4.5 Stars
Phew! I wasn’t expecting that ending. This book started as adults who I just wanted to stop and have a conversation - Lau showed up while Iris was on vacation because she and her husband were struggling. At the beginning of the book, Lau was sleeping in Iris’ bed and wearing her clothes - so weird to me! Then things keep happening that seem just a little bit weird or off, some of which get addressed and some they just put up with. I did not expect the twists or where this one was going.

I identified with Iris at the beginning because sometimes keeping healthy boundaries when a friend is in distress is really hard.

The Breakdown is definitely my favorite BA Paris book, but this one is probably second to that.

#netgalley #TheGuest

I really enjoyed the characters in this book. They all had their own secrets which slowly came out throughout the course of the book. There were a few twists that surprised me and a few that were fairly predictable. The first half was very slow for me and I kept waiting for something to happen.

I wish one of the twists had been disclosed earlier on, as I felt like that would have kept my interest a bit more. I did enjoy it, but don’t think I will race to read anymore of the author’s books.

For Readers Who Like:
- A slow burn
- Family secrets
- Fast friendships

Thank you @netgalley and @macmillan.audio for an advance copy in exchange for my honest review!

I really hate to write this. I didn’t like The Guest. It started off annoying. The characters all cloying and obnoxious. Then it started in on the mysterious parts. Who was this Charlie and why had he died? Is there really a secret love child? Will marriages survive this? Is so and so sleeping with so and so? It piled on like that until it seemed more like a soap opera than a thriller/mystery.

I think I could have still been OK with that. But the mysteries themselves were so darn predictable. After reading the hour or so long epilogue that meant to tidy the whole thing up (what happened to “show not tell”?) there were no actual surprises. There was one part that I hadn’t already thought about but it wasn’t an important part of the story, in my mind and could have just been left out.

I will still read this author in the hopes that this was just one that wasn’t for me.

Thank you NetGalley and Macmillian audio for this ARC. BA Paris is a must read for me and I was excited to read this upcoming suspense novel. This novel was not jaw-dropping suspense which I was hoping for, however it kept my attention and kept me guessing "who done-it" throughout the entire novel. Although I didn't find the ending jaw-dropping, I was wrong in how I thought it would end, which I also enjoy being wrong when it comes to suspense novels! I found the narrator enjoyable easy to listen to.

I thought this was a rather slow-paced book and found the storyline dragged quite a bit. I didn’t really care for the characters. It turns out this book just wasn’t for me. I read both the ebook and listened to the audiobook

This is the BA Paris I've been waiting for! I fell in love with BA after reading her first two novels, but the last few have not been for me. This was a return to the devious, well thought out plots that we love.

I received an advance copy. All thoughts are my own.

I was able to both listen and read this title!!

The Guest offers a gripping exploration of friendship tested by secrets and unexpected intrusions. Iris and Gabriel's lives take a dramatic turn when their friend Laure disrupts their home, bringing with her a cascade of unpredictable events. As hidden truths emerge from the pasts of all characters, the narrative/story unfolds with suspense, making The Guest a compelling and thought-provoking read/listen.

I wanted to love this one but regrettably it just didn’t work for me. The pacing was good and the narration was excellent but in the end it was a miss. The story was a bit confusing and fell flat - it just didn’t have the build up of suspense that I usually get from a Paris novel. The characters were difficult to keep up with and it was hard to connect emotionally with any of them. But the biggest problem was the twist, it came out of NOWHERE! I love a surprise, but I like to be able to look back and see how the bread crumbs were laid along the way so that in hindsight it all makes perfect sense. This one didn’t. it seemed to have just been slapped on at the last second with no regard for what had gone on in the previous 300 pages. Still the audio was fantastic and without it I probably would have dnf’d.
Thank you to @netgalley and @macmillan.audio for this arc.

A Mixed Bag of Intrigue: A Review of "The Guest" by B.A. Paris

Rating: ★★★

"The Guest" by B.A. Paris is a tale that teeters on the edge of suspense, offering a blend of intrigue and character-driven narrative. While the audiobook benefits from a talented narrator who deftly crafts distinct voices for each character, enhancing the immersive experience, the pacing of the story may leave some listeners longing for swifter developments.

One of the book's strengths lies in its intriguing premise, promising a riveting exploration of human psychology and relationships. Paris skillfully introduces characters that invite curiosity, each harboring secrets and complexities that gradually unravel throughout the narrative. The epilogue, in particular, offers a satisfying glimpse into the aftermath, providing closure to the main storyline.

However, despite its promising premise and well-drawn characters, "The Guest" suffers from pacing issues, with the plot unfolding at a leisurely pace that may test the patience of readers seeking more immediate thrills. Additionally, while the ending ties up loose ends, it lacks the climactic punch that one might expect from a psychological thriller, leaving some readers yearning for a more explosive resolution. Moreover, the narrative could benefit from heightened tension and drama to sustain momentum and keep readers on the edge of their seats.

In conclusion, "The Guest" presents a mixed bag of strengths and weaknesses. While it boasts a talented audiobook narrator, an intriguing premise, well-developed characters, and a satisfying epilogue, its sluggish pacing, underwhelming ending, and lack of heightened drama may detract from the overall reading experience. Nonetheless, fans of character-driven mysteries may still find enjoyment in unraveling the secrets lurking within "The Guest."

B.A. Paris is insanely good at making the reader guess the entire book. I've read several of their books, and each one is great in its own way. I honestly had no idea who did it, and every single time I thought I knew what was happening, something happened that made me realize I had no idea.

My only negatives with the book are that it took me a solid big chunk of the book before I felt invested and wanted to know what was going to happen. I was about 50% of the way through when I decided I needed to finish, and I needed to finish now. Usually with B.A. Paris books, it takes a chapter or two before I'm invested. I also found Laure kind of unbearable and unlikable.

This was the kind of book where the second I finished, I wanted to start it over so I could see what I missed. This was definitely a slow burn type of thriller—and the twist at the end was shocking. I flew through this book and will read anything else B.A. Paris writes.

This book was a bit of a slow burn for me with mostly unlikable characters. The narrator was good and the ending definitely had an unexpected twist.

Thanks to Macmillan Audio and NetGalley for an advanced digital copy for my honest opinion.

In this newest domestic thriller by B A Paris the story centers around Iris and Gabriel. This seemingly perfect couple is successful and happy. They have a wonderful daughter, great friends and great careers. All of that starts to collapse when Gabriel finds a dying young man that shares a message leaving Gabriel emotionally wrecked. Then a surprise guest arrives, their friend Laure. She is the wife of his best friend, Pierre and friend to Iris. Laure is devastated after Pierre drops a bombshell on her. Laure begins to wear out her stay by intruding in their lives. The only positive is a couple that moves in the neighborhood and befriends the couple. Tensions begin to rise as Laure, the neighbors, Iris and Gabriel all reveal secrets that may devastate the life that they have.

I have not enjoyed a B.A. Paris this much since Behind Closed Doors. This one was full of surprises and twists that are her trademark. The story did drag a little in the middle but was able to get back on course by the last part of the book.
The narration was done very well, including the French accents!

4 ⭐️

Thanks to NetGalley for the advanced copy in exchange for an honest review.

#NetGalley #TheGuest #BAParis

I seriously hate hate hate leaving negative reviews. This book hooked me, but then led me around in circles for hours and hours and required an HOUR long epilogue to explain all the twists and turns. Not my cup of tea. The audiobook narrator was fantastic though!

3.5 Stars rounded up

The end of the book is the best part. I felt so-so about the whole thing. It's kind of slow, but there are interesting bits that grab your attention. It's mostly like a family drama with some thrilling moments. The whole story takes a while to unfold. The characters seem a bit plain and not fully developed. The story jumps between Iris and Gabriel, and it feels weird. The flow of the story isn't great. I wasn't sure if I liked the book in the beginning. The first part is slow, and I didn't know where it was headed. But, surprisingly, things get exciting halfway through. I was shocked because the story suddenly gets twisty and action-packed. The narrator, Emily Joyce, did an amazing job.

Thank you Netgalley and Macmillan Audio for the opportunity listen and review this audiobook ARC.

When Iris & Gabriel arrive home early from vacation, they’re surprised to find their long-time friend, Laure, has let herself into their home, helped herself to Iris’ closet, and soon, into their seemingly quiet village lives. Meanwhile, Gabriel has been silently suffering from the guilt of a tragic accident he has accidentally entangled himself in. Iris is doing her best to take care of everyone around her while Laure continues testing their boundaries.

As someone who would struggle to tell a friend to get out of my house while going through a hard time, I found the writing in this book unnervingly relatable. Every character’s reactions felt very realistic and human, particularly Gabriel’s midlife crisis.

As an audiobook connoisseur, I thought the narrator did a great job conveying Iris & Gabriel’s alternating chapters. Her voice perfectly suited Iris, and I was surprised to find that Emily Joyce hasn’t narrated many other British mysteries - I hope to hear more from her in the future!

A slower paced cozy read with a Midsomer Murder, suspicious-things-keep-happening-in-the-village vibe. I really enjoyed the ending but did find it a little unrealistic. I would recommend this to anyone looking for a less dark Lisa Jewell.

My Dream Casting:
Iris - Emily Mortimer
Gabriel - Colin Firth
Laure - Marion Cotillard
Pierre - Vincent Cassel

Publishing Date: Feb 20th, 2024

Thank you to Macmillan Audio, St. Martin’s Press, NetGalley and B.A. Paris for the audiobook!

Thank you NetGalley and Macmillan Audio for the eAudiobook ARC! Iris and Gabriel return home to discover their friend, Laure. Laure has taken a break from her husband, Pierre, after he admitted to having an affair and fathering a child (especially painful to Laure as Pierre told her he didn't want any children). Laure is now trying to figure out what to do next. But when Laure starts borrowing Iris's clothes and getting a matching haircut, the couple starts to feel she's overstaying her welcome. Compiling the stress, a new couple moves into the neighborhood and has brought with them a gardener with secrets of his own. It's not long before something gives. The narrative is also propelled by a tragedy that was witnessed by Gabriel and how it has impacted and continues to impact his life. With so many twists and turns and hidden secrets, The Guest by B.A. Paris will keep you guessing and delivers a jaw-dropping ending!

Two couples. Years of friendship. Then a marriage splinters over secrets, and that loyalty is put to the test.

This was a domestic thriller with unlikeable characters. If that’s your thing, you will enjoy it.

"The Guest" by B.A. Paris offers a gripping premise and solid execution, making it a worthwhile read for fans of psychological thrillers. Paris skillfully builds tension throughout the novel, keeping readers guessing until the very end. The setting is atmospheric, and the pacing is generally well-maintained, with enough twists and turns to keep the story engaging.

I have had this book for a long time, and although I couldn’t wait to dive in initially I couldn’t bring myself to finish. However, with the publication day looming and being given the generous ALC I pushed through to bring you my honest review.

First, I would like to say that I have read 4 other books by this author and I quite enjoyed them. Behind Closed Doors is a book that will always be one of my favorite and unforgettable.

This book is about a houseguest and a friend of a couple who makes herself completely at home in their house while they are away. She gives her friends no heads up that she is there, and when they return home to find her, they are caught off guard. However, as agreed previously, if they ever need a place to stay, they could bunk at each other's place.


Despite my love for books with drama and my full embrace of the idea, this book did not deliver as I had hoped. I was expecting a true thriller at some point, and I kept saying that she was just making us work for it, but it never came about. It was a slow burn for me. The dialogue was excessive, and the characters didn't provide much insight or information. The first half of the book felt like a lot of chattering with no clear purpose. I was not fond of the pace, and when we were nearing the end, I just wanted it to end. And then we get a very long epilogue retelling of what actually happened. While I do appreciate finally knowing it would have been nice to see some of the epilogue integrated into the actual story so we knew a little bit about why we should care. I'll say that I liked the second half more than the first.

I do think the narrator did a bang up job. I quite enjoyed her delivery and inflection.

I rounded up to 3 stars because I believe that if you're a fan of B.A Paris, you might still want to give it a shot. This one was not a good fit for me and probably my least favorite I have read to this day.

Thank you to NetGalley, Macmillan Audio and B.A. Paris for gifting me this ALC in exchange for my honest review.

This book starts off strong. It’s a slow burn for the next 60% and things begin to feel monotonous. A lot of the same frustrating situation over and over. I wanted to shake the main character for putting up with so much! Things pick up toward the end and the big reveal, which unfolds in the epilogue, is definitely worth sticking around for. It caught me totally off guard!

The only other BA Paris book I’ve read is Behind Closed Doors. This book isn’t nearly as intense but dark enough for true mystery/thriller fans to enjoy. Definitely recommend.

3.5 stars rounded up to 4.

Thank you NetGalley for the ARC.