The Trivia Night

The insanely addictive must-read domestic 2024 thriller with a shocking twist

By: Ali Lowe

Narrated by: Kate Winter, Taryn Ryan, Vivien Carter

The events at a school fundraiser night get quickly out of hand, and the fallout leads to devastating results for a group of four couples...

Question: How long does it take to tear someone's life apart?
Answer: Sometimes just one night.

From the outside the parents of the kindergarten class at Darley Heights primary school seem to have it all. Living in the wealthy Sydney suburbs, it's a community where everyone knows each other - and secrets don't stay secret for long.

The big date in the calendar is the school's annual fundraising trivia night, but when the evening gets raucously out of hand, talk turns to partner-swapping. Initially scandalised, it's not long before a group of parents make a reckless one-night-only pact.

But in the harsh light of day, those involved must face the fallout of their behaviour. As they begin to navigate the shady aftermath of their wild night, the truth threatens to rip their perfect lives apart - and revenge turns fatal.

THE TRIVIA NIGHT is a gripping, domestic debut novel full of shocking reveals, perfect for fans of Liane Moriarty and Sally Hepworth.

(P) 2022 Hodder & Stoughton Limited©2022 Ali Lowe

Critic reviews

Unputdownable from the very first page, The Trivia Night was spookily familiar, funny, and darkly captivating. I loved it

Gossip, scandal and intrigue - this twisty tale is deliciously naughty and addictive. A great new voice in fiction.

A delicious read that takes a social event many of us have experienced - the innocuous school trivia night - and infuses it with bad decisions, illicit desire and danger. Perceptive, suspenseful and all too realistic, you will see yourself in these characters and be at once shocked and understanding of their actions.

Sex, lies and intrigue abound in this gripping and often hilarious story of suburban marriages in crisis, self discovery and school gates culture. If you've ever wondered about swinging, if you're dying to find out what a school parents' partner swap looks like, if you love a glimpse into the seemingly perfect lives of others, this is the absorbing weekend binge read for you

Sexy, funny, excruciating - a smart thriller about couples and school gate neurosis. I couldn't put this down

An addictive read about marriage, friendships, parent politics and the consequences of one unexpectedly wild night at a school fundraiser. I loved the voices of the three different women who tell the story and the secrets, lies and scandals that unfold irresistibly throughout

Light and curly rather than dark and twisty, this is a clever, witty, wonderfully observed satire on the bitchiness, rivalries and friendships that flourish when our children go to school - not in the playground, but at the school gate. I recognised so many of the characters that I could have sworn Ali Lowe had been eavesdropping on my friends and reporting the scandals at my local primary school.

A salacious yet recognisable dilemma that examines the consequences of bringing your secret desires to life . . . Exploring what actually happens when you attempt to make your fantasies a reality, this was a thoroughly entertaining, engaging read that I finished in one weekend. I loved it!

If you have to put one book on your TBR pile in the next few months, make it this one. It has it all: secrets and lies, toxic school dynamics, relationship issues and a deadly quiz night . . . Gave me major Liane Moriarty vibes

This Liane-Moriarty-esque page-turner of a read will have you gripped

If you're a fan of Liane Moriarty, Ali may be a new favoured author

This Liane-Moriarty-esque page-turner of a read will have you gripped

If you're a fan of Liane Moriarty, Ali may be a new favoured author

So enjoyable!

I was a bit hesitant to order this book, as it sounded like a rip off of "Big Little Lies" (set in Australia, a trivia night gone awry, a mystery death, group of unlikely friends thrown together), but I'm so glad I gave it a chance! It was a fun, easy listen, and took a few twists and turns that I never expected. I thought the narrators we excellent, especially the one who does the voice of Amanda - she brought so much life to the story and character, and her comedic timing was excellent. I wouldn't necessarily have called this a mystery or a thriller...maybe a dramedy? But I loved it nonetheless. It's a great beach read (or listen)!

Strange

The beginning of the book for me, did not match the last 2 hours, which in turn didn’t line up well with the epilogue.
Overall it was an “Oh, ok??” Feeling I got at the end

Sooooo goood!

I was obsessed with this audiobook! I loved the characters and storyline and will be committing to more books by this author! Love a new (to me) author.

so fun!

This book was so fun, not super deep but surprisingly great! The characters were well thought out, as well as the story line. Took a few chapters to get the people straight, so don't give up.

A psychological study in depravity

An interesting and unusual plot. Could it really happen? Depending on your circle of friends and influence, possibly. Would you give in to the pressure? Possibly! It took a while to put together who was who and who belonged to whom! Some definite curve balls in the story. Some parts are far fetched but can be plausible given the right circumstances. Overall a good study of what our actions can engender. All actions have consequences. Can these consequences be overcome? The story will tell you. Not a mystery; more of a character study of flawed people facing peer pressure and their reactions and consequences.