It’s my first-ever book review, and I’m diving headfirst into the world of crime thrillers with “The Guest List” by Lucy Foley.
Messy Mom is all about parenting and lifestyle posts, but today, I’m putting on my literary critic hat and delving into the world of murder, intrigue, and wedding celebrations that went horribly wrong.
So, grab a cup of tea (or a stiff drink, depending on your nerves) and join me as we explore the twists and turns of this novel.
I haven’t read a pure mystery-thriller in some time, and I’ve been attempting to balance reading more serious literature with more lighthearted entertainment. When the owner of a roadside bookstall recommended this book to me, I thought it was a good enough excuse to try it.
We shouldn’t delay any further, and I’ll begin by sharing my thoughts on this book.
BOOK DETAILS
Name: The Guest List
Author: Lucy Foley
Format: Hardcopy
Number of pages: 384
Availability: Amazon (buy here)
Synopsis
The book begins by introducing an intriguing cast of characters in a distinctive and evocative setting. A wedding provides an ideal backdrop for a murder mystery, with its glamorous attire, plentiful alcohol, and many individuals compelled to socialize. This creates an almost perfect scenario for a little chaos.
The Guest List belongs to the semi-closed room mystery genre, meaning that a finite number of characters are present in one location when the murder occurs.
The story unfolds on a small, secluded island where all the island’s inhabitants are lodging in a single establishment. With a limited pool of suspects, readers must deduce who is responsible for the crime.
Foley does a good job of providing all individuals with enough backstory to keep you guessing about where your attention should be directed and, more crucially, who might be the killer.
My Review:
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It should be noted that this story takes a long time — like, a loooong time — to get going. From page one, you know something has happened (a scream and soon, a body! ), but for a long time, the novel is primarily puns, things that appear scary but are only pranks and individuals hinting at secrets.
I was about to give up if the plot didn’t develop soon. Furthermore, I’m not too fond of misleading techniques like false alarms (for example, when a character appears to be holding something significant, BANG, it’s a flashlight), and the book had more of these false alarm than a fire station, especially in the beginning.
By the time I reached 60%, I was completely done waiting. (I’d already begun crafting a critical critique in my head.)
As soon as the story started moving, I was hooked. The story does a great job of bringing together all the little pieces introduced at the beginning of the book. It was satisfying how all the storylines come together during the book’s final storm. Also, unlike in some thrillers, I like how the characters’ actions made sense and were consistent with human nature.
To Read or Not to Read?
The book’s atmosphere is dramatic, and the characters are well drawn, although there are too many fake-outs,the slow start and some cheesy lines that may test your patience. Despite a slow start and a quick reveal, this book is worth a read for fans of the mystery enthusiasts.
Since its plot contains certain “adult” elements, I would not recommend you buy it for any young readers.
Rating: 3/5
Reading Time: It took me 3 weeks to complete
Do share your thoughts and recommend me some light-hearted books.
This blog post is part of the blog challenge ‘Blogaberry Dazzle’ hosted by Cindy D’Silva and Noor Anand Chawla in collaboration with Bohemian Bibliophile.
This is a very candid review. You spelt out everything clearly. Like a 3 star rating. I am not at all into thrillers and I think I will give this book a pass.
I really appreciate your patience that you have read it up to 60% up to the story get well developed. I usually quit, if any story did not caught my attention in first few pages. it is great that ending was satisfying to you. thanks for sharing your honest review with us.
It is really encouraging that you chose book review and wrote something different for all your readers. Diving into a new category is it easy, but you mastered it so well . You are right to mention that this story takes a longer time as I have too read this book. About the cheesy lines you told I also felt the same but like you i too tell ithers to read this book.
Reading upto 60% without being interested… wow! I give up as early as 5 pages or sometimes not even that much😛. I feel I have watched a series or a movie with a similar story Anjali… can’t remember what though. But the story and those excessive false alarms… kind of rings a bell.
I haaave to read this book to prove to my husband that this book is worth reading… 🤭😄 because there was one incident after I bought this book.
I like reading crime thrillers too. But I like them pacy, like Tom Clancy’s books.
I heard good about these reviews but somehow it failed to give the needed goosebump to pick the book to read and now I realize that my instinct was not wrong after reading the book review of yours. Its good to read adult content books but cheesy lines as you mentioned is not my cup of tea. But I really appreciate the patience you showed to read the book which is a definite sign of a good reader. You gave an honest review and that what is expected from a reader like you. Thanks for the review.
Thanks for your kind word Samata, but I am not a reader like you🤗. Hats off to your reading power and writing review.
This sounds very Hercule Poirot-ey. My kind of murder mystery! Looking for it on the kindle store rightaway. Thank you for the review and recommendation.
I use to do movie reviews and seriously I really admire people who do book reviews. It definitely take tome and alot of understanding.
This sounds like the movie Murder Mystery 2. Though in the movie it was a kidnapping. Your review is extremely honest and I would love to read this book keeping this review in mind and have the patience to reach the hooking point
Congratulations on your first book review post. It’s nice to see your page diversifying. The book surely sounds like an interesting read according to your review and I’ll try getting my hands on it as I’m a fan of mystery and whodunnit novels.
You sure have a lot of patience. I enjoy reading thrillers but if a book does not get going until 60%, I would also lose my interest. Thanks for sharing an honest review.
I did not read any novel if it does not sound interesting in first half. You have lots of patience to read and write this review. You did good review as it is your first review.
I love a good mystery especially a closed room sort of one. The way you describe it seems that the book was quite flawed but has a satisfying ending so may just have to check it out
I’m so happy for this very very honest review. Most people would perhaps stop short of saying that it took them this long to finish. That was the highlight in this review for me.
You do have some patience, Anjali. I would have probably DNF-ed the book or placed it on the back burner. Thrillers need to be pacy to keep the interest. Enjoyed reading your review though. Looking forward to more of them.
That seems like a review that was written by a reviewer who often reviews books. Mystery is always so interesting.
I love how diverse your blog had been. It only shows that aside from motherhood and lifestyle, you also show us more of who you are who I assume is a person who loves to read. I love how you shared your review in this book. Your honest review is well stated.
I totally agree with the slow pace of the book and the patience it required to stay on it. And then when it picked pace, it was un-put-down-able…. Great review!!
I don’t mind a slow start. The plot has to be great. And honestly the cover and your review looks quite intriguing to pass.
Sounds like a classic Agatha Christie trope. Good review 🙂