I have enjoyed 3 other books I've read by Rona Halsall and I was not disappointed with The Guest Room! The characters and settings are so realistic, I constantly found myself asking, myself "what would I do in this situation?".

Alone for the first time after a divorce, Steph is starting to get spooked by noises and break-ins - suspicious because the intruder doesn't take anything. The sole purpose seems to be to scare Steph - or worse - to make her think she's losing it. Her work at a support center for people living homeless introduces her to Noah, who reminds her so much of her estranged son she begins to trust him. She needs a lodger, he needs a place to stay - so she invites him to live with her until his paperwork for housing comes though. At first, Noah is likeable, especially after taking a shower and dressing in the clothes Steph loans him from her son's old room. But soon Noah is acting shady and Steph starts to get cold feet - what was she thinking letting a stranger stay with her!

I flip flopped several times about who was behind everything and what their motivation might be and I love when an author makes that happen!

Thanks to NetGalley and Bookouture for an advanced reader's copy.

I’ve read many book by Rona Halsall and they’ve all been fantastic and this one the guest room was absolutely no different. It was brilliant from start to finish.

Poor old Steph is really going through it all her husband has upped and left her and strange things are happening to her her starting with a fall which she is convinced was a push along with various other incidents such as vandalism happening around her house.

Tired off being on her own and struggling Steph meets Noah a homeless man who has lost contact with his family. Steph tries to help Noah through through her work and tries to find him accommodation however having no luck Steph makes the decision to ask Noah to come and live with her on a trial basis and if it’s a success he could potentially become her lodger.

Once Noah is in Steph’s worries continue to get worse and soon she starts to doubt everyone around her including Noah. Throughout all this Steph often turns to her daughter Bea for advice and support and it seems Bea is only to willing to help her mother Bea is the perfect daughter to Steph and is always there to pick up the pieces.

I was hooked right from the start of this book all the way through to the very end and I found myself picking up my kindle at every opportunity this book was just what I needed to refind my buzz and love for reading. Even though about half way through I did work out who was behind everything it didn’t take away from the book and I thought I was a cleverly well thought out plot.

Thank you to NetGalley, the publish and the author for an advance readers copy of this book in exchange for this review. 5⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️

You think you’re safe in your home. You’re wrong.

Steph's thirty year marriage to Andy is over, her daughter Bea is married and she is just getting used to living alone and gaining her independence when strange things start happening in her home; the smell of cigarettes, noises during the night and open windows that she knew she had closed, then a brick is thrown through her front window. In her work at a homeless shelter she meets Noah, a young man who is down on his luck and before she realises it, she's offered him her spare room and a chance to get back on track, Andy and Bea aren't happy with this arrangement but it makes Steph feel safe, especially when things seem to calm down, then things escalate and she is certain that someone won't rest until they've driven her from her home, but who would do that to someone as kind and caring as Steph?

This latest thriller by Halsall is authentic and the characters are realistic, many of them I didn't care for and felt were untrustworthy, I loved Steph for standing her ground and not allowing her family to walk all over her, but at the same time she was too trusting and a little naive. The story is fast paced with lots of twists, turns and many red herrings thrown in along the way which added to the intensity of the situation and kept me guessing for quite a while, I did figure out who the perpetrator was but this didn't dampen the thrill of the ride in any way for me, I raced through this book in a matter of hours and have to admit to shedding a tear in a particular chapter towards the end. This is the fifth book I've read by this author and they just keep getting better. If you like a compelling read that keeps you on the edge of your seat then this is one for you.

I'd like to thank Netgalley and Bookouture for the auto approval, I will post my review on Goodreads now and Amazon on publication day.

Oh my days. What a book!! I have just finished the book and I had to try and articulate my thoughts somehow.

I just know that whenever I read a book by Rona, I am going to go on an adventure, and it’s an absolutely crazy adventure! It is always one hell of a ride and boy do I enjoy it.

So off the bat, I guessed the person behind it and part of their motive. I just had this sneaky suspicion from the start, something didn’t sit right with me. However, despite being right, it was sad because I was right because it’s the last thing I wanted to happen to Steph. I loved picking up on clues that were subtly put there. A word, a change in demeanour and I zoned in. I had a feeling something was still not quite right and my thoughts were confirmed. However, the chapter after the epilogue. WOW!!!

I mean, I never have any qualms about knowing the culprit before the end because it’s about the adventure and how we get there. This was one hell of an adventure!!!!!!! I sped through the book. That is the thing with Rona’s writing, it’s so easy to get lost in that the next thing you know you have finished the book and it’s nearly 1am!! Being tired will be so worth it.

It was an interesting story and I loved how brave and caring Steph was, albeit a bit naive. Her daughter Bea overbearing from the start, almost like she forgot she was the daughter but someone needed to look after Steph with all the mess that had gone her way. I love that we had all our pawns on the board and everyone played their part perfectly.

One thing I do take away from this is the fear of living on your own. I felt fraught alongside Steph when we first realise someone had broken in. What a scary thought. It plays on your mind and then everything that is small. Well, it’s no longer small. Every worry and nuisances are picked upon like prey and spat back at you tenfold as the tension ramps up.

I can never get bored reading a book by Rona. My only complaint is that it is over so quickly!! She creates believable characters, gives you some red herrings to grill and then pulls the rug from out under you with a plot twist! Just love it!!!!!

I look forward to the next book. Will it be soon?

A really fast paced thriller which I couldn’t get enough of! Really enjoyed this one and will certainly be reading more of Rona’s books!

would like to thank netgalley and the publisher for letting me read this gripping novel

my oh my where to start.....

after 30 years of marriage stephs husband of 30 years walks out of her life...demanding a divorce....

but steph is a survivor but she doesnt know it yet, so with the daily struggles of a newly separated wife, she begins to find her feet, but was that a noise in her house, did she not close that window, why was there strange things happening something wasnt quite right but she couldnt put her finger on it...

her work at an homeless shelter was building her confidence up which kept being knocked by her husbands demands of a divorce and wanting to sell their home, but she wasnt ready for that yet she wasnt quite use to doing things for herself

then when things started to escalate with a brick through the window and more pressure off people to sell she finds herself a lodger to help

but is she any safer....as strange things start happening again

ohhh a tense thriller that kept me glued right to the end...didnt see it coming for quite some time those red herrings man this one is a good one

going to be keeping an eye out for more of this authors works...i like how she writes and i fell right into this storyline and its characters

My first book by this author but it won’t be my last. Steph and her husband have split up and she is alone in her house relishing the quiet and peacefulness, but the tranquility is broken by the feeling that she has an intruder. Things are moved, there’s a smell of cigarettes and windows are left open. Initially she’s second guessing herself and slowly but surely as the intrusions continue the more anxious she becomes. As the story builds Steph begins to wonder just who she can trust. Lots of twists and turns , a culprit that you’ll never guess and a great ending

I was in the mood for a good, spine tingling thriller and was not disappointed! I couldn't turn the pages fast enough. What a ride!

This was a descent read - I've read some of her previous novels and I felt that this one fell a little flat. To me it was predictable - I guessed who was doing what after the first couple of chapters,. I will still give some of her other novels a try based on the ones I've already read.

I would like to thank Netgalley and the publisher for an advance copy in exchange for an honest review. I have been a fan of Rona's books since they very first one, and this one was no exception. She always has an interesting cast of characters, setting, and the plot keeps you guessing till the end.

Love love love this author...and this book did not disappoint. Psychological thriller at it's best!!

I love Rona's way of writing and was gripped from the start. I had a few guesses at who the culprit was but got it wrong. All the ends got tied up nicely and I think this book would make a great film. Highly recommended.
Thanks to Netgalley for the opportunity to read this ARC

After her marriage of 30 years breaks down, Steph finds living by herself to be difficult. To make matters worse her ex-husband wants her out of the family home. Steph has two adult children, Bea and Max. She hasn’t seen Max for a decade.
Steph works at a shelter and meets a young man there called Noah. She invites him to stay with her after an intruder damages her home. Is it wise to invite a virtual stranger to live with her?
Although this book does keep you turning the pages, I found most of the plot to be unbelievable and Steph to be a most frustrating character.

Very enjoyable book. The author kept me guessing right up to the end as to how the plot would play out. I had a few guesses throughout but didn't expect who the culprit was! Looking forward to more from this author!

Steph has been married to Andy for 30 years, now he has walked out, Steph’s life is at a crossroads. She is trying to rebuild her life, starting a new job, making new friends, she is trying to enjoy her new freedom. When you have been with someone for so long how do you just adjust? Steph’s son had left home 10 years ago and she hadn’t heard from him. Her daughter is married to a wealthy man and is a good support to her mum.

Steph wants to keep the house, but with divorce settlements being sorted she’s not sure she will be able to keep it. Then strange things start happening. Noises where no one is, the television turning itself on suddenly, a rock is thrown threw the lounge window, paint in the bathroom. Who could be doing this and why? Steph is puzzled over the whole thing, is it someone trying to drive her away? But why? How?

She decides to take in a lodger which will help I a couple of ways, on financially and two it means she isn’t alone. But the incidents still keep happening.

This is a fast paced story with some great twists and turns, great characters. Everything you want in a psychological thriller.

I would like to thank #netgalley and #Bookcouture for an eARC of this book in exchange for an honest, fair and unbiased review.

This is the first book that I have read by this author and it will definitely not be the last.

This is a complex family thriller which centres around recently single mum Steph, who has separated from her husband and is adjusting to life alone. Steph works at a homeless shelter and has two adult children, one she has not seen for many years. Strange things keep happening to Steph and her home is vandalised and despite calling the police several times things just escalate. Everyone is a potential suspect as she becomes more paranoid and the story builds to a great climax; I almost believed that anyone could be the guilty party. Great drama, really well written and engaging.

Thanks to Netgalley, the publisher and the author for the opportunity to read this book in exchange for an honest review.

I had a hard time with this one. Steph's husband Andy left her after a 30 year marriage and she wants to remain in their home. But, someone is gas lighting her. She works at a homeless shelter and so when Noah helps her out by fixing some things, of course, of course she invites him to stay with her. No. Just no. Eventually she wises up but is it too late? Thanks to Netgalley for the ARC. Remarkably naive main character. This might appeal to others but it wasn't for me.

Thank you to Netgalley for an advanced copy of this book in exchange for an honest review.

A well written faced paced novel with plenty of twists and turns. A recommended read.

Published: January 31, 2022
Bookouture
Pages: 311
Genre: Psychological Thriller
KKECReads Rating: 4/5
I received a copy of this book for free, and I leave my review voluntarily.

Rona Halsall is the author of Best Selling psychological thrillers published by Bookouture. She loves puzzles, and her challenge is to find domestic storylines with twists that her readers will never guess.
She was born in Nottingham, grew up near Blackpool, and went to college in Leeds. She then moved to Snowdonia, North Wales, where she brought up her family working as a business mentor. She now lives on the Isle of Man with her husband and two dogs.

“More concerning, though… Would they do it again?”

Steph is trying to figure out her next step- her husband of 30 years recently left her, her daughter is married, and her son has been estranged for ten years. The only thing keeping Steph going is her job at the homeless shelter. At the shelter is where she meets Noah, a young man who reminds her of her son, Max, which increases her desire to help him. The question now is, who will help Steph?

This was a deviously twisted story, with a twist that slaps you in the face. I enjoyed the story buildup and the character development. The pacing was steady, with a mass acceleration toward the end.

Steph was a woman lost, trying to figure out her purpose after the life she had known suddenly shattered. Feeling lost, she is determined to find her way. Her daughter, Bea, is always there, but Steph has so much determination to find her way.

Noah is also lost, but for different reasons. He thinks because going to college didn’t work out, he has no choice but to keep moving forward alone. He’s homeless. He doesn’t think he can go home for fear of his family being disappointed. When Steph shows him kindness without expecting anything in return, he feels to protect her.

Bea is the perfect daughter, on paper. She married an ex-football player who has turned into an agent. Her life is seemingly perfect. She constantly tries to get her mum, Steph, to stay at her gorgeous home with her since her husband is away so often.

For most of the novel, Steph comes across as too trusting, but it isn’t that at all. She sees the good in people and situations. And she wants to help. I love the compassion she has for people. The world could use more hearts like Steph’s.

I did not see the twist working out the way it did; that was a well-executed play. The pieces appeared to be free-falling- until they fell into place and left me speechless.

Just when Steph thinks her life is sorted, and she is about to figure out her next step- everything changes. And now, she isn’t sure who to trust.

This synopsis came with a very bold statement: that this is “the most twisty and unputdownable thriller of the year”. I’ve already read a few 2022 thrillers, so I’d say that’s a bit hasty, but it was definitely twisty and hard to put down! Also, I wouldn’t compare it to Gone Girl (in style, plot or feel). I think the synopsis was a bit misleading, but the actual story was definitely good…

Steph’s husband of 30 years, Andy, has just filed for divorce, and her adult kids have moved out of the house, so she now is a single empty-nester. Her daughter, Bea, has made quite the life for herself, but her son, Max, has been estranged for the past ten years. He left one day, saying he was joining the military, and never came back. Steph is all alone in the house she raised her family in, and while her soon-to-be-ex-husband wants to sell the house to split the profits, she wants to stay there. It has all her memories, especially memories of Max.

Bea is constantly begging her mom to come live in her palatial mansion, but Steph wants to stay close to her job. She works for an organization that helps the homeless, and one day, she meets a young man named Noah, who reminds her of her son. He too has left his family, and he’s around the same age as Steph’s son was when he left, so she’s immediately drawn to him. Recently, odd things have been happening to her, and she’s scared of being alone in her large house. When her organization can’t get him housing right away, Steph invites Noah to live with her, much to the anger of her daughter and husband.

At this point, I think most readers will be annoyed by how stupid this idea is. She knows nothing about this guy except for what he’s told her (that he’s a college dropout who disgraced his parents), and he is often edgy and anxious…could he be on drugs? When sketchy kids start coming to Steph’s door looking for him, and she finds packages in his room, she realizes everyone was right. She still feels for his situation, but she has to get him out of her house.

For a lot of the book, I had no idea where it was going, but I really enjoyed the entertaining journey. Steph was a good character, even when you want to shake her to her senses because she’s acting like a cliché helpless woman in a horror movie. Towards the end, I had several ideas about where the story was headed, but then I got to the big twist and it surprised me. Then, there were several more surprises before a fantastic ending. I was originally going to give this 3.5 stars rounded up, but that ending was so good, it deserves to be a solid four star book. This was a really fun one to read!

(Thank you to Bookouture, Rona Halsall, and NetGalley for the ARC in exchange for my review.)