Devi Nair
It’s downright wild how The Hunting Party dials up the toxicity within its friend group until it almost feels surreal. So many red herrings, emotional landmines, and secret histories that the drama barely lets up. Lucy Foley has crafted these characters to be part of a tradition: old “friends” who have become more like frenemies, holding together out of habit and nostalgia rather than genuine warmth. Their connections are heavy with grudges, betrayals, and the kind of competitive edge that makes every gathering a potential battleground.
There are plenty of red herrings, which is fun for a whodunit, but the excess left me more confused than intrigued. Add in the toxicity of this so-called “friend group”, the bullying, manipulation, and constant undercutting, and I couldn’t help but wonder: why are they even friends? Friends are the family you choose, and you can always “unchoose.” Maybe I’m naive, or maybe just lucky, but I’ve never met people who thrive in such poisonous relationships.
The audiobook narrations were a mixed bag: the female narrators, Elle Newlands, Morag Sims, Imogen Church, and Moira Quirk, brought lively energy and emotional nuance to their characters. Unfortunately, Gary Furlong’s narration of Doug fell flat, depriving a key character of the depth and grittiness he deserved.
It’s not a bad thriller, but it’s not one I’ll be raving about at book club either, considering I am reading this for a book club. If you love complex mysteries, it’s worth a shot. Just keep a character chart handy.
Originally posted at viewsshewrites.com.
It’s downright wild how The Hunting Party dials up the toxicity within its friend group until it almost feels surreal. So many red herrings, emotional landmines, and secret histories that the drama barely lets up. Lucy Foley has crafted these characters to be part of a tradition: old “friends” who have become more like frenemies, holding together out of habit and nostalgia rather than genuine warmth. Their connections are heavy with grudges, betrayals, and the kind of competitive edge that makes every gathering a potential battleground.
There are plenty of red herrings, which is fun for a whodunit, but the excess left me more confused than intrigued. Add in the toxicity of this so-called “friend group”, the bullying, manipulation, and constant undercutting, and I couldn’t help but wonder: why are they even friends? Friends are the family you choose, and you can always “unchoose.” Maybe I’m naive, or maybe just lucky, but I’ve never met people who thrive in such poisonous relationships.
The audiobook narrations were a mixed bag: the female narrators, Elle Newlands, Morag Sims, Imogen Church, and Moira Quirk, brought lively energy and emotional nuance to their characters. Unfortunately, Gary Furlong’s narration of Doug fell flat, depriving a key character of the depth and grittiness he deserved.
It’s not a bad thriller, but it’s not one I’ll be raving about at book club either, considering I am reading this for a book club. If you love complex mysteries, it’s worth a shot. Just keep a character chart handy.
Originally posted at viewsshewrites.com.