Thank you NetGalley for the audio copy in exchange for a honest review. Natalie is still coming to terms with the tragic death of her daughter Anabel when their English exchange student arrives. She is the spitting image of Anabel and soon bends with Natalie causing resentment from her other daughter Paige. Tanya starts to take over Paige’s life stealing her boyfriend and her sister’s clothes. Paige is convinced Tanya isn’t who she says she is and sets out to find the truth.

Suspenseful and filled with many twists and turns to keep you guessing, The Family Guest had me gripped from pretty much the first second, as I united with the younger members of the Taylor family in being less than enamoured and determined to find out the truth about their exchange student guest,Tanya.

Perfectly written as the character you love to hate, Tanya is a British exchange student who joins the Taylors who are still reeling from the death of the eldest Taylor child Annabelle. Appearing keen to embrace all things L.A., Tanya quickly seeks to fill the gap left by Annabelle, reawakening and creating friction and tension between her traumatised hosts.

While I did work out the twists of the story before the end, a small sub-story involving Matt, provided a very good red herring which did keep me guessing about one of the twists a bit longer. The fact I guessed the truth behind the many lies and omissions of the characters didn't detract from my enjoyment though as the great character writing and sense of impending doom (and constant loathing of Tanya, albeit I occasionally felt the odd drop of sympathy, for about 3 seconds!) kept me gripped until the end.

Touching on bereavement, abandonment, adultery, alcohol abuse, mental health, child abuse, rape, kidnap and murder, this has all the components you'd expect in a crime thriller with a brilliantly written cast of characters that create strong emotions in the reader.

This was a fast-paced thriller that was well-written. I dislike Tanya, but her character was developed extremely well! She definitely weaseled her way right into the family! The plot was predictable, but there were twists and turns throughout the novel that kept me entertained, and the big twist?! I was not expecting that. I sped through this book. Even knowing the plot, I was truly entertained and enjoyed the ride. I also loved how the book ended!

Thank you to NetGalley and Bookouture for an ARC in exchange for my honest and voluntary review.

This was a great book! I thought I knew what was going to happen but I was totally wrong and it was amazing! Also lovedddd the narrator

Although I enjoyed this story I didn’t really relate to the characters and found them all quite unlikeable? it was very far fetch but once I just suspended my belief and let myself enjoy the story I did it came together well

Thank you to Netgalley, the publishing house, narrator and author for the opportuntiy to listen to a complimentary copy of this audio book in return for e review based upon my honest opinion.

Firstly, the narrator did a great job. I found her voice pleasant to listen to and thought she used good reprsnation of the different voices in the story.

Tonya, a british exchange student has come to stay with the Merritt family for the next school term. the Merritt family is still reeling from the loss of the eldest child, the beautiful, energetic, kind and wonderful, Anabel. Natalie has chosen her partially because she reminds her of her precious Anabel, and they hit it off right away. Paige her other daughter, and her son, Will, do not feel the same way about Anabel and they instantly dislike one another.

Paige distrusts her and can see her vileness.. She and Will undertake trying to figure out who Tonya really is while Tonya settles in closer and closer to Natalie and her husband. Who si she really and what does she want from this family?

This was a good listen. I found it kept me interested but the plot was a little easy to guess but still enjoybale to listen to.

Thank you to Netgalley and Bookouture audio for the advance copy of this audiobook in exchange for my honest review.

First of all, the narration was wonderful. Giving each character their own.unique and distinguishable voice and keeping things entertaining was great work.

This book was a blast. Every character is interesting and dynamic. And the story has so many twists and turns where you truly keep guessing as little crumbs are fed to you.

The story of a deceased teen sister, anguished parents, a daughter and son who live in the shadow of their lost sister, and a new foreign exchange student determined to become the new favorite in the lives of all the family members and friends around them.

As the book progresses, a lot of questions come up about this foreign exchange student and you're really left guessing.

Very entertaining and enjoyable

What an interesting read. There were moments of this read that reminded me a little of the real housewives. This one got a little wild at times and maybe a little over the top, but I never wanted to stop reading as I had to know what would happen. It also gave me a little nostalgia as I had friends who housed foreign exchange students.

I did not like any of the characters, but that isn’t a requirement for me. Especially in a thriller. And at times it was like a car wreck that I could not look away. I never knew where it was going. Ever. And just went along for the ride. Everyone had a secret or ten and they trickled out slowly. And that ending. I won’t soon forget it.

This is one I both listened and read. I liked that there was dual narration by Cecily Bednar Schmidt and Lynn Norris for the mostly dual POVs. The voice of the mother was over the top and so spot on. It added a layer to the story.

If you are itching for a wild, at times, domestic thriller, this one should be on your list.

I really enjoyed this! It drew me in and kept me until the end. The twists and turns are done well and I was invested in the characters. I would recommend this! Special Thank You to Nelle Lamarr, Bookouture audio and NetGalley for allowing me to listen to a complimentary copy of the audiobook in exchange for an honest review.

The synopsis was so interesting that i had to pick this one up. It was such a cold blooded thriller and it was so easy to fly through. I have enjoyed this story for the most part of but it was not a 5 star read for me unfortunately. It was still a good read and i would recommend it if you are looking for a fun time.

Thriller books have taught me never to let strangers into my home. While you may think "duh" it is amazing to me just how many books (and real cases) start that way.

Everyone in this story with the exception of Will is using one another. While it seems so obvious as an outside reader, it is also a very realistic construct because families do often use each other though not usually to this extreme. This was not a healthy home to being with which is how Tanya was able to get inside and cause so much more damage.

Tanya was an incredibly interesting character. You knew immediately she was up to no good and a few of the family knew it but also knew they wouldn't be believed despite the evidence. Watching Tanya slowly descend into her madness was realistic and a bit terrifying. While obviously mentally unwell very early on being able to see it dawn (or not) on others was interesting.

I definitely recommend. The ending was over the top in a fantastic way and was thoroughly entertained. PS- the dog is fine!

The Family Guest is multi point of view & the main characters are Paige and her mum, Natalie. A spoilt/rich exchange student from London (Tanya) moves to live with the U.S family. The story had me gripped throughout but felt slightly repetitive at times! I would put this is Young Adult Fiction, as it was slightly predictable but still enjoyable. OMG the parents are actually AWFUL so infuriating, the author did so well to evoke these feelings, Paige was a bit of a shocker, it starts off with this incredibly sweet harmless girl to something quite dark and I feel like the contrast was to harsh.

I listened to this through audio books which was something new for me as I normally read, I actually think I would of rated this book high but I couldn't stand the narrators (aah sorry just personal).

Overall it was easy I would recommend this to certain people. (I wish there were a few more likeable characters)

Thank you NetGalley for this copy.

#mystery #thriller #Psychologicalthriller

The author has delivered a fast paced and deliciously wicked tale. The characters are well rounded and come across as believable, whether you love them or hate them. Full of twists and turns, it will keep you on the edge of your seat from the first page, trying to anticipate where this story will go. A surprising twist at the end to give the story a very satisfying end.

Thank you to NetGalley and Bookouture Audio who provided me with a copy of this book. I am voluntarily leaving an honest review.

Thank you to Netgalley for providing me with an ARC in exchange for my honest review.

This book had grabbed my attention right from page 1 with the Prologue and it did not disappoint. I was not a huge fan of the characters as I tend to get frustrated when the main characters are so oblivious as to what is really going on but I kept on reading to see how this would pan out. The Merritt family who live in California welcome in an exchange student from a very prominent family from England. Natalie bonds with Tanya immediately and it may have something to do with her very strong resemblance to her daughter who tragically passed away years earlier. As Tanya settles in with the Merritt family we see that there is an immediate conflict between Paige and Tanya and these 2 will not be bonding anytime soon. As the story plays out, we start to learn hidden secrets from Natalie's past that play into what is really going on in the Merritt family and how their exchange student plays a part in that. There are good twists throughout the book but the more I dislike Tanya and just want to throttle her, the more I need to read on to see how this is going to end. Enjoy!!!

‘She’s in your house. But do you know why?’ - cover tag line.

My thanks to Bookouture Audio for a review copy via NetGalley of the unabridged audiobook edition of ‘The Family Guest’ by Nellie Lamarr. It was narrated by Cecily Bednar Schmidt and Lynn Norris. I complemented my listening with its kindle ebook edition.

This book is advertised as ‘totally addictive’ and I would certainly agree as once I began listening I couldn’t stop and finished it in a single day.

The book is divided, apart from one later chapter, between the first person narratives of Natalie Merritt and her teenage daughter, Paige.

Natalie has never recovered from the death of her eldest daughter, Anabel, two years before the novel opens. She is excited to welcome British exchange student Tanya to the elegant Los Angeles home that she shares with her wealthy businessman husband, Matt, and their children, Paige and Will.

From the moment Tanya arrives, Natalie feels as though Anabel has come back to life given the resemblance between the two girls. She instals Tanya in Anabel’s old bedroom, gives her access to Anabel’s old clothes and fusses over her. In return, Tanya is very polite and appreciative of Natalie.

Meanwhile, Paige isn’t at all happy about their new house guest. From their introduction she dubs her ‘Miss Kiss-Up’. Paige also feels that Tanya is enjoying subtly putting her down (though never in front of her parents).

Tanya delights in flaunting her looks and quickly starts flirting with Lance, Paige’s longtime boyfriend. Tanya is also dismissive of 12-year-old Will and doesn’t like the family dog, Bear. The well-named furry beast isn’t keen on Tanya either, which is a red flag to both Paige and Will.

Paige becomes convinced that Tanya isn’t who she claims to be and decides to investigate. Of course, Natalie won’t listen to Paige even when she begins to have her own doubts. In addition, like so many privileged women in psychological thrillers, Natalie has her own deep, dark secret that will destroy her perfect life if discovered.

It was hard for me to like Natalie given her emotional neglect of her children while lavishing so much attention on Tanya. I could definitely empathise with Paige, who was very much a normal teen seeking to establish her own identity. Paige’s relationship with Will including their playful banter was adorable.

‘The Family Guest’ built to a nail-biting climax and while there were aspects of the plot that were rather over-the-top, that’s quite standard for domestic noirs/psychological thrillers. They’re not intended as realistic family dramas or great literature.

With respect to the audiobook, I was pleased that there were two narrators as it allowed for a sense of differentiation between the Paige and Natalie chapters. I felt that both actors did well.

Overall, I found ‘The Family Guest’ delivered on its premise and proved quite a page turner. I will be on the lookout for future works of psychological suspense by Nellie Lamarr.

The Family Guest
Nelle Lamarr
Natalie lost her eldest daughter a few years ago. Perhaps she was in search of a replacement when she voluntarily opened her home to an exchange student from the U.K. Natalie has two living children, Paige and Will. From the moment they pick up the exchange student from the airport Natalie is drawn to Tonya, the student. Tonya’s father is a diplomat and travels a lot. Paige and Tonya do not get along. Tonya is sweet, polite and helpful when Natalie or >>>>>>>>>> are around. Paige is determined to find out the truth concerning Tonya, who is she really. Will is right there beside his sister ready to help her. He is Sherlock to her Watson.
I’d like to begin by looking at the characters: Natalie: she has some deep-seated problems and secrets. She is filled with guilt and grief over the loss of her daughter Anabel. She is a horrible parent to her living children; she has little to no connection with them. If she can’t relate to her children why is she bringing another “child” into her home. Paige is a sweet girl. She has always lived in her sister’s shadow throughout life and in her death. She is smart and creative. Will is an adorable little brother and extremely brilliant; I’m not sure what this family would do without him. Natalie’s husband, I can’t remember his name, is not a nice person. He is self-centered and a womanizer. The grandmother was a very nice grandmother. I loved her!
I saved Tonya for last. From the moment she appeared in this tale, I knew something wasn’t right. She smiles, she’s sympathetic and respectful in from of Natalie but she treats Paige terribly. I can’t say more without giving too much away.
It is hard to determine a rating for this book. I listened to the end but found a lot of holes in this tale. I enjoyed it but felt that some of the characters were very immature and I’m not talking about the kids. Toward the end of the book at least one grown up matured a little.

This was an easy read to get into, with an interesting plot: Tanya, the foreign exchange student comes into the household of Natalie and co. Tanya's backstory does not quite fit her actions, and everyone but the oblivious mother seems to catch on quickly.

The narrator did an excellent job of bringing these characters to life. Unfortunately, the characters seemed immature and dense. This book read more like a YA novel than an adult thriller to me, and the plot seemed to drag on longer than needed. Despite that, I did finish the book and it was entertaining overall.

Thanks to NetGalley and the publishers for this audiobook ARC.

🌟🌟🌟🌟🌟
The narrators of this audiobook are absolutely amazing! They bring the characters to life and suck you right into this twisted and fun thriller! If you like psycho characters that are on the edge, this book is for you.

Natalie is a grieving mother who decides to take in an exchange student to fill the void of losing her daughter. Fairly early in the book, we can see that Tonya has some issues. Multiple viewpoints give us a partial understanding of the characters but we don’t get the full insight until the end.

By the conclusion, we can tell just how many cards are missing from Tonya’s deck, but Natalie is the last to notice. Is it too late?

The final twists blew my mind! This is my first read by this author and I’ll be happy to read any other thrillers she comes out with.

Sincere thanks to Bookouture Audio for this complimentary audio ARC provided through NetGalley. As always, all opinions are my own and are left voluntarily.

#TheFamilyGuest #NelleLamarr #netgalley #BookoutureAudio #audiobookreview #justfinished #newrelease #giftedARC #igbookreels #thriller #honestreview #thrillerbooklovers #thrillerfriendsunite #mysteryandthrills #thrillerobsessedbookishclub #suspense #mystery #lovetoread #bookworms #lovebooks #lovetoreadbooks #fortheloveofbooks #booknerd #bookreviewer

The Family Guest is the first book I’ve read from this author and all I can saw is WOW. The book had me hooked from the first chapter. Quick moving, with a plot line you think you have figured out until - you don’t. Easily five stars and I’m looking forward to reading more from this author. One of the best books I’ve read all year!

This story was engaging in the beginning and added some twists and turns, but as it progressed I started rolling my eyes. It was unrealistic the family would have kept Tanya with them up to a certain point, and they did. The book is adult fiction, but it felt like teen fiction with the maturity of all of the characters. That said, the story was just enough to keep me going until the end.

The narrator did a good job with the various voices.

I was given a free audiobook from NetGalley and the publisher in exchange for an honest review.