I love a thriller on vacation, but this one didn't captivate me as much as something like The Guest List did. Overall, an easy-to-read story, but nothing too groundbreaking.

A group of ladies took off to an island to have some fun for the weekend. They left their phones behind, drank, danced and felt the freedom to be themselves. They were never seem again.

10 years later Tessa contacted one of the girls sisters Irene and suggested going out to the island to see if they could discover what had happened. They invited friends to go with them…..one night only, again phones were collected to ensure no contact with their significant others. First night there was a bonfire and lots of partying and fun, then it suddenly all changed. One of the girls had left a note to say she was taking off in the dinghy to go home, but did she?? A good read.

This was a well-written thriller. I liked the dual timeline aspect of the story, and the ‘reveal’ with backstory wasn’t too outlandish like some mystery/thriller books can be. All loose ends were tied up as well. Areas for improvement are signaling that information is from the past within chapters (a couple of emails and correspondences confused me) and letting us get to know the characters a bit better so we are able to connect. I also thought, without spoiling, that the two groups of girls’ names were too close together and was hard to follow in the beginning but that may just be me!

A group of women go to a remote island in the Baltic Sea for a bachelorette party. One of them seeks the truth about an incident that happened years ago, and she finds herself surrounded by danger fighting for her life. Despite a bumpy start when the reader is jostled between the past and present timelines, I enjoyed this thriller. I didn't care for the main character at first and found her self-loathing over the top, but as the story progressed, I liked her more and was cheering for her. The book reminded me a bit of Lucy Foley's The Guest List.

I have a love/hate relationship with thrillers, in which I enjoy reading them even though most of them are bad. Imagine my surprise then, when I opened the Bachelorette Party and very quickly realized that it's good.

It's very good.

Everything seems to WORK in this book. The setting, just outside Copenhagen on a small island, is perfect for a pseudo locked-room style of thriller, during which our characters can neither escape nor get help until a pivotal point. The mystery within a mystery- the conflation of past and present coming together for a singular purpose. The characters, who I think are really what made this shine, because the characters within this novel, unlike so many other thrillers, are actually COMPETENT. It is so unusual to have a book like this where the women within make the right choices, despite being flawed individuals- and despite those flaws, have redeeming characteristics as well. It would be easy to take a character like preppy, social media savvy Mikaela, and have that be the entirety of who she is. But she's not- she's someone deeper, and despite being intensely unlikable at one point, her tenacity feels actually admirable.

Our protagonist, Tessa, is (of course) the best of the lot. A true crime podcaster who has just destroyed both her career and her personal life, Tessa has moments of startling interiority as she reflects on what drew her to true crime, even as she can't resist investigating things further, when it's already hurt her immensely. Through Tessa, we see how privilege can play a role in making a person seek out those experiences- and what happens when they try and confront it. But Tessa isn't a pity party; she knows she fucked up, and she knows it's her fault, and she's desperately trying to juggle all those things in her mind.

The pacing of the book is excellent too; it's not very long, so it's easy for it to move swiftly, without any big snags or hold ups. It switches between an event a decade ago and the present with ease, never showing exactly what happened and leaving the reader guessing. I actually was truly surprised at the ultimate revelation of motive, which again, incredibly unusual for a thriller.

This is definitely a must read not only for fans of the genre, but for fans of competent women, who want a story that is focused on womanhood in ways that aren't cliche.

"There was something about horror and true crime that made me feel better about myself as though I was in control . . . If I was in that situation . . . I'd be prepared."

The Bachelorette Party is an entertaining and thrilling mystery that I couldn't put down. It had similar vibes to Lucy Foley's The Guest List, but was individual and well crafted. From the moment they stepped onto the island and gave over their cell phones, I knew it was a recipe for disaster. I loved the dual timelines and thought they leveled up the storytelling. It was fun to unravel what happened in 2012 while seeing things play out in 2022 and figuring out the connections. The red herring was used in a unique way that I didn't see coming either. Other reviews have said the ending sequence was overly dramatic, but I found it exciting, and I couldn't stop reading for the last 25% of the book.

"We will be gone, all of us, reduced to nothing but what the podcasters and documentarians will mine for content. Like I did."

I also loved the underlying commentary on how the media exploits tragedies for content and the real impact on the friends and families of victims. It's becoming a hot topic, and I appreciated how the author used the story to illustrate her thoughts on the matter.

Thank you to NetGalley, St. Martin's Press, and Minotaur Books for providing this ARC in exchange for an honest review.

I am a big Camilla Sten fan and The Bachelorette Party only solidified my appreciation and admiration for her work. A bachelorette party on an isolated island where you have to hand over your phone, so there’s no contact with the outside world. Oh, and there’s rumors a group of girls disappeared on said island years ago, never to be found. What could possibly go wrong? This story held my attention, it was fast paced and had plenty of surprises along the way. Highly recommend if you’re in a reading slump, or want to don that detective cap.

The book is easily a 4.5/5 stars for me. The book is about a woman who used to be a true crime podcast host when she gets invited on a Bachelorette trip with her sister and 3 friends. She knows what happened on this secluded island 10 years ago. They meet Irene, the sister of one who was lost and Adam, the chef and boyfriend of another who was lost. What looks and sounds Iike fun will become a disaster. Will the 5 girls survive or will they just be another group that goes missing?

Quick read which I enjoyed. I found myself wanting to go back and thinking uo theories but of course I'd figured out part of the reveal of plot lines long before. There still was some surprising things which made the thriller quite enjoyable and is there ever a better setting that a remote island paradise?

Tessa was definitely one youre rooting for despite her major reveal. Once you hit the last chapters, things really speed up. Which i quite enjoy after a nice leisurely pace throughout with little reveals and clues here and there.

Overall this is a fun read and even guessing some of what happens, it's a good read. One I'll have no trouble participating in a reread.

Thank you #NetGalley for the ARC of #TheBacheloretteParty by Camilla Sten!

3.5 Stars!

This book is a fast-paced, atmospheric thriller that kept me pretty engaged throughout. The setting—an exclusive yoga retreat on a remote island off the coast of Sweden—was both creepy and perfect. The dual timelines (present day + the mystery of the missing Naka Four) added an extra layer of intrigue, and the true crime podcast angle made it feel very current.There were definitely moments that made me uneasy. Tessa is a strong protagonist, flawed but determined, and I enjoyed watching her dig into the island’s secrets.

If you're into fast-paced thrillers with a “girls trip gone wrong” vibe and isolated setting, this one’s for you!

The Bachelorette Party is a fast-paced, unsettling page-turner that explores the dark side of friendship and the consequences of secrets kept for too long. If you’re looking for a sharp, suspenseful read that will keep you up late, this one’s worth the invite.

3.5***

enjoyed this one!!! i liked the setting a lot & i was thoroughly entertained the entire time.

i predicted part of the ending but still had a good time getting there! i couldn’t stop reading & i was actually pretty afraid during a few scenes.

i wish a little bit more happened & i found the characters to be pretty bland/super similar to each other (to the point where i had trouble remembering who is who).

overall, this is a quick “locked room” mystery that’ll keep you turning the page but nothing groundbreaking. this is perfect for a vacation or a palate cleanser!

Thank you to the publisher for an ARC copy of this book.

The only way to describe this book is a roller coaster. Tessa is a woman you want to root for, a true final girl. This book was incredibly hard to put down, it was a bit predictable but the writing still kept you locked in.

This was a fun read! I think if you are a casual thriller lover this would be a great book to take with you on vacation.

For the vibe readers for sure

This was a fast read and it was a good storyline. However, I found the twists and whodunnit too easy to figure out. But to others it might not be as easy. I wasn’t a huge fan of the ending but I still found the book good

Did anyone else get White Lotus vibes? In all the right ways!

I enjoyed this, found it dark and twisty with a girls trip vibe. So here for it!

Camilla Sten's The Bachelorette Party is a gripping psychological thriller that masterfully intertwines dual timelines to create an atmosphere of suspense and mystery. Set on a small, remote island off the coast of Sweden, the novel follows a haunting annual reunion where four best friends mysteriously vanish—a tragedy that haunts the island for a decade. The narrative is reenergized with the arrival of Tessa Nilsson, a determined true crime podcaster, whose investigation into the past uncovers chilling secrets and reignites old fears.
Sten’s meticulous attention to detail and atmospheric setting not only draw readers into the isolated island world but also heighten the tension that permeates every page. The novel excels as a page-turner, thanks to its twisty plot and the clever use of a dual timeline that gradually reveals the layers of deception and hidden truths. ​
While some readers might find the shifting timelines and multiple characters a bit challenging to follow, the overall narrative remains compelling. The story's strength lies in its ability to maintain suspense and deliver unexpected twists that keep readers engaged until the very end.
In conclusion, The Bachelorette Party offers a thought-provoking exploration of friendship, betrayal, and the enduring impact of unresolved pasts. This engrossing narrative is sure to satisfy fans of thrillers who appreciate a well-crafted and twist-filled journey.

The Bachelorette Party is a thriller based in Norway, on remonte Isle Blind in the archipelago off Stockholm. Tessa is a well known true crime podcaster who has recently fell from grace due an incident from one of her episodes, an incident that is mentioned but not revealed until later in the story. Her best friend Annelise is getting married and a trip has been planned to a brand new and exclusive yoga retreat on Isle Blind with all 5 of her bridesmaids and friends. The posh hotel for the retreat is owned by Irene, who is also a friend of Annelise, and is designed to be a getaway where technology is left behind and peace and tranquility is to be found.

Tessa is grieving the loss of her podcast, as well as her finances, friends, and colleagues, but manages the strength to attend the bachelorette party due its location: Isle Blind, a location where 10 years earlier 4 friends went missing during their annual girls trip. Even more enticing, Irene's sister, Matilda, was one of the missing 4 girls, now known as the Naka Four. Tessa is convinced if she uncovers the truth behind the disappearance of the Naka Four, her reputation and career will be redeemed.

The book switches between Tessa's point of view and Matilda's as well as their time on the island. We learn about Matilda's pregnancy and relationship with her partner Carl, who did not want her to attend the girl's night away. Matilda's story was small, and perhaps a little uncecssary, as I didn't see it tie into the overall storyline strongly.

As the bachelorette party progresses, Tessa starts to notice strange things happening: the single boat that is left on this island of solitude has gone adrift. A member of the party leaves unexpectedly in the middle of the night. Tess begins to think she is going a little mad. Until the drifted hole ridden dinghy washes ashore with their dead friend inside. Who is behind all of this?

With many twists and turns, the reader is taken for a terrifying ride while Tessa tries to piece together why this happening again on Isle Blind. It will all be revealed soon enough, as well as what really happened to the Naka Four by the end of the night. 4 stars go to Camilla Stern for an engaging thriller guaranteed to keep the reader on their toes.

⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️ (4/5)

The Bachelorette Party by Camilla Sten is a chilling and atmospheric thriller that kept me turning pages late into the night. Set against a remote and moody backdrop, the tension builds steadily as secrets begin to unravel—and no one is quite who they seem.

Sten does a great job weaving together suspense, drama, and psychological twists in a way that keeps you second-guessing. The characters felt authentic, and the dynamics between the women added an extra layer of intrigue and unease. It’s one of those stories where you think you know where it’s going... until you don’t.

My only reason for holding back a fifth star is that a couple of the twists felt slightly predictable, but it didn’t take away from my overall enjoyment. This is a fast-paced, twisty read that’s perfect for fans of locked-room mysteries and psychological suspense.

Thank you to the publisher for the ARC copy—I'm excited to see what Camilla Sten comes out with next!

The Bachelorette Party is a gripping psychological thriller that delivers both suspense and emotional complexity. Camilla Sten crafts a haunting tale set against the backdrop of a remote island retreat, where a celebration among friends quickly turns into something far more sinister. The isolation, the strained relationships, and the slow unraveling of secrets all build a tension that kept me turning the pages.

What stands out is how well Sten balances the mystery with the emotional undercurrents of grief, guilt, and long-standing friendship dynamics. The protagonist’s inner turmoil adds depth to the narrative, and the alternating timelines are used effectively to peel back layers of the past.

While the pacing lags slightly in the middle and a few character decisions feel a bit contrived, the final reveal is satisfying and earned. Sten does an excellent job creating atmosphere—fans of The Guest List or The Hunting Party will appreciate the moody, claustrophobic setting.

Overall, this is a well-written and engaging thriller with just the right mix of character development and plot twists. A solid choice for readers who enjoy suspenseful stories with a psychological edge.

Thank you to Camilla Sten, St. Martin's Press, and Netgalley for an advanced reader copy in exchange for an honest review.