2.5 stars, rounded up.

I was super pumped to read this because I absolutely love B.A. Paris and her other book (Behind Closed Doors specifically). However, this was a let down for me as it did not in anyway fulfill my expectations. I went into it assuming it would be the quality of her other books and would be similar in the sense that they are all super twisty thrillers that leave you on the edge of your seat wondering what's going to come next.

This was not a thriller, this was a domestic drama. If I had gone into this knowing that, I might have liked it more. I did find the plot somewhat entertaining at times. I just kept waiting for the psychological twists she normally has in her books to happen and they never really did.

Throw that completely off the wall ending in there, and this just wasn't it for me. I do love B.A. Paris and I will continue to read absolutely everything she writes, and HIGHLY recommend checking out her other books, this just wasn't my favorite.

Thank you to NetGalley and the publisher for this ARC in exchange for an honest review.

3.5 stars rounded down-The characters in this book are so unlikeable and not realistic. Who in their right mind goes to someone’s house while they are on vacation and makes themselves at home in their bed, wearing their clothes, leaving a mess everywhere? I can’t think of any reason I would let that guest stay with me after I came home to that. The whole, I just met you, but here are the keys to my house, please use it whenever, or come in without knocking is not something that I could see happening with people who barely know each other. The narrative was very, this happened: dog died, dad died, found someone he knows who fell off a cliff and died. There is a lack of emotion, and a story that is wrapped up with an epilogue of far fetched explananations for the events in the story. Just an ok read if you are able to get past the ridiculous ending.

I have been buying BA Paris’ books since Behind Closed Doors; some of them ive loved and some of them have been major misses. This one fell right in the middle.

This novel follows couple Gabriel and Iris who return from a trip and find one of their closest friends, Laure, staying in their home after a tiff with her husband, Pierre.

Typically Paris is viewed as a mystery / thriller writer but this was not that; yes, the reader is wondering what is happening in each of the characters lives but it is first and foremost a domestic drama and I think knowing this before picking up the book will really aid in a readers enjoyment as the pacing is incredibly slow.

This book won’t be for everyone; the characters are unlikable, pacing was sluggish and reading about the mundane existence of the aforementioned unlikable characters day to day life felt repetitive and borderline boring… but it was supposed to. Paris did an excellent job making the reader feel Iris and Gabriel’s annoyance and frustration with their guest, Laure.

If you’re finding the pacing to be hard hang in there because…that ending! It’s very rare that I’m completely surprised by an ending and I definitely didn’t see this one coming. (Slide into my DMs if you’ve read this one because I’m still undecided on if it was expertly plotted, or came out of no where.)

If you’re looking for a fast paced mystery / thriller that will keep you on the edge of your seat, this is absolutely not that. If you enjoy a domestic drama filled with unlikable characters and a heck of an ending, then I definitely suggest picking it up.

Looking for a twisting, plot driven thriller? Look no further than "The Guest"! This book messes with your head in the best way possible. There are so many subplots, and you suspect EVERYONE! If you would like to read a book that will keep you guessing until the end and punch you in the face with reveals, then you should definitely read this book!

Overall, I really enjoyed this multiple POV mystery thriller. You get sucked into the story so quickly and the psychological action just keeps coming. The Guest is a book for anyone that loves a thrilling mystery filled with all the drama, but relatively zero gore.

This book does pack a punch towards the end, so if you are an impatient reader than this might not be the book for you. I thought the pacing was incredible and loved how it was action packed, but not in a traditional way. If you want a book with lots of "things" happening then it may not be for you, as most of the action is in the psychological drama that played out - I thought that this really complimented the story though and enjoyed it.

I will definitely be recommending this one to all of my thriller lovers! I can't wait to dig into BA Paris' back log, as this was my first book by this author. This short, fast-paced thriller is a great read for even those just interested in dipping their toes into the genre. Great story and even better writing!

I thought this book started out strong. It immediately grabbed my attention, and I had high hopes until it just kept dragging on. I didn’t particularly like any of the main characters and the ending was very predictable.

Overall, I did not enjoy this book. I think the ending could have been better and characters could have been more likable.

Thank you to NetGalley and St. Martin’s Press for sharing this digital copy in exchange for my honest review.

I absolutely couldn’t put down or shut up about “Behind Closed Doors” from Paris, so I’ve given others chances and was excited to read this one however it was too much of a slow burn for me. There were also many characters to keep in mind. Overall, I enjoyed but it doesn’t beat behind closed doors.

This was a slow read for me for being suspense. I had a hard time getting into it but I do typically like this author’s work.

Although the decisions of some of the characters really didn’t sit with me – I enjoyed the beginning of this book.

Would I ask someone to stay in my house after they were in my house without me knowing for months on end? Hell to the NO - but I’m not characters in the book and although it was very cringe I did the beginning.

Now around 80% it started a full flat for me. There was one plot line that I could not get behind and the epilogue drove me mad.

I absolutely hated that ending and that brought the book from four stars down to 1.5

I loved B.A. Paris’ first book, “Behind Closed Doors” so much that I literally gave it to a colleague when I finished it who proceeded to read it in one day. Unfortunately, “The Guest” does not move me to the same levels of excitement of her earlier works. The plot in this one was rather convoluted and there were a lot of characters that were hard to be too invested in. I will say that the final chapter absolutely increased the intrigue factor of this book, but I wish that had existed throughout. 3 stars ⭐️. Thanks to the publisher and Netgalley for the copy for review.

I enjoyed this book! It was not my favorite of B.A. Paris, but it kept me interested. From the beginning, I was confused by Laure and her relationship to Iris and Gabriel, but in a way that drove me to keep reading. The epilogue of this book made my head spin!

"The Guest List" by B.A. Paris is a gripping psychological thriller that keeps readers on the edge of their seats. The story is set on a remote island off the coast of Ireland, where a glamorous wedding is taking place. As the guests gather for the celebration, secrets and betrayals come to light, leading to a tense and suspenseful atmosphere.

The novel is told from multiple perspectives, allowing readers to see the events unfold from different angles. The characters are well-developed and complex, each with their own motives and secrets. The pacing is fast and the twists and turns keep the reader guessing until the very end.

Overall, "The Guest List" is a thrilling and atmospheric read that will appeal to fans of suspenseful fiction. B.A. Paris has once again delivered a captivating story that will leave readers eager for more.

I was interested in this book because I really enjoy other work by BA Paris. Unfortunately, this one didn't grip me in the same way others have. I'd recommend The Guest for anyone looking for a domestic drama with short, fast paced chapters, and unreliable narrators. With that said, be prepared for a cast of extremely unlikeable characters and confusing storylines to sort out.

Thank you NetGalley and St. Martin's Press for an e-arc of The Guest by B.A. Pairs in exchange for an honest review. Unfortunately, I did not get it downloaded in time, but I ended up purchasing a copy separately and wanted to give some thoughts on this one.

Y’all their “guest,” Laure, is too much!! Who goes into someone’s house while they are away without saying anything and basically moves herself in!? Everything about this friend has my introvert spidey senses working overtime. I understand telling someone no politely but when is your confirmatory too much!?

Another slow burn by B.A. Paris. Her last novel, The Prisoner was a bit of a bust for me, it wasn’t one of my favorites and I couldn’t get into it. Behind Closed Doors is still one of my absolute favorites, I LOVED that novel. If you haven’t read it check it out!

Back to this, I read a review on here that the book didn’t really start until the epilogue. I agree with that testament 100%! So slow to start, I almost didn’t hold on until I read that review. The epilogue was 🤯🤯. So much happens in that small period of time, all questions are answered, I was stunned by the result. If you can stick it out through the first half, well worth the read!

B.A. Paris’s new novel The Guest is the epitome of domestic drama! Following three couples, all with something to hide, this novel really brings into question, “Just who can you trust?”

When Iris and Gabriel return home from vacation, they discover that one half of their friend couple has made herself at home inside their house. Laure has had a falling out with her husband Pierre and is taking refuge at Iris and Gabriel’s home. When it is revealed that the real reason why Laure is at their home is because she found out that Pierre has a love child, the situation grows increasingly tense. Meanwhile, Iris and Gabriel are grappling with problems of their own. Gabriel recently witnessed the death of a local boy and is haunted by his last words, unable to come to terms with the insurmountable amount of grief that is accumulating in his life. Add to the mix, a new couple in town who Iris and Gabriel quickly befriend, and you have a lot of people with a lot of secrets on your hands.

The Guest is a novel that you don’t want to reveal too much of the plot ahead of time because it takes away the fun of reading. If you like books that feature domestic situations and tensions among friends, you may very well enjoy this story. I personally found it to be a bit slowly-paced, which unfortunately allowed my mind to wander at points, forcing me to go back and reread to prevent losing the storyline.

Thank you netgalley and publishers for this opportunity to review this novel. This novel was an amazing thriller. I would highly recommend this to others

Gabriel and Iris are on vacation, or holiday as they call it. Upon coming home, they discover Laure at their home who is distraught and walked out on her husband Pierre who has shockingly admitted to fathering a child with another woman. The twists and turns, as well as the secrets, come one after the next, in true BA Paris fashion, leaving you quickly turning pages, until the shocking end when things come together. BA Paris is known for her intense psychological thrillers and this one is no exception.

Thank you to NetGalley and the publisher for this ARC in exchange for my honest review.

3.5 stars, and I'm not sure if I should be rounding up or rounding down. I almost feel like I need to give this a second read because I feel like I truly missed something along the way. (Unfortunately, I dont have time)The ending, while surprising, felt very convoluted in light of the fact that I didn't see any clues pointing to it. Part of the fun of a domestic thriller, in my opinion, is the could it be this person or that person dependent on clues along the way. Still, I enjoyed the story, while not like many characters, especially Laure, but as always, you must see things from the narrators' POV. I've been wanting to read BA Paris for some time and would read this author again.

A giant lead up to a aw dropping epilogue. While I wasn't in love with the book in it's entirety, the epilogue saved this story!

The Guest by B. A. Paris
I will read any book B. A. Paris writes. I have enjoyed her writing since I discovered her years ago. I have been fortunate to hear her speak and learn her back story. This makes her books even more enjoyable.
Iris and Gabriel return home to find a good friend of theirs waiting for them because she has walked out on her husband. With her now living with Iris and Gabriel the mystery begins. What will all the secrets do to their marriage and to their life.
Read The Guest to find out.

05.27.24

This was an enjoyable book overall, but I was not completely wowed until the ending. There is a lot of "talk" and scenes that didn't feel necessary. There were parts that were slow. I have enjoyed other books by this author more. Thanks NetGalley for the eArc.