tashreads2manybooks's Reviews (1.06k)

2.5 I am so torn over this rating. This was the most exquisitely written novel. Magical, whimsical, picturesque. I adored the stories within stories (especially the ballad of Simon and Eleanor) and enjoyed the quirky characters. But I still can't tell you what actually happened?? Maybe I wasn't concentrating enough (I listened to half of it on audio, and found I was losing the thread - so switched to the printed version). Am I the only one who feels this way? If someone asked me how it ended, I would have to shrug my shoulders and say "haven't the foggiest - but I loved the cherry blossom forest and confetti ocean."

This is not your average ghost story. In fact, its not much of a ghost story at all. It is more a fascinating character study into the lives of people put under immense stress by outside sinister forces. I enjoyed it for the most part, but felt let down by the ending.

DNF @ 50%. There were many aspects for this book that were problematic for me. Firstly, it is hard to read - child abduction is never fun to think or read about, but I can usually stomach it, but this felt impersonal and removed from the victims. Secondly, the misogyny - i just can't deal with the way the main character "wooed" a secretary and the way she is represented is atrocious. Thirdly, I was just bored, and it felt like a chore to get through. Thank you, Next.

Margaret Atwood has done it again! She has created a truly terrifying realistic near future. One with sexbots, unauthorised organ harvesting and neurological sex slavery. But ultimately, this is about choices. What happens when your right to choose is taken away from you? And is it better to be free or secure?

I have no idea what this has such low ratings. Yes, all the characters are deplorable and the plot is shocking, but it is such a thought provoking book. I'm so glad I gave it a chance.

2.5 stars. The first half was quirky, explored mental illness, and made me care about the characters. I enjoyed this book up until 'the tragedy' - then it lost pace, felt clumsy and had a predictable ending.

Well thank you Libba Bray got getting me out of my reading slump! That was five stars of pure fun. Just what I needed.

2.5 stars. As beautifully written and well researched as this is, it was not an enjoyable read. It really felt like a chore to pick up. Such a pity. I may not be in the correct headspace for this though (we are all filled with anxiety atm) I will probably continue series, but on audio at 1.5x speed.

One of my favourite tropes is the "locked-room" thriller. You know, the one where everyone is stuck on an island, or trapped in a spooky house (always during a storm!) and one of the characters dies. There is usually a small pool of suspects and it's fun for the reader to play detective and work out possible motives, means and methods.

In the case of The Guest List, a high profile wedding is held on a secluded island off the Irish coast. There is a storm (of course!) and a murder most foul! Who? Why? How? and most importantly who-dun-it?

I would say this is a mostly successful thriller. Its a page-turner for sure, filled with a cast of damaged and dangerous adults behaving badly (fun!) We hear from the perspective of five core characters - The Bride, The Best Man, The Bridesmaid, The Plus One and the Wedding Planner - as well as some secondary characters (including a cultish clan of ushers). It's a fun, gripping read that doesn't take itself too seriously. Perfect for a beach read, or to snuggle up with a glass of red.

My only gripe is that there are a few too many convenient coincidences and connections between the characters. But, if you are willing to suspend your disbelief and just allow Lucy Foley to take you on her sensational journey, I am sure you will enjoy the ride.

While this is probably not the best read in the current climate (it involves hysteria over a mysterious illness) I still enjoyed it immensely. The narrator of the audiobook (January LaVoy) is honestly one of the best I've ever heard. Onto Number 3!