From the moment Alexis shows up at their door with her suitcase at her feet, Juliet Mullens is suspicious of her. She’s supposed to be her husband Hugh’s long-lost distant cousin. She’s supposed to be next in line to inherit the beautiful Mullens End estate on which they reside. But all Alexis Lambert seems interested in is Juliet’s husband. He basks in Alexis’ attention and even flirts back. But Juliet isn’t worried. Although Alexis is beautiful, she’s his cousin. Hugh wouldn’t. Or would he?

There’s a chill that’s settled into Hugh and Juliet’s marriage. However, Juliet doesn’t seem to notice. She also doesn’t notice when her husband tip toes across the landing to Alexis’ room the night after her arrival. Hugh hasn’t been happy since he realized he and Juliet would never have a child of their own, meaning there would never be a direct heir to the home he loved so much. He couldn’t move on with his life and have a family with another woman either. Under the terms of his inheritance, divorce wasn’t an affordable option. It would cost him Mullens End. It would have until Alexis showed up, that is.

Alexis isn’t what she seems. Before she even knocked on their door, she had plans for Mullens End. And for Hugh. When Juliet gets called away to Italy to visit her teenage son, she clues Hugh in on part of her idea to get rid of Juliet for good. Hugh jumps at the idea of getting her out of his life without having to get a divorce. It means he’ll be stuck with Alexis instead, and she’s less his type than Juliet, but that’s okay. He has a plan of his own. It starts with him and Alexis faking his death.

With everything going on, Juliet’s grateful to have her best friend Belinda as her confidant. While she’s away in Italy, she trusts Belinda to keep an eye on her husband and new cousin. And after Hugh dies shortly after her return, she leans on Belinda for help while she grieves. Belinda might be the only person she can trust as she lays her husband to rest and Alexis disappears.

A tangled mess of secrets, lies, and deceit, “The House Guest” by Alison James is 315 pages that goes by in a flash. It’s that good! It starts out like almost every other psychological thriller. It sucks you in almost immediately. You fly through the pages, caught up in the suspense and anticipating the big twist. Let’s face it. Books in this genre are judged by the size of the twist more than anything else. But “The House Guest” isn’t anything like any other psych thriller you’ve read. Not recently anyway. The way it’s written will blow your mind. It’s as intricate as a spider web – and as sticky too!

“The House Guest'' is told from the points-of-view of Juliet, Hugh, Alexis, and Belinda. Each character narrates at least one of the seven parts of the book. Because the different POVs are divided up into parts instead of chapters, it’s not confusing or hard to keep up with at all. In fact, it’s what makes the book so compelling. Each character narrates the goings-on in the story from their first-person perspective. This means there’s some repetition when the details of a scene are repeated by each character (albeit in different sections). However, it doesn’t feel like repetition, because each character is telling their version of the events. You get to know each character and their mindset in-depth because of this, but you’ll also have a lot more questions and doubts. For example, Hugh and Alexis each have their own motives for what they’re doing. That’s clear from nearly the start. But the motives they reveal might not be their true motives. They lie to each other, and they lie to you. You’re left to try to figure out their true motives, as well as who is out to get whom – and in what way. What about Juliet? Can you trust her? Or Belinda?

You’ll think you have this book figured out early on. You’ll think it’s too easy, and you won’t believe I gave it so many stars. Just keep reading! You’ve never had so many secrets and lies to untangle. The only thing you can count on is Belinda sweating through her clothes in nearly every scene. She might be a little stinky, but hold your nose and keep reading. The book is brilliantly done!

Thank you to Alison James, Bookouture, and NetGalley for this ARC in exchange for my honest opinion.

I hate leaving negative reviews, I really do. But unfortunately, this book was not for me. I did not like any of the characters. All they cared about were their appearances. Over and over again it was mentioned how much money they had. Didn't care.

I received this book from NetGalley.

Alexis just arrives and no one questions anything? They just take her at her word that she is sho she says she is? How ridiculous.

I can't believe that Juliet is okay with Alexis taking charge of speaking to detectives. She doesn't even know this woman and the fact that her husband died is suspicious in itself. It seems to me that Juliet should be the one in charge od such things.

There are definitely some turns in this book that I didn't see coming and I love that.

Belinda gets in way too deep. I think that she fell in love with Hugh, yes. But she also fell in love with wanting that life and that became her downfall.

Overall, a very good read. A good amount of twists and turns and it ended up being rather enjoyable.

Here's the thing.....
This book wasn't bad, it just wasn't great.
I feel like a lot of thriller/mystery books bleed together for me and this was one of them.
I love Alison James, but with all of the books I am reading lately, this one just did not make the cut for me.

This story felt repetitive to me between the different POVs, which is something I think a lot of authors struggle with. Overall, the storyline was fine, it just wasn't great for me. It took me a while to finish it as I kept being drawn to other books.

I am still very grateful to have had the chance to read this book from NetGalley.

.

BLOG TOUR REVIEW

Review for 'The House Guest' by Alison James.

Read and reviewed via NetGalley for Alison James, Bookouture publishers and Bookouture anonymous

Publication date 1st November 2023.

This is the sixth book I have read by this author. I have previously read Alison's 'Her Sister's Child' , The Exile (with James Patterson), 'The New Couple', 'The Woman In Carriage Three' and 'The Guilty Wife' which I highly recommend.

This novel consists of a prologue, 39 chapters and an epilogue and is spread over 6 parts. The chapters are short to medium in length so easy to read 'just one more chapter' before bed...OK, I know yeah right, but still just in case!

LOVE, LOVE, LOVED THIS FAST PACED PSYCHOLOGICAL THRILLER!!!

WOW!!! If you are looking for a psychological thriller filled with twists then this is the book for you. It starts of as a slow burn and then builds up into a fast paced, intriguing, page turning psychological thriller that will have you hooked. I just could not put it down and ended up reading it in one sitting!! It is absolutely ram packed with secrets, lies, romance, deceit, twists and so much more. A HUGE WELL done to Alice on the plot which is absolutely unique as well as intriguing. I was able to picture everything perfectly thanks to Alice's vivid descriptions and evocative writing skills and she created the scenery perfectly. The fact this book is written from so many perspectives gives us a huge insight into what is going on but still doesn't give too much away to guess what is going on and what the truth is, which I was not expecting at all so a HUGE well done to Alison!! Alison's fantastic story telling ensures you are really sucked into the storyline from the start to the very end and I cannot wait to get stuck into more books written by this amazing author!!

Clear your schedules and get ready for a rollercoaster ride of drama, secrets and twists!!

The characters were well realistic, well defined and jumped out of the pages. Alison's descriptions really brought them to life. One of the things that shocked me the most is that I actually really didn't like the majority of them!!! Now when this normally happens I just cannot get into the book but Alison has managed to cram a fantastic book full of unlikeable characters while ensuring the reader still loves the storyline!!! It is very rare for me to find a book like that so yet again I have to say a huge well done to Alison!! There are typical stereotypes from airheads to country toffs and Alison's evocative descriptions bring each of them to life. I can't say much at all without ruining it for others but there was a great mix and every single one of them had a unique if unlikeable personality. Regardless of how I felt about them they were perfect characters for this fantastic page turner!!!

Well done Alison on another successful psychological thriller and here's to many more 🍷🍹 🥃!!

Make sure you read to the very end of the book to read the prologue and first chapter of Alison''s 'The Man She Married' which promises to be just as addictive as this book and is one I'm definitely looking forward to reading myself!!

Overall a unique psychological thriller that will have you up until 2am finishing it!!!



315 pages

This book is just 99p to purchase on kindle, free with kindle unlimited and £8.99 in paperback (at time of review) via Amazon which I think is an absolute bargain for this book!!!

Rated 5/5 (I LOVED it ) on Goodreads, Instagram, Amazon UK and Amazon US and on over 30 Facebook pages plus my blog on Facebook.

Feel free to add me on Goodreads or follow me on my website or Facebook for more reviews



#TheHouseGuest #AlisonJames #Bookouture #BookoutureAnonymous #NetGalley #BookReview #BlogTour #BooksOnTour #Goodreads #NetGalley #Amazon #AmazonKindle #Bookstagram #Bookblogger #KindleUnlimited

@TheHouseGuest @AlisonJames @Bookouture @BookoutureAnonymous @Bookworm1986 @bookworm86 @Goodreads @Netgalley @Amazon @AmazonKindle @Bookstagram @BookBlogger @KindleUnlimited

https://kcmw86.wixsite.com/bookworm86

https://m.facebook.com/Bookworm1986/?ref=bookmarks



https://m.facebook.com/Bookwork86/?__tn__=%2As-R

https://www.instagram.com/bookwormwhitlock86/

https://www.goodreads.com/user/show/34299953-kirsty-bookworm86



https://mobile.twitter.com/kcmw86

https://www.amazon.co.uk/gp/profile/amzn1.account.AFZ2XZBSFHIHXBXGZLBQ666XVK4A?ie=UTF8&ref_=ya_mb_l_prf

This is another gem by a great author.

The House Guest is a brilliant psychological thriller which is well written and unputdownable.

This is a book that I found unpredictable and filled with twists and turns.

James gives us a brilliant insight into characters- not all of them likeable. This is a book which gives us four perspectives which I have loved because we really get to know the characters better.

Juliet is unable to turn away Alexis when she turns up claiming to be Hugh’s cousin. This is where we see things start to unravel.

I was hooked quickly on this one. Which meant I devoured this in just one sitting.

This has been an enjoyable read and one I have no hesitation in recommending.

🌟🌟🌟🌟

I really enjoyed this psychological thriller, wow! What a page turner I couldn’t put it down.. it keeps you on the edge of your seat throughout. The characters were great, the story itself was very suspenseful and the style of writing was perfect. I have read loads of books by this author and have loved them all, can’t wait for the next one out. I would highly recommend this to anyone who enjoys reading this genre.
Thank you netgalley and the publisher for the opportunity to read this book in exchange for a honest review.

Wow! I have been very stingy with my 5-star reviews but I'm happy that I found The House Guest well deserving of that rating! This is an intricate but fast-paced story with well-conceived characters that reel you in.

In a trust that's almost diabolical in the way it was written, Hugh, doesn't own the beautiful, historic house he lives in with his wife Alexis, but has a life-long tenancy that can only be passed on upon his death to his heirs or other living relative. His goal is to have lots of kids and since he's young and still has time to have kids, he's not too worried. Until a distant cousin shows up on his doorstep. She doesn't seem interested in the house once she learns she can't sell it, but why is she hanging around?

There are a few chapters towards the end that repeat the same sequence seen through each of the main characters' point of view. With each retelling, we get a little more insight into the motivations for each. And that's when...the plot thickens...

Take the time to read this twisty book. You won't regret it!

Thanks to NetGalley and Bookouture for an advance reader's copy.

This was brilliant, the different POVs tell you different things and add more to the story and your knowledge. Such an unusual concept to have set based on a trust for a manor home. Just so good.

I was given an advance copy by the publishers and netgalley but the review is entirely my own.

The House Guest was a good read, full of twists and turns. It was predictable and repetitive at times but I still enjoyed it.

Thank you to NetGalley and Bookouture for this arc in exchange for an honest review.

This book was so good from start to finish. For me there wasn't a dull moment. The suspense to get to the end was real for me. I loved this book!!! Have to check out more from this author!!!

Let me tell you with the invention of 23&me this is more of a reality. I can tell you though I wouldn’t be letting folks in my house but she did have the DNA. Idk but also omg the marriage that was crumbling and having to solve what was going on I was on edge reading this and just imagining what I would do.

The house guests by Alison James.
I let her into my home. And now she’s destroying my life…
A good read. I did find this a little slow but I soon got into it. I did like Juliet. Hugh I didn't trust him. Very twisty. I didn't see that coming. I did like the ending. 4*.

The House Guest is a twisty thrill ride of surprises. When Alexis Lambert appears at the estate of Hugh and Juliet Mullen the trouble begins almost immediately. The author weaved a tale that will keep you glued until the very last sentence. The characters were entertaining and crazy in equal parts. Fans of Downton Abbey will recognize the the inheritance rules that can govern UK estates and will be met with the beautiful tones of living such a luxurious life.

I was gifted this copy by Bookouture and NetGalley and was under no obligation to provide a review.

Synopsis (From Netgalley, the provider of the book to review)
*******************************************************

I let her into my home. And now she’s destroying my life…

I open the creaking oak front door of my beautiful country house to see a stranger on my doorstep. The woman is stunning with glossy red hair and flawless makeup. ‘Can I help you?’ I ask.

That was my first mistake.

Alexis tells me she is a distant relative and shows me a DNA match on her phone. She has no family and would love to get to know us. My husband Hugh invites her in to join our dinner party. As we drink wine, she opens up about her sad childhood. Her amber eyes are mesmerizing and I can see my husband is being drawn in by her story. Then she asks for our help.

Saying yes was the second mistake.

As Alexis and Hugh spend time together, swimming in our luxurious pool and playing tennis in the sunshine, my husband grows distant and the deep cracks in our relationship begin to show. And when our house guest gets me to open up about my marital problems, I start to wonder why she’s really here.

And then I discover a secret about Alexis that makes my blood run cold.

Am I being paranoid? Or will inviting Alexis into our home destroy my marriage? And is it too late to get rid of her, before she puts our lives in danger…?
Houseguests and fish tend to stink after three days and this Alexis is one sneaky little devil – you would be shocked at what happens, but I will not tell you what she did! Pick this up and devour it – you won’t be disappointed!


#shortbutsweetreviews

I switched between ebook and audiobook with this one and both are great formats. This is a great psychological thriller that keeps you guessing. Told from several perspectives and where it may seem to get off to a slow start hang in there as it doesn’t last long. Really well developed storyline and characters that have hidden depths. The storyline keeps you engaged and has many a twist and turn that will keep you on the edge of your seat. This is a great read and one you won’t be able to put down.

Thanks to Netgalley and Bookouture for the opportunity to listen to and review #TheHouseGuest

The thing i love most about this is it tells the same story in different parts from the main characters pov.. The burb is well written and does not give away the true nature of this fast pasted novel. The twists and turns and unravelling story made tgis quite the oage turner. I particularly like the way the burb is written from the lst characters point of view we get to rear and its the one thats most appealing. I loved tge plot as i felt this could gappen and the final reveal was logical and gripping.
Thank you netgallery and publisher and author for a cracking 5 star read

Thank you Netgalley for the free ARC of The House Guest.

Such a good book. It started like your average husband and wife thriller and than went wild. I liked the multiple point of views from the different characters and all the twists. It kept you guessing!
Can't wait to read more by this author.

The House Guest by Alison James gives major Downton Abbey vibes. The stakes are even higher in The House Guest: it's not just who inherits the manor, but a matter of life and death (although there was also a lot of death in Downton Abbey).

Wow, these people are so dishonest. They're all liars, cheats, greedy, ruthless, horrible deceptive people.

I like the different POV, and figuring out how each character is trying to manipulate the others for their own agenda.

At times it felt like one of those cooky British disaster movies, where things got so chaotic it almost felt comical.

Sleep is overrated anyway, at least it was for me once I dove into this book. The tangled web of sinister twists and turns just kept hitting me from all sides. This book is a good lesson of the consequences of getting caught up in lies and deceit.

Hugh and Juliet Mullen are the perfect couple. They have the perfect home known as Mullens End. One evening a stranger shows up at the door to their home. Alexis Lambert is the heir to their home upon Hugh's death. I know this sounds strange, but you will just have to trust me and read it to find out why. Red flags started waving for me immediately. Juliet is not happy with the appearance of this woman and wants her out of the house, but Hugh is so transparent in his kindness of allowing her to stay on the estate. I am sure it has nothing to do with the fact that she is model gorgeous. Things are about to get hairy, so you better hang on for the ride of your life from the time Alexis shows up until you close this book. From that point forward you know something big is about to happen, but I must confess that I was completely shocked at the direction this book to after this new visitor makes her appearance.

This book will keep you turning the pages late into the night. The twists will blindside you as the revelations just kept coming. Whew! I need a break now.

Thank you to Bookouture and NetGalley for this ARC. I am leaving this review voluntarily.