The Guest List has been on my to-read list for a while because I feel like it’s everywhere… and I have mixed reviews.
The first half is very different from the second half.
This book makes you want to keep reading to see what all the secrets are and who died.
Then, once you get about 3/4 of the way through, you can’t put it down.
The ending does not disappoint.
The Guest List by Lucy Foley Book Summary and Review
The Guest List Book Summary
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?
Click here to buy The Guest List on Amazon
My Book Review for The Guest List
The Guest List is a great mystery and thriller that will have you guessing throughout.
The author does a great job of planting seeds that will leave you guessing who’s good, who’s bad, and what they did.
You also don’t know who is murdered until the very end… and by the time you get there, you’ve already decided who you want to be murdered and who you want the murderer to be.
As I said, the first half is much slower than the second half.
The twist at the end almost makes you want to go back and re-read the novel again to pick up on things you may have missed.
For this reason, it’s a great story to be turned into a movie.
I could’ve done without all the descriptions of the island and I had to Google some things because UK English is different than American English.
My The Guest List Book Recommendation
This is a great book for people who like to guess what’s going to happen next.
If you like mysteries and thrillers, you’d enjoy The Guest List.
My The Guest List Rating
I give The Guest List 4 out of 5 stars.
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More About Lucy Foley and Her Other Books
Lucy Foley, a contemporary British author, has made quite a name for herself in the world of mystery and psychological thrillers.
With her storytelling and talent for weaving intricate plots, Foley has garnered a loyal following of readers eager to dive into her novels.
Now, I’ll take a closer look at some of the other books by Lucy Foley, each offering a thrilling reading experience.
The Book of Lost and Found
(2015)
Lucy Foley’s talent for storytelling extends beyond the thriller genre.
The Book of Lost and Found is a beautifully crafted historical novel that weaves together the past and the present.
Centered around a young woman’s quest to uncover her family’s history, the novel takes readers on a journey from the art world of 1980s London to the shores of Corsica in the aftermath of World War II.
With its lush descriptions and poignant storytelling, this book showcases Foley’s versatility as an author.
Click here to get the book on Amazon.
Last Letter from Istanbul
(2018)
Last Letter from Istanbul is another historical novel by Lucy Foley, this time set against the backdrop of World War I.
The story follows a young nurse, Leonora, as she embarks on a journey to war-torn Istanbul to find her fiancé.
Foley skillfully captures the atmosphere of the era and the complexities of love and loyalty during times of conflict.
Click here to get the book on Amazon.
The Hunting Party
(2019)
In The Hunting Party, Foley transports readers to the Scottish Highlands, where a group of old friends gathers for a New Year’s Eve celebration at a remote hunting lodge.
As the snow falls and isolation sets in, tensions rise, and long-buried secrets come to the surface.
The sense of unease and foreboding in this novel is palpable, making it a perfect choice for fans of psychological suspense.
Click here to get the book on Amazon.
The Paris Apartment
(2021)
Published in 2021, The Paris Apartment is Lucy Foley’s foray into the world of historical fiction and mystery… and a New York Times bestseller.
The story unfolds in two timelines, one in 2020 and the other in 1944 Paris during the Nazi occupation.
A forgotten apartment becomes the link between these two worlds, as secrets buried for decades come to light.
Foley’s evocative prose and meticulous research make this a captivating and emotionally resonant novel.
Click here to get the book on Amazon.
Lucy Foley’s body of work encompasses a wide range of genres and settings, but one thing remains consistent—her ability to create suspenseful, atmospheric, and emotionally resonant stories.
Whether you’re a fan of psychological thrillers, historical fiction, or mysteries, there’s likely a Lucy Foley book that will capture your imagination and keep you turning the pages.
If you’re a fan of Lucy Foley’s books and enjoy her style of mystery, suspense, and atmospheric storytelling, you might also like these books by other authors:
1. The Woman in Cabin 10 by Ruth Ware
Ruth Ware is known for her gripping psychological thrillers, and The Woman in Cabin 10 is no exception.
It’s a tale of murder and intrigue on a luxury cruise ship, with twists and turns that will keep you guessing until the very end.
2. Big Little Lies by Liane Moriarty
Liane Moriarty’s novel Big Little Lies combines elements of mystery and domestic drama.
It revolves around a group of women in a coastal town, their secrets, and a murder that occurs during a school trivia night.
3. In a Dark, Dark Wood by Ruth Ware
Another compelling thriller by Ruth Ware, In a Dark, Dark Wood follows a woman attending a bachelorette party at a remote cabin.
The atmosphere is tense, and the secrets of the past come back to haunt the guests in this suspenseful story.
4. The Silent Patient by Alex Michaelides
Alex Michaelides’ debut novel, The Silent Patient, is a psychological thriller that will keep you guessing.
The story revolves around a woman who hasn’t spoken a word since she allegedly murdered her husband.
A psychotherapist becomes obsessed with uncovering the truth behind her silence.
5. The Turn of the Key by Ruth Ware
Ruth Ware’s The Turn of the Key is a modern gothic thriller that combines elements of a haunted house story with a domestic suspense plot.
It’s a chilling and atmospheric tale that will keep you on edge.
6. The Wife Between Us by Greer Hendricks and Sarah Pekkanen
This psychological thriller delves into the complexities of marriage and obsession.
With multiple narrative perspectives and cleverly constructed twists, it’s a gripping story that will keep you guessing.
7. Behind Closed Doors by B.A. Paris
B.A. Paris’ novel explores the dark secrets hidden behind seemingly perfect relationships.
The story follows a woman trapped in a nightmarish marriage, and it’s a tense and unsettling thriller that will captivate fans of Lucy Foley’s work.
And here is a recent one I read and loved for The Creepy Book Club on Instagram.
These books offer a mix of psychological tension, intriguing characters, and page-turning plots, making them excellent choices for readers who enjoy Lucy Foley’s novels.
