The House Guest

This title was previously available on NetGalley and is now archived.
Buy on Amazon Buy on BN.com Buy on Bookshop.org
*This page contains affiliate links, so we may earn a small commission when you make a purchase through links on our site at no additional cost to you.
Send NetGalley books directly to your Kindle or Kindle app

1
To read on a Kindle or Kindle app, please add kindle@netgalley.com as an approved email address to receive files in your Amazon account. Click here for step-by-step instructions.
2
Also find your Kindle email address within your Amazon account, and enter it here.
Pub Date Jun 03 2020 | Archive Date Mar 31 2021
Amazon Publishing UK | Thomas & Mercer

Talking about this book? Use #TheHouseGuest #NetGalley. More hashtag tips!


Description

“Brilliant, shocking and very creepy. Mark Edwards has done it again.” —Elly Griffiths, bestselling author of the Dr Ruth Galloway series

A perfect summer. A perfect stranger. A perfect nightmare.

When British twenty-somethings Ruth and Adam are offered the chance to spend the summer housesitting in New York, they can’t say no. Young, in love and on the cusp of professional success, they feel as if luck is finally on their side.

So the moment that Eden turns up on the doorstep, drenched from a summer storm, it seems only right to share a bit of that good fortune. Beautiful and charismatic, Eden claims to be a friend of the homeowners, who told her she could stay whenever she was in New York.

They know you’re not supposed to talk to strangers—let alone invite them into your home—but after all, Eden’s only a stranger until they get to know her.

As suspicions creep in that Eden may not be who she claims to be, they begin to wonder if they’ve made a terrible mistake…

“Brilliant, shocking and very creepy. Mark Edwards has done it again.” —Elly Griffiths, bestselling author of the Dr Ruth Galloway series

A perfect summer. A perfect stranger. A perfect nightmare.

When...


A Note From the Publisher

Mark Edwards writes psychological thrillers in which scary things happen to ordinary people.

He has sold 3 million books since his first novel, The Magpies, was published in 2013, and has topped the bestseller lists several times. His other novels include Follow You Home, The Retreat, In Her Shadow, Because She Loves Me, The Devil’s Work and Here to Stay. He has also co-authored six books with Louise Voss.

Originally from Hastings in East Sussex, Mark now lives in Wolverhampton with his wife, their children, three cats and a golden retriever.

Mark loves hearing from readers and can be contacted through his website, www.markedwardsauthor.com, or you can find him on Facebook (@markedwardsbooks), Twitter (@mredwards) and Instagram (@markedwardsauthor).

Mark Edwards writes psychological thrillers in which scary things happen to ordinary people.

He has sold 3 million books since his first novel, The Magpies, was published in 2013, and has topped...


Available Editions

EDITION Other Format
ISBN 9781542094030
PRICE $15.95 (USD)

Average rating from 636 members


Featured Reviews

Well written, unputdownable, and original. A chilling story that captured my attention and did not let go! I thought the character development was amazing! The plot original, tense, and chilling! Highly, highly recommend! Preorder today, do not want to miss this one!
Will make sure I buzz it up on all the different platforms!

Was this review helpful?

The House Guest was an amazing read by I must say a brilliant author. Every book I have read is a page turner.The house guest is about a couple who house sits for a couple who has went on retreat. The house guest turns this couple lives upside down! I love the suspense I could not stop reading! I absolutely love the ending of the story. Showing exactly how everything unfolds! It's a MUST read.

Was this review helpful?

Mark Edwards is one of my favourite writers and his latest novel did not disappoint! Ruth and Adam get the opportunity to house-sit in New York while also pursuing their dreams of success and fame. A girl called Eden turns up to the house one day claiming to be a friend of the house owners who told her she could stay in the house anytime. Ruth and Adam let Eden stay and start to become friends with her, but is she really who she claims to be or have they made a big mistake inviting her into the house and into their lives? What follows is a tense, chilling tale that will keep you on the edge of your seat and shock and surprise you. It is full of twists and turns and a lot of suspense, and will thrill you right to the end. Mark is such a talented writer and comes up with clever and gripping thrillers and interesting characters. I can't wait for his next book!

Was this review helpful?

Always happy to get a new novel from thus author. I was excited to see it here on Net Galley.
Love his writing style and he just sucks you right in. Was a solid 4 star read from me. Interesting topic without giving anything away was another great book.



Thanks to the publisher and Net Galley for an early release of this book.

Was this review helpful?

Adam and Ruth are house sitting for a wealthy couple, Mona and Jack. About a week before the couple's return a young woman, Eden,knocks on the door during a rainstorm, claiming she is a friend of the owners and is allowed to stay at their house anytime. And so,Adam and Ruth,totally charmed by this enigmatic woman, let her stay. Everything goes well,until all three of them get really drunk and Adam wakes up next day all alone,no Ruth and no Eden. Stranger still, when Jack and Mona come back home they claim that they have no idea who Eden is.
I was so hooked by this premise despite it being pretty unrealistic. Like,there is no phone at the place where Jack and Mona were staying even though it is a retreat for rich people. I cannot imagine not having any contact with the outside world and I don't have a business or an empire to run. And how Ruth and Adam just let Eden stay so casually like it is not a big deal at all only because she is charming. I don't open the door to strangers at all so that part had me very sceptical. But,these things aside, the mystery hooked me. I was desperate to know what was going on and who Eden really is. Buuuut then I found out and was hugely disappointed. Unfortunately this book had one of my least favorite topics to read or watch movies and TV shows about. Can't tell you what that is in case of spoilers though. And so the rest of the book was not enjoyable to me whatsoever. 2.5 stars.
Thank you to Netgalley for a copy of this book in exchange for an honest review.

Was this review helpful?

Since the kindle copy could now be sent to my device. I would read and review it accordingly. The star was because I couldn't read the book, nothing to do with the author's writing.

Was this review helpful?

it seems like a dream come true. Couple Ruth and Adam are offered the chance to housesit in New York City and they jump at the incredible opportunity. When Eden shows up on their doorstep in New York, she informs them she has been offered the house whenever she needs it. Ruth and Adam don’t feel they can turn the girl away, but is she really who she says she is. Edwards has made a real name for himself in the UK as a purveyor of thriller fiction. Americans will find much to like in Edwards who provides good solid scares

Was this review helpful?

I absolutely want to read this book but am unable to download the pdf file. Will it be available to download via kindle? Thank you in advance!
Cindy Bokma

Was this review helpful?

Thank you to Mark Edwards, Amazon Publishing UK and NetGalley for this ARC.

Unfortunately, this format is not compatible with my Kindle and I am unable to read this for a review. I am giving this a three star review, as I have read other books by Mark Edwards that I enjoyed.

Please make this format available on Kindle, or even as a PDF or EPUB.

Was this review helpful?

A perfect summer. A perfect stranger. A perfect nightmare.
Yes, yes, yes. All true.
The House Guest is the chilling new psychological thriller .
No, not true. I didn't find it chilling at all.
However, this was a quick and easy read for me. It did have some twists that I didn't expect and it was well written. The characters were ok, I quite liked Adam but I didn't invest too much in any of them.
The plot worked though and like I said, it was an easy read. I did like it..

Was this review helpful?

Can't read this as the format is not compatible with Kindle - it opens as a word doc but is a corrupted file? I really like Mark Edwards' books so if this could be fixed I'd be delighted to read!

Was this review helpful?

Thank you to Netgalley and Amazon for this advanced reader's copy. I'm a huge fan of Mark Edwards so I'm disappointed that I'm unable to access this book due to its format. Please make the file compatible with my Kindle. I'm giving this 3 stars as I don't want to give this author a poor review but can't give it any higher since I can't read the book.

Was this review helpful?

The House Guest by author Mark Edward is a fast, quick read! I wasn’t entirely disappointed in this, I did enjoy many parts.

Thank you Netgalley and the publisher for a copy of this book in exchange for an honest review.

Was this review helpful?

The House Guest by Mark Edwards is an intriguing psychological drama with a storyline that keeps you hooked!

It’s fast paced with little thrills happening all the time, so this keeps you turning the pages. The characters are reasonably well developed, even the minor ones, so you get a great overall impression of all the events taking place without having to go into too back backstory for an explanation.

I enjoyed the “twist” in the middle of the book, which took the story in a different direction and then that last paragraph: just the perfect ending!

I’ve never read this author before, but he is now definitely on my authors-to-automatically-read list.

#netgalley #thehouseguest #markedwards #amazonpublishing

Was this review helpful?

Action packed and such a fun read. I was completely enthralled with the story. Everyone be reading this will be captivated.

Was this review helpful?

The inner monologue from the main character was canned to the point of being comical. But, I mean, it read pretty fast, so that's not all bad.

Was this review helpful?

Another fab book from the genius that is Mark Edwards. Full of enough excitement & twists to keep you wanting more, leading to an ending that you don't even get an inkling of. Thankyou to Netgalley for allowing me an ARC of this book in exchange for an honest review.

Was this review helpful?

Protect one, protect all.

Looking back through the many Mark Edwards books I've read over the years, most of which I've rated 4 stars (with the occasional 3 sprinkled in), I'd definitely say The House Guest falls near the bottom of the group.

Although this story is written in Edwards' speedy, fun, action-packed style...which I love...the plot simply didn't hold my interest. At the beginning, I was ALL in. I mean, how creepy to invite a stranger into your home, thinking they're a friend of friends...only to find out that isn't the case at all?

I actually can't say much more than that, in fear of giving away spoilers, but the direction the story took was very meh for me. So many times, while reading, I found myself whispering, "Why would he DO that?" or "What was she thinking?" The actions of the characters seemed forced, which is something I'm so unfamiliar with in Edwards' book, is was discombobulating.

I did, however, appreciate all the research he did about NYC and living in the United States...the hard work paid off.

While this wasn't my favorite, it's still a mostly fun read, and one I'd recommend, especially if you've never read Mark Edwards novels before. You can purchase your very own copy on June 3, 2020.

**My sincere thanks the publisher for my review copy.

Was this review helpful?

Ruth and Adam, a British couple, are thrilled to be able to house sit for new friends in New York City for the summer. One rainy day, a stranger appears on their doorstep, drenched from the heavy downpour outside. The woman, Eden, is surprised not to see the homeowners, Mona and Jack, who she intended to visit. Because she is friends with the homeowners, Ruth and Jack they should invite her in and allow her to stay, after all, she is a friend of friends. However, things take a turn one Friday night. Who is Eden really?

I always enjoy Mark Edwards’ books. The pace is always good, it keeps you interested and wanting to know more, and had a satisfying conclusion. If you like thrillers or other titles of Edwards, give this one a try!

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

Was this review helpful?

Woooahhh! I loved loved this book so much. There was so much high intensity, paranoia, murder, characters to hate and characters to side with, darkness, and a house sitting plot all wrapped up in one twisted package!
There were so many twists and turns and nothing predicatable!
Mark Edwards, you did it again! AND HOLY CANNOLI that ending!
Thank you Netgalley, the author and the publisher for my free ARC in exchange for my honest review.

*If you have this in your TBR, read it now! Dont wait! I promise you its going to rock your world!

Was this review helpful?

'House Guest' is the new novel by one of the best psychological thriller writers about, Mark Edwards.
Ruth and Adam are summer house sitting in New York, for Jack and Mona a couple they met on a cruise. Young and in love they are having a wonderful time stopping at the house but things start to change when Eden turns up on the doorstep. Eden claims to be a friend of Jack and Mona and tells Ruth and Adam that she was invited to stay in the house whenever she was in New York. With a storm in progress Eden is asked to stay to shelter the weather.
Everything is working out well and Eden is getting on well with the young couple but suspicions are raised that she may not be who she claims to be and that they have made a terrible mistake.

This is an excellent psychological thriller with great characters, good paced plot and lots and lots of suspense.

I would like to thank both Net Galley and Amazon Publishing UK for supplying a copy of this novel in exchange for an honest review.

Was this review helpful?

I have read five or six Mark Edwards books in the last few months and this one is probably somewhere in the bottom middle.

I found the premise intriguing...a couple is housesitting for friends and a young woman shows up, claiming to be friends with the owners. She knows enough to be convincing and commences with havoc wreaking.

What's not to like, right?

Except...it felt a little inconsistent and a little lightweight.

I enjoyed it enough and read it in a day, it was easy to zing through and the beginning completely grabbed me but it felt a little rushed. I'm sorry to say this because I am a HUGE fan.

I am, however, incredibly grateful to Mark Edwards, Amazon Publishing and NetGalley for giving me the opportunity to read this ARC.

Was this review helpful?

Review:

Mark Edwards has a gift for writing brilliant psychological thrillers that most people would dream to have! His newest book due out on June 3rd is no exception.

This one takes us to the states while Adam and Ruth are house sitting for friends. Edwards details are perfection and as he weaves his fabulous tale and the story starts to come together you realize that this thriller is spectacular! His perfectly placed plot twists makes this a page turning thriller I highly recommend and if you haven’t read any of Edwards previous novels you should!

Was this review helpful?

This was a very captivating thriller! It had me hooked from the beginning. The storyline of the stranger showing up at the door and claiming to be a friend of the owners and being allowed to stay whenever, seemed a bit unrealistic to me. I am excited though to see where the story went and what twists and turns were to come. The book kept me in suspense. I wish the twist of Eden was a bit different but overall I enjoyed the book. Thank you so much for the chance to read this book, netgalley!

Was this review helpful?

A chilling psychological thriller that starts off with a slow burn and keeps building.

Adam and Ruth are house sitting in NY for a couple that they met on a cruise. It is an opportunity for Ruth because she is wanting to work on Broadway as an actress. Adam is a writer trying to find his big break in NY as well. They are an ordinary, realistic couple with a flawed relationship due to their struggles of wanting to be successful.

When Eden, a young woman, shows up at the front door dripping wet on the last week of house sitting and says she is friends with the homeowners and that they have given her an open invitation to stay whenever she is in the area, the couple are unsure what to do. Ruth and Adam can't contact the owners to get approval because they are away on a retreat so they decide the girl is honest looking and agree to let her stay. This is the start to a series of events that are soon to do damage to their relationship, their work, their life and more. A clever and gripping thriller with interesting characters. Somewhat predictable but Mark Edwards always manages to pull a punch or two that is entertaining and satisfying.

Was this review helpful?

Can't get enough of Mark Edwards books! They just get better and better. Chilling book with unpredictable turn half way through. Not in my wildest dreams I would imagine what was about to happen when the unexpected guest turned up on their doorstep. What a ride.. Brilliant.

Was this review helpful?

Yet another fabulous book by Mark Edwards. I just couldn't put it down, as much as I told myself that I had to, I just kept reading it. In many ways this is a typical Mark Edwards book (if you are new to his books, then I recommend that you look at this page https://www.markedwardsauthor.com/new-readers-guide/), but there are some twists. The main twist is that the book isn't set in the UK. It's really good to see Mark setting a book somewhere else and I hope we will see many more set in different locations around this world as I can enjoy (as much as I hope Mark does) the challenge of his style of books being set outside the usual comfort zone.

Unlike with some books I have read recently, Mark always does such a good job of getting you to identify with the characters. Even if they are from a completely different walk of life, he creates characters and situations which you can relate to. This allows you to sink further into the story and, even if there are aspect of the story which are more unbelievable (it is fiction after all), you are in so deep by then, that all you want to know is what happens to the characters... what could happen to you.

Was this review helpful?

I love Mark Edwards’ books so much! Of course I went blind without reading the blurb or any other reviews, additional comments and I invented a new happy dance between Macarena, line dancing, Criss Cross’ “Jump! Jump!” moves to celebrate my ARC!

And of course I had a great time with this unputdownable page turner. It’s one of my easiest reads with action-packed, fast paced, high tension, riveting chapters. It gives you the vibes of Netflix’s Osho documentary “Wild Wild Country” meets Sinner’s second season meets “Eyes Wide Shut”! Yes you got the picture! Welcome to the secret society.

Adam and Ruth, a couple, an actress and an astonishing writer in Williamsburg for home-sitting the friends’ house they’ve met on the cruise. They reminded me of the couple of “Divorce” hmm sorry “Marriage Story’s Charlie and Nicole” but this time, Adam is struggling writer who couldn’t accomplish his dreams (not yet) as Ruth slowly climbs the career ladders after her indie movie’s unexpected success.

As they home-sit the couple’s house (Jack and Mona), a young woman named Eden appears at their door step, soaking wet, insisting that she is friend of the couple, adding she is always staying at their place when she is in NY. So without second guessing, our puffy hearted, naïve British couple believe in her story and welcome her.
What could go so bad? She seems friendly, talkative, respecting their boundaries. And Adam is so stressful after he gets rejected several times for his writing gigs, befriending her, going to the swimming, hanging out at the pubs, taking selfies.

But the very same night, house’s real owners’ arrival, they had tequila shot party goes wild and emotional ends with dancing in the rain, meaningless giggles, hugging ceremony. And the next day, Adam realizes Eden disappeared into thin air and Ruth is also nowhere to be seen. And the worst part is as soon as Jack and Mona come back, they insist that they don’t know anyone named Eden! And they start to think, Adam lies about Eden and he is involved of disappearance of his own girlfriend.

So where did Ruth go? Did Eden kidnap her? Is Adam drugged at that night? Who is the bearded, old man spying on them at the night time?

There are too many twists, surprising realizations and tension building moments made you sit on the edge and biting your ipad, kindle or hardcopy to destroy your gums.

Ending was also, quirky and weird. Only minor thing that bothered me was there were so many unlikeable and irritating characters on the book. ( including Ruth) As a writer I could only empathize with Adam. At least he acted decent and faithful from the beginning.

Overall: Exciting, dazzling, heart throbbing, thought-provoking, mind numbing reading. I’m rounding up my 3.5 stars to 4 ( I cut it for small plot holes and weird characterization)

I love this author’s work and I keep going blind to happily read whatever he creates.

Special thanks to NetGalley and Amazon UK for sharing this nail biter ARC in exchange my honest review.

Was this review helpful?

I would like to thank netgalley and the publisher for an advance copy in exchange for an honest review. The only other book I have read by this author is his book called The Retreat and I couldn’t put that one down, it was a great read but this one I had a hard time with. The first half of the book kept my interest but then the plot went into a different direction and I had a hard time finishing, still overall a decent read and I look forward to reading more of his books.

Was this review helpful?

Thanks for the ARC. What can I say? I didn't want to put this book down once I started reading it. I did but could not wait to get back to reading it. I loved it.

Was this review helpful?

The story begins with Adam and Ruth, a British couple, house-sitting in New York for a couple they befriended on a cruise, when Eden, a young woman claiming to be a friend of the homeowners shows up to stay with them.

The story has a very interesting premise and was a very captivating read for me but unfortunately midway I felt it lost it’s charm and was all over the place.

Adam is the primary narrator with a few chapters interspersed by Ruth too, Adam as the protagonist was very slow and I felt like I couldn’t really care about him.

Also halfway through a very unexpected twist and sort of an explanation came up that was quite a disappointment to me and I lost a lot of interest in the plot.

The plot is a slow burning, psychological thriller but I did not enjoy it.

Was this review helpful?

Mark Edwards is one of my favorite authors and this new book of his is one of my favorites he has written. It’s so unlike any of his other novels, which is pretty cool. All his work is great, but I found this novel to be just so in its own category. I hesitate to say too much about the plot, because I don’t want to give anything away. If you love creepy, suspenseful and exciting books, you’ll love this. I read it in one afternoon- Couldn’t put it down!

Was this review helpful?

I have not read a Mark Edwards book in a very long time and the description of The House Guest looked intriguing. I loved the first 50% of the book but when the plot turn took place (no spoilers here), I thought it was a bit far-fetched and quickly lost interest. Thank you for the advanced copy.

Was this review helpful?

Another great book from Mark Edwards.
Lots of twists in book and a great ending I wasnt expecting.Kept me gripped through out!!
Throughly enjoyed after reading all his other books.
If you’re after a good thriller...Mark Edwards is your guy!
Highly recommended!

Was this review helpful?

Another wonderfully, gripping book by Mark Edwards, with twists & turns. Whatever you think you know when reading, got it all worked out, you really don’t. A mystery until the very end.......

Was this review helpful?

I have read most of Mark Edward's novels and find them all to be very well crafted. This latest book is no exception! It is well plotted, with interesting characters who lead us on a journey of intrigue and suspense, along with a few surprises en route. I would highly recommend this book, and would like to thank both the Publishers and Netgalley, for giving me the opportunity of reading this Arc.

Was this review helpful?

This a brilliant, refreshingly different book which had me totally hooked from page one. A young ,would be ,playwright and his beautiful actress girlfriend who is on the cusp of stardom, accept the offer of a house loan , from a couple they met on a cruise . The house, in an upmarket part of New York, is ideal, both for saving them money and for its proximity to the Broadway theatre where Ruth has been cast as the lead in an exciting new play. All is well until a bedraggled young woman , Eden, shows up claiming she is a friend of their benefactors. They cast their initial doubts aside after her convincing performance and invite her to stay. Things take a downward spiral from then on, culminating in Ruth's disappearance and incarceration in a mysterious cult . We are caught up in a frantic battle to rescue her from their clutches ..I swear I didn't breathe during the final chapters! This is a fast paced, well written psychological thriller which will rob you of sleep !

Was this review helpful?

A sincere thank you to the publisher, author and Netgalley for providing me an ebook copy of this book in exchange for a fair and honest review. I enjoyed this story very much and felt like I knew each character personally due to the description of them. I enjoyed the storyline. This is not my usual genre but in this instance I am extremely pleased and grateful for opening up my mind to something totally different. Thanks again.

Was this review helpful?

I love Mark Edwards' twisty suspense thrillers so I was really keen to read this. It was a quick read, but that's about the only positive. Adam and Ruth are a British couple who are housesitting for friends in New York. A friend of the homeowners stops by and said that she was told she could come and stay with them anytime. I found the story quite gripping at first but it becomes so unbelievable that I was desperate for it to end.

Was this review helpful?

Young British couple Adam (aspiring writer) and Ruth (actress staring in her first Broadway show) are staying at the house of an older couple, Mona and Jack who they met on a cruise. They answer the door to a young friend of Jack and Mona’s, Eden, who arrives in a torrential storm and blows into their lives as they take pity on her and allow her to stay. The young couple feel that as a friend of the homeowners what can go wrong?!
From the outset it is clear that Jack is struggling as an author to make it big and Ruth has already made a name for herself. The couple and Eden get along well and one night decide to eat and drink far too much tequila and when Adam wakes the next day Ruth and Eden are gone.
The plot is action packed and fast paced. There are some excellent characters, especially Adam who tells most of the story.
Without giving away the plot, and believe me this is an excellent unputdownable roller coaster of a read, there are twists and turns all the way. Who can you trust? Where is Ruth and who can be trusted?
Thank you to Netgalley For the opportunity to read this in exchange for an honest review. Highly recommended.

Was this review helpful?

It’s a hot, humid summer in New York City. British born Adam and Ruth are housesitting for wealthy Mona and Jack Cunningham at their large Brooklyn house while they are away. They met on a cruise where Ruth was acting in a production of The Tempest, she now has a lead role in a Broadway play, her career is taking off. Adam is an aspiring writer but is not as yet successful, so there’s an unevenness to their relationship. One night there a tremendous storm, there’s a knock at the door and there, soaked to the skin is Eden. They invite her in as their kind and she’s dripping wet. She says she knows Mona and Jack well and that they’d invited her to stay if ever she’s in New York. So Adam and Ruth do just that, after all the house is huge and there’s plenty of room. What can possibly go wrong? The story is told principally by Adam with some input from Ruth.

I’m going to say very little about what unfolds as it will spoil the journey for future readers but a lot of the plot is all too possible. There are perhaps one or two occasions where it strays into the zone of the far fetched but did I enjoy it? Oh yes!!! It’s a fast paced, seat of your pants, twist and turn kind of a read. It’s well written and exciting and just as you think you’ve figured a few things out there’s another revelation and ....you’re wrong!! Although not all the characters are very likeable they are well portrayed - Adam is very likeable and real.

Overall, a thought provoking and enjoyable read.

Many thanks to NetGalley and Amazon Publishing for the arc.

Was this review helpful?

Reading a new Mark Edwards is always a treat. The author has a wonderful way to pull the reader into the world of his protoganist(s) . This time around, the setting in New York city and the protoganist in an English scriptwriter called Adam and his girlfriend an actress, Ruth. They are housesitting for friends when a woman arrives on their doorstep, looking for the owners of the house. As it is pouring rain, they invite Eden inside for a few moments. This is their first mistake - and will prove fatal. But will them for someone else?
The story continues in a twist manner and it is difficult for the reader to determine if we can really trust Adam. Even as we listen to the story of what is happening to Ruth, there remain elements that do not make sense and our doubt remains.
As a fan, I wouldn't consider this the best of Edward's books but it is still worth reading - delightfully creepy and twisty.
I received an ARC of this book from Amazon Publishing UK via NetGalley in return for an honest review.

Was this review helpful?

Mark Edwards does it again...a book I couldn’t put down!
The subject took a turn I wasn’t expecting but is one of great interest in the world today. Everybody is looking for security and a sense of belonging and it’s easy to find someone or something willing to give these things to you. But at what price?

Was this review helpful?

Ruth is on the threshold of a brilliant acting career when her and her partner Adam are offered the chance to house sit in one of New Yorks's most prestigious neighborhoods. All is going well until a young girl arrives and says she is friends with the owners of the house and that they have given her an open invitation to stay whenever she is in the area. Ruth and Adam can't contact the owners but they decide the girl is honest and no threat to them so they agree to let her stay. This is the beginning of events that overtake them and do untold damage to their relationship and much more. Another great psychological thriller from the master of this genre.

Was this review helpful?

Mark Edwards has a knack for creating stories that are incredibly unique. This story was unlike anything I’ve read. He also has a way of creating a scene that almost feels aesthetic. The description of Mona and Jacks’s house was beautifully written and I could picture every aspect that was described. Mark has a way to transport you into his writings.

This was a quick read for me, as most of his books are. As much as I wanted to savor it, I found the plot was ingenious thus making the book unputdownable. Adam, the protagonist was very relatable and likable, as was his girlfriend, Ruth. I find it hard to enjoy a book when you aren’t able to connect with some of the characters.

This story, in a way, reminded me of something Jordan Peele would create. Something with a deeper meaning than what is on the surface. It reminded me of the Hollywood industry and how up and comings (and a lot of others for that matter) would do almost anything to get ahead and be successful. Scientology was mentioned in the story, and it had definitely had a resemblance. This topic (cults within the rich and famous) was always an interesting topic for me.

To reiterate, The House Guest was one of the greatest reads for me, this year. As being a big fan of Mark’s, it’s great to see his literary talents broadening and his story lines coming to America. It’s nice to have a familiar setting to read and picture. This story is unique, satisfying, and downright cunning. I would highly recommend this book to anyone.

Was this review helpful?

This is not my first Mark Edwards read. He still writes a super suspense thriller!

Adam and Ruth are house-sitting for their friends. A young woman arrives at the door - she says that she is a friend of the house-owners and hoped that they would be home. It is pouring rain outside, so Ruth and Adam invite her (Eden) in .They talk about Jack and Mona (the house-owners) and Eden is friendly. They invite her stay.
Stay Eden does...

A wonderfully written story with plenty of suspense. A true page-turner! Recommend!

Many Thanks to Amazon Publishing UK , Thomas & Mercer and NetGalley for a great read.

Was this review helpful?

Another brilliant book from Mark Edwards, I absolutely loved it, could not put it down! Such a chilling story with plenty of twists, definitely worth reading!

Was this review helpful?

Thanks to Netgalley for a preview of this book.

I thoroughly enjoyed it & read it in a day.

Ruth & Adam are house sitting for friends of theirs in NYC.

Eden turns up on the door one there soaked from a summer storm. It is from there that things begin to change for everyone.

It is a thrilling & gripping read & has excellent twists. The characters are credible & the story line is fast moving & exciting. It is a great read & will keep you gripped.

Was this review helpful?

LOVED this book, but in all honesty wasn't crazy about the ending, which is the reason for awarding four stars vs five. It was totally gripping and has all the components of a great read. Definitely recommend,

Was this review helpful?

Wow! I am a huge fan of Mark Edwards and honestly believed he could not beat his Magpie series of books which I loved but wow I was surprised. This book is totally dark and twisted and with today’s newspapers full of stories of cults and secret organisations over the year this book brought it out in a fresh and scary way and makes me hope this get made into a film as I would love to see this story on the big screen. The main characters or Ruth, Adam and the mysterious Eve I found captivating and the story kept me hooked right to the last page. I’m quite sad the book had to end if I’m honest.

Was this review helpful?

"A perfect summer. A perfect stranger. A perfect nightmare.

When British twenty-somethings Ruth and Adam are offered the chance to spend the summer housesitting in New York, they can’t say no. Young, in love and on the cusp of professional success, they feel as if luck is finally on their side.

So the moment that Eden turns up on the doorstep, drenched from a summer storm, it seems only right to share a bit of that good fortune. Beautiful and charismatic, Eden claims to be a friend of the homeowners, who told her she could stay whenever she was in New York.

They know you’re not supposed to talk to strangers—let alone invite them into your home—but after all, Eden’s only a stranger until they get to know her.

As suspicions creep in that Eden may not be who she claims to be, they begin to wonder if they’ve made a terrible mistake…"


This book took me on quite a ride! I have read several Mark Edward’s novels in the past, and I can safely say I am a fan. I enjoyed the story from the very beginning and I was fairly sure I knew where it was heading, but a third if the way through it went in a completely different direction than I was anticipating! The first of many plot twists. It got pretty dark and shocking at times, and I was 100% there for it! Edward's writes characters that are so believable and relatable that I could really feel the paranoia, desperation and frustration that Adam was going through. It really was a case of Trust No One!

I thoroughly enjoyed this book. It kept me guessing all the way until the end and the twists just kept coming.

If you have not read Mark Edwards before and want to try one on his other books out while waiting for The House Guest to go on sale, I recommend last years Here To stay and my personal favourite Because She Loved Me.

Many thanks to Netgalley and Amaon publishing for sending me the ARC in exchange for an honest review

Was this review helpful?

*received for free from netgalley for honest review* So this was a really good thriller BUT I read this book in two days and omfg I found myself so annoyed with so many characters!!!! just like ahh!! I felt like I was watching a scary movie where the whole time youre just screaming at them like NO STOP THAT. DONT DO TH-. OH YOU DID IT. NOW LOOK WHAT YOU DID. WHY. And I mean it wasn't really unrealistic bc that stuff DOES happen but just !!!!!!! tbh tho wasn't bad, was going to give 4 but id consider reading it again eventually and would recommend for sure.

Was this review helpful?

The House Guest by Mark Edwards Thanks @netgalley @markedwardsauthor and @amazonpublishing for my arc
Publication date 3rd June 2020
•••••••••••••••••••••••••••••••••••••
Mark Edwards couldn’t possibly get any better in my eyes but he’s done it again! The House Guest is another incredible modern day nightmare. No fear of spoilers here, I went into those book blind, going by the author alone, thinking it was going to great. And it really is. Fantastic. I highly recommend you read everything by this author. 🖤

Was this review helpful?

This book was an interesting ride....not necessarily a bad one but not one of my favorite Mark Edwards books either.. This book took so many turns that I did not see coming that I found myself putting this down quite a few times. We meet Ruth and Adam who are house sitting for a couple they met on a cruise, Mona and Jack. One night a blonde girl, Eden, shows up on their doorstep claiming to know Mona and Jack. She stays with them for a week while getting close to both Adam and Ruth. The night before Jack and Mona are to return the three take shot after shot of tequila and when Adam finally wakes up both women are missing. This book takes you through twists and turns as Adam tries to find out what happened to his girlfriend and how to find her. It shows a dark underground world that I have never been shown before in a book. I think I would have enjoyed the book more if I knew where this book was going to end up going. I am trying not to give everything away because it is a major spoiler.

Thank you to netgalley and Amazon Publishing for allowing me to read this ARC in exchange for my honest review. I am truly grateful.

Was this review helpful?

I've quickly become a fan of Mark Edwards' books. He does a great job of taking an idea about something that people have questions about and spinning it into a great story.

Adam and Ruth are house-sitting for a couple in New York City that they met on a recent cruise. Both from the UK, Ruth is an aspiring actress and Adam is an aspiring writer. While house-sitting, Eden shows up at their door looking for the couple that lives there who are due back in a few days. They invite her in and let her stay until Mona and Jack return. It's impossible to say too much about this book without giving away the plot and twists, but it pulls you in to some serious conspiracy theories that are out there.

Was this review helpful?

I finished The House Guest by Mark Edwards. Thanks to @netgalley and @amazonpublishing for the ARC in exchange for an honest review. Because of everything going on, my mind has been scattered and it has taken longer than usual to finish this book, but I finished nonetheless. A British couple are housesitting in New York. Adam is a struggling writer and Ruth is a rising actress. One day, a stranger named Eden shows up at the door claiming to know the homeowners. Ruth and Adam offer her a place to stay and the three bond together until things get dangerously weird and it becomes clear Eden may not be who she claims to be. ⁣⁣
⁣⁣
I enjoyed this book, although there were times when I did find myself unable to suspend disbelief. Some events were far-fetched and I couldn’t wrap my head around them. I loved the fact the author researched New York and the different sites here so well. As a native New Yorker myself, I really enjoyed the city atmosphere he created through his writing. I would never guess he was British himself! The first half of the book was a slow burn, but then the second half was action-packed and moved quickly.⁣⁣

Was this review helpful?

This book makes me jumpy! The story is very well written and I am literally holding my breath the whole entire time. The suspense and thrill are just really high.

Was this review helpful?

I was thrilled to be approved to read a copy of The House Guest as I've been a fan of the author for a while. Fast paced and well thought out plot. A real page turner! Loved the book!

Was this review helpful?

I have read all Mark Edwards books so I was very excited to receive an ARC copy of this through Netgalley. As usual he didn't disappoint.

Up and coming actress Ruth and writer boyfriend Adam become friends with Jack and Mona after meeting on a cruise. Ruth is about to star in her first Broadway production and Jack and Mona need house sitters for their New York home while they are on a retreat. What could be more perfect?

One rainy night Jack and Mona's friend Eden turns up to visit not realising they are on a retreat. Feeling sorry for her Adam and Ruth invite her in to stay anyway. After all the weather is terrible and she is a friend of Jack and Mona's, or is she? After some strange events and a boozy night Adam wakes up to find Eden and Ruth missing. Where have they gone and can he track them down? This is where the story really takes off.

I don't want to add any spoilers as I didn't know where this was going but it did have the usual twists and turns that Mark likes to add. The end had me second guessing myself as much as Adam.

Highly recomended 5 stars.

Was this review helpful?

In The House Guest by Mark Edwards, Brits Adam and Ruth are thrilled to be housesitting a beautiful home in NYC for the summer. Ruth is an up and coming actress with a lead in a hot Broadway play. Adam is a less successful playwright. They both view this time in NYC as the moment they will hit it big. Ruth in acting and Adam in writing.

Until one rainy night when a young woman Eden knocks on the door. She is visiting NYC and the homeowners invited her to stay with them anytime. But they aren't home. Like good neighbors, Ruth and Adam invite her in and offer to let her stay. Like almost everyone, Eden has a story and she just needed to get away from an abusive ex. She is so grateful for a place to land with these two strangers, Ruth and Adam.

Eden assimilates into the household, but she has her oddities witnessed mostly by Adam and missed by Ruth. When Ruth disappears, Adam is hell-bent on finding her no matter what. Ruth's disappearance leaves Adam wondering how well does he know this impromptu houseguest and how well does he know the couple who welcomed them into their home?

The House Guest is a fantastic read. I was totally hooked and didn't want to put the book down. The characters are realistic and the twists and turns will keep you on the edge of your seat. Highly recommended.

Was this review helpful?

I have read a few Mark Edwards books, and I always find them really gripping. This book also started off really well, but went downhill halfway through. The plot became unrealistic and the ending was almost rushed. Anyways towards the end even I was rushing to finish the book as I just wanted to get it over with. Maybe I didn’t enjoy the book because the plot was just not my cup of tea. Whatever the reason, this book did not live up to my expectations.
I like Mark Edwards’s writing style and I did enjoy the first part of the book, so will give it 3 stars.
Thank you to Amazon Publishing UK for an advanced copy of this ebook and giving me a chance to review this book!

Was this review helpful?

Another great Mark Edwards book! I love his writing and loved the reference to The Retreat at the end of the book! Sweetmeat! This book kept me hooked from the beginning and threw in a twist I didn’t see coming at the very end.

Was this review helpful?

Wow I have just finished this book and I’m blown away. I love all of Mark Edwards books and this one certainly didn’t disappoint. It drew me in from the first page and was hard to put down.

The characters are so well developed and each bit of the story is revealed with perfect timing. The pace is quick but not rushed and the setting is well described.

I was so engrossed in the book that I felt I was an observer to everything that was happening.

A truly fantastic book that would also make a epic film.

Thank you to the author and publishers for the complimentary early copy of this book.

Was this review helpful?

I received this book from NetGalley in exchange for an honest review.

This was my first Mark Edwards novel. In short, I will be reading more of his work.
What starts as a story of a mysterious, rain drenched woman showing up on a doorstep eventually turns into a hunt for a missing person who may or may not have been kidnapped by a strange cult. I could definitely see references to real life events, like NXIVM, and TV shows, like Servant. Now, this is a conundrum like the chicken and the egg because I don't know which came first.
Regardless, the book is solid. Mark's writing is very easy and clear to read. Some books have too much focus on the coaster that's on the table which holds a glass of whiskey with one ice cube and that whiskey is the same color as the character's sweater which explains the mood of the dog....my point is that he moves the plot quickly without sacrificing the atmosphere and environment. I never felt like it was a chore to get through. Each chapter ended with a cliffhanger which made me continue reading.
Three stars - I liked it - Time to look for more!

Was this review helpful?

Adam and Ruth are British 20 somethings when they meet an older couple Mona and Jack and develop a quick friendship. Ruth is an actress with a career that seems poised to take off, Jack is a writer still struggling to be heard. When the older couple learns Ruth is rehearsing for a Broadway play they offer their hoke in return for the younger couple housesitting.
One night shortly before Mona and Jack are due to return a young woman named Eden shows up at the door, drenched from the rainstorm claiming to be friends of the older couple and had an open invitation to stay when she was in town.
Adam and Ruth invite her to stay and the three are enjoying each other’s company though Adam sees glimpses that disturb him of Edens’ temper. On the night before the owners return, Eden brings home food and tequila and the three of them drink far too much. When Adam wakes up he discovers that he is all alone. Both Ruth and Eden have disappeared. When Jack and Mona arrive they have no idea who Eden is and believe Ruth left in her own. Jack begins looking for Ruth on his own as no one seems to believe Eden was real Who was this enigmatic young woman who had been staying with them? How did she know so much
Jack is determined to find the answers and bring Ruth home.
This was a really fast paced story that kept my attention throughout. While I have trouble accepting that anyone is as trusting as these two were my skepticism did not detract from the story
Mark Edwards always writes a good. Engaging thriller that keeps you turning pages.
Thank you to #netgalley and the publisher for the advanced copy in exchange for my honest opinion. This is scheduled for release on June 2. It is shaping up to be a great season for beach reads.

Was this review helpful?

#TheGuestHouse #NetGalley
Mark's finest work till date. A good read.
When British twenty-somethings Ruth and Adam are offered the chance to spend the summer housesitting in New York, they can’t say no. Young, in love and on the cusp of professional success, they feel as if luck is finally on their side.So the moment that Eden turns up on the doorstep, drenched from a summer storm, it seems only right to share a bit of that good fortune. Beautiful and charismatic, Eden claims to be a friend of the homeowners, who told her she could stay whenever she was in New York.They know you’re not supposed to talk to strangers—let alone invite them into your home—but after all, Eden’s only a stranger until they get to know her.
Mark's characters are inspired from real life and so is the story. I would definitely recommend this novel to everyone who loves thrillers.
Thanks to NetGalley and Amazon Publishing UK for giving me an advance copy of this book.

Was this review helpful?

I was lucky enough to receive an advance copy of Mark's latest book. I love all of Mark Edward's books and this one does not dissapoint.
This is such an amazing read. I was pulled straight into the book and it just doesn't let go. I couldn't bring myself to put it down.
Amazing plot and characters. I highly recommend this book to everyone. Well done Mark 😊

Was this review helpful?

Rating: 3.2 / 5

Right, so...let's talk about this.

But...how to begin...

When you think one thing is one thing and then it turns out to be another thing and that particular thing just gets crazier and crazier and slightly ridiculous, then it's hard to judge that thing, isn't it? After all, not only is it so far detached from your expectations, but the extent to which it goes off on its own tangent of weirdness is...well, either off-putting or brilliant. For me, unfortunately, it was more the former than the latter.

Adam and Ruth are your typical couple trying to get by in New York. Adam is a writer and Ruth's an actress rehearsing for her first show on Broadway, and our two young characters find themselves house-sitting in a charming setting while their friends, Jack and Mona, are on vacation in Mexico. One night, enter Eden, a mysterious lady friend of Jack and Mona with nowhere to stay. Gullible Adam and Ruth let her into the house and into their lives, only to have things mysteriously/obviously go wrong.

Premise-wise, this could go in a lot of different ways, since it's just the setup and it doesn't really tell you anything about what to expect. Offhand, I'd even say that it's a great premise to start with, all based off the rule of "never trust strangers and never invite them into your house". BUT, where Edwards chooses to go with this is...slightly problematic, from my point of view.

Now, I really don't want to give any spoilers for this, but at the same time it's kind of hard to talk about what I didn't like without mentioning that. Um...okay, to be vague, let's just say that the initial "big reveal" and direction that goes is like a snowball rolling down a hill--it gets bigger and bigger and more far-fetched, to the point that it crushes all the reader's suspension of disbelief and general caring by the time it reaches the bottom.

In other words, it started off good, but then as the author just kept going and going and building on whatever momentum they had, things get too ridiculous to really be believable or hold any amount of suspense for the reader. Therefore, by the end, my reaction was to roll my eyes more than keep them wide open in anticipation or anything.

In conclusion, it was a good attempt at suspense and mystery and had a good idea going for it at the beginning, but the author went too far and tried too hard with an idea that I just couldn't buy into. Credit given that I was able to read it all the way through though, eye-rolls and all.

Was this review helpful?

Well, this book definitely took a plot turn that I definitely didn’t see coming. It’s the story of Adam and Ruth, a young couple house sitting in New York for a couple they met and bonded with on a cruise. One day, a young woman named Eden comes to the house and explains that she’s close to the owners, and that they told her that she could stay at their home whenever she needs to. That sounds perfectly safe and harmless, right?

I will not discuss the plot any further, but this is pretty much a non-stop roller coaster of a book that packs action, surprises, and plot twists. I was pleasantly surprised because even though I’ve loved some books by author Mark Edwards, the last one I read was one I had to stop before the end due to my low interest level. He keeps the pace fast, forcing you to be engaged as one thing after another happens. Some people mentioned that the ending is a bit silly, and I can see that, but I was glued to reading this from start to finish. A definite page turner.

Thank you to Mark Edwards, Thomas & Mercer, and NetGalley for an ARC.

Was this review helpful?

Spoiler alert.. The protagonist, Adam, is the best part of this book. His reactions to the plight at the center of the story are believable and make him a sympathetic character. The author, Mark Edwards, took great care to keep Adam the good guy at the center of the story. However, the rest of the characters came across as unbelievable, in both their reactions and their motivations. At the central, there is Ruth, an up and coming actress who is on her way to becoming famous. She is one moment, gullible, and the next, completely aware of the plot against her. Then, there is Eden: The house guest. The way she was written was confusing. She was supposed to be alluring and plotting, yet, she came across as clueless. There is a cult, crooked cop, murderers, a megalomaniac cult leader, and his followers. Most of these characters came across as caricatures. They were all tough and beautiful. There was a secret cult at the center of this story, yet Adam and his cohorts were able to figure it out in less than a few days. I was hoping for more intrigue, but even with the twists thrown in, I had to fight to keep interested.

Was this review helpful?

When Jack and Mona offer up and coming actress, Ruth and her boyfriend Adam the chance to house sit for them whilst they are at a retreat the young couple are thrilled and jump at the chance. One rainy evening a young woman called Eden arrives on their doorstep claiming to be a friend of Jack and Mona’s making a surprise visit. Not being able to contact their Landlords to confirm Eden’s identity the couple decide to allow her to stay for a few days, a decision they will ultimately regret ,when after a night of heavy drinking, Eden and Ruth disappear without a trace, and upon their return Jack and Mona have no clue who Eden is.

As always with this author nothing is ever as it seems. Many twists and turns to keep the reader entertained.

Many thanks to the publishers and netgalley for the advanced copy in exchange for an honest review.

Was this review helpful?

3.5 stars

A perfect summer. A perfect stranger. A perfect nightmare.

A perfect time for me to say: Don't be so quick to answer your door to a stranger. Have we learned nothing from reading books? But I digress...

Ruth and Adam are house-sitting in New York when a young woman shows up dripping wet in the middle of a rainstorm. She tells them she is there to visit the owners of the home who told her she could stop by whenever she wanted.

Children are taught not to talk to strangers, apparently this duo was never told not to let a stranger into a home....

Twists, turns, revelations, a cult (did I say cult? they're not a cult their friends - very special, creepy friends) and a couple of "huh?" moments and an ending that well....hmm....still trying to figure out how I feel about that one. But this was a fast fun read that was outlandish and crazy at times but highly entertaining.

So, in short, entertaining, fast read, and educational - it reinforced not opening the door to strangers, advised me to stay away from creepy pens and proved Mark Edwards creates interesting and original story-lines.

Thank you to Amazon Publishing UK and Netgalley who provided me with a copy of this book in exchange for an honest review. All the thoughts and opinions are my own.

Was this review helpful?

Mark Edwards has done it again in delivering an outstanding read which you will want to read in one sitting. Adam and Ruth are house sitting in New York for a prestigious couple that they met on a cruise, while house sitting a mysterious stranger called Eden turns up claiming she is good friends with the owners of the house and was hoping to surprise them, charming at first Adam and Ruth offer Eden to stay in the house until the owners return, it soon appears that Eden is not all that she claims to be, does she even know the owners and are Adam and Ruth in danger? Have they made a terrible mistake?

I throughly enjoyed this addictive thriller and readers alike will struggle to put it down. Mark Edwards is one of my all time favourite authors!

A big thank you to netgalley for a copy of this wonderful book in exchange for my honest review.

Was this review helpful?

A really chilling read. Couldn’t put this book down. Full of suspense and very well written. The characters were all well brought to life by the great writing and the plot was an interesting one. An excellent read to keep you on the edge of your seat

Was this review helpful?

I love Mark Edwards' writing, so I snatched up The House Guest without even reading the description. And, while it wasn't my favorite Edwards book, it didn't disappoint me either.

The pacing of this book is fantastic. The narration alternates between our 2 main characters, Adam and Ruth, and Edwards always knows just when to change from one character's perspective to the other's. Just when I'm on the edge of my seat to see what will happen next with Adam, we switch to Ruth.

I enjoyed the main characters in this book, Adam, Ruth, and the house guest Eden. The beginning of the book is especially captivating, and the ending is just right. There was one central theme that I didn't really love, but I can't say more without giving away the story. That theme, plus the fact that there were a few places that left me saying "but WHY would he/she do that" is why this book is 3 stars for me.

I hope you love it and check out other Mark Edwards book! Thank you to NetGalley, Mark Edwards, and the publisher for an advanced copy of this book in exchange for my honest review.

Was this review helpful?

Another amazing novel by Mark Edwards. This book, like many others of his are so intriguing because they are a type of horror that can happen to everyday people.
Meet Adam and Ruth, a happy couple who are working on their careers. Ruth, and actress finally starting to get noticed for bigger roles; and Adam, a screenwriter who is waiting for a big break. They are lucky enough to meet a wealthy couple on a cruise and get a chance to housesit for them in New York.
One day a stranger shows up who claims to know the owners and they let her stay for with them until the owners are due to return.
Things just go downhill from there. This book works at a steady pace to make you feel uneasy about things happening, but like the characters, you just think, coincidence and move forward.
Then things happen that cannot be explained away, people go missing, others die, and you have to keep your balance wondering what happened!
As someone who loves Psychology and the study of human behavior, this book was fascinating to read about the cult mindset. Mark Edwards really did his research while writing because it was so on point and relating to studies and articles surrounding these groups of people.
The end of this book was an incredible twist that I was not expecting! I especially love the connections to his previous books and could see expanding further.
Thank you @netgalley @markedwards and @amazonpublishing for a digital copy of this book in exchange for an honest review!

Was this review helpful?

WOW!!! This was an awesome book. I can not say too much without giving spoilers. I could not put this book down. I could see this book turning into a movie. It had me guessing throughout the whole book. This is the first book I have read by this author. Based on this book I will check out other books by this author. I highly recommend this book to anyone who likes mystery and thrillers.

Was this review helpful?

Adam and Ruth are house sitting and an unexpected knock at the door on a rainy night brings Eden into their world. They are not sure about her but she seems to know the house owners so well.
Then after a drunken Friday night Ruth and Eden disappear and Adam is left reeling. He cant find either of them. Then he is befriended by the grey bearded man and drawn into what is a hunt for Ruth and a secret cult.
Quite a good book. Enjoyed it snd I didn’t guess any part. Which I think makes a great book

Was this review helpful?

Fantastic! The premise of this book is brilliant- a young British couple housesitting for another couple they know in New York. One night a young woman turns up at their door claiming to know the couple who own the house... this is where it starts. It doesn’t take long to build the story up and at that point you are sucked right into it, wanting to know every twist and turn and just when you think that’s it - another one comes.. I will Definately be recommending this to the users of the library.

Was this review helpful?

The House Guest, by Mark Edwards, is a fun escapist romp! I enjoyed the change of scenery, as this is Edwards’ first book set outside of the UK, wholly in New York City. It is a smart, witty tale of an average bloke, writer Adam, married to a talented actress, Ruth, who invite a “stranger” into the home they are house-sitting. Our hero, Adam, is a regular guy who becomes inadvertently sucked into a dangerous situation. And the mystery then ensues. As in some previous Edwards’ novels, the protagonist Adam is portrayed as an “Everyman” bumbling through the investigation of the events that transpire in this book. The story is told in first person as Adam’s narrative so we experience the thoughts, calculations and doubts of the central character, which I believe is more engaging for the reader. The plot is funny, if a bit overreaching at times, and a cast of quirky characters plays out the story line and the final act, much like a 19th century farce. There are twists, turns and plenty of action. And without spoiling the ending, I sense that Edwards leaves room for a follow-up novel in the future!
I am a solid fan of Mark Edwards’ writing, beginning with his Magpie series, and I look forward to more of his solo novels.
Thank you to Amazon Publishing UK and Net Galley for the digital ARC

Was this review helpful?

What a creepy setting, a couple is house sitting for a couple they met while on a cruise. One rainy night, someone shows up claiming she is a friend of the homeowners and she is invited to stay. This is a page turner, it is twisty but somewhere in the middle it falls apart and it becomes another story to me. I was expecting a twist but not this. I think there should be a disclaimer warning. Thank you to Thomas & Mercer and NetGalley! This is my honest review.

Was this review helpful?

Absolutely fantastic! I found myself drawn into the story from the get go. The storyline is an interesting one, and had me wondering what would happen next.

Was this review helpful?

Mark Edwards does it again! The beauty of a Mark Edwards novel is that you never see it coming. I read A LOT of mysteries. And he always catches me off guard with that last twist. The House Guest is no different. Ruth and Adam, 2 Brits visiting and working in NYC, are housesitting for acquaintances they met on a cruise. One day a vibrant woman shows up in their doorstep claiming to know the owners of the house and manages to insert herself in their lives. I cant give away much more but know this. You will never, EVER guess where this is going.

Was this review helpful?

House sitting and someone who claims to know the owners of the house shows up... what do you do? I enjoyed reading and trying to figure out what was going on, who all was involved, and how were they going to get out of the situation.

Was this review helpful?

Adam and Ruth are house sitting in New York for a couple they met on a cruise. One evening a girl arrives in the pouring rain saying that she has been invited to stay by the home owners,they believe her and invite her to stay. This decision has terrifying consequence for Adam and Ruth and they will have cause to regret it.
A psychological thriller with twist and turns that keeps you hooked.
Thank you to NetGalley and Amazon Publishing UK for my e-copy in exchange for an honest review.

Was this review helpful?

Another brilliant book by Mark Edwards. I don’t know how he manages to keep bringing them out and all are as good as the ones before. I read it in 24 hours, it was so gripping I couldn’t put it down. A chilling read that really makes you think, how a simple thing like inviting someone into your home can go so badly wrong.. If you haven’t read any of Marks other books then make sure you do as you are in for a treat. Please don’t make us wait too long for the next book!!!

Was this review helpful?

Thoroughly enjoyed this. Great storyline and that ending! This had me coming and going on who was good and who wasn't. Quite a few real good twists and turns.

Thank you Netgalley for this arc. I'm new to Mark Edward's books but will be going down the list he provided in the acknowledgements.

Was this review helpful?

Yet another fabulous book by Mark Edwards.
Mark writes about normal people who could be you or I where strange things happen to them.
Adam and Ruth are staying in New York where Ruth is rehearsing for a play she is in...then on a dark rainy night there’s a knock on the door and things will never be quite the same again.
The story is original and gripping the characters are well described and it’s easy to get into their heads and way of thinking.
The books twists and turns and keeps you turning the pages and wanting to know exactly how things will turn out.
Loved it
Fast paced and gripping
A must read

Was this review helpful?

Wow! Another mind blowing book by the brilliant Mark Edwards! I was drawn in right from the start and was glued to my seat throughout.

As always, I had my suspicions which turned out to be wrong. Mark is very good at surprising his readers and keeping us guessing. Just when you think you have it all figured out, he throws another spanner in the works!

The pace of the story is perfect. Easy to follow but there was always something going on to keep me interested. I did not expect the story to go in the direction that it did and was totally surprised by how it ends!

As expected, it was fantastic!

Was this review helpful?

I have to admit, I was not sure what to expect from The House Guest. I have not read anything from Mark Edwards before, and I have not seen much as far as reviews for this book. Nevertheless, I was intrigued by the plot and can safely say that this is one of my favorite books of 2020 so far!

We meet Ruth and Adam, British couple who are offered the chance of a lifetime to spend the summer house-sitting in New York City for a couple they met on a cruise. Ruth has landed the lead in a new play on Broadway, and Adam is a budding writer so the summer in New York City (rent-free) is a dream.

One night towards the end of their stay, a beautiful girl named Eden shows up on their doorstep, claiming to be friends with the homeowners, who said she could stay whenever she came to visit. Rather than send Eden back into the pouring rain, Ruth and Adam invite her to stay. But as the days go by, Adam wonders if he made a huge mistake by letting a stranger stay with them.

Mark Edwards hit this one out of the park. First off, his writing is exceptional -- I truly felt like I was sitting with Adam in Central Park during a specific passage. The plot was different than anything I've ever read before, and while a few plot points were a bit fantastical, they also had an air of practicality to them. As I read, I thought "this could actually happen." Overall, this was a fast-paced thriller that I could not wait to read!

Was this review helpful?

As always I can commend and admire anyone with the talent to write a novel and get it published. This book started out very well, and it was a slowly brewing page turner. Somewhere along the way, it became "skim the pages to get to the end" book. The story seemed like so many others in its premise. I don't want to give away the main plot, because others may enjoy reading it. My library will buy it, because it will appear to a particular kind of light reading patrons. I require a little less predictability to really enjoy and recommend a book. I did finish it, and usually I do not when I lose interest.

Was this review helpful?

Woah. Scarey, chilling, amazing, tense, thrilling. What more is there to say. Make this your next read

Was this review helpful?

Another fast paced thriller from Mark Edwards.

The main characters are built up well and ensures you are invested in them for the long haul.

When a new character is introduced it is done in a way that adds to the suspense and keeps you reading.

Read if you like a good crime thriller.

Was this review helpful?

Another great book from Mark and fortunately I was able to read this in advance of its official release date. I finished it within a day; it was so easy to read and drew me in so I couldn’t sleep without knowing the ending. I loved how all the characters were somehow connected and didn’t expect the story to go the way it did, but it was so addictive! I also liked the link between this book and another, but will let you figure out that one!

Was this review helpful?

Mark Edwards is on a roll currently with his writing! The House Guest has everything that a psychological thriller should have; lots of suspense and some truly shady characters! Believable ordinary characters put in extraordinary situations is Mark's forte and his latest book does not disappoint! It is fast paced story with some excellent twists and turns which keep you guessing right up until the end. I managed to read this book over a few days as I so wanted to find out what happened! Thank you NetGalley so much for allowing me the opportunity to read this book early. I'm just sad that I don't have a Mark Edwards' book to take away on holiday with me this year! I'm certainly looking forward to helping Mark celebrate it's release with one of his legendary Facebook parties though!! Pre order today is my advice.

Was this review helpful?

I do enjoy Mark Edwards' style of writing. The House Guest took me a wee while to get into though - who in their right mind lets someone stay who only says they know the owners of the house that you're looking after while they're away? However, that minor niggle aside, I was soon swept into the story. I'm not sure how Mark manages to write so many novels and yet still make them both feel different and so like him at the same time. If you like Mark Edwards' previous books you'll like this one. If you've never read one of his books, what are you waiting for?

Was this review helpful?

Mark is such a good writer and I have read quite a few of his books, none of his books are the same its amazing how he comes up with these ideas so I enjoyed every minute of this book, it was exciting all the way through and I found it difficult to put down, the storyline keeps you on your toes all the way through you will not be disappointed, when you read the first Chapter hopefully it will have you gripped as it did me.

Was this review helpful?

Adam and Ruth are house sitting for a couple they met on a cruise. Ruth is an actress and Adam is an aspiring writer.
The night is cold and rainy. A knock at the door reveals a young blonde woman. She says she's a friend of the owners and has come to visit. Her name is Eden. Unbeknownst to Adan and Ruth this is the night that what they know of their lives will forever be changed.
A remarkable read. Engrossing to the very end. And the ending is definitely a killer!
Great characters and a storyline to die for!
Excellent!

Was this review helpful?

I loved this book, it was so gripping from beginning to end.
To start with I did think that Adam needed to grow a backbone but continuing throughout the book he grew on me.
I did think that on a number of occasions that I had got the characters and situation sussed out in my head but then the who direction of the story changed, it got me thinking again to the change and had me questioning several different people and theories.
It was a great read and definitely one I would read again.

Was this review helpful?

Thank you to NetGalley, the publishing house, and the author for allowing me an electronic copy of this book in exchange for an honest review.

I liked this. Solid 4/5 stars.
So a couple comes from their home in England and stays at an acquaintances home in New York. A couple they met only once while on a cruise. The New Yorkers are on a new-age retreat in the SW US and is out of touch. Then a strange but very friendly girl shows up on the porch during a rain storm claiming to have known the New York couple and took a chance and just showed up to surprise them only to find the English couple there. The English woman is a beautiful up-and-coming actress. The actress disappears and her boyfriend is left to look for her. With the help of another stranger - a man who has been watching the house.
That's where my review ends because to tell anymore would be to give it away. And I want you to be as surprised as I was. So I thought initially, the wet strange woman was an old lover of either the English man or the New York man. I. Was. Wrong.
I will be looking to see if the author has written any other books that I might like.

Was this review helpful?

I've read a few of Mark Edwards's books before and they often have a common theme--the idea that you're not as safe at home as you might think. This book kind of has the same vibe, but writ large. Because not only is it not actually Ruth and Adam's home, but it's also not their city (or country). It gives the whole thing an uneasy energy, as the characters try to navigate something they don't understand in a foreign place. All in all, I don't think it was my favorite book by Edwards, but it was a fast, compelling read.

Was this review helpful?

A bit slow in the beginning and then more than a bit unbelievable as it went forward. However, I did read the entire book and I did want to know what happened. In the end the author ties up the book by bringing all the answers together in a dialogue between the main characters. The author also left it open to have a second book thereby making this a series. I like Mark Edwards writing and will read some of his other novels. I was give an copy of this book by Netgalley.

Was this review helpful?

I adore Mark Edwards writing! Every book I’ve read I’ve loved. There is always a slightly creepy edge to his books whether it’s a hint of paranormal or a dark thriller.

This one was no exception and as always I thoroughly enjoyed it. From the start with gripping chapters which continues throughout, there was hints of action too which was great and the dark theme throughout has an element of a blockbuster movie to it!

To see this on screen would be fantastic as it’s definitely worthy of it! I love the pace and the intrigued that’s instilled early on in the book. I was suspicious of one character but was way off! As always Mark Edwards slaps that suspicion away and your left with your jaw on the floor!

Absolutely fantastic one again!

Was this review helpful?

Once again another marvellous mark Edward's book. After being introduced to him through netgalley and reading 'Here To Stay' and being completely hooked from the beginning to the end I couldnt pass up the opportunity to read this one.

This book was just as compelling and thought provoking as the last one I read. The scary thing with Mark's books is that they are very real things that you can imagine happening. And things that probably do happen under the radar. They arent radical thoughts that you know would never happen. I think this is what makes his books even scarier but all the harder to put down.

I will look forward to my next installment from Mark in the very near future.

Was this review helpful?

⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️ 4 enjoyable stars

Like many other readers, I started reading this without knowing the blurb; when Mark Edwards brings out a new book, I have to read it!

Mark never disappoints - easy to read writing style, short snappy chapters, a few twists and turns.

The premise has been done before but in this book you never know who to trust or what will happen next.

Yes it gets a bit silly at the end, it felt a tad rushed in the finale however I recommend you read this book.

Was this review helpful?

I love The authors previous books so was excited to read this and was not disappointed. There are loads of twists and turns which keeps you guessing and makes the story really exciting and could not put it down. The characters are introduced really well and are likeable. Would highly recommend

Was this review helpful?

When two people from England open the door to see a young woman drenched with rain and invite her in, they have no idea that their lives are about to change. The young woman insists she's friends with the couple they are house sitting for, they have no reason to suspect that this isn't true. After only a week the lives of all three will forever change.

This started out good. I would say the first 30% of the book were the best. After that, the story took off in a direction that isn't my cup of tea, to say it nicely. Without giving anything away, it was just a subject that doesn't interest me. It went down hill from there and became too over the top for me.

*Thank you to the publisher and Netgalley for an ARC in exchange for an honest review.

Was this review helpful?

Adam and Ruth are homesitting for a wealthy couple that they met a few months ago on a cruise.
A week before the couple is about to return, a young woman knocks on the door, claiming she is the homeowners' friend. She is drenched with rain and seems harmless, so Adam and Ruth don't think twice about inviting her in.
Little do they know that this was a terrible mistake.

When I saw The House Guest was available to request on NetGalley, I jumped at the opportunity blindly, without even reading the blurb.
Mark Edwards is an author you simply can't go wrong with, and this book was no exception. He delivered another gripping, unputdownable page-turner.
The story, told from Adam's perspective, takes us on a suspenseful and thrilling ride.
Mark Edwards knows how to keep the tension, and his stories never fail to keep you hooked. I read this book in one sitting.
However, I was hesitating between 4 and 5 stars.
My only reservation is that, like his previous novels, this one didn't grab me by the throat from the very first page, and some aspects felt a little far-fetched. I also had a feeling that the story was lacking something, but I can't put my finger on what it was. Overall, it was a highly gripping and fast-paced book that is bound to keep you madly turning the pages.
I highly recommend it to anyone, and if you haven't read anything by Mark Edwards yet, I urge you to check him out, you won't be disappointed.

Was this review helpful?

The House Guest by Mark Edwards was a captivating and page turning story. Adam and Ruth are a British couple house sitting for friends they met on a cruise, Mona and Jack. Ruth is an up and coming actress, rehearsing for a Broadway gig and Adam is a unpublished writer. They are a few days into their stay when young Eden knocks on the door, claiming to be a friend of Mona and Jack's and hoping to surprise them. Ruth and Adam realize that when Eden learns her friends are not home, she has no where to stay. Mona and Jack are without phones on their retreat, but Eden seems to have knowledge about Jack and Mona, so she seems legitimate. Eden is a welcome addition to the house, and after a few nights, she treats Ruth and Adam to take out dinner and a tequila night. Adam wakes up the next day, sicker than he's ever been, and with no memory of the night. He assumes Ruth has gone to rehearsal and Eden is simply not home. After hours goes by and Ruth doesn't return, Adam begins to ask around. Soon, he realizes that Eden is not a friend, and had a reason to find and take Ruth. Adam, with the help of a man claiming to be the father of another girl taken by Eden, and Wanda, an expert on cults, the three have to figure out where these women keep disappearing to.

This book was amazing. The cult aspect was the cherry on top, as I was very interested in NXIVM. Edwards' writing is gripping, and easy to follow but does not lack detail. All my questions were answered by the end of the book, and the ending was great. Thanks to NetGalley for the chance to read and review.

Was this review helpful?

This book was a wild ride.
The premise is an English couple house-sitting in NYC for their American friends when a beautiful stranger appears on their doorstep in the middle of a deluge (made me think of the scene with Elish Cuthbert from The Girl Next Door, but at night).

What starts as as a really intriguing premise straight out of a lifetime movie takes a turn halfway through. The first 25% of the book I was invested. I thought there was going to be scandal and intrigue; I prepared myself for a femme fatale/ pyscho stalker Lifetime Movie book with some Gone Girl vibes. The book, split into three parts, just gets more convoluted and the plot more cartoonish with each new part. It tries to be too much all at once and it left me rolling my eyes and picturing an evil villain twirling his mustache and laughing Dr Evil style. At the 70% mark I was exasperated and not enjoying the ride. The reveal about Eden's motivations had be rolling my eyes. At 80% I wanted to DNF (but being my first ARC I wanted to see it through); it did not get better.

It's a very quick read and will appeal to people who like layered action like a fast-paced criminal drama tv show. For me, it lacked the nuance of a complicated antagonist nor was I a fan of the secret. And all of a sudden in chapter 15 a new POV is introduced. The book does include a few welcome plot twists. Ultimately, I didn't really care about any of the characters, but if I had to choose one, I thought Eden was interesting.

I received this book from NetGalley in exchange for an honest review.

Was this review helpful?

I really enjoyed this psychological thriller by Mark Edwards. I found it exciting and I was always looking forward to picking it up to read more of it. I enjoyed reading about the different characters and finding out who was behind the main plot of the story. I highly recommend this book and I gave it 4 stars. Thanks to Netgalley for a copy of this book in exchange for an honest review. This was my first book by Mark Edwards, but I will definitely be reading more of his work.

Was this review helpful?

OMG this is most definitely one of the best books I've read by one of my favorite authors. This book will keep you on the edge of your seat and totally wanting more after you have finished it! If I could give it more then 5 stars I totally would.

Was this review helpful?

Thanks Netgalley for the ARC.

This book is the culmination of the clichéd plot points often encountered in books regarding cults.

Psychological thrillers work well if the reader can connect himself with the narrator. But here the characters remain two dimensional. There are just cut out pieces of regular people.

You could just read the book. Nothing special!?!?

Was this review helpful?

Thank you NetGalley and Amazon publishing for the ARC version of this book.
This is my first book by Mark Edwards and I am certain I will read some of his other work for sure!

The greatest thing about this book was the brisk and rapid storytelling that doesn't leave you with even a one ounce of boring.
Every sentence is swift and re-telling form of art that holds you and even though you know that only awful things are to come you cannot stop reading and you cannot put the book down.

I was guessing almost until the end who the actual bad guys/girls are, if Adam - the main storyteller is going to wake up and find himself on an alien planet or something equally crazy! 😂

Mark's way of describing the events gets you thinking that you are certain you know what will happen or maybe just doubting your criminality mind a little bit. But then the twists come one after another and you are entirely stricken by the turn of the events because you realize that the finale should have happened just in a way that it did - but then again it would also be 'normal' if it have ended entirely different.

That's the strong point of the book - the author could have finished the book in various different ways that would made more sense maybe for a such book but I liked how well it have all played out and how the author played with all these ideas we read about every day in a very alluring manner - people and their good and bad sides are revealed, their true or false remorse, the idea that humans always try to be a part of something bigger, that childhood as always plays such a huge part in forming us and that goodness might be hidden always and everywhere are all the reasons you should put this book on your authors to automatically read.

Was this review helpful?

3.5 stars

SPOILERS SPOILERS


This was a fun read. Lots of twists and turns in the plot.
The good guy became the bad guy,and the bad guy came good sort of thing.
There was always another lie uncovered and you didn't know who to trust.
Follow that up with a cracking ending and it's all good.
Except... a few things bugged me.
Namely the speed in which they expected Ruth to be brainwashed and join the cult.
You'd think a bit longer than a few days.
Also,the head of cult lost it way too quick to be running anything along these lines.
Small niggles... but ones that kept with me all through the book

Was this review helpful?

Another great book from Mark Edwards. Its such an honor to be asked to read his work before its published. This book starts slow but quickly escalates into a thrill ride. The characters are relatable and interesting. The storyline has just enough ups and downs, twists and turns to keep you engaged. I haven't read a single book from Mark that I didn't like.

Was this review helpful?

This book was a slow burn for me. I didn’t love it, but it in the end, it was a decent thriller. I’m not sure if I found that characters too annoying to give the book a fair chance; I spent a lot of it shaking my head and criticizing their decisions. I’ve heard wonderful things about the author, so I am going to give his other books a try.


Adam and Ruth, a British couple, agree to housesit in New York for a couple they meet on a cruise. During their sitting, a stranger by the name of Eden shows up and says she is a friend of the homeowner. They told her she could stay at their place whenever she was in the area. Against what seems to be common sense, they invite Eden to stay with them. Cue creepy music…. This is when things go sideways.

Was this review helpful?

I really enjoyed this book. Not like anything I've read before in terms of the actual story which was refreshing. Keeps you guessing with who is linked to who and how. I also really liked how the book ended. Was it a cliff hanger, or wasnt it!? Who knows! I will be looking for more Mark Edwards books to read following on from this and would definitely recommend.

Was this review helpful?

Wow what a book, I have just read this as an ARC. It is the best I have read in this genre. The way it's written is so smooth and flowing. Some of the characters you like turn out to be awful people and the some of the characters you don't like turn out to be heroes. It's brilliant. There are twist and turns in every chapter. One minute I'm smiling the next I gasp with shock at the next twist that I in no way saw coming.
Fantastic book and I will definitely be reading another of Marks books.

Was this review helpful?

I absolutely LOVE Mark Edwards' books!!! He has such a knack for bringing characters to life and gaining a reader's attention immediately. I was constantly trying to guess what was going to happen next but was consistently wrong. Overall, a great read!!

Was this review helpful?

Fantastic! Absolutely loved this book and highly recommend it to anyone who enjoys a good psychological thriller.
This book is not what you think it’s going to be, you think you know.....then it blows you out of the water and sets you on a different path completely! Very fast paced, excellent array of characters and it keeps you questioning to the end. This was a fast read as I was gripped and struggled to put it down!
A 5⭐️ rating from me and please add it to your reading pile as you won’t regret it!!

Was this review helpful?

I loved this book, only the 2nd I have read from this Author and it won't be my last!

The two main characters Adam & Ruth house sit in New York for friends who they met on a cruise. A stranger appears at the door soaked and looking for the owners. Adam & Ruth invite her in. And that's where the drama starts!

The characters are written into the story in a well believed manner, you can sympathise with the individual situations they all having going on in their lives.

As you get deeper into the book there seems to be a twist every chapter that left me thinking surely not! No way! But in a good way! I would never have expected the book to turn out the way it did, it was fast paced and surprising, everything this genre should be.

Well done Mark! Looking forward to the next one!

Was this review helpful?

This was the first Mark Edwards book I have read, but it certainly won’t be the last. It was fast paced and intriguing throughout. A British couple meet an American couple on a cruise. The American couple will be going away to some sort of retreat and are looking for a couple to look after their home. In steps British couple Adam and Ruth who are delighted to look after a fabulous house in a trendy area while Ruth starts her acting stint on Broadway.

Adam is a writer and (as expected from a writer) he becomes the only infallible character in the book. One night a girl called Eve knocks at the door, hoping to be greeted by the owners who have invited her to stay there anytime at all (according to Eve). Finding out they are away, she starts to leave, only to be encouraged by Adam who invites her to stay.

One fateful evening when they are partying on Tequila, Ruth and Eve disappear, leaving Adam with the worst hangover of his life. So starts a journey into the unknown for Adam as he meets characters and situations far beyond his experiences to date.

The book is a fast read and difficult to put down once started. The end of the book is expected in one way as you hope for a positive ending, and surprising in others. It’s an excellent read, very satisfying.

Was this review helpful?

Adam and Ruth, a couple from England, have landed on their feet. After meeting a wealthy couple they’ve been invited to house sit for them whilst they need a place to stay in New York. During the last week of their stay a captivating stranger appears on their doorstep – a friend of the house owners, why wouldn’t they invite her in and let her stay, too?

However, all is not what it seems, and this story follows the young couple, who quickly learn you shouldn’t always trust strangers. But, in this day and age, who can you trust?

I’m glad I took a leap of faith with this book, as I enjoyed it more than The Magpies. Whilst that did have a fantastic story, and Edwards clearly has a way of creating a huge amount of tension (not to mention a lot of creepiness), this was infinitely better.

The characters were believable, and I admire the way the main character of Adam wasn’t some big, hulking alpha-male. In fact, he was quite pathetic and wimpy, and at times I wanted him to grow a backbone and stop being so sad, but it worked.

The story was well-written and pacey, with the right amount of twists and turns to have you second-guessing yourself throughout. However, I felt the end was just a little too rushed. I know it’s hard to come to a nice gradual stop, but it felt like there were only so many pages he could dedicate to the story, so, quick, here’s a resolution. It’s a shame, and the reason I can’t give it a five stars.

Was this review helpful?

The House Guest By Mark Edwards.

Wow, this book is a rollercoaster ride, and I was not expecting it at all! As a huge fan of Marks books I was delighted to get my hands on this book. I read it in two days, only putting it down when I had to do important life stuff!
I loved the New York setting for this book, it really added to this story.
I liked the characters, and I was second guessing them all for the whole story. I enjoyed the storyline, it was different to anything I've read previously, with a great thriller vibe.
A good solid 5 star read.

Was this review helpful?

I usually love Mark Edwards and I was really looking forward to reading this . It started off really well , fast paced and gripping as usual . Adam & Ruth are housesitting for a wealthy couple that they met on a cruise , one night during a rainstorm Eden knocks on the door , says she is a friend of the owners and had their permission to stay any time . All goes well until they all get drunk , Adam wakes up and both Ruth and Eden are missing . When Mona and Jack return they claim to not know Eden and the weird cranks up a notch . Who is the stranger watching Jack , do Mona and Jack really have no idea who Eden is ? The last third of the book was a bit of a let down for me , I found it all a bit over dramatic and predictable . Still an enjoyable read though !!

Was this review helpful?

Mark Edwards’ books are always very easy, escapist reads.

Ruth - an actress on the cusp of success - and Adam - an aspiring writer - are house sitting in New York for a couple they met on a cruise. When a young woman, Eden, turns up claiming to be a friend of the owners of the house and persuades them to let her stay, it’s not much of a spoiler to say that things quickly get a bit weird. Given the title and the setup, I don’t think any reader would be at all surprised to learn that Eden is not exactly who she claims to be. However, where it goes from there is a bit harder to predict, as both Ruth and Eden go missing...

Although the plot sounded promising - I love a mysterious cult - it didn’t totally grab me. I didn’t really engage with Adam or Ruth (the best character was Wanda, who was awesome - I’d have happily read a whole book about her). The story is mainly told from Adam’s viewpoint, as he tries to find out what’s happened to his girlfriend, and Adam just isn’t that interesting. The cult itself isn’t, either. Although a couple of characters from previous books did make brief appearances - Mark Edwards seems to like doing that, and it’s fun to spot.

It’s an enjoyable enough read, although the plot becomes increasingly preposterous. Mark Edwards does have a lot of devoted readers (in an endnote to the book, he suggests jokingly that they should form a cult, and honestly it doesn’t sound that far-fetched) and I’m sure this book will be enjoyed by many. I don’t think it’s his best, though.

Was this review helpful?

This review will go live on the link below on 20 May:

Hi and welcome to my review of The House Guest!

There I was, a Tuesday night after a horrid day at work, feeling drained, wanting to read to take my mind off things but the book I’d planned on reading suddenly didn’t interest me anymore, and the one I picked instead couldn’t hold my attention for longer than a page or two. Peering at my physical TBR shelf, scrolling through my e-reader, no title jumped out, and I felt more drained by the minute. And then I remembered: I had just been approved on NetGalley to read Mark Edward’s latest novel, and I thought: if Mark can’t snap me out of it, no one can!

So I started reading The House Guest and it did exactly what I’d hoped it would: it drew me in and made me forget about everything and everyone, until I looked up and noticed that I had devoured a third of the book in what felt like one single breath. And I was feeling a lot less drained and a lot less sad to boot. Such is the magic of books, especially those written by your favourite authors, your auto-buy authors, the ones whose minds might work in scary ways, but who know how to glue you to their pages regardless of your state of mind at the time, and Mark Edwards is definitely one of those authors for me.

The House Guest is set in New York City, one of my favourite cities in the world and one I have very fond memories of, and Mark’s vivid writing transported me right back there. I’m hesitant to tell you more about the story than what’s in the blurb, as I feel it’s been deliberately kept vague, and I loved the journey The House Guest took me on, finding out what was going on, which turned out to be a plot that I hadn’t expected at all and that I enjoyed tremendously, probably to a greater extent because it caught me by surprise as much as it did. So I won’t ruin that experience for you, I’m just going to tell you that if your interest is piqued, you should go ahead and pick up a copy of The House Guest!

The House Guest is a solid psychological thriller with a highly original and intriguing plot, thrilling action scenes and interesting and well-rounded characters (some likeable, some a lot less likeable). Highly recommended to all thriller fans!

Many thanks to the publisher and NetGalley for the eARC! All opinions are my own.

Was this review helpful?

The first half of The House Guests reminded me of how I felt when I read The Magpies, one of my favourite books. It drew me in from the first page and I couldn’t put it down. Then it changed direction and although I still devoured it as I wanted to know what happened, I didn’t feel the same excitement. Overall a very good story, I think maybe it was the subject matter of the second half that I didn’t enjoy..
Definitely worth a read. 5 stars for the first half and 3 for the second.
Thank you for the opportunity to read this book. I look forward to reading more from this author.

Was this review helpful?

My third Mark Edwards book and just as grippinh and unputdownable as the other two. Ruth and Adam are capulated into a suitation where it's impossible to know who to trust. I don't want to spoil the book for anyone who reads this review but I loved the ending as, it leaves you not knowing what could happen. I would like to thank the publishers and netgalley for letting me have the book to review and the opinions expressed are entirely my own views and are completely unbiased

Was this review helpful?

I appreciated getting an advanced copy as I’d never read a book by this author before. This was a mystery/thriller that kept my attention throughout and had a twist somewhere around the middle that I didn’t see coming!

Was this review helpful?

After having read and absolutely loved Here to Stay, I was immediately ready for this book. While I really enjoyed the beginning of this book, once the story showed it's true direction, it became a little too far fetched and the more disinterested I became. I did finish it but I really did not enjoy the story.

Was this review helpful?

Another great Mark Edwards creepy, but very satisfying thriller. Are we just too trusting of people when we are in our safe environment, when people tell us things we want to hear ? Can you always tell when people are lying to you? Adam and Ruth , boyfriend and girlfriend meet a lovely older couple , Jack and Mona ,on a cruise. They befriend them and share details of their lives. They become friends and later ask Adam and Ruth to housesit for them while they are on vacation. While housesitting a stranger rings the doorbell . It is raining and this sopping wet stranger asks where the owners are and says she’s a friend of theirs . She says they told her she could stay there if she was in the area. She said things about Jack and Mona that made Adam and Ruth think she really did know the house owners. They felt guilty because she was dripping wet and invited her in. Somehow she then became “the houseguest” and things slowly got strange and creepy and the twists and turns kept me guessing and wondering how this could unravel! I thoroughly enjoyed this book and would highly recommend it.

Was this review helpful?

Ruth and Adam, a British couple consisting of an upcoming actress and a writer, meet another couple on a cruise named Jack and Mona. They instantly click, and agree to house sit for their new friends in New York. Ruth is supposed to star in a big Broadway play, so the opportunity is perfect for the young couple.

A few days before the homeowners return, a woman named Eden shows up on the doorstep. She claims she is a friend of Jack and Mona's. Eden convinces them that Jack and Mona told her she could crash at their place whenever she came to New York. But soon, Jack realizes they made a grave mistake by inviting her in.

I've read several other books from Mark Edwards before and all truly enjoyed them. He knows how to set the stage for his characters, and makes them seem real. Sadly, this book just wasn't all that great. Let me say that the premise for this book was really good, and I was expecting a lot. Yet, a lot of it felt so unrealistic that it was almost ridiculous.

Let's be honest, would you really let a stranger stay in the house you're only house sitting? In our day and age of social media, you can pretty much find out everything about some people. So, it's not too far fetched, that a young woman like Eden can find that information, and then pretend to be someone else. Also, the way Ruth reacted to Eden and the things she said to Adam about her in the beginning are very unbelievable. I can't give too many examples, because I don't want to give the plot away.

I will give this book 2 out of 5 stars.

Thank you for the arc Netgalley and Amazon Publishing UK.

Was this review helpful?

The House Guest starts out pretty promising. Eden shows up to the house Adam and Ruth are house sitting and says she knows the owners. They invite her to stay and then things go sideways. The story in this book is “ripped from the headlines” and it’s news I had a lot of interest in when it came out. Unfortunately this book just didn’t do it for me. It was constantly trying to one up itself for the next action packed twist and ended up being kind of silly. Thanks to the publisher and NetGalley for a copy of the book.

Was this review helpful?

What I love about The House Guest is that from the first page, I was hooked. The plot is constantly moving and full of action making the book impossible to put down. The author skillfully wrote a lot of twists and turns without the book becoming confusing or unrealistic. I’ve always been a fan of reading thrillers involving cults, so I was excited as soon as the book brought up a mysterious group of people. I will be recommending this psychological thriller page-turner to everyone!!

Was this review helpful?

Mark Edwards has managed to do what so many haven’t; he has written a book that had me guessing right until the very end. A brilliant, original storyline that had me hooked. Definitely a book I will recommend to friends!!

Was this review helpful?

What would happen if your life suddenly changed as you know it?

This is the question I was thinking as I was reading this book - normal people whose life had suddenly spun off into a different trajectory!

The story starts off with two Brits who are temporarily living in NY, house sitting for an American couple they met on a cruise when lo-and-behold, a girl lands on their doorstep who will change their lives forever...

This was the first book I have read by Edwards and I'm not sure if it will be my last. I loved this book for three-quarters, it was gripping and the premise was great but I found the end lacking something... I'm not quite sure what it was though as it was a well paced book and the ending didn't seem rushed. I just can't put my finger on it!

I like the way Edwards can make you feel a certain way about a character and then completely turn it around on it's head, like Callum. I really liked him and then I hated him. The characters were very well written and I really liked the main character, Adam. I felt like if I was in his position I would have acted similarly - he didn't become the alpha male hero type all of a sudden, he acted like most people if they suddenly found themselves in that position!

I could take or leave Ruth, Adam's girlfriend, I understand she was pivotal to the plot but she was a bit lacklustre. Didn't bring much to the story, only acted as the catalyst for the plot.

The twists were good and I didn't really guess them, they came out of left field but kept me interested. I could definitely see this book being made in to a movie - it has all of the right elements. I liked the small facets of humour that were thrown in as well.

Again, I am just not sure about the ending... I think I often feel let down by endings though so maybe that's my own flaw!

This book is a solid 3.5 stars and I would highly recommend it if you're looking for a good action thriller of a book. Definitely surprised me as it wasn't your typical suspense thriller!

I recieved this ARC from NetGalley in exchange for an honest review.

Was this review helpful?

Always enjoy a good mark Edward's novel, and this one was no exception, full of all the suspense twists & turns that you would expect from this author with a very interesting subject matter, cults. Read this you will not be disappointed.

Was this review helpful?

I was expecting big things from this book and sadly it fell short and left me a little bored and it is not a book I’d recommend.
The story at first seemed a little slow and yet far fetched. You’re staying in someone’s house whilst they’re away and let a complete stranger stay too.
I found the beginning part of the book slow and struggled to keep going.
When Ruth went missing it picked up but then when it became clear what was actually happening for me it went back to being far fetched and slow.
This book just didn’t grab me and I struggled with the cult topic and the pace of the book didn’t keep
Me entertained sorry.
I am hugely grateful to net galley and the publisher for letting me read an advanced copy of this book and as promised I have provided an honest and unbiased review.

Was this review helpful?

I enjoyed reading this. I think that this author writes good psychological thrillers consistently and i always know i am going to get a good read.

Was this review helpful?

This book was a fast and easy read. The turns it took were exceptional and it really dived deep into the main theme of the book. The house guest is a page turner I finished in no time flat!

Was this review helpful?

Thank you NetGalley for an advanced copy of The House Guest!

Wow! What a great book this was! Mark Edwards is becoming one of my new favorite authors. I really enjoyed two of his other books. Adam and Ruth are a British couple who met Jack and Mona on a cruise and were asked to house-sit for them for a while. Close to Jack and Mona’s return, a girl, Eden, shows up claiming to be there friend and Adam and Ruth decide to give her the benefit of the doubt and let her stay. However once Jack and Mona return home they claim they don’t know anyone named Eden and Ruth and Eden have mysteriously both disappeared, leaving Adam dying for answers. What comes next is just so incredibly unreal! Where is Ruth and Eden? Are they safe? Why are people trying to kill Adam? The shocks just keep coming up until the very last page. Highly recommend!!

Was this review helpful?

Mark Edwards is one of my favourite authors so I knew I was going to enjoy this new book, and I was absolutely correct! This is a real page turner which I read in a couple of sittings. Mr Edward really knows how to spin a tale and this one is easy to read, fast paced with lots of twists and turns.

The setting of NYC is well researched and I felt like I knew the area of Williamsburg. The authors research, living in NY for a time, (it’s a hard life being a writer!) definitely paid off. The characters are interesting, though mostly unlikeable apart from Adam.

The House Guest isn’t my favourite book by this author (I think that will always be The Magpies) but it is a great read which I highly recommend.

Was this review helpful?

Wow! I could not put this book down. So intriguing and kept me guessing until the very end. I loved the writing style and such great character development. I easily related to so many people in the story. Some my heart broke for and some I just kind of needed to slap!
Lots of twists and turns. I read this one in one day. Look forward to reading more of Mark Edwards’ masterpieces.
Thank you NetGalley for the opportunity to read and review this book.
Definite 5 stars!

Was this review helpful?

Entertaining but silly. That’s the best sentence I can give to describe The House Guest.

This story gripped me, it’s interesting and full of excitement but it lacks the danger of other books with cults as part of the central plot. I found the start of the story and plot much scarier. A stranger you invit3 in. I’d like to read more of that please!

Was I worried about any of the characters at any point? No. Would I recommend this book? Yes. If you’re looking for a story that thrills without chills then pick up The House Guest!

Was this review helpful?

This is a bit of a departure from Mark Edwards ' usual psychological thriller genre of book but once again he has nailed it with The House Guest.Set in New York it centres around the world of cults and the damage they can do to ordinary people,I have read everyone of Mark's books and with the exception of The Retreat which I found hard going they are with out a doubt the best psychological thrillers I have read,and this book is up there with the rest of his books, it is filled with twists and turns and he has excelled himself once again,in my opinion Mark Edwards Is at the top of his game and The House Guest just confirms it for me,a superb 5 star read yet again from Mark Edwards.Carry on the good work !!

Was this review helpful?

Ruth and Adam are house sitting when Eden shows up saying she knows the couple that owns the house. They invite her in and the story goes from there. Always with a twisty mystery/thriller, the less you know before reading the better. I thought the ending was too much over-telling. I didn't need to have everything explained. I enjoyed the pacing. The story kept me engaged which is tough these days. This is just the book I needed to take my mind off the news.

Was this review helpful?

4 stars

This is my first Mark Edwards read, and I will absolutely be going back for more.

For me, Part One of the book was a riveting read; I tore through that section voraciously. This is where the titular house guest, Eden, appears on the doorstep of her friends' home to find a couple - Ruth and Adam - housesitting. Not wanting to leave her in the rain, the housesitters admit Eden. Things get...REALLY weird from there.

Though I found the first part of the book quick and intriguing, I found the later two parts a bit longer than necessary. That noted, I still enjoyed the book, the direction, and the concept quite a bit, especially since it was all accomplished in a fairly economical manner.

If you're looking for a pretty realistic, shorter thriller that'll keep you guessing, this is your book. I am excited to read more from Edwards.

Was this review helpful?

When on a cruise, British couple, Adam and Ruth are given the opportunity to spend the summer house sitting in New York. One evening, during a summer storm, there is a knock on the door and they find a drenched young lady who claims to be friends with the home owners. When things start to happen, will they regret their decision to let Eden stay?

An enjoyable and easy read with plenty of twists to keep you interested. The characters were written well, there were some you loved and some you loathed, there was no in between. I was certainly entertained with all the craziness of the story.

Was this review helpful?

This was a roller coaster ride from beginning to end. I just love Mark's books, as just as the reader starts getting comfortable with the direction a book is taking, he pulls the rug from under you and leave you gasping for air. This was one of those books, and I can highly recommend it.

Was this review helpful?

As usual Mark Edwards does a great job of writing a gripping and all-too-plausible story. I won't re-cap the blurb other than to say when Ruth and Adam house-sit a home in New York it all goes to pot when a friend of the absent owners turns up unannounced on the doorstep. I really enjoy Edwards style of writing and he always manages to engage the reader in the plot, whilst simultaneously making the reader sympathetic to the main characters, even though we know they are flawed. Well done Mr Edwards - another good book. I can't wait for the next one! My thanks go to NetGalley and the publisher for this ARC.

Was this review helpful?

An action packed, edgy and creepy read. I was expecting so much from this book and although I enjoyed it, I am so sorry but I found it to be nothing out of the ordinary and not as good as the authors previous books. My thanks go to Amazon Publishing UK and Netgalley for giving me the opportunity to read this book.

Was this review helpful?

Ruth and Adam are housesitting when Eden turns up drenched from a storm claiming to be friends with the house owners, Mona and Jack. She told Ruth and Adam that the owners said she could stay whenever she was in New York.
They know that they shouldn’t talk to strangers, let alone invite them into your home - but Eden’s only a stranger until they get to know her. Soon they start to realise that Eden may not be who she claims to be, and then they realise they have made a terrible mistake...

This was a fast paced read and full of action. The story started off well, but soon became rather too far fetched for me.

Thanks to Netgalley and Amazon Publishing UK for an ARC in exchange for my honest review.

Was this review helpful?

*spoilers*

Ahhh I’m frustrated by this book. Because I normally LOVE everything that Mark does. I mean, it wasn’t bad. I’m just not totally into books including ‘cults’ - I don’t know, I guess I felt a bit disappointed with the ‘who’s behind it all’ it didn’t satisfy me :(

Was this review helpful?

The ever reliable Mark Edwards has come up with another story of extraordinary things happening to ordinary people. This time however the plot is SO extraordinary as to make it totally unbelievable.

It started well but sadly deteriorated into a cliche ridden series of events culminating with a laughable final scene where the pantomime 'villain' of the piece justifies his actions to his supporters.

It's a very easy read and full marks to Mr Edwards for being so creative and prolific. However I think that he needs to stay in the UK and stick to the trusted formula of earlier stories.

Thank you to NetGalley and Amazon Publishing UK. for the ARC.

Was this review helpful?

Looking back through the many Mark Edwards books I've read over the years, most of which I've rated 4 stars (with the occasional 3 sprinkled in), I'd definitely say The House Guest falls near the bottom of the group.

Although this story is written in Edwards' speedy, fun, action-packed style...which I love...the plot simply didn't hold my interest. At the beginning, I was ALL in. I mean, how creepy to invite a stranger into your home, thinking she's a friend of a friend...only to find out that isn't the case at all?

I actually can't say much more than that, for fear of giving away spoilers, but the direction the story took was very meh for me. So many times, while reading, I found myself whispering, "Why would he DO that?" or "What was she thinking?" The actions of the characters seemed forced, which is something I'm so unfamiliar with in Edwards' book, it was discombobulating.

I did, however, appreciate all the research he did about NYC, and living in the United States. His hard work definitely paid off, as the setting certainly seemed legit to me.

While this wasn't my favorite of his novels, it's still a mostly fun read, and one I'd recommend, especially if you've never read Mark Edwards novels before. You can purchase your very own copy on June 3, 2020.

Was this review helpful?

Sometimes when destiny comes knocking, it's best to slam the door and run!
Fame, fortune, wealth, just how far are you willing to go to have it all? What would you be prepared to turn a blind eye to?
Reading the title of this book I did not expect it to turn out how it did. Never saw it coming and was drawn in to keep reading in one sitting just to see how it would all turn out.
Isn't that what everyone wants when they pick up a book? Look no further, get comfy and enjoy.

Was this review helpful?

3.5 stars*

This was another good one by Mark Edwards. It was hard to put down. I feel like the plot wasn’t super original since there’s a lot of thrillers out there with a similar premise but it was well written. It reminded me of Lisa Jewell’s book The Family Upstairs, but so much better. I also wasn’t expecting the ending and I like how he left it to be interpreted by the reader.

Was this review helpful?

I love Mark Edwards - he's one of my favourite authors, and perhaps I put him on too high a pedestal, but I was a little disappointed in this story. There were not as many breathtaking twists as I have come to expect from one of Edwards' books at this stage, and I felt like it was a little more unbelievable than some of his other books. I definitely wouldn't say I didn't enjoy it, I always do, but it just didn't feel on par with the rest of his amazing stories.

Was this review helpful?

This is another fantastic read by Mark Edwards. He can really do no wrong when it comes to writing fabulous psychological thrillers.
The style is a little different from his previous books, yet it is still a great page turner. It’s dark, original and unique and I hugely enjoyed it.

Was this review helpful?

This was a pretty good read. Interesting subject. I would read other books by this author. I recommend it.

Was this review helpful?

I have previously read and enjoyed other books by Mark Edwards, this one didn't let me down. I read this one very fast and found it hard to put down as it was fast paced and action pact. I will be going for more Mark Edwards books in the future

Was this review helpful?

Very readable though probably a little unbelievable. Worth a read as it was a page turner.. Mark Edwards never disappoints.

Was this review helpful?

The House Guest by author Mark Edward is a fast, quick read! I very much enjoyed it. It wasn't my favourite Mark Edwards but it was definitely enjoyed.

Was this review helpful?

I really enjoyed this book! A great story line that kept me hooked and excellent main characters. I would highly recommend this book.

Was this review helpful?

This book stands out from many books I’ve read, there is so much going on from start to finish, absolutely jam packed with twists and turns to keep you in suspense through the entire book, fantastically written. Starting with Ruth (an almost famous actress) and Adam (an up and coming writer) house sitting for friends soon becomes an intense thriller when a stranger turns up at the door! Highly recommended if like me,you love a heart racing, thrilling read to keep you in suspense

Was this review helpful?

I am glad that Mark Edwards is a speedy writer as I always enjoy his books so get excited when I see another is due to be released. They are easy reading, with good storylines that get you 'hooked'. this one was no different, who can you trust, what has happened, what is going on now, are all the questions you ask yourself as you are reading. This book had an interesting theme, which I won't name for the sake of spoilers. Keep writing Mr Edwards.

Was this review helpful?

Oh how this author can weave a tale! I always think I know what is going to happen in the end and I am always wrong!
If a stranger turned up at the house you were staying at saying they knew the owners, would you let them in? Would you let them stay? Mark Edwards always puts, what I feel, a perfectly real situation, and turns it into such a chilling read that you just can not put it down. Massively recommend this! Read it! READ IT NOW!

Was this review helpful?

I recently started reading Mark Edwards when I was introduced to him via one of my book clubs and I've been hooked ever since. While this was a really good book, it wasn't my favorite of his. That honor goes to The Retreat. Still, it's a good book and a nail-biter. Adam and Ruth are house-sitting for some wealthy friends when a woman shows up out of the blue and says she needs a place to crash. She claims to be friends with the owners and says that they have extended an invitation for her to come and stay any time she'd like. Unable to get in touch with the owners, they agree to let her stay. After all, she can't be harmful, right? Things get pretty weird after that. I enjoyed it, even if it was a little unusual.

Was this review helpful?

I really enjoyed this book by Mark Edwards! Lately I've been finding with this genre you are waiting the whole book for one page turning twist near the end and then its over. This went in every direction possible, I never knew what was going to happen next. I couldn't put it down! What an imagination this author has.

Was this review helpful?

Adam and Ruth are housesitting for a couple they met on a cruise. Ruth is an up and coming actress and Adam a playwright so the arrangement is ideal since the house is in New York where Ruth has her next job. Just before the owners turn up, an unexpected visitor turns up. Her name is Eden and she claims to know the house owners. Adam and Ruth allow her to move in and Eden soon becomes firm friends with them. The night before the house owners (Jack and Mona) return, the three of them get very drunk. When Adam awakes, there is no sign of Eden or his girlfriend Ruth. Worse still, when Jack and Mona return, they say that they have never known someone called Eden...

I loved the setting of this book and found it fast paced, finishing it quickly. I did not foresee the unusual turn of events and reason for Ruth's disappearance and found the protagonist Adam likeable though sometimes a bit naïve. A good gripping read which on reflection had some sinister, unsettling undertones.

Was this review helpful?

Special thanks to NetGalley and Amazon Publishing UK for providing me with this ARC in exchange for an honest review.

The House Guest definitely captured my attention from the beginning! A British couple, Adam and Ruth meet Jack and Mona on a cruise and are invited to house sit at their house in New York over the summer. Adam and Ruth really hit it off with Jack and Mona so they do not hesitate in saying yes. Ruth, an aspiring actress is thrilled at the thought of furthering her broadway career in NYC. They have a great first couple weeks house sitting until a mysterious woman shows up at their door claiming to be a friend of Jack and Mona's. Adam and Ruth, incredibly trusting, invite this Eden in to stay - because if she knows intimate stories about Jack and Mona's lives then she can't be a threat, right? RIGHT? Anyway, they become instant "friends" until one night when they all get very wasted and when Jack wakes up in the morning, he finds both Eden and Ruth no where to be found. The rest of the book is filled with twists and turns - some weird, making me think "huh, that was interesting" and some definitely caught me off guard.

Like I said before, this book really draws you in from the beginning. Like, who lets a complete stranger stay in the house you're watching just because they say they know your hosts? Who is that trusting? But with that kind of a plot, I knew it was going to be a great psychological thriller. Overall, I really did enjoy this book. I wasn't a fan of the way everything turned out (leaving details out of this review as to not spoil the book) but I did really like the way Adam, Ruth, and Eden developed as characters. And while I was not a huge fan of everything that happened in the book, it was a great read overall.

Thanks again to NetGalley and Amazon Publishing UK for providing me with this ARC in exchange for an honest review!

Was this review helpful?

Sensational, thrilling and captivating with lots of twists. Mark Edwards has done it again with his new chilling book The House Guest. Most definitely a five star read. Highly recommend

Was this review helpful?

Amazing and captivating story. The House Guest kept the suspense till the last. The author has penned down thrilling moments and the language is easy to understand. The story flow and the character development is brilliant. Completely worth the time!
Thank you NetGalley, Mark Edwards and Amazon publishing for reader’s copy of this book. This review is not influenced and is purely my own opinion.

Was this review helpful?

I received an advanced reader copy of this book to read in exchange for an honest review via netgalley and the publishers.

This book was a psychological thriller that twisted and turned right until the very last page. Many of the twists I didn't see coming ( which I always enjoy). I wasn't keen on the very beginning as I couldn't believe how trusting Ruth and Adam were and how they didn't even try to contact Mona and Jack about an unexpected guest.
But, after that the story got good and I really enjoyed every second of reading it. This is the first Mark Edwards book I have read, but have a feeling it won't be the last!

Was this review helpful?

Just fantastic. Had me guessing all the way through, holding my breath in places and wanting to always read just one more chapter... what more could you want from a book!

Was this review helpful?

Thank you for the advanced copy of this book in exchange for an honest review.

I enjoyed this book, it’s one of those stories that once you start you have to keep reading to find out what’s going on! I don’t expect the story to take the turn it did either.

Adam and Ruth are house sitting a fancy house in New York, Ruth is an up and coming actress and Adam a screenwriter. Both are excited for the future, but when they let Eden into the house that all changes.

Very well written, I’d highly recommended this book.

Was this review helpful?

Always look forward to books by Mark Edwards. His books are a always solid stories that get you at the first pages. This book is no exception. In this case kindness to strangers and opening your home to her may not be a good idea.

Was this review helpful?

I have a really mixed review about this one. I really enjoyed the story, the build up was great, but sadly, the ending just fell a bit flat for my liking. I do think this is purely down to my personal preference as to how I like thrillers to end, and I think because I read so many thrillers, I know exactly what I want from a thriller now. The pace of the build up in this book is great, as is the mysteriousness of the events that unfold. I did expect there to be a big twist due to reviews I’d seen, but only really had one unexpected surprise. Like I say, I read a lot of thrillers so again, it’s hard for me to read a thriller and not expect it to surprise me several times along the way. I would still recommend this book as Mark is a great writer, and it is still a good book, it is just down to my personal preference that I have rated it slightly lower.

Was this review helpful?

I did not jI what to expect when I first started reading this novel.
I was dean in from the very beginning and excitedly devoured wa h chapter enjoying the plot twists .
I do t want to give any spoilers but I’m sure this book will soon have a far reaching following .

Was this review helpful?

A perfect summer. A perfect stranger. A perfect nightmare.

Here to stay was my read of 2019 so I was looking fwd. to getting My hands on a copy of The House Guest by Mark Edwards so when it popped up on Netgalley I was all over this, unfortunately The house Guest fails to reach those highs don't get me wrong this is still a good summer read I just found it a little unbelievable in places.
Ruth and Adam are offered the chance to spend the summer house sitting in New York but when Eden turns up on the doorstep one wet night claiming to be friends with the owners that summer takes a turn for the worst.
The book is fast paced with quick punchy chapters and it's an easy read I turned this round in under a day I just didn't find the characters believable I kept thinking to Myself "who would do that" the decision-making was just a little unbelievable.
Adam is the narrator of the story with a few chapters giving over to Ruth midway I enjoyed spending time with them especially Adam as he tries to make sense of what is unfolding around him the supporting cast are very serviceable and the book wraps everything up nicely.
This will still be a huge book in 2020 and no doubt a summer read as I've said its good just that Mr Edwards has written so much better.
Worth your time and Hard-Earned cash a solid summer read.

I would like to thank Netgalley the publisher and Author for the ARC.

Was this review helpful?

Spoilers!!! Cults, pretty blondes, torture scene that made me cringe, stalkers, angst when one partner more successful than the other -- it's all here. My favorite thing about this book is that I never knew where it was going - constantly wondering who can you trust?! What I didn't like is that Adam was entirely too whiny, he was near death SO many times but instead of fighting back, he just thought- oh well, I'll do what this person says because he has a gun.. It also felt like there is a scene missing --there is never a resolution to his relationship--- both have some serious doubts and then boom, they're together again with reader cheated of that discussion.. I did like the final twist but even that showed that they still can't trust each other..


Thank you NetGalley and Mark Edwards. I received this ARC in exchange for my honest review.

Was this review helpful?

Ruth and Adam are given the opportunity to house sit in New York, Ruth was an actress and was given the opportunity to star in a local theatre. Everything is going well for both of them, Adam was a writer hoping to get a big break. During a thunder storm Eden knocks on the front door claiming she knows the owners and had been invited to stay whenever she was in town. This psychological thriller will have you gripped at the first chapter. You think you can guess what happens and who the characters really are but do you? There are many twists and turns in this novel that will have you desperately reading on to find out more.

Was this review helpful?

I have read all of Mark's book's and have thoroughly enjoyed them all including his calibration with other authors.
With The House Guest I did struggle with the start and characters I really didn't gel with them at all.
As I continued to read the book I did get immersed into their lives and what Mark wanted to achieve.
Never let a Stranger into your home or house let.
Beware if you do,
No spoilers as you really need to read this book.

Was this review helpful?

Really enjoyed this book. This was gripping from the start and had a good plot throughout.
It was written well with engaging dialogue and fleshed out character!

Would definitely recommend.

Was this review helpful?

Ruth and Adam are spending a summer away from Britain to house sit in NY for a couple they met while on a cruise. It’s perfect for Ruth, a rising actress, to grow her career even further.
One rainy night, a young woman named Eden shows up on their doorstep claiming to know the couple who owns the house. The unsuspecting duo mindlessly let the stranger in, and they quickly become fond of her. But after an evening of heavy drinking, Adam wakes up with no recollection of the previous night and can’t find Ruth or Eden.

Okay let’s pause here. I enjoyed the book up to this point, but then there was a major shift in the direction of the plot and I began to lose interest.
Basically, Eden had brought Ruth into a cult that promised protection and guidance to its members. Edens father had been keeping tabs on her, and a reporter had been keeping tabs on the cult. So Adam teams up with them both to find Ruth and get her back.

I was caught off guard by the drastic plot shift and found myself just wanting to get through the last 60%.
Overall, would not recommend.
Thank you Netgally and Amazon publishing for the advanced copy in return for an honest review!

Was this review helpful?

KNOCKED IT OUT OF THE PARK! Again! Another amazing book from Mark. I feel privileged to have had an advanced copy to read and I am not disappointed. I absolutely love the characters and cliff hangers. Amazing!

Was this review helpful?

I love Mark Edwards. And this latest read did not disappoint. Thoroughly enjoyed the fast paced plot, with unexpected twists and turns. I also love the suspicious ending! Will recommend.

Was this review helpful?

This is the story of Ruth and Adam who are from England house sitting in NY for friends. One evening, Eden, a friend of the owners, shows up hoping to surprise them. Ruth, Adam and Eden become fast friends and then things turn an unexpected corner.

This was a fast past book which I devoured quickly, full of short chapters which I prefer. It is written in first person, from Adam's POV. I am so used to female first person, that the perspective through me off for a while.

There is nothing else I can say without revealing the central theme of the story.
Books with this type of storyline usually don't appeal to me, but I enjoyed this one so much that I will be reading others if I come across them.

I personally thought the ending was brilliant but could have been strung out a bit longer.

This was my first ARC and I felt like I won the lottery as this book was talked about every where I turned. This is also my first book by Mark Edwards. I should say the first of many.

Thank you Amazon Publishing UK, NetgGalley and Mark Edwards for the ARC!

Was this review helpful?

Suspenseful.. Lots of twists and turns throughout the book. Got a little confused during the ending though. But for the most part a great book.

Was this review helpful?

The House Guest was somewhat of a departure from Mark Edwards' past writings, but still had that delicious wtf-ery I've come to expect from all his stories. It's gripping with a rip roaring fast plot, atmospheric - the dread just permeates the pages from nearly the first chapter, and the bad guys are truly, frighteningly atrocious. Another winner of a novel to add to his collection!

Was this review helpful?

Adam and Ruth luck out house sitting in New York for a wealthy couple. Eden arrives on their doorstep claiming to be friends with the owners and stays a few days. After a night drinking, Eden vanishes taking Ruth with her. Adam realises she's been kidnapped and desperately tries to get people to believe that Eden does exist and Ruth is in terrible danger😯
.
4⭐- I'm a big fan of this author as his reads are always really engaging, with exciting storylines that keep you stuck to every page until it's finished and you look forward to his next book😁
.
Thanks Netgalley!!

Was this review helpful?

Ruth is a newly rising actress and Adam a writeŕ who are house sitting for a couple, Mona and Jack, they recently met on a cruise.
Eden, a supposed friend of Mona and Jack's arrives in announced one evening with no place to stay. She appears the ideal house guest until ,following a very drunken dinner, she and Ruth disappear. To complicate matters, she is not known to Jack or Mona at all.
What unfolds is a story where Adam, who is trying desperately to find Ruth, becomes involved with a couple of murders, attempts made on his life, alongside the inability to trust anybody.
I would recommend this book, half way through I nearly gave up as the unfolding of cults made the story a little far fetched. However glad I continued as there were many twists along the way and a good ending.

Was this review helpful?

I thought that this book was really well thought out and planned. I did not see the ending coming that is for sure. Great job done by Mark Edwards on this book!

Ruth and Adam (a young British couple in love and inspiring writers and actors) have been invited to house-sit for a couple in New York that they meet while on a cruise together. When Ruth and Adam are at the house in New York, a girl shows up at the door one night saying that she was friends with Mona and Jack Cunningham, the homeowners. With a summer storm drenching Eden, the visitor, Ruth and Adam decide to invite her in out of the rain. One thing leads to another and Eden ends up staying at the house for a few nights.

Several odd things end up happening while Eden is staying with Ruth and Adam, but they don't think anything much about it. Ruth is an inspiring actor that has landed a lead role in a play in New York that she has practices for everyday. While Ruth is at her play practice, Adam is in charge of keeping Eden company. Ruth doesn't think anything about Adam and Eden being together because she had worried about Adam being bored during the day anyway.

Ruth, Adam and Eden decide to have a dinner together on the Friday before Mona and Jack are to be home on Sunday to celebrate their time together. Eden ends up going to a local restaurant and gets dinner and picks up some vodka on the way home as well. They all drink their fair share and when Adam wakes up on Saturday night, he can't find Eden and Ruth. He thinks maybe he said something while he was drunk to make Ruth made and she has gone to cool off but will be back. When Sunday rolls around and Jack and Mona come home and inform Adam that they don't have a friend named Eden, Adam knows that something is wrong.

The adventure that Mark Edwards takes you on with this one will keep you wondering what is next. The surprises and twists and turns that happen will leave you on the edge of your seat. I know several times I thought to myself, "I didn't see that one coming". A really great read that you will not want to put down.

I voluntarily read and reviewed this book and all opinions are my own. Thanks to Netgalley, the author and the publisher for an advanced copy of this book!

Was this review helpful?

Twists and turns galore in this book, which is just what I've come to expect from Mark Edwards. Hooked from the first chapter, and I couldn't put this book down .
Would recommend to everyone

Was this review helpful?

When I finish a book I have to sit and mull over my thoughts for awhile. This one was no different - just letting my thoughts calm and settle! This story has been one hell of a ride!

The characters and settings were described brilliantly making the story come to life vividly (sometimes too vividly!) The blurb warns you that you are in for a twister but wow - what a fast-paced and edge of your seat thriller! It is certainly a ‘no holds barred’ plot, both shocking and yet sadly believable! A story of how normality can be quickly whipped away and relaxed with despair and frustration.

I particularly enjoyed the alternating narrators to keep the plot moving forward clearly from both sides of the action, and meeting new characters who all have their parts to play. As the story developed the parts of the jigsaw start to fit surprisingly together. The story is both pacy and intense and full of twists and surprises and always, leaves a little question just hanging!

Was this review helpful?

So... for obvious reasons I am struggling to concentrate on reading at the moment. But, who better to rely on in times like this, but one of my all time favourite authors who has never written a book that has failed to hold me captive throughout my time reading it. Although, that said, I was a tad wary going in...
So, Brits Ruth and Adam are house sitting in New York. The house belongs to a couple they met on a cruise who are away for the summer. Ruth is working in a play and they were needing somewhere to stay there during that time so this coincidence is very fortuitous.
One night, just a few days before the owners are due to return, there's a knock on the door. They open it to find Eden who claims to be a friend of the owners. It's raining and she's soaked through so they invite her in to dry off whilst deciding what to do with her. She's very convincing and knows a lot about the owners so Ruth and Adam bite the bullet and invite her to stay. It's not long until the owners return so surely they are safe to do so... what could happen in only a few days...? Famous last words...
I said I was wary of starting this book at this troubled time. Well... I started it and, before I knew it, I had finished part one already. Yay go me! Yay go the author actually too! Anyway, I paused there, mostly to go for my one allowed walk of the day and to forage for food. I also wanted to think about what I had just read, I had a few things I wanted to hold on to. I spotted a few, what I thought could be, clues along the way and I wanted to mull them over a tad.
On my return from the big bad outside world. after making a coffee, I settled back to continue and... wowsers... I really didn't think we would end up there... Oh my days, Mr Edwards take a bow...
I then proceeded to whizz through the rest of the book in only one sitting, pretty much inhaling the words off each page as I furiously turned them to get to the end. And what an ending! Phew... that left me completely knackered. But also a tad excited as, although the story ended, I was left with the underlying feeling that maybe, just maybe, hopefully even, we might see more to come...
All the rest of what I usually mention in a review was high quality. The plotting was extremely well done with all the interconnected threads coming together perfectly. Characterisation was top quality - main and bit part alike were so well crafted and came across as completely real within their places in the story. Pacing was perfect and followed what was going on in the narrative very well. And the story itself - well that just blew me away...
All in all a cracking book that only goes to reinforce this author's position on my watch list. Until next time, I'll be waiting... My thanks go to the Publisher and Netgalley for the chance to read this book.

Was this review helpful?

This story started out great. I was very intrigued and thought it would develop into something more than it did. Not a bad read, and if you like thrillers this will keep you going. Just seemed a bit far fetched and hard to believe.

Thanks to NetGalley and the publisher for the opportunity to read and review.

Was this review helpful?

When actress Ruth and her partner Adam are house sitting for friends in New York, a young, beautiful woman, Eden shows up hoping to surprise the homeowners.

Ruth and Adam find themselves inviting her to stay, and within a week, both Eden and Ruth have disappeared, and the homeowners have returned home with a lot of suspicion. Giving away more of the plot would offer spoilers, so just know there are some twist coming.

Mark Edwards is a good writer and keeps the plot moving for an entertaining, suspenseful, surprising read.

Was this review helpful?

3.5 stars for me but will round up to 4.

The House Guest will make you want not to answer the door and if you do for heaven's sake don't invite them in and don't let them stay.. what's wrong with you if you do?

Adam and Ruth let Eden in who says she is friends or the owners, Eden is not who she says she it.

Ruth disappears and the twists and turns begin.

I don't want to give too much away except to say its quirky read with unlikeable characters (I love that) and I wanted to see how it would all end .

This ( I am ashamed to say) is my first Mark Edwards book but it wont be my last.

Thanks to Net Galley and Amazon Publishing UK for an intriguing read.

Was this review helpful?

An incredibly disturbing premise- house sitting for acquaintances only to be befriended by their "friend" who moves in and takes over your lives.
Eden is easy to like and equally easy to mistrust from the moment she rocks up on the doorstep and the twists and turns as she infiltrates the very existence of Ruth and Adam's lives are shocking and terrifying in equal measure.
The pace gallops and it is hard to imagine a satisfactory resolution even as the truth unfolds and things seem to be straightening out in both your and the characters minds.

Was this review helpful?

I have to begin this review by acknowledging that I am a Mark Edwards fan. That being said, this is one of my favorites in his library of twisted and surprising stories. This is a must read for anyone that loves mysterious characters and plot twists. I was on the edge of my seat for the entire book. I actually delayed moving post-divorce because I could not put this story down. If you are looking to disappear into a world of deceptive yet charming strangers with dark backgrounds, this is the story for you.

When Eden shows up on a stormy night, wet and cold, Ruth and Adam can't say no to inviting her in. It may not be their home, but who are they to turn her away? She has come seeking the home's owners who Ruth and Adam barely know. Eden brings fun, charm and excitement which Adam can certainly use. As Ruth's star is beginning to shine brightly as a beautiful and talented actress, Adam feel ordinary with his writing career not where he was hoping it would be. As the threesome bond, there seems to be more questions about Eden than answers but who can be cruel to this one broken lovely women? She's been through so much.

Everything is exciting until after a night of fun and drinking, Ruth doesn't come home. Now everything is exciting for Adam as a foreigner in the Big Apple, he has nobody to help him, or even believe him. Not only is Ruth missing, but it seems like Eden was never there to begin with...

When you read this story of mystery, suspense and doubt, your will enter Adam's world. Your frustration will grow. Your fears will mount. And as Adam refuses to give up on finding Ruth, you will refuse to put this book down.

Was this review helpful?

Another good read by Mark Edwards. Unfortunately I didn't think it was as gripping as his earlier books.

Was this review helpful?

Not my favorite mark Edward- in fact it was disappointing compared to his other work that I’ve read and enjoyed. It just wasn’t very interesting to me. I did really like the last page! Thanks to NetGalley and the publisher for a free copy in exchange for review.

3.5/5

Was this review helpful?

The House Guest, another great book from Mark Edwards. I was hooked after the first few pages. As the book continues, you really get to know the characters Ruth, Adam and Eden.
Ruth and Adam house sitting for friends, so far so good, then Eden arrives claiming to know the owners of the house. Is she a friend or foe?
This book is full of suspense, twists and turns, it keeps you gripped right to the very end.
I would highly recommend any books by Mark Edwards

Was this review helpful?

Mark Edwards is on top form!
This book will have you engaged from the beginning and of course not wanting to put it down!
With twists and turns along the way, you think you know what is going to happen, and then no! Something unexpected happens!
You feel like you get to know the characters, but how well do you really know them?!
Another great read from a great author!

Was this review helpful?

“There is usually a simple explanation for everything.” (except in Mark Edwards’ books there isn’t ;)

I have long since come to appreciate Mark Edwards’ books as good entertainment – he comes up with the best premises where (in his own words) “scary things happen to ordinary people”. Last time, the houseguests refused to leave. This time, the houseguest poses a different threat altogether!

THE HOUSE GUEST delivered on its promise of being a fast, entertaining read that had me frantically turn the pages wanting to find out how this latest disaster would end. It is fortuitous that we are in quarantine at the moment, because after reading Edwards’ last two books, I would be too scared to have any houseguests anyway!

Here, our two hapless main protagonists are Brits Ruth and Adam, who are house-sitting in Manhattan for a couple they met on a cruise. One night, a young woman turns up on the doorstep, claiming to be a friend of the owners. Being trusty and openhearted people, they let her in. Do you hear the alarm bells ringing yet?

Yes, from here on in the two Brits are marching towards their own doom. The how and when you will have to find out yourself. In typical Mark Edwards’ style, the premise is all the more terrifying because the couple are so relatable, so ordinary, so much like you and I. Could this happen to us? Perhaps some parts of the book were just a bit farfetched, but then again, maybe not. Living in my rural Australian bubble, I don’t profess to know how things are done in NYC. In any case, THE HOUSE GUEST made for another fun read. It’s the type of book you want to pick up when you don’t feel like anything too deep but want a type of bookish Netflix binge that will sweep you away in a tidal wave of entertainment (and terror). I’m not giving anything else away!

In summary, I recommend you pick up THE HOUSE GUEST when in the mood for a fast, entertaining read with ordinary, everyday characters who stumble headlong into misadventure in the fashion Mark Edwards is famous for. There are plenty of elements to this thriller that will satisfy lovers of the genre who are looking for a bit of intrigue, a few bad guys, some fast paced action and a rising body count. I really enjoyed it and it provided a welcome distraction.

Was this review helpful?

3.5.

Mark Edwards never fails to take an ordinary domestic situation and turn it into your worst nightmare.

A British couple, Adam and Ruth, are house-sitting in New York City.

One evening a young woman knocks on the door, claiming to be a friend of the owners.

They invite her in, and then to stay.

A decision Adam and Ruth will soon live to regret!

When I first read the summary for The House Guest, I was equal parts thrilled to bits and someone hesitant that hot on the heels of his previous release (Here to Stay) the two plots sounded very similar. My concern was unfounded though as it quickly became clear that this was heading in a completely different, excited beyond words, direction. And what a ride it was!

A quick fire, action-packed, twisty read that I would normally have read in a day or two, but given everything that’s going on at the moment, took me a lot longer. Definitely no reflection on the book. I was on the edge of my seat anxiously awaiting where things were heading, however Part Three felt a little rushed, and the ending was pretty out there, have o say. As I continue to mull it over, it becomes clearer what led up to it, and why the author chose to end it the way he did, but I'm still undecided whether or not it was one step too far?

Chapter’s were medium length, narrated mainly by Adam, but there were also chapters in Ruth’s POV. If not for the last 20% this would have been one of my top favourite’s of his books. It was still great though, and like all his books, definitely worth reading.

I’d like to thank Netgalley, Amazon UK Publishing, and Mark Edwards for the e-ARC.

Publication Date: 3rd June, 2020.

Was this review helpful?

*Thanks to NetGalley for this ARC in exchange for an honest review*

I’ve recently saved a bunch of different titles by Mark Edwards on my kindle shelf as they all looked like solid thrillers; however, haven’t gotten around to reading any of them yet due to life getting in the way. When this copy fell into my lap, I thought it was a great opportunity to dive right in and I definitely didn’t regret it!

THE PLOT: The reader is introduced to Adam (a playwright) and Ruth (an actress), two Brits abroad in New York as Ruth prepares for her broadway debut. Adam and Ruth are housesitting for Jack and Mona, whom they had met earlier while on a cruise. Adam is struggling to come to terms with Ruth’s rise to fame and his own failure as a playwright, and what they plan on doing going forward once Jack & Mona return from their trip. In the final days of their stay, a young woman named Eden knocks at their door claiming that she is friends of the homeowners. Eden explains that she fled California after a bad breakup, and Jack & Mona normally let her stay with them whenever she is in New York. Due to both Eden’s sparkling/energetic personality and Adam & Ruth’s kind nature, they let Eden stay with them since she has no where else to go. On the day the homeowners are scheduled to return, Adam wakes up to an empty house with a killer hangover and a blank memory. All Adam can remember is the three of them getting trashed on tequila and nothing else. Adam is left lost and confused....Who is Eden? What secrets is she hiding? Did Ruth leave on her own accord or is something nefarious going on? Who can Adam really trust?

This book took some risky and thrilling twists that I definitely wasn’t expecting. The ending kind of drove me crazy, but I think that was the author’s intention. Definitely worth the read, and can’t wait to read more from this author!

Was this review helpful?

Another great book by a great author!
This book was fast paced and full of twists and turns.
Although I predicted one or two moments I found myself gripped by this novel.
It's a dark tale of kindness coming back to bite you and I thoroughly enjoyed it!
Well done on another sure hit!

Was this review helpful?

This is the first book that I’ve read by Mark Edwards and certainly won’t be the last. It was absolutely brilliant and had me hooked from start to finish. The twists and turns were timed perfectly to keep the pace of the book moving and the characters were developed really well. Although it was a slow and somewhat far-fetched start (I mean, would you just let someone into the home you’re looking after because they say they know the owners…?) but that’s just a minor detail and after that initial horror the book quickly picked up pace and I read it in a day!

Was this review helpful?

This may not be my favorite Edwards’ - that is definitely The Magpies. However, this is a fabulously read. The characters are developed enough that you have a vested interest in the plot. There is not a character that I was rooting for, as usual, no one is really that great of a person. They are all flawed in very human ways. I like the book taking place in NY- it is a different environment for Edwards. I had to put the book down each night so I didn’t finish it too fast - lol! I am beyond thankful to be a member of the advanced readers club!!

Was this review helpful?

I’m Mrs Cautious and we’ve all heard of ‘stranger danger’ perhaps the couple in The House Guest would have done well to heed this advice! When the beautiful and charismatic Eden turns up on the doorstep of the house Ruth and Adam are house sitting, they not only invite her in but encourage to her stay! Immediately all my senses went on high alert, after all having read most of Mark Edwards books which involve scary things happen to ordinary people,  I knew Eden couldn’t possibly be your ‘average house Guest’.

I must admit when I first read the book description for The Guest House I thought the plot didn’t sound very original. I have read so many psychological thrillers that centre around the uninvited House Guest who just happens  to turn out to be a psychopath! So what makes this book different? You may well be asking. In typical Mark Edwards style he adds the all important twist and turns that make his books such an unpredictable and entertaining read.

The House Guest is broken up into three parts, the first part sets the scene and introduces numerous characters to the plot, the second part moves at a much faster pace with surprising revelations and tension building moments along the way. The third part of the book brings all the threads together with some shocks along the way. I enjoy a book more if I can relate to the characters but unfortunately I didn’t feel any connection to the characters in this story, so I wasn’t invested as much in their story as I would have liked. I would consider this book to be more focused on the ‘thriller’ elements, as like many thrillers I found some parts a tad far fetched, never the less it made for an enjoyable and quick read.

Was this review helpful?

Having read a few books by the author before, I went in with high expectations. Were they fulfilled? Yes and no. The story got off to a great start, and I devoured the early chapters with enthusiasm. It was clear from the outset that drenched visitor Eden, turning up announced on a New York doorstep, would be a key player in the unfolding events. What I didn't expect was the way other characters would come to the fore of the action, so in that respect I was kept on my toes.
It's difficult to say too much without spoiling the plot. My main reservation was that certain elements seemed too far-fetched, and it all felt a little rushed towards the end. With time to reflect, I questioned the credibility of actions and consequences and this dampened my overall enjoyment.
However, I will give it four stars, because – ultimately – it does what it says on the tin. The House Guest entertains, provides a much-needed slice of escapism and is very well-written. The author's style is pared-down and punchy, and I look forward to reading his next book.

Was this review helpful?

I had read a lot of books from Mark Edwards and I'm very thankful for a lucky chance to read The House Guest.
Mark Edwards knows how to keep the tension, and his stories never fail to keep me hooked and as always I thoroughly enjoyed it.
*******************************************
A British couple Ruth and Adam are offered the chance to spend the summer housesitting in New York, but when a stranger Eden turns up on the doorstep one wet night claiming to be friends with the owners, who told her she could stay whenever she was in New York.
The couple invites stranger in, but later on, Adam realises he made a terrible mistake!
Who can you trust? And what is going on?...
********************************************
The storyline is full of twists and turns and while you follow the path of the main character you can feel that mystery lurking around every corner. I thoroughly enjoyed this addictive psychological thriller and I'm looking forward to the next one!

Was this review helpful?

Another fantastic book by Mark Edwards. I have not been disappointed by anything I have read by him. He has a knack of hooking you from the off and keeping you on the edge of your seat.
A must read for psychological thriller fans.

Was this review helpful?

This is my second Mark Edwards book after reading "Here to stay", which was one of the best storylines I had read in 2019!.

I liked "The house guest", it had a quriky storyline relating to a cult, not so much gripping- but was a good read and I haven't come across alot of Physcological Thrillers that delve into the dark depths of a cult storyline.

The main characters Ruth and Adam are fairly likeable characters, and I enjoyed the way we get a false sense of liking to other characters that turn out not be to who they portray. This for me was definitely 'Callum' as I wasn't expecting it!, But there are plenty others along the way!

I would recommend this easy read, good for a summer 2020 read as it is set in a hot and sweaty New York summertime. Will definitely pass time for the lockdown 2020!

Was this review helpful?

3.5 stars

The perfect distraction!

When Ruth, an up and coming actress, and her boyfriend, Adam, an aspiring writer, open their door on a dark and stormy night and find Eden on the other side, they make the biggest mistake of their lives--they invite her in! They soon find themselves in the hands of dangerous and crazy people!

I can’t say much more about the plot without giving away spoilers.

I was thoroughly entertained by The House Guest. It is fast-paced and easy to read. There is a good dose of drama and suspense. The plot is over-the-top. However, Mark Edwards puts his spin on things. He turns events that should be ridiculous into intrigue! There are some tongue in cheek moments, and in typical Edwards fashion, a character from a previous book makes an appearance. Overall, this was an enjoyable diversion!

I received an ARC of this book from NetGalley and the publisher in exchange for an honest review.

Was this review helpful?

Another great book by Mark Edwards. The storyline was original and the characters well crafted. I love Mark Edwards and this book did not disappoint. It is a psychological thriller with many unexpected twists and turns. I would thoroughly recommend it.
Thank you Mark Edwards, Amazon Publishing and Netgalley for giving me the opportunity to give my unbiased opinion.

Was this review helpful?

The plot of The House Guest explores themes familiar to the author: normal couple plunged into an insane situation because of someone they let into their home. There is also another subject that has appeared in a previous novel but naming it would spoil the book, but that’s where the resemblance ends. Using recurring themes, Edwards creates a fresh new story. The couple in question is not completely normal this time because Ruth is an actress in the cusp of becoming famous. The baddie is also not your run of the mill psycho. Ruth and Adam are Brits, housesitting in NY. The strangers in a strange land adds another level of isolation to their plight. Eden, the girl who shows up claiming to be acquainted to the owners of the house, is a little less vivid. The twists and turns made kept my interest and I read it quickly even if the main surprise requires a big (huge) suspension of disbelief. In short, a solid thriller.
I chose to read this book and all opinions in this review are my own and completely unbiased. Thank you, NetGalley/ Amazon Publishing UK!

Was this review helpful?

I was very intrigued by the premise of this book, so I was excited to read it.

Unfortunately it was quite predictable in more ways than one, and I found it hard to stay interested.

It wasn't a terrible book by any means, but it wasn't really for me.

Thank you to the publisher for providing me with a copy of this E-book via Netgalley.

Was this review helpful?

When Adam and Ruth are house sitting in New York the mysterious Eden lands on their doorstep claiming to be friends of the owners. She has no where else to go prompting Adam and Ruth to invite her to stay with them but things are not as they first seem.

Taking you through twists and turns this gripping thriller will have the reader hooked from the start. The great writing entices you in, making you want more with each page.

Was this review helpful?

This started similarly to a previous Edwards novel- Here to Stay. And none of the reviews or blurb really explained what was different.
But what developed was a book that was very different, and believable to me. Made me wonder how well you actually know someone!

Was this review helpful?

This is the first book I read from this author and I loved it. The story is deep and kept me hooked from the very first chapter. Ruth and Adam are very well developed characters and the reader feel they are alive. Although at the beginning we think, “why would someone let strangers in the fast paced story unfolds perfectly. It’s definitely a must read thriller.

Was this review helpful?

I'm not usually one for cult stories, but I actually really liked this book. It wasn't super twisty, I pretty much predicted what was coming throughout. The characters were interesting and convincing. I could see this being made into a movie or TV show successfully. I do wish there was something more surprising about the story though, it felt a little too familiar. But again, that might just be my slight bias against cult stories in general. I did like the author's writing style and will probably pick up more books from him in the future.



Thank you to #netgalley and #amazonpublishinguk for the advanced copy of #thehouseguest in exchange for my honest review.

Was this review helpful?

A fast paced thriller that keeps you turning page after page. Reading this felt like I was watching a movie in my head. I could feel the confusion of the characters as they attempted to make sense of what was happening to them.
I loved the way the final chapter brought the story to an end..... or did it !
Another winner from the pen of Mark Edwards.

Was this review helpful?

I wasn't a huge fan of this book. I enjoyed the pace and the cult aspect but found myself bored at points. This is my first book by Edwards and I've been told that his other books are stronger.

Was this review helpful?

As a fan not only of Mark Edwards but also of thrillers I was eager to read this new novel. It did not disappoint! As with all of Mark's books, I could not put it down. Filled with suspense and a chilling plot, well thought out twists and just enough clues laid like breadcrumbs to hook u into the finale. The main characters are realistic that you can relate to. Thoroughly enjoyable book with an ending that leaves you thinking about it for days!

Was this review helpful?

This was sooo good. Although I have to admit, I found myself hating all the characters, LOL. Like LOATHE! I finished this one in 2 days flat! So good

Was this review helpful?

Every time Mark Edwards has a new book, I get super excited. I always think the last one was my favorite, but then I read his new one and I'm blown away! The House Guest explored avenues not often taken by authors and kept me on my toes. At some parts, I felt truly physically uncomfortable - something that I feel is a feat on its own on the author's part. Dynamic characters, a constant feeling of unease even in the beginning, and the twists kept on coming... This is another book I'll be reading over and over again for years!

Was this review helpful?

Even the title and book cover lured me to read this novel and I am sure glad I did! Mark Edwards did a fantastic job with this one. A must read!

Was this review helpful?

Compelling and original, a tiny bit bonkers (in the best way) with enough realistic characterization to make you feel like this COULD HAPPEN. Those are my favorite kind of stories! I always enjoy Mark Edwards books.

Was this review helpful?

I liked that this book was interesting & I never really felt like there was a dull moment, something new was always happening. The chapters are fairly short & it didn’t take long for the story to get exciting. This was one of those books that always kept you guessing and kept you on the edge of your seat. The ending was very intense and I just couldn’t put it down! I also liked that at the end of the book, it walked you through everything and that’s where all the pieces came together.

Was this review helpful?

Always enjoy reading a new Mark Edwards book. As a follow up to the five star rated "Here To Stay", Mark has delivered a solid four star effort. The first half of the story builds suspense nicely but becomes a bit unrealistic towards the end and it seems like the conclusion was a bit rushed. It's possible that the subject matter just did not appeal to me.

Still I enjoy Mark's writing style and believe that he is one of the most talented authors in the psychological thriller field today. I know that I will be reading his next effort for sure!

Was this review helpful?

No one is what they seem.

Housesitting and a stranger. This is The House Guest by Mark Edwards.

Adam, Ruth, and Eve are the main characters. I didn’t care for the character of Ruth, a wanna be actress. She came across as a cold person, and I just couldn’t develop any concern for her. I did like Adam and his determination to solve the mystery. Eden is the mysterious house guest, and I did like her character even with all her secrets. I liked the way the author wrote the characters of Mona and Jack. They came across as a care free older married couple enjoying the life. There were several sleazy characters in the story, and the author did a good job at having you dislike them almost immediately before even having a chance to see what their character was like.

The book wasn’t really suspenseful for me. Yes, I was curious where the author was going, but it never reached that level of suspense that keeps you on the edge of your seat. Having said that, the book was a well written mystery, the plot was easy to follow, and an enjoyable read.

The last 1/4 of the book took off, and there was some great action going on. The ending was a kicker. His books always have great endings and gives you that “whaaaat” feeling.

Thanks to Mark Edwards, NetGalley, and Thomas & Mercer Publishing for the opportunity to read and review this ⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️ ARC.

Was this review helpful?

Another great book by Mark Edwards, twists and turns all the way through. Really wasn't sure how this one was going to end.
This was a good fast paced read keeping you guessing till the end.

Was this review helpful?

Mark Edwards has done it again! In this newest book he has managed to make us readers read at the speed of lightning to keep the pages turning and turning so we can finally know what happens. The suspense was very strong and the unique. I loved the storyline as well as each character. Twists, turns, surprises, this book has it all!! By the end of the book you’re still left with a lingering thought of what to truly believe.
Thank you for the chance to read this ahead of time and I look forward to many more books by you!

Was this review helpful?

Mark Edwards has once again kept me on the edge of my seat!
This page turner had me guessing and asking so many questions and never really knowing the answers until the end! The characters were amazing and so perfectly written and I felt like I could see every detail of the house and surrounding area. This is real life kind of scary and I think I might be nervous the next time someone knocks on my door!
Just like all his other books, I could not put this one down! Highly recommend!

Was this review helpful?

A very absorbing book. Takes on the subject of recruiting for a sect. Makes you very aware of the dangerous side of these people. This book kept me reading from the first page. Full of the unexpected. Thank you Mark Edwards and NetGalley for my preview copy of this book.

Was this review helpful?

It was supposed to be a special treat. House sitting for some new friends while embarking on a new aspect of a career. What could possibly go wrong? Mark Edwards takes a seemingly everyday situation and turns it into one with worrisome outcomes resulting from unclear motivations.

Mark will introduce characters that both calm and confuse you. And even those you think you have figured out will surprise you. Pay close attention to every character, as each one will provide some relationship to the eventual outcome of the story.

I loved how Mark managed the suspense throughout the book. Just as you reach a turning point in one part of the story, he will move to another part of the interwoven story. The House Guest is a book that is difficult to put down because you feel compelled to find resolution.

Was this review helpful?

Thank you @netgalley and @amazonpublishing for this amazing ARC 🥰❤️

PUB DAY: June 3, 2020 🎉🎉

Review:

Okay this book is everything 🙌🏽 I love it and it was such a fascinating read throughout. I have to admit, it started slow for me in the beginning. I almost gave up 😅 but I was reading this along with @thethrillerqueeen ❤️❤️ We had so much fun reading this together 🥰

It’s face paced once you’re into the book and the plot unfolds. This book has a lot of shock factors and twists that the reader will love and you won’t be able to put it down. I can’t really say anything besides you have to read this book and see for yourself 😅🙌🏽❤️ I love how everything blends and goes together. One thing that I will say is WOW 🤯 mind blown. This is my first book by @markedwardsauthor and I can’t wait to read his other reads. I will give it book 4 stars ⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️

Was this review helpful?

What would you do if a stranger knocked on your door in the middle of a thunderstorm, this is the dilemma facing Adam and Ruth who are housesitting in New York for their friends Mona and Jack . The first mistake they make is to invite this stranger in to dry off, their second mistake is to invite her to stay,. After a night of heavy drinking Adam wakes to find that Ruth has disappeared.what follows is a nail biting story of lies and deceit . Another great psychological read from Mark Edwards

Was this review helpful?

As always, Mark Edwards does it again. From the very beginning I was drawn in by the characters, desperately wanting to know more, trying to determine the ending of the book. I'm never right. I was completely captivated and so entranced that at one point I actually caught myself gasping out loud. Always a sign of a great author when I am totally enthralled. As usual with every twist and turn I loved the ride. True to his style, just when you think it's over and you've figured it out......it's not.....and you're so wrong.

Was this review helpful?

Thanks to Netgalley and Amazon Publishing UK for providing this ARC in exchange for an honest review.

Ruth and Adam are a British couple housesitting in NYC for Mona and Jack, a couple they met on a recent cruise. Eden, a woman who claims to know Mona and Jack arrives on the doorstep, and Ruth and Adam foolishly ask her to stay. Then Ruth and Eden disappear. When Mona and Jack return, they insist they don't know anyone named Eden.

This was a page turner. It held my interest throughout. I found Adam's quest to find out where Ruth was and what happened to her to be fast paced and I wanted to keep reading to find out what the heck was going on. I gave this a 4 rather than a 5 because I thought the ending and how everything played out and the various motivations of the characters to be a little tough to follow and somewhat far-fetched. Still a worthwhile read in my opinion.

Was this review helpful?

Reading the first part of the book is rather like watching Dr Who from behind a cushion - knowing something bad will happen but unable to prevent it, or to prevent watching. It's also like watching a hospital drama where you know someone is going to have a bad accident or become ill and go to hospital, but there's nothing you can do about it. From the first pages in the book you feel totally invested, and you find yourself sneaking off to read 'just a bit more'.

The story is a true to form Mark Edwards - twisty, turny, riveting, edge of your seat drama. All mixed in with his classic sense of humour, and coming to a satisfying conclusion.

I absolutely loved this book - a very easy 5 stars from me.

Was this review helpful?

I don't know what it is about Mark Edwards, you look at this guy and he just looks like an everyday ordinary, nice kinda guy and then you pick up one of his books, take a step inside his head and it's like you have entered a twisted new world where every day people in every day situations see their world turn upside down and inside out. This is what makes his books so gripping, so enthralling, you read them thinking OMG this could actually happen to me or someone you know.
The House Guest left me feeling unsettled, uneasy, a little bit scared and a little bit paranoid, nothing less than I'd expect from Mark Edwards.
Characters are so well developed that they step off the page and into your life....they are likeable and unlikeable at the same time; you trust them and then you don't trust them but boy do they keep you on the edge of your seat.
Towards the end of this book got a little too far fetched for me but I guess it was USA and things are a little more extreme over there. It didn't detract from my enjoyment and I was able to suspend my disbelief and go with the flow.
Would I recommend it, too right I would!

Was this review helpful?

The House Guest is another intriguing and we'll written story by Mark Edwards who has recently become a firm favourite of mine.

Was this review helpful?

Lots of twists and turns in this one. The premise of the book did not necessarily appeal to me, but I was engrossed until the end to see the outcome. Thank you to Netgalley for the ARC!

Was this review helpful?

I'm a huge fan of Mark's books, so I had no doubts this would be brilliant. Whilst it's a little farfetched at times, it was just so addictive and I found myself so intrigued by Eden. I think this would make such a good TV show or movie!

Was this review helpful?

Wow! Unbelievable edge of your seat thriller about a cult operating in plain site among the rich and successful. Ruth and Adam are housesitting In New York for friends they recently met on a cruise. When a drenched woman shows up at their door one night claiming to be friends with the homeowner they let her in. This is a HUGE mistake. Eden, the new house guest, worms her way into their lives and gain their trust very quickly. After a drunken night with Eden, Ruth disappears and Adam is left to try to make sense of everything. Excellent creepy mystery thrill ride. Impossible to put down. Highly recommended!!!

Was this review helpful?

Don't put your trust in people you don't know. This read gripped me within the first few pages. Each chapter pulled out a new surprise leaving me thirsty for more. Edwards doesn't disappoint in this thrilling ride. If you're looking for a thriller then take your mind wondering in this breath taking novel and watch the pages unfold.

Was this review helpful?

Yet another fantastic story from Mark Edwards! Always a master of character development which makes every book very relatable and ensnare the reader into the story right along with them. Mark never fails to bring page turning excitement and suspense for the reader to hang on to.

Was this review helpful?

The House Guest by Mark Edwards...
I give this book 4.8 out of 5 stars 🌟....
.
.
A perfect summer. A perfect stranger. A perfect nightmare 😱.
When British twenty somethings Ruth and Adam get the chance to house sit in New York they take it. Then mysterious Eden turns up on the doorstep drenched from a storm and claiming she knows the homeowners who told her she could stay whenever she was in New York. Ruth and Adam know they shouldn’t let strangers into their home but what harm could it do...really 🤔?
.
.
This book is so hard to review because I don’t want to give away any spoilers! All I can say is Eden isn’t what she seems and what unravels from that will shock and surprise you! I loved the theme of the book which I can’t reveal but it is a subject that interests me!
All I can say is read it and find out for yourself what the book is about haha!
.
.
Another weird and wonderful thriller from Mark Edwards 😍! Thank you so much for the opportunity to read this ARC @netgalley, @markedwardsauthor and @amazonpublishing! Publishing date is 3rd June 2020 💕

Was this review helpful?

This was a weird one ... it was a pretty good thriller but I felt it got very weird, very quickly. Although kind of believable in a weird way I guess, (especially if you like secrets and conspiracy theories)! The author’s writing style reminded me of My Lovely Wife, and I was surprised to discover the author is English not American, as even though the main character is English but living in NYC, I found it to be quite American-ised in style.

Was this review helpful?

This is the second Mark Edwards book I’ve read, and the second one that I’ve loved. No one else does creepy suspense quite like it. It has you looking over your shoulder as you’re reading!

Ruth and Adam are spending the summer in New York house sitting whilst Ruth prepares to star in a Broadway Show. Then one day, drenched from a summer storm, Eden shows up on their doorstep claiming to be good friends with the owners of the the house. Ruth and Adam being the trusting people they are decide to let her stay but is she all that she seems...

Was this review helpful?

Things are looking up for Ruth and Adam. Well, at least for Ruth, who has landed a lead role in a Broadway play. Adam is a writer who hasn't gotten his big break yet, but it is only a matter of inspiration and time. They were fortunate to meet a wealthy couple on a cruise and are now house sitting Jack and Mona's lovely home in Brooklyn.
One night, during a terrible storm, Eden knocks on the door looking for Jack and Mona. She tells them that they are her friends and their door is always open when she visits New York. Adam and Ruth debate what to do since Jack and Mona are at a retreat and unreachable. Ultimately, they decide they should let Eden stay. No one ever told these two not to open their door to strangers and not to let them inside! It is a decision that will soon have unimaginable ramifications for Ruth and Adam.
Adam wakes up alone after a night of partying with Ruth and Eden. Both of them are gone without a trace, and when Mona and Jack return, Adam is stunned to learn they don't know anyone by the name of Eden. What follows is a tale full of lies, betrayals, murder, and a twisted leader of a shadowy group who may have very specific plans for Ruth. It was a fast-paced read that kept me guessing and held my interest until the end, and even when I thought everything was sorted out, Mark Edwards added one final killer twist.

Was this review helpful?

Love this author and have loved all of his books that I have read. This one did not disappoint and kept me gripped from the start.

Was this review helpful?

Twenty-somethings Ruth & Adam are offered the chance to house sit in New York and it's an offer they can't refuse. Eden turns up on their doorstep claiming to be a friend of the homeowners who told her she could stay at the house whenever she wanted.

Ruth & Adam invite Eden into the home but suspicions start to creep in that Eden might not be who she claims to be. They wonder whether they have made a terrible mistake.

The House Guest is an excellent psychological thriller with a good plot, great characters and lots of suspense. Loved the ending!

Thank you to Netgalley, Amazon Publishing and the author for an ARC of this book in exchange for an honest review.

Was this review helpful?

Oh my I couldn’t put this down, started last night and finished this afternoon. Extremely well written, addictive, really good storyline and great characters - exactly what you need for a great book. I will highly recommend and review when this is published, Only problem now is I have no more books by Mark left to read 😢 Thank you Netgalley and Amazon Publishing UK for the advanced copy to read and review.

Was this review helpful?

Really looked forward to this book by Mark Edwards as I loved all his previous books. Although this book started off quite well and had lots of high tension etc the ending lacked something which was disappointing. It was fast paced but I think the last quarter of the book let it down and lost interest in it half way in which is very unusual with Mark Edward's books.
#thehouseguest #netgalley

Was this review helpful?

You are housesitting in NY

There is a summer storm...

The doorbell rings...

and, standing there, drenched, is a harmless looking young woman, who claims to be friends with the owner...

WOULD YOU INVITE HER IN?

The premise HOOKED me...the story, did not.

(just like with my first attempt from this author, "The Retreat", which I preferred to this one)

Mark Edwards is a three million copy best-selling author with many fans, so clearly I am just not the right audience for his work.

Thank You to NetGalley, Thomas & Mercer, and the author for the digital ARC I received in exchange for a candid review! Fans can grab a copy on June 3. 2020!

Was this review helpful?

Thanks Netgalley and the Publisher. If you want a thriller with twists and turns and great characters you will really enjoy this book. I loved it. I have several paperback books from this author in my TBR pile and I am going to enjoy reading them.

Was this review helpful?

First time reading Mark Edwards, and I will definitely check out his other books after this read. Fast paced, twists galore and lots of suspense in this novel. Adam and Ruth are house sitting for a couple in NYC whom they met on a cruise and clicked with. A guest comes to visit the couple that is out of town, and ends up staying with Adam and Ruth while they wait for the couple to return. What ensues seems a little crazy, but still believable! If you love a fast paced thriller, this book is for you! Thank you to NetGalley and Amazon Publishing for the ARC.

Was this review helpful?

Adam, a writer, and Ruth, an actress, meet an American couple while on a cruise. When Ruth is offered a job in New York, the couple offer them the use of their house while they go away on a retreat. They settle into New York life, Adam writing and Ruth putting in long hours rehearsing her latest part. One night, during a storm,a young woman appears at the door claiming to be a friend of the owners, Eden is drenched and claims to have nowhere to go so Adam and Ruth invite her to stay. They all become friends, Adam and Eden spending their days together while Ruth is working. The weekend that the owners are due back Eden treats them to a takeaway and tequila which leads to a drunken night sharing secrets and dancing in the rain. But when Adam wakes the following day where are Ruth and Eden? A tension filled, creepy mystery follows as Adam tries to find out what is going on.

Once again Mark Edwards has served us up a brilliant and thrilling read. I finished this book in 24 hours, I could not leave it out of my hands

Thank you to Netgalley, the publisher and the author for an ARC in exchange for an honest review

Was this review helpful?

I think I've read all of Mark Edward's books. I havent been disappointed by one of them. As usual brilliantly written, lived how it ended. A few parts I guessed what was going to happen. But the story was so different to the typical thriller.. loved it.

Was this review helpful?

The title and the cover themselves are spooky, intriguing and mysterious. The House Guest is a chilling psychological thriller. The story is about a British couple, Adam and Ruth, who take up the job of house sitting a wealthy couple, Jack and Mona in New York City for the summer. A few days before Jack and Mona return, a stranger shows up at their doorstep, fully drenched in the rainstorm outside, claiming to be a friend of Jack and Mona. Adam and Ruth let her stay on believing her words. Everything goes normal until one night, all three of them get really drunk. When Adam wakes up the next day, he realizes that Ruth and Eden (the stranger) are nowhere to be found. The story turns even spookier when Jack and Mona return and reveal that they have no idea who Eden is.
It is a fast-paced novel with thrill, twists and turns here and there. The ending was perfect for a psychological thriller like this. The only con of this book is that I found some parts to be comical and unrealistic.
I thank NetGalley and Amazon UK for giving me this wonderful oppurtunity

Was this review helpful?

Wow, another unputdownable page turner from Mark Edwards. This book, like his others, draws you in from the first page. In this book Ruth and Adam are an English couple, house sitting for an American couple they met on a cruise while Ruth is rehearsing for a play she's in. One stormy night a girl turns up on the door, saying she's a friend of the house owners and they let her stay. This is well intentioned and I can imagine in their position many people would have done the same. The story then takes many dark, twisting turns leading to a dramatic conclusion (don't worry, no spoilers here). I loved the exploration of relationships and beliefs that unfolded throughout the story. I devoured this book quickly, as it was well written and the story sucked me in. Definitely highly recommended.

Was this review helpful?

Absolutely enjoyed reading this book read it as a buddy read with my friends at the Fiction Cafe Book club it’s the first Mark Edwards book I’ve read and it certainly won’t be the last

Was this review helpful?

Solid 4 stars on this read. Great concept for a story, this one has more twists and turns than you average!

The ending was honestly, my favorite part.

Would love to read what Edwards comes up with next!

Was this review helpful?

<b> Disclaimer: This book was gifted to me via NetGalley in exchange for an honest review. <b/>

This book is kind of hard to review because talking about the plot at all would bring spoilers. Character wise, I really liked Adam. Most of the thrillers I have read are from a female perspective, so it was refreshing to read from Adam's perspective. He had a lot of good qualities such as determination, caring, and unconditional love. I really sympathized with him throughout the entire book, and I think it was because he was so reliable. In a lot of the thrillers I have read the main characters are chronic alcoholics, drug users, or have mental illnesses that make the reader form doubt. That was not the case in this book, and even though I love an unreliable narrator it was really nice to have that change of pace.

This book was outrageous in terms of all of the plot twists and things that happened, but somehow it worked so well. I have never read a thriller as fast as I read this one. Mark Edwards constructed pages that turned themselves. Overall, I would recommend this book to any thriller lover. I can't wait to get my hands on more of Edwards's books.

Was this review helpful?

I really liked this book. The first half goes quickly like a can of Pringles. Once ya pop you can’t stop. Then the second half sailed into a huge “WTF” but not like a bad WTF. Great writing!

Thank you NetGalley for a copy of this book in exchange for my honest review.

Was this review helpful?

Creepy, fast-paced

A British couple are house-sitting in New York when a woman knocks on the door and claims she is a friend of the owners of the house. It is raining and she is drenched, so the couple invite her in…But is this uninvited guest really who she claims she is?

The beginning was intriguing and held my interest for a while, but then the story became predictable and flat. If the story was happening in the 60s or 70s, it would have been more believable and entertaining. But inviting a stranger in the house that is not even your own?

I love Mark Edwards’ books and his style of writing. The Retreat was a 5 star read for me and I’m going to continue reading his works regardless. This one just wasn’t for me.

Thanks to Mark Edwards, Amazon Publishing and the NetGalley for providing me with a copy.

Was this review helpful?

3.5 stars rounded up to 4. Somewhat predictable, but very intriguing read. The author has a way of throwing a few twists in when you least expect it. Will read other books from this author.

Was this review helpful?

Don't talk to strangers, guys! Like ever! This is so not where I saw this book going!

I really thought The House Guest was going to be similar to Here to Stay by Mark Edwards. Or I thought she was going to like hold them hostage or ... or... I don't know! But I didn't think it was going to be... this! And maybe because it was so unexpected I am having a hard time processing how I feel about it.

Overall, Mark Edwards is a great writer and this book was a quick trip down a very strange road! It definitely kept me flipping pages trying to figure out what-on-earth would happen next? Felt like I fell down a rabbit hole!

My main qualm was that I didn't exactly click with the female characters in this book. I felt for Adam and the weird situations he found himself in. Though I think if I was in his position I would have questioned my sanity...

I definitely liked the premise of rich people being in some type of secret cult. Doesn't it just feel like that sometimes? No matter how much we hear that they're just like us (come on, they're not just like us) they must have some weird secret that makes them so wealthy. They must be in some type of cult! (Or secret society like in Leigh Bardugo's Ninth House). I'm a believer!

MY RATING:
Characters: 3
Story: 4.5
Rating: 4 stars!

YOU need this book if you like a quick action-y read!

FOLLOW ME (please) and see more of my reviews @ mamaneedsabook.blogspot.com
Thank you to NetGalley and the publisher for the ARC in exchange for my honest review!

Was this review helpful?

Mark Edwards has done it again! Yet another book that is a sit on the edge of your seat read! You will instantly be drawn in to the characters as you enjoy plot twists and turns along the way!

Was this review helpful?

Another great book from Mark Edwards. This chilling story kept me hooked from the beginning with lots of twists throughout.

Was this review helpful?

Thank you @netgalley and publishers for granting me this #ARC in exchange for my honest review.

The House Guest was GREAT! I did not know much about it when I began reading but oh man by the first few pages I was hooked. I flew through this one because it was so suspenseful. I have been fascinated lately by cults ( or as the author, @markedwardssuthor refers in his post writing “ new religious movements”). The way that these stories write about them gives an inside look into how easy it is to become a part of one without realizing it! Disclaimer: I have no intention of joining one... EVER!
Adam and Ruth are house sitting for a couple they met a few months ago on a cruise in New York City. They are both from London, but Ruth is an up and coming actress and Adam is a writer. They are both staying the summer to dip their toes in the land of opportunity. One stormy New York night, Eden shows up on the porch claiming to know the homeowners and that she was there to surprise them. They invite her in and eventually she stays the week because they are kind and caring human beings. All is well until one night Tequila and take out turns into a blackout fest and when Adam wakes up, Ruth and Eden are gone. This story is a whirlwind of information, has a few jump scares here and there, and really allows the reader to use minute details to gain insight into what is going on. I loved every word of this one and I hope you will too! 🍷🍷🍷🍷🍷/5!

Was this review helpful?

I've read all of Mark Edwards' books. He is one of the best psychological thriller writers out there! I'm not sure how he does it, but his books keep getting better!
This is the story of Ruth and Adam who are house sitting in New York for a couple they met on a cruise. It all sounds lovely, until they open the door one stormy night to a girl on the doorstep. This girl, Eden, is claiming to be a friend of the couple whose house Adam and Ruth are staying in. After some contemplation, they let her in and all bets are off! The world as they know it spirals downward.
This book is quite the ride with many twists and turns! I highly recommend!!! Thank you, Mark for another awesome story!!

Was this review helpful?

Adam and Ruth are housesitting for some friends in New York, when a young woman named Eden shows up on their doorstep one night, claiming to be very good friends with the owners and not having a place to stay. After some discussion with her, with her answers checking out, Adam and Ruth feel that the neighborly thing to do is to allow Eden to stay with them in one of the guest rooms for the final week before their friends are due to come back in town. On the night before their friends are due back, the threesome enjoy a night in, with lots of food and even more to drink. When Adam wakes up the next morning, Eden is gone…and so is Ruth. This story started out really strong before going off onto a hunt for a secret society. Without giving too much up, a lot of it was difficult to believe. On the other hand, if you’ve been following some of the news stories lately (particularly on Nxivm), maybe not. It’s an easy read, but not my favorite by this author.

2 Stars

NOTE: Special thanks to the publisher & NetGalley for allowing me to read this book in exchange for an honest review.

Was this review helpful?

I really enjoyed all the twists in this one, who is this stranger in the house (let’s not go into why Adam and Ruth are so trusting and let strangers into the house).

There were glimpses quite early on that Eden was not who she seemed to be and a fair few twists and turns along the way (Callum had me fooled to begin with so I was surprised to find out his true identity). I just can’t decide how I feel about the ending though….

My thanks to NetGalley and the publisher for a copy of this novel in exchange for a review.

Was this review helpful?

I absolutely love Mark Edwards so I was delighted to receive an arc of this book to review. Ruth and Adam are housesitting in New York for an 'artistic' couple who are off on a retreat. Whilst they are living there, a strange woman Eden appears at the door and stupidly they let her in! Eden hangs about for a week and after an extremely drunken night, Adam wakes up with the hangover from hell. He soon discovers that Ruth and Eden have disappeared. All hell breaks lose after this as he tries to find Ruth!
I really enjoyed this book, it has plenty of twists and surprises. However the reason the women disappeared just seemed improbable. I can't say any more or I will give away the whole premise of the story, it is purely a personal thing with me, I just found it unlikely. Mark Edwards always writes fantastic books which leave you with a bit of a question and this one is great too. Can't wait for his next one.

Was this review helpful?

I want to thank NetGalley, Amazon Publishing UK, and author Mark Edwards for providing me with an ARC of this novel.

This was a phenomenal thriller and I found I couldn’t put it down! This was the first I’ve read from this author, but I will definitely be picking up Here To Stay and Follow You Home. This story grabbed me from the very first page all of the way until the end. I felt totally satisfied with the ending, and this is chock full of twists and turns. Adam and Ruth’s experience will make you re-think house sitting for your friends, that’s for sure!

Thank you again to those named above for the opportunity to read and review this ARC!

Was this review helpful?

A perfect summer. A perfect stranger. A perfect nightmare.

When British twenty-somethings Ruth and Adam are offered the chance to spend the summer housesitting in New York, they can’t say no. Young, in love and on the cusp of professional success, they feel as if luck is finally on their side.

So the moment that Eden turns up on the doorstep, drenched from a summer storm, it seems only right to share a bit of that good fortune. Beautiful and charismatic, Eden claims to be a friend of the homeowners, who told her she could stay whenever she was in New York.

They know you’re not supposed to talk to strangers, let alone invite them into your home
but after all, Eden’s only a stranger until they get to know her.

As suspicions creep in that Eden may not be who she claims to be, they begin to wonder if they’ve made a terrible mistake…

The House Guest is told in three parts and all from Adam's perspective, it's a stark reminder that we should never take anyone's word as gospel, however convincing they may be, stranger danger is a very real thing and should not be ignored.

Mark Edwards is one of a few authors whose books I will read without even checking out the blurb first, because he knows how to write a great thriller, his books are gripping, he has a very vivid imagination, sometimes a very sick one, but that's what makes his books so good. The House Guest has short, concise chapters which I love and I flew through this book in less than 48 hours, it's characters are realistic, although not particularly endearing, but that made the story more appealing. It's an action packed, edgy read with lots of twists along the way. Mark Edwards, you've done it again!

I'd like to thank Mark Edwards, Amazon Publishing and Netgalley for the auto approval, I will post my review on Goodreads now and on Amazon on publication day.

Was this review helpful?

This one was a slow burn but it just kept growing! It was a very chilling psychological thriller. It was a fast entertaining read.

Was this review helpful?

Thanks to Netgalley for the ARC of this novel. Another great book from Edwards. I have read most of his work and it just keeps getting better. Full of suspense and turns. Highly recommend this.

Was this review helpful?

It took me a little bit to get into this, but after a few chapters, it really takes off. It's an interesting idea but, for me, the execution fell a little flat.

Was this review helpful?

Thanks to NetGalley for the advanced copy. A fast read that started out strong and made me think I knew what the book would be about (I’m kinda sad it wasn’t that though)-a mysterious houseguest that appears at the house and seems too good to be true...and then the book changes into something completely different. Unique but a little far fetched, and in a weird way predictable despite the difference in book subject.

Was this review helpful?

3.5 stars. Mark Edwards is always reliable for a fast-paced story you can get completely sucked into, and this is not exception. I was totally hooked, as Adam's girlfriend, Ruth, disappeared with the mysterious stranger who showed up at the house they were house-sitting at. The twisty investigation that follows, as Adam searches for the cult that may be trying to recruit Ruth, was totally addictive. I did find it a bit frustrating that we never really found out what the cult was really about, and how they manage to go about making members super famous and successful. Not my favorite ever Mark Edwards book, but a solidly enjoyable story.

Was this review helpful?

This is my first book by Mark Edwards , so I would like to give a big thank you to NetGalley, Amazon UK Publishing, and Mark Edwards for the ARC.

The synopsis really hooked me in and I had numerous scenarios racing through my head about where this book was going to go. I found it fast paced and was gripped at the beginning, but as the story unfolded there were too many threads going on at once and some of them were too far fetched to be believable in my opinion.

Elaborating what actually didn’t work for me would be a complete spoiler, but having read a few other reviews on this book and some of his back list, it seems to be something that has appeared in some of his other books and given the high ratings on all this authors books it is something that readers love.

All in all an intriguing and fast paced book that will keep you on your toes and your mind ticking over on how it will play out.

Was this review helpful?

Thank you to the author, Amazon Publishing UK and NetGalley for an ARC in exchange for an honest review.

This was a quick read, with the first 30% showing a lot of promise and hooking me in - and then the remaining 70% getting more and more improbable, stretching the bounds of credulity and just plain strange and icky. Unfortunately, there were also quite a few inconsistencies, e.g. a person handcuffed with their hands behind their back handing something to someone in the next sentence, and several gaping plot holes. All in all, a great premise, but sadly lacking in the execution.

Was this review helpful?

I sadly didn't like this one. I love the vast majority of books by Mark Edwards but this was just not a hit for me. Too predictable and didn't hold my attention like I wanted it to.

Was this review helpful?

Another excellent read from Mark Edwards. Weird plot but great reading. It had me going in All directions on who was the good character. The ending was a bit far fetched but I’m glad it ended the way it did. Thank you Net Galley and Amazon U.K. for an early copy.

Was this review helpful?

I'm a big fan of Mark Edwards but this book didn't live up to its predecessors for me. I really enjoyed the first half of the novel but found it strayed into a weirdness that just didn't really capture me towards the end.

Was this review helpful?

Wow! As I looked to the right, Mark Edwards threw me a left punch. Pow! Zing! Bam! Yes friends, I was blindsided! I admit, I totally 💯 did not see that end coming!

This was not my first read of Edwards, I’m a fan of his work, but don’t let that sway you. Just trust me when I say - The House Guest does not disappoint! Let’s just say if you’re into chaos, cults and sheer coo-coo cocoa puffs craziness- this book is up your alley!! 5 stars❤️

Was this review helpful?

I was fortunate to receive an advanced copy of Mark’s latest book The House Guest. An enjoyable read set in New York, his first book with a plot outside the UK. The story develops quickly from the first page, and just does not stop, as do the characters and their relationships. I’m reluctant to comment on the storyline or any specific example as I really do not want to introduce a seed of a spoiler as this book is slightly different to many of Mark’s others. I recommend reading without any knowledge of its destination. Overall it probably pushed the boundaries too much for my liking, but as with all of Mark’s books it is well written, easy to read and read and read. I like to find new authors and after discovering Mark I’ve read all of his books including his earlier ones co-authored with Louise Voss, all of which I’ve enjoyed.

Was this review helpful?

Another thrilling, compulsive page-turner from Mark Edwards!
A young British couple house-sitting in New York City encounter a friend of the homeowners.... Or is she a friend? 

Some of the characters are likeable and some of them are not... but that is what makes the plot so engaging. Loved the surprise ending!
Mark manages to turn could-be real scenarios into roller coaster rides of mystery and intrigue.

You won't be disappointed!

I received an ARC of this book from NetGalley and the publisher in exchange for an honest review.

Was this review helpful?

I am interested in the subject that this book is focused on. No spoilers. This felt both British and American. Adam was an okay character but the plot was good. It had a few good twists and turns.

Was this review helpful?

“A perfect summer. A perfect stranger. A perfect nightmare.”
Adam and Ruth are staying at their friends house whilst Mona and Jack are on vacation. Ruth is an actress and is getting her big break in broadway play. Adam is a playwright who is still waiting. One day there is a knock and a friend of Mona and Jack, Eden is on the doorstep. She wanted to surprise them and finding they are away has nowhere else to go. Adam and Ruth invite her in and she chats about Mona and Jack as if she knows them quite well. The day before the couple are due back Adam, Ruth and Eden hit the tequila. Adam wakes to find not only one hell of a mess but that the two women are missing. On Jack and Mona’s arrival home they have neer heard of an Eden. Who the hell is she and where is Ruth? OMG. Mark has done it again. A read that builds the tension page after page and you want to speed through to find out what happens. As somethings come together more questions are poised. A clever, very well thought out plot (as ever) and one I really didn’t want to put down. One gripping tantalising read.
For more reviews please see my blog http://nickibookblog.blogspot.co.uk/
or follow me on Twitter@nickisbookblog
(rest of links on publication)

Was this review helpful?

Mark Edwards does it again! This books was brilliant, right up to the last word of the last sentence. As always, Mark left me wanting a few more chapters, just to tell me what happened next. Very exciting, very tense, very brilliant!

Was this review helpful?

This is another great piece of work by Mark Edwards. Just when you think you have it all figured out, the story will take you in a completely different direction. Whether this is your first book, or you have read all his books you will not be able to predict what will happen next.

When house sitting for friends and you get a knock on the door you may want to think twice about letting them stay. Everything starts out innocent enough then events happen to slowly make you think twice about everything. You wake up one day and your whole world is turned upside down.

Sit back, relax and clear your calendar. Once you start this book you may not be able to put it down.

Was this review helpful?

This author has done it again!!!!
An amazing read which kept me glued to my seat and reading late into the night. A couple are house sitting and everything is fine until they have an unexpected house guest and nothing will be the same again. A leader of a cult has designs on one particular lady and nothing will stop him from getting what he wants. Full of misdirection and suspense and as for the ending it BLEW ME AWAY. A well deserved five stars and another MUST READ from this author.
Thanks to Amazon Publishing UK and Netgalley for the ARC.

Was this review helpful?

I want to start off by saying that I’m a big Mark Edwards fan. I’ve read all of his books, so I was so excited to get an ARC of this one! That being said, if this was written by a different author, I would have said I loved it, but this one fell a bit short for me for having such high hopes as he was the author. I hope that makes sense! I’ll still be a big fan of him though and can’t wait to see what he comes up with next!

Was this review helpful?

I always jump at the chance to read this author. But I was a little disappointed with this book! A girlfriend goes missing and someone is killed but no one is listening!

Was this review helpful?

First and foremost, a large thank you to NetGalley, Mark Edwards, and Amazon Publishing UK for providing me with a copy of this publication, which allows me to provide you with an unbiased review.

A long-time fan of Mark Edwards and his writing, I turned to this book to see if it would bring the same psychological thrill. Edwards succeeds in delivering and spins a story with layers that the reader will discover as the plot progresses. Adam and Ruth are housesitting for some friends when there’s a knock at the door one rainy evening. A woman stands on the stoop of this New York home, seeking the owners. After introducing herself, Eden explains that she has an open invitation to visit at any time, but can find someplace else to go. Ruth is happy to let her come in and Adam soon falls into line. A single night under the same roof soon stretches to a week and Eden becomes a third house sitter. While Ruth is out earning a living, Adam and Eden spend more time together. After a hard night of partying at the house one Friday, Adam wakes up to find the place empty. Ruth is not answering her phone and Eden’s presence is all but impossible to detect. When the proprietors return home, they deny knowing any Eden, which only worries Adam more, as Ruth still has not responded. Fighting against time and an NYPD that won’t help at all, Adam turns to an unlikely source. He soon learns of a secret group that may be the key to the entire ordeal, but they are also close to impossible to trace. In order to find Ruth, Adam will have to risk it all. Meanwhile, Ruth is on the other side of this group and the choice to abduct her becomes clear, but there’s a catch and a time limit. With a wonderful twist at the end, Edwards does well to sow some great drama and a few thrills in this piece. The reader with surely be left wanting more, with each page turn. Recommended to those who are fans of Edwards’ work, as well as the reader who knows the fun of unexpected company on the doorstep.

Mark Edwards writes in such a way that I am always looking for exciting twists, yet am usually still surprised by some of the directions in which the plot develops. He has a knack for taking a simple situation and turning it on its head with strong characters and the odd spine tingling. There are a host of characters that could serve as protagonist here, though the reader can enjoy anyone they see fit for the role. From Adam’s panic as he tries to piece things together, to Ruth’s being stuck in the middle of a scenario as a ‘chosen one’, and even the mysterious Eden who turns up on the doorstep one rainy evening. All three propel the story forward in their own way, keeping the reader guessing as the narrative finds itself twisting alongside the thickening plot. With a story that never stops, the reader is treated to another stellar Edwards novel, on par with many of his other pieces of fiction. Not to be missed, this is one novel that will keep the reader from answering the door on a rainy night, especially when not in their own abode.

Kudos, Mr. Edwards, for another winner. I hope many others discover the wonders of your writing and how the mind will race after completing one of your stories.

Was this review helpful?

You are housesitting in New York when the doorbell rings and the stranger at the door claims to be friends with the owner of the house. Would you let her in?

The premise of this story was great. I loved the idea, but the plot just didn't live up to the idea. The book seemed a bit shallow and I didn't feel like the characters were well developed.

This just wasn't the right book fit for me. Thank you to NetGalley for the advanced copy of the book for an honest review.

Was this review helpful?

Yet again, Mark Edwards does not disappoint with this book. Such an enjoyable and unputdownable read!

Ruth and Adam are living the life - they have been asked to house sit in the hip neighbourhood of Williamsburg in Brooklyn, New York for friends they met on a cruise. When Eden shows up at the door claiming to be a friend of the couple who own the house, of course they invite her in and hearing her sob story invite her to stay. After one drunken night, Ruth and Eden disappear into thin air. Adam cannot remember anything after a certain point from that night. His task is to try and find her, while trying to piece together what exactly happened that night.

Brilliant story line and plot with a few surprises thrown in that I didn’t see coming. I enjoyed the build-up and middle of this book but thought it was a bit rushed towards the end, I felt the story could have been fleshed out a little more.

With thanks to Amazon Publishing UK, the author and NetGalley for allowing me to read in exchange for an honest review/opinion.

Was this review helpful?

Wow, a gripping, engrossing brilliant read from start to finish. I started this late last night and finished today, but had the story going round in my head all night. Wondering where it was going to go.

Ruth and Adam are house sitting in Brooklyn, NYC. For a couple they met on a cruise, who have gone on a retreat. The timing couldn’t have been better for this young couple. Londoners, Ruth has been offered a part in a play on Broadway so is rehearsing hard for that, and Adam is trying to write, not with a great deal of success. The sweltering heat of New York is stifling, as a thunder storm rolls in overhead a young woman knocks on the front door, soaking wet, looking for the owners. Adam and Ruth tell her they are away until the Sunday. Letting the young woman in from the rain whilst it slows, she explains she is friends of the couple and that they had said she could come and stay anytime she was in town. Taken in by the woman Adam and Ruth offer to let her stay would you? Are they making a mistake? The woman’s name is Eden, she seems friendly, and harmless enough. But one night after Japanese and Tequila Adam wakes up to find both Ruth and Eden have gone, initially he believes Ruth has gone to her rehearsals as he nurses his hangover, but then he finds out she never turned up and the role has been given to someone else.

Where is Ruth? What has happened? Is Eden involved or is it a coincidence. As Adam digs deeper more things begin to happen, someone tries to run him over, but why?

I thoroughly enjoyed reading this book, with so many twists and turns that I just didn’t see coming, it is brilliantly plotted and written, keeping the reader engaged from start to finish. Despite owning other books by this author this is the first I have actually read, but most definitely wont be the last, I think they will will be heading up my TBR pile.

I would like to thank #netgalley and #Thomas&Mercer for an eARC of this book in exchange for an honest, fair and unbiased review.

Was this review helpful?

Oh my god I loved this book so much!!

I did not see it going the way it did and I really feel like from the last chapter there could be a follow up. Straight away I knew Eden was going to be bad news, but closer to the end of the book I started to warm to her slightly.
The first half of the book I did predict someone would be involved in all of it and wasn’t wrong. Some of the people involved and their connections did shock me though!
Another 5* book from a fab author!!

Was this review helpful?

What happens when you open the door to a stranger and end up inviting them into your life? THE HOUSE GUEST revolves around Ruth and Adam, she an actress and he a writer, who are house sitting in New York for a couple they met while on a cruise. Ruth has finally landed that “role of a lifetime” in a Broadway play and it looks like she is on her way to stardom while Adam is still working toward his Big Break.

Young and beautiful Eden turns up on their doorstep one evening, drenched by a driving rain and looking for the home owners of the house who she says are friends. This is one of those tales where you know something is definitely wrong but can’t quite put your finger on what it is. You sense that there is something not quite right about the fetching Eden. Is she the young innocent she appears to be or is there something dark and deliciously evil in her aura?

This psychological thriller is one that keeps the action moving and the reader guessing right up until the final page……when the story takes yet another unexpected direction. 4 1/2 stars

Was this review helpful?

Well written, unputdownable, and original. A chilling story that captured my attention and did not let go!

Was this review helpful?

British couple Adam and Ruth are spending the summer house-sitting for friends in New York while chasing their dreams of success, fame and fortune. One stormy night, there’s a knock at the door and Adam opens it to a woman named Eden, who says she’s a friend of the homeowners and has come to take them up on their offer to stay whenever she’s in the city. Feeling bad that she has nowhere else to go, they invite her to stay and are soon charmed by the charismatic young woman. But is Eden who she claims to be? Or is there something sinister at play and Adam and Ruth just made a terrible mistake?

Any time I pick up a book by Mark Edwards I know that I will be getting a spectacularly written, heart-pounding page-turner. His latest novel is no exception. Tightly plotted, deftly told, twisty and compelling, he had me in the palm of his hand from start to finish. His rich scene setting transported me to the streets of New York, which was a welcome break during lockdown.

The story started out at a subdued pace as Adam and Ruth get to know Eden and go about their days. But since the night Eden arrived, Adam hasn’t been able to shake the feeling he’s being watched. And, knowing Mark’s other novels, I was sure there would be someone sinister lurking in the shadows, just waiting for the right time to pounce. Then a shocking twist threw me for a look early on and the story then began to sizzle with suspense and shift into something completely unexpected.

Reading this was like being on a wild and crazy ride that I didn’t want to end. As we approached the conclusion it became increasingly frenzied, my heart racing with apprehension. While I guessed some things right, as always Mark delivered mind-blowing revelations that I never saw coming again and again. And that ending; OMG. I have chills just thinking about it.

The House Guest is another fantastic and memorable thriller from one of my favourite authors. Mark, you slayed me again.

Was this review helpful?

Another compelling read from a fantastic author. This book was fantastic right from the very beginning. I loved the characters and the twists and turns. Very well written and great ending

Was this review helpful?

This was not my favourite Mark Edwards book. In fact I think it is my least favourite and it hurts me to say that. I have enjoyed all of his books but this one... hmmm, the first half as really good but then massive plot twist and it lost me. It was not what I was expecting at all and it was a bit too far fetched for me. I wasn’t a fan of the direction that it went at all.

Without spoiling this for anybody the blurb is only half the story. I won’t go into it so that I don’t spill the beans. In saying that I will still read everything that he writes. The writing was great just not the story so much.

Thanks to Amazon Publishing UK and NetGalley for my advanced copy of this book to read. All opinions are my own and are in no way biased

Was this review helpful?

Mark Edwards has been a go-to author for me for a good couple of years; I’ve read most of his novels so I knew I wanted to read this even before seeing the blurb. Now having read the blurb, it really doesn’t prepare you for how this story is going to unwind and for that I am so grateful and will ensure I don’t either: going in blind made it all the more enjoyable. All I can say is that, although not the most unique of themes, it’s certainly a brilliant one and sure to be a hit with any thriller-seekers. This is a fast-paced and easy-to-follow read, filled with twists up until the last page. That said, I do have some unanswered questions making me feel that the ending didn’t quite add everything up and must admit I found the characters in this one lacking depth. Still a solid 4 stars from me. Although not my favourite of his novels, Edward’s has undoubtedly done it again, producing a gripping, creepy and exhilarating storyline followed through until the end. Definitely not one to miss and something I’d devour very quickly if it were a Netflix series (here’s hoping!).

*I received an advance review copy of The House Guest from the publisher through NetGalley.

Was this review helpful?

Few authors make me fly through the pages as Mark Edwards do. The premise of "The house guest" got me hooked even before I started reading it because I have a suspicious nature and if you asked me if I would invited a stranger in my house I would say, HELL, NO!

Part one was lots of fun as I kept guessing who Eden was. Then the plot started to unravel in a direction I would never have imagined. Although being well written, giving the reader no moment to catch your breath, I found it a bit far fetched sometimes. I found some actions to be barely believable or not understandable in light of the situation the character was experiencing (I seem to talk in riddles but I don't wanna spoil the plot for those who haven't read it yet). Also, in spite of giving lots of answers, the ending felt a bit rushed.

Super fast read, full of twists, making it perfect entertaiment.

3,5 stars

Thanks to Netgalley and Amazon Publishing UK for providing an eARC in exchange for an honest review.

Was this review helpful?

Another great psychological thriller from Mark Edwards about an unexpected house guest who turns out to be not quite she at first seems. Tense, absorbing and full of unexpected twists and turns. I was gripped from the very beginning and finished this book in a couple of sittings.

This author never fails to thrill with his books and I look forward to his next one.

Was this review helpful?

This book is bonkers! Going by the description, I was anticipating a book about a creepy houseguest. What I got instead was a book that veers wildly off-track into craziness that I never could’ve predicted but thoroughly enjoyed. I loved Here to Stay, a previous book by Mark Edwards, about crazy (literally) in-laws who come to stay with a young couple and then refuse to leave. Through his writing, Mark Edwards seems to be warning us to be careful who we allow into our homes...and I cannot wait for the next book. Thank you to NetGalley and Amazon Publishing for my advanced copy.

Was this review helpful?

The house guest by Mark Edwards

Thank you to NetGalley for providing me a copy of this book to review.

When British twenty-somethings Ruth and Adam are offered the chance to spend the summer housesitting in New York, they can’t say no. Young, in love and on the cusp of professional success, they feel as if luck is finally on their side.
So the moment that Eden turns up on the doorstep, drenched from a summer storm, it seems only right to share a bit of that good fortune. Beautiful and charismatic, Eden claims to be a friend of the homeowners, who told her she could stay whenever she was in New York.
They know you’re not supposed to talk to strangers—let alone invite them into your home—but after all, Eden’s only a stranger until they get to know her.
As suspicions creep in that Eden may not be who she claims to be, they begin to wonder if they’ve made a terrible mistake…

I’m a massive fan of all Mark Edwards books. They have that thing where the story gets right inside my head and my heart is pumping while reading. This book was no different and as soon as I started reading I was straight in there living the story. I find the writing and descriptions so good that I can easily picture the characters and surroundings.
This was fast paced and easy to read. I really enjoyed this book and would definitely recommend to others !

Was this review helpful?

Adam and Ruth are house sitting in America where Ruth is hoping to become an actress and Adam a writer. One stormy evening a young girl, Eden arrives to visit the home owners. With no way to contact them and no where else to go they invite her to stay..
What could go wrong?
Whilst I enjoyed this book and found myself trying to work thing out I felt at times it was a tad predictable and the ending felt rushed and wanting more
I’ve enjoyed all Marks books but felt this wasn’t his best but still a fairly good read

Thanks to Netgalley for the opportunity to read and review

Was this review helpful?

In my opinion you cannot go wrong with books from Mark Edwards I have read them all and never been disappointed, always brilliantly addictive.

This book was well written as always, got me into the story line straight away and it was a chilling read full of unexpected twists and turns.

I can thoroughly recommend this book and thank you to Netgalley and Amazon Publishing for giving me the opportunity to read this book.

Well done Mark, I look forward to your next masterpiece.

Was this review helpful?

WHAT DID I JUST READ? I won’t spoil this book but let’s just say that you think you’ve got this book figured out and you don’t. I thought this was a book about two idiots that let someone into a house but there’s more to the story. This book is over-the-top at times but it’s entertaining and I couldn’t put it down.

Was this review helpful?

**Coming June 3, 2020**

This was the first book I've read by author Mark Edwards, but it will not be the last.

The House Guest tells the story of a British couple, Adam and Ruth, who are housesitting for friends in NYC while Ruth prepares for her Broadway debut as an actress and Adam, a writer, seeks his big break too.

One rainy evening, a woman named Eden shows up at their door. She claims to be a friend of the homeowners of and has traveled for a surprise visit, only to learn that her friends are out of town for the month. Wanting to be friendly, Adam and Ruth invite Eden in from the rain and then decide to offer to let Eden stay with them until the owners return - a decision that will have consequences that will upend their lives.

This psychological thriller had a very good pace and was a quick, fun read. I enjoyed the story and was eager to figure out what was happening through the twists and turns.

Thank you to NetGalley, Amazon UK and Mark Edwards for this digital ARC in exchange for my honest opinion!

Was this review helpful?

This is an outstandingly tense and exciting psychological thriller. I've read every book by this author and he just gets better and better. Brilliant plot. Roller coaster action combined with great characters. A great antidote to my recent reading slump.

Was this review helpful?

Mark Edwards is one of my favourite authors and by far one of the best psychological thriller writers around. His books are all fantastic and unique but never disappoint. This one kept me gripped and on the edge of my seat the whole way through. Loved it and would highly recommend it.

Was this review helpful?

This was the first book I’ve read by this author, and what an amazing story line! I didn’t expect any of it, full of surprises which kept me guessing through to the end.
What a fantastic book!

Was this review helpful?

Wow!!! What can I say? Except Mark Edwards has done it again with another fantastic book. Absolutely loved this book from beginning to end and did not want it to finish.
Loved Adam and Ruth as characters and their passion for each other, but I did not like Callum, found him creepy. Wasn't sure how it was going to end or where it was leading me to, but I wasn't disappointed.
Would highly recommend!!!!
Thank you to Netgalley, Mark Edwards and Amazon Publishing for this ARC in exchange for an honest review

Was this review helpful?

Adam and Ruth were housesitting for friends they had met on a. Russell.
Ruth was an actress and Adam was a writer.
Everything was going great for Ruth, but Adam was struggling with his writing.
All was ok until Eden knocked on their door during a heavy rain storm, and she bought trouble into their home.
Thanks netgalley for letting me read this great book, I am in lock down at home and really appreciate being given the opportunity to review the amazing books I am reading.
Mark Edwards.books are always great, and this one is no exception, cannot wait for the next one.

Was this review helpful?

Adam, a writer, and Ruth, an up and coming actor, are housesitting in New York while Ruth is in a play with a well-known director. Adam and Ruth met the apartment's owners, Mona and Jack while on a cruise.

One evening, during a storm, there is a knock on the door, and Eden, who claims to be a friend of Mona and Jack's, needs a place to stay so Adam and Ruth invite her in. Without giving anything away, Eden opens up a world that turns everything upside down for Adam and Ruth but in different ways for each of them.

Highly readable, this will have you turning the pages through all the twists and turns this mystery/psychological thriller takes you. A good, light, escapist read.

Was this review helpful?

Well this is one creepy book! I like Mark’s books they reach the parts others don’t!

I have to say though I did think Ruth and Adam were a little naive in letting Eden into the house, and letting her stay, albeit that she purported to know the owners. I don’t think I would have, as the owners were coming back in a couple of days, and they didn’t know her from Adam (excuse the pun)! I would have asked her to leave, rain or no rain!!

As the story progresses, it takes some amazing turns, and I don’t think in all honesty I can really say any more without giving the game away. It is one brilliant book, and even at the end, I was left guessing. We know these sort of things go on especially in the States, and how deep rooted they are.

You just have to read it, because I can’t elaborate any more without spoiling it for other readers. Brilliant, thank you to Mark, the publishers and Netgalley for the ARC.

Was this review helpful?

I found this a good weekend read.
Plenty of shockers but the plot evolves pretty much as you'd expect it to.
Strong characters and clever writing combined to bring a satisfying conclusion.

Was this review helpful?

First of all, thank you to NetGalley UK for the chance to read this book ahead of publication in exchange for an honest review.

Well this book was one hell of a ride. Adam and Ruth are just two ordinary people, house sitting for some friends they met on a cruise, when one night a friendly stranger knocks on their door claiming to be a friend of the people who live there. They invite her in, she stays with them for almost a week, and then things get really wild.

I'm not sure if it's my introverted nature or if I've read too many thrillers, but I would not invite someone in, or invite them to stay while I'm house sitting. Actually, I probably wouldn't even house sit for someone I met ONCE on a cruise. Maybe that's just me? This aside, I was hooked pretty quickly. Eden was mysterious, and when everything goes wrong (as you know it will) it's a pretty insane journey.

This was my first Mark Edwards book and it won't be my last. I was thrilled to see in the acknowledgements that he lives in Wolverhampton (where I'm originally from) and that his books tend to venture into the topic of new religious movements. Having studied World Religions at uni, this is definitely an area of interest for me.

Great book, well written, definitely recommend.

Was this review helpful?

Another great read from the wonderful Mark Edwards. Once again a simple premise turns into a page turning read that you just can’t put down.. The characters are all believable and the location of New York springs into life, This is another one of Marks book’s that I’ll be highly recommending,

Was this review helpful?

It took a while for me to get into this book, it didn’t hook me from the first few pages but once the story developed and it was revealed why the house guest was there I was completely hooked! A great storyline with lots of twists and turns.

Was this review helpful?

After a great start that made me look forward to a very intriguing story, the second half of the story did not live up to first for me unfortunately.

Was this review helpful?

I LOVED this book from the minute Eden was introduced. I was so intrigued and enthralled by this character.

As the book went on, I was so caught up in the story and desperate to know how it would unfold. I had so many questions: Who is she? Who is lying? Who is to blame? Who is holding the gun?

My favourite thing about the book by far is its structure - short, snappy chapters and cliff hangers at the end of each one that keep you guessing and make you want to keep reading every time.
This is my first read by @markedwardsauthor and I really hope this is a prominent feature of his work.

This is gripping, chilling, thrilling and undoubtedly worth five shiny stars!

Was this review helpful?

I am lost in a maze of convoluted thoughts and dizzying lights from disco bulbs still swirling my brain around from reading Mark Edward’s “The House Guest”. I am almost certain, that at some point around halfway or so, I think someone swapped out my copy and left me with another book entirely. As things went bloody crazy and I cannot tell you what was straight up or down or 6 ways from Sunday after that! I cannot make sense of what I read enough to provide a very sensible review. Here is my best attempt.

We go from a story about a cute house-sitting couple and a strange house guest who does not seem to want to leave, and tragedy as the girlfriend suddenly goes missing one day. This is followed by an entire other story as far as I am concerned, and it goes like this:

Cults? Check.

Murder? Check.

Relationship still even matter? Not really.

Random character/Father trying to save his daughter in this cult? Initially thought so?

Now Daughter trying to kill father, possibly. Say what?? But then this spin I could not stay focused on long enough as we then we had…

Cult Initiations with genital brandings? Check. (Now that one stayed with me).

What was the goal at the end of the day from reading this………………….? No more Checks left because I already left the building.

Oh heck, I guess I have got one more check:
Hot Mess? CHECK!

This review a Hot Mess? CHECK

*Thank you to Amazon Publishing UK via NetGalley for providing the digital review copy

Was this review helpful?

Thank you to NetGalley, Amazon Publishing, and Mark Edwards for an advanced copy of this book.

This is my third Mark Edwards book, and he certainly did not disappoint. This book was incredibly fast paced and kept me guessing. The plot was interesting, but I did find the characters a little frustrating at times-specifically Ruth. I found her too willing to accept her situation at times that it seemed out of character.

I appreciated how the chapters were broken down into manageable sections and left me on cliffhangers each time. It made me not want to put the book down! If you’re looking for a quick, thriller read, I would pick this one up!

Was this review helpful?

This novel starts off really well with a stranger arriving soaking wet on a rainy night on the NY doorstep of Adam and Ruth who are house-sitting for friends. Eden claims to know the couple who own the house, Jack and Mona, and says she was invited to stay with them whenever she was in town. Adam and Ruth invite her in to dry off and change her clothes and then, not wanting to send her out into the rain with nowhere else to stay, they invite her to stay. A generous action they will later have cause to regret.

I've enjoyed quite a few of Mark Edwards' books and was really looking forward to this one. However, while this one started out really well, it disappointingly failed to deliver. Initially, as events occurred following Eden's stay at the house, the plot was quite intriguing but once the explanation was revealed, it lost it's momentum and fell a bit flat. I was also disappointed that it was never explained how the network could actually do what it said it would for people when this seemed central to it's success. The characters also started off well but I didn't feel that their subsequent actions (particularly Ruth, Eden and Mona) were justified by what we had been shown of their natures and felt that Gabriel was just too much of a cliche!

Was this review helpful?

A perfect summer, a perfect stranger, a perfect nightmare. Enough said, I’m sold!
When Ruth and Adam are offered the chance to house sit in New York, they jump at the chance. When Eden shows up at the door claiming to know the home owners, they quickly invite her in and let her stay. After one night of heavy drinking and celebrating, Adam wakes with little memory of the night before and no sign of Ruth or Eden. As Adam grapples with the mysterious disappearance of his girlfriend, everything starts to point back to Eden.
This was a really fast paced book with lots of twists which for the majority, kept me glued to the pages. There really wasn’t much that I didn’t like about this book. However, towards the end, I wasn’t totally feeling the plot anymore. Overall I did like it and will certainly read more of his books. If you’re a fan of Harlan Coben, you should definitely read this one.

Was this review helpful?

When a stranger turns up at the house that Ruth and Adam are house sitting in New York, you know it’s not going to end well, but nothing prepared me for what happens in this book.

Mark has a real talent for taking perfectly normal characters and situations and turning them into an absolute nightmare. Some parts were a bit predictable (character involvement) and some parts were slightly far fetched, but I was hooked. This was an unputdownable thriller that has introduced me to a binge worthy author.

The House Guest is published June 3rd

Thank you to NetGalley, Mark Edwards and Amazon Publishing Uk for this ARC in exchange for an honest review.

Was this review helpful?

I was initially intrigued by the premise of this novel and found the first part to be gripping and unputdownable. The characters were well-written and the short chapters kept me absorbed.

However, the plot twist turns the second half into an almost completely different novel. The plot becomes far-fetched and silly. The group involved are vague with no real meaning behind their purpose or creation beyond vague passing comments. As such, I found the second half to be rather flat and disappointing.

Worth a read if you're after a quick read, entertaining story and are willing to suspend disbelief.

Thanks to Amazon Publishing UK and NetGalley for the ARC.

Was this review helpful?

Ruth and Adam are house-sitting in New York when a young woman shows up in the middle of a rainstorm dripping wet. She tells them she is there to visit the owners of the home Mona and Jack. As she knows the owners names they invite her in to dry off and then let her stay the night. That night turns into a week ...........

I really enjoyed this fast paced, action packed and compelling read. It held my attention from the beginning to the end and I read it in one sitting, outside on a nice sunny day during lockdown. Perfect escapism!

Was this review helpful?

The holy guacamole is back! Oh yes, The House Guest turned out to be one of those reads that left me completely mindblown and gulping for air... I literally finished reading it in one sitting, unable to stop before reaching that final page. Unputdownable indeed! My first experience with Mark Edwards' work last year, Here To Stay, made me an instant fan, and this story only reconfirms my love for his writing.There is no doubt whatsoever that The House Guest is an absolute must-read for fans of intense psychological thrillers!

There is so much to love in The House Guest... The first thing that stands out is both the plot and its cult element. I really liked the structure of the plot in general with multiple parts; each with a different vibe while also complementing each other. The story starts out with that ominous feel that something is bound to go wrong sooner than later; basically true psychological thriller material that sets the tone for the rest of the story. Afterwards, we have the mysterious missing person case and more action involved as well as a private detective vibe... Only for things to turn even darker and dangerous with the introduction of the cult element. I just loved how the whole cult element was developed in general, and it definitely gave the story an unique touch. It's also quite hard to put The House Guest into a specific genre box, and this multi-dimentional feel is another reason this story stands out for me.

Like I said before, the cult element is basically the star of the show, but in the beginning the main focus is mostly on the main characters. This is a great way both to get to know the characters in play as well as preparing you for what is yet to come... The story is mostly told from Adam's POV and it was fascinating to see him develop and react to the events as they occur. His girlfriend Ruth is likewise interesting, and through her we get to know more about what happened after she disappeared. Eden is someone I failed to trust from the very beginning, but guessing and learning more about her story and motivation was without doubt entertaining enough. As a whole, not every character is exactly likeable, but they all played their role and felt realistic. It's the perfect cast to tell this story and The House Guest will probably stay with me for a long time.

The writing itself is excellent. I literally wasn't really in the mood to read, told myself to try the first chapters so I would get an idea of what the story would be like, and suddenly hours had past and I found myself staring at the last page. I was hooked from the very beginning, and this is definitely one of those stories you should clear your schedule for. Both the building up of suspense, the placement of the plot twists and the technique of witholding information only to be released at a crucial moment were simply spot on. You get that ominous feel, you get a missing person case, you get a cult, you get a conspiracy plot, you get danger... And you definitely get that satisfied feeling after reading a brilliant story. And talk about an explosive ending! I'll repeat it again: The House Guest is an absolute must-read.

Was this review helpful?

There’s a sinister whiff of Scientology about this addictive thriller from Mark Edwards. As soon as a stranger turns up at the door of Adam and Ruth’s summer residence I was screaming at them not to let her in. Eden is a seemingly harmless blonde from LA, who claims to have met Ruth and Adam’s friends when she dated someone in common, Adam and Ruth are simply house sitting for two older friends who have gone away for the summer. They are on the cusp of big changes in their lives. Ruth is starting on Broadway this summer, after playing the lead in a cult horror film. Adam has finished a play and has an appointment to meet a Broadway producer. There’s a spare room, and Eden seems cool, if a little LA hippy for Adam’s taste. They all get on so well. The only moment Adam wonders if they’ve made a mistake is by the local pool. Eden is hassled by a couple of guys and when Adam steps in she throws them a warning. They’re dead men walking. The day before the house sit ends, Eden pops out for Japanese food but brings a bottle of tequila too. The night is murky, but when Adam wakes the next morning he has the worst hangover ever. When he finally drags himself out of bed, he finds both Ruth and Eden gone.

I read half of this novel in one night it was so addictive, Once Ruth is missing, our narrative splits into two with Adam narrating his search for both women and Ruth narrating her strange encounter with a shadowy organisation, I like the way the author placed just enough doubt into theIr relationship that I did suspect Adam slightly, or wondered if a threesome scenario had got out of hand while they were drinking. There was a potential wedge between the couple, of Ruth being on the cusp of stardom and Adam feeling he will always be following in her wake. While my suspicions were split between several people the author still managed to surprise me a few times! Edwards has a way of writing chapters just long enough to reveal a bit more story while keeping them short enough for me to devour them. There’s often a cliffhanger so I think ‘I’ll just read another before bed’ and before I knew it it was 2am. I started to really feel for Adam, not only rejected for his play but his girlfriend is taken by a cult recruiter who leaves him behind. I enjoyed the strange buddy relationship he makes with the bearded guy he’s seen watching the house. Together they delve into a murky world of conspiracy theories and a cult so secret, it has no name. An excellent thriller that keeps driving you forward. Don’t read if you want a full nights sleep.

A longer version will appear on my blog.

Was this review helpful?

Thank you to NetGalley and publisher for allowing me to read an ARC of this book. All thoughts and opinions are my own. First, I would like to say this book was well written and flowed well. The story is about Ruth and Adam (primarily from Adam’s point of view) who are housesitting a friends house. One stormy evening, a stranger (Eden) shows up at their door who claims to know the house owners. Who is this person and why is she there? Then Ruth suddenly disappears and Adam has to figure out what is really going on. What ensues is a story that takes you on many twists and turns, many of which I did not see coming! This psychological thriller kept me on the edge of my set, and I couldn’t put it down! I appreciated how the book tied the story of each character up nicely at the end with a slight cliff hanger. Highly recommend! 5 stars!

Was this review helpful?

I really like Mark Edwards books, this one was no different. The storyline did drag a bit in some places but that did not stop it from being a very UNIQUE tale. I would recommend.

Thank you to NetGalley and the publisher for the chance to read and review.

Was this review helpful?

My first time reading Mark Edward's. I was pleantly surprised with the excellent writing of this author. I read so much that I always look for unique storylines and this book sure had one. With alot of tension, and twist and turns this book kept me on the edge of my seat. A strong 4 star 🌟 for me.
Go order this book, you won't be disappointed.

Thanks to Netgalley for the early release in exchange for my review

Was this review helpful?

With thanks to Amazon Publishing and NetGalley for the ARC

Ruth and Adam are young English twenty somethings on the cusp of great careers.
They are house sitting a New York house for some new friends thay met on a cruise while Ruth appears in a Broadway play.
When Eden appears on the doorstep claiming to be a friend of the owners, they invite her to stay for a few days.

Things quickly start to come off the rails after this.

Who is Eden?
Why is she really here?
Who is the mysterious man following and spying on them?
How will it all play out?

I was hooked early and my attention never wavered therefore I rattled through this very quickly.

A great psychological thriller from an author who is obviously really enjoying herself and at the top of her craft.

A great read.

Was this review helpful?

I was intrigued by this premise of this book, and I found the beginning interesting. It's well-written and well-paced. However, when the twist came, the book lost me. The main reason for this was because it just didn't make sense--the culprit(s) didn't need to go through this elaborate set up to insinuate their way into Adam and Ruth's life to get what they wanted--they could have (and would have) simply grabbed it. Because of that I spent a fair few pages certain it was all a double-blind, and there was another twist coming that would make sense of it all. But, before long it became clear that wasn't the case. If I'd bought this book rather than obtained it through NetGalley, I wouldn't have finished it. However, I would try another of his books because I believe this particular plot may just have been too out there for me.

My thanks to the author, the publisher, and NetGalley for the chance to review this book.

Was this review helpful?

So creepy and thrilling!! This is my first book by this Author and it did not disappoint!! Full of suspense and twists and turns!!

Was this review helpful?

I enjoyed this book from the very beginning and felt it had huge protenial.
But after Ruth when missing, I felt I lost the connection with any of the characters.

It felt kinda rushed in places and felt more depth of some of the characters would of helped a little

But on the whole I enjoyed the book, but only in aspects of introducing me to a new author, whom I'm still very much interested in reading more of

Was this review helpful?

Amazing. I read a lot and sometimes, warning analogy coming, it feels like I’m devouring the same cake all the time, but then one bite of a rogue piece and BAM, someone has changed up the ingredients to make that piece stand out more than a little from all the other pieces. This is what has happened here with The House Guest. Sure I’ve read thriller mysteries before, but this one has a little extra pizzazz & zing. A very easy read that kept me turning the pages as my eyes were drooping. Highly recommended!

Was this review helpful?

Many thanks to NetGalley, Amazon Publishing UK, and Mark Edwards for the opportunity to read and review his latest thriller. 4 stars for a fast-paced, thrilling book - just what you would expect from Mark Edwards!

Ruth and Adam are house sitting for friends Jack and Mona, who they met when they all took a recent cruise. Ruth is an actress in rehearsal for her first Broadway play. Adam is a struggling author and somewhat jealous of Ruth's success. It's a stormy night when Eden shows up at their door, drenched, looking for Jack and Mona. Eden tells Ruth and Adam that they are old friends and told Eden she was welcome to stay with them any time she was in NYC. Ruth and Adam eventually invite her in and become friends as she stays for a few days. After a night of heavy drinking, Adam wakes up and can't remember anything. All he knows is that both Ruth and Eden are missing.

Enough plot to get you interested but definitely don't want to ruin the story! Suffice it to say that you definitely shouldn't invite strangers into your home any time soon!

Was this review helpful?

What a story this was, it literally swallowed me up whole. Just brilliant and I was gripped from start to finish.

All of the characters were well written, so much so that there are times when you question as to who really can be trusted and who can't be trusted. I was very surprised by the story plot once it was clear as to what was really going on, it was very well done and portrayed though. I was routing for characters of Ruth and Adam throughout and was very surprised by the outcome of Eden, certainly wasn't expecting that.

As always with Mark's books, they are always gripping, fast paced, edge of seat in eager anticipation as to what would happen next and a couple of twists thrown in for good measure. So can definitely highly recommend this one.

Was this review helpful?

Thank you to NetGalley and Amazon Publishing UK for an advance reader’s copy of this novel in exchange for an honest review.

Ruth and Adam are house sitting when a stranger arrives at the door, looking for the owners. ... and then it all gets a bit crazy ...

I expected your normal domestic thriller ... going in it even seemed vaguely familiar to a couple of other books I had read. But this book definitely threw me a curve ball and they kept coming !

I found Adam especially to be totally gullible and sometimes unbelievable in his innocence and willingness to believe and trust in strangers. But otherwise, I throughly enjoyed this story,

4 ⭐️

Was this review helpful?

I was only a couple of chapters into this book before I was looking up other books by the author; I found this so easy to get into and so hard to put down! Adam and Ruth, his girlfriend are house-sitting when a stranger knocks at the door claiming to know the owners who are away on a retreat where they can’t be contacted, they let her in and invite her to stay..... Then Ruth and the mystery lady, Eden go missing and Adam starts to search, uncovering secrets and lies. This is a really brilliant book, with a fantastic ending.

Was this review helpful?

Adam and his girlfriend Ruth are housesitting for a couple in New York. One night a soaking wet Eve shows up on the door expecting to find the house's owners who she claims to have known for years. She is there because they told her she could stay whenever she is in New York. However, the hosts are in a mindfulness retreat in Mexico and can not be contacted. As it is pouring with rain Adam and Ruth invite Eve in to dry off and wait out the storm. As she has nowhere else to go they invite her to stay in the spare room.

After a drunken night, Adam wakes up more hungover than he has ever been in his life with blackout from the night before. Ruth and Eve are gone. Assuming that Ruth is at work Adam spends the day with the toilet. When Ruth does not return but the homeowners do, Adam is increasingly concerned about Ruth, but the homeowners have only one question "Who the hell is Eve?"

The blurb and other reader reviews for this book made me very excited to read and I was expecting an amazing, gripping thriller. What I found instead was disappointingly flat. The writing structure does not appear to have been styled to create intrigue and suspense, it just sort of plods along. The story idea is great, but the moments where more was happening or lives were threatened should have created frantic reading.

The character of Eve is actually really good. She has a nice story arc, is compelling and likeable even when you know you shouldn't. However, the book is from Adams point of view and he is so annoyingly one dimensional. I had to check that the writer was male because Adams character is like when someone with less experience writes from the point of view of the opposite sex to themselves. There is precious little as to Adams physical and emotional response to what is going on around him other than that he wants to find Ruth before something happens to her. But we are told this, repeatedly, rather than shown it.

The storyline was painfully predictable and the ending was far too tidy for my liking. So overall this was a disappointing read but not completely unreadable.

Was this review helpful?

I received a free eARC of The House Guest via NetGalley but that has in no way influenced my review.

Mark Edwards is probably the author whose books I have read the most (I think this is number eight). He's a talented writer who likes to put his very normal characters into very unusual and challenging (often terrifying!) situations and I flipping love what he does! When I know there's a new Mark Edwards book on the brink of publication, everything else gets pushed to one side so I can read it. I was really excited to read The House Guest and I'm delighted to say, I was not disappointed.

Brits Adam and Ruth have had a stroke of luck and are house-sitting for an American couple they met on a cruise. Ruth is an aspiring actress and has been given the lead role in a Broadway play. Adam is a struggling writer who hasn't quite made his mark yet, but he'll keep trying. One stormy Summers day there's a knock at the door. Standing before the couple, drenched from head to toe, is Eden, a friend of the Cunningham's who own the luxurious house in Williamsburg. Adam and Ruth don't feel they can turn the Cunningham's friend away when the weather is so atrocious. She's travelled so far and has nowhere else to go. So they invite her in to dry off and to share a glass of wine. But Eden is a stranger. They don't know what secrets she's hiding...

It's very easy to get pulled into a Mark Edwards book from the get-go. He sets up the scene for his reader with such skill that you just have to keep reading to find out where events are going to take you. There's such a wonderful sense of unease from start to finish in The House Guest which I really enjoyed. However, I think this is the first one of Edwards' books where I can't really talk about the plot. There's a pretty hefty twist in there which, unless you've read reviews with spoilers, I don't think you will see coming. It turns the whole book on its head - but it didn't really blow me away. For me, there is another twist further on, which I found so exciting. So much so, I think I used four exclamation marks to emphasise my surprise in my notes!!!!

The House Guest is very entertaining but I have to be honest and say it was a little far fetched for me, which left me shaking my head at certain points. But hey, it's fiction and if you can't be a little creative when writing a novel then when can you be? I had to choose between going with the flow and enjoying the ride, or...not. And knowing Edwards has never let me down before, I chose to go with the flow.

Would I recommend this book? I would, yes. I loved the unease, the sense of impending doom the author makes you feel. I loved the setting (it's New York, I adore New York!) and could picture with ease the characters making their way through the city. I loved that the twists never really stopped coming which adds to the excitement. It's a book about needing to belong and I think we all feel that need at times. Another great book from Mark Edwards and I can't wait to see what comes next.

I chose to read and review an eARC of The House Guest. The above review is my own unbiased opinion.

**3.5 stars rounded up to 4 for Goodreads and Amazon**

Was this review helpful?

Another great read from Mark Edwards. Gripping page turner, never knowing what comes next. Highly recommend

Was this review helpful?

This was a great mystery psychological thriller which I have come to expect no less from the Master of Psychological thrillers….. Ruth & Adam are house sitting in New York for friends Jack & Mona who they met while on a cruise. Adam is a budding author and Ruth an actress currently rehearsing for a Broadway play and hoping this is her big break. Life is good right now for the pair, however, when a young girl, Eden turns up at the door one stormy night looking for Jack & Mona, they tell her that they are away, Eden explains she is a friend of theirs and was hoping to spend a couple of nights…. Feeling sorry for her especially being soaked to the skin, Ruth & Adam invite her in…… WHAT HAVE THEY DONE?

After a night of heavy drinking with Ruth and Eden, Adam wakes up, feeling worse for wear and his best friend that day is the toilet, he cannot believe his hangover, how much did he drink…. He is on his own in the house but where are Ruth & Eden, he presumes Ruth is at work but no idea where Eden is. When Jack & Mona return from their holidays and still no sign of either Ruth & Eden, Adam explains all to them and they bid to help him as they have a contact in the Police. Things go from bad to worse….

This book was explosive, who can be trusted, where is Ruth, what exactly is going on, does Adam know who exactly their “house guest” was/is? This book is intriguing and will hook you from the getgo, a very well played out plot and when it all comes together…. Wow!!! Highly recommend.

Was this review helpful?

I've read several Mark Edwards books and find them easy to read and very fast paced. This one is no exception. I really enjoyed it and didn't want it to end. I highly recommend this book.

Was this review helpful?

Ruth and Adam are offered a chance to house sit in New York. Ruth is an aspiring actress and Adam is hoping to be a screenwriter. The house is perfect. Who wouldn’t want to live in New York.. everything is perfect, then one night a stranger knocks on the door. She says she’s a friend of the owners and they told her she could stay any time. They allow her to stay and she fits right in. Then things start happening. This was a page turner, as are all his books.

Was this review helpful?

This is a book with unimaginable twists and turns and danger with a House Guest, a stranger, to look after a home. Would you ever do that? It’s a fast-paced, chilling, all consuming and absorbing psychological thriller to say the least, with the emphasis on chilling…

Set in New York, instantly the house-sitter, Eden who has arrived in a sodden, drenched state, claiming to be a friend of Jack and Mona Cunningham as she meets Adam and Ruth. Ruth is an actress and has bagged herself a role in the new Broadway play – Dare after appearing in a film called The Immaculate. Adam is a playwright and has just finished a piece to start meetings with. It all seems quite a relaxed, almost jovial and serene atmosphere and they get to know each other and how they know the Cunninghams and their line of work – psychology and domestic wellness, except the situation does seem all a little weird as to how all 3 end up spending time together.
The tone used in the book is great. It’s so easy-going and relaxed and fits perfectly for the young people who haven’t long been in their adulthood years. The book pulls you in and the atmosphere changes just at the right moments. It’s a skilled hand writing the words, as some odd behaviour happens at a pool at a park.

When Jack and Mona return to their home, it all turns very creepy and sinister as it twists and there’s a need to know just who Eden really is and where Ruth also disappeared to. That serene, but somewhat odd atmosphere of before, becomes intense deftly as the situation becomes stranger. Gabriel is another suspicious, sinister character. There are twists and turns to make you gasp and want to read more and more with intensity, especially to discover more about Eden and who she is, what she is doing and for what purpose.
It’s chilling to say the least as the twists and turns increase in intensity in atmosphere and in the events that are going on. It isn’t until the end that you feel you can be at ease and breath…

Was this review helpful?

4.25 Stars

Two young British house sitters do a NYC No-No - invite a stranger, drenched and disheveled at the door, into their host's posh Brooklyn home.

(Don't do it!)

Not only to step over the threshold for a chat or a drink or two, but to stay the night, sleepover for a few days.

(How nice!)

But, as it turns out, the mysterious de-facto house guest has far more sinister motives beyond the young couple's worst imagination.

What makes a Mark Edwards' psychological thriller chilling to the bone as they snake their way inside your head, is that his stories are adopted from those everyday situations which could happen to the best of us.

"House Sitting" is an actual profession which invariably meets the needs of the well-heeled who own a home, and have pet(s) they care about and want fed, if not pampered, while traipsing about.

And if "The House Guest" feels real, perhaps it's because opening your home to strangers is pretty reckless by and in of itself, particularly by New York City standards where doors have double or triple locks.

Moreover, some elements of the story are loosely based on actual events which happened in Upstate New York resulting in the conviction of certain individuals.

Overall, an enthralling read, which I finished in a single session.

Review based on an e-galley ARC received from Amazon Publishing UK and Thomas & Mercer through NetGalley.

Was this review helpful?

I was so excited to be accepted as a reviewer for this latest Mark Edwards novel as I have followed his career as an author and thoroughly enjoyed the novels of his that I have read so far. When it arrived on my Kindle I couldn’t wait to read it, but as always it stayed in the queue organised by publication date. As time got nearer and nearer, so did Mark’s novel.
British couple Ruth and Adam meet Mona and Jack from Brooklyn New York on a cruise and they get on really well. Ruth is a talented actress who is to star in a new film on Broadway and Jack decides to accompany his girlfriend and use his spare time for writing. He would love to be a writer and the break would be ideal for him to work on his first manuscript, getting it ready for submission. Coincidentally Mona and Jack will be away when Ruth and Adam need to be in New York for filming. The American couple are looking for a house-sitter for their next holiday and soon the deal is done and Ruth and Adam will no longer have to arrange accommodation. They will be the house sitters. Their proposed trip to New York seems to be working out perfectly. They meet at the apartment for the key handover and cannot believe their good luck. It is really luxurious and they revel in the peace.
The hot summer goes by quickly. Mona and Jack’s place is beautiful and spacious. Adam has peace and quiet so that he can concentrate on his writing and Ruth is working very hard with a grumpy but highly respected film director. Life is sweet and satisfying until one stormy night they hear a visitor at the door. The girl is soaked to the skin and shocked to see strangers in Mona and Jacks place. She tells them that Mona and Jack had given her an open invitation to stay at their place if she ever left the West Coast for a trip to New York.
Outside on the doorstep Eve is soaked and shivering as she tells them her name. She lets slip lots of information about her proposed host and hostess so Adam and Ruth decided to invite her in and later on to stay on . Mona and Jack would surely want them to be kind to their friend and invite her to use the spare room. The three of them got on really well at first. Very soon Adam will discover that they had made a dreadful mistake, because once she was in as the house guest, life took on a totally different perspective, endangering their lives and the lives of a great many people they had never even met before. This is how the story starts and this was my favourite part of the entire novel. I was fascinated and hooked.
I enjoyed reading this novel and thought it was a novel of two parts. It intrigued me and I was definitely fully engaged, especially after the cracking first half. Thereafter I thought the plot became unbelievably complicated and almost unfathomable but I still felt curious to know how it would all pan out. There was plenty of quick fire action and some parts were really violent, bloodthirsty and so far-fetched that I couldn’t keep up with the plot. I didn’t identify with the characters either. They were often not who they seemed to be, and lies and deception abounded. I commend Mark on his meticulous research. He even took his family to New York for a holiday to gather an informed image of the geography of Brooklyn so that his descriptions were authentic.
I received a complimentary copy of this novel from publisher Thomas & Mercer through my membership of NetGalley. Thank you for my copy sent in return for an honest and unbiased review. This novel gripped me from the very beginning until half way through. I’ve thought long and hard about my review. I did have some issues with the second half of the story but taking that into consideration it is a 3* review from me.

Was this review helpful?

3,5 Stars

I am a huge Mark Edwards Fan and I am always looking forward to a new book from him. I like his writing and how he can create an eerie atmosphere.

A young English couple is housesitting in New York. Adam is a writer and his girlfriend Ruth is an actress. Ruth is on her way to become famous but Adam is a bit struggling. One night a young woman appears at the house. It is raining and she seems to know the owner of the house. So they let her in and stay for a week. After just this few days their life will never be the same.

The start is very intriguing. Edwards is a master in creating a good entrance into his stories. The story developed into something I did not expect. I was really surprised were this was heading to. When you read this kind of blurb you probably have an idea were this is going. But be prepared to be surprised.

As I said, the first parts of Edward’s books are always very good. Sometimes his stories are a bit over the top. I found this story a bit far-fetched and weird. But it is still entertaining and Edwards can write. He always kept me interested in what was going on. It was a fun read as always and I can’t wait for his next book.

Was this review helpful?

Ok, if you invite a stranger to stay in a house that you barely know the homeowners of, you're asking for trouble. Things are going to go badly. Which is exactly what happens here. I felt like the story was a little predictable, but I was still entertained!

Was this review helpful?

I loved the title and cover of this book, which is what drew me to read this in the first place. This is my first read by this author and I have to say, I plan on reading more of his books in the future. I can somewhat relate to this book as I have a kind heart and have taken in someone without knowing them. However, mine had a good ending. This book was so full of twists and turns that I couldn't put the book down. What happened to Eden? What happened to Ruth? Thank you to Netgallery and the publisher for introducing me to a new writer I probably would never have heard of it it weren't for this opportunity. I look forward to reading more of his books in the near future.

Was this review helpful?

This book will make you think twice about opening the door to a stranger, much less letting them stay in the same house as you! I am one of those people who "jump" in scary movies. While this was not a movie....I still jumped three or four times. I expected a mystery/ thriller and got a shocking thrill ride that went many places I did not see. WOW!

Was this review helpful?

An action story which moves along quickly and as I got into it, became compulsive reading. Strange things happen in the story. An unknown girl accepted into the home is the first one but other things happen which seem unlikely but the book is still compelling. It is scarily possible that a cult would be so attractive and seductive that previously perfect normal people agree to join even today when many of these have been revealed and shamed in the press.
I really enjoyed it and recommend the book

Was this review helpful?

I really enjoyed this psychological thriller. There are some major twists in the middle of the book. I would love to read more by this author as I enjoyed his writing style.

Was this review helpful?

This story is about Adam and Ruth. Ruth is an actress whose career is just about to take off and Adam is a struggling writer. They are staying in New York house sitting for a couple they met on a cruise. One day there is a knock at the door and they find a young woman called Eden who has arrived to surprise the house owners. It is obvious that Eden has nowhere else to go. With the owners unreachable Adam and Ruth decide to let Eden stay but in doing so they make a huge mistake.

I am a huge fan of this author and will read everything he brings out without needing to know much about the synopsis. As always this book was fast paced and a fast read and enjoyable overall. The problem I had with this book was the overall theme which I cannot reveal with our spoiling the book. It is a theme I hate and try to avoid in all books as I just don’t find it interesting. I am now going to have to sit and wait patiently for his next book.

Was this review helpful?

This is another great read from Mark Edwards. If you like a thriller that keeps you going to the very last pages then this book is for you. Its packed with twists and turns.
.
Adam and Ruth are house stirring for friends in New York when a young woman named Eden arrives on the doorstep. A friend of the house owners, they allow her inside and soon their lives begin to change. What could go wrong?
.
A lot!! And it makes for a gripping read! Is the stranger who she said she was?
.
As usual, no spoilers in my reviews but this is a great psychological thriller that will throw in lots of surprises and revelations as you read.
.
Thank you to netgalley for allowing me to review

Was this review helpful?

3.5 Stars

I think we all know not to talk to strangers. We also know not to let them in the house even if they say they know the homeowner. Even though we know all this, this book is still pretty darn good. I didn't see a lot of the twists coming. So that was a great surprise.

Thanks Netgalley and publisher for my eARC in exchange for my honest review!

Was this review helpful?

To begin, I’d like to thank Amazon Publishing UK for sending me an ARC of this book, and to NetGalley for facilitating. And a huge thank you to Mark Edwards for writing this!

As always there will be no spoilers in this review.

Wow... what can I say? Just wow. I could not put this book down. It was devoured in less than 24 hours I even set my alarm an hour early in the morning so I could read it in peace before my little girls got up in the morning!

The characters were all so interesting and gripping. As always, Mark writes them so that they are still complex and full of layers, but really easy to connect with almost instantly. You invest in their stories almost as soon as you “meet” them. And again, is is usual in Mark Edwards books, the story begins immediately. There is no such thing as a slow burner Mark Edwards book. You open the first page and immediately you’re in the drama!

The story itself was dark, mysterious, full of suspense, and of course - realistic. This feels like something that could actually happen (mostly because it has in some form or another... multiple times, Mark Edwards just adds the sprinkle of art needed to turn a news headline into a full blown adventure). If you have never read a Mark Edwards book before I implore you to go and devour every single one - you will not regret it!

There’s not too much I can say without some sort of spoiler or clues so I’ll leave it as is. But just know that this book had me hooked from the first page to the last. It was absolutely delicious! A very very easy 5 stars from me!

Was this review helpful?

Ok first of all if I ask someone to house sit for me, I would not be ok with them allowing anyone else to stay in my home unless I left explicit instructions saying that was ok. Secondly, no matter where you go there is an emergency contact number for a house sitter to reach me at, leave me message or something. And if there isn’t then all the more reason why they should not be allowing someone else in my home.
Thirdly, Adam knee Eden for 3 days and was ready to share his relationship fears with her??? Maybe it’s just me but the only person I’d be talking to about something like this is my bestie, definitely not a stranger Because of these reasons I had to suspend my disbelief so I could move on and read the book. Usually if I have to suspend disbelief early on it’s a reliable sign that the books is not going to meet my expectations, this was no exception. The whole plot is just not believable and has many loopholes. There is zero character development and the twists feel either predictable or forced. There are way too many loopholes and gaps in the plot, for example; nobody was with Eden when she dealt with her father, they just assumed she did what she needed? Eden’s behavior in the end is so predictable. Mona’s husband didn’t know anything? Someone shot someone in the shoulder and it’s a minor thing and not attempted murder? A person on witness protection visits one of their old associates? There are more but I can’t mention it without giving away anything so I’ll stop. This was a quick read but I’ve read other work by Mark Edwards which has been far superior. This one misses the mark (pun not intended).

Was this review helpful?

Thanks to Netgalley for my copy.

I felt like I have read two halves of two different books but containing the same characters.

The first half is the story of a young couple, a breakthrough actress and an aspiring writer house sitting in New York. A young woman knocks the door in a rainstorm saying she is a friend of the owner. They invite her to stay and spend the week with them until the owners return. This was interesting and the i liked the character development.

The second half became a completely different story of murder, mayhem and cults. I found this half totally unbelievable. Don't get me wrong I know cults exist and I just read another book by a well known author on the subject. This was a totally believable read and the cult storyline was excellently portrayed. In this book it just didn't ring true and the ending was also disappointing.

Was this review helpful?

I read this book in a day as couldn't put it down, when Ruth and Adam house sit they don't expect to take in a guest Eden and have their lives turned upside down!
Ruth goes missing but can Adam find her and who can he trust! I think this would make a really good movie!

Was this review helpful?

#NetGalley #AmazonPublishingUK #MarkEdwards

Adam and Ruth are house sitting in New York for an older couple they met a few months prior on a cruiseship. A woman named Eden shows up on the doorstep unexpectedly looking for Jack and Mona, the older couple, claiming that she had come all the way from LA to surprise them. One thing leads to another and Jack ends up inviting her to stay until the homeowners return. The trio becomes fast friends and everything is fine until they all get really wasted on tequila and Adam wakes up the next day remembering very little of the evening before, and discovering that both Ruth and Eden have disappeared. When Jack and Mona return the next day Adam still knows not of their whereabouts.

Here begins his search for answers, with many plot twist and turns, culminating in a unexpected ending.

I really enjoyed this book and would recommend for readers who love the mystery/thriller genre.

Was this review helpful?

Mark Edwards never fails to deliver and "The House Guest" is a fun, exciting, fast paced thriller with plenty of twists and turns along the way to keep you guessing.

While it's over the top and pushes the bounds of believability, Edwards' writing is so good, it doesn't matter. There were lots of surprises which hit you left field and they keep coming right up to the very last page.

If you've enjoyed his other books, you'll love this.

Thanks to Netgalley for the ARC without obligation.

Was this review helpful?

I've read a good few of Mark Edwards books and this one certainly doesn't disappoint. it's edge of your seat and you can really feel the characters frustration. I won't say anything else or it will spoil the book

Was this review helpful?

When Ruth is offered her first role in a Broadway play it feels as though things are really starting to take off with her career. Coupled with the fact that she and her boyfriend Adam have been asked to house-sit a beautiful old house in Williamsburg, Brooklyn, it has been an idyllic summer feeling like real New Yorkers, living someone else's life.

In the middle of a torrential summer storm Eden turns up on their doorstep. Drenched and looking like a drowned rat she claims to be a friend of the home owners who invited her to stay whenever she was in New York. It feels mean to turn her away, especially as she seems to know Jack and Mona so well so they invite her in to dry off and have a drink.

After they get chatting Ruth takes pity on Eden and invites her to stay as Jack and Mona are due home from their retreat in a few days. After all a stranger is just a friend that you haven't met before. Over the next few days Adam notices some odd things about Eden and wonders if she is who she is supposed to be. One night just before the owners are due to come home Ruth and Eden disappear off the face of the earth. Adam wakes up with a raging hangover and no real recollection of what had happened the previous evening. Where is Ruth and who exactly was Eden?

In true Edwards storytelling style this is a chilling tale of naive youngsters taken in by a devious fraudster but the consequences for everyone involved could be fatal. If you are looking for a well crafted thriller to while away some time this summer you can't go wrong with The House Guest.

Supplied by Net Galley and Thomas & Mercer in exchange for an honest review.

UK Publication date: Jun 3 2020. 294 pages.

#TheHouseGuest #NetGalley

Was this review helpful?

Thank you to Netgalley for this ARC in exchange for my honest opinion and review. This was my first book by Mark Edwards and I will be on the lookout for more. Coming in just under 300 pages, this was a quick and easy read, but it kept me wanting to know what happens.

Ruth and Adam are housesitting in New York for a couple they met on a cruise, while Ruth chases her dreams on Broadway. A few days before the couple is due to return home, a stranger knocks on the door, saying they're a friend of the owners. Do you let them in? Of course, she seems friendly and knows the homeowners, and has nowhere else to go. But weren't we taught not to talk to strangers? What happens when you mix a lot of tequila, some secrets and a missing person?

I will be honest and not many of the characters in this book were very likeable. I actually don't know if there was one I fully liked. They each had redeeming qualities, but I found them either annoying, rude, boring or narcissistic. In saying that, I was still rooting for them. While a lot of this book was easy to guess, I still found myself wanting to know how it all played out and who you could trust. The writing was fairly simple, but the story line was good and quite overall enjoyable. This book lost a star for me because of the characters, but mostly because of the last 3 or so pages. They were terrible and really could have been left out, it would have been a much better story.

Was this review helpful?

Mark Edwards' writing really pulls me in fast. I think he writes well, not putting a lot of filler,b which I find I don't need in a book. This book was about Adam and Ruth, a British couple house sitting in New York. It's a great opportunity for Ruth, who is an aspiring actress and has landed a Broadway role. Ruth and Adam had met Jack and Mona, the home owners, on a cruise and got along to the point where they were asked to watch Jack and Mona's home while they were away on a retreat.

One night, a woman named Eden arrives on Jack and Mona's doorstep looking for them. She says she is looking for Jack and Mona, adding that Jack and Mona had told her if she ever came to town, that she should stop by. Adam explains that both Jack and Mona are on a retreat, but feeling bad for her, he and Ruth invite her in. But, just a few days later, both Eden and Ruth are gone.

I don't like to give a lot of synopsis because you can read that anywhere. I thought this book had a great premise and I couldn't wait to find out was going on. However, by the time it was all wrapped up, I found it a little far fetched. I know what happens in the book (not giving it away) does happen in real life, but I guess I was just expecting something different. But, I did finish it really quickly and it kept me entertained. It was fast paced and written in a way that it kept me engaged..

However, that being said, I think this will do well. It releases on June 3, 2020 and I wish Mr. Edwards the best of luck with it. Thank you to NetGalley and to the publisher.

Was this review helpful?

Thankyou to NetGalley, Amazon Publishing UK and the author, Mark Edwards, for the opportunity to read an advanced readers copy of The House Guest in exchange for an honest and unbiased opinion.
I really enjoyed reading this book. It's gritty and intense narrative combined with a rollercoaster plot keeps the reader on the edge of their seat.
Well worth a read.

Was this review helpful?

Whenever Mark Edwards brings out a new book, they go straight on my TBR and I know I won't be disappointed.

The House Guest is another in a long line of Edwards' brilliant books bringing us a new cast of realistic and relatable characters with a plot that builds nicely into a hectic climax. One thing Mark Edwards does really well is bringing us back down from the climax to the analytical conversation between surviving characters at the end that wraps everything up nicely and tells us the truth of what happened and why.

Mark Edwards manages to achieve in all his writing a sense of unsettling eerieness as normal people find themselves in situations that escalate into something they could never have foreseen. And that is one of my favourite things about his work.

While The House Guest doesn't have the same level of eerieness and dread as some of his "scarier" books (see The Magpies, Because She Loves Me, Follow You Home & The Retreat!) it is still an unsettling plot that builds to its climactic ending.

The House Guest, set in NY, felt very American (almost Hollywood-esque) which is not Mark Edwards' typical style. He has really pushed out of his comfort zone with a climax that's heavy with gunfire, celebrity, corruption and bodies buried in the woods! In comparison to his usual style, I think I prefer his other books to this one but that's not to say that The House Guest isn't good! It's enjoyable, an easy read, a page turner, well developed and planned out.

Thank you NetGalley, Mark Edwards and Amazon Publishing UK for the eARC in exchange for an honest review.

Was this review helpful?

Where did Ruth go? Where did Eden go? What really happened the night that Ruth, Adam, and Eden did shots? And who the heck is Eden? This one is a twisty quick read that sometimes goes a bit over the top but is quite entertaining. Ruth, an actress, and Adam, a struggling writer are housesitting in Brooklyn and one rainy night (it's always on a rainy night!), Eden shows up and swears she knows Jack and Mona who own the house so of course (really?) Ruth and Adam take her in. Flash forward, partying, disappearance, and Jack and Mona swear they have no idea who Eden is. Thanks to Netgalley for the ARC. This is one where there are a lot of bad decisions, a bit of creepiness, and it's pretty plot driven so you'll turn the pages quickly.

Was this review helpful?

This is my second book by the author. Mark Edwards has a penchant for creating tension and mystery. It started right at the beginning and I could not stop myself from reading the entire book in one sitting.

Adam and Ruth were house-sitting for Jack and Mona in a posh neighbourhood of New York. One stormy night brought a stranger on their doorstep. This stranger brings in a (metaphorical) storm that turns their lives upside down. What happens is the next, profound aftermath of a storm!!

Wow! I am still in awe of the book. Each chapter brings in unfathomable twists. The enjoyable part is the mysteries were spaced out and not thrown together. The author intersperses the chapters between Adam’s narration (in the first person) and Ruth’s.
Adam and Ruth develop as the book progresses. They were different at the start of the book but by the end of the book. They grow into matured characters. The trauma, the situation changes their lives. That’s something I liked about the book.
Adam’s has integrity and is honest. He is sometimes too trusting or naïve, but he’s loyal to his love. He may not be the most intelligent person, but he has fair survival skills.

The main plotline is unique, and it’s something that I have watched documentary but not read about it. There aren’t many characters in the book. None of them is black and white. They have other shades, and they cannot be categorized as right or wrong.

Mark Edwards has a brilliant way of story-telling. He can create an aura of mystery, tension, thrill all at once.

The House Guest is a riveting psychological thriller that will give you chill down your spine.

My rating is 4 stars.

Thank you, NetGalley and Amazon Publishing UK for the copy of the book in exchange for my honest review.

Was this review helpful?

Having read all of Mark Edwards books I think that this was one of his best yet. The characters are so well described that they were real. I was enthralled throughout the whole book. To start I kept thinking what would I have done - would I invite a so called stranger into the home I was looking after? I think not but I also understood why they did.the plot develops with so many twists and turns and even the last page has yet another unexpected twist. This whole story was so real and totally believable I just loved it.
Keep writing Mark as I simply love your style. To anyone trying to decide whether to-read this book or not just get it and you will not be sorry.

Was this review helpful?

Review for 'The House Guest' by Mark Edwards

Read and reviewed via NetGalley for Amazon Publishing UK.

Preorder this book now ready for release on 3rd June.

This is the first book that I have read by this author. I am looking forward to discovering more of his fab books and have added them all on my Amazon wish list!

This novel consists of 3 parts and 44 chapters. The chapters are relatively short to medium so ideal if you want to read 'just one more chapter' (never happens with me).

I was originally drawn to this book by the colourful and intriguing cover and interesting blurb. They both relate well to the storyline.

The story is presented through 2 points of views which I found worked really well as it means you can see more of what is going on from both sides.

The novel is set in New York and gripped my attention straight from beginning until the unexpected ending which ended on a type of cliffhanger.

I thought the storyline was quite unique and definitely intriguing. It was filled with suspense, action, crime, twists and turns, drama and is a page turning psychological thriller!!

The characters were believable, interesting and strong and I would be interested in reading more about them. It would be interesting to see this made into a movie.

The book is very well written with excellent descriptions. Mark Edwards has definitely found a new fan in me and he has made my favourite author list =)

I would recommend this book to fans of psychological thrillers, crime, mystery, murder, suspense, cults and anyone looking for a great read!!

294 pages

£3.29 to purchase on kindle . I think this is a fantastic price for this book.

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

Feel free to add me on Goodreads for more reviews

#TheHouseGuest #MarkEdwards #AmazonPublishingUK #NetGalley #BookReview
@MarkEdwards @AmazonPublishingUK @Bookworm1986
https://m.facebook.com/Bookworm1986/?ref=bookmarks

Was this review helpful?

The House Guest by Mark Edwards is a psychological thriller.

First, let me thank NetGalley, the publisher Thomas & Mercer, and of course the author, for providing me with a copy of this book in exchange for an honest review. All opinions are my own.


My Synopsis:   (No major reveals, but if concerned, skip to My Opinions)

Adam and Ruth are house-sitting in New York while Ruth stars in a play.  Her career is really taking off, whereas Adam's seems to be at a standstill.

When a woman shows up at their door, drenched from a sudden downpour, they invite her in.  After all, Eden knows the owners of the house, and was just going to surprise them with a visit.  Unfortunately, she didn't know they had gone to Mexico for a retreat.  They invite her to stay.

After a drunken evening together, Adam wakes up with an awful hangover.  Both Ruth and Eden are missing.  It soon becomes evident that they actually knew very little about Eden.  The police aren't interested in finding Ruth, so Adam is determined to find her on her own.  He ends up with some unexpected help, and it turns out he needs it.

My Opinions:   

Mark Edwards is one of my go-to authors for the unexpected.  It may not be my favorite book by this author, but it definitely went in a strange direction that you didn't see coming from the promotional blurb. I liked it.

I must admit to not liking the two main characters much.  I found both Adam and Ruth rather selfish, which made it easy for them to doubt the others commitment.  Knowing that this rockiness was needed to make the book work, it still didn't help me to like them any better.  I also found Adam to be a little naive, and Ruth a little arrogant.  These traits were from start to finish. I kept wondering when they were going to brighten up.

The book was told from the points of view of both Adam and Ruth, so you knew their thoughts and situations.  This was necessary.

I loved the plot, thought it was a rather new take on an old topic.  The pace was fast and kept you turning the pages in anticipation.  It had a couple of twists, one of which I didn't see coming.  I didn't particularly like the ending.

Overall I enjoyed the book, and I particularly liked the subject matter that eventually surfaced.

Was this review helpful?

It started off a little slow and I thought about not finishing but I'm not a quitter ! lol. And I am glad that I stuck with it. Once it gets going it is a very good story. Keeps you guessing. Quite a few twists. Especially at the end ! I didn't love it but I did like it a lot !

Was this review helpful?

Mark Edward's writing is effortless. 5/5 for his writing. Amazing job on making this story a page turner.
Storyline was unique, or at least to me. I connected with the characters, but could not connect with the plot for some reason. Although very real in society, it's just a subject I cannot connect with.
I would definitely recommend for a quick, I-need-to-know-what-happens read!

Was this review helpful?

Nothing like I thought!
I started this book safe in the knowledge it was a Mark Edwards book and from previous books had read I knew I would enjoy it
It was just as I wanted, Ruth and Adam are house-sitting for friends in New York when Eden appears, saying she is a friend of their friends and was ‘calling to see them and stay’......of course Ruth and Adam invite her in, out of the rain and yep let her stay, perfect for what I wanted to read, next up ( I thought ) Eden will seduce Adam, Ruth will become suss and ‘twill all end, after a few twists, nicely
Wrong
Very wrong
The book takes a sharp and unexpected turn and goes off on a surprising tangent that readers will either love or not love, I found it ‘interesting’ and ‘thought provoking’ and,once I got over my grumpiness
at how the book wasnt going to follow my route, different enough to be intriguing
I dont want to give anything away really but the characters are in equal measure annoying and likeable, the writing easy to be involved with quickly and it was good to be foxed by a plot and storyline that was very different

8/10
4.5 Stars

Was this review helpful?

It's quite difficult to review this book without giving any spoilers so forgive me for treading very carefully! This is a relatively fast-paced book which I appreciated as I just don't have the appetite for a slow-burner right now. Admittedly, I was pretty sceptical that anyone would let a stranger into the home they are house sitting as Ruth and Adam do but I brushed this aside the a premise was very intriguing. Sure, the story felt pretty far fetched but the author has a way of turning ordinary circumstances into a thrilling escapade. <spoiler> I really enjoyed the inclusion of cults although as it seems many readers of this book have agreed, I would have liked more detail and more pages spent on how the 'network' actually 'helped' the people in it. </spoiler> One criticism I do think it is worth pointing out is that the majority of Edward's male protagonists are all interchangeable. They all blur into one which is frustrating when the author has so much depth and frankly, a little dull.

Thanks NetGalley for the advance copy of this book.

Was this review helpful?

Mark Edwards fans will be delighted to know that all the hallmarks of his other bestselling books are packed into his latest, The House Guest. It’s easy to read (in the best possible way), bursting with surprises and peopled with characters you get to know well very quickly. I raced through it, loving and hating the characters by turns, gasping as more and more was revealed. Edwards managed to lead me totally astray as to the agendas of some characters. Wow! Fun, misleading, gripping, mysterious, frustrating and scary. Great read!

Was this review helpful?

Thank you to Netgalley and Amazon Publishing for this ARC!

I've been a fan of Mark Edwards since I read Magpies and couldn't put it down so to be picked to read this I was excited to read it!
It started off fab and I got sucked into the story of The House Guest who turned up at the house they are staying in in New York.
However, as much as I was gripped by the story, it was the cult aspect that I didnt really enjoy or get into. It seemed too far fetched and made me think what?? whenever I read anything about it. I loved the idea of this book and it did make me want to keep reading but the plot wasnt something I enjoyed.
I also thought the ending just didnt sound like the characters and I felt a bit sorry for Adam as his whole life had been changed and not for the better.
Had such high hopes for this book but wasnt what I was expecting.

Was this review helpful?

A hard to talk about book, because it's so straightforward that saying anything about the plot is going to reveal pretty much everything. An intriguing start (for a moment there I thought we'll have some fantastical elements - that would have been interesting, but nah...) but by the 40% mark I was pretty sure where the plot was going. I hoped for a twist to make the experience original, but no luck there! Despite all that, the writing style is rather gripping and if you're after a "beach read" filled with a bit of tension then this is the book for you.

Was this review helpful?

Another great read from Mark Edwards. This is a fast paced domestic thriller that has a few twists in store.
Adam and Ruth are house sitting for a couple they met on a cruise and one night they have a visitor.
Eden is dripping wet on the doorstep and says she’s there to visit the owners. When Ruth and Adam tells her they’ve gone away, Eden is very disappointed and it seems has nowhere to stay.
Ruth invites her to stay as after all she says she knows Mona so what harm could it do?
Part of me wondered what on earth they were doing letting her stay but then as house sitters themselves, they wouldn’t want to turn their friend’s visitor away.
After a night of drinking far too much Adam wakes the following morning to discover Ruth and Eden have gone and as the days go on, he starts to panic.
I can’t say anymore as it would spoil it, but it’s a great story and one that had me hooked.
Thanks to Amazon Publishing UK and NetGalley for the opportunity to read this book.

Was this review helpful?

Brilliant from start to finish. Mark Edwards really knows how to create atmosphere and suspense. The twists were totally unexpected and I still have shivers down my spine. I would definitely recommend this book and any book by this author.

Thank you to Netgalley for my copy.

Was this review helpful?

I just loved this book, the first by this author that I have read and it won't be the last.

I settled down to read and was straightaway transported to New York and what seemed like a dream house sitting job for Ruth and Adam. That is until Eden turned up on the doorstep and got herself invited to stay. Because the title of the book is The House Guest I read the pages waiting for something awful to happen, every move I thought - this is going to be it. But it wasn't and I got lulled into the story line of the three of them in the house just going about their business.

A few little things happened to indicate all maybe wasn't as it should be, but nothing to prepare me for what was to follow. I don't do spoilers so all I can say is that from the moment everything changed I could not put the book down. I read it non stop until I found out what was going on. Even when I did find out there were so many twists that had me exclaiming out loud. Then just as I was congratulating myself on having worked part of it out (or so I thought!) there were more twists and turns.

The author took me on a real adventure - it all happened so fast from the carefree New York house sitting to ...............well I can't say but I feel like I've been in a whirlwind - in a good way. This book made me think I knew it all at one point, but it's so well crafted you actually only think what the author wants you to think. Such clever writing.

Was this review helpful?

Yeah Uh huh. Never take the word of someone just because they said so. Dark and twisty this story will have you glued to your favorite chair because you just won't want to put it down. A must read.. Happy reading!

Was this review helpful?

Adam and Ruth are living the dream! Mona and Jack, a couple they met on a cruise, have offered them their New York apartment for the summer. Ruth has just started rehearsals for a Broadway show and Adam is working on a novel. Then, one rainy afternoon, Eden arrives at the apartment and tells them that the owners, her friends, have told her to drop in anytime. What does Adam do?

Of course he invites her in. And all goes well for several days until after a wild night spent with a bottle of Tequila, Adam wakes up to find both Ruth and Eden missing. A day later, when Mona and Jack return home, Adam realizes something is really wrong when Jack asks “Who is Eden?”

Adam is plunged into a dark world of evil while he tries to find Ruth and learn more about the mysterious Eden. No spoilers here. This is an excellent, incredibly fast paced psychological thriller. 5 stars.

Thanks to NetGalley, Amazon Publishing UK and Mark Edwards for this ARC.

Was this review helpful?

I have read a lot of Mark Edwards' books, which is why I jumped on this ARC. However, I was disappointed. This was a decent mystery, but the psychological impact was missing due to a lack of background and characterization. There were also some continuity issues that contributed to the rushed feeling. Sorry, Mark.

Was this review helpful?

The House Guest is bestselling master of suspense Mark Edwards’s sixteenth psychological thriller and, as always, the plot is taut and exciting from the get-go; I soon found myself absolutely riveted to the spot and hanging on the authors every word. It feels so exhilarating to know that you can steadfastly rely on Edwards to produce a dark, gritty, twisty tale full of intrigue, mystery, suspense and surprises every time he publishes. The book is about a British couple, Adam and Ruth, who are house-sitting in Brooklyn, New York, for a couple they met on a cruise when a young woman appears at the door looking very dishevelled. She claims to the house owners. The couple invite her in and… well, you’ll quickly realise everything is not as it seems. Who is this strange woman, and what exactly does she want from them?

For many a long year, we have taught our children about ”stranger danger” yet here we as adults believe we are safe to open the door to a complete stranger in the pitch black. Mark Edwards is at the top of the domestic-based thriller game and somehow he manages to make this plot seem fresh and completely original. The plot keeps the cogs whirring upstairs with its many, many layers and action aplenty which eventually begin to peel back to reveal plenty of home truths as the novel progresses. So turn your phone onto silent, cancel the day's chores and ensure that everyone knows that you will be incommunicado for the evening and prepare for a wild ride that all thrill-seekers will adore. Unreservedly recommended. A must-read page-turner that certainly doesn't disappoint. Many thanks to Amazon Publishing UK for an ARC.

Was this review helpful?

First and foremost, a large thank you to Mark Edwards and netgalley for providing me with a copy of this publication, which allows me to provide you with an unbiased review.

Adam and Ruth are house-sitting in New York while Ruth stars in a play.  Her career is really taking off, whereas Adam's seems to be at a standstill.

When a woman shows up at their door, drenched from a sudden downpour, they invite her in.  After all, Eden knows the owners of the house, and was just going to surprise them with a visit.  Unfortunately, she didn't know they had gone to Mexico for a retreat.  They invite her to stay.

After a drunken evening together, Adam wakes up with an awful hangover.  Both Ruth and Eden are missing.  It soon becomes evident that they actually knew very little about Eden.  The police aren't interested in finding Ruth, so Adam is determined to find her on his own.  He ends up with some unexpected help, and it turns out he needs it.

Mark Edwards writes in such a way that I am always looking for exciting twists, yet am usually still surprised by some of the directions in which the plot develops. He has a knack for taking a simple situation and turning it on its head with strong characters and the odd spine tingling chills.

This is a must read book which I thoroughly Enjoyed And Would Highly Recommend!!

Another Fantastic Book!! Mark Edwards

Was this review helpful?

Ruth is an up and coming actress and her boyfriend Adam is an aspiring writer. When they were on a cruise, they met and agreed to house sit for one and Jack. One stormy night a young woman knocks on the door looking for Mona and Jack. She tells Adam that she is a friend of the couple. Adam and Ruth invite her to stay. The three of them get along until the night they all get drunk. When Adam wakes up the next day, he discovers that Ruth and Eden have disappeared without trace.

I love when I see a Mark Edwards book up for request on NetGalley. The book is action packed, full of surprises, twist and turns and at times a little far fetched. The pace is steady. I don't want to say to much a out the plot as it would give too much away. This story is told from Adam's point of view. This is a most enjoyable read.

I would like to thank NetGalley, Amazon Publishing UK and the author Mark Edwards for my ARC in exchange for an honest review.

Was this review helpful?

Eden has just shown up at the front door of the home in which Ruth and Adam are housesitting for Mona and Jack. Claiming to know the owners, Eden is disappointed they aren’t there to offer her a place to stay. Since it’s raining very hard, they invite Eden to have some wine with them as they wait for the rain to stop. As they all discuss how they know the owners, they realize the rain has stopped and Eden needs a place to stay. So they offer her the spare bedroom.

Ruth and Adam are in New York because Ruth is acting in a play. Adam is a writer and hopes that Ruth doesn’t become so successful that he will lose her.

As they spend time together, they enjoy one another’s company. One night, Eden goes for takeout and brings back some tequila too. Knowing that it is an alcohol that doesn’t agree with him, Adam goes along with the girls and starts drinking way too much. When he awakens, he is ill and both Ruth and Eden have gone missing. Where are they?

OK. Enough with the teasers. This is a story that you might not expect, but it’s compellingly written with lots of angst and action. I can honestly say that I learned a lot from it as well. Enjoy!

Copy provided by NetGalley in exchange for a fair and honest review.

Was this review helpful?

The House Guest is the newest release by Mark Edwards. This is the 5th book I have read by Edwards. It is a mystery/thriller about a couple who arranges to house-sit for their new friends that they met on a cruise. Mysterious characters appear and disappear, and the house guests try to piece the mystery together. I enjoyed the mystery and pacing. It’s a quick read, and it grabs your interest from the beginning. I struggled with the plausibility of some of the story lines. There was not much character development, but there was enough to follow the story. I have liked other books by this author better, but I didn’t dislike this one. Thank you to Mark Edwards, Thomas & Mercer, and Netgalley for the advanced reader copy.

Was this review helpful?

The House Guest centres around an impulsive decision by young couple, Ruth and Adam, to invite an unknown woman to stay with them while they are house-sitting in New York. As a regular reader of Mark’s books, I was instantly suspicious of Eden’s motives, although saying that, knowing how often Mark throws me for a loop, it wasn’t long before I was distrustful of pretty much every character.

I found this to be a slightly slower burning book than others I have read by Mark, with the tension and intrigue gradually building towards a very dramatic climax. This book has reignited an old interest in cults stemming from my college days, and I am sure will lead to me delving back into reading about them. Hopefully I won’t fall quite as far down the rabbit hole as eccentric Wanda, although I did absolutely love her as a character.

This really is a read in one sitting kind of book, so make sure you clear your schedule and stock up on snacks before diving in.

Was this review helpful?

A perfect summer. A perfect stranger. A perfect nightmare.

When British twenty-somethings Ruth and Adam are offered the chance to spend the summer housesitting in New York, they can’t say no. Young, in love and on the cusp of professional success, they feel as if luck is finally on their side.

So the moment that Eden turns up on the doorstep, drenched from a summer storm, it seems only right to share a bit of that good fortune. Beautiful and charismatic, Eden claims to be a friend of the homeowners, who told her she could stay whenever she was in New York.

They know you’re not supposed to talk to strangers—let alone invite them into your home—but after all, Eden’s only a stranger until they get to know her.

As suspicions creep in that Eden may not be who she claims to be, they begin to wonder if they’ve made a terrible mistake…

The House Guest is the chilling new psychological thriller from the three million copy bestselling author of Here to Stay and Follow You Home.
This book is well written and keeps you turning the pages. Plenty of twists and turns to keep you guessing until the end.
Not all the characters were likeable, but the main protagonist Adam was very likeable and easily relatable.
A really good read, I will be trying more books from this Author.

Was this review helpful?

Mark Edwards is one of my favourite writers, there is no doubt about it. I have been reading his thrillers for quite a few years now and I still can honestly say, I have not read one bad book of his. If you haven’t read anything by him before, let me explain to you that he writes about scary, creepy situations happening to normal people. I think this is why I find them so eerie as it really makes you think about what could happen in circumstances that you yourself may go through but with things obviously taking a turn for the worst. Things such as neighbours, in-laws and jobs from hell but with murder involved!

When I saw I was granted my request to review this on Netgalley I was bouncing off the walls but I was also concerned if this would live up to my high expectations.

The House Guest follows British couple Adam and Ruth who are spending the summer house sitting in New York for two of their wealthy friends Jack and Mona. Ruth is an upcoming actress and is about to be the lead in a Broadway show so finding somewhere to stay in a nice area of New York is perfect for them both.

When it comes to the last week of them both living in the house before their friends return, they hear a knock on the door to find a woman about their age, soaking wet from the rain asking for Jack and Mona. She explains she is a friend of theirs, her name is Eden and she was hoping to stay for a bit as she had been travelling for a long time to get to New York. She appears to be down to earth, charismatic and seems convincing enough that she knows their friends very well. Would you ask her in and let her stay if you were in this situation? Of course in true thriller style, naïve Adam and Ruth do. The question is, will they live to regret their decision?

I read this in two sittings. The first sitting I read over 80% of it one evening and finished the last part first thing when I woke up in the morning as I needed to find out what was going to happen. This is the thing with Mark’s writing, it just flows so easily and you can’t take your eyes off the page. He has a talent for turning a simple situation into something shocking. My heart was racing I was that anxious about what was happening to Adam and Ruth.

I thought I knew how things were going to play out in this book but I was completely wrong and I don’t think many people will be able to guess correctly either so I don’t want to write any spoilers. All I can say is, Mark Edwards has done it again. Another fantastic read and if you haven’t read any of his books yet, make sure you do!

Many thanks to Netgalley and the publisher Amazon Publishing UK for letting me read the ARC in exchange for an honest review.

Was this review helpful?

I read this last night since the book is out today. A thriller with an exciting premise of what do you do when a stranger rocks up at the house you're house sitting in, claiming to be a friend of the owners. The weather is so bad, you let her stay. A stranger. Is she who you thought she was?

Well of course she isn;t.And I have to admit I didn't guess at all how this story was going to play out. I can't say anymore as this will spoil things for you. I have to say it wasn't my ideal cup of tea in that it seemed just a little TOO far fetched and weird.

Exciting premise and beginning but the party got a little too much for me so whilst I did enjoy it, I wasn't that sorry to leave.

Was this review helpful?

Another great read by Mark Edwards. I felt the book was very cohesive from beginning to end and I enjoyed the plot and characters. After I finished the book I was still shaking a bit from the pinnacle action sequence as well as the final parting words for this story. Something I really find attractive is how this author always leaves a little gift for his loyal readers which ties into some of his previous books.

Was this review helpful?

If you love a creepy psychological thriller then pick this one up. It is packed full of twists and turns with an ending I did not see coming! Looking forward to the next book. Thanks to the publisher and Netgalley for giving me the opportunity to read and review this book.

Was this review helpful?

The House Guest

Absolutely LOVED this book. Was so well written.
I don't want to give any spoilers as the reveal mid way through really surprised me & I really enjoyed it.
The subject matter is relevant & something I had read about in alot of detail recently...& I enjoyed piecing it together.

It's hard to say much without spoiling it ..you just need to go along for the journey.

I wish the ending had been more rounded but that's a slight criticism in an otherwise beautifully written & intriguing story.

Thanks to the author, publisher & Netgalley for an advance copy in exchange for an honest review.

Was this review helpful?

Thank you Netgalley for the ARC

Adam and Ruth are house-sitting in New York for a couple (Mona and Jack Cunningham) they met on a cruise. For Ruth, an actress, this is an opportunity to work for a play at Broadway. Enter Eden, who claims to be a friend of the Cunninghams and convinces Adam and Ruth to let her stay till the owners return from their cruise.
Someone is watching the house, Eden behaves strangely at times. This is a start to a series of events thats tests Adam and Ruth's love and relationship. Many twists and some interesting mix of characters. There are a few loopholes in the end, but then, its an artistic freedom.

Was this review helpful?

EXCERPT: Something had happened last night. Something I couldn't remember. I held on to the breakfast bar and waited for it to hit me, in the way that embarrassing memories always do after a drunken night.

Nothing came. Just a chilling sense of disquiet.

I tried to peer back through the fog in my brain. I remembered sitting on the chair, the two women on the sofa. I remembered Eden telling us something. A story.

A spasm of nausea hit me and I doubled over, just managing to stop myself from throwing up.

Eden had told us something last night. A secret.

Something about a friend of hers . . . a girl who had died. Or disappeared? It was unclear. I remembered Eden getting upset. We had all hugged, hadn't we? I had a vague recollection that my stomach had hurt.

And then nothing.

ABOUT THIS BOOK: When British twenty-somethings Ruth and Adam are offered the chance to spend the summer housesitting in New York, they can’t say no. Young, in love and on the cusp of professional success, they feel as if luck is finally on their side.

So the moment that Eden turns up on the doorstep, drenched from a summer storm, it seems only right to share a bit of that good fortune. Beautiful and charismatic, Eden claims to be a friend of the homeowners, who told her she could stay whenever she was in New York.

They know you’re not supposed to talk to strangers—let alone invite them into your home—but after all, Eden’s only a stranger until they get to know her.

As suspicions creep in that Eden may not be who she claims to be, they begin to wonder if they’ve made a terrible mistake…

MY THOUGHTS: The House Guest had so much potential...but somewhere along the line it fell flat for me. Mark Edwards usually does suspense so well...but this time, I didn't feel it. But that ending? That ending made reading the whole book worthwhile. Damn! It is good, and I would give Edwards the full five stars for the ending alone . . . but only three stars for the remainder of the book, so a 3.75 rating overall.

Even the characters are like cardboard cutouts. I didn't relate to any of them, felt nothing for them. We don't really get to know them at all.

I wanted to feel the suspense, the thrill, but it eluded me. I think the label 'psychological' thriller, isn't really accurate here. This is a little lightweight and superficial compared with Edward's other writing. I was expecting something grittier, darker. Something I could get my teeth into. Or something that would get it's teeth into me. I didn't get it.

This was a quick, easy read.

***.5

THE AUTHOR: Mark Edwards writes psychological thrillers in which scary things happen to ordinary people.

He loves love hearing from readers and always responds.

Mark lives in the West Midlands, England, with his wife, their three children, two cats and a golden retriever.

DISCLOSURE: Thank you to Amazon Publishing UK via Netgalley for providing a digital ARC of The House Guest by Mark Edwards for review. all opinions expressed in this review are entirely my own personal opinions.

For an explanation of my rating system, pleas refer to my Goodreads.com profile page or the about page on sandysbookaday.wordpress.com

This review and others are also published on Twitter, Amazon, Instagram and my webpage

Was this review helpful?

4.5 stars
A British couple, Adam and Ruth are both housesitting for their friends in New York, who went to a retreat in New Mexico. One rainy day they receive an expected knock on their door. Eden. A gorgeous blond supposedly a friend of the homeowners who, supposedly, received an open invitation to stay with them anytime she wishes.

Well, Eden has nowhere to go now, and when Adam tries to contact the inviting couple to ask them about all of it, they are unreachable. What are the chances?

The house guest is a fast-paced psychological thriller with an unlikely-to-guess ending.
I love everything about this book, and it's definitely hard for me to write a review without at least talk about the major plot spoiler of the entire story. But what I can guarantee is that the story has so many unexpected twists and turns, maybe some were a little bit improbable? But the entire thing was fantastic! I absolutely recommend it to all thrillers fans. You will not get bored that's certain.
The writing is perfect! The storyline is intriguing and well written. And the ending was ideal for a mystery thriller. In sum, I really enjoyed reading it!
This is my first time reading author mark Edwards and I'm fascinated by his writing style. I've already started another one of his novels.
Many thanks to netgalley, Amazon publishing Uk, and the author for providing this brilliant book, to read and give an honest review.

Was this review helpful?

OMG!!

So, Adam and Ruth rent this house in New York, and everything is peachy until Eden shows up at their door, claiming to be friends with the house’s owners. Adam and Ruth want to be friendly and accommodating, so they invite her in out of the rain. Well, Eden is enthusiastically delightful, and the three quickly form a bond. The next thing we know, Eden is going to stay with them for a little while, and everyone lives happily ever after........

Yeah, not this time.

Things get hinky. There may be a stalker, definitely a mugging, and most assuredly missing chunks of memory. Oh, and did I mention that Eden might be a little temperamental and, dare I say, psychotic?

And that’s just the beginning.

Guys, this book moves at lightning speed. Not just because the pacing is spot-on, which it totally is, but also because you HAVE to keep reading to see what’s actually happening. The author teases you with breadcrumbs, but you have to keep following him into the darkness to get your payoff. We, the readers, are the mice to Mr. Edwards’ cat!! And it’s delicious!

You want a thrilling mystery? Check. You want tension? Double check. You want twists and turns? Triple check.

Read the book guys! Just never, for the love of all that’s holy in the world, talk to strangers! NEVER!!

Was this review helpful?

With thanks to Netgalley and the publishers for the arc, which I have enjoyed reading.
A young couple are in America, Ruth is an up and coming actress and Adam is a writer. They are living in a remarkable house, free from rent, loaned to them by a couple they met on cruise. Everything is going well, until Eve, appears on the doorstep one wet evening. They then embark on what is a nightmare journey when it looks as if they could both end up dead.
Very entertaining. Highly recommended.

Was this review helpful?

This is the latest of many Mark Edwards books I have read and I am a huge fan. This one did not disappoint. The creepy factor is put in place early on when a mysterious stranger shows up at a house in New York that an English couple is watching for friends. While everything seems innocent enough, Mark has a way of putting in a few words or sentences in innocent situations that throw you off and put something in the back of your mind that it's just not right. If you're a horror/thriller fan, this is the kind of thing you want when reading and it makes it so exciting.

I don't want to give anything away because it's one surprise after another. But I loved this book and was shocked at the end as always.

Was this review helpful?

3.5 stars rounded up. I liked this book. It was a quick read with a nice slow burn that really built up tension and suspense. I knew something was off but I definitely didn’t predict where this book ended up going. Just don’t invite strangers into your home or house sit for people you barely know! Stranger Danger! I look forward to more of Mark Edward’s books!

Was this review helpful?

The Houst Guest by Mark Edwards
⭐⭐⭐.5/5

Ruth and Adam are housesitting in New York when a stranger, Eden, shows up saying she is friends with the owners. The couple invites Eden to stay with them until the owners of the house return. Ruth and Adam begin to enjoy Edens company for the next several days but not everything has a happy ending.

I was very intrigued by the description of Mark Edwards new book. I really enjoyed The Retreat by him and have been wanting to read another of his books. This ended up being good but not great though. I was so invested half way through and couldn't put it down. The last quarter however, was not as shocking as I thought it could have been. I still thoroughly enjoyed this though and will recommend to anyone! I look forward to more of his books in the future.

For anyone who has read his past books, where should I start?

Have you read any of Mark Edwards books?

What is your favorite thriller?

Thank you @netgalley and @amazonpublishing for the free eARC in exchange for an honest review

#booksbooksbooks #bookcommunity #bookstagram #thehouseguest #netgalley #bookreview #bookrecommendation #thriller #psychologicalthriller

Was this review helpful?

Where do I start??? Ok… I frigging love the books Mark Edwards writes. Ever since I read The Magpies what feel like many years ago, I’ve needed/craved a fix from the proverbial Edwards pen. But this year’s offering is a little different, it’s based totally and utterly Stateside. Does this make a difference I hear you ask?

Well…. for me, there was a slightly different feel but not a bad one. Maybe it was the sunny backdrop of New York that played a trick on my mind that pulled me into a different sense of unnerviness (yes this is a word, well it should be). Maybe not. But nevertheless, the location plays a part in the atmosphere of a story and the picture of The Big Apple Edwards paints adds to a je-ne-sais-quoi of The House Guest.

The cast created by Edwards is vast, each playing their part impeccably. The aspiring couple of Adam and Ruth loving the life NYC has to offer, despite the gruelling Broadway schedule Ruth is facing. The mysteriousness of Eden and the man with the grey hair. And then…. oh wait no…. I’m not going to mention anyone else because I don’t want to spoil anything for anyone #nospoilers.

I, like many have at these strange times we find ourselves in, have been struggling with my reading. I’ve been distracted and not really concentrating for any length of time (stress with work hasn’t helped). But I devoured The House Guest in a day…. well an afternoon, out in the sunshine. Edwards has a way of drawing me into the believable world he’s fashioned and keeping me captive there. My mind is captured into another version of reality that I couldn’t and wouldn’t want to escape from.

Edwards has yet again written an addictive and unnerving book that grabbed me and threw me right into the action. The whole point of a psych-thriller is the unnerving feeling you get reading it and the fact you are questioning everything even the protagonist leading you through the whole affair … Edwards has this down to a T. The House Guest is packed with intrigue, suspense and that key unnerving questioning WTF feeling that ticks all the boxes (well for me anyway). The big question is: do I have to wait another 12 months before I get an Edwards literary fix??!

Was this review helpful?

An accelerating, invigorating thriller, where each character comes under suspicion until your head spins.

The story is set in the United States, complete with Americanisms such as 'garbage', 'stoop', 'bathroom' and 'store', just to give a feel of the place. An English couple have the opportunity to house-sit for a couple they met on a cruise. When a woman turns up to stay, claiming that she knows the owners, it opens up a whole host of weirdness. Pretty soon she is missing along with the narrator's English girlfriend.

As the mystery unfolds there are beautiful people, glamour, murder and intrigue with a smattering of kookiness and folk who 'freak out'. All this enveloped by the nuances of behaviour, paranoia and insecurities within relationships, a sense of belonging and belief.

In America things are settled with guns, that's one of the reasons I'm not keen on American thrillers or adventure books so much. And Edwards, out of his normal habitat, still has to conform to that reality. So it was a nice touch to read this: 'A gun? I shook my head. "I'm English."'

Recommended.

Was this review helpful?

I'm not sure how he does it every time, but each book keeps getting better and better! I'm always a bit sad when it ends because I have to wait for his next book to be released. Now I'm off to buy the audiobook and really enjoy it as it was meant to be.

Thanks to the publisher and Mark Edwards for an advanced copy. I loved it so much I bought a physical copy and the Audible version.

Was this review helpful?

THE HOUSE GUEST
Mark Edwards
Thomas & Mercer
ISBN-13: 9781542094030
Trade Paperback
Thriller

We are barely into June and we already have what is certain to be one of the year’s best beach reads --- even if your beach is your backyard --- of the year. THE HOUSE GUEST by Mark Edwards will never be mistaken for deep literature, but it is full of twists, turns, and suspense, making it the perfect escapist book for your vacation.

The premise of THE HOUSE GUEST is simple enough. Ruth and Adam are a British couple somewhere in their twenties who are staying in New York for the summer. Ruth, an actress who had a part in a popular cult film, is in rehearsal for an important play which is all but certain to be a stepping stone to bigger things. Adam is an aspiring playwright who may have topped out at “aspiring.” That said, kismet enabled them to housesit for Mona and Jack Cunningham in their tony home in Williamsburg. All is going well --- at least for Ruth --- until there is a knock on the Cunninghams’ door on a rainy night. There is a young woman standing there who tells Adam and Ruth that her name is Eden and that she is a friend of the Cunninghams, who had told her that she could drop in anytime that she was in the area and stay with them. Eden seems to know Mona and Jack very well, and she is soaked, so...Ruth and Adam let her in. Things go well for a few days until Ruth, Adam, and Eden have a drunken party of sorts shortly before the Cunninghams are to return home. Ruth and Eden are gone when a very groggy Adam awakens the next morning. The house is a total mess as well. Adam straightens things up in time for Mona and Jack’s arrival. As the reader expects, the Cunninghams say that they have no idea who Eden might be. They know a police detective, who talks to Adam and seems to take an instant dislike to him, one that intensifies with each encounter. The cop seems to think that Adam might have something to do with Ruth’s disappearance as well as an unexpected murder. Meanwhile, Adam discovers that Ruth has been fired from her play for failing to show up for rehearsal. He has no idea where she is, just as he has no clue as to who the gray-headed man is who seems to be following him. It’s a bit of a fish-out-of-water story, as Adam, who is anything but a native New Yorker, follows a couple of slender clue threads while trying to find Ruth, or at least discover what happened to her. He gets help from a somewhat unexpected source who has some secrets --- and not very good ones --- of their own. The answers take Adam to some unexpected places. By the end of THE HOUSE GUEST, Adam may wish that he had left well enough alone.

There are a few elements in THE HOUSE GUEST that might give one pause, but Edwards is a terrific storyteller who keeps things moving fast enough that you either won’t notice or won’t care about the occasional hiccup. There are also a couple of chilling moments toward the conclusion of THE HOUSE GUEST that will leave you wondering what happens after the story’s final page. This is a book that is definitely worth packing in or picking up.

Reviewed by Joe Hartlaub
© Copyright 2020, The Book Report, Inc. All rights reserved.

Was this review helpful?

When Adam opens the front door of the home he and his girlfriend Ruth are house sitting he finds Eden, literally and metaphorically. The young woman at the door tells him she’s a friend of the homeowners and she needs a place to stay. There begins his line of decisions, does he let her in or does he send her on her way? Trying to return the generosity shown to him he lets her in and the ‘serpent’ weaves her way into his life. Then one morning he wakes up sick, severely hungover with no memory of the night before, and finds Eden and Ruth both missing. Finding them and finding the truth about Eden leads him on a scary path not knowing who to trust and who is lying.

Mark Edwards is a gifted writer who will keep you on the edge of your seat. I look forward to seeing more of his work.

Was this review helpful?

Thriller with a twist.Some not very likeable characters and a weird storyline.Kept reading to the end tho.

Was this review helpful?

As a big fan of Mark Edwards I was really looking forward to sitting down with The House Guest. And it did not disappoint. Read it in two days..
I won’t go into the plot, as would not want to give away spoilers, and many others have given plot outlines.
I so wanted to give this five stars. Certainly after the first third of the book I was engrossed, but have to say, middle third just lacked credibility, and the final third, even more. Still, it’s a great read, so four stars.
Mark Edwards really knows how to write, and I will certainly devour his next book, and those that follow, but The House Guest, was not one of his best in my humble opinion. It’s still a lot lot better than most so called psychological thrillers you’ll find on any bookshelf.
I DO recommend it, but just wish it could have gone in a different direction after the brilliant opening, and that the conclusion was more satisfying.

Was this review helpful?

I received a review copy of this book from the publisher through net galley. This is my first Mark Edwards book and I put all my other books aside that I was reading once I got about 10 pages into this book. I thought the story was flawless, the characters were well developed and i really found myself really getting into the main characters (Adam) story and his struggle with being believed and finding his girlfriend.

Would highly recommend this book and have been telling people I know about this book.

Was this review helpful?

This story! A real page-turner, that just builds steam as it races to the conclusion.
First off, the pacing of this thriller was terrific. The author’s ability to bring in characters and ideas, while continually building towards the conclusion was spot on. Well done.
The story itself begins with two couples who meet during a cruise. One couple is living in NYC and the other is from the UK. The English couple, Adam and Ruth are young, dating and each trying to improve their career standing. Ruth is an actress who is set to star in her first Broadway show and Adam is a struggling writer/playwright. The NYC couple, Jack and Mona, are married and planning a summer visit to a retreat that requires them to need house sitters. They offer their home to their new friends. All is going well until a young woman claiming to be friends with Jack and Mona comes to the door claiming that she was planning to stay with them. As Adam and Ruth befriend Eden, they offer to let her stay with them. Everything seems great but imagine how you would handle this sort of situation. It’s rather easy to think you would never allow a stranger into your home to stay. But most of us are fairly naive in this kind of social situation and may very well make similar decisions. This is a key ingredient for a great story.
There are twists and turns throughout. Who do you really know? Who can be trusted?
This is an entertaining and highly readable book. I highly recommend it.
Thank you for the early copy for review.
#TheHouseGuest #Netgalley #AmazonPublishingUK #MarkEdwards

Was this review helpful?

4.5 stars. This was my first Mark Edwards read and it definitely won’t be my last if they are all like this! I was captivated by the very first chapter and it’s been awhile since I’ve had a book do that to me. Don’t talk to strangers and definitely don’t invite them into a house you are just house sitting for.

Don’t want to spoil anything so I’ll just say twists and turns happen every few chapters in this book and I’m always a fan when cults become involved! The ending was a perfect way to let each reader decide the true fate of the characters which way a nice change to most thrillers I’ve read recently.

Thank you Netgalley, Mark Edwards and Amazon UK publishing for the e-arc of this!

Was this review helpful?

This book gets off to a great start, I was initially gripped. Then, after a particular point, which I can’t go into or it’d ruin the story for readers, I nearly gave up. I was so glad I didn’t! The story is fast paced, with many twists and turns. It would make a great holiday read.

Was this review helpful?

The initial part on letting a stranger into the house was impractical, but once that is crossed the plot picks up well. There was not much of any suspense or unexpected twists. Still the narrative was good and kept me finishing in one go. After the previous book Here to stay, this felt dull.

Was this review helpful?

Great story, loved the suspence, love getting to know the characters throughout. Couldn't put the book down, thank god for lockdown where i could just spend time reading...
Great ending.

Was this review helpful?

A woman arrives on a very wet night and talks her way into Mona and Jack Cunningham’s house, they are away and she says that they have arranged for her to house sit!!! Amazing story full of twist and turns and intrigue, as only Mark Edwards can write. I read this over two days, I had to get to the end and find out what happened.

Was this review helpful?

I loved story. It held my interest. Its definitely worth the read. I love the author. I purchased this book.

Was this review helpful?

I could not put this book down and read it in one sitting! A gripping page turner and very well written. Excellent read.

Was this review helpful?

Yet another fabulous read from this author, loved, loved, loved this book. Didn't want to put it down and thought the storyline was different and most enjoyable. Kept me on edge and as I thought I knew what was going to happen there was a wonderfully unexpected twist. Marvellous book. A must read!

Was this review helpful?

Brits Ruth and Adam have been given the opportunity to house-sit in New York while the owners Mona and Jack. One stormy night, Eden turns up on their doorstep claiming to be friends with Mona and Jack. She says she was supposed to be staying with them and appearing to know them well, Ruth and Adam invite her to stay until they return home. As the days move on, it becomes apparent that Eden is not all she appears to be. Will they regret letting Eden into their lives?

I’ve read books by this author before and have found them to be gripping and filled with suspense. This one is no different, apart from the fact that it is based solely in New York! The story begins well, laying down the plot and building up the tension. It’s obvious from the start that Eden is not to be trusted but I just couldn’t work out why! The words ‘stranger, danger’ seemed to scream out from every page, and I just couldn’t believe how trusting (and possibly naïve) both Adam and Ruth were. As the story moves on, the pace builds up until you are in the middle of a plot line which will have you furiously turning the pages at every opportunity.

Needless to say, I can’t say any more about where the book goes from there but it does set off a catastrophic chain of events which twist and turns the story at every chance. The book was full of interesting characters, but not necessarily all likeable! I think the only ones I really connected with was Adam and Ruth, but mainly because it was them who bore the brunt of the consequences of letting Eden stay! The storyline really does keep you on your toes trying to work out what it going on and it certainly keeps you hooked until the very last page. Motto of the story…don’t trust anyone! Would definitely recommend!

Was this review helpful?

Yet another author I am a huge fan of! I was delighted to be gifted an ARC of The House Guest for review.

Ruth and Adam, a 20 something British couple meet Mona and Jack, an older American couple on a cruise. During their chats, Ruth discloses she is going to be in NYC rehearsing for a play for the summer. Mona and Jack, who will be away, offer the couple their townhouse as a house sit while Adam and Ruth are in the city. A win win for both couples.

Until, during a storm a few days into the house sit, a mysterious woman, drenched through, appears on Mona and Jack's doorstep. She appears to know Mona and Jack well and tells Adam and Ruth the older couple offered for her to stay whenever she needed. Adam and Ruth are wary, but Eden appears to know a lot about Mona and Jack. Eden is very charismatic and eventually they offer for her to stay.

Soon after though, they begin to have their suspicions about the mysterious Eden, that she is not who she appears to be. Will they come to regret their hospitality and if so, what is it that she wants?

What a page turner! I read this practically in two sittings, staying up into the small hours reading "just one more chapter". But the chapters are short, suspenseful and full of tension, so much so that "just one more chapter" invariably turned into many! Impossible to put down and with great pacing throughout, this story will keep you on edge as you race with Adam and Ruth to find out just what is going on! 4.5/5🌟

Was this review helpful?

Wow!
Another great book by one of my favourite authors. The story, location & characters had me gripped from page 1.
Mark has a great way with words, his story telling is mesmerising & I am never disappointed. I am yet to read a book by this author that I have not enjoyed & look forward to his next new release.
Thank you to #NetGalley for the advanced copy.
#TheHouseGuest #MarkEdwardsAuthor

Was this review helpful?

British couple, Adam and Ruth are house sitting for the Cunningham's in New York. When Eden turns up claiming to be a friend of Jack and Mona Cunningham, they allow her to stay, even though she is a complete stranger to both Adam and Ruth...

I had a great time with this fabulous page turner. With its action-packed, fast paced, riveting chapters, I revelled in this totally absorbing read. Although the characters were mostly obnoxious and intolerable, this only served to enhance the story.

I totally adore this author’s work and I'm happy to read whatever he creates.

I received a complimentary copy of this novel at my request from Amazon Publishing UK via NetGalley and this review is my unbiased opinion.

Was this review helpful?

Mark Edwards has become a favorite author of mine. He has a way of taking everyday characters (people like you or me) and putting them in crazy, but believable situations. This one begins just like that with a stranger that makes contact with a couple who is house sitting for some new friends. What seems like a new friendship quickly shifts into something else.
I love books set in New York City and this adds to the story by the notion everyone is a friend, or are they a stranger. The characters were excellent and had layers. I don't want to say too much about the plot, but it was tense and suspenseful. I didn't predict how this one would go or end up and it was a great ride.
Mark Edwards is so good at creating a mood. I highly recommend this (or any) of his books if you are looking for a book that makes you uneasy at the core and is impossible to put down.

Was this review helpful?

If I was to rate this book solely on the first third I’d rate it much higher as I really loved the first section and felt really engaged in the story from the start. Adam and Ruth are a British couple housesitting for new friends in New York when Eden turns up at the door and tells them she’s a friend of the owners. Adam and Ruth agree to let her stay which rang immediate alarm bells for me and you can tell from this stage that things are not quite as they seem.
I was however still really enjoying it until the storyline took a turn I wasn’t expecting and from there it just went downhill for me. It’s difficult to talk about these sections without giving away spoilers but personally it wasn’t a subject matter that I enjoyed and I found these areas of the book to be too far fetched, in particular the last few pages of the book.
I was really looking forward to this one but I’m afraid to say I just wasn’t a fan of the last 2/3. I do feel I might be in the minority here though as I’ve read lots of really positive reviews about it. The writer has a very effortless style of writing which I really enjoyed, it was just the subject matter that didn’t appeal to me so I would definitely try another of his books in the future. 2.5 stars from me rounded up to 3. Thanks to Netgalley for the copy of the book in exchange for an honest review.

Was this review helpful?

Adam and Ruth, a young British couple, are house-sitting in New York City. She is in rehearsals for a Broadway play. He is a writer. One rainy night, the doorbell rings. A young blonde, Eden, says she is a friend of the owners of the house. She is invited to stay too. All goes well until one night Eden brings two bottles of tequila.
The best review of this book is a sentence at the end: "I should have been shocked, but my capacity for surprise had taken a severe beating lately."
Thanks to NetGalley and the publisher Thomas & Mercer for allowing me to read this book.

Was this review helpful?

Another brilliant story from mark Edwards. Different to his others but that's the sign of a good writer for me.
Adam and Ruth are house sitting for Mono and Jack while they are away when a friend of the couple's turns up soaking wet on the doorstep. Adam and Ruth quickly become acquainted and decide to allow Eden to stay with them until Mono & Jack return. Then Ruth disappears ...

There are sinister feels throughout this book and it is fast moving. Really good and you never know who to trust. 4.5 out of 5 stars.

Was this review helpful?

SPOILER-FREE REVIEW: I have always enjoyed Mark Edwards novels, so I was very excited to delve into The House Guest. The premise was intriguing and different from anything I'd read before - two house sitters are surprised when a friend of the homeowners shows up at the door, unaware that the owners are on an extended vacation. Do they invite her in, or do they turn her away...and how does their decision change all of their lives forever?

Adam (the protagonist who tells us the story in the first person in his chapters) and his girlfriend Ruth are house-sitting in New York City for Jake and Mona, two friends they met on an extended cruise. Both Adam and Ruth are British-born and raised, but he is a struggling writer while Ruth is a rising star - an actress who's moved up from Shakespeare at sea on the aforementioned cruise, to the lead role in a Broadway play. The timing of the role is kismet, as it comes when both Jake and Mona will be out of the country on a retreat and will need a house-sitter to watch over their very expensive home in Brooklyn. The English couple jump at the chance to have a place to stay while Ruth attends rehearsal and Adam works on his fledgling writing project.

The two are surprised when Eden shows up at the door in the middle of a terrible rainstorm, cashing in a favor she says Mona & Jake owe her. She's impulsively fled a nasty breakup in California and came to take them up on their offer of a place to stay on the East Coast, but she's bitterly disappointed to find out that they're not home. Ruth and Adam - clearly softer than the stereotypical jaded New Yorkers who surround them in the city - invite her in and offer her a room. Any friend of Jake and Mona is a friend of theirs, right?

But Eden isn't a typical California girl, and quickly starts to insert herself into Ruth & Adam's lives. It culminates when one night of drinking and unusually open conversations leads to the world's worst hangover....at least for Adam. He awakens upstairs, naked and on the floor of his bedroom, sick and miserable....and alone. Where are Ruth and Eden? Why is his girlfriend not returning his messages or calls? And why did Eden delete the photos she and Adam had taken together in a bar...the only evidence Adam even has of her very existence?

From here the plot gets twisty, in a good way. Adam meets new friends who will help him in his mission to find out where Ruth is, but he also runs into many people who are willing to risk their own lives to silence him forever...and it's not easy to see which is which. He must fight for his own life more than once, and can he even believe the truth once it's revealed to him? And for Ruth, whose plight we see in alternating chapters, her own life has changed dramatically and irreversibly...can she regain control to save herself? And...does she even want to?

This book was a fast read; the plot and constant energy kept me reading, and I finished the entire novel in less than 24 hours. With some very popular thriller authors (Ruth Ware, B.A. Paris), I can see a "plot twist" or spot a villain in sheep's clothing before I crack the 50-page mark...but Edwards somehow always avoids this tell. This story draws from very recent headlines, and any true-crime buff (and crime podcast aficionado) will be nodding their heads at the familiarity conjured up by the characters' circumstances.

Edwards always writes believable characters with complex emotions and nuanced relationships, and this book is a prime example of this. This book has heart and humor as much as it has murder and mystery, and it's an excellent read for a rainy night in. I'd recommend this to any thriller fan, especially if you enjoy British mysteries.

Was this review helpful?

Good psychological thriller about how well you really know those around you. I didn't expect the twists this one took and enjoyed Mark Edward's style and will look for more him in the future. Very quick and suspenseful read.

Was this review helpful?

Ruth and Adam offer to house sit for two friends while they are off on holiday (Well I say friends, it's a couple they met on a cruise). One night the door goes and on the door stop is Eden. A friend of the house owners who has nowhere to stay but is usually welcome here. So they invite her in. Then they invite her to stay. Next minute, I don't know what is going on. I thought we were transported to a spaceship and this was going to turn into a sci fi novel. Thankfully that never happened or I would have stopped reading. Instead we delve into something a little darker as Ruth and Adam are separated.

I found this story really interesting. It was a quick read with short chapters which is exactly what I like from a book. It kept me reading, hooked to find out where it would go. I didn't know who to trust or what the end goal would be!


Thank you Mr Edwards and Netgalley for providing me with a copy!

Was this review helpful?

What can you say about Mark Edwards’ books? Very little expect to make sure you purchase immediately and enjoy the read!! Mark has not disappointed yet again, another page turner. Highly recommended

Was this review helpful?

An excellent enthralling novel, quite engrossing. I have not read any of this Uthors or before, but will definitely have to check out the back catalogue.

Was this review helpful?

A fast paced thrilling ride set in the ever mysterious New York City. Without giving too much away, if you like cults, unexpected twists and tension, you’ll enjoy this book! I found some parts frustratingly ‘plausible’, mainly events that happened to Ruth, but for the most part, it was great!

Was this review helpful?

I'm a big fan of Mark Edwards and I'm excited to read his novels.

This one is a pacey mystery thriller, although I found it a bit farfetched and unrealistic.

The story involves British newly weds Adam and Ruth who were offered the chance to spend a summer vacation in a New York upscale house owned by Jack and Mona. So far so good.

One rainy night a stranger "Eden" knocks on their door claiming she is the owners' friend and is allowed in their property anytime.

Adam and Ruth allowed her in, all goes well until one day following a drunken night, Adam wakes up and Ruth and Eden are both missing. Additionally Jack and Mona arrived and said they no nobody with the name Eden.

So, who is Eden and where is Ruth?

Although I enjoyed the mystery element, yet I couldn't shake the feeling that most of the characters' actions defy logic. For instance, you don't allow strangers into your home only because they seem charming!
How come there was no way to contact Mona and Jack and verify Eden's story before it's too late?

Certain aspects like this took away from my overall enjoyment, although I finished the book to know the final outcome.

Thanks #Netgalley, #Amazon Publishing UK, and author Mark Edwards for an ARC in exchange for an honest review.

Was this review helpful?

Adam and Ruth are in New York City, where Ruth is rehearsing for her first Broadway play. They are housesitting for Jack and Mona, a couple they met while on a cruise, and all is going well. Then, one night a young woman, Eden, appears at their door and introduces herself as a friend of the homeowners. When Ruth and Adam discover that she has nowhere to stay, they invite her to stay with them until the owners return. But, by the end of the week both Ruth and Eden have disappeared and George and Mona have no idea who Eden is.

This is the basic premise for the book, The House Guest. But this is only the beginning. Soon, Adam finds himself on his own, trying to find Ruth and Eden. It is a twisty tale, full of surprises, and it definitely kept my attention. Adam is a sympathetic character who is simply trying to make sense of it all. The House Guest has amazing plot development and great characters. This clever story is mesmerizing and chilling.

I believe this is the first book I’ve read by Mark Edwards. I definitely plan to rectify this error and will be on the lookout for more books by this talented author. Meanwhile, I highly recommend his most recent book, The House Guest.

Many thanks to NetGalley and the publisher for providing a copy of this book for review.

Was this review helpful?

Wow wow!!! This book is something else 😂😂🤣🤣. I thought to myself why would they let a stranger in in someone’s house? Smh... If I were actually in the story line I can imagine myself saying you dummy let her stay outside. 😂.
This book will have you on edge to say the very least i don’t want to give all of the details 😂. Get to reading!!

Was this review helpful?

First and foremost, a large thank you to Net Galley for providing me with a copy of this publication, which allows me to provide you with an unbiased review.

Adam and Ruth are house sitting in New York for a couple they met on a cruise. One evening a girl arrives in the pouring rain saying that she has been invited to stay by the home owners,they believe her and invite her to stay. This decision has terrifying consequence for Adam and Ruth and they will have cause to regret it.
A psychological thriller with twist and turns that keeps you hooked.

Was this review helpful?

I do love how you never quite know what direction Mark Edwards is going to take you in his books-he certainly likes to ramp up the tension and then shock the hell out of you! He takes ordinary people and throws in an extraordinary event to mess with their heads, putting them in unprecedented situations to test their relationships and their moral outlook on life. And he definitely delivers his trademark shockfest here in The House Guest as I had absolutely no idea where it was going or who it would dispatch along the way!

British couple Ruth and Adam are a young couple on the verge of making it big-well, Ruth is anyway as she is appearing in a play on Broadway after a well received film role. Adam is a playwright and both of them are housesitting in New York for a couple they met on a recent cruise. When the charismatic Eden turns up looking for the couple who live there, she makes a connection with Ruth and Adam so they decide to invite her to stay until Jack and Mona return. But then, after a nights drinking, things take a terrifying and unexpected turn…

The House Guest kept me on the edge of my seat throughout the twists and turns of the narrative. I really hadn’t got a clue why Eden had turned up on the doorstep of her old friends or what her intentions towards any of the characters was-and even if I had, the actual reveal wouldn’t have appeared anywhere on my “list of 100 things that could happen in this book”!! That doesn’t mean that the reason is too “out there” just that Mark Edwards likes to play games with his readers!

I thoroughly enjoyed The House Guest especially the ending! It’s a gripping psychological thriller that you’ll be hearing a lot about this summer (and will be devoured on sunloungers across the UK!). Highly recommended for fans old and new!

Was this review helpful?

As always, a brilliant thriller from Mark Edwards. This is the first book I have read by him that wasn’t set in the UK and it made a refreshing change - I really enjoyed the Brooklyn setting and the interesting cast of characters.

Another sure fire hit.

Many thanks to Amazon Publishing UK, to Mark Edwards and to NetGalley for giving me the opportunity of reading and reviewing this terrific novel.

Was this review helpful?

A perfect summer. A perfect stranger. A perfect nightmare. When the British couple Ruth and Adam are in New York, housesitting for friends', a stranger turns up on their doorstep. Eden arrives toward the end of their stay, soaking wet from a storm outside, she claims to know the couple they are housesitting for. She seems to know details of the homeowners lives, so Adam and Ruth invite her in, not wanting to leave her out in the storm. She's very sweet and charismatic, the couple finds themselves trusting her enough to let her stay.
Haven't these two ever learned not to talk to strangers? Much less invite them in? This story started out very appealing to me, I was drawn into Adam and Ruth's lives with the enigmatic Eden hanging around. But one night of drunken debauchery and the twists and turns begin to unravel their lives.
Whoa! Wait what? Suddenly there's a lot of confusion and a bit of chaos. Ruth is suddenly missing and so is Eden. The couple comes home to find that their house-sitters have let a complete stranger squat at their house. My head was spinning with all the revelations at once and I have to admit, the second half of the novel had me shaking my head and checking my watch. Is this over yet? Do I really care anymore? Things got a little too strange and unbelievable. I think this novel had a lot of potential but the path it took wasn't for me. I give it 2.5 stars.

Was this review helpful?

I love Mark's books and he is definitely now a firm favourite of mine. He has produced another brilliantly gripping and thrilling book which kept me reading into the small hours. I wouldn't say this is one of my favourites as I wasn't immediately taken in at the start but once I got into it then I couldn't stop reading until all my questions were answered. Another brilliant psychological thriller.

Was this review helpful?

I received a copy of the novel from the publisher through NetGalley in exchange for an honest review.

This is my first novel by Mark Edwards. I enjoyed The House Guest and must say that I was expecting a different type of story. Not really a plot twist, per se, but this novel expanded into something that I did not see coming. I was expecting a tense psychological mystery revolving around the main couple and their house guest, Eden, but that was really only the beginning into a bigger story.

I don’t know whether this was a good or bad development. It really depends on the type of story that you enjoy, as this is more of a thriller than a mystery and I like a healthy dose of “creepy” in my reading. I will say that Mr. Edwards is a good writer. The pacing was excellent, characterization was well done. The story did not drag for even a moment and I finished it in two settings. The narration was cinematic in scope and the way that the pivotal scenes were set up. In fact, I think that The House Guest would make a very good movie.

I am interested to explore more of Mr. Edward’s work. I just added “The Retreat” and “The Magpies” to my Kindle wish list.

Rating: Somewhere between 3 ½ to 4 stars. Loved the author but wanted a more dark and creepy story. You may completely disagree.

Was this review helpful?

Loved this book, really clever twists and turns throughout. Made me question myself as to whether I would let a stranger stay if they came cap in hand - and ask all the questions of what ifs!
Also, looking a cults in a modern environment is kind of scary, bringing some ideas too close for comfort!

Was this review helpful?

I have NetGalley to thank for giving me a new awesome author to follow.
This story neither failed to reach nor surpass my expectations. It was never what I expected at all! It's a different and well thought out perspective, something that could entirely happen or even be happening as we speak. Read and be informed. Just don't say you haven't been warned. Because really, there IS no turning back.

Was this review helpful?

A British couple, an aspiring actress and an aspiring writer are invited to house sit in NY and one day a beautiful stranger shows up on their doorstep claiming to know the couple who own the house. Little did they know, that this stranger turned out to not be who she said she was.
The idea of this story really hooked me and I looked forward to picking this one up! Psychological thrillers tend to always be my go-to genre and the synopsis sounded like nothing else I had ever read, however, this did fall a little flat for me. I did enjoy that it was a quick read and was paced really well so I was able to read it in one sitting but felt there were a few things missing. The character development wasn’t done very well and I found I wasn’t super invested in any of the characters well being which I don’t believe was the authors intent. The “big” twist was an interesting concept but I just didn’t think it was executed very well. .

Was this review helpful?

Every time I hear that Mark Edwards has a new book out I’m always very eager to read it and this was certainly the case with this his latest novel. Unfortunately however I didn’t enjoy this one as much as all his others I’ve read. Whilst the blurb made this book sound so good and it started off really well I just felt it got a bit far fetched as the story moved on. I am so disappointed that I felt this way as usually my reviews on Marks books ass always 5 star reads. This one sadly just didn’t do it for me. 3.5 ⭐️

Was this review helpful?

I loved this book! It kept me guessing the entire time. At first, I wasn't sure where it was going to go-a mysterious stranger can take a lot of different paths! I was pleased to see that this one took a more non-traditional route. Very fast paced, with lots of interesting characters.

Was this review helpful?

Ruth and Adam a budding actress and writer respectively are house sitting for a couple they met whilst working on a cruise.

Towards the end of their stay a young woman, Eden, turns up at their door amidst a storm, soaked through with no where to stay. It transpires she knows the homeowners so they let her in.

They three become friendly and on the Friday night they let their hair down, drink too much tequila and dance in the rain.

The next day Adam wakes with a raging headache, terrible hangover and Ruth and Eden no where to be found. The homeowners are due home the following morning and 12 hours later there’s still no sign and Ruth is not contactable. Where is she and what had Eden done with her?

This book kept me gripped from the start. Whenever a stranger turns up on your doorstep in the middle of a storm you know there’s going to be trouble. A twisting tale of kidnap, murder and the rich and famous’ ‘network’, it was chilling in places but a cracking good read! The main characters were likeable even if Adam seemed a little wet, but Ruth made up for it in her feistiness. An addictive thriller and unputdownable!

Was this review helpful?

This book went places I totally did not expect. The suspense was great and I was not able to predict at all what was going to happen.

This book is divided into 3 parts. The first part focuses on what happens when a mystery woman appears on the doorstep. Basically, she is not who they think she is. The second and third parts are where things get really crazy. I don't want to give anything away, so I'll leave it at that.

The main character, Adam is relatable and someone that I was happy to cheer on throughout his journey.

Thank you to Thomas & Mercer and NetGalley for a free copy of the ebook.

Was this review helpful?

The House Guest was, as promised, an entertaining psychological thriller. The foundational circumstances of a stranger appearing unannounced with a convincing story was interesting and compelled me to keep turning the pages as I waited for Eden to "make her move." There were some surprising twists and turns as the story developed, always a pleasing element, although some were more convincing than others. Some of the story was a bit forced or too "convenient" as foreshadowing or character motivation and some of the dialogue was unconvincing, although not so much as to turn me away. I also enjoyed the cult aspect of the story and am curious about Edwards' other books of the same theme.

All in all, I finished the book in record time and found it a generally satisfying "beach read."

Was this review helpful?

Ruth & Adam are in New York. Ruth is an actress, just about to make it bit on Broadway. Adam is an aspiring writer. The couple they met on a cruise offered them a house-sit whilst they were away & everything seemed perfect. One wet night a young woman appears on the doorstep hoping to see the house owners. As the weather is dreadful & Eden seems stuck, the couple ask her to stay- big mistake! As Ruth goes to rehearsals Adam & Eden spent quite a lot of time together. One morning after a pizza & tequila night Adam wakes up feeling dreadful & with no memory of the night before. There is no sign of Eden & Ruth. When the house owners return they have never heard of Eden.

I am a fan of Mark Edwards & I loved his earlier books, but this one just didn't really do it for me. It is narrated by Adam (who I thought was a bit of a twit) & I never really got behind the characters. it was a pleasant read but no five star! Thanks to Netgalley & the publisher for letting me read and review this book.

Was this review helpful?

I really enjoy Mark Edwards books and this one left me spinning. This psychological thriller left me reeling with it's fast pace, suspense and very much tongue in cheek moments of drama. There were plenty twists and oodles of tension to keep the reader engrossed in this thought provoking read. I loved the weird ending and irritating characters and would definitely recommend this author and book. Thanks to Net Galley for my ARC.

Was this review helpful?

The House Guest by Mark Edwards is a satisfyingly quick read. It has got a stranger as a house guest, murders, and a strange, murderous cult. It is the perfect example of an unputdownable page turner, and I have a strong feeling I might see it adapted for one of the OTT plarforms soon!

The plot turned out to be a little far-fetched at the end. Nevertheless, it was an enjoyable read.

I liked what Mark wrote in The Retreat, and this is what prompted me to request the copy of this book when I first saw it was available. And I am glad I did.

Thanks to the author and the publisher for the ARC.

Verdict: Recommended.

Was this review helpful?

I am a Mark Edwards fan but this book just didn’t wow me. The premise was intriguing and I finished the book. The plot line was a bit too all over the place and this just wasn’t my favorite.

I would like to thank NetGalley, the publisher, and the author for giving me the opportunity to read this book in exchange for my honest review.

Was this review helpful?

I received a free copy from Netgalley to review.

Below is the blurb

"When British twenty-somethings Ruth and Adam are offered the chance to spend the summer housesitting in New York, they can’t say no. Young, in love and on the cusp of professional success, they feel as if luck is finally on their side.

So the moment that Eden turns up on the doorstep, drenched from a summer storm, it seems only right to share a bit of that good fortune. Beautiful and charismatic, Eden claims to be a friend of the homeowners, who told her she could stay whenever she was in New York.

They know you’re not supposed to talk to strangers—let alone invite them into your home—but after all, Eden’s only a stranger until they get to know her.

As suspicions creep in that Eden may not be who she claims to be, they begin to wonder if they’ve made a terrible mistake…"

I really enjoyed this book. Ok it is far fetched (I hope!) and an easy read but not really much to say other than I enjoyed the story, it kept me wanting to keep reading more and had plenty of plot twists to keep me going. Difficult to say much more without giving the story away really.

Was this review helpful?

I have read and enjoyed some of the author's previous books. This book was ok. The book started off well and kept me interested. However the ending was absurd and unbelievable. I still look forward to reading his other books.

Thank you to Netgalley, Amazon Publishing UK and Mark Edwards for a copy of "The House Guest" in exchange of an honest review.

Was this review helpful?

I was really looking forward to reading this book as the premise sounded unusual and I have read and enjoyed other Mark Edwards’ books. Sadly the characters were two dimensional and the writing was a bit flat. The upside was that it isn’t a long or hard read, but I want a bit more from my psychological thrillers these days. A good beach read but not particularly memorable.

Was this review helpful?

This book was okay. It only took a couple of hours and about half way through it had started to be pretty predictable.

Was this review helpful?

I have enjoyed Mark’s previous books and, as anticipated, this one did not disappoint.

I was so engrossed that I finished the book in a day however I can imagine that this story may not appeal to everyone.

The storyline was intriguing and completely changed direction from where I initially thought it was going to go. A rollercoaster of a ride.

Already looking forward to Mark’s next book.

4.5 stars

Was this review helpful?

I'm a huge fan of Mark Edwards books so when I saw he had a new release I was excited and automatically requested it, sadly however I was disappointed.

This book follows a young British couple who are trying to make something of their careers in the US. The female lead is an actress and the man is a writer. In the beginning of the book they are house sitting for a couple they had previously met on a cruise ship when a young woman, similar age to themselves shows up at the house claiming to know the owners and with no where to stay they open up the doors to her. Things however take twists and turns throughout and all is not how it seems.

I will not say anything more due to spoilers however the route that this book took I didn't like, I actually found it not very interesting and at sometimes laughable the characters were also not likeable and not people you were routing for. With all that being said however Mark Edwards writing style is always written in a way that is rather fast pace so it was still a fast read and yes I will read more from the author because I have enjoyed several of his books in the past. I recommend the lucky ones, the magpies and because she loves you.

Was this review helpful?

Tis is my first read of Mark Edwards and I am unsure how I have let this happen. I will definitely be buying those other novels I have somehow missed.

Ruth married to Adam have been given the chance to house sit a New York home of Mona and Jack who they met on a cruise. Ruth is making it as an actress and Adam is struggling as a writer. Eden arrives at the door step on a rainy night and professes to know Mona and Jack. Ruth and Adam let her in and she stays for a few days.

This is where the twists and turns begin and I always felt that Eden was not who she professed to be but I didn’t see the whole picture and was amazed at how it all turned out.

Thank you to NetGalley, Amazon Publishing UK and Mark Edwards for my ARC of The House Guest in return for my honest review.

Utterly brilliant read. Highly recommended.

Was this review helpful?

The House Guest is one of those books that you can finish in one sitting. Once it grabs you, it doesn't let you go. Because there are SO many questions. The writing is tight, the pacing of the novel is spot on. I've read some pretty amazing thrillers already this year, but this one is by far my favourite, because this one not only kept me gripped all day long, but the ending - the ENDING - was just so ridiculously good and gasp-worthy that I don't think I will ever recover. I finished the novel, set my Kindle down, turned around and genuinely shouted, "Fuuuuuuuuuck." I have never in my life been so stunned and shocked and awed by a book. 

It's actually really hard to understand what the novel is about by reading the synopsis, seeing the title or looking at the cover. You basically go in to the novel blind and that makes it even more interesting, because when Eden's true purpose is exposed, you genuinely have no idea what's going on. Who she is, where she's come from, what happened on that specific night to Ruth and Adam. You're left with bundles of questions, and the answer is quite brilliant. It's normally something I'd be sceptical about, but it was so well written, so convincing that I was all in.

The novel starts innocuously enough. Ruth and Adam are house-sitting for their friends Mona and Jack who are on a retreat, Ruth is an actress presumably about to hit the big time and Adam is a screen-writer, although it isn't going as well as he would like. They're happy as Larry, until Eden turns up on their doorstep, saying she's a friend of Jack and Mona and that they offered her the chance to stay any time, and because Ruth and Adam are decent British people, with manners, they let her in. Because that's what us British people do! We are polite, thank you very much. Of course, that turns out to be the biggest mistake everrrrrr, because Eden isn't who she says she is and she causes all kinds of mayhem. It was really, really clever how Eden worked her way into Adam and Ruth's lives, because it's not like they could have rung Mona and Jack to check, and Eden knew enough about them to not really raise suspicions. Like, if she'd just rocked up to the door and guessed things about them, you'd be suspicious. But she knew actual, real details. So I totally see how Adam and Ruth fell for it.

I loved the dual narrative. First-person for Adam; third-person for Ruth. It added a bit of spice to the novel, and it allowed us to see both sides of what was going on rather than the narrow perspective of one or the other. It still took a while to see the full picture, but, as I keep saying, it was more than worth it. The payoff here was one of the best thriller payoffs I have ever read. I was genuinely shocked and awed. People throw around the term "jaw-dropping" all of the time, but this is one of those cases where it is actually true. Everything about this novel delighted and surprised me. I only guessed one of the twists, which for me is pretty good, because sometimes thrillers can be a bit obvious, but there was none of that here. Edwards clearly knows his craft very well and I was hooked from start to finish.

Adam is such a good narrator, too. Edwards doesn't bother with the trick of making him out to be unreliable, or a liar. There are no plot twists where Adam becomes the "bad guy" temporarily. It's very much a straight-forward narrative of Adam investigating what happened that night in Mona and Jack's house. I really liked Adam as a character, too. He seemed genuine and he came across well, and he was very well-spoken and instead of causing a god-almighty fuss about everything, he went about everything the right way. Thinking how I would act in a similar situation is night and day, because I would be a wailing banshee and no one would ever believe me. It's a bit harder to understand Ruth's character as her chapters are fairly short and in the third-person, and with her being an actress as well, you can well believe anything she does/says is a ploy. I assume it wasn't, but I didn't feel like we really got to know her, but I liked her well enough.

As I said, the ending of The House Guest is immense. Where I'm torn between wanting a sequel and where I'm happy just trying to figure out exactly what everyone meant in my own head, depending on my mood. It was one of those endings where you just sit in shock for 30 seconds, hardly able to breathe because you're not sure you read it correctly. It genuinely made me smile, in a weird serial-killer kind of way. Almost as if Edwards had to have one last laugh at the readers expense and it was magnificent. It fit the book perfectly, with all of the Shakespearean references, and I can only admire his chutzpah.

I genuinely can't rate this novel highly enough. It's the first novel I've read by Mark Edwards and it genuinely caught my attention from page one. I spent my entire afternoon reading it, not even stopping for food breaks, because I was that immersed in it. It felt like I was there, with Adam and Eden and Ruth. I was desperate to find out what Eden's whole game was, and I'm also very curious if Edwards wanted to call Ruth "Eve", to make it a true Adam/Eve/Eden trio, although Eden does herself mention that, which I thought was pretty neat. I can honestly say I was on the edge of my nerves the whole time I was reading this. The plot, the pacing, the writing, the ending, the narratives, it was all perfect. Mark Edwards is a very, very, very talented author and you best believe I'm going to be checking out his other novels because this was a really fun, entertaining, creepy read.

Was this review helpful?

I like Mark Edwards books. They're all fast and easy, page-turning reads.
This one maybe doesn't have the best ending, but it hooks from the beginning. I found the characters a bit unlikeable, especially considering they let a complete stranger into a house they didn't even own, however the plot pace is really fast and overall I found this delivering an entertaining read. I'd recommend for mystery/thriller lovers.

Was this review helpful?

3.5 stars
Not my favorite Edwards read by far, but he stills knows how to weave a wicked tale.

There is a lot going on here, which I think could be part of the problem. Edwards has always been character heavy, leading to much fun and frustration as I bounce from one to the other labeling them the antagonist only to be wrong. But that didn’t happen here. It was too easy to figure out where the story was going and who the antagonists were.

I do give Edwards credit for always thinking outside the box and trying to bring fresh storylines to his fans.
I look forward to what he comes up with next!

ARC provided by NetGalley

Was this review helpful?

The House Guest is not the first book by Mark Edwards that I have read. He is one of my favorite authors, hope I didn't enjoy this book as much as the others that I have read.
This one begins with a couple of Brits who are housesitting for a couple they met on a cruise that love in Manhattan. One day a pretty blonde named Eden knocks on the door, soaked to the skin and says she's a friend of the owners and she is invited to stay. This is when things start to go awry. Some of the things that happen from here on out are a litt!e far fetched and seems a bit rushed. All in all it is still a good read.

Was this review helpful?

Having read a few of marks book I was delighted to get an arc of his latest . An easy page turner but if I’m honest not one of my favourites from him . Didn’t flow as well as others and just seemed to lack something . 3.5 stars rounded to 4

Was this review helpful?

3.5*

Hmmm not too sure how to describe this book.

Great premise and the first half really captured my attention, and I couldn't put it down. But... the second half took an unexpected turn, and I suddenly didn't enjoy the book as much as i do usually, when reading Mark's books. It didn't help that I didnt really connect with any of the characters either.

It also didnt feel / read like a Mark Edwards book either. I wonder if it was because it was set Stateside rather than the UK?

Was this review helpful?

3.5 stars

I've loved the last few Mark Edwards' books and so when I saw this book, knew I had to read it too. However, this one never quite hit the spot in the way that the last few of his had. The premise of the book sounded great and whilst it was an enjoyable read, sadly something was missing and it never truly grabbed my attention.

Many thanks to Netgalley for a copy of this ARC for which I have given my voluntary and unbiased review.

Was this review helpful?

Adam & Ruth, meet Jack & Mona while they were on a Cruise. Adam, a struggling writer while Ruth is an actress, who has just bagged a role for a Broadway show.
Jack is a College Prof while his wife Mona runs her own business. Jack & Mona ask Adam & Ruth to house - sit while they take off to a retreat for a couple of days.
Things are finally looking up for Ruth & in time Adam too has his writing going on for him. Just when they think, life is going to be fine, things so all over the place.
One rainy night, while Adam & Ruth are house sitting, there is a knock on the door. As they open, they see a woman soaked in the rain asking for Jack & Mona. Not wanting to seem cavalier, Adam invites her inside.
She introduces herself as Eden, a friend of Jack & Mona. She gives her side of the story and Adam & Ruth take pity and let her stay.
They spend a couple of days and a day before Jack & Mona are to arrive, all three of them to decide to party. Everyone is so hammered that when Adam wakes up, he has no idea about anything. All hell breaks lose when he realizes that Ruth & Eden are missing. The trepidation within him has resurfaced and so have Jack & Mona from their retreat.
A frantic Adam narrates they entire story to both to of them. Jack & Mona give a puzzled look and Jack's only question - Who the hell is Eden?

- Who is Eden?
- Where have Ruth & Eden vanished?
- Who are Jack & Mona actually?
- Is Adam successful in bringing back Ruth?
- What shocking discoveries does Adam stumble upon?

Read it to know it!

Rating - 4/5 Stars
Recommendation - High

Conclusion,
I loved how this story went. right from the beginning till the end. Amazing plot development, this was an outright page turner for me. Loved how this book starts, which keeps the reader very intrigued. Character development is done so well. All in all a fabulous read with all the right elements of a thriller book.

Was this review helpful?

I loved this book. It kept me engaged throughout and did not disappoint at all. The plot was great, the characters all believable and not over the top at all. A fast paced book that keeps you hooked. Highly recommended!

Was this review helpful?

I loved this book. It had just the right amount of description, intrigue and suspense. I right proper page turner. I read it in 3 evenings and couldn’t wait until I had finished work to be able to read the next bit. Definitely 5 stars.

Was this review helpful?

The house guest follows a young British couple house sitting a property for some rich Americans whilst they go gallivanting. Ruth and Adam met Jack and Mona whilst on a cruise, they hit it off and was offered the opportunity to stay in their house rent free...this was great as Ruth was rehearsing and making her big break with her acting career and Adam could focus on his screen writing. Mid way through their time house sitting they get an unexpected guest...Eden! Eden is a friend of Jack and Mona's and needs a place to stay and like themselves she was offered to stay whenever she needed to. However, Eden seems to good to be true!

This is my second mark Edwards novel, I read 'The Magpies' a few years back and really enjoyed it. I have to say that I wasn't blown away with this story, nothing stood out to me and made it different to a lot of other books out on the market. My 3 stars is being generous as I hate the trope that was used in this book, if I was aware I probably wouldn't have picked it up but once I have started a book I like to finish it
Mark Edwards does a good job of making Adam seem like an unreliable character and not to believed. The writing was easy to read and not to taxing. It was alternative point of view between Ruth and Adam. I wasn't gripped with this story and didn't care to much about who the bad guy was. Ruth and Adam were quite boring characters, there was no emotion between them.

Was this review helpful?

This is a frightening story about what could happen if you invite a stranger into your house - but it’s not really - it is actually even more than that! The oppressive New York summer heat provides the perfect backdrop and atmosphere for the drama that unravels
.
Ruth and Adam are a happy couple, who accept a generous offer to house-sit for a well to do couple that they met by chance on a cruise. When approached by a friend of the house owners, their lives take a turn that they could never have imagined!

This was my first Mark Edwards book and I look forward to reading more.

Was this review helpful?

Thank you Netgalley for this ARC of The House Guest by Mark Edwards.

Ruth and Adam are house sitting for a trendy couple in NY. While the owners of the house are on a spiritual retreat, Ruth and Adam are there to see if they can strike gold in their respective acting and writing careers.

But on a rainy day, a young woman, Eden, knocks on their door, drenched to the bone, and looking for the homeowners. She has been displaced and desperate for a place to stay. Not wanting to withhold charity for the homeowners' friend, they welcome her into the home and their lives.

But (UNSURPRISINGLY, COME ON PEOPLE), things start to take a weird turn. Who exactly is this Eden, and what are her real intentions.

Ok, despite my prior outburst, the book is good. I especially liked the shocking turn the story took, and it closely resembled a scandalous current even that I won't name. But seriously, let's invite a stranger into our home and then be totally shocked when things don't go perfectly. It's enough for me to have a momentary tantrum.

Was this review helpful?

This was one of those thrillers that you pick up with the intention of light reading before bed and before you know it, it’s 3am and you haven’t stopped until you reach the end.

Was this review helpful?

This was my first Mark Edwards read, and I thought it was pretty good. I was really invested in the story the first half, and then I kind of lost interest when the "cult" stuff was going on. I am not really into that. It was overall a quick read and very interesting.

*Thank you to @netgalley and @amazonpublishing for the copy in exchange for an honest review.*

Was this review helpful?

This book is not what it seems. It has a typical "why would you let a stranger in?" beginning but the story develops into something else. I think it may be more appealing to a YA readership, but I enjoyed it nevertheless.

Was this review helpful?

At first I sped through this book, it was gripping, thrilling and exciting....and then...it just got weird!
Great idea but poorly executed and quite unbelievable in parts, lacked empathy for the characters and there were lots of parts that left me puzzled and questioning their motives and behaviour.
I really thought this was going to be a 5 star review. Instead, I'd give it 3.5 as the latter part of the book really let it down.

Was this review helpful?

Intriguing read, with a plot which in some ways was predictable, but in others had some great twists and didn’t see the ending coming. A very good solid 4 star read for me and I’d love to read other novels from this author.

Was this review helpful?

I don't think I've read any of Mark Edwards book before but, after reading The House Guest I will be rectifying that. I started reading this thinking I'd read a chapter or two but was completely wrapped up in it and got halfway before I realised. Lots of twists and turns to keep you guessing right to the end.

Was this review helpful?

This is my first book by this author and it’s brilliant. Some might say that the plot was a bit predictable, but I enjoyed it never the less. I will be reading more from this author.

Thank you NetGalley for my complimentary copy in return for my honest review.

Was this review helpful?

Great psychological thriller that is so relevant to what is going on in the world today...one of many things. Quick reading, grips you from the beginning and then the last 20% throws you around like a rag doll. A good casual read.

Was this review helpful?

This book was fantastic! I really could not put it down. It's one of those books where you're dying to know how it ends but at the same time don't want the story to end because it's that good!
A couple are house sitting for new friends that they met on a cruise when a young woman turns up at the front door during a rain storm. She claims to know the homeowners so they decide to let her stay. Big mistake.
All of the characters were really vivid and the story was well told. I enjoyed the wrap up at the end. I felt like there were no loose ends.
If you're looking for a fast paced thriller pick this one up!
Thank you to netgalley and the publisher for a copy of this book in exchange for an honest review.

Was this review helpful?

⭐⭐⭐💫
I have read several books by Mark Edwards, and they never disappoint. The House Guest was no exception. While this was not my favorite book of Edwards, I still really enjoyed it! The premise is very interesting. I found it to be a fast read between the pacing along with the short chapters. While I didn't absolutely love the characters, which is usually a miss for me- I loved the plot, so I didn't feel like it took anything from the story for me. I'd recommend this to anyone looking for a fast paced psychological thriller!

Thank you to netgalley and the publisher for providing me with an eARC in exchange for an honest review. I cannot wait to see what Edwards comes up with next!

Was this review helpful?

This started so well - a house guest who can’t be all she seems to be. It quickly becomes apparent that she is not. There is a great sense of upmarket New York and 40% in I thought this was going to be great.

But the story then descends into an incredibly far fetched conspiracy which has such big holes in it that it would surely have been uncovered previously. And even once uncovered, the obvious way in which folk could be spotted as members is not pursued. Far too many inconsistencies and very loose ends for me I’m afraid. Three stars for the first bit. Sorry. Thanks to NetGalley for a free copy in exchange for an honest review.

Was this review helpful?

Wow, what a fast paced thriller. I read the entire book in one day! Captivating characters, unexpected twists and well paced plot. Highly recommended

Was this review helpful?

I love reading about cults and I love Mark Edwards’ books, so this was a definite winner for me! I couldn’t turn the pages fast enough on this one; another winner!

Was this review helpful?

Another fantastic read by Mark Edwards, have loved all his books and this one didn't disappoint. A fast paced read that will keep you hooked

Was this review helpful?

A chilling thriller. Stranger danger, beware. Fast paced and easy to read. Very enjoyable distraction.

Was this review helpful?

I didn't really enjoy this book. It just couldn't hold my interest and I found myself reading other novels over it.

Some people may enjoy it more than I did so read the synopsis and decide for yourself.

Was this review helpful?

This book was just so bizarre. I found it unbearably slow and not at all gripping, I only finished it because it is relatively small at 300ish pages. I found the writing style to be not to my taste and the overall telling of the story to be pretty messy. I’m honestly struggling to know what to say in this review as it was honestly just so strange and uninteresting that I’m not at all inclined to spend anymore time thinking about it. Thank you Amazon Publishing UK and Netgalley for the opportunity.

Was this review helpful?

Who knew house-sitting could be such a dangerous activity? With the title being The House Guest, the moment Eden inveigled herself into Ruth and Adam's life, it was clear something was amiss. However, I missed the 'amiss-ness' by a mile. I certainly never expected that to happen! The consequential events take every single opposite turn to the one you may have been expecting. Nothing my devious mind imagined came close to Mark Edwards' even more devious, and possibly warped, mind. This is a very clever, complex tale that kept me reading into the wee, small hours of the morning. My gob was suitably smacked and I thoroughly enjoyed every single minute of it. I'll tell you what, he can't half write a gripping story that Mark Edwards. The concept was unique and its execution was excellent. A book not to be missed - another hit from the quill and ink of Mr Edwards. Bravo sir!

Was this review helpful?

Enjoyable and action-packed- a good holiday read but I've preferred other books by this author. Liked the New York setting.

Was this review helpful?

This book was okay. I usually love Mark Edwards books, and his writing definitely hasn’t changed, I just believe that perhaps my disinterest in cults set the tone for this book for me. I felt like I had to suspend my disbelief a lot in this book.

Was this review helpful?

Read it in less than three hours. Once again, I couldn't put it down. Mark Edwards is just brilliant and knows how to keep you turning the pages.

Was this review helpful?

I really enjoyed this book! It was weird and twisted and kept my interest. I loved the characters and was surprised when their identities were revealed! I rate this book a 4.1

Was this review helpful?

What a fantastic read! A brilliant story with the anti hero being a character who at first seems sweet and innocent and heroes with human frailties.

All the ingredients for another mind-blast from Mark Edwards.

Very well written and enjoyment is guaranteed.

Was this review helpful?

The House Guest by Mark Edwards is a thrilling psychological thriller. Fast paced and teeming with suspense, twist and turns this book will have you second guessing everything. The book is thought provoking and you are always trying to guess what happens next. The characters Adam and Ruth are in for a wild ride let me tell you. This book will have you on the edge of your seat and turning page after page to see what happens.

Was this review helpful?

I really enjoyed this book and it’s the first I’ve read from this author. While I thought the beginning was a little slow with Eden and drawing things out, it all made sense in the end. The small cliffhanger at the end made me stop for a few minutes post-read and think about things. This book makes me want to read more by this author.

Was this review helpful?

The premise is so intriguing. You are house sitting in NY, the doorbell rings, and standing there is a young woman who looks harmless (drenched from a storm I might add!), who says she's friends with the owners and they had said she could drop in anytime if she was in the area...

Sounded good, but it wasn't. This author has a huge following! I've not read anything else by him. Maybe I'd try another book but this one did not deliver.

Thanks to the publisher and Net Galley for an ARC of this book for an honest review. It was released June 3, 2020.

Was this review helpful?

Super chilling and intriguing, just the way I love my stories. An exciting plot with an ending that didn't fail to deliver. I will be looking out for more books from this author

Was this review helpful?

Never invite strangers in.

Adam and Ruth are house-sitting for the Cunninghams, people they had met on a ship. They are in New York as Ruth is an aspiring actor and has finally got the chance to make it big in both theatre and films. Adam is a play writer. When Adam opens the door to find a woman dripping wet – saying that she’s a friend of the owners, Adam lets her in – initially thinking they would help her dry off before finding somewhere else for her to stay. However, she proves to be very persuasive, and they invite her to stay.

It isn’t long before things turn creepy – Ruth, ordinarily reliable and dedicated to her career, disappears. Adam must search for her.

Mark Edwards, I usually grab your books with glee, knowing that I’m going to have a brilliant read. Unfortunately, this one left me stone cold. In fact, I cheated and read about halfway before jumping to the end, something I never do. I couldn’t find the energy to follow the plot, it felt like you’d tried an experiment with something so different to your usual writing and unfortunately, it didn’t work for me. I’m pleased to see that others loved it.

Rony

Elite Reviewing Group received a copy of the book to review.

Was this review helpful?

I have read many of Mark Edwards books and they’ve all been brilliant, so I was eager to read this. Unfortunately this just didn’t hold my interest as much as the rest. I struggled with the storyline and it all felt a little flat. It won’t put me off reading more by Mark Edwards and I look forward to the next.

Was this review helpful?

Liked it-but not all of it

This is the first book I've read by this author and it got off to a great start, a pleasant surprise.

From England, Adam and Ruth had been in New York a few weeks. Their friends Jack and Mona are on a retreat in New Mexico. They're staying at their house, looking after it.

This was really keeping me guessing-what could have happened? Very mysterious. Some cracking moments.

Unfortunately, it went a bit downhill for me in the second half of the book. It was a good book, but then it went off a bit, and my interest waned. We all like different things, and the second part of the book just wasn't to my taste.

Was this review helpful?

Really interesting psychological thriller. Twists and turns throughout.
The House Guest was an amazing read and I look forward to more from this author.

Was this review helpful?

Mark Edwards is an author who seems to be rather hit or miss with me and unfortunately, The House Guest turned out to be a miss.

Adam and his girlfriend Ruth are housesitting for a couple in New York. One evening, a young lady called Eden rings the doorbell. She claims to be a family friend and when Adam and Ruth realise Eden has nowhere else to go, they ask her to stick around until the owners return from their cruise. But after an evening of too much fun with tequila, Adam wakes up to find himself alone in the house. Ruth and Eden have disappeared.

And that’s where the story started to lose me as events became increasingly far-fetched and somewhat over the top. Suddenly a story that had bags of potential went completely off the rails. The characters all felt like cardboard cut-outs, bewilderingly uninteresting and boring cliches that I couldn’t connect to at all. I didn’t care what happened to any of them, I’m sad to say.

The House Guest is really a run-of-the-mill, rather forgettable psychological suspense story that sorely lacks the suspense, tension and thriller element I look for in this genre. Ultimately, this is a quick and easy read but it’s awfully superficial. This is nowhere near the author’s best work.

Was this review helpful?

Thank you to Netgalley, Mark Edwards and Amazon Publishing for my arc of The House Guest in exchange for an honest review. 

Synopsis: When Ruth & Adam are offered the chance to house sit in upmarket Williamsburg, New York after meeting the house's owners on a cruise they jump at the chance. Adam is a wannabe playwright and Ruth has a part in a broadway play so it's the perfect opportunity. When the homeowners friends Eden turns up looking for a place to stay, they can't help but invite her in. Eden is charismatic, beautiful and smart and the three of them get on like a house on fire. But Eden is a stranger after all... have they made a terrible mistake?

Review: I usually love Mark Edwards' books but something just wasn't right for me with this one. I didn't find it as engaging and interesting and the few twists there were didn't feel shocking. I still read it in a couple of hours and it was ok but not the page turning thrilling experience I'm used to with Mark's books.

Was this review helpful?

3.5 stars
A young couple from the UK Adam, a future writer and Ruth an actress who is about to become famous are house sitting in New York for a wealthy couple, Mona and Jack. One day a young woman, Eden, knocks on the door, claiming that Mona and Jack invited her to stay at their house anytime. Everything is fine ,until one evening when the three of them are getting seriously drunk. Adam wakes up unable to remember anything. The only thing that is sure is that Ruth and Eden are vanished. More to this, Mona and Jack do not know anyone called Eden.
A wild chasing starts off for Adam who desperately tries to find his girlfriend, despite all the problems they seem to face.
The charakters are all on a wild roller-coaster; for my taste, a bit too much; but nethertheless a satisfying read.
Thank you #netgalley #thehouseguest #markedwards for this reading copy

Was this review helpful?

3.5/5 stars. fast, engaging read, good for a distraction. Not a great deal of depth on the characters or plot, but suited its purpose well.

Was this review helpful?

4 Stars from me

I devoured this book on a lazy Sunday and totally did not see where the story was heading!

For the first few pages I was fairly convinced that I would be spending the next decade of my life housesitting in New York - ahhhhh bliss!

But then Eden entered stage left and I bristled. Hmmmm. Hats off to Ruth for being a kinder, more trusting person than I will EVER be, but then again hey, my suspicious mind will have meant that I didn't end up in a pair of snazzy white PJs... (almost a spoiler but not quite so shhhhh.)

A fast and easy read from Mark Edwards which I flew through and thoroughly enjoyed.

Was this review helpful?

Adam and Ruth are on the verge of their big break in NYC....or so they thought. As an budding actress and screenplay writer, plus a great home to house sit, they are on the cusp of success. Until they meet Eden...

Although I guessed several of the twists before they happened, the character development kept me very engaged to see how it played out. There ended up being twists that I didn't see coming, as well! A good read overall!

Was this review helpful?

Be careful who you trust. A couple's lives get turned upside down from trusting the wrong people. Truly masterful how the story unfolded to get characters out of an impossible situation. Another good story from Mark Edwards. Ends with a surprise!

Thank you NetGalley for allowing me to read and review this book.

Was this review helpful?

A tense, well-crafted story that kept me turning the pages until the end. Thanks to the publisher and to Netgalley for the ARC,

Was this review helpful?

I really enjoyed this latest book from Mark Edwards. Plenty of twists and turns in a what I thought was a tight and well crafted book. Set in New York Ruth and Adam are given the opportunity we can all only dream of - house sitting for an affluent couple in Manhattan. However when a girl called Eden turns up things take a different turn... I loved it.

Was this review helpful?

Mark Edwards is one of the most successful and popular contemporary English crime writers and his books have kept me company during long winter night or hot summer days. "The House Guest" is a crime/mystery novel that bears the trademark characteristics of the author's distinctive writing style that enthralls the reader and keeps him on the edge of his seat, turning the pages in order to find out what happens next. His plots are usually complex and ingenious, though in this one the main plotline is not as elaborate as it is in some of his previous books such as "The Retreat" or "The Magpies". The story begins when a young woman appears on the doorstep of a wealthy couple who is away for vacation. The house is occupied by a couple of house-sitters, Ruth and Adam. Adam is also the main protagonist and first-person narrator of the story. The young intruder's name is Eden and she claims that she is a friend of the couple of owners and she asks for a little help as she is from Caliofornia and had no ties to New York city. Adam and Ruth decide to accomodate Eden and they ask her to come and live with them in the house for a few days, until the owners are back from their journey in New Mexico. Eden will prove to be kind of a dark horse and her behavior begins to puzzle Adam until one night she disappears from the house along with Ruth. Adam is desperate to find out what happened and where is Ruth. Has she been abducted or had she left of her own free will? Our protagonist will embark in a journey to find the truth and he will have to face realities that will make him feel dizzy. Overall, "The House Guest" is a pretty entertaining crime novel that can be read easi;y in just one -or two- sitting(s). The thing is that it is not a book that will remain in your memory long after you have finished it as it lacks that particular spark that make most of Mark Edward's books stand out. Nevertheless it is perfect for a cool summer night and it is certain that you will not be disappointed.

Was this review helpful?

Mark Edwards has absolutely smashed it once again with The House Guest. I feel like whenever you pick up one of his books you know you'll be in safe hands as you turn page after page. This is an eerie, creepy read that will keep you on edge throughout - like all the best thrillers do. Loved it!

Was this review helpful?

Stayed up WAY too late reading this one, which is the best praise you can give a thriller! Awesome story and twisted ending. Will definitely recommend!

Was this review helpful?

Amazing fast paced read that keeps you hooked from the beginning and doesn’t let up. Really amazing story telling with realistic characters and great plot.

Was this review helpful?

Don’t Open The Door....
From the inviting in of a stranger to the horrors that action brings. For one couple, nicely settled (they think), opening the door to a stranger and inviting them into their lives was most definitely a mistake. Nicely paced suspense but, for me, doesn’t match up to previous offerings from this talented author.

Was this review helpful?

Another brilliant read from this author. The books get better and better. This was a good read and highly recommended. Thank you.

Was this review helpful?

Great thriller.
Ruth and Adam are going to spend the summer in New York, where they meet Eden. She is charismatic, maybe too friendly, and all this fun summer is becoming a nightmare.
Thank you, NetGalley for this adventure.

Was this review helpful?

Mark Edwards is a brilliant suspense writer, I have enjoyed every one of his books and this latest book was no exception.
This is a story where once you pick it up, you won’t want to put it down. When you have a book this good on the go, you resent any intrusion. I was racing through the pages determined to find out what would happen next.

The House Guest is a story with dark and chilling moments, and it will have you gripped to the pages. A real wow book.

Was this review helpful?

A gripping and exciting thriller that will leave you on the edge of your seat. Pick this one up if you want a book filled with suspense.

Was this review helpful?

Elliot is a scientist who lives in a beautiful, lovingly restored home that is his pride a joy. At an open house garden tour that he organized, he encounters the lovely Gemma. At this time, he suffers a medical emergency and though Gemma is a stranger, she stays with him through the crisis and they fall in love and are married. Newlywed life is blissful until Gemma’s estranged parents and strange sister arrive for a visit. The few days they plan to stay stretches to weeks and then months. Elliot is unable to get them to leave and even worse than that, he begins to fear that they are behind the crimes and now taking place in his neighborhood. Things escalate and he begins to fear for his life.

You won’t be bored with this book, that’s for sure! Lots of nefarious characters and lots of creepy interactions. Elliot is a very naive character and it’s hard to read the book without wondering why he keeps making the same choices. If you’re able to suspend reality, it’s quite a ride.

**I posted several times about this book (including review) on my Facebook page, Reader Report Cards. Thank you for the opportunity!

Was this review helpful?

My second book by Mark Edwards, in the space of a week, and it was another great read. I thought it was going to be quite similar to ‘Here to Stay’ with how it started, but it really wasn’t! Great plot, easy writing and short/sharp chapters. Just like the previous book I’ve read by Mark, the ending was intriguing. The book is tied up nicely, doesn’t leave you with any unanswered questions at all, but there is a will it/won’t it happen sort of vibe which I actually really enjoy. Great book.

Was this review helpful?

I did enjoy this one however it’s not my favourite book by this author. I found the concept of the story interesting in parts but the whole cult theme was a little bit too far fetched for my liking. The book was well written as are all books by the author I just think for me personally a book based around cults aren’t my cup of tea.

Was this review helpful?

I love Mark Edwards’ writing. I fell in love with his writing after reading ‘The Retreat’ and have enjoyed a few more of his titles since. In this story, Adam and Ruth are House-sitting. They met Jack and Mona at a cruise. A quick friendship led to them being offered a chance to stay at the couple’s place when visiting New York. However, their stay was interrupted when Eden showed up claiming the be Jack and Mona’s friend. What unfolded next can only be described as total chaos.

Once again, Edwards was in his element in this book. It was utterly gripping, fast-paced and twisty. The chapters were short,snappy and easy to get lost into. My mind was racing as I tried to keep up with the mystery. I didn’t know who trust and couldn’t figure out what was really happening until the reveals.

Unfortunately, this wasn’t my favorite read by Edwards. The beginning of the story was insanely thrilling. However, I didn’t enjoy the final chapters (Part III) as much as I thought I would. The action felt a little over the top for my liking. The final scene especially just wasn’t for me. It just felt far-fetched.

That said, this was still a very entertaining read and if able to suspend disbelief, it is overall an enjoyable story. I can’t wait to see what the author comes up with next.

Was this review helpful?

It sounded really interesting and I was looking for something to keep me guessing, but I found this to be more predictable and less realistic/believable than I was hoping for. It wasn't bad, it just wasn't what I was hoping for going in and it wasn't great.

Was this review helpful?

Another gripping read from Mark Edwards. Maybe not his finest but still very enjoyable for fans. I found myself going back to read every night until done.

Was this review helpful?

A fast paced thriller. I loved the depiction of living in an amazing NYC location. I felt like I was reading a movie with lots of action going on. Some unbelievable plots but an entertaining read.

Was this review helpful?

This was such a good book! I was in the mood to read a chilling thriller and that is what this was. I read the book in two sittings - it was just so hard to put it down. Great unexpected twists and turns!

Was this review helpful?

Very disappointed with this book by Mark Edwards, his are usually edge of the seat thrillers.

I found the concept great and the first quarter of the book had me interested and intrigued. Unfortunately, the book then went off at a tangent and the Author lost me completely, as far as the story went, but also as far as my interest went. The story was muddled, hard to follow and, in my opinion, rather implausible. A very weak ending too.

Was this review helpful?

To be honest, my initial impressions were not great. The initial premise was just a little too much of a stretch. People letting in strangers on a whim, people not being contactable, and the level of subterfuge and lies just didn’t seem realistic.

Glad I pressed on though! The plot and writing was still very enjoyable with some great twists and turns along the way. A definite page turner.

Was this review helpful?

This reminded me a lot of the Gone Girl-esque books that are released lately. It was alright, but not my favorite plot line or scene for the novel. I enjoyed and would recommend but it wasn't my favorite.

Was this review helpful?

Ruth, an aspiring actress and boyfriend Adam, a would be writer can’t believe their luck when they meet Mona and Jack on a cruise and are asked to house sit in their Brooklyn home. Things are great until there’s a knock on the door.... I loved this despite being a bit far fetched in some of the scenarios. But forget about that, this was one wild ride which doesn’t let up for a minute. The only respite is to put the book down! Thrills and spills all the time and for once I didn’t have to skim read. Don’t take it on a train or bus, you might be too engrossed to get off!

Was this review helpful?

I recently read Here to Stay so was excited to read another by Mark Edwards Again, what looks wonderful on the exterior tempts Ruth and Adam, a young British couple to house sit in New York. In love and loving their good luck, they welcome Eden into the home when she tells them she is a friend of the owners who is always welcome to stay whenever she is in town. Oh dear, what an error of judgement. Oh dear, but so glad they did as there is an over the top story that follows. Edwards is a great writer, who knows how to ramp the suspense with distractions and unknown dangers lurking all around. Excellent! Really enjoyed it!

Was this review helpful?

Really enjoyed this book, some fab twists and turns and I didn’t expect it to go where it went!
Recommend it to anyone and will deffo read his other books too!

Was this review helpful?

A creepy ride. I enjoyed this book doing into the fall season and I recommend it to anyone wanting a binge worthy read.

Was this review helpful?

This is an excellent read. Read in one day, it’s an amazing psychological thriller. Lots of suspense and twists with very interesting characters. I really like the author’s writing style which is fast paced and intense

Was this review helpful?

Thanks so mich for early access this was a tremendous read. An author that beings so much of modern living into the most compelling of stories. Highly recommend this book and will be watching for more thanks

Was this review helpful?

This book was great. I love the plot twists and hated to put it down. The twist at the end was worth the wait 🌟🌟🌟🌟

Was this review helpful?

This book was fantastic and very creepy in parts and will have you on edge, i have recommended this book to friends and family.

Was this review helpful?

Spooky and atmospheric, this is a great and compelling read which is exactly what would be expected from this author. Highly recommended.

Was this review helpful?

Mark Edwards is quickly becoming a favorite author! This ended up being not exactly what I expected and I mean that in the best way! Really enjoy his writing style, twists and turns I never see coming and a satisfying ending! Thank you so much!

Was this review helpful?

A chilling psychological thriller which will keep you engrossed till the very end. This is the first book I have read from this author, but it won't be my last. Recommended.

Was this review helpful?

I’ve read a few by this author and loved them so I was excited to get this copy from netgalley. It’s a quick read and flows really well but I began to lose interest around the half way point. I didn’t particularly like the way the storyline went and found it a little tricky to keep up. I liked the twist that the ending brought but for me the middle fell a bit flat for me.

Was this review helpful?

I thoroughly enjoyed this fast-paced and very suspenseful thriller. The story had many twists and turns and a great ending. Thanks to Netgalley and Amazon Publishing for providing me with an ARC of this book.

Was this review helpful?

The House Guest is a great thriller. I stayed on the edge of my seat with this one. Mr Edwards has earned himself a new fan. Five stars.

Was this review helpful?

'The woman standing on the front stoop looked like she'd crawled straight out of the Hudson.'

The opening to The House Guest by Mark Edwards is a good one; curiosity, intrigue, questions. Who wouldn't want to know whose doorstep the woman was standing on, what had happened to her and what the people inside were going to do about it?

In New York? A stormy night? A bedraggled stranger? Why, let her in of course!

Ruth and Adam are house-sitting a property in New York while the property owners, Mona and Jack, are away on a retreat in Mexico. In a moment of compassion for the storm-drenched young woman called Eden, standing on their doorstep, Ruth and Adam make a decision that they will live to regret; they let her in...and she stays.

Eden settles in with Ruth and Adam...and things begin to happen. A strange man stands across the street and watches them; Eden's behaviour doesn't always quite add up...and then Ruth and Eden disappear altogether.

The House Guest is a book where everything seems to happen; a stranger, murder, a cult, an affair, an estranged daughter....It's a good, fast-paced read with an unexpected ending!

Was this review helpful?

Wasn't a fan of this, didnt like the charecters much, but did keep me interested until the end, usually like Mark Edwards books too

Was this review helpful?

I loved the book! First book i've read by Mark Edwards and it won't be the last. Keep me engrossed from beginning till the last page

Was this review helpful?

🎄BOOK REVIEW🎄⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️.5
#thehouseguest by @markedwardsauthor @netgalley

Well this is my first book by this author and what an introduction it was!!!

I was gripped from the first page till the very last. It’s fast paced with plenty of twists and turns!

I really struggled to put the book down; I was desperate to know what was going to happen next and thought the plot was suspenseful, tense and exciting!

The characters were amazing and really made the story successful and I found the whole concept of the book very interesting.

It’s safe to say I’ll be looking up more of this authors books 👏

➡️for synopsis

Although a little late, thanks to author #markedwards and #netgalley for allowing us to read this one!

-Emily

@the_book_girls_1

Was this review helpful?

Thrilling, chilling and seriously twisted. I just couldn't put it down. Its one of those books where you can't wait to see how it all pans out and yet you dont really want to know. Its creepy and weird and absolutely brilliant!

Was this review helpful?

★★★ 3.5 stars

Whoa! This book is nothing like I thought it would be!

I've been a Mark Edwards fan since I read "The Magpies" and "Follow You Home" , so I knew I would be getting an edge-of-your-seat thriller. But whatever it was I'd been expecting...it wasn't this! THE HOUSE GUEST is sinister, it's creepy but also puzzling and frustrating at the same time. Edwards has the ability to take an ordinary domestic situation and turn it into something bizarre...or even your worst nightmare.

British couple Ruth and Adam are house-sitting for friends Jack and Mona Cunningham in an affluent area of New York City. Ruth is an up and coming actress with a promising career, with the lead role in a Broadway play, whereas Adam is an aspiring writer sometimes living in the shadow of his girlfriend's career. After meeting Jack and Mona on a cruise, the couple are invited to house-sit while they embark on a summer retreat in New Mexico.

One wet and stormy night there is a knock at the door and Adam opens it to a young woman looking for Jack and Mona, with whom she is friends. Unfortunately for her she discovers they are away and feeling bad at having to turn her away, Ruth and Adam ask her in till the rain stops. And then invite her to stay. Any friend of Jack and Mona's... The three of them hit it off and despite my initial suspicions that Eden would seduce Adam into something compromising and Ruth would thereafter catch them in the said situation...I couldn't be further from the truth!

The story then takes a surprising turn that I didn't see coming and had I been told what had happened, I wouldn't have believed it either! It is that implausible. But extremely addictive. Like a car crash, I couldn't turn away and had to keep reading.

And so after a night of drinking tequila together, Adam awakes naked on the floor of the room he shared with Ruth to find that both she and Eden had disappeared. When Jack and Mona arrived home the following day, they didn't know what to believe after Adam regaled them with this implausible tale of a woman claiming to be a friend turning up and then disappearing along with his girlfriend. Enter their detective friend Dennis Krugman who assured Adam that Ruth was probably sleeping off a hangover to beat all hangovers, mostly probably ashamed of herself. Adam wasn't so sure but Detective Krugman saw this type of thing all the time. Then Adam overhears the three of them talking in the garden and he learns that they really don't believe him at all. So he decides his best course of action would be to leave and find somewhere else to stay.

Then things take a twist, or rather several twists, with surprises and revelations and a cult...yes, a cult. But to those within the inner circle it is not a cult, but a group of friends...very creepy friends, who help and protect each other. A somewhat diverse direction the story did take and I'm still not sure how I feel about that ending... But one thing is for sure. It is a fast, fun read that is addictive and entertaining.

THE HOUSE GUEST is a little obscure and yet an interesting read. I thought I was going to be reading a creepy stalker thriller but it was more than that on a whole other level.

I have to be honest, I'm not a fan of cults and stories surrounding them tend to frustrate me. THE HOUSE GUEST did and it didn't. Cults generally involve an egocentric narcissist who is good looking and charismatic and has learnt the art of reading people and using that to his advantage, claiming to offer a greater knowledge from a higher power or a sense of belonging. Thinking they have the right to brainwash people and taking advantage by targeting those who are vulnerable and searching for that something in their lives. And almost always, the leader or founder charms his way into the bed of every woman within their group, all the while making them feel like it was actually their choice to do so. They are nothing but predators.

In saying this, THE HOUSE GUEST is not a bad book. It is exciting and addictive and certainly a page-turner. But it did seem to be lacking something, though I'm still not sure what. I still enjoyed it and don't hesitate in recommending it. In some ways, it is a little far-fetched but then...aren't most psychological thrillers?

At the end of the day, THE HOUSE GUEST is compelling, it is addictive and it is a fast, fun read.

I would like to thank #MarkEdwards, #NetGalley and #AmazonPublishing for an ARC of #TheHouseGuest in exchange for an honest review.

Was this review helpful?

Thank you Netgalley for the opportunity to preview The House Guest by Mark Edwards. Fast read, some twists, and some parts not quite believable.
But a quick and fun read.
3. stars.

Was this review helpful?

Wow. A different sort of story with an ending I did not see coming. Makes the reader question their own motivations... Money, Fame, Fortune? It looks like a good lifestyle from the outside, just how far would you go to achieve "it all"?! And just what can you turn a blind eye to?! I thought that characters developed well and even though I felt I had the ending worked out, I was totally wrong - the ending the was far better than I had imagined.

Was this review helpful?

Another well written and enjoyable read from Mark Edwards. Having read a couple of his previous novels again this didn't disappoint.
Mark seems to be able to hook the reader into the story right away and you're left wanting just another chapter and another before you take a break.
Would highly recommend this author to fans of psychological thrillers.

Was this review helpful?

Another amazing read from Mark an author who has never let me down with his brilliant books. The House Guest is intriguing, mysterious and a gripping read. It does get a bit dark with a few deaths throughout but a very cleverly written and planned out story. Ruth and Adam were house guests until a stranger (Eden) turns up… Who is she really? A friend of the family? A stranger? An enemy?

A page turner of a read which had me second guessing everyone and trying to find out what happened to Ruth myself. A bit of a revelation/jaw dropping moment at the end for me which made me go OH!!!!

Brilliantly written, thrilling, fast paced, suspense filled and a page turner of a read. The cover suits this story so well. Always a pleasure to read one of Marks book cause you just don’t know what he’s going to put you through with each book. Highly recommend. A well deserved five stars from me. I didn’t want to put it down.

Was this review helpful?

I enjoyed this book but this one wasn't my favorite by Mark Edwards. I felt that middle was a little slow so it took me a little effort to push through but the ending was surprising and I'm definitely still a Mark Edwards fan.

Was this review helpful?

The premise of this caught my attention very quickly and I did enjoy the book overall but the middle/end lost my attention some. It was still a solid read for me though as it did have a lot going on to make it a fast paced read. Thanks to netgalley and the publisher for an early copy of this!

Was this review helpful?

Creepy. Mysterious. Weird. Uncomfortable. All the feelings experienced when an unexpected house guest shows up at your door, why would you let them in? Because that’s what a good thriller writer would do. Mark Edwards’ The House Guest will keep you guessing the whole read and leave you thinking about it for weeks after.

Was this review helpful?

Adam and Ruth are housesitting when there is a knock at the door at night.....The women claims to be a friend of the owners so of course they invite her in that was a wrong move....
She may not be who she claims to be and that they have made a terrible mistake by letting this women stay.
Read the book to find out what do you think bad move or not.....

Was this review helpful?

Dark and unsettling, this is yet another stellar book from Mark Edwards. A must read and unputdownable!!

Was this review helpful?

Another fantastic read from Mark Edwards. Ten books later and this one delivers on suspense, mystery and the unexpected in bucketloads. Adam and Ruth are happy housesitting in New York and both caught up in their own world's while enjoying what the city has to offer. When Eden knocks on the door on a stormy night claiming to know the owners, the couple happily let her in to escape the bad weather. It's not long before Adam realises this is a big mistake, huge. What follows is a tense adventure through the pages of another brilliant book. There are twists and turns along with plenty of jaw-dropping moments. It's a quick read only because it's not easy to put down! Perfect for all this stormy weather. ☔️ ⛈ But, if someone you don’t know knocks on your door... be warned!

Was this review helpful?

Well Mark Edwards smashed it again! Another page turning thriller full of his usual craziness and characters you love to hate! Loved the plot and story and everything about it, the twist was brilliant and I’m hoping he’s releasing another one soon!!!!

Was this review helpful?

I love Mark edwards and I was thrilled to receive this as an ARC

As usual Mark does not disappoint

Highly recommended

Was this review helpful?

Beautifully written book. Builds up the suspense and twists when least expected. The characters are relatable and I can imagine that the plot is close to the truth in some circumstances, especially in america! Another book well done 💜

Was this review helpful?

I’m a huge fan of Mark Edwards. He’s able to spin such amazing, unexpected psychological thrillers out of seemingly ordinary plotlines, I can’t help but be impressed. I wasn’t sure how he was going to be able to do the same with the simple set-up of a random stranger coming to the door during a rain storm, but gosh-darn-it, he did it. He really did it.

So as it says, Ruth and Adam are house sitting for some friends when a young woman, Eden, comes to the door during a rain storm, saying she’s a friend of the homeowners. Seeming to know enough about homeowners Jack and Mona to convince Ruth and Adam she’s the real deal, Eden stays and quickly befriends the young couple. But just before Jack and Mona’s return, things go horribly wrong.

I don’t want to give away too many details, because as with any of Edwards’ books, it’s better to go into things not knowing too much. It’s best to experience the twists and turns as they come, fast and furious. And this one, as with his other books, did not go in the direction I thought it would. But I was pleasantly surprised. I enjoyed it.

The ending was also really great. Just so....creepy. So wonderfully suspenseful.

I still think my favorite Mark Edwards book will always be Follow You Home (OMG READ THAT ONE)- but this one deserves its place in the canon. Another winner here.

Was this review helpful?

I was very impressed with this book! The characters were very likeable and there were some twists that I didn't see coming. Another great book by Mark Edwards!

Was this review helpful?

Started off so well but then went far too unbelievable and far fetched. The story did not live up to the premise.

Was this review helpful?

I thought this was a great idea, but have to confess that I thought Adam was a bit silly and too trusting of people. This affected my enjoyment a little, but I am being fairly critical I guess. Apart from that, it was, as I said, a great idea, and was a usual well written and fairly gripping - I did want to keep reading to find out what was going to happen.

Was this review helpful?

Firstly i must warn readers. Clear your schedule this is a page turner. A knock on the door and you open to a stranger who needs your help of course you listen to their story. Mark Edwards is a master of suspense as you are quickly drawn in to this creepy story. I highly recommend and thanks to net galley for the arc. I will be looking for this authors books. WOW

Was this review helpful?

Well I want expecting what I've just read in the slightest.... It was a bit out there, but unfortunately I can't say it's something I would read again. Not that it was a bad book as some of it had me on the edge of my seat and I couldn't wait to see what happened but it just seemed a bit bizzar too!

Was this review helpful?

I keep trying with Mark Edwards because I remember so enjoying one of his earliest books. Ever since then, I've been chasing that high. And as is often the case, you can never quite replicate that first hit. I tried really hard and for a long, long time with this one. And it just didn't work. With his more recent work I've found that the premise is almost always intriguing, but then he doesn't quite manage to follow through. He's great with building suspense and dread, but where things fall apart is almost always with the revelation of the motive of the villains. It's never quite up to snuff.

In one novel (not this one) the motive was just that they were inexplicably bad people. Nothing more than that. And when your villains' motives are so thinly conceived, what this means is that often, his characters have to resort to long monologues to explain to the reader why things happened as they did. And when he can't explain an occurrence (a pretty pivotal moment), in this particular book, one of the characters actually says, "I guess we'll never know." That felt like a cop-out, like an author who wrote himself into a corner or realized a plot-hole and couldn't plug it, so simply inserted "I guess we'll never know." And the process through which the criminal mastermind was identified ... oh boy. Beggared belief is all I'll say.

I dunno. I think I might have to call it with this author.

Was this review helpful?

This book was completely different than what I expected and I LOVED that fact! I like to be surprised and when I can't figure out the end, it totally makes the book worth reading! I love this author and I like how there is a little cameo I'd one if his characters from a previous book! I highly recommend anything this author writes.

Was this review helpful?

Ruth and Jack are your English young dream chasing fame in New York when a stranger turns up at the door. I found their story a lovely story that stayed true though everything that was thrown at them but I struggled to follow the cult storyline in today’s society. I enjoy Marks books and always love his lack of fear to throw a curve call into the plot but I just could not believe or relate to a lot of this one. It’s definitely worth a read and has you turning the pages quickly to get to what you want to be a happy ending.

Was this review helpful?

An interesting twist about a cult that is formed to protect each other. Good plot line and characters. Quick read and great book for the beach.

Was this review helpful?

A brilliant and fast paced read! Wonderfully written with great characters and lots of twists. People aren't always who they seem. ;)

Was this review helpful?

I love the cover of this novel and the inside. "The House Guest is an exciting novel by Mark Edwards. A page turner for sure.

Was this review helpful?

Fancy housesitting in NYC? Yeah me too! Adam and Ruth agree to house sit for a couple they met on a cruise. One night a soaking-wet, stranger knocks on the door, claiming to be a friend of the homeowners. They feel they must be hospitable and invite Eden in. Is she who she says she is? Ruth then disappears and Eden has vanished into thin air, leaving Adam firmly in the frame.


A brilliant page turner from Mark Edwards. I would have read it in one sitting if I could!

Was this review helpful?

I found this to be an enjoyable read, keeping me on my toes throughout. The storyline was written well and flowed seamlessly. I look forward to reading more by this author!

Was this review helpful?

Finding myself housesitting while I read this - what a story!
An incredible thriller that captivated me from the blurb on goodreads and didn't let me down one bit as the pages kept turning - and I whipped through them!!!

I cannot wait to read more of Mark's books and be entranced in his masterful storytelling worlds.

A huge thank you to NetGalley, Mark Edwards and Thomas & Mercer for providing me with an ecopy of this publication which allows me to provide you with an unbiased review.

Was this review helpful?

Ruth and Adam are offered the chance to house sit in New York. It's the perfect opportunity, Ruth is an up-and-coming actress who's just landed her first job on Broadway and Adam is trying to make it as a playwright. One evening, a woman shows up claiming to know the owners of the house. Instead of turning her away, they invite her in. It's too late when they realise their mistake.

I'll be honest, I went into this book with high hopes as I really enjoy Mark Edwards books, but I'm a little sad to say The House Guest just didn't live up to the others I've read by him.

The story started off well, fast-paced, tension packed, but it fell a bit flat.

I felt the storyline was a little too out there, which I rarely mind because you know, it's fiction, but this time I felt like it didn't quite work for me.

Then there were the characters. Both Ruth and Adam were flawed, but distinctly unlikeable and far too trusting. And don't even get me started on Eden.

I will, of course, still be picking up more Mark Edwards books in the future. He's still a fab writer and this book won't put me off.

Was this review helpful?

After meeting The Cunninghams on a cruise, Adam and Ruth jump at the chance to house sit for them in New York City. Ruth happens to be starring in a play, so off they go, the perfect opportunity. When Eden shows up at their doorstep claiming to also know the Cunninghams, Ruth and Adam let a perfect stranger through the door, trusting her word. However, it isn’t long until a drunken night leaves Adam all alone, wondering where is Ruth? And who is Eden really?

This book was a wild ride from beginning to end. Immediately you can tell something is off with Eden, but the real question is what? Adam and Ruth are floating on this happy cloud, but even their relationship feels fragmented beneath the surface. Things really heat up when Adam discovers that Eden took Ruth- mix that with the fact that no one believes him, it’s a psychological thriller at its finest.

In the end, I gave this book 5 stars. Mark Edwards dishes up a real puzzle with this book and it was interesting to the very last page.

Thanks to NetGalley and Amazon Publishing UK for an eARC in exchange for my honest review!

Was this review helpful?

A decent book with a slightly surprising ending. The middle fell off and was a bit difficult to maintain attention. the author maintains his style in writing and if you are a fan of this author I believe you will not be disappointed by this work. I do feel like the ending was a bit rushed and that it left you wanting more from the author. Overall it is a very enjoyable read though.

Was this review helpful?

I don’t like not finishing or liking a book but this one just fell flat for me. It felt like something I’ve read before, and don’t get me wrong this genre is a lot of repetition but every story can be unique in its delivery and I just couldn’t get into the story.

Was this review helpful?

BOOK REVIEW: The House Guest by Mark Edwards

⭐️⭐️⭐️

Pages: 303
Genre: Thriller
Sub-Genre: Psychological Thriller
Location: New York City

IF YOU LIKE THIS BOOK THEN TRY…
Book: The Overnight Guest by Heather Gudenkauf
Movie: The Gift

--------------------

All my reviews can be seen at This Is My Everybody | Simple Living | Denise Wilbanks at www.thisismyeverybody.com

♡ Thank you to NetGalley for this ARC. I voluntarily chose to review it and the opinions contained within are my own.

Was this review helpful?

My first time reading Mark Edwards and this enticing premise drew me in. Ruth and Adam are house sitting in New York which could equal the perfect summer except for the stranger at the door that shows up in the middle of a summer storm. Is she truly a stranger or is she who she claims to be.... a friend of the home owners? Should they let her in? What did your parents tell you about strangers?? Perfect summer house sitting turned perfect nightmare with this one! Entertaining and creepy! Exactly why you don't let strangers in vibes and the writing is superb!! Thank you NetGalley for a copy to read and review with my own formed opinions, I look forward to reading more from Mark Edwards!

Was this review helpful?

DNF - Did not finish. I did not connect with the writing style or plot and will not be finishing this title. Thank you, NetGalley and Publisher for the early copy!

Was this review helpful?

The book opened with a promise of a great mystery but it did not deliver (for me). I am not sure if I would recommend this book but clearly it's got many positive reviews on Goodreads. Perhaps it's just me.

Was this review helpful?

I love marks books and I have read them all!

The book kept me guessing which is one of the things I love about marks books. However I found some of the characters hard to connect with.

I will continue to read Marks books !

Was this review helpful?

This was a fast paced thriller which I read in one sitting. I loved it I did not read the blurb so went in blind,which I think added to the enjoyment? I didn't guess the outcome at all

Was this review helpful?

This arrived in the full thick of pandemic so I missed reading during pub month. Shame on me for missing out then but I am catching up now and what a story! As someone who has house sitters for my own home I strangely could see the couple I know doing this exact thing!! Allowing a stranger to move in and terrorize their lives! There are times when you want to say- “Hellooo McFly” to Adam but haven’t we all wanted to say this at some point to someone even ourselves. Questions do arise while reading but the author deftly answers them in a way which makes the suspense believable. This is the first book I’ve read by Mark Edwards and won’t be the last.

Was this review helpful?

Big fan of Mark Edwards already and The House Guest was as brilliant as his other books. Well written and a shocking twist.

Was this review helpful?

I liked that this book was interesting & I never really felt like there was a dull moment, something new was always happening. The chapters are fairly short & it didn’t take long for the story to get exciting. I don’t wanna spoil anything by saying too much, but the reason that I gave it 3 starts is just because the overall topic of the book is something that kinda hits home for me.

Was this review helpful?

Readers who liked this book also liked: