Jamie Day
© michael naimo

Writer’s block

New thriller digs deep into a fictional suburban town

by Judy Gelman

Costco’s suggested Book Club read provides insight into a selected novel, as well as an appropriate recipe to accompany your own book club’s discussion.

During a brainstorming session for the book that would become The Block Party, Jamie Day’s editor mentioned attending a neighborhood party “and a lightbulb went off,” Day recalls. “We agreed a block party would be fun—and a great title.”

Day drew on his experiences growing up in a close-knit suburban community where he enjoyed backyard football games, barbecues and neighborly bonding. “On my street, everyone knew each other and one another’s business,” Day reminisces. “But, as my youthful innocence faded into adulthood, I learned that behind the idyllic facade of my childhood street, there was a darker side filled with secrets, lies and betrayals.”

In Day’s novel, a murder rocks a Memorial Day party on posh Alton Road in Meadowbrook, Massachusetts. Who was the victim, and who was the perpetrator? The domestic thriller delves into neighborhood rivalries and suspicions, revealing the hidden dangers lurking within.

The Block Party unfolds from the perspectives of residents Alex Fox and her teenage daughter, Lettie, who look back on the year leading up to the murder. “Alex, the grounding force in the neighborhood, connects us to multiple people,” explains Day, “and allows readers to observe the observer.” And through Lettie, readers get another perspective. “Teenagers have a very rich inner world, and I wanted to give readers that insight,” adds Day.

The novel’s reverse chronology begins with the murder. “Readers turn pages because they care about the characters, and they want answers,” says Day. “I created questions about who was killed and why. From there, the characters take over.”

As Alton Road neighbors gather over meals for numerous events throughout the year including Friendsgiving, Girls’ Night, Christmas Eve and block parties, the mystery unfolds. “These are pivotal scenes where they exchange gossip, rumors and innuendo over food,” says Day.

To complement a book club discussion, Day suggests serving block party fare such as potato salad and burgers, along with a vegetarian alternative. He envisions Lettie, who is passionate about animal welfare and environmental health, enjoying Mushroom Sliders. “Lettie loves her block party burgers; only hers are never made from sentient beings,” he explains, “so enjoy these tasty sliders during your visit to fictional Meadowbrook.”

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