The Unwedding by Ally Condie delivered an intriguing thriller that pulled me in from the setting to the cast of characters. A REESE’S BOOK CLUB PICK, I recommend the audiobook narrated by Christine Lakin.
by Ally Condie
Narrator: Christine Lakin
Genres: Thriller
Source: Publisher
Purchase*: Amazon | Audible *affiliate
Narration: 5 cups Speed: 1.5x
The White Lotus meets Agatha Christie in this bold novel from a #1 New York Times bestselling author: a recent divorcee's exclusive Big Sur resort vacation unravels when she discovers a dead body on the day of a wedding.
Ellery Wainwright is alone at the edge of the world.
She and her husband, Luke, were supposed to spend their twentieth wedding anniversary together at the luxurious Resort at Broken Point in Big Sur, California. Where better to celebrate a marriage, a family, and a life together than at one of the most stunning places on earth?
But now, she’s traveling solo.
To add insult to injury, there’s a wedding at Broken Point scheduled during her stay. Ellery remembers how it felt to be on the cusp of everything new and wonderful, with a loved and certain future glimmering just ahead. Now, she isn’t certain of anything except for her love for her kids and her growing realization that this place, though beautiful, is unsettling.
When Ellery discovers the body of the groom floating in the pool in the rain, she realizes that she is not the only one whose future is no longer guaranteed. Before the police can reach Broken Point, a mudslide takes out the road to the resort, leaving the guests trapped. When another guest dies, it’s clear something horrible is brewing.
Everyone at Broken Point has a secret. And everyone has a shadow. Including Ellery.
A fellow blogger enjoyed this one, and when the audiobook became available for review, I dove in. I love a good closed door murder mystery and The Unwedding delivered a suspenseful tale with interesting characters. The tension built until the twisty reveal.
Ellery Wainwright and her husband Luke booked a twentieth wedding anniversary vacation at a luxurious Resort at Broken Point in Big Sur, California. Unfortunately, the marriage didn’t survive to celebrate, and Ellery, still reeling from the divorce and upheaval, takes the non-refundable vacation solo.
Ellery arrives to find a wedding is taking place at the resort and reflects on how she felt at her own wedding, her broken marriage and children. The story is both a mystery thriller and a journey of self-growth and reflection for Ellery.
When Ellery discovers the groom face down in the pool and the resort is cut off from the mainland before police can arrive, Ellery along with fellow guests, Simon and Nina, play amateur sleuths. I loved the tension that built with the list of suspects and the twists along the way.
All the threads pulled together at the end, delivering a satisfying conclusion to the mystery. I, however, would have preferred more thriller aspects and less focus on Ellery’s own reflections. I can appreciate why Reese picked this for her club.
Narrator Christine Lakin added to my enjoyment of the story and captured Ellery’s emotions and those of the other characters.
About Ally Condie
Ally Condie is the author of the #1 New York Times bestselling Matched trilogy and its companion novel, The Last Voyage of Poe Blythe. She is also the author of the novel Summerlost, an Edgar Award Finalist for Best Juvenile Mystery, the New York Times bestselling novel Atlantia, and the co-author of the Darkdeep middle grade series. A former English teacher, Ally lives with her family outside of Salt Lake City, Utah. She has an MFA from the Vermont College of Fine Arts, and is the founder and director of the nonprofit WriteOut Foundation.
About Christine Lakin
Christine Lakin is an Earphones Award–winning narrator and acclaimed television actress, best known for her roles as Alicia “Al” Lambert on the hit family comedy Step by Step and as Joan of Arc on Showtime’s Reefer Madness.
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About Kimberly
Kimberly is a coffee loving book addict who reads and listens to fictional stories in all genres. Whovian, Ravenclaw, Howler and proud Nonna. She owns and manages Caffeinated PR. The coffee is always on and she is ready to chat. Twitter | Facebook | Instagram
Diana @ Book of Secrets
Glad you liked it. I have it for review this summer. I’m behind, of course!
Carla
I just added this to my library list. I hope they get it in. Wonderful review, Kimberly.
Jill
I have this coming in from the library this week. Glad to hear you liked it!
aimee @ aimee can read
Love the concept of this one! I would definitely read it if it was more of a thriller than anything else… so thanks for that warning!