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The Birthday Reunion
Four friends. One dream getaway. But who will make it out alive?
When the gold-rimmed invitations arrive through the doors of best friends Simone, Hannah and Vicky they’re instantly taken aback. Their ex-friend Jodie is inviting them to a lavish Mediterranean villa to celebrate her birthday. They haven’t spoken in years since she betrayed them in the worst way. So how did they make the guest list?
They all have their reasons for saying yes. Stay-at-home mum Simone had her dream job snatched away. Hannah lost the love of her life. Café-owner Vicky wants the chance to help a wronged friend. Is the reunion a chance to confront Jodie and the past once and for all?
Arriving at a villa that looks straight out of a movie set, the friends relax by the sumptuous pool as they wait for the other guests to arrive. But as the chilled wine is poured and the three friends reminisce, they see Jodie walking towards them with a look of shock on her face.
Because Jodie didn’t invite them here.
But by the end of the weekend it will become clear who did. Someone else has a reason for revenge. Who will make it out alive?
When the gold-rimmed invitations arrive through the doors of best friends Simone, Hannah and Vicky they’re instantly taken aback. Their ex-friend Jodie is inviting them to a lavish Mediterranean villa to celebrate her birthday. They haven’t spoken in years since she betrayed them in the worst way. So how did they make the guest list?
They all have their reasons for saying yes. Stay-at-home mum Simone had her dream job snatched away. Hannah lost the love of her life. Café-owner Vicky wants the chance to help a wronged friend. Is the reunion a chance to confront Jodie and the past once and for all?
Arriving at a villa that looks straight out of a movie set, the friends relax by the sumptuous pool as they wait for the other guests to arrive. But as the chilled wine is poured and the three friends reminisce, they see Jodie walking towards them with a look of shock on her face.
Because Jodie didn’t invite them here.
But by the end of the weekend it will become clear who did. Someone else has a reason for revenge. Who will make it out alive?
331 pages, Kindle Edition
First published April 18, 2023
142 people are currently reading
408 people want to read
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 108 reviews
April 18, 2023
This gripping, fast paced book kept me on my toes and turning the pages! I didn't want to put it down. I had to keep reading as I was glued to the pages!
An invitation has been sent to Simone, Hannah and Vicky for a lavish birthday party taking place in Ibiza for their former friend, Jodie. Should they go? Their interest in piqued. They were once inseparable, but not now. The three of them had not been friends with Jodie since she betrayed them all those years ago. But they could all use a break from their lives. Simone is a Stay-at-home mum, Vicky is a struggling café-owner, and Hannah lost the love of her life all those years ago. They decide to go, have some fun, and do some relaxing by the pool. How bad can it be?
When they finally arrive, they find that Jodie is shocked to see them there. She didn't invite them. If she didn't invite them, then who did and why?
This book was told in short chapters which gave readers glimpses into both the present and the past. I appreciated the chapters being headed with the year and the name of the character giving her POV.
The Birthday Reunion was captivating from the very beginning. As we meet Simone, Jodie, Hannah and Vicky in their younger years, we see how they interacted and what happened that caused a breakdown in their friendship with Jodie. Readers also get to see the women after they have moved on from that last party together all those years ago. We change and mature as we grow older, don't we...some of us...maybe? But do we let go of past hurts?
The intriguing part was WHO invited them to Ibiza? What was the motive? Plus, the book takes place with those on the island being trapped. No one is on the island but them. They must wait for someone to come pick them up. This private island and villa could be paradise, but soon strange and eerie things begin happening. There is an unsettling sense of unease and dread flowing just under the surface.
I enjoyed the tension between the four women but also between all the characters who are stuck together with their uncomfortable past looming over them. I could feel the uncomfortableness in the air, the creepy vibe of the isolated island, and the mounting sense of danger. I enjoyed the feeling of something not being quite right. I loved trying to figure out who may have invited them and why. I didn't guess correctly, in fact, I was way off base.
I found this book to be gripping, tension filled, creepy and hard to put down! I look forward to what Claire Seeber writes next!
Thank you to Bookouture and NetGalley who provided me with a copy of this book in exchange for an honest review. All the thoughts and opinions are my own.
Read more of my reviews at www.openbookposts.com
An invitation has been sent to Simone, Hannah and Vicky for a lavish birthday party taking place in Ibiza for their former friend, Jodie. Should they go? Their interest in piqued. They were once inseparable, but not now. The three of them had not been friends with Jodie since she betrayed them all those years ago. But they could all use a break from their lives. Simone is a Stay-at-home mum, Vicky is a struggling café-owner, and Hannah lost the love of her life all those years ago. They decide to go, have some fun, and do some relaxing by the pool. How bad can it be?
When they finally arrive, they find that Jodie is shocked to see them there. She didn't invite them. If she didn't invite them, then who did and why?
This book was told in short chapters which gave readers glimpses into both the present and the past. I appreciated the chapters being headed with the year and the name of the character giving her POV.
The Birthday Reunion was captivating from the very beginning. As we meet Simone, Jodie, Hannah and Vicky in their younger years, we see how they interacted and what happened that caused a breakdown in their friendship with Jodie. Readers also get to see the women after they have moved on from that last party together all those years ago. We change and mature as we grow older, don't we...some of us...maybe? But do we let go of past hurts?
The intriguing part was WHO invited them to Ibiza? What was the motive? Plus, the book takes place with those on the island being trapped. No one is on the island but them. They must wait for someone to come pick them up. This private island and villa could be paradise, but soon strange and eerie things begin happening. There is an unsettling sense of unease and dread flowing just under the surface.
I enjoyed the tension between the four women but also between all the characters who are stuck together with their uncomfortable past looming over them. I could feel the uncomfortableness in the air, the creepy vibe of the isolated island, and the mounting sense of danger. I enjoyed the feeling of something not being quite right. I loved trying to figure out who may have invited them and why. I didn't guess correctly, in fact, I was way off base.
I found this book to be gripping, tension filled, creepy and hard to put down! I look forward to what Claire Seeber writes next!
Thank you to Bookouture and NetGalley who provided me with a copy of this book in exchange for an honest review. All the thoughts and opinions are my own.
Read more of my reviews at www.openbookposts.com
March 12, 2023
This was a good read with short chapters that have you keep reading ONE MORE, late into the night in my case. However, there were some loose ends that didn’t get tied up and I didn’t feel that some of the betrayals that occurred should have prompted such elaborate revenge. The story centers on 3 women in their 40s, Hannah, Simone, and Vicky, who get invited to a lavish birthday celebration in Ibiza by a former friend named Jodie that none of them have spoken to in years. They all have good reasons not to go but ultimately decide to do so because they all felt like they needed a break from their daily lives. The book alternates between current time and 20 years ago so the reader learns the events that lead up to the current situation.
I love books where people are stuck on secluded islands and I feel like there was good creepiness throughout. The mix of the fancy accommodations and the creepy happenings was very cool. There were a lot of twists in the book with pretty much every character having reasons to mess with at least one other character, and I enjoyed trying to figure out who was really behind the escalating scariness. Definitely some genuine surprises. None of the characters were especially likable but they were mostly tolerable (at least the ones who were supposed to be), though I did find Hannah to be immature and petty compared to the others. The end of the book was interesting but fell a bit short for me because I felt like I was left with unanswered questions that didn’t get tied up as I’d hoped.
Overall, this is a fast paced and interesting read and I really did enjoy it, though I would’ve liked it more if more of my questions were answered. Thanks to Netgalley for providing me with a copy of this book in exchange for an honest review.
I love books where people are stuck on secluded islands and I feel like there was good creepiness throughout. The mix of the fancy accommodations and the creepy happenings was very cool. There were a lot of twists in the book with pretty much every character having reasons to mess with at least one other character, and I enjoyed trying to figure out who was really behind the escalating scariness. Definitely some genuine surprises. None of the characters were especially likable but they were mostly tolerable (at least the ones who were supposed to be), though I did find Hannah to be immature and petty compared to the others. The end of the book was interesting but fell a bit short for me because I felt like I was left with unanswered questions that didn’t get tied up as I’d hoped.
Overall, this is a fast paced and interesting read and I really did enjoy it, though I would’ve liked it more if more of my questions were answered. Thanks to Netgalley for providing me with a copy of this book in exchange for an honest review.
February 23, 2023
When the gold-rimmed invitations arrive through the doors of best friends Simone, Hannah and Vicky they’re instantly taken aback. Their ex-friend Jodie is inviting them to a lavish Mediterranean villa to celebrate her birthday. They haven’t spoken in years since she betrayed them in the worst way. So how did they make the guest list?
Firstly, what a great cover, I was instantly drawn to the book. I have read other books by this author and have really enjoyed them, this was ok but definitely not my favourite. The book moves from past to present which does provide back story of the girls relationships and history of their friendship, it also did help at times keep up with what was happening.
Four women, Jodie, Hannah, Simone and Vicky are all extremely close to each other until the day the girls feel that Jodie has betrayed them, did she? After this the other girls ceased contact with Jodie . Next thing they know, the girls receive an invitation to attend Jodie's 40th birthday. They decide to go as hey, who knocks back a trip to Ibiza, especially one that is expense free. They are hoping they will have the time of there lives even though things all seem a little strange...which they are.
Initially the book does not move at a fast pace, you are drip fed information and it is really not until the half way mark that things pick up. I am marking it down a star as I was not very satisfied with the ending and at times I was left shaking my head as I felt a bit puzzled in parts.
Thank you to Netgalley and the publisher for an advanced copy of the book, all opinions are my own.
Firstly, what a great cover, I was instantly drawn to the book. I have read other books by this author and have really enjoyed them, this was ok but definitely not my favourite. The book moves from past to present which does provide back story of the girls relationships and history of their friendship, it also did help at times keep up with what was happening.
Four women, Jodie, Hannah, Simone and Vicky are all extremely close to each other until the day the girls feel that Jodie has betrayed them, did she? After this the other girls ceased contact with Jodie . Next thing they know, the girls receive an invitation to attend Jodie's 40th birthday. They decide to go as hey, who knocks back a trip to Ibiza, especially one that is expense free. They are hoping they will have the time of there lives even though things all seem a little strange...which they are.
Initially the book does not move at a fast pace, you are drip fed information and it is really not until the half way mark that things pick up. I am marking it down a star as I was not very satisfied with the ending and at times I was left shaking my head as I felt a bit puzzled in parts.
Thank you to Netgalley and the publisher for an advanced copy of the book, all opinions are my own.
March 12, 2023
This is a twisty fun read set on Ibiza when 3 gal pals get an invitation to Jodie's 40th birthday. What a fun get-a-way, right? But of course appearance is often different than reality and soon the women realize something (actually many things) is going wrong. Where is Jodie and why aren't these accommodations more luxurious? Alternating in time from past to present, the novel details their changing relationships over time in crazy detail. Don't even attempt to figure it out as it's way too mind-bending...but so worth the ride!
Thanks to NetGalley for this ARC!
Thanks to NetGalley for this ARC!
March 16, 2023
This one did not work for me for a couple reasons. I found it very confusing to follow the narrative. The "then" chapters are labeled as to whose POV is being shared, and they are very short (sometimes just 1 or 2 pages), but I'd still forget whose POV I was reading. The "now" chapters are not labeled and it would take me forever to figure out who was speaking - and usually it took me running through all the characters to see if they were mentioned by name so I could rule out that this was their stream of consciousness. The plot itself was rather complicated as to who was doing what to whom. While I wanted to stick around and find out what was actually going on, I was only interested because of time I'd invested and thought about skimming (but didn't).
April 30, 2023
Read with 12 others for a buddy read. This book just didn't work for me.
Initially, the first few chapters were intriguing, but unfortunately, with 4 main narrators, all written in the first person, it was so difficult to work out who was who.
There were so many questions about the plotline and the behaviour of these people that nothing was plausible.
What should have been a decent thriller was let down by silly scenarios and gaping plotholes.
Who locked her in the walk-in freezer, who put sunglasses on a dead rat, and who says "babe" 70 times in a book.?
Initially, the first few chapters were intriguing, but unfortunately, with 4 main narrators, all written in the first person, it was so difficult to work out who was who.
There were so many questions about the plotline and the behaviour of these people that nothing was plausible.
What should have been a decent thriller was let down by silly scenarios and gaping plotholes.
Who locked her in the walk-in freezer, who put sunglasses on a dead rat, and who says "babe" 70 times in a book.?
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
July 30, 2023
Simone, Hannah and Vicky receive an invitation to a lavish birthday party from their former friend Jodie in Ibiza.
They all accept the invitation even though they haven't spoken to Jodie in years.
But all is not what it seems, Jodie is not expecting them and she definitely did not invite them!!
This was a great gripping read, the chapters are short and before I knew it I had finished this amazing book.
Thank you to Netgalley for my copy in exchange for an honest review.
They all accept the invitation even though they haven't spoken to Jodie in years.
But all is not what it seems, Jodie is not expecting them and she definitely did not invite them!!
This was a great gripping read, the chapters are short and before I knew it I had finished this amazing book.
Thank you to Netgalley for my copy in exchange for an honest review.
April 28, 2023
I received this book for free in exchange for an honest review. This does not affect my opinion of the book or the content of my review.I love psychological thrillers and I am always on the lookout for one with an intriguing premise. So after reading the synopsis for The Birthday Reunion I thought I hit the jackpot. Unfortunately, it didn't deliver as expected.
The Birthday Reunion tells the story of four (4) friends, Jodie, Hannah, Vicky and Simone. These four ladies friendship forged over adverse circumstances and they remained close until Jodie betrayed them. Since then they have had no contact with her. Fast forward twenty (20) years later Hannah, Vicky and Simone received an unexpected invitation to Jodie's 'fortieth birthday celebration' on the island of Ibiza.
Now the ladies made a promise to never speak to Jodie again which had them questioning if they should accept the invitation. After much deliberation the decided to go. However, upon reaching their destination they learnt Jodie did not send them an invitation. So the question on everyone's mind was, who sent the invitation and why?
Now with a premise such as this one would expect a fast paced and thrilling tale. Well the story moved at a painfully slow pace and it did not offer up a thrilling ride. It wasn't until around the eighty percent mark that things started to get interesting.
The characters failed to wow me. None of them were likeable and I cared not one iota about any of them.
The story moved between the past and the present. Now usually I don't have issues with this, but it didn't work for this story. The switch between timelines was not seamless which led to some confusing moments.
Although classified as a thriller, The Birthday Reunion failed to offer up an thrills. No unexpected twists occur, neither did the story deliver up any nail biting moments. In other words the story bored me. I must admit the reason I kept reading lay in my desire to know who extended the invitation and the motivation behind it. Unfortunately the revelation proved quite underwhelming.
This was my first experience with the author's work and it quite likely may be my lastThis review was originally posted on Totally Addicted to Reading
The Birthday Reunion tells the story of four (4) friends, Jodie, Hannah, Vicky and Simone. These four ladies friendship forged over adverse circumstances and they remained close until Jodie betrayed them. Since then they have had no contact with her. Fast forward twenty (20) years later Hannah, Vicky and Simone received an unexpected invitation to Jodie's 'fortieth birthday celebration' on the island of Ibiza.
Now the ladies made a promise to never speak to Jodie again which had them questioning if they should accept the invitation. After much deliberation the decided to go. However, upon reaching their destination they learnt Jodie did not send them an invitation. So the question on everyone's mind was, who sent the invitation and why?
Now with a premise such as this one would expect a fast paced and thrilling tale. Well the story moved at a painfully slow pace and it did not offer up a thrilling ride. It wasn't until around the eighty percent mark that things started to get interesting.
The characters failed to wow me. None of them were likeable and I cared not one iota about any of them.
The story moved between the past and the present. Now usually I don't have issues with this, but it didn't work for this story. The switch between timelines was not seamless which led to some confusing moments.
Although classified as a thriller, The Birthday Reunion failed to offer up an thrills. No unexpected twists occur, neither did the story deliver up any nail biting moments. In other words the story bored me. I must admit the reason I kept reading lay in my desire to know who extended the invitation and the motivation behind it. Unfortunately the revelation proved quite underwhelming.
This was my first experience with the author's work and it quite likely may be my lastThis review was originally posted on Totally Addicted to Reading
August 2, 2023
Thank you to netgalley for an arc of this book!
This was such a disappointment… I really thought the premise was interesting enough and that it could end up being a really good story that unravelled as I got through the book. But the ending was anticlimactic and disappointing. There wasn’t enough going on to really feel like someone was out to get someone in the house.
I didn’t like any of the characters, they were all quite annoying and all over the place and by the end all kind of merged so I couldn’t tell who was who. The chapters were confusing and sometimes didn’t know who’s chapter it was or where you were in the story. I didn’t massively like the writing or the writing style.
Yeah overall not one for me so I wouldn’t be revisiting this or recommending to anyone
This was such a disappointment… I really thought the premise was interesting enough and that it could end up being a really good story that unravelled as I got through the book. But the ending was anticlimactic and disappointing. There wasn’t enough going on to really feel like someone was out to get someone in the house.
I didn’t like any of the characters, they were all quite annoying and all over the place and by the end all kind of merged so I couldn’t tell who was who. The chapters were confusing and sometimes didn’t know who’s chapter it was or where you were in the story. I didn’t massively like the writing or the writing style.
Yeah overall not one for me so I wouldn’t be revisiting this or recommending to anyone
April 21, 2023
Despite strong misgivings, Simone, Hannah and Vicky decide to except the invitations that they receive to an exclusive birthday celebration for their former friend Jodie. They all have very good reasons for being very reluctant to attend, but they do anyway, even though they have not spoken to Jodie or each other in several years.
Each of the women have their own problems. More than that, there is a dark past that they have not dealt with and perhaps this weekend they can all confront Jodie and settle something that really needed to be cleared up.
Not only is Jodie beyond shocked to see them there, the plans that she had for that weekend are not about to come to fruition. With no one having cell phone service, and no way off of the island at least for the weekend, things are about to get quite hairy, especially since they quickly learned that Jodie did not send the invitations.
As it turns out, revenge is the name of the game. This was not to be a lavish birthday party. Instead, their friendships are explored, and the reason that none of them have really spoken for years soon becomes very clear. As this intense story is written from each of their perspectives, it comes to no surprise that the once tight knit group had completely broken apart.
Claire Seeber has written a dark, compelling story that was impossible to put down. I could not wait to see how everything would unfold and whether or not someone might not make it off of the island.
Many thanks to Bookouture and to NetGalley for this ARC for review. This is my honest opinion.
Each of the women have their own problems. More than that, there is a dark past that they have not dealt with and perhaps this weekend they can all confront Jodie and settle something that really needed to be cleared up.
Not only is Jodie beyond shocked to see them there, the plans that she had for that weekend are not about to come to fruition. With no one having cell phone service, and no way off of the island at least for the weekend, things are about to get quite hairy, especially since they quickly learned that Jodie did not send the invitations.
As it turns out, revenge is the name of the game. This was not to be a lavish birthday party. Instead, their friendships are explored, and the reason that none of them have really spoken for years soon becomes very clear. As this intense story is written from each of their perspectives, it comes to no surprise that the once tight knit group had completely broken apart.
Claire Seeber has written a dark, compelling story that was impossible to put down. I could not wait to see how everything would unfold and whether or not someone might not make it off of the island.
Many thanks to Bookouture and to NetGalley for this ARC for review. This is my honest opinion.
April 28, 2023
This is the first time I’ve picked up a book from UK writer Claire Seeger and I can honesty say I was very impressed.
A crafty psychological thriller with multiple twists that will have you gasping until the final page.
Simone, Vicky and Hannah are best friends, there when needed and support all.
When they each receive a flashy birthday invitation from former best friend, Jodie, they all think what’s going on as it’s been years since they have spoken.
They were a tight foursome but then Jodie betrayed them in a deceptive way.
The invite is a 40th celebration on a luxurious island in the Mediterranean.
All expenses paid, so why not…..
They arrive, the place is glamorous, there’s opulence everywhere and as the champagne is poured, Jodie appears.
They greet each other but Jodie is shocked to find them there.
Because she didn’t invite them at all, so who did?
Before the weekend is over, the truth will be revealed as revenge is first on the menu.
A great paced mystery with a good build up of tension, suspenseful atmosphere and a terrific sense of hooking you in that’s gives you an urgency to keep reading.
With characters that are cleverly written, the shocks coming thick and fast, the setting of a deserted location and secrets galore, it’s clear that this was going to be a skilful thrilling story.
A genre that’s become so popular, it’s good to know you’re in good hands with a proficient narrative.
A crafty psychological thriller with multiple twists that will have you gasping until the final page.
Simone, Vicky and Hannah are best friends, there when needed and support all.
When they each receive a flashy birthday invitation from former best friend, Jodie, they all think what’s going on as it’s been years since they have spoken.
They were a tight foursome but then Jodie betrayed them in a deceptive way.
The invite is a 40th celebration on a luxurious island in the Mediterranean.
All expenses paid, so why not…..
They arrive, the place is glamorous, there’s opulence everywhere and as the champagne is poured, Jodie appears.
They greet each other but Jodie is shocked to find them there.
Because she didn’t invite them at all, so who did?
Before the weekend is over, the truth will be revealed as revenge is first on the menu.
A great paced mystery with a good build up of tension, suspenseful atmosphere and a terrific sense of hooking you in that’s gives you an urgency to keep reading.
With characters that are cleverly written, the shocks coming thick and fast, the setting of a deserted location and secrets galore, it’s clear that this was going to be a skilful thrilling story.
A genre that’s become so popular, it’s good to know you’re in good hands with a proficient narrative.
March 17, 2023
I received an advanced copy of The Birthday Reunion. The description pulled me in, but the content left me wishing I didn’t make the request. Because I requested it I made sure to fully read the book to give it an honest review. It felt like nothing went beyond surface level. The characters were not complex. There were too many people involved for me to keep up and too many ways that they all intertwined. The short chapters were nice because it was faster to read. I had no desire to continue, there was nothing happening. This was not a thriller. It was like watching a bad movie. It had too much which made for nothing at all. There was never an explanation about the original house they stayed at or the the dead animals. The book tried to put a creepy spin but the drama between the friend group over shadowed that. I felt like it couldn’t decide what type of book it was supposed to be. TW: There is a rape in the book and the rapist is killed but everything ultimately stems back to him dying and I don’t think the woman who was raped ever spoke up about it. I don’t think she ever got help. For being best friends there was so much turmoil between them. I couldn’t believe any of this. Ultimately none of it was believable. I almost didn’t finish it but I wanted to give my honest review.
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
April 23, 2023
Loved this amazing book so much. I just couldn't put it down. Brilliant from start to finish. A stunning story from an author who just keeps getting better with each amazing book. This one is just wow.
April 16, 2023
Four friends. One dream getaway. But who will make it out alive...?
When the gold-rimmed invitations arrive through the mailslots of Simone, Vicky and Hannah, the friends cannot believe it. After all she has done to them, has taken from them and thrown back in their faces, their ex-friend Jodie has the audacity to invite them to an all-expenses-paid four day weekend on a remote island in the Mediterranean to celebrate her birthday...when they all knew her birthday was in November. The four friends have not spoken in two decades since Jodie betrayed them all in the worst way. So why is she inviting them to this weekend escape? And why now? And more importantly, what does she want from them?
The journey to the island takes somewhat longer than expected, drawing out the journey and the story a little. The three friends have to spend the night in an old near-abandoned farmhouse villa which is reminiscent of the forties horror movie sets. But as soon as daylight comes, the friends are down at the jetty awaiting their boat to the island. And when they get there...they discover it just as deserted as the old villa from which they've come. But on a much grander scale. Far more luxurious, each with their own room and ensuites, a fully stocked pantry and fridge, all with gorgeous turquoise views and a mosaic infinity pool. There was just one thing missing: the birthday girl herself, Jodie.
But when Jodie does arrive, she is just as shocked and surprised by the presence of her three former friends. So who invited them all here? Who has orchestrated this entire weekend? And to what end?
With no WiFi, weird messages, missing knives and no way off the island...each begins to wonder if any of them will make it out alive. But one of them is hell bent on revenge...but who? And why?
The concept of this story was intriguing but I think for me the telling of it fell a little flat. It takes almost 30% of the book before they even reach the island and the rest of it to remain as confused as ever as to what is really going on. I am all for multiple narratives but even I got a little confused with the constant changeover between the four friends that I had to keep checking back as to which one of them was narrating at times. Particularly as every chapter was in the first person and somehow I always felt it was Simone's voice I heard every time, even if it was one of the others.
The story is also a slow burn of which I'm not particularly a fan generally unless it is done in a way that does hold my interest. This one hovered between doing so and not. And once they got to the the Isle del Diablo (Devil's Island), all they seemed to do was bitch and moan and argue all the time.
It's an OK read for me and I wasn't totally satisfied with how it all ended. Although it was nicely done in the epilogue, I was left somewhat confused as to where everyone stood and what the whole endgame really was. I was left shaking my head in the end, and somewhat puzzled. It didn't make a whole lot of sense to me in the end.
I would like to thank #ClaireSeeber, #Netgalley and #Bookouture for an ARC of #TheBirthdayReunion in exchange for an honest review.
This review appears on my blog at https://stinathebookaholic.blogspot.com/.
When the gold-rimmed invitations arrive through the mailslots of Simone, Vicky and Hannah, the friends cannot believe it. After all she has done to them, has taken from them and thrown back in their faces, their ex-friend Jodie has the audacity to invite them to an all-expenses-paid four day weekend on a remote island in the Mediterranean to celebrate her birthday...when they all knew her birthday was in November. The four friends have not spoken in two decades since Jodie betrayed them all in the worst way. So why is she inviting them to this weekend escape? And why now? And more importantly, what does she want from them?
The journey to the island takes somewhat longer than expected, drawing out the journey and the story a little. The three friends have to spend the night in an old near-abandoned farmhouse villa which is reminiscent of the forties horror movie sets. But as soon as daylight comes, the friends are down at the jetty awaiting their boat to the island. And when they get there...they discover it just as deserted as the old villa from which they've come. But on a much grander scale. Far more luxurious, each with their own room and ensuites, a fully stocked pantry and fridge, all with gorgeous turquoise views and a mosaic infinity pool. There was just one thing missing: the birthday girl herself, Jodie.
But when Jodie does arrive, she is just as shocked and surprised by the presence of her three former friends. So who invited them all here? Who has orchestrated this entire weekend? And to what end?
With no WiFi, weird messages, missing knives and no way off the island...each begins to wonder if any of them will make it out alive. But one of them is hell bent on revenge...but who? And why?
The concept of this story was intriguing but I think for me the telling of it fell a little flat. It takes almost 30% of the book before they even reach the island and the rest of it to remain as confused as ever as to what is really going on. I am all for multiple narratives but even I got a little confused with the constant changeover between the four friends that I had to keep checking back as to which one of them was narrating at times. Particularly as every chapter was in the first person and somehow I always felt it was Simone's voice I heard every time, even if it was one of the others.
The story is also a slow burn of which I'm not particularly a fan generally unless it is done in a way that does hold my interest. This one hovered between doing so and not. And once they got to the the Isle del Diablo (Devil's Island), all they seemed to do was bitch and moan and argue all the time.
It's an OK read for me and I wasn't totally satisfied with how it all ended. Although it was nicely done in the epilogue, I was left somewhat confused as to where everyone stood and what the whole endgame really was. I was left shaking my head in the end, and somewhat puzzled. It didn't make a whole lot of sense to me in the end.
I would like to thank #ClaireSeeber, #Netgalley and #Bookouture for an ARC of #TheBirthdayReunion in exchange for an honest review.
This review appears on my blog at https://stinathebookaholic.blogspot.com/.
April 28, 2023
3.5 stars, really
When three friends receive an invitation from a former friend to celebrate her 40th birthday with an all-expenses paid island vacation, they decide to accept- old feud be damned. They could really use a vacation and maybe a cathartic clearing of the air after 20 years. But when they get to the island, their friend doesn’t know anything about any party. Or why they are there. And then more people from their past show up. Stranded for at least the long weekend as a storm rolls in, can the group work out what’s going on before someone gets seriously hurt- or worse?
The book alternates between timelines: the past when the big blow-up between the four friends occurred and the present on the island.
The premise of this book grabbed me right from the start: an isolated island, in which a puppet master has initiated a mysterious reunion between enemies with a strange, strained past…..it has all the makings of a great mystery. And for the most part, the book did deliver for me, I was drawn in as weird things happened in the present and as the suspense and tension in the past started to ratchet up.
And there was a bit of a nice twist at the end which was unexpected which left me smiling.
But where I think things didn’t really go into 4- and 5-star territory for me was that while things did happen and we did get some explanations, we didn’t get really full pictures of things. It was almost like passive explanations or insinuations that we then had to put together. The “big betrayal” that split the friend group kind of fell flat, it was really mentioned almost in passing. And the big mystery of the whole book felt disjointed and with a lot of moving parts, since several people were doing several things all at once.
But I wouldn’t call the book bad or anything. I enjoyed reading it. It may just need a polish to get the plot and action a little tighter and emphasize some parts of the story more than others.
That’s my two cents.
When three friends receive an invitation from a former friend to celebrate her 40th birthday with an all-expenses paid island vacation, they decide to accept- old feud be damned. They could really use a vacation and maybe a cathartic clearing of the air after 20 years. But when they get to the island, their friend doesn’t know anything about any party. Or why they are there. And then more people from their past show up. Stranded for at least the long weekend as a storm rolls in, can the group work out what’s going on before someone gets seriously hurt- or worse?
The book alternates between timelines: the past when the big blow-up between the four friends occurred and the present on the island.
The premise of this book grabbed me right from the start: an isolated island, in which a puppet master has initiated a mysterious reunion between enemies with a strange, strained past…..it has all the makings of a great mystery. And for the most part, the book did deliver for me, I was drawn in as weird things happened in the present and as the suspense and tension in the past started to ratchet up.
And there was a bit of a nice twist at the end which was unexpected which left me smiling.
But where I think things didn’t really go into 4- and 5-star territory for me was that while things did happen and we did get some explanations, we didn’t get really full pictures of things. It was almost like passive explanations or insinuations that we then had to put together. The “big betrayal” that split the friend group kind of fell flat, it was really mentioned almost in passing. And the big mystery of the whole book felt disjointed and with a lot of moving parts, since several people were doing several things all at once.
But I wouldn’t call the book bad or anything. I enjoyed reading it. It may just need a polish to get the plot and action a little tighter and emphasize some parts of the story more than others.
That’s my two cents.
March 14, 2023
This book had great short chapters with an awesome breathtaking ending. However, it was definitely a long, slow burn for me. It had some good suspenseful bits and kept you guessing why this was happening and who was behind it, but it seemed to get lost between the back and forth of the then and now.
Jodie invites her 3 old friends (Simone, Vicky, Hannah) to come on an all expenses paid posh vacation for her 40th birthday. They all haven't been together in years, and the 3 friends aren't too keen on seeing Jodie again, let alone spending a whole vacation celebrating her. Weird things start happening once they're on their way, and once they arrive at Ibiza, Jodie is nowhere to be found.
Once she finally shows up, she acts like she doesn't know why they're there. And many creepy things start happening. No wifi, no way off the island, weird notes, and missing knives.
Will they end up making up and get out alive?
Jodie invites her 3 old friends (Simone, Vicky, Hannah) to come on an all expenses paid posh vacation for her 40th birthday. They all haven't been together in years, and the 3 friends aren't too keen on seeing Jodie again, let alone spending a whole vacation celebrating her. Weird things start happening once they're on their way, and once they arrive at Ibiza, Jodie is nowhere to be found.
Once she finally shows up, she acts like she doesn't know why they're there. And many creepy things start happening. No wifi, no way off the island, weird notes, and missing knives.
Will they end up making up and get out alive?
February 6, 2025
Overall, mid.
April 1, 2023
Finished reading: March 31st 2023
"Nothing that involved Jodie was ever easy - that was the truth we'd discovered too late first time around."
*** A copy of this book was kindly provided to me by Netgalley and Bookouture in exchange for an honest review. Thank you! ***
P.S. Find more of my reviews here.
April 25, 2023
A body with a knife protruding out their back has washed up on the rocks, but who could have done this?
3 best friends named Hannah, Vicky and Simone receive gold-rimmed envelopes in the post. When they open them they see it is an invite for their ex-best friend Jodie's belated 40th birthday party - an all expenses paid trip to an island in Ibiza. They haven't spoken to Jodie since she betrayed them and shattered their lives, so why is she inviting them here? And will they all say yes?
Simone is a stay at home Mum, Vicky is in a decaying relationship, and Hannah spends her time taking care of her parents and mourning the love of her life that she lost years ago. Simone and Vicky decide to go, as they board the plane Hannah turns up too after initially saying no. When they arrive at the luxury villa, Jodie turns up with the same surprised look on her face. She didn't invite them here, this isn't her fortieth Birthday party, so who did invite them? And why did they also invite their former flames from when they were younger?
The Birthday Reunion is a fast paced and captivating read, with twists and turns aplenty. From the very beginning I was hooked, I love it when a book throws you straight in with a murder, then takes you back in time to reveal how they got there. I also loved the different POVs through the eyes of the four ex-best friends, giving us a glimpse into each of their feelings and reasonings for being there. The short chapters kept me reading and turning the page to know more, and more specifically, who invited them to Ibiza and why?!
Thank you NetGalley, Bookouture and Claire Seeber for letting me read this ARC in exchange for my honest review.
3 best friends named Hannah, Vicky and Simone receive gold-rimmed envelopes in the post. When they open them they see it is an invite for their ex-best friend Jodie's belated 40th birthday party - an all expenses paid trip to an island in Ibiza. They haven't spoken to Jodie since she betrayed them and shattered their lives, so why is she inviting them here? And will they all say yes?
Simone is a stay at home Mum, Vicky is in a decaying relationship, and Hannah spends her time taking care of her parents and mourning the love of her life that she lost years ago. Simone and Vicky decide to go, as they board the plane Hannah turns up too after initially saying no. When they arrive at the luxury villa, Jodie turns up with the same surprised look on her face. She didn't invite them here, this isn't her fortieth Birthday party, so who did invite them? And why did they also invite their former flames from when they were younger?
The Birthday Reunion is a fast paced and captivating read, with twists and turns aplenty. From the very beginning I was hooked, I love it when a book throws you straight in with a murder, then takes you back in time to reveal how they got there. I also loved the different POVs through the eyes of the four ex-best friends, giving us a glimpse into each of their feelings and reasonings for being there. The short chapters kept me reading and turning the page to know more, and more specifically, who invited them to Ibiza and why?!
Thank you NetGalley, Bookouture and Claire Seeber for letting me read this ARC in exchange for my honest review.
March 5, 2023
The Birthday Reunion ~ Claire Seeber
** Trigger Warning, Does mention Sexual Assault **
The book is based around 4 female friends. Jodie, Hannah, Vicky and Simone, all best friends until Jodie betrayed them which drove a big wedge between them.
Fast forward 20 years, out of the blue they all receive an invitation for Jodie’s 40th birthday.. all inclusive, flights paid for etc to Ibiza.. but was the invitation from Jodie?
They all promised each other that they wouldn’t speak to Jodie again.. so the question stands.. should they go or not?
Overall I give this 2/5 stars, mainly because it’s very slow pace and wasn’t gripping enough for me personally.
Nothing really happened until chapter 80 (out of 92)
The story is told from all the friends perspectives, jumping from past to present which did get a little confusing for me as I found myself having to go back to the title of the chapter to see whose view I was reading from.
Once I hit chapter 80, the tension and story was fast paced. Someone being poisoned, missing knives and then someone ending up dead.
For me I found the ending very puzzling, I’m unsure as to who tricked them into going to the party as so much happened it was rather wild.
Thank you to NetGalley and the publisher for an advanced copy of the book, in exchange for an honest review.
** Trigger Warning, Does mention Sexual Assault **
The book is based around 4 female friends. Jodie, Hannah, Vicky and Simone, all best friends until Jodie betrayed them which drove a big wedge between them.
Fast forward 20 years, out of the blue they all receive an invitation for Jodie’s 40th birthday.. all inclusive, flights paid for etc to Ibiza.. but was the invitation from Jodie?
They all promised each other that they wouldn’t speak to Jodie again.. so the question stands.. should they go or not?
Overall I give this 2/5 stars, mainly because it’s very slow pace and wasn’t gripping enough for me personally.
Nothing really happened until chapter 80 (out of 92)
The story is told from all the friends perspectives, jumping from past to present which did get a little confusing for me as I found myself having to go back to the title of the chapter to see whose view I was reading from.
Once I hit chapter 80, the tension and story was fast paced. Someone being poisoned, missing knives and then someone ending up dead.
For me I found the ending very puzzling, I’m unsure as to who tricked them into going to the party as so much happened it was rather wild.
Thank you to NetGalley and the publisher for an advanced copy of the book, in exchange for an honest review.
April 5, 2023
I am posting an honest review in exchange for a free ARC from netgalley. I sadly struggled to read this book and gave up after 2 weeks. I read 25% of it and the last 10% so take my review with a grain of salt. The premise of the book was enticing and captivating, but the plot and characters didn't deliver. The time jumps were not very organized and the main characters were difficult to distinguish from one another since all 3 had a bone to pick with Jodie. They all seemed to complain about the same wrongdoing but it was so vague that I struggled to make connections. After reading the last 10% of the book just to see how it ended, it seems most of the action was toward the second half of the book. For thriller lovers be prepared for a very slow burn, but overall this book's pace and lack of character and plot development were not enough to keep me interested.
April 6, 2023
I read this as part of a Buddy Read in The Book Club so was 'lucky' enough to get an advance copy
Sorry but this book was not for me. The description pulled me in as I love a fast-paced psychological thriller; this was not one, unfortunately.
Far too much going on, too many unlikeable characters, then more come in for what purpose, I don't know.
I thought that I might have understood more of what was going on, but alas no. I think pretty much every main character had some sort of twist to them.
Would have liked to given it more than 1🌟 but I just can't.
Sorry but this book was not for me. The description pulled me in as I love a fast-paced psychological thriller; this was not one, unfortunately.
Far too much going on, too many unlikeable characters, then more come in for what purpose, I don't know.
I thought that I might have understood more of what was going on, but alas no. I think pretty much every main character had some sort of twist to them.
Would have liked to given it more than 1🌟 but I just can't.
July 10, 2023
It had all the promise of a great 'And Then There Were None' story but if I'm honest it felt a bit chaotic to read, scatty, but that may just be my headspace, but after a lot if back story and character points of view (which normally I have no problem with) it all seemed a bit messy and then there's the anticlimax of the ending, slightly disappointed there wasn't more terror or bodies! Should have killed a few more off 🤣
April 6, 2023
The premise of the story is a good one. Three friends (Hannah, Simone and Vicky) invited to the fortieth birthday of Jodie, a fourth, who they lost touch with many years ago. Each of the three have different memories of Jodie. At first there is hesitation, but in the end they all turn up at the airport. Everything is shrouded in secrecy as they make their way, first to Ibiza and then by boat to a small island where a luxury villa awaits them. But when Jodie arrives it appears she’s not there for a birthday celebration at all, but for a film shoot instead….
It's clear the four women have been brought together deliberately, But by who? And why? When other individuals with a connection to both Jodie and the past join them, the dynamics of the group begin to change, in some cases not for the better. It soon becomes clear that Jodie is a complex character, sometimes warm and generous but generally self-serving and not afraid to tread on toes to get her way.
The story moves from present day back to their twenties when they shared a flat together. This is where I found it difficult on occasions to follow the story. At times the switch from past to present didn’t feel smooth as it should have, especially with the introduction of the other characters. The narration was done by rotating viewpoints from all four women in the present, but the past was written in the third person.
The way suspicions and accusations flew around the villa, with the resulting bickering between the various characters, at times made me want to skip sections. Yes, some of the dialogue was relevant, but generally it interrupted the progression of the story. Nevertheless, that end goal, of who had not only organised this get together, but also sprung some pretty horrible surprises on each of the women, kept me going right to the end. I didn’t enjoy this as much as I thought I would, but can I stress this is my personal viewpoint. There is tension. There is mystery and a lot of truths coming to the surface which in the end, make for an interesting read. And I should also say, a long read too. 92 chapters in all.
I would like to thank Netgalley, Claire Seeber and Bookouture for an ARC of The Birthday Reunion in exchange for an honest review.
It's clear the four women have been brought together deliberately, But by who? And why? When other individuals with a connection to both Jodie and the past join them, the dynamics of the group begin to change, in some cases not for the better. It soon becomes clear that Jodie is a complex character, sometimes warm and generous but generally self-serving and not afraid to tread on toes to get her way.
The story moves from present day back to their twenties when they shared a flat together. This is where I found it difficult on occasions to follow the story. At times the switch from past to present didn’t feel smooth as it should have, especially with the introduction of the other characters. The narration was done by rotating viewpoints from all four women in the present, but the past was written in the third person.
The way suspicions and accusations flew around the villa, with the resulting bickering between the various characters, at times made me want to skip sections. Yes, some of the dialogue was relevant, but generally it interrupted the progression of the story. Nevertheless, that end goal, of who had not only organised this get together, but also sprung some pretty horrible surprises on each of the women, kept me going right to the end. I didn’t enjoy this as much as I thought I would, but can I stress this is my personal viewpoint. There is tension. There is mystery and a lot of truths coming to the surface which in the end, make for an interesting read. And I should also say, a long read too. 92 chapters in all.
I would like to thank Netgalley, Claire Seeber and Bookouture for an ARC of The Birthday Reunion in exchange for an honest review.
March 19, 2023
The Birthday Reunion by Claire Seeber is a psych thriller that is mostly good but ends up collapsing under So. Much. Going. On.
The premise is great – three long-time friends are invited for what they think is a birthday reunion of the fourth friend. Mysteries abound. Nothing is as it seems.
Are the people really who they say they are? Who is hiding what? How many secrets can be crammed into a short getaway?
The author attempts to answer all of these questions, sometimes successfully – but sometimes creating more questions in the process.
Overall, I felt a lack of focus in the book. It started straightforward enough, and there was plenty of material that could have gone along with a simple getaway turned…odd.
But the author veers into past traumas, old relationships, convoluted connections, and other gimmicks meant to cause mystery and fear (among the characters). It really just created confusion for the reader.
For example, when the three friends first arrive for the “reunion,” there is a delay in getting to their destination. The groundwork that went into creating their initial overnight stay is essentially thrown away, when it could have been built out much more satisfactorily.
The same could be said for the actual “reunion.” Instead of focusing on the friends, the author throws a bunch more characters in. Again, I suppose it is to create mystery and distrust, but it muddies the waters. And there were more than a few consistencies.
By the time the event from the prologue actually occurs, it is almost an afterthought. Frankly, so is the resolution. I felt like it was “blink and you’ll miss it. In fact, I had to read the last few chapters twice to figure out who actually was responsible for all of it.
In spite of all of this, I still liked The Birthday Reunion. It certainly kept me guessing. I’ll look for the next psych thriller from Claire Seeber.
This review was written based on a digital copy of the book from Bookouture. **For more reviews like it, please visit Fireflies and Free Kicks Fiction Reviews.**
The premise is great – three long-time friends are invited for what they think is a birthday reunion of the fourth friend. Mysteries abound. Nothing is as it seems.
Are the people really who they say they are? Who is hiding what? How many secrets can be crammed into a short getaway?
The author attempts to answer all of these questions, sometimes successfully – but sometimes creating more questions in the process.
Overall, I felt a lack of focus in the book. It started straightforward enough, and there was plenty of material that could have gone along with a simple getaway turned…odd.
But the author veers into past traumas, old relationships, convoluted connections, and other gimmicks meant to cause mystery and fear (among the characters). It really just created confusion for the reader.
For example, when the three friends first arrive for the “reunion,” there is a delay in getting to their destination. The groundwork that went into creating their initial overnight stay is essentially thrown away, when it could have been built out much more satisfactorily.
The same could be said for the actual “reunion.” Instead of focusing on the friends, the author throws a bunch more characters in. Again, I suppose it is to create mystery and distrust, but it muddies the waters. And there were more than a few consistencies.
By the time the event from the prologue actually occurs, it is almost an afterthought. Frankly, so is the resolution. I felt like it was “blink and you’ll miss it. In fact, I had to read the last few chapters twice to figure out who actually was responsible for all of it.
In spite of all of this, I still liked The Birthday Reunion. It certainly kept me guessing. I’ll look for the next psych thriller from Claire Seeber.
This review was written based on a digital copy of the book from Bookouture. **For more reviews like it, please visit Fireflies and Free Kicks Fiction Reviews.**
March 5, 2023
My first book by this author and that always make me extra curious. Am I going to like the writing syle? Am I going to enjoy the storytelling? Well, I will tell you about it in a minute. :)
Who does not like a birthday party? Who does not like to celebrate in a villa on a sunny island? I guess you will all shout Meee! And of course you will when it's organised by a good friend or a loved one, but in this case it's not true. Once the birthday girl was one of a circle of four best girlfriends. Now she has been en ex friend for quite some years. Is it time for the other three to go and confront her once and for all and to clear the air?
The least you can say is that the characters had a lot of issues. It was like a tangled web with a spider waiting for the right moment to attack...
The story is told through the eyes of the 4 women and the author also gives us the necessary backstory. The present story was written in the 1st person with the name of the woman on top of each chapter. For me that was sometimes a bit confusing because I forgot once in a while who that 1st person's voice was we were 'hearing'. So I had to go back to the first page of the chapter. But that's me blame my old age LOL and the chapters were short or rather short, so it did not take me too much time to look it up. :)
The whole time the book was plunged in a creepy atmosphere. You always felt something was going to happen. The question was who was going to be the victim and when or what was going to go wrong? I enjoyed that a lot.
Another thing I also liked was this. When one of the characters was joined by another one, the other did not reveal straight away who entered the scene. The name was only revealed after a few sentences and it added to the suspense.
There was something happening in each chapter that made me want to read further. The author most certainly hit me with a few surprises. I liked it a lot. 4,5 stars
Thank you
Who does not like a birthday party? Who does not like to celebrate in a villa on a sunny island? I guess you will all shout Meee! And of course you will when it's organised by a good friend or a loved one, but in this case it's not true. Once the birthday girl was one of a circle of four best girlfriends. Now she has been en ex friend for quite some years. Is it time for the other three to go and confront her once and for all and to clear the air?
The least you can say is that the characters had a lot of issues. It was like a tangled web with a spider waiting for the right moment to attack...
The story is told through the eyes of the 4 women and the author also gives us the necessary backstory. The present story was written in the 1st person with the name of the woman on top of each chapter. For me that was sometimes a bit confusing because I forgot once in a while who that 1st person's voice was we were 'hearing'. So I had to go back to the first page of the chapter. But that's me blame my old age LOL and the chapters were short or rather short, so it did not take me too much time to look it up. :)
The whole time the book was plunged in a creepy atmosphere. You always felt something was going to happen. The question was who was going to be the victim and when or what was going to go wrong? I enjoyed that a lot.
Another thing I also liked was this. When one of the characters was joined by another one, the other did not reveal straight away who entered the scene. The name was only revealed after a few sentences and it added to the suspense.
There was something happening in each chapter that made me want to read further. The author most certainly hit me with a few surprises. I liked it a lot. 4,5 stars
Thank you
April 11, 2023
I have read a couple of this author's books and really loved them. This one, not so much sadly. The story & characters just didn't work for me.
We start with invitations arriving through the doors of three best friends - Simone, Hannah and Vicky. They have come from Jodie, the forth best friend who, well, let's just say she isn't that anymore. She betrayed them in the worst way and so, they all fell out and haven't heard from her in years. But she has invited them to her 40th birthday, at a lavish villa in the Med. Initially they all say no, but then slowly they all start to come round to the idea... be a short book if they didn't tbh!
So... cut to the chase, when they get there - eventually - there are more guests - some more welcome than others. And then things get really weird when it comes out that Jodie didn't invite them. She is as clueless as they are.
And then things get dangerous...
It was going along quite nicely up to a point. When it all degenerated into a bit of a farce. Things started escalating, but coming out of left field with little foreshadowing so it was all a bit choppy and disjointed. I also had/have some plot niggles which, if the story had been stronger for me, I would have been more inclined to forgive rather than let them fester. But it wasn't so they did.
Not really a fan of the characters either, sorry. To the point that I really didn't care what happened to them. And there was so much going on. Who was fighting with who, who held long term grudges? Don't get me wrong I do love a healthy dollop of secrets, lies and dysfunctional behaviour, but I also like to keep track of it, this was too busy. But I did make it to the end, and then promptly wished I hadn't bothered as it didn't really satisfy.
But with two good books already under her belt, I'm no way going to sack the author off on this one which just didn't float my boat. My thanks go to the Publisher and Netgalley for the chance to read this book.
We start with invitations arriving through the doors of three best friends - Simone, Hannah and Vicky. They have come from Jodie, the forth best friend who, well, let's just say she isn't that anymore. She betrayed them in the worst way and so, they all fell out and haven't heard from her in years. But she has invited them to her 40th birthday, at a lavish villa in the Med. Initially they all say no, but then slowly they all start to come round to the idea... be a short book if they didn't tbh!
So... cut to the chase, when they get there - eventually - there are more guests - some more welcome than others. And then things get really weird when it comes out that Jodie didn't invite them. She is as clueless as they are.
And then things get dangerous...
It was going along quite nicely up to a point. When it all degenerated into a bit of a farce. Things started escalating, but coming out of left field with little foreshadowing so it was all a bit choppy and disjointed. I also had/have some plot niggles which, if the story had been stronger for me, I would have been more inclined to forgive rather than let them fester. But it wasn't so they did.
Not really a fan of the characters either, sorry. To the point that I really didn't care what happened to them. And there was so much going on. Who was fighting with who, who held long term grudges? Don't get me wrong I do love a healthy dollop of secrets, lies and dysfunctional behaviour, but I also like to keep track of it, this was too busy. But I did make it to the end, and then promptly wished I hadn't bothered as it didn't really satisfy.
But with two good books already under her belt, I'm no way going to sack the author off on this one which just didn't float my boat. My thanks go to the Publisher and Netgalley for the chance to read this book.
February 19, 2023
The Birthday Reunion" by Claire Seeber is an intriguing psychological thriller that will play with your head. The book is told from different perspectives and follows four women: Simone, Hannah, Vicky, and Judie. They were once good friends until Judie's betrayal drove a wedge between them. Fast forward 20 years later, when out of the blue, they receive invitations in the mail to celebrate Judie's birthday in a lavish Mediterranean villa. Who can resist? Although Hannah tries to dissuade them from going, they all accept the invitation for their own reasons. However, things don't turn out as expected, starting with a creepy old villa, continuing with a surprised Judie denying she invited them, and finishing with odd goings-on. Things gradually escalate out of control. Murder is afoot, and someone isn’t playing by the rules. Good plotting, judiciously dropped clues, and twists a plenty make this a thrill ride.
The story is written in the first-person perspective and alternates between the present and the past, providing detailed backstories of the main protagonists. Each chapter is clearly labeled with the location, timeline, and characters' names to help the reader keep track of the story and differentiate between the speakers. I liked the writing, the dynamics between the characters, and the gradual way the key points were revealed.
The book has a slow pace and may not be the edge-of-your-seat suspense that some readers expect. However, once you get past the slow start, the tension builds steadily, leading to a final showdown and a satisfying ending. Overall, I enjoyed the story and recommend it, but don't expect a fast-paced thriller. Just allow the story to develop slowly and creep up on you, and it will be worth the wait.
* Thank you NetGalley and (publisher) for the opportunity to read this arc. All opinions are my own.
The story is written in the first-person perspective and alternates between the present and the past, providing detailed backstories of the main protagonists. Each chapter is clearly labeled with the location, timeline, and characters' names to help the reader keep track of the story and differentiate between the speakers. I liked the writing, the dynamics between the characters, and the gradual way the key points were revealed.
The book has a slow pace and may not be the edge-of-your-seat suspense that some readers expect. However, once you get past the slow start, the tension builds steadily, leading to a final showdown and a satisfying ending. Overall, I enjoyed the story and recommend it, but don't expect a fast-paced thriller. Just allow the story to develop slowly and creep up on you, and it will be worth the wait.
* Thank you NetGalley and (publisher) for the opportunity to read this arc. All opinions are my own.
February 25, 2025
The Birthday Reunion by Claire Seeber is a gripping psychological thriller that will keep readers on the edge of their seats. The story follows four former friends who reunite on a Mediterranean island for one of their birthdays. However, things take a sinister turn when they discover that none of them actually sent the invitations, and they are trapped on the island with an unknown assailant who is seeking revenge.
The book alternates between the present and past timelines, providing a detailed backstory of the characters and their fractured relationships. While the premise of the story is intriguing and the tension builds steadily throughout the book, there are some weaknesses in the execution of the plot. The big betrayal that led to the friends' falling out is not explored in depth, and the mystery feels disjointed with too many moving parts.
However, the book's strengths lie in its well-developed characters and their relationships. The author does an excellent job of exploring their motivations and vulnerabilities, making them relatable and adding depth to the story. The slow pace of the book may not suit readers looking for a fast-paced thriller, but it allows for a gradual buildup of tension that leads to a satisfying and unexpected twist at the end.
Overall, The Birthday Reunion is a worthwhile read for fans of psychological thrillers who enjoy character-driven stories. While it may not be perfect, the book is a testament to the author's ability to craft a suspenseful and engaging story that will keep readers guessing until the end.
The book alternates between the present and past timelines, providing a detailed backstory of the characters and their fractured relationships. While the premise of the story is intriguing and the tension builds steadily throughout the book, there are some weaknesses in the execution of the plot. The big betrayal that led to the friends' falling out is not explored in depth, and the mystery feels disjointed with too many moving parts.
However, the book's strengths lie in its well-developed characters and their relationships. The author does an excellent job of exploring their motivations and vulnerabilities, making them relatable and adding depth to the story. The slow pace of the book may not suit readers looking for a fast-paced thriller, but it allows for a gradual buildup of tension that leads to a satisfying and unexpected twist at the end.
Overall, The Birthday Reunion is a worthwhile read for fans of psychological thrillers who enjoy character-driven stories. While it may not be perfect, the book is a testament to the author's ability to craft a suspenseful and engaging story that will keep readers guessing until the end.
September 23, 2024
Book Review
The Birthday Reunion - Claire Seeber
⭐️⭐️⭐️/5
I felt the book didn’t have a very fast pace and it was very slow to get in to the main storyline. I didn’t really care for the past POV chapters either. And with 3 POVs in the past and 3 POVs in present time, it took a lot to get the information out and to bring us to the present day drama. I was listening to it via audiobook and I do have to say - I did enjoy the narrator. It’s a hit or a miss for me with narrators, and more than once I’ve put what could be a good book down, because of their voice. But I did like the narration of this one and it made it very easy to race through in the car and at work.
The multiple POVs did get a bit confusing and it did take me a while to figure out who was who. It made it that bit tricker and I did often find myself being very puzzled by events and how it all tied together.
Was some TW later on in the book, which I wasn’t expecting. But it didn’t go into it too much so that was okay. Overall it was pretty average, but I definitely think this is one that was better as an audiobook and I wouldn’t have enjoyed it much as an actual physical read.
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The Birthday Reunion - Claire Seeber
⭐️⭐️⭐️/5
I felt the book didn’t have a very fast pace and it was very slow to get in to the main storyline. I didn’t really care for the past POV chapters either. And with 3 POVs in the past and 3 POVs in present time, it took a lot to get the information out and to bring us to the present day drama. I was listening to it via audiobook and I do have to say - I did enjoy the narrator. It’s a hit or a miss for me with narrators, and more than once I’ve put what could be a good book down, because of their voice. But I did like the narration of this one and it made it very easy to race through in the car and at work.
The multiple POVs did get a bit confusing and it did take me a while to figure out who was who. It made it that bit tricker and I did often find myself being very puzzled by events and how it all tied together.
Was some TW later on in the book, which I wasn’t expecting. But it didn’t go into it too much so that was okay. Overall it was pretty average, but I definitely think this is one that was better as an audiobook and I wouldn’t have enjoyed it much as an actual physical read.
#bookstagram #bookstagrammer #bookstagramuk #bookstagramscotland #readersunite #readersgonnaread #booksconnectus #instabookstagram #readerlife #bookishgirl #bookloversofinstagram #averybookishpost #lovetoread #dailyreading #bookreview #bookreviewer #thebirthdayreunion #3starread #3stars #audiobook #igreviewer
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