abotte's review against another edition
adventurous
dark
mysterious
tense
fast-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? Plot
- Strong character development? No
- Loveable characters? No
- Diverse cast of characters? Yes
- Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes
3.5
aprilparker97's review against another edition
dark
mysterious
tense
medium-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? A mix
- Strong character development? Yes
- Loveable characters? No
- Diverse cast of characters? It's complicated
- Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes
3.75
addyisnothere's review against another edition
adventurous
dark
mysterious
tense
medium-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? Plot
- Strong character development? It's complicated
- Loveable characters? It's complicated
- Diverse cast of characters? No
- Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes
3.75
nzlisam's review against another edition
4.0
3.5 Rounded Up.
Nine guests, and one baby, friends since their university days ten years previously, arrive at a Lodge in the Scottish Highlands, for a fun-filled, relaxing New Years Getaway.
Emma and Mark (Boyfriend and Girlfriend. Emma organised the trip)
Miranda and Julien (Married)
Nick and Bo (Married)
Samira and Giles, and baby, Priya (Married)
Katie (their single friend)
But are these friends really as close as they appear? And what happens to their friendship’s when all their secrets come to light? By the 2nd of January one of them will be dead because of it.
The setting was perfect – as breathtaking as it was isolating and foreboding. Most of the characterisations were all excellent, relatable, interesting to read about, and their behaviour rang true. Others had me puzzling over why their characters were even included, as they didn’t seem to serve any significant purpose? Chapters moved between Now (2nd January, 2019) when a body is discovered in the snow (the victim’s identity remains under wraps until the final act which I thought was brilliant), and Then the guests arriving at the lodge (30th December, 2018 – 1st January, 2019), with multiple viewpoints.
Unfortunately I felt there were just too many plot elements, a couple of which were unnecessary, never fully explored nor explained, and added little to the story. Also, there was a lot of telling rather than showing when relating past events, causing some sections to be rather long-winded. I really think further flashbacks to the event in question would’ve been better. It’s a shame because overall the writing and dialogue were exceptional. I particularly loved how the author related characters actions, expressions, and emotions to hunting and animals.
The final reveal while not that surprising was well-executed, action-packed, horrifying, and emotionally impacting when it’s revealed who the victim is. The last two chapters really wrapped everything up nicely as well. Not the 5 star read I was expecting it to be, but still definitely worth checking out, and I would happily read another book by Lucy Foley.
Nine guests, and one baby, friends since their university days ten years previously, arrive at a Lodge in the Scottish Highlands, for a fun-filled, relaxing New Years Getaway.
Emma and Mark (Boyfriend and Girlfriend. Emma organised the trip)
Miranda and Julien (Married)
Nick and Bo (Married)
Samira and Giles, and baby, Priya (Married)
Katie (their single friend)
But are these friends really as close as they appear? And what happens to their friendship’s when all their secrets come to light? By the 2nd of January one of them will be dead because of it.
The setting was perfect – as breathtaking as it was isolating and foreboding. Most of the characterisations were all excellent, relatable, interesting to read about, and their behaviour rang true. Others had me puzzling over why their characters were even included, as they didn’t seem to serve any significant purpose? Chapters moved between Now (2nd January, 2019) when a body is discovered in the snow (the victim’s identity remains under wraps until the final act which I thought was brilliant), and Then the guests arriving at the lodge (30th December, 2018 – 1st January, 2019), with multiple viewpoints.
Unfortunately I felt there were just too many plot elements, a couple of which were unnecessary, never fully explored nor explained, and added little to the story. Also, there was a lot of telling rather than showing when relating past events, causing some sections to be rather long-winded. I really think further flashbacks to the event in question would’ve been better. It’s a shame because overall the writing and dialogue were exceptional. I particularly loved how the author related characters actions, expressions, and emotions to hunting and animals.
The final reveal while not that surprising was well-executed, action-packed, horrifying, and emotionally impacting when it’s revealed who the victim is. The last two chapters really wrapped everything up nicely as well. Not the 5 star read I was expecting it to be, but still definitely worth checking out, and I would happily read another book by Lucy Foley.
denisep's review against another edition
adventurous
challenging
dark
mysterious
fast-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? Character
- Strong character development? No
- Loveable characters? No
- Diverse cast of characters? No
- Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes
2.5
_charlotteheath's review against another edition
3.0
don't think i've ever read a book where i hated all the characters so i guess thats a first. (also i feel that was the point of the story anyway, none of them are very likable)
i will say i thought i'd like this more than i did, i think for me it was just a little too slow at the beginning and i didn't really care about the background of all the characters. STILL i did enjoy the little twists at the end i just wish the build up had been a little more interesting but i think thats just due to the fact i didn't like any of the charcaters
i will say i thought i'd like this more than i did, i think for me it was just a little too slow at the beginning and i didn't really care about the background of all the characters. STILL i did enjoy the little twists at the end i just wish the build up had been a little more interesting but i think thats just due to the fact i didn't like any of the charcaters
thejunglebookie's review against another edition
2.5
I was kind of disappointed with this book considering how much I LOVED “Guest List”. I felt like 85% of the alternate narration was just talking about senseless drama between the characters & their past with each other. Yes, I know… I understand the author did it for character build up- which normally would be fine—but it just felt like it dragged on entirely too long without anything actually happening with the mystery of the murder. Plus, none of the characters from the group were likable (except for maybe Nick, Bo, & Samira who are side characters who don’t narrate their POV).
I did enjoy the seclusion of the lodge & how the storm really did put a damper on them getting help & (without giving anything away) there were a couple of twists & turns / a surprise plot twist along the way that spiced things up a bit. However, I think they all came into play way too late in the story to redeem the book for me.
But I saw way too many similarities from the Guest List. Secluded location ✅ storm ✅ 💩-y backstabbing friend ✅ an affair ✅ … it felt like the same story told in a worse way.
I’m sure others might disagree with my review & really enjoy this book but personally I found myself getting bored fast & I was really happy when I finished it. I still love Lucy Foley though & can’t wait for her next book “The Paris Apartment” coming out next month! 👀
I did enjoy the seclusion of the lodge & how the storm really did put a damper on them getting help & (without giving anything away) there were a couple of twists & turns / a surprise plot twist along the way that spiced things up a bit. However, I think they all came into play way too late in the story to redeem the book for me.
But I saw way too many similarities from the Guest List. Secluded location ✅ storm ✅ 💩-y backstabbing friend ✅ an affair ✅ … it felt like the same story told in a worse way.
I’m sure others might disagree with my review & really enjoy this book but personally I found myself getting bored fast & I was really happy when I finished it. I still love Lucy Foley though & can’t wait for her next book “The Paris Apartment” coming out next month! 👀