On tour for the launch of The Wedding Party by Lorna Dounaeva

By Kimberly Sullivan | May 9, 2025 |

Happy to be part of the Bookouture book tour for the launch of Lorna Dounaeva’s newest novel, The Wedding Party.

Happy launch week! I enjoyed this twisty, fast-paced psychological thriller. You can find my review below, alongside the book blurb, author bio and buy links.

My review:

I’ve read a few recent claustrophobic psychological thrillers set on remote islands, and The Wedding Party was an enjoyable addition to the genre.

Asha and Gordon are marrying on a beautiful and remote Scottish island, and Asha’s university friends come to celebrate the nuptials. But the true nature of the university “friendship” between Asha, Diane, Sarah, Ethan and Pete is slowly revealed through alternating timelines as the wedding week progresses. Judging from this tale, the old adage to keep your friends close and your enemies closer requires a serious rethink.

An enjoyable, twisty tale of thwarted marital bliss.

Thank you to NetGalley and the publisher for my copy – all thoughts are my own.

Blurb:

The groom’s grip is icy cold as he shakes my hand. “I have so wanted to meet you.” I look up into his steely eyes and a chill runs down my spine. I know this man, but no one can ever know why…

THE BRIDESMAID: Toasting the newlyweds on a remote Scottish island, Sarah watches her friends anxiously. As the groom affectionately touches his new wife’s stomach, she shudders to think what will happen if the secret comes out…

THE FRIEND: With her marriage over, the last place Diane wants to be is at a wedding. But she’s sure her so-called ‘friends’ are the reason her husband wanted to leave in the first place. It’s time for the truth to come out. Whatever the cost.

THE GROOMSMAN: I’d do anything for the bride, even if it means agreeing to be a groomsman before I’ve even met her soon-to-be husband. But when we finally meet, my heart starts pounding – we know each other, and I will do absolutely anything to keep where we met a secret…

But before the honeymoon begins, one of the newlyweds is found dead.

One of us is guilty.

One of us is a killer.

But who is it?

An absolutely gripping thriller about how well you really know the people you love, and how secrets can destroy even the strongest relationships. Perfect for fans of Shari Lapena, Lisa Jewell and Emily Shiner.

Author Bio:

Lorna Dounaeva is a politics graduate who worked for the British Home Office before turning to crime fiction. She writes dark domestic thrillers and is especially fond of female villains. She lives in the Orkney islands with her Ukrainian husband and his parents, three children, a crafty cat and a happy dog.

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Buy Link:

Amazon: https://geni.us/B0DX2MC689social

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