The Deception of Appearances

Aoife’s skills as a hostess, Will’s outward attractiveness, and the perfection of the uncut wedding cake are all examples of the deception of appearances. Even though Aoife is attentive to making Jules and Will’s wedding perfect, she has a darker intention. Will is outwardly attractive, an attractiveness that has kept him out of trouble both in school and later in life, but he is morally corrupt. The wedding cake with its perfect frosting and decorations is the focus of much of the wedding. The novel climaxes with the cutting of the cake when the anger toward Will for the way he has ruined so many lives is revealed in his murder.

Through the course of the wedding, Aoife is attentive to making the wedding perfect, but she has lured Jules and Will there so she can confront Will about her...