Summer Party

An atmospheric psychological thriller about a glamorous family living on the coast of southern Australia. 2023's most addictive beach read.

A perfect family. A devastating secret.

Summer, 2000. In the tranquil town of Queen's Point in southern Australia, the Whitlam family marks the end of every season with a lavish party in their clifftop mansion. Here, clutching her first glass of real champagne, the summer breeze intoxicating on her skin, sixteen-year-old Lucy Ross is kissed for the very first time. And then, in the shadows of the rose garden, she sees something she shouldn't.

Winter, 2019. After two decades of silence, Lucy is back in Queen's Point. She hasn't planned on staying long. But when human remains wash up on the freezing beach, the police close the town. Unable to leave, Lucy is forced to rekindle old friendships - and examine old truths - she has long ago tried to forget.

As long-buried secrets start to surface, Lucy must decide. Will she confront the past and tell the truth? Or will she still do anything to protect the people she loves?

A glamorous, escapist psychological thriller set in Australia, perfect for fans of Liane Moriarty, A.A. Torre and Adele Parks.

Readers love The Summer Party!

'I opened to the first page and wallop that was it... I was hooked... Give it a try... Five stars.' Netgalley reviewer, *****

'SO well written, MY GOD!! The writing was captivating and just incredibly well done... I look forward to more from Heath!' @theberrybookreport, ****

'BRAVO!' Netgalley reviewer, *****

'Gripping writing and some twists and turns to make you dizzy... This is one party you are never going to forget!' thebooktrail, ****

'Oh wowwwwwww. Let me tell y'all... I was so excited to read this book and now I cannot wait to read the next novel from this author!... Must read if you like a great thrill and suspense novel!' Netgalley reviewer, *****

'Great book, I loved it!... This is a tense and gripping mystery with an excellent ending.' Netgalley reviewer, *****

'This is quick, fast paced, intriguing read you cannot put down! And of course ending took my breath away! It made my heart ache... Absolutely a promising, riveting, powerful debut comes from Rebecca Heath!' @nilylovestoread, ****

'This chilling psychological thriller has everything you need to keep you reading long into the night... glamour, mystery, murder and suspense... Draws the reader in with every carefully chosen word and keeps you guessing til the last page. Brilliant writing!' Netgalley reviewer, *****

'This was a compelling murder mystery suspense and the quintessential beach read, and should be on your shelf waiting for sand, sun, and a cocktail.' Netgalley reviewer, *****

'Enigmatic, well crafted.' Netgalley reviewer, ****

'I was blown away by this novel. So many twists and turns... A superb whodunnit that really keeps you guessing.' Netgalley reviewer, *****

'Soo this cover caught my eye... I was all, SIGN ME UP PLEASE!!! Boy, talk about a book that keeps you on the edge of your seat... 5 "this book was soo dang good" Stars!!! Make sure you add to your TBR ASAP for sure!!!!' @triciabartley86, *****

'I LOVED IT... A fantastic ending and I would recommend to everyone to read.' Netgalley reviewer, *****

'A mindbending thriller that will keep you guessing the entire time you're reading it. Fast-paced plot and original characters for the win!' Netgalley reviewer, *****

'What a ride!... This is a great first book, I loved it all.' @andireads2022, *****

About the author

Rebecca Heath studied science at university, worked in hospitality and teaching, but she always carved out time to write. She lives in Adelaide, Australia, halfway between the city and the sea with her husband, three children and a much-loved border collie. Her debut adult novel, The Summer Party was released in 2023 by Head of Zeus, followed by The Dinner Party in 2024 and The Wedding Party in 2025.

Summary

An atmospheric psychological thriller about a glamorous family living on the coast of southern Australia. 2023's most addictive beach read.

A perfect family. A devastating secret.

Summer, 2000. In the tranquil town of Queen's Point in southern Australia, the Whitlam family marks the end of every season with a lavish party in their clifftop mansion. Here, clutching her first glass of real champagne, the summer breeze intoxicating on her skin, sixteen-year-old Lucy Ross is kissed for the very first time. And then, in the shadows of the rose garden, she sees something she shouldn't.

Winter, 2019. After two decades of silence, Lucy is back in Queen's Point. She hasn't planned on staying long. But when human remains wash up on the freezing beach, the police close the town. Unable to leave, Lucy is forced to rekindle old friendships - and examine old truths - she has long ago tried to forget.

As long-buried secrets start to surface, Lucy must decide. Will she confront the past and tell the truth? Or will she still do anything to protect the people she loves?

A glamorous, escapist psychological thriller set in Australia, perfect for fans of Liane Moriarty, A.A. Torre and Adele Parks.

Readers love The Summer Party!

'I opened to the first page and wallop that was it... I was hooked... Give it a try... Five stars.' Netgalley reviewer, *****

'SO well written, MY GOD!! The writing was captivating and just incredibly well done... I look forward to more from Heath!' @theberrybookreport, ****

'BRAVO!' Netgalley reviewer, *****

'Gripping writing and some twists and turns to make you dizzy... This is one party you are never going to forget!' thebooktrail, ****

'Oh wowwwwwww. Let me tell y'all... I was so excited to read this book and now I cannot wait to read the next novel from this author!... Must read if you like a great thrill and suspense novel!' Netgalley reviewer, *****

'Great book, I loved it!... This is a tense and gripping mystery with an excellent ending.' Netgalley reviewer, *****

'This is quick, fast paced, intriguing read you cannot put down! And of course ending took my breath away! It made my heart ache... Absolutely a promising, riveting, powerful debut comes from Rebecca Heath!' @nilylovestoread, ****

'This chilling psychological thriller has everything you need to keep you reading long into the night... glamour, mystery, murder and suspense... Draws the reader in with every carefully chosen word and keeps you guessing til the last page. Brilliant writing!' Netgalley reviewer, *****

'This was a compelling murder mystery suspense and the quintessential beach read, and should be on your shelf waiting for sand, sun, and a cocktail.' Netgalley reviewer, *****

'Enigmatic, well crafted.' Netgalley reviewer, ****

'I was blown away by this novel. So many twists and turns... A superb whodunnit that really keeps you guessing.' Netgalley reviewer, *****

'Soo this cover caught my eye... I was all, SIGN ME UP PLEASE!!! Boy, talk about a book that keeps you on the edge of your seat... 5 "this book was soo dang good" Stars!!! Make sure you add to your TBR ASAP for sure!!!!' @triciabartley86, *****

'I LOVED IT... A fantastic ending and I would recommend to everyone to read.' Netgalley reviewer, *****

'A mindbending thriller that will keep you guessing the entire time you're reading it. Fast-paced plot and original characters for the win!' Netgalley reviewer, *****

'What a ride!... This is a great first book, I loved it all.' @andireads2022, *****

Foreword

A psychological thriller set in Australia by debut adult novelist Rebecca Heath.

Product details

• Authors: Rebecca Heath
• Publisher: Head of Zeus
• Languages: English
• Product format: Paperback / Softback
• Release: 31.01.2023, delayed
• EAN: 9781804540992
• ISBN: 978-1-80454-099-2
• No. of pages: 384
• Subjects: Fiction > Suspense; FICTION / Coming of Age, Fiction & related items, Crime & mystery, South Australia, Fiction, Psychological thriller, Crime and mystery fiction, Fiction and Related items