OMG I absolutely loved Party of Liars!! It was SO suspenseful and thrilling—I couldn't put it down. Kelsey Cox nailed it with the twists, the tension, and the amazing character development. This book completely snapped me out of my reading slump. If you want something that will keep you on the edge of your seat and leave you screaming “just one more chapter,” you NEED to read this!!

📚ARC REVIEW 📚

Party of Liars ⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️


Sophie Matthews’s dad throws her a lavish, black tie, sweet sixteenth birthday party. It’s a grand event at their newly renovated mansion, that is also supposedly haunted, as the town folks say but that doesn’t stop them from coming. However, just before the candles on the three-tiered red velvet cake are blown out, a body falls from the balcony onto the starlit dance floor below. Everyone was invited in, but not everyone will get out alive.


I couldn’t put this one down, it hooked me right away. I loved the Texas setting with the southern feel and the drama. This did have a little spooky vibe to it as well which added to the suspense. Told in multiple point of view with a before and after timeline that had me guessing the whole time. Such a great read!

This book is already out so be sure to add to your TBR list! Thanks to NetGalley and St. Martin’s Press for my advanced readers copy. This is my honest and voluntary opinion.

A.K.A. the Sweet Sixteen that makes your own awkward birthday at the skating rink look real chill in comparison.

Let’s get one thing straight: if I ever throw a Sweet Sixteen for my child that involves black-tie attire, cliffside views, a three-tiered cake, and the distinct possibility of someone falling to their doom mid–Cha Cha Slide… please assume I’ve been possessed.

Sophie’s dad throws a Texas Hill Country rager at his possibly haunted, definitely cursed, murder-mansion-on-a-cliff for her 16th birthday. There’s cake! There’s drama! There’s someone yeeted off a balcony before the third tier of red velvet even gets cut!

We’ve got a cast of characters straight out of a Real Housewives meets Clue mash-up:
🎂 A stepmom spiraling faster than the party planner’s champagne fountain,
🎂 A nanny who’s basically one vision short of a full-blown horror movie prequel,
🎂 A best friend who’s meek until she’s not (insert dramatic slow clap),
🎂 And an ex-wife with enough simmering rage to power the whole zip code.

This book is Real Housewives of Texas: Murder Edition, and honestly? I ate it up like red velvet cake with murder frosting. There are secrets, superstitions, backstabbing, baby mama drama, a possibly haunted house, and more plot twists than a pretzel factory. It’s a locked-room mystery, but make it bougie.

Verdict: Bring popcorn, suspend disbelief, and RSVP yes to this murder party. You’ll be glad you did—unless you fall off the balcony.

This book was a wild ride! At first, I was just disgusted with all the pettiness of all the characters!. I guess everything IS bigger in Texas including needing to be accepted, correct all the time, the prettiest, the sweetest, and all of the rest!

Told in snippets by many of the characters either before the accident, after the accident, or during the party, you got to see what made each one tick. As I was reading, I didn't like some of the characters, felt compassion for some, didn't know why some were even there, and just icky-ness for others. It all made sense in the end though, and after completing the read I felt like the author used these characters to throw blame where there was none. Brilliant!

The first half was slow for me so that's why it's a 4 star read.

I love short chapters, multiple POVs, and drama throughout, so this book definitely delivered! I cannot believe it's a debut; I thought the story was very well done and the writing was great. 100% recommending to anybody who likes a good psychological thriller. Reel posted to my Instagram page! @thebookedupteacher

3 out of 5 Stars!

Today is Sophie Matthew’s sixteenth birthday party, hosted by Sophie’s dad, at his renovated cliffside mansion. Though it is thought to be haunted, this is the event of the season. No expense has been spared for this exclusive black-tie event. But before the candles are blown out on the birthday cake, a body falls from the balcony onto the dance floor below.

The guest list includes Dani, Orlaith, Mikalya, and Kim. Dani is Sophie’s new stepmother, who has just given birth to a baby girl. Orlaith is the Irish nanny, who senses danger in the house. Mikayla is the birthday girl’s best friend who isn’t very popular. And Kim is the ex-wife that has a grudge she cannot let go of.

When I saw the killer guest list of “Party of Liars” by Kelsey Cox, I was so excited to read this book. I am a SUCKER for multiple perspectives in a mystery/thriller. I think if done right, the reader feels compelled to continue reading, trying to figure out new clues and discover new twists. I liked the multiple perspectives in this story, but I cannot say that I love it. Yes, it did keep the story going at a good clip but lacked the urge to want to keep reading. I never really felt the urge to pick this story up to find out the ending, and I thought it was longer than it needed to be.

One big issue I had with this book was the plot itself. Sophie is having a black-tie sweet sixteenth birthday party that seems to last hours and hours. At one point, the baby is put down for a nap and then wakes up from the said nap to go be with the nanny. And this party is not just for Sophie’s friends; all of these adults are invited to celebrate and drink large quantities of booze. To me, this just seems all very far-fetched. Normally, I would just let this stuff go. But I just kept being amazed at how this party was still going. I think the author could have broken up the plot better. Maybe having more of the story being setting the party up?

I will say, I was shocked by the ending of “Party of Liars”. I did see some minor things coming, but was surprised at how the ending played out. I also did like the characters, and all of their personal drama and internal conflict. It was interesting learning all of their stories. Overall, I would like to read more books by Kelsey Cox!

“Party of Liars” by Kelsey Cox came out July 1st, 2025! So, go purchase your copy at your nearest bookstore today!

Thank you to St. Martin’s Press, Minotaur Books, Kelsey Cox, and Netgalley for a digital ARC of this novel in exchange for my honest review.

Big thanks to NetGalley, Minotaur Books, and Author Kelsey Cox for advanced copy for honest review.

An Aardvark Book Club pick for July 2025!

You just renovated the infamous house on the hill. The one all the stories are about. Wall to ceiling windows makes for the good, the bad, and the vengeful to see it all. Now you helped renovate, but it wasn’t all your doing, it was the previous wife. Also you just had a baby, do you have baby brain? A lot is going on in getting ready for your step daughter’s big sweet 16. Are you losing your mind you wonder? Not possible when the threats keep coming in. Before and during the party, the notes are everywhere. Someone at the party is trying to harm you and your new family. Murder and revenge is a dish best served cold. 4 stars, fun, whodunnit read, recommend!

Party of Liars was such a wild ride! Kelsey Cox has crafted the ultimate page-turner here. A Sweet Sixteen that’s all glitz, secrets, and murder. From the moment I stepped into that lavish Texas mansion perched on the cliffs, I was completely hooked. The vibe is perfectly eerie: an old house with a haunted reputation, a night sky full of stars, and a glamorous black-tie party that quickly goes off the rails when someone falls from the balcony. Talk about a party to remember!

I loved the mix of characters. There’s Dani, the insecure new stepmom trying to find her place; Órlaith, the nanny with a sixth sense for danger; Mikayla, the supposedly meek best friend with a backbone of steel; and Kim, the ex-wife who just can’t let go. Every one of them has secrets and baggage, and Kelsey Cox does an amazing job making you suspect each of them at some point. I kept changing my mind about who I thought did it until the very end.

The book reads like a fresh take on a locked-room mystery but with the high-stakes drama of a reality TV show. The tension builds well. Every chapter peels back another layer of these messy relationships, and the setting practically becomes its own character with the creaky old mansion and dark corners. My only wish was that the ending felt a little less rushed, but it still packed a punch and left me satisfied.

If you’re into twisty thrillers like The Guest List or One by One with a big helping of southern gothic atmosphere, you’ll absolutely fly through this.

Thank you to NetGalley and Minotaur Books for the DRC of this novel.

Thank you to SMP/Minotaur and MacMillan audio for review copies of Party of Liars! A perfect read for fans of multi POV locked room mysteries and twisty compelling plots... The audiobook is particularly great with the different voice actors, excellent option for this book!

Read if you like:
✔ Locked-room mysteries with a modern twist
✔ Big Little Lies–style slow reveals (you won’t know who died until the end!)
✔ Creepy nannies and stunning, secret-filled homes
✔ Messy high school friendships, bitter exes, and unsettling online fans
✔ Over-the-top Hill Country parties with wine cellars in literal caves
✔ Fast-paced plots that entertain and spark book club discussion

I wasn’t expecting to enjoy Party of Liars as much as I did—locked-room whodunnits aren’t usually my go-to—but this one completely surprised me. It’s a lot more layered than it first appears. The multiple POVs are seamless and easy to follow, and each chapter added more questions, more drama, and more suspects. It had me hooked from the first few pages (my notes: “a scream and a thud 😳”) and the tension only ramps up from there. The characters are messy, suspicious, and endlessly entertaining—from the bitter ex-wife to the eerie nanny and the ever-watchful "Mother" embedded in a beautifully renovated home. I especially loved the audiobook—the full cast of narrators nailed it and made keeping track of the shifting perspectives a breeze. If you’re looking for a juicy, bingeable thriller perfect for the poolside or your next book club, Party of Liars is it

3.25 Stars I liked the premise and the multiple POVs. Jumping from person to person as you slowly get to the twist makes for good suspense. I also didn’t see the twist coming, but I did feel like the book was slower paced overall. An entertaining read, but I prefer a fast paced thriller/mystery over a slower suspense novel.

I can’t believe Party of Liars is a debut! This thriller is full of drama, secrets, untrustworthy characters, and gothic vibes! The tension was palpable! I raced through this book to find out what happened, and my theory was so wrong! I can’t wait to see what this author comes out with next!

When Ethan’s daughter Sophie is turning 16 he wants to do something big for her so he throws an elaborate party at his mansion. But everyone there is dealing with something. His wife Dani is trying to navigate being a new mother and post pardum depression she was diagnosed with. Mikayla, Sophie’s best friend, who just doesn’t feel like she fits in and who has a secret of her own. Sophie’s mom, whose alcoholism has caused her to lose almost everything. And the nanny who is trying to deal with her own grief and keep her ward safe.
This book was told between multiple POV but it just made the story the amazing reading experience it was. There was a good amount of twists, including not even knowing who had fallen until towards the end. If you like books that are suspenseful and a quick read this is a book for you.
Thank you for Netgalley and to the publishers for allowing me to read this advanced copy in exchange for my honest opinion.

I googled twice because I was wondering how I've missed this author before. I was shocked...THIS was a DEBUT?!!? Phenomenal. I couldn't put this one down. The suspense and drama from beginning to end kept me fully engaged. I especially loved the setting and short chapters. I liked the multiple POV narration from the 4 women.

Regret, Redemption, Mental Health, Wealthy people, and don't forget Orlaith the nanny! I feel like everyone had baggage to unpack in this one & it was SO good. The cast of characters and the drama made for the recipe for a perfect thriller. This was a perfect book to read during Summer.

Everything is bigger in Texas and this book proved that. This author is definitely on my radar now!! I will happily devour another book by her!

This book had me hooked from the beginning . It was a page turner and I did not see the twist coming . The situation with Mikayla I found a bit odd how it ended.
Thank you to the publisher and NetGalley for providing an advance copy in exchange for an honest review.

3.5 - This was a super quick and fun read. It was a page turner from the start. I loved this debut story and would highly recommend to those who are fans of Freida and Jeneva.

It was a little predictable in my opinion, but a good palate cleanser between my fantasy books.

Party of Liars by Kelsey Cox is a long, drawn-out story. It is a character driven tale that moves slower than a slug. There are multiple points of view along with their backstories and inner thoughts. The point of view seemed to switch every three pages. There is no excitement, mystery, tension, or intrigue. There are hints of intriguing things, but they never materialize. Instead, we get lengthy discourses from characters. I kept reading in the hopes that something would happen. The ending was anticlimactic and disappointing (talk about a letdown). The author seemed to be following a how to book because her writing was formulaic (the same thing chapter after chapter). Party of Liars has too many characters, genres, and ideas. Add in the lethargic pacing and you have boredom. I wanted mystery, thrills, and chills, and, instead, I found myself drifting off to dreamland.

It's not really what I expected. I thought it was interesting that there were different POVs, especially from people you wouldn't necessarily think would be from them, but there were way too many chapters. It felt like a lot of the story wasn't very relevant or even needed. Some things just didn't make sense to me.

This book follows the perspectives of four women and alternates between the present day at a 16 year olds birthday party, and various flashbacks. The birthday party takes place at a legendary mansion in Texas. When a body falls over the balcony, we slowly learn who was killed and who is the killer.

I enjoyed this way more than I originally thought after reading the first few chapters. It took awhile for me to get invested but it picked up about halfway through and then I didn’t want to put it down. The characters felt so real and I even had my jaw drop at some of the reveals! It got way darker than I expected and handled some heavy topics in a respectful way.

I felt the four perspectives could get a bit repetitive, as sometimes you’re hearing about the same situation multiple times. I really enjoyed the authors writing style though and I will definitely read more from Kelsey Cox in the future!

"They can't see outside anymore. But they can hear it. The scream. Just long enough for a body to fall through the air."

It's Sophie's 16th birthday and her father and his new wife are sparing no expense in giving her the best party possible. As alcohol is tossed back and tensions rise, everything comes to a head as the birthday candles are about to be blown out and a body falls from the balcony.

Kelsey Cox hits us with a lavish, drama-filled thriller with her debut PARTY OF LIARS!

Her rotating POVs all offer fresh takes and add to the tension of the story, while also allowing the reader to question everyone's intentions and their truths.

The rich people behave poorly and the teens party as teens do, creating a fever dream within the story that you know is going to hit a pitch - but you aren't sure when, who, or why.

I enjoyed the lore surrounding the house and its evolution into the "Dollhouse" and was very much unsettled as the story progressed.

Highly recommend picking up this debut and I'm really looking forward to what Cox comes up with next!

Thanks to NetGalley, St. Martin's Press, and Minotaur Books for the early copy for review - this book is out now!

In Party of Liars, Kelsey Cox delivers a gripping, twist-filled family drama where secrets simmer beneath the surface and nearly everyone has something to hide. Set against the backdrop of a birthday celebration, the novel wastes no time in unraveling a web of deceit, betrayal, and long-buried truths—most of which are shared by blood.

The pacing is sharp and deliberate, with each chapter peeling back another layer of the family’s carefully constructed facade. Cox excels at building tension, creating a sense of claustrophobia within the party setting as the lies begin to unravel. The dynamics between characters are complex and believable, making the drama all the more engaging.

With unexpected turns and a steady build-up of suspense, Party of Liars keeps readers guessing until the final reveal. It’s a cleverly crafted tale of dysfunction, deception, and the devastating consequences of keeping secrets—perfect for fans of domestic thrillers with a sharp edge.