Read if you like:
👨‍👩‍👧Multiple POV
🌀Twisted, messed up characters
📖Mixed media
🦹‍♀️Villains POV
😳Insane family dynamics

Wow!! What a wild ride this was. This was my second book by A.R. Torre and I think I loved this one even more. What makes this book amazing was the crazy characters!! Perla was one of the most psychotic, twisted characters I’ve read in a long time and it was absolutely thrilling to read her POV and how her messed up brain worked (especially as a mom- speechless) I loved getting the POV’s of Sophie (her daughter) through her journal entries and also Leeward in prison. The characters really made the book especially crazy and I was here for it.

The twists in this book were just so crazy and let me with my jaw dropped more than once. I absolutely loved it and the ending was amazing!!

I also had the privilege of listening to this on audio which was a treat. Amy Bentley and Will Damron did such a great job bring the characters to life and making the book extra thrilling.

⚠️Triggers: child murder, pedophilia, murder, psychopathic behavior

If you are looking for a book with messed up characters and just jaw dropping twists, definitely pick this one up!

ERMIGAWD this is such a disturbing, twisty dark thriller and I LOVED IT SO MUCH!
If you like books with buried secrets, unlikeable and mysterious characters and a dual timeline, this is the ticket.
I was lucky enough to have the opportunity to listen to the audio, which was so well done by a full cast, so it really brought something to the story and the multiple POV. I also enjoyed how throughout we were treated to commentary from secondary and tertiary characters, like neighbors, corrections officers from the prison and social acquaintances which the author smartly incorporated to allow for some red herrings as we didn’t know which were reliable sources of information.
This is out today, so do yourself and favor, and make this your next thriller. It was a wild ride and I binged it in one clip.

Perla Wultz lives with her husband, Grant, and their precious daughter, Sophie, in a gated Pasadena community, where she plays the part of loving wife and mother to perfection. But Perla’s has a dark and consuming secret obsession. Twenty-three years ago, Leewood Folcrum confessed to murdering two young girls during a birthday party. As the past and the present entwine, the deceptions behind the infamous murder begin to surface.

I was in the mood for a fun popcorn thriller, and this was exactly that! I wasn’t disappointed at all. Perla’s thoughts were so unhinged, they really set the tone of the book.

While one of the major twists (yes, of course there were multiples) was pretty clear to me from the beginning, I was still hooked because I was there for the execution! The story was unfolding nicely, and the gripping pace kept up till the end. I need to read more from the author!

A.R. Torres is an auto read for me! I have read their whole book catalog and I can never get enough of their books.

I really do no want to write a detailed synopsis of the book. I went in blind and it was worth it. I did not expect anything like what I read. This book took me on a while ride. The story is full of twists and turns. The pacing if fast and I couldn't put it down. Although, I did absolutely despise the MC. I seriously hated her but kept reading because I needed to know what happened. The ending was also super satisfying. This book is perfect for any thriller fan! I look forward to reading more from this author in the future. 4 stars out of 5. Thank you Netgalley for the ARC in exchange for an honest review!

The Last Party by A R Torre

My kind of mind bending thriller!

What could a convicted murderer and a mother have in common? More than you think…

Perla has it all. A loving husband, money and a lovely daughter. What is it that she needs that she isn’t getting from her family? She has a secret. An obsession and she has the perfect plan to get what she desires.

Ugh Perla is complicated and unlikeable but then again I didn’t like her husband or her daughter haha

I found the whole story to have the best creeper vibes. No one is honest. No one’s hands are clean and you don’t know what will come out of the woodwork next. It’s well written, it’s twisty and it was a truly fascinating read. I love a good dark and gritty thriller and this one delivers. I couldn’t stop listening. Best book of the month for me!

5 stars

AR Torre books are an automatic read for me. This one had me on the edge of my seat the last 1/4 of the book, I just had to know what was going to happen! Thank you to Thrillerbookloversthepulse, Brilliance Audio, and netgalley for the audiobook to listen and review! I must say Perla is a character who is very unlikeable. She's married to Grant who just "one of the good guys". Leewood Folcrum is an inmate who seems like a bad guy, but is he really??? The audiobook was great with awesome narrators.

Thank you to NetGalley and the Publisher for an advance audio copy of The Last Party, in exchange for an honest review.

'The Last Party' is one of those books that catches your attention from the first page. The book follows Perla, a woman with a shrouded past, whose meticulous planning sets the stage for a mysterious and unforgettable event.

From the outset, the suspense is palpable. A.R. Torre skillfully weaves clues that hint at Perla's enigmatic history, will leave you eager to unravel the truth. The build-up to the titular party is masterfully crafted, creating a sense of anticipation and unease that permeates every chapter.

Torre's use of multiple character perspectives adds depth and complexity to the story. The reader is privy to the thoughts and motivations of various individuals, each with their own stake in the impending party. This narrative technique enhances the tension and keeps readers guessing.

The novel's unique structure, which incorporates news snippets at the beginning of each chapter, adds an extra layer of intrigue. These brief glimpses into the outside world provide context and foreshadowing, subtly hinting at the impending events.

The pacing of 'The Last Party' is relentless. Once the story hooks you, it refuses to let go. The tension ratchets up with every page, culminating in an explosive climax that leaves readers breathless.

While the ending is satisfying and provides closure, some may crave a darker and more twisted conclusion. However, the resolution is fitting and leaves a lasting impression.

Overall, 'The Last Party' is a suspenseful thriller that will keep readers on the edge of their seats until the very end. Torre's clever plotting, vivid characters, and masterful pacing make this a book that you won't be able to put down. Whether you're a seasoned thriller aficionado or a newcomer to the genre, this novel is sure to captivate and leave you wanting more. The narrator brought the characters to life while doing a fantastic job.

A.R. Torre's “The Last Party” is a thrilling ride from start to finish, and it firmly cements her as one of the most fearless voices in contemporary fiction.

The plot is taut, brimming with twists that feel both surprising and inevitable.

What truly sets this book apart is Torre's fearless approach to storytelling. She isn’t afraid to delve into dark, uncomfortable places, pushing boundaries with a plot that is as unpredictable as it is compelling. Every chapter is infused with a sense of unease, making it impossible to put down.

The pacing is superb, and the tension builds steadily, with Torre expertly weaving together multiple storylines that converge in a satisfying and shocking conclusion. While the ending may not tie everything up neatly, it adds to the authenticity and rawness of the narrative.

"The Last Party" is a thrilling ride, perfect for fans of psychological mysteries who crave depth and daring. A.R. Torre has proven once again that she is a fearless storyteller, unafraid to explore the complexities of human nature and the dark recesses of the mind.

This was a dark thriller about a 20 year old murder and the connections that each character has to these events. Mainly told from Perla’s POV, the secrets that Perla is hiding starts to unravel. All of the characters were unlikable and had major issues, especial Perla and her daughter Sofia. There were some twists and turns but also some moments that were predictable. However, I was still intrigued by the plot and drawn into the story. I love that it was fast paced and full of obsession and manipulation.

The narrators did a phenomenal job bring the characters’ personalities and stories to life. The pace was great and they kept me engaged the entire time.

What the heck did I just read? My word what a book.

You know of my love of books with podcasts (still having never listened to one 😂). There are multiple narrators. One is dying in jail. There are interjections from either the podcast or just random people on some future event. Things unspool slowly. Meaning I knew something happened yet I didn’t know what and the podcast and interjections slowly shed light in the event.

This kept me guessing. As I read I wasn’t sure if nothing was as it seems or everything was exactly how it seems. Instead of an unreliable narrator there was an unreliable book.

It’s dark. It’s unpredictable. There is some pure evil. Not just an unlikable character but a hated character. But that I really liked hating and needed to know more about her.

With a full cast to narrate, this one is an immersive listen. Amy Bentley, Will Damron, Neil Hellegers, and Ellen Quay did a great job of pulling me in and bringing this one to life. Once I started, I did not want to stop listening.

Stop reading about this one and add it to your tbr.

It caught me by surprise how much I loved The Last Party. It's deliciously creepy, and Perla is positively chilling. There are so many secrets being kept by everyone, and so many pawns being moved around in each character's game that it was impossible to predict how things would end. After listening at every available opportunity (because I just had to know), the ending was exactly what I wanted it to be. It's hard to say much without spoilers, but this is one that I will be recommending to all my thriller-loving friends!

This story pulled me in immediately and was such a fun and twisty ride. There are parts of this I could see coming (but still enjoyed) and then others that blew my mind. Perla is the type of character I love to hate - she is vengeful, smart and diabolical. I loved the addition of the aquaintanes to add some extra drama and insight into the characters. I went back and forth between reading and listening and would highly recommend either format. I’ll definitey be checking out Torres' other works now!

When I download on August 13th, I couldn't get this one to play! The app kept crashing every time I tried, although other books I had downloaded to the Netgalley app would play. I'll acquire a copy elsewhere and come back to review when I do.

the setup…
Lee Folcrum is an inmate at a California prison, jailed twenty-three years ago for murdering two young girls at a birthday party. About an hour away lives Perla Wultz who seems to be obsessed with him, the crime and setting things up to maybe get him free. She and her husband Grant and twelve-year old daughter Sophie live in an affluent community and enjoy the wealthy life. But, see…Perla has an agenda and it is dark! And who’s this guy suddenly visiting Leewood, a doctoral student desperately wanting details from him about what happened?

the heart of the story…
Let me be clear. Perla is a sociopath and you learn that a few minutes into the story. She’s got a diabolical plan and it’s a scary one. I spent my entire time trying to figure out how someone, anyone would be able to stop her. And, there are secrets I struggled to figure out that kinda opens up everything. I got there before the reveal but it didn’t change my enjoyment level.

the narration…
I loved the use of multiple narrators because Perla’s voice was deliciously evil in the most delightful way. And Leewood came across more than a bit scary. All of them were outstanding storytellers!

the bottom line…
This is dark but not the kind that buries you emotionally. Do yourself a favor and listen to it if you can because the narrators elevate the story and the characters. I was excited about this book as soon as I learned about it and boy did it far surpass my expectations. Perla will go down as one of my most diabolical fictional villains. Does she win?

This was such a chilling, wild read! The writing format was unique and the dual timelines / multiple POV’s were interesting. I really enjoyed this one!

Perla, Grant and almost 12-year old daughter, Sophie live in a gated, wealthy suburb in Pasadena. They want for nothing. The Wultz’s lives are enriched with luxuries and wealth, yet Perla isn’t happy. And is hiding deep, dark secrets.

Twenty-three years ago, Grant’s sister was murdered along with 2 other 12 year olds, at a birthday party, dubbed the Fulcrum Party. That night changed both Perla’s and Grant’s lives.

Leeward Folcrum. The convicted killer of the Fulcrum Party. He murdered his daughter and her two friends during a birthday sleepover. Leeward maintains his innocence throughout the years, even on his deathbed.

Is Lee telling the truth and is he really innocent? If so, who is the killer of the Fulcrum Party? How is Perla involved and who is she?

𝓜𝔂 𝓽𝓱𝓸𝓾𝓰𝓱𝓽𝓼: Spoiler Alert!
☁️☁️☁️
Perla is INSANE! A true narcissist. I can’t believe what she has planned for her daughter Sophie’s birthday! The revelation of Perla’s past wasn’t a shocker but I was still pleased that what I thought ended up being true. I really liked this MURDERY thriller! It was fast-paced and suspenseful. I loved how Perla planned everything out methodically but she just wasn’t clever enough. This was my first A.R. Torre book and I’ll definitely be reading more from this author!

If you love Darby Kane and Natasha Preston, you will love this Summer thriller!

I didn’t know much about this book before I requested it, but I knew that everyone at Thriller Book Lovers: The Pulse couldn’t stop saying how much they loved it, and now I understand why!  I highly recommend going into this one as blind as possible. Torre wrote a fast-paced and utterly twisted psychological thriller, and not knowing what I was getting myself into made me enjoy it all the more! I’m not going to say too much because I really don’t want to give anything away.

This book had such a unique plot, and I honestly have never read anything quite like it. The full cast narration was done so well. I loved that we got multiple perspectives, but the author also included some neighbors and other opinions to throw in some red herrings. None of the main characters seemed fully trustworthy to me, and I thought the narrators did a great job of keeping me guessing.

While I was able to figure out some of the twists, there was a big one that I did not see coming, and I loved it! Torre wrote a novel that blended dual timelines perfectly, and figuring out how the pieces would come together and the lives of these characters would intertwine made this such an amazing read. Check out the audiobook if you can!

Thank you Brilliance Publishing and NetGalley for an advanced listeners copy in exchange for my honest review.

I absolutely enjoyed this thriller about a woman who wants to recreate a famous serial killer murder that happened years ago and the man they arrested for it is still in jail for the brutal murder of his daughter's friends at her 9th birthday party. Then the book shows the perspective of a wealthy woman, her husband and daughter. The wife wants to recreate the party with all the fixings...I mean killings and blame it on her husband. The twists in this story are shocking and I absolutely loved the ride this book took me on!

Ooh what a twisty ending! This is one book that I did not like any of the characters. The characters themselves were decently developed, but I just knew if I met them in person I would not want to hang out with them or be near them at all. The reveal of who/why the mom (Perla) was killed was intriguing, and I think readers will both see it coming, but not be able to predict the full reveal. Great for readers of Chandler Baker and Mina Hardy.

First off, a massive thank you to @netgalley and @amazonpublishing for the advanced digital copy!

Let me start by saying that I was absolutely blown away by the author’s previous work, so naturally, I was thrilled to dive into this one!

I initially began with the print version but then switched to the audio which was interesting due to multiple narrators.

I have to admit that the story took some time to captivate me; the early chapters felt slow and somewhat disengaging. There were moments when I found my attention wavering, which was disappointing. Probably because I had no idea where the story was heading. However, as I continued reading, the plot began to unfold and became increasingly compelling.

Without delving too much into plot specifics, we meet a complex cast of characters surrounding a chilling premise. A man in prison, guilty of a horrific crime involving three young girls, one being his own daughter! And as we reach the 22-year mark of his incarceration, the potential for revelations emerges.

Then there’s Pearl—the sociopath we can’t help but be fascinated by.
I must give Torre major props for crafting such a compelling sociopathic mind! Experiencing Pearl’s thoughts gave me chills. The fear and sinister brilliance she encapsulates in her POV is utterly mesmerizing! 😳

In the end, while it had a shaky start, the second half of the book roared to life, ultimately making it a cohesive and thrilling experience! This one is a ride you won’t want to miss if you love psychological thrillers! Grab your copy tomorrow and let me know what you think.