You need to sign in or sign up before continuing.
Take a photo of a barcode or cover
3.72 AVERAGE
3.72 AVERAGE
dark
mysterious
medium-paced
Plot or Character Driven:
Plot
Strong character development:
Yes
Loveable characters:
Complicated
Diverse cast of characters:
N/A
Flaws of characters a main focus:
Yes
dark
emotional
mysterious
fast-paced
Plot or Character Driven:
Plot
Strong character development:
No
Loveable characters:
No
Diverse cast of characters:
No
Flaws of characters a main focus:
Yes
adventurous
challenging
dark
emotional
tense
fast-paced
fast-paced
Plot or Character Driven:
Plot
Strong character development:
Yes
Loveable characters:
Yes
Diverse cast of characters:
Yes
Flaws of characters a main focus:
Yes
dark
challenging
dark
mysterious
medium-paced
Plot or Character Driven:
A mix
Strong character development:
Yes
Loveable characters:
No
Diverse cast of characters:
No
Flaws of characters a main focus:
Yes
This book has so much going for it, set away on a creepy island in Ireland. But not even that and the cast of characters could save it. First, it’s boring, it drags on. And on. And on. It’s literally the longest most terrible wedding ever. There is so much exposition and none, and I mean none of the characters are likable. Hannah & Johno maybe are the most relatable but barely. The characters were written to be so over the top pretentious. I read & listened to the audiobook, which by the way got me through it faster as I spend it up so I could suffer through the VERY PREDICTABLE ENDING.
Also. Trigger warning for self harm.
Also. Trigger warning for self harm.
dark
emotional
mysterious
slow-paced
Plot or Character Driven:
Character
adventurous
dark
mysterious
tense
medium-paced
Plot or Character Driven:
A mix
Strong character development:
Complicated
Loveable characters:
No
Diverse cast of characters:
Yes
Flaws of characters a main focus:
Yes
I liked this a lot more than I thought I would! So many mainstream mysteries like this have horrible writing but this didn’t bother me and the audiobook was enjoyable with the different narrators.
As an avid reader seeking thrilling mysteries, "The Guest List" fell short of expectations. The premise held immense potential: a luxurious celebration on an Irish island turning deadly. Unfortunately, what appeared as a promising narrative quickly devolved into a tangled mess of convoluted subplots and shallow character development.
The book's biggest downfall lies in its inability to focus. Instead of a coherent storyline, readers are bombarded with an excess of characters, each seemingly with their agenda and perspective. This abundance of viewpoints only serves to muddy the waters, leaving readers drowning in a sea of inconclusive narratives that fail to progress the central mystery.
The pacing of the novel was erratic, wavering between repetitive scenes that added little to the overall plot and fleeting glimpses of promising intrigue. Rather than unveiling new revelations or deepening the mystery, the narrative constantly circles back to familiar ground, leaving readers frustrated and disengaged.
While the initial setup hinted at buried tensions and potential motives among the wedding guests, these elements were poorly executed. The promised conflicts and jealousies never materialized into compelling plot points, and the eventual reveal of death felt more like a forced plot device than a culmination of a well-crafted mystery.
The writing style itself lacked finesse, failing to draw readers into the story or create a sense of urgency or suspense. Instead, the narrative felt disjointed, with excessive focus on irrelevant details that did little to enhance the overall atmosphere or intrigue of the tale.
In conclusion, "The Guest List" had the elements for a captivating mystery but ultimately failed to deliver. Its scattered plot, superficial characterizations, and lackluster execution make it a regrettable read for those seeking a gripping and well-crafted mystery. Potential readers would be better served seeking a more coherent and engaging tale elsewhere.
The book's biggest downfall lies in its inability to focus. Instead of a coherent storyline, readers are bombarded with an excess of characters, each seemingly with their agenda and perspective. This abundance of viewpoints only serves to muddy the waters, leaving readers drowning in a sea of inconclusive narratives that fail to progress the central mystery.
The pacing of the novel was erratic, wavering between repetitive scenes that added little to the overall plot and fleeting glimpses of promising intrigue. Rather than unveiling new revelations or deepening the mystery, the narrative constantly circles back to familiar ground, leaving readers frustrated and disengaged.
While the initial setup hinted at buried tensions and potential motives among the wedding guests, these elements were poorly executed. The promised conflicts and jealousies never materialized into compelling plot points, and the eventual reveal of death felt more like a forced plot device than a culmination of a well-crafted mystery.
The writing style itself lacked finesse, failing to draw readers into the story or create a sense of urgency or suspense. Instead, the narrative felt disjointed, with excessive focus on irrelevant details that did little to enhance the overall atmosphere or intrigue of the tale.
In conclusion, "The Guest List" had the elements for a captivating mystery but ultimately failed to deliver. Its scattered plot, superficial characterizations, and lackluster execution make it a regrettable read for those seeking a gripping and well-crafted mystery. Potential readers would be better served seeking a more coherent and engaging tale elsewhere.