I'll admit it took me a long while to fully get into this, but I think that was while the groundwork was being set, and I was trying to get my head around the rather large cast of characters and potential murderers.

For it seems like almost everyone had a reason to want Rhys dead, to the extent that t was almost a surprise it had taken as long as it had for someone to kill him.

But there was one particular moment right at the end of part 1 which had me gasping out loud and from that point on the book became incredibly moreish and unputdownable. There are so many secrets to be unravelled.

The story is told both in the present day investigation and also in chapters in reverse chronological order of events leading up to the New Years Eve party. At no point can you truly believe anything you are seeing.

There is a lot going on in this book, and its a promising first book in a new series that I know I'm keen to read more of.

Thank you to Sphere and Netgalley for this copy which I have reviewed honestly and voluntarily.

The Last Party is a phenomenal thriller from start to finish. Filled to the brim with twists and a captivating plot, this one is sure to keep readers hooked. The characters are well-developed. The story is incredibly fast-paced. This is one not to be missed! Highly recommended! Be sure to check out The Last Party asap.

The Last Party is the First DC Morgan Mystery in a new series by Clare Mackintosh. 

Rhys is found dead. New Year’s Eve/Day is a great premise to have a murder mystery. People come together who you wouldn’t necessarily have together at any other time and they party. As the champagne flows, someone wants Rhys dead, the question is whom and why. It’s twisty as the story builds the picture as to what the motive was to murder him and how everyone becomes a suspect.

The village atmosphere is well-written, which becomes increasingly intriguing as the secrets start to emerge. There are also issues of the day presented within the book, such as the rise of Air B n B’s and shifts in communities weaves into this book, set in Wales.

It is reminiscent of Agatha Christie’s books and the Miss Marple book - The Moving Finger comes to mind, since 1 person dies and not several like the thriller- And Then There Were None, but the party atmosphere makes this come to mind and Murder on The Orient Express as everyone is a suspect.

I scored this 4 1/2 stars on my blog and I also included a link to a talk write up from when I was reviewing at Bloody Scotland in Stirling.

Great murder mystery read. Enjoyed the way the story was related and the character of the police woman in a small town community. Would recommend this book

Another cracking read from Clare Mackintosh and the first in the DC Morgan series with another to be released this year.

There are lots of twists and turns in this tale involving minor celebrities, investment in a new development in Wales and problems between the locals and the British which ends in murder.

Some people may not like the flipping back and forth in time that occurs within this book but the story most definitely keeps you on y0ur toes and keeps y0u guessing 'whodunnit' all the way through.

I'm looking forward to Book 2 to see what is in store next for DC Ffion Morgan.

3.5 stars
This is the first Clare Mackintosh book that I've read and sadly it had a few issues for me.
Pacing was a major problem, in that it was just far too slow for at least about 60% of it.
There were also a large number of characters to keep track of, which could be confusing for some and is something that I'm always a bit weary of.
But the fact that it kept going back and forth in time and then reliving the event through the eyes of different people, was rather frustrating for me.
I like a page turner when it comes to my thrillers and I almost wanted to abandon this book completely after a few of these back and forths in time.
I did, however, really like the location and the twists and turns once it got going.
I also see that many others really loved this book but it just wasn't for me.
Thank you to Netgalley for providing me with an advanced copy of this book in exchange for an honest review.

I have enjoyed previous books by this author so was looking forward to this one. However, it was not for me. Too many characters and the story just seemed to go on forever. I don’t usually give books 1 star as I usually DNF, but I wanted to keep going as I’ve enjoyed previous books, as mentioned.

Not since Agatha Christie wrote Murder On The Orient Express has there been a book with so many suspects, any of whom could have easily carried out this murder. This story has an equally shocking conclusion which left me flicking back through the pages for any clue that this person was the murderer. I was totally blown away. I loved the dynamic between Ffion and Leo and hope this is the start of a beautiful partnership, both personally and professionally. In the meantime I'll be catching up on the author's back catalogue.
Thanks to Netgalley and the publisher for an ARC of this book.

This book really wasn’t for me. I didn’t care so much about the murder and didn’t realise it would end up being a series. I have no desire to well following these characters around for more murders….

One of my favourite author and I did not disappoint in the book. I liked every single book wait and turn. I never ever thought of the real killer until the very end when the clues were dropping.

Amazing read

She has done it again. A fantastic mystery that kept me guessing. I cannot wait to read more from the author and this series. Thank you to NetGalley and the publisher for an advanced copy of this book in exchange for a review.

A good read
A party no one will forget
It will keep you guessing from the first page to the last
Plenty of twist and turns
Thanks NetGalley

Ffion Morgan appears to have the best policing job in the world. Driving through the beautiful welsh hills in her Triumph and working all alone. That is until Rhys opens The Shore over on the English border. Rhys may be a superstar to some but to others he’s a demon. One fatal New Years swim washes up a body and Ffion has to work with the English DCI Leo to solve the case. Their relationship is addictive and the scenery of Wales stunning. I for one would love to own a holiday home at the shore as long as Ffion has no more murders to solve. Can’t wait to read book 2 now.

Claire Mackintosh is an auto buy author for me so I bought this not knowing anything about the story but after loving her previous books I thought that it would be a guaranteed great read. Whilst I quite enjoyed it, it wasn’t anywhere near as good as her previous books.

The book is a who done it set on the border of England and Wales. A well known singer is murdered and it’s down to a local pair of detectives to find out the killer. As with most of these stories the victim Isn’t well liked so there are a vast range of suspects.

In my opinion the story dragged for the first 60 percent but really picked up and became fast paced for the last 40 percent. I liked the relationship between the two main detectives and I liked how things played out. For me it just wasn’t memorable, the first half dragged and some of the characters weren’t strong. It’s worth a read but it doesn’t stand out compared to other thrillers that I’ve previously read.

Yet another book by Clare Mackintosh that hits the mark. She never fails to disappoint.

This book was full of twists and turns and ifs and buts, that kept me guessing as the book progressed.

I loved the interactions between Ffion and Leo and how their relationship developed and do hope this continues further.

I will be waiting patiently for DC Morgan's second book to be published.

You’re guaranteed a top drawer read with anything by Clare Macintosh - this lives up to expectations. Fab cast of characters, and enough keeping secrets of their own to keep you guessing all the way to the bitter end!

Excellent book - this was a fantastically written novel with a gripping plot. I couldn't put it down and was constantly guessing what the next twist would be. Highly recommend - you won't be disappointed!

Clare Mackintosh is a great author of crime, so when I saw this, I was super excited to read it.
I could not put this down I just wanted to know what happened. fast paced and addictive.

Great for fans of Agatha Christie and Janet Hallett.

Admittedly I am a huge fan of Clare Mackintosh and so I was absolutely delighted to have opportunity to read an advanced copy of her latest book ‘ The Last Party.’ Thank you NetGalley and Sphere publishing. This story is part one of two which I am delighted about because the characters really stayed with me. You know one of those books you read and you are sad when it ends because you miss the characters and wonder what they have been doing? So a follow up will be great. As the title suggests this story centres around a party which is the last one for someone. The unfolding mystery as the murder is solved was addictive. I just couldn’t put this book down or for the life of me figure out who had committed the crime. I enjoy a book that keeps me guessing until the end with plenty of twists and turns along the way. Could not recommend this book highly enough.

The Last Party by Clare Mackintosh.
On New Year's Eve, Rhys Lloyd has a house full of guests.
His lakeside holiday homes are a success, and he's generously invited the village to drink champagne with their wealthy new neighbours. This will be the party to end all parties. But not everyone is there to celebrate. By midnight, Rhys will be floating dead in the freezing waters of the lake. On New Year's Day, DC Ffion Morgan has a village full of suspects.
The tiny community is her home, so the suspects are her neighbours, friends and family - and Ffion has her own secrets to protect. With a lie uncovered at every turn, soon the question isn't who wanted Rhys dead . . . but who finally killed him. In a village with this many secrets, a murder is just the beginning DC Ffion Morgan Book 2 is available to pre-order now.
A brilliant read. Clare Mackintosh has done it again. Another twist read. 5*.