Scan barcode
A review by paltrindome
The Guest List by Lucy Foley
dark
mysterious
tense
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? It's complicated
1.25
ONE PARAGRAPH REVIEW:
When will thriller authors learn that a plot twist cannot save, and should not save, a badly written book? While the first plot twist revealing the connection between two characters was enjoyable, the subsequent twist after twist ruined any plausibility of the events in the book. The characters are thoroughly unlikeable, save for Olivia and Hannah, and while that is typically not an issue (in fact, i love reading unlikeable characters), here, the plot twist depends on the reader caring for these unlikeable characters. And unless you’re an Andrew T*te supporter or a fatshaming prick, there’s no way you care about what happens to them. That said, I do appreciate Foley’s clear characterisation, even if most characters (Jules, Will, Olivia, Charlie) ended up being a caricature of their character trope.
When will thriller authors learn that a plot twist cannot save, and should not save, a badly written book? While the first plot twist revealing the connection between two characters was enjoyable, the subsequent twist after twist ruined any plausibility of the events in the book. The characters are thoroughly unlikeable, save for Olivia and Hannah, and while that is typically not an issue (in fact, i love reading unlikeable characters), here, the plot twist depends on the reader caring for these unlikeable characters. And unless you’re an Andrew T*te supporter or a fatshaming prick, there’s no way you care about what happens to them. That said, I do appreciate Foley’s clear characterisation, even if most characters (Jules, Will, Olivia, Charlie) ended up being a caricature of their character trope.
Content Warnings
Moderate: Fatphobia and Misogyny