This book reminds me of Sandie Jones' The Blame Game--not because of the plot, but because the epilogue is used to introduce answers to questions that we didn't know we had.

Once again, this was a good B.A. Paris read for me. As I stated in a previous review, I have been let down in the past; however, the character and plot development in this one kept me hooked in and made for a one sitting read. No characters (except maybe Marcus? Who is Marcus even?!) felt unnecessary as they all contributed to a thread of the story.

Thanks to NetGallly & St. Martin's Press for this advanced digital copy!

I am a passionate reader of B.A. Paris's books and was so excited to get an ARC of The Guest. This one was not my favorite, and I probably won't recommend it like I usually do this author's books. I do not like when the author waits until the very last chapter, or epilogue in this case, and then explains away everything that happened directly to the reader.

Positives:
A quick read
Short chapters
Multiple points of view
A few interwoven mysteries that make the book enjoyable to read

Negatives:
The ending with the direct explanation of one character's actions that summarized all of the loose threads.

I will of course try again and look forward to future books by this author, but this may be a one off for me with this author.

Book: The Guest
Author: B.A. Paris
Publisher: St. Martin’s Press
Pub Date: February 20, 2024

Another good book by B.A. Paris. It’s definitely a slow burn but I flew through it. I enjoyed the storyline and the characters. I’m not saying I liked them as if we would be friends but I liked them for this plot. Iris and Gabriel came home from holiday to find their friend Laure had basically moved in after leaving husband Pierre. And the girl got on my nerves. I kept screaming send her to a hotel already. I couldn’t stand someone getting in my stuff and leaving messes. There are several characters but I found it easy to keep up with. I 100 percent never expected the ending. But it explained everything and if I were to go back and re-read it I could see it coming. The book had a steady flow the entire time and then wham bam!!!! I loved the ending although I did feel like the epilogue was too long. I see a B.A. Paris focused podcast in my future. I’ve read all her books and they are all very good and I would recommend any of them.

Thank you St. Martin’s Press and NetGalley for this sneak peak! Publication date is February 20, 2024.

Hmmm…I am a bit conflicted about what to say about this book. It flowed smoothly given a good level of suspense and short chapters. I did not anticipate the big twist at the end. But something was missing…I think it may have felt too contrived from the start or I did not care much for the main characters, which made it difficult to be concerned for them. I’m going to round up to 4 stars, but still have not found another book by B.A. Paris thar compares to my fave of hers, Behind Closed Doors.

Thank you very much to NetGalley and St. Martin’s Press for the advanced reader’s copy of this book in exchange for my honest review.

Iris and Gabriel just came back from a holiday that was meant to help Gabriel overcome his burnout. But one of their friends, Laure, is unexpectedly there when they come home, announcing them she needed time away from her husband, Pierre, who recently found out he has a daughter with another woman. But the more time they spend with Laure, the more her presence in their house becomes tolling. Then, they meet a new couple, and their gardener, and many secrets get unveiled.
This is a psychological thriller with a twist that I did not see coming. I know, right? Was it jaw-dropping? No. But it made sense. However, this was not my favorite book by this author. Behind Closed Doors, The Breakdown and The Dilemma were amazing. This one was drawn out, so much so that I stopped caring after about a third (maybe why I didn't see the twist coming). Some of the plot points seem useless and/or did not make sense. The epilogue was a confession type chapter that kept on going for too long. Otherwise, it was a quick read with short chapters.
I received an advanced review copy of this book for free, and I'm leaving this review voluntarily.

Another page turner from B A Paris. This book started slow for me but when it picked up , it was a run away. . I read it in two settings. There are many twists and turns as a friend moves in with a couple bringing her share of problems. The Guest would be good for book clubs. Loved it.

This is a classic BA Paris book; however, it includes the biggest twist I've yet to see in one of her books. Iris and Gabriel are forced to entertain a houseguest, Laure, while she works out issues with her marriage. The more time they spend with Laure, the more questions they have. In addition, new characters continue to get introduced, each more suspicious than the last.

While this book may not seem like it's worth working through the complexity of the numerous characters and story lines during the beginning, the book winds the stories together an in intricate and surprising way that you will not see coming.

Although I usually love slow burn mysteries, this was a bit too slow, bordering on dull. B.A. Paris is normally one of my favorites but this just didn't do it for me. It felt like I was reading a debut from an unknown author that was trying too hard for shock value in the end. None of the characters were particularly likeable making me not exactly care what happened to any of them. I sincerely apologize to one of my beloved authors for this review. I can't like them all. Three Stars because I can't bring myself to rate this any lower.

Thank you Netgalley and St. Martin's Press for this ARC.

A mystery, suspense and psychological drama are all rolled in to this story.
While I felt that I had to drag through the pages at times, I have to say that the last few chapters and ending packed a crazy punch that was hair raising!
Perhaps, it was the almost laid back effect all the way through that had me so shocked by the end.
I have read most of B.A. Paris's novels and truly loved them, but this one is not my favorite.
If you enjoy mysteries, then by all means give it a try.

Thank you to @Netgalley and to @St. Martin's Press for this ARC and allowing me to provide my own review.

I’m so sad to say this was my least favorite B.A. Paris book.

I’m a hugeee B.A. Paris fan and I read/will keep reading everything she puts out, but this one was just not for me.

I found the plot to be intriguing, yet I kept wanting more. I kept getting confused about who was who due to the many characters who all felt identical. Undoubtedly, this would be considered a domestic thriller. The lengthy epilogue is where the reader learns what has been happening throughout the entire novel, and I admit I didn’t anticipate the ending, so I suppose that was the highlight of the book. Overall, it’s an okay book, but not as good as I'd hoped for from this author.

If you want an easy slow-burn read with short chapters, you might enjoy this one.

This book was interesting. It really kept me guessing, and I was hooked. The beginning is slow, so I would say stick with it because once it gets going, I flew through it. As the title suggests, this book starts with a guest (Laure) who is Iris, the main character's best friend. Laure proceeds to crash with Iris and Gaberil in their house after a falling out with her husband. During this time so many things happen, there's drama, secrets, deaths, explosions, and lies. Gabriel Iri's husband is keeping a secret, Laure is as well, and Esme Iris's new neighbor is also keeping a secret.

I really liked the way everything unfolded, at first, I thought it was petty little secrets between friends and partners, but as the book progressed, it became more than that with different moving pieces and characters. I thought a lot of characters were suspicious, though I didn't guess the main culprit. The plot twist got me so bad, I did not see that coming, but after reading, I went back and so many things made sense. Overall a good thriller that kept me hooked and interested in the story.

Thank you to the publisher for an arc for an honest review.

This books was really good! It kept me guessing even when I thought I had it figured out! Really like books by B. A. Paris and this one didn't dissapoint!

“The Guest” felt like B.A. Paris left a pot of boiling water unattended on the stove! What started out as a seemingly minor strain in Gabriel and Iris’ marriage slowly heated up thanks to Laure, their long-time friend, and (uninvited) house guest. Mysterious tragedies seemed to follow Gabriel and Iris as unpredictable connections from the past bubbled up into the present. Finally, all of the secrets, from one character in particular, came boiling over in the end with no warning! Be prepared to have B.A. Paris making you question everyone, and everything, in “The Guest”.

I enjoyed this book. Interesting enough to keep going but not a favourite from this author. Most of the books I’ve read by B.A. Paris I’ve loved. For me it was not as riveting and suspenseful as I expected. The epilogue is long, wraps things up well with a few surprises I did not suspect.
Thanks to Netgalley and St. Martin’s Press for the ARC in exchange for my honest review.

I am usually an avid reader of B. A. Paris's books, as they tend to draw me in with their captivating pacing and skillfully crafted mysteries that keep me on edge until the very end. However, in this particular instance, I found myself struggling to become engrossed in the mystery lines presented within this book. These storylines include a couple's ill-fated relationship following the discovery of the husband's secret child from another woman, and a man's depression stemming from the haunting last words of an 18-year-old who vindictively declared he would never forgive his mother. Regrettably, these mystery elements failed to capture my interest. Furthermore, I had difficulty connecting with the characters, particularly Lauren, who could be considered the most unwelcome guest one could imagine. Picture a friend who not only occupies your shared bed with your spouse, but also dons your clothes, rearranges your kitchen, nonchalantly strolls around naked in various rooms, and incessantly discusses her husband's affair and secret love child. As a temperamental Aries woman, I must confess that I, too, might be inclined to dispatch Lauren to Paris in a cargo plane or FedEx box, bearing the label "not fragile, mostly unsplashable."

The narrative revolves around Iris and Gabriel, a contentedly married couple residing in a stylish countryside home. Their daughter is living her dream life working in Greece. However, the tranquility of their marriage is disrupted when Gabriel's path unexpectedly intersects with that of 18-year-old Charlie, who is tragically involved in a biking accident. Charlie's final moments and his vengeful declaration deeply trouble Gabriel, leading to emotional and physical distance between him and his sexually frustrated wife, Iris. The narrative then pivots as Iris and Gabriel return home from their trip, only to discover their old friend Lauren comfortably settled within their abode. She even takes the liberty of slipping into Iris's pajamas and questioning their presence in their own home as though they were intruders. My initial impression of Lauren was less than favorable.

Further exploration of Lauren's presence and her activities within their home reveals that she and her husband Pierre became fast friends with Iris and Gabriel, having met at the couple's first wedding anniversary. Despite living in Paris, Lauren and Pierre have maintained this connection for nearly two decades, meeting three to four times annually. Lauren's world is upended when she uncovers her husband's secret daughter, a revelation that prompts her impromptu departure from Paris. In her newfound state of frustration, Lauren spends her holiday break grappling with her husband's actions and pondering their future. It appears she may be awaiting Pierre's groveling apology, and suspicions arise about the identity of the child's mother, potentially linked to one of their mutual friends.

Meanwhile, Iris is grappling with her own set of challenges, including her husband's growing coldness and depressive demeanor. Adding to her woes is the constant barrage of attention-seeking behavior from Lauren, who imposes herself upon Iris's space with little regard for her friend's comfort or boundaries. Paradoxically, Lauren acts as though she has taken up permanent residence, assuming the role of the true household owner.

As the narrative unfolds, Gabriel finds himself facing a moral quandary—whether to reveal Charlie's final words to his grieving mother or to shield her from the truth for the sake of closure. Concurrently, Iris is unwittingly pulled into the drama surrounding Lauren and Pierre. The introduction of new neighbors, including the pregnant Esme and her significantly older husband Hugh, along with their enigmatic friend Joseph, further shifts the dynamics of their lives. Despite Gabriel's objections, Joseph volunteers as a gardener at Iris's house, adding another layer of intrigue to the story.

As Iris becomes increasingly enmeshed in her interactions with her new neighbors, she becomes embroiled in a series of traumatic events that have the potential to irreversibly alter their lives. Marital bonds are strained, and trust is put to the test as dark secrets are unveiled.

Among the story's positive attributes are its riveting, concise chapters and the satisfying twists that punctuate the ending. Although the beginning failed to captivate me, the author skillfully ties up the narrative's loose ends with surprising finesse. In all honesty, it is the ending that I found most enjoyable.

However, it is important to acknowledge that the book does have its drawbacks. Unlikable characters dominate the narrative, and the extensive roster of characters can make it challenging to fully invest in the dynamics of each. Additionally, some plotlines may come across as less engaging.

In summation, I am assigning this book a three-star rating. As a fan of the author, my expectations were perhaps overly high, and I had anticipated a more gratifying reading experience. Nevertheless, I remain optimistic that I will derive greater enjoyment from her forthcoming works. Unfortunately, the storyline and the portrayal of these unreliable characters ultimately fell short for me.

My heartfelt appreciation goes to NetGalley and St. Martin's Press for providing me with a digital reviewer copy in exchange for my candid thoughts.

3.75 - 4 STARS

B.A. Paris’ “The Guest” is a slow building story that is more mystery than thriller, boasting an unexpected conclusion that really packs a punch. An abundance of lies, secrets, and betrayal flourishes at every turn, keeping the reader guessing right up until the very last page. And despite the measured pacing and understated suspense elements that permeate this book throughout, I found “The Guest” to be a very quick, engaging read.

One of the most jaw dropping endings so far!
This one was so full of twists and turns you never knew what was coming next. The characters were well done and the plot moved along nicely. You knew through this whole book that something was not as it seemed but you can not be prepared for what is coming. This books keeps you really wondering who is lying and who is what they seem. A great fast paced read that will grab you from the start and keep you reading till the astonishing finale

I always get excited when a new book comes out because I love this author. The last few didn’t just wow me but this one was almost back up to Behind Closed Doors standard. The ending I didn’t see it coming. Such a good book highly recommend. Thank you Netgalley and the published for an arc in exchange for a review.

B.A. Paris never disappoints! Another roller coaster ride with gasping twist and turns all the way to the climactic ending! Put this book on your to be read list now!

This book was so so for me. It kept my attention enough for me to finish it, but I found myself skimming through some parts. Iris and Gabriel return from vacation to find Laure living in their house. First of all-the entitlement in this book was annoying. Second of all, just tell her to leave!!! It all seems suspicious. The situation with Pierre was utterly predictable. Joseph's character was utterly predictable. The only really big shock was revealed in the epilogue. Not bad, but def not the my favorite.