The Invite – ARC Book Review

The invites went out weeks ago, and tonightt a lavish manor house surrounded by friends and family, Kaitlin couldn’t be happier. But as the champagne corks pop, her dream party becomes her worst nightmare…

Staring at the stunning diamond solitaire on her finger, Kaitlin is finally getting the chance to introduce her best friend Zoe to her perfect fiancé. She hasn’t known Greg long, but he looks after her, and he loves playing dad to her young daughter. How could she say no when he’s already planned their elopement?

As guests arrive, why is Greg acting so shifty? And is that a flicker of recognition on Zoe’s face? And why does she look terrified every time her phone rings?

Kaitlin watches as Zoe knocks back her white wine and makes a beeline for Greg. After a heated conversation, Zoe stumbles towards the door and flees the party without looking back.

Days later, the police knock at Kaitlin’s door – Zoe is missing.

Kaitlin wants to believe her loving fiancé is not to blame, but she knows what she saw the night of the party. And when he lies to the police, can she trust the man she’s marrying? Could Kaitlin and her precious daughter’s life now be in danger too?

I made up my mind to read all Sheryl Browne’s books and so excited when I received the ARC copy of the book.

Kaitlin is engaged to Gregory Walker and have a party. She has invited her best friend, Zoe who is living in Portugal. Zoe meanwhile had an affair with a man named Daniel who turned out to be a married man. She then comes to England to attend her friend’s party. But at the party, Gregory looked shifty and Zoe asked Kaitlin and warns about Gregory. Kaitlin and Zoe had a fight which resulted in Zoe leaving the party. But on the next day, the police come knocking on the door–Zoe has gone missing. Is her fiance responsible for her disappearance?

This had multiple characters and multiple plotlines so initially it was slightly confusing. However, it wasn’t until the end that you find that there’s some sort of connection between the characters and the plots of the story. Despite multiple characters, I found the story fast paced, with some twists and turns, with multiple suspects that may have a role in Zoe’s disapperance. Initially, you are left slightly confused but towards the middle, the story starts building and gradually, there is a drama towards the end. The ending was slightly unexpected. Nonetheless, this was unputdownable and I actually stayed up all night reading the book.

Kaitlin is a complex character who was in an abusive relationship before and so it makes perfectly sense why she seemed to be fidgety. Her friendship with Zoe was briefly outlined although the author gives us a sense that they are really good friends.

Overall, this was an enjoyable thriller that you wouldn’t want to put down–if you like drama in a thriller, then this book is one for you–worth four stars!

Thank you Netgalley and Bookouture for the ARC. The review is based on my honest opinion only.