This was an entertaining read and kept me guessing until the end. I enjoyed that different generations were involved in the storylines, and the different perspectives from chapter to chapter. It’s so easy to make assumptions about neighbors based solely on what you see, but behind closed doors, so much more is going on! The story starts with acknowledgement that a murder has happened at the annual Fourth of July block party, then goes back in time to lead us chronologically to the present, each point in time revealing a little more depth to what’s really going on. There are some serious issues referenced in this book and it was nice that the author created fiercely protective neighbors in these situations, especially women. Overall it was a good read and although I figured out some of it, I certainly didn’t figure out all of it!

Thank you to St. Martin’s press and NetGalley for this ARC.

So.Much.Drama! I loved this book; each page was new adventure. The characters were so well rounded, and the twists and turns made it hard to put down. One thing is for sure, I'm glad I don't live on Alton Road!

A close knit, wealthy block of neighbors always look forward to the annual Memorial Day party. But over the course of one year, things take a sinister turn in the neighborhood when a new couple comes to town and upends everyone's lives.

***

This book just struggles with too much. The teenager perspective in general can be really jarring when switching back and forth. None of the issues are able to be fully fleshed out because we're tugged this way and that the entire time. Dring this tug of war, there are often baffling tonal shifts. From one character describing their assault, to a teenager making musings about how ironic life is, LOL! (Seriously, this happens.)

If the author could draw more of these storylines together, maybe more adult perspectives, maybe I would feel more complete. Though every storyline is tied up with a nice bow on the end!

Block Party by Jamie Day was quite an entertaining read.
I’m not sure I’d want to live on that cul de sac! Talk about your list of problems… the book had a #biglittlelies vibe for me and I enjoyed it!
It comes out in July, but I had the chance to read it early, thanks to @netgalley
#ilovetoread #advancedreaderscopy

The families of Alton Road are having their annual block party. It is THE place to be in the Meadowbrook neighborhood. But not this year. This year, it is the scene of a murder. But who is the victim? Who is the murderer? and Why? That is the buzz on the Facebook page as other residents comment showing concern, disdain and disbelief.

There is always much hidden beyond the manicured lawns, perfectly painted fences and luxury cars in the driveways, So much more., The Block Party has it all. - sex, addiction, illegal activities. This is a terrific read that keeps you turning to the page to see what could possible happen next. You may guess a thing or two along the way, but that in no way will diminish your enjoyment of this book.

You will want to join The Block Party. Welcome to the neighborhood.

My thanks to NetGalley and St Martin's Press for the ARC of this book in exchange for my honest review.

Welcome to Alton Road where things are not as they seem! Alex and her daughter Lettie unfold all the drama over a year from one unforgettable Memorial Day to another, let’s not forget to mention what the other neighbors have to say on the neighborhood social media page. So juicy! I finished ‘The Block Party in a day, so obviously I could not put this down. Highly recommend reading on the beach or by the pool.

*Thank You to Net Galley and St. Martin’s Press for allowing me to read ‘The Block Party’ ARC and provide my honest feedback!*

Amazing thriller, I couldn't put it down!

Many thanks to the author, publisher, and NetGalley for the advanced copy of the book.

I devoured this read! The cover is what drew me in and I’m so glad it did! This would be the perfect summer read and I’m so grateful to NetGalley and the publisher for letting me read this amazing read!

I had high hopes for this book when I started - I anticipated a murder mystery with changing POV and timelines. Unfortunately, it missed the mark for me. The writing style seemed too elementary, as if the author was explaining every single detail and the reader couldn’t come to their own conclusions. There was a flashback, but the entire book stayed there. I found Lettie’s chapters to be annoying and I was tired of hearing about Alex’s drinking problem constantly. The ending was mostly predictable, and it seemed like every loose end was tied up a little too perfectly. I think I may have enjoyed the book more if it was a bit shorter and left some things open to interpretation by the reader.

Thank you to St. Martin’s Press for a free ARC through NetGalley in exchange for my honest review.

This thriller exceeded expectations! I thought I was getting into a mellow whodunnit, but there were so many layers to this story. We flip flop between present day and the year prior as the author masterfully builds out the complex relationships of the neighbors on Alton Road. Secrets are being kept in both generations making it difficult to suss out the aggressor. This is certainly one of my top reads of 2023!

Neighbors in this affluent street in Massachusetts have an annual Memorial Day block party. This juicy mystery alternates between several of these events and the residents. It was full of surprises and secrets that kept me determined to never introduce myself to my neighbors. There were pertinent social issues interlaced with the narrative.
Alex is hosting one of those parties. She’s married with a teenage daughter, Lettie. It was a reminder of how old I am and how little I recall about raising teenagers. Thank goodness I raised mine before technology! Lettie is afloat, full of hormones, self doubt and would’ve driven me to drink as much as her mother did. The story devoted a significant amount of the plot to Lettie, the neighbors almost felt like supporting cast. All of them were interesting and entertaining. Alex is the neighborhood fixer, they all confide in her, seek advice and share problems. She’s also just downright nosy, with good intentions but, jumps to conclusions. Her sister, Emily is married to unfaithful Ken with two sons. Logan’s the “does no wrong” and Dylan is the troubled one.
Brooke is a widow with rumors swirling and the neighbors don’t know the half of it. Willow and Evan are under the same roof for their teenage daughter, Riley. They shouldn’t put off the divorce, the tension is explosive and ready to blow. Samir and Mandy are new to the cul-de-sac, with son Jay. They’re private, secretive and just want to be left alone.
The plot twists were a little bit predictable for me, still a good mystery, well written and easy to read. I expect the book to be well received. If you enjoy a good plot, a who dun it mystery and lively characters, this will suck you in right away.
A digital advance reader copy of “The Block Party” by Jamie Day, St. Martin’s Publishing, was provided to me by NetGalley. These are all my own honest personal thoughts and opinions given voluntarily without compensation.

I felt like I was watching a soap opera while reading this book. It was a little quirky, and there were some parts where I felt that the writing was slightly juvenile. All in all it still entertained and was a quick, fun read.

Everyone has secrets, and the residents of Alton Road are no different, but when the
secrets are this explosive, they're bound to leave behind wreckage.

A dark and twisty read; three and a half stars.

*I received an advanced reader copy of this book from NetGalley. Opinions expressed in this review are completely my own.

This was addictive and downright scandalous! I loved every moment of reading this fun book! This had a desperate housewives feel and I am here for it!

I would love to see this in movie. It has a desperate housewives vibe but with thriller. Kept me engaged and would definitely recommend.

Wow, Jamie Day knows how to grab the readers' attention and keep us hooked! I'm a big fan of neighborhood dramas, especially when the author writes from multiple points of view. Add some spookiness, and I'm guaranteed a few very late night reading sessions.

Having said that, I didn't always find the dialogue believable, and some of the plot points towards the end of the book felt far-fetched. I also really wanted to like at least one of the characters, but I don't think I'd want to be friends with any one of the residents of this neighborhood.

With this debut novel, Jamie Day has demonstrated that she knows how to write a suspenseful, propulsive story. I look forward to her next book!

Many thanks to NetGalley and St. Martin's Press for an advance copy for review.

3.5 stars, rounded up to 4 for Goodreads

Ohhhhhh boy. How do I even begin with how much I loved this novel?

First off, a quick synopsis: Alton Road and its residents are an exclusive bunch. Each person has secrets that all come to a head and result in a murder.

The idea of a murder mystery caught my attention immediately. And the best part is readers know there was a murder, but don't find out until the end. We begin in the present day and then are taken on a year long journey to uncover each secret.

Each reveal was heartbreaking, but also very well foreshadowed. And I found it very nice that the chapters would switch between third person limited and first person point of views. It helped me connect with all the characters, adult and teen alike.

In the end, every loose end was tied, and it had a satisfying end.

Maaaaaannnnn now THAT was amazing! I had dreams of this book, i felt myself instantly jumping into a trance the minute i jumped in. Definitely worth the read! The suspense of the book is enthralling, it keeps you guessing… some things were a dead give away others were just hard to even imagine…. It was spectacularly easy to put the characters together, to tie them in and their links… i LOVED IT. It very much so gave the desperate housewives vibe and i loved that show so much i watched it x3 over or at least that’s when i stopped counting how many times i began from season 1 all over again.

I loved all of the characters, i loved the secrecy. To me, i have always wanted to live on a block where the neighbors are friends and the kids grow up together… reading this was so interesting because naturally i wanted to know everybody’s story and exactly how it worked out and to my amazement, it was brilliantly written and executed. Definitely buying for my shelf!


<i> Thank you to NetGalley and the Author, Jaime Day, for allowing me to review this book in exchange for an honest review ! It was 100% worth it, i definitely recommend.

The Block Party was an entertaining book with several twists I did not see coming. enjoyed the point of views used in the book and did not guess the ending. 4 stars only because there were a lot of storylines to keep in mind.

If you’re a fan of big little lies you will love this book! a block of rich families with lots and lots of issues and secrets made this book a page turner. At one point I felt a bit checked out from the story lines because it felt like there was just too much ridiculous drama but overall it was a quick fun read