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lilalhreads's review against another edition
dark
emotional
mysterious
medium-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? A mix
- Strong character development? No
- Loveable characters? It's complicated
- Diverse cast of characters? No
- Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes
3.0
Content Warnings
Graphic: Death, Murder, and Alcohol
ksilvio's review against another edition
dark
mysterious
tense
medium-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? A mix
- Strong character development? No
- Loveable characters? It's complicated
- Diverse cast of characters? No
- Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes
4.0
Content Warnings
Graphic: Body shaming, Bullying, Child abuse, Child death, Death, Fatphobia, Infidelity, Mental illness, Self harm, Suicidal thoughts, Grief, Abortion, Murder, Pregnancy, Toxic friendship, Alcohol, and Injury/Injury detail
sammiiee's review against another edition
challenging
dark
mysterious
tense
medium-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? Character
- Strong character development? It's complicated
- Loveable characters? It's complicated
- Diverse cast of characters? Yes
- Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes
4.75
Book Information
The Guest List
By
Lucy Foley
Genre - Thriller.
Pages - 384 Pages.
Tropes -
Hidden Secrets and lies.
Unreliable Narrators.
Who done what?
Available on Kindle Unlimited - Yes, added with the 10 year celebration for Kindle Unlimited.
Available Formats - Kindle, Audiobook, Hardback and Paperback.
Publishing Infomation -
Published on 20th Febuary 2020 by Harper Collins.
Format in Which i Read - Kindle.
Where my copy come From - Kindle Unlimited.
POVs - Multiple POVs - Olivia, Hannah, Jules, Johnno, Aoife and Will.
Dual Timeline - Yes moves between the 48 hours before the wedding night and the wedding night.
1st or 3rd Person - 1st Person.
HEA or Cliffhanger - This is wrapped up nicely, I only had a few questions left unanswered.
Series or Standalone - This is a standalone.
Trigger Warnings - This book does have some content that people may find triggering, such as unaliving, drug use, non consensual acts, suicide and self-harm.
My Initial Thoughts
When i first started reading, i was honestly quite overwhelmed by the sheer amount of point of views, but the longer i read, the more i got really into the plot and found that the multiple POVs gave the plot so much depth and added so much more to the storyline. Everyone has secrets and mysteries, that just keep you on edge and not wanting to put the book down.
Plot
"I needed an equal, someone with self-confidence, ambition - someone like me. Together we'd be invincible."
The plot is so immersive and i really could get the feel of being a bystander watching everything unfold. I didn't want to put the book down and when i did, i found myself wondering what happens next. No point in the storyline felt like a good time to put the book down, that's for sure, as your reading just waiting for everything to be unearthed.
"Four lives destroyed by that one night."
The build up to the big event is full of suspense and i never guessed the who done it, but i got a few things right about other secrets and mysteries, although i have to admit the questions are lingering after the ending. But wow what a ending that was.
Characters
The characters was just everything for this one, such variety and no two have the same qualities.
Hannah - The Plus One - I really felt for Hannah, she is a very lonely mother who forefront of everything is nurturing others. I adored the relationship she built between her and Olivia. She deserves so much better in life. Her mystery was easily guessed for me anyway.
" I have a sudden frightening urge to pick up the hardback on the nightstand and hit him on the head with it."
Olivia - The Bridesmaid - My heart went out to her so much, such a young broken soul she also deserves so much more from life, and again i'm so glad she found Hannah. Her hidden secret was one that floored me, i wasn't expecting it all!
"I can't get the image out of my head. Since then this place has made me think of death."
Johnno - The Best Man - His secrets were surprisingly easy to work out, he is so damaged from his past that he needs the alcohol and drugs to get through day to day. At least he does have some kind of conscience inside himself.
Jules - The Bride - She is someone who cares more about what others think and maintaining her flawless image, she forgets to actually enjoy what is right in front of her.
"Marriage is about finding that person you know best in the world. Not how they take their coffee or what their favourite film is or the name of their first cat. It's knowing on a deeper level. It's knowing their soul."
While i can't quite say i agree with the quote above, i think knowing everything is just as important, i agree with knowing them on a deeper level, knowing their soul.
Aoife - The Wedding Planner - The one person who is overlooked but keeps everything moving and under control.
"I wonder what he expects. Top o' the morning and to be sure, to be sure and shamrocks and leprechauns."
Will - The Groom - The less said about him the better, his secrets are shockingly bad and you know what they say... never trust the pretty ones.
Recommend
i recommend this to everyone that enjoys thrillers and mystery, especially as its now on kindle unlimited!
I'm of to read The Hunting Party now as that's also available over there to.
Favourite Quotes
You will find all the quotes i enjoyed for this, embedded within the review, also all my notes (well one) and highlights are visible on my Goodreads.
Favourite Chapter/s
I think my favourite has to be chapter 41, Olivia, Page 260 - 266.
Summed up in one sentence
An immersive plot that shadowed in secrets and lies.
Overall Wrap up
Overall this was a book that made me forget that i was reading. It was immersive, engaging and so hard to put down. Although the POVs made me uncertain at first they made the plot so much more, and it gives the insight from all the main characters and what they are going through trying to keep their own mysteries under wraps. I loved the fact that as you read the secrets was slowly overcovered, and the ending was out with a bang!
Stars.
4.75
The Guest List
By
Lucy Foley
Genre - Thriller.
Pages - 384 Pages.
Tropes -
Hidden Secrets and lies.
Unreliable Narrators.
Who done what?
Available on Kindle Unlimited - Yes, added with the 10 year celebration for Kindle Unlimited.
Available Formats - Kindle, Audiobook, Hardback and Paperback.
Publishing Infomation -
Published on 20th Febuary 2020 by Harper Collins.
Format in Which i Read - Kindle.
Where my copy come From - Kindle Unlimited.
POVs - Multiple POVs - Olivia, Hannah, Jules, Johnno, Aoife and Will.
Dual Timeline - Yes moves between the 48 hours before the wedding night and the wedding night.
1st or 3rd Person - 1st Person.
HEA or Cliffhanger - This is wrapped up nicely, I only had a few questions left unanswered.
Series or Standalone - This is a standalone.
Trigger Warnings - This book does have some content that people may find triggering, such as unaliving, drug use, non consensual acts, suicide and self-harm.
My Initial Thoughts
When i first started reading, i was honestly quite overwhelmed by the sheer amount of point of views, but the longer i read, the more i got really into the plot and found that the multiple POVs gave the plot so much depth and added so much more to the storyline. Everyone has secrets and mysteries, that just keep you on edge and not wanting to put the book down.
Plot
"I needed an equal, someone with self-confidence, ambition - someone like me. Together we'd be invincible."
The plot is so immersive and i really could get the feel of being a bystander watching everything unfold. I didn't want to put the book down and when i did, i found myself wondering what happens next. No point in the storyline felt like a good time to put the book down, that's for sure, as your reading just waiting for everything to be unearthed.
"Four lives destroyed by that one night."
The build up to the big event is full of suspense and i never guessed the who done it, but i got a few things right about other secrets and mysteries, although i have to admit the questions are lingering after the ending. But wow what a ending that was.
Characters
The characters was just everything for this one, such variety and no two have the same qualities.
Hannah - The Plus One - I really felt for Hannah, she is a very lonely mother who forefront of everything is nurturing others. I adored the relationship she built between her and Olivia. She deserves so much better in life. Her mystery was easily guessed for me anyway.
" I have a sudden frightening urge to pick up the hardback on the nightstand and hit him on the head with it."
Olivia - The Bridesmaid - My heart went out to her so much, such a young broken soul she also deserves so much more from life, and again i'm so glad she found Hannah. Her hidden secret was one that floored me, i wasn't expecting it all!
"I can't get the image out of my head. Since then this place has made me think of death."
Johnno - The Best Man - His secrets were surprisingly easy to work out, he is so damaged from his past that he needs the alcohol and drugs to get through day to day. At least he does have some kind of conscience inside himself.
Jules - The Bride - She is someone who cares more about what others think and maintaining her flawless image, she forgets to actually enjoy what is right in front of her.
"Marriage is about finding that person you know best in the world. Not how they take their coffee or what their favourite film is or the name of their first cat. It's knowing on a deeper level. It's knowing their soul."
While i can't quite say i agree with the quote above, i think knowing everything is just as important, i agree with knowing them on a deeper level, knowing their soul.
Aoife - The Wedding Planner - The one person who is overlooked but keeps everything moving and under control.
"I wonder what he expects. Top o' the morning and to be sure, to be sure and shamrocks and leprechauns."
Will - The Groom - The less said about him the better, his secrets are shockingly bad and you know what they say... never trust the pretty ones.
Recommend
i recommend this to everyone that enjoys thrillers and mystery, especially as its now on kindle unlimited!
I'm of to read The Hunting Party now as that's also available over there to.
Favourite Quotes
You will find all the quotes i enjoyed for this, embedded within the review, also all my notes (well one) and highlights are visible on my Goodreads.
Favourite Chapter/s
I think my favourite has to be chapter 41, Olivia, Page 260 - 266.
Summed up in one sentence
An immersive plot that shadowed in secrets and lies.
Overall Wrap up
Overall this was a book that made me forget that i was reading. It was immersive, engaging and so hard to put down. Although the POVs made me uncertain at first they made the plot so much more, and it gives the insight from all the main characters and what they are going through trying to keep their own mysteries under wraps. I loved the fact that as you read the secrets was slowly overcovered, and the ending was out with a bang!
Stars.
4.75
Content Warnings
Graphic: Self harm and Murder
Moderate: Drug abuse, Suicide, and Alcohol
franksreads's review against another edition
dark
emotional
mysterious
tense
fast-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? Character
- Strong character development? It's complicated
- Loveable characters? No
- Diverse cast of characters? No
- Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes
4.0
Content Warnings
Graphic: Bullying, Child death, Emotional abuse, Infidelity, Self harm, Sexual content, Toxic relationship, Violence, Murder, Gaslighting, Toxic friendship, and Alcohol
musicgirl_gwyn's review against another edition
challenging
dark
emotional
mysterious
sad
tense
medium-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? A mix
- Strong character development? It's complicated
- Loveable characters? No
- Diverse cast of characters? It's complicated
- Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes
3.5
I was on the edge of my seat the entire book, very well written. Antagonist worth absolutely hating. The ending felt abrupt and cut off; I don’t feel a lot of closure.
Content Warnings
Graphic: Bullying, Cursing, Physical abuse, Self harm, Sexual assault, Sexual violence, Suicide, Torture, Toxic relationship, Vomit, Suicide attempt, Toxic friendship, and Alcohol
Moderate: Addiction, Death, Drug use, Emotional abuse, Infidelity, Sexual content, Blood, Kidnapping, Grief, Abortion, Murder, Gaslighting, and Injury/Injury detail
greatexpectations77's review against another edition
adventurous
challenging
dark
mysterious
tense
medium-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? Character
- Strong character development? Yes
- Loveable characters? It's complicated
- Diverse cast of characters? It's complicated
- Flaws of characters a main focus? It's complicated
4.25
I liked this a lot, and I felt like I could really get into the characters that were involved here. I will also always remember that I was reading this one when I finally got my POTS diagnosis <3. Also I love a wedding as the setting because weddings always manage to make everyone the most animalistic and unhinged versions of themselves.
Content Warnings
Graphic: Toxic relationship, Toxic friendship, and Alcohol
Moderate: Bullying, Confinement, Death, Sexual content, Suicide, Blood, Abortion, Suicide attempt, Murder, Abandonment, and Classism
Minor: Drug use, Infidelity, and Grief
mirandalikesbooks's review against another edition
dark
emotional
mysterious
tense
fast-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? Plot
- Strong character development? No
- Loveable characters? No
- Diverse cast of characters? No
3.25
I liked this! A straightforward who done it. It was fun. I guessed some of the twist, but this book had twists to spare.
The private-school friends were unbearable. Their bro behavior was appropriate for the characters, but I still didn't like them. There was a lot of casual sexual harassment and misogyny which isn't my favorite theme for a book.
All together, this book kept me coming. I flew through the last 100 pages.
to me, it seems unlikely that Will could be the cause of all the problems for all the main characters. but the mutual hatred for Will made for a fun killing scene.
The private-school friends were unbearable. Their bro behavior was appropriate for the characters, but I still didn't like them. There was a lot of casual sexual harassment and misogyny which isn't my favorite theme for a book.
All together, this book kept me coming. I flew through the last 100 pages.
Content Warnings
Graphic: Alcoholism, Emotional abuse, Misogyny, Self harm, Sexism, Suicidal thoughts, Suicide attempt, Murder, Alcohol, and Sexual harassment
Moderate: Addiction, Cursing, Death, Drug use, Infidelity, Panic attacks/disorders, Suicide, Toxic relationship, Violence, and Abortion
Minor: Body shaming, Eating disorder, Sexual content, Gaslighting, and Classism
kelly_e's review against another edition
dark
mysterious
tense
fast-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? A mix
- Strong character development? No
- Loveable characters? No
- Diverse cast of characters? No
- Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes
3.5
Title: The Guest List
Author: Lucy Foley
Genre: Thriller
Rating: 3.25
Pub Date: February 20, 2020
T H R E E • W O R D S
Atmospheric • Twisty • Clever
📖 S Y N O P S I S
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 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?
💭 T H O U G H T S
I chose Lucy Foley as one of twelve authors for my '2024 Author Taste Test' project. She's a hugely popular author among the mystery/thriller genre and it surprised me I hadn't yet read anything she'd written. I decided to start with The Guest List simply because I had it on my shelves and I didn't know much beyond that fact it was set on a secluded island.
Told through alternating points of view, giving the story an added layer of depth and intrigue and continually adding layer upon layer to the mystery until the big reveal. There were certainly some holes in the mystery, yet it is the setting and unlikeable cast of characters that kept me turning the pages. What starts out as a series of different stories, eventually Foley is able to seamlessly draw them together in a satisfying manner.
The Guest List was a fast=paced whodunit perfect for relaxing lakeside during my recent summer vacation at the cottage. It certainly has a number of popcorn thriller elements making it hard to put down, yet the writing itself felt juvenile. I could easily see this one being adapted to the big screen down the road.
📚 R E A D • I F • Y O U • L I K E
• dark secrets
• island settings
• Agatha Christie
⚠️ CW: death, child death, grief, murder, toxic relationship, toxic friendship, emotional abuse, gaslighting, bullying, child abuse, emotional abuse, self-harm, cutting, classism, sexual harassment, suicidal thoughts, suicide attempt, suicide, pregnancy, abortion, alcohol, drug use, blood, vomit, sexual content, cursing, mental illness, PTSD, depression, infidelity
🔖 F A V O U R I T E • Q U O T E S
"In my experience, those who have the greatest respect for the rules also take the most enjoyment in breaking them."
"But no matter what happens, life is only a series of days. You can’t control more than a single day."
Author: Lucy Foley
Genre: Thriller
Rating: 3.25
Pub Date: February 20, 2020
T H R E E • W O R D S
Atmospheric • Twisty • Clever
📖 S Y N O P S I S
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 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?
💭 T H O U G H T S
I chose Lucy Foley as one of twelve authors for my '2024 Author Taste Test' project. She's a hugely popular author among the mystery/thriller genre and it surprised me I hadn't yet read anything she'd written. I decided to start with The Guest List simply because I had it on my shelves and I didn't know much beyond that fact it was set on a secluded island.
Told through alternating points of view, giving the story an added layer of depth and intrigue and continually adding layer upon layer to the mystery until the big reveal. There were certainly some holes in the mystery, yet it is the setting and unlikeable cast of characters that kept me turning the pages. What starts out as a series of different stories, eventually Foley is able to seamlessly draw them together in a satisfying manner.
The Guest List was a fast=paced whodunit perfect for relaxing lakeside during my recent summer vacation at the cottage. It certainly has a number of popcorn thriller elements making it hard to put down, yet the writing itself felt juvenile. I could easily see this one being adapted to the big screen down the road.
📚 R E A D • I F • Y O U • L I K E
• dark secrets
• island settings
• Agatha Christie
⚠️ CW: death, child death, grief, murder, toxic relationship, toxic friendship, emotional abuse, gaslighting, bullying, child abuse, emotional abuse, self-harm, cutting, classism, sexual harassment, suicidal thoughts, suicide attempt, suicide, pregnancy, abortion, alcohol, drug use, blood, vomit, sexual content, cursing, mental illness, PTSD, depression, infidelity
🔖 F A V O U R I T E • Q U O T E S
"In my experience, those who have the greatest respect for the rules also take the most enjoyment in breaking them."
"But no matter what happens, life is only a series of days. You can’t control more than a single day."
Content Warnings
Graphic: Bullying, Child abuse, Child death, Death, Emotional abuse, Self harm, Toxic relationship, Murder, Gaslighting, and Toxic friendship
Moderate: Drug use, Infidelity, Mental illness, Suicidal thoughts, Suicide, Blood, Vomit, Grief, Abortion, Suicide attempt, Pregnancy, Alcohol, Sexual harassment, and Classism
Minor: Cursing and Sexual content
cutting, PTSD, depressionlilacvictim's review against another edition
dark
mysterious
tense
fast-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? A mix
- Strong character development? It's complicated
- Loveable characters? No
- Diverse cast of characters? No
- Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes
2.0
Content Warnings
Graphic: Self harm, Murder, and Alcohol
Moderate: Bullying, Infidelity, Sexual content, Suicidal thoughts, Blood, Vomit, and Suicide attempt
Minor: Mental illness and Abortion
rnbhargava's review against another edition
adventurous
challenging
dark
emotional
funny
mysterious
reflective
sad
tense
fast-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? A mix
- Strong character development? It's complicated
- Loveable characters? No
- Diverse cast of characters? It's complicated
- Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes
4.25
I quite liked this entire book. However, the reveal of the victim and the perpetrator could have been handled more effectively. The author’s habit of jumping around the day’s timeline was mostly effective but it also released some tension of the reveal of the victim and who did it. Overall, really good mystery.
Content Warnings
Moderate: Alcoholism, Body horror, Bullying, Child death, Confinement, Death, Drug abuse, Drug use, Mental illness, Misogyny, Rape, Self harm, Sexism, Sexual assault, Sexual content, Sexual violence, Suicidal thoughts, Toxic relationship, Violence, Blood, Kidnapping, Grief, Abortion, Suicide attempt, Death of parent, Murder, Pregnancy, Gaslighting, Toxic friendship, Alcohol, Sexual harassment, Injury/Injury detail, and Classism
This book involves a character that preys upon late teens/early 20 somethings aged females that are just barely not minors anymore, SA and suicidal ideation resulting from this character’s actions so be aware of that.