Since my reading of YA and middle school books is slim, I had never heard of Ally Condie before picking up The Unwedding, her first adult fiction entry. I really like her style. The novel is a murder mystery on one level. And on an entirely different level, an examination of human nature. The best part of The Unwedding is the unexpected twist which surprised me.

Ellery Wainwright, newly divorced, spends what would have been her 20^th Anniversary at The Resort at Broken Point. Unfortunately for her still raw emotions, a wedding is taking place. That is until she finds the groom dead. Thus, Ellery is thrust in the middle of a murder. To complicate matters a wicked storm hits Big Sur and the resort is cut off from law enforcement. Then another body is discovered.

The novel functions on multiple levels. Nuances abound in the various relationships, both old and new. Well intentioned acts end up haunting multiple characters. The author successfully shows how both actions and words can greatly alter events. Accidental death can lead to murder.

Furthermore, Condie shows how complex relationships between more than two people can impact each subsection of the group. And how secrets kept from one member of the group can impact others.

The Unwedding earns a place on Econogal’s Top Ten Books of 2024 list. The depth of the characters, the surprise twists, and the perseverance of the protagonist create a great novel. Readers looking for a magical happy ending will not find one. Instead, the novel offers hope.

Since I have not read any of Ally Condie’s other books, I do not know if this depth is a standard. If so, her YA novels should offer teenagers great contemporary books to read, enjoy and even analyze inside the classroom.

As an adult author, Condie’s first release is outstanding. I hope she will write more for this target audience. I love her writing and highly recommend The Unwedding.