Member Reviews

—Thank you so much to the author, publisher, and NetGalley for the chance to review an ARC of this book in exchange for an honest review.

Ally Condie did an amazing job with their first adult debut. This was such an enjoyable thriller. Our character discovers a body in her vacation after a divorce and the plot unravels from then on. I love this trope and eat it up every single time. It will be a great thriller for summer.

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I loved this book! Closed circle mysteries are one of my favorite tropes so The Unwedding was right up my alley. The characters were so well done. They were distinct and complex. I liked most of them, but I especially loved Ellery and Ravi. It was fun to read about their amateur sleuth investigation. The pace of this novel was just right. Slow enough that you get to know the characters, but not so slow that you are bored. The isolated resort setting was perfect, and the storm added a lot of atmosphere. All of the twists and turns kept me guessing until the surprising end. I have never read anything by Ally Condie before, but I will definitely be looking for more. Highly recommended!

Thank you NetGalley and Grand Central Publishing for the ARC!

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I adored Ally Condie's Matched series growing up, so I was excited to hear she was making her adult debut! The Unwedding is perfect as a thriller, and does atmospheric setting very well. Big Sur and a remote resort reveal all their mysteries as we follow our character from sudden divorce to solving a groom's murder. The plot twists kept me guessing and the book kept me hooked the entire time, I almost read it in one sitting (would have, but I needed to go to work).

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I thought this was a great, fun mystery! The plot was realistic and intriguing without seeming cliché or overly dramatic. I loved the realness of all of the characters, and especially the main character Ellery.

I don’t usually read mysteries but The Unwedding was definitely worth the read!

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3.75 stars

I really enjoyed the writing of this book and the history of the art at the resourt. The story took a bit to develop, and it seemed like it took a while to get to the whole mystery. Once the murder started happening, the book flew by with twists, making you question who did it. There are also a lot of characters, so make sure you pay attention to who is who so you're not confused like I was at times. I loved the whole being trapped at the resourt because you literally couldn't just leave.

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I very much enjoyed the Big Sur setting of this destination thriller! Ellery, the main character, was well-drawn and sympathetic, as were most of the other characters including the two travelers she befriends, Ravi and Nina. Loved the way the location, characters, art and mystery were woven in to the story. Thanks to the publisher and NetGalley for the ARC.

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Publication date: June 4th, 2024
Page count: 320
Genre: psychological thriller
Setting: locked in - Broken point resort



I found the bulk of this book to be very enjoyable. The first part although was quite slow, and the conclusion brought together and connected many different characters and their back stories, which seemed unbelievable.

Thank you to author, publisher, NetGalley for advanced copy. This is an honest voluntary review.

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In this captivating read, the author masterfully weaves a narrative that is both engaging and thought-provoking. Through a blend of richly developed characters and a meticulously crafted plot, the book offers a unique exploration of its central themes, inviting readers to immerse themselves in the story's depth and complexity. The narrative is paced perfectly, balancing moments of intense action with thoughtful reflection, ensuring that readers are hooked from the first page to the last. The author's ability to evoke emotion and create a vivid, immersive world is truly remarkable, making this book a must-read for anyone looking for an exceptional literary experience.

Beyond its compelling storyline, the book stands out for its insightful commentary on the human condition, weaving philosophical questions into the fabric of its narrative. The author's skillful use of language not only enriches the text but also elevates the reader's experience, offering new perspectives on familiar themes. Whether it's the intricate dynamics of relationships, the exploration of identity, or the confrontation with ethical dilemmas, this book tackles complex issues with sensitivity and intelligence. It's a testament to the power of storytelling to illuminate the nuances of life, making it a valuable addition to any book lover's collection. Regardless of genre, this is a work that resonates on multiple levels, affirming the enduring impact of well-crafted literature.

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In 'The Unwedding,' Ally Condie delivers a captivating adult fiction debut that blends the allure of 'The White Lotus' with the intrigue of an Agatha Christie mystery. The story revolves around Ellery Wainwright, navigating the aftermath of her recent divorce as she embarks on what was supposed to be a celebratory vacation at the exclusive Resort at Broken Point in Big Sur.

The setting, described as one of the most stunning places on earth, becomes the backdrop for an unexpected turn of events when Ellery stumbles upon a dead body on the day of a scheduled wedding. The tension escalates as the guests find themselves trapped by a mudslide, and secrets unravel in the isolated resort.

Condie masterfully weaves a tale of uncertainty, suspense, and the complexities of human relationships. The characters, each harboring their own secrets and shadows, contribute to the overall sense of unease. As the plot unfolds, it becomes clear that Broken Point holds more than just breathtaking views – it harbors dark mysteries that threaten everyone's future.

A must-read for those who enjoy a blend of atmospheric storytelling, mystery, and the exploration of hidden truths

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fantastic mystery thriller about a wedding party which a woman sees and then finsd the dead groom. thanks for thearc.

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This was a decent thriller but nothing super exciting or memorable. I liked the setting, but the murder 'mystery' was kind of messy & awkward. Thank you to NetGalley for the ARC.

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Condie's storytelling prowess shines as she crafts a narrative full of twists and suspense. An enjoyable read that will keep you seated for the whole thing.

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3.5 stars. I liked the concept of the book and most of the characters were interesting and compelling. My issue was that the book seemed to drag on and on. I felt like I was reading the same thing over and over again. The conclusion was also lacking and I felt like there was no direction on it and author just chose to wrap things up. That being said, I have no doubt this will be some celebrity's book club pick and there will be plenty to talk about.

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Thoroughly engrossing and enjoyable. I will definitely watch for Condie's next adult release.

*Thanks to Netgalley and the publisher for providing an e-galley in exchange for an honest review.

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Just one month ago I was reading a YA book from Ally Condie and talked about how I did not love it. I'm happy to say that this book did not elicit those same thoughts.

The Unwedding taps into some of those same feelings of sadness and lack of belonging, but in this case the main character, Ellery, finds herself surrounded by people who pick her up from the doldrums. Concurrent to Ellery's personal journey during her stay at the resort, there is something even bigger going on - a murderer has struck on a couple's wedding day and no one is safe.

Final thought: Ellery's ex-husband seems like a complete tool.

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I so enjoyed this debut, and look forward to the next one. A perfect whodunnit with compelling characters, and enhanced by a terrific setting and set-up. Top notch mystery and I suspect a solid summer hit.

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A different read for me than what I am used to from the author. I really enjoyed it though. Adding it to my book club list. Lots to discuss. Great well developed story

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Ellery Wainwright is at a crossroads. She was supposed to spend her twentieth wedding anniversary with her husband, Luke at the Resort at Broken Point at Big Sur, California, but three months ago he left her, and now he has a girlfriend and her kids are spending the weekend with them and the deposit was non-refundable and here she is. Alone.

And there’s a wedding going on at the Resort this weekend. And Ellery has just found the groom dead in the pool. And a massive storm and mudslide has cut them off from the police and everyone else.


So, it’s a trapped at the resort mystery and the first adult novel from the author of the “Matched” series. I actually quite enjoyed it, my only complaint being Ellery’s constant, “ my kids, my kids, I have to get back to my kids!” Her kids are not babies and they are with their dad who, though Ellery hates him with perfect reason, isn’t abusive or anything. I hate mothers like that.

I loved the use of the art through the book, and the way it was incorporated into the central mystery. Added a little something and much appreciated. Overall I thought the whole thing was well done and I would recommend it to fans of the genre.

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This is a tough review to write. I was so excited by the premise and the other reviewers' glowing comments, but this fell kind of flat for me. It's not the writing; I really enjoyed Ellery's perspective and feel like she's probably going to evolve a lot as a character.

However, the mystery aspect took too long to arrive. After a teaser at the start of the book, the first 20% reads purely like women's fiction. Nothing suspenseful, barely any conflict. That's not a bad thing, except when you were promised a mystery. By the time the murder entered the main plot line, I'd already lost interest. Hopefully other readers will be a better fit for this story.

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I loved this! I enjoyed the vibes and the setting. The murder mystery aspect was fun. Thanks to NetGalley and the publisher for this ARC in exchange for my honest review.

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