I've seen some early buzz around this book and my FOMO kicked in...

The residents of exclusive cul-de-sac Alton Road have an annual Summer block party, one year there's a murder at the party.

Rewind one year earlier to the start of the story. There's a lot of characters, I recommend keeping a list, they've all got subplots, secrets and twists.

There's a lot going on, and it slows things down. There are some nice touches in the writing and it generally kept me entertained.

I was reminded of Liane Moriarty's Big Little Lies, a suburban noir in which you know something terrible will happen and you then get the build up to it.

Not bad, but I've read a few similar, better books in this style.

Thanks to Netgalley and St. Martin's Press

Synopsis:
"This summer, meet your neighbors.
The residents of the exclusive cul-de-sac on Alton Road are entangled in a web of secrets and scandal utterly unknown to the outside world, and even to each other.
On the night of the annual Summer block party, there has been a murder.
But, who did it and why takes readers back one year earlier, as rivalries and betrayals unfold—discovering that the real danger lies within their own block and nothing—and no one—is ever as it seems."

My Thoughts:
We follow all the drama on Alton Road through two POV's, Alex and her teenage daughter Lettie. Following both an adult and teen POV rewards the reader with greater insight into the happenings in this neighborhood. We see just how intertwined they all truly are and quickly realize that danger is bubbling to the surface.
There are a lot of characters in this story and it took me a few chapters to understand who was who. While the story felt a little slow at times, other times I was on the edge of my seat. I was fully engaged throughout and enjoyed the multiple twists along the way. Just when I thought I was putting some pieces together, there would be a twist that I hadn't seen coming. This is a fun, twisty ride that kept me guessing right up until the end.

Thank you to @netgalley , @stmartinspress , and @macmillan.audio for the gifted copy of this book.

Thanks to Netgalley for the E-Arc. Talk about a Party lol. This book was checking all my boxes and then some. I enjoyed the two POV of Alex and Lettie we got to see things from different perspectives one of a adult and the other of a teenager. This story portrayed a behind the scenes of one of the most prominent neighborhoods and what happens when we have secrets and they implode. I hate a love/hate relationship because everything was unfolding and we didn't know anything first hand and that does not go well with a impatient person. The plot twist was mind blown I had only figured out one out of the 1 billion plot twist that happened.

Thank you St. Martin's Press (ebook) and MacMillan (audiobook) for this salacious secret filled summer read. The Block Party starts off with a murder and then goes back one year earlier to lead the reader into the world of privileged neighborhood lives, uncovering a range of secrets, lies, and manipulations that make you think a lot of people had reason to commit murder.

An engaging, fast paced suspense book that brings the reader into the lives of several characters, connecting to themes on marital strain, drinking, substance use, and the lies that can keep people together or tear them apart. What stood out to me was that many of the themes covered a very real and relatable, delivered with nuance, and done in a way that made me care about most (not all) of the characters, even if they had a lot of flaws. There were some great contextual notes with short segments of posts from the community board (think NextDoor) that were pitch perfect.

Great for fans of the newly released Bad Summer People and books such as Big Little Lies.

One note to readers: there is a significant focus on some high school students, children of the main characters who are also fairly main characters as well. At times the book could feel a little YA given the focus; this worked for me as I thought it actually added depth to what was really going on in all of the lives in the neighborhood and in the families featured but it might not work for every reader.

Full of neighborhood and family drama that keeps you on your toes on what is really going on. Ends with a definite bang. Well written to draw you into the storyline and characters.

Thanks to the author, the publisher and NetGalley for an early release of this book.

I flew through the book in less than 24 hours!! Such a fantastic hook, interesting family dramas brewing through the neighborhood, and palatable suspense in every chapter as the reader tries to figure out if and how the dramas are connected. The story begins at the annual Memorial Day Block Party where someone ends up murdered. The story then flashes back over the year leading up to this fateful night and it told through the dual POV of Alex (mother) and Lettie (teenager daughter). This read has all the drama: lies, stalking, cheating, revenge, drinking/drugs, and eventually murder. Having the two POVs kept the story fresh and offered insight into how the tension and drama unfolding between the neighborhood adults impacted the lives of their children. I swear by the end of this read, I had second guessed every possible connection and I still missed the mark. The ending was draw dropping and nicely buttoned up, which I appreciate from a great thriller.

Don’t hesitate! You need to add this to your summer TBR as soon as possible.
Thank you to NetGalley and St. Martin’s Press and the author for this digital ARC in exchange for my honest review. I will add a link to my social post closer to the pub date.

Thank you to Jamie Day, St. Martin's Press, and NetGalley for this arc in exchange for my honest review.

I did not see the plot twists coming in this book at all! I love when books can surprise me like that. The different POVs were easy to follow along with and added an extra layer to learning about the characters. While I did enjoy this book overall, I did feel like the pacing was off. It took me a while to really get into it. The first 55-60% of the book were pretty slow in my opinion, However, once the pacing picked up I couldn't stop reading this book. The Block Party is a book I will be recommending for a fun summer read!

4ish stars

I really enjoyed this domestic suspense thriller. I didn’t really know who the “bad guy” was until the ending, and although it wasn’t a huge surprise, in hindsight, I wasn’t upset by the conclusion. There was a lot going on throughout the story, and for some reason, I had trouble keeping some of the major characters separate in my mind. Although that made things a bit confusing at times, the overall premise worked and was intriguing, if not a wholly new concept, and I had fun reading it.

Every year the residents of Alton Road have a block party where things can sometimes get out of hand, but this time sirens have neighbors going to the Facebook community page to see what is going on. Signs are pointing to a homicide, but who? And how? Nobody knows! This group of neighbors has it all! An alcoholic, a mysterious widow, new neighbors with a lot of secrets, a couple about to divorce, and that’s not even including the kids and all of their drama! As we are taken back through the previous year up to the night of the homicide, we learn so many secrets about these characters! This is one domestic thriller that is not to be missed!

This book includes all the drama and doesn’t leave much out! It is addictive and so well executed in my opinion. I really enjoyed how the author nails switching from a YA POV to an adult POV so seamlessly! I feel like that can be difficult, but I really enjoyed all of the varying narrators throughout! And if you have ever been in a neighborhood Facebook page, you will love the excerpts that are included from that! It is so spot on to how people interact! I found myself laughing out loud! There are so many conflicts and drama with different kids and adults throughout this book and each one is wrapped up so nicely! Even in the epilogue, I had questions, and they were all answered before the end of the book! I loved the end!

I had high hopes for The Block Party by Jamie Day but unfortunately had to "not finish" it at 44 percent. I found the cast of characters friendships not believable and thought that the events occurring throughout had no relation to the plot line. The most interesting part to me was the little tidbits on the message boards, which weren't leading to the "before" sections.

OOOOF. I'm so thankful I don't live in this neighborhood because the drama alone would make me lose my hair. I am very thankful to St. Martin's Press, Jamie Day, Macmillan Audio, and NetGalley for granting me advanced audiobook access to this twisty, gossipy thriller before its release date on July 18, 2023.

As the reader, we hear from the POVs of Alex, a divorce lawyer nursing a drinking problem, and her teenage daughter, Letty, who's very passionate about the earth, climate change, and social activation. These two face the problems of Alton Road head-on, holiday after holiday, and scandal after every gruesome scandal. Divorces are sought after, affairs are had, and stalkers proceed with their hunts in this little yet connected neighborhood.

Flash forward to the Memorial Day Block Party, and two bodies are found dead, but at what cost and why? Us readers will have to saddle up for every neighborly run-in for all of the clues to compile together why this group can't just be civil amongst each other.

This book is a riveting thriller that unveils a neighborhood of secrets. I found myself immersed in a web of scandals, and shocking pasts that result in murder. The pacing was well-executed and the ending unlocks all the questions that I held.

The story is set in the cul-de-sac of Alton Road, which unveils the hidden lives of the residents you come to know through their vast personal stories. As the story unfolds, I became entangled in a complex tapestry of deceit, where I watched the facade of the picture-perfect neighborhood begin to crumble. The sense of tension and suspense is palpable, keeping readers on the edge of their seats from beginning to end.

Each character is brought to life by peeling back their layers to expose their hidden desires, dark secrets, and unexpected connections. As I dove deeper into the story I tried to guess each of the resident's true motivations and involvement in the unfolding events that occurred at the block party.

This book gives you a sense of voyeurism as you witness the uncovering of dark secrets within a seemingly idyllic community. Brace yourself for a thrilling journey into the dark underbelly of an outwardly picture-perfect neighborhood.

Thank you Net Galley and the publisher for the ARC...in which I am providing an honest read and review.

I'd give this book a solid 2.5 stars. I lost interest quick with this book...after the title, cover and blurb caught my attention. There were so many characters to keep up with. And the drama was too dang much. At one point, I stopped reading for a few days and was trying to determine if I wanted to keep going. Was not a fan of nosey neighbors who felt entitled to know the biz of others. It took a bit to understand the writing style, but it was struggle to avoid DNF'ing due to the constant drama. The story dragged on just to conclude with a short ending.

Now....would I read another book by the author, yes. Would I suggest this book to others...meh, possibly.

''On the night of the annual Summer block party, the Meadowbrook community Facebook page lights up with posts reporting sirens descending on the desirable and exclusive cul-de-sac neighborhood on Alton Road. Bit by bit, the comments trickle in, some taking pleasure in their neighbors’ misfortune and others showing concern. The truth eventually comes out. It's not an accident, or a drowning, or a fire, as some had predicted. For the first time in forty years, there's been a murder in Meadowbrook.

The residents of Alton Road—The Fox family, the core of the neighborhood but each with secrets of their own; the Adair Family, the seemingly perfect all-American family; the Thompson Family, on the brink of an explosive divorce; The Kumars, the mysterious "new neighbors"; Brooke Bailey, the "Black Widow"; and Gus Fisher, the quirky salesman— are entangled in a web of secrets and scandal unbeknownst to the outside world and even each other.''

Block Party is smart, twisty, well crafted mystery with bunch of amazing characters. The main story told by two POVs: Alex; fixer, mediator, heavy wine drinker, the good and responsible neighbor, open minded mother and Lettie; Alex’s rebellious, environmentalist, intelligent, observant, misfit daughter! ll I know is, there was simply no way I could have guessed who was behind all of the evil deeds, which is exactly how I like it. But at the same time, the end result (told through a truly epic climax) felt neither a step too far or over-the-top.

This domestic suspense novels focuses on the privileged families on Alton Road. Every year the neighborhood celebrates with a cookout filled with good food, drinks and games. The cookouts leads to shots fired and someone is dead. What a way to end a party! Of course gossip starts and everyone is a suspect. Who do you trust?

Well all know sometimes nothing is as perfect as it seems. This is a slow burn with a shocking conclusion. This book does give you Desperate housewives vibes, which I loved.
Hard to believe this is a debut by Day. I look forward to more by this author.

Thank you Netgalley, St. Martins Press, Macmillian Audio and author Jamie Day for this novel due out July 18, 2023.

"The Block Party" by Jamie Day is an absolute thrill ride from start to finish! This fast-paced and gripping novel is a true page-turner, packed with twists and turns that will leave you breathless. Told through the perspectives of two captivating characters, it offers a unique and compelling narrative experience.

With its expertly crafted plot and relentless pacing, this book grabs hold of your attention and refuses to let go. Jamie Day's storytelling is masterful, keeping you on the edge of your seat as you unravel the secrets and surprises hidden on Alton Street.

I could absolutely see this thrilling tale on the big screen; its cinematic qualities and gripping narrative would make for an enthralling miniseries. "The Block Party" is an immersive, heart-pounding read that deserves to be experienced in multiple mediums. Brace yourself for a wild journey and be prepared to share in the excitement and anticipation that this exceptional novel has to offer. It's a five-star experience that should not be missed.

Scheduled for publication on July 18th, 2023, "The Block Party" is an exceptional work of fiction that deserves to be on every reader's radar. I extend my sincerest thanks to St. Martin's Press, MacMillan Audio and NetGalley for granting me the privilege of reading and listening to this gripping story in advance.

This book makes me happy that I barely know my neighbours & that I never lived in a cul-de-sac like this one! It opens up with said block party & then goes back a year to show you the build up to the murder. Everyone in this neighbourhood has secrets & motives. The author does an excellent job of revealing them without giving away the guilty party or victim too soon. There’s so much going on that guessing was a real challenge. You got two POV’s, Alex & her teenage daughter Lettie, which gives you insight into both the adults world and the teenagers.

This is a perfect summer/beach read if you like domestic thrillers full of secrets, mysteries & a clever whodunit. Not knowing who the victim is for most of the book was a unique twist as well. I can see a lot of people enjoying reading it this summer. I’ll be looking for the author’s future works.

A memorial day thriller. Shades of Desperate Housewives/Pretty Little Liars. Lots of characters to keep track of, some more developed than others, but a fun beachy read. #NetGalley #ARC

The Block Party introduces the residents of Alton Road and their many secrets and indiscretions. This dual-POV mystery is narrated by a mother and her teenage daughter and surrounds the events of the Memorial Day block party from a year ago through present day.

This book and the characters reminded me a lot of the TV show Desperate Housewives. The reveals were well-placed and the connections between various characters turned out to be interesting, but I also found the plot a bit monotonous at times and I thought the online community page transcripts could have been omitted altogether. I prefer a faster pace with more tension and action when reading this genre, but for being a debut, I was intrigued and look forward to seeing more from this author.

Thank you to St. Martin's Press and NetGalley for gifting me with an ARC to review!

This book is a domestic suspense story, which follows the small reach block on Alton Road in the neighborhood. Every year this block hosts a party and the latest party ended up with a murder. To understand what’s happened and what kind of people living on the block, we start following these families one year before the party. And oh boy, how much life can change in a year.

3.5⭐️/5

I looove small neighborhood stories. Everyone who lives on that street has a tons of secrets and they kept unfolding as you went through the story. I enjoyed the writing style, but overall I feel like this book didn’t leave up to its potential and didn’t bring anything new to the trope. It was ok read for me.

My favorite part of the book was neighborhood chat posts. That was fun concept, I love my neighborhood’s Facebook group.

Expected publication date: July 18, 2023

Thank You to St. Martin's Press for the gifted copy provided through NetGalley. It was my pleasure to offer a honest review!