I don't think this is what I thought it would be - it was just fine, but I wasn't obsessed with it. I didn't fully finish it, but maybe I'll get back around to it someday!

I found this to be an enjoyable read, keeping me on my toes throughout. The storyline was written well and flowed seamlessly. I look forward to reading more by this author!

This sounded like it could be so good but I absolutely just could not get into it. I was hoping that this could help me get into a mystery genre love but overall it just frustrated me. Sad to say I DNFed it by chapter 10.

DNF Ch 16. I’ve tried a couple times and just can’t get into this book. Thank you for my egalley in exchange for an honest review.

I really, really enjoyed this book!

It was written different than others I have read in a similar genre. It is twisty, provocative, interesting, and keeps you wondering what will happen next.

It goes back and forth between 2 "eras" - some people like this, some don't. I enjoyed the book and would like to read more from the author.

I loved the description of this book, but sadly it wasn't just wasn't for me. I had such a hard time getting through it, and it took me what seemed forever to finish. The story is set in 1988, and is about Nina and her family who live at a grand estate/manor called Raven Hall. Then Beth, an orphan that was sent by her Aunt to Raven Hall to live with Nina and her parents the Averells. The story is told from past and present perspectives, and I found quite confusing at times. Then in 2019 we meet Sadie, a struggling actress who is hired to play a role as a guest at Raven Hall...
I found the story confusing and found myself going back to re-read parts of the book (who was who, who was telling their story, etc.) A bit disjointed, and I found myself shelving the book and reading another book, then coming back to read it again. This one just wasn't for me.
A special thank you to Berkley Publishing via NetGalley for an advanced copy in exchange for my honest review.

Thank you so much for sending me a copy of this book. It definitely wasn’t a new favorite but I thought it was really good and all people could enjoy this book!

I hate to admit it, but this book was a bit of a struggle for me. I read the description and it sounded like this was going to be totally up my alley. Unfortunately, the book just kind of fell short. So many people thoroughly enjoyed this one, and I will definitely read more from Rous, but this one just wasn't what I was hoping for.

The first half of this gothic-toned novel of suspense developed slowly over the first half but the second half barreled along with revelations about every other page. The various relationships got a little convoluted and I had to reread a few sections to figure out the final outcome but it kept me reading until the very last page. The English manor house setting is atmospheric and I appreciated the author's epilogue of the region's history.

This is a good book for those who like English gothic settings and is recommended to those who enjoy books by Clare Fuller, especially Bitter Orange . Also good for fans of Clare Mackintosh's Let Me Lie, or even books by Daphne DuMaurier.

The Perfect Guests by Emma Raus is a story built around the people associated with Raven Hall in two separate, but connected times. It was a storytelling format I adore in that it was dual timelines focusing on two different women. The first part of the story takes place in 1988. Beth is taken to the mansion as a young girl to be the companion to Nina. She forms a friendship with her, but she's also asked to engage in some family deception which makes her feel a certain kind of way. Then, in 2019, Sallie is a struggling actress who receives a call to be part of an event at Raven Hall. She has no idea why she's been chosen for this role, but decides to go. As each story goes, it seems there might be some connections between now and then. And y'all, I loved how these developed. I knew there was something there, but the slow burn of the fusion was especially well done. Thanks to NetGalley for letting me check out this one!

I received a free electronic copy for honest review from the publisher through Netgalley. Thanks to Berkley Books for giving me the chance to read this one.
I really enjoyed the ride this took me on. It had a Rebecca vibe, as well as Clue. Two things that I'm a fan of. I enjoyed that combination. This was a very quick paced book. It was a very fast read.
I enjoyed the two timelines. Reading the 1988 story of an orphan coming to live at Raven Hall kept me glued to the page. Then I got 2019, where a struggling actress gets a job to be a part of a murder mystery game. What they both have in common is Raven Hall.
Part 2 is where everything got crazy, secrets were revealed, and things came together. How everything connected was wild.
I probably enjoyed the character of Beth a little more then I did Sadie. Beth had more of an emotional story, constantly being scared that if she didn't please Leonora, Markus, and Nina, that she'd be sent right back to the orphanage. Her aunt Caroline was pretty awful to her too.
Now, the Clue part of this story wasn't as crazy or zany as the original Clue, but I still enjoyed it.
This book was fun. I enjoyed all the twists, turns, and reveals. I'll definitely read more by Emma Rous.

BOOKCITEMENT LEVEL 4/5
You're Invited to a Murder Mystery!

Dual timeline mystery surrounding a family legacy. This story is intriguing enough to keep you reading till the last page.

I was not a fan of this even though I really wanted to like it. I thought the dual timelines was confusing and I couldn’t connect with the characters. I would not recommend.

I will not be reviewing this book. I DNF'd at chapter 7. I just couldn't connect with the characters.

Another gem from Emma Rous! Highly recommend this thrilling tale with an improbable twist. No guess of mine was correct, and I really was wondering how it all went down until the very end.

Absolutely loved this one! Told with dual timelines that slowy piece together as the story moves forward. This hardly leaves us with a dull moment. I simply devoured this book and it was such a fun read. I loved how the story came together and the final twist at the end that makes you wonder if we were right at all?

This is a well plotted book that had me reading it in one day. I liked the dual time line. The second half of the book reminded me of an Agatha Christie novel. I look forward to reading another book from this author.

𝙋𝙚𝙧𝙛𝙚𝙘𝙩 𝙂𝙪𝙚𝙨𝙩𝙨 I received as an e-arc, but didn't read it on time. 😬 This thriller bounces between 1988 and 2019 and the setting is. 👌 The majority of the book takes place in a gothic manner and I was here for all the spooky vibes. I, unfortunately, only gave it a ★★★☆☆ because I just expected more. There was so much promise and parts of the story fell a bit flat. Despite this, the writing was still good so it is still a decent book to check out if it sounds interesting to you! Thank you so much for the arc of the book!

This book is a real page turner....however, you can't miss a page because it goes back and forth from past to present. The ending is fantastic and worth the read!

Bring on all the Gothic thrillers! I loved this creepy story and the setting was ideal for this mystery. The book is very well-written and has all the eerie vibes you could want starting with a mysterious invitation. I can't wait to see what she writes next!