Ally Condie’s adult debut, The Unwedding, sets a classic locked-room mystery against the picturesque backdrop of Big Sur. Ellery Wainwright, recently divorced and alone, goes to the luxurious Resort at Broken Point for what would have been her 20th wedding anniversary. Instead of peace, she finds chaos: she finds the groom at a wedding held there dead in the pool, and a sudden storm traps the guests with no hope of rescue. As bodies pile up, Ellery and two other guests, Ravi and Nina, step into the unlikely roles of amateur detectives.
While the setup is promising, the execution falls flat. The characters, including Ellery, don’t leave a lasting impact, making it hard to care about their fates. The calm reactions to the murders stretch believability, and the idea of vacationers stepping into detective roles feels implausible. Despite moments of intrigue and the unique addition of art throughout the resort, the story struggles with uneven character development and a resolution that doesn’t satisfy.
Condie’s exploration of grief and resilience adds some depth, but it’s overshadowed by plot issues and shallow characterization. For readers craving a stormy escape with a touch of mystery, The Unwedding might suffice, but it’s not the standout it could have been. A generous 3 stars.
** Thanks to the publisher for a comp in exchange for an honest review. The opinions are my own.