Release Date: August 20th 2020
Publisher: Viking
Pages: 352
Find it on: Goodreads. BookDepository. Waterstones.
Source: The publisher kindly sent me a copy of this book to review
Rating: 4.5/5 stars

Synopsis

16-year-old Sadie Saunders is missing.

Five friends set out into the woods to find her.

But they’re not just friends…

THEY’RE SUSPECTS.

You see, this was never a search party.

It’s a witch hunt.

And not everyone will make it home alive…

THE CHALK MAN meets THE HUNTING PARTY in this gripping story; witness four suspects as, alongside DI Fleet, you attempt to discover the truth about what happened to Sadie…

Review

The Search Party is one of those books that completely captivates you from the very first chapter. The story follows a group of teenagers who go into the woods to look for their friend Sadie Saunders who has gone missing. When the police finally find the group they have a body with them – but the body isn’t Sadie, so what happened in the woods?

The Search Party is a dark and twisty read, one I didn’t want to end. This is my second book from Simon Lelic and it was completely unputdownable. I read the book in one day, and definitely stayed up long past my bedtime to finish it. Lelic has a brilliant writing style, ramping up the tension as we get to the final reveal. If you love thrillers with endings you won’t see coming this is definitely a must read.

The story is told in alternating perspectives of the teenagers as well as DI Robin Fleet who is in charge of the investigation into Sadie’s disappearance. The characters are well written and it was fascinating seeing the group recount the tale of what happened in the woods. I really liked DI Fleet, he’s a determined police officer and I really enjoyed seeing him puzzle out what was really going on.

The Search Party is a gripping read that will have you on the edge of your seat. It’s one of my favourite thrillers of the year and if you’re looking for something to keep you hooked on a hot summer day, this is definitely one to pick up.