This was a quick read and I finished it in a day. I wish I read the first book first. I just jumped in and didn’t realize it was the second one.
But I still really enjoyed it and would recommend. It had some good suspense!

"Three teenagers disappeared. And it’s happened again…"

I can’t remember a time when I have read two instalments from a series almost consecutively, but that’s just how things panned out on this occasion. I had heard that the two books could be read as stand alone stories, however, it was good to find out just how closely, if at all, they were linked, especially after the last minute revelations in The Night Of the Sleepover. Whilst indeed this book could well be read in isolation of its predecessor, I would probably urge you to read them both in back-to-back succession, as, IMHO, they work much better as one long continuous story.

In that first story, I met the main protagonist Leah, some twenty-five years after the sleepover which found her, the only teenager to wake in the lounge of her friend’s house, with three empty sleeping bags for company. The brother of one of the missing girls had recently been in town to make a documentary about that night and events leading up to it, in the hope of resurrecting what had become for the police, a ‘cold case’. Leah, who still lived in the town, had become almost (albeit at an arm’s length) friendly with Esther, the older sister of one of the missing girls. The two women had their own secrets from those teenage years, which they had never revealed to anyone else, although little did Esther know, but whilst she had, in all good faith, revealed her own secret completely to Leah, Leah in turn had never been quite so forthcoming in divulging her own full version of the truth, which she aimed to take to the grave with her.

Now, just after the premier of the documentary, Leah’s teenage son Zac, is shocked to discover that three boys from his year at school, albeit none of them his personal friends, have gone missing after camping out in a field on the farm where one of them lives. Despite not knowing one another, Dylan’s mother Jennifer calls Leah, who is now now a community support worker and asks for her help in coping with the situation she finds herself in. Against her better judgement Leah heads out to the farm, unprepared for the dilapidated state it appears to be in and equally aghast at the conditions in which fellow single parent Jennifer lives, whilst trying to raise her son and eke out a living for them both. At first, the two women are a little uneasy around each other, as each can see the other, reflected in their own circumstances and lives. Both had very dysfunctional and damaged mothers, abusive fathers and friends who seemed to lead perfect lives with loving families surrounding them. Jennifer confides in Leah, perhaps a little more than she should about her childhood and the long-held concerns she holds about her father’s behaviour following her mother’s disappearance. Some of her allegations seem so important that Leah feels compelled to pass on this vital information to the police investigation team, although Jennifer seems surprisingly at ease with facing further questioning, whilst trying to deal with the disappearance of her son and his friends. Leah becomes increasingly uneasy with the direction her relationship with Jennifer is taking. However, because she is unsure just how much Jennifer knows, or thinks she knows, about the events of twenty five years ago, she finds herself not only unable to walk away from the situation, but potentially and very involuntarily, revealing more about her past to Jennifer than she needs to know.

Meanwhile, more serious allegations emerge against a third party, which are unconnected directly to the disappearance of Dylan and his friends, but which do involve Dylan and have every bit as much power to rock the whole community anew. Events take an even stranger turn when, some days later, Dylan is found wandering the roads, seemingly unharmed. However, there is no sign of the other two boys and Dylan doesn’t know where he has been held, or why he has been released. Then the bodies start to stack up and alarm bells begin ringing loud and clear for Leah, who is convinced that she is being played by Jennifer, until such a time that the latter chooses to reveal both their secrets, which will potentially take them all down, including an unsuspecting Esther, whilst destroying the hub of loving and protective people Leah has built around herself.

Two missing trios, one girls, one boys, twenty five years apart…

…

Ooh! In many ways I actually enjoyed this second storyline much more than the first. I don’t really think there was any more of a sense of complete closure by the end, but the air of unspoken threat and menace throughout really held me gripped and unable to escape the intense atmosphere, which was so claustrophobic and suffocating it was like falling into a vat of treacle and never being able to fight my way to the surface.

There were so many strands to this well-constructed, multi-layered storyline, which author Kerry Wilkinson had carefully woven together and sprinkled with a liberal portion of red herrings, so that I had no idea of an eventual outcome, until he skilfully unravelled the secrets one by one and began dovetailing them together into a bombshell ending which rivalled, and probably for me, surpassed that of the first book.

Thankfully, Kerry had considered the emotionally draining and nerve jangling effect the book was going to have on its readers and had kindly broken down the chapters into a manageable size, which allowed me some short periods of respite and recovery, before taking another deep breath and getting sucked back into the manipulative clutches of the dour and lugubrious characters he had created.

I began to doubt myself in what I thought I knew about Leah’s background and the suspicions I had about Jennifer, when there were just so many suspects unknowingly lining themselves up, or being set up, for crimes I assumed they weren’t and could never have been, guilty of. Overall though, the entire cast of characters really didn’t inspire any positive thoughts from me, with the possible exceptions of Deborah and Zac, who were probably the only truly innocents. Everyone else either had so many secrets to hide, or personal axes to grind, that they were totally uncredible, even down to the rather ‘beige’ Ben, with whom Leah had been having a clandestine affair, which neither of their respective sons had any idea was going on and which really didn’t seem to be going anywhere, with neither of them having the energy or will to take things to the next level.

Once again Kerry has unashamedly infused the storyline with many of the more disturbing social mores which are unfortunately part of the fabric of our modern times, allowing them to play out without outwardly contriving an outcome, making them realistic and immersing me in Leah and Jennifer’s disturbed and distorted worlds. Both victims of the of hate and vitriol that existed between their respective parents, both left motherless, then, unable to commit to a lasting relationship, both finding themselves single parents to teenage sons. Leah had however contrived to find the love she yearned for in her later teens and had, with help, built a strong relationship with her son, Zac, who had thus far steered a path on the straight and narrow. Whilst Jennifer had carried the hate and hurt with her into adulthood, passing it on to her son, Dylan, who was now totally adept at manipulating a situation for his own benefit, whilst his mother was always on hand, appearing to encourage his deceitfulness and need to stand out from the crowd, as if it was his entitlement.

The question of an adult having sexual relations with an underage minor, is also thrown into the spotlight when social media accounts are examined for one purpose, only to reveal another crime which might have remained undetected in perpetuity. That it involves multiple adolescents and a person of high moral standing and influence in the community, only adds to the overall problems of trust and truth this town suffers.

The one small niggle I had with this storyline, was much the same is it was with the first book, in that there was no real sense of time or place, where I could pin my colours to the mast and identify a location. I only know for certain that we were somewhere in England and few more hints in this story gave away the fact that we might be somewhere quite close to the coast. Not entirely satisfactory for a confirmed ‘armchair traveller’ like myself, although there were some good detailed and descriptive passages relating to the farm and its locale, which meant that not all was lost.

2.5⭐️
Thank you, Netgalley and Bookouture, for allowing me to read, After the Sleepover, in exchange for an honest review.
It's been a year since the events in The Night of the Sleepover and the documentary has had its premiere. It's also been 25 years since Leah woke up to find her friends missing during a sleepover.
In this book, the concept was to mimic the first book but with a twist. As in history is repeating itself in their small town. I didn't enjoy this as much as I enjoyed the first book. The plot fell a bit flat for me, and while there was a somewhat ominous ending, it didn't drive my curiosity to know more.

I deliberately didn’t read the blurb on this book as I didn’t want to know anything before I started to read it. I also wasn’t aware that there was a book before this called
‘The Sleepover.’ I am going to read this one next as I am keen to find out more about Leah’s past and what happened to her as a child. This book works well as a standalone but it has provoked questions in me regarding what had happened twenty five years ago to Leah.

Leah was famous in her town and everyone knew who she was and what had happened to her twenty five years ago. Leah had been to a sleepover with three of her friends at one of their houses. When Leah woke in the morning all three of her friends had disappeared. Twenty five years later the mystery still hadn’t been solved and still nobody knew what had happened to her friends that night.

An old school mate of Leah’s called Jennifer had asked the police to bring Leah to her house as Jennifer’s son and two of his friends had gone missing. Leah wasn’t sure why Jennifer had asked for her as they had never been close but she didn’t feel she could say no. As events unfold Leah isn’t quite sure that Jennifer is telling her the truth about what has happened. When Jennifer’s son turns up on his own Leah becomes even more suspicious.

A great read and full of surprises. I would definitely recommend this book. Thanks to NetGalley and the publishers for an advance copy of this book in return for an honest review.

After the Sleepover by Kerry Wilkinson is the sequel to The Night of the Sleepover and, as soon as I finished the first book, I couldn't wait to start this one.

I felt After the Sleepover was a bit of a slow burn compared to the first but still enjoyed the continuation of Leah’s story and the twists and turns especially the end

I would like to thank Bookouture & NetGalley for providing an ARC of this book in exchange for my honest and fair review.

This book was a good read but unfortunately I didn't realise it was book 2 of a series so feel that I didn't truly appreciate this story as I hadn't read the first book.

Book Review:
After The Sleepover by Kerry Wilkinson
Published by Bookouture, 15th Dec 2023
⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️
Synopsis:
Twenty-five years ago: teenage Leah had a sleepover with her three best friends. By morning, the other girls were missing. This small town has been searching for answers ever since. Now it’s happened again…

Three boys decide to camp in a field next to one of their homes. When dawn comes, dew glistens on their empty tents.

Overgrown farmland is searched. Three distraught families are desperate for news. A mother herself now, Leah’s heart breaks as terrible memories flood back…

Leah thought she knew what happened at the sleepover years ago, but now another three children are missing. What if she was wrong? And how far will Leah have to go, to finally discover the truth, before it’s too late?

Review:
It's been quite a while since I've dived headlong into one of Kerry's books, and I've really missed his totally immersive writing. This story hooked me from the very first page and stuck its claws in deep throughout, as I stayed up reading through the night to reach the conclusion.

Just when I thought I had it all figured out, there was a massive twist that seemed to come out of nowhere.
If you like fast-paced crime thrillers that are impossible to put down, and want the added bonus of reading the first chapters of some of the author's other work, you will love After The Sleepover.
*I received an eARC from the publisher via NetGalley. This is my unbiased review.

#AfterTheSleepover #KerryWilkinson #NetGalley #BookReview #Bookstagram #Bookouture

Thank you to Netgalley and the author/publisher for a copy of this book.

I did not read the first book in this series and decided to give it a go after seeing some reviews saying it was okay as a standalone novel. I think it would have been more interesting to have the backstory on Leah's missing incident but it sounds like from the reviews that you don't have an answer even if you read the first book (but I could be mistaken since I haven't read it myself). The story did seem to drag on a bit and there were elements that you could see coming but overall I still enjoyed it and recommend it as a standalone. I don't think, however, that I would go back and read the first one. I think overall I would have liked some more answers and some more details about all the stories going on. Some felt connected and unanswered, and some felt disconnected and pointless to the storyline. Again, I still enjoyed reading this and appreciate the copy!

Just wonderful! Creepy, thrilling, fast paced. Packed with twists. this author never disappoints. This book is, in my opinion, his best yet. Do read this one.

This is an excellent follow up to the author’s previous novel The Night of the Sleepover and I would definitely recommend reading this first for enjoyment of both and context for the more book.

Years after her friends go missing at a sleepover Leah is still trying to put her life together. Dealing with the making of a documentary film about what may have happened is bringing it all to the fore again. After the premier the seemingly impossible happens and history repeats itself in that 4 boys at a sleepover go missing, the mother of one of them was as school with Leah. Although they are not friends when asked Leah goes to help and finds herself looking into their disappearance.

Well written and lots of twists and turns, this is a great read and one I would definitely recommend. The ending was what I had anticipated but the rollout of the story was really interesting and tied the two books together well.

Thanks to Netgalley, the author and the publisher for the opportunity to read this book in exchange for an honest review.

i read it in one sitting and it had me on the edge of my seat. I lost sleep to finish this book and I didn't even care - and I love sleeping it is one of my favourite things to do

This follow up book to #TheNightoftheSleepover is also gripping #psychologicalsuspense that #KerryWilkinson does so well. This #TheSleepoveSeries is a great one!

Thank you, Kerry Wilkinson, Bookouture, Bookouture audio & netgalley for my ecopy & #audiobook! All opinions are my own.

Title: After the Sleepover
Author: Kerry Wilkinson
Pub date: Dec. 15th, 2023

25 years ago, Leah was the lone survivor of a sleepover. Her three friends were never seen again. Fast forward, a documentary is being made with a premiere in the town it all happened in. Now, three boys disappear during a sleepover. What is going on? How can this be happening?

Leah gets pulled into the current story by the mother of one of the missing boys. There are secrets everywhere you turn and a scandal to boot!

It’s frightening to think this could happen. When I got near the end, I didn’t want to stop reading until I had answers. The reveal gave me chills!

I enjoyed sleuthing my way through this story along with Leah. Now, I need to go back and read the first book that took place twenty five years ago because my interest was definitely piqued.


Thank you #Bookouture for a copy to review.


#AftertheSleepover #NetGalley

Y’all, I have a terrific thriller series and book to tell you about today! The Sleepover series by @kerry.wilkinson is a fast paced, page turner of a series that I highly recommend reading. I’m just finished reading the second book, After The Sleepover which picks up where book 1 left off. This second book has three more kids go missing during a sleepover in this small town. This time it is 25 years later and a group of high school boys. The story is full of twists and secrets.

I do recommend reading this series in chronological order to avoid some spoilers. Bottom line, go ahead and read both books!

Thank you @bookouture for allowing me to read this book in exchange for my honest review.

(This same review was shared on the Barnes & Nobles website).

"After the Sleepover" is a gripping and intense thriller that follows the story of Leah, the sole survivor of a sleepover where her friends disappeared twenty-five years ago. Now a parent herself, Leah's worst fears come true when three teenage boys go missing on a camping sleepover, attended by her own son. The author, Kerry Wilkinson, expertly creates tension and suspense as the parents anxiously wait for answers and the investigation unfolds. Leah is reluctantly pulled into the case, as investigators explore whether there is a connection to what happened during her own sleepover. The book is full of twists and turns, and readers will constantly be on the edge of their seats.
Wilkinson's storytelling keeps readers engaged and invested throughout the book. The pacing is seamless, with no dull moments, and the tension builds steadily until the shocking reveal. Readers will find themselves experiencing a range of emotions as they become immersed in the story. The author's ability to evoke fear, shock, and pain is commendable, and the intricate plot will have readers creating their own suspect list as they try to unravel the mystery. Overall, "After the Sleepover" is a captivating and well-crafted thriller that will keep readers hooked from beginning to end. Thank you to the publisher and NetGalley for the advance review copy in exchange for my honest review.

Thank you Netgalley, Kerry Wilkinson and Bookouture for allowing me the chance to read the second book in the series by Kerry.

Follow up to the terrific 'The Night of the Sleepover', 'After the Sleepover' contains so many red herrings, it was difficult to know where this was going - but the journey was totally absorbing!
Twenty five years ago Leah had a sleepover with her three best friends, but the next morning her friends had vanished. Now the same thing has happened again, but this time three teenage boys have gone missing after sleeping in their tents on the farm belonging to one of their mother's.

I read the first book and I gotta say this one ties into it very nicely. Such a good page turner I couldn’t put it down as soon as I started reading it.

Twenty five years ago on a sleepover with friends Leah woke up to find that the other three had vanished. The mystery has followed Leah throughout her life. When a distraught mother calls the police to say her teenage son Dylan & his two friends have disappeared from their tent. She had checked on them late the night before & now they are gone. Naturally this is a story that causes concern to Leah, although she is grateful that her son of about the same age is safe.

This was not quite as good as the first one , in my opinion. However it was a good read. I did guess partly what was going on. Thanks to Netgalley & the publisher for letting me read & review this book.

An interesting read with a didn’t see that coming twist.
3 boys go missing, on the debut of a film talking about the 3 girls that went missing 25 years ago. The mom of one of the boys calls on the sole survivor of that incident.
I found the plot very interesting, however it was kind of slow in places. They kept hinting of what happened 25 years ago but sadly never tell, I’m hoping there will be another books explaining this as I was really wanting to know.
Many thanks to Netgalley for the chance to read and review this one.

Thank you NetGalley for the ARC of After the Sleepover by Kerry Wilkinson in return for my honest review. Although this is the sequel to The Night of the Sleepover it certainly can be read as a standalone as it doesn’t give away too much of the previous book. This is a fast paced thriller with lots of twists and turns to keep you guessing in true Kerry Wilkinson form, a really enjoyable read which I will be recommending.

I have enjoyed Kerry Wilkinson's writing for a number of years and have read a lot of his work.

Somehow, I missed that there's a book before this one so whenever the main character, Leah, referred to the events of the sleepover from her youth but didn't expand on them, I was slightly confused and was expecting a big reveal at the end of the book. It wasn't until after I'd finished this that I realised there was a previous book - I have since bought it as I enjoyed this one.

This book, despite my confusion, stands alone well. Nothing is spoilt for any readers who hadn't read the previous book.

As is typical for this writer, the book is well plotted and well written. I recommend it.