The Guest List

Welcome to Cormorant Island. You are cordially invited to witness the union of Jules and Will.

Following the success of The Hunting Party, Lucy Foley returns with another atmospheric novel set on a remote island off the coast of Ireland.

Jules and Will, a high-profile couple, think they are in control of their wedding day. They found the perfect location, the ideal wedding planner and invited their nearest and dearest.

Are the guests about to attend the wedding of the year or should they prepare for the greatest mystery of their lives? Who among them will turn up dead during the festivities?

One by one, we are introduced to the bridal party who arrive ahead of the big day. As we slowly get to know them, it becomes clear that there’s more to them than meets the eye. Each has something to hide - heartbreak, resentments, anger and secrets. So many secrets!  

The air pressure drops, tension rises and the celebration begins. In true wedding style, all the usual good-luck elements are here: something old (a grudge), something new (a break-up), something borrowed (a lover) and something blue (a body). The wind howls and lights flicker and we are still none the wiser who the victim might be.

There is a tense build-up to the big reveal and we can’t help but guess the identity of the culprit/casualty. It’s a lot like playing Cluedo: was it Miss Scarlett with the candlestick in the library?

Will you figure it out in time?

The Guest List is a modern take on the classic Agatha Christie murder mystery. Lucy Foley paints an atmospheric picture using the isolated location, raging storm and increasing tension. The characters in this closed circle mystery take turns to tell their own background stories as the truth slowly unfolds. The plotting is very clever and there are plenty of twists to keep readers engaged. I would highly recommend this book!