The Unwedding

Reese's Book Club Pick (A Novel)

By: Ally Condie

Narrated by: Christine Lakin

The White Lotus meets Agatha Christie in this bold novel from a #1 New York Times bestselling author—"a clever, witty, and fast-paced whodunit" (Harlan Corben).

A Reese's Book Club Pick!

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 glimmering future 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 dead groom, 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.

Critic reviews

“Ally Condie’s adult debut THE UNWEDDING is a clever, witty, and fast-paced whodunit. I read it in one sitting and can’t wait for the next.”—Harlan Coben, #1 New York Times bestselling author of "I Will Find You"

“Mesmerizing! Equal parts a clever whodunit and compelling character’s journey, The Unwedding will speak to anyone who’s been there, done that, and had the vacation from hell thrown on top of it all. This Big Sur luxury resort closed-room mystery will stay with you well past the final page.”—Lisa Gardner, #1 New York Times bestselling author

“Dead bodies, brutal secrets and a fabulous view – The Unwedding is proof that Ally Condie knows exactly what we love and what we fear. Come take a wonderful rollercoaster of a trip, but don’t expect much sleep.”—Brad Meltzer, New York Times bestselling author of "The Lightning Rod"

"A knife’s-edge whodunit that’s as much a thriller as it is an exquisite meditation on grief and loss."—Nicola Yoon, #1 New York Times bestselling author of "Everything, Everything"

“A classic mystery for a modern world – I couldn’t put it down!”—Ally Carter, New York Times bestselling author of "The Blonde Identity"

"An idyllic setting turns deadly in Ally Condie’s smart and twisty debut adult thriller. With an isolated resort, a killer on the loose, and a cast of compelling characters, THE UNWEDDING kept me on the edge of my seat from beginning to end. A clever and suspenseful mystery where everyone has something to hide."—Megan Miranda, New York Times bestselling author of "The Only Survivors"

"Ally Condie's dazzling debut The Unwedding is a wild and mysterious suspense novel that will have you turning pages long into the night with the lights on! A lovely wedding is planned at a remote resort with a fresh, original and shady cast of characters. In the author's brilliant hands, the happy occasion can only lead to murder. Buckle up!"
—Adriana Trigiani, bestselling author of "The Good Left Undone"

“A gorgeous murder mystery that explores what it means to be human—the pain and the love.”—Kirkus, Starred Review

“This is an engrossing story with an interesting take on grief and forgiveness, with pieces of art found at the resort adding a fun element. Edgar Award–winning YA author Condie’s adult debut is an unpredictable locked-room mystery for Agatha Christie fans and all readers looking for an intelligent read.”—Booklist

"Christine Lakin captures Ellery Wainwright's unsteady state of mind so effectively that the tension in this mystery builds exponentially."—Audiofile Earphones Award Winner

Narrator was excellent as was the story!

First listen to this author and I was not disappointed. I love the flow of the story and I could picture the setting perfectly!

Enjoyable but a little too contrived.

I was definitely hooked on listening but I found the ending a bit contrived and overly complicated. Characters were entertaining and the writing was engaging.

Unsatisfied…? Not at all!

Ally Condie's book the Unwedding is superb, largely due to her exceptional writing skills and her ability to vividly create scenes through action beats. Her prose seamlessly integrates descriptive details and dynamic actions, fully immersing readers in the world she builds.

Condie's evocative and engaging writing effectively conveys emotions and atmospheres, adding depth to her characters and settings. This skillful use of action beats drives the narrative forward with a compelling sense of realism and immediacy, making her storytelling stand out in contemporary fiction.

It was ok

Great narrator! The storyline felt repetitive and the big build up reveal wasn’t very exciting. I don’t understand how the character came to some of her conclusions.

surprised

I'd never read this author before, but the book description caught my attention. I'm really loving it and am only about 28 percent through. Christine Lakin is a fabulous reader as always. I remember her from Step By Step growing up. for once, lately I don't feel as though I've wasted a credit on a book. I've lost 4 credits on books, that didn't meet my expectations.