The Overnight Guest

Heather Gudenkauf delivers a chilling and immersive thriller with The Overnight Guest, a novel packed with suspense, mystery, and haunting secrets. From the very first chapter, the tension is palpable, making it impossible to put down. The story is told through multiple timelines, weaving together a decades-old crime, a struggling true-crime writer snowed in at a remote farmhouse, and a mysterious child in desperate need of help. As the layers of the mystery unfold, Gudenkauf masterfully keeps the reader guessing, delivering twists that are both shocking and deeply satisfying. If you love psychological thrillers with intricate plots, complex characters, and jaw-dropping twists, The Overnight Guest is a must-read. Highly recommended for fans of Lisa Jewell and Riley Sager!

What lay before them was no animal. It was a little boy, frozen to the ground. Heather Gudenkauf's "The Overnight Guest" is a suspenseful story that kept me glued to the pages while a billowing storm raged outside my own window. The chilling atmosphere of a secluded farmhouse during a snowstorm paired with a mysterious guest and a decades-old murder is a recipe for a gripping read. The way Gudenkauf weaves together the present-day narrative with glimpses into the past kept the story dynamic and suspenseful. While the shocking twist ending was well-executed, I have to admit it fell within the realm of possibility for an avid mystery reader like myself. Perhaps that's a testament to Gudenkauf's skill in building suspense and planting subtle clues throughout the narrative. However, even if I predicted the major reveal, the journey of uncovering the truth alongside the characters remained highly engaging. What truly impressed me about "The Overnight Guest" was the seamless blending of storylines. The past and present narratives intertwined effortlessly, creating a complete and cohesive picture. Gudenkauf's writing is crisp and engaging, effectively conveying the chilling atmosphere and the emotional turmoil of the characters. Overall, "The Overnight Guest" is a well-written and suspenseful thriller. While the twist might not surprise seasoned mystery readers, the journey of discovery and the chilling atmosphere make it a worthwhile read.

Heather Gudenkauf's "The Overnight Guest" isn't just an Iowa thriller; it's a white-knuckled descent into a nightmare. Seasoned true-crime writer Wylie Lark seeks solace in a secluded farmhouse, oblivious to the darkness that clings to its walls – the ghosts of a brutal double murder and a vanished child. A blizzard descends, a malevolent entity that isolates Wylie with a shocking discovery – a lost child, shivering on the brink of death. Fear and a fierce maternal instinct grip Wylie as she takes the child in. But the storm tightens its icy grip, trapping her with a chilling truth: she's not alone. As the winds howl and snow swirls, Wylie is forced to confront not only the farmhouse's horrifying secrets, but the cracks in her own facade. Gudenkauf weaves a suspenseful tapestry, masterfully braiding past and present narratives with shocking twists. Each revelation yanks Wylie deeper into a desperate struggle for survival against both the relentless Iowa winter and a lurking danger. The expressive descriptions the author uses to pace Wylie Lark’s scary journey, paints a chilling portrait of a fight for life, making "The Overnight Guest" an outstanding winter read. With vivid descriptions that evoke a bone-chilling fear as the reader peers into common fears of rural life during Iowa winters. "The Overnight Guest" is the perfect captivating winter read that I highly recommend!

I wanted to love this book and had expectations since the author was Edgar nominated. At the outset, I was fully engaged in the story, turning pages to determine how the author would handle the material. But in the end, I felt disappointed both with the plotting and the schlocky conclusion. Without spoiling your read, I have to note that the plot twist about three-quarters of the way through the book was unbelievable, because it was sprung on the reader. A deus ex machina, designed to bring together the storylines--but without any clues or hints offered previously. The finale, in which the main character fights on, despite injuries, while the bad guy struggles with her reminded me of hokey haunted house films or zombie movies. And the epilogue...zzzz. Apologies to readers who may have enjoyed this.

It’s 3am and I couldn’t put it down. Such a great book - I will be looking up others from Heather to read.

No recuerdo porque comore este libro, creo que porque leí de libros de terror o algo así en un correo que me envio la empresa que publica el libro, que bueno que le di la oportunidad, el libro muy bueno, hay varios giros en la trama que si te imaginas que vienen pero cuando los lees no te sientes decepcionado, sino feliz de que todo encaje y que la historia sea tan buena. Lo recomiendo mucho su quieres una historia rápida y buena!

Meh, pas mal mais pas dingue. Ça démarrait bien et puis ça s'est assez vite essoufflé. La magie n'a pas opéré de mon côté mais je comprends qu'il plaise.

WOW, did this novel ever grab me from page 1, my fingers madly flipping thru the pages to the exciting end! I KNEW from the first chapter, I would love this book...fast paced, great chapter length, compelling characters, rapid plot thickening, great twists! After I finished the last page and closed my book, I just said, WOW, what a great story, fabulous read. This book was highly recommended on a book forum I belong to, everyone loved it, and I too will be raving about it, as well. A new to me author, whose work I will be buying more of!

This is a very good and entertaining thriller. The only disappointment comes, as often with thrillers, at the end, with a very cliche finale.