Reviews

The Final Party by A.A. Chaudhuri

emily_smally's review against another edition

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3.0

This thriller certainly was twisty! There were lots of storylines going on and lots of shock revelations throughout.
My only minor gripe is that often the revelations would then play out again from another pov, which, although good to see another characters emotions about it, did get a little bit long!

I thought the characters were all horrible, which I actually quite enjoyed- I did find all of them nasty and/ or annoying in their own ways and altogether I wonder why they would ever have stayed in touch at all- if not for the big reveal….

Overall I enjoyed this book, more of a slow burn thriller than I normally go for, but the descriptions of the setting (Sorrento) were really beautiful and helped set the scene for the drama, but it did take a little while to get going for my personal taste.

Thank you to NetGalley for providing an eARC of this book.

evadeb's review

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mysterious tense medium-paced
  • Plot- or character-driven? Character
  • Strong character development? No
  • Loveable characters? No

3.5

daisyreads_07's review

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adventurous dark emotional tense fast-paced
  • Plot- or character-driven? Character
  • Strong character development? No
  • Loveable characters? Yes
  • Diverse cast of characters? Yes
  • Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes

5.0

elliethecatlover's review

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dark mysterious medium-paced
  • Plot- or character-driven? Plot
  • Strong character development? No
  • Loveable characters? No
  • Diverse cast of characters? No
  • Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes

3.0

shirley2step's review against another edition

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mysterious tense fast-paced
  • Plot- or character-driven? A mix
  • Strong character development? Yes
  • Loveable characters? No
  • Diverse cast of characters? No
  • Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes

4.5

northerngypsyblog's review

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5.0

I am utterly awestruck by A. A. Chaudhuri's "The Final Party." This story is an absolute masterpiece, where every moment and storyline is meticulously crafted, each element serving a distinct purpose. The narrative seamlessly propels you from one event to the next, all while keeping you on the edge of your seat with unexpected twists and turns. It's an intricate web of storytelling that leaves you utterly captivated.

"The Final Party" is not just an outstanding thriller; it's a work of intelligence and originality that gets everything right. At its core is a story that is both clever and deeply human, avoiding clichés and stereotypes. The book presents a wealth of red herrings, each making perfect sense, all while ensnaring the reader from the very beginning and culminating in a jaw-dropping finale.

A. A. Chaudhuri has once again demonstrated their prowess in delivering a literary masterpiece worthy of praise. The story commences with six friends in a luxurious villa above Sorrento, Italy, gathering for a 40th birthday celebration. However, what begins as a perfect reunion takes a sinister turn as one of the group members starts receiving anonymous messages, threatening to expose a long-buried secret from their university days.

As the bonds of old friendships are stretched to their limits, it becomes apparent that the shadows of the past are poised to resurface. Personally, I am a fervent admirer of whodunits, particularly when they keep me guessing and challenge my trust in the narrative. "The Final Party" accomplishes precisely that. From the very start, it's an engaging tale, with a conclusion that leaves an indelible mark. It demands your full attention, enticing you to exercise your deductive skills. If you relish unravelling enigmas and exploring various scenarios, you will undoubtedly be enthralled by A. A. Chaudhuri's breathtaking thriller.

In summary, "The Final Party" is a brilliantly crafted thriller that will render you breathless. With its intricate narrative, compelling characters, and an ending that lingers in your thoughts, it's a work that deserves the highest praise. Prepare to put your mental faculties to work; this book is a riddle waiting to be solved. If you relish complex mysteries that keep you engaged until the very last page, this is a five-star read.

p8ige's review

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adventurous challenging dark mysterious tense medium-paced

4.0

lorrared's review

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4.0

Darkness, deceit and death.

This is an easy to read, fast paced, twisty psychological thriller which I really enjoyed.

It revolves around three married couples who have been friends since University. Set in a luxury villa in the beautiful Italian town of Sorrento for a reunion celebrating a 40th Birthday.

It has multiple timelines and narrators, although sometimes repetitive. It’s packed with twists and so many secrets, lies, lies and more lies, that it’s hard to keep up. There were a lot of cliffhangers and I found myself thinking just one more chapter numerous times before I could put it down.

Thank you to NetGalley, Hera Books and A A Chaudhuri for the ARC of this book, it will be available on 25 May. I think it should be on your TBR pile.

aoreilly435's review against another edition

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mysterious tense medium-paced
  • Plot- or character-driven? A mix
  • Strong character development? No
  • Loveable characters? No
  • Diverse cast of characters? No
  • Flaws of characters a main focus? It's complicated

3.75

_readwithsha's review

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5.0

"The Final Party" by A.A. Chaudhuri is a gripping psychological thriller that transports readers to the luxurious town of Sorrento in southern Italy.

So, three couples head off to Sorrento to celebrate Ness's birthday. But, as it turns out, they're not just any old group of friends - they're all linked by some pretty juicy secrets from their past.

This thriller had me hooked from the start, despite the slow initial pace. And what a payoff it is - I never saw that twist coming! The tension between the characters was palpable and I was fully immersed in the story. I could feel the intensity of the trip and the events that unfolded.

Chaudhuri's writing style is vivid and descriptive, bringing the characters and setting to life.

Thankyou Hera and Netgalley for this arc in exchange for an honest review. Special thanks to A A Chaudhuri for this amazing book.