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The Guest List

 

The Guest List by Lucy Foley has a great concept and plot, but the wonderful story is buried by inappropriate language and sexual innuendos. 


*DISCLAIMER - I knew this book was for adults before I read it. I will explain in the review part of this post. I don't think anyone below 18 years old should read this book.*

Summary

On a remote Irish island called Folly, Jules Keegan and Will Slater have gathered their closest friends and family. The smart, ambitious magazine publisher and the charming, witty, and handsome television star are getting married. While the sea and cell service are a little choppy, the couple and their friends won't let the setting spoil their fun. A deserted island, a huge house, plenty of alcohol, a four-tiered cake, and the perfect dress make the wedding of the century. "But perfection is for plans, and people are all too human". Jealousies and not-so-fond memories come out before the cake is even cut. Dark clouds loom overhead, physically and mentally. "Everyone has a secret. Everyone has a motive." Before Jules and Will leave the island on their honeymoon, someone will be dead. 

Review

I got this book from my Book of the Month service. As I knew, this is an adult service. Plus, I can usually handle "steamy" scenes and mild to fairly moderate language, as I have read SO MANY books. BUT, this book is over the top. Not only does it seem to have inappropriate language in every line, but sex, sexual assault, drugs, and graphic scenes become the center of the novel. The innuendos are so overwhelming. It completely ruined the story for me. I knew I was going to get an adult book from an adult service, but I don't think anyone should read this book. From ages 5 to 100, this book is not for anyone. Reading it, I felt dirty. 

If you liked this book, I'm sorry to disappoint you. I'm trying to say what I honestly felt. I read the summary on BOTM. It sounded amazing. I love mysteries and thrillers, especially ones with romance. But the mystery and thriller aspects were buried by foul ideas and words. I understand that some people are more experienced/okay with these issues. I just do not enjoy a deliciously good story being covered by meaningless, ugly language and scenes. 

If an author really wants to show tension, they should not have to beat the reader over the head with the fact that this character is suicidal, and that character is an alcoholic (real characters in this book by the way). Their writing should pack a punch the first time, so they don't have to keep repeating the same things over and over. 

1 star. 



Audience: Honestly, no one, but if you must 18+. 

Publisher: HarperCollins UK

Date Published: 2020

ISBN: 9780062868930

Format: hardback

Genre: Mystery/Detective/Thriller/ADULT

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