What a brilliant twist!

During May this year, I participated in the Blog Tour of Hit and Run by Maria Frankland and I loved the book. When I was invited to review The Hen Party, I accepted knowing I would enjoy the book. However, I was not prepared for what awaited me when I opened this book. The Hen Party is a fantastic read. The ending is not what you would expect. Maria Frankland delivers a remarkable tale with the twist of all twists at the end.

Maria Frankland tells this story with each chapter told from one of the characters’ perspectives allowing you to get to know everyone involved. As you get to know the characters you form an opinion liking and disliking them as you spend more time with them. The author draws you into the story and keeps you guessing as you turn the pages eager to find out who “dunnit”! I enjoyed this title even more than Hit and Run and I cannot wait to see what Maria Frankland has in store for us with her next book.

Ten women board a flight from Leeds to Dublin for a hen party they will never forget. These ladies are a peculiar group who do not see eye to eye, emotions are high as some dislike and jealousy cause a divide. When one is found dead in her bed, clearly suffocated, these women face a gruelling day of police interviews, and with emotions already strained this leads to doubt and uncertainty as they realise one of them is capable of murder.

I raced through this book in just over a day as I could not wait to find out how the author would conclude this tale. The final twist was marvellous, and it left me loving this character even more. I was left saying “You go, girl!” The ending was clever and original making me love the book.

What a group of women this was. The soon to be in-laws – Karin, Michaela and Lucy were a horrible bunch of women and I found myself saying thank heavens I do not have any in-laws like them. As I got to know Ben, I could not help but wonder what Caitlyn was thinking. The man was an idiot, why would she want to marry him? Caitlyn’s sisters – Emma and Annette – mmmm Emma was a little too sweet, I kept thinking she was hiding something and as for Annette, she was cold and unappealing. Mari and Adele were oddballs who didn’t fit in but I guess we all have those odd friends that are always just a little different. I did not doubt that Shelley was hiding something and when her secret is revealed you immediately understand why you didn’t like her. Jen was the strong, determined friend you cannot help liking even when her bossy nature leaves you a little annoyed. Caitlyn starts the story a little submissive and soft, simply going along. As you keep reading her character develops and you discover she is not as meek and mild as she appears. I loved this character and took my hat off her for the strength she ends up showing.

This is a five-star read. Maria Frankland did a magnificent job with this book. The ending cemented my five-star rating While the ending could be considered a little harsh, it was different and surprising. I would never have predicted the twist at the end.

Psychological thriller and mystery fans are in for a huge treat with this title. If you are looking for a book that will keep you guessing and then deliver a completely unexpected twist at the end, then this is the book for you.

I loved this book. Maria Frankland has turned me into a fan with this title. I eagerly await her next book. This was brilliantly unique, I loved it!