The Guest List by Lucy Foley is a contemporary murder mystery set on a remote island in West Ireland during the wedding of Julia Keegan and William Slater. As the celebration unfolds, long-hidden secrets and past betrayals among the guests come to light. On the night of the wedding, a storm causes a blackout, culminating in the discovery of a dead body and the unravelling of multiple intertwined mysteries. Sensitive topics such as self-harm, abortions, and suicide appear in the book.

Lucy Foley's The Guest List is widely praised for its atmospheric setting and gripping suspense, reminiscent of Agatha Christie's mysteries. Readers enjoy the multi-perspective narrative, but some find character development lacking. The novel's pacing and twisty plot are generally well-received, making it an engaging read for thriller enthusiasts.

Mystery enthusiasts and fans of psychological thrillers will relish The Guest List by Lucy Foley. Ideal for readers who enjoyed And Then There Were None by Agatha Christie and The Girl on the Train by Paula Hawkins, this novel blends suspense and rich character development against an atmospheric, isolated setting.

Mysterious / Suspenseful / Dark / Unnerving

- The Guest List by Lucy Foley was a Reese's Book Club pick, which highlights books selected by actress and producer Reese Witherspoon.
- The novel was inspired by Agatha Christie's classic murder mysteries and explores the dynamics and tensions among a group of people isolated in a remote location.
- The Guest List was recognized as a New York Times bestseller, attesting to its popularity and widespread reader engagement.

**Julia “Jules” Keegan**  
Jules is a dark-haired, pale, and beautiful woman who meticulously crafts her life and appearance to perfection. She is the bride in the story, struggling with feelings of envy and a desire to project an image of success.

**Will Slater**  
Will is Jules's fiancé, described as fair and tanned, and is considered exceptionally attractive. He is driven, successful, and has a knack for presenting himself well, drawing Jules to him.

**Aoife**  
Aoife is the organized and capable owner of the Folly, with a cool and detached demeanor, which Jules appreciates. She is deeply emotional beneath her calm exterior and strives to achieve a successful wedding event.

**Freddy**  
Freddy, Aoife's husband, is a larger man who is perceived as threatening by some but is inherently kind and caring. He previously worked as a chef and has a nurturing nature.

**Darcey**  
Darcey Malone is Aoife's brother, remembered fondly by Aoife. He was known by others as "Loner" and his backstory plays a crucial role in Aoife's motivations.

**Hannah**  
Hannah is a guest with piercings and a tattoo, embodying a stark contrast to Jules in terms of body confidence and style. She grapples with insecurities about her appearance and her marriage while at the wedding.

**Alice**  
Alice was Hannah's sister, known for her beauty and intellect, and aspired to a political career. Her past relationship with Will and its devastating impact are deeply felt by Hannah.

**Charlie**  
Charlie is Hannah's husband and a schoolteacher with past ties to Jules. He struggles to fit in with the wedding party, feeling the pressure to conform and impress the more affluent guests.

**Olivia**  
Olivia is Jules’s sister, noted for her tall, dark-haired appearance and sulky demeanor. She faces personal struggles with her mental health and body image throughout the story.

**Johnno**  
Johnno stands out among the wedding party for his rugged appearance and association with weed. He comes from a less privileged background and is entangled in past misdeeds with Will.

**Duncan**  
Duncan is slender with dark red hair and often comes off as rude and aggressive. He has a tendency to belittle others, adding tension to interactions.

**Olufemi “Femi”**  
Femi is a successful surgeon who was one of the only Black students at the boarding school. He reflects positively on his school experience despite the challenges he faced.

**Peter**  
Peter works in advertising and is portrayed with a "party-boy" appearance. He struggles with substance issues and contributes to the story's tension with his supernatural claims during the storm.

**Ronan**  
Ronan is Jules's father, a successful businessman who has been largely absent from her life. He is protective of Jules despite their distant relationship.

**Araminta Jones**  
Araminta is Olivia and Jules's mother, depicted as trendy and self-centered. Her relationship with her daughters is complex, with a particular focus on her concern for Olivia.

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