I’d like to thank Bookouture and NetGalley for giving me the opportunity to read ‘The Leaving Party’ by Lesley Sanderson in exchange for my honest and unbiased review.

Over the past thirteen years Ava has been sent a black rose on the anniversary of an accident that took place in 2005. Ava has decided to move to New York to be with her boyfriend Ben and her best friend Lena has arranged a farewell party on the night before she leaves. Ava is convinced that the person sending the black roses will be at the party, but who is it?

From the description I was looking forward to reading ‘The Leaving Party’ but I’m afraid I found it hard to get into the story which to my mind was slow with no mystery, excitement or suspense, and I wondered if perhaps it was intended for a younger reader than myself. I couldn’t empathise with Ava and Lena who I thought were shallow and unlikeable and the other characters flat, lifeless and uninspiring. I really wanted to like this novel and kept reading in the hope that something would fire up my imagination but I’m sorry to say that I found little in it to enjoy.

I wasn’t sure what to expect from this book as I’d never read Lesley Sanderson and it was my first Netgalley book, but I was pleasantly surprised and really enjoyed it! I loved the flow of this book and the different perspectives in the timelines. It gave just enough away to keep you curious and interested without giving away too much so as to be completely predictable. It was paced well and did not take long to get interesting. I also liked that the main characters were like able but also somewhat untrustworthy so it kept you guessing.

The Leaving Party is a story about how one night can change your life. About what can happen when long-held secrets and toxic obsession collide. And makes us question how well we really know those we consider closest to us/around us.

Ava is on the cusp of a new life. in two days she's joining her boyfriend Ben in New York and she can finally leave behind the awful thing she did that's been haunting her for thirteen years. She's tried to move on but so far it's followed wherever she goes with the appearance of a single black rose on the same day every year. she's never told anyone, not even her best friend Lena who saved her life terrible, fateful night. But today one appears out of sequence, terrifying Ava and convincing her that her tormenter will be at the party and might just be planning their revenge.

The backstory is slowly told in flashbacks of another party thirteen years ago. What happened that night cast a dark shadow over their lives and bound the pair together for the rest of their lives. Ava feels beholden to Lena for her actions that night and it’s clear that Lena plays on this, using it to keep Ava close and guilt her into accepting how she clings to her and wants her all to herself. The dynamic is unhealthy but Ava feels so indebted to Lena that she can’t see it clearly.

I didn’t find Ava or Lena particularly likeable. Ava was a character I felt a bit indifferent about and I never particularly took to her or feel the connection you need with a character to really care about what happens to them. Though she talks about having done something awful and secretive, I never felt that tension or got the feeling she had done anything wrong, but sensed she felt a huge amount of guilt for causing an accident that ended in tragedy. Lena was different. I didn’t like or trust her from early on, and though she unnerved me I was able to feel her pain more keenly. As more of her character was revealed it was clear she had an unhealthy attachment to Ava and might benefit from some psychiatric help. She was a great character to read as though she's clearly unhinged we're never sure if she's the good or bad guy.

I loved the premise of this book. It was full of mystery and started with tension in the air as Ava receives the rose that morning. Though it never reached a level where I was on the edge of my seat, tension was added to the story with the mystery of what had happened to Ben, the influx of sinister, unwanted party gifts and Ava trying to figure out who she could trust and which guest was behind it all. I had suspicions about the suspect early on that ultimately proved true, but the author kept me on my toes with a number of viable suspects that each seemed to have equal merit and made it had to be sure who was the perpetrator.

The Leaving Party was a quick, easy and engaging read. It is perfect for those who enjoy mysteries that don’t have the gruesome element you often find in this genre.

Thank you to Bookouture and Netgalley for gifting me a copy of this book in exchange for an honest review.

Thank you NetGalley for the ARC.

Ava and Lena are the main characters who have been through a lot. Especially 13 years ago.

The black roses on the anniversary of that night added extra creep factor. See every year on that day, Ana receives a black rose which brings her back to that night. In order to get away, Ava is moving. She claims she's moving away to be with her boyfriend, but I truly don't think thats the point. There's a lot of mind f*(*ing in it.

Its told in two different timelines and isn't too hard to follow.

Thank you again NetGalley

2 POV and 2 friends and the dark secrets between them was the premise of this book.

Lena and Ava were two best friends since school. Something happened in a party attended by them which cast a dark shadow even in the present time lines. Ava threw a party when Lena was leaving her job, but there was something she was running from in reality.

My first book by author Lesley Sanderson, the premise was great. The story had different plot lines of lies and betrayal along with revenge. Lena was being tormented by someone for the past 13 years and that person was at the party. I liked how the author managed to get the past and present moving together.

The story was slow paced and suspense was low, it was not an atmospheric read that I expected. But it still managed to entertain me as I wanted to know who the culprit was.

Overall, a good read.

The Leaving Party is about Ava and Lena, two best friends living in a flat together. Ava is about to leave to go to the US with her boyfriend, Ben. Even though Lena is not happy about it, she has planned what is going to be a fantastic farewell party for Ava. Ava, however, has been keeping a huge secret from Lena. Every year, on the anniversary of an event which affected them both, Ava receives a black rose which makes her relive that fateful night all over again.

The plot sounded interesting and I was quite fascinated to find out what exactly had happened to them both thirteen years ago. However, I did not like either Ava or Lena at all. They both were quite needy and melodramatic in my opinion. This made it incredibly hard to get into the book.

The entire book happens during the farewell party. For people who drank such a strong rum punch, the partygoers were remarkably sober. But maybe they could hold their liquor better than mine. I also could not help wondering if they were having any fun between Ava's and Lena's antics. 

One detail that stood out for me was the fact that throughout the story Ava could not find her phone and so was unable to contact Ben. I don't know about other people but generally if you are in a relationship with someone, especially if you know them well enough to move in with them, you would be able to contact him/her without your phone. But maybe that's just me. 

The story did not really have a climax in my opinion. When the most traumatic event of the book happened, I do not even think my heart rate changed. It felt like just another part of the party. And when the villain was revealed, honestly I was not that surprised.

Violence: Moderate
Sexual Content: Sexual harassment is mentioned but it is not graphic
Profanity: A little swearing
Religious Themes: None
Alcohol/Drugs/Smoking: Some mention of social smoking and drinking. Underage drinking

Wow! I couldn’t puts the book down! Amazing!

Lena is very sick woman, I’m glad she’s locked up by end of the page just wow! Ava seems confused and doesn’t understand what’s going on of her leaving party but, her sister Martha explains everything about Lena and her doings...Lena tried to get rid of Ben so she won’t be going anywhere but herself mostly...

Thanks to Netgalley for the advanced copy...

Ava is moving to be with her boyfriend-not a minor change, but leaving the country. She's escaping, but first she has to get through her leaving party. When another black rose arrives on her doorstep the morning of the party, an anonymous reminder that 13 years later someone knows what she did and won't let her forget, Ava fears the sender may be a guest and how they want the night to end.

The Leaving Party is a fun, quick read about secrets and obsession, and what happens when they collide. The story is told in two timelines, both present day and a different party in 2005. Everything happens in the course of one night.

Thank you to the publisher and Netgalley for the ARC. The opinions in this review are honest and my own. #TheLeavingParty #suspense

Ava is leaving her life to move to New York and marry Ben
Lena is her bezzy and lets just say she Isn’t that keen on Ava going, whatever she may be saying outwardly
But still she arranges a ‘leaving party’ full of surprises and wants to make it a night Ava wont forget, she succeeds!

Of course there is a back story that intermingles with Ava and Lena’s chapters so it goes present ( at the party ) and past ( at another party) between them both, the other party is where something happens that comes back to haunt them both at this party! Not as confusing as I have made it seem 😃

There is a good mix of unwelcome guests at the leaving party including estranged sisters, ‘handy’ ex bosses and other folk who really shouldn’t be there

I wasn’t over keen on either Ava or Lena, both needy in different ways and the party itself in its description of being so great and wonderful felt anything but tbh ( not quite sure how people in books drink so much and mix everything for hours and literally usually just stagger a bit )

My main bugbear was Ava waiting for Ben to turn up from America for the party ( he is late ) and cant contact him as she doesn’t have his mobile number ‘to hand’ only her Mum does and she’s out having dinner and cant get it, a bit un surreal ( or surreal ) to me

But it was a viable psychological thriller that did beg lots of questions from the reader, read well and easy and was a quick, non threatening read of at times suspense and at other times a look at obsessive friendship

6/10
3 Stars

“Every year on the same day, on the anniversary, I receive a single black rose. Thirteen years of dark petals, jagged thorns, dredging up memories I’ve tried to forget”

Just these words in the blurb grabbed my attention so I jumped in.

Ava is about to leave for a new start with her boyfriend Ben. Her friend Lena throws her a leaving party. When spooky stuff starts to happen she’s afraid her past is coming back to haunt her.

This story took a bit of time to get into as we get two points of view as well as two different timelines.

Once I got used to the way the story is being told I enjoyed the story.

Can’t say I loved either of the characters but it’s got a good storyline.

Lena and Ava have been friends forever. But now Ava is leaving to trial to the US for a new life with her boyfriend Ben.
Something happened to Ava thirteen years ago that changed her life, and every year on the anniversary she receives a black rose, reminding her of what she has done.
Lena has organized a large going away party for Ava, and it becomes clear the the rose sender is at the party, and they want something.
A compelling story with a large cast of characters who could be the tormented, leaves no you guessing until the end.

1..5 stars rounded up

I'm torn between giving it one or two stars. Sure, I always rounded up the half star, but at least, I know the real value.
Anyway, The Leaving Party took a lot of pages before it formed a suspense. But honestly, there was zero suspense on the book and I could careless about the girls, Lena and Ava.
Ava is leaving to her new life and her past is catching up to her fast. It was supposed to be thrilling as everything (even the flashback) was told in the span of one night. But I couldn't feel the tension, the suspense, the mystery.
And the real culprit was just, meh.
It was a so-so book from the start to the end.

In order to understand the present, the author takes us back to the past and the two main characters Lena and Ava do the talking.

During the whole story there is an air of secrecy and creepiness. What makes it even more sinister is that you don't know where the danger is coming from. Who can you trust? Who has your best interests at heart? Who wishes you the best life you can get? Only one answer is possible, right? It has to be your best friend. 

But if she is your best friend, why do you want to go to the other end of the world? Is she for real or does she lead you on a merry dance?

Who is keeping secrets? Or do they all have things to hide?

A party is synonym to fun, but a leaving party unlocks a whole range of emotions.

I finished the book in a day. I just had to know how it would come together. A gripping story that I most certainly enjoyed. 4 stars.

Thank you, Lesley Sanderson and Bookouture

I really loved this book!! It had so many twists and turns. It kept me on the edge of my seat wondering what was going to happen next!! This was my first book by this Author, and it won’t be the last!! Quick read!! Highly recommended!! You won’t be disappointed!!

Thank you to NetGalley and Bookouture for the opportunity to read and review this book!

This story follows Lena and Ava, friends since High School, and bound together since a tragic accident. Ava has leaned on Lena and are as close as sisters. Ava has now become engaged and decides that it is the perfect time to move to America to be with her fiance. To say that Lena is is not taking it well is an understatement. She does not think that Ava will actually leave her behind, but she plans a surprise going away party for her best friend.

Poor Ava has been tormented every year since a tragic incident at a high school party, and she receives a black rose on the anniversary every year. On the evening of her going away party she receives another rose and she can't help but think that one of her guests have been the one sending them to her.While the night unfolds, more unsettling events take place and leaves Ava rattled. Who can she trust in a houseful of friends a colleagues?

I enjoyed the flashbacks to 2005, it really adds to the character development. Ava and her family are well off and put together, while Lena and her family are fractured and she is not used to the finer things in life. I did feel like the pacing was on the slower side until about 50% in. The second half of this story was spot on. With a going away party, and plenty of culprits, you are left guessing until the end!

I will definitely recommend this book, and look forward to reading more from this author!

Ava is leaving to start a new life in New York with Ben. Lena her best friend and housemate is throwing on last party for her before she jets off. The day starts of badly. Ava receives a black rose. She’s been getting them for the last twelve years on the anniversary of an event we learn about during the course of the book.
During the night. More roses appear and strange things start happening. So the person Ava fears most must be one of her friends. But who?
The story is told during the evening by both Ava and Lena with flashbacks to 2005.
Started slowly then build up to a crescendo. I couldn’t stop turning the pages fast enough. High five for Lesley Sanderson. A thoroughly engaging read.
Thanks to Bookouture and Netgalley for the arc in return for an honest review.
#theleavingparty. #lesleysanderson #bookouture

Thank you NetGalley and Bookouture for the opportunity to read this book in exchange for an honest review of it.

The story revolves around two main characters Ava and Lena. The story is told in the present day with every other chapter a flashback to 2005. The story gives a picture of an obsessive friendship, where one character will do anything in their power to stop the other one from leaving and moving on with their life. The story begins and ends with a party, the events of the first one overshadow the events at the second one.

When one of the women has no other friends beyond this one friendship, they try to hang on tooth and nail to the other one. They try to isolate them from other friends, from their family, layer lie upon lie, scare them with the past. They hide their things (cell phone, passport) in an effort to force them to stay. An interesting take on the word 'obsession'.

I sat down to read this book before dinner... and didn't put it down until I fell asleep that night. I mean... who needs to eat when there's a crazy psychopath taunting Ava about a tragic event from her past.

For years, Ava's received a black rose on the anniversary of the event she's tried so hard to forget. But now that she's leaving the UK for good to be with her handsome boyfriend Ben in the US, the taunts have increased. On the day of Ava's leaving party-- so perfectly planned by her best friend Lena-- black roses and a black cake are delivered and now Ava's passport is missing. Whoever has been torturing her for the past 13 years wants to make this leaving party a night to remember.

Ava's friends and co-workers are all at her house to wish her well... or are they? Is one of her friends responsible for the black roses? What exactly is their end game? You'll have to read the book to find out!

This story is told in two timelines. Past, present and between two characters, friends.

We learn that something happened years ago that overshadows them.
So when a leaving party is noted and strange things start to happen, it’s spooky and concerning.

It’s a good premise to the story and I enjoyed it, however, as the heat started and I was expecting kind kings of flame with pitch power and pace, it just didn’t happen.
I was trying to urge myself to get excited but it just kept the same momentum.

this book was just ok to me. the story of two friends and what bound them together. it was told in both their voices, the secret was fairly predictable. a bit slow going but ok