I wasn't sure how the Stranger at the Wedding would end all the way through the book. And for me that is a good sign of good plot. The relationship dynamic between both Annie and Mark and Hope and Mark painted Mark to possibly be responsible for Hope's disappearance. But shifting to focussing on Annie's obsessive nature and dark intentions for both Mark and Hope, it also tapped into being haunted by other people's pasts as well as your own. I loved it. Great who done it.

Thanks to netgalley and the publishers for an ARC.

Sadly this book was just about 3 stars for me. I really struggled with the multiple timelines with no warning or explanation. The book was quite confusing to follow and the plot was convoluted and dragged out.
Whilst the story started out at a wedding, it was nothing to do with the actual storyline and therefore misleading.
I most likely would not recommend this book to others.

A.E. Gauntlett’s "The Stranger at the Wedding" presents an intriguing premise with its dual timeline and multi-part structure, but ultimately falls short of its potential. The story unfolds in four parts, weaving together past and present narratives that explore themes of love, betrayal, and the complexities of relationships. While the concept is promising, the execution falls short of expectations.

The dual timeline approach offers a unique perspective, allowing readers to see how past events shape the characters’ present circumstances. However, the transitions between timelines can feel abrupt, leading to moments of confusion rather than clarity. This disjointedness detracts from the overall flow of the narrative, making it challenging to engage with the characters and their journeys fully.

Gauntlett’s writing is serviceable but lacks the depth and nuance that could elevate the story. The prose is straightforward, making for a quick read, but it often feels averagely written, missing opportunities for richer descriptions and emotional resonance. The characters, while relatable, sometimes come across as one-dimensional, which makes it difficult for readers to form a strong connection with them.

One of the significant issues with the book is its pacing. Certain sections drag on, while others feel rushed, leading to an uneven reading experience. Key plot developments may not receive the attention they deserve, leaving readers wanting more depth and exploration of pivotal moments. This inconsistency can disrupt the overall engagement with the story, making it feel less cohesive.

Despite its flaws, "The Stranger at the Wedding" does have its moments of intrigue and tension, particularly as secrets are revealed and relationships are tested. However, the resolution feels somewhat unsatisfying, lacking the emotional payoff that the buildup promises. While it may appeal to readers looking for a quick, light read, those seeking a more immersive and nuanced experience may find it lacking.

‼️ The Stranger At The Wedding;

Review! ‼️







Blurb;

Annie never believed in true love. Not until she met Mark.

It's a whirlwind romance and Annie has never felt surer about anything in her life. But as she stands at the altar, she spots an unknown face in the crowd.

Who is the stranger at the wedding? What really happened to Mark's first wife? And is Annie really the person she says she is?

The stranger at the wedding: whose side are you on?



My Review;

Overall, I really enjoyed reading this book. It drew me in from the start, & at a good pace; though by midway through the book (until it got onto 'Part 4'), I felt it lost a lot of its' traction in its ability to keep you reading more, & in wanting to read more; which once into 'Part 4' it picked back up again. I also liked the twist that throughout the book, I did not see coming!

Out of a rating between 1-10, where 10 is the highest, I would give this book a rating of 7.

It was deffo worth the read, & would recommend.

This book had a strong setup—an unexpected romance that leads all the way to the wedding day. But it didn’t live up to its potential.

From the start, it felt like something was off, and by the end, it was clear: the characters just didn’t work for me. Neither Annie nor Mark felt fully developed, and honestly, neither was very likable or trustworthy.

The plot was predictable, and the suspense never really landed. I kept waiting for a twist that would surprise me, but it never came.

There was also some filler that didn’t seem to go anywhere—like the focus on Annie’s perfect childhood until her dad passed away. It felt like it was supposed to mean something, but it didn’t really connect.

Overall, not what I expected from the title, and not something I’d recommend if you're looking for real depth or tension.

A twisty, unpredictable psychological thriller, with multiple timelines and viewpoints, "The Stranger at the Wedding" is fastpaced and intriguing.

The Stranger at the Wedding is a psychological thriller centered around a marriage built on secrets and the haunting presence of the past. When Annie marries Mark, it seems like a perfect match—until a mysterious stranger shows up at their wedding, casting a shadow over their future. As unsettling truths about Mark’s missing first wife begin to surface, Annie is forced to question everything she thought she knew.

The novel uses shifting timelines and perspectives to slowly unravel the mystery, building suspense with each chapter. Gauntlett creates an atmospheric narrative that explores themes of trust, grief, and the dark undercurrents of love. The tension is consistent, and the plot is layered enough to keep readers guessing.

While the premise is strong and the pacing steady, some readers may find the story more emotionally-driven than action-packed. The focus leans toward psychological tension rather than high-stakes drama.

A solid debut that offers a slow-burning, suspenseful exploration of love, loss, and buried secrets. Best suited for readers who enjoy character-driven thrillers with a psychological edge.

As much as I wanted to like this book i struggled to get into it.

Thanks Netgallry for the chance to read but it isnt for me.

Many thanks to netgalley, the author and the publisher for approving my request to read this book.

I did find this book to be a bit of a slow burner though it did pick up after a few chapters. I enjoyed the Greek mythology references throughout but did feel the plot flagged a bit at times. I did like this book I just didn't love it though I did like how it ended and the character progression.

3 stars for this book from me.

REVIEW SCHEDULED TO FEATURE ON THE BOOKISH DROP NEWSLETTER 29/05/25

If you’re getting ready to jet off on holiday soon, it’s time to start stocking up on paperbacks to chuck in your suitcase. I usually find a couple of easy-reader thrillers in my holiday reading roaster, and The Stranger at the Wedding by A. E. Gauntlett is the perfect pool-side read.

Annie and Mark tie the knot just months after their meet-cute on a crowded commuter train, but things start to unravel before their wedding day is even over. Thanks to a mysterious stranger turning up uninvited at their nuptials, Annie quickly realises her happily ever might not pan out the way she thought.

It’s got all the tropes you’d find in a thriller with this kind of cover - a female protagonist with a complicated family, a slightly unrealistic ending, etc. - and is a solid enough book. Think Channel 5 TV adaption rather than a BBC series though. The perfect holiday read - aka a book you’ll read once and don’t mind leaving behind in the hotel for someone else to flick through.

Originally released last year in hardback, The Stranger at the Wedding is out in paperback on Thursday, 19 June.

ADDITIONAL NOTES

Although i often read books like this with various POV, this book didn't always make it the clearest when jumping to a different narrator or time period. Not always the smoothest transition.

A very enjoyable read. The title itself makes the premise clear. But it’s a rollercoaster. You will not see what is coming! Told via different views and a diary entry….my favourite way of getting to know the characters it is a definite must- have book. I am really impressed and look forward to more by this talented author.

Thank you for the opportunity to read this book.
This started well, and then I felt it went a bit off and then came back, but was long winded and could have been shorter.
A good storyline though and good characters if a bit predictable.
I wanted to give 3.5 stars but can't hence the 3 stars.

The story follows a mentally unstable lady and whilst this isn’t immediately obvious, as the story progresses you get a sense that things aren’t right. This was a fast paced read, one you could read in a sitting. The twist is executed to perfection! I will be recommending.

Good read. Enjoyable. Would find it what was described as not able to put down although enjoyed the storyline

This contemporary thriller is set in London and follows Mark, a surgeon whose wife Hope mysteriously disappears, leaving behind only whispers about their troubled marriage.

The story introduces Annie, a History and Mythology professor who encounters Mark during her commute and quickly falls for him. They marry, and the book unfolds in four parts: Wedding Day, Proposal, Honeymoon, and Happily Ever After. The narrative takes on a new meaning as the story progresses, showcasing superb construction and a gripping twist on expectations.

3.5/5.

Started well - kept me engaged - but the twist was a bit predictable - & bit long winded - but still very readable

Struggled a bit with this one - on the face of it, sounded like a fast-paced thriller type read so I dived in.

The author I think has tried to create that kindof feel across multiple POVs and feed the reader snippets of info by jumping back and forth between different times. Sometimes it worked, sometimes it didn't quite gel and there were a few occasions I had to re-read a bit to get the gist of what was going on.

I did finish and I did enjoy the end which I didn't see coming - might work better as an audio book.

I really struggled with this. It was extremely confusing - multiple heads and multiple timelines. Plus the characters occasionally behaved in very very weird ways that were highly unbelievable.

Thank you Netgalley, A E Gauntlett and Bloomsbury Publishing Plc (UK & ANZ) for the eArc of The Stranger at the Wedding.

This is one of the first books I have read by AE Gauntlett and I really enjoyed the story as a whole. I found the characters were well developed and interesting. The overall pace and plot of the book was good, The intrigue was there and the pay off was well executed. I loved the twists and the final pay off I didn't see coming.

I felt what let the book down a little, was the past and the present was a little choppy and not set out as clear as it could have been. Luckily, I can quickly catch hold of what timeline was where but it took me a few sentences to make sure.

Saying that, I would actually like to listen to the audio version of this book in the future.

3.5 stars rounded down to 3 for Netgalley/Amazon

The Stranger at the Wedding by A.E. Gauntlett is a carefully crafted novel that offers a thrilling blend of mystery and emotional exploration. With its well-drawn characters, intricate plot, and evocative writing, it is a book that will captivate readers from beginning to end. Whether you are a fan of suspense, romance, or richly detailed storytelling, this novel is sure to leave a lasting impression.