I really enjoyed this book! This book kept me on my toes. I never knew what was coming next! I would recommend this book to anyone looking for a fast pace thriller !

The Garden Party by Wendy Clarke was another excellent book from start to finish, especially as it was a great page turner and I found it very hard to put it down. This latest book by Wendy was fast paced, suspenseful, addictive.

What are you waiting for? Its Brilliant!

I loved it and highly recommend this book. A great holiday read.

Big Thank you NetGalley, Bookouture and Wendy Clarke the author for my ARC.

This book is twisty! It's a smoke and mirrors psychological thriller fiction that I personally, really enjoyed engaging with!

The story is mainly, though not exclusively, told through the perspective of Rachel. Provided for by award winning author husband, Owen, Rachel has no current career of her own. At Owen's instigation, they move to 'Pond Close' a small community not far from his home town. As Owen appears something of a loner, Rachel attends a garden party in honour of the couples move to the community, alone. Rachel soon learns that previous inhabitants of their home included a young girl who tragically drowned in a local pond. Rachel becomes a little fixated on this, particularly when she reveals some incriminating writing hidden under the wallpaper in her home when she undertakes some renovation. This uncovered writing eludes to Philippa, her neighbour, who also happens to be the somewhat distant mother to Lexi, to whom Rachel also develops something of a a fixation.

A lot happens below this surface of this novel, and it really unfolds with gratifying clarity as the novels play out. It is clever, deliciously dark and commendably well written. A book to be enjoyed in all its darkness!

My thanks to NetGalley, author and publisher for the opportunity to review this book in exchange for an advance copy.

TW: Infertility

Actual Rating 1.5

Owen and Rachel have moved to a new neighborhood to escape a past mistake that haunts them and so Owen can work on his new book. But there are only a few houses in their Close, and it makes it difficult to create new friendships. On top of that, Rachel can’t help but be judgmental when she sees how one of her neighbors treats her daughter, and that judging quickly turns to anger. But Rachel and Owen aren’t the only two here with secrets, and it’s only a matter of time before Rachel decides to take some drastic actions.

Despite being advertised as a thriller, this work is rather long and slow. There’s not much that happens despite the length of the book, which is partially since the characters keep hinting at or referencing the same things repeatedly without adding much or any new information. This repetition not only slowed down the plot, but it certainly took away from any tension that may have been present.

The characters were a weak point of this work. I didn’t like the protagonist, but not in the good way. She didn’t feel like she was written to be unlikeable, and she really wasn’t written well. The story was told from a dual POV, and I did enjoy the information that was included from Owen’s perspective for the most part. The twists ranged from not compelling to downright absurd, and there were several plot holes. The author also utilized monologues for the explanation and resolution, which just wasn’t compelling. And the title? There was one garden party near the beginning of the work that was mostly irrelevant, so I’m not sure why that was chosen for the title.

If you’re looking for a very slow burn mystery with mediocre characters and themes of infertility and being judgmental, you might like this one. My thanks to NetGalley and Bookouture for allowing me to read this work. All thoughts and opinions expressed in this review are my own.

I really enjoyed this. It wasn’t what I expected as I got through the book. Really wasn’t too keen on Rachel’s character until half way through the story. Has a great twist and a brilliant ending.

The Garden Party grabbed me pretty quickly and was a fast paced family drama psychological mystery. I couldn’t figure out what was going on in this little suburb after the not so great garden party invitation. I related many ways to the main character as I also struggled and still do with infertility so some of the feelings she was feeling hit home. The ending was such a mind bender and wrapped up very nicely. Overall a great fast paced chiller popcorn mystery book.

I thought this book started off slowly but did pick up. I didnt like the main characters but it was an OK read in the end
Thank you to Netgalley for an early ARC in return for an honest review

I struggled with this one a bit, it’s a very slow start but it does pick up a bit halfway. Unfortunately the characters were very unlikable, which I understand the reason for it, but I felt like there was no one that I could connect with in this book, so it was hard to keep my interest. I also felt like they were parts of the story that were very far-fetched. And actually I had to reread it because it didn’t make a lot of sense but there are some positives in the book I did like the writing style. It’s an easy read, and I will be giving the author another try because while this book wasn’t for me, I can see how others would like it

The Garden Party is the first book I've read by Wendy Clarke but will not be the last!
The very definition of domestic fiction this book checked all the boxes for me. A husband and wife with past secrets, a cul-de-sac neighborhood with questionable neighbors hiding their own secrets, and mystery surrounding the history of the neighborhood.

This story flowed smoothly and kept me interested throughout and the final twists were perfectly crafted. I found myself thinking about this story constantly and couldn't wait to get back to reading it.

I enjoyed this book and have added Wendy Clarke to my go to author's list. Can't wait to read another.

Thank you to Netgalley and Bookouture for the chance to read an advanced copy

Thank you to @NetGalley and @bookouture for another great read and my #gifted advanced readers copy!

I really enjoyed this suspenseful thriller. Full of secrets and mysteries.

New couple move to a very close-knit neighborhood and are welcomed with open arms. The move is a needed fresh start to rekindle their marriage.

Unfortunately, famous author/husband continues to neglect his wife’s emotional and physical needs, so she begins to meet up with her former lover.

Meanwhile, the couple’s new neighbors are harboring tragedy and secrets. The mysterious death of a child and suspected child abuse from neighbor Philippa.

As the couple’s marriage deteriorates, secrets emerge and surprising, shocking danger ensues. Who is to be trusted and who is lying?

Thank you Bookouture and Netgalley for this Arc.

Years ago, a tragedy struck the tree-lined street. The community was devastated: they held each other close, and tried to support the poor mother who lost her young daughter, Maddie. But she soon moved away, and the house has sat untouched ever since.

Who was supposed to be looking after Maddie that day? Did someone take their eyes off this innocent little child? Just as fast as everyone speaks up, they start to become tight-lipped. Is the house the key to uncovering what someone did all those years ago? Is there a reason no one has stayed very long at number two?

But when Rachel sees a picture of Maddie’s sparkling eyes and wide smile in a newspaper clipping, a memory floods back. And she knows she cannot leave. She’s the only person who will do whatever it takes to find out the truth, even if it puts her life in terrible danger…


Wow! This book was amazing! my jaw kept dropping because every time I thought I understood this book, it changed. I had no idea who to root for because everyone seemed to have a motive. This was the first book by Wendy but I can't wait to read more. I think she's become a new repeat author.

Enjoyed it but found myself skimming parts to get to the end, the beginning was a bit slow which is where I usually give up but I'm pleased I persisted and would look for others by this author

The Garden Party had me gripped from the description alone and the book did not disappoint. It was fast paced with plenty of twists and turns and had a completely satisfying ending that I did not see coming at all.

Thank you to NetGalley and Bookouture for my ARC.

"The Garden Party" by Wendy Clarke is a novel that beautifully marries the essence of gothic mystery with a contemporary setting, making it an outstanding read. From the outset, the atmosphere is charged with a subtle, eerie tension reminiscent of classic gothic tales, yet it's distinctly modern in its approach. The protagonist, with whom I felt a deep connection, is intriguingly crafted. Her unique characteristics, although slightly odd at times, only enhanced my ability to relate to her, drawing me deeper into the narrative.

The story unfolds with a blend of suspense and intrigue, as the mystery surrounding a tragic incident in Rachel’s new neighborhood unravels. Clarke's mastery in weaving a plot that keeps the reader guessing is commendable. I found myself engrossed in the twists and turns of the story, with its rich backdrop of secrets and unresolved questions keeping me hooked till the last page.

What truly sets this novel apart is its ability to create a gothic atmosphere while being set in the modern world. This unusual combination made "The Garden Party" a refreshing read. It’s perfect for those who appreciate a good mystery with a touch of the uncanny, and for fans of authors like Lisa Jewell and K.L. Slater who enjoy a suspenseful story with a strong, relatable protagonist. For me, "The Garden Party" was a delightful journey through a labyrinth of mystery and suspense, making it a highly recommended read.

This review is based on a complimentary copy from the publisher, provided through NetGalley. All opinions are my own.

Well that was quite some thriller, very intriguing, shocking and intense story plot for sure.

The story was brilliantly written, very well thought out. It literally had my head in a spin at times, trying to figure out what on Earth is going on, who can be trusted and who can’t be trusted. There were times when I was like okay I think I’ve figured it out only to then discover that actually no I hadn’t. Author Wendy is very good at sending lots of red herrings per se. Anyway bottom line, this story had me sitting on the edge of my seat in eager anticipation as to what would happen next.

If you haven’t discovered Wendy Clarke books yet then all I can say, is don’t delay any more. Her books are so darn good.

4.6 ⭐️

Make sure you are sitting down for chapter 45, and that all drinks and tray tables are secured in the upright position because you are about to go on a wild ride.
These people are CRAZY! I did NOT see that coming!!!

🏡 A reclusive husband in a book writing slump, an outgoing wife that craves a family, their relationship coupled with many secrets, trust and communication issues. They relocate to a new neighborhood where everyone knows your business and hides the past behind tightly sealed lips.

👀 How far would a man go for a good story? How far would a woman go to feel loved? How far would a neighborhood go to protect each other?

🤨 Ugh, I really did not like this couple. They are tangled with flaws and it’s really hard to tell who is crazy and who isn’t, or maybe they both are! Which made their relationship so interesting to watch. I mean, read… They had my sus meter bouncing all over the place.

🤐 The neighbors were covering up some major secrets of their own, leaving so much to unpack. They were dodgy, tight-lipped, potentially two-faced… I seriously couldn’t tell who to lean on, and I laughed out loud when I realized just how wrong all my theorizing was.

💫 I seriously thought I wasn’t going to like this book. It started off as a very slow read for me - I think in part due to some terminology that didn’t translate into my Southern U.S. speak-ease. But the mysteries kept me hooked, and I was invested to the end. So many mysterious things going on, I quite enjoyed the journey of seeing how they all intertwined, and the redeeming growth at the end.

Thanks to NetGalley, Bookouture, and Wendy Clarke for providing me with a complimentary ARC to review!

Wendy Clarke is one of my favourite @bookouture authors and I can safely say books is the best yet. I’ve read most of them so I can say that confidently.

This has been as gripping and captivating as I had expected. I have devoured this book with no regrets- only that I now have to wait for another book.

Clarke has a real talent for keeping me guessing. I think I know where a book is going then BANG, the ground is pulled from under me and I’m left speechless. I loved finding out about the characters in this one. I was constantly waiting for what might happen and still found myself gasping.

This is perfectly paced and completely addictive. The tension oozes from the pages and you can’t help but be all in on this read.

Clarke has written another masterpiece. This is quite possibly my favourite book of this author to date. Everything about this I have loved.

I love how Clarke writes. It flows effortlessly and you feel as though everything is familiar. I felt like I knew the characters and were right there with them watching the events play out in front of me.

This is a brilliant book and a must for the TBR.

🌟🌟🌟🌟🌟

This book was pretty good and just okay for me . I wasn’t captivating for me. I didn’t really like the bouncing between characters in some chapters. I didn’t really feel connected to the characters at all throughout. There were some twists that I didn’t expect but they didn’t really surprise me so much. I was really hoping for a jaw dropping twist at the end and I honestly feel like it just didn’t happen for me. It was a little hard to get through. Things that I did enjoy were the setting . I really do like the neighborhood/new neighbor story line. It had a lot of potential to be an amazing page turner ! I really enjoyed the authors writing style . Very easy to read and understand I really enjoyed that aspect of it.

Special thanks to NetGalley and Bookouture for this arc, which I received in exchange for an honest review. The opinions expressed here are my own.

If you are looking for a fast paced domestic thriller, this book is for you. What more can I say - this was a great read! I totally recommend!

Liked this one and will be recommending it, I give it three stars as I liked the writing but wasn’t hooked to the storyline.