I rooted for EDwards as I found Robert and Stanza (why call someone using the Italian word for room ?) who are spoiled and unbearable. it's a story of dreams betrayed, social class, revenge and stupidty. Dark humour at its best. Loved it Highly recommended. Many thanks to the publisher for this ARC, all opinions are mine

I confess that initially I wondered if The Kellerby Code was for me … maybe it was the day, or my mood but I very soon got over myself. Jonny Sweet utterly captivated me with his words, his wit, his deliciously dark humour and his capturing of the need to ‘belong’. You will recognise all the characters. You will recognise the ease with which those who don’t quite fit in are manipulated and seemingly included, but remain on the outside. But with deft and dark deliberation, the outsider is driven to extreme retribution – denying himself what he loves in the process. I laughed, I empathised, I gasped, I loved the outrageousness. I promised I would read this again. It will make a splendid film or TV series, a la Ripley. And I am enchanted by the author’s comment: 'But if you ever feel you’re not valued sufficiently by your friends, or you’re frustrated by the parade of aristocrats who still run our country in the twenty-first century, you might at least find it enjoyable to see what Edward chooses to do to them. I enjoyed an ARC in return for an honest review - which is my delight to do.

Thank you to the publishers for this early review copy. I had heard only great things about this book when I started it so my expectations were very high... The first half of the book was good but I was wondering why this had been causing so much excitement... Then we hit the second half of the book and I loved it, dark and funny. I'm now left wondering if there might be a follow up book? If there is I would definitely need it.

I picked up The Kellerby Code, the debut of Jonny Sweet, after hearing Richard Osman recommending it, on Between The Covers. Edward Jevons is desperate to belong. Sadly, he doesn’t understand that he will never truly be part of Robert and Stanza’s exclusive set, and Kellerby House; no matter how invaluable he tries to be. Ironically, if he made himself more aloof, less helpful, it may make him more alluring to the braying pair. I knew very little of the book, so had no idea of what to expect. I certainly didn’t expect a story of entitlement and bullying, at times it could be an excruciating read/listen. The love bombing, gaslighting and other narcissistic behaviours leapt from the pages. Edward pays a heavy price to inhabit a world, even on the periphery, to which he doesn’t belong. I struggled for a while with which star rating to give this dark book, to say I liked this book would be wrong. Having said that, I found I couldn’t tear myself away, it was addictive. I read with an almost ghoulish fascination, like watching a car crash, unable to pull myself away. I was intrigued, and nervous, to find what the conclusion would bring. The brutal, staggering arrogance left me frequently speechless. I think The Kellerby Code will divide readers, a true marmite read. Personally I settled on 4⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️, an uncomfortable, obsession filled book.

I was sent an advance proof copy of The Kellerby Code by Jonny Sweet to read and review by NetGalley. I wasn’t too sure about this novel to begin with as I didn’t particularly like any of the characters and I didn’t identify with any of the backgrounds and lifestyles of them. However, the further into the book I got the more invested I became. There are plenty of twists and turns and moments of both disbelief and urgency to keep you reading more. Not the best novel I have ever read but definitely worth 4 stars!