Scan barcode
amandareads666's review against another edition
dark
slow-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? Character
- Strong character development? No
- Loveable characters? No
- Diverse cast of characters? It's complicated
- Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes
1.0
Content Warnings
Graphic: Death, Eating disorder, Sexual violence, Drug abuse, Suicide attempt, Toxic relationship, Kidnapping, Alcohol, Self harm, Body shaming, Alcoholism, Abortion, Blood, Emotional abuse, Sexual assault, Sexual harassment, and Drug use
ashlynmanley's review
dark
mysterious
sad
tense
medium-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? Character
- Strong character development? It's complicated
- Loveable characters? No
- Diverse cast of characters? Yes
- Flaws of characters a main focus? It's complicated
3.75
This book has me so conflicted. Part of me loved the way it was done and part of me hated it. Let me explain.
I began reading the book extremely intrigued by the different POVs. If you don’t know, every single chapter the POV changes. It’s a very interesting concept. So the book begins with a chapter set in real time where the mystery begins. But then you jump back to POVs from the day before for at least 5-6 chapters before you return to the mystery. Originally, I thought this was going to just be a way to introduce the characters but then I realized the entire book was like that. So throughout the entire story you have no idea who died or who did it… until like the last 25 pages. It was a MASSIVE build up to a really intense but crazy quick ending. Not sure how I felt about that.
I began reading the book extremely intrigued by the different POVs. If you don’t know, every single chapter the POV changes. It’s a very interesting concept. So the book begins with a chapter set in real time where the mystery begins. But then you jump back to POVs from the day before for at least 5-6 chapters before you return to the mystery. Originally, I thought this was going to just be a way to introduce the characters but then I realized the entire book was like that. So throughout the entire story you have no idea who died or who did it… until like the last 25 pages. It was a MASSIVE build up to a really intense but crazy quick ending. Not sure how I felt about that.
I also just think that so much of the book was completely unnecessary. There were plenty of POVs where it felt like the entire chapter could be taken out because it just didn’t help the plot in any way.
Now was the twists and turns predictable? I’d say I guessed 5/8s of them. Some were so blatantly obvious to me and then others were like jaw drop moments. And those of course felt good. However, the chances of what happened happening in real life… EXTREMELY slim. So if you want a semi realistic thriller/mystery… this is not the one for you.
Now if you like a ton of background info and love a slow build with an abrupt, jaw drop ending, then I think you will like this one a lot. Even though I am conflicted about it, I definitely don’t regret reading it. It was very well written and the style was quite unique which I found intriguing.
I will, however, add my little trigger warning. I normally try to steer from things that have talk of abortion in it, but I never read anything about this book before I picked it up. I definetly should have. I could sense where the story was going with one character quite easily but even knowing what was going to happen wasn’t enough for me. I still bawled my eyes out and hated the way they described certain things involving this girls abortion. It’s a touchy topic for me and I certainly don’t enjoy reading about it. So if you are like me in that sense… maybe don’t pick this one up.
And then I’ll just wrap up saying that the sexual nature of it was just too much for me. I don’t pick up a thriller to read about sex, nor would I ever want to. Not only was it a HIGHLY talked about topic, but there were a few times were the book got super descriptive on what they were doing in the bedroom and it was just gross. Hated that.
BUT! Overall, it did hold my attention and I was able to finish the book while still processing the ending for a while (which is a good feeling). So while I had my issues with it, I know that it’s still a good read and one that many will probably enjoy.
BUT! Overall, it did hold my attention and I was able to finish the book while still processing the ending for a while (which is a good feeling). So while I had my issues with it, I know that it’s still a good read and one that many will probably enjoy.
Content Warnings
Graphic: Sexual harassment, Abortion, and Sexual content
Moderate: Child death and Toxic relationship
titan_reads's review
dark
emotional
mysterious
medium-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? A mix
- Strong character development? No
- Loveable characters? No
- Diverse cast of characters? It's complicated
3.75
An entertaining quick read. I enjoyed the mystery and ominous vibes. I didn't care much for any of the characters though.
Content Warnings
Graphic: Bullying
Moderate: Suicidal thoughts, Death, Classism, Suicide, Suicide attempt, Sexual harassment, and Child death
nicholas_sparks's review
adventurous
dark
mysterious
fast-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? A mix
- Strong character development? It's complicated
- Loveable characters? Yes
- Diverse cast of characters? No
- Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes
5.0
Content Warnings
Graphic: Self harm, Bullying, and Sexual harassment
Moderate: Drug use
Minor: Suicide, Abortion, and Murder
mkilla's review against another edition
dark
emotional
mysterious
tense
medium-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? A mix
- Strong character development? No
- Loveable characters? No
- Diverse cast of characters? No
- Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes
4.25
Content Warnings
Graphic: Abortion, Suicide attempt, Death, Sexual content, Sexual assault, Sexual violence, Toxic friendship, Gaslighting, Self harm, Suicidal thoughts, Suicide, Cursing, Grief, Drug use, Blood, Bullying, Infidelity, Child death, Emotional abuse, Toxic relationship, Mental illness, Classism, Misogyny, Murder, Sexism, and Sexual harassment
sunny_not's review
dark
mysterious
sad
tense
medium-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? A mix
- Strong character development? It's complicated
- Loveable characters? It's complicated
- Diverse cast of characters? No
- Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes
3.5
This book didn't pull me in till the middle part where things started to get messy. First hundred pages or so were so boring that I thought about DNFing this book. However, I held on and I'm glad I did it. It was satisfying how everything connected and came into an end. I am not truly satisfied with the ending though it felt so abrupt and I really wanted to see Hannah and Will's confrontation. I wish all people who suffered at the hands of that horrible man could've come together and plan his m*rder rather than the planner doing it and Johnno being blamed for the death of Will. I also truly hated Charlie he is the worst right after a literal demon called Will and his buddies. The way he treats Anna and the way he and Jules act with each other I hated so much. I also hate Jules for the suffering she made Hannah and her sister go through. Overall I liked it but the ending could've been better.
Content Warnings
Graphic: Infidelity, Grief, Alcohol, Sexual harassment, Suicide attempt, Pregnancy, Death, Suicidal thoughts, Self harm, Suicide, Toxic friendship, Mental illness, Emotional abuse, Drug use, and Toxic relationship
mandaazzi's review
adventurous
dark
emotional
funny
mysterious
reflective
tense
medium-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? Character
- Strong character development? It's complicated
- Loveable characters? It's complicated
- Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes
4.25
Content Warnings
Minor: Bullying, Suicidal thoughts, Violence, Vomit, Sexual harassment, Sexual content, Murder, and Toxic friendship
duffrunstough's review
dark
tense
medium-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? Character
- Strong character development? No
- Loveable characters? It's complicated
- Diverse cast of characters? No
- Flaws of characters a main focus? It's complicated
4.0
Reminiscent of Murder on the Orient Express, Lucy Foley’s "The Guest List" is a gripping rollercoaster of suspense set on a remote island during a luxurious wedding. Despite a slow start, the novel excels in weaving a tale of deception, secrets, and unexpected twists among a diverse cast of characters. Foley's evocative writing style and atmospheric descriptions enhance the suspense, keeping readers on edge. The shifting perspectives and unpredictable character dynamics contributey to the mystery's depth. The resolution satisfactorily ties up loose ends, however, it was easy to predict if you are a fan of the genre. (I figured it out about the main culprit about half way through). Either way, a must-read for fans of psychological thrillers and mysteries, showcasing Foley's talent for creating tension and keeping readers guessing. Highly recommended for those who enjoy a compelling mystery with psychological suspense.
Content Warnings
Graphic: Suicide, Sexual assault, and Sexual harassment
amyowen's review against another edition
adventurous
dark
mysterious
sad
tense
medium-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? A mix
- Strong character development? Yes
- Loveable characters? It's complicated
- Diverse cast of characters? Yes
- Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes
4.5
*Writing a review without adding spoilers is hard*
I found the ending came out of nowhere. There was no seed planted for it to be them & literally didn’t make sense til it was explained.. I would’ve liked to have had more of the hosts. Fred was hardly mentioned. Overall, I did enjoy the book, it definitely gripped my attention.
I found the ending came out of nowhere. There was no seed planted for it to be them & literally didn’t make sense til it was explained.. I would’ve liked to have had more of the hosts. Fred was hardly mentioned. Overall, I did enjoy the book, it definitely gripped my attention.
Content Warnings
Graphic: Murder and Suicide
Minor: Sexual content and Sexual harassment
singingsfun's review against another edition
dark
mysterious
tense
medium-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? Character
- Strong character development? It's complicated
- Loveable characters? It's complicated
- Diverse cast of characters? No
- Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes
3.75
Content Warnings
Moderate: Sexual harassment, Suicide attempt, and Murder