Lily Leonard and her husband – nicknamed Stig, after Stig of the Dump – are going through a rocky patch in their marriage. Lily is really good at choosing gifts and she manages to pull out all the stops for a wedding anniversary present for Stig. She books a table at a restaurant, but this isn’t just any old restaurant; it’s run by celebrity chef Hector Bolson-Woods. Lily is very excited but when she reveals the gift to Stig, he’s not quite as pleased as she thought he’d be.

Once at the restaurant, Hector invites them to dine in his kitchen, which is a huge honour but, again, Stig isn’t as excited as Lily. She’s very disappointed and suspects that Stig is hiding something. Then Hector invites them to dinner at his country home, and secrets start to come out.

A brilliant read which kept me gripped right till the last page.

Thank you to NetGalley and Boldwood Books for an advance reader copy in return for an honest review.

This had a solid premise with plenty of intrigue, and I was hooked in the beginning. The tension between Lily, Stig, and Hector was well done, and the psychological twists kept me turning the pages. But as the story built up, I expected a more satisfying payoff. Instead, the ending felt rushed and didn’t really fit the pacing or layout of the rest of the book.

It left me wanting more—not in a good way, but in a “wait, that’s it?” kind of way. The buildup suggested something more layered, more shocking, or at least more fleshed out, but instead, everything seemed to wrap up too quickly without the depth or resolution the story deserved. A decent read with some gripping moments, but ultimately, it didn’t live up to its potential.

3.5 stars, rounded up. This was a fun read which I finished in one day. It could have been scarier, but there was definitely a sense of growing unease as the book progressed. While there were some bits that didn’t seem right - the misunderstandings between Stig and Lily, as well as Stig choosing not to speak up - the characters were great. However, Ruby’s death did seem to be a bit glossed over.

Otherwise, a great read, and thank you so much for letting me read it!

Such a great book, the ending kind of ended abruptly. Making you want more! But that leaves room for a second book! Will definitely read more from this author, definitely a quick read, couldn’t put this book down! So many twists!

Lily thinks she's the ultimate gift giver, but as the story starts, she's second-guessing the anniversary gift she got for her husband. Stig is content with life and is really hoping to be a father, but Lily can't imagine having a baby when she feels something is missing from the marriage.

That something missing is basically any backstory or history about her husband she's been with for 6 years. This is about the part where you start to not exactly like Lily, and maybe that's the whole point.

None of the characters are that great as they are flawed people who are all hiding things. The second half of the book is a mix of present-day events and that missing Stig backstory to make the connections we see in the present unravel. I didn't enjoy the Hector storyline but it ties everything together.

This had a solid premise with plenty of intrigue, and I was hooked in the beginning. The tension between Lily, Stig, and Hector was well done, and the psychological twists kept me turning the pages. But as the story built up, I expected a more satisfying payoff. Instead, the ending felt rushed and didn’t really fit the pacing or layout of the rest of the book.

It left me wanting more—not in a good way, but in a “wait, that’s it?” kind of way. The buildup suggested something more layered, more shocking, or at least more fleshed out, but instead, everything seemed to wrap up too quickly without the depth or resolution the story deserved. I kept flipping back, thinking I had missed something, but no—it just ended. A decent read with some gripping moments, but ultimately, it didn’t live up to its potential.

Lily surprises her husband of five years with an unforgettable meal at a celebrity chef's restaurant. Their relationship is missing the sizzle it once had so Lily wanted to get it right. Chef Hector Bolson-Woods invited them to the special chef's table and personally cooked for them. The food was spectacular and Lily enjoyed the occasion more than Stig as he disliked the spotlight in any form. When they receive a personal invite to the chef's home days later, they had mixed feelings but went. For better or worse, they became enmeshed in another world and in others' lives, a far cry from financial woes awaiting them at home. Fissures in their relationship become crevasses and secrets bubble to the surface.

The chef's name reminds me of celebrity Chef Heston Blumenthal so I kept envisioning him in the Hector's role. The pace is quick and snappy and the writing created crackling tension. I love all things culinary so was in my element as far as the food goes...spotlight and glamour not so much. This novel has a welcome bit of originality. Most characters are unlikeable but this was not detrimental to my reading enjoyment. Parts are implausible but I jumped in head first, anyway. Talk about a fast tense read! I'd classify it more as family drama than thriller, though. I am glad I read it.

I loved the premise of this story! This was short and fast paced - cuts right to the chase.
I do think the suspense could have been drawn out a bit more but it was a good story!

I really enjoyed this book. The dynamic in which it is written definitely kept my interest. Not what I was expecting but it a good way! Definitely give this book a chance.

Lily is trying to rekindle her marriage and makes a reservation at a prestigious restaurant. Unknown to her, the chef is known to her husband. While this book is a psychological thriller, there is also a lot of family drama involved. It was an entertaining book and easy to read and I plan to read more from this author.

Nina Manning's The Dinner Party offers a thrilling, high-stakes narrative set against the backdrop of the glitz and glamour of the culinary world. At the heart of the novel is a renowned chef, deeply driven and fiercely competitive, whose success hides a simmering grudge against an old acquaintance from their past—someone who will stop at nothing to settle an old score.

Manning's storytelling is gripping and fast-paced, drawing the reader into a world of luxury and deception. The tension builds steadily as the chef's perfect dinner party begins to unravel, revealing dark secrets, simmering resentments, and hidden motives. As the story unfolds, Manning masterfully explores themes of revenge, rivalry, and the lengths to which people will go to seek retribution.

The characters are compelling, particularly the chef, whose ambition and personal vendetta make for a fascinating, multi-layered protagonist. The antagonistic relationship with the old acquaintance adds a sense of mystery and suspense to the plot, leaving readers on edge, never quite sure who will come out on top.

The pacing of the book is one of its strongest assets, with Manning weaving intrigue and tension into every chapter. Her attention to detail in the description of the restaurant setting and culinary scenes makes for an immersive experience, giving the story a rich, atmospheric feel. Whether you're a fan of the culinary world or simply enjoy a well-crafted psychological thriller, The Dinner Party is a deliciously engaging read.

Manning also delves into the darker aspects of human nature, showing how far someone will go when fueled by resentment and a thirst for revenge. The twists and turns in the plot are expertly executed, with a final revelation that ties everything together in a satisfying, if chilling, conclusion.

Overall, The Dinner Party is a gripping psychological thriller that blends suspense, drama, and intrigue with a complex cast of characters and a richly detailed setting. Manning’s ability to create a high-stakes environment full of secrets and tensions makes this a must-read for fans of suspenseful, character-driven stories.

Although this book kept me guessing, it took me over a week to finish as I was struggling with it. I guessed what the plot was half way through the book. Would recommend it.

This book is definitely a slow burn. I feel like it takes all the way to the end of the book to get the twist you are wanting. I enjoyed the plot but I feel like you don’t get the whole picture of Stig and lily doesn’t get the wrap up in the end that you would want.

This book was advertised as a thriller, yet most of the story wasn’t. Just a lot of learning about the past of the two main male characters and an anticlimactic ending. Thank you to NetGalley for an advanced copy for a honest review.

I love thriller books with good twists so I was really excited for this book.

Unfortunately I kept waiting for the big twist that never really came. I guess there was a twist but it was one that was easy to spot. The ending felt hurried and skipped major parts.

For me it was a tad disappointing, the characters never felt very fleshed out, it was hard to empathise with anyone until the last few chapters. H

owever I can chalk that up to having read hundreds of different mystery/ thriller style books.

For anyone wanting to try their first one this could be a good option.

𝐒𝐲𝐧𝐨𝐩𝐬𝐢𝐬
To commemorate their wedding anniversary, Lily Leonard secures a reservation at the prestigious restaurant owned by the acclaimed celebrity chef, Hector Bolson-Woods. This evening is intended to be a delightful experience for Lily and her husband, Stig; however, even the most exquisite menu cannot mend the fractures in their relationship. When Hector extends a personal invitation for them to dine with him, Lily is elated, believing that this gesture will surely delight Stig. Hector's charm and attentiveness stand in stark contrast to Stig's demeanor, and Lily finds herself increasingly captivated by the mysterious chef. However, the evening takes an unexpected turn. Following the dinner, Stig expresses his discontent, declaring that the entire experience was a mistake he wishes to avoid in the future. Feeling hurt and bewildered, Lily suspects that Stig is concealing something significant, potentially related to Hector, though she remains unaware of the specifics. Soon after, another dinner invitation from Hector arrives, accompanied by a proposal that neither Lily nor Stig can afford to decline.

𝐌𝐲 𝐓𝐡𝐨𝐮𝐠𝐡𝐭𝐬
In my opinion, this book is less of a thriller and more of a family drama. I really struggled to connect with Stig; he came off as more irritating than relatable, and his actions were often frustrating throughout the story. I did like the concept of the book, although it felt a bit slow at first before it finally gained some momentum. The ending, however, was quite confusing and raised more questions than it answered, leaving me feeling unsatisfied. It took some unexpected twists and ended rather suddenly, leaving a few loose threads. All in all, I didn’t hate the book, but I can’t say I was a huge fan either.
Thanks to Netgalley and Boldwood Book's Publishers ARC Copy for my honest review.

This took me a while to get into and I felt like it took a while to really get started but when it did I really enjoyed it. It kept me guessing and there was a good level of tension and suspense

This book is about Lily and her husband Stig going to a celebrity restaurant for their anniversary dinner. Unexpectedly, the celebrity, Hector, dines with them and proceeds to invite them to a private dinner at his home. As the book proceeds, you get a glimpse into the strained relationship between Lily and Stig and the eeriness that ensues at these dinner parties.

This was a very gripping book; absolutely read this in like 2 hours in one sitting. Although it really pulls you in and you want to know more, I found the plot to be lacking. There were definitely points throughout the story as Lily is uncovering more of Stig's past that gave me the creeps because everything was connecting into one big knot. The flashbacks definitely helped sell the creepiness and why Stig is acting so distant. The ending was a bit random and hastily completed. 3.5/5 stars.

Lily and Stig are dining at a prestigious resturant and Lily is hoping that it will set them straight with their failing marriage.


Things dont go as planned and Stig decides never to repeat the evening.

This is a slow but gripping thriller and while I wished things would hasten I was hooked with the unique plot.

With unlikeable characters, a suspenseful plot and a few twists this is a book I enjoyed..

This is a gripping thriller that keeps readers on the edge of their seats from start to finish, The plot is filled with unexpected twists and turns, making it impossible to predict what will happen next.
The writing is both engaging and suspenseful, with well-developed characters that add depth to the narrative.
The pacing of the novel is perfect, with just the right amount of tension to keep readers hooked without feeling overwhelmed.
The setting is vividly described, creating an immersive atmosphere that enhances the overall reading experience.
Highly recommended! Its a 5 from me!