A Birthday Bash Gone Wrong: A Review of Party of Liars
When I first stumbled upon Party of Liars by Kelsey Cox, the premise instantly captured me: a high-stakes party filled with secrets, suspense, and the potential for an unforgettable plot twist. As a lover of psychological thrillers, I couldn’t resist diving into this story. And while I went in with no expectations, I was eager for the thrill promised by its marketing. However, as I turned the pages, I couldn’t help but feel like I’d signed up for a different kind of ride.
Set against the backdrop of a cliffside mansion, we meet Sophie Matthews, a 16-year-old girl on the cusp of adulthood, whose birthday party quickly spirals into chaos when someone falls to their death. The narrative unfolds through the perspectives of four characters: Sophie’s influencer stepmother, Dani; her best friend, Mikayla; her estranged mother, Kim; and Órlaith, the elderly nanny. At first, I was intrigued by the multi-POV approach; I hoped it would weave a rich tapestry of motives and surprises. Instead, I found the rapid shifts among 98 chapters—many barely a page long—left me disconnected from the story and the characters.
The core of Party of Liars isn’t a pulse-pounding thriller as I had expected; rather, it morphs into a domestic drama. Most of the plot feels like filler—character backstories and mundane events leading up to the climactic moment often overshadow the murder mystery. Unfortunately, the revelations felt less like twists and more like predictable outcomes. By the time the climax rolled around, I felt more fatigued than intrigued, which was disappointing.
Cox’s writing style is engaging, but the pacing often hindered the story. The constant switching between characters, coupled with scattered flashbacks, created a sense of disarray. Key moments were often glossed over, focusing instead on details I felt were unnecessary or underexplained. For instance, the intriguing tidbit about the family mansion being haunted fizzled into nothing, leaving me wishing for a hint of supernatural tension that never materialized.
One quote that stuck with me was: "People are born with a fear of falling… It’s the loss of control we’re afraid of." It’s certainly fitting for the characters, who grapple with their fears and secrets throughout the party. However, this profound idea is lost amidst the chaotic narrative structure and unfulfilled promises of mystery.
Despite my critique, I still believe Kelsey Cox has potential as a new author. This debut may resonate with readers who prefer character-driven dramas over thrillers. If you enjoy intricate family dynamics and complex relationships, Party of Liars might be worth your time.
In closing, while this book didn’t quite hit the mark for me, I appreciate the effort and creativity behind it. I’ll be keeping an eye out for Cox’s future works, hopeful for a tighter, more compelling story next time. After all, every author’s first outing comes with learning and growth—just like a birthday party full of surprises!