All of them are friends. One of them is a killer.

During the languid days of the Christmas break, a group of thirtysomething friends from Oxford meet to welcome in the New Year together, a tradition they began as students ten years ago. For this vacation, they’ve chosen an idyllic and isolated estate in the Scottish Highlands—the perfect place to get away and unwind by themselves.

They arrive on December 30th, just before a historic blizzard seals the lodge off from the outside world.

Two days later, on New Year’s Day, one of them is dead.

The trip began innocently enough: admiring the stunning if foreboding scenery, champagne in front of a crackling fire, and reminiscences about the past. But after a decade, the weight of secret resentments has grown too heavy for the group’s tenuous nostalgia to bear. Amid the boisterous revelry of New Year’s Eve, the cord holding them together snaps.

Now one of them is dead . . . and another of them did it.

Keep your friends close, the old adage goes. But just how close is too close?

Lucy Foley delivers a masterfully atmospheric and immersive slow-burning murder mystery in The Hunting Party. Set against the snowy, isolated Highlands of Scotland, this book exudes an ominous, foreboding vibe that pulls you into the chilling dynamics of an exclusive New Year’s getaway gone wrong.

One of the standout aspects of this novel is the full-cast audiobook narration. The narrators are exceptional, each bringing their characters to life with distinct voices and captivating accents that enhance the story’s depth and intrigue. The short chapters also make the pacing feel brisk, keeping the suspense alive as the story alternates between past and present timelines across five character POVs.

Foley skillfully weaves a complex web of envy, secrets, and lies within a tightly knit group of old friends. While there are many characters, once you get familiar with who’s who, the story flows seamlessly. Each POV offers a fresh perspective, allowing readers to piece together the dynamics of this group and their hidden tensions. The narrative is more character-focused than plot-driven, delving deep into the relationships and backstories that lead to the ultimate murder.

This is classic whodunit territory, where everyone is a suspect. Foley keeps readers guessing not only about who the murderer is but also about who the victim might be—a unique twist that adds an extra layer of mystery. It’s like solving a puzzle, with each new reveal adding more intrigue.

Though not particularly creepy or terrifying, the book is unsettling in the best way, keeping you on edge with its slow unraveling of motives. While the premise feels similar to Foley’s The Guest List, this story still stands strong as an engaging winter read, perfect for fans of holiday murder mysteries.

With its mature themes, occasional language, and mild spice, I’d rate this an R, but it never feels gratuitous. If you enjoy character-driven mysteries filled with tension, complex relationships, and an immersive setting, this story is an excellent pick—especially during the winter months or around the holidays. Highly recommended!