The Bridesmaid
- Judith D Collins
- 3 days ago
- 5 min read
By: Cate Quinn
Narrator: Stephanie Cannon
Tantor Media
ISBN: 9781464245701
Publisher: Sourcebooks Landmark
Publication Date: 11/04/2025
Format: Paperback
My Rating: 4 Stars (ARC)
From the acclaimed author of The Clinic comes a pulse-pounding thriller about a society wedding turned deadly, for fans of The Unwedding.
The Kensingtons invite you to the society wedding of the decade. There's just one hitch. You might not make it out alive.
When a celebrity bridesmaid is murdered weeks before an exclusive society wedding, forensic attorney Holly Stone is drafted as an unlikely undercover replacement. As she works to unpick the lives of the notoriously private Kensington family, glamour-averse Holly discovers a new worst enemy in bridezilla Adrianna. Heir to a multimillion-dollar fortune, Adrianna is set on throwing the event of the decade, and she won't let anything get in her way.
But beneath the veneer of poise and sophistication, Adrianna and her bridesmaids have secrets worth killing for.
As the wedding day gets closer, it's clear that one of the five hand-picked bridesmaids has committed murder – and a destination wedding is a perfect place to strike again. Soon, Holly finds herself on the playground of the rich and famous, but if she wants to find answers, she'll have to make it out alive.
My Review
Cate Quinn, the bestselling author of The Clinic, makes a captivating return with her latest locked-room thriller and family drama, THE BRIDESMAID.
This intriguing tale introduces us to Holly Stone, an undercover forensic attorney who steps in as a replacement bridesmaid at a high-society wedding following the shocking murder of the original maid of honor.
Imagine receiving an invitation to a wedding filled with murder, glamour, and perilous secrets—one that might just make you rethink your RSVP.
About the book ...
The Event...
You are cordially invited to the wedding of the decade, hosted by the illustrious Kensington family. A power couple, Heiress Adrianna Kensington, is set to marry tech millionaire Mark Li on a private island. But there’s a chilling catch: survival is not guaranteed.
The Setting:
This highly anticipated wedding takes place on the Kensington family's secluded private island, creating an intimate yet perilous atmosphere. Just weeks before the grand event, a celebrity maid of honor is found murdered, forcing plans to change.
The Replacement Bridesmaid:
Enter Holly Stone, a forensic attorney, as an undercover bridesmaid who must navigate this world of opulence to uncover the truth behind the murder. As she assumes her role as the new bridesmaid, she quickly learns that beneath the elegance, Adrianna and her bridesmaids harbor deadly secrets.
What was supposed to be a dream wedding quickly transforms into a chilling crime scene. Adrianna, haunted by her past abduction on her 21st birthday, struggles to maintain her family's impeccable image as the investigation unfolds.
As Holly digs deeper into the lives of the notoriously private Kensington family, she clashes with the demanding bridezilla, Adrianna, who is determined to orchestrate the event of the decade, no matter the cost.
One of the five hand-picked bridesmaids is a murderer, and the destination wedding serves as the perfect cover for another strike. What starts as a discreet investigation spirals into a battle for survival, revealing that even the most extravagant weddings can conceal deadly intentions.
Will there be a wedding?
My Thoughts...
THE BRIDESMAID is chilling, atmospheric, twisty, and intense, filled with dark secrets, betrayal, and high-stakes drama within a world of wealth and privilege. Holly Stone, a razor-sharp forensic expert, must unravel the mystery before the killer strikes again. She prioritizes hard evidence and scientific facts, setting her apart from traditional law enforcement.
Holly is a compelling character, using her forensic skills to meticulously analyze crime scenes. She approaches investigations with a scientific lens, quoting obscure facts and explaining forensic principles to piece together the narrative.
Amidst the privilege and entitlement, readers will admire Holly’s determination as she navigates this perilous whodunit, contending with a cast of complex personalities. Adrianna, her family, and the bridesmaids share a tapestry of dark secrets and unresolved trauma—some are willing to kill to protect.
With multiple perspectives, the narrative keeps readers engaged and guessing as Holly assembles forensic evidence and uncovers toxic relationships within the bridal party.
Using a unique blend of forensic analysis and psychological profiling, Holly investigates the murder amidst the opulence of the Kensington family. Known for her sharp intellect and distinctive aesthetic, she stands in stark contrast to the high-society elite, leveraging her outsider status to her advantage.
As her investigation unfolds, it becomes clear that the Kensington family is notorious for achieving their desires while burying their secrets, leading to a satisfying conclusion.
Quinn skillfully intertwines elements of misdirection and surprising twists that captivate her audience. Leveraging her experience as a travel journalist, she crafts a rich tapestry of luxury and glamour, exploring contemporary lives and diverse cultures with remarkable depth.
Bonus...
Truth often surpasses fiction. Want to know how much of THE BRIDESMAID is rooted in reality? Dive into the book for an exclusive behind-the-scenes look filled with enticing details—it's a delightful treat!
Recommendations...
Blending emotional unraveling and hidden secrets reminiscent of Allie Condie's The Unwedding with the elite coastal glamour and thrilling twists of Elin Hilderbrand's The Perfect Couple, THE BRIDESMAID is a razor-sharp, compulsively readable thriller where the dress code is black tie—and bloodstained.
If you’re a fan of authors like Carol Goodman, Ruth Ware, Rachel Hawkins, Sarah Pearse, Alice Feeney, and Lisa Jewell, then you’ll find THE BRIDESMAID to be an exhilarating addition to your reading list. This captivating novel is perfect for those who adore destination weddings, locked-room thrillers, dark family secrets, and intricate whodunit mysteries brimming with glamour and astute forensic details. Don’t miss out on this enthralling read!
A special thank you to Sourcebooks Landmark and NetGalley for providing an advanced reading copy, along with delightful swag and engaging promotions, in exchange for my honest thoughts.
@JudithDColins | #JDCMustReadBooks
My Rating: 4 Stars
Pub Date: Nov 04, 2025
About the Author
Cate Quinn is a former journalist for The Guardian, The Times, and The Mirror, alongside many travel and lifestyle magazines. She grew up with fundamental Christianity and Mormonism in the family and has always been fascinated by the relationships and schisms strong beliefs cause. Coming from a background in postgraduate historic research, she has previously authored the bestselling historical Thief Taker series and the Revolution Spy series as CS Quinn.
A travel journalist for ten years, Cate has called many countries home, but currently lives in Devon, England, with her beloved partner and two children. WEBSITE
