Iris and Gabe have cut their vacation short by a day do to Gabes mental health he recently found a local boy dying in the quarry where he runs right before the boy died he left Gabe with some final words for his mother and although Gabe told everyone he said to tell his mother he loved him we soon find out that isn’t at all what the boy says and it plagues Gabe. He also recently lost his father and to make matters worse when they arrive home ready to relax and go to bed they open the door to see their longtime friend Lore. She is not only in her home but she is making herself at home even sleeping in the couples bed and wearing irises clothing. They soon learned she left her husband Pierre and when they find out why the couple or floored. She is definitely making herself the main character in the couples lives so when Iris makes a new friend with the new residence down the street she couldn’t be happier that is until Lore starts getting cozy with Jonathan the new couples landscape designer. It doesn’t stop the two couples from becoming close however but when more deaths happen in secrets come to light Gabe and Iris really have to ask themselves how well do we know our friends there’s way too much happening in this book for me to give a really good summary just know we have a predator in the book a murderer and they’re not the same person. I really liked the way Iris and the new neighbor whose name I don’t know how to spell had a good positive relationship as well as Iris did with her husband Gabe I found this book to be twisty it is my first book by be a Paris but it will not be my last I have been hearing about this author and finally decided to give it a go with the Kindle and audio version of The Guest. I can honestly say I was not disappointed this book has multi plot lines minor and major and they all come together cohesively in the end and that is not easy to do Miss Paris truly is a talented author as is the narrator who did the audiobook her name is Emily Joyce and she has awesome character distinction as well as bringing a great dysfunctional tone to the book bravo to her and the author I’d rather the audiobook but that is just me for those who enjoy the Kindle I’m sure it’s just as good I read both 50-50 and enjoyed each experience. I want to thank Saint martins press Minotaur books McMillan audio and Net Galley for my free arc copy please forgive any mistakes as I am blind and dictate my review.

The Guest by B.A Paris was not what I was expecting. The book had me engaged the whole time. I used the audiobook version published by Macmillan Audio and Narrated by Emily Joyce.

Iris and Gabriel have been distant since the accident. A young man tragically dies in a nearby quarry, where Gabriel stays either him until help arrives. This accident haunts Gabriel because of what he knew, but it wasn’t what you expected. While Gabriel was trying to deal with this, Laure a friend of theirs shows up at the house needing a place to stay. Iris and Gabriel let her stay with them but quickly started to wish she would go back home to her husband. Iris starts to feel that Laure is always in her space and wants to go everywhere with her.

As the book goes on, I had a lot of emotion. First off, I would have put my foot down a little more than they did with their friend. Second, I was mad that Gabriel didn’t go check in on his friend sooner, but also felt sad for him because of what he was already going through with the accident. At the end of the book, I was completely shocked!

I would recommend this book to anyone who enjoys the mystery and thriller genre. Thank you, NetGalley and MacMillian Audio, for allowing me to listen to the audiobook and give my review. Thank you, B.A Paris, for spending the time to write this book. I look forward to reading other books by you.

I listened to the audiobook and the narrator was pretty good. This book was full of twists and turns, some pretty obvious but others surprising! I would recommend this one to anyone looking for an intriguing drama with some mystery and thriller thrown in. .

1 sentence review: cue the *you got me there* meme

Domestic thrillers are always hit or miss for me. There was a lot going on within this story, without a lot of answers- until the end! There were quite a few twists that I saw coming and I started to lose interest because of this, BUT the ending caught me totally off guard and it was totally worth it in my opinion! What I thought was going to be “boring” was actually quite enjoyable! I would really only recommend this to slow burn thriller lovers… if you’re quick to DNF, you might want to just skip this one because the ending is the best part!!!

Read This if You Like:
🪴 Slow burn thrillers with twists that’s aren’t revealed until the very end
🚪 Domestic thrillers with loads of secrets
☕️ Thrillers set in England (with British narrators!!)

This book was very interesting. I really enjoyed the beginning of this book and the mystery, the story was very interesting and dramatic until about the 60% mark. A big change in the plot happens around this point and then it kind of falls short. I was no longer excited to pick it up, I was confused, and it felt like we were sitting in limbo until the big reveal. Then there’s a 54 minute epilogue that reveals everything at the end. Now i’m not faulting the author of this is their way of writing thrillers, as this is my first book by the author, but from enjoying it to being confused to having a long epilogue that wrapped everything up, it threw off the pacing for me personally and made my rating drop. Overall, if the beginning of the book would’ve continued and then the epilogue was broken up into the remaining parts of the book it would’ve been a 5 star thriller, because it is fun and dramatic and twisting, it just fell a little short for me.

Thank you Netgallery for the ARC (audio) of The Guest!
The story starts with a couple (Iris and Gabriel) who are trying to get through a tough spot. There was an accident with a boy named Charlie and Gabriel was the one who found him before he passed away. He said something before he passed that Gabriel is unable to let go of. This is causing some tension between the couple.
But things only get worse when Laurel, a friend of the couple, shows up at their house when they are coming back from a trip. They are close friends but soon begin to wonder how long she plans to stay as she invades their home. She has just found out that her husband (Pierre) has a secret child with someone, and they decide to take a break. All four have been friends for a while. Gabriel tries to reach Pierre and figure out their plans as Laurel becomes a more unwelcome guest.
During this time, a new couple moves in down the street, along with their gardener Joseph. Joseph quickly becomes a hit with Laurel! But Iris isn't a fan of what's happening. While trying to connect all the pieces of Pierre not answering/showing up to meet with Laurel, Gabriel and his struggles with the incident, and the new neighbors (and Joseph) it takes a shocking twist when people start ending up dead.
This unexpected ending comes to light with a twist I did not see coming! But it perfectly brings everything together.
Overall-great audio. The book was slow moving at first but quickly picked up..and that ending!
Solid 4 ⭐️

Unfortunately I tired both the audiobook version and the digital arc and after giving it a good 20% in I had to DNF this book.

Wow!! This book was crazy! I loved every minute of it! The ending left me with my jaw dropping! Such a great book!

THE GUEST
B. A. Paris

B. A. Paris is back with another thrilling domestic suspense novel.

In THE GUEST we follow a group of friends. Iris and Gabriel are good friends with Laure and Pierre. Iris and Gabriel live in the country and Laure and Pierre live in Paris. All four of them often travel and go on vacation together.

One day Laure arrives at Iris’ doorstep claiming that Pierre has been having an affair and there is a child involved. The story does not sound good for Pierre or Laure, but Iris tries to be a good friend to Laure and insists she stay there with them until everything gets sorted out.

Laure is a tiresome guest with bad habits and indefinite plans to stay. She starts to do little things around the house that get under Iris’ skin and soon becomes THE GUEST that no one wants. As the story about Pierre’s affair comes to light and more is revealed about their marriage, patience is tested, bonds are strained and every attempt to keep secrets hidden is thwarted.



I have read everything B.A. Paris has published and this one feels like a domestic Final Destination movie. The more ridiculous it got the more my enjoyment rose. It is set in Paris for just enough of the book to make it part of the setting and I enjoyed that aspect.

There is a secondary story that I haven’t even mentioned yet. The secondary story was not as interesting as the one between Iris and Laure. Everything got tied up in the end between the two, but it felt unnecessary and distracting.

I’m still a follower, still a fan. Paris is an auto-buy author for me. Her books remind me that I love reading in part because it is an escape.

THE GUEST comes out next Tuesday, February 20, 2024. Will you be picking it up?

Thanks to Netgalley and Macmillan Audio for the advanced copy and the opportunity to provide feedback!

THE GUEST…⭐⭐⭐

2.5 stars!
Iris and Gabriel return from their holiday to find their close friend, Laure, living in their home. Laure has fled Paris, after discovering that her long time partner, Pierre, (also good friends with Iris and Gabriel) had a secret child he had been hiding from her. Iris and Gabriel open their home to her, but become frustrated when she keeps extending her stay. Laure seems too comfortable, and no one can get a hold of Gabriel. How long are they supposed to let Laure stay, especially when she begins overstepping?

Thank you to @stmartispress, @netgalley and @macmillan.audio for my review copies. I normally love the twisty turny thrillers B.A. Paris writes, but in this case, I wasn’t a fan. There was almost no action, until the epilogue chapter. There was a twist in it, but it was literally at the very end. It took too long to get there, the build up was too slow! I did sympathize with Iris and Gabriel and how they were feeling about Laure, but it just wasn’t enough for me to feel super connected to the story.

As I did enjoy the premise, I did find myself having trouble connecting with the characters. But it was definitely a fun read, and did not see the ending coming!

B. A. Paris multi-layered twists and turns in this thriller that kept the reader guessing and second guessing who did what! Excellent narration with great writing hooks you til the end.

Thank you NetGalley and Macmillan Audio for the ARC Audio in exchange for my honest opinion.

Another solid thriller from B.A. Paris! When Iris and Gabriel return from vacation to find that their old friend, Laure, has taken up residence in their home after a shocking and upsetting revelation from her husband, they are happy to provide a shoulder to cry on and a listening ear… at least for a little while. As the weeks go by and Laure shows no signs of leaving, her stay begins to wear on the couple. As the tension increases, Iris and Gabriel find solace in a friendship with a couple that has just moved in nearby. Their new friends have a gardener with a troubled history that may have more to do with them than Iris and Gabriel realize. Each hiding their own secrets, Iris and Gabriel’s marriage is put to the test- can they find a way to put the past behind them and save their marriage?

This story is fairly slow burn for the first 60%, but the ending made it worth it for me. I could feel the growing anxiety and irritation as Lauren continues to overstay her welcome. The plot is well laid out- the build-up feels realistic yet the story still surprised me.

This isn’t my favorite book by B.A. Paris (Behind Closed Doors still holds that spot), but I did enjoy reading this one and didn’t want to put it down. The audiobook narrator kept me engaged and I listened to it in just a couple of days. I would definitely recommend to other thriller fans!

Just wow! What a jaw dropping ending. The story starts with Iris and Gabriel going on vacation and finding their mutual friend Laure has been staying there saying she was separated from her husband because she had found out he had a child from a previous relationship. They were never able to have kids so it was understandably upsetting. What follows is a whirlwind of events that will leave your head spinning, in a very good way. This is my first book by B. A. Paris and I had heard so many good things. This definitely did not disappoint. I will definitely be reading more by this author.

I have read all books by B.A. Paris and absolutely love this author. However, I have to say that this particular book was very slow moving for me.
I listened to it as an audiobook and loved the narrator. I loved the epilogue as well. Behind Closed Doors is still my all time favourite by B.A.Paris.

I finished this audio book with a dropped jaw. I did not see the end coming. Truly, I was shocked.

Up until the end, it was a solid book but I wouldn’t say a page turner. What I loved the most was the performance of the narrator. I felt like I was in the story, genuinely wondering when this PITA houseguest was going to leave. I couldn’t quite figure out how all the characters and pieces of the story could fit together but I was happily along for the ride. I cared about the characters and was very invested in their stories.

Toward the end though, I felt like everything fell into place almost too easily. But then came the epilogue. DANG. That was one crazy ending. You think you know your characters, but nope. It was a great ending and a great twist. Loved this book and thankful for the ARC of the audio from NetGalley.

Many thanks to NetGalley, St Martin's Press, and Macmillan Audio for gifting me both a digital and audio ARC of the latest thriller by B.A. Paris, with the audio perfectly narrated by Emily Joyce - 4 stars!

Iris and Gabriel are trying to get their marriage and lives back on track after Gabriel experienced the death of a young man. When they return home from a short holiday, they discover that Laure, an old friend, has walked out on her husband, Pierre, and taken refugee at their house. Pierre is Gabriel's closest friend but they try to be supportive of both., but Pierre isn't answering Gabriel's calls and Laure's continued presence is taking a toll. The couple also meets a new neighbor, Hugo and Esme, and seem to click instantly but Laure seems to be taking over that relationship as well.

Oh my goodness - that ending! This is a must read just because that ending will throw you for a loop! This is a bit of a slow burn, with quite a few characters (mostly unlikeable!) to keep track of, but stick with it. It has short chapters, which I like, and I kept turning to the pages to see how it would all play out. And it sure did!

“The Guest” by B.A. Paris is a psychological thriller that delves into secrets, relationships, and the impact of guilt.

Here’s a glimpse of what you can expect:
Iris and Gabriel seemingly have an idyllic life—a beautiful home in the British countryside, a daughter working in Greece, and close friends Laure and Pierre from Paris. However, their world is disrupted when a young man tragically dies in a nearby quarry, leaving Gabriel burdened with guilt. As they cope with the aftermath, Laure, who reveals her husband’s infidelity, becomes an unexpected house guest. But Laure’s presence is unsettling, and secrets pile up, including those of a couple new to town and their mysterious gardener.

B.A. Paris, a New York Times bestselling author, has penned seven novels, including the popular “Behind Closed Doors.” “The Guest,” promises more heart-pounding suspense. Paris’s work has been translated into 41 languages, and she writes from her cottage in Hampshire, England.

In summary, “The Guest” promises intrigue, secrets, and a gripping exploration of relationships. Whether you’re a fan of B.A. Paris’s earlier works or new to her writing, this psychological thriller is sure to keep you turning the pages. You are going to want to stick with this one until the ending, because your mouth will drop and you'll be thrilled by B.A Paris and their writing style all over again!

Kudos truly goes out to narrator Emily Joyce for how much she added to my enjoyment of this book. Thank you to Macmillan Audio and Net Galley for the opportunity to read "The Guest".

The Guest by B.A. Paris was a twisty, suspenseful novel with themes of friendship and betrayal. A fast read and a page-turner, this was a highly entertaining book. I definitely enjoyed the first half of the book over the second half. B.A. Paris did an amazing job creating tension and letting us know that something was wrong - that something BIG was going on - in the dynamic of friends, family, and neighbors. But in the first half, it was impossible to know exactly what, which kept me completely engaged. The second half of the book felt a little disjointed, however, and the slow build up amounted to to a quick reveal that felt brushed over quickly. There was a lot going on and a lot of things happened quickly. I'm not a huge fan of epilogues that wrap up thrillers with a neat bow, and I feel like this epilogue did just that. Despite this, B.A. Paris will always be an auto-read author for me, and I really enjoyed her latest, The Guest.

The audio version is spectacular with easy to follow character voices and correct emphasis on the reading.

Although I own 2 books by this author, this is my first reading experience. I am looking forward to reading more from this author! I especially loved that this was a clean read with no sexual content or foul language.

My first reaction was that I could not imagine coming home from vacation, and another woman had laid claim to not only my home but my things and my bedroom! It aggravated me that Iris and Gabriel were so passive that they just let her take over. I'm not built like that 😆

Through the first but of the book, I really felt like this would be comparable to Frieda McFadden's work and thought I had the storyline and whodunit pegged. I was wrong. As the second half progressed, I started to doubt my way of thinking over and over. In the end, I was very much shocked and did not see that coming.

Overall, I really enjoyed this domestic thriller, including the audio narration. Emily Joyce did a great job at really bringing out the characters, and I really felt like I was in Iris' head throughout the story. Thank you, NetGalley, and MacMillan Audio for the opportunity to listen and review this advanced copy.