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A review by nzlisam
The Christmas Guest by Peter Swanson
dark
mysterious
tense
fast-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? A mix
- Strong character development? It's complicated
- Loveable characters? It's complicated
- Diverse cast of characters? No
- Flaws of characters a main focus? It's complicated
4.5
I love a Psychologically Disturbing Murder Mystery Gothic Tale, and Peter Swanson never fails to leave me reeling in shock!
4.5.
The Christmas Guest was prickling with uneasiness and foreboding. I loved the Charles Dickens, A Christmas Carol, tie-in. Our story begins in 1989 relayed via diary entries, with American college student, Ashley, excited to be spending her Christmas holidays at her friend Emma’s family’s English Country House. The present storyline takes place in Manhattan in 2019 where the full picture of what really happened that winter is revealed.
Unfortunately, I saw the second biggest twist coming only because I have read something similar. It was a brilliant twist though, and I would’ve completely fallen for it hook, line, and centre here if I hadn’t of been familiar with it. i’m still processing the biggest twist, and have two theories regarding what it means, although I prefer one over the other.
I listened to this on audiobook and Esther Wane was superb, and I especially loved the sound effects like the pages of the diary being turned as it was being read. The perfect holiday-themed read for those who prefer mysteries to romances.
4.5.
The Christmas Guest was prickling with uneasiness and foreboding. I loved the Charles Dickens, A Christmas Carol, tie-in. Our story begins in 1989 relayed via diary entries, with American college student, Ashley, excited to be spending her Christmas holidays at her friend Emma’s family’s English Country House. The present storyline takes place in Manhattan in 2019 where the full picture of what really happened that winter is revealed.
Unfortunately, I saw the second biggest twist coming only because I have read something similar. It was a brilliant twist though, and I would’ve completely fallen for it hook, line, and centre here if I hadn’t of been familiar with it. i’m still processing the biggest twist, and have two theories regarding what it means, although I prefer one over the other.
I listened to this on audiobook and Esther Wane was superb, and I especially loved the sound effects like the pages of the diary being turned as it was being read. The perfect holiday-themed read for those who prefer mysteries to romances.