Reviews with content warning for Sexism - The Guest List

“In my experience, those who have the greatest respect for the rules also take the most enjoyment in breaking them.”

"...sometimes the smallest currents are the strongest."

This was a fun read. When I started, I thought it was more of a thriller. So I started getting bored in the first half. Then I realized that this was more of a mystery and the fun was trying to figure out died and who-dun-it. At first, I was annoyed that we didn't know who died, just that there was a victim but then it became kind of fun to try and figure out who the victim was as well. I liked how the author formatted the two timelines. The narrative was almost cinematic in nature. I could easily see it becoming a movie. I also really enjoyed the different relationships and how we delved into the background of a number of characters. It made the mystery fun as you slowly figured out what each person's motive might be and why how they could easily have become the victim. My major critique of this novel is how the relationships between the women characters were written. Each of their motives had to do with their romantic relationships with men. Specifically Jules and Hannah's relationship was not my favorite. I don't think this novel would pass the Bechdel test which is a bit disappointing. I get that the author was casting suspicion to make the reader question everyone's motives but why do they always need to be wrapped up in their relationships with men???

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chantaal's review against another edition

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dark mysterious reflective tense fast-paced

Plot- or character-driven? Character
Strong character development? It's complicated
Loveable characters? No
Diverse cast of characters? No
Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes

2.75

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katie_the_vth's review

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3.0

The intended mystery and thriller portiom of this book was entertaining enough. Standard fare. Enough clues left out to figure out most major plots points.

The true horror, that was well-crafted into this book, was the everyday sexism and "boys-will-be-boys" attitude that led tp it all. Almost all women characters are having to be constantly vigilant, are groped and cat called, all have trauma from being abused by men. The worst part is that none of it is shocking. Their constant awareness of being alone with unfamiliar men, the unwanted touches with hardly an apology and absolutely no shame, power and coersion to get what they want. That was woven right into the story.

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