Switching genres can feel a little intimidating, especially after spending so much time wrapped up in romance novels. But after reading the Twisted series and the Lancaster series (both of which I recommend!), it was time for a change. “The Guest List,” by Lucy Foley, was one of the first mystery/thrillers to catch my eye. Coming from a world of cheesy romances, relationships, emotions, and connection, this book was a whole new experience. Stepping into a novel of suspense, secrets, and twists was electrifying, even from the very first chapter.
“The Guest List” follows a glamorous wedding of two high-profile celebrities on a gloomy, remote island off the coast of Ireland. I was hooked immediately. Right away, the isolated setting made me feel uneasy. I loved the cinematic atmosphere Foley created, using crashing waves and unpredictable weather to portray a celebratory event that never quite felt safe. It created the perfect setting for mystery, and it lured me in more than I expected.
One of the main things that made this book so intriguing was the structure; each chapter is told from a different character’s perspective. Every voice reveals a little more about what’s happening beneath the surface of the “perfect” wedding. I appreciated how this created a complex, character-driven story. Each person was a potential suspect with messy histories, insecurities, and secrets waiting to be revealed. The relationships and hidden worlds of the characters were just as captivating as the mystery itself.
The book built up so much suspense, I simply couldn’t put it down. Foley knows exactly how much information to reveal at a time, leaving just enough unanswered questions to make turning the page irresistible. I loved the feeling of that constant pull, the sense that anything could be the key to unraveling the truth. I had no choice but to keep reading.
There were twists and turns all the way up to the very last page. Just when I thought I had it all figured out, characters shared secrets that changed the whole plot. It was a book that definitely made me think and kept me on the edge of my seat. This book gave me new themes in reading from complex characters, suspense, and horror, all while giving me the thrill of piecing together clues and trying to stay one step ahead of the reveal.
For my first mystery read, “The Guest List” was definitely a strong choice. It was addictive and full of drama. Stepping out of my usual romance comfort zone ended up being one of the best reading decisions I’ve made, and this book inspired me to read even more mysteries. So, if you’re looking for a new thriller to read, “The Guest List” is a great start!