A review by pupriku
An Unwanted Guest by Shari Lapena

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

3.5

A decent little mystery, set over the space of just a couple of days in a hotel in the middle of nowhere during a storm. 

Having enjoyed "The Couple Next Door" I was excited to pick this novel up. Whilst not quite as enjoyable as the previously mentioned book, it was still a fun read. The atmosphere is very well done and the author clearly has done her research into murder mysteries. However...it seemed like something I'd read countless times before. A group of people stuck together with a killer among them. It didn't do anything new. The twists weren't anything to gasp at and the amount of characters squashed in to the tale was questionable and difficult to keep up with.

I do have to say I did think about it when I wasn't reading and itched to get back to it. It was less about the actual story and more about the setting that was so well created. 

A fun enough time, perfect for a long journey, but not something I'd read again.
Expand filter menu Content Warnings