The Beach Party by Nikki Smith
Book #6 of 30 in my 2025 Reading Challenge
I’m challenging myself to read 30 books in 2025 as part of my journey to reclaim “me time” after years of being a workaholic—and a recent cancer diagnosis that changed everything. Reading has become a lifeline for joy, comfort, and escape. Find out more about my 2025 Reading Challenge.
Why I picked this book
I’ve been craving a fun, suspenseful read with just the right amount of mystery—and when I stumbled upon The Beach Party, I was instantly intrigued. Set in the 1980s against the sun-soaked backdrop of Mallorca, the nostalgic vibe mixed with a mysterious plot seemed like the perfect escape. Plus, I was looking for something easy to unwind with, but with enough drama to keep me hooked.
What’s it about?
In the summer of 1989, six university friends embark on a post-graduation holiday to a luxury villa in Mallorca. What begins as a carefree celebration takes a dark turn during a beach party, resulting in an accident that forever alters their lives. Thirty-three years later, someone knows what happened that night and is determined to make them pay for their past actions.
Escape Index
World: Vivid Setting
The Mallorca villa setting, sunny and inviting, makes it easy to imagine yourself there. The '80s references help bring the time and place to life, making it an immersive escape.Vibe: Nostalgic with a hint of suspense
A laid-back, sun-soaked setting with enough tension to keep you hooked. It’s a perfect blend of drama and relaxation.Pace: Steady and engaging
The alternating timelines unfold the story at a nice rhythm. It’s slow but deliberate, keeping the mystery simmering without rushing.Feels: Subtle
The emotional depth is there but not overwhelming. It’s more about uncovering secrets than diving deep into feelings.Escape: Perfect for a getaway
It’s an immersive read that takes you to a sunny villa in Mallorca, mixing nostalgia and mystery in a way that lets you forget about the world for a bit.
“A relaxing escape with just the right amount of drama. The Beach Party offers a nice mix of nostalgia, suspense, and mystery, but without being too intense or emotionally heavy.”
My takeaway
What I enjoyed most about The Beach Party was how the two timelines—the carefree '80s and the present—intertwined to keep the mystery simmering. The shifting timelines, combined with the vivid setting and gradual unraveling of secrets, kept me engaged. While I wasn’t deeply connected to the characters, I found myself invested in uncovering what went wrong years ago. Smith doesn’t rush the reveal, allowing the puzzle pieces to fall into place at a steady pace, which kept me hooked. It’s the kind of book that’s easy to get lost in without feeling emotionally drained. There’s a subtle emotional undercurrent throughout, but the focus remains on piecing the mystery together rather than diving deep into characters’ emotional journeys.
Is this book for you?
Perfect if you're looking for:
a nostalgic read with just the right amount of mystery and drama
a book that balances light-heartedness with suspense
a relaxing escape to a sunny, secret-filled holiday setting.
Great for unwinding on a lazy day, enjoying a cozy afternoon read, or reminiscing about summers past.
Want to give The Beach Party a go?
See if it’s available at Wellington City Libraries, or grab your copy from:
Please note, I don’t earn any commission from these links—just sharing them to help you find your next great read!
Let’s chat
Have you read The Beach Party? What did you think? Leave a comment below—let’s discuss the mystery, the nostalgia, or anything else you loved (or didn’t) about this book!