The Party by Natasha Preston

When a group of boarding school friends decides to spend their Easter break at a secret location, they expect a weekend of parties and teenage revelry. However, their plans soon turn sinister. In her latest young adult (YA) thriller, Natasha Preston delivers a gripping story of friendship, betrayal and murder set in a remote English castle. 

Bessie is invited to the party hosted by friends, whose wealthy family owns the castle. The family is planning to turn the castle into a luxury apartment complex, but this has sparked protests and threats from local residents.

Despite this, Bessie is excited to spend the weekend at this exclusive event, but is also having second thoughts about the castle’s infrastructure. Once the rain starts and the storm knocks trees down, she realises the heating issues are the least of their worries. Soon Bessie and her friends find themselves trapped inside the castle while a storm rages outside. 

Despite the worsening weather, the group tries to keep their spirits high by drinking and dancing. But when one of them is found dead, they realise there’s someone in the castle with harmful intentions. But who? Could it be one of them? Is there someone else in the castle? Who wants to hurt them and why? How well does Bessie really know her friends? As the party turns into a hunt, can Bessie make it out alive?

The Party expertly combines elements of classic locked-room mysteries with psychological suspense. The story maintains a fast pace with a vivid atmosphere and surprising revelations! Natasha explores multiple themes including friendship and loyalty alongside the impact of privilege and wealth. 

Follow Natasha Preston online.

Reviewer: Andrea Molloy

Bonnier