The Guest List

One of my favourite tropes is the “locked-room” thriller. You know, the one where everyone is stuck on an island, or trapped in a spooky house (always during a storm!) and one of the characters dies. There is usually a small pool of suspects and it's fun for the reader to play detective and work out possible motives, means and methods.

In the case of The Guest List, a high profile wedding is held on a secluded island off the Irish coast. There is a storm (of course!) and a murder most foul! Who? Why? How? and most importantly who-dun-it?

I would say this is a mostly successful thriller. Its a page-turner for sure, filled with a cast of damaged and dangerous adults behaving badly (fun!) We hear from the perspective of five core characters - The Bride, The Best Man, The Bridesmaid, The Plus One and the Wedding Planner - as well as some secondary characters (including a cultish clan of ushers). It's a fun, gripping read that doesn't take itself too seriously. Perfect for a beach read, or to snuggle up with a glass of red.

My only gripe is that there are a few too many convenient coincidences and connections between the characters. But, if you are willing to suspend your disbelief and just allow Lucy Foley to take you on her sensational journey, I am sure you will enjoy the ride.