The Block Party

A Novel

By: Jamie Day

Narrated by: Megan Tusing, Suzy Jackson

"Appealing. Day’s choice to withhold both victim and perpetrator ratchets up the tension nicely, and her jabs at suburban repression are sharp. This is wicked fun."—Publishers Weekly

“Narrator Megan Tusing gives an emotive and affecting performance as Alex and provides distinct voices for the barrage of busybodies on the neighborhood message board. Suzy Jackson is a perfect match for the adolescent, idealistic Lettie. Together, they evoke the compelling cast of flawed families in an unsettling and engaging listening experience.”- Library Journal

“Highly engaging and brilliantly plotted. Absolutely amazing. Readers are going to flip!” —Lisa Gardner, New York Times bestselling author of ONE STEP TOO FAR

This summer, meet your neighbors.

The residents of the exclusive cul-de-sac on Alton Road are entangled in a web of secrets and scandal utterly unknown to the outside world, and even to each other.

On the night of the annual summer block party, there has been a murder.

But, who did it, and why, takes listeners back one year earlier, as rivalries and betrayals unfold. The real danger lies within their own block and nothing—and no one—is ever as it seems.

A Macmillan Audio production from St. Martin’s Press.

©2022 Jamie Day (P)2022 Macmillan Audio

Critic reviews

"Appealing. Day’s choice to withhold both victim and perpetrator ratchets up the tension nicely, and her jabs at suburban repression are sharp. This is wicked fun." --Publishers Weekly

“There’s more than potato salad and Kenny Chesney on the radio at the Alton Road annual block party. Someone gets murdered and as always, in searching for the killer, a slew of other juicy secrets are uncovered. Told from multiple points of view, this novel is like a firecracker on a hot summer night. If you like my novels, you’ll love THE BLOCK PARTY.” — Elin Hilderbrand, #1 Bestselling author of THE HOTEL NANTUCKET

"What could be more idyllic and all-American than the gathering of neighbors, friends, and family at a holiday block party? But as this group of wealthy, gorgeous people come together to eat and drink, celebrating life and each other, beneath the beautiful serene surface is a labyrinth of betrayals, secrets, and lies. Character rich, utterly propulsive, and wise, THE BLOCK PARTY delivers an unflinching look into the painful twist of family dysfunction, infidelity, parenthood, and marriage. Jamie Day has a bone-deep knowledge of what makes us tick, what binds us together, and what tears us apart. This is a thriller with a soul, and Day is a writer to watch.” -- Lisa Unger, New York Times bestselling author of LAST GIRL GHOSTED

It’s okay

The story is just OK. The bad guys are a little too predictable and little too neatly put away.

A real twister!

I listened to this for my book club and it had so many twists and turns that I had to take notes to keep up with everything!

Good

Overall a good book, a bit slow in some areas. I enjoyed the story line and the book has a good twist at the end.

Spoilers in some reviews...

Some people can't review without giving away the ending. Careful which reviews you read several have spoilers and the book has been ruined for me. I'm trying to keep it from being ruined for others. So be aware that some ppl just blurt it out. I'm not sure what their motive is. Sigh...

Everyone has secrets

I loved the dual narration by mother and daughter and the comparison between last year’s block party and the current year’s block party. Great mystery!

Kept me entertained

This audiobook is a bit like Desperate Housewives. It centers around a cul-de-sac of neighbors, their friendships, and their secrets. It kept my interest so much that I binge listened while cleaning and mowing the yard (earbuds) I think you will enjoy it. *The narration was top notch.

Enjoyed

Enjoyed this listen very much, especially the narration.
Easy to follow and easy to remember each character.

Disappointing and hard to finish

This had the bones for a good story, but I just couldn't get past the odd formal-speech writing - who talks like that? It was like a thesaurus was used for a $10 word in every sentence. Very distracting from the story. The extensive voice of the teenager made me feel like I was listening to a YA book. Sorry to have used a credit.

Disappointing at best

This is a soap opera type of story. The story did not flow well and it seems like the author patched together the various sub-stories, which were trashy. I would not recommend this book. I’m all for a beach read, but this was not my type of beach read. My book group read this; it had positive reviews. We all did not like it.

A Great Original Story! Very Well Written

This was a fresh, twisty read with plenty of suspense and neighborhood drama. I really enjoyed the story and look forward to her next book.