Lucy Foley returns with her follow up to THE HUNTING PARTY published by Harper Collins
Lucy Foley returns with her follow up to the stupendous hit THE HUNTING PARTY with another tale of entitled individuals having a great time but with dire consequences. Taking the same premise as many an English crime novelist - well to do people in a location of isolation, brought together for a happy occasion, then the lights go out.
Foley takes a wedding between Jules and Will - the perfect couple - getting married on a reclusive Irish island, hosted by new wedding planner Aoife on her first wedding. The guests arrive as the weather takes a turn, secrets start to come out and the truth will be sort.
The characters are as expected well written and the shifting point of view narratives from bride to be Jules, to her sister Olivia, to plus one Hannah offers telling insight not only into each character but also the context of the situation they find themselves in. This hits home especially for Hannah when she is dancing with a Spanish lothario and a secret about Will comes out.
With little nods to class structures of friendships and family life along with how individuals alter there behaviour when in the presence of certain people's company.
However, Foley is keen to stress the context of toxic masculinity embodied in Will how he constructs an image of himself and projects on to people to get his own way, while the women are independent enough to figure things out for themselves yet still bitchy to each other when communication may be key to all problem solving.
Following on from the huge success of The Hunting Party, Foley has found this niche of murder mysteries for the 21st century, reminiscent of Agatha Christie at the height of her powers - plot points entwinned to the novel's neat clean conclusion. This again will sell by the bucket loads, this is one list you definitely want to be a part of.
The Guest List is out from HarperCollins on Thursday 20th February
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