This book was for sure interesting that's for sure! It had many what moments and def a page turner. This was my first book I have read by this author and I am sure i will read more by her in the future.

This was a tricky one to rate, as I thought the whole premise of this book to be completely ridiculous, but the actual writing is well done
So 3 stars it is.

Had the plot been something that made sense for all the drama that impacted so many people over so many generations, this could have been a 5 star read.

ARC provided by NetGalley

I read an advanced digital copy of this novel courtesy on the publisher through NetGalley. Review available on goodreads.

This is a dual timeline story and for the most part I found the Beth timeline to be the most interesting timeline. I found Beth to be a more developed character than Sadie and Nina.

I think there are too many twists. Towards the end it just became one twist after the other and one of them is just really far-fetched. Like how absolutely obsessed one character is over Raven Hall. It’s interesting to read about a person’s obsession with a place and how it can overshadow anything else in their life.

The book reminded me a lot of the game clue. It was an interesting read that I did in one day.

Thanks to NetGalley and the publisher for an advanced readers copy in exchange for an honest review.

I was not able to read before the book was archived.

I really wanted to like this book. It started out like a more extreme version of Clue, but it ended up being a way slower burn than I liked. I started skimming about 15% in. The book was also predictable - I guessed part of the ending early on, but I wasn't expecting the other twists and it wasn't in a good way. This seemed convoluted and like every person had to be connected somehow.

I think people who don't read thrillers often would enjoy this book.

This absolutely stunning follow up to Emma Rous’s debut book The Au Pair proves that she was certainly no one-hit wonder!

I love a well-executed dual timeline mystery, and Emma Rous’s The Perfect Guests knocked it out of the park. Following two different stories linked by an opulent manor named Raven Hall, this book is captivating, twisty, and brilliant!

Before I read this, my friend Berit had said it was a read-in-a-day book because it is that hard to put down. She wasn’t kidding! I did have to break for sleep and work, but every spare moment I had I was devouring this book until the very final page.

Now that I’ve read two outstanding mysteries by Rous, I think I can say that there are a few things that really define what makes her books so compelling. The first is that she chooses mysteries with a strong tie to the past, and she explores those links through time as the mystery unfolds. Expertly, she drops clues in both timelines so that neither can fully resolve without the other, though they seem separate.

Second, she writes outstanding settings. In both of her books, the house (or two houses in the case of her first book), feels more like a character than a setting. Here, Raven Hall is as important to the plot as an character, but finding out why and how is the fun part! Finally, there is always a hint of folklore and an atmospheric gothic quality. Everything always feels so vivid—I can picture it all as she describes it. With her stories, there is always a touch of lore, and I find that so compelling!

In 1988 we meet Beth, a 14 year-old who is sent by her aunt to stay at Raven Hall and be friends with their daughter Nina. Having lost her parents in a tragic accident, Beth initially feels grateful to be part of the family at Raven Hall. But she always feels a bit on edge. Like if she isn’t perfect, she’ll get sent back to her aunt who doesn’t have time or interest in keeping her. And then one day Nina falls ill and her parents ask Beth for a small favor.

In 2019, struggling actress Sadie is barely able to make ends meet month after month. So when she gets an offer to play a role for a weekend at an old manor to photograph for a mystery game experience, she leaps at the chance. When her costume arrives, she slips right into character, enjoying the luxurious fabrics of her ivory costume pieces. But soon after she arrives at Raven Hall it becomes clear that there is more going on than she realizes. And whoever the host is has set up a game they didn’t know they were playing.

Both stories are compelling in different ways, and I was puzzling over how everything would resolve. What an ending! I can’t say too much but there are lots of twists and turns that will keep you on your toes. Compelling, brilliantly crafted, and atmospheric!

Thank you to Berkley for my copy. Opinions are my own.

I really liked The Au Pair because it was not flashy or over the top in its "twists and turns," which I have a real issue with. I'd rather an author build up the "creep" than suddenly throw an unlikely and convoluted wrench into the game. I always equate it to how in The Shining the scariest part is what you don't see and it's left to your imagination. The "jump out and scare you" moments are all well and good, but it's what your mind conjures for itself that is the most terrifying.

I like Emma Rous because she is not one of those "twists and turns" authors and I like her stories for that reason. I'd give this a solid 3.5 and will definitely continue reading her stuff.

The Au Pair, author Emma Rous's debut novel, was a great success and has now been published in eleven countries. She has now followed up The Au Pair with The Perfect Guests, an atmospheric mystery full of surprising plot twists and mysterious characters. It's the densely atmospheric story of a sprawling old estate, an orphan who finds herself caught up in a web of others' lies, and a woman who orchestrates a deadly game.

Rous employs alternating first-person narratives to relate the story of Beth, who is invited to Raven Hall in 1988 when she is fourteen years old. She is to be the guest of Leonora and Markus, and their daughter, Nina, who is just a few months younger. Leonora and Markus decided to invite Beth after hearing her play the violin in a concert, and Beth's Aunt Caroline promises her that she can be a companion for Nina "until I'm ready for you to move in with me." It's a promise Aunt Caroline makes yet again as she transports Beth from the children's home for a visit in the stately manor home, but Beth knows she will never keep it. Beth's parents were killed in an automobile accident, as they rushed her brother, who had cystic fibrosis, to the hospital because he was having trouble breathing. Even though Leonora assures her, "We want you to feel like you're part of our family here," Beth cringes when Leonora suggests that she is there to <em>play</em> with Nina. After all, at fourteen, they're a little old for that, aren't they?

Sadie, in January 2019, describes losing her mother, and being tasked with cleaning out her apartment and disposing of her belongings. Just as she is wondering how she will pay next month's living expenses, her agent calls with a fabulous job offer. she will work for a new murder mystery company seeking actors for a trial run of the game. The job includes glamorous costumes, an elegant dinner party in an old mansion "full of dark history . . ." and excellent pay. Sadie jumps at the chance to accept the embossed invitation "to play a Game at Raven Hall." Her research reveals that the house has been empty for thirty years, following some sort of tragedy in the late 1980s.

And a third-person narrative begins, "She shouldn't be here. But, oh, how she's missed her beloved Raven Hall. . . . And what would they do if they knew who she was?"

Beth bonds with Nina, who shows her all around the property, including Avermere Lake. The two girls bond, and Beth is surprised to learn that Nina does not attend school in the village with the other local children. Nina explains that her mother is overprotective, and worries about her becoming ill. As Beth's stay stretches on, she learns more about the family that seems odd. Nina has an odd and somewhat frightening collection of stuffed animals that she says her brings her when he returns from his business travels. When Nina's grandfather arrives from the United States for a visit, Beth is extremely uncomfortable playing along with a "game" at Leonora's insistence. Beth plays her violin for him, and he tries to convince her to live with him America where she could attend a music school.

When Sadie arrives for the murder mystery dinner, she is greeted by Nazleen, who will be portraying Lady Nightingale, the hostess. Each character is named for an animal: Miss Lamb, elderly Professor Owl (with his son, Zach, who explains that he is merely accompanying his father), Miss Mouse, Colonel Otter. As the evening progresses, strange events occur, and Sadie realizes that the chauffeur-driven limousine in which the guests arrived has departed, she cannot get a signal on her cellular telephone, and there is no landline telephone. One by one the guests begin to grow ill and they are trapped in Raven Hall.

As the three narratives progress, it becomes clear that The Perfect Guests is a cleverly-plotted mystery in which the characters, past and present-day, are connected, their histories and fates intertwined. Rous's story is an intriguing blend of unrequited love, obsession, greed, power, and class distinctions. Gradually, long-buried secrets start coming to light as Sadie and the other guests begin to realize that they have not been summoned to an ordinary murder mystery dinner. Instead, something sinister is afoot, but Sadiee, in particular, could never understand why or guess who is behind it.

Rous's characters are fully formed and compelling. Leonora is mysterious, insistent, and determined, while Markus is trapped and torn between competing forces. As their history is revealed, their behavior makes increasing sense because Rous reveals what is at stake for them. Beth, the orphan who has found a home and family that she does not want to lose, grows increasingly suspicious and frightened by the strange events she witnesses. She and Nina are never permitted to leave Raven Hall, and Jonas, the local boy who comes to the lake to swim with Beth and Nina, returns Beth's affection and urges her to come to the village with him. Sadie, the young woman who has been floundering, but believes the murder mystery dinner could be the break she needs, is utterly perplexed and frightened by the events that unfold, in large part because her mother never told her anything about her own childhood and she has no prior knowledge of Raven Hall or its secrets.

Rous ramps up the dramatic tension incrementally as she reveals clues about what is really transpiring. The murder mystery is indeed a game, but it becomes gradually more deadly and the story's pace quickens as it barrels toward a propulsive climax during which all is revealed and the intricacies of Rous's inventive plot are on full display.

Fans of gothic mysteries featuring family secrets will love The Perfect Guests. It's an entertaining, absorbing mystery that will keep readers guessing right up to the jaw-dropping conclusion.

Emma Rous takes the reader on a Gothic trail from the late 1980's with a story of Beth, an orphaned girl, who comes to live in Raven Hall as a companion to Nina, the owners' young daughter. Her life at Raven Hall is... strange. I don't know how else to say it without giving away spoilers, but it's not the life of a typical young girl. The story then shifts to 2019 and the life of an out of work young woman, Sadie, who gladly accepts the role of an actress in a mystery mansion weekend party. When the stories of Beth, Nina and Sadie collide, the true mystery begins.

With so many twists, turns and dark secrets, you will have to hang on to ride this one out! It was an enjoyable read for me, with interesting characters and an intriguing plot line. This was one of those stories that made you sit back after turning that last page and all you can do is take a deep breath and blow it out slowly! Wow!

Really enjoyed this book! Told in alternating timelines, Beth in the 80s, Sadie in the 90s, and a third person who I will not disclose in the era before Beth. As usual, there are family secrets to discover, and these are really something. I also enjoyed the description of life in Raven Hall, for all the characters. The grand house, Raven Hall, is another character in the book. The description of the house, the lifestyle there during all eras, were really well done. Thanks so much to NetGalley and the publisher for a free ecopy in exchange for my honest review.

I had a hard time getting through this one...
I wasn’t super engaged with the characters or the story line.

I loved Emma Rous’s The Au Pair when I read it last year, so I was thrilled to read The Perfect Guests. Told in dual timelines (1988 and 2019), the book is atmospheric, entertaining and full of surprises. There were twists and turns and red herrings all throughout the falling action and resolution. While these kept my attention, I did think it became a bit ridiculous and overdone. I look forward to Emma’s next book. Thank you Berkley and NetGalley for a copy in exchange for an honest review.

This was a fast and engaging read, perfect for snuggling on the couch over the weekend and forgetting all the daily madness. It reminded me of the board game "clue" in the end,
The POV switches between characters, and like peeling layers off an onion, we start learning more and more about them and the things that drive them.
I thoroughly enjoyed this book and would recommend it to anyone that enjoys mysteries.
Thank you to NetGalley for the opportunity to read this ARC

Emma Rous is one of the many queens of mystery and thrillers. I think she's quickly becoming one of my favorite authors. The Perfect Guests is a wonderful read for a rainy weekend, or even a beautiful day on the porch. It's an easy ready, but you'll not want to put this one down. Of course, there might be some twists and turns along the way - what thriller wouldn't have these things - but I prefer to not guess. I love being surprised and feeling that OH HELL moment.



The Perfect Guests is the perfect read for when you want something quick and sharp and to smack you around just a little bit. Hopefully you'll like it as much as I did.



4/5 Stars

TYSM to NetGalley for my copy of this book.

While this story had a slow start for me, about halfway through it began to pick up speed at an alarming rate and I simply could not put it down after. The way Rous is able to connect different stories and timelines in her novels is nothing short of incredible, and this book will have you guessing until the very last page.

I enjoyed The Perfect Guests! The dual timelines really kept me guessing throughout the story. I loved the idea of the murder mystery weekend and wish that had been explored a bit more, but the flashback chapters were where I really felt the weight of the story. Would definitely recommend this one to a friend!

The Perfect Guests is twisty and so suspenseful. There was so much build up it kept me holding my breath at some points. I loved the different timelines. I really enjoyed this and I just purchased The Au Pair and I cannot wait to read it.

What a fascinating book. I was impressed by the storyline and the characters were all well written and complex. Where there are complex storylines combined with intriguing characters the reader experience is magnified tremendously. To have a book that is well written as well as entertaining is a delight. Reading is about escaping your world and entering another one. Here I forgot about my own life and was immersed in the world created by the author. I would recommend this book.

Thank you very much for the opportunity to review The Perfect Guests. I won the chance through the publisher's sponsored random giveaway I believe was through a newsletter link. I was really excited for this chance because I enjoyed the author's previous book, The Au Pair.

I recently finished this book (apologies for the late finish, Covid definitely has impacted my reading schedule but I am catching up!). I am conflicted in my thoughts about this book. I enjoyed the author's previous release, which is written in a similar dual POV / past-present alternating timeline format. I didn't mind the back and forth on that, I think it's an interesting way to tell a story and I've found that a lot of other books are following this same methodology. However, the bottom line is that I do not think that this book executed its aim of "thriller/suspense" effectively.

Something that is important to me when thinking about how I would provide feedback or rate a book (or suggest it to someone) is very simple: was it a chore to finish? Was I really eager to read more? Was I captivated or did it seem like a slog or obligation?

The bottom line for me about this book (and even relates back to my thoughts about The Au Pair): 2/3 of the book is decent, but the endings are not good. They leave me feeling frustrated, confused, and annoyed. All of the decent building up to the solution, the final plot bang, and it's such a let down both times due to the convoluted and contrived twists of logic. Not even the kind that a reasonable reader would forgive due to the (sometimes) necessary suspension of reality, especially in cases of thrillers or suspense novels that have elements of crime or over-the-top dialogue, etc. In Rous's books, however, there seems to be a pattern of twisting the plot way too much, involving "secret pregnancies" or family secrets that are just like... okay? what? or just dropping an absolute dumpster truck load of info at the end and then cutting the story off short. I absolutely could not follow the storyline once the "murder mystery" plot started. I still don't even understand truly why the poisoning of the daughter was even done. It's not one of those circumstances where I overlooked the intricate details... it's just confusing. The murder mystery plot (which is the modern day storyline) is horribly confusing. And not in a good way, as if I'm part of it all.... I think what would have helped in this part of the story was painting the characters just a bit more vividly to help them stand out as separate entities. The entire time, I had in the back on my mind that these people were part of the past storyline (which is the whole point) but it was confusing, not engaging. There were too many people, too many new names, too little character development. Too much going on.

Another piece of feedback which I feel strongly about regarding Rous's novels: despite my somewhat negative feedback above, I actually did enjoy The Au Pair and was really hype for this release. I truly think that Rous is a developing talent. I think that she has some really interesting ideas, I think that her books are stronger in the first 1/3 and especially so in the past timeline chapters. I think that in this book she connected some interesting twists concretely, but there were just too many. Too many things, too many people, too little point to it all.

Anyway, despite this feedback, I will give any new release by Rous chance after chance. I am a fan of the author as a person and want to see her books succeed. However, this one was a disappointment overall for me.