Scandals, lies, and nosy neighbors abound on Alton Road. The exclusive cul-de-sac is known for their yearly summer block party blow out, planned to perfection. The only thing unplanned? Murder.
Told over the course of a year, The Block Party by Jamie Day follows the residents of Alton Road as their secrets come to light. Main character Alex is a mediator and the neighborhood sounding board. But underneath her seemingly sound advice is an alcohol dependency that has her hiding her recycling from view.
Her daughter, Lettie, is a high schooler set on changing her consumerist neighbors into climate-conscious consumers, but it’s an uphill climb.
The supporting cast of neighbors include Alex’s sister Emily, new neighbors The Kumars, the pesky Bug Man, and the mysteriously widowed Brooke.
The main question remains- who has been killed, and who is the killer? No street is safe, as evidenced by the community’s neighborhood page.
Suspenseful but slow-plotted, if you enjoyed the antics of the residents of Wisteria Lane on Desperate Housewives, this book is a great summer read for you!
The Block Party comes out on July 18. Request a copy here.
*I received a review copy from St. Martin’s Press and Edelweiss. This is my honest review.
-Melinda
Read it or Weep 