The Girl at the Party by Danielle Stewart

Rating: ★★★☆☆

Dates Read: 5/15/23 - 5/16/23

    With a forceful slam, Stephanie closes the door behind her, casting a final glance at the lively party where her closest friends revel in celebration. Amidst the pouring of drinks and blasting music, she vanishes into the solitary darkness. Whispers circulated, hinting at tears streaming down her face and the echoes of an argument that night.

    After our beloved friend Stephanie was found murdered four years ago, I've carried the burden of believing I could have done more. Our close-knit group of eight always considered her the exemplary one—the one who avoided trouble and protected us all.

    As we uncover more about the events leading up to that fateful night, it becomes clear that our friend Stephanie was far from perfect. She had secrets, secrets that someone would kill to keep hidden. The more we learn about that night, the more I realize I never truly knew her.

    As we come closer to discovering the truth, the threats begin. A warning message appears on my car, and our house is broken into, leaving my belongings destroyed. The killer is watching us, lurking in the shadows.

    I really enjoyed the podcast element and how the story unfolded through alternating timelines. However, I wish the characters, especially Stephanie, were more fleshed out. Without the additional depth to the characters, it was hard to believe they were friends. Also, I felt that some of the secrets they were guarding weren't as impactful as expected. Nevertheless, the book had a fast-paced plot and a compelling mystery surrounding the events of that night. While I had some parts figured out, it was still well-written and engaging.

    I was definitely caught off guard by the identity of the murderer, but I must admit, the ending felt abrupt. It seemed like not much had happened, and then it was suddenly over. I didn't feel a strong connection with any of the characters. They all had shades of gray morality, but some were definitely more questionable than others.

    Overall, I'd be up for reading another book by Danielle Stewart! The Girl at the Party was a solid and fast-paced read, perfect for those seeking a twisty whodunit with a touch of mystery and suspense.

    All thanks to NetGalley for providing me with the ARC in exchange for an honest review.