thank you to NetGalley and Atria Books for providing me with an advance copy of this book to review!

yeah idk what to say about this one. it feels like a pretty standard "group of people trapped in one location" thriller. I kept reading because I wanted to know what was going to happen, but it's not particularly better (or worse tbf) than any given one of these books. on one hand I was a bit annoyed by the emphasis on a romance I found pretty uninteresting, but on the other I did think the twists were overall well done and definitely one thing in this book that was above average. so overall... it was Fine. if you like thrillers you will like this, I just doubt it'll blow you away.

also we love and stan Claude!!!!

Thank you to NetGalley and Atria Books for providing an advanced reader copy of The Wasp Trap by Mark Edwards in exchange for an honest review.

Mark Edwards delivers a tightly woven psychological thriller in The Wasp Trap, a chilling locked-room mystery that deftly weaves together past and present. With its dual timelines—one set in the present day and the other flashing back to 1999—the novel explores how long-buried secrets and unresolved guilt can resurface in the most unexpected and dangerous of ways.

At the heart of the story is Will, a writer and former university student, whose past work on a controversial dating algorithm and a disturbing “psychopath test” under a charismatic professor resurfaces in terrifying fashion. When Will and his former classmates are invited to a reunion dinner, what begins as a seemingly nostalgic gathering quickly unravels into a sinister game of survival. The narrative examines the corrosive impact of secrets, the fragility of trust, and the psychological cost of ambition and betrayal.

The pacing begins slowly, grounding the reader in the atmosphere of the dinner party before accelerating dramatically in the final quarter. Once the twists begin, they arrive rapidly, each more unsettling than the last. Edwards excels in planting subtle narrative clues that pay off in unexpected ways. Though the initial setup could benefit from a stronger hook, the tension crescendos effectively, culminating in a finale that is both shocking and satisfying. The final revelation—particularly the chilling note involving Mia—lingers long after the final page.

In terms of characterization, Will serves as a steady, if at times unremarkable, narrator. His fixation on Sophie occasionally feels repetitive, though the rotating perspectives add dimension and intrigue. Among the ensemble, Lily stands out for her complexity and layered motivations. Some characters’ choices stretch believability, and certain subplots—especially Olivia’s—feel somewhat underdeveloped. Still, the claustrophobic setting and the psychological intensity more than compensate for these moments.

The “psychopath test” subplot, while compelling, left me wishing it had been explored more deeply. The concept is rich with potential, and its implications are genuinely disturbing. That said, Edwards does a commendable job balancing narrative momentum with deeper thematic questions about trust, manipulation, and morality.

One of the novel’s greatest strengths lies in its use of dual timelines. The transitions between 1999 and 2024 are seamless, and both narratives are equally engaging. The past timeline, in particular, adds emotional depth and context to the characters’ present choices. Readers who remember the late ’90s will appreciate the nostalgic references, especially the contrast between early internet culture and today’s digital dependence.

The atmosphere throughout is tense and immersive, with several moments of genuine horror and disturbing imagery. Edwards does not shy away from portraying the darker facets of human behavior, making for a reading experience that is as thought-provoking as it is thrilling.

The Wasp Trap is a masterfully structured novel that rewards close reading. It’s not a mystery that reveals itself easily; rather, it invites readers to pay attention, to question, and to anticipate. The title is brilliantly chosen—its significance clicks into place with chilling clarity in the final act.

In short, this is a gripping, well-executed thriller that will appeal to readers who enjoy complex plots, psychological tension, and morally ambiguous characters. Mark Edwards has proven once again that he is a must-read author in this genre.

And this, ladies and gentlemen, is how you write A book!!! The story is told in past and present, mostly in first person by main character and in third by others. I absolutely loved this one and i found myself picking up my kindle every chance I got. The story was interesting and I was so invested in everything, every character and both timelines. The plot twists were amazing, and there were many of them. And also, with ending like this, I truly hope will get a book two cause I can see that happening.

Thanks to Atria and NetGalley for the eARC of The Wasp Trap, coming September 16th. Six old friends reunite in London to honor their late mentor, but the night takes a dark turn when they're forced to reveal secrets—or eliminate each other. The danger ties back to a twisted experiment from their past: a dating test designed to identify psychopaths. As tensions rise, the truth behind The Wasp Trap and a hidden killer begins to unravel.
I loved the premise and dove right in. I’m a sucker for a good whodunit, especially the kind where a group with shared history reunites and secrets start to unravel. This one kept me hooked, and I definitely didn’t see the ending coming. So good!

The Wasp Trap
Publishing Date 9/16/25
Publisher Atria Books
Rating 5/5 ⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️

Thank you Atria Books for the e-ARC of The Wasp Trap. I devoured this book in one sitting. What a roller coaster ride! Multiple twists and turns I didn't see coming. A definite must for readers of suspense. Reminded me of Agatha Christie with the game aspect of the story.

How have I never read a book by Mark before?!

Six friends unite to celebrate the life of their recently deceased ex-employer. A sweet dinner party turns into the dinner party from hell. Dark secrets are revealed and things turn deadly.

This was a past paced thriller. There were so many twists. What a ride!! I really enjoy Marks writing. I was on the edge of my seat the entire time.

I’m looking forward to reading more books by Mark.

Thank you NetGalley, Mark and Atria Books for the eARC!

Rating:✨✨✨✨
Publication Date: September 16 2025

Bring out your popcorn boxes and favorite refreshments! Cancel your entire schedule, camp out on your cozy couch, and wrap yourself into a human burrito with the softest, fluffiest blanket you own—because once you open this book, you won’t be able to put it down. Get ready to dive into a locked-room mystery that’s smart, layered, and overflowing with tension. It’s a puzzle box of secrets stacked inside even more secrets, filled with "wait—what?!" moments, creepy surprises, and a brilliant guessing game that dares you to figure out who the real threat is before the last page.

I’ve always been a sucker for stories where a group of people is trapped in a single setting and forced to spill their darkest secrets, especially when the stakes are high and the secrets are deadly. Mark Edwards masterfully takes this setup and cranks it up with dual timelines, psychological suspense, and enough red herrings to keep you dizzy. The tension never lets up, and the pacing is near-perfect, gradually tightening the noose around each character until there’s no escape—literally and emotionally.

The story centers around six friends who, back in 1999, were university students working on a dating app with their charismatic psychology professor, Sebastian Marlowe. The project took a dark turn when they combined the app with a controversial psychopathy test—and then something so disturbing happened that Sebastian abruptly ended the whole thing. Twenty-five years later, the group—now mostly estranged—receives an invitation from Georgina and Theo, the power couple who ran with the idea and built a tech empire, to attend a dinner party in honor of Sebastian, who has recently passed away.

Each of the old friends comes with baggage:

Will, a failed writer now teaching and still haunted by what could have been.

Sophie, Will’s former flame, who inherited a quiet life from her grandmother but feels aimless.

Rohan, now married with kids, is battling financial struggles and hoping for a bailout from Theo.

Lily, the brilliant mind of the group, recently divorced with two children, is working on a top-secret tech innovation that could change everything.

Georgina and Theo seem successful and picture-perfect, but beneath the surface lies a gut-wrenching family tragedy that’s already fraying their bond. And then there’s Fin, a mysterious man who claims to have worked with Sebastian. His presence raises eyebrows—especially for Will, who notices Fin behaving oddly, almost too comfortably with the catering staff. He whispers with them, seems to know more than he lets on, and gives off a distinct vibe that something deeper is going on.

And then—bam! The doors are locked. Cell reception disappears. Strange voices echo through empty rooms. A chilling realization sets in: they are trapped. Not by accident, but by design. One of them holds a terrible secret from 1999—something that’s been buried too long. Until it's confessed, they cannot leave.

As tensions rise, friendships unravel, and paranoia kicks in, it becomes clear that someone among them is not who they seem. The group must reckon with the truth they’ve all been avoiding, but only one of them is keeping the most damning, life-altering secret—and that secret is the key to their survival.

The final reveal is a total knockout. Just when you think you’ve figured it all out, the rug gets pulled from under you in the best way possible. The ending is clever, satisfying, and darkly poetic, tying the mystery together in a way that lingers after the last page.

Overall, this book is an adrenaline-fueled rollercoaster of suspense, packed with clever clues, deep character work, and nonstop thrills. It’s fun, eerie, and completely addictive—the kind of story you’ll want to finish in one breathless sitting. I absolutely loved it and am happy to give it five locked-room stars!

A very huge thanks to NetGalley and Atria Books for providing this thrilling mystery’s digital reviewer copy in exchange for my honest thoughts. I truly appreciate the opportunity!

4.5 stars! 🌟 Wow, what an absolute shocking twist! I didn’t see any of it coming!

What to expect:
- dual timelines
- multiple POVs
- multiple twists

Thank you to NetGalley and Atria Books for the ARC in exchange for my honest review.

I really enjoyed this book! It was fast paced, had a dual timeline between present day & the summer of 1999, and was a locked-room type msytery. Everytime I thought I had it figured out, something else happened to prove my theory wrong. It ended perfectly which doesn't happen often in thrillers and that can typically make or break the whole book for me, but this ending was great! This was the perfect psychological thriller!

Thank you NetGalley and Atria for the ARC in exchange for my honest review!

The Wasp Trap by Mark Edwards

Set to publish: September 16, 2025.




So, let me start by saying: I love a good locked-room setup, especially when it's laced with paranoia, flashbacks, and a sprinkle of “are any of you even remotely okay?” Mark Edwards absolutely leans into that vibe with The Wasp Trap, and while it’s not without its flaws, I tore through it like a Netflix binge I promised myself I’d only watch one episode of.

Six former psychology prodigies reunite 25 years after a creepy dating experiment they helped design gets buried... and someone at the dinner party wants to dig it up. It’s part psychological test, part murder mystery, part group therapy session from hell.

The dual timeline (1999 and present day) works well to slowly peel back the layers, and I was actually into the whole "love questionnaire that exposes psychopaths" thing. It’s just the right amount of unsettling to keep you side-eyeing every character. Nobody’s safe, and you can’t trust a damn soul. That’s the fun of it.

That said, some of the twists leaned a little too hard into the dramatic like, okay, we’re bordering on soap opera territory here—but I respect the commitment. Edwards knows what kind of story he’s telling and doesn’t pretend otherwise.

If you’re into twisty, high-stakes thrillers where everyone’s got skeletons in the closet (and probably a body in the basement), this one’s for you. Just don’t expect literary depth or subtlety, it’s popcorn fiction with a dark edge, and honestly? Sometimes that’s exactly what hits the spot.

The Wasp Trap by Mark Edwards is a tense, twisty thriller that turns a seemingly innocent reunion into a sinister game of secrets and survival. What begins as a night to honor a late mentor quickly spirals into a psychological nightmare, as six old friends are forced to confront the darkness of their shared past—and the chilling consequences of the experiment they helped create. The concept of a love questionnaire secretly designed to expose psychopaths is as brilliant as it is disturbing, and Edwards masterfully builds suspense as paranoia and betrayals mount. With its clever premise, claustrophobic tension, and shocking reveals, The Wasp Trap is a gripping page-turner that keeps you guessing until the very end.

he Wasp Trap is a slick, twist-filled psychological thriller that pulls you in with its high-concept premise and delivers a deliciously dark payoff. What begins as a reunion dinner in a charming Notting Hill townhouse quickly spirals into a night of secrets, manipulation, and survival.

Six old friends gather to honor a man who once brought them together—and almost immediately find themselves trapped in a sinister game. The rules? Confess your darkest secrets… or start eliminating each other. The tension is immediate and unrelenting.

Author deftly balances a dual timeline, weaving between the present-day dinner party and the summer of 1999, when the group worked on a pioneering dating site—and unknowingly created a psychological tool called The Wasp Trap, designed to identify potential psychopaths. That detail alone sets the novel apart, injecting a clever, chilling edge to the traditional "friends-with-secrets" setup.

Each character is layered and unreliable, and as their secrets unfold, the stakes climb higher. The pacing is electric, with short, sharp chapters and constant shifts in perspective that keep you guessing who’s telling the truth—and who’s next.

Fans of Lucy Foley, Alice Feeney, and Lisa Jewell will find much to love here: a claustrophobic setting, morally murky characters, and an ending twist that’s as shocking as it is satisfying.

The Wasp Trap is psychological suspense at its best—smart, sinister, and completely addictive. Trust no one, suspect everyone, and enjoy the ride.

I felt like the book was really well-paced. There wasn't any dragging, but there also wasn't so much going on that I was overwhelmed. I loved the back and forth from 1999 to present time and felt it provided context at the right moments. Overall, I really liked the story and felt like it kept me guessing to the end.

Thank you to Mark Edwards, Atria Books, and Netgalley for an e-arc of The Wasp Trap in exchange for an honest review! Fast paced thriller that follows a group of friends in 1999 & present day! Secrets throughout and jaw dropping twists at the end!! I didn’t want to put my kindle down it had me hooked! This book publishes on 9/16/25!

This is my 2nd Mark Edwards book and it did not disappoint! 6 friends are reunited 25 years after a failed attempt at launching a dating site using psychological testing. A dinner party gathers the 6 together and quickly turns into a locked room nightmare. Someone is hiding a secret and the mastermind behind this plan will stop at nothing to get the secret holder to spill!
I read this book in one sitting. I could not put the book down until I knew who was responsible. I rated the book 4.5 stars; while it was action packed and full of unexpected twists, the overall storyline was a bit too far fetched. I definitely recommend this book to anyone that loves a locked room thriller or Mark Edwards!

This book was a lot of fun’. I have never read a book that was sent in the British world of weird startups before so that was a fun backstory. I liked the trapped in a house element as well, I was glad it being a smart house wasn’t the only hook. The characters were all quite distinctive even though we didn’t see much of them in the present day outside of the aborted dinner party. The twist felt earned.


One quibble—for the Boston themed party mentioned a few times, the author implies that cannoli is both not vegetarian and not a dessert. It is both!

In the summer of 1999, six individuals came together under the guidance of Professor Marlowe to develop a psychological test designed to identify psychopaths. The project was a success—but then, without explanation, it was abruptly shut down. The group disbanded, scattering for 25 years.

Now, reunited at a dinner party following Marlowe’s funeral, old tensions resurface—and so do buried secrets. Something happened that summer. One person remembers exactly what. Another suspects there’s a secret being kept—and is willing to kill to uncover it.

As the evening unfolds, truths are revealed, blood is spilled, and the past refuses to stay buried. The real question becomes: what secret is worth killing for—and who among them would actually do it?

Told through shifting perspectives and dual timelines, this story twists in ways I didn’t expect—in the best possible way. Suspend disbelief, embrace the chaos, and buckle in for a darkly compelling ride.

Thank you to NetGalley and the publisher for the ARC!

This is easily one of the best books I have read in the past year. A Notting Hill dinner party turned locked room thriller with the concept of deadly games and psychopaths? There is nothing that scratches this itch in my brain more!!!!! loved it!!!

Thank you NetGalley & Atria - I was so excited to receive a galley of “The Wasp Trap” especially after seeing a handful of glowing early reviews. The premise hooked me right away: a group of idealistic graduates in the summer of 1999 working for an eccentric psychology professor on a website that’s supposed to revolutionize online dating. But when a tragedy strikes, their lives are changed forever.

Fast forward twenty-five years, and Will is invited to a reunion dinner party with the old gang. From the moment he arrives, things feel…off. An unexpected guest. Crying in the distance. Secrets lurking beneath polite smiles. And soon, it’s clear someone is willing to kill to uncover the truth about that summer.

Sounds great, right? And to be fair, the setup *is* intriguing. But unfortunately, the execution didn’t work for me. The plot quickly spiraled into something I found completely unbelievable, and I struggled to connect with the characters. It felt chaotic—wild, but not in a good way—and the writing didn’t offer much to ground the story. As someone who tends to prefer more atmospheric or layered thrillers (with a literary fiction edge), this just didn’t hit the mark.

The story moves fast and has its fans, and I’m sure many more readers will enjoy it for the high-stakes drama and twists. But personally, I couldn’t quite suspend my disbelief enough to go along for the ride. I wish I had enjoyed it more, but this one just wasn’t for me.

This book gripped me from page one. Mark Edwards throws you into a twisty, time-hopping thriller—bouncing between 1999 and 2024—with secrets unraveling left and right. No one is who they seem, and every reveal had me side-eyeing the characters like wait, WHAT? It’s sharp, fast-paced, and builds to a wild ending I did not see coming. Total binge-read.