You May Now Kill the Bride Book Review

05 March 2024

Alicia introduced me to lighter thrillers, and I am loving them. When I saw this book on NetGalley I could not resist, I immediately added it to my wish list. A big thank you to Headline – your email stating that sometimes wishes do come true, made my day.

When you reach for this book you can expect a dark and twisted journey through the complexities of friendship, secrets and murder, with just a touch of humour added to the mix. The story begins with a seemingly innocent hen party for Tansy, set against the picturesque backdrop of the woods. However, as the narrative unfolds, it becomes clear that this celebration is anything but ordinary.

The author introduces you to a group of childhood friends – Lauren, Saskia, Dominica, Farah and Tansy – whose bonds have weathered the test of time, though perhaps not unscathed. The narrative is laced with nostalgia as the friends come together as bridesmaids for Tansy’s spiritual hen party. (personally, I think a spiritual hen party sounds terrible and I would not wish that on anyone – just saying…) The idyllic setting, however, quickly transforms into a stage for the eruption of long-buried grudges and a shocking twenty-year-old secret that threatens to unravel the fabric of their friendship.

The story takes a sinister turn when Tansy, the bride-to-be, meets an untimely end after consuming a poisoned cacao drink. The hangovers from the contraband vodka mane fade, but the gravity of their situation intensifies as the body count rises. The friends find themselves trapped in a deadly game, realising that the killer is among them. The tension escalates as suspicion, fear and paranoia grip the group, forcing them to confront the harsh reality that one of their closest allies may be responsible for the murder.

This author beautifully weaves together the elements of suspense, mystery ad dark humour, keeping you on the edge of your seat. With vivid descriptions and cleverly crafted plot twists, she keeps you hooked right to the end. She expertly navigates the delicate balance between tension and intrigue, making this an unputdownable narrative.

The characters are well-drawn, each with their own flaws and hidden motives, adding layers to the story. I loved the navigation between present-day crisis and the flashbacks to their school days, gradually revealing the intricacies of their relationships and the events that led to this fateful moment.

“You May Now Kill the Bride” is a riveting and unpredictable thriller that explores the fragility of friendships, the consequences of buried secrets and the lengths to which people will go to protect themselves. The author’s storytelling skills shines as she crafts a narrative that is equal parts chilling and captivating, making this book a must-read for fans of psychological suspense and dark comedy. The bride throws her bouquet, you will be left wondering who, if anyone, will emerge unscathed from this deadly game of matrimony.