A weekend that you will never forget. What lengths will parents go to protect their children. The atmosphere is thunderous and I could feel the tension in each scenario.

Five friends, a camping trip, the Cornwall coast. What could possibly go wrong? Someone goes missing, friendships crack and secrets are revealed. This is one exciting book with plenty of intrigue and a book that kept me guessing. I liked the way the characters interacted (both good and bad) and the way the story and the pace of the book really did it justcie.

This is a book that will keep you on the edge of your seat and with keep you enthralled. It starts a little slow to build on the story and eventually the tension. It gains momentum throughout and this is why you need to keep reading. There are some back stories and changes in timeline but I never felt confused as the story flowed well and kept me on track.

A great read for anyone who loves suspense, mystery and a bit of a thrilling read.

Thank you NetGalley and Simon & Schuster (Australia for giving me the opportunity to read and review this book.

This was quite an intriguing book. Obviously from the beginning there was tension - a group of university friends who have known each other for twenty years. Annie and Max are ex-city architects who have escaped the city to set up a glamping venture on the Cornish coastline. They have an adopted son who has behavioural and learning difficulties due to an abusive childhood. As a test run, they invite their friends to a free weekend to check it all out. Dominic, a reality TV star and his second wife Tanya, are bring his two teenagers as well as their daughter Phoebe who is six. Max and Suze, who live a hippy, relaxed life are bringing their two children, and Kira a GP is bring her boyfriend and five month old daughter.
When a storm comes in and two of the kids are missing, tempers flare and accusations are made the are vehement and damaging. The twists in the story kept me guessing pretty much to the end as to what had actually happened. A fast paced and thrilling tale.
Thank you Netgalley and Simon Schuster Australia for the opportunity to read this digital ARC.

I do love Hannah Richell’s stories and this one is a change of genre but so very good, this one was unputdownable for me, a fabulous setting, so many characters come to life on the pages some good some not so good, what happens when five friends and their families get together for a glamping weekend in the wilds of Cornwall?
When Annie and Max Kingsley and their twelve year old son Kip decide to leave the rat race of London and start a glamping business in Cornwall, they want to have a dry run before opening and ask their friends and families along for a long weekend of fun, it has been a while since they have all caught up, should be fun and it was at first, Friday night BBQ everyone was laughing until an incident that could have caused a catastrophe.
Things settled down and Saturday three of the woman went up to the farm house, one went shopping in town and the men sat around talking having a drink and watching the children, some serious talking by a couple of the men soon had tensions running high and the kids went off on their own for a while to explore, when the kids return frantic, one of them is missing and a bad storm is coming the air is thick now with tension and worry, they must find this child, people are pointing fingers and tempers are rising.
This book had me turning the pages, the tension heated up not only between the children but more so between the adults, with accusations thrown around and secrets discovered, everyone is on edge, when the storm hits it just gets worse, power is lost, what else will happen will anyone else go missing, will they finally get help to search?
I can highly recommend this one, it will not disappoint, a cast of characters who all added to the story even when they weren’t so nice but I did really like young Kip and Annie and Max, if you love a good mystery, thriller then this is one for you, don’t miss it.
My thanks to the publisher and Netgalley for my digital copy to read and review.

This is my first book by this author, although she has been on my radar for a long time.
Annie and Max have escaped to the country with their troubled adopted son Kip to start a glamping business. Keen to give it a test run before they open to the ‘public’ they invite their closest friends of 20 years…three couples and their families, for a weekend of fun.
But fun isn’t quite the outcome of this weekend, with secrets, jealousies, an angry neighbour and an epic storm in the mix…this is a locked room thriller…in the open countryside.
I found this novel slow to start, there was a lot of set up with the characters and there were a few of them. But stick with it as it does add to the story as it unfolds. The second half when the storm arrives really hits a fast pace and things did not go as I expected.
It does have multiple time lines, told in the present with the police interviews after the storm, another from the arrival for the weekend to the storm and a few back story snippets.
These were all easy to follow and I didn’t have a problem with the back and forth.
Enjoyable with a mix of likeable and not so likeable characters, well worth the read.
Thank you to Netgalley and the publisher for a copy to read.

I have read and loved Hannah’s previous books, so it was with great anticipation that I opened The Search Party and I was not disappointed. Such a well written and atmospheric story that will have you frantically turning pages to a most fitting and suspenseful ending.

‘She keeps asking herself, how could one weekend spiral so dreadfully out of control?’

Basically this is a glamping trip that goes horribly wrong! Told from multiple points of view and moving back and forth in time, Hannah is very clear on character voice and timelines (she even includes a list of names) and pay attention to chapter dates so as never to be confused. The two timelines are the weekend away itself and then interspersed with police interviews in the aftermath. This is such an extremely clever technique in drip feeding character and plot clues along the way.

‘Maybe their reunion weekend had brought the wildest, truest sides out in all of them - one way or another.’

Three families are partaking in this glamping experience for the weekend and the various dynamics between the characters and has much to do with how events play out. There are disagreements, past histories, missing campers all played against a raging storm on the Cornwall coast. Tension builds, tempers fray, friendships are strained and it all comes to a raging and violent conclusion inline with the storm.

‘It was as if the elemental wildness of the place had got under his skin, altered him. All his emotions rising to the surface.’


The Search Party is such a suspenseful and entertaining read you will find it hard to put down. There are many dramas and unfolding layers that will keep you on the edge of your seat and guessing to a fitting conclusion.

‘In that moment, twenty years of friendship, of camaraderie, of pints in pubs and late-night bonding over music, of toasting each other’s weddings and children, of standing shoulder-to-shoulder through life’s ups and downs went skittering away on the wind.’








This review is based on a complimentary copy from the publisher in exchange for an honest review. Opinions expressed in this review are completely my own. The quoted material may have changed in the final release.

This is the first title I have read from Hannah Richell. Initially, I was intrigued by her publicised transition from contemporary relationship and family sagas to the ‘destination thriller’ genre, as this title is billed. But what really earned The Search Party a spot on my reading pile was the mention of multiple narrative perspectives and the locked-room mystery elements; some of my favourite literary constructs.

Firstly, let’s address a subtle but, I think, important distinction. While The Search Party contains evocatively depicted tension and suspense-filled scenes, it is not a ‘thriller’ from a reader’s perspective. I did not experience any gut punch or heart-in-my-mouth moments. This largely comes down to the storytelling beginning at the ending, albeit opaquely, and then the audience judiciously being shown puzzle-piece character perspectives of the events leading up to that via police interviews and discussion around those. It still made for page-turning reading though, as time spent viewing events from single-character perspectives are brief and alternate frequently. The time shifts are clearly signposted too.

Secondly, do not be alarmed by the character listing at the front of this novel. I certainly did not need to refer to it. The number of characters that are ultimately gathered in this remote location is relatively large, sure. But, their naming and how Richell introduces them to the reader make their relationships simple to understand and recall. Plus, a few are only thinly characterised; bit-players that are more like chessboard pieces or communication conduits in this locked-room mystery.

For me, the most well-developed character in The Search Party is actually the wild and isolated setting, awe-inspiring one minute and terrifying the next. It beautifully underscores one of the recurring themes in this novel — society’s propensity to misunderstand, fear and demonise the unfamiliar.

So, is Hannah Richell’s The Search Party a thrilling read? No. Is it a suspense-filled, thought-provoking story tailor-made for book club discussion? Absolutely. This is a well-executed mystery novel and accessible family and relationship drama tackling situations and subjects that all readers are likely to have opinions on.

* This review is scheduled for publication at BookloverBookReviews.com on 2nd January 2024. The prepared article also features the book synopsis, author information, a book club discussion question list and linked excerpts from other published reviews of this novel.

Annie and Max Kingsley had settled into their new country residence on the cliffs of Cornwall with their troubled twelve year old son Kip. Setting up a glamping site for the tourist season, the two of them wanted to test it out so invited their old friends for the weekend. There were quite a few people once they'd arrived - eight adults plus their children, plus the handyman who was nearby in case of emergencies.

Sitting around the campfire, toasting marshmallows the first night, the hilarity was great. Everyone was having a good time catching up until something went wrong. The results were almost catastrophic - but a tension filled peace availed and everyone went to bed. The following day - Saturday - the women went to the homestead for some girl time, while the guys looked after the children. Sounded good in theory - but by Saturday late afternoon, someone was missing, and with a storm heading their way, everyone wanted results quickly. With power lines down, no reception to call the police, the weekend revellers were stranded. Searching the hills and bush, checking out the cliffs in the driving rain - would they find the missing person? Would they ever get through to emergency services?

The Search Party by Aussie author Hannah Richell is a tension filled, gritty and traumatic situation, with secrets and lies causing much of the problem. I wasn't particularly enamored with most of the characters, although I liked Annie, Max and Kip. And Dominic!!! - 😡 I always enjoy Hannah Richell's writing and this one is no exception. Recommended.

With thanks to NetGalley and the publisher for my digital ARC to read in exchange for an honest review.

The Search Party by Hannah Richell - A Mixed Bag of Tensions and Secrets

Rating: 3.5 stars rounded up

In "The Search Party," Hannah Richell weaves a tale of a disastrous weekend getaway among long-time friends, set against the backdrop of a remote Cornwall Coast. The Kingsleys, having traded their city life for a glamping retreat, host their old friends for a soft opening, only for tensions to escalate between the families, leading to a catastrophic turn of events.

The narrative unfolds through two timelines, blending recollections from the cast and police interrogations after the incident. The story, reminiscent of other reunion thrillers, delves into the complexities of long-standing friendships and questions whether the bonds are genuine or merely habits.

The cast is a mix of three main families, each harboring its share of unlikable traits. The author provides a helpful character rundown at the beginning, easing the navigation through the multiple perspectives. However, some characters, like Dom/Dominic, remain unredeemed, making forgiveness challenging for readers.

The plot takes a compelling turn when one of the children goes missing, forcing the fathers to grapple with guilt and responsibility. As the story unfolds, secrets and tensions come to light, with a mix of predictable and surprising reveals. The foreshadowing adds a satisfying touch, leading to moments of revelation.

While not a particularly thrilling read, the story captivates with its exploration of unraveling friendships spanning two decades. The Kingsley family stands out as a favorite, and the hope for a happy resolution for one of the characters adds a positive note.

A notable drawback is the digital ARC's formatting issues, with segments lacking clear page breaks and occasional disruptions with the book's title and author's name. Despite this, the story offers an enjoyable experience for readers seeking a reunion thriller with a diverse cast of characters, although some may find certain personalities lacking depth.

In conclusion, "The Search Party" is a decent read with its strengths lying in character dynamics and revelations, though hindered by formatting concerns. Special thanks to the author and NetGalley for providing the digital ARC; the thoughts and opinions presented are the reviewer's own.

The setting for this novel is in the picturesque British countryside of Cornwall. After moving from the busy London life to establish a better life for their son, Max and Annie are setting up a Glamping business on their property. Before they open to the public, they invite some old university friends and their children for a relaxing, enjoyable weekend experience. What could possibly go wrong?

Plenty of secrets and betrayals between the group come to light that threaten their 20+ year friendship, as well as a wild weather storm event, during which, one of the children goes missing, turning this experience into the weekend from hell.

I thoroughly enjoyed this mystery, it had me turning the pages and had me guessing until the end. I loved the story being told from the different characters points of view and from different timelines during the weekend as the story is finally pieced together at the end.

Thank you to Netgalley and Simon & Schuster for an early digital copy to read and review.

As a reviewer, it's perks like this that I love so much. That I get to read books months before they are released and published, makes me feel special. I had seen recently The Search Party on another Instagrammer's page and they talked about how they loved it and it was in their top 2023 list of thrillers. I knew I had it on my Kindle, so decided to give it a read and I enjoyed it. Not on my top list but was still a good read and an enjoyable one. The only downside I felt for myself in this book was it was a bit too many characters and I spent the book each time a character was mentioned trying to connect the dots of who was connected to who and belonged to which family. In this book, Annie and Mark and their son Kip have moved to the country and Annie and Mark are opening a glamping business called Wildermost. Before the opening date, they invited their family and friends to try it out and give their advice. However, none of the four families thought that this trip would end up with a dead body, missing children, and one of them in the hospital in a coma. What started as a fun weekend will test the friendships of Annie, Mark, Suze, Jim, Dom, and Kira - all of whom have known each other since university. The Search Party also left me with the firm belief of never judging a person by what they look like or act like as it's the least unassuming or the pretty ones that can hurt you the most. If you love country thrillers, family tales, and secrets - then you will enjoy Hannah Richell's The Search Party one to add to your New Year reads for 2024.

This was the first book by Hannah Richell that I have read and certainly will not be my last. This was a gripping family suspense/thriller that kept me guessing until the very end.

There was so much to like about this story. The setting, on the Cornwall coast in a massive storm, gave it plenty of atmosphere and that isolated feel. Cut off from everything, these people are stuck in a situation that none of them could ever imagine. A group of long time friends get together for a weekend of glamping, and it all goes horribly wrong. There are quite a few characters to keep up with but I didn’t have any issue with it at all. All the characters had their own voice and personality. That being said, there were some very unlikeable people here, making it even easier to keep them straight.

Thanks to Simon and Schuster Australia and NetGalley for my advanced copy of this book to read. Thoroughly enjoyed it.

I've been a fan of Hannah Richell's previous books, which often fall into the family drama genre, so I was excited to dive into her new book, The Search Party. This time, Hannah takes a thrilling and suspenseful turn within the family drama, and it's a change in genre I really enjoyed.

The story follows Max and Annie, a couple who move to Cornwall's rugged coast to start a glamping tourism business. Before opening, they invite their oldest university friends and their families to experience their new lifestyle. However, tensions rise among the families, secrets come to light, and a child goes missing during a brutal coastal storm. This ordeal tests friendships, relationships, and even becomes a matter of life and death.

The narrative features a multitude of characters, both adults and children, with alternating points of view in each chapter. While this could have been confusing, Hannah skillfully ensures each character has a distinct voice. It added depth to the storytelling and heightened the suspense. I was genuinely engrossed in the drama among the old friends, and the ending kept me guessing until the final revelation.

The Search Party is an enthralling destination thriller that excels in delivering both suspense and drama. I hope to see more of Hannah Richell's future works continuing in this gripping direction.

Thank you to Netgalley & Simon & Schuster Australia for providing an ARC for honest review.