Seven thrillers and mysteries where the celebration turns deadly

Heather Gudenkauf is the critically acclaimed author of several novels, including the New York Times bestsellers The Weight of Silence, The Overnight Guest, and Everyone Is Watching. She lives in Iowa with her husband and children.

[Coffee with a Canine: Heather Gudenkauf and Maxine; Coffee with a Canine: Heather Gudenkauf & Lolo; My Book, The Movie: Not A Sound; The Page 69 Test: Not A Sound; Writers Read: Heather Gudenkauf (April 2019); The Page 69 Test: Before She Was Found; The Page 69 Test: This Is How I Lied; The Page 69 Test: The Overnight Guest; Q&A with Heather Gudenkauf]

Gudenkauf's new novel is The Perfect Hosts.

At CrimeRead she tagged "seven mysteries and thrillers that prove that even the most meticulously planned parties can simmer with tension, secrets, and even murder." One title on the list:

We all know about block parties, bachelorette, birthday, and going-away parties, but have you heard about an “after-I-die” bash? Intrigued? Then the unputdownable Party Planning Can Be Murder by Kerry Schafer & Kerry Anne King is the book for you. Enter Addy Winters, a small-town party planner who, instead of a funeral, is tasked with organizing the ultimate going-away party for world-famous rockstar and old friend, Leo Masterson. But when Leo dies earlier than expected and under suspicious circumstances, Addy is on the case and intent on serving justice.

Read about another entry on the list.

--Marshal Zeringue