Five old friends reunite for an idyllic glamping holiday on the rugged Cornwall coast, but tensions rise when a storm leaves them stranded and someone goes missing.
Max and Annie Kingsley have left the London rat race with their twelve-year-old son to set up a glamping site in the wilds of Cornwall. Eager for a dry run ahead of their opening, they invite three old university friends and their families for a long-needed reunion and a relaxing weekend.
But the festivities soon go awry as tensions arise between the children (and subsequently their parents), explosive secrets come to light, and a sudden storm moves in, cutting them off from help as one in the group disappears.
Moving between a police investigation, a hospital room and the catastrophic weekend, The Search Party is a propulsive destination thriller about the tenuous bonds of friendship and the lengths parents will go to protect their children.
Buy a copy of The Search Party here.
Read some great reviews from our Preview readers here:
Firstly, thank you to Better Reading for the opportunity to read and review this book. This is a great book which grabs you the moment you read the cover back to front. A get together of families for a reunion and a break. Tensions, secrets, a storm and havoc break loose. Hannah cleverly introduces the characters via chapter by chapter, then becomes the now and then, drawing you in to a headlong journey This thriller will draw you in with sneaky twists in the plot just when you think you know who did it, the ending will astound you. Excellent book, congratulations to Hannah on her first thriller novel. Nicky, QLD, 5 Stars
Hannah Richell has done it again! Another fantastic read. Old friends meet up for a camping holiday at the recently bought property of one couple. The weather turns bad and phone lines are down. Kids get lost in the storm and tensions run high as the search gets underway. The structure of the novel really adds to the drama – split timelines mean we partially know what’s happened but not the details. I couldn’t stop reading, it gripped me right from the start. Highly recommend! Denise, QLD, 5 Stars
What can I say, if you’re after an easy read that will keep you on the edge of your seat, turning the pages late into the night, then this book is for you. I especially love at the beginning of the book where you are given a map and a list of all the characters names – this makes it so much easier to work out who everyone is in the first few chapters and allows you to just jump straight in an enjoy the plot and boy is it a thriller. So many twists and turns and little hints along the way making you ask yourself, who are we reading about now, could it possibly be…? Definitely a must read if you love reading thrillers. I’d like to thank Better Reading and Simon and Schuster for allowing me to read and review an advanced copy of this story. Jody, SA, 5 Stars
Once I started reading this book, I didn’t want to stop. The book centres on a group of old friends and their families that meet up for an unforgettable weekend. The book was easy and enjoyable to read. Although there were several characters, it was easy to distinguish between them all. The story gave a good background to what their strengths and weaknesses were. I was drawn along many paths, when one became clear there was another diversion ahead. When I thought I had worked it all out, another question surfaced. In all a well written, enjoyable read. Cheryl, VIC, 5 Stars
When old friends meet for a glamping weekend, they were all expecting a great catch up and relaxing weekend, not mayhem, missing kids or murder. A griping crime novel told in the format of the past, we hear it in the present from each character. This book keeps you guessing as to who died and who did it? Nicole, VIC, 5 Stars
The Search Party by Hannah Richell is a great ‘whodunnit’ which kept me guessing right to the end. A group of friends and their families meet up for a long weekend get together, but nothing is quite the same after the years they have been apart. Long-kept secrets come to light and cause friction, and parents become fiercely protective of their children (sometimes physically). Long held grudges turn violent and the relaxing weekend quickly turns into a police investigation. Well written. An excellent book for those chilly evenings, or those sunny relaxing afternoons. Terry, SA, 5 Stars
When a group of old friends decide to catch up for a long awaited reunion, what could go wrong? Max, Anne and their twelve-year-old son have set up a glamping business and have invited the three other families to test out their new facilities. It seems like the perfect backdrop to a relaxing weekend. But soon the celebrations take a turn for the worse when conflict between the children leads to tension between the adults, before a series of unexpected secrets are revealed. Add to the mix a child going missing, a storm cutting them off from help and someone seeking revenge, and you have a fantastic page turner! I’ve read and enjoyed all of Hannah Richell’s previous books, and although they all have elements of mystery, this one is more of a ‘thriller’ than the others, but just as fabulous! Natalia, NSW, 5 Stars
The Search Party is the kind of thriller where, even when you see something coming, you can’t always work out how it’s going to happen. Sometimes the exact cause is murky too. Richell keeps you in suspense without much contrivance. This is part of why the novel is so compelling: you want to know the why and how, even when the who or what is more obvious. Character is absolutely central to this novel, and Richell paints her cast beautifully. Layers emerge as we spend more time with them, resulting in a well rounded picture of both the flaws and positive traits of each adult. Most of the children receive less attention, although those who are crucial to a plot element are also well depicted. The plot is tight, compelling and on the believable side. Revelations are doled out gradually, and the action skips around in time, though only by a few days. This was hugely enjoyable to read. It absorbed me, it transported me, it left me with some things to think about. The ending was strangely satisfying and felt right, although not everyone would call it a happy ending. This is a great novel on multiple levels. Lorraine, ACT, 5 Stars
Wow! What a thrill ride. Filled full of drama and suspense I’d highly recommend. The Search Party by Hannah Richell is extremely well written. Written with multiple POVs it keeps her audience captivated and is very well suited to this storyline. I loved how at the beginning she gave a map of the glamping ground and a list of all characters and which family they belonged to, it helped understand the characters and their story a little better. Highly recommended. Katrina, QLD, 5 Stars
A contemporary thriller that had me guessing until the end. Julie, ACT, 5 Stars
A story told from the points of view from many of the guests to the soon to be opened glamping business of Annie and Max. Each chapter weaves from person to person, and from day to day as the tale of thus reunion of college friends and their children and the adventures had over the bank holiday long weekend. Each party has a reason to not want to be there, but friends always support friends, so they all go along for the ride. What a ride it is. A weekend unlike any other. On Saturday, after some adventures, a storm rolls in, and with the dark clouds, the rain, the thunder, this tale continues to keep the reader enthralled, Wanting to know what happens, who is to blame, who is on the hospital. I couldn’t put this thriller of a novel down. From the first page to the last this tale kept me captivated. Loved the list of weekend participants at the front, it helped to look up who was telling the tale and where they fit into this reunion of friends, family and the police. Elizabeth, VIC, 5 Stars
A definite page-turner and at each turn you begin to wonder who the killer really is. It will show how longtime friendships can be revealed in an instant or many decades later and can either remain strong or fracture when least expected or was it there all along? A great read. Joan, VIC, 5 Stars
The Search Party is a winner – it had it all. Told in dual timeline from the points of view of four families (adults and children), the characters were all believable though a couple were not so likeable. The story kept me guessing and turning the pages right until the end. I loved the twists and turns, the tension between the characters and the descriptions of the remote coastal landscape of the north Cornwall setting. Hannah used haunting atmospheric descriptions to set the tone of the story. The Search Party was a well written, entertaining thriller. I highly recommend it and will definitely be looking up Hannah Richell’s back list. Helen, NSW, 5 Stars
The Search Party successfully and cleverly involves several themes including friendships, betrayal and mental health within a murder and missing persons mystery. I am a huge fan of Hannah Richell and have read all her books, and this new book is set in a spectacular location. Sonja, QLD, 5 Stars
This book was excellent! It made me reflect on a variety of my own friendships and how they morph over time. How on the outside everyone seems to be the same as they always were but the slightest fracture can create cracks that go right back down the timeline. This story is a reminder that we shouldn’t hold on to relationships just out of comfort – they can run their course if the time calls for it instead of creating unfixable damage. Amy, WA, 5 Stars
The Search Party was full of tension and pace, leaving you torn between a desperate need to know what will happen next, and a sense of foreboding as you turn each page, never sure whether what you are reading is a breadcrumb thrown out to show you the way, or whether you are being led down the garden path, or over a cliff… A true thriller. Tracey, NSW, 5 Stars
What an enjoyable book to read! The Search Party by Hannah Richell was suspenseful, fast-paced, with real characters and a satisfying ending. I’d definitely recommend this book. Joanne, QLD, 5 Stars
The ultimate thriller – this kept me on the edge of my seat with the twists and turns right till the end. The map gives an insight into the camp layout/setting. The list of characters allows the reader to keep track of the people they meet throughout the story. Would love to see this book made into a movie – a real ‘cliffhanger’! Rachael, NSW, 5 Stars
An excellent book, filled with twists and turns. I loved the writing, the pacing, and felt instantly transported to the atmospheric Cornish seaside. It kept me on the edge of my seat, intrigued as to what would happen as layers were slowly revealed. Hannah Richell effortlessly weaves multiple timeline and character perspectives. The characters and setting felt authentic, which helped keep me invested throughout. I loved how the raging storm complemented the drama itself. The ending was phenomenal. “Unputdownable” often gets tossed around these days, yet it perfectly describes this book. Highly recommend! Rowan, TAS, 5 Stars
I loved this book. From the first two pages I was hooked and had to keep reading – even into the early hours of the morning – until I had finished it. The plot was compelling. I enjoyed reading about how all the characters interacted with each other and how these interactions changed over the course of a long weekend together. The setting of the book in Cornwall was perfect as the weather mirrored the moods of the characters of the book – from fine and sunny to dark and stormy. I would recommend this book to anyone who enjoys suspense, mystery and family dynamics. Rhonda, VIC, 5 Stars
I could not put this book down. Every page had another situation to follow, and just when I thought I had it worked out something else happened. Loved the characters each one has a secret and are trying not to share. Could not have picked the ending, enjoyed every page. Lynette, NSW, 5 Stars
This was my first time reading Hannah Richell and I was pleasantly surprised. The characters are believable and easy to imagine. In particular Dom you can imagine on one of the many reality talent shows. I often find books with a different character perspective each chapter hard to get into but this book was well-written and flowed. The recaps of each character’s point of view to the events was easy written. Would I have read this book if not selected to read the preview? Probably not – but I’m glad I was chosen as I may have found a new author I love and a different genre I like. Frederick, TAS, 4 Stars
Bit of a slow start but once I got into the story it was full of suspense that kept you guessing till the end. Nicky, NSW, 4 Stars
Hannah Richell’s The Search Party intricately weaves a suspenseful story that gets better as it progresses. Richell intertwines multiple perspectives, revealing the complexities of relationships and the secrets within them. The characters are vividly portrayed, each with their own hidden truths. As the search unfolds, so does a collage of suspense, deceit and redemption. Richell’s storytelling talent shines, creating a psychological thriller that keeps readers on the edge. The Search Party is a compelling exploration of human connections and the haunting repercussions of the past. Clare, NSW, 4 Stars
A middle-aged couple from London makes an impulsive decision to abandon everything and pursue an alternate lifestyle on the jagged Cornish coast. More than the classic sea change, they reject all of their aspirations and achievements. Anxious to establish credibility for their project they invite some long-standing friends for a weekend. Their idealism will be shattered, life has happened differently for them all and the group dynamics established twenty years ago cannot be moved into the present. The story unfolds through a sequence of police interviews, and recollections of the main characters. In complete isolation, each of the old friends meets their demons. Karma invites herself along and some friends are called to account for deeds of the past. Hannah Richell touches on societal issues and the reader bears witness to the outcomes for the victims and their families. All along Suze was my favourite character. Suze, her husband Jim and their children were the family I liked best. This cohort will not be getting together any time soon, if ever. Susan, QLD, 4 Stars
Loved all the twists and turns in this suspenseful story! Some of it I definitely didn’t see coming… Ayesha, NSW, 4 Stars
Map and list of characters – always handy to have, as there were a large number of characters. The story moved along. At one stage, I found myself getting frustrated as, on several occasions, there were police interviewing characters, but the reader didn’t really know what was going on. This scenario occurred several times. There were a great many denouements – almost too many for such a short space of time. And, to quote Louise Penny’s Gamache, ‘a murder always has an emotional component.’ I recommend this to anyone who likes a fast moving thriller. Gabrielle, VIC, 4 Stars
A group of friends and their families reunite for a weekend of reconnection and creation of new memories at a new glamping site belonging to one of the couples. The site is isolated and mobile phone is patchy. Tensions occur between the children which causes problems between the adults. Past secrets are exposed and one of the group goes missing. The story is told from several viewpoints including those of the children. I enjoyed this book as I wasn’t sure who the main “bad guy” was until close to the end. Angela, TAS, 4 Stars
Secluded location. Group of friends. Wild stormy weather. Disgruntled neighbour. Missing child. No wifi or mobile service. Multiple POVs, a timeline that jumps back and forwards. And a police investigation. Oh, and let’s not forget the secrets that could tear up the friendship group. Although this is a classic recipe for a “locked room mystery”, this book for me stood out differently; it was unpredictable, it was tense and I had no idea where the story was going. I found the characters plausible and the conversation realistic. The different characters’ versions of events kept the story most engaging for me. Strap yourselves in for a page-turning thriller that will keep you guessing until the end. Leigh, NSW, 4 Stars
The words we speak, what we say to others, can have unexpected repercussions. For the family making a tree change, the future looked bright. But when a group of their friends come to stay for the weekend, words become lethal. Linley, WA, 4 Stars
I really enjoyed this book. Loved the fact there was a map and character list at the beginning too. The epilogue was a real hook and the way it was alternating between chapters from the character perspectives/characters in the book made it easy to read in small time snatches but also enabled you to read ‘just one more chapter’ which has got to be a great sign. I think most of the characters in the group were relatable on some level and this just added to the reader investment in the story. Top marks! Julie, VIC, 4 Stars
The setting for this novel is in the picturesque British countryside of Cornwall. After moving from the busy London life to establish a better life for their son, Max and Annie are setting up a Glamping business on their property. Before they open to the public, they invite some old university friends and their children for a relaxing, enjoyable weekend experience. What could possibly go wrong? Plenty of secrets and betrayals between the group come to light that threaten their 20+-year friendship, as well as a wild weather storm event, during which, one of the children goes missing, turning this experience into the weekend from hell. I thoroughly enjoyed this mystery, it had me turning the pages and had me guessing until the end. I loved the story being told from the different characters’ points of view and from different timelines during the weekend as the story is finally pieced together at the end. Melissa, VIC, 4 Stars
Five friends from university, now all in their forties reunite at one of the couples new venture – glamping in the Cornwall countryside. Throw in a mix of children, a new partner to be introduced to the group and bad weather… what could go wrong!!! Then someone disappears as the storm rolls in. I enjoyed the mix of characters and at times this was quite a page turning with a few twists and turns that I did not see coming. I think this would invoke some interesting discussions within a bookclub, I highly recommend it. Leigh, WA, 4 Stars
A group of five friends and their families reunite for a catch-up on the rugged Cornwall coast. They are trialling a glamping venture that two of the friends, Max and Annie, have made as a sea-change after selling their business in London. Right from the start we know that something terrible has happened and the drama starts to unfold as the characters go back two days to the start of the get-together and tell their side of the story. This is a great mystery/thriller that keeps you guessing right to the end and I really enjoyed the different dramas that each family was having to deal with. The characters were interesting and highly emotive. I would highly recommend this book to mystery/thriller lovers that enjoy a story in a unique setting filled with tension. Karin, VIC, 4 Stars
Max was sick with London city life and he was successfully persuaded his wife, Annie, to move to the wilds of North Cornwall, built an eco-friendly, sustainable glamping site. Before they open the glamping, they are inviting their group of friends, three couples will be spending weekend including their children. We know from the beginning of the book that someone got hurt – and someone was responsible. So, the question is who? A reunion weekend that turned ugly in a heartbeat – a missing kid, a horrifying storm that kind of isolated them, secrets within the the circle of friends. I can say this book is a recommended bingeable book that you can add to your TBR list. I totally love the writing style and the plot, and even though it was presented through multiple POV and different timelines, the story ran smoothly. Vivi, NSW, 4 Stars
A good reunion thriller. There’s lots of different themes and viewpoints from different characters. I was gripped throughout and wanted to know how the story would end. The plot was a bit slow until the end but the drama between the friends on the glamping trip kept me interested. Overall it’s an entertaining and suspenseful novel. Not my all time favourite book but I’d certainly recommend it. Julia, WA, 4 Stars
This book sparked intrigue from the very beginning with the introduction of some interesting characters being interviewed by the police. Just when you thought you had things figured out, you were surprised. This happened all the way through the story to the very end. The young boy, Kip, was a stand out character for me and I loved his account of the events. Overall, I would recommend this book to people who like suspenseful story lines. I really enjoyed it and read it very quickly. Jenene, NSW, 4 Stars
Wow, such a good read. Hannah never disappoints. Her style of writing really draws you into the story and all else around you is silenced. The characters all had their own backstories that weaved into the story so well and you were left on the edge of your seat until right at the very end when – bam – an unexpected turn is taken. Thoroughly enjoyed this read. Would recommend to all fans of crime/thrillers. Tracy, WA, 4 Stars
A great read, a glamping weekend gone wrong. I was taken in from the start! The book goes back in time regularly to the characters’ previous meetings. It was an easy book to keep up with all the different characters and their parts they played in the book. I like the fact that some of the story involves a 12-year-old adopted boy and his relationship with his parents. It is a real page-turner and I thoroughly enjoyed the book. Helen, TAS, 4 Stars
I received this book as an advance copy from Simon & Schuster and am immensely grateful as it was a great read. I am not usually a fan of switching between the present and the past as well from one person’s view to the next, but it works in this case. I thought I knew where this was headed and was wrong. It is interesting to explore the different characters. Self-centered Dom, Tanya. Jim and Kira’s secrets. All the little and big lies are revealed during a glamping weekend when Phoebe goes missing and friends turn on each other to protect themselves and their flaws. Amazing ending. Sandra, NSW, 4 Stars
I very much enjoyed this book. A great tale about a group of uni friends catching up for a reunion, complete with their assorted family members. There are plenty of secrets between different members of this party, and lots of personalities at play. The story is told from multiple viewpoints, and different times over the weekend, so we gradually get the whole story of what has happened. This is one of those books that keeps you saying ‘just one more chapter’ to see what the next twist will be. A thoroughly enjoyable read. Karen, VIC, 4 Stars
The Search Party is a fast-paced thriller where a camping trip amongst friends goes horribly wrong. Richell keeps you on your toes with the story bouncing between the past and the present to slowly reveal what took place. I recommend this book for fans of Jane Harper and Karen Slaughter. Tehliah, ACT, 3 Stars
Gripping right from the start! It felt like you were a character in the book, emotions were raw and characters were both relatable and infuriating. Melissa, QLD, 3 Stars
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