The Guest List Book Summary - The Guest List Book explained in key points

The Guest List summary

Brief summary

The Guest List is a gripping thriller by Lucy Foley that takes place on a remote island off the coast of Ireland. As the wedding of a high-profile couple unfolds, dark secrets and old grudges come to light, leading to a shocking and deadly event.

Give Feedback
Table of Contents

    The Guest List
    Summary of key ideas

    The Perfect Wedding Turned Deadly

    In The Guest List by Lucy Foley, we are taken to a remote island off the coast of Ireland where a glamorous wedding is about to take place. The bride, Jules, is a successful magazine publisher, and the groom, Will, is a rising television star. The guest list includes a mix of their closest friends and family, all of whom have their own secrets and grudges.

    The story unfolds through the perspectives of five characters: the bride, the groom, the best man, the bridesmaid, and the wedding planner. As the wedding festivities begin, we learn about the strained relationships and hidden animosities among the guests. The setting, a stormy and isolated island, adds to the growing tension.

    Secrets and Lies

    As the night progresses, the storm intensifies, and the power goes out. In the darkness, a scream is heard, and a body is discovered. The narrative then jumps back and forth in time, revealing the events leading up to the murder. We learn about the characters' pasts, their secrets, and their motives, all of which seem to point to multiple suspects.

    Will, the groom, is hiding a dark secret from his past, while Jules, the bride, is grappling with her own demons. The best man, Johnno, is struggling with his feelings for Jules, and the bridesmaid, Olivia, is nursing a grudge against the bride. The wedding planner, Aoife, is also not without her own secrets, adding to the web of lies and deceit.

    A Deadly Revelation

    As the investigation into the murder begins, tensions among the guests reach a boiling point. Accusations fly, and the characters' true natures are revealed. The stormy weather and the isolated island create a sense of claustrophobia, heightening the atmosphere of suspicion and fear.

    As the truth about the murder is finally unveiled, we are left shocked by the identity of the killer. The revelation also exposes the characters' vulnerabilities and the consequences of their actions. The story ends with a sense of closure, but the events of that fateful night continue to haunt the survivors.

    In Conclusion

    In conclusion, The Guest List is a gripping and atmospheric thriller that keeps the reader guessing until the very end. The remote island setting, the stormy weather, and the complex characters all contribute to the novel's intense and suspenseful atmosphere. Lucy Foley masterfully weaves together multiple perspectives and timelines, creating a compelling and intricate narrative. If you enjoy psychological thrillers with a touch of Agatha Christie, The Guest List is a must-read.

    Give Feedback
    How do we create content on this page?
    More knowledge in less time
    Read or listen
    Read or listen
    Get the key ideas from nonfiction bestsellers in minutes, not hours.
    Find your next read
    Find your next read
    Get book lists curated by experts and personalized recommendations.
    Shortcasts
    Shortcasts New
    We’ve teamed up with podcast creators to bring you key insights from podcasts.

    What is The Guest List about?

    The Guest List by Lucy Foley is a gripping mystery novel set on a remote island off the coast of Ireland. It follows the wedding of a glamorous couple, but as the celebration unfolds, dark secrets and hidden motives come to light. Told from multiple perspectives, the book keeps you guessing until the very end.

    The Guest List Review

    The Guest List (2020) is a gripping thriller that will keep you on the edge of your seat until the very last page. Here's why this book is worth your time:

    • With its complex web of relationships and a wedding on a remote island, the book creates a suspenseful atmosphere that will have you guessing until the end.
    • The multiple perspectives and unreliable narration add layers of intrigue and suspense, making it impossible to put the book down.
    • The seamless blend of mystery, drama, and psychological suspense ensures that there's never a dull moment, making it a thrilling read from start to finish.

    Who should read The Guest List?

    • Readers who enjoy suspenseful and atmospheric mysteries
    • Those who appreciate multi-layered and complex characters
    • People who like stories with multiple perspectives and unexpected twists

    About the Author

    Lucy Foley is a British author known for her gripping and atmospheric thrillers. With a background in fiction and journalism, Foley has a talent for creating compelling narratives that keep readers on the edge of their seats. Some of her other notable works include 'The Hunting Party' and 'The Book of Lost and Found'. Through her skillful storytelling and intricate character development, Foley has established herself as a master of the mystery genre.

    Categories with The Guest List

    People ❤️ Blinkist 
    Sven O.

    It's highly addictive to get core insights on personally relevant topics without repetition or triviality. Added to that the apps ability to suggest kindred interests opens up a foundation of knowledge.

    Thi Viet Quynh N.

    Great app. Good selection of book summaries you can read or listen to while commuting. Instead of scrolling through your social media news feed, this is a much better way to spend your spare time in my opinion.

    Jonathan A.

    Life changing. The concept of being able to grasp a book's main point in such a short time truly opens multiple opportunities to grow every area of your life at a faster rate.

    Renee D.

    Great app. Addicting. Perfect for wait times, morning coffee, evening before bed. Extremely well written, thorough, easy to use.

    People also liked these summaries

    4.7 Stars
    Average ratings on iOS and Google Play
    32 Million
    Downloads on all platforms
    10+ years
    Experience igniting personal growth
    Powerful ideas from top nonfiction

    Try Blinkist to get the key ideas from 7,500+ bestselling nonfiction titles and podcasts. Listen or read in just 15 minutes.

    Start your free trial

    The Guest List FAQs 

    What is the main message of The Guest List?

    The Guest List explores the dark secrets and hidden agendas of a wedding party on a remote island.

    How long does it take to read The Guest List?

    The reading time for The Guest List varies, but it typically takes several hours. The Blinkist summary can be read in just 15 minutes.

    Is The Guest List a good book? Is it worth reading?

    The Guest List is a captivating read, filled with suspense and twists. It's definitely worth adding to your reading list.

    Who is the author of The Guest List?

    The author of The Guest List is Lucy Foley.

    What to read after The Guest List?

    If you're wondering what to read next after The Guest List, here are some recommendations we suggest:
    • Where Good Ideas Come From by Steven Johnson
    • The Art Of Non-Conformity by Chris Guillebeau
    • A Whole New Mind by Daniel H. Pink
    • Theory U by C. Otto Scharmer
    • The Design of Everyday Things by Donald A. Norman
    • The Innovator ’s Dilemma# by Clayton M. Christensen
    • The War of Art by Steven Pressfield
    • Creativity, Inc. by Ed Catmull with Amy Wallace
    • Think Like a Freak by Steven D. Levitt and Stephen J. Dubner
    • The Laws of Simplicity by John Maeda