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The Guest
New York Times bestselling author B. A. Paris captivated psychological thriller readers everywhere with Behind Closed Doors. Now she invites you into another home full of heart-pounding secrets, in The Guest.
Some secrets never leave.
Iris and Gabriel have just arrived home from a make-or-break holiday. But a shock awaits them. One of their closest friends, Laure, is in their house. The atmosphere quickly becomes tense as she oversteps again and sleeping in their bed, wearing Iris' clothes, even rearranging the furniture.
Laure has walked out on her husband—and their good friend—Pierre, over his confession of an affair and a secret child. Iris and Gabriel want to be supportive of their friends, but as Laure's mood becomes increasingly unpredictable, her presence takes its toll.
Iris and Gabriel's only respite comes in the form of a couple new to town. But with them comes their gardener, who has a checkered past. Soon, secrets from all their pasts will unravel, some more dangerous than they could have known.
Some secrets never leave.
Iris and Gabriel have just arrived home from a make-or-break holiday. But a shock awaits them. One of their closest friends, Laure, is in their house. The atmosphere quickly becomes tense as she oversteps again and sleeping in their bed, wearing Iris' clothes, even rearranging the furniture.
Laure has walked out on her husband—and their good friend—Pierre, over his confession of an affair and a secret child. Iris and Gabriel want to be supportive of their friends, but as Laure's mood becomes increasingly unpredictable, her presence takes its toll.
Iris and Gabriel's only respite comes in the form of a couple new to town. But with them comes their gardener, who has a checkered past. Soon, secrets from all their pasts will unravel, some more dangerous than they could have known.
308 pages, Hardcover
First published February 20, 2024
2,242 people are currently reading
62.9k people want to read
About the author
B.A. Paris
33 books22.3k followersB.A. Paris is the New York Times and Sunday Times Number 1 bestselling author of seven novels including the word-of-mouth hit, Behind Closed Doors.
Over 7 million editions of her work have been sold worldwide and her books have been translated into 41 languages. Her novels have been optioned for major screen adaptations with a film of The Breakdown, titled Blackwater Lane, in post production.
Before becoming an author, B.A. Paris worked as a bank trader and teacher in France. Today, she writes from her cottage in Hampshire, England, where she lives with her husband with visits from her five grown-up daughters. She has a newsletter baparis.com and is on social media @baparisauthor
Over 7 million editions of her work have been sold worldwide and her books have been translated into 41 languages. Her novels have been optioned for major screen adaptations with a film of The Breakdown, titled Blackwater Lane, in post production.
Before becoming an author, B.A. Paris worked as a bank trader and teacher in France. Today, she writes from her cottage in Hampshire, England, where she lives with her husband with visits from her five grown-up daughters. She has a newsletter baparis.com and is on social media @baparisauthor
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 6,094 reviews
February 8, 2024
3.5 STARS
Domestic Drama
I enjoyed this much more than her last, but it fell short in overall pacing. We spend a lot of time with the married couple Iris and Gabriel and their guest, Laure. She is having marriage trouble with her hubs, Pierre. Apparently, he has upset her by revealing a secret from his past.
There is a good mystery woven into the plot, but I grew tired of the characters discussions, worries and day to day lives that circled around a littIe too long. I also became annoyed with the guest Laure and wanted to kick her out myself! Gees! I wanted to scream, “I’ve had enough”! 😂
There is also another troubled family that lives nearby and they also have a "guest" that is a bit unreliable. The guest is certainly suspect.
I was invested and wanted to find out how all the loose ends would tie in!
All in all, it was a lighter read, slow paced with moments of intrigue , and quite a good ending twist that I enjoyed! 🥨
Thanks to NG for my ARC! OUT on Feb 20, 2023
Domestic Drama
I enjoyed this much more than her last, but it fell short in overall pacing. We spend a lot of time with the married couple Iris and Gabriel and their guest, Laure. She is having marriage trouble with her hubs, Pierre. Apparently, he has upset her by revealing a secret from his past.
There is a good mystery woven into the plot, but I grew tired of the characters discussions, worries and day to day lives that circled around a littIe too long. I also became annoyed with the guest Laure and wanted to kick her out myself! Gees! I wanted to scream, “I’ve had enough”! 😂
There is also another troubled family that lives nearby and they also have a "guest" that is a bit unreliable. The guest is certainly suspect.
I was invested and wanted to find out how all the loose ends would tie in!
All in all, it was a lighter read, slow paced with moments of intrigue , and quite a good ending twist that I enjoyed! 🥨
Thanks to NG for my ARC! OUT on Feb 20, 2023
September 7, 2023
This book ended up being a very pleasant surprise! When I first started reading this book, I will admit that I did have trouble keeping up with all the different names/characters. There aren’t that many characters, but there are three main couples that are dealt with. Two of the couples, Iris & Gabriel, and Laure & Pierre are our two main couples of focus. Then we have the new neighbors who moved into the village, Esme & Hugh (okay- got it?). Once I had everybody situated, this book was smooth sailing…
This story starts off with Laure being an uninvited houseguest at Iris and Gabriel’s home. Laure and her husband Pierre are taking some time away from each other, and Laure is very distraught and needy. What should have only been a three week stay turns into much longer (Umm- that’s when I would have put my foot down and told her to go, but whatever).
Also, during Laure’s stay with Iris and Gabriel, we find that Gabriel is going through some personal crisis of his own. There have been some deaths in his family and in the community, and he has had to take some time off to grieve.
I wasn’t sure where this story was going at first, and it sure did move in a bunch of directions! The Epilogue of this story also made my head spin as I did not see any of that coming!! This story played out very well. With that, I do recommend reading this as I think this has some nice twists that many readers will enjoy!
(3.5 stars rounded up)
Many thanks to NetGalley, St. Martin’s Press, and the author for an ARC of this book, which I had the pleasure of reading. All opinions are my own.
Publication date: February 20, 2024.
This story starts off with Laure being an uninvited houseguest at Iris and Gabriel’s home. Laure and her husband Pierre are taking some time away from each other, and Laure is very distraught and needy. What should have only been a three week stay turns into much longer (Umm- that’s when I would have put my foot down and told her to go, but whatever).
Also, during Laure’s stay with Iris and Gabriel, we find that Gabriel is going through some personal crisis of his own. There have been some deaths in his family and in the community, and he has had to take some time off to grieve.
I wasn’t sure where this story was going at first, and it sure did move in a bunch of directions! The Epilogue of this story also made my head spin as I did not see any of that coming!! This story played out very well. With that, I do recommend reading this as I think this has some nice twists that many readers will enjoy!
(3.5 stars rounded up)
Many thanks to NetGalley, St. Martin’s Press, and the author for an ARC of this book, which I had the pleasure of reading. All opinions are my own.
Publication date: February 20, 2024.
February 25, 2024
I am usually an avid reader of B. A. Paris's books, as they tend to draw me in with their captivating pacing and skillfully crafted mysteries that keep me on edge until the very end. However, in this particular instance, I found myself struggling to become engrossed in the mystery lines presented within this book. These storylines include a couple's ill-fated relationship following the discovery of the husband's secret child from another woman, and a man's depression stemming from the haunting last words of an 18-year-old who vindictively declared he would never forgive his mother.
Regrettably, these mystery elements failed to capture my interest. Furthermore, I had difficulty connecting with the characters, particularly Lauren, who could be considered the most unwelcome guest one could imagine. Picture a friend who not only occupies your shared bed with your spouse, but also dons your clothes, rearranges your kitchen, nonchalantly strolls around naked in various rooms, and incessantly discusses her husband's affair and secret love child. As a temperamental Aries woman, I must confess that I, too, might be inclined to dispatch Lauren to Paris in a cargo plane or FedEx box, bearing the label "not fragile, mostly unsplashable."
The narrative revolves around Iris and Gabriel, a contentedly married couple residing in a stylish countryside home. Their daughter is living her dream life working in Greece. However, the tranquility of their marriage is disrupted when Gabriel's path unexpectedly intersects with that of 18-year-old Charlie, who is tragically involved in a biking accident. Charlie's final moments and his vengeful declaration deeply trouble Gabriel, leading to emotional and physical distance between him and his sexually frustrated wife, Iris. The narrative then pivots as Iris and Gabriel return home from their trip, only to discover their old friend Lauren comfortably settled within their abode. She even takes the liberty of slipping into Iris's pajamas and questioning their presence in their own home as though they were intruders. My initial impression of Lauren was less than favorable.
Further exploration of Lauren's presence and her activities within their home reveals that she and her husband Pierre became fast friends with Iris and Gabriel, having met at the couple's first wedding anniversary. Despite living in Paris, Lauren and Pierre have maintained this connection for nearly two decades, meeting three to four times annually. Lauren's world is upended when she uncovers her husband's secret daughter, a revelation that prompts her impromptu departure from Paris. In her newfound state of frustration, Lauren spends her holiday break grappling with her husband's actions and pondering their future. It appears she may be awaiting Pierre's groveling apology, and suspicions arise about the identity of the child's mother, potentially linked to one of their mutual friends.
Meanwhile, Iris is grappling with her own set of challenges, including her husband's growing coldness and depressive demeanor. Adding to her woes is the constant barrage of attention-seeking behavior from Lauren, who imposes herself upon Iris's space with little regard for her friend's comfort or boundaries. Paradoxically, Lauren acts as though she has taken up permanent residence, assuming the role of the true household owner.
As the narrative unfolds, Gabriel finds himself facing a moral quandary—whether to reveal Charlie's final words to his grieving mother or to shield her from the truth for the sake of closure. Concurrently, Iris is unwittingly pulled into the drama surrounding Lauren and Pierre. The introduction of new neighbors, including the pregnant Esme and her significantly older husband Hugh, along with their enigmatic friend Joseph, further shifts the dynamics of their lives. Despite Gabriel's objections, Joseph volunteers as a gardener at Iris's house, adding another layer of intrigue to the story.
As Iris becomes increasingly enmeshed in her interactions with her new neighbors, she becomes embroiled in a series of traumatic events that have the potential to irreversibly alter their lives. Marital bonds are strained, and trust is put to the test as dark secrets are unveiled.
Among the story's positive attributes are its riveting, concise chapters and the satisfying twists that punctuate the ending. Although the beginning failed to captivate me, the author skillfully ties up the narrative's loose ends with surprising finesse. In all honesty, it is the ending that I found most enjoyable.
However, it is important to acknowledge that the book does have its drawbacks. Unlikable characters dominate the narrative, and the extensive roster of characters can make it challenging to fully invest in the dynamics of each. Additionally, some plotlines may come across as less engaging.
In summation, I am assigning this book a three-star rating. As a fan of the author, my expectations were perhaps overly high, and I had anticipated a more gratifying reading experience. Nevertheless, I remain optimistic that I will derive greater enjoyment from her forthcoming works. Unfortunately, the storyline and the portrayal of these unreliable characters ultimately fell short for me.
My heartfelt appreciation goes to NetGalley and St. Martin's Press for providing me with a digital reviewer copy in exchange for my candid thoughts.
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Regrettably, these mystery elements failed to capture my interest. Furthermore, I had difficulty connecting with the characters, particularly Lauren, who could be considered the most unwelcome guest one could imagine. Picture a friend who not only occupies your shared bed with your spouse, but also dons your clothes, rearranges your kitchen, nonchalantly strolls around naked in various rooms, and incessantly discusses her husband's affair and secret love child. As a temperamental Aries woman, I must confess that I, too, might be inclined to dispatch Lauren to Paris in a cargo plane or FedEx box, bearing the label "not fragile, mostly unsplashable."
The narrative revolves around Iris and Gabriel, a contentedly married couple residing in a stylish countryside home. Their daughter is living her dream life working in Greece. However, the tranquility of their marriage is disrupted when Gabriel's path unexpectedly intersects with that of 18-year-old Charlie, who is tragically involved in a biking accident. Charlie's final moments and his vengeful declaration deeply trouble Gabriel, leading to emotional and physical distance between him and his sexually frustrated wife, Iris. The narrative then pivots as Iris and Gabriel return home from their trip, only to discover their old friend Lauren comfortably settled within their abode. She even takes the liberty of slipping into Iris's pajamas and questioning their presence in their own home as though they were intruders. My initial impression of Lauren was less than favorable.
Further exploration of Lauren's presence and her activities within their home reveals that she and her husband Pierre became fast friends with Iris and Gabriel, having met at the couple's first wedding anniversary. Despite living in Paris, Lauren and Pierre have maintained this connection for nearly two decades, meeting three to four times annually. Lauren's world is upended when she uncovers her husband's secret daughter, a revelation that prompts her impromptu departure from Paris. In her newfound state of frustration, Lauren spends her holiday break grappling with her husband's actions and pondering their future. It appears she may be awaiting Pierre's groveling apology, and suspicions arise about the identity of the child's mother, potentially linked to one of their mutual friends.
Meanwhile, Iris is grappling with her own set of challenges, including her husband's growing coldness and depressive demeanor. Adding to her woes is the constant barrage of attention-seeking behavior from Lauren, who imposes herself upon Iris's space with little regard for her friend's comfort or boundaries. Paradoxically, Lauren acts as though she has taken up permanent residence, assuming the role of the true household owner.
As the narrative unfolds, Gabriel finds himself facing a moral quandary—whether to reveal Charlie's final words to his grieving mother or to shield her from the truth for the sake of closure. Concurrently, Iris is unwittingly pulled into the drama surrounding Lauren and Pierre. The introduction of new neighbors, including the pregnant Esme and her significantly older husband Hugh, along with their enigmatic friend Joseph, further shifts the dynamics of their lives. Despite Gabriel's objections, Joseph volunteers as a gardener at Iris's house, adding another layer of intrigue to the story.
As Iris becomes increasingly enmeshed in her interactions with her new neighbors, she becomes embroiled in a series of traumatic events that have the potential to irreversibly alter their lives. Marital bonds are strained, and trust is put to the test as dark secrets are unveiled.
Among the story's positive attributes are its riveting, concise chapters and the satisfying twists that punctuate the ending. Although the beginning failed to captivate me, the author skillfully ties up the narrative's loose ends with surprising finesse. In all honesty, it is the ending that I found most enjoyable.
However, it is important to acknowledge that the book does have its drawbacks. Unlikable characters dominate the narrative, and the extensive roster of characters can make it challenging to fully invest in the dynamics of each. Additionally, some plotlines may come across as less engaging.
In summation, I am assigning this book a three-star rating. As a fan of the author, my expectations were perhaps overly high, and I had anticipated a more gratifying reading experience. Nevertheless, I remain optimistic that I will derive greater enjoyment from her forthcoming works. Unfortunately, the storyline and the portrayal of these unreliable characters ultimately fell short for me.
My heartfelt appreciation goes to NetGalley and St. Martin's Press for providing me with a digital reviewer copy in exchange for my candid thoughts.
Follow me on medium.com to read my articles about books, movies, streaming series, astrology:
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January 22, 2025
**4.5-stars**
B.A. Paris is back and she's bringing my favorite kind of suspenseful Domestic Drama with her.
I had so much fun reading The Guest. Frustrating in the best ways, I found it to be completely addictive and one heck of a gripping roller coaster ride.
In this story we meet Iris and Gabriel, a married couple living in the British countryside. They have a grown daughter who is currently working abroad in Greece, so all is fairly peaceful on the homefront.
That is until the day a local boy suffered a terrible accident, falling into a nearby quarry. Gabriel was the one to find the boy's battered body and even though Gabriel's a skilled doctor, there was nothing he could do.
The boy couldn't be saved, but Gabriel did get to be with him in his final moments, so he wasn't alone.
Gabriel hasn't been the same since that tragic day, and even though Iris is trying to help him cope, it's definitely put a strain on their relationship.
As they are grappling with this, an unexpected house guest arrives. Their old friend, Laure, has shown up from Paris. She says that she and her husband, Pierre, have had a terrible fight and she needs a place to stay.
Iris and Gabriel have been best friends with Laure and Pierre for many, many years, so they tell Laure that she is welcome and that she can stay for as long as she needs.
Laure moves herself in and makes herself as comfortable as possible, wearing Iris's clothes and shadowing her every move. As the days and even weeks pass, the couple begins to question Laure's story and her motives.
What is she really doing there and when the heck is she going to leave?
As tension mounts, more people get drawn into the twisted drama; the new couple in town, their handsome gardener and even Iris and Gabriel's daughter.
As mentioned above, I really enjoyed this one and found the narrative to be compulsively readable. From the Prologue, Paris had absolutely hooked me. She definitely has a gift for drawing the Reader in.
From the initial set-up, with Laure arriving at the house, you can just tell it is going to get freaking wild. There's a vibe under the surface of constant tension and intrigue.
No matter how crazy things get though, I always find Paris's main characters to be relatable. I never have a problem putting myself in their shoes and imagining what I would do in any given situation.
This one had me biting my nails with tension, yelling at Laure, yelling at Iris. I would have done some major clean-out of my house, that's for sure.
I really got sucked into all of the interpersonal drama in this story, but also loved the mystery running throughout. It was hard to tell who you could trust and some of the connections were also shady.
There were some real strong reveals and I was happy with the way it ultimately concluded. This did feel more reminiscent to some of Paris's earlier works as well, which were a little stronger for me than her more recent releases.
I would definitely recommend this one to anyone who enjoys a taut, twisted Domestic Drama, particularly if you have enjoyed B.A. Paris's earlier stories.
I would also recommend reading this one with a friend, or Book Club. I actually Buddy Read it and thought it was exciting to discuss it with someone else as we discovered the twists and turns together.
Overall, I thought this was such a great read. I'm so happy Paris continues to write these types of stories. As long as she is writing them, I'll be reading them.
Thank you so much to the publisher, St. Martin's Press and Macmillan Audio, for providing me copies to read and review.
B.A. Paris is back and she's bringing my favorite kind of suspenseful Domestic Drama with her.
I had so much fun reading The Guest. Frustrating in the best ways, I found it to be completely addictive and one heck of a gripping roller coaster ride.
In this story we meet Iris and Gabriel, a married couple living in the British countryside. They have a grown daughter who is currently working abroad in Greece, so all is fairly peaceful on the homefront.
That is until the day a local boy suffered a terrible accident, falling into a nearby quarry. Gabriel was the one to find the boy's battered body and even though Gabriel's a skilled doctor, there was nothing he could do.
The boy couldn't be saved, but Gabriel did get to be with him in his final moments, so he wasn't alone.
Gabriel hasn't been the same since that tragic day, and even though Iris is trying to help him cope, it's definitely put a strain on their relationship.
As they are grappling with this, an unexpected house guest arrives. Their old friend, Laure, has shown up from Paris. She says that she and her husband, Pierre, have had a terrible fight and she needs a place to stay.
Iris and Gabriel have been best friends with Laure and Pierre for many, many years, so they tell Laure that she is welcome and that she can stay for as long as she needs.
Laure moves herself in and makes herself as comfortable as possible, wearing Iris's clothes and shadowing her every move. As the days and even weeks pass, the couple begins to question Laure's story and her motives.
What is she really doing there and when the heck is she going to leave?
As tension mounts, more people get drawn into the twisted drama; the new couple in town, their handsome gardener and even Iris and Gabriel's daughter.
As mentioned above, I really enjoyed this one and found the narrative to be compulsively readable. From the Prologue, Paris had absolutely hooked me. She definitely has a gift for drawing the Reader in.
From the initial set-up, with Laure arriving at the house, you can just tell it is going to get freaking wild. There's a vibe under the surface of constant tension and intrigue.
No matter how crazy things get though, I always find Paris's main characters to be relatable. I never have a problem putting myself in their shoes and imagining what I would do in any given situation.
This one had me biting my nails with tension, yelling at Laure, yelling at Iris. I would have done some major clean-out of my house, that's for sure.
I really got sucked into all of the interpersonal drama in this story, but also loved the mystery running throughout. It was hard to tell who you could trust and some of the connections were also shady.
There were some real strong reveals and I was happy with the way it ultimately concluded. This did feel more reminiscent to some of Paris's earlier works as well, which were a little stronger for me than her more recent releases.
I would definitely recommend this one to anyone who enjoys a taut, twisted Domestic Drama, particularly if you have enjoyed B.A. Paris's earlier stories.
I would also recommend reading this one with a friend, or Book Club. I actually Buddy Read it and thought it was exciting to discuss it with someone else as we discovered the twists and turns together.
Overall, I thought this was such a great read. I'm so happy Paris continues to write these types of stories. As long as she is writing them, I'll be reading them.
Thank you so much to the publisher, St. Martin's Press and Macmillan Audio, for providing me copies to read and review.
October 24, 2024
This is now the second book from B.A. Paris I've read and I think it's safe to say that I just don't connect with her books.
I didn't find any of the characters likable, the pacing was slow to the point that I was able to put my kindle down and not think about it again until I knew I needed to force myself through it. That's never a good sign when reading a book but especially for a thriller.
Unfortunately this is a no for me.
Many thanks to NetGalley, St. Martin's Press and B.A. Paris for the ARC in exchange for an honest review.
I didn't find any of the characters likable, the pacing was slow to the point that I was able to put my kindle down and not think about it again until I knew I needed to force myself through it. That's never a good sign when reading a book but especially for a thriller.
Unfortunately this is a no for me.
Many thanks to NetGalley, St. Martin's Press and B.A. Paris for the ARC in exchange for an honest review.
March 4, 2024
2.5 stars— I am a frequent reader of B.A. Paris, and have had a mixed reaction to her books (with my favorite by a large margin being, “The Breakdown”). “The Guest” is Paris’s newest book and begins with the narrator of the book, Iris, and her husband Gabriel returning home from a trip to find that one of their best friends, Laure is staying in their home after leaving her husband, Pierre. She decided to do this after he confessed to her that he had fathered a child with another woman during their marriage. Although the book begins with a promising premise, it soon starts to drag with the mundane details of the couple’s day to day life dealing with their unwanted houseguest, Laure. The book continues on this same path until almost the end when the author attempts to pull an Alice Feeney type ending out of her hat. However, as unreliable narrators go, Iris just didn’t do it for me. Despite being the only narrator for the entire book, Iris later gives the reader details that were left out or misrepresented in her earlier version of events. There is no real explanation as to why Iris left out or lied about these details, just her reciting a different version of what really happened that fits with all of the details from the plot. Even though her doing this allow all of the loose ends to be resolved, I did not appreciate it. The way that the book was written made me feel like I had wasted several hours of my life reading details and looking for clues for over 90 percent of a book that was based on lies and omissions to keep me from understanding what was really going on. As you might be able to tell by now, this type of book is not for me.
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
February 22, 2024
3.5⭐
Genre ~ domestic drama
Setting ~ England
Publication date ~ February 20, 2024
Est page Count ~ 304 (p+ 67 chapters +e)
Audio length ~ 8 hours 14 minutes
Narrator ~ Emily Joyce
POV ~ dual 3rd
Featuring ~ secrets, unlikable characters
Iris and Gabriel are our narrators. They've just come home early from holiday to an unexpected guest. A guest that might very well outstay their welcome.
They met Laure & Pierre on holiday almost 20 years ago and have remained close since. They live in different countries, but have been known to stay in each others houses from time to time.
They meet Esme & Hugh, who live close by, and soon begin hanging out frequently.
Joseph lives on their property and does the gardening for both families.
I didn't really like any of the characters really, especially Laure. I'm not one for extended house guests, or any house guests really, so she for sure overstayed her welcome IMO.
It's pretty much a drama and not a thriller. I wasn't sure how they would, but the side plots all came together nicely with the main one. And while I must say the super long (54 minutes and 15 seconds) epilogue did take me by surprise the leading up to it felt like it took an age. Overall, I can see this one being a big hit with mystery lovers.
I was lucky enough to have an ebook and an audio copy.
Narration notes:
Emily did an okay job. She was frantic when necessary, but I could have went for a male narrator, which is why I did prefer reading over listening. Her accent was a little difficult for me to understand sometimes as it always sounded like she was saying Law and not Laure. Maybe that's just my American ears.
*Thanks to the author, St Martin's Press, Macmillan Audio and NetGalley for the ARC and audio copy. I am voluntarily leaving my honest review*
Connect with me ➡ Blog ~ Facebook ~ Twitter
Genre ~ domestic drama
Setting ~ England
Publication date ~ February 20, 2024
Est page Count ~ 304 (p+ 67 chapters +e)
Audio length ~ 8 hours 14 minutes
Narrator ~ Emily Joyce
POV ~ dual 3rd
Featuring ~ secrets, unlikable characters
Iris and Gabriel are our narrators. They've just come home early from holiday to an unexpected guest. A guest that might very well outstay their welcome.
They met Laure & Pierre on holiday almost 20 years ago and have remained close since. They live in different countries, but have been known to stay in each others houses from time to time.
They meet Esme & Hugh, who live close by, and soon begin hanging out frequently.
Joseph lives on their property and does the gardening for both families.
I didn't really like any of the characters really, especially Laure. I'm not one for extended house guests, or any house guests really, so she for sure overstayed her welcome IMO.
It's pretty much a drama and not a thriller. I wasn't sure how they would, but the side plots all came together nicely with the main one. And while I must say the super long (54 minutes and 15 seconds) epilogue did take me by surprise the leading up to it felt like it took an age. Overall, I can see this one being a big hit with mystery lovers.
I was lucky enough to have an ebook and an audio copy.
Narration notes:
Emily did an okay job. She was frantic when necessary, but I could have went for a male narrator, which is why I did prefer reading over listening. Her accent was a little difficult for me to understand sometimes as it always sounded like she was saying Law and not Laure. Maybe that's just my American ears.
*Thanks to the author, St Martin's Press, Macmillan Audio and NetGalley for the ARC and audio copy. I am voluntarily leaving my honest review*
Connect with me ➡ Blog ~ Facebook ~ Twitter
March 14, 2024
Negative one hundred stars.
I cannot find anything good to say about this book except that the chapters were short and it was fun to talk shit about during the buddy read discussion.
This was not even remotely a thriller. It was a horribly boring story about horribly boring people being horribly boring - and talking a lot about their Walled Garden (wtf). Nothing happens until the epilogue, and what does happen doesn't come even remotely close to making up for the nearly 300 pages of dithering nonsense leading up to it.
I was going to do a full book recap because I hated it so much, but it was too boring to even make fun of, so I will leave it at: MEH.
I cannot find anything good to say about this book except that the chapters were short and it was fun to talk shit about during the buddy read discussion.
This was not even remotely a thriller. It was a horribly boring story about horribly boring people being horribly boring - and talking a lot about their Walled Garden (wtf). Nothing happens until the epilogue, and what does happen doesn't come even remotely close to making up for the nearly 300 pages of dithering nonsense leading up to it.
I was going to do a full book recap because I hated it so much, but it was too boring to even make fun of, so I will leave it at: MEH.
November 10, 2023
Strangely addicting.
Iris and Gabriel may be living in the idyllic countryside, but their lives are about to take a tumultuous turn.
Opening their front door, the couple are shocked to find a woman who appears to have made herself quite at home while Iris and Gabriel were away. Aren't we cozy?
As it turns out, it’s their long-time friend Laure from France. Recently having left her husband, she was desperate and needed a warm, inviting home to hideaway. Sure, why not. What harm is there in opening up your home to a friend for a few days? I believe the quote goes, “no good deed goes un-punished.”
Now weeks have turned into months and it seems Laure has no intention of moving on anytime soon.
I can’t say that I liked any of the characters involved. They all became mildly annoying.🫢
But at the same time I couldn’t step away from this book, picking it up any time I had a spare moment.
And for you thriller lovers...there is a fabulous twist!🙌. Didn’t see that one coming!
A buddy read with Susanne!
Thank you to NetGalley and St. Martin's Press
Iris and Gabriel may be living in the idyllic countryside, but their lives are about to take a tumultuous turn.
Opening their front door, the couple are shocked to find a woman who appears to have made herself quite at home while Iris and Gabriel were away. Aren't we cozy?
As it turns out, it’s their long-time friend Laure from France. Recently having left her husband, she was desperate and needed a warm, inviting home to hideaway. Sure, why not. What harm is there in opening up your home to a friend for a few days? I believe the quote goes, “no good deed goes un-punished.”
Now weeks have turned into months and it seems Laure has no intention of moving on anytime soon.
I can’t say that I liked any of the characters involved. They all became mildly annoying.🫢
But at the same time I couldn’t step away from this book, picking it up any time I had a spare moment.
And for you thriller lovers...there is a fabulous twist!🙌. Didn’t see that one coming!
A buddy read with Susanne!
Thank you to NetGalley and St. Martin's Press
December 11, 2023
How about that ending!?! Wowza, I did not see that coming!
Suddenly Iris and Gabriel suddenly have a lot occurring in their lives. Gabriel finds a young man who has had a terrible accident and hears the young man's last words, leaving Gabriel with a terrible burden. This burden affects him greatly. Then their friend Laure, from Paris, arrives and moves in after telling them that Pierre, her husband informed her that he had fathered a child with another woman. They tell Laure that she can stay as long as she needs, but she soon becomes a tad bit annoying. Laur begins wearing Iris' clothing, following her around and asking questions about the young man's death. Then there are the new young neighbors and a handsome gardener thrown into the mix.
The characters in this book deal with all kinds of issues: depression, distance in a marriage, learning a partner has a secret child, loneliness, and lack of boundaries to name a few. Iris and Gabriel want to help Laure, but she soon outstays her welcome. She makes herself a little too much at home. Iris and Gabriel want to help but they also want her out but feel bad so don't ask her to leave. It sucks when one feels uncomfortable in their own home. I thought the author did a great job showing their annoyance and discomfort with their guest.
I thought the book was done at one point and was shocked to see there was more to go. Well hold on to your hats because the ending was a shocker! I did not see that coming at all! I wish that the book was that way the entire book through. This was an enjoyable book, but I wasn't completely wowed until the ending I mentioned. There is a lot of "talk" and scenes that didn't feel necessary. Plus, parts were slow and slow, and I do not get along.
Plus, the characters were not likeable or engaging. I found myself feeling meh about some of them. Having said that, I was invested enough to want to know how the book was going to end and for me, the final reveal stole the show and saved the book.
Although this was not my favorite book by B.A. Paris, I look forward to reading more of her books in the future.
*I had both the kindle and audio version of this book. I thought the narrator of the audiobook did a great job.
Thank you to St. Martin's Press, Macmillan Audio and NetGalley who provided me with a copy of this book in exchange for an honest review. All the thoughts and opinions are my own.
Read more of my reviews at www.openbookposts.com
Suddenly Iris and Gabriel suddenly have a lot occurring in their lives. Gabriel finds a young man who has had a terrible accident and hears the young man's last words, leaving Gabriel with a terrible burden. This burden affects him greatly. Then their friend Laure, from Paris, arrives and moves in after telling them that Pierre, her husband informed her that he had fathered a child with another woman. They tell Laure that she can stay as long as she needs, but she soon becomes a tad bit annoying. Laur begins wearing Iris' clothing, following her around and asking questions about the young man's death. Then there are the new young neighbors and a handsome gardener thrown into the mix.
The characters in this book deal with all kinds of issues: depression, distance in a marriage, learning a partner has a secret child, loneliness, and lack of boundaries to name a few. Iris and Gabriel want to help Laure, but she soon outstays her welcome. She makes herself a little too much at home. Iris and Gabriel want to help but they also want her out but feel bad so don't ask her to leave. It sucks when one feels uncomfortable in their own home. I thought the author did a great job showing their annoyance and discomfort with their guest.
I thought the book was done at one point and was shocked to see there was more to go. Well hold on to your hats because the ending was a shocker! I did not see that coming at all! I wish that the book was that way the entire book through. This was an enjoyable book, but I wasn't completely wowed until the ending I mentioned. There is a lot of "talk" and scenes that didn't feel necessary. Plus, parts were slow and slow, and I do not get along.
Plus, the characters were not likeable or engaging. I found myself feeling meh about some of them. Having said that, I was invested enough to want to know how the book was going to end and for me, the final reveal stole the show and saved the book.
Although this was not my favorite book by B.A. Paris, I look forward to reading more of her books in the future.
*I had both the kindle and audio version of this book. I thought the narrator of the audiobook did a great job.
Thank you to St. Martin's Press, Macmillan Audio and NetGalley who provided me with a copy of this book in exchange for an honest review. All the thoughts and opinions are my own.
Read more of my reviews at www.openbookposts.com
April 15, 2024
Very OTT, but also very engaging.
January 16, 2025
In B.A. Paris’s characteristic style, The Guest did an evocative deep-dive into the dual POV’s psyches via their well-crafted personas. Slowly—and fully—fleshed out into two equally broken individuals, the plot was the definition of character-driven. Through the various events that caused them each to fracture, I was blown away by how eloquently they were envisaged by the ever masterful Ms. Paris. Believe me when I say, she nailed that aspect in one.
The plot itself, however, was—for the most part—a rather long, slow burn. More drama than domestic suspense for the bulk of the book, we were treated to a step-by-step of how a guest can overstep and trample their hosts. That’s not to say that the tension didn’t also start to build. In that, too, this author just so happens to be quite the expert. Dodging and weaving the truth of the matter, it wasn’t until the last shocking chapter that it all came brilliantly into view.
You see, through this author’s trademark last-minute move, the entire plot was flipped via a number of mind-blowing twists. Once they were unfurled, I looked upon the rest of the book with freshly opened eyes. After all, up until then, I’d guessed each and every carefully drawn-out reveal. With the conclusion, however, I realized < b>I had been utterly wrong. And IYKYK, but that had to be the best feeling of all. One that left me closing the cover with an undeniable look of glee on my face.
All in all, while the book was definitely somewhat slower paced than I would’ve preferred, the short chapters, unlikeable characters, and taut, realistic scenes hit just the right chord. Did I want to shake the two narrators more than just a bit? Well, yes—but that merely goes to show how realistic they happened to be. Twisted, compelling, and peppered with plenty of mysterious secrets, I found myself drawn to the pages from the first riveting scene to the explosive last page. Rating of 4 stars.
SYNOPSIS:
Iris and Gabriel have just arrived home from a make-or-break holiday. But a shock awaits them. One of their closest friends, Laure, is in their house. The atmosphere quickly becomes tense as she oversteps again and again: sleeping in their bed, wearing Iris' clothes, even rearranging the furniture.
Laure has walked out on her husband―and their good friend―Pierre, over his confession of an affair and a secret child. Iris and Gabriel want to be supportive of their friends, but as Laure's mood becomes increasingly unpredictable, her presence takes its toll.
Iris and Gabriel's only respite comes in the form of a couple new to town. But with them comes their gardener, who has a checkered past.
Soon, secrets from all their pasts will unravel, some more dangerous than they could have known.
Thank you to B.A. Paris and St. Martin’s Press for my complimentary copy. All opinions are my own.
PUB DATE: Out now!
Trigger warning: depression, infidelity, pregnancy, a fatal fall from a height, mention of: abortion, alcoholism
The plot itself, however, was—for the most part—a rather long, slow burn. More drama than domestic suspense for the bulk of the book, we were treated to a step-by-step of how a guest can overstep and trample their hosts. That’s not to say that the tension didn’t also start to build. In that, too, this author just so happens to be quite the expert. Dodging and weaving the truth of the matter, it wasn’t until the last shocking chapter that it all came brilliantly into view.
You see, through this author’s trademark last-minute move, the entire plot was flipped via a number of mind-blowing twists. Once they were unfurled, I looked upon the rest of the book with freshly opened eyes. After all, up until then, I’d guessed each and every carefully drawn-out reveal. With the conclusion, however, I realized < b>I had been utterly wrong. And IYKYK, but that had to be the best feeling of all. One that left me closing the cover with an undeniable look of glee on my face.
All in all, while the book was definitely somewhat slower paced than I would’ve preferred, the short chapters, unlikeable characters, and taut, realistic scenes hit just the right chord. Did I want to shake the two narrators more than just a bit? Well, yes—but that merely goes to show how realistic they happened to be. Twisted, compelling, and peppered with plenty of mysterious secrets, I found myself drawn to the pages from the first riveting scene to the explosive last page. Rating of 4 stars.
SYNOPSIS:
Iris and Gabriel have just arrived home from a make-or-break holiday. But a shock awaits them. One of their closest friends, Laure, is in their house. The atmosphere quickly becomes tense as she oversteps again and again: sleeping in their bed, wearing Iris' clothes, even rearranging the furniture.
Laure has walked out on her husband―and their good friend―Pierre, over his confession of an affair and a secret child. Iris and Gabriel want to be supportive of their friends, but as Laure's mood becomes increasingly unpredictable, her presence takes its toll.
Iris and Gabriel's only respite comes in the form of a couple new to town. But with them comes their gardener, who has a checkered past.
Soon, secrets from all their pasts will unravel, some more dangerous than they could have known.
Thank you to B.A. Paris and St. Martin’s Press for my complimentary copy. All opinions are my own.
PUB DATE: Out now!
Trigger warning: depression, infidelity, pregnancy, a fatal fall from a height, mention of: abortion, alcoholism
March 24, 2024
**Many thanks to NetGalley, St. Martin's Press, and B.A. Paris for an ARC of this book! Now available as of 2.20!!**
"Uninvited guests are often most welcome when they leave." - Aesop
Iris and Gabriel are ready to sink into that post-vacation relief you ONLY get after being away for a while, where you begin to understand what Dorothy meant when she said "There's no place like home." After all, time away can be refreshing, but there's something about the feeling you get walking back into a familiar place and the comfort you feel as soon as you get there. When they show up at their doorstep and realize they aren't alone, however, the feeling of relief is immediately replaced with mild annoyance...even though they KNOW this guest well. It's their friend Laure, and she's fled home after learning about her husband Pierre's indiscretion: an indiscretion that has led to the birth of a child, no less!
Iris wants to be supportive during this time, but Laure is beginning to grate on her nerves...and that's putting it mildly. Laure has no problem trouncing around the place like she owns it, wearing Iris' clothes, and doesn't seem to be in any sort of hurry to get back to Pierre. There's also tension bubbling between Iris and Gabriel themselves, in a close yet distant marriage, which has never been the same since Gabriel found a body and feels like he should have somehow been able to prevent a young boy's death. When a NEW couple comes to town with a handsome gardener named Joseph, things veer into even MORE complicated territory...especially when Joseph gets romantically entangled with one (or is it two?) of our leads...and who exactly IS the mother of Pierre's baby, anyway? Will this house guest ever take the hint and head for the hills? Or are there secrets involving this WHOLE group that, if revealed, could shatter their friendships...forever?
B.A. Paris is nothing if not surprising when it comes to her particular brand of domestic suspense novel: you never know EXACTLY what Paris you're going to get. Despite this imbalance, all of her books feature some unlikable characters that STILL somehow have an air of authenticity. You won't ever quite know who to trust, and who is the victim rather than the 'perp' in her books. There's also ALWAYS a level of 'he said, she said' that goes on, and often some wacky twists to keep things moving. After the absolute train wreck that was The Prisoner, I was wary to say the least about picking up this one and once again giving Paris a shot.
But while this was a giant step up from the messy, confusing, and eye-roll worthy B Action movie plot that was her last book...Paris decided to go the Maury route with this one, replete with everything from neighborhood gossip to a cast FULL of unlikable characters that frankly had me feeling sorry that Pierre's baby and Gabriel and Iris' daughter had to call these folks 'adults.'
This book is on the slower side (at least it was for me) and to be honest, there almost felt like there were TOO many characters that weren't that important...to the point where even though it wasn't a huge cast, I still occasionally forgot who was who. This may in part be due to the fact that I never felt that INVESTED in the story, but even with a group of Unlikables, I still want to have distinct enough personalities to keep track of everyone without having to flip back or remind myself what's going on at any given time. The strange thing about this one is that it almost didn't feel linear in terms of time line even though it very much WAS for most of the book, and I kept feeling like I was missing something all along the way...and that the 'red herrings' were so plentiful that I needed a fishing net to contain them all! 🎣
When we FINALLY arrive at the final act of the book, however, all of the seemingly random information starts to slide neatly into place. (Side note: remember those little plastic puzzles with pieces you could slide back and forth and up and down until they slid into the right spots and made a picture? THAT is the little mental picture I just got...and I also miss those puzzles! 🧩) This final twist is honestly almost a SERIES of twists that bundles into one tidy package, and although some of it seems like it should have been obvious after the reveals, it certainly seemed like Paris saved all her 'oomph' for the last 30% of the book. That being said, I still don't feel like even this clever ending was enough to make up for the meandering it took for this book to get there, which is why out of all of the Paris books I've been thus far, this one lands firmly in the middle of the pack.
And at the end of the day, this book was reminiscent of a used Libman mop: it was both soapy AND twisty. 🧼
But much like that same mop after a LONG session of kitchen floor cleaning...I think what it needed most was to be wrung out.
3.5 stars
"Uninvited guests are often most welcome when they leave." - Aesop
Iris and Gabriel are ready to sink into that post-vacation relief you ONLY get after being away for a while, where you begin to understand what Dorothy meant when she said "There's no place like home." After all, time away can be refreshing, but there's something about the feeling you get walking back into a familiar place and the comfort you feel as soon as you get there. When they show up at their doorstep and realize they aren't alone, however, the feeling of relief is immediately replaced with mild annoyance...even though they KNOW this guest well. It's their friend Laure, and she's fled home after learning about her husband Pierre's indiscretion: an indiscretion that has led to the birth of a child, no less!
Iris wants to be supportive during this time, but Laure is beginning to grate on her nerves...and that's putting it mildly. Laure has no problem trouncing around the place like she owns it, wearing Iris' clothes, and doesn't seem to be in any sort of hurry to get back to Pierre. There's also tension bubbling between Iris and Gabriel themselves, in a close yet distant marriage, which has never been the same since Gabriel found a body and feels like he should have somehow been able to prevent a young boy's death. When a NEW couple comes to town with a handsome gardener named Joseph, things veer into even MORE complicated territory...especially when Joseph gets romantically entangled with one (or is it two?) of our leads...and who exactly IS the mother of Pierre's baby, anyway? Will this house guest ever take the hint and head for the hills? Or are there secrets involving this WHOLE group that, if revealed, could shatter their friendships...forever?
B.A. Paris is nothing if not surprising when it comes to her particular brand of domestic suspense novel: you never know EXACTLY what Paris you're going to get. Despite this imbalance, all of her books feature some unlikable characters that STILL somehow have an air of authenticity. You won't ever quite know who to trust, and who is the victim rather than the 'perp' in her books. There's also ALWAYS a level of 'he said, she said' that goes on, and often some wacky twists to keep things moving. After the absolute train wreck that was The Prisoner, I was wary to say the least about picking up this one and once again giving Paris a shot.
But while this was a giant step up from the messy, confusing, and eye-roll worthy B Action movie plot that was her last book...Paris decided to go the Maury route with this one, replete with everything from neighborhood gossip to a cast FULL of unlikable characters that frankly had me feeling sorry that Pierre's baby and Gabriel and Iris' daughter had to call these folks 'adults.'
This book is on the slower side (at least it was for me) and to be honest, there almost felt like there were TOO many characters that weren't that important...to the point where even though it wasn't a huge cast, I still occasionally forgot who was who. This may in part be due to the fact that I never felt that INVESTED in the story, but even with a group of Unlikables, I still want to have distinct enough personalities to keep track of everyone without having to flip back or remind myself what's going on at any given time. The strange thing about this one is that it almost didn't feel linear in terms of time line even though it very much WAS for most of the book, and I kept feeling like I was missing something all along the way...and that the 'red herrings' were so plentiful that I needed a fishing net to contain them all! 🎣
When we FINALLY arrive at the final act of the book, however, all of the seemingly random information starts to slide neatly into place. (Side note: remember those little plastic puzzles with pieces you could slide back and forth and up and down until they slid into the right spots and made a picture? THAT is the little mental picture I just got...and I also miss those puzzles! 🧩) This final twist is honestly almost a SERIES of twists that bundles into one tidy package, and although some of it seems like it should have been obvious after the reveals, it certainly seemed like Paris saved all her 'oomph' for the last 30% of the book. That being said, I still don't feel like even this clever ending was enough to make up for the meandering it took for this book to get there, which is why out of all of the Paris books I've been thus far, this one lands firmly in the middle of the pack.
And at the end of the day, this book was reminiscent of a used Libman mop: it was both soapy AND twisty. 🧼
But much like that same mop after a LONG session of kitchen floor cleaning...I think what it needed most was to be wrung out.
3.5 stars
March 29, 2024
smh, Paris, Now I know you can write better; this was not good.
That whole Joseph angle in my humble opinion was so not necessary, it was as if I was asking the author to pick btw his story and the MC. it didn't gel well and thus it didn't flow well. Granted I didn't see the twist coming, but getting there was a chore!
Solid 1.5 stars!
That whole Joseph angle in my humble opinion was so not necessary, it was as if I was asking the author to pick btw his story and the MC. it didn't gel well and thus it didn't flow well. Granted I didn't see the twist coming, but getting there was a chore!
Solid 1.5 stars!
February 4, 2024
Guests, like fish, begin to smell after three days. (Or less 😉).
This story has the houseguest from hell who just won’t leave. I’m not sure why she wasn’t kicked to the curb, but the stress on her hosts, Gabriel and Iris, along with the trauma of finding a young man dead, has left their lives in turmoil.
This is a compelling slow burn but the short chapters move the story along and the surprise ending makes this one worth it.
* I received a digital review copy via NetGalley
This story has the houseguest from hell who just won’t leave. I’m not sure why she wasn’t kicked to the curb, but the stress on her hosts, Gabriel and Iris, along with the trauma of finding a young man dead, has left their lives in turmoil.
This is a compelling slow burn but the short chapters move the story along and the surprise ending makes this one worth it.
* I received a digital review copy via NetGalley
December 29, 2023
Its books like The Guest that makes me happy that I'm an introverted individual!
The Guest is a book about a couple called Iris and Gabriel who return home from holiday to find that their long time friend Laure has somehow got into their property and has been staying there after having a domestic breakdown with her partner Pierre.
Trying to take all that in, Gabriel is battling with his own set of woes after witnessing a young 18 year old boy have a tragic accident in a nearby quarry and having to hear the boys 'last words'
Trying to find solace and respite in their new neighbours (Esme and Hugh), Iris and Gabriel begin to find their new couples gardener (Joseph) behavior very weird.
Firstly there is more than a few characters in this book who you will enjoy to loathe. Like they were so beyond irritating, the constant eye rolls were truly starting to hurt my eyeballs.
I've read all of B.A Paris book minus one (The Dilemma) and I would place this one in the middle. It's not my favourite but it wasn't totally bad either.
I do enjoy B.A writing style and the short chapters help to keep you engaged and connected to the story.
The final revelations did shock me and I was pleasantly surprised, but then it ended so abruptly which was quite annoying. I'm glad that all loose ends were wrapped up and explained but would have enjoyed a little more to the ending.
Ultimately it was an ok read. 🙂
Thank you Netgalley for an early audiobook arc of The Guest
The Guest is a book about a couple called Iris and Gabriel who return home from holiday to find that their long time friend Laure has somehow got into their property and has been staying there after having a domestic breakdown with her partner Pierre.
Trying to take all that in, Gabriel is battling with his own set of woes after witnessing a young 18 year old boy have a tragic accident in a nearby quarry and having to hear the boys 'last words'
Trying to find solace and respite in their new neighbours (Esme and Hugh), Iris and Gabriel begin to find their new couples gardener (Joseph) behavior very weird.
Firstly there is more than a few characters in this book who you will enjoy to loathe. Like they were so beyond irritating, the constant eye rolls were truly starting to hurt my eyeballs.
I've read all of B.A Paris book minus one (The Dilemma) and I would place this one in the middle. It's not my favourite but it wasn't totally bad either.
I do enjoy B.A writing style and the short chapters help to keep you engaged and connected to the story.
The final revelations did shock me and I was pleasantly surprised, but then it ended so abruptly which was quite annoying. I'm glad that all loose ends were wrapped up and explained but would have enjoyed a little more to the ending.
Ultimately it was an ok read. 🙂
Thank you Netgalley for an early audiobook arc of The Guest
February 4, 2024
Rating: ⭐⭐⭐⭐
Genre: Mystery Thriller
Iris and Gabriel are a couple living a happy life until an unexpected guest arrives one day. Laure decides to move in with the happy couple after discovering the infidelity of her husband, Pierre. The two couples have known each other for a long time, but things take a totally different turn when Laure decides to stay with Iris and Gabriel. Her behavior irritates Iris, who wants things to go back to just the way they were before she arrived at their doorstep.
The trope of an uninvited or unexpected guest who shows up in a mystery thriller is one of my favorites. I had the impression that this story would primarily focus on that trope. At the very least, it was the first fifty percent, but after that, it goes in a different direction in the second half. It is ironic that the part I expected to love due to this trope was the slowest, and that the story started to get more interesting and have a faster pace once that trope went away!
The second half of the book is where things really pick up and get wild. This is where the thriller aspect of the story really shines, and if you make it through the first half without giving up, you'll be rewarded with some intense action. I wouldn't say that the characters are particularly well-developed, but in a story like this, I think the plot is more important anyway. If you're a fan of the author's writing style, you'll probably enjoy this book because you know what to expect.
I remember reading B.A. Paris' debut book, Behind Closed Doors. I found it to be an enjoyable read. Although "The Guest" was entertaining too, it did, at times, venture into the realm of the implausible. I cannot say that I enjoyed it more than her first domestic thriller, but it provided a comparable level of entertainment value. As for my rating, I was vacillating between a 3.5 and a 4-star rating. However, I ultimately found the conclusion to be sufficiently redeeming, so a 4-star rating appears warranted.
Thanks to NetGalley and the publisher for the ARC of this book.
Genre: Mystery Thriller
Iris and Gabriel are a couple living a happy life until an unexpected guest arrives one day. Laure decides to move in with the happy couple after discovering the infidelity of her husband, Pierre. The two couples have known each other for a long time, but things take a totally different turn when Laure decides to stay with Iris and Gabriel. Her behavior irritates Iris, who wants things to go back to just the way they were before she arrived at their doorstep.
The trope of an uninvited or unexpected guest who shows up in a mystery thriller is one of my favorites. I had the impression that this story would primarily focus on that trope. At the very least, it was the first fifty percent, but after that, it goes in a different direction in the second half. It is ironic that the part I expected to love due to this trope was the slowest, and that the story started to get more interesting and have a faster pace once that trope went away!
The second half of the book is where things really pick up and get wild. This is where the thriller aspect of the story really shines, and if you make it through the first half without giving up, you'll be rewarded with some intense action. I wouldn't say that the characters are particularly well-developed, but in a story like this, I think the plot is more important anyway. If you're a fan of the author's writing style, you'll probably enjoy this book because you know what to expect.
I remember reading B.A. Paris' debut book, Behind Closed Doors. I found it to be an enjoyable read. Although "The Guest" was entertaining too, it did, at times, venture into the realm of the implausible. I cannot say that I enjoyed it more than her first domestic thriller, but it provided a comparable level of entertainment value. As for my rating, I was vacillating between a 3.5 and a 4-star rating. However, I ultimately found the conclusion to be sufficiently redeeming, so a 4-star rating appears warranted.
Thanks to NetGalley and the publisher for the ARC of this book.
February 17, 2024
3.5 Stars rounded up
The end of the book is the best part. I felt so-so about the whole thing. It's kind of slow, but there are interesting bits that grab your attention. It's mostly like a family drama with some thrilling moments. The whole story takes a while to unfold. The characters seem a bit plain and not fully developed. The story jumps between Iris and Gabriel, and it feels weird. The flow of the story isn't great. I wasn't sure if I liked the book in the beginning. The first part is slow, and I didn't know where it was headed. But, surprisingly, things get exciting halfway through. I was shocked because the story suddenly gets twisty and action-packed. The narrator, Emily Joyce, did an amazing job.
Thank you Netgalley and Macmillan Audio for the opportunity listen and review this audiobook ARC.
The end of the book is the best part. I felt so-so about the whole thing. It's kind of slow, but there are interesting bits that grab your attention. It's mostly like a family drama with some thrilling moments. The whole story takes a while to unfold. The characters seem a bit plain and not fully developed. The story jumps between Iris and Gabriel, and it feels weird. The flow of the story isn't great. I wasn't sure if I liked the book in the beginning. The first part is slow, and I didn't know where it was headed. But, surprisingly, things get exciting halfway through. I was shocked because the story suddenly gets twisty and action-packed. The narrator, Emily Joyce, did an amazing job.
Thank you Netgalley and Macmillan Audio for the opportunity listen and review this audiobook ARC.
April 15, 2024
I really enjoyed this audiobook. Listening to it was like relaxing in a warm bath. The story started out slowly as I got to know the characters and gradually began to realize that all was not as it appeared to be in this tightly bonded group. How far would you go to keep a secret if revealing that secret would shatter not only your life but everyone you love as well? The epilogue left me breathless and listening to parts of it literally gave me chills. This was definitely one twisted, shocking ride! Thank you, NetGalley and Macmillan Audio for my audiobook.
January 27, 2024
The Guest is the newest novel written by B. A. Paris, a first-time author for me. With so many fantastic writers, it's nearly impossible to read all their books... but occasionally the stars align and NetGalley awards you a book. I've wanted to sample Paris's work, so this was the perfect opportunity. I enjoyed the writing style, character creation, and plot, but wow... this was definitely a weird situation. So many interesting moments where when you're in the thick of it, you may not realize what's happening, but for a reader watching from outside the center, without any knowledge from other characters' thoughts or actions, the danger signs were flashing. But that's what made it a super quick read too. With a major twist in the end, it's important to always recall who's telling the story, and whether the narrator is one of the main voices or just a random, omniscient voice who knows all but leaves things out. Savvy readers will figure out what's happening, but I recommend not trying to solve it. Just go with the story and see where it takes you.
July 4, 2024
Meh...
March 17, 2024
Thanks to NetGalley and St. Martin's Press for access to this title. All opinions expressed are my own.
When Iris and Gabriel welcome their friend, Laure as a houseguest they assume it will be temporary. After all, Laure and her husband, Pierre should be able to work out their problems. Then there is Gabriel's recent trauma of witnessing the tragic death of a young boy in the community. It still haunts him that he wasn't fully honest with the boy's last words. Meanwhile, Iris makes friends with new neighbours, Hugh and Esme and employs their gardener, Joseph to help Gabriel with his walled garden. It soon becomes apparent that none of these characters are what they seem.
This was the perfect domestic thriller to curl up with this weekend. The prologue had me hooked and the epilogue left me with a lot of anxiety. Future readers will find that B.A. Paris creates an atmosphere of second-guessing and twists, I was so confident that I knew what the big revelations would be, but there was no way I could have guessed it all.
B.A. Paris has another absolute hit on their hands!
Publication Date: 20/02/24
Goodreads Review 17/03/24
When Iris and Gabriel welcome their friend, Laure as a houseguest they assume it will be temporary. After all, Laure and her husband, Pierre should be able to work out their problems. Then there is Gabriel's recent trauma of witnessing the tragic death of a young boy in the community. It still haunts him that he wasn't fully honest with the boy's last words. Meanwhile, Iris makes friends with new neighbours, Hugh and Esme and employs their gardener, Joseph to help Gabriel with his walled garden. It soon becomes apparent that none of these characters are what they seem.
This was the perfect domestic thriller to curl up with this weekend. The prologue had me hooked and the epilogue left me with a lot of anxiety. Future readers will find that B.A. Paris creates an atmosphere of second-guessing and twists, I was so confident that I knew what the big revelations would be, but there was no way I could have guessed it all.
B.A. Paris has another absolute hit on their hands!
Publication Date: 20/02/24
Goodreads Review 17/03/24
January 9, 2025
The Guest by B. A. Paris is a domestic suspense novel packed with secrets, tension, and a final twist that’s sure to leave readers stunned. It’s a story about friendships, betrayals, and the unsettling presence of a guest who overstays her welcome—both physically and emotionally.
The mystery at the heart of the story is well-woven, and that final twist? I didn’t see it coming! While the reveal surprised me, I’m still unsure if it fully lived up to the suspense built throughout the book.
The biggest challenge for me was the characters—I didn’t feel much of a connection to them. Laure, the titular guest, had me shouting at the pages—her overstepping and erratic behavior made me want to throw her out of the house myself! On top of that, the pacing dragged at times, with too much focus on repetitive discussions and mundane details.
That said, there’s something undeniably entertaining about B. A. Paris’s storytelling. Domestic suspense novels like this are great for when you want a quick, low-effort thrill. While The Guest wasn’t my favorite of hers, it’s still an engaging pick with enough twists to keep you reading until the end.
I’d like to thank NetGalley and the publisher for providing me with a copy of this book. I paired it with the audiobook—a fantastic decision, as the narrator’s performance was truly engaging and made it easy to stay immersed!
The mystery at the heart of the story is well-woven, and that final twist? I didn’t see it coming! While the reveal surprised me, I’m still unsure if it fully lived up to the suspense built throughout the book.
The biggest challenge for me was the characters—I didn’t feel much of a connection to them. Laure, the titular guest, had me shouting at the pages—her overstepping and erratic behavior made me want to throw her out of the house myself! On top of that, the pacing dragged at times, with too much focus on repetitive discussions and mundane details.
That said, there’s something undeniably entertaining about B. A. Paris’s storytelling. Domestic suspense novels like this are great for when you want a quick, low-effort thrill. While The Guest wasn’t my favorite of hers, it’s still an engaging pick with enough twists to keep you reading until the end.
I’d like to thank NetGalley and the publisher for providing me with a copy of this book. I paired it with the audiobook—a fantastic decision, as the narrator’s performance was truly engaging and made it easy to stay immersed!
February 20, 2024
3.5 stars
I always look forward to reading the latest book by B.A. Paris. She’s creative and her stories manage to be a little bit disturbing but entertaining at the same time. Bust out a bowl of popcorn and sit down and enjoy the show type reads.
While The Guest is not my favorite of her domestic thrillers it still is a solid read. My main issue was with the characters. With this genre I don’t mind unlikable characters but the problem is when they veer into annoying territory. It makes for a frustrating reading experience at times. Thankfully there are some surprises along the way that did keep me interested in the story and it does end on a strong note.
Thank you to Netgalley and the publisher for providing a free advance digital copy. All thoughts expressed are my honest opinion
I always look forward to reading the latest book by B.A. Paris. She’s creative and her stories manage to be a little bit disturbing but entertaining at the same time. Bust out a bowl of popcorn and sit down and enjoy the show type reads.
While The Guest is not my favorite of her domestic thrillers it still is a solid read. My main issue was with the characters. With this genre I don’t mind unlikable characters but the problem is when they veer into annoying territory. It makes for a frustrating reading experience at times. Thankfully there are some surprises along the way that did keep me interested in the story and it does end on a strong note.
Thank you to Netgalley and the publisher for providing a free advance digital copy. All thoughts expressed are my honest opinion
March 8, 2024
Not for me…I would rate it 2.5 🌟 if I could…But I found that the book didn’t really keep my attention & then even though things got wrapped up at the end, it all felt sort of like a weird cop-out of an ending? It didn’t do it for me…
March 25, 2024
3.5 stars
B.A. Paris’ domestic suspense novels are like a comforting, familiar sweater you can reach for when craving an easy yet thrilling read. She weaves suspenseful stories that are effortless to delve into, providing entertainment without demanding too much from the reader. I prefer to listen to her books, finding that even when my mind wanders, I don't miss much, making it easy to stay engaged with the story. It's almost like having a suspenseful soundtrack accompanying my daily activities, ensuring I never miss a beat, even when my mind takes a detour.
The guest trope might have you thinking you've heard it all before, but Paris doesn't stop there. She throws in unexpected twists adding a fresh spin to the trope. The pacing has some ups and downs, much like a witch's broomstick ride with a few twists and turns, to make the ride thrilling.
The characters may not be the most likable bunch and lack depth in their motivation and actions. However, their web of secrets and lies was engaging enough to draw me into the narrative.
That final twist is unexpected in so many ways and I don't think anyone will see that coming. But to be honest I am not sure it was all that rewarding after all the suspense but I was entertained.
I received a copy from the publisher through NetGalley
B.A. Paris’ domestic suspense novels are like a comforting, familiar sweater you can reach for when craving an easy yet thrilling read. She weaves suspenseful stories that are effortless to delve into, providing entertainment without demanding too much from the reader. I prefer to listen to her books, finding that even when my mind wanders, I don't miss much, making it easy to stay engaged with the story. It's almost like having a suspenseful soundtrack accompanying my daily activities, ensuring I never miss a beat, even when my mind takes a detour.
The guest trope might have you thinking you've heard it all before, but Paris doesn't stop there. She throws in unexpected twists adding a fresh spin to the trope. The pacing has some ups and downs, much like a witch's broomstick ride with a few twists and turns, to make the ride thrilling.
The characters may not be the most likable bunch and lack depth in their motivation and actions. However, their web of secrets and lies was engaging enough to draw me into the narrative.
That final twist is unexpected in so many ways and I don't think anyone will see that coming. But to be honest I am not sure it was all that rewarding after all the suspense but I was entertained.
I received a copy from the publisher through NetGalley
February 5, 2024
Please note that I received this book via NetGalley. This did not affect my rating or review.
The book was so slow and not enjoyable for a good 50 percent. And even when the bodies pile up nothing makes sense. The final chapter/epilogue takes the wind out of the sails of the book and I just went good grief while finishing it up. I think that Paris has some interesting ideas for thrillers, but when the time comes for fully executing it with well developed characters and no plot holes you can drive a train through, it just does not work.
"The Guest" follows married couple Iris and Gabriel. They have recently gone away because Gabriel is still shaken for being by the side of a young man who died tragically. Iris is hoping the trip away would bring them closer, but it has not. When they arrive at their home, they find that their long time friend, Laure, has just invited herself into their home, their bedroom, and Iris's clothing since she has left her husband, and their friend Pierre. Laure is "The Guest" that the book focuses on. We start off in medias res (which does not help) before we work our way backwards to the things I have set up above. From there the book follows with you as a reader knowing that someone(s) have died but you don't know who or why.
So honestly, this whole book was so poor I had to come back the day after finishing and hit it with one star. There is so much mess to wade through I honestly can't think of the good at all.
The characters read so incomplete and flat. We bounce back and forth between Iris's first person point of view to Gabriel whose point of view was not written in the first person, but third person. It's jarring at first, but I just rolled with it. But honestly I am realizing that if they had both been first person point of view, maybe I would have felt more involved with Gabriel's side quest as it were. Instead it just felt like Iris was a doormat and Gabriel was keeping secrets that did not need to be kept from his wife. And there daughter Beth was just there....honestly. She comes into the story more later, but there should have been a lot more added there for me to care.
Laure and Pierre fell flat as anything. The epilogue actually made things worse because none of what we find out about even lines up with things we read outside of Laure being the most annoying guest of all time.
The new neighbors Esme and Hugh just felt like a plot device that did not work even a little bit. Once again flat characters that did not feel real.
The flow was awful. I don't know a way to fix that. Maybe Paris should stick to first person point of view and only follow one character around for the whole book?
The writing was painful after a while. I didn't know what was happening or why, but once the bodies started piling up I found myself not even caring who did what.
The setting of the book is mostly focused on Iris and Gabriel's home and walled garden and I still can't tell you anything about the home or how it's set up. It's just a blur to me and I even went back to see if I could pick out any details.
The ending made no sense full stop. It is just pages of an epilogue that I was like yeah that makes no sense, how did that happen and no one figured that out? What? Okay then.
I just know that the only other book that she's written that I have given 1 star was "Behind Closed Doors for the same reasons. Poor characters, a really WTF plot that made no sense, terrible flow, etc. Everything else, I have been firmly 3 stars on. If you loved "Behind Closed Doors" you will probably love this. If that was not your favorite, I suggest skipping this.
The book was so slow and not enjoyable for a good 50 percent. And even when the bodies pile up nothing makes sense. The final chapter/epilogue takes the wind out of the sails of the book and I just went good grief while finishing it up. I think that Paris has some interesting ideas for thrillers, but when the time comes for fully executing it with well developed characters and no plot holes you can drive a train through, it just does not work.
"The Guest" follows married couple Iris and Gabriel. They have recently gone away because Gabriel is still shaken for being by the side of a young man who died tragically. Iris is hoping the trip away would bring them closer, but it has not. When they arrive at their home, they find that their long time friend, Laure, has just invited herself into their home, their bedroom, and Iris's clothing since she has left her husband, and their friend Pierre. Laure is "The Guest" that the book focuses on. We start off in medias res (which does not help) before we work our way backwards to the things I have set up above. From there the book follows with you as a reader knowing that someone(s) have died but you don't know who or why.
So honestly, this whole book was so poor I had to come back the day after finishing and hit it with one star. There is so much mess to wade through I honestly can't think of the good at all.
The characters read so incomplete and flat. We bounce back and forth between Iris's first person point of view to Gabriel whose point of view was not written in the first person, but third person. It's jarring at first, but I just rolled with it. But honestly I am realizing that if they had both been first person point of view, maybe I would have felt more involved with Gabriel's side quest as it were. Instead it just felt like Iris was a doormat and Gabriel was keeping secrets that did not need to be kept from his wife. And there daughter Beth was just there....honestly. She comes into the story more later, but there should have been a lot more added there for me to care.
Laure and Pierre fell flat as anything. The epilogue actually made things worse because none of what we find out about even lines up with things we read outside of Laure being the most annoying guest of all time.
The new neighbors Esme and Hugh just felt like a plot device that did not work even a little bit. Once again flat characters that did not feel real.
The flow was awful. I don't know a way to fix that. Maybe Paris should stick to first person point of view and only follow one character around for the whole book?
The writing was painful after a while. I didn't know what was happening or why, but once the bodies started piling up I found myself not even caring who did what.
The setting of the book is mostly focused on Iris and Gabriel's home and walled garden and I still can't tell you anything about the home or how it's set up. It's just a blur to me and I even went back to see if I could pick out any details.
The ending made no sense full stop. It is just pages of an epilogue that I was like yeah that makes no sense, how did that happen and no one figured that out? What? Okay then.
I just know that the only other book that she's written that I have given 1 star was "Behind Closed Doors for the same reasons. Poor characters, a really WTF plot that made no sense, terrible flow, etc. Everything else, I have been firmly 3 stars on. If you loved "Behind Closed Doors" you will probably love this. If that was not your favorite, I suggest skipping this.
August 31, 2023
A twisty psychological thriller that will hold you in suspense from the beginning.
When Laure, a family friend, comes to stay with Iris and her husband then extended stay begins to add more turmoil to their marriage. Secrets and lies from the past and present will draw you in keeping you on the edge of your seat. The ending alone is such a shock for that alone you need to read this asap.
When Laure, a family friend, comes to stay with Iris and her husband then extended stay begins to add more turmoil to their marriage. Secrets and lies from the past and present will draw you in keeping you on the edge of your seat. The ending alone is such a shock for that alone you need to read this asap.
September 5, 2023
The Guest by B.A. Paris 4⭐
Wow. What a wild ride this book turned out to be, and I loved every minute of it! I was intrigued from the very beginning, trying to put the pieces together that always seemed to allude me. Some books from the beginning you already know where it is going but you still enjoy watching it play out. And then there are others that leave you always one step behind until the final reveal that blows your socks off. This is that book.
Iris and Gabriel have everything going for them, a beautiful home, a grown daughter, and great friends. But while out for a run in the quarry, Gabriel stumbles on a young man. With the young man's final breathes he burdens Gabriel with his secret. Gabriel struggles not knowing what to do with these final words, eventually he decides to keep them to himself rather than destroy the young man's family.
When his burden becomes too much to bear, it leaves his wife struggling to understand his spiral. As if that doesn't put enough strain on their marriage, their friend Laure comes unexpectedly to stay after the revelation that her husband had a child with another woman.
Laure and Iris are good friends, but when Laure overstays her welcome. begins wearing Iris's clothes, and asking questions about the young man's death, Iris reaches her breaking point. Secret's, deception, and lies put Iris and Gabriel's marriage to the test, and when bodies start dropping they are left to wonder who can they trust?
Thank you NetGalley for this ARC in exchange for an honest review.
Wow. What a wild ride this book turned out to be, and I loved every minute of it! I was intrigued from the very beginning, trying to put the pieces together that always seemed to allude me. Some books from the beginning you already know where it is going but you still enjoy watching it play out. And then there are others that leave you always one step behind until the final reveal that blows your socks off. This is that book.
Iris and Gabriel have everything going for them, a beautiful home, a grown daughter, and great friends. But while out for a run in the quarry, Gabriel stumbles on a young man. With the young man's final breathes he burdens Gabriel with his secret. Gabriel struggles not knowing what to do with these final words, eventually he decides to keep them to himself rather than destroy the young man's family.
When his burden becomes too much to bear, it leaves his wife struggling to understand his spiral. As if that doesn't put enough strain on their marriage, their friend Laure comes unexpectedly to stay after the revelation that her husband had a child with another woman.
Laure and Iris are good friends, but when Laure overstays her welcome. begins wearing Iris's clothes, and asking questions about the young man's death, Iris reaches her breaking point. Secret's, deception, and lies put Iris and Gabriel's marriage to the test, and when bodies start dropping they are left to wonder who can they trust?
Thank you NetGalley for this ARC in exchange for an honest review.
February 14, 2024
I listened to the audiobook of this one for the first third and then I switched to kindle because I honestly am a bit behind with audiobooks and they take me a little longer to read. I liked the narrator and I think it was a well done audiobook and I could have finished it that way. I liked this thriller overall even though I found the story to start way slower than I would have liked and it took way longer than I would have preferred to get more interesting. The epilogue was great and full of some fun twists (I had suspicions but I wasn’t positive of the outcome). Gabriel and his wife Iris return from a trip to see that someone has been in their home. Surprised they find an old family friend Laure who tells them she has left her husband because he had an affair and fathered a child. Laure plans on staying a few weeks, but after a few weeks goes by she doesn’t feel ready to return and asks to stay longer. The writing was good and I thought the characters were well developed (even if I didn’t really like any of the characters except Beth and Esme).
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