The Perfect Hosts follows Wes and Madeline Drake, whose extravagant gender reveal party goes horribly wrong when an explosion injures several and kills Madeline‘s best friend. As the investigation uncovers secrets from the past and present, it begins to seem that no one is safe.

This book tries to do a lot in a short period of time. It moves quickly and has some interesting twists and turns, but I did feel a little bit like too much was crammed within the pages. There were subplots that didn’t really get enough attention to be compelling, and I didn’t feel that I got the opportunity to really connect with many characters. Overall, it was a solid read, just not a favorite.

My thanks to the author, publishers, NetGalley for allowing me to read this ARC!

Overall, this was a OK book. I did enjoy the fact that the characters are very crazy and a bit messy which helps and trying to figure out who the most craziest one is and who’s responsible for the incident. I do feel that the book has a lot of different storylines, which I know that at the end they do tie in together, but it did feel like there was a lot going on, and it was a little bit hard to focus on each of the storylines.. The other issue was did feel a bit rushed towards the end, but it did hold my interest so overall I’m glad that I have the opportunity to read it, and I will continue to read more books from the author..

A different mystery/thriller set on a ranch in Wyoming. This books focuses on the bond between siblings as well as other family dynamics. Overall a powerful reminder of what we will do to protect our loves and how far we will go for them.

The Perfect Host by Heather Gudenkauf is a gripping, tightly wound thriller that plays expertly on isolation and unease. Set mostly within the confines of a seemingly idyllic guest house, the story slowly unspools with mounting dread, and I couldn’t look away. Gudenkauf masterfully uses a minimalist cast and setting to her advantage, making every glance, every line of dialogue feel suspect. The dual timelines are well balanced and add depth to the unfolding mystery without ever feeling disorienting. It’s one of those reads where you know something is off, but you’re never quite sure what—or who—to trust until it all clicks into place.

What I appreciated most was how Gudenkauf captured the subtle, creeping fear of not being safe where you’re supposed to feel at home. The characters were layered and unpredictable, and I found myself second-guessing everyone’s motives, including the narrator’s. While the plot doesn’t rely on shock value or overly dramatic twists, the slow-burn suspense made for a satisfying and unsettling ride. If you enjoy domestic thrillers with claustrophobic tension and a simmering sense of paranoia, The Perfect Host delivers.

People should look for this book when it’s available in bookstores. This book was terrific and I hope there is a sequel. Highly recommend..

Thank you to NetGalley, Park Row Publishers, and the author Heather Gudenkauf for this ARC in exchange for an honest review.

The wealthy Madeline and Wes Drake seem to have it all. They are young, wealthy, and expecting their first baby. Their party planner organizes a gender reveal at their "ranch" with the theme or pistols or pearls. Wes wants to do something large scale so they decide to blow up an old truck for the reveal. Things don't go as planned and chaos ensues.

Told from multiple POVs including Madeline, Mellie (a waitress working the party), Lucy (Madeline's scheming step sister), and Jamie an ATF agent and former resident of the small town. Jamie's sister Juneau disappeared from the town many years ago and has never been found. He anxiously returns to not only investigate the party gone wrong, but also to try and find out what happened to his sister.

For the most part, I liked the book. I did feel like not everything was tied up at the end and I did not really care for the ending,

3 1/2 stars rounded up

Gudenkauf's writing is both compelling and atmospheric, drawing readers into the small-town setting where everyone seems to have something to hide. The pacing is relentless, with each chapter revealing new twists and turns that keep the suspense building. The characters are richly developed, each harboring their own secrets and motivations, making it difficult to discern who the true culprits are until the final, shocking conclusion.

The Perfect Hosts is a standout in the genre of domestic thrillers, offering a gripping narrative that explores themes of trust, betrayal, and the masks people wear to conceal their true selves. It's a must-read for fans of psychological suspense and anyone who enjoys a story that keeps them guessing until the very end.

Another expert level thriller from Heather Gudenkauf. Took me a bit to get into, but once it started, I couldn't put it down. So sad I have to wait for the next book even when this hasn't been published yet, but such is the life of an avid reader.

4.5 stars rounded up. You know those books you are anxious to pick up and keep reading? This is one of those books. Each suspenseful storyline kept me absorbed.

Thank you to Net Galley and Harlequin Trade Publishing for this advance copy.

Thank you, NetGalley for giving me access to this book for my honest review. This book had me hooked from page 1. I loved the theme of this book and how the story unfolded. I didn’t expect any of the twists or turns in this book. I was trying to figure out where the book was going but, was completely wrong. I love when a book has my jaw on the floor because I’m ultimately surprised by it.

My only complaint is the ending was left on a cliffhanger but, other than that and a few grammar mistakes it was GREAT!

I can’t wait for people to read this when it releases in November! 🧡

Yes – I do judge a book by its cover! As soon as I saw the cover on this book, I knew I had to read it. A gender reveal party for Ranchers – loved the theme “Pistols and Pearls” . Loved the glamour and simplicity of the reveal and then the big boom – literally! The twists and turns and secrets that had been hidden and then coming out – just kept on coming. Then the ending – whew! I can’t wait to see where that one takes us. Maybe a sequel?? @heathergudenkauf Thank you NetGalley for the ARC #HeatherGudenkauf #ThePerfectHosts

Loved it! Started strong with a gender reveal gone wrong, then lots of twists from there. Two whodunits in one, with the ATF agent involved in both cases. I missed the Iowa setting for which Gudenkauf is known, but there were sure mentions along the way. Good thriller!

I was pretty pumped to see a new Heather Gudenkauf title pop into my feed - I've loved everything I've read by her. This one was good, but not my favorite. The twist was pretty massive, and I definitely didn't see it coming. Two sisters, working together to bring down the bad guy, with some unfortunate collateral damage along the way.

I love Heather Gudenkauf’s books, and this one was pretty good in my opinion. Madeline and Wes are expecting a baby, and at their gender reveal, the unthinkable happens and tragedy strikes. Secrets and lies from Wes’ past come into play, along with the ATF officer in charge of the case. 3/5 stars.

As usual, I love everything Heather writes! This was really good! I enjoyed it! Thanks to NetGalley, HTP, and Heather for letting me read before its release. I love her books!

I was given an ARC copy of this book in return for a review.

Another great from Ms. Gudenkauf! So suspenseful, kept me turning the pages wanted to know what happened next!

Wes and Madeline Drake's gender reveal party goes horribly wrong. Many are injured and one person is killed. How could this happen? As the investigation into the event continues Agent Jamie Saldano comes to town. Jamie lived in town for a short time and his sister went missing while they were living there. It quickly becomes evident that the second explosion was intentional. Who planted the IED? Who was the intended target? Read this new suspenseful thriller to find out all the answers in November 2025.

The setup? A sex reveal party (because it’s 2025 and we have words for things) hosted by rich ranch-owning influencers with a theme called “pistols and pearls.” So, you know. Subtle. Things immediately go boomxa (literally), and the first few chapters had me hooked in the best way.

But then... it kept going. And going. There were so many mysteries—unsolved cases from two decades ago, affairs, the explosion itself—and instead of building intrigue, it started to feel like a plot salad. Every single character is suspicious. Like, I was about five pages from accusing the family dog.

Also, no one was especially likable. Which is fine! I love a messy cast. But there’s a difference between flawed and flat, and this teetered toward the latter. And the ending? Way too rushed. After all that buildup, certain plotlines (especially Juneau’s) got wrapped up like an afterthought.

Thanks to NetGalley for giving me an ARC of Heather Gudenkauf’s latest book in exchange for an honest review.
I love this author and was so excited to be one of the first to read her newest title.
The story starts off with an elaborate gender reveal party that quickly takes a turn. As the story continues, we learn the histories of the characters through multiple POV’s and there are twists right up until the very end.
While some elements of this book were a bit far-fetched, I thoroughly enjoyed reading it and it kept me guessing to the end!

All I need to see is Heather Gudenkauf's name on a cover and I know I'll be buying the book! She is an amazing author and The Perfect Hosts is an excellent read. After years of marriage, Melanie and Wes are expecting their first child. They've planned a larger than life gender reveal and it comes at a far higher cost than expected. Someone with a grudge has decided that their party is the perfect place to get revenge. It May take a blast from the past in the form of Special Agent Jamie Saldano, to help right things. When Lucy, Melanie's sister, unexpectedly arrives, she brings even more trouble with her. With dynamic characters, excellent story telling, and great pacing, The Perfect Hosts is the perfect read for anyone with a penchant for family drama, revenge plots, and mystery.

An episode of "Yellowstone" in book form is what Heather Gudenkauf has created! A gender reveal party gone horribly wrong in the pristine wilderness. Was this a freak accident or murder?