Take a photo of a barcode or cover
ccreadsss 's review for:
The Wasp Trap
by Mark Edwards
Release: Sept 16, 2026
Author: Mark Edwards
Publisher: Atria Books
Rating: 4 ★
A group of six longtime friends gather at a charming townhouse in Notting Hill to honor their late former boss—a professor who brought them together years ago to create a dating website. What starts as a nostalgic reunion quickly spirals into something far more disturbing. The guests are soon forced into a chilling game: either confess their deepest, darkest secrets or eliminate each other one by one.
As tensions rise, it becomes clear that their past is catching up with them. Back in 1999, the group developed a personality quiz meant to foster romantic matches—but it secretly doubled as a test to identify psychopaths, known as The Wasp Trap. Now, with a killer among them and a deadly ultimatum on the table, the truth behind their shared history may be the only way to survive.
The Wasp Trap starts with an irresistible setup—a group of six former colleagues reuniting in a posh Notting Hill home, only to find themselves trapped and forced to confront long-buried secrets from a summer two decades ago. The tension builds quickly, and the dual timelines—1999 and present day—add a compelling layer to the mystery. It definitely delivered in terms of suspense and kept me guessing with its constant twists.
That said, while I enjoyed the fast pace and chilling atmosphere, a few parts felt a bit over-the-top or melodramatic. I think the story could have leaned more into the psychological tension rather than relying so heavily on violence and theatrics. Some character arcs (especially Mia’s) felt unnecessary or underdeveloped, and I didn’t feel a strong emotional connection to most of the cast, which weakened the impact of a few key moments.
Still, it’s a fun, binge-worthy read that plays like a locked-room thriller with a psychological twist. If you enjoy books that keep you flipping pages and don’t mind a few wild turns along the way, this is definitely worth checking out.
Favorite Quote:
"when you're stuck in a trap, it's hard to see a way out. But that doesn't mean it doesn't exist."