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The Plus One
White Lotus meets The Guest List in international bestselling author S. C. Lalli’s next thrilling novel, where two business moguls were set to be married in the biggest event of the year—until they’re both found murdered the day before the wedding—and a social outsider must unravel the mystery before her own hidden agenda is revealed.
The wedding of Radhika Singh and Raj Joshi, a weeklong affair at a luxury resort in Cabos, isn’t just going to be the event of the season—it will also mark the union of two highly influential and wealthy Indian-American families. No expense will be spared for what Radhika and Raj have coined “R&R,” a week of rest, relaxation, and celebrating their love.
Shaylee “Shay” Kapoor is just an outsider, but she just so happens to be dating Raj’s best friend, Caleb Prescott III, and is sucked into this world of wealth and excess. But on the morning the wedding festivities are supposed to begin, the resort’s wedding coordinator Daniela makes a frightening Raj and Radhika are dead, gunshots to the head.
Chaos descends on the hotel as the guests are turned away or sent home. Shay stays by Caleb’s side as the investigation starts to unfold, family and close friends grieve, and accusations run wild. The police believe the murders are a drug cartel hit.
But even if it was a cartel hit, even if the murderer somehow got past the resort’s security, the hotel room doors have state-of-the-art locks. There was no way for the murderer to slip into the room without a key. And only the sister of the bride, Zara; the best men, Caleb and Sean; and the wedding coordinator, Daniela, have keys.
Shay may be an outsider—and she definitely has secrets of her own—but she may be the only person with enough perspective to untangle everyone’s lies, and discover why anyone would want the bride and groom dead. . .
The wedding of Radhika Singh and Raj Joshi, a weeklong affair at a luxury resort in Cabos, isn’t just going to be the event of the season—it will also mark the union of two highly influential and wealthy Indian-American families. No expense will be spared for what Radhika and Raj have coined “R&R,” a week of rest, relaxation, and celebrating their love.
Shaylee “Shay” Kapoor is just an outsider, but she just so happens to be dating Raj’s best friend, Caleb Prescott III, and is sucked into this world of wealth and excess. But on the morning the wedding festivities are supposed to begin, the resort’s wedding coordinator Daniela makes a frightening Raj and Radhika are dead, gunshots to the head.
Chaos descends on the hotel as the guests are turned away or sent home. Shay stays by Caleb’s side as the investigation starts to unfold, family and close friends grieve, and accusations run wild. The police believe the murders are a drug cartel hit.
But even if it was a cartel hit, even if the murderer somehow got past the resort’s security, the hotel room doors have state-of-the-art locks. There was no way for the murderer to slip into the room without a key. And only the sister of the bride, Zara; the best men, Caleb and Sean; and the wedding coordinator, Daniela, have keys.
Shay may be an outsider—and she definitely has secrets of her own—but she may be the only person with enough perspective to untangle everyone’s lies, and discover why anyone would want the bride and groom dead. . .
368 pages, Paperback
First published August 13, 2024
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May 11, 2024
ARC Review- 3 Stars
Publishing Date- Aug 13,2024
What To Expect-
🌞Unreliable Narrator
🌞Luxurious Resort Vibes
🌞Drug Cartels
🌞Dual Timelines
My Thoughts-
A classic whodunnit thriller. This was a quick and easy read. I really enjoyed the juicy gossip. The murder mystery occurred at a luxurious resort in Cabo. The writing flows smoothly, transitioning between present scenes and past flashbacks. I didn’t guess who the killer was though I wasn’t surprised. Everyone was a suspect in my eyes. I think this book would have benefitted with multiple POV’s.
Overall- I would recommend this book to anyone that likes domestic thrillers.
✨Thanks to NetGalley, The Author, & William Morrow Publishing for an advance copy of this book in exchange for an honest review ✨
Publishing Date- Aug 13,2024
What To Expect-
🌞Unreliable Narrator
🌞Luxurious Resort Vibes
🌞Drug Cartels
🌞Dual Timelines
My Thoughts-
A classic whodunnit thriller. This was a quick and easy read. I really enjoyed the juicy gossip. The murder mystery occurred at a luxurious resort in Cabo. The writing flows smoothly, transitioning between present scenes and past flashbacks. I didn’t guess who the killer was though I wasn’t surprised. Everyone was a suspect in my eyes. I think this book would have benefitted with multiple POV’s.
Overall- I would recommend this book to anyone that likes domestic thrillers.
✨Thanks to NetGalley, The Author, & William Morrow Publishing for an advance copy of this book in exchange for an honest review ✨
September 2, 2024
Imagine nice summer breezes and luxury villas. Five star restaurants and plenty of drama. The Plus One delivered all of that and more. After all, the amateur detective narrator and unguessable twists were just the start of the fun. Because along with the rich people behaving badly vibe and luxury setting, there were plenty of serious topics on tap that made me think long and hard. Above all, though, this was a sharp satirical look at two truly dysfunctional families. Think The White Lotus with a stronger suspense-driven twist.
From the top, thanks to ever rising tension and some thoroughly unlikeable, morally gray characters, I quickly got pulled into this destination wedding from hell. Filled with suspicious individuals, you better believe that they all got a serious side-eye from me. But the absolute best piece to this whodunnit plot? That would be the final revelation that had me sitting straight up in bed as my jaw hit the floor. I definitely didn’t see it coming, which made me positively giddy.
The only pieces to the puzzle that weren’t an utter slam dunk were the focus on the possible drug cartel angle and the slow burn first half. I can’t go into specifics about the former as it would certainly spoil the plot, but just know that it wasn’t quite perfected in my humble opinion. As for the latter, I could’ve done with a bit more propulsion from the offset of this twisty, twisty plot. Nevertheless, I found it one humdinger of a book despite all of the above.
Now that I’m finished, it’s clear that Ms. Lalli has done it yet again. After inhaling Are You Sara? just last year, I couldn’t wait to dive into her newest thriller. What shocked me even more this time around, though, was her ability to give this book an entirely different feel from her stellar debut. But with yet another smoothly unfurling narrative, both managed to win me over hook, line, and, sinker. All told, I’m duly impressed. Bring on book three, I’m ready and waiting. Rating of 4 stars.
SYNOPSIS:
The wedding of Radhika Singh and Raj Joshi, a weeklong affair at a luxury resort in Cabo, isn’t just going to be the event of the season—it will also mark the union of two highly influential and wealthy Indian-American families. No expense will be spared for what Radhika and Raj have coined “R&R,” a week of rest, relaxation, and celebrating their love.
Shaylee “Shay” Kapoor is just an outsider, but she just so happens to be dating Raj’s best friend, Caleb Prescott III, and is sucked into this world of wealth and excess. But on the morning the wedding festivities are supposed to begin, the resort’s wedding coordinator Daniela makes a frightening discovery: Raj and Radhika are dead, gunshots to the head.
Chaos descends on the hotel as the guests are turned away or sent home. Shay stays by Caleb’s side as the investigation starts to unfold, family and close friends grieve, and accusations run wild. The police believe the murders are a drug cartel hit.
But even if it was a cartel hit, even if the murderer somehow got past the resort’s security, the hotel room doors have state-of-the-art locks. There was no way for the murderer to slip into the room without a key. And only the sister of the bride, Zara; the best men, Caleb and Sean; and the wedding coordinator, Daniela, have keys.
Shay may be an outsider—and she definitely has secrets of her own—but she may be the only person with enough perspective to untangle everyone’s lies, and discover why anyone would want the bride and groom dead…
Thank you to S.C. Lalli, William Morrow, and NetGalley for my complimentary digital and physical copies. All opinions are my own.
PUB DATE: August 13, 2024
Trigger warning: drug use, mention of: addiction
From the top, thanks to ever rising tension and some thoroughly unlikeable, morally gray characters, I quickly got pulled into this destination wedding from hell. Filled with suspicious individuals, you better believe that they all got a serious side-eye from me. But the absolute best piece to this whodunnit plot? That would be the final revelation that had me sitting straight up in bed as my jaw hit the floor. I definitely didn’t see it coming, which made me positively giddy.
The only pieces to the puzzle that weren’t an utter slam dunk were the focus on the possible drug cartel angle and the slow burn first half. I can’t go into specifics about the former as it would certainly spoil the plot, but just know that it wasn’t quite perfected in my humble opinion. As for the latter, I could’ve done with a bit more propulsion from the offset of this twisty, twisty plot. Nevertheless, I found it one humdinger of a book despite all of the above.
Now that I’m finished, it’s clear that Ms. Lalli has done it yet again. After inhaling Are You Sara? just last year, I couldn’t wait to dive into her newest thriller. What shocked me even more this time around, though, was her ability to give this book an entirely different feel from her stellar debut. But with yet another smoothly unfurling narrative, both managed to win me over hook, line, and, sinker. All told, I’m duly impressed. Bring on book three, I’m ready and waiting. Rating of 4 stars.
SYNOPSIS:
The wedding of Radhika Singh and Raj Joshi, a weeklong affair at a luxury resort in Cabo, isn’t just going to be the event of the season—it will also mark the union of two highly influential and wealthy Indian-American families. No expense will be spared for what Radhika and Raj have coined “R&R,” a week of rest, relaxation, and celebrating their love.
Shaylee “Shay” Kapoor is just an outsider, but she just so happens to be dating Raj’s best friend, Caleb Prescott III, and is sucked into this world of wealth and excess. But on the morning the wedding festivities are supposed to begin, the resort’s wedding coordinator Daniela makes a frightening discovery: Raj and Radhika are dead, gunshots to the head.
Chaos descends on the hotel as the guests are turned away or sent home. Shay stays by Caleb’s side as the investigation starts to unfold, family and close friends grieve, and accusations run wild. The police believe the murders are a drug cartel hit.
But even if it was a cartel hit, even if the murderer somehow got past the resort’s security, the hotel room doors have state-of-the-art locks. There was no way for the murderer to slip into the room without a key. And only the sister of the bride, Zara; the best men, Caleb and Sean; and the wedding coordinator, Daniela, have keys.
Shay may be an outsider—and she definitely has secrets of her own—but she may be the only person with enough perspective to untangle everyone’s lies, and discover why anyone would want the bride and groom dead…
Thank you to S.C. Lalli, William Morrow, and NetGalley for my complimentary digital and physical copies. All opinions are my own.
PUB DATE: August 13, 2024
Trigger warning: drug use, mention of: addiction
March 1, 2024
"The Plus One" by S.C. Lalli is a twisty thriller set at a luxury resort in Cabo, Mexico. Told from the first-person perspective, it follows Shaylee “Shay” Kapoor, a South Asian woman with her own agenda.
The wedding of Radhika Singh and Raj Joshi unfolds at this opulent resort. As the offspring of two business moguls, no expenses were spared for this extravagant event. Caleb Prescott III, the groom's best man, is dating Shay, thus earning her an invitation to this lavish weeklong affair. The plot thickens when the bride and groom are found shot in their bed in a locked room at the beginning of the wedding festivities.
While the police suspect a drug cartel hit, the hotel's stringent security measures suggest the possibility of an inside job. With access to the room in question limited to the bride's sister Zara, the best men Caleb and Sean, and the wedding coordinator Daniela, suspicion falls heavily upon them. Shay launches into an investigation, quickly realizing she's in over her head with a murderer on the loose and everyone's safety at risk.
Overall, I enjoyed the tale, although I found Shay's character unlikable. Her hypocrisy and occasional condescension, along with her radical tendencies, didn't resonate with me. In fact, I found most of the characters unlikable; while the author adeptly fleshes them out, they lack the charm to make them endearing. They possess a believable depth but lack the qualities that would make me genuinely care about them. Their moral compasses are skewed, exacerbated by their indulgence in alcohol and drugs. I didn't like their entitled approach and their treatment of less fortunate people. Wealthy they might be, but they're not the sort of people I'd want to associate with. However, I appreciated the interactions between the characters, the exploration of cultural nuances, and the vivid setting.
The narrative flows smoothly, transitioning between present scenes and past flashbacks. While these flashbacks provide valuable backstories for the main characters, I found them somewhat dry. The pacing is sometimes quite fast but at times, it dragged. Overall, the story maintains a swift momentum, carrying the reader along effortlessly. I was pleasantly surprised by the twists, which kept me engaged until the final pages. Therefore, I rate the book 4 out of 5 stars. If you enjoy smart thrillers featuring a strong female lead and flawed characters, this book is worth your time.
* Thank you NetGalley and (publisher) for the opportunity to read this arc. All opinions are my own.
* Review in my Blog: https://galibookish.blogspot.com/2024...
The wedding of Radhika Singh and Raj Joshi unfolds at this opulent resort. As the offspring of two business moguls, no expenses were spared for this extravagant event. Caleb Prescott III, the groom's best man, is dating Shay, thus earning her an invitation to this lavish weeklong affair. The plot thickens when the bride and groom are found shot in their bed in a locked room at the beginning of the wedding festivities.
While the police suspect a drug cartel hit, the hotel's stringent security measures suggest the possibility of an inside job. With access to the room in question limited to the bride's sister Zara, the best men Caleb and Sean, and the wedding coordinator Daniela, suspicion falls heavily upon them. Shay launches into an investigation, quickly realizing she's in over her head with a murderer on the loose and everyone's safety at risk.
Overall, I enjoyed the tale, although I found Shay's character unlikable. Her hypocrisy and occasional condescension, along with her radical tendencies, didn't resonate with me. In fact, I found most of the characters unlikable; while the author adeptly fleshes them out, they lack the charm to make them endearing. They possess a believable depth but lack the qualities that would make me genuinely care about them. Their moral compasses are skewed, exacerbated by their indulgence in alcohol and drugs. I didn't like their entitled approach and their treatment of less fortunate people. Wealthy they might be, but they're not the sort of people I'd want to associate with. However, I appreciated the interactions between the characters, the exploration of cultural nuances, and the vivid setting.
The narrative flows smoothly, transitioning between present scenes and past flashbacks. While these flashbacks provide valuable backstories for the main characters, I found them somewhat dry. The pacing is sometimes quite fast but at times, it dragged. Overall, the story maintains a swift momentum, carrying the reader along effortlessly. I was pleasantly surprised by the twists, which kept me engaged until the final pages. Therefore, I rate the book 4 out of 5 stars. If you enjoy smart thrillers featuring a strong female lead and flawed characters, this book is worth your time.
* Thank you NetGalley and (publisher) for the opportunity to read this arc. All opinions are my own.
* Review in my Blog: https://galibookish.blogspot.com/2024...
August 4, 2024
This was an enjoyable summer thriller set at a wedding in Cabos gone wrong when the bride-and-groom-to-be end up murdered & "the plus one" launches her own investigation to get to the bottom of what went wrong.
The direction of the mystery spends a lot of time with the cartel theory as detailed in the synopsis which wasn't my favorite. Personally I enjoy more contained mysteries with our main cast of characters keeping secrets from one another (which was in this story, but was a bit overshadowed in my opinion). Overall a good time and I'd check out more from this author again in the future.
Thank you to the publisher for granting me access to an ARC via NetGalley in exchange for an honest review. All opinions remain my own.
The direction of the mystery spends a lot of time with the cartel theory as detailed in the synopsis which wasn't my favorite. Personally I enjoy more contained mysteries with our main cast of characters keeping secrets from one another (which was in this story, but was a bit overshadowed in my opinion). Overall a good time and I'd check out more from this author again in the future.
Thank you to the publisher for granting me access to an ARC via NetGalley in exchange for an honest review. All opinions remain my own.
August 2, 2024
I received a free copy of, The Plus One, by S.C. Lalli, from the publisher and Netgalley in exchange for an honest review. The wedding of the year is here, Radhika Singh and Raj Joshi are getting married, all the in crowd are invited. Unexpectedly the loving pair are found murdered. Shaylee who is dating the grooms best friend, decides to investigate. Wow, what a wild ride this book is. I enjoyed this book, and finding out who the killer is.
August 10, 2024
Thank you to S.C. Lalli, William Marrow Publishing, and NetGalley for the eARC of this book. This is my honest review.
Shaylee "Shay" Kapoor, is a plus one who was invited to an extremely exclusive wedding, hosted at a resort because her boyfriend, Caleb Prescott, is the best friend of the groom. Shortly after Shay arrives to the resort on the day that wedding festivities are supposed to begin, the bride and groom are both found dead in their hotel room, which only three people had access to at the time of the murders, Caleb and Sean (the two best men) and Zara (the bride's sister) and an additional person with an alibi. However, the police believe that the drug cartel is involved in the murders even though there was a limited amount of people that could have entered the room.
A soon as the book starts, the reader is thrown right into the story; there was little to no backstory. The story had a fast pace, with things constantly happening and new information being thrown in, but overall, it wasn't as excting as I usually look for with thriller books and the story did not hook me and make me want to keep reading to find out more. I do think that this book could have potentially benefited from being multi-POV instead of a standard single POV to add more interest in other characters and their thought processes overall during the investigation. I could not relate to any of these characters at all, and they were all generally unlikeable.
Shaylee "Shay" Kapoor, is a plus one who was invited to an extremely exclusive wedding, hosted at a resort because her boyfriend, Caleb Prescott, is the best friend of the groom. Shortly after Shay arrives to the resort on the day that wedding festivities are supposed to begin, the bride and groom are both found dead in their hotel room, which only three people had access to at the time of the murders, Caleb and Sean (the two best men) and Zara (the bride's sister) and an additional person with an alibi. However, the police believe that the drug cartel is involved in the murders even though there was a limited amount of people that could have entered the room.
A soon as the book starts, the reader is thrown right into the story; there was little to no backstory. The story had a fast pace, with things constantly happening and new information being thrown in, but overall, it wasn't as excting as I usually look for with thriller books and the story did not hook me and make me want to keep reading to find out more. I do think that this book could have potentially benefited from being multi-POV instead of a standard single POV to add more interest in other characters and their thought processes overall during the investigation. I could not relate to any of these characters at all, and they were all generally unlikeable.
July 6, 2024
A double murder at the wedding of the year.. I had to know more!
This was a wild one, set in an exclusive resort in Mexico, celebrity wedding that never was. Shay is thee as the Plus One, the girlfriend of the best man. But there is so much happening under the surface with these 2 families. It was to be the most lavish and expensive wedding ever, with days of celebration. Now there are only questions, and fingers being pointed. Who wanted them dead and why?
A locked room murder mystery with plenty of twists. Certainly kept me turning the pages. A fun read full of unlikeable characters.
Thanks so much to William Morrow for my advanced copy of this book to read. Publishes on August 13th. 3.5 ⭐️
This was a wild one, set in an exclusive resort in Mexico, celebrity wedding that never was. Shay is thee as the Plus One, the girlfriend of the best man. But there is so much happening under the surface with these 2 families. It was to be the most lavish and expensive wedding ever, with days of celebration. Now there are only questions, and fingers being pointed. Who wanted them dead and why?
A locked room murder mystery with plenty of twists. Certainly kept me turning the pages. A fun read full of unlikeable characters.
Thanks so much to William Morrow for my advanced copy of this book to read. Publishes on August 13th. 3.5 ⭐️
September 21, 2024
Shay is going to meet her boyfriend Caleb in Cabo for his best friend’s wedding. The wedding of Raj, who comes from a wealthy business family, and Radhika, a famous influencer. They are both super rich and mean and I didn’t care about any of the characters in the slightest. It takes some work for a murder mystery to be boring, but this book pulled it off!
August 14, 2024
First things first I’m sad I didn’t get this review out before the publishing date. I had to sit on it a few times before I posted. My goal is to always be honest in what I say and write but I try to not be mean. Sometimes my original thoughts can be a bit brutal so I try to take a break and come back to a piece before I finalize everything. Not every book that I choose to read or receive to read is going to be liked. I may like aspects of a book but dislike the majority of it for multiple reasons. This is one of those times.
The wedding of the year ends in a double murder. What mystery/thriller reader doesn’t want to read that?! This book has it all; drugs, scandal, a lover’s quarrel, missing evidence, a locked door murder with a neatly tied up ending. Unfortunately, this book was not as good as the synopsis makes it sound. Actually... the synopsis makes this book seem way more suspenseful and exciting that it truly is. I was overall underwhelmed and disappointed.
The Plus One was a quick and easy(ish) read but I was never completely hooked to the point where I couldn’t put it down. I wanted so badly to love this one! It had some great ideas...the author just fell short of making it actually intriguing and captivating. Yet another book that fell way short of the way that it is presented. Honestly, I had a hard time picking it back up to finish. It took me a day longer than anticipated to read because I struggled to stay invested in it and found myself looking for other books to read next. I wasn’t surprised at who the killer actually was. It had to be one of only a handful of people and they each had motive, it wasn’t a ‘Holy Cow I didn’t see that coming!’ type ending. More of a ‘oh okay that’s a reason, makes sense. I suppose.’.
Some issues I had with this book were as follows;
First, this book focuses a lot on how it was possibly the Mexican drug cartel that committed these murders. Spoiler Alert... it wasn’t them. I mean is it a “spoiler” if it’s so painfully obvious throughout the entire book that it’s not them. The author practically shoves the idea down your throat that any seasoned mystery reader and lover will know it’s not going to be them in the end. It’s was very obvious that it was written in to mislead the reader but it was so overdone it was almost laughable.
Second, the way that the some of the characters behaved had me rolling my eyes. Take Mr. Joshi for example; there is no way he would have let Shay live, especially after all the other horrid things he did. Come on now. At least attempt to have her taken out. A guy like Mr. Joshi isn’t going to just have her escorted off the premises. Let’s be real here. Shay not knowing her boyfriend had a massive drug problem? With how much he was supposedly taking, she would have noticed. I have never done drugs or been around many people doing hard drugs but I can sure as heck tell when someone is on something.
Third, the main female character, Shay, being a journalist...predicable and has been done so many times already. Let’s get creative people. Almost immediately you know she's either a journalist or has been wronged in some way by someone in one of the families. another missed opportunity to really surprise the readers.
Lastly, the characters just really had no depth. Just a brief bit of information here and there but nothing to make you really wonder if they could be the murderer. The majority of the book is Shay running around going back and forth about who is the killer based on who she’s sitting in front of at the moment. No big surprises that she uncovers or shocking new information. The sister having the phone? I mean it’s not really surprising or shocking. The way it was found was more like a last-minute thought that was tossed in.
All of this made the book a bit hard to finish but I did enjoy the ending chapter with Sean and Shay. This book had so much potential.
I wouldn’t call this book a suspense or a thriller. I’d say it's more like a slow burning curiosity. I was kind of bored but also, I want the closure.
Thank you so much to NetGalley, S.C. Lalli, William Marrow Publishing for providing me with digital ARC in exchange for my honest review.
The wedding of the year ends in a double murder. What mystery/thriller reader doesn’t want to read that?! This book has it all; drugs, scandal, a lover’s quarrel, missing evidence, a locked door murder with a neatly tied up ending. Unfortunately, this book was not as good as the synopsis makes it sound. Actually... the synopsis makes this book seem way more suspenseful and exciting that it truly is. I was overall underwhelmed and disappointed.
The Plus One was a quick and easy(ish) read but I was never completely hooked to the point where I couldn’t put it down. I wanted so badly to love this one! It had some great ideas...the author just fell short of making it actually intriguing and captivating. Yet another book that fell way short of the way that it is presented. Honestly, I had a hard time picking it back up to finish. It took me a day longer than anticipated to read because I struggled to stay invested in it and found myself looking for other books to read next. I wasn’t surprised at who the killer actually was. It had to be one of only a handful of people and they each had motive, it wasn’t a ‘Holy Cow I didn’t see that coming!’ type ending. More of a ‘oh okay that’s a reason, makes sense. I suppose.’.
Some issues I had with this book were as follows;
First, this book focuses a lot on how it was possibly the Mexican drug cartel that committed these murders. Spoiler Alert... it wasn’t them. I mean is it a “spoiler” if it’s so painfully obvious throughout the entire book that it’s not them. The author practically shoves the idea down your throat that any seasoned mystery reader and lover will know it’s not going to be them in the end. It’s was very obvious that it was written in to mislead the reader but it was so overdone it was almost laughable.
Second, the way that the some of the characters behaved had me rolling my eyes. Take Mr. Joshi for example; there is no way he would have let Shay live, especially after all the other horrid things he did. Come on now. At least attempt to have her taken out. A guy like Mr. Joshi isn’t going to just have her escorted off the premises. Let’s be real here. Shay not knowing her boyfriend had a massive drug problem? With how much he was supposedly taking, she would have noticed. I have never done drugs or been around many people doing hard drugs but I can sure as heck tell when someone is on something.
Third, the main female character, Shay, being a journalist...predicable and has been done so many times already. Let’s get creative people. Almost immediately you know she's either a journalist or has been wronged in some way by someone in one of the families. another missed opportunity to really surprise the readers.
Lastly, the characters just really had no depth. Just a brief bit of information here and there but nothing to make you really wonder if they could be the murderer. The majority of the book is Shay running around going back and forth about who is the killer based on who she’s sitting in front of at the moment. No big surprises that she uncovers or shocking new information. The sister having the phone? I mean it’s not really surprising or shocking. The way it was found was more like a last-minute thought that was tossed in.
All of this made the book a bit hard to finish but I did enjoy the ending chapter with Sean and Shay. This book had so much potential.
I wouldn’t call this book a suspense or a thriller. I’d say it's more like a slow burning curiosity. I was kind of bored but also, I want the closure.
Thank you so much to NetGalley, S.C. Lalli, William Marrow Publishing for providing me with digital ARC in exchange for my honest review.
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
August 19, 2024
Paradise was definitely lost in Cabo and followed it into the unknown. What. A. Page Turner.
What would you do if you were invited to the wealthiest of weddings at the most luxurious resort and you knew you didn't belong? And what if no one knew your real reason for being there? This is exactly what happens Shaylee "Shay" Kapoor. Radhika Singh and Raj Joshi's wedding is going to be THE event of the season and the world is watching. Shay just so happens to be the plus one of Raj's best friend, Caleb Prescott III. On the morning of the start to the week long festivities, the resort's coordinator finds Raj and Radhika dead. Chaos immediately makes its presence known on the resort as everyone ends up a suspect. The police and National Guard show up, believing the murders are tied to the drug cartel. Shay is an outsider but she has secrets of her own. She just might be in the right position to untangle all of the lies.
This book had a great start and kept getting better and better as it progressed. I was completely caught up in the flow as Lalli introduced new developments to the storyline. The characters were completely distinct and well developed. What a stellar thriller!
Special thank you to NetGalley, S.C. Lalli, and William Morrow for the opportunity to read this incredible thriller in exchange for my honest opinion.
What would you do if you were invited to the wealthiest of weddings at the most luxurious resort and you knew you didn't belong? And what if no one knew your real reason for being there? This is exactly what happens Shaylee "Shay" Kapoor. Radhika Singh and Raj Joshi's wedding is going to be THE event of the season and the world is watching. Shay just so happens to be the plus one of Raj's best friend, Caleb Prescott III. On the morning of the start to the week long festivities, the resort's coordinator finds Raj and Radhika dead. Chaos immediately makes its presence known on the resort as everyone ends up a suspect. The police and National Guard show up, believing the murders are tied to the drug cartel. Shay is an outsider but she has secrets of her own. She just might be in the right position to untangle all of the lies.
This book had a great start and kept getting better and better as it progressed. I was completely caught up in the flow as Lalli introduced new developments to the storyline. The characters were completely distinct and well developed. What a stellar thriller!
Special thank you to NetGalley, S.C. Lalli, and William Morrow for the opportunity to read this incredible thriller in exchange for my honest opinion.
May 8, 2025
A twisty, high-stakes thriller set against the lush backdrop of a destination wedding that takes a dark and deadly turn. When the bride and groom are found dead the night before their wedding, the ceremony is swiftly replaced with a murder investigation—and every guest becomes a suspect. Think White Lotus meets Knives Out, but with more saris and secrets.
This one’s a binge read—I devoured it in a single sitting and immediately found myself daydreaming about a beach vacation (minus the double homicide, of course). While the characters aren’t particularly likable, they’re all bold and distinct, each with just enough edge and mystery to keep you second-guessing their motives. Everyone's hiding something, but who had the strongest reason to kill?
My one wish? I would have loved more time with Raj and Radhika before their tragic end. Getting to know them a bit more would’ve made the emotional stakes hit harder from the jump.
If you’re into rich family drama, scandal, and deadly secrets wrapped in tropical scenery, this one's worth packing in your beach bag.
Thank you to William Morrow and NetGalley for the ARC in exchange for an honest review!
This one’s a binge read—I devoured it in a single sitting and immediately found myself daydreaming about a beach vacation (minus the double homicide, of course). While the characters aren’t particularly likable, they’re all bold and distinct, each with just enough edge and mystery to keep you second-guessing their motives. Everyone's hiding something, but who had the strongest reason to kill?
My one wish? I would have loved more time with Raj and Radhika before their tragic end. Getting to know them a bit more would’ve made the emotional stakes hit harder from the jump.
If you’re into rich family drama, scandal, and deadly secrets wrapped in tropical scenery, this one's worth packing in your beach bag.
Thank you to William Morrow and NetGalley for the ARC in exchange for an honest review!
August 26, 2024
Thank you NetGalley and William Morrow Books for a copy of The Plus One by S.C. Lalli in return for my honest review of this book. This had all the things I love in a thriller book. Murder mystery, twisted characters, and scandals. I liked it but I did not love it. I did not connect with the characters as much as I had wanted to. It was a bit predictable in my opinion but still an easy read. I felt that the premise of the book was really good it just did not hit for me as much as I thought it would have.
The wedding of the year takes a twisted turn as a murder mystery unfolds when the bride and groom wind up dead the night before their wedding. The setting was amazing as it was a destination wedding. If you like scandalous rich people, a murder investigation, and unreliable characters then this one may be for you. Just because I did not love this one does not mean you won't. It was more adventurous than I thought it would be. I enjoy a twisted psychological thriller rather than an action packed thriller and this one was more action packed than I had anticipated.
This book released this month on 8/13 and is now available to read.
The wedding of the year takes a twisted turn as a murder mystery unfolds when the bride and groom wind up dead the night before their wedding. The setting was amazing as it was a destination wedding. If you like scandalous rich people, a murder investigation, and unreliable characters then this one may be for you. Just because I did not love this one does not mean you won't. It was more adventurous than I thought it would be. I enjoy a twisted psychological thriller rather than an action packed thriller and this one was more action packed than I had anticipated.
This book released this month on 8/13 and is now available to read.
August 31, 2024
The Plus One by S.C. Lalli had an interesting premise, but unfortunately, it didn't quite live up to my expectations. While the storyline had potential, the pacing felt uneven, and the characters lacked depth. I struggled to connect with the protagonists, and the chemistry between them felt forced rather than natural. Some plot points felt predictable, and the dialogue was often stilted, making it hard to stay engaged. Though there were a few enjoyable moments, overall, the book fell short for me. It's a light read, but it just didn't hit the mark.
I appreciate NetGalley and William Morrow Paperbacks for providing me with an eBook advance copy in exchange for my honest review. The official release date is 8/13/24!
I appreciate NetGalley and William Morrow Paperbacks for providing me with an eBook advance copy in exchange for my honest review. The official release date is 8/13/24!
May 7, 2024
I’m not certain what I was expecting here – probably your standard mystery where it’s ‘Let’s go to a resort’ followed by, “Oops! Someone is dead and one of YOU killed them!”
And, really, it is that. But it’s also clever and compelling. I loved the Crazy Rich Indians feel to it mixed with morally ambiguous characters and what was simply a good mystery.
Almost all the characters are a bit ‘bent’ in one way or another, but they’re still extremely readable. I even liked our plucky MC – and plucky usually makes me want to gag.
This was a thoroughly entertaining read and I enjoyed every bit of it!
• ARC via Publisher
And, really, it is that. But it’s also clever and compelling. I loved the Crazy Rich Indians feel to it mixed with morally ambiguous characters and what was simply a good mystery.
Almost all the characters are a bit ‘bent’ in one way or another, but they’re still extremely readable. I even liked our plucky MC – and plucky usually makes me want to gag.
This was a thoroughly entertaining read and I enjoyed every bit of it!
• ARC via Publisher
August 11, 2024
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.
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.
October 21, 2024
Looking for spoilers? There's a summary on my blog: https://www.howdidthatbookend.com/sc-...
I am always down to try a wedding thriller! The setting was perfect, especially with Shay cast as the outsider, and I enjoyed the excerpts from the wedding schedule that explained the various aspects of a lavish Indian wedding.
Right from the start, the bride and groom are found dead, killed execution-style, before the wedding festivities can begin. I liked the way we discovered who Shay was as the story progressed, but I didn't understand why the flashbacks were third-person POV while the present-day scenes were first-person. I thought there was going to be more of a twist about Shay's identity.
This is a reasonably interesting thriller about rich people behaving badly, but I wasn't shocked by the ending. I liked how it turned out and enjoyed reading it, but it didn't do anything new or unique.
I am always down to try a wedding thriller! The setting was perfect, especially with Shay cast as the outsider, and I enjoyed the excerpts from the wedding schedule that explained the various aspects of a lavish Indian wedding.
Right from the start, the bride and groom are found dead, killed execution-style, before the wedding festivities can begin. I liked the way we discovered who Shay was as the story progressed, but I didn't understand why the flashbacks were third-person POV while the present-day scenes were first-person. I thought there was going to be more of a twist about Shay's identity.
This is a reasonably interesting thriller about rich people behaving badly, but I wasn't shocked by the ending. I liked how it turned out and enjoyed reading it, but it didn't do anything new or unique.
March 20, 2024
Super thrilling and decadent, The Plus One truly is" White Lotus meets The Guest List," as it is promoted!
Shaylee is the plus one at a very, VERY exclusive wedding - the merger of the children of billionaire empires. Her boyfriend is great but they just started dating and she is not sure she passes muster in the goings on of this multi-day event. When Radhika and Raj, the betrothed end up dead, all hell breaks lose and Shay has only herself to count on. Is this a mob hit? Drug Cartels? Or something closer and much more sinister?
Join Shay at the scrumptious Blush resort as she tries to make sense of the rules of wealthy engagement, solve the murder and stay alive! Each chapter begins with the invite information for the theme of each wedding celebration day, setting the stage for a perfect get-away novel for armchair detectives. I so wish I could attend!
#williammorrow #sclalli #theplusone
Shaylee is the plus one at a very, VERY exclusive wedding - the merger of the children of billionaire empires. Her boyfriend is great but they just started dating and she is not sure she passes muster in the goings on of this multi-day event. When Radhika and Raj, the betrothed end up dead, all hell breaks lose and Shay has only herself to count on. Is this a mob hit? Drug Cartels? Or something closer and much more sinister?
Join Shay at the scrumptious Blush resort as she tries to make sense of the rules of wealthy engagement, solve the murder and stay alive! Each chapter begins with the invite information for the theme of each wedding celebration day, setting the stage for a perfect get-away novel for armchair detectives. I so wish I could attend!
#williammorrow #sclalli #theplusone
July 6, 2024
Wow. This is my favorite book I’ve read so far this year. And might be my favorite for the entire year.
With a single POV throughout the book and beachy luxury vibes, this was such a fun read.
It was so well written and pulled me in straight from the start. There’s enough twists that you’re the perfect amount of intrigued, but not too confused and it never felt like it was “too much”.
This was the first book I’ve read by this author and I’m already dying to pick up another title of hers.
Thank you to Netgalley and William Morrow for this ARC.
With a single POV throughout the book and beachy luxury vibes, this was such a fun read.
It was so well written and pulled me in straight from the start. There’s enough twists that you’re the perfect amount of intrigued, but not too confused and it never felt like it was “too much”.
This was the first book I’ve read by this author and I’m already dying to pick up another title of hers.
Thank you to Netgalley and William Morrow for this ARC.
June 29, 2024
Note: I received an advanced copy of this book from William Morrow via NetGalley.
This book promised a thrilling weeklong wedding extravaganza set in a luxurious Cabos resort, culminating in a shocking murder mystery. However, I felt the reality fell short of my expectations.
The story centers around the opulent wedding of Radhika Singh and Raj Joshi, an event meant to unite two influential Indian-American families. The week, coined "R&R" for rest, relaxation, and celebration, quickly spirals into chaos when the bride and groom are found dead with gunshot wounds to the head.
Enter Shaylee “Shay” Kapoor, an outsider dating Raj’s best friend, Caleb Prescott III. Shay finds herself amidst the unfolding drama, staying by Caleb’s side as the investigation begins. The police suspect a drug cartel hit, but with the resort’s state-of-the-art security, it seems impossible for the murderer to have entered without a key. With only a few people having access to the room, Shay must untangle a web of lies to discover the truth.
Despite the intriguing premise, the book failed to deliver on its promise. The plot, heavily laden with drug references, felt disconnected and poorly paced. I found myself struggling to stay invested in the story, largely due to the lack of compelling characters. Unfortunately, none of the characters were likable or relatable, making it difficult to root for anyone or care about their fate.
Overall, this book was a disappointing read for me. The excitement and suspense promised in the blurb were sorely missing, replaced by a tedious and unengaging narrative. This book didn’t live up to its hype, leaving me feeling underwhelmed and uninterested in the outcome.
This book promised a thrilling weeklong wedding extravaganza set in a luxurious Cabos resort, culminating in a shocking murder mystery. However, I felt the reality fell short of my expectations.
The story centers around the opulent wedding of Radhika Singh and Raj Joshi, an event meant to unite two influential Indian-American families. The week, coined "R&R" for rest, relaxation, and celebration, quickly spirals into chaos when the bride and groom are found dead with gunshot wounds to the head.
Enter Shaylee “Shay” Kapoor, an outsider dating Raj’s best friend, Caleb Prescott III. Shay finds herself amidst the unfolding drama, staying by Caleb’s side as the investigation begins. The police suspect a drug cartel hit, but with the resort’s state-of-the-art security, it seems impossible for the murderer to have entered without a key. With only a few people having access to the room, Shay must untangle a web of lies to discover the truth.
Despite the intriguing premise, the book failed to deliver on its promise. The plot, heavily laden with drug references, felt disconnected and poorly paced. I found myself struggling to stay invested in the story, largely due to the lack of compelling characters. Unfortunately, none of the characters were likable or relatable, making it difficult to root for anyone or care about their fate.
Overall, this book was a disappointing read for me. The excitement and suspense promised in the blurb were sorely missing, replaced by a tedious and unengaging narrative. This book didn’t live up to its hype, leaving me feeling underwhelmed and uninterested in the outcome.
July 21, 2024
The Plus One is a twisty novel that follows “Shay”, (Shaylee Kapoor), as she joins her wealthy boyfriend to the destination wedding of the century! Two business moguls coming together in matrimony, in Cabo San Lucas, Mexico! Until both the bride and groom are found dead and everyone is a suspect.
This novel was definitely a heavier read than my usual, involving the Mexican cartel, dirty business practices, drugs, and murder. I didn’t go into this book expecting it be as in-depth as it was, or I would’ve adjusted my expectations. That’s not to say it was a bad story or anything, just know it’s a very involved story with lots of branches to sprout off from.
The storyline itself was likable! I enjoyed how the characters were from all different backgrounds and didn’t fit into a “mold”. I found the details to be precise and very well thought out. There were a lot of details to lead the reader astray, but also plenty to keep them clued in too. Overall an unpredictable read that is worth 4.5⭐️!
Thank you NetGalley and William Morrow Publishing for this ARC. Release date: 8/13/24
This novel was definitely a heavier read than my usual, involving the Mexican cartel, dirty business practices, drugs, and murder. I didn’t go into this book expecting it be as in-depth as it was, or I would’ve adjusted my expectations. That’s not to say it was a bad story or anything, just know it’s a very involved story with lots of branches to sprout off from.
The storyline itself was likable! I enjoyed how the characters were from all different backgrounds and didn’t fit into a “mold”. I found the details to be precise and very well thought out. There were a lot of details to lead the reader astray, but also plenty to keep them clued in too. Overall an unpredictable read that is worth 4.5⭐️!
Thank you NetGalley and William Morrow Publishing for this ARC. Release date: 8/13/24
May 22, 2024
Fun way to start off my vacation to Mexico.
Could have definitely been better. Some of my comments + critiques are included below:
🏖️ Felt a little underdeveloped + the “suspected” cartel involvement felt both like low hanging fruit + a little racist and cliche
💍 The narrator (Shay) annoyed me
🏖️ Caleb’s drug use was the big secret?!That was never a secret!!!
💍 Radhika’s takedown of Shay and her moral superiority was the cathartic moment I needed + some of the points I thought about throughout the book
🏖️ Shay’s internal moral conflict that she wasn’t doing her watcher group stuff for the good of humanity was annoying
💍 I really don’t think Mr. Joshi would allow Shay to live
🏖️ No surprise that Mr. Joshi killed his brother
💍 Zara’s dialogue and chasing after Shay at the end seemed unrealistic
🏖️ The pretty bow ending, tie everything up at the end seemed unrealistic + a bit cliche
Could have definitely been better. Some of my comments + critiques are included below:
🏖️ Felt a little underdeveloped + the “suspected” cartel involvement felt both like low hanging fruit + a little racist and cliche
💍 The narrator (Shay) annoyed me
🏖️ Caleb’s drug use was the big secret?!That was never a secret!!!
💍 Radhika’s takedown of Shay and her moral superiority was the cathartic moment I needed + some of the points I thought about throughout the book
🏖️ Shay’s internal moral conflict that she wasn’t doing her watcher group stuff for the good of humanity was annoying
💍 I really don’t think Mr. Joshi would allow Shay to live
🏖️ No surprise that Mr. Joshi killed his brother
💍 Zara’s dialogue and chasing after Shay at the end seemed unrealistic
🏖️ The pretty bow ending, tie everything up at the end seemed unrealistic + a bit cliche
January 14, 2024
I liked the Los Cabos, Mexico setting for this lavish wedding and the plot was riveting. The wedding couple are found dead the day of the wedding and plus-one guest Shaylee must find out if her boyfriend, the best man Caleb is involved.
She singles out other suspects and decides to investigate on her own, reluctant to fly back home and leave Caleb with the horribly messy situation. The murderer was a surprise at the end. An entertaining and suspenseful read.
She singles out other suspects and decides to investigate on her own, reluctant to fly back home and leave Caleb with the horribly messy situation. The murderer was a surprise at the end. An entertaining and suspenseful read.
August 13, 2024
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!
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!
Want to read
August 10, 2024white lotus meets the guest list- say less
March 21, 2025
Thank you to NetGalley and The William Morrow Team for the E-ARC.
I have always wanted to go to an Indian wedding. I think the traditions are stunning! First, it’s more than a day event. It’s usually between 3-4 days and the decor and outfits are STUNNING. Colors are everywhere! It’s so vibrant and beautiful! The intricacies of the Mehndi and how beautiful it is, with sometimes the hidden grooms name! It’s just such a fun, beautiful, amazing cultural thing that I have always wanted to experience! I hope to get to experience it for real some day!!!
But until then, this books description of it was so good! The small little wedding details with the invites and descriptions of the days. I’m not sure what it had to do with the book but I absolutely loved it. And if the only purpose was to give more insight into traditional cultural weddings… chefs kiss! The mention of the Holi was amazing. Another cultural/ religious celebration that I hope I get to experience. I would love to experience any and all cultural and religious situation. How beautiful to get to be a part of other peoples cultures. Until then, S.C Lalli did a beautiful job of making me feel like I was in this book. Everything was so beautifully described. While also being a little scary cause of the murders.
The twists had me guessing until the end. The book is described as white lotus meets the guest list and I think that is an amazing description. This book was suspenseful, cute, funny, sad, and beautiful.
Shay is invited to the wedding of the year! Radhika, a social media influencer and sister of a highly influential skin care guru is marrying Raj, the son of a wealthy hotel empire. Shay is dating the best friend of Raj, Caleb. She arrives a few days before the wedding but a few days after the wedding party. Chaos follows when Radhika and Raj are found dead. Who did it? Who is safe? Was it drug related? Was it someone in the family? Who did it? Caleb, Zara (the skin care guru sister, and Sean (Rajs cousin turned brother) were the only people with access to their hotel room. Did they do it, or did they help someone? You’ll have to read and find out.
I have always wanted to go to an Indian wedding. I think the traditions are stunning! First, it’s more than a day event. It’s usually between 3-4 days and the decor and outfits are STUNNING. Colors are everywhere! It’s so vibrant and beautiful! The intricacies of the Mehndi and how beautiful it is, with sometimes the hidden grooms name! It’s just such a fun, beautiful, amazing cultural thing that I have always wanted to experience! I hope to get to experience it for real some day!!!
But until then, this books description of it was so good! The small little wedding details with the invites and descriptions of the days. I’m not sure what it had to do with the book but I absolutely loved it. And if the only purpose was to give more insight into traditional cultural weddings… chefs kiss! The mention of the Holi was amazing. Another cultural/ religious celebration that I hope I get to experience. I would love to experience any and all cultural and religious situation. How beautiful to get to be a part of other peoples cultures. Until then, S.C Lalli did a beautiful job of making me feel like I was in this book. Everything was so beautifully described. While also being a little scary cause of the murders.
The twists had me guessing until the end. The book is described as white lotus meets the guest list and I think that is an amazing description. This book was suspenseful, cute, funny, sad, and beautiful.
Shay is invited to the wedding of the year! Radhika, a social media influencer and sister of a highly influential skin care guru is marrying Raj, the son of a wealthy hotel empire. Shay is dating the best friend of Raj, Caleb. She arrives a few days before the wedding but a few days after the wedding party. Chaos follows when Radhika and Raj are found dead. Who did it? Who is safe? Was it drug related? Was it someone in the family? Who did it? Caleb, Zara (the skin care guru sister, and Sean (Rajs cousin turned brother) were the only people with access to their hotel room. Did they do it, or did they help someone? You’ll have to read and find out.
August 10, 2024
Shaylee Kapoor is the "plus one" at a lavish Indian wedding taking place at a luxurious resort in Mexico. Shay feels out of place with her boyfriend Caleb's uber-wealthy friends and as soon as she arrives, she figures out Caleb has lied to her. However, she is willing to overlook what Caleb did because Shay is keeping a big secret of her own. Things turn tragic when the bride and groom are found dead in their villa, and it's rumored this could be a drug cartel killing. However, when it looks like the killer could be someone in the couple's inner circle, Shay becomes determined to learn the truth about what really happened.
I was pleasantly surprised that this book was different from the typical destination thriller with "friends behaving badly." The plot has depth and involves corporate intrigue, social justice, and how appearances can be deceiving. Nobody in the book was completely likable, but I was rooting for Shay. I kept changing my mind about who I thought the killer was and I ended up being wrong. The book has some pacing issues, but is an entertaining read. I enjoyed the information about Indian wedding traditions that is included in the story. There is a flash-forward ending that wraps up most things in the plot although a few are purposely left open-ended. I enjoyed the book and would definitely read more by this author.
I received an advance copy of this ebook at no cost from NetGalley, William Morrow Books, and Scene of the Crime. My review is voluntary and unbiased.
I was pleasantly surprised that this book was different from the typical destination thriller with "friends behaving badly." The plot has depth and involves corporate intrigue, social justice, and how appearances can be deceiving. Nobody in the book was completely likable, but I was rooting for Shay. I kept changing my mind about who I thought the killer was and I ended up being wrong. The book has some pacing issues, but is an entertaining read. I enjoyed the information about Indian wedding traditions that is included in the story. There is a flash-forward ending that wraps up most things in the plot although a few are purposely left open-ended. I enjoyed the book and would definitely read more by this author.
I received an advance copy of this ebook at no cost from NetGalley, William Morrow Books, and Scene of the Crime. My review is voluntary and unbiased.
August 26, 2024
Thank you, NetGalley, for the DRC!
After the success of Are You Sara?, S.C. Lalli’s second thriller The Plus One gives readers a taste of an extravagant Indian wedding, à la White Lotus. Shay Kapoor is invited as the best man’s plus one to THE wedding of the century: the children of two insanely wealthy Indian families are getting married. However, on the eve of the wedding, the bride and groom are murdered in cold blood, and due to the exclusiveness of the resort, there are only three possible suspects: the bride’s sister, the groom’s cousin, and Shay’s boyfriend.
This is a whodunit in the best way possible: there are red herrings galore, and so, so, many turns that will keep you guessing until the very end. Lalli weaves together intricate layers of intrigue throughout Shay’s investigation, and just when you think all the layers have been peeled back, Lalli reveals another one. In fact, if you’re like me and try to guess the ending by the end of the first chapter, this is the kind of story where you can be both right and wrong about the murderer’s reveal.
The plot keeps you up reading until 3 a.m., but it’s Lalli’s writing style that keeps the pages turning. Shay is an engrossing character–a bit sarcastic, a bit flawed, and 100% relatable. Add that to Lalli’s vivid descriptions of a posh Cabo resort that only caters to the rich and famous–of which Shay is neither–and you’ve got a hell of a good read. I powered through this book in a matter of hours!
After the success of Are You Sara?, S.C. Lalli’s second thriller The Plus One gives readers a taste of an extravagant Indian wedding, à la White Lotus. Shay Kapoor is invited as the best man’s plus one to THE wedding of the century: the children of two insanely wealthy Indian families are getting married. However, on the eve of the wedding, the bride and groom are murdered in cold blood, and due to the exclusiveness of the resort, there are only three possible suspects: the bride’s sister, the groom’s cousin, and Shay’s boyfriend.
This is a whodunit in the best way possible: there are red herrings galore, and so, so, many turns that will keep you guessing until the very end. Lalli weaves together intricate layers of intrigue throughout Shay’s investigation, and just when you think all the layers have been peeled back, Lalli reveals another one. In fact, if you’re like me and try to guess the ending by the end of the first chapter, this is the kind of story where you can be both right and wrong about the murderer’s reveal.
The plot keeps you up reading until 3 a.m., but it’s Lalli’s writing style that keeps the pages turning. Shay is an engrossing character–a bit sarcastic, a bit flawed, and 100% relatable. Add that to Lalli’s vivid descriptions of a posh Cabo resort that only caters to the rich and famous–of which Shay is neither–and you’ve got a hell of a good read. I powered through this book in a matter of hours!
July 7, 2024
3.5 ⭐️
Thank you for the ARC from the Goodreads Giveaway! This was a decent whodunit mystery but it wasn’t really a page turner for me. I feel like I could have been missing clues in the beginning because I wasn’t as glued to the pages as I wanted to be. However, toward the middle / end of the book, it did get more suspenseful which I liked, I just wish there was more suspense throughout. I loved the resort setting of the story.
It also kind of seemed like the main character was trying too hard to push certain views at some points throughout the book and was hypocritical in those views. Had the book not tried too hard to be a bit political, it would probably have another half star. The main character just wasn’t very likable to me.
It kept me interested enough to keep reading, but it wasn’t gripping. There were some good plot twists, and I’d recommend this book to people who love whodunnits.
Thank you for the ARC from the Goodreads Giveaway! This was a decent whodunit mystery but it wasn’t really a page turner for me. I feel like I could have been missing clues in the beginning because I wasn’t as glued to the pages as I wanted to be. However, toward the middle / end of the book, it did get more suspenseful which I liked, I just wish there was more suspense throughout. I loved the resort setting of the story.
It also kind of seemed like the main character was trying too hard to push certain views at some points throughout the book and was hypocritical in those views. Had the book not tried too hard to be a bit political, it would probably have another half star. The main character just wasn’t very likable to me.
It kept me interested enough to keep reading, but it wasn’t gripping. There were some good plot twists, and I’d recommend this book to people who love whodunnits.
January 22, 2025
Very fun to read in Cabo. A lot of suspense leading up to the end and I wasn’t sure who the killer was until the last second
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