Very, VERY twisty...in a good way!
Really enjoyed this audiobook book and it's excellent narration.
Be prepared for a proper who done it!

Thanks so much to Bookouture Audio, via Netgalley for an advanced copy.

Thank you to netgalley for letting me listen to this arc.

This book plot follows a well to do couple in England who have an unexpected guest show up on their door step claiming to be a long lost cousin. This cousin is the sole heir to their home.

There are twist and turns throughout the book leaving you guessing where the author is going with the plot. Basically, there is deceit, affairs and murders.

It was a bit slow and I did enjoy the audio.

What do you do when a long lost relative shows up on your doorstep? I'm still not sure but thanks to #netgalley and #TheHouseGuest I know what NOT to do! This thriller follows multiple points of view but manages to keep it clear with an easy to follow narrative. I love the plot twists throughout that keep the reader unable to guess exactly where the author is going!

This book was just ok for me. I think if it wasn't an audio book, I would have never finished it.

All the characters are unlikable. I have to have someone to route for. The story is slow but what I think makes it feel even slower is that you kind of get the story told to you over and over again from each character's perspective. It is good to hear the other side of the story but it was too much. Became repetitive.

Thank you NetGalley for this ARC for my honest review.

Thank you to NetGalley and Bookouture for providing me with an ARC in exchange for my honest review.

This books is told by multiple different people in first person POV. That's a huge plus for me. What I don't like about it is it's the same narrator. Sometimes it gets a little confusing when you're listening to it. Some of the chapters are repeat ones from the others perspective, which makes it a tad repetitive at times. The storyline itself is ok. Some of it is a little predictable, but overall not bad. The twist I didn't seem coming was interesting. None of these characters are likeable and have zero redeeming qualities.

⭐️ could have been a DNF 10/10 don't recommend
⭐️⭐️ It was meh
⭐️⭐️⭐️ it was good but...
⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️ really liked it. Doesn't live rent free but comes to visit every now and then.
⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️ Obsessed! It will live rent free in my head forever and always

Good story! It kept me entertained and there were a few twists that I didn’t expect. It wasn’t a sit on the end of your chair type of read but more of a steady build. The book has multiple points of view so you get an idea on what everyone was thinking which I liked! 4 stars!

I loved this book. Somewhat predictable storyline but managed to throw a few curveballs in. Very enjoyable and gripping. Narration was good on audiobook.

Wonderful book with twists and turns. Very well engaging and read well. I thought it was fantastic! There was a small part in chapter 23 that got me a little confused and I had to relisten a few times but overall great and I couldn’t put it down.

The House Guest is set in Hugh and Juliet Mullen's magnificent home, Mullins End, which has been in the family for many generations. The two seem to have a practically perfect existence together, but things take a turn for the worst when a stranger who claims to be Hugh's third cousin (and the heir to the property upon Hugh's death) turns up unexpectedly and requests to stay there until she resolves some issues with her own place.

The story provides an interesting reading experience, told from a variety of perspectives, each adding to the web of scandalous drama and lies. Most of the characters are immoral, and they all believe they are outsmarting the others. This struck me as funny and highly ironic. But even though the overall plot was enjoyable, I found certain parts of the novel to be unbelievable, and that slightly ruined my reading experience, hence only three stars.

⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️
The House Guest by Alison James an audiobook narrated by Jan Cramer was a great psychological thriller with shocking twists! The first part could feel a little bit slow but it picks up peace page by page and by part two it's definitely a page-turner. Each part comes out with new twists, lies, and manipulations so I was looking forward to each part as I knew there would be new answers.

I loved how Jan Cramer did the narration, especially with the Alexis accent! I literally could picture Alexis :D Brilliant listening experience!

Hugh and Juliet lived happily in Mullens End, which has graced their family for generations until the day when Alexis knocked on the doors and announced that she was a long-lost Hugh's cousin. From this moment life is turned upsidown and nothing will ever be how it was.

Lies after lies, manipulation after manipulation, games after games but who will be the winner?

Thank you, NetGalley and Bookouture Audio for this advance copy, I enjoyed it a lot!

Wow! What a fun ride this one was! Just when I thought I had it figured out I was dumbfounded to realize I didn’t! Such a clever plot, never a dull moment so many turns it was very entertaining! The characters were great, they all had me fooled! I don’t want to give too much away, but the story is told in multiple POV’s each contributing greatly to the overall plot. I listened to this one and I can say that the narration was spot on, Jan Cramer gave life to the characters written by Allison James, I believed every minute of it.

Thank-you to NetGalley and Bookouture for the advance audio!

For the Freida McFadden fans!

This one had so many twists and secrets! It was so good!

A distant relative of Hugh shows up on his doorstep wanting to get to know him more. She wiggles her way into their lives and soon Hugh's wife is very skeptical of this mysterious house guest. This is when the twists start happening!

This book has several parts to it and every time you think you know what is going to happen one part ends with a shocking secret and we learn about that secret in the next part.

This one will keep you reading until the very end!

4.5⭐

I was pleasantly surprised with how much I enjoyed this book!

I usually have a hard time getting really into my audiobooks to the point where I want to just drop everything and listen to the entire thing, and this book really did it for me.

I loved the way the author formatted the introduction to new point of views by correlated a new point of view with each plot twist, involving more and more people into the stories unfolding. This kept me constantly guessing who was involved and who's POV I was going to get next.

I also loved the drama. Sticking a bunch of rich folks with secrets into a thriller novel just gives me "fly on the wall" energy and I am here for it EVERYTIME.

I would definitely not hesitate to pick up this author again, and I will for sure be recommending this to other readers, especially people who are newer to thrillers and love DRAMA!
If I had to complain about one single thing, it would be that the narrators were a bit slow, but that really isn't an issue with the ability to speed up the audio. So really, no complaints from me!

4.25 stars!

I see myself as a pretty hospitable person, but I would not just invite a stranger into my home because they show up claiming to be family.
Hugh and Juliet live in a beautiful home that belongs to his family, and while they live there and enjoy all the luxuries that come with it, the home will never be theirs.. It can only remain in the hands of an heir, but their marriage hasn't produced any children.. So they enjoy their days there knowing it will one day pass on to a distant cousin When Alexis shows up claiming to be the rightful her, their world begins unraveling at the seams.
You will be left struggling who you can trust and if you should even trust anyone. This fast paced psychological thriller is a wild ride, and I enjoyed it every step of the way. Hold on tight because your head will be spinning.
Jan Cramer did a wonderful job narrating this audiobook, her voice made listening to it a delight and it was easy to distinguish between the different characters.
Thank you Netgalley and Bookouture Audio for this ARC for an honest review.

I received a ARC for a honest review. This book is total poetic justice! Fairly fast paced with nice twists. It’s a mild psychological thriller with love, deceit, drama and some good twists that I did not see coming.

3.5 ⭐

Thank you to Netgalley and Bookouture Audio for this Advanced Reader Copy of 'The House Guest'.

This thriller is perfect for you if you're looking for:
• Multiple Point-Of-Views
• A Number of Fun Twists
• Characters To Root Against
• An Easy and Fun Read

This novel follows, at first, Juliette as she is met by her Husband's distant cousin at the front door. The cousin is then invited to stay with the couple but everything is not as it seems and strange things begin to happen around the house. Now, the story certainly strays away from this general premise and (in the second half) seems to go completely off the rails in a way which was fun but also a little overwhelming. The first and second parts of the book feel like completely different novels which, in some ways, I liked but it also disrupted the general flow of the plot.

Pretty much most of the characters are awful people which isn't something that usually brings down my rating for a book but I was hoping for more characters I could root for and love. Nevertheless, the characters are well developed and you get to know them all pretty well which was a definite plus in this book. Although, there were a few incestuous references which isn't something I'm a huge fan of and did bring this down a little.

I read the book in a day because the plot was addictive and fast-moving so I would definitely recommend picking this up if you're looking for something easy to read. It was a little far fetched and there were elements of it that I wasn't a huge fan of, however, many twists unfold that keep you on the edge of your seat and make it an, overall, solid thriller!

Enjoyed this audio book so much. Thank you to Alllison James and Bookouture Audio for giving me the opportunity to listen to it! The story about a couple you assume to be the perfect couple, albeit they aren't able to have more children quickly turns into such a twisted complicated story tearing apart everything you thought you knew. I loved how pieces were put together. I especially enjoyed the way the ending came to fruition.

I liked the premise of this book. However was a little too far fetched for me. I didn’t really like any of the characters. I did enjoy it although the ending was a bit of a let down.

Secrets, Lies, and Surprises…

Book Information

“The House Guest” by Alison James is a 315-page mystery/thriller with a planned publication date of November 1, 2023. The audio version spans 7 hours and 46 minutes and is narrated by Jan Cramer. Thank you to Bookouture Audio for providing me with an advance reader copy of this book for review.

Summary

Hugh and Juliet Mullen appear to lead a nearly idyllic life, residing in marital bliss within the exquisite family estate, Mullens End, which has graced their family for generations. Unexpectedly, the arrival of a distant relative triggers a downward spiral in their seemingly perfect world.

My Thoughts

Alison James' "The House Guest" is a must-read for fans of psychological thrillers. Initially, the story may seem to have a slow start, but as you delve deeper, it evolves into a gripping and fast-paced narrative with an original plot that keeps you engrossed from start to finish.

This multi-layered thriller offers a unique reading experience with multiple points of view, each contributing to the intricate web of the story. You'll be on the edge of your seat as the plot unfolds, revealing twist after twist that defies your expectations.

One of the book's strengths lies in its well-drawn characters. Each character is written with depth and authenticity, making it easy to connect with them, even when you might dislike some of them. The story is told from four different perspectives, and each character becomes the protagonist of their own narrative, adding depth and complexity to the plot.

While some elements of the story may test believability, it's a common trait in thrillers and doesn't overshadow the thrilling experience. In fact, it enhances the suspense and keeps you engaged in the narrative.

"The House Guest" is the kind of book that's hard to put down. You'll find yourself actively seeking moments to dive back into the story, eager to uncover the next surprise. Alison James wraps up the story skillfully, bringing order to the chaos she's masterfully created throughout the book.

Jan Cramer's narration adds to the overall enjoyment of the book. Her ability to distinctively voice each character ensures you can easily keep track of the diverse personalities in the story, while her pleasant voice makes the listening experience even more delightful.

Recommendation

“The House Guest” is an absolute page-turner, with Alison James masterfully leading readers on an unforgettable journey of suspense and surprise. Unexpected twists and well-developed characters make it a must-read for fans of fast-paced and unique mysteries. Recommended.

Rating

4 POV Stars

Just finished listening to the audiobook “The House Guest” by Alison James.

This book is told from many different perspectives which is interesting.

The first part of the book is from the perspective of the wife, Juliette. As I am listening to it, it doesn’t match the description of the book but as you get into part two, then it seems to match.

I didn’t find the first part of the book as interesting but once the other parts start it gets better. Unfortunately it is a bit repetitive as each thing is described from different points of view. Some of it is a bit far fetched but it still keeps you interested with the twists and turns. A 3 star read.