Book Review: THE GUEST LIST by LUCY FOLEY

 

THE GUEST LIST by LUCY FOLEY

A wedding celebration turns dark and deadly in this deliciously wicked and atmospheric thriller reminiscent of Agatha Christie from the New York Times bestselling author of The Hunting Party.

The bride – The plus one – The best man – The wedding planner – The bridesmaid – The body

On an island off the coast of Ireland, guests gather to celebrate two people joining their lives together as one. The groom: handsome and charming, a rising television star. The bride: smart and ambitious, a magazine publisher. It’s a wedding fit for a magazine, or for a celebrity: the designer dress, the remote location, the luxe party favors, the boutique whiskey. The cell phone service may be spotty and the waves may be rough, but every detail has been expertly planned and will be expertly executed.

But perfection is for plans, and people are all too human. As the champagne is popped and the festivities begin, resentments and petty jealousies begin to mingle with the reminiscences and well wishes. The groomsmen begin the drinking game from their school days. The bridesmaid not-so-accidentally ruins her dress. The bride’s oldest (male) friend gives an uncomfortably caring toast.

And then someone turns up dead. Who didn’t wish the happy couple well? And perhaps more important, why?

My Thoughts

I really enjoyed reading this. I listened on audio and read along with the book. The audio book added to the experience and the mystery of the story. I was really surprised at the ending. So if you have not read this yet keep an open mind.

I did not know what to expect with this book at first because while reading I said to myself, ok here we go a wedding on an eerie island but apart from the mystery surrounding the wedding guests the book had so much more meaning than that. All I have to say is the groom has many issues stemming from his troubled past, the bride Jules as well. 

My favorite character was the plus one Hannah, somehow reading about Hannah made me want to learn more amount her story, like the author could do a whole book about her life. Like before she met her husband Charlie (who I think more could have been done with, I think he faded in the book). Olivia was also really good. Her actions when you read the book, and for those who would have read it before, you will realize was so justified.

This book was the type that makes you read on towards the end because you just want to know what happens. Loved it.