The Engagement Party by Finley Turner
Kass Baptiste is newly engaged to her fiancé Murray Sedgemont after a whirlwind romance. Before they even get to share the news, an invitation arrives via messenger - to an engagement party hosted by Murray’s parents. When Kass and Murray arrive at the Sedgemont Estate, she is astonished to learn that Murray’s family is one of the most powerful families in North Carolina. As Kass’s future mother-in-law, Beatrice, whips herself into a frenzy over the perfect party for the state’s elite, Kass begins to receive anonymous threatening social media messages.
On the night of the event, as champagne is popped and the celebrations begin, a body is found in the lavish home. All eyes are on Kass, the interloper amongst the rich and powerful guests. Over the course of the party, Kass’s dark past unexpectedly becomes intertwined with the murder, and in order to prove her innocence, she must finally come to terms with her secrets.
As Murray’s family secrets are revealed, Kass must prove herself innocent while evading the anonymous threats that haunt her every move.
Review: A tale of the filthy rich on their worst behavior. Kass Baptiste is overjoyed to be engaged to Murray Sedgemont after a whirlwind romance. Just a couple days later, they receive an invitation by courier to a party celebrating their engagement at Murray's family home in North Carolina. But upon arrival, Kass realizes that there is a great deal that Murray has not disclosed about his family, not least of which is that they are one of the wealthiest families in the state. Increasingly uncomfortable in the luxurious home, Kass's anxiety is peaked by anonymous messages she keeps receiving over social media. Then, on the night of the party, a body is found in the home, and Kass somehow finds herself in the midst of a murder investigation.
This was a thrilling book that kept the tension going until the very end. It is the author's individual take on a classic dinner murder mystery plotline. I particularly loved that Turner chose to make Murray's family so absurdly rich and set this on their estate. The sense of luxury, with dark corrupt roots, was profound throughout. The irony is that all the while they're enjoying this so-called pampered existence, it increasingly becomes a prison for Kass.
I do wish we could have seen a little more about Kass and Murray before their engagement to get a sense of their connection. The pair are immediately separated upon arriving at his parents' home, so it was hard to see how connected they were before arriving. I also wanted some more insight into Mary Margaret! She was an intriguing character - married to a much older man, sneaking around behind his back, crying on stranger's shoulders - I wanted more! There were also several moments when I was desperate for Kass to push for more information or to at least find out how she responded to witnessing certain things, but it would just cut to the next scene. Of course, I know much of this was done to help propel the story forward and continue to build tension towards the conclusion.
Just a note to disclose that I do know the author personally! We are from the same hometown. She was a few years behind me in school and we went to the same church. But she has no idea I am reviewing this, and this is my honest opinion. Very proud of her and excited to support a hometown author.
Stars: 3
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