This was a solid read. It kept me listening to find out what was really going on and why. The characters were all unlikeable. So many secrets between friends and spouses.

Thank you to the publisher and Net Galley for providing the ARC in exchange for an honest review!

This book was anxiety inducing to the upmost degree. I had no idea what was going to happen next and the author really captured the fear of being around individuals who are so unhinged from reality that you can't anticipate what they'll do because they are operating on a completely different wavelength than you. The only thing I didn't like about this book was that it was hard to follow, lots of POVs and hopping around. A LOT of generic names that I kept getting confused on who was who.

If you like thrillers, I highly recommend checking this book out!

Fantastically atmospheric, creepy, and tense. The dual timelines in this novel were a fascinating way to keep the perspectives where they needed to be. Did I like the characters in this book? Not entirely, but there were some fascinating twists I didn't see coming and this one was a wild ride from start to finish.

Five university friends, Aline, Sienna, Rob, Michael, and Brandon, reunite after they start getting cryptic messages about a secret from the past. Aline gathers them all because she believes one of them is responsible for the messages and wants to figure out who it is.

In this story, there are alternating POVs. Darryl, a neighbor of the group during their university days, narrates the past. His chapters are disturbing, as they are intended to be. They are supposed to give us a glimpse of the group of friends through his eyes, but in the process, we don't really learn anything about them as young adults. This means that they are still virtually strangers to us when we meet them as adults.

I may have read one too many locked-room types of thrillers, and this one was just not well done to me. I didn't really like the characters; I couldn't keep track of who was married, who had relationships in the past, and which kids belonged to which couple. I didn't care enough to figure it out. Finding out who sent the messages was an interesting surprise, but the actual ending was eye-rollingly ridiculous. I think I need to take a break from this trope for a while.

As a book reviewer, I recently had the opportunity to delve into Liza North's "The Weekend Guests," courtesy of NetGalley, and I'm eager to share my impressions.

My initial apprehension stemmed from the book's use of multiple points of view and timelines. Typically, these narrative techniques can create a sense of disorientation, making it challenging to fully immerse oneself in the story. However, Liza North skillfully navigated these complexities, crafting a narrative that was remarkably easy to follow. I found the transitions between perspectives and time periods seamless, never feeling lost or confused. This is a testament to North's ability to structure a complex plot with clarity and precision.

While not every character was designed to be likable, each played a pivotal role in the unfolding drama. Their flaws and imperfections contributed to the authenticity of the story, making them feel like real people with real motivations. This approach, while potentially alienating some readers who prefer universally sympathetic characters, ultimately served to enhance the intrigue and suspense. It is important to note that unlikable characters can make for a very compelling read. As stated by many literary critics, "Flawed characters add depth and realism to a narrative."

The pacing was a significant strength. From the outset, the story moved swiftly, drawing me into its web of secrets and intrigue. The narrative unfolded with a sense of urgency, keeping me engaged and eager to discover what would happen next. This fast-paced approach, coupled with the intriguing plot, made for a compelling and enjoyable reading experience.

Liza North has crafted a thriller that deftly balances complex narrative structures with compelling character development and a gripping plot. "The Weekend Guests" is a testament to her skill as a storyteller, and I would recommend it to anyone seeking a fast-paced and intriguing read.

Liza North crafts a compelling thriller that kept me engaged. The dual timeline structure effectively builds suspense. While some plot twists may be anticipated, the overall execution was engaging. For readers who appreciate atmospheric settings and intricate character dynamics, this novel offers a gripping exploration of the shadows that linger from our pasts.

Five old friends... One reunion to die for…

I really liked the Dorset coast setting - no spoilers but it definitely adds depth to the story. We get this solid sense of tension while reading this book. While I did guess a few things right, I also was also surprised at a few twists. I really liked the use of dual timelines in this story - we go back to their University days and I also liked then use of the post cards and journal entries.

These characters are flawed and problematic…but can they redeem themselves? I liked the Multiple POV and how we get to know the characters. The one in particular really brings the creep factor.

You probably aren’t going to like them, but I still wanted to see what would happen and to understand what they did.

I personally liked the ending - was it a little far fetched? Eh, maybe - but I found it to be satisfying and hey, this is fiction - anything goes!

Five college friends reunite after time apart, seemingly to simply reconnect. But there is a darker undertone, a crime from the past that is threatening to resurface, punishment promised by mysterious postcards.

This was a very suspenseful book. I honestly never saw the ending coming. The characters are all highly unlikeable (except the children), but that seems to be the point. This is not a group to root for, even while you as a reader are so involved in their lives. I wouldn’t recommend the characters as friends, but I would recommend this book.

3.5 stars

Four college friends and their spouses and children are called together by the group leader, presumably for a posh weekend getaway in her glamorous cliffside retreat. In reality, each has received an ominous postcard referencing a secret from the past. As the weekend progresses, cracks in the ones inseparable group begin to show, and as the group spirals, the truth about what happened all those years ago threatens to finally come out.

The story is told from multiple points of view and over two timelines: in the past when the group was at university and the present, while they are together on this vacation. Both storylines were interesting, but I have to say the past storyline and the character who narrates it definitely held my attention much more.

As I said, this is a dual timeline story, and it is filled with suspense along both timelines as a creepy atmosphere hangs over both stories. However, the storyline that takes place in 2001 when they are students in Edinburgh, that is narrated by a person outside of their group really will stand out as a spectacular thriller as you read it. The present day storyline is a little more slow going and doesn’t quite have as much punch to it. It’s much more of a slow burn whereas the past timeline, you notice the alarming qualities right away.

But I still enjoyed both stories because they created a full picture of these troubled people’s lives and how they seem to create chaos and it definitely led to a tense and almost Gothic atmosphere.

I was definitely intrigued by what was going to happen, even if I was a bit annoyed by some of the characters, who didn’t seem to be able to stand up for themselves and weren’t terribly likable. But what kind of stands out in this book that confused me is the very last page and a half of this book which I did not understand at all. It felt like the book had an ending in that things had wrapped up, but then all of a sudden there was this “Afterward.” Was I the only one confused by that?

So I would say this is absolutely a book worth reading, but maybe once you do, you can explain the ending to me. Because while I enjoyed this book, I definitely did not “get it.” And that may have tinged my view of the book.

Not a bad book but the plot is so common and rather forgettable.

It took awhile to keep the characters straight because they blended into each other. Thanks for the advance review copy.

I really struggled with this book. Juggling multiple characters across two timelines made the story more confusing than it needed to be.

Unfortunately, it just didn’t work for me. The plot felt predictable, lacking the twists or fresh ideas I was hoping for.

It took me a bit to get into this one as it has a slow start and it was hard for me to keep track of all the characters. About halfway through I started getting the hang out who everyone was and started to enjoy it more. One of the POVs will definitely give you the heebie-jeebies and you just know he is up to no good. Overall, a solid premise with a good mystery at it’s center.

I initially found it a bit difficult to get engrossed in the book, the many POVs confused me a little at the start. After a few chapters, it became interesting. The book switches from 2019 to 2001 and we get to see the reunion of a group of college friends and their past. The characters were all different, yet I didn't feel any attachment to them. The ending does tend to surprise you. This is a good book which is probably a one-time read.

[arc review]
Thank you to Harper Perennial for providing an arc in exchange for an honest review.
The Weekend Guests releases January 28, 2025

3.75

In the present timeline, Brandon and Aline have just invited three of their close university friends and their spouses/kids to their secondary home in Dorset for a weekend reunion now that their renovations are complete.

As a way to build suspense leading up to the reveal of what really brought the group of undergrads together again, the reader is brought back eighteen years in time to 2001 when Aline, Michael, and Rob have just become neighbours with a PhD student named Darryl.

Darryl’s chapters were much more captivating and I could have spent the entirety of the story from his pov as an outcast and observer. His frequent mentions of Phyllis added intrigue early on, and was a puzzle piece I was eager to solve as it was clear that she was not someone who was alive, which made me quickly question the credibility of Darryl’s mental state.

Despite thinking that the character pov’s from the present timeline could’ve been stronger, I really liked how the story was structured and how the events unfolded.

Unsettling and disturbing, creepily atmospheric…everything I look for in a psychological thriller! The story unfolds in dual time lines and is told by alternating characters. Five old college friends reunite years later with partners and children in tow at the behest of Aline, still living a seemingly perfect life. Only they all share a secret that can bring everything crashing down, and some one else has made it clear they know it. The obvious suspect is their old neighbor, a disturbing post grad student living in the apartment next door who desperately wants to be their friend. As his version of reality becomes more and more off kilter the tension kept ramping up, twists in the story as secrets and grudges surface kept me reading late into the night.
The settings, both in Edinburgh and rural, coastal Dorset are written in such a vivid way they draw you in, adding welcoming detail and atmosphere.
Perfect for fans of Lucy Foley, academic mysteries, and well written, nail biting suspense, I highly recommend adding ‘The Weekend Guests’ to your reading list. Thank you to NetGalley and Harper Paperbacks for providing me with an advance copy, I thoroughly enjoyed it and know others well too.

2.5 stars

The setup for this thriller sounds generic, but I'm such a sucker for an isolated location and long-ago secrets coming to light that I didn't care. "Five old friends. A reunion to die for" is the tagline. And yet the entire time I was reading I was waiting for people to die. There are so many POVs in this, and dual timelines, and there's not a lot differentiating the male characters specifically from one another, so it took me a while to be able to keep straight who was who. I was more interested in the past storyline than the present, but then the big reveal tying everything together was very "I Know What You Did Last Summer" but minus the man with the hook hand murking everyone, which honestly is the best part of that movie anyway. Not the worst book I've read, but definitely not the best. If you're easing your way into thrillers this may be more your speed, but if you also read a lot of them this will likely be a letdown. Thanks to Harper Perennial for the advance copy in exchange for my honest review.

The Weekend Guests is new from author Liza North.
The subtitle reads "Five old friends. A reunion to die for". The cover image also promises a dark read.

We meet the five friends in the past when they shared an apartment at university. Their relationships are explored. And a rather odd neighbor is also examined. North tells her tale in a now and then style. More than one character has a voice.

I appreciated the detail, but things started to drag for me after a while. The same character kept repeating her behavior over and over. She's definitely the one driving for the bus, both now and then. Sadly I didn't like any of the five. I did like the kids and one of the partners.

Things picked up in the last chapters. There was some action in the last few chapters that was good. A few plot devices didn't work for me. But, the creepy bit at the end was good.

The Weekend Guests was marketed as a thriller, but I don't think it quite met that description for me

Thanks to #NetGalley and #HarperPerennialAndPaperbacks for the book #TheWeekendGuests by #LizaNorth. This book has secrets and keeping the past covered up during this reunion of five college friends. After receiving little notes about what happened years ago, Aline has rallied up her friends, Michael, Brandon, Siena and Fob to find out who is behind this. Can they figure out the mystery and come out alive?

Thanks to NetGalley & Harper Paperbacks for the chance to read this book.

First off I'm giving this book 3.5 stars, For the sake of Goodreads rating it's just gonna be rounded up to 4 (Idk why I been on this site like 10 years and we can't half star yet !?)

Ok So this is tricky, I have yet to narrow down a rating style for books I don't hate but also don't quite love.. This book is pretty predictable right from the start, it's not hard to figure out Phyllis or Darryl, or what happens next.. With that said Honestly D is probably the most compelling character in this book, the others just fell to the background of "normal" drunk douchbags.. Aline is obviously the only only getting anywhere in life in this story and it's obviously at the stake of everyone else's lives..

I feel bad for Brandon to be honest, first real hang out with the girl and it all goes to crap then you're stuck with her for life, probably scared to death she'll literally rip his heart out of his chest if he ever tried to leave .. I was confused as to how Rob also fell at the end, maybe i skipped a portion or reading by then but it seemed to be happening to 2 people and then one was just added in as an afterthought!? But I guess it gave a quick end to Sienna's problems lol Good for her it was probably just gonna be a predictable loop of what he already did to her so..

I’m a sucker for a reclusive location where the cast of characters pasts are slowly revealed. So it was ideal to receive this book from the publisher. A group of college friends reunite at a gorgeous, expensive house. Old friendships & romances invade their thoughts.

The chapters go from present day back to 2001, when the secret they share occurred. It was interesting to see the characters young & middle aged, note their changes & how they haven’t changed at all. As with many mysteries, the middle gets a little slow, as you want to know what’s going on. Once the revelations occur it picks up. Overall this was a solid, domestic thriller. Enough intrigue to keep you turning the pages!

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Read if you like:
* The Hitchcock Hotel by Stephanie Wrobel
* One Big Happy Family by Jamie Day
* The Chateau by Jaclyn Goldis