paperback, 320 pages
Published June 1, 2020 by William Morrow.
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. …
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?
Enjoyable and mysterious read. A critical and interesting commentary on “posh” folk, which I can’t say I disagree with, but I don’t know that I know any “truly posh” people, so…but I enjoyed this twisty/turny adventure. Reminded me a bit of a Ruth Ware novel.
This book has a promising premise, along the lines of Agatha Christie meets Gone Girl. Unfortunately, it goes right off the rails. My first issue: I'd figured out one of the major revelations easily within the first few chapters. My second issue: the number of absolutely bat-shit coincidences and reveals in this book is well beyond anything plausible. My third issue: the author has bitten off more than she can chew, and as a result there are a number of inconsistencies and minor plot points.
This author can write, but her storytelling needs work. If she wrote for Scooby Doo, the final scene where they unmask the villain would involve not one mask, but seven pulled off in rapid succession.
If you don't believe me (and don't mind having the entire plot spoiled), read this summary to see how ridiculous it is: the-bibliofile.com/the-guest-list-summary-synopsis-spoilers/#quicksummary
This murder mystery that takes place during an extremely pretentious, extravagant wedding, and surprise, the bride and groom are both thoroughly unlikeable. Also, some of this story is predictable, while other parts seem like wild coincidences. And yet, I enjoyed this very much. The manner in which each character's story unfolds, and then how they come together, is effective and satisfying.
This was fun, and I do recommend it.
