“If it sounds too good to be true…”

That’s advice that Nicole Mueller ignores in Please Join Us, another twisty thriller by Catherine McKenzie. Nicole has just had a bad and unexpected review at her law firm when she receives an email with the heading “Please join us”. It’s an invitation to an exclusive women’s networking retreat. Membership in Panthero Leo guarantees that she “…will succeed the way men have for centuries”. This is true but it will not be exactly what Nicole imagines.

At the retreat, she’s introduced to CEOs, a Congresswoman, an actor, a corporate financier and others. They leave the retreat promising to always help each other. So when Nicole lands a new account that puts her back on the senior partner track and is offered a very low rent luxury apartment at Hudson Yards, she’s thankful for her new supportive female friends. It’s only when favors are called in that she becomes suspicious. But by then, it’s too late.

These strong female characters leap off the pages of Please Join Us! Michelle, Karma, Athena, Heather, Connie, Samantha…all are so well described you’ll feel like you already know them. The problems women face at work, the Me Too movement, networking, marriage, blending private and public lives, are all part of this thriller. You are quickly pulled in to Nicole’s life and are as surprised by the conclusion as she is. And then you be impressed by just how resourceful she is! 5 stars.

Thank you to NetGalley, Atria Books and Catherine McKenzie for this ARC.

Please Join Us, was my first book by Catherine McKenzie BUT I have done my research and after concluding Please Join Us, I ran (quickly opened up my phone) to Amazon, and purchased "I'll Never Tell" . One of my favorite parts of Netgalley, is being able to explore authors I would have not known about.

Please Join Us, might be my favorite book this year, thus far. This book had a fast pace and captured my attention early on. I loved Nicole, and following along with her story. The plot was detailed and had me feeling as though everything was happening right around me.

How did someone like Nicole, get dragged into this mess?

You are going to have to stay tuned, pre-order, and enjoy this complex psychological thriller on August 23, 2022.

*Rounded down from 3.5 stars*

Nicole's promising career on the partner track at her law firm is suddenly at risk and her beloved apartment is being stolen out from under her. At the very moment when everything seems to be falling apart, she receives an invitation to join an exclusive women's networking group- One that could give her the connections she needs to revive her career. Despite her husband's unease, Nicole signs up to attend a retreat and is introduced to other successful women - A CEO, an actress, a congresswoman- and upon returning, immediately begins to reap the benefits of her new friends. But loyalty is the core of Panthera Leo, and when Nicole receives a call that leads her to cover up a crime, she's forced to make decisions that will change her life forever.

Please Join Us reads as a direct-to-streaming movie, and I mean that in the best way. I can 100% envision Emily Blunt as Nicole, navigating an increasingly more tense scenario.

I will say that I didn't buy into Panthera Leo during the retreat, so I found it a little unbelievable that Nicole is all-in so quickly. I know myself, and even at a moment of desperation, I think I'd have rolled my eyes at calling a group of friends my "Pride". I also know that while I'm not one to turn down an advantage or a good deal, I'd find it suspect to essentially be handed a luxury apartment. I don't believe in coincidences, so I'm much more like Nicole's husband in this scenario.

Outside of the need for a significant suspension of belief on my part, it was extremely relatable as a woman in the workforce to see Nicole trying to stay afloat in an environment that is working against her, and to find a group of women to support her in a "boys club". In that respect, it made absolute sense that she'd pursue the opportunity to network and take every opportunity to advance her career.

The pace ramps up as the story progresses, so if you're finding it a bit slow at the beginning, stick with it for another chapter or two and see if your perspective changes.

While not necessarily the same, if you liked The Circle by Dave Eggers or the Shia LaBeouf movie "Eagle Eye", I think you'll enjoy Please Join Us!

As mind-bending as a mirror maze at a carnival! This story will take you on a ride with many twists and turns that you may or may not see coming but are exhilarating either way. This is Catherine's (may I call you Catherine?) 13th book and it's a great one.

Do you know how we have heard of, or seen, the "Boy's club" in business? Well, imagine that a group of powerful women have decided enough is enough and make their own "Women's club". If you were a woman in business would you want to be a part of it? Networking benefits that you've only dreamed of? Sounds too good to be true? You might be right.

The only thing I wish I had done when reading this book was slowed down and taken notes. If you like complex thrillers that you can dig into then you will love this one. The clues are there but if you glance over them they will surprise you in the end.

For animal lovers, there is one scene that if I had known about it in advance I might not have read this book BUT it is short and you can skip it. You'll know it when you get to it. It does not take away from the story to pass over it. If I had skipped this book then I would have missed out on a great story so please don't let this content warning make you put the book down.

One of the things that I really appreciated about Catherine's writing is that it is well done and easy to read. She creates interesting characters that are believable. I also really loved that her story handles sensitive topics extremely well and there is no foul language or graphic depictions of sex or violence. She only proves that you don't you need those things to write a really good story.

A huge thank you for my e-ARC, which was provided by the publisher and the author via Netgalley in exchange for my honest review.

Would I read it again?
Yes, but only if I have forgotten how it ends... which might be a while from now. This is the first book I have read by Ms. McKenzie and will be checking out her other 12 books.

Would I recommend it?
Yes, especially to my friends who love a good thriller

Is it a permanent addition to my library?
Yes

Content Warnings?
Animal death, references to Sexual Assault and Infidelity

Please Join Us
A Novel
by Catherine McKenzie
Available May 24, 2022

My sincerest thanks to Atria Books and NetGalley for providing me with this e-ARC in exchange for my honest review.
The review is n. I thought it was ok. I will not remember it in a week. IT starts out as the description details, The the book switches more into another direction, political. A two for one, no really not the case of 2 books. I just felt it was long-winded in the political part
You may love it, I was just more or less fogged out on it.

Full review to come on Goodreads and Amazon. Thank you to the publisher, author, and NetGalley for a review copy.

My mind is blown.

I’ve apparently been sleeping on Catherine McKenzie for years, as this is her 13th novel. I was beyond drawn to this one based off the cover - the title and that image just did it for me.

I read the summary and felt it gave off NXIVM vibes - and indeed, the main character’s husband makes some references to NXIVM and cults.

This was a very quick read, with shifting timelines (my favorite!) and an insanely likable main character. I have been in Nicole’s place, an attorney whose bosses think she’s not quite cutting it at work. While I fled the legal profession, Nicole takes matters into her own hands in a way that pulls at your heartstrings, makes you gasp, frustrates you, and makes you pull for her like no other.

And that twist? I mean…

I thought I saw it coming. I really did. And Ms. McKenzie proved me EXTREMELY wrong. She has cemented herself as an auto-read in my … book. As fate would have it.

A massive thank you for my ARC, which was provided by the publisher via Netgalley in exchange for an honest review.

I love a good thriller about women empowerment and exclusive women-only "secret" societies so I was extremely excited for this new release from Catherine McKenzie and it did not disappoint!

Please Join Us follows Nicole, a 38 year old lawyer who is hitting the glass ceiling at work and generally feeling burnt out dealing with the stress of her daily life. She receives an invitation to join a women-only, professional networking society called Panthera Leo and flies out to Colorado for retreat. The story then follows Nicole and the impact PL has on her life while also sprinkling in a few chapters from the near future that involve Nicole stumbling upon a dead body and a fellow PL member in desperate need of help.

I devoured this book in two days, I couldn't stop reading "just one more chapter!" The plot is quick moving and the characters are intriguing. I think McKenzie absolutely nailed the societal dynamic and truly had me questioning which "side" I was on throughout the novel. Do the ends justify the means? Is something that uplifts women, holds men accountable and evens the playing field a net positive regardless of how those goals are achieved? I like thrillers that also make me think and this one definitely did that! I was flipping my loyalty to characters almost every other chapter towards the end.

Speaking of the ending, this was a solid 4 star read that I would easily recommend until the ending blew me out of the water. No spoilers here but while I did expect parts of the ending, I still was caught off guard and surprised by how things panned out. There is plenty of backstabbing and twisty turns to keep readers glued until the very end. For any Real Housewives fans, the ending of this book reminded me of the famous Kyle Richards quote about playing chess with Bobby Fisher. I couldn't wait to see who would come out on top!

As a side note, I also really liked the little details about PL membership that McKenzie sprinkled into the story. The newsletter that predicted future events, weather reports, etc. really stuck in my brain and now I'm so curious if something like that really does exist.

Thank you to Atria Books, Catherine McKenzie, and NetGalley for the opportunity to read an ARC. Set to publish on May 22, 2022

A sinister private women’s networking club reaches out to disgruntled lawyer Nicole with promises of success behind her wildest dreams, enduring and unconditional female support, and of course, overthrowing the patriarchy. With a side of murder. I guess I’m supposed to be scared, but I can only ask, how do I sign up?

Panthera Leo sends Nicole an invitation to join their ranks right after she has just received an unfair review from the men running her law firm’s partnership. Right off the bat I enjoyed Catherine McKenzie’s honest, straight up description of how hard it is to be a woman in a high-end, high-powered law firm. Been there, done that. I could also definitely tell tell the author had either some personal experience or some top-notch research with this very real and very infuriating topic.

So when Panthera Leo comes calling and offers Nicole a personal “pride” of powerful lioness-like women who will unconditionally support, boost, and promote their sisters, Nicole accepts. Is the initiation ritual a little weird? Do the immediate perks seem a bit too good to be true? Is it a little strange these famous women (including a congresswoman, a powerful dot-commer and a well-known actress) have sought out a down-on-her luck random attorney? Yes, but no matter….life is quickly improving for Nicole. But what will be the cost?

I was wildly entertained by this novel, which was a great mix of reality (the frustrations and stumbling blocks that women still face in the world) and patriarchy-slaying wish-fulfillment. I loved the conspiracy theories, the clever business deals and angles, the fast-paced litigation story and the crackling action. If I was slightly disappointed with the ending, which strayed a little bit from the female empowerment fun and descended into a bit of predictable cliche, I could forgive it, because the rest of the book was such well-plotted, action-packed fun with tongue planted firmly in cheek. I enjoyed all the well-placed outlets for feminine anger at the way we are treated in corporate America.

Loved the book, the characters, and the entertainment. Ms. McKenzie can write a whip-smart heroine and a high-octane, intelligent plot. I won’t be forgetting this girls’ club anytime soon.

To any Panthera Leo members who may be reading this review, I’m still waiting for my invite. Inbox me for my email.

Thanks to Atria Books, Catherine McKenzie and NetGalley for the great ARC. 4.5 stars!

This novel centers around a 39-year-old female lawyer named Nicole Mueller. She is in a big law firm and fears that her career at the firm is in jeopardy as she strives to break into the partnership ranks. She is contacted by a networking group (or is it a cult?) of powerful and influential women. Nicole joins them at a retreat and comes away with a new outlook on life. But when she gets back into the real world, she finds out that the leaders of the networking group are quite diabolical, not benevolent. And she finds herself being manipulated as are some other women in her small group from the cult's retreat.

I am a fan of Catherine McKenzie. I find all of her novels to be highly entertaining and fast-paced. Please Join Us is no exception. However, it stretches the imagination to believe that all of the manipulating going on in this story could really happen. As a reader, I just accepted that it was happening and enjoyed the ride.

The ending contains quite a twist as we learn who was manipulating who.

I am grateful that I receive an ARC of this upcoming novel through NetGalley.

Please Join Us is a great read about a battle of wits, which I enjoyed. Nicole received an invite to join an exclusive club that helps women. Except is she really helping the club members more? Many things are revealed as the story unfolds. I liked the power play and the end result.
A novel full of deceit and nefarious deeds.

Nicole Mueller is devastated. Her once-promising legal career is a thing of the past and she and her husband are about to lose the home they love. Even her once-solid marriage seems to be on shaky ground, as lately, they both seem to want different things. She comes this close to ignoring an email invitation to join a networking group designed to support and empower women. Throwing caution to the wind, she decides to attend their retreat, leaving her floundering life behind. After all, things can't get any worse, or can they? She is slightly rattled by the women she meets. They all have extraordinary careers, but Nicole, not so much. Was her invitation a mistake or do they see something in her that she cannot see herself?
At first, it seems like she made a very wise decision. Her new friends and their connections are already benefitting Nicole. She has a new client, a new place to live, and even though her marriage seems a bit worse, she is sure things will improve with time. All too soon though, she is summoned to cover up a murder, Knowing she has made the worst decision ever, she wants out of Panthera Leo. But the cost will be everything she has worked for and maybe even her freedom.
At this point, the twists and turns were relentless, and I have to say, I did not guess how this story would end. A cat and mouse game ensues, but who is the cat and who is the mouse. A page-turner that sagged a little bit for me towards the middle, but then barreled full steam ahead to the conclusion.

I received an ARC of this novel from Atria books through Netgalley. I am a huge Catherine McKenzie fan and have read all of her books so I am always excited to get a chance to preview a book of hers!

Please Join Us is a great thriller that leaves you hanging on the edge of your seat! It is the story of Nicole Mueller, an attorney who has been just put on warning by her boss that if she doesn't bring in more billable hours she will be looking for a new job. Nicole is burnt out at work, her beloved apartment has just been given to her husband's sister and her marriage is a bit rocky. One day she gets an invitation to join an all women's support/networking group called Panthera Leo. The purpose of the group is to find ways to support other women leaders, but as Nicole gets deeper into the group she finds that the support of the group might be her demise.
Catherine McKenzie's books always have terrific plot twists and legal ties that make it feel like you are watching a crime thriller. I'm giving this one four stars because the beginning of the book is a bit confusing learning all the Panthera Leo members, but I it is a fast-paced read and highly enjoyable!

WHOA. My first Catherine McKenzie book, and where has this author been all my life? I wasn't sure about this book going in--the aspect of her being a lawyer almost scared me off, because I'm not a huge fan of legal thrillers. But this book is far from a legal thriller. It definitely adds a twist of the law in (which I found so interesting and excellent, the author clearly is an attorney), but... damn. Where do I even start?

Nicole is an attorney who has worked her ass off to be at the top of her field--but no matter what, she can't break through the glass ceiling, can't quite get get past "the boys club". So when Panthera Leo contacts her and asks if she wants to be a member, she can't help but be tempted--and for good reason. They pull strings behind the scenes, just like men in the "boy's club" always have. But in reality, their fingers are in a much bigger piece of the pie than she realized.

Nicole will have to trust herself AND navigate these complicated waters to survive and save her marriage, not to mention, her career.

I loved this book. The plot was great and so were the characters. I love the ending, how everything came together so well. Not to give anything away, but the ending of the book was awesome with how it played out.
My only issue with the book is some grammatical errors I saw throughout the book.
Overall I would definitely give it 5 stars.
Thank you NetGalley for the ARC of this book I enjoyed it very much.

What an interesting concept when it comes to women's power. This story has everything thrown into the mix. A little mystery, deceit and powerful women in control. I can't describe how exceptional this story is without having to go into details and ruin it all for everyone. Overall, the characters were fully developed and the pace is nicely written. There isn't a time when the story slow down or became boring. However, if you are not of the world of law or Wall Street the ending does become a little confusing.

Thank you to Atria Books and NetGalley for letting me read this ARC in exchange for an honest review.

Nicole has always been successful in her career as a lawyer. She may work too many hours but she has a husband she loves (Dan) and an apartment in the city. After a not so great meeting with her law firm, Nicole is approached by Panthera Leo. Panthera is an exclusive invite only women’s group aimed at helping women be successful in their careers. Nicole is invited to a group retreat and while there she takes the oath and becomes a member.
Once back from the retreat things fall apart even farther. Nicole is immediately called out by her firm for her expense report and then a member of Dan’s family passes forcing them out of their beloved apartment. As Nicole vents to her new group members, they find solutions to each new problem she has allowing her to start turning things around in her work and personal life.
A text comes through in the middle of the night to Nicole asking her to come immediately to a members apartment where Nicole is greeted with a dead body. Is this group really “Women Killing It” or just “Women Killing”…

Corporate cults, revenge, and murder who could not enjoy this book! I work in a position that is male dominate even still to this day so when I read the general theme of this book I knew I would be interested! I also felt some of the positions each women held would not have been something I would have just known or understood what they really were or why it was important but as I read it was all explained. The author did not disappoint with plot twists thrown in periodically through out the story to keep the reader engaged and an explosive ending! Great read!

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This book is absolutely worthy of five stars. It is one of those thrillers that wouldn't happen in real life but it's entertaining. I loved the culty camp chapters with vivid descriptions of nature at the beginning of the book. This book has lots of twists and turns and a satisfying ending.

The although the book is outlandish at times, the characters felt very real. The main character, Nicole, is flawed but improves as the book progresses. Thanks for the advance review copy.

Wow this was a waste of my time. I was invested in the plot but absolutely nothing coalesced in the end. It made no sense! I can’t say much more without spoiling the reader.

What a fun read. I was hooked from the beginning of the story all the way to the end. the story was well written, and had a wonderful flow to it. I never felt like I was lost or bored while reading, the story progressed nicely and kept the reader turning the pages until the end. I loved the complexity of the plot, and how Nicole was able to break free from manipulation.