This book made me want to go to Cabo!
Except not for a wedding because people definitely died 😅😂

This one published TODAY so be sure to check it out!

The bride and groom were found shot to death the day before they were to be wed.. and only a few guests were even allowed at the resort. The best man’s girlfriend is set to figure out who did it & why. A great locked room mystery that will keep you guessing until the end! ☀️

Huge thanks to William Morrow and NetGalley for my ARC!

Shaylee "Shay" Kapoor is accompanying her boyfriend on a week long luxury destination wedding. The morning of the wedding festivities were set to begin, the bride and groom were found murdered. Mysteries surrounding to cause and reason for the murders make Shay determined to find answers.

Shay is constantly questioning if the people close to the couple could be involved, could there have been involvement with a drug cartel, or could there have been money laundering?

This book was very intense and very fast past. It was interesting to learn about how money laundering "black" hotels could be like. Some of the details were a little hard to follow or a bit too detailed, but it still made the story interesting and didn't feel confusing. I did end up guessing correctly for some of the big twists, but I still liked to way the scenes played out. For most of the book, I felt like Shay wasn't a likeable character. But at the end, I really enjoyed how ruthless she was to see justice.

I really enjoyed this book! It was giving summer vacation, extravagant wedding ceremony, drama, and a good whodunit! I loved reading about the Indian wedding celebrations and the drama involved. I didn’t mind the 1 perspective but felt like I would have loved Zara’s point of voice as just the overall unlikable character. The killer was a little predictable but the ending helps bring everything together. There’s a few story lines in this book and I felt like they all tied together very well - it didn’t feel overwhelming. I will definitely be reading more from this author!

I love a destination thriller so when I saw this on NetGalley I requested so fast, especially since it’s described as The Guest List meets White Lotus. The Plus One is an excellent twisty read with great representation.

This book went in so many directions, but I didn’t find it to be confusing or overdone at all, which can be hard to pull together with so many plot points.
The characters were all rather unlikeable, although that didn’t detract from my enjoyment of the book at all. They were all fairly well fleshed out and it just added to the story the author built for them.
The back and forth timeline kept the pace moving well and although it took me a while to finish since I was on vacation myself, I was gripped throughout, even at the more slowly paced scenes.
The twists were unexpected, usually I can figure out who the who is in a whodunnit, but this one kept me guessing until the reveal, which was refreshing.

Overall, I enjoyed this book! Destination thrillers can be hard to do without repeating the same trope but I think this one was well done and unique.

Thank you to William Morrow for the gifted ARC through NetGalley, as well as the author.
Publication date 8/13/24

Wedding in Cabo, bride AND groom murdered.
Fast paced up until 50% where the chapters seemed too long. Picks up towards the end.
Dual timelines. Main character/s you may/may not root for at times.
Twists!
Wasn’t a favorite but definitely kept me entertained. I would definitely read another thriller by S.C. Lalli.

The Plus One tells the story of the wedding of the season between son of a mogul, Raj Joshi, and influencer, Radhika Singh. However, the wedding does not happen as both the bride and the groom end up dead. The main character is Shay, who is the girlfriend of Raj's best friend, Caleb, and the story takes us from her point of view and her trying to figure out who had reason to kill the bride and groom, as seemingly only 3 people had access to Raj´s villa.

The book was an easy read I did enjoy it, I thought it was semi fast paced, except the chapters leading to the killer reveal, which I felt it dragged a bit. I enjoyed the going back and forth between past and present chapters. I thought the chapters leading up to the wedding gave a lot of insight on all characters and it did help me try and figure out whodunit.

I loved the Interstitial chapters, it was a cute break in between chapters and I liked having a glimpse of the wedding of the season to be and its festivities.

Overall, I enjoyed this book and I give it a solid 4 stars.

Thank you NetGalley and William Morrow for this ARC the above review is of my own thoughts.

The Plus One by SC Lalli
Release Date: 8/13/24
Format: ebook
Rating: ⭐️⭐️⭐️✨

I very rarely will request an arc based on cover alone but The Plus One by S. C. Lalli definitely got judged by its cover! So imagine my delight when I started reading and found out it has one of my favorite thriller microtropes: a destination wedding gone wrong!

This thriller was super addicting and hooked me from the very beginning! Our main character arrives in Mexico as a plus one for a highly exclusive destination wedding and things go awry pretty much instantly.

I feel like the twists unraveled at a great pace throughout this thriller which is a hard trick to nail. I don’t think any of the twists were overly wild, but they built the story in a way I appreciated and kept me engaged! After the halfway point I certainly had no idea who to trust or who the killer might be.

My only qualm is the story sometimes felt a little convoluted and like there was too much going on. It especially made for a clunky ending as Lalli tried to tie up all the loose ends. Still giving this a four star rating for loving the journey though, even if the ending left a bit to be desired. I would absolutely check this author out again in the future!

Rating and Why
3.5 Stars rounded to 4
The Plus One was an easy-to-read thriller that hooked me immediately. I loved the dual timeline aspect, which allowed for flashbacks of the past to be expertly woven into the present setting – it aided the overall story and the plot development. While the plot was exciting and full of twists and turns, it was also a little unbelievable and dragged on at times: A single person taking down a drug cartel on her own. With that said, the ending wasn’t expected at all – an aspect of the book that I love; I want to have to keep guessing the motive and suspect.

Positives
I was immediately sucked into the story – personally, I enjoy it when the murder occurs within the first few pages of a book. I also appreciated that the story was more plot-driven than character-driven and when it was character-focused, it was mainly focused on building character development. I had a lot of negative feelings towards each character as I continued to read – something I’m sure S.C. Lalli did on purpose (and succeeded). All characters were unlikeable in their own ways which added to the overall story and side stories throughout The Plus One.

Frustrations
Around the 50% mark, I felt that the story had more details than necessary, and some parts became repetitive. I was waiting for the next action scene, and it took longer to get there than I would have liked. The story did pick up around 70% and was full steam ahead around 80%, at which point I could not and did not put the book down until I finished reading.

Recommend?
• Read if you like
o Domestic Thrillers
o An Easy Read with Unlikeable Characters
o Dual Timeline: Flashbacks Woven with the Present
o A Classic Whodunit Thriller
o Family Drama – Trouble in Paradise

Shay is invited to what could be described as the wedding of the year. Her boyfriend, Caleb is the best man and she's just tagging along as his girlfriend of the month. However, everything changes when the bridge and groom was discovered murdered in their villa. Who would have wanted to kill one of them or even both? Could it have been a business deal gone bad, drug cartels, or numerous other reasons revealed throughout the book. I really enjoyed this book and devoured it! As the book says- this is absolutely for fans of White Lotus! This book is for you if you like over the top, opulent events, family business drama, and a secret around every corner.

A tale of twists and turns with characters who are all hiding secrets - this story kept me engaged from the start. I don't know that there were many surprises, but definitely a few "I knew it!" moments.

Told in a non-linear timeline all from Shay's perspective, it builds up to the week long wedding celebration that everyone's been waiting for. That is, until the bride and groom are found dead.

It was kind of a love hate relationship for me with the MC, but enough love that I kept routing for her - and I'm glad I did!

**Thank you NetGalley and William Morrow Books for sending this book for review. All opinions are my own.**

This Plus One by SC Lalli is an incredibly entertaining and perfect summer mystery read—a thrilling vacation whodunnit that will keep you on the edge of your seat. The story follows Shay, who travels to Mexico as a "plus one" with her boyfriend for his best friend's wedding. Every guest harbors a secret, and the multiple twists and turns kept me eagerly turning the pages.

The day after Shay arrives, the bride and groom are found murdered in their villa, setting off a tangled web of suspicion. While the characters are highly unlikeable with their sense of entitlement and pettiness, this only adds to the story's tension as everyone becomes an instant suspect. The cultural elements woven throughout add depth and richness to the narrative.

If you're in the mood for a "popcorn mystery" filled with wealthy families, deceit, greed, and murder, this is the book to pick up for your vacation reading.

Thank you to NetGalley and William Morrow for providing this ARC in exchange for my honest review.

This was a classic whodunit thriller. I was hooked by the first chapter; it got right into the action which I always love. The characters were all well fleshed-out, the plot was interesting, and the setting was easy to picture in my head.

The business politics were a bit much sometimes, and it was a little long and repetitive in some parts. But the ending was action-packed, and I loved the pacing and how information was leaked gradually throughout as we needed to know it.

I was pleasantly surprised by this book and would definitely recommend it!

Thank you to the publishers for allowing me to read and review this book.

This is a fantastic summer read! I read this on vacation and was hooked! It was suspenseful without be scary and there were enough red herrings to keep me guessing. I loved that there were so many layers during the reveal to make it so interesting. And the ambiguity of the ending…I feel like there could be a sequel! I’d definitely read it if there was!

Who would kill a bride & groom right before their wedding?

Shay Kapoor scored an invite to THE destination wedding event of the season: her boyfriend Caleb is the best man in Radhika Sigh’s & Raj Joshi’s upcoming union. The families of the happy couple have spared no expense, & this will be a weeklong celebration of their love in a lavish Cabos resort. All of that comes crashing to a halt when the betrothed are found dead in their room, shot execution style. There are no cameras in that area of the resort to ensure the uber-wealthy have their privacy, but the security bands people have to wear for access give Shay a limited list of suspects due to the fact that there were only a handful of people whose wristbands were approved for that location: and despite her actual reasons for being there, she may be the only one with a point of view that’s objective enough to bring this killer to justice….

This story reminded me a bit of Lucy Foley’s “The Guest List” & Amanda Jayatissa’s “You’re Invited” but definitely had its own unique spin on the tale of a wedding gone wrong. This complex tale had many possible motives & several times surprised me in a good way. In addition to being a thriller, this book also prompted an introspective look at one’s own motives & judgements of others, & as well as exploring the dynamic between those in power & those working for them. I loved the interstitials, & need to read more from this author.

Thank you to NetGalley & William Morrow for the ARC in exchange for an honest review!

Review: You know I love stories about the ultra rich, and this book brought that and all the drama.

The story begins with Shay, who is the plus one to a very exclusive wedding in Mexico. She’s dating the best man, and on the day she arrives, the couple of found dead. Shay wants to solve the mystery of who killed the couple and does so by navigating the rules of the wealthy, potentially crooked cops, and the cartel.

It is a class who-dun-it domestic suspense. Each chapter made me distrust everyone more and more. I didn’t know who to trust. All the characters, including Shay, were corrupt at some level, but to me that added to the suspense and drama. This book is told from the view point of Shay, but I think it really could have benefited from multiple POV to add to the suspense. Shay is pretty unlikable but I think that kind of narrator adds to this type of book. While I like unlikable narrators, I can see how some will not. I will say that the author or does add social commentary about the world that would have hit better if Shay was a tad more likable.

It’s well written and clever. It kept me hooked throughout. I didn’t see it coming and it held my attention throughout!

This book comes out tomorrow! Be sure to pick up a copy. Thanks to William Morrow books and netgalley for an advance copy!

The Plus One by S.C. Lalli is a riveting whodunit thriller!
I was so excited when I seen this book sitting in my shelf.
This complex and intriguing novel has an engrossing, suspenseful, and provocative plot.
The storyline was very interesting and kept me glued to my Kindle!
I just couldn’t put it down until I finished it!… Had me hooked right from the start.

Thank You NetGalley and William Morrow for your generosity and gifting me a copy of this amazing eARC!

When I saw this book called White Lotus meets The Guest List I immediately requested this book on netgalley because I love them both! Overall I enjoyed the book and it certainly starts off with a bang. The reader is drawn into the world of the uber rich that live on a whole different stratosphere than the rest of the world. I was disgusted by the way these people treat others and the sense of entitlement is mind boggling even though I know these types of people and families exist in real life. Shay is invited to the wedding because her boyfriend is the groom’s best friend. From the moment the first chapter ends the reader is thrown into the lives of two wealthy and highly influtential Indian-American families. The depths they will go to protect their power and money knows no bounds. Shay is not only a plus one but also has an agenda of her own. As the investigation into the murders unfolds its clear the suspect can only be a handful of people that have access to the murdered couples villa. Although there could only be a few people who have committed the heinous crime the book keeps you guessing until the very end and I did not see the final twist coming! If you love destination thrillers filled with murder, deceit and highly unlikable characters then you should add this one to your list.

Thank you #williammorrowbooks and #netgalley for the opportunity to read and review this book.

I found this whodunit thriller to be a riveting experience. The narrative dives into a world of dysfunctional families and rich individuals, creating a backdrop that's as complex as the mystery itself. The characters are intricately developed, each one operating within a morally gray zone that adds depth and intrigue to the story.

The suspense is expertly crafted, keeping me engaged with unexpected twists and turns. The interplay between the characters and their secrets builds a sense of tension that drives the plot forward. The portrayal of wealth and its impact on relationships provides a sharp commentary on power and privilege.

This thriller excels in blending suspense with rich character studies. For anyone who appreciates intricate plots and morally ambiguous characters, this book delivers a compelling and thought-provoking read.

Sending as feedback to the publisher as the formatting/downloadable file made it hard to read. I plan to borrow this from the library when I can- but cannot read it as is. I will not leave a review on Goodreads since I did not read the book.

S.C. Lalli’s “The Plus One” is a suspenseful whodunit that will keep readers guessing until the very end. Described as "White Lotus meets The Guest List," the "The Plus One" centers around two business moguls who were set to be married at a luxurious Cabo resort in the biggest event of the year—until they’re both found murdered the day before the wedding. Now, a social outsider must unravel the mystery before her own hidden agenda is revealed.

Shaylee “Shay” Kapoor, our relatable outsider, takes center stage. As she navigates the opulent world of the wedding, her secrets and perspective become crucial in untangling everyone’s lies. Truly, everyone is a suspect and the tension escalates as alliances shift. Readers will find themselves switching allegiances, suspecting motives, and questioning whydunit theories.

Lalli’s writing flows smoothly, seamlessly transitioning between present scenes and past flashbacks. The narrative employs an unreliable narrator, adding an intriguing layer of suspense that will keep readers engaged. The dual timelines and juicy gossip revealed throughout the story serve to enhance the reading experience. Additionally, the direction of the mystery, including the cartel theory, adds depth to the plot.

"The Plus One" reads like a classic whodunnit thriller, with the addition of tropical resort vibes, drug cartels. While the reveal of the killer’s identity wasn't a complete surprise, this was a captivating and thoroughly enjoyable mystery, perfect for fans of domestic thrillers.