The Garden Party

A completely gripping and heart-stopping psychological thriller

by Wendy Clarke

This title was previously available on NetGalley and is now archived.

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Pub Date 14 Mar 2024 | Archive Date 14 Mar 2024

Bookouture

General Fiction (Adult) | Mystery & Thrillers

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Description

It’s so kind of our neighbours to throw this party welcoming us to our new home. My husband and I finally moved to the right place. A happy, safe street where nobody knows about my mistakes. But I soon learn their smiling faces hide even deadlier secrets…

As I take in the little plates of sandwiches arranged over checked tablecloths, the lavish cocktails, and children playing, I finally feel happy in my new home with Owen. I love hearing the gossip from the local families; the whispers about which wives I should avoid, and which husbands sneak out at night.

But then I notice that the mother at number 3, Phillipa, is completely ignoring her sweet little girl. All blue-eyed Lexi wants is for her mother to play with her. And as Lexi pulls on Phillipa’s skirt, I’m certain I hear the woman threaten to smack her.

Isn’t anyone going to say something? Even as I’m filled with rage, terrible memories flood back: of standing in a cold, thin hospital gown, hearing I may never have my own biological child.

And then a shout pierces my memory. Lexi has run away from her mother and nearly fallen into the large, deep pond in the middle of the green. Everyone rushes over to comfort her, while Philippa stays at the party to top up her drink.

I promised Owen I’d put my past behind me so that we could start a new life. But some people don’t deserve to become mothers. I plaster a smile onto my face. I need to befriend Philippa. And do whatever it takes to keep Lexi safe…

A twisty and utterly unputdownable thriller about the secrets hidden behind closed doors. Fans of Lisa Jewell, Freida McFadden and K.L. Slater will be up all night desperate to keep reading.

A Note From the Publisher

*** THIS IS AN UNCORRECTED ADVANCE REVIEW COPY ***

Advance Praise

What readers are saying about Wendy Clarke:

‘I COULD NOT PUT THIS BOOK DOWN. I didn’t even realise I hadn’t eaten because I was too busy reading… It was gripping, it was tense, fast-paced and full of twists, it was so unpredictable that I just didn’t even know who I was anymore. I loved it.’ Goodreads reviewer, ⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐

‘OMG!! WOW!!… OH YES!!!… a book that EVERYONE will be talking about!! I can see this being a bestseller… BOY. OH. BOY… Incredible read!!… Clear your schedule for this book!… Will suck you in like never before!… Mind-blowing… LOVED this book!’ Heidi Lynn Book Reviews, ⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐

‘I LOVED THIS PHENOMENAL, GRIPPING BOOK. I raced through it, it consumed me in its pages… A shocking conclusion which left me gobsmacked… Brilliant… HOOKS YOU FROM THE START. LOVED IT! LOVED IT! LOVED IT!’ Goodreads reviewer, ⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐

‘One word, brilliant!… I felt dizzy and loved every single minute… had me gripped from page one, and just as I thought I had the plot figured out, another twist happened.’ Goodreads reviewer, ⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️

‘Holy heck!! I have no words for this book! It was twisted beyond measure! I couldn’t turn the pages fast enough! This book will be with me for a long time to come!’ NetGalley reviewer, ⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️

‘Literally had me missing a heartbeat because I just couldn’t work out where this story was leading me… Had me hook, line and sinker ‘til the very end… My eyes were on stalks reading the last couple of pages. Wow.’ Echoes in an Empty Room, ⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️

‘A real rollercoaster of suspense, lies & twists. One of the best psychological thrillers I’ve read this year. I made my mind up many times, only to be proven wrong each time. The last 30 pages had me almost holding my breath.’ @raena_reads, ⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️

‘Made me gasp out loud!!!! What a great ride. Pulls you in like nothing else. One of the best books that I have read this year. It’s over but I don’t want it to be.’ Goodreads reviewer, ⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️

What readers are saying about Wendy Clarke:

‘I COULD NOT PUT THIS BOOK DOWN. I didn’t even realise I hadn’t eaten because I was too busy reading… It was gripping, it was tense, fast-paced and full...