William Morrow | May 2020 | 320 pgs
Source: Publisher via Edelweiss
Lucy Foley's previous psychological thriller, The Hunting Party, was an absorbing read and a reminiscent of Agatha Christie's and I'm glad to report that this book is no exception. The story is set in an island off the coast of Ireland and it depicts the secrets and resentment within a group of acquaintances and how their past deeds are later revealed and justified amid a wedding reception.
Julia "Jules" Keegan is the publisher of a successful online magazine and she is set to marry the handsome Will Slater, who is the rising star of TV show, Survivor. Given their status and the intention of an extraordinary wedding, they decided to hold it in an island and all preparations will be organised by a local couple, Aoife and Freddy, who have the necessary skills to meet their expectations. But what everyone expected to be a perfect wedding will become a nightmare as the weather turn nasty but that's only the beginning. As they mingle around and drink more champagne, some of them will soon realise that secrets can't be hidden forever and their ugly past will quickly catch up on them no matter how hard they've tried to keep it covered.
This book was compelling in a way that you know you've no one to root for but yet you're anxious to know where the story will lead and how the characters are going to meet their fate. Aside from the suspense, I think this story gives the reader a good look of humans behaviorism under various circumstances through the eyes of a few narrators here (the new couple, the bridesmaid and the best man, as well as a plus-one and the wedding planner). The switching between the past and the present usually work for me as I enjoy that thrilling anticipation during my reading journey and it's always fun to guess the perpetrator(s). Lucy Foley has once again written a riveting and an atmospheric read which had my full attention from the beginning till the end and I'm glad to say her name is now added onto my favourite authors list.
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I know what you mean about wanting to know what happens even when you don't really care about individual characters. That will keep me reading. :)
So glad to hear your thoughts on this book, Melody. I have it pre-ordered. Looking forward to it - even more now.
This is another one I really want to read. :)
Jenclair - I don't mind unlikeable characters as long as the story is engaging. :)
Kay - I'll be curious of your thoughts, Kay! :)
Lark - This will be a good fit for a buddy read or a book club selection for that matter. I hope you'll enjoy it when you get to it, Lark! :)
I like that anticipation that comes with back and forth narratives too. I am glad to see you liked this one, Melody. I will have to add it to my wish list.
Wendy - Lucy Foley writes great psychological thrillers despite she has published two books so far. I hope you'll enjoy reading this book when you get to it, Wendy.
I like the setting and it sounds good, glad you enjoyed this one.
Naida - It was a compelling read despite the unlikeable characters. Very atmospheric, too!