The Houseguest

**This review contains spoilers ** I got to listen to the audiobook thanks to the publisher and NetGalley. Here is my honest review: The House Guest is a book which Alyssa Macallan, the main character and a new friendship she forms with some random person… that is now randomly living with her? And she has a psycho “ex-husband” who breaks in her house and hires actors to be FBI agents.

Wait who is working for the FBI? Why did she let some random people stay at her house? Why is everyone trying to test Alyssa? Very weird. In short, this book wasn’t very believable. It had an incredibly slow start and I was constantly shouting, “whaaa?” It picked up at around 80% of completion but I was still confused at the end.

I really wanted to stick through this but it just seemed very out there. The plot was weird. The characters were likable yet very naive and dumb.

Thank you to NetGalley and the publisher for allowing me to honestly review this book even though it wasn’t favorable this time.

“You can’t always get what you want. But sometimes you get what you deserve.”

Hold onto your hat for this crazy, electrifying ride! The House Guest is filled with twists, lies, and secrets that will pull the rug right out from under you. And good luck guessing who can be trusted!

Alyssa is a cliche. Poor girl falls in love with a rich older man, marries, becomes a trophy wife, and expects to live happily ever after. Except Bill decides to take a break after eight years. A separation agreement is made through lawyers and Alyssa is left in limbo. Bill doesn’t stick to the arrangement because rules don’t apply to him. Instead, he goes out of his way to taunt Alyssa and make her more miserable than she already is.

She goes to an average bar. One that Bill and his friends would never show their faces in and meets Bree. She’s having issues of her own so Alyssa eventually invites her to stay in her guest house. She enjoys having someone around until things start getting weird. First, the FBI shows up. Then Bree offers to help her get rid of her husband. She’s not sure who she can trust.

Sincere thanks to Macmillan Audio, Forge Books, Edelweiss, and NetGalley for the opportunity to read this ARC. All opinions are my own!

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I listened to the audiobook version of this book, and found it very entertaining. Alyssa, is a recently separated woman, who meets Bree, a down on her luck woman, in a bar. The narrator of the audiobook does a fantastic job of distinguishing the characters and making them interesting, while Hank Phillipi Ryan as always brings the fun twists and turns, zippy writing, and expert plotting. Those of you who don't like suspending your disbelief too much may not relate to this one, but, as for me, even though I had a sense from the beginning of the unbelievable way this was going to end, I had a great time going along for the ride. The ending has a lot of explaining, but it kind of has to be that way with the complicated plot. I enjoyed the book all the way through and had fun with the red herrings and misdirection. Hank Phillipi Ryan remains one of my go-to suspense authors and this is an extremely well-done audiobook that you will be likely to gobble up in one or two sittings as I did.

I listened to the audiobook version of this book, and found it very entertaining. Alyssa, is a recently separated woman, who meets Bree, a down on her luck woman, in a bar. The narrator of the audiobook does a fantastic job of distinguishing the characters and making them interesting, while Hank Phillipi Ryan as always brings the fun twists and turns, zippy writing, and expert plotting. Those of you who don't like suspending your disbelief too much may not relate to this one, but, as for me, even though I had a sense from the beginning of the unbelievable way this was going to end, I had a great time going along for the ride. The ending has a lot of explaining, but it kind of has to be that way with the complicated plot. I enjoyed the book all the way through and had fun with the red herrings and misdirection. Hank Phillipi Ryan remains one of my go-to suspense authors and this is an extremely well-done audiobook that you will be likely to gobble up in one or two sittings as I did.

I listened to the audiobook version of this book, and found it very entertaining. Alyssa, is a recently separated woman, who meets Bree, a down on her luck woman, in a bar. The narrator of the audiobook does a fantastic job of distinguishing the characters and making them interesting, while Hank Phillipi Ryan as always brings the fun twists and turns, zippy writing, and expert plotting. Those of you who don't like suspending your disbelief too much may not relate to this one, but, as for me, even though I had a sense from the beginning of the unbelievable way this was going to end, I had a great time going along for the ride. The ending has a lot of explaining, but it kind of has to be that way with the complicated plot. I enjoyed the book all the way through and had fun with the red herrings and misdirection. Hank Phillipi Ryan remains one of my go-to suspense authors and this is an extremely well-done audiobook that you will be likely to gobble up in one or two sittings as I did.

This started off very slow for me and I wanted the story to get going. We spend a lot of time in Alyssa's head and I wanted more action and more story in the beginning. Alyssa makes a lot of bad decisions which was a little frustrating but it didn't take me out of the story. I get that she's lonely after her husband leaves her which is why she invites Bree to live in her guest house. The narrator is really good and compelling. Overall, this was just okay for me. It's my first Hank Phillippi Ryan book and I think I need to read another one because I know she's a favorite for many.

I received an audiobook version of this book in exchange for an honest review.

I didn’t really catch on the vibe “diabolical cat and mouse thriller” as this book lead it to be. I didn’t have any sense of suspense or fear, like most thriller books I tend to read. I felt as if this was more about an unconventional friendship forming with opposites attract that leads to betrayal.

Alyssa is dumped unexpectedly from her husband of 8 years and is fearful of a divorce. She has adapted to a lifestyle of the rich. While feeling sorry for herself she meets Bree at a bar. Bree is fleeing a relationship, and fears for her life. Alyssa feels bad and instantly becomes Bree’s friend and invites her to stay at her house. It’s not long before the FBI comes knocking on the door to uncover potential secrets Alyssa’s husband had kept her in the dark about.

I did enjoy the audible version of the book; the narrator did a great job differentiating the different characters. I do think that I would have stopped before I reached the middle of this book if I was reading it. I did have high hopes that I would enjoy the book, as I have other books from the author.

There's a scam artist, but who is it? The characters surrounding Alyssa Macallan is this novel has her head spinning as to who to trust. A decent story, but I got tired of all the manshaming over and over.

This is my first book by this author and I was not disappointed. The House Guest constantly reminded me of the Netflix series Dead to Me, with the random appearance of Bree in Alyssa's life, suddenly becoming best friends and Bree as Alyssa's house guest, all while something sinister lurks in the background in the form of Alyssa's soon-to-be ex-husband. Plenty of red herrings and misdirection make this a true cat-and-mouse tale, including Alyssa questioning everyone she meets, though she manages to convince herself she's mistaken. There were certain things I figured out well before the climax, including that certain people weren't who they claimed to be, but I was surprised by the conclusion, which was cleverly set up right from the start but carefully brushed under the carpet. It's uncommon for an ending to surprise me nowadays, so kudos for that.

The only thing that tripped me up was the way chapters would end on a cliffhanger and then there would be a time jump in the next chapter, with flashback filling in the gaps. This made it a little tough for me to follow but is likely the author's style and a way to keep the reader saying, "Wait, what about...?" and having to keep reading to answer the question.

Definitely would recommend this book to domestic thriller fans. The narration of the audiobook was excellent, and Bree's voice really made me think of Judy in Dead to Me. Thank you to the author, Forge Books, and NetGalley for the chance to read an early version of this book in exchange for a fair review.

Gorgeous book cover - bravo!
Colleen Chi-Girl's review Dec 27, 2022
My Goodreads bookshelves: 2022, audio, contemporary, netgalley, thrillers, us-no-amer, women-centered, crime-mysteries

3-1/2 stars
Now that the holidays are over, I am catching up on my reviews! This one was read just before Christmas and it was a fairly quick read on audio.

I'd like to thank NetGalley, Macmillan Audio, and the author, Hank Phillippi Ryan, for this ARC, as well as give a shout out to the narrator: Stephanie Willing.

As an elementary teacher, I like to think I have a good sense of humor and dry wit, which goes a long way with children (not sarcasm). And on the subject of humor, I don't particularly care for silly humor (except in my students). There were things that happened in this book that were above the suspension of belief and not always funny, but you become immersed in Alyssa's (main character) crazy journey.

Her wealthy husband, Bill, has literally dumped her without any explanation, and she is in pain and heartbroken as anyone would be in this sit. Alyssa ends up in a local bar and meets a young woman named Bree. They have a connection almost immediately and my warning bells were going off full speed. But....is Bree who she says she is: a lonely, sad, woman, also with a man problem? The night is young and Alyssa, still living in her beautiful home, with a beautiful backyard guest house, invites the beautiful Bree to spend the night in her beautiful guest house. (Warning Will Robinson!!!) But again, am I being too suspicious?? Is the author taking me down the obvious path?? This novel is full of these kinds of situations where you don't trust anyone. Including the FBI... or are they the real FBI?? So many suspicions!! Most to throw you off and to mistrust everyone.

Alyssa seems to be a smart but lonely woman, who continually makes some really seemingly bad choices. She is now letting Bree stay with her semi-indefinitely. Later, Alyssa allows another stranger-danger-man also stay and come and go. He might be FBI but maybe not.

Her husband Bill isn't supposed to enter the home and yet Alyssa knows Bill or someone, or someone and Bill for sure, have been in there. Too many misplaced things. It gets complicated and more complicated.

Then it begins to get even more rev'd up toward the end, so hang onto your seats and keys and suspense!

First of all thank you to Netgalley and Macmillan audio for giving me the approval to listen to this audiobook.

I enjoyed this book. I could easily put myself in Alyssa's (or Alice) position.
Newly separated and facing a divorce from her manipulative husband, Bill, left Alyssa feeling very vulnerable and alone.

One night when she was out, she approached another woman, Bree, and they got to talking. When Alyssa found out that Bree was also alone, she invited her to come stay in her guest house. They got along well and Alyssa felt much more at ease having someone with her, especially at night.

With all of that said, you know that the book title holds a lot of weight but you need to read it to see what happens.

Hank Phillippi Ryan can do no wrong in my opinion! I love her books and The House Guest is no disappointment. There are quite a few characters brought into the story very quickly so make sure you listen closely to the first couple of chapters. Not that I was really trying to figure everything out but wow... I was wrong. Several times!

Alyssa's marriage is not going to succeed. Feeling down, she meets a new friend, Bree, who meets a new boyfriend, Dez. Somehow the FBI get involved because of the soon to be ex husband.

Oh wow, this is a ride! I hope you enjoy this book.

This was just okay for me.
For a large part of the book i was frustrated with Alyssa and her overly trusting (yet still suspicious?) personality. Why do characters in books never do what's best for them?
I would love to read a suspenseful novel where the female MC takes all the correct steps, but the killer is just 1 step ahead of her instead. That would be so much more enjoyable.
That being said, there were a few surprises along the way, but I was already partly checked out by the time then showed up.
Thanks to NetGalley & Macmillan Audio for my DRC.

An exciting and well crafted book with twists, excitement, and surprises, and a a very satisfying ending.

I really enjoyed this one because it kept me guessing.
1. Is it safe to drink alcohol at a bar by yourself?
2. How would you know if someone had been in your house while you were gone (assume the house alarm didn’t go off)?
3. Should the FBI be able to use ex-spouses against each other?
4. How long should a house guest stay?



Thank you to Netgalley and Macmillan Audio for letting me have an early listen to The House Guest by Hank Phillippi Ryan and read by Stephanie Willing. The House Guest will be available on February 7, 2023. A perfect read for Galentine’s Day!

I keep thinking that she can’t have another good book in her…and then she comes out with another one. Great book for mystery fans.

If you’re looking for a sitting on the edge of your seat thriller with crazy mysteries throughout the book, this is not the book for you. It was one of the slowest paced mysteries that I’ve read, but I’m glad I finished it! The end came together very well, and I really enjoyed the conclusion. I wouldn’t necessarily change any of the details in the beginning or middle, I was just surprised at how long it took to lead up to the climax of the story. It was nice being able to do dishes, or other chores, while listening to the audio without having to worry about missing a huge turn of events. I also liked how building friendships was such a big part of the plot, since you don’t see that a lot in mysteries.

After every divorce, one spouse gets all the friends. What does the other one get? If they’re smart, they get the benefits. Alyssa Macallan is terrified when she’s dumped by her wealthy and powerful husband. With a devastating divorce looming, she begins to suspect her toxic and manipulative soon-to-be-ex is scheming to ruin her—leaving her alone and penniless. And when the FBI shows up at her door, Alyssa knows she really needs a friend. But can you always tell who your friends really are? This is another homerun from the master of cat-and-mouse thrillers. I listened to the perfectly narrated audio book but had I been reading hard copy, I could not have put this down. So many twists and turns and an ending that really caught me off guard. I've been a huge fan of Hank's writing from day one and look forward to every new book whether its one of her fabulous series or a brilliant standalone. This was a gem! Thank you NetGalley for the advanced audio copy for listening and review.

Parts of this felt repetitive, and there was a lot of odd stuff going on, but it didn't have me hooked unfortunately and something about it just didn't work for me.

One of the best parts was the narrator!

Thanks to NetGalley & MacMillan Audio for an advance copy in exchange for an honest review!

This “cat and mouse game thriller” left me a ring more. It was largely predictable and I never felt like I was fully invested in Alyssa’s story. I wanted to yell at her a couple of times over how stupid she was, but I was never all that concerned with her life and how she would move on after her divorce.

Alyssa spends the whole book mad at her husband and mourning the loss of what she had. From my perspective, she gave everything up for him and I got tired of her constantly contemplating how to move on with no friends and nothing to look forward to in life.

I also feel like the ending was too easy. I know it’s a story, but it ended all tied up in a neat little bow with the necessary plot twists to make the reader feel like they didn’t see it coming, but honestly, by that point I was so separated from the characters and the story I didn’t really care that the bad guy got caught.