I was THRILLED to see an Ally Condy adult title as I loved her YA titles.

This was one of my favorite genres as well so I’m not surprised to have loved this one.

Having experienced divorce myself, I felt that the feeling experienced and expressed by the protagonist were relatable and accurate as well.

The Unwedding is a twisting story of a woman rising from the ashes while fighting through unexpected tragedies, adding to her past full of them. I was hooked from the very beginning. Ellery doubts herself in such a way, it leads the reader to also doubt her, Keeping you on your toes. Is she unreliable? Is she actually telling you the truth? Does she see more than she lets on? Such a great book full of twists while following a wonderful storyline of growth, don’t skip this one!

Thanks NetGalley and Grand Central Publishing for an opportunity to read and review an advanced copy of this title!

Do you ever have trouble staying focused on a book and wonder whether it’s the book or you? That’s kind of the deal I had with The Unwedding. The beginning really gripped me, and I was totally here for the premise - a recent divorcee on a trip to a remote resort when a soon to be groom turns up dead, and then a landslide traps all the guests with no outside help - oh, and of course the killer is in their midst. I was intrigued and also appreciated the protagonist, Ellery’s, backstory. Somewhere along the way, however, I just started to lose focus. Again, this may have been a ME issue, as the story was pretty interesting and had some surprising twists as well. For fans of whodunnit mysteries, I would absolutely recommend this book. 3.5⭐️

Thanks for this advance copy. I loved this book! I just read it in a day, so it's so good. If you are looking for a book to inmerse you as much as you forget about the outside world, this is it!

The Unwedding is a fast-paced, action-packed mystery novel with delightful characters and an absolutely beautiful setting. After twenty years of marriage, Ellery finds herself divorced and alone at a luxury resort on what would have been her anniversary weekend. She is determined to have a relaxing stay and come out of it stronger. Unfortunately, there is a wedding planned at the resort for the same time period, which proves to be a constant reminder of Ellery's failed marriage. Then, when she thinks things can't get worse, she stumbles upon a dead body - the body of the groom. And, of course, the weather has taken a turn for the worse, causing power outages and massive landslides. Trapped at the resort with a potential murderer, Ellery and her fellow guests are determined to solve the mystery and escape the resort.

First, I absolutely loved the cast of characters. All of the guests were well-developed, fun to read about, and added to the overall story. Second, I loved how each new day began with a quote, the weather forecast, and a description of an art piece. It made me feel as if I was a guest at Broken Point as well. Third, the setting was described beautifully. I felt as if I was there. The author has me planning a trip to Big Sur immediately. While I wouldn't describe this book exactly as a cozy, it definitely had cozy vibes. While I haven't read anything by Ally Condie before, I will be reading all her books going forward. I so thoroughly enjoyed The Unwedding. Easy five stars!

Thank you to NetGalley and Grand Central Publishing for this DRC.
Ellery Wainright is on a sola week at a resort near Big Sur in California. Still reeling from an unexpected divorce, she is there to keep her husband from taking his girlfriend on what would have been an anniversary trip. Having a wedding at the resort is making it just that much harder to keep it together. Finding a dead body in the pool shortly before the storm causes a landslide trapping everyone in the resort is not making the trip any better.
I loved this book. Ellery is dealing with a lot and I loved her taking time to cry. She quickly makes friends as one sometimes does on vacation but these friends end up helping her investigate the murder. I like how we don’t really get to know these other guests, only realistically superficially, but Ellery has to make quick decisions on who to trust. I live in Southern California and was reading this while it was raining. It made it all the more fun for me!
#TheUnwedding #NetGalley

I was so excited for this book after reading the premise! And I enjoyed the author’s YA books when I was younger. The setting was amazing and I enjoyed all of the lush descriptions. Plus, the art aspect was very interesting. The tone was a great White Lotus vibe.
However, I ended up not finishing The Unwedding due to a situation from the main character’s past that was difficult for me to read about.
I think thriller readers will really enjoy this twisty tale!

3.7
Most if that rating is owed to the writing, which is lyrical without being over the top or futzy. The plot and the title are both...I see what Condie was going for, but I'm not certain she achieved it.

loved this mystery and all this happened on ellery's trip to big sur. Loved that it happened in the mountains. Ellery is going on this trip post divorce and wondering if things in the author's life came to the page. Ellery meets new people and gets to visit a wedding and deals with the grief of her marriage ending. Loved the new friends that she met and that she solved the mystery since she was the outsider. I loved ally's 1st adult book.

I received an advanced copy of this book from Grand Central Publishing via NetGalley.

Ellery Wainwright's journey begins with anticipation, as she prepares to celebrate her twentieth wedding anniversary with her husband, Luke, at the luxurious Resort at Broken Point. However, her excitement is dashed when she finds herself traveling alone, her dreams of a blissful reunion shattered.

As Ellery navigates the idyllic yet unsettling surroundings of Broken Point, she is confronted with the stark reality of her solitude. The presence of a wedding at the resort serves as a poignant reminder of the new beginnings and hopeful futures that once seemed within reach. Now, uncertainty hangs heavy in the air, casting a shadow over the picturesque landscape.

The discovery of a body floating in the pool amidst the rain plunges Ellery into a nightmare she never could have imagined. Trapped at Broken Point by a mudslide that blocks the road, the guests find themselves ensnared in a web of secrets and deception. As another guest meets a tragic end, it becomes clear that danger lurks within the resort's seemingly tranquil facade.

Throughout the unfolding chaos, Ellery grapples with her own uncertainties and insecurities, haunted by the shadows of her past and the secrets that threaten to unravel her present. As she delves deeper into the mysteries of Broken Point, she realizes that everyone harbors their own secrets, and trust becomes a scarce commodity in this isolated paradise.

While the setting of the book is undeniably captivating, the momentum of the story begins to wane as it progresses. What starts as a promising narrative ultimately loses its grip. I thought Ellery's motivations and decisions became increasingly perplexing as the story went on. The book falls short of its potential due to pacing issues and a lack of clarity in character development.

I was pleasantly surprised by this book! I had thought it would be a light, frothy mystery taking place in a pretty location at a wedding but it was really about being in your forties, recently divorced, suffering from PTSD and having to deal with other's people's problems.

I loved the Big Sur setting and I loved the friends she also befriended. I also thought it was very realistic that they didn't automatically trust each other 100% but worked together and had a lot of fun.

I did think the art heist storyline fizzled a little and should have been given either more or less time. But it was one of the best mysteries I've read in a long time.

—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.

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!

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).

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!

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.

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.

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.

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.

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