How can you tell an author is from Texas without looking at their bio? A) Their characters go to H-E-B. B) They mention the Parker County Peach Festival. Those two random tidbits just stuck out, and fun fact, it is always hot as sin at that Festival! Anyway, that is neither here nor there, but I'm always happy to get to read a homestate author.

This book is one of those "the killer is in the room" type of psychological/domestic thrillers. We have 4 different POVs (all with different narrators), and they give you a glimpse of life before, during, and after the party. We don't know what happens until the very end, we don't even know if anyone dies or is just injured, until the very end. That did drive me crazy; I wanted to know what we were building up to. Many parts were slow and didn't feel necessary, or dragged the story down. The character of Mary Beth didn't feel needed to be in the story at all because there was already so much going on. Kim is the ex-wife who is also an alcoholic; we see how she got to where she is at the time of the party. Dani is the current wife who is suffering from some postpartum anxiety and is struggling to hold her life together, and she's been getting creepy messages. Orlaith is the Irish nanny who isn't what she seems, and Mikayla is the birthday girl's best friend. Throughout this we bounce back and forth in the timeline to get a picture of certain elements (that I won't say to not spoil), you don't know that's what the picture is of until the big reveal. All of our characters are a bit unreliable as narrators, as they all seem to be holding something back or are unable to remember events as they were. The last quarter of the book was when everything started picking up in pace. We stopped guessing what was happening and got all of the shocks. Let me tell you, though there may have been foreshadowing, I did not see that coming at all. I will also say that none of the characters were particularly likable, but the story was enjoyable, and those qualities that were unlikeable made sense in the end.

This book was written well, even on the slower sections you were drawn in to want to know more, hooked into trying to guess where the story was going and what drama was unfurling. The narrators all did a fantastic job and I loved that each POV had their own voice. This book is a slow-burn thriller and I would call it somewhat of a psychological thriller (because of what happened) as well as a domestic thriller. This is full of secrets, lies, and how a switch in perception can change the meaning of everything.

This was more than I expected, but still not fully 5 ⭐, but you should read this purely for the ride alone.

Party of Liars was great for someone like me who likes a book that keeps me on my toes, but I know that this won't be a book that everyone can/will enjoy. And that is only because of the way the story is told. For someone like me, with ADHD + who knows what else, I like a storyline that isn't linear and keeps me guessing. But I know that can be difficult to keep up with and can frustrate the heck out of others.

But that kept me guessing, on the edge of my "seat", and kept my speed as fast as possible so I could find out what was happening.

The reason this didn't get 5 stars; there wasn't enough closure. And I don't mind that in a book. But if there is going to be some closure, for me there needs to be full closure. When there are multiple points of view, I would like closure from each perspective. And even if there was closure from each person (maybe I missed part of that audio), there were a couple characters that were featured throughout the book that seemed to not be important anymore at the end.

So it is a solid 4⭐ from me, but below you will see why I could not make it a full 5 stars.







********** Slight spoiler below****************

And I don't like how there wasn't any resolution between Sophie and Mikayla. And for me, that needed to happen. There were serious things that needed to be resolved, and the fact that life went on "as usual" without what seemed to be any discussions or otherwise, is not enough for me.

📖 Bookish Thoughts:
This one wasn’t quite for me, but I still think some readers will enjoy it—especially the last 25%, which really picked up the pace. The audiobook itself? Phenomenal. The full cast of narrators made it so much easier to follow all the shifting POVs, and it honestly elevated the experience.

Dani, the stepmom, was the standout for me. I knew she wasn’t just being dramatic—something was off, and I felt so much stress on her behalf. Kim, the ex-wife, completely lost me when she mocked someone’s stutter. Her substance issues were sad, but mocking someone’s stutter? I had a hard time with Sophie’s dad, Ethan. Something about his behavior rubbed me the wrong way from the beginning.
Mikayla was an odd duck, but I felt for her. She was overwhelmed, envious, and clearly out of her element. Teenagers go through it! Orlaith was one of the only adult characters who didn’t make me want to scream. There were a lot of other adults introduced and all of them were equally unlikeable.

My biggest issue was the pacing—it was super slow, and the rotating POVs got confusing. Without the audiobook and its clear voice distinction, I think I would've struggled even more.
That said, the ending was solid and wrapped things up in a satisfying way!

🩸 What you can expect:
• Full cast audiobook
• Birthday party murder
• Multiple POVs
• Slow burn suspense
• Messy family dynamics
• Mean girl drama

📖 Book Score: 3 Stars
🎧 Audio Score: 4 stars
🎙️Narration : Full Cast


Thank you to Macmillan Audio and NetGalley for the advance listening copy. All thoughts are my own.

I've been on a thriller kick lately so I was excited to listen to this one- locked room mystery, multiple POV, it all seemed great! I'll be honest, I stopped listening at around 40% and debated whether I should continue. There were some parts that were just creepy and not for me. I'm sure other people will absolutely love the haunted aspects but truly I regret not checking trigger warnings ahead of time. I don't think I've ever DNF'd a book because of triggers or upsetting content, but I guess this one just struck a chord with sensitive topics. Maybe I'll revisit it closer to its release date but for now I had to pause and put it aside. Not for me but I'm sure many will love it!

In Party of Liars, a group of teens attend what’s supposed to be an unforgettable party at a remote mansion—only for it to end in tragedy. When one of the partygoers ends up dead, secrets unravel, friendships crack, and everyone becomes a suspect. Told through alternating timelines—before and after the party—and from multiple perspectives, the novel slowly reveals the lies each character is hiding and the shocking truth of what really happened that night.

This book pulled me in from the very beginning. From the first few pages, I was hooked by the mysterious tone and the tension bubbling under the surface. Kelsey Cox does a great job of introducing each character in a way that makes you want to know more—who they are, what they’re hiding, and how they’re connected to the events of that fateful night.

The use of multiple narrators worked really well here. Each character brought a fresh piece of the puzzle, and their individual biases and blind spots added richness to the unfolding mystery.

That said, the middle did slow down a little bit. After such a strong and fast-paced start, there was a stretch where the momentum dipped. However, the slower pacing gave space for character development, and once the pieces started falling into place, I was completely hooked again.

And the ending? Absolutely shocking. I thought I had figured it out, but the final twist threw me for a loop. I love when a thriller can genuinely surprise me, and this one did just that.

Overall, Party of Liars is a gripping, slow-burn domestic thriller about secrets, loyalty, and the masks we wear—even around our closest friends. If you enjoy twisty, character-driven suspense with a jaw-dropping ending, this book is worth picking up.

It didn’t take long for me to figure out where this was headed, but I was still invested.

Most of the story takes place at the Sweet 16 party, though we do bounce between timelines.

The full cast on the audiobook did a great job—it made it easy to follow the characters and shifts in time. I really enjoyed all of the narrators.

Even though it was predictable, it holds your attention because you’re itching to find out who dies. I had a feeling, and I was right.

There was one twist I didn’t see coming. I’m still not sure how I feel about that one, but I’ll let you all find it on your own. I also guessed the final twist, but I wasn’t mad about it. I actually felt a little validated.

I do wish there had been more revenge or redemption, but overall, it wasn’t bad.

Thanks to NetGalley and Macmillan Audio for the opportunity to listen to this one early

This book had a good storyline, but in my opinion, there were way too many narrators in the story. It was as an audiobook of who was talking and telling the story at the time. I enjoyed the ending of the story..

Five stars to this suspense filled, multiple twist story full of suspicious characters!

This is my first book from this author, and I was so entertained by this story. So dramatic, full of twists and turns, I was captivated! The beginning was a little slow, but before long I was completely immersed in the story. I listened to it on audiobook, and it was an absolute delight. Fantastic narration.

I highly recommend this amazing thriller!

Thank you Kelsey Cox and Macmillan Audio for an audiobook ARC of Party of Liars.

Party of Liars is considered a thriller, which by being in that category I had pretty high expectations. Wow did it actually really capture my attention! This was an under a 24 listen for me and usually an audio will take me at least a few days. I really enjoyed that it was fast past, easy to listen but kept you engaged. It really gave off YOU vibes mixed with a classic party atmosphere who done it. But instead of a who done it, it’s a who IS it.

As for audio, it’s rare for a book to select all of the narrators to fit together so well but this one did an excellent job. It was also easy to distinguish between who and who, which can be a challenge sometimes when several people are having a conversation.

Over all 4 stars. I couldn’t give it a 5 because it was fairly predictable.

Party of Liars publishes in a couple of months on 01 July 2025 and I predict it will be all over social media feeds this summer.

It’s a story about family and friends coming together for an opulent Sweet Sixteen party. It seems like everyone at the party is a liar or trying to hide a massive secret. Both adults and teenagers behave badly and the party is full of drama. Add in a death and this instantly becomes a page-turning, drama filled thriller.

The audiobook is well narrated with a cast for each POV. I enjoyed listening to it over the weekend. I recommend this audiobook if you enjoy locked room mysteries full of drama and secrets. It’s perfect for listening to by the pool or while driving during a road trip this summer!

What a twisty, suspenseful ride! I could not stop listening to this audiobook, and I finished in one day. Told through multiple POVs, the story unfolds through a series of flashbacks depicting the events leading up to the 16th birthday party of the daughter of a wealthy family where a dead body is found. Every single one of the characters has secrets, and it was fun to see how the relationship dynamics were never what they seem as truths are revealed. I love that the audio performance had different actors for each of the characters-made the performance incredibly engaging. This will be a perfect summer read, and I cannot wait to read more from this author!

Thank you to Macmillan Audio and NetGalley for a copy of the audiobook to review in exchange for an honest review.

Wow! This was the thriller I needed! Loved the full cast audiobook! Made it so easy to follow all the different characters. And boy did the different characters make a difference. Every narrator was excellent. So rare.
The intertwining and unraveling of this thriller was delicious. The foreshadowing was on point. You knew it meant something but didn’t know what it meant. So well done.
And that ending. What?!!!! The last chapter was gold!

>>Thank you Netgalley and Macmillion Audio for a review copy of this book. My opinions are my own.

🎧Audiobook review:

First, let me say this was a 4.5 ⭐️ read for me and I don’t give them out easily. Kelsey Cox’s debut novel and you wouldn’t be able to tell! The imagery, character development and plot were excellent and listening via audiobook to the multiple POV’s really took this to the next level.

You’ve got murder, lies, secrets, and drama galore in this Texas-sized drama set in Texas Hill country. It’s Sophie’s sweet 16 and what a party it turns out to be!

Who dies, why do they die… and who did it? 🤔

This book kept me on my toes trying to figure out where it was going and how it would end. The twists were great and I didn’t see them coming.

Thank you to NetGalley, Macmillan Audio, and Kelsey Cox for this ARC. I am looking forward to reading more by this author!

Sophie’s sweet sixteen party turns deadly when a body drops off the balcony.

Told via flashback we discover the events leading to the fateful night, through 4 POVs, from a drunken ex, to a suspect nanny and the just-so new wife. It’s rich people behaving badly in a locked room mystery at a mansion on a hill. What could possibly go wrong?

Did I like any of the characters? Eh, not really. I thought I was going to be team ex but, nope.

This was an easy, somewhat entertaining listen. Five narrators were great to listen to and made it easy to know who was talking at any time.
3.5*

Fans of Freida will likely enjoy this one.

With thanks to NetGalley and Macmillan.Audio for the advance listening copy.

ALC 🎧📖 Review: Party of Liars by Kelsey Cox
⭐️⭐️
Pub Date: July 1, 2025.

This one was painfully slow. 😬 I feel like if I didn’t have the audiobook, I would have DNF’d it. I usually enjoy multiple POVs, but this felt like too many. All of the characters were unlikable, which made it hard for me to get invested. Curious to see what others think of this one!

Thank you to @netgalley and @Macmillan.Audio for this ALC in exchange for an honest review.

🎉🤥🥂

Today is Sophie Matthews’s sixteenth birthday party, an exclusive black-tie bash in the heart of the Texas Hill Country, where secrets are as deep-rooted as the sprawling live oaks. Sophie’s dad has spared no expense, and his renovated cliffside mansion—once thought haunted—is now hosting the event of the season. Then, 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.

#netgalley #advancedlisteningcopy #audiobook #audiobookreview #bookworm #booklover #bookish #bookstagrammer #reading #reader #read #books

Thank you to Macmillan Audio and Netgalley for this ALC in exchange for an honest review.

Party of Liars by Kelsey Cox is honestly a fitting title for this book because as you get to know these characters, you realize they are all liars and kind of terrible too, in the best of ways. This is the story of a sweet sixteen birthday party gone wrong. The mix of drama and mystery made for a very engaging and interesting plot. The pace was a little slow but it gave you a lot of time to get to know these characters and the horrible things they've done. The multiple povs really helped give the full picture of what was going on. This is a great choice for anyone looking for a story filled with danger, tension, and lies. The audiobook narration was wonderful. It really brought everything to life and added a lot of depth to the characters.

Wow. You know that moment when you read a book description and think, “This is either going to be incredible or crash and burn”? I’m thrilled to report this one totally delivers. It’s the real deal.

Told through a mix of flashbacks and shifting perspectives, Party of Liars centers around a 16th birthday party... but it’s not just a party. Something big happens, and the book slowly peels back layers to show how and why it unfolded. What really impressed me was how easy it was to keep track of the different voices. Each character felt distinct, not just in the narration, but in personality and experiences. I never found myself confused or checking who was speaking. It all flowed so well.

I hadn’t heard of Kelsey Cox before this, and imagine my surprise (and disappointment!) when I found out this is her debut after I immediately went searching for more. Fingers crossed she’s working on many more books!

If you're in the mood for something twisty, emotionally rich, and expertly performed, this one’s a must. I listened to the whole thing in a single day while getting things done around the house, and I was hooked every second.

Reading in Between the Wines book review #43/125 for 2025:
Rating: 3🍷🍷🍷
Book: Party of Liars
Author: Kelsey Cox
RELEASES on July 1, 2025!!!

Sipping thoughts: Wooh! Such a good little twist I did not expect!! I love it when your least favorite character becomes your favorite, or the innocent becomes the character you can’t stand. I was surprised by so many things in this book, and it did not feel like it was done for shock factor but done in a crafty way. I think this is Kelsey Cox’s debut, and it was a good one, and I hope to read more in the future.

Cheers and thank you to @Netgalley and @MacmillanAudio for an advanced copy of @PartyOfLiars.

#PartyOfLiars #KelseyCox #MacmillanAudio #NetGalley #ARC #advancedreader #Kindle #Booksofinstagram #readersofinstagram #bookstagram #nicoles_bookcellar #bookworm #bookdragon #booknerd #booklover #bookstagrammer #bookaholic #bokreview #bookreviewer #IHaveNoShelfControl #ReadingBetweenTheWines #fiction #thriller #suspense #mystery #MysteryAndThrillers #GeneralFictionAdult

Set at a grand Texas mansion with a haunted past, everyone gathers for a lavish sweet-sixteen party for Sophie Matthews! Distracted by the party events, both the teens and the adults confront private dramas. A handsome, successful man with a new wife and ex-wife in attendance, both with mental health battles. The birthday girl and her childhood best friend. A new nanny observes everything from a distance. Are things as they seem?

An excellent debut novel by Kelsey Cox. The author motivates the readers to turn pages while planting seeds of doubt about what they think is happening. With shades of Lucy Foley and Alice Feeney, this thriller will keep you engaged and satisfied.
I look forward to more of her books!

Advanced Listening Copy provided by Netgalley, Macmillan Audio, Minotaur Books. All opinions are my own.

This was such a fun mystery thriller to read! It was told from multiple perspectives and there were a lot of twists and surprises. There were several times when I thought I knew who was going to be the victim, and I was completely wrong. I admit that all of the adult characters were utterly unlikable. Most of them were incredibly manipulative and deceptive. The kids, except the baby were running completely wild and doing whatever they wanted because all of the adults at the party were too busy drinking and involved with their petty dramas to care what the teens were doing. I listened to the audiobook and the narrators did a fantastic job with their characters. They really made the story come to life. It takes place in a haunted house with a ghost story worthy of the Haunted Mansion. It grabbed my attention from the beginning and I really plan to read more of this author’s work.