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kiran_ashraf 's review for:
An Unwanted Guest
by Shari Lapena
mysterious
tense
fast-paced
Plot or Character Driven:
Plot
Strong character development:
No
Loveable characters:
No
Diverse cast of characters:
No
Flaws of characters a main focus:
Complicated
Adored the vintage energy of the entire setting. Shari Lapena depicts Mitchell's Inn as an interesting upscale hotel with all the delicacy of rich rugs, quality stone chimneys, sumptuous tufted pads on each bed, & the warmth of deliciously cooked food amidst a ruthless winter storm. Tbh the creepy thought of being stuck in a cabin with individuals you don't have the foggiest idea about is pretty exciting. As a reader, I literally imagined myself there until the dead bodies started piling up.
Lapena fabricates the claustrophobic air well as anticipation rises, and we begin to question exactly who the undesirable visitor is. The author gradually reflects upon the backstories of each character; a few were more engaging than others, but some were flawed. Like the story of David’s wife's death. It was left as an open ending, and I was seriously left wondering that did he murdered her or not. If the author is planning on a separate book about it, that would be lovely.
Also, the murder of Henry by Beverly was shocking, but I still doubt that the character Beverly had it in her to kill her cheating husband. The most she could have done was maybe throw him in danger, but killing doesn’t seem to be her forte. However, it does put Lauren in a difficult position because she can't say she didn't exactly kill Henry without admitting to the other murders. Riley went through so much trauma as a war-zone journalist and didn’t deserve such an odd & terrible death; it seemed unfair to him, but I understand that a story doesn’t need to be moralistic to each of its characters.
Pacing is acceptable and even. Overall, the book is acutely plotted for an engaging read.
Lapena fabricates the claustrophobic air well as anticipation rises, and we begin to question exactly who the undesirable visitor is. The author gradually reflects upon the backstories of each character; a few were more engaging than others, but some were flawed.
Pacing is acceptable and even. Overall, the book is acutely plotted for an engaging read.
Content Warnings
Graphic: Death, Violence, Murder
Moderate: Infidelity, Panic attacks/disorders, Rape
Minor: Child death, Grief, War