The Stats

Title: The Guest List

Author: Lucy Foley

Narrated By: Olivia Dowd,Aoife Mcmahon,Rich Keeble,Sarah Ovens,Chloe Massey,Jot Davies

Publisher: William Morrow (01 July, 2020)

Time: 10 Hours 22 Minutes

Genre: General Fiction (Adult), Mystery Thriller, Suspense

Trigger Warnings: Graphic Sex, General Rapey Vibe from the Ushers, Death, Language, Alcohol/Drug Use, Suicide, Revenge Porn

Read if you like: The Night Swim, Murder Podcasts

Rating: 4 out of 5 Stars

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Book of the Month Pick for April 2020

Reese’s Book Club Pick June/July 2020

Goodreads Choice Awards Winner for Best Mystery & Thriller (2020)

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The Review

“The Guest List” is one of those novels everyone talks about, but I never actually got around to reading it for fear of disappointment. I had canceled my Book of the Month club membership near the end of 2019, and honestly, during the height of the pandemic, all I wanted to do was play Animal Crossing to dissociate from the fact I was furloughed. However, after listening to “The Paris Apartment,” I decided “The Guest List” should be added back to my TBR. After almost a year, I finally got around to it.

Let me start off by saying “The Guest List” by Lucy Foley is an absolute rollercoaster of suspense and intrigue. Set against the backdrop of a remote island during a luxurious wedding celebration, Foley masterfully weaves a tale of deception, secrets, and unexpected twists. Very early in the novel, I felt I was on edge as I didn’t know who to trust or what to expect next.

Though the novel starts out a little slow, as the author introduces a diverse cast of characters – the Bride, the Best Man, the Wedding Planner, etc., it quickly picks up as each character has their own hidden agendas and mysterious pasts. I didn’t know who to trust, but I especially did not trust any of the former prep-school ushers. They embodied an eerier essence that, whenever they were left alone, I thought something bad was going to happen.

This is in part due to Foley’s writing style, which was evocative and atmospheric, painting vivid pictures of the rugged island landscape and the opulent wedding festivities. The shifting perspectives between characters enhance the suspense, providing multiple angles to the unfolding drama. As the story progresses, the tension builds steadily, culminating in a thrilling climax that will leave readers breathless.

One of the strengths of “The Guest List” lies in how Foley skillfully plays with the reader’s perceptions, keeping them guessing until the final pages. The dynamics between the characters add layers to the mystery, and the relationships are as unpredictable as the plot itself. Even better, the resolution ties up the loose ends in a satisfying manner, providing closure while still leaving room for lingering questions that will keep readers thinking long after finishing the book.

In summary, “The Guest List” is a must-read for fans of psychological thrillers and mysteries. Lucy Foley has crafted a compelling and immersive story that showcases her talent for creating tension and keeping readers guessing. This book is a true page-turner, earning its place among the best in the genre. Highly recommended for anyone who loves a good, gripping mystery with a touch of psychological suspense.

Short Review (AKA TLDR)

“The Guest List” by Lucy Foley is a gripping rollercoaster of suspense set on a remote island during a luxurious wedding. Despite a slow start, the novel excels in weaving a tale of deception, secrets, and unexpected twists among a diverse cast of characters. Foley’s evocative writing style and atmospheric descriptions enhance the suspense, keeping readers on edge. The shifting perspectives and unpredictable character dynamics contribute to the mystery’s depth. The resolution satisfactorily ties up loose ends, leaving room for lingering questions. A must-read for fans of psychological thrillers and mysteries, showcasing Foley’s talent for creating tension and keeping readers guessing. Highly recommended for those who enjoy a compelling mystery with psychological suspense.