Oh girl, okay! This one was a page-turner. I finished this in two days and enjoyed it enough to pick it up to read while eating lunch instead of watching something dumb on YouTube, which puts any thriller at a minimum three star and often easy four for me. Perla is a likable character in the Hannibal vein - monstrous but come on, there's a charm there. The plot moved along at a reasonable pace, and I unusually found myself wanting more of the POV of smarter-than-her-years Sophie, an 11 year old who I would frankly read a sequel about. Or like a whole YA series.

There were a couple of things that didn't entiiiiiirely add up, mostly with the little blurbs by other characters beginning each chapter (talking heads on a true crime documentary, I'm guessing? my immediate reference was Big Little Lies, which I think did it a little better), and a rather big logistical leap required to buy a main tenet of the plotline. Also, and forgive me for the LA resident jumping out, but this purports to be set in LA/Pasadena and it just didn't feel like it was - Pasadena isn't really a gated community kinda town (there are three house listings on Zillow for "gated community Pasadena" and they are all just houses that have their own driveway gates but are otherwise on normal streets) and it threw me off every time someone was driving through LA and was able to randomly and immediately pull over. Why not just have them live in Calabasas?

Those are nitpicks, though; I mostly really enjoyed this dark-but-fun, diverting and unputdownable thriller. I'd recommend it!

My thanks to Thomas & Mercer and NetGalley for the ARC.

This one was a wild ride!

What do Perla and Grant Wultz and their 11 year-old daughter Sophie (a wealthy couple who seem to have it all) have in common with Leewood Fulcrum convicted murderer #82145 at the Lancaster Prison? Without giving away any spoilers, Torre will certainly tell you during this gripping novel.

Positives:
The pacing was the perfect build
Short chapters told from 3 or 4 different character's perspectives
Lots of twists that all came together in the end

Negatives:
The characters are not likeable in the least. Toward the end maybe there is one you hope succeeds. The mother was truly despicible.
The premise was hard to swollow as a mom-pretty sad

This is the second book I've read by this author; I previously enjoyed "The Ghost Writer," which is why I immediately requested an advance copy upon spotting this book on NetGalley. And wow! The author's writing has significantly improved, leaving me utterly speechless. I'd like to express my profound gratitude to NetGalley, Thomas & Mercer, and A.R. Torre for granting me access to a digital review copy of this thrilling novel in exchange for my honest review.

Imagine a book that grabs you by the collar and doesn't let go until you've devoured every single word, heart racing and mind whirling. A.R. Torre's "The Last Party" does exactly that, proving that Torre isn't just a master of dark romance but also a queen of psychological thrillers. This book is an electrifying puzzle, crafted with such finesse that you can't help but get caught in its web of deceit, mystery, and suspense. The book centers around Perla Wultz, a seemingly perfect wife and mother with a dark fascination. Her obsession with a decades-old true crime story spirals out of control as she plans a murder scene reenactment, hoping to free the convicted Leewood Folcrum. But beneath the surface of this suburban family lies hidden secrets, twisted desires, and unspeakable truths. As the story unfolds, readers are taken on a wild ride of manipulation, mystery, and a quest for redemption that questions how far one would go for obsession. In the realm of psychological thrillers, the book stands out for its intricate plot and complex character dynamics. Torre masterfully transitions between genres, delivering a story that not only meets but exceeds the expectations of thriller enthusiasts. The characters are meticulously crafted, from Perla's disturbingly fascinating persona to her unsuspecting husband Grant, and their precocious daughter Sophie. The development of these characters is both believable and deeply engaging, driving the narrative forward and keeping readers invested in their fates. The plot of "The Last Party" is a meticulously constructed rollercoaster of suspense and surprises, with themes of obsession, redemption, and the blurred lines between innocence and guilt woven throughout. Torre’s exploration of these themes is thought-provoking, leaving readers to ponder long after the final page is turned. The pacing is relentless, ensuring that there's never a dull moment, while the prose is sharp and compelling, showcasing Torre's unique voice and ability to engage readers fully. Finishing this book leaves an indelible impact, stirring a whirlwind of emotions and reflections on human nature and familial complexities. It's a testament to Torre's skill as a storyteller, capable of delving into the darkest themes with finesse and compelling narrative. For those who love a good psychological thriller that not only entertains but also provokes thought, "The Last Party" is a must-read. A.R. Torre continues to impress with her storytelling prowess, making this book a highly recommended addition to anyone's reading list. The masterful storytelling, unforgettable characters, and the book's ability to keep you guessing until the very end solidify as a standout novel in the psychological thriller genre.

Expected publication date: August 20, 2024

Yeah this will definitely be a favorite read of the entire year for me. Holy crap was it f*ckd. I will be thinking about this book for a long freaking time.

This book took unreliable narrator to a whole other level that I didn’t even know existed. A book where the main POV is the mom plotting to kill her 11 year old??? WHAT?! I was so fascinated and intrigued by this book I could not put it down.

A. R. Torres never disappoints with her dark and twisty thrillers. Multiple POVs, unreliable narrators, short chapters, messy drama…The Last Party was a wild ride.

The journey started with me not knowing where I was going, but that the main character, Perla, was definitely a narcissistic psychopath. At some point, I told myself I knew where the story would end, but the twist and turns kept coming.

As much as I want to rave about this book, this is definitely a book that deserves to be gone into blind. Thank you NetGalley and Thomas & Mercer Publishing for this ARC in exchange, for my honest review.

The Last Party🎂
By A.R. Torre🔥

Review💯

It feels like ages since I've read a thriller this amazing. I was completely engrossed in it. This is a creepy one that hits all the right spots. Super-twisted with secrets and lies that I absolutely didn’t see coming. The people in this were just bonkers. The story came to life thanks to the various points of view. I was on the edge of my seat throughout the book. It is an incredibly well-written story.

Mystery⁉️
Thriller🔪
Suspense🫣
Crime🚔

5 stars
⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️

I'm always a fan of this author's thrillers and this one is no exception! I thought this was quick and fast paced, while still finding myself savoring the story. Fans of the authors previous work will enjoy!

absolutely excellent writing again from this author!!!! so hard to put this book down. great thriller for all. 5/5 stars easily

I really liked the premise of this book, and I always enjoy a story told from multiple points of view. Unfortunately, I felt like I figured out too much around 70%, and the ending just kind of fizzled out for me. I would have preferred the big “reveal” to come closer to the end, and the last several chapters to move along much quicker.

A.R. Torre has done it again. Deeply disturbing and utterly riveting, The Last Party tells the story of the victims of a horrific birthday party massacre and the unsettling preparations being made by a sociopath who is determined to have history repeat itself.

Perla and Grant are the picture of a happy marriage, complete with the stunning house and the most well-mannered pre-teen daughter. What hides beneath the surface is that each of them has a connection to the brutal murder of three young girls at a sleepover many years before. Leewood, who has been imprisoned for the terrifying crime, continues to maintain his innocence... which means that the real killer may be hiding in plain sight, ready to strike again.

Thank you to NetGalley for the ARC of A.R. Torre's stomach-turning, unputdownable new novel.

This book kept me on edge the whole time! I started figuring some out the connections pretty early in the story, but some I was surprised by! And the developmend of the story was not how I imagened it. A really good read for the thriller lovers!

I loved how it’s easy to read with riveting characters, twists turns and all the fun you wish you could have every time you open a book.

Thank you NetGalley for the ARC. A thriller that was hard to put down. So many twists throughout, kept me on the edge of my seat. The story was told from different perspectives- Perla , the mom in an upper class neighborhood, Sophie the 12 year old daughter, Grant the husband/dad, and Lee the accused of murdering 3 young girls 20 years ago. Perla likes to embellish and is teaching Sophie that it’s ok to lie for fun. Will definitely recommend!!

Holy hell!!! What a wild ride this one was!!! I believe A.R Torre has written her BEST book yet! Deliciously evil too. 😈

Twenty three years ago there was a brutal murder of young girls at a birthday party. The killer, Leewood Folcrum is serving a life sentence for the killings.

A little over an hour away lives a very wealthy family, Perla, her husband Grant and daughter Sophie Wultz. Something ties them to these horrific crimes so many years ago. Who’s tied to them and what actually happened?

Torre does a magnificent job creating a specific evil character. This character is portrayed in such a hideous way, that you will detest every single thing about them. All I can tell you is that person has a secret agenda that you will have to read to find out.

This story is definitely DARK! Juicy, full of lies and sinister details that grips you from the very beginning! I absolutely could NOT put this book down!!!! If you happened to snag this one up, I’d move it to the top of your list! Wickedly good and not to be missed!!!!

I’d love to give a HUGE thanks for the opportunity to Thomas & Mercer, NetGalley and A.R Torre. It was a great pleasure to read and review! All opinions are my own.
Publication date August 20, 2024
5 ⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️

Obsession. Murder. Parties. A family tie. More questions than answers..... SIGN ME UP.

A.R. Torre is quickly becoming one of my favorite thriller authors because excuse me, WHAT DID I JUST READ?

This is an addicting thriller that will pull you in on the very first page and have you gasping for air at the end. This is one of those books that will cause a book hangover and have you asking yourself "What did I just read?"

I don't want to say much because I don't want to spoil and thing but it is just so dang good.

Imagine a family with a past, a past for murder and all the obsession that can come from a true crime case from 20 years ago. That and a narcissistic main character? What could go wrong....

The Last Party releases Aug 20, 2024 & you are going to want to pick it up immediately!

This book follows two different story lines. One revolves around Leewood Fulcrum who is serving a life sentence in prison for the brutal murder of two young girls 23 years ago. The other follows Perla Wultz, her husband Grant and their young daughter Sophie. They are a very wealthy family who seem to have it all but secrets lie underneath the surface. It's best to go into this book knowing not much else.
This is such a fast paced book and it had me hooked from the first chapter. A. R. Torre is becoming a new favorite thriller author for me.
Thank you to NetGalley and the publisher for a copy of this book for review.

I can always count on Torre for providing me with dark, thrilling entertainment but this book right here was off the charts! So many twists with unreliable characters and a crazy, disturbing storyline that was super sadistic yet compelling. You couldn't drag me away! It was like watching a train wreck. Fascinating but gruesome at the same time. I don't know what this says about me, but I was actually rooting for the wrong person for most of the book. Torre definitely has a talent for messing with your mind, and my mind is BLOWN! I found myself questioning everything I read once I reached the end. I don't think she could have written this story any better. I devoured it in less than a day and I guarantee that you will not be able to put it down either. What a crazy ride! I highly recommend that you read this NOW!

Thank you to the author, Thomas & Mercer, and NetGalley for granting me digital access in exchange for my honest review!

A. R. Torre is one of my favorite authors since I devoured The Girl in 6E series. I flew through this page turner! The story started quickly with Perla assuming the role of a doctor performing CPR in the first chapter. Then you find out, she is not even a MD! You realize quickly what an arrogant narcissist she is.

Not too far in, Perla is plotting to murder her own daughter and two friends to recreate a sensational murder from 20 years prior and to set up her husband to take the fall. I love a good psychopathic character, and A. R. Torre delivers a perfect one in Perla. The story is more intriguing because it is told from multiple perspectives. I also liked the many quotes from a variety of minor characters at the start of some of the chapters, The interconnectedness between the characters was even more intricate than I imagined. I wasn't completely sure how it would all end. I appreciate that it had a tidy and complete ending--I dislike books that leave me hanging at the end. Without spoiling it, the karmic ending pleased me very much!

This book took me on a trip to crazy town, and you know what? I loved every freaking second. I called most twists (as I usually do with this author), but god I always have such a fun time with her writing style. The characters were phenomenal, the plot twisted, and I struggled to put it down.

Thanks to NetGalley and Thomas & Mercer for the ARC of this book! This will be out this August!

Wow!!! Just wow!!! Definitely a 5 star book in KY opinion. So expertly written. Everything about this book yelled out at you to keep reading. You will be amazed where this book takes you. What a ride!! Kinda upset I'm finished it. Book hangover for sure.

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