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Party Girl
Based on a true story ripped from the headlines, this novel asks the question— is being at the wrong place at the wrong time reason enough to ruin your life?
Twenty-nine-year-old Hope Reed didn’t pull the trigger—but a simple choice landed her behind bars and now she is literally fighting for her life. After her car broke down, Hope accepted a ride from two neighborhood thugs. Later they were pulled over and arrested for a deadly convenience store robbery—and Hope was arrested, too.
Brendon Reed stood by his wife after her arrest. He took out a second mortgage on their house and wiped out the family’s savings for her defense. But as Hope’s case dragged on, he was forced to consider other options.
Hope’s best friend Katina vowed to step in and help out with Hope’s children. But that was when everyone thought Hope would get out of jail and be able to pick up where she left off. Now as years passed and Hope’s chances of acquittal began to look grim, Katina is torn, and the feelings she’s developed for Hope’s husband have thrown her loyalty into question.
Based on true events, this unforgettable novel reveals a broken justice system that can ruin an innocent woman’s life.
Twenty-nine-year-old Hope Reed didn’t pull the trigger—but a simple choice landed her behind bars and now she is literally fighting for her life. After her car broke down, Hope accepted a ride from two neighborhood thugs. Later they were pulled over and arrested for a deadly convenience store robbery—and Hope was arrested, too.
Brendon Reed stood by his wife after her arrest. He took out a second mortgage on their house and wiped out the family’s savings for her defense. But as Hope’s case dragged on, he was forced to consider other options.
Hope’s best friend Katina vowed to step in and help out with Hope’s children. But that was when everyone thought Hope would get out of jail and be able to pick up where she left off. Now as years passed and Hope’s chances of acquittal began to look grim, Katina is torn, and the feelings she’s developed for Hope’s husband have thrown her loyalty into question.
Based on true events, this unforgettable novel reveals a broken justice system that can ruin an innocent woman’s life.
384 pages, Mass Market Paperback
First published February 21, 2012
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102 people want to read
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Displaying 1 - 22 of 22 reviews
July 1, 2012
Guilt by Association
Wrong place. Wrong time. Those words could ring no truer than for Hope Donovan, a married mother of three. Car trouble and accepting a ride from old friends landed her on death row. Death. Row. Six years in Hope is still fighting for her life and her freedom, but now she must add to that her marriage and her sanity.
I closed “Party Girl” feeling torn. I’m having the coulda, woulda, shoulda blues. This coulda, woulda, shoulda been a really good book. That’s the way it started. The concept alone had me hooked. It’s everything that came after the concept that was problematic.
For starters, the book faltered with its execution. The narrative, told from the point of view of four characters, flipped and flopped and flopped and flipped between the past and present with little or no warning. One minute you’re in the present. Next minute you’re weeks or years into the past. Then you didn’t know exactly when you got back to the present. It made for a confusing read at times. Had the past simply been signified by italics, problem would have been solved.
“Party Girl” had all the elements for a really good read, but I think that was part of the problem. This novel worked against itself. There were too many variables thrown into this story. An innocent woman on death row is a story all in itself, especially with the controversial law under which she was convicted. Add to that a possible cheating husband, backstabbing friends, hoodoo voodoo, misconduct from the DA’s office, sibling rivalry and a woman bent on vengeance – it was just too much. Each variable could have been its own story. Instead of enhancing this plot, it pulled it in so many different directions, pulled away from the main story and resulted in stretched side plots. That was very unfortunate because had the story been focused, this could have been great. I don’t understand how this, unanswered questions and other slight issues (Jemar/Kemar) got past the editing staff.
On the upside, besides those shortcomings, “Party Girl” is an entertaining, enjoyable and quick read. It’s just enough to keep readers engaged. This was my first read by Pat Tucker and I think I’d like to try something else by her as her style was easy reading.
Reviewed by: Toni
3.5 stars
Wrong place. Wrong time. Those words could ring no truer than for Hope Donovan, a married mother of three. Car trouble and accepting a ride from old friends landed her on death row. Death. Row. Six years in Hope is still fighting for her life and her freedom, but now she must add to that her marriage and her sanity.
I closed “Party Girl” feeling torn. I’m having the coulda, woulda, shoulda blues. This coulda, woulda, shoulda been a really good book. That’s the way it started. The concept alone had me hooked. It’s everything that came after the concept that was problematic.
For starters, the book faltered with its execution. The narrative, told from the point of view of four characters, flipped and flopped and flopped and flipped between the past and present with little or no warning. One minute you’re in the present. Next minute you’re weeks or years into the past. Then you didn’t know exactly when you got back to the present. It made for a confusing read at times. Had the past simply been signified by italics, problem would have been solved.
“Party Girl” had all the elements for a really good read, but I think that was part of the problem. This novel worked against itself. There were too many variables thrown into this story. An innocent woman on death row is a story all in itself, especially with the controversial law under which she was convicted. Add to that a possible cheating husband, backstabbing friends, hoodoo voodoo, misconduct from the DA’s office, sibling rivalry and a woman bent on vengeance – it was just too much. Each variable could have been its own story. Instead of enhancing this plot, it pulled it in so many different directions, pulled away from the main story and resulted in stretched side plots. That was very unfortunate because had the story been focused, this could have been great. I don’t understand how this, unanswered questions and other slight issues (Jemar/Kemar) got past the editing staff.
On the upside, besides those shortcomings, “Party Girl” is an entertaining, enjoyable and quick read. It’s just enough to keep readers engaged. This was my first read by Pat Tucker and I think I’d like to try something else by her as her style was easy reading.
Reviewed by: Toni
3.5 stars
April 6, 2012
Party Girl by Pat Tucker - 3 stars
Hope Donovan made a mistake that may cost her life. She took a ride from a friend and ended up on death row. You see The Texas Law of Parties rule can kill you - really. As Hope loses faith in the system, she stops her appeals and prepares for death. But that isn't the whole story. Her friends, Betty Jean, Stacy, Tamera, and Jackie, stop visiting and writing because they want her husband. Her husband, Brendon, attempts to stay faithful to his marriage but after 7 years he wants someone else. All the while her sister, Chastity, takes care of Hope's 3 kids...even though they share a deep rooted hatred toward each other. Add in a psycho neighbor, a widow that wants to watch Hope die, death penalty and prison issues, and a news reporter that totally changes the game.
I know you are thinking this all adds up to one hell of a story and it does but... I thought there were flaws in the flow and too many unanswered questions at the end. Each chapter was told in the voice of the various characters and while it weaved the tale together the flashbacks made it difficult to know where in time the action was taking place. I wanted the ending to tie all loose ends rather it left too many unanswered questions.
Hope Donovan made a mistake that may cost her life. She took a ride from a friend and ended up on death row. You see The Texas Law of Parties rule can kill you - really. As Hope loses faith in the system, she stops her appeals and prepares for death. But that isn't the whole story. Her friends, Betty Jean, Stacy, Tamera, and Jackie, stop visiting and writing because they want her husband. Her husband, Brendon, attempts to stay faithful to his marriage but after 7 years he wants someone else. All the while her sister, Chastity, takes care of Hope's 3 kids...even though they share a deep rooted hatred toward each other. Add in a psycho neighbor, a widow that wants to watch Hope die, death penalty and prison issues, and a news reporter that totally changes the game.
I know you are thinking this all adds up to one hell of a story and it does but... I thought there were flaws in the flow and too many unanswered questions at the end. Each chapter was told in the voice of the various characters and while it weaved the tale together the flashbacks made it difficult to know where in time the action was taking place. I wanted the ending to tie all loose ends rather it left too many unanswered questions.
July 5, 2014
It was a good read.
May 26, 2012
Pat Tucker pens Party Girl, not only does the title set you up for the read but the cover as well. While reading on the job, some stared or wondered what the book was all about. Tucker had a great concept on “Texas Law of Parties” whereas Hope Jenay Donovan was sentenced to death for a murder she didn’t commit. Conversely, Adena wanted to see her “True Justice” for the brutal murder of her beloved husband and setup a committee of parents/mothers for the 5 years Hope was incarcerated. She became excited to see that after 5 years that Hope was ready to set a date for her execution but her family and friends wondered after this long period of time that Hope would go forth and expedite execution—guess she lost her fight. There were a pair of jail mates that kept her faith and gave her hope, then civil leader and Rev. Al Sharpton comes to see Hope and plead in her behalf of the ill-treatment for someone who is not guilty, based on a line of events to defend her case. This is not the first case; one similar to Hope's is the Todd Willingham’s case. After his death row was revealed of his innocence, to discover that he wasn’t guilty of the alleged crime. This gave Hope faith but she went back three steps and wants to get it over with!
Some readers may shake their head to see a loved mother and wife, who never pulled the trigger, just happened to hop in a ride of her homeboys due to her borrowed car breaking down and needed a ride. However, Q and Trey, who actually committed the crime but all were arrested for a brutal convenience store robbery. Side note: I wished to see more of this brutal crime, and what actually happened to Q too.
Brendon Donovan believed his wife innocence and fought for their love to be reunited but after all was said and done; he moves on and sleeps with someone close to her. On the other hand, her sister, Chastity is holding it down to take care of sister’s kids over these 5 years while her sister is behind bars but refuses to visit or respond to the numerous letters sent from Hope. She has an unstable relationship with a demanding boyfriend, Trey, and undernourished feelings for her brother-in-law, Brendon that should've never flourished in the first place. Trey accuses her of this fatal attraction and reminds her of what he had to give up being with her—making this unbalanced relationship work. My personal dilemma was how could Chastity date a married man and the same one who was responsible for the crime that her sister is behind bars? Moreover, I was glad to see Hope get over the “victim mentality” and others to encourage Hope to want to live once more, and seek justice beyond this stupid law. Fight for your rights.
Although this novel derives from the Texas Law of Parties, if a murder occurs during the process of a crime that all parties are eligible for the death penalty. Many would say “at the wrong place at the wrong time” and this is a debatable issue of capital punishment. Will Hope be a “dead woman walking”? Did anyone have substantial evidence to stick on Hope’s case? Did the police or detectives get involved in this case, or only base it on the law of parties to send an innocent women to the electric chair long as justice is served? There were some things unanswered, and oddly didn’t tie securely together for me in this read. Is there a sequel? I hope there is a sequel to resolve all the unsolved mysteries. On the other hand, the romantic connections/relations between the couples went limp for me. Yes, it was clear that so-and-so was dating or sleeping with so-and-so, but I longed for the soul ties.
Key quote in the entire novel was “I had hung my faith on the wrong things too many times (page 210).”
Her writing style was error-free, and an easy, smooth read. Tucker rails you in the opening chapter with your tongue out, clueless, until you get midway in the novel to start putting the pieces together of the puzzle. After chapter one, fast forwards to five years later, and then wait to see how it opens and unleashes the demons before our very eyes.
*I received a copy from the publicist of Simon and Schuster for a review.
Adrienna Turner,
Author of "God is in the Equation" and "The Day Begins with Christ"
www.adriennaturner.webs.com
Some readers may shake their head to see a loved mother and wife, who never pulled the trigger, just happened to hop in a ride of her homeboys due to her borrowed car breaking down and needed a ride. However, Q and Trey, who actually committed the crime but all were arrested for a brutal convenience store robbery. Side note: I wished to see more of this brutal crime, and what actually happened to Q too.
Brendon Donovan believed his wife innocence and fought for their love to be reunited but after all was said and done; he moves on and sleeps with someone close to her. On the other hand, her sister, Chastity is holding it down to take care of sister’s kids over these 5 years while her sister is behind bars but refuses to visit or respond to the numerous letters sent from Hope. She has an unstable relationship with a demanding boyfriend, Trey, and undernourished feelings for her brother-in-law, Brendon that should've never flourished in the first place. Trey accuses her of this fatal attraction and reminds her of what he had to give up being with her—making this unbalanced relationship work. My personal dilemma was how could Chastity date a married man and the same one who was responsible for the crime that her sister is behind bars? Moreover, I was glad to see Hope get over the “victim mentality” and others to encourage Hope to want to live once more, and seek justice beyond this stupid law. Fight for your rights.
Although this novel derives from the Texas Law of Parties, if a murder occurs during the process of a crime that all parties are eligible for the death penalty. Many would say “at the wrong place at the wrong time” and this is a debatable issue of capital punishment. Will Hope be a “dead woman walking”? Did anyone have substantial evidence to stick on Hope’s case? Did the police or detectives get involved in this case, or only base it on the law of parties to send an innocent women to the electric chair long as justice is served? There were some things unanswered, and oddly didn’t tie securely together for me in this read. Is there a sequel? I hope there is a sequel to resolve all the unsolved mysteries. On the other hand, the romantic connections/relations between the couples went limp for me. Yes, it was clear that so-and-so was dating or sleeping with so-and-so, but I longed for the soul ties.
Key quote in the entire novel was “I had hung my faith on the wrong things too many times (page 210).”
Her writing style was error-free, and an easy, smooth read. Tucker rails you in the opening chapter with your tongue out, clueless, until you get midway in the novel to start putting the pieces together of the puzzle. After chapter one, fast forwards to five years later, and then wait to see how it opens and unleashes the demons before our very eyes.
*I received a copy from the publicist of Simon and Schuster for a review.
Adrienna Turner,
Author of "God is in the Equation" and "The Day Begins with Christ"
www.adriennaturner.webs.com
August 24, 2013
PARTY GIRL by Pat Tucker tells the story of Hope Reed, in the wrong place at the wrong time, who lands behind bars after her car broke down and she accepted a ride from thugs arrested for a convenience store robbery. She ends up on death row and the story details her rough life in prison. Her husband Brendon stood by her side, wiping out the family savings to defend her. As time passes, Hope's chances of acquittal look more grim, but after her case gets better examined and more people support her innocence, she ends up a free woman at the end.
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
January 10, 2016
A good solid 3 1/2 stars.
Here's what I liked best about it:
--The early portion of the book read as if it were about real people and based on actual events. The crime and the unfolding story of the problems in the legal and penal systems seemed believable.
--The topic was very interesting: Due to the Law of Parties in effect in Texas and other states, one person can be convicted of a murder they did not directly commit by being associated with the murderer(s). When Hope Donovan, mother of 3, accepts a ride from people she knew from the the past, she did not realize they were fleeing from the scene of a crime they committed. A variety of circumstances converged resulting in her sitting on death row for a crime she did not commit.
--the novel educated me more thoroughly on the ramifications to the death penalty, prison conditions, the lack of an adequate defense, and thus the lack of a fair trial if the accused is poor.
--The novel educated me a bit on life growing up in tough neighborhoods and the choices faced by those that wish to improve themselves above what they had grown up with.
--It was a fast read, easy to get what the author was trying to say, none of it trite. The story line unfolded at a brisk enough ace.
--the author was fairly skillful at setting up mini-cliffhangers and the end of chapters. Each chapter was narrated by a different character and it was easy to perceive that character's perspective, even if I could not identify with it personally. There was some moving back and forth in time, but it was fairly easy most of the time to catch on to where in time it was.
Something interesting that could have been developed further:
Hope's name and her sister Chastity's name relate to themes in the novel and the development of each character. Hope's changing levels of hope during the novel regarding her situation were integral to the plot. Throughout the flashbacks and current events, you can Chastity's journey in the area of relationships and sex. I do like symbolism! However, the ending of the novel did not solidify these to my satisfaction and left these issues unresolved.
What I did not like:
--The large amount of melodrama among Hope's friends and bitterness between her and her sister Chastity was a bit over the top and distracting. There was already a lot of material to work with for the length of this novel without everyone flaking out just to create more story. I would have preferred a few characters more deeply fleshed out than only getting to know the weird surface issues of so many. The result is when the book ended, many issues had to be left unresolved.
--The situation with the widow of the man Hope was accused of murdering was also a distraction for me during the majority of the book. How that played out at the end seemed rushed and thus less believable than what I think it could have been.
--I would have liked to have learned more about Hope's children and what she was missing out on in their lives as a result of her imprisonment. I did not get the impression that she was experiencing much emotional pain as a result of being separated from them. She hated being in prison because of the deplorable conditions, but it did not seem it was because she was separated from her kids.
--It seemed very unrealistic that Hope's sister was dating a married man who apparently was the same man who 1) participated in the murder Hope was accused of, and 2) was responsible via his lies for Hope being convicted. I don't recall reading much on how this came about.
--I prefer novels without graphic sex. This had a scene or two, the rest of the sexual references were not graphic.
This was my first novel by Pat Tucker.
Here's what I liked best about it:
--The early portion of the book read as if it were about real people and based on actual events. The crime and the unfolding story of the problems in the legal and penal systems seemed believable.
--The topic was very interesting: Due to the Law of Parties in effect in Texas and other states, one person can be convicted of a murder they did not directly commit by being associated with the murderer(s). When Hope Donovan, mother of 3, accepts a ride from people she knew from the the past, she did not realize they were fleeing from the scene of a crime they committed. A variety of circumstances converged resulting in her sitting on death row for a crime she did not commit.
--the novel educated me more thoroughly on the ramifications to the death penalty, prison conditions, the lack of an adequate defense, and thus the lack of a fair trial if the accused is poor.
--The novel educated me a bit on life growing up in tough neighborhoods and the choices faced by those that wish to improve themselves above what they had grown up with.
--It was a fast read, easy to get what the author was trying to say, none of it trite. The story line unfolded at a brisk enough ace.
--the author was fairly skillful at setting up mini-cliffhangers and the end of chapters. Each chapter was narrated by a different character and it was easy to perceive that character's perspective, even if I could not identify with it personally. There was some moving back and forth in time, but it was fairly easy most of the time to catch on to where in time it was.
Something interesting that could have been developed further:
Hope's name and her sister Chastity's name relate to themes in the novel and the development of each character. Hope's changing levels of hope during the novel regarding her situation were integral to the plot. Throughout the flashbacks and current events, you can Chastity's journey in the area of relationships and sex. I do like symbolism! However, the ending of the novel did not solidify these to my satisfaction and left these issues unresolved.
What I did not like:
--The large amount of melodrama among Hope's friends and bitterness between her and her sister Chastity was a bit over the top and distracting. There was already a lot of material to work with for the length of this novel without everyone flaking out just to create more story. I would have preferred a few characters more deeply fleshed out than only getting to know the weird surface issues of so many. The result is when the book ended, many issues had to be left unresolved.
--The situation with the widow of the man Hope was accused of murdering was also a distraction for me during the majority of the book. How that played out at the end seemed rushed and thus less believable than what I think it could have been.
--I would have liked to have learned more about Hope's children and what she was missing out on in their lives as a result of her imprisonment. I did not get the impression that she was experiencing much emotional pain as a result of being separated from them. She hated being in prison because of the deplorable conditions, but it did not seem it was because she was separated from her kids.
--It seemed very unrealistic that Hope's sister was dating a married man who apparently was the same man who 1) participated in the murder Hope was accused of, and 2) was responsible via his lies for Hope being convicted. I don't recall reading much on how this came about.
--I prefer novels without graphic sex. This had a scene or two, the rest of the sexual references were not graphic.
This was my first novel by Pat Tucker.
May 3, 2012
This was one of the best stories I have read in awhile. It had a captivating story that grabs you from the beginning. It makes you ask yourself questions like is wrong to associate yourself with people from your past if they still live a questionable life? Is it wrong to change friends and associates because you no longer run in the sale circles. I felt bad for Hope because even though she was a bit wild as a teenager she had changed her life around and became a mother and wife. But being in the wrong place at the wrong time changed her life forever. This story also shows how because she chose to take a ride from an old friend it changed her life and the life of her family forever. I would recommend this to anyone who wants a.good fast read.
December 8, 2014
I have several books by Pat Tucker, and this was a very well written story. The title Party Girl is not what you would think at the first glance of the Title. It's actually in reference to the Law of Parties in Texas, which is a variation on the common law felony murder rule. The basic moral of this story is be mindful who you accept a ride from, even if you knew them from the past, or you might find yourself in hot water like the main character Hope.
July 8, 2014
Potentially the worst book I've ever read. Every single character sounds exactly the same. Given they come from different economic and ethnic backgrounds, this should not be the case. What could've been a very interesting story about a controversial law instead turned out to be a story where I wished the end would come from the very beginning.
March 10, 2012
I enjoyed this book. It was a good story with solid characters. I liked how the chapters were broken down by person giving each one a voice. If you want a quick read with a compelling story I recommend this one.
February 24, 2012
THIS WAS A AMAZING AND EXCELLENT STORY, 10 STAR READ
March 15, 2012
This book truly shows that being at wrong place at the wrong time does not payoff. It truly makes you think about the value of ones life.
May 6, 2012
Good book with a good topic. Tucker lost me a couple of times by switching form subject to subject but it was still a good read.
June 7, 2012
Was it me or did one of Brandon's friends names keep changing from Jemar to Kemar?
October 8, 2012
An excellent book to curl up with. Pat Turner has come up with an explosive page turner. Turner has superb writing skills. This could be a Lifetime movie.
July 2, 2012
I really enjoyed this book! It held my attention from the beginning to the end. In fact I actually flipped to the end to see what was going to happen by the middle of the book!
December 25, 2012
This book pissed me off through out the whole story. Everybody was shady
August 28, 2014
It was great in the beginning. I loved where it was going in the middle but I hated the end.
July 19, 2022
I hated the cover, but I thought this book was more than what I expected. I definitely feel like it could have been further developed
September 15, 2012
Read a few chapters, but just couldn't stick with it.
May 26, 2012
Full review on my other page: Adrienna Turner on Goodreads.
April 14, 2012
I really liked Party Girl.nce I started reading I couldnt put it down.
Displaying 1 - 22 of 22 reviews