There certainly are plenty of liars at this party! This book starts with someone falling to their death which had me eagerly flying through the pages to find out who the victim was. The story is told through multiple POVs giving you a blend of adult and teenage drama. It's evident that everyone has something they are hiding and trying to figure everything out was a lot of fun. I didn't do a very good job though because all the twists and turns were shocking to me! Sadly, I was a bit disappointed with the way the plot ended up going because it involved an overused trope that I'm sick of. Also, there was one thing about the ending I didn't love. Those are just minor issues, but it's why I'm giving this book four stars instead of five. Overall though, Party of Liars is a fun, compelling read full of juicy secrets and shocking twists. I think most readers are going to really enjoy this one. I know I'm already looking forward to seeing what Kelsey Cox comes up with next!

Thank you NetGalley and St. Martin's Press for the ARC.

"Party of Liars" by Kelsey Cox is an exciting mix of a Texas-style Sweet Sixteen and a classic whodunit. The story takes place in the beautiful Texas Hill Country during Sophie Matthews's lavish sixteenth birthday party at her dad's fancy, supposedly haunted mansion.

Things take a wild turn when a body suddenly falls onto the dance floor right before Sophie blows out her birthday candles, turning the whole vibe from celebration to sheer panic. Cox introduces a bunch of intriguing characters, each hiding their own secrets and motives, including:

- **Dani**: Sophie's insecure stepmom.
- **Órlaith**: The superstitious Irish nanny who feels something's off.
- **Mikayla**: Sophie's quiet best friend who has more depth than she seems.
- **Kim**: The bitter ex-wife who's still holding a grudge.

As the story unfolds, the mansion itself feels like a character too, adding extra suspense with its creepy history. Cox weaves in some clever plot twists and dives deep into the characters' minds, making it hard to put the book down.

Overall, "Party of Liars" is a thrilling read for anyone who loves a good mystery with unexpected turns, keeping readers hooked until the very last page.

This was such a fun and exciting story. Teen dramas, adult dramas, secrets, hidden identities--no one was who they seemed. Compelling and full of twists. Perfect for new years!

Kelsey Cox’s Party of Liars is a fast-paced, twisty thriller that keeps you hooked from start to finish. With complex characters, plenty of secrets, and a story that keeps you guessing, it’s the kind of book you can’t put down. A solid debut that fans of suspense will love!

Thank you to NetGalley for the ARC!

This book was well written (in terms of prose) but the story itself was incredibly slow paced, like, it doesn't really pick up and explain the actual dilemma until 80% in. I think the goal was to build suspense but I struggled to finish because I wasn't given enough to be invested and was actually tempted to DNF because of it. I'm glad I stuck around because the last 20% was really interesting and I was pleasantly surprised by the twist!

Thank you so much to the publisher for the digital review copy!

I will begin with possible trigger warnings. This book will mention and discuss: pedophilia, alcoholism, medication abuse, suicide, loss of child, narcissism.

Ethan and Kim were once married. They purchased an abandoned mansion, that was believed to be haunted, looking over a cliff and spent their time and money remodeling it. They have a daughter Sophie and eventually divorce.

Today is Sophie's sixteenth birthday. Her dad and new wife Desi are throwing her a huge sweet sixteen party no expense spared. The whole town is invited, and show up mainly to see the lavish mansion everyone calls the dollhouse.

Lately, weird things have been happening at the house. Is it actually haunted? Then it is discovered messages are being left for Dani that she does not deserve this lifestyle. Dani is slightly on edge as there are so many people coming into this house to celebrate this day with them.

Then it happens. A body falls from a balcony. No one is allowed to leave the property at this point.
Who is it that fell? Who caused it? What happened?

This is the first book I have read by this author. I was not able to put this book down. It had me pulled in immediately trying to figure out who did it. In the end it gave me the wow factor I look for in a mystery.

Party of Liars by Kelsey Cox was an interesting read that held my interest from the beginning.

Today is Sophie Matthews’s sixteenth birthday party, an exclusive black-tie bash in the heart of the Texas Hill Country, where secrets are as deep-rooted as the sprawling live oaks. Sophie’s dad has spared no expense, and his renovated cliffside mansion—once thought haunted and shuttered for years from outsiders—is now hosting the event of the season. Then, just before the candles on the three-tiered red velvet cake are blown out, a body falls from the balcony onto the starlit dance floor below.

Told from multiple perspectives, I was kept in suspense and enjoyed this different take on a murder mystery. I was engaged with all of the characters - even though they weren't likable - and looked forward to finding out who did what and why.

Thanks to NetGalley for this ARC in lieu of an honest review. All opinions are my own.

Thanks to NetGalley and St. Martin’s Press for this Advanced Reader’s Copy of Party of Liars by Kelsey Cox due to be published July 1, 2025.

Today is Sophie Matthews’s sixteenth birthday party, an exclusive black-tie bash in the heart of the Texas Hill Country, where secrets are as deep-rooted as the sprawling live oaks. The cast: Dani, the stepmother; Orlaith, the Irish nanny; Mikayla, Sophie’s best friend; Kim, the ex-wife; and Ethan, Sophie’s father. Lots attend the party – one won’t survive it.
Loved this book – my first by this author. The story was told by different points of view – each chapter by a different character in the book. Their stories interweave and reveal much about each one of them. They tie into each other in the end in a shocking way – it is great!

#NetGalley #KelseyCox #StMartinsPress #PartyOfLiars

Party of Liars is an exceptionally twisty and fun debut thriller! The entire story takes place during a big bash of a party where someone ends up dead. But who??? That’s the question. The night proceeds through the point of view of a great cast of characters, none of whom are quite what they seem. This is a real page turner. I loved the reveal and how everything worked out. Very satisfying ending. In my opinion, if you love domestic thrillers, you won’t want to miss this one.

I received an advance reading copy of this book from Minotaur through Netgalley. All opinions expressed are my own and I was not required to give a favorable opinion.

NOTE: I have posted reviews on Goodreads and B&N. At time of publication, I will post the review on Amazon. Thank you for the opportunity to read this fun thriller. I wish the author much success as I'm confident this book will be a hit!

Thanks to Netgalley for the ARC.
I went into this book thinking it would be a lot of teenage drama. I mean, it does take place during a sweet sixteen party. However, there was a lot more adult drama and more twists that you would originally believe. I did not see the ending coming, although it was well deserved.

Party of Liars by Kelsey Cox is a captivating thriller that leaves the reader uncertain who is actually a reliable narrator, a question that becomes harder to answer as the story unravels.

There are multiple points of view, all that have a unique perspective on the events of the day taking place, and each with their own secrets that are doled out to the reader bit by bit throughout the course of the book. This kept me hooked in, wanting to know exactly what each individual was hiding, whether in their pasts or in the present. They were each interesting enough to keep me invested in finding out the answers and interested in each different character throughout the story.

What keeps the reader guessing from one POV character to another is the fact that each of the characters clearly have something going on behind the scenes that isn’t fully delved into that makes it hard to tell if they are a reliable narrator or not. From mental health, to addiction, to a strong belief in the supernatural, to the simplicity of youth and the way a teenager can misrepresent events even to themselves. It was so well done with each character that it makes flying through this book easy, and really leaves the reader guessing as to what is actually going on and who could or could not be responsible for the traumatic event that occurs at the party, if anyone at all.

There is also a haunting quality to the vibe of this book, which is masterfully added to the story providing a hint of the supernatural and this overlying question of whether events taking place are merely a figment of people’s imagination/trauma, or if there is really something more otherworldly going on. Interspersed throughout the events of the day of the party are chapters that reveal that something awful ends up happening, teasing at what takes place without giving anything away, which also amped up the suspense of the book and made it hard not to keep reading to find out all of the answers.

Everything all comes together in a satisfying way in the end, and I loved how each POV characters story tied together into the whole. I really ended up enjoying Party of Liars and am very much looking forward to what else this author writes.

Wild! A bit clunky with so many perspectives and time jumps and memories/inner dialogue, which was the con for me. The plot was nuts and would make for one heck of a tv series.

This is my first book by this author and I LOVED IT. The character development was great. The book was engaging and kept my attention. I anticipated getting back to the book during my reading times. The ending...well I did not see that coming so I guess Cox "got me" on that one. Thoroughly enjoyed this book and highly recommend. I will look at Cox's other books.

Thanks Netgalley for the advanced reader copy! I read this book in one sitting and enjoyed the plot and gave it a solid 4 stars.

Thank you to NetGalley and publisher Minotaur Books for the opportunity to read Party of Liars in exchange for an unbiased review. I loved this book.

The aspect of the book that made it most entertaining and compelling was the way the author structured the chapters. Each chapter takes the perspective/point of view of a different character: Kim, Mikayla, Orlaith, and Dani all narrate chapters. Interspersed are chapters that are labeled "before" and "after." So as a reader, as you read an "after" chapter - you will learn that someone died - but you don't know who or how. In a "before" chapter you'll read that, the morning of a special party, Dani finds a threatening message on a mirror. But you don't yet know who might have done this or why or how it relates to the other characters. The various themes of the book include struggles of motherhood, female friendships, first love, deception and controlling relationships.

The book begins with an "after" chapter and we learn that prior to the current day owners of the house, it was built by Wilhelm Vogel for his bride Ada Muller. When Ada died unexpectedly, the house was labeled haunted. For over 100 years, it was uninhabited and of course rumours abounded about "The Mother." That is the backdrop for the home's purchase by Ethan for his wife Kim, and subsequently for his second wife Dani.

Kim is the mother to Sophie - who is turning 16 and dad Ethan is throwing an extravagant Sweet Sixteen party for her, as well as to unveil the renovated house. Ethan and Kim are no longer married and Dani, is the new mother to Charlotte. All are gathered for the party including Ethan and Dani, Kim and Sophie - along with Sophie's best friend Mikayla and a host of their friends, nanny Orlaith and the baby Charlotte, Ethan's partner Curtis.

As the book unfolds we learn about each character's background and place in the story and how each could potentially be responsible for the death of the unknown character. I admit I anticipated the book to follow a different path -- so to me that is the mark of a good mystery...lots of surprises that keep you guessing until the end.

I highly recommend the book to other readers who enjoy a good mystery and really well done characters with strengths, weaknesses and intrigue.

Satisfying easy read of a white lady thriller. One major red herring early one was kindof annoying when the related twist was revealed, but still a good example of the genre and I would happily devour more from Cox.

This book has everything: multiple well-developed POVs, sparkling prose, a thrilling pace, and epic twists. Set in an extravagant cliffside mansion at an over-the-top black-tie Sweet Sixteen.

Everyone is invited in. Not everyone will get out alive.

I loved this book, and I predict great things for this author! Can't wait to read her next book!

Sophie Matthews is ready for her over-the-top sweet sixteen party given by her father, Ethan, and stepmother Dani at their Texas mansion on a cliff. Also attending are Sophie’s angry mother Kim, old friend farm girl Mikayla, many popular friends (adults and teenagers), and Dani’s baby’s Irish nanny. What could possibly go wrong?! As the lavish cake is being served, a body falls from the balcony. Kelsey Cox has written a clever, multilayered story by alternating POVs and time. Bits of information are divulged slowly with added twists. Although full of self-indulgent and unlikable characters, the author keeps the reader engaged and wanting answers. With thanks to Netgalley and St. Martin’s Press for this ARC. My opinions are my own.

I really enjoyed this book! I thought this novel was well-crafted with the different storylines of each character. I found it really easy to follow along with each POV, and loved how the novel progressed and how the ending wrapped up the storylines of each character. This was a great read and I look forward to reading more of this author’s books in the future!

I adored this book as it takes place on a "castle" on a hill overlooking the sea. Ethan is a psychiatrist and lives with wife Dani and new baby, Charlotte. He throws a lavish Sweet Sixteen party for his older daughter, Sophie and her mother--his first wife--attends as well. But there's a sinister story permeating the house that years ago a baby died and The Mother went mad and jumped from the balcony; people still "hear" her! But now life is comfortable and Ethan and Dani have Orlaith, a nanny to care for young Charlotte. But things go horribly wrong at the party and as everyone has secrets to keep....Hold your breath and dive in!
Thanks to NetGalley for this ARC!