Another gripping read from Mark Edwards. Maybe not his finest but still very enjoyable for fans. I found myself going back to read every night until done.

It sounded really interesting and I was looking for something to keep me guessing, but I found this to be more predictable and less realistic/believable than I was hoping for. It wasn't bad, it just wasn't what I was hoping for going in and it wasn't great.

I love Mark Edwards’ writing. I fell in love with his writing after reading ‘The Retreat’ and have enjoyed a few more of his titles since. In this story, Adam and Ruth are House-sitting. They met Jack and Mona at a cruise. A quick friendship led to them being offered a chance to stay at the couple’s place when visiting New York. However, their stay was interrupted when Eden showed up claiming the be Jack and Mona’s friend. What unfolded next can only be described as total chaos.

Once again, Edwards was in his element in this book. It was utterly gripping, fast-paced and twisty. The chapters were short,snappy and easy to get lost into. My mind was racing as I tried to keep up with the mystery. I didn’t know who trust and couldn’t figure out what was really happening until the reveals.

Unfortunately, this wasn’t my favorite read by Edwards. The beginning of the story was insanely thrilling. However, I didn’t enjoy the final chapters (Part III) as much as I thought I would. The action felt a little over the top for my liking. The final scene especially just wasn’t for me. It just felt far-fetched.

That said, this was still a very entertaining read and if able to suspend disbelief, it is overall an enjoyable story. I can’t wait to see what the author comes up with next.

My second book by Mark Edwards, in the space of a week, and it was another great read. I thought it was going to be quite similar to ‘Here to Stay’ with how it started, but it really wasn’t! Great plot, easy writing and short/sharp chapters. Just like the previous book I’ve read by Mark, the ending was intriguing. The book is tied up nicely, doesn’t leave you with any unanswered questions at all, but there is a will it/won’t it happen sort of vibe which I actually really enjoy. Great book.

I did enjoy this one however it’s not my favourite book by this author. I found the concept of the story interesting in parts but the whole cult theme was a little bit too far fetched for my liking. The book was well written as are all books by the author I just think for me personally a book based around cults aren’t my cup of tea.

Elliot is a scientist who lives in a beautiful, lovingly restored home that is his pride a joy. At an open house garden tour that he organized, he encounters the lovely Gemma. At this time, he suffers a medical emergency and though Gemma is a stranger, she stays with him through the crisis and they fall in love and are married. Newlywed life is blissful until Gemma’s estranged parents and strange sister arrive for a visit. The few days they plan to stay stretches to weeks and then months. Elliot is unable to get them to leave and even worse than that, he begins to fear that they are behind the crimes and now taking place in his neighborhood. Things escalate and he begins to fear for his life.

You won’t be bored with this book, that’s for sure! Lots of nefarious characters and lots of creepy interactions. Elliot is a very naive character and it’s hard to read the book without wondering why he keeps making the same choices. If you’re able to suspend reality, it’s quite a ride.

**I posted several times about this book (including review) on my Facebook page, Reader Report Cards. Thank you for the opportunity!

A gripping and exciting thriller that will leave you on the edge of your seat. Pick this one up if you want a book filled with suspense.

Mark Edwards is a brilliant suspense writer, I have enjoyed every one of his books and this latest book was no exception.
This is a story where once you pick it up, you won’t want to put it down. When you have a book this good on the go, you resent any intrusion. I was racing through the pages determined to find out what would happen next.

The House Guest is a story with dark and chilling moments, and it will have you gripped to the pages. A real wow book.

Great thriller.
Ruth and Adam are going to spend the summer in New York, where they meet Eden. She is charismatic, maybe too friendly, and all this fun summer is becoming a nightmare.
Thank you, NetGalley for this adventure.

Another brilliant read from this author. The books get better and better. This was a good read and highly recommended. Thank you.

Don’t Open The Door....
From the inviting in of a stranger to the horrors that action brings. For one couple, nicely settled (they think), opening the door to a stranger and inviting them into their lives was most definitely a mistake. Nicely paced suspense but, for me, doesn’t match up to previous offerings from this talented author.

Amazing fast paced read that keeps you hooked from the beginning and doesn’t let up. Really amazing story telling with realistic characters and great plot.

Stayed up WAY too late reading this one, which is the best praise you can give a thriller! Awesome story and twisted ending. Will definitely recommend!

Mark Edwards has absolutely smashed it once again with The House Guest. I feel like whenever you pick up one of his books you know you'll be in safe hands as you turn page after page. This is an eerie, creepy read that will keep you on edge throughout - like all the best thrillers do. Loved it!

I really enjoyed this latest book from Mark Edwards. Plenty of twists and turns in a what I thought was a tight and well crafted book. Set in New York Ruth and Adam are given the opportunity we can all only dream of - house sitting for an affluent couple in Manhattan. However when a girl called Eden turns up things take a different turn... I loved it.

Mark Edwards is one of the most successful and popular contemporary English crime writers and his books have kept me company during long winter night or hot summer days. "The House Guest" is a crime/mystery novel that bears the trademark characteristics of the author's distinctive writing style that enthralls the reader and keeps him on the edge of his seat, turning the pages in order to find out what happens next. His plots are usually complex and ingenious, though in this one the main plotline is not as elaborate as it is in some of his previous books such as "The Retreat" or "The Magpies". The story begins when a young woman appears on the doorstep of a wealthy couple who is away for vacation. The house is occupied by a couple of house-sitters, Ruth and Adam. Adam is also the main protagonist and first-person narrator of the story. The young intruder's name is Eden and she claims that she is a friend of the couple of owners and she asks for a little help as she is from Caliofornia and had no ties to New York city. Adam and Ruth decide to accomodate Eden and they ask her to come and live with them in the house for a few days, until the owners are back from their journey in New Mexico. Eden will prove to be kind of a dark horse and her behavior begins to puzzle Adam until one night she disappears from the house along with Ruth. Adam is desperate to find out what happened and where is Ruth. Has she been abducted or had she left of her own free will? Our protagonist will embark in a journey to find the truth and he will have to face realities that will make him feel dizzy. Overall, "The House Guest" is a pretty entertaining crime novel that can be read easi;y in just one -or two- sitting(s). The thing is that it is not a book that will remain in your memory long after you have finished it as it lacks that particular spark that make most of Mark Edward's books stand out. Nevertheless it is perfect for a cool summer night and it is certain that you will not be disappointed.

A tense, well-crafted story that kept me turning the pages until the end. Thanks to the publisher and to Netgalley for the ARC,

Be careful who you trust. A couple's lives get turned upside down from trusting the wrong people. Truly masterful how the story unfolded to get characters out of an impossible situation. Another good story from Mark Edwards. Ends with a surprise!

Thank you NetGalley for allowing me to read and review this book.

Adam and Ruth are on the verge of their big break in NYC....or so they thought. As an budding actress and screenplay writer, plus a great home to house sit, they are on the cusp of success. Until they meet Eden...

Although I guessed several of the twists before they happened, the character development kept me very engaged to see how it played out. There ended up being twists that I didn't see coming, as well! A good read overall!

3.5/5 stars. fast, engaging read, good for a distraction. Not a great deal of depth on the characters or plot, but suited its purpose well.