If you love your thrillers with a splash of glamour, a dash of drama, and a whole lot of secrets, Party of Liars by Kelsey Cox is your next must-read. Set against the backdrop of a lavish Sweet Sixteen in the heart of the Texas Hill Country, this debut novel is a deliciously twisty locked-room mystery that proves one thing: a man with too much power and a need for control is a dangerous cocktail.
The story kicks off at Sophie Matthews’s black-tie birthday bash—an event so extravagant it could rival a royal wedding. Her father, the host and puppet master of the evening, has spared no expense. But just as the candles are about to be blown out, a body plummets from the balcony, turning the party into a crime scene.
From there, the guest list becomes a suspect list. There’s Dani, the insecure new stepmother; Órlaith, the superstitious nanny; Mikayla, the underestimated best friend; and Kim, the ex-wife with a grudge. Each character is layered, each motive murky—and at the centre of it all is a man who’s used to pulling the strings, we just dont see him in that way.
Cox does a brilliant job of weaving suspense with social commentary, showing how control can masquerade as care, and how charm can be a mask for manipulation. It’s a fast-paced, binge-worthy read that fans of Big Little Lies or The Guest List will devour.
While the mystery keeps you guessing, it’s the subtle exploration of power dynamics—especially within families—that really lingers. Because sometimes, the most dangerous person in the room isn’t holding a weapon. They’re holding your trust.
One More Chapter 