The House Guest by Alison James Published by Bookouture on November 1, 2023
Genres: Domestic Thriller, Psychological Thrillers
Pages: 290
Format: ARC, eBook
Source: NetGalley, Publisher
Buy on Amazon
I let her into my home. And now she’s destroying my life…
I open the creaking oak front door of my beautiful country house to see a stranger on my doorstep. The woman is stunning with glossy red hair and flawless make up. ‘Can I help you?’ I ask.
That was my first mistake.
Alexis tells me she is a distant relative and shows me a DNA match on her phone. She has no family and would love to get to know us. My husband Hugh invites her in to join our dinner party. As we drink wine, she opens up about her sad childhood. Her amber eyes are mesmerising and I can see my husband is being drawn in by her story. Then she asks for our help.
Saying yes was the second mistake.
As Alexis and Hugh spend time together, swimming in our luxurious pool and playing tennis in the sunshine, my husband grows distant and the deep cracks in our relationship begin to show. And when our house guest gets me to open up about my marital problems, I start to wonder why she’s really here.
And then I discover a secret about Alexis that makes my blood run cold.
Am I being paranoid? Or will inviting Alexis into our home destroy my marriage? And is it too late to get rid of her, before she puts our lives in danger…?
My Thoughts
From the very first page, I found myself completely engrossed in the story. The multitude of twists and turns that unfolded throughout kept me on the edge of my seat, eagerly devouring each chapter in anticipation of what would happen next. This psychological thriller is a perfect example of a fast-paced narrative that never lets up, constantly delivering surprises and keeping the reader hooked until the very end.
One of the standout elements of this book is the exceptional character development. Each character is meticulously crafted, with their own unique personalities and motivations that add depth and complexity to the story. It’s refreshing to see such well-written characters that feel real and relatable, making it easy to become emotionally invested in their journey.
But it’s not just the characters that make this book shine. The writing itself is truly exceptional, with vivid descriptions and a captivating narrative that brings the story to life. The author’s ability to create tension and build suspense is masterful, resulting in a reading experience that is both thrilling and immersive.
And let’s talk about the plot. It’s not only fast-paced but also incredibly original and fresh. This is not your typical psychological thriller with predictable twists and turns. Instead, it takes unexpected detours and introduces surprising elements that keep you guessing until the very end. The level of intrigue is off the charts, as secrets are revealed and layers of deception are peeled away, leaving you constantly questioning who can be trusted.
Overall, I cannot recommend this book enough. It’s the perfect choice for anyone looking for a gripping and immersive reading experience. So, grab a cozy blanket, curl up in it, and get ready to be completely captivated by this tale of secrets, intrigue, gaslighting, and deceit. You won’t be able to put it down!
Thank you to NetGalley and Bookouture for allowing me to read and review this book.
About Alison James
I was born in the Cotswolds but spent most of my formative years abroad. I studied languages at Oxford, then became a journalist and author, returning to university after my two children to take a law degree. After a three-year stint as a criminal paralegal, I worked as a commercial copywriter and then a TV storyliner, before coming full circle to write fiction again.
