ARC Review: Party of Liars by Kelsey Cox

A lavish, Texas-sized Sweet Sixteen turns deadly in this twisty, pulse-pounding new novel — serving up a fresh take on a classic locked-room whodunnit. Let the festivities begin…

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.

It’s a killer guest list . . .

DANI: Sophie’s new stepmother who’s been plagued by self-doubt ever since the birth of her own baby girl

ÓRLAITH: the superstitious Irish nanny who senses a looming danger in this cavernous house

MIKAYLA: the birthday girl’s best friend who is not nearly as meek as the popular kids assume

KIM: the cunning ex-wife who has a grudge she can’t let go of . . .

Everyone is invited in. Not everyone will get out alive.

Title: Party of Liars

Author: Kelsey Cox

Publisher: St. Martin's Press

Expected Publication Date: July 1, 2025

Review:

Thank you to St. Martin's Press and NetGalley for providing me with a copy of this book to read and give my honest review. The opinions expressed here are my own.

When the publisher reached out to me to review this title, I was skeptical. The blurb sounded really good, but I wasn't sure I would love it. I am so happy I read it. It was FANTASTIC!

It's so hard for me to review a mystery/suspense/thriller type book as I always feel like I'm going to give everything away. I don't read a ton of thrillers, even though I thoroughly enjoy them whenever I do. I'm always worried they will be predictable and I'll know exactly who done it. But this book really kept me on the edge of my seat. So many times I thought there would be a murder, or someone would get hurt, and the author turned it over to something I wasn't expecting. 

This book is told from several points of view. Each characters seemingly just a bit unhinged. Each character surely could be the one who committed the crime. Cox does a fabulous job getting into the reader's head and planting all the seeds to do this. There were so many twists and turns the author definitely kept me on my toes. The different points of view definitely helped build the story.

I enjoyed the bit of paranormal the author infused into the book as well. It's always fun to have some folklore to go along with a mystery. But the paranormal aspect, if you can really call it that, doesn't take the turn you believe it will. 

The gaslighting in this book is unprecedented. It wasn't until about three quarters of the way through the book that I understood exactly what was going on. And I will say, I was surprised by the twist. But then when it happened, I realized I should have seen it the entire time! I was actually mad at myself that I didn't.

And the twist at the end. I honestly did not see it coming at all. Even though, when I think back. I see the author made it fairly clear in the storyline. 

Add to the great plot line and fabulous pacing that this a debut and I have found myself a new author to follow and love! It's movie worthy for sure. I would love to see this on the screen. The author set this so realistically and made me believe in the characters. I can't get it out of my head.

I cannot wait to see what Cox will write in a future. This is a solid thriller that will keep you on your toes and keep you guessing at 1) who the victim is and 2) who done it. 

Author:

Kelsey Cox received her MFA in fiction from Purdue University and works from home in the Texas Hill Country. You can often find her writing at Mammen Family Public Library, chasing around her two young daughters, or watching British mysteries with her mom and aunts. On nights when bedtime goes as planned, she enjoys curling up on the sofa, glass of wine in hand, and a book with complicated characters and a killer twist in her lap.

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