I’m so sad to say this was my least favorite B.A. Paris book.

I’m a hugeee B.A. Paris fan and I read/will keep reading everything she puts out, but this one was just not for me.

I found the plot to be intriguing, yet I kept wanting more. I kept getting confused about who was who due to the many characters who all felt identical. Undoubtedly, this would be considered a domestic thriller. The lengthy epilogue is where the reader learns what has been happening throughout the entire novel, and I admit I didn’t anticipate the ending, so I suppose that was the highlight of the book. Overall, it’s an okay book, but not as good as I'd hoped for from this author.

If you want an easy slow-burn read with short chapters, you might enjoy this one.

This book was interesting. It really kept me guessing, and I was hooked. The beginning is slow, so I would say stick with it because once it gets going, I flew through it. As the title suggests, this book starts with a guest (Laure) who is Iris, the main character's best friend. Laure proceeds to crash with Iris and Gaberil in their house after a falling out with her husband. During this time so many things happen, there's drama, secrets, deaths, explosions, and lies. Gabriel Iri's husband is keeping a secret, Laure is as well, and Esme Iris's new neighbor is also keeping a secret.

I really liked the way everything unfolded, at first, I thought it was petty little secrets between friends and partners, but as the book progressed, it became more than that with different moving pieces and characters. I thought a lot of characters were suspicious, though I didn't guess the main culprit. The plot twist got me so bad, I did not see that coming, but after reading, I went back and so many things made sense. Overall a good thriller that kept me hooked and interested in the story.

Thank you to the publisher for an arc for an honest review.

This books was really good! It kept me guessing even when I thought I had it figured out! Really like books by B. A. Paris and this one didn't dissapoint!

“The Guest” felt like B.A. Paris left a pot of boiling water unattended on the stove! What started out as a seemingly minor strain in Gabriel and Iris’ marriage slowly heated up thanks to Laure, their long-time friend, and (uninvited) house guest. Mysterious tragedies seemed to follow Gabriel and Iris as unpredictable connections from the past bubbled up into the present. Finally, all of the secrets, from one character in particular, came boiling over in the end with no warning! Be prepared to have B.A. Paris making you question everyone, and everything, in “The Guest”.

I enjoyed this book. Interesting enough to keep going but not a favourite from this author. Most of the books I’ve read by B.A. Paris I’ve loved. For me it was not as riveting and suspenseful as I expected. The epilogue is long, wraps things up well with a few surprises I did not suspect.
Thanks to Netgalley and St. Martin’s Press for the ARC in exchange for my honest review.

I am usually an avid reader of B. A. Paris's books, as they tend to draw me in with their captivating pacing and skillfully crafted mysteries that keep me on edge until the very end. However, in this particular instance, I found myself struggling to become engrossed in the mystery lines presented within this book. These storylines include a couple's ill-fated relationship following the discovery of the husband's secret child from another woman, and a man's depression stemming from the haunting last words of an 18-year-old who vindictively declared he would never forgive his mother. Regrettably, these mystery elements failed to capture my interest. Furthermore, I had difficulty connecting with the characters, particularly Lauren, who could be considered the most unwelcome guest one could imagine. Picture a friend who not only occupies your shared bed with your spouse, but also dons your clothes, rearranges your kitchen, nonchalantly strolls around naked in various rooms, and incessantly discusses her husband's affair and secret love child. As a temperamental Aries woman, I must confess that I, too, might be inclined to dispatch Lauren to Paris in a cargo plane or FedEx box, bearing the label "not fragile, mostly unsplashable."

The narrative revolves around Iris and Gabriel, a contentedly married couple residing in a stylish countryside home. Their daughter is living her dream life working in Greece. However, the tranquility of their marriage is disrupted when Gabriel's path unexpectedly intersects with that of 18-year-old Charlie, who is tragically involved in a biking accident. Charlie's final moments and his vengeful declaration deeply trouble Gabriel, leading to emotional and physical distance between him and his sexually frustrated wife, Iris. The narrative then pivots as Iris and Gabriel return home from their trip, only to discover their old friend Lauren comfortably settled within their abode. She even takes the liberty of slipping into Iris's pajamas and questioning their presence in their own home as though they were intruders. My initial impression of Lauren was less than favorable.

Further exploration of Lauren's presence and her activities within their home reveals that she and her husband Pierre became fast friends with Iris and Gabriel, having met at the couple's first wedding anniversary. Despite living in Paris, Lauren and Pierre have maintained this connection for nearly two decades, meeting three to four times annually. Lauren's world is upended when she uncovers her husband's secret daughter, a revelation that prompts her impromptu departure from Paris. In her newfound state of frustration, Lauren spends her holiday break grappling with her husband's actions and pondering their future. It appears she may be awaiting Pierre's groveling apology, and suspicions arise about the identity of the child's mother, potentially linked to one of their mutual friends.

Meanwhile, Iris is grappling with her own set of challenges, including her husband's growing coldness and depressive demeanor. Adding to her woes is the constant barrage of attention-seeking behavior from Lauren, who imposes herself upon Iris's space with little regard for her friend's comfort or boundaries. Paradoxically, Lauren acts as though she has taken up permanent residence, assuming the role of the true household owner.

As the narrative unfolds, Gabriel finds himself facing a moral quandary—whether to reveal Charlie's final words to his grieving mother or to shield her from the truth for the sake of closure. Concurrently, Iris is unwittingly pulled into the drama surrounding Lauren and Pierre. The introduction of new neighbors, including the pregnant Esme and her significantly older husband Hugh, along with their enigmatic friend Joseph, further shifts the dynamics of their lives. Despite Gabriel's objections, Joseph volunteers as a gardener at Iris's house, adding another layer of intrigue to the story.

As Iris becomes increasingly enmeshed in her interactions with her new neighbors, she becomes embroiled in a series of traumatic events that have the potential to irreversibly alter their lives. Marital bonds are strained, and trust is put to the test as dark secrets are unveiled.

Among the story's positive attributes are its riveting, concise chapters and the satisfying twists that punctuate the ending. Although the beginning failed to captivate me, the author skillfully ties up the narrative's loose ends with surprising finesse. In all honesty, it is the ending that I found most enjoyable.

However, it is important to acknowledge that the book does have its drawbacks. Unlikable characters dominate the narrative, and the extensive roster of characters can make it challenging to fully invest in the dynamics of each. Additionally, some plotlines may come across as less engaging.

In summation, I am assigning this book a three-star rating. As a fan of the author, my expectations were perhaps overly high, and I had anticipated a more gratifying reading experience. Nevertheless, I remain optimistic that I will derive greater enjoyment from her forthcoming works. Unfortunately, the storyline and the portrayal of these unreliable characters ultimately fell short for me.

My heartfelt appreciation goes to NetGalley and St. Martin's Press for providing me with a digital reviewer copy in exchange for my candid thoughts.

3.75 - 4 STARS

B.A. Paris’ “The Guest” is a slow building story that is more mystery than thriller, boasting an unexpected conclusion that really packs a punch. An abundance of lies, secrets, and betrayal flourishes at every turn, keeping the reader guessing right up until the very last page. And despite the measured pacing and understated suspense elements that permeate this book throughout, I found “The Guest” to be a very quick, engaging read.

One of the most jaw dropping endings so far!
This one was so full of twists and turns you never knew what was coming next. The characters were well done and the plot moved along nicely. You knew through this whole book that something was not as it seemed but you can not be prepared for what is coming. This books keeps you really wondering who is lying and who is what they seem. A great fast paced read that will grab you from the start and keep you reading till the astonishing finale

I always get excited when a new book comes out because I love this author. The last few didn’t just wow me but this one was almost back up to Behind Closed Doors standard. The ending I didn’t see it coming. Such a good book highly recommend. Thank you Netgalley and the published for an arc in exchange for a review.

B.A. Paris never disappoints! Another roller coaster ride with gasping twist and turns all the way to the climactic ending! Put this book on your to be read list now!

This book was so so for me. It kept my attention enough for me to finish it, but I found myself skimming through some parts. Iris and Gabriel return from vacation to find Laure living in their house. First of all-the entitlement in this book was annoying. Second of all, just tell her to leave!!! It all seems suspicious. The situation with Pierre was utterly predictable. Joseph's character was utterly predictable. The only really big shock was revealed in the epilogue. Not bad, but def not the my favorite.

Absolutely fantastic! Suspense, missing persons, new neighbors and a guest.
What could go wrong or what could be wrong or what more can change?
It's almost impossible to put this book down! It almost seems to be 2 books one.
Another delicious story by Ms. Paris, I loved it and will pass it along!
Thanks to @NetGalley@TheGuest@StMartinsPress

I've read all B.A. Paris' books and am generally a big fan.

Her latest offering, The Guest, tells the story of Iris and Gabriel a married couple who return from holidays (they went away to try help Gabriel deal with some trauma) to find their friend Laure has made herself at home in their absence. Laure has left her husband because he has a child with someone else and Iris and Gabriel let her stay while she works through it. This is where things went downhill for me.

I struggled through this book. I did not care for any of the characters and nothing really happened for the first 2/3 of the story and then people just kept dying. I found the twist quite predictable and kept hoping I was wrong about "who dunnit".

Unfortunately I won't be recommending The Guest but continue to look forward to B.A. Paris' future offerings. 2 stars.

Fun, fast read. There’s a lot of moving pieces in this book and the changing POV is generally something I like, but I felt it was a little confusing at times (maybe something as simple as naming the chapter with the character name would help). I definitely felt myself getting irritated with Laure and her extended stay, so that part of the plot was well-written.

The ending was spot on. The epilogue was easily the best part of the book.

The Guest by B.A. Paris was a whirlwind. I have loved all of the B.A. Paris books I have read and this one was no different. I was hooked instantly and read this book in one sitting. The ending was absolutely wild. I feel like anyone who likes thrillers should just go into this one blind. I did and am so happy I did. Cheers to B.A Paris for having some of the most unbelievable twists that are explained so well you can’t believe you ever missed it!

This one was interesting - I am always hit or miss with B.A. Paris novels and this was no exception - this one felt like a 3 on a 1 to 5 scale - interesting, but not necessarily engaging or as engulfing as prior books from Paris have been.

Iris and Gabriel come home from vacation and find their friend Laure staying at their house. They are shocked to learn she has left her husband Pierre because of something unforgivable he has done.
This isn’t the best time to have a long-term guest as Gabriel is struggling with a decision he made. Also, Laure is driving Iris mad with her attitude and how she seems to be trying to take over their house. When a new couple moves to town, it provides Iris with a much needed break from Laure’s neediness. But their gardener Joseph is a different story, and when everyone’s secrets are revealed, he will play an integral role in this twisty plot.
When the unthinkable happens, it seems that once the shock and grief pass, Iris and Gabriel and their daughter will have their old almost perfect life back. But this is a BA Paris book, so I wasn’t surprised when she pulled the rug out from under me. I did not see the ending coming! A definite page turner.

Gabriel and Iris have just returned back from a holiday and they discover their good friend Laure has been staying at their house while away. Laure has recently left her husband Pierre and she needs a place to stay. Gabriel is going through his own crisis with the recent passing of a childhood friend, Charlie, who he found injured and died in his arms. Laure is quickly getting on Gabriel and Laure’s nerve however she has been unable to reach her husband in order to try and reconcile things. When Iris meets some new neighbours and quickly befriend them it seems this sets off a series of events that will change them all forever.

I’ve read a few books by the author and have enjoyed them very much. I was extremely excited to get an advanced copy of this one. The book is definitely a slow burn and I did find it difficult at times to keep engaged with the story. The book had quite a few characters and keeping up with everyone can be a challenge. The epilogue is what saved the book for me when everything from earlier on is unraveled and I had that ah ha moment. I somewhat wish the author had told us some of the ending first then laid out what happened as I think it would have hooked me in quicker and propelled me to keep reading. Overall, a good thriller read that fans of the author will enjoy

After a brief vacation, Gabriel and Iris return home to be greeted by Laure, a close friend, now wearing Iris’ pajamas. She’s left her husband Pierre and needs to stay with them. He has admitted an affair and told her he has a child and wants to be part of that child’s life. Gabriel and Iris are sympathetic, of course, but that sympathy begins to weaken as the weeks drag on, punctuated by Laure’s casual disregard of the couple’s possessions. Gabriel escapes the tension in the house by restoring an old walled garden. He’s helped by Joseph, a young man employed by new friends Esme and Hugh. As the summer wears on, old deep seated, long hidden problems bubble to the surface.

This deftly plotted, unsettling thriller is a masterpiece of slow suspense. As the long, hot days pass, you can feel the tensions rise. The Guest is impossible to put down and the epilogue will make you want start reading a second time. 5 stars.

Thank you to NetGalley, St. Martin's Press and B.B. Paris for this ARC.

It’s only fair to mention I’m a big fan of the author. Her plots with many twists , turn and surprises I always find entertaining. Here we have an almost empty nester coup struggling in their marriage after the husband, Gabriel comes across a young friend dying after going over a local cliff. He heard the young man’s last words, but is torn about what to pass on so he lies. Iris, his wife does not know the truth of why her husband is struggling. They come home from what was suppose to be a relaxing trip to find Lauren camped out in their home. She is one half of their best friends from Paris. Pierre is the other half still in Paris. Though deliberately childless Laure has learned Pierre fathered a child many years ago and now wants involvement. They are Gabriel and Iris’s best friend so of course they want to help. Pierre won’t respond when contacted and appears to disappear.

Here is we’re the plot it’s murky, as everyone has a secret they are unwilling to share. Add new neighbors moving in and the two families are drawn together. The neighbors Huge and Esme have their own issuers. Including a relative recovering from alcoholism who helps with landscaping at both houses. This handsome fella is a potential danger.

Whose child has Pierre fathered? Can Laure deal with his betrayal? Who is this relative and what are his secrets? Will Gabriel tell the mother of the deceased boy the truth? And what is the truth about the young boy’s death? Lastly, what is Iris hiding and what decisions will she make to keep her family together?