This was a fast paced quick read that was suspenseful that didn’t quite have me guessing but rather wondering which was better. We follow the main character who is having trouble sleeping, and wakes up covered in scratches and bruises and can’t remember why. This was actually very gripping and TW: slight spoiler; Mention of deaths and depictions of cruelty towards cats. I liked the way the character spoke about women and what our roles felt like in society and the slight themes of sexism in healthcare. Overall this is good, something fast paced to either get you out of a slump, hit your reading goal, or if you want a thriller that isn’t that scary.

“The Patriarchy speaks with the voice of my mother.” Literally took my breath away.

I read this as part of my 2024 goal to read more translated works, and in many ways, this one was a success! The book was engaging and I read it in one sitting, maybe 2 hours at the most—it’s about 200 pages with roughly 100 chapters, so definitely a quick and easy read. The translation from the original Icelandic was well-executed.

Hildur Knútsdóttir is a talented writer with a skill for pulling off many of the things I tend to hate the most in literature, especially the horror genre: she creates terse and eerie prose without abusing the enter key. She writes one-sentence chapters (my biggest pet peeve, and no, I’m really not sure why!) that actually add to the book’s atmosphere rather than inspiring me to pitch the entire thing off a roof. She works in a clever feminist theme without bashing it repeatedly over the reader’s head just in case they missed it the first time. The characters are minimally drawn but still feel like people.

There’s a ton of cool stuff going on here. I loved that this was also about a woman not being taken seriously by doctors; it was a great theme and very realistic—a woman with severe sleep disturbance being passed off to a psychologist rather than a sleep specialist to do some sort of testing is a prime example of the struggle women go through daily simply trying to get the same level of care a doctor would offer a man with the same complaints without blinking. I loved everything about it up until the ending.

Without spoiling anything, the last ten percent of the book seems to be missing, and I am just so desperately tired of turning the page to the acknowledgments when I’m expecting at least four more chapters, or at least one longer one to finish things off. Don’t get me wrong—a sharp ending or an unexpected cut can be a fantastic literary tool. I’ve read and adored books that use it effectively. But usually, when you use this sort of ending, it’s because your point has been made. There’s an obvious conclusion for the reader to come to at the moment it cuts. This one is not that. This one is like cutting the last few minutes off The Usual Suspects so nobody knows that Kevin Spacey is Keyser Söze. It’s just a weird thriller about an unresolved mystery.

And because of the ending, that’s sort of what The Night Guest was for me. It’s just a weird thriller about the unresolved mystery of a woman doing bad things in her sleep, and the horror peters out. There are fairly obvious hints as to what’s happening, but none of it is ever explained or resolved in a way that feels satisfying or makes sense. I do think there’s an argument to be made that this is the point, it’s meant to be enough as is, but it just didn’t work for me. I needed more from this one. I needed the explanation, or a more dramatic confrontation, or something other than all that fantastic buildup fizzling out.

Overall, a cool premise, but a disappointing execution and ending.

ARC by NetGalley and the publisher.

Iðunn is tired, more tired than she has ever been. Doctors visits don’t seem to be helping as all the tests and blood work come back normal. Friends and family advice is just about as helpful… get more exercise, take some extra vitamins, and eat better. Iðunn reluctantly tries the tips, getting a step tracker and sleeping pills. When mysterious bruises start showing up every morning along with no memory of how they got there though she begins to truly worry. Not to mention now her step counter is reading that she is taking thousands of steps while she’s sleeping.

This horror novella was a quick read taking only a few hours to complete. I found the premise to be intriguing which kept me reading. The creeping sense of dead progressively builds the farther you get into the story. There are some trigger warnings to be noted such as blood, gore, and death of pets (several actually). While the plot had me interested and eagerly waiting for some answers, they sadly never truly happen. I ended up having more questions that just added one to my unresolved ones. Overall the story had me interested but the overly ambiguousness of the ending lost me.

The Night Guest comes out September 3rd, 2024.

Thank you again NetGalley and Tor Publishing for providing me with a copy of this book in exchange for my honest review.

The Night Guest is such a fun and fast read I highly suggest this novella for many reasons. First, it's set in Iceland, while the setting isn't extraordinarily descriptive within the narrative, I always gravitate towards books set in Iceland and it does amp up the spooky feel if you've been to Iceland you know the feeling. Our main character is also very relatable, she is a woman who is experiencing non-descript physical symptoms that have been dismissed time and time again by doctors. Nothing is showing up in her blood work and all she wants is answers or even just a doctor who cares and takes her symptoms seriously. Everything changes after she takes the suggestion to walk more and increase her physical activity, she buys a step-tracking device and discovers that her nighttime activity is through the roof. This novella is the perfect length for this fun little story!

This book is utterly bizarre.

It’s one of those book that you read compulsively, always wondering what on earth is going on, and ending with “What the (insert your favorite expletive here) did I just read?!?!”

I also think it’s one of those book that people will either really like or really, almost violently, dislike.

It’s a brutal nightmare of a book with an ending that will definitely surprise you – for good or bad.

I really enjoyed the experience. I hope you will too.

• ARC via Netgalley

In so many thriller/horror stories, there's a tendency for the main character to be a step behind the reader....a pandering I've never quite understood. What I loved most about The Night Guest was that the MC seemed to be in step with me, the reader. A rich, compelling story besides that, too.

Woooooo, this is creepy! Iðunn keeps waking up as bone tired as if she hasn’t slept at all. She gradually starts to realize that something is happening at night after she falls asleep, something seriously wrong. And if she tries to stop it…she gets punished.

The less said about this novella, the better, although I will put a very heavy trigger warning on this for multiple violent animal deaths. If you’re a cat lover, especially, you should never read this.

There are a couple of open door sex scenes, and the gore content is way up there.

Still, it’s a quick, intense read, and it sufficiently creeped me out, enough to start a more innocuous book before I try to get to sleep. 😉😱

I received an advance eARC from NetGalley and Tor Publishing Group/Tor Nightfire in exchange for my honest feedback (thanks!). Also, Mary Robinette Kowal not only introduced the author to her own agent, but Kowal translated this from Icelandic! Thanks for helping to get this published!

”I walk into the darkness.” Iðunn’s body is struggling: it keeps hurting, and she doesn’t sleep very well. She keeps waking up more hurt than the night before. After one doctor’s visit after the other, she tries to find someone who will understand and help her. But how come her watch tells her she walked over 40k steps while she was asleep? What is happening?

…this was chilling to read. I liked how short the chapters were, making the story more fast paced. It was easy to read. It kept me wanting to read more and oh dear the plot twist? Mind boggling. I definitely want to read more from Hildur Knutsdottir!

Happy reading!♥️

What a spine-chilling read! This novella is truly unique, with its fast-paced horror narrative that kept me on the edge of my seat. While I was prepared to give it a full five stars for its scary and unconventional storyline, the ending left me slightly disappointed, leading to a slightly lower rating. However, don't get me wrong! The book is still a thrilling, smart, and surprising piece of work, with a well-executed translation that perfectly captures the dark and sarcastic tone of the characters and the overall creepiness of the story.

I devoured this novella in less than two hours, completely engrossed in the story even as my husband complained about the burned dinner. After finishing the book, I found myself losing my appetite and feeling a spine-tingling sensation on my neck, as if the main character, Iðunn, was watching me with her vacant, sleepy eyes!

Now, let me give you a quick recap of this dark and bleak novella that you definitely shouldn't read before bedtime:

The story unfolds in the starless nights of Reykjavik, where Iðunn lives, suffering from clinical fatigue that she fears may be a symptom of something terminal. However, blood tests reveal she's physically healthy, suggesting her situation may be psychosomatic, related to stress. She has a dysfunctional relationship with her family, who are also grappling with the death of their elder daughter, and her relationship with her coworker ended on a sour note.

Iðunn tries to control her sleeping habits by tracking her sleep patterns with a new watch, but each time she wakes up, she finds herself in disturbing situations, such as blood covering her face, a black swollen eye, or broken nails, with her body covered in dirt. She discovers that she sleepwalks at night and always ends up in the same location. But why is she walking there? What is happening to her?

I may have revealed too much already, but if you're up for an ultra-bizarre ride that will send shivers down your spine, I highly recommend diving into this unputdownable journey!

A big thank you to NetGalley and Tor Publishing Group/Tor Nightfire for providing me with a digital review copy of this riveting horror novella in exchange for my honest thoughts.

Okay, so, trigger warning: dead cats. Murdered cats. Cats who are obviously not just “pining for the fjords.” I wish I'd read the reviews before reading this one, because our elderly cat passed away less than twelve hours ago and I was not emotionally ready to read about such things.

But, anyway, I have mixed feelings about this one … and not just because of the poor cats.

This book is awesome right up until the last chapter (or maybe the last two? I can't remember and my e-reader is all the way upstairs). It's beyond creepy. Iðunn wakes up every morning super tired. Her doctor says she's perfectly healthy. What could be wrong with her? And why is her fitness tracker showing that she's walking tens of thousands of steps every night? It's super suspenseful and I couldn't stop reading. It's a short book with short chapters and I read it all in one sitting.

The setting (Reykjavík, Iceland) is amazing, too. I really thought this was going to end up being a five-star read for me.

And then there are dead cats. But, okay, fair enough. Not everyone is squeamish about such things.

But that last chapter (or two)... I mean, WTF? I am (back) out of bed at 1:30 in the morning so that I can write about how much it annoyed me. Because not only did I not like it, but I am apparently incredibly stupid because I did not understand it even one little bit. I don't even know how to explain it to you guys without spoiling anything, but I am so confused right now. And the book ended super abruptly, too. I was hoping for at least one more chapter to explain what I'd just read, but nope.

I won't say not to read this book because the first 98% of it is totally awesome. But if I were you, I'd go into it expecting to be disappointed by the ending. Or maybe not, since judging from the other reviews on Goodreads (the English-language ones that I can read, anyway) I appear to be in the minority here.

My overall rating: five stars for the bulk of the book, but minus two stars for the ending. Yes, I really disliked it that much. I'll still probably seek out some more books by Hildur Knútsdóttir, though, because she really does know how to write a creepy story.

Many thanks to NetGalley and Tor Nightfire for providing me with an advance (English) copy of this book to review.

Slight, but with a great punch at the end. Great for fans of Sara Gran's COME CLOSER and Rachel Yoder's NIGHTBITCH. Contains animal harm/pet death, but without extremely graphic descriptions.

Imagine waking up to see your pedometer clocked 40 000 steps - while you were supposed to be asleep.

Hildur Knutsdottir's The Night Guest is a quick read telling the eerie story of a murderous sleepwalker.
The story captures you from the first page with witty humor turning dark real fast.

You will want to read on, to find out what is happening while she is sleeping.

Really enjoyed this one.

I absolutely loved this. The MC was so likable, I loved how the story developed, the use of short chapters and blank space, the build in tension. And the ending. *chefs kiss* I'm a new lover of the novella and this author.

Thank you to NetGalley, the publisher, and author for providing an ARC in return for an honest review

In this captivating read, the author masterfully weaves a narrative that is both engaging and thought-provoking. Through a blend of richly developed characters and a meticulously crafted plot, the book offers a unique exploration of its central themes, inviting readers to immerse themselves in the story's depth and complexity. The narrative is paced perfectly, balancing moments of intense action with thoughtful reflection, ensuring that readers are hooked from the first page to the last. The author's ability to evoke emotion and create a vivid, immersive world is truly remarkable, making this book a must-read for anyone looking for an exceptional literary experience.

Beyond its compelling storyline, the book stands out for its insightful commentary on the human condition, weaving philosophical questions into the fabric of its narrative. The author's skillful use of language not only enriches the text but also elevates the reader's experience, offering new perspectives on familiar themes. Whether it's the intricate dynamics of relationships, the exploration of identity, or the confrontation with ethical dilemmas, this book tackles complex issues with sensitivity and intelligence. It's a testament to the power of storytelling to illuminate the nuances of life, making it a valuable addition to any book lover's collection. Regardless of genre, this is a work that resonates on multiple levels, affirming the enduring impact of well-crafted literature.

The first chapter was solidly okay, but it didn’t hook me. It feels very narrative, which I have a hard time getting into. I stopped after chapter 1 (5%). I think it will be a solid three to four stars for the target, though. It does set up the mystery and the character well enough.

Thank you to NetGalley and Tor for the ARC.

"The Night Guest" is an entrancing and chilling read. The writing is spare and lyrical in contrast to the escalating violence of Iðunn's sleepwalking. The family dynamics are well done and the author engages the reader in Iðunn's panic and desperation. I think the ending fit well with the narrative with a small reprieve thrown in for the reader. I'd like to read more by this author. Thanks to NetGalley for the ARC.

Idunn (I don’t know if that is spelled correctly in English and I don’t know how to access the right characters to type it in Icelandic) is suffering from constant, intense fatigue. She sees the doctor but after examination and numerous blood tests she finds nothing. She takes advice from her friends re: vitamins, etc. and ends up with a watch that counts her steps. She falls asleep with it on and discovers she walked more than 47,000 steps. While she thought she was asleep. And she’s waking up with injuries. What is going on? Is it related to the loss of her sister, Injunn?

The writing in this short book is very spare and eerie. The author does a good job in putting Idunn’s panic on the page. Interesting book, even though I’m not quite sure what she was trying to tell us. Recommended.

A very creepy story. I’ve never read anything by the author (I don’t know if she has anything else translated into English), but I will seek her out in the future.

Iđunn is the main character in this story but she isn't mention by name until the 12th chapter when she meets Már who mistakes her for her dead older sister. What keeps Iđunn wondering is that she awakes feeling tired and worn out. She see's several doctors but they come back with normal results. She keeps feeling run down but buy a watch that has the steps taken for the day and finds it is way higher than what she should have had. I will let you read the rest of the story for it goes into much more of a weird explanation into Iđunn's habits. The ending is another happing that I really like for the story.

This was such a creepy little book! The voice of the main character, Iðunn, is so clear - it wasn't just the short chapters and the unsettling atmosphere that kept me turning the pages. I would absolutely read more by Hildur Knutsdottir because I love the characters and the world that she created. As other reviewers have said, the last bit of the book is kind of disappointing: we're left with more questions than answers, but not in a complex way, more in an abrupt way. I was really surprised to turn the page and see acknowledgments - I was sure there must be a little bit more to come. I think a stronger ending would've made me more likely to recommend this book broadly. But an ending is only one part of a book and I still really enjoyed the reading experience - I will be looking out for Hildur Knutsdottir going forward!