BOOK REVIEW: The Guest List
The Guest List by Lucy Foley
This will be my first ever legitimate post on this app! Hope you guys enjoy! Let’s get into it.
Here’s a SUMMARY without spoilers (as promised) 🤔 : This book is pretty much a story about a destination wedding. The people getting married or pretty wealthy, and the chapters alternate between guests’ POVs. This is essentially so that you can try to figure out who is the murderer (basically murder mystery). It takes place on a remote island a bit away from land, and the guests seem to be taking boats to get there. The murder happens sometime during the wedding. That’s pretty much all the plot there is that I can reveal without spoilers.
ABOUT MY REVIEW ✍️ : I read VERY often. Like very very often. I’m a quick reader as well, and do reread books many times. I read this one about thrice. I always read in one sitting, so it isn’t as if I have to get back into it by doing different sessions of reading. I always finish books in one go.
THE REVIEW ⭐️ ⭐️ ⭐️ : My thoughts? Honestly a 3/5 stars. I was looking forward to a murder mystery, and although that’s what the author was going for, the switching chapters seems erratic with not too much structure to the switches and the way that information is dished out.
The chapters each have different POVs as I mentioned, which unfortunately in this book means that the plot point from which they start in are sometimes unrelated, and you have to manually reset and say to yourself “okay new setting” instead of continuing on the same timeline or at least a similar setting.
The murderer was definitely not who I expected, and while that would normally be a good thing, I mean that there wasn’t too much to guide you in any direction except towards one or two characters (which was blatantly obvious- you didn’t have to look for it). It really wasn’t the mind game I was expecting, and the story telling wasn’t the best.
I was able to follow the storytelling, and it wasnt a terrible idea, the execution just wasn’t the best imo. It was a bit of a hard read for me (which says something considering I’ve read a straight dictionary a few years back and it can’t compare to this), and I’m not sure who I would recommend this to.
TRUSTING THE REVIEWS 🤧: This is my first book from her that I’ve read, so I can’t agree or disagree with the first review. The second I clearly disagree with. The third I disagree with the first part, agree with the second but in more of a negative way. I was more looking forward to getting the book over with which has never happened to me before. I haven’t heard of A.C. So I can’t agree nor disagree with the fourth review, and the fifth I agree with somewhat. The ‘more than that’ statement is definitely true, but it does overshadow the plot quite a bit and cause you to lose track of where the storyline is. I see what she was trying to do, but like I said, the execution wasn’t amazing.
PLEASE NOTE 🛑 : Please keep in mind that this is just my opinion, and to definitely give it a shot if you’re interested. My older sister enjoyed it, I just wasn’t all for it.
RECOMMENDATIONS📚 : I do have a recommendation for people who like these types of murder mystery- The Hour Game is a great murder mystery book, with POV switches (if I remember right, I could be wrong), story telling that is easier to follow. It basically rights the wrong in the areas this book fell short. Lmk if you’d like a review on that book as well, because I’d be happy to oblige.
When I pick up a highly-anticipated book like Lucy Foley's 'The Guest List,' especially one that promises a gripping murder mystery, my expectations are always quite high. The buzz around this book was undeniable, with many glowing reviews plastered everywhere – even on the book's back cover, as I saw! It made me wonder, 'To read or not to read?' and if my experience would align with the widespread praise. From the outset, the premise is fantastic: a destination wedding on a remote, isolated island, and a murder. The atmospheric setting alone is a huge draw for me. I love how Foley sets the scene, creating a palpable sense of tension and unease even before the main event. You can almost feel the chill of the island air and the forced camaraderie among the guests. This is definitely one of the book's strongest suits, building a dark, almost gothic backdrop for the unfolding drama. The multiple points of view (POVs) are designed to add layers to the mystery, slowly revealing secrets and motives from different characters' perspectives. While the original review mentioned finding these shifts a bit jarring, I think for readers who enjoy piecing together a puzzle from fragmented information, this style can be very engaging. It certainly keeps you on your toes, trying to connect the dots and suspect everyone. It truly turns the reading experience into an 'in-depth review' for yourself, as you analyze each character's contribution to the overarching mystery. The constant question is, who has a motive, and who is truly innocent? However, the execution of the 'who done it' can be a make-or-break for a murder mystery. Without giving away any spoilers, I can say that while the reveal was unexpected in some ways, the journey to get there felt a bit less like a mind game and more like following a winding path where some clues shone a little too brightly, pointing towards a limited pool of suspects. For avid mystery readers, this might mean the final twist doesn't land with the earth-shattering impact they crave. But for those newer to the genre, or who prefer a more straightforward unfolding of events, it could still be a thrilling ride. It’s definitely a different kind of suspense, focusing more on the character dynamics and past grievances rather than intricate detective work. So, 'To read or not to read?' If you're looking for an atmospheric thriller with a compelling setting, plenty of marital drama, and enjoy unraveling secrets through fragmented narratives, 'The Guest List' might still be a great pick for your next read. It’s perfect for a weekend escape (even if it's just in your mind!) or if you want a book that encourages you to speculate and theorize with every chapter. If you’re a fan of isolated settings and intense character interactions, give it a go. For those who prefer a deeply intricate, unpredictable puzzle, you might find it a decent read but perhaps not a standout. Despite my personal reservations, I can see why many readers enjoyed it, especially for its immersive atmosphere and dramatic tension. If you're seeking another compelling read with a similar isolated feel, 'The Last Thing He Told Me' by Laura Dave or 'The Woman in Cabin 10' by Ruth Ware offer similar vibes of suspense and limited suspects.
Hi there! So glad you could join us :) Looking forward to your future posts 💛