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A review by lisett
The Unwedding by Ally Condie
adventurous
mysterious
tense
medium-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? A mix
- Strong character development? Yes
- Loveable characters? It's complicated
- Diverse cast of characters? No
- Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes
3.0
As a long-time fan of Ally Condie's YA Matched trilogy, I was thrilled to discover her foray into the adult, mystery/thriller genres with her latest novel, The Unwedding. With high expectations, I eagerly dove into this new narrative, hoping for a gripping experience.
The Plot
The protagonist, Ellery, is navigating life post-divorce after nearly 20 years of marriage. The story kicks off with Ellery deciding to go on a pre-planned anniversary trip to a stunning resort in Big Sur, California, a trip initially intended for her and her now ex-husband. Opting to go alone rather than letting her ex take his new girlfriend, Ellery finds herself in an unexpectedly dangerous situation.
The resort soon becomes the scene of chaos when a big wedding is interrupted by the discovery of the groom's murder. As if this weren't enough, art pieces begin mysteriously disappearing, adding another layer of intrigue. With a brewing storm causing a mudslide, all the guests, including Ellery, are trapped at the resort.
The Good
Christine Lakin, who played Al on the '90s TV show Step By Step, delivers a wonderful narration for this book. Condie's writing remains as compelling as ever, with her talent for crafting vivid, atmospheric settings shining through. The isolation of the resort and the impending storm contribute to an eerie ambiance that kept me engaged. The character of Ellery is well-developed, and her internal struggles with her divorce and missing her children desperately add depth to her actions and decisions throughout the book.
The Not-So-Good
However, for those, like myself, who were expecting a tightly wound, edge-of-your-seat thriller, The Unwedding leans more heavily into the mystery genre. While the premise had the potential for a classic locked-room mystery, the execution felt a bit lacking in the thrill department. The pacing, at times, was slower than anticipated, with the tension not reaching the peaks I hoped for.
Final Thoughts
The Unwedding is a decent read, particularly if you're looking for a more laid-back, summer mystery. It doesn't quite deliver the high-stakes thrills one might expect from a thriller, but it serves as a solid mystery with an interesting plot and well-crafted characters. For me, it was a pleasant read, earning a respectable 3 stars.
The Plot
The protagonist, Ellery, is navigating life post-divorce after nearly 20 years of marriage. The story kicks off with Ellery deciding to go on a pre-planned anniversary trip to a stunning resort in Big Sur, California, a trip initially intended for her and her now ex-husband. Opting to go alone rather than letting her ex take his new girlfriend, Ellery finds herself in an unexpectedly dangerous situation.
The resort soon becomes the scene of chaos when a big wedding is interrupted by the discovery of the groom's murder. As if this weren't enough, art pieces begin mysteriously disappearing, adding another layer of intrigue. With a brewing storm causing a mudslide, all the guests, including Ellery, are trapped at the resort.
The Good
Christine Lakin, who played Al on the '90s TV show Step By Step, delivers a wonderful narration for this book. Condie's writing remains as compelling as ever, with her talent for crafting vivid, atmospheric settings shining through. The isolation of the resort and the impending storm contribute to an eerie ambiance that kept me engaged. The character of Ellery is well-developed, and her internal struggles with her divorce and missing her children desperately add depth to her actions and decisions throughout the book.
The Not-So-Good
However, for those, like myself, who were expecting a tightly wound, edge-of-your-seat thriller, The Unwedding leans more heavily into the mystery genre. While the premise had the potential for a classic locked-room mystery, the execution felt a bit lacking in the thrill department. The pacing, at times, was slower than anticipated, with the tension not reaching the peaks I hoped for.
Final Thoughts
The Unwedding is a decent read, particularly if you're looking for a more laid-back, summer mystery. It doesn't quite deliver the high-stakes thrills one might expect from a thriller, but it serves as a solid mystery with an interesting plot and well-crafted characters. For me, it was a pleasant read, earning a respectable 3 stars.