The Dinner

Reviews

“You’ll eat it up, with some fava beans and a nice Chianti.”

“A European Gone Girl…The Dinner, a sly psychological thriller that hinges on a horrific crime and its consequences for two families, has become one of spring’s most anticipated suspense novels.”

“The Dinner begins with drinks and dark satire, and goes stealthily and hauntingly from there. It’s chilling, nasty, smart, shocking, and unputdownable. Read the novel in one big gulp, and then make plans with friends—you’ll be desperate to debate this book over cocktails, appetizers, entrees, dessert…and then you still won’t be done talking about it.”

“This chilling novel starts out as a witty look at contemporary manners…before turning into a take-no-prisoners psychological thriller…With dark humor, Koch dramatizes the lengths to which people will go to preserve a comfortable way of life…this is a cunningly crafted thriller that will never allow you to look at a serviette in the same way again.” 

“A high-class meal provides an unlikely window into privilege, violence, and madness…Koch’s slow revelation of the central crisis is expertly paced, and he’s opened up a serious question of what parents owe their children and how much of their character is passed on to them…a chilling vision of the ugliness of keeping up appearances.” 

“American readers may demand access to all of Koch’s books. If they’re half as good as The Dinner, we’ll want to devour all of them.”

“[A] deliciously Mr. Ripley-esque drama.”

“Mantle’s delivery elevates the plot twists, moral dilemmas, and family relationships, making this a feast worth attending.”

“Rather like The Slap, it is set to become a contentious must-read. It may thrill, chill, or cheat, but it is undeniably riveting.”

“Briskly paced and full of ingenious twists—a compulsive read…for those who can tolerate the unsavory company, The Dinner is a treat they’ll gulp down in one sitting.”

“Koch’s ability to toy with the reader’s alliances while using one family’s distress to consider greater societal ills gives the novel a vital punch.”

“A tart main course that explores how quickly the façade of civility can crumble. It’s hard to digest at times, but with a thought-provoking taste that lingers.”

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