Who of your close friend could be capable of murder?

Synopsis

Someone is about to die… Someone is about to lie…

At the intimate house-warming party for her glorious ‘grand design’, Kathleen confides in her best friend Beth that she is terrified of one of their close friends, but daren’t reveal which one. The guests are a tight-knit group, but Kathleen is convinced one of them is dangerous.

The next day Kathleen’s body is found at the foot of a cliff and Beth must face the sickening truth that she may have been killed by one of their trusted friends. With little help from the police, Beth’s decides to seek answers.

All the friends have secrets they are desperate to hide, but only one of them is ready to kill to keep theirs safe…

The House Party is set on the Isle of Wight – insular,claustrophobic, and with nowhere to run. Mary Grand has written a heart-stopping novel of secrets, betrayal and desire, perfect for fans of Louise Candlish and Lucy Foley

My review

A house – warming party should always be a fun occasion. Yet Beth finds out that her friend Kathleen is terrified. And not just a random fear, but real fear of one of their close friends, also present at the party.

When Kathleen’s body is found the next day at the foot of a cliff, Beth suspects that one of the friends acted out and killed Kathleen.
And when the police doesn’t provide the needed help, Beth starts seeking out the truth by herself.

But the more she digs, more secrets come out, and each friend becomes a suspect…

This story gave me the chills… your friends should be people you could trust without a doubt. So when Kathleen is murdered, I understood Beth, that she wanted to know the truth…
But every reader of a thriller knows that looking for a killer by yourself is always a risky business.

Beth is determined to find out why Kathleen was so terrified and who would have a reason to kill her. But facing your friends, and throwing accusations around, is a recipe for targeting yourself.
Yet Beth is stubborn, and does not let fear take over. She wants to know what happened to Kathleen, no matter what.

Initially Beth came over as a quiet lady, but this determination made me realize how much she truly cares about her friends and how she wants justice.

It’s a slow story, giving indications that every character has had the possibility and reason to be the culprit.
The secrets that came out, confused Beth and me too, as it was a possible reason for murder. And thinking that one of your friends would be capable of something so disgusting, is not something you want to think about.

This book gives you goosebumps, seeing the ugliness of people. It shows you that some people are wearing a mask, and hide their true selves to even their friends. It makes you doubt of the honesty of those around out.
But there is also the message that those who truly care about you, will do whatever they can for you. And that real friends can see beyond the end of your nose.