RACHEL ABBOTT IS BLOODY BRILLIANT!! There, I said it!! She deserved all the accolades for this book. My heart flew high while reading this book away from the world stress. And I thank her. Her twists were more suspenseful than I could believe, where every plot line had me holding my breath. Eagerness gripped my innards as the very talented author forced her charcters to play The Murder Game.

9 were invited for celebrations of a wedding. 8 were left. The remaining 8 were invited one year later to reveal secrets and happenings of the wedding day. Each had something to hide, but one was pure evil with murder hidden in the crevices of the heart.

WHAT. A. PLOT. A locked room kind of a mystery was given a personalized turn when the main character used his threats to make the others adhere to his rules. The story gained its speed when each character remained in the shadows of their obstinacy, giving me glimpses of their doubtful actions, yet hiding it cleverly behind innocent words.

The characters were all the so-called friends, but never had I seen such a pit of friendly vipers. The author knew how to keep my pulse racing when she made them play hide-and-seek with me. The atmosphere was immersive where I loved donning my Detective hat to look at all of them with suspicion.

Final twist made me wide-eyed with shock, Rachel could make my heart overwork with thrill. What a romping ride it was!! This murder mystery was one of a kind, and I SIMPLY LOVED IT.

A BRILLIANT READ!!

First, I want to thank Rachel Abbott, Bookouture, and NetGalley for providing me with this book so may I bring you this review.

WOW!!!!! Rachel Abbott’s The Invitation is one invite you MUST READ!!! She just totally blew me away with her incredibly suspenseful read. While reading this book it was playing out like a movie in my mind. When I was finished it was a no brainer Rachel you need to get this submitted to Netflix!!!

The first thing that jumped out and caught my eye was the unique cover! It is beautiful, amazing colors, and so perfect for the story. The graphic designer did an amazing job capturing my eye.

Rachel Abbott was born to write in this genre as she tells such a twisted story!! She picked the most interesting cast of characters for this very twisted tale. Each were special in their own way and each had a secret.

There were so many aspects of this book that I adored. The reunion of friends, the mystery of who Alex is and what happened to her, the twists and turns, and the shocking ending I never saw coming.

In a weird way it reminded me of a very modernized version of the movie Clue. Except this version was much more twisted!!

I didn’t realize this was the second installment in the Stephanie King series. I love book series so I’m happy I have found another one to add to my list! Even though I started with book 2, book 1 (And So It Begins), wasn’t spoiled so you will see me definitely picking up book 1. I loved this book so much I will be keeping an eye out for the next installment in the Stephanie King series.

I couldn’t put down this book! The story is told from three POVs, Gemma, Stephanie (the detective) and Alex. Having these three points of views changed the whole story. It made it even more gripping. Each character all have their own secrets, therefore you don’t know who to trust at any given time.

The story had and old school mystery vibe, the setting takes place in a huge mansion where it seems everyone is creeping around eavesdropping. This was right up my alley! It made me feel like I was on vacation with my friends. It was so well written and atmospheric I absolutely loved it! The perfect summer read.

The ending was brilliant and unpredictable! The whole book was perfectly executed if you ask me.

Rachel Abbott has now been promoted to one of my favorite authors!

I don't really know what to write about this book that will do it justice. It starts off quite innocently, with a couple going to visit some friends for a wedding celebration. The celebration weekend ends up with a death, is it suicide, or is it murder. Everyone is a suspect. Then the story jumps ahead with a year later where there is still more secrets to be uncovered. This was really an excellent read, and I was bowled over at each page turning with another plot twists. Highly recommended.

This was my first Rachel Abbott book and definitely will not be my last. Thank you to Netgalley and the publisher for the opportunity to read this book for my honest opinion. This mystery is told through multiple points of view. Each person’s part in the murder mystery is written so well. This book was so intriguing and kept me hooked! I didn’t see the twist coming until just before it occurred. I give this book four out of five stars because there was just a teeny something missing but at this time I can’t adequately describe what that is exactly.

The Invitation includes many of my favorite qualities in a thriller: an ominously beautiful setting, a group of friends hiding secrets, and a whodunit vibe. Despite the soothing, coastal views, from the first page, it's clear that there's a lot of tension and it's only going to build.

What I Loved: The descriptions of the setting. Rather than placing the story in a creepy house to mirror the plot, the mansion and its picturesque surroundings contrast with the darkness that's uncovered. Additionally, I felt like the pacing was perfect for keeping me engaged without being moving too fast.

What I Would Have Changed: The multiple narratives felt a little distracting at times, and I feel like at least 1-2 of the subplots weren't necessary. However, given the number of recurring characters and a decent amount of backstory to catch up on, it was still easy to follow.

You Should Read This If ... You want a fast-paced thriller with a few solid plot twists, lots of suspense, and friendships with very complicated histories.

This book had me from the cover. and didn’t disappoint at all! The writing was really good and with such a large cast of characters, the author did a wonderful job at introducing each one and giving them all their own personalities that were easy to follow.
What a sinister read! I really enjoyed DI Stephanie as well.

Thank you Netgalley, the author and publisher for my free arc in exchange for my honest review. 4 stars!

I’d like to thank Bookouture and NetGalley for giving me the opportunity to read ‘The Invitation’ by Rachel Abbott in exchange for my honest and unbiased review.
Matt and Jemma Hudson receive an invitation to the wedding of wealthy Lucas Jarrett and Nina at Polskirrin in Cornwall. Also invited is a group of old school friends but on the morning on the wedding Lucas discovers his sister Alex drowned in the sea on their private beach. An anniversary party is arranged the following year but Lucas has something planned to uncover the truth.
I’ve loved every book by Rachel Abbott and was very much looking forward to getting into ‘The Invitation’ but it’s nothing like as good as those previously. I found the story to be written in an old-fashioned manner similar to those by Agatha Christie (which I never enjoyed). The conversation was stilted and contrived and there wasn’t one character I thought acted true to life, not even the police officers assigned to the drowning of Alex. I found Part I boring and it didn’t hold my attention, and I disliked the characters so much that although I continued with Part II I wasn’t interested enough to read to the end and find out what happened. I’m sure a lot of readers will enjoy this novel but I’m afraid I’m not one of them.

i was given this book from netgalley and publisher for an honest review
i was pulled automatically to this book due tot he cover and words on the front. who wouldn't be gripped to read this book?!
it is an thrill seeking book for those that are looking for a good chase to figure out the clues.
the story is about a bunch of friends that gather back at one of the friends house, Lucas, who has prepared a "game" for his friends which they will each play a different part. the game is a murder mystery to find out who killed Lucas sister, exactly one year ago when he was suppose to be getting married. Kinda like the game clue huh?
the book is told in different perspectives of three women. i did not want to put down this book !

The Invitation by author Rachel Abbott is captivating! Once I started reading I did not want to stop and the 'murder mystery' aspect of the story fully engages the reader to look for clues and answers. Matt and Jemma received a formal invitation to revisit Matt's childhood friend Lucas at his beautiful estate, Polskirrin. Gemma does not want to go back because of the events which happened while they visited exactly one year ago. Lucas and his fiancee' Nina had planned an elaborate wedding but the apparent suicide of Lucas' troubled sister, Alex canceled all the celebrations. The shocked friends went home with somber spirits and regrets of events that had happened in Alex's past which must have contributed to her depression and death.
Gemma is pondering the changes in her relationship with Matt since the ill-fated visit last year. Matt has been working long hours and has seemed to be emotionally distancing himself. Gemma dreads this visit and what it may mean for her future with Matt.
There is a very colorful cast of characters, and it seems each one has secrets and different motives for the continued friendship with Lucas. Once everyone has gathered Lucas tells them they are there for a purpose. He has a special game with parts for each person to play according to the script.
Spoiler Alert* I really enjoyed the story and although I guessed one important part of the mystery, I wondered how they would successfully weave the characters and events. It was brilliant! My only negative is the brutal treatment of Gemma just to keep her silent. The force and pain which was inflicted upon her seemed extreme.
Thank you to NetGalley and the publisher for the opportunity to read and review The Invitation!

Excuse me while I pick my jaw up off the floor!!! Wowza!!!!

I haven't read a book that has strung me along and pulled at all of my senses like "The Invitation" in a while!!!

Rachel Abbott is going on my list of favorite authors, for sure!

This amazing book alternates perspectives from 3 women. Jemma, Nina, and DI Stephanie King.

Jemma's husband's best friend from high school is getting married and has invited his closest out to his family home for the celebration. The groom's sister is found dead the day of the wedding and it's ruled a suicide. A year later, the groom invites them all back to play 'the murder game' and to figure out who killed his sister. Dun, dun, dunnnnnnnnn!!!!

This story had all of the drama of friends that have known each other forever. I gobbled up every minute of it and I'm sad now that I've finished it.

Thank you to NetGalley, Bookouture, and of course, Rachel Abbott for providing me with an ARC.

Five Stars!! Thrilling, gripping, compelling, and had me turning pages well past my bed time! Rachel Abbott is clearly a brilliant writer and I cannot wait to read more from her!

I love books that make me think of the characters when I’m cooking or doing other things besides reading. Wow!!! I absolutely love Rachel Abbott and have read all of her books. Tom Douglas will always have a special place in my heart and I love all of her books about him but WOW... I’m LOVING her new Stephanie King books!!! When I read Stephanie King book #1, And So It Begins, I actually did a double take to make sure it was Rachel Abbott. Her writing is completely different from her Tom books but I actually like the Stephanie King books better! As for The Invitation (The Murder Game in the UK), my mind was absolutely blown the whole book! I love the writing and it took me less than a day to finish the whole book! I felt like it was a modern, British take on the game/movie Clue. I suspected EVERYONE and yet she STILL managed to make my jaw drop a couple of times! I absolutely recommend this book! It’s easily read as a stand-alone book but if you want a little background into Stephanie and Gus, you should read And So It Begins. (You should read it anyway!) I cannot wait to see what Rachel has in store for Stephanie in future books!

Wow this book was awesome. It was creepy, scary and tense and had me madly turning the pages. I couldn’t get enough and found it really hard to put down. This is Rachel Abbot at her best! The whole way through was a guessing game but at no point did I even come close to guessing the outcome. Outstanding, totally deserves 5 stars.

Absolutely awful. Characters are not credible and all they do is run around speaking nonsense. Not believable at all. Plot is a mess and the ending leaves you hanging. I can't find one redeeming feature in this book. It's a total embarrassment. There are some fabulous suspense mysteries out there, but this certainly isn't one of them. Save your time and your money. Pass.

Rachel Abbot is a fantastic author.Her characters her storyline draw you in.The book is multilayered with twists turns and shocks.Highly recommend the book the author.#netgalley#bookouture.

Thank you NetGalley for an advanced copy of The Invitation!

Overall I enjoyed this book! Part One was a little slow for me but once I got to Part Two I couldn’t put the book down!! Lucas and Nina are set to wed with all of his friends staying at his luxurious house when Lucas’ sisters body is found; a suspected suicide. Lucas refuses to believe his sister Alex committed suicide and exactly one year later all of those at the house that tragic night show up again to play, unbeknownst to them, the Murder Game. Lucas suspects one of his friends killed Alex and, to make matters worse, was involved in her kidnapping when she was 14. Lucas is determined to find out what happened and isn’t afraid to ruin his friends lives by divulging their secrets to get the truth. I have to say I really thought I knew how this was going to end but I was totally thrown a curveball with that ending!!

Thank you to Netgalley and the publisher for my ARC which I received in exchange for my honest review. This is the first book I have read by author Rachel Abbott. I later learned that this is actually the second book in the Stephanie King series. Stephanie King is a law enforcement officer and is not who I would consider to be the primary character in the book, so readers will not be lost if they jump in at this point like I did.

First, the highlights: The setting of the book, the lush seaside Cornish estate, Polskirrin, was described in such vivid detail, that I felt as though I was a guest there. The basic premise, a group of old friends is summoned to the estate by fabulously wealth Lucas for his wedding, only to have the event marred my tragedy is solid. There is an adage that there is no friend like an old friend, and that is definitely true here. It was interesting to see a group of thirty-somethings revert to their childhood roles, the flirt, the extrovert, and the peacemaker as though no time had passed. After the wedding is interrupted by an unexpected death the friends go their separate ways again until they are summoned back to the estate 1 year later by a grieving and seething Lucas. Guests are forced to play the "Murder Game" and much to their horror they find they are investigating what occurred the year prior. The penalty for failing to play is that Lucas reveals their deepest darkest secrets to their nearest and dearest.

My favorite characters were Jemma, the wife of one of the childhood friends, and of course DI Stephanie King. Jemma, having no childhood connection to Lucas reacts to this game like most of us would. She is ready to leave immediately and has no idea why her husband Matt would agree to subject them to such machinations. DI King is dogged in her pursuit of justice and I found her character to be both strong as well as endearing.

Now on to the negatives. Many of the other characters in this book are unlikeable. While the author tried to explain why Lucas did what he did, I was incredulous that a group of adults would fall into line like a bunch of kids based on some type of historical authority Lucas may have had while they were growing up. While some plot points were resolved others were not. Most of the book is narrated by Jemma and I found myself quite invested in her. Despite this, the reader is left with many questions at the end of the book particularly with respect to Jemma's fate. Does she stay with her husband Matt? I hope not!! Does she call a taxi and head back to London without a backward glance? Fingers crossed, but I guess I will never know.

In sum, while this book has an atmospheric setting and some compelling moments, the ending left me wanting. I would be interested in reading more books featuring DI King however.

The Invitation is the first book I have read by Rachel Abbott, and it did not disappoint! Well developed characters, excellent plot and so many twists and turns you are not sure what's coming next. Just when you think you have it figured out, the story takes you somewhere else. I love a book that keeps me guessing until the very end. Now to go and read some of Ms. Abbott's other books.

Thank you to Netgallery and Bookouture for the free digital ARC in exchange for an honest and voluntary review.

I usually start my reviews with the positives and end with the negatives, but this time, I'm doing the opposite. This felt like the second longest book I have ever read! In fact, I had to check Amazon for the length to be sure it wasn't. That said, once I got into it, the story picked up, and it was much easier to continue. Also, it was a little confusing to me that while most chapters were told from the perspective of one of the guests, not all were, and there was nothing to tell you that the character had changed. I was torn between a 4 & a 5 star rating, but because of some delicious twists in the story, I decided to go with 4.5 and round it up to 5.

A group of old friends was invited to one of their weddings where a death takes place. A year later, they are invited back to relive that night and are forced by their host to play "The Murder Game" However, this was unlike any murder game I've ever played, since each guest was playing himself, rather than a fictional character.

I did enjoy it enough to check out other things Ms Abbott has written.