In a nutshell: A surplus of self entitled rich people, the setting a remote and eerie Irish island (the destination wedding for handsome Will and beautiful Julia) plus a plethora of stereotyped school bullies now in their late 30's. What's not to like? Well, there's a bit not to engage you at first but...it grows on you. There are a few characters I liked very much and wish their stories had continued.
This book is very similar to her previous novel The Hunting Party. There are quite a few characters in this novel and multiple points of view; I found myself intrigued by the back stories and wondered who would end up murdered. I hoped for one of the shallow creeps but no spoilers from me here.
In addition to the remote location, one which requires a boat to access, there is an old ghostly cemetery and peat bogs which can (and do) pull a person in just as quicksand would. Lots of danger, secrets and suspects.
The setting is very well described and you can picture the crashing waves against the shore, feel the cold winds and imagine the insidious bogs which nearly claimed one wedding guest.
I will read more by Lucy Foley but I have to say that The Hunting Party was a better book, in my opinion. Again, it's a similar template to her previous book but by the end of The Guest List, it was hard to have empathy for many of the characters. For what it's worth, I liked Hannah and Olivia very much so if you read this one, let me know your thoughts on the major players.
Also, last but not least, I personally did not figure out the murderer's identity until it was revealed. I saw a few reviews where the reader stated they did but I was not one of those :-)
Sharing with Joy for British Isles Friday.
Hm not sure this is for me, but thanks for sharing your thoughts
ReplyDeleteYou may like The Hunting Party. It's a good mystery.
DeleteI'm not sure if I have *ever* guessed whodunit. I don't know if it is because I don't pay enough attention or if I just plain don't want to know till the end!
ReplyDeleteI'm not very good at guessing whodunit, either. And, would be very disappointed, if I did. So, part of it, I think, is a willful effort to not figure it out.
DeleteI enjoyed this book quite a bit and plan to read The Hunting Party soon(ish). Glad to know you liked it even better!
ReplyDeleteI just finished this book on Sunday evening! It was soooo good! I figured out one key point of the plot quite early, but it didn't ruin it for me. I also didn't figure out the killer's identity to the very end and thought it was rather perfect.
ReplyDeleteI can't wait to read The Hunting Party as well. Sounds just as good!
Thanks for stopping by my blog earlier!
Lucy Foley's books have been on my list for awhile now. I'm wondering if I'll be thinking the same thing once I read them. I am a bit weary but will probably read soon for a fun mystery break.
ReplyDeleteHeather, I like Foley's style and would tray another of her mysteries. Hope you like The Huntng Party if you get that one.
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