Reviews

The Overnight Guest by Heather Gudenkauf

hellococo927's review against another edition

emotional mysterious tense medium-paced

• Plot- or character-driven? A mix
• Strong character development? It's complicated
• Loveable characters? No
• Diverse cast of characters? No
• Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes

2.25

"The Overnight Guest" had potential. The use of multiple timelines is a storytelling technique I generally enjoy, creating a sense of mystery and anticipation. However, the execution fell short in this case.

While the suspense built around the snowstorm and the unexpected guest was present, a major reveal at the end felt unearned. The character in question was barely mentioned throughout the book, making their sudden significance jarring and unconvincing. This lack of development left the climax feeling forced and flat.

For readers who enjoy dual timelines and atmospheric thrillers, "The Overnight Guest" might offer a quick, suspenseful read. However, the underdeveloped characters and an unsatisfying twist ultimately left me wanting more. 

kdoucet83's review against another edition

adventurous challenging dark emotional mysterious sad tense medium-paced

• Plot- or character-driven? A mix
• Strong character development? Yes
• Loveable characters? Yes
• Diverse cast of characters? It's complicated
• Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes

5.0

catofbones's review against another edition

4.0

This is a really fun and fast-paced book. You’ll probably guess some of the twists, but it’s such a good time!

shaeee's review against another edition

dark emotional mysterious sad tense medium-paced

• Plot- or character-driven? A mix
• Strong character development? No
• Loveable characters? Yes
• Diverse cast of characters? Yes
• Flaws of characters a main focus? It's complicated

4.75

kimbui's review against another edition

dark emotional mysterious sad fast-paced

• Plot- or character-driven? A mix
• Strong character development? Yes
• Loveable characters? It's complicated
• Diverse cast of characters? No
• Flaws of characters a main focus? No

4.25

The kind of book where you know the end, despite the twists, but you want to know how it gets there anyway. 

sandyread5's review against another edition

dark emotional hopeful inspiring mysterious reflective sad tense fast-paced

5.0

angelareagan's review against another edition

challenging dark emotional mysterious tense medium-paced

• Plot- or character-driven? A mix

4.5

jayleetheninja's review against another edition

4.0

This was a super quick, suspenseful winter read. I’ll admit it took me a few chapters to get into it and was a bit confused in the beginning, but once I was about 5-6 chapters in I was hooked. The way the 3 storylines connected was fairly predictable, but how you figure it all out and how the other characters figure it out is very interesting. It was beautifully written and a great read for anyone who’s a fan of true crime.

mitskacir's review

4.0

I read this SO fast. I was so hooked by the three story lines and didn’t even pause at the end of a chapter before starting the next. Ultimately, I was a bit disappointed by the “whodunnit” conclusion (I’m a bit unclear on the motives and the missing dog narrative didn’t get closure!) but a super solid winter thriller and a great read for getting me through a long plane ride and a lazy Thanksgiving day. Perfect easy page turner.

lovelymaru's review against another edition

dark emotional hopeful tense fast-paced

• Plot- or character-driven? Character
• Strong character development? No
• Loveable characters? Yes
• Diverse cast of characters? Yes
• Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes

4.5