the investigating detective and the killer he investigates.
I loved the chapters from the POV of The Party Girl. She reminded me of Rhiannon from the Sweetpea series, with her warped justifications for her actions. I enjoyed the police procedural aspect too, as I started to connect the clues and watch how they track down the killer.
The characters fascinated me, and Holliday wrote The Party Girl's chapters with such eerie and chilling persuasion.
I would happily read more books from this author, so I'm off to add her books to my TBR!
It was a fast paced read, with chapters from the investigating detective and the killer he investigates.
I loved the chapters from the POV of The Party Girl. She reminded me of Rhiannon from the Sweetpea series, with her warped justifications for her actions. I enjoyed the police procedural aspect too, as I started to connect the clues and watch how they track down the killer.
The characters fascinated me, and Holliday wrote The Party Girl's chapters with such eerie and chilling persuasion.
I would happily read more books from this author, so I'm off to add her books to my TBR!
November 2, 2023
After reading The Party Season I immediately bought the first book with Becky and Eddie, The Deaths of December, for a re-read. After all, one can never read enough entertaining and clever books. Especially with a couple of my favourite themes: a police procedural ánd Christmas.
This time, Eddie and Becky, together with their colleagues, are facing multiple murders that at first sight don’t look like murders at all. It’s the holiday season and just about every hotel or other venue hosts multiple Christmas parties. Sometimes, due to (un)foreseen circumstances, somebody dies at such a party. Too much work during the year, too much booze, too much excitement for one night. Especially when you’re middle-aged and male.
The story is being told from the viewpoint of Eddie, Becky and ‘the Party Girl’. She’s absolutely not a party girl, but she’s on a mission and thus best disguised as one. After all, she has the body for it. Why she’s doing what she’s doing is for her to know and for Eddie and Becky to find out.
I loved the writing style and became very familiar with the characters quite soon. There is talk about the previous book but this one can easily be read as a standalone – although I would love to see these characters again – except for the Party Girl of course. There were lots of twist and turns and soon there are chapters in which we read about the murders, but there was enough left for the reader to keep guessing.
I will keep following this author now, and not only in the holiday season 😉.
Thanks to Netgalley and Hodder & Stoughton for this review copy.
This time, Eddie and Becky, together with their colleagues, are facing multiple murders that at first sight don’t look like murders at all. It’s the holiday season and just about every hotel or other venue hosts multiple Christmas parties. Sometimes, due to (un)foreseen circumstances, somebody dies at such a party. Too much work during the year, too much booze, too much excitement for one night. Especially when you’re middle-aged and male.
The story is being told from the viewpoint of Eddie, Becky and ‘the Party Girl’. She’s absolutely not a party girl, but she’s on a mission and thus best disguised as one. After all, she has the body for it. Why she’s doing what she’s doing is for her to know and for Eddie and Becky to find out.
I loved the writing style and became very familiar with the characters quite soon. There is talk about the previous book but this one can easily be read as a standalone – although I would love to see these characters again – except for the Party Girl of course. There were lots of twist and turns and soon there are chapters in which we read about the murders, but there was enough left for the reader to keep guessing.
I will keep following this author now, and not only in the holiday season 😉.
Thanks to Netgalley and Hodder & Stoughton for this review copy.
November 3, 2023
This was easily a 2.5 to 3 stars. The pace of this book is slow, it is a character driven story that spend too much time on what each one is feeling and thinking, the problem is that most or all of the characters were very nice but insufferably dull.
Major pet peeve; The Bridges of Madison County an old film?! What do you call “All about Eve” prehistoric? Seriously Dahling….invoking Tallulah Bankhead. I know it’s Ms Davis who stars in it but the dahling part sound better with Tallulah, fasten your seatbelts, it’s going to be a bumpy night definitely Davis, but I digress.
I didn’t know The Deaths of December was also written by this author with Becky and Eddie as the main characters, I purchased it a long time ago and it will sit on my TBR pile for a while longer. This book was not a mystery, less than 10 percent into the book and I knew who Party Girl was. This is also not a thriller, there was no unexpected twists and turns, no suspense. It was an okay read but disappointing in the lack of mystery and thrilling action, instead you get a predictable story about very nice but boring characters, their lives and their love interests during a festive season.
Major pet peeve; The Bridges of Madison County an old film?! What do you call “All about Eve” prehistoric? Seriously Dahling….invoking Tallulah Bankhead. I know it’s Ms Davis who stars in it but the dahling part sound better with Tallulah, fasten your seatbelts, it’s going to be a bumpy night definitely Davis, but I digress.
I didn’t know The Deaths of December was also written by this author with Becky and Eddie as the main characters, I purchased it a long time ago and it will sit on my TBR pile for a while longer. This book was not a mystery, less than 10 percent into the book and I knew who Party Girl was. This is also not a thriller, there was no unexpected twists and turns, no suspense. It was an okay read but disappointing in the lack of mystery and thrilling action, instead you get a predictable story about very nice but boring characters, their lives and their love interests during a festive season.
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May 9, 2024This audiobook is perfect for anyone who needs or wants a riny respite from all those cheesy christmas movies and the assumption we all love christmas. Its a pov story a fast listen with good distinctive change in narration for each character.
When i started listening i was not aware this was part 2 in s series. Whilst this does work as a stand alone story it would be better to do part 1 first as i feel this would then have more impact. It felt over too quickly and i wanted to know more. I did correctly guesse who the party girl and killer was. The plot seemed a bit too predictable for me but it was an enjoyable liaten. Must find part 1.
Thanks netgallery and publisher and author and narrator.
When i started listening i was not aware this was part 2 in s series. Whilst this does work as a stand alone story it would be better to do part 1 first as i feel this would then have more impact. It felt over too quickly and i wanted to know more. I did correctly guesse who the party girl and killer was. The plot seemed a bit too predictable for me but it was an enjoyable liaten. Must find part 1.
Thanks netgallery and publisher and author and narrator.
December 29, 2023
3.75 🌟
This was a very quick read with multiple points of view, which was sometimes a bit confusing for me. I enjoyed the characters, although a bit shallow, but developed enough for the story. An entertaining read.
This was a very quick read with multiple points of view, which was sometimes a bit confusing for me. I enjoyed the characters, although a bit shallow, but developed enough for the story. An entertaining read.
December 6, 2023
Its December and Christmas party season. A beautiful woman is putting on her party dress and taking men back their hotel rooms to murder. DI Eddy Carmine and DS Becky Greene lead the investigation. A brilliant festive thriller with twists and turns highly recommended.
December 27, 2023
2.25/5⭐️
Ongeveer halverwege het boek is het al volledig duidelijk wie de dader is, wat het motief is en wat de volgende stap van de dader zal zijn. Maakt het niet erg spannend. Ik hoopte nog op een plottwist, maar die kwam niet. Ook voor de detectives verloopt het allemaal erg soepel, met allerlei onrealistische toevalligheden.
Ongeveer halverwege het boek is het al volledig duidelijk wie de dader is, wat het motief is en wat de volgende stap van de dader zal zijn. Maakt het niet erg spannend. Ik hoopte nog op een plottwist, maar die kwam niet. Ook voor de detectives verloopt het allemaal erg soepel, met allerlei onrealistische toevalligheden.
December 29, 2024
I had high hopes for this but not sure why. Storyline made sense all in all but there was no massive thriller moments or twists for me so left me quite bored. Also, so much left unanswered, at the start of the book it keeps mentioning these ‘advent calendar case’ yet it all fell silent and just seemed random.
December 8, 2023
This book was eh. It was short and wasn’t a bad book. I didn’t really enjoy it because there were just way too many perspectives, which I think was kinda dumb since it was all in third person, except for “the party girl” who was in first which is also kind of a weird choice because it’s not like she is stalking the others or anything to make the third person for everyone else make sense. Harry’s storyline is honestly stupid and pointless with the exception of his one useful part in solving the crime. The ending felt like it was supposed to be some excited cliffhanger but it fell flat and just was weird random thoughts and were open ended. It’s sorta festive but not particularly, it just centers around the fact that the murders are taking place at Christmas parties but that’s really it. One of the Christmas parties it “follows” is superhero themed so it really isn’t festive even with the opportunity it had to consider itself festive.
October 21, 2023
Reading a Christmas based book in October! My idea of heaven. If your expecting a jolly Holly hallmark story this isn't the book for you. Murder, mystery, and Christmas shanagans is what this is about and I loved it
January 21, 2025
Would prob give 2.5 - annoyed that nothing indicated this was a 2nd in a series. Explains why I felt like I was missing something. A little all over the place.
December 17, 2023
Let me start by saying, I really enjoyed reading this book! I figured out pretty quickly who I thought had done it and was correct. However, I still really enjoyed reading along and seeing it all unfold and come to light as the main characters figured it all out. (Maybe this was the intention for the author?). The characters in the story were all so unique and all had their own “shit” going on in life and we’re just trying to keep it together but were also so supportive to each other and I loved that. I would loved to read more cases from Carmine & Greene. A brilliant book to add to your festive TBR!
I didn’t realise his was book 2 either so I have added book 1 to my wish list and will speak nicely to Santa… 🎅🏻🤞🏻
P.S Anyone who knows me knows how much I love meatloaf and I absolutely love that he had made it into this story! 🥹
P.P.S there is absolutely nothing wrong with pineapple on pizza! I love it, oh and onions too!
I didn’t realise his was book 2 either so I have added book 1 to my wish list and will speak nicely to Santa… 🎅🏻🤞🏻
P.S Anyone who knows me knows how much I love meatloaf and I absolutely love that he had made it into this story! 🥹
P.P.S there is absolutely nothing wrong with pineapple on pizza! I love it, oh and onions too!
September 19, 2023
I have never heard of SJI Holliday before but the cover, title and blurb sounding very interesting.
I absolutely loved this book and I could not put it down becoming hooked from the first chapter. It was full of twists and turns and surprises I did not see coming
The characters were fantastic and had a great depth to them and I really felt like I knew them, Eddie and Becky were my favourites by far and I did hope they may get together as they had a lovely relationship. I have found out that there is a previous book The Deaths of December featuring these characters which I have just ordered and I’m hoping there may be more books to follow as I don’t think their story is over by a long shot. I would also like to see what happens with other characters such as Joe.
I liked the fact that the chapters are told from different characters perspectives as that really added to the suspense and story.
A brilliant Christmas crime novel I would recommend everyone read, a full 5/5 stars.
Thanks to Netgalley, Hodder & Stoughton and SJI Holliday for an advanced copy in exchange for and unbiased and honest review.
I absolutely loved this book and I could not put it down becoming hooked from the first chapter. It was full of twists and turns and surprises I did not see coming
The characters were fantastic and had a great depth to them and I really felt like I knew them, Eddie and Becky were my favourites by far and I did hope they may get together as they had a lovely relationship. I have found out that there is a previous book The Deaths of December featuring these characters which I have just ordered and I’m hoping there may be more books to follow as I don’t think their story is over by a long shot. I would also like to see what happens with other characters such as Joe.
I liked the fact that the chapters are told from different characters perspectives as that really added to the suspense and story.
A brilliant Christmas crime novel I would recommend everyone read, a full 5/5 stars.
Thanks to Netgalley, Hodder & Stoughton and SJI Holliday for an advanced copy in exchange for and unbiased and honest review.
October 26, 2023
Cracking Festive Read!
I was fortunate enough to read an advanced copy and thank my book club and publisher for the opportunity. All opinions are my own.
Reviewed in the United Kingdom on 26 October 2023
"The Party Season" by SJI Holliday is an electrifying and thrilling holiday read that will leave you on the edge of your seat. The story unfolds during the festive season, with parties, mistletoe, and Christmas spirit all around, creating the perfect backdrop for this gripping tale.
Holliday's writing skillfully weaves together a suspenseful narrative that draws you in from the very beginning, and as a reader, you can't help but become invested in the fate of the characters.
The book challenges the reader's perception of what it means to be a good person, making you question your own moral compass. It's a thought-provoking element that adds depth to the story, making it more than just a gripping thriller.
With its well-crafted characters, unexpected twists, and festive setting, "The Party Season" is a must-read for anyone who loves a thrilling and suspenseful novel. SJI Holliday has delivered a page-turner that keeps you guessing until the very end, and it's a perfect addition to your TBR list
I was fortunate enough to read an advanced copy and thank my book club and publisher for the opportunity. All opinions are my own.
Reviewed in the United Kingdom on 26 October 2023
"The Party Season" by SJI Holliday is an electrifying and thrilling holiday read that will leave you on the edge of your seat. The story unfolds during the festive season, with parties, mistletoe, and Christmas spirit all around, creating the perfect backdrop for this gripping tale.
Holliday's writing skillfully weaves together a suspenseful narrative that draws you in from the very beginning, and as a reader, you can't help but become invested in the fate of the characters.
The book challenges the reader's perception of what it means to be a good person, making you question your own moral compass. It's a thought-provoking element that adds depth to the story, making it more than just a gripping thriller.
With its well-crafted characters, unexpected twists, and festive setting, "The Party Season" is a must-read for anyone who loves a thrilling and suspenseful novel. SJI Holliday has delivered a page-turner that keeps you guessing until the very end, and it's a perfect addition to your TBR list
October 27, 2023
My ideal kind of police procedural features multiple viewpoints, likeable detectives, a rounded culprit, page-turning suspense and smooth writing. This novel ticked all those boxes and also managed to incorporate a fresh take on the festive mystery genre with a female serial killer preying on sleazy men at office Christmas parties. Although there were references to a previous case, these mentions avoided spoilers and made me eager to read the first Christmas-themed story in this series, The Deaths of December.
Perfect for readers who fancy some seasonal suspense.
With thanks to the author, publisher and NetGalley for the opportunity to read an early copy in exchange for an independent review.
Perfect for readers who fancy some seasonal suspense.
With thanks to the author, publisher and NetGalley for the opportunity to read an early copy in exchange for an independent review.
September 26, 2023
The party girl arrives shimmering and seductive, ready to make a kill. Literally! And what better time than christmas?!
Welcome to The Party Season. Hotels and bars are busy hosting dazzling parties all over and someone out there makes it their job to kill men in their hotel rooms and leave them for the police to find. Is this a coincidence? A serial killer at work? This begins a nail-biting police investigation and the clock is ticking.
I've been a fan of Susi Holliday since her bestselling thriller Violet and she's the queen of dramatic psychological thrillers with so many commendable characters and backstories. The Party Season is a pacy quick popcorn thriller with several Cliffhangers and an unexpected ending to the rollercoaster premise. I read this in a single day!!
Many thanks to the publisher and TBC Facebook Group for my e-copy. All opinions are solely mine.
Welcome to The Party Season. Hotels and bars are busy hosting dazzling parties all over and someone out there makes it their job to kill men in their hotel rooms and leave them for the police to find. Is this a coincidence? A serial killer at work? This begins a nail-biting police investigation and the clock is ticking.
I've been a fan of Susi Holliday since her bestselling thriller Violet and she's the queen of dramatic psychological thrillers with so many commendable characters and backstories. The Party Season is a pacy quick popcorn thriller with several Cliffhangers and an unexpected ending to the rollercoaster premise. I read this in a single day!!
Many thanks to the publisher and TBC Facebook Group for my e-copy. All opinions are solely mine.
December 12, 2023
*rounded up from 3.5 stars*
This is a twisty thriller that starts off with a bang. It was fast paced and a fairly fast read. The plot moved along quickly and was kind of fantastical. I had to suspend reality a bit because some of the things that happened weren’t very believable. It was still enjoyable as long as I wasn’t going for a hyper realistic thriller. It can be read as a standalone, but I feel like I would have liked to read Deaths in December before this one to have a better flow. It was referenced a couple of times and would have been nice to know what they were referring to while reading, rather then researching after 😅 that could just be my need to know every detail I can though 🤷🏼♀️ But my gosh this killer had me eyes wide most of the story, even when they were just visiting their mom. Over all a good twisty read that takes the sparkle of out the party season.
When a gorgeous woman walks into a Christmas Party alone and walks up to the bar, it won’t be long before someone approaches her. Sure enough, a partner at the firm walks up and shoots his shot. He doesn’t recognize her, but he can’t know everyone at the company, right? They leave together and go up to his hotel room to go about their business. But he didn’t compare notes on what business they were planning, because hers involved murder.
Thank you to Love Book Tours for the copy, all thoughts are my own.
This is a twisty thriller that starts off with a bang. It was fast paced and a fairly fast read. The plot moved along quickly and was kind of fantastical. I had to suspend reality a bit because some of the things that happened weren’t very believable. It was still enjoyable as long as I wasn’t going for a hyper realistic thriller. It can be read as a standalone, but I feel like I would have liked to read Deaths in December before this one to have a better flow. It was referenced a couple of times and would have been nice to know what they were referring to while reading, rather then researching after 😅 that could just be my need to know every detail I can though 🤷🏼♀️ But my gosh this killer had me eyes wide most of the story, even when they were just visiting their mom. Over all a good twisty read that takes the sparkle of out the party season.
When a gorgeous woman walks into a Christmas Party alone and walks up to the bar, it won’t be long before someone approaches her. Sure enough, a partner at the firm walks up and shoots his shot. He doesn’t recognize her, but he can’t know everyone at the company, right? They leave together and go up to his hotel room to go about their business. But he didn’t compare notes on what business they were planning, because hers involved murder.
Thank you to Love Book Tours for the copy, all thoughts are my own.
December 15, 2023
3.5 Stars
I did really enjoy this one especially the dynamics and banter between the detectives. They all worked well together.
My main issue was with the party girl. While I did sympathize with her, her reasoning for her crimes seemed very weak. And I didn't like the ending. It fell flat and I knew who the girl was from the start. I don't want to give away spoilers but the party girl at the end seemed completely different to the one throughout the book. Unless I'm missing something...
I did like the bit about Harry. Thought it was very poetic in a weird way!
I did really enjoy this one especially the dynamics and banter between the detectives. They all worked well together.
My main issue was with the party girl. While I did sympathize with her, her reasoning for her crimes seemed very weak. And I didn't like the ending. It fell flat and I knew who the girl was from the start. I don't want to give away spoilers but the party girl at the end seemed completely different to the one throughout the book. Unless I'm missing something...
I did like the bit about Harry. Thought it was very poetic in a weird way!
December 24, 2023
Like the first book in the series, this was a tense and twisty thriller. Its pretty obvious from early on who the killer is but there are still plenty of surprises along the way. And also like the first book, I found this a little anticlimactic. However, I'm excited to see what happens next in the series.
December 9, 2023
this is the follow up to another novel but it can be read as a stand-alone. A fast paced and gripping thriller, a closed circle mystery.
I enjoyed it and it kept me guessing.
Recommended.
Many thanks to the publisher for this ARC, all opinions are mine
I enjoyed it and it kept me guessing.
Recommended.
Many thanks to the publisher for this ARC, all opinions are mine
October 30, 2023
Another great read. Even though the killer became apparent quite early on it did not detract from the story, as it was interesting to see the motive for why the killer was acting in the way they were.
December 21, 2024
really enjoyed this, i guessed the plot about half way through but still a fantastic read!
November 6, 2023
The Party Season is SJI Holliday’s latest crime thriller and whilst I didn’t realise it features the same detectives from her previous book The Deaths of December, this book can absolutely be read as a standalone.
The Party Season is about a female serial killer who is murdering men at their Christmas Office parties held at various hotels around the city. With no apparent link to the victims and without any leads, the police are struggling to stop this femme fatale before she strikes again.
I haven’t read The Deaths of December so I wasn’t familiar with the two police detectives on the case, but the author gives the reader enough backstory and references to their previous case that you don’t feel you are missing anything, with the exception of actually reading the first book, which I have now downloaded.
The Party Season is told through multiple characters points of view which kept me interested throughout. I’m not a particularly festive person and would not normally read a Christmassy book, but as this one features lots of murders, a female serial killer and some brilliant characters I made an exception.
“Yule” be mad to miss this as it’s currently priced at 99p.
⭐⭐⭐⭐
The Party Season is about a female serial killer who is murdering men at their Christmas Office parties held at various hotels around the city. With no apparent link to the victims and without any leads, the police are struggling to stop this femme fatale before she strikes again.
I haven’t read The Deaths of December so I wasn’t familiar with the two police detectives on the case, but the author gives the reader enough backstory and references to their previous case that you don’t feel you are missing anything, with the exception of actually reading the first book, which I have now downloaded.
The Party Season is told through multiple characters points of view which kept me interested throughout. I’m not a particularly festive person and would not normally read a Christmassy book, but as this one features lots of murders, a female serial killer and some brilliant characters I made an exception.
“Yule” be mad to miss this as it’s currently priced at 99p.
⭐⭐⭐⭐
October 26, 2023
I have read some other books by this author and they are always good. This is a murder mystery set at Christmas, although it could be read at any time of year and enjoyed. I like that the story is told from the viewpoints of the different characters.
December 9, 2024
Christmas party’s can be murder! And they are!
December 30, 2023
Party Season is a crime mystery and it is written really well. I didn't realise going in that this was actually book 2 of the series, there's some references to the first book that I didn't understand but that aside I enjoyed this novel for what it was. The characters were all developed well and I liked how they moved the storyline along, I did find some of it predictable but it was still an enjoyable read.
I know a lot of crime mystery readers are going to love this one!
I know a lot of crime mystery readers are going to love this one!
September 28, 2023
#ThePartySeason #NetGalley
Best of this year.
It's the most deadly time of the year...
The festive season is in full swing - parties, mistletoe and Christmas crackers abound.
In a hotel bar, a woman approaches you. Her party dress glitters with sequins. What you don't know is that your life is now in her hands - and there's only one thing that will determine whether you live or die. Are you a good person? Are you really happy.
Ending was awesome
Thanks to NetGalley and Hodder Stoughton for giving me an advance copy.
Best of this year.
It's the most deadly time of the year...
The festive season is in full swing - parties, mistletoe and Christmas crackers abound.
In a hotel bar, a woman approaches you. Her party dress glitters with sequins. What you don't know is that your life is now in her hands - and there's only one thing that will determine whether you live or die. Are you a good person? Are you really happy.
Ending was awesome
Thanks to NetGalley and Hodder Stoughton for giving me an advance copy.
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