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The House Guest
“Brilliant, shocking and very creepy. Mark Edwards has done it again.” ―Elly Griffiths, bestselling author of the Dr Ruth Galloway series A perfect summer. A perfect stranger. A perfect nightmare. When British twenty-somethings Ruth and Adam are offered the chance to spend the summer housesitting in New York, they can’t say no. Young, in love and on the cusp of professional success, they feel as if luck is finally on their side. So the moment that Eden turns up on the doorstep, drenched from a summer storm, it seems only right to share a bit of that good fortune. Beautiful and charismatic, Eden claims to be a friend of the homeowners, who told her she could stay whenever she was in New York. They know you’re not supposed to talk to strangers―let alone invite them into your home―but after all, Eden’s only a stranger until they get to know her. As suspicions creep in that Eden may not be who she claims to be, they begin to wonder if they’ve made a terrible mistake…
9 pages, MP3 CD
First published June 3, 2020
4807 people are currently reading
16511 people want to read
About the author
Mark Edwards
36 books5,890 followersMark Edwards writes psychological thrillers in which scary things happen to ordinary people.
He loves hearing from readers and always responds. Mark can be contacted in the following ways:
Email: mark@markedwardsauthor.com
Twitter @mredwards
Facebook/Instagram: @markedwardsauthor
You can download a free box set of 'Short Sharp Shockers' by visiting www.markedwardsauthor.com/free
Mark has sold over 5 million books since his first solo novel, The Magpies, was published in 2013 and has topped the bestseller lists numerous times. His other novels include Follow You Home, Here To Stay and The Psychopath Next Door. He has also published six books co-authored with Louise Voss. His next novel, The Wasp Trap, will be published in the UK/Australia in July 2025 and the US/Canada in September 2025.
Mark lives in the West Midlands, England, with his wife, their three children, two cats and a golden retriever.
He loves hearing from readers and always responds. Mark can be contacted in the following ways:
Email: mark@markedwardsauthor.com
Twitter @mredwards
Facebook/Instagram: @markedwardsauthor
You can download a free box set of 'Short Sharp Shockers' by visiting www.markedwardsauthor.com/free
Mark has sold over 5 million books since his first solo novel, The Magpies, was published in 2013 and has topped the bestseller lists numerous times. His other novels include Follow You Home, Here To Stay and The Psychopath Next Door. He has also published six books co-authored with Louise Voss. His next novel, The Wasp Trap, will be published in the UK/Australia in July 2025 and the US/Canada in September 2025.
Mark lives in the West Midlands, England, with his wife, their three children, two cats and a golden retriever.
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 1,792 reviews
May 26, 2024
I love Mark Edwards’ books so much! Of course I went blind without reading the blurb or any other reviews, additional comments and I invented a new happy dance between Macarena, line dancing, Criss Cross’ “Jump! Jump!” moves to celebrate my ARC!
And of course I had a great time with this unputdownable page turner. It’s one of my easiest reads with action-packed, fast paced, high tension, riveting chapters. It gives you the vibes of Netflix’s Osho documentary “Wild Wild Country” meets Sinner’s second season meets “Eyes Wide Shut”! Yes you got the picture! Welcome to the secret society.
Adam and Ruth, a couple, an actress and an astonishing writer in Williamsburg for home-sitting the friends’ house they’ve met on the cruise. They reminded me of the couple of “Divorce” hmm sorry “Marriage Story’s Charlie and Nicole” but this time, Adam is struggling writer who couldn’t accomplish his dreams (not yet) as Ruth slowly climbs the career ladders after her indie movie’s unexpected success.
As they home-sit the couple’s house (Jack and Mona), a young woman named Eden appears at their door step, soaking wet, insisting that she is friend of the couple, adding she is always staying at their place when she is in NY. So without second guessing, our puffy hearted, naïve British couple believe in her story and welcome her. What could go so bad? She seems friendly, talkative, respecting their boundaries. And Adam is so stressful after he gets rejected several times for his writing gigs, befriending her, going to the swimming, hanging out at the pubs, taking selfies.
But the very same night, house’s real owners’ arrival, they had tequila shot party goes wild and emotional ends with dancing in the rain, meaningless giggles, hugging ceremony. And the next day, Adam realizes Eden disappeared into thin air and Ruth is also nowhere to be seen. And the worst part is as soon as Jack and Mona come back, they insist that they don’t know anyone named Eden!
And they start to think, Adam lies about Eden and he is involved of disappearance of his own girlfriend.
So where did Ruth go? Did Eden kidnap her? Is Adam drugged at that night? Who is the bearded, old man spying on them at the night time?
There are too many twists, surprising realizations and tension building moments made you sit on the edge and biting your ipad, kindle or hardcopy to destroy your gums.
Ending was also, quirky and weird. Only minor thing that bothered me was there were so many unlikeable and irritating characters on the book. ( including Ruth) As a writer I could only empathize with Adam. At least he acted decent and faithful from the beginning.
Overall: Exciting, dazzling, heart throbbing, thought-provoking, mind numbing reading. I’m rounding up my 3.5 stars to 4 ( I cut it for small plot holes and weird characterization)
I love this author’s work and I keep going blind to happily read whatever he creates.
Special thanks to NetGalley and Amazon UK for sharing this nail biter ARC in exchange my honest review.
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And of course I had a great time with this unputdownable page turner. It’s one of my easiest reads with action-packed, fast paced, high tension, riveting chapters. It gives you the vibes of Netflix’s Osho documentary “Wild Wild Country” meets Sinner’s second season meets “Eyes Wide Shut”! Yes you got the picture! Welcome to the secret society.
Adam and Ruth, a couple, an actress and an astonishing writer in Williamsburg for home-sitting the friends’ house they’ve met on the cruise. They reminded me of the couple of “Divorce” hmm sorry “Marriage Story’s Charlie and Nicole” but this time, Adam is struggling writer who couldn’t accomplish his dreams (not yet) as Ruth slowly climbs the career ladders after her indie movie’s unexpected success.
As they home-sit the couple’s house (Jack and Mona), a young woman named Eden appears at their door step, soaking wet, insisting that she is friend of the couple, adding she is always staying at their place when she is in NY. So without second guessing, our puffy hearted, naïve British couple believe in her story and welcome her. What could go so bad? She seems friendly, talkative, respecting their boundaries. And Adam is so stressful after he gets rejected several times for his writing gigs, befriending her, going to the swimming, hanging out at the pubs, taking selfies.
But the very same night, house’s real owners’ arrival, they had tequila shot party goes wild and emotional ends with dancing in the rain, meaningless giggles, hugging ceremony. And the next day, Adam realizes Eden disappeared into thin air and Ruth is also nowhere to be seen. And the worst part is as soon as Jack and Mona come back, they insist that they don’t know anyone named Eden!
And they start to think, Adam lies about Eden and he is involved of disappearance of his own girlfriend.
So where did Ruth go? Did Eden kidnap her? Is Adam drugged at that night? Who is the bearded, old man spying on them at the night time?
There are too many twists, surprising realizations and tension building moments made you sit on the edge and biting your ipad, kindle or hardcopy to destroy your gums.
Ending was also, quirky and weird. Only minor thing that bothered me was there were so many unlikeable and irritating characters on the book. ( including Ruth) As a writer I could only empathize with Adam. At least he acted decent and faithful from the beginning.
Overall: Exciting, dazzling, heart throbbing, thought-provoking, mind numbing reading. I’m rounding up my 3.5 stars to 4 ( I cut it for small plot holes and weird characterization)
I love this author’s work and I keep going blind to happily read whatever he creates.
Special thanks to NetGalley and Amazon UK for sharing this nail biter ARC in exchange my honest review.
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April 1, 2020
3.5 stars
The perfect distraction!
When Ruth, an up and coming actress, and her boyfriend, Adam, an aspiring writer, open their door on a dark and stormy night and find Eden on the other side, they make the biggest mistake of their lives--they invite her in! They soon find themselves in the hands of dangerous and crazy people!
I can’t say much more about the plot without giving away spoilers.
I was thoroughly entertained by The House Guest. It is fast-paced and easy to read. There is a good dose of drama and suspense. The plot is over-the-top. However, Mark Edwards puts his spin on things. He turns events that should be ridiculous into intrigue! There are some tongue in cheek moments, and in typical Edwards fashion, a character from a previous book makes an appearance. Overall, this was an enjoyable diversion!
I received an ARC of this book from NetGalley and the publisher in exchange for an honest review.
The perfect distraction!
When Ruth, an up and coming actress, and her boyfriend, Adam, an aspiring writer, open their door on a dark and stormy night and find Eden on the other side, they make the biggest mistake of their lives--they invite her in! They soon find themselves in the hands of dangerous and crazy people!
I can’t say much more about the plot without giving away spoilers.
I was thoroughly entertained by The House Guest. It is fast-paced and easy to read. There is a good dose of drama and suspense. The plot is over-the-top. However, Mark Edwards puts his spin on things. He turns events that should be ridiculous into intrigue! There are some tongue in cheek moments, and in typical Edwards fashion, a character from a previous book makes an appearance. Overall, this was an enjoyable diversion!
I received an ARC of this book from NetGalley and the publisher in exchange for an honest review.
May 21, 2020
I am lost in a maze of convoluted thoughts and dizzying lights from disco bulbs still swirling my brain around from reading Mark Edward’s “The House Guest”. I am almost certain, that at some point around halfway or so, I think someone swapped out my copy and left me with another book entirely. As things went bloody crazy and I cannot tell you what was straight up or down or 6 ways from Sunday after that! I cannot make sense of what I read enough to provide a very sensible review. Here is my best attempt.
We go from a story about a cute house-sitting couple and a strange house guest who does not seem to want to leave, and tragedy as the girlfriend suddenly goes missing one day. This is followed by an entire other story as far as I am concerned, and it goes like this:
Cults? Check.
Murder? Check.
Relationship still even matter? Not really.
Random character/Father trying to save his daughter in this cult? Initially thought so?
Now Daughter trying to kill father, possibly. Say what?? But then this spin I could not stay focused on long enough as we then had…
Cult Initiations with genital brandings? Check. (Now that one stayed with me).
What was the goal at the end of the day from reading this………………….? No more Checks left because I already left the building.
Oh heck, I guess I have a few more checks:
Hot Mess? CHECK!
This review a Hot Mess? CHECK
*Thank you to Amazon Publishing UK via NetGalley for providing the digital review copy
We go from a story about a cute house-sitting couple and a strange house guest who does not seem to want to leave, and tragedy as the girlfriend suddenly goes missing one day. This is followed by an entire other story as far as I am concerned, and it goes like this:
Cults? Check.
Murder? Check.
Relationship still even matter? Not really.
Random character/Father trying to save his daughter in this cult? Initially thought so?
Now Daughter trying to kill father, possibly. Say what?? But then this spin I could not stay focused on long enough as we then had…
Cult Initiations with genital brandings? Check. (Now that one stayed with me).
What was the goal at the end of the day from reading this………………….? No more Checks left because I already left the building.
Oh heck, I guess I have a few more checks:
Hot Mess? CHECK!
This review a Hot Mess? CHECK
*Thank you to Amazon Publishing UK via NetGalley for providing the digital review copy
June 23, 2020
Adam and Ruth (originally from England) are in Williamsburg, New York, housesitting for a couple (Jack and Mona Cunningham) they met a while back on a cruise. Ruth is an up-and-coming actress, ready to make it big. Adam is a writer, trying, but not doing as well as Ruth. One rainy day a pretty girl (Eden) appears on the doorstep and says she’s a friend of the Cunningham’s and that she came to surprise them with a visit. Adam and Ruth invite her in from the rain, they get to talking, and decide Eden can stay for a while. Eden seems so nice and friendly, or is she?
I thoroughly enjoyed this book, I had a hard time putting it down, I wanted to find out what was going to happen next! The plot was captivating and fast-paced. The suspense was tense and exciting. I was very worried for Ruth, to see if she was going to fall under Gabriel’s spell. Gabriel was quite an interesting and sinister bad guy. I liked the exciting conclusion.
Another great read by Mark Edwards!
I thoroughly enjoyed this book, I had a hard time putting it down, I wanted to find out what was going to happen next! The plot was captivating and fast-paced. The suspense was tense and exciting. I was very worried for Ruth, to see if she was going to fall under Gabriel’s spell. Gabriel was quite an interesting and sinister bad guy. I liked the exciting conclusion.
Another great read by Mark Edwards!
February 16, 2024
Okay this went in a direction that I was NOT expecting at ALL but it was so so good! Couldn’t put it down. That LAST CHAPTER ESPECIALLY WAS 😮💨😮💨😮💨
March 17, 2020
3.5 stars
A perfect summer. A perfect stranger. A perfect nightmare.
A perfect time for me to say: Don't be so quick to answer your door to a stranger. Have we learned nothing from reading books? But I digress...
Ruth and Adam are house-sitting in New York when a young woman shows up dripping wet in the middle of a rainstorm. She tells them she is there to visit the owners of the home who told her she could stop by whenever she wanted.
Children are taught not to talk to strangers, apparently this duo was never told not to let a stranger into a home....
Twists, turns, revelations, a cult (did I say cult? they're not a cult their friends - very special, creepy friends) and a couple of "huh?" moments and an ending that well....hmm....still trying to figure out how I feel about that one. But this was a fast fun read that was outlandish and crazy at times but highly entertaining.
So, in short, entertaining, fast read, and educational - it reinforced not opening the door to strangers, advised me to stay away from creepy pens and proved Mark Edwards creates interesting and original story-lines.
Thank you to Amazon Publishing UK and Netgalley who provided me with a copy of this book in exchange for an honest review. All the thoughts and opinions are my own.
A perfect summer. A perfect stranger. A perfect nightmare.
A perfect time for me to say: Don't be so quick to answer your door to a stranger. Have we learned nothing from reading books? But I digress...
Ruth and Adam are house-sitting in New York when a young woman shows up dripping wet in the middle of a rainstorm. She tells them she is there to visit the owners of the home who told her she could stop by whenever she wanted.
Children are taught not to talk to strangers, apparently this duo was never told not to let a stranger into a home....
Twists, turns, revelations, a cult (did I say cult? they're not a cult their friends - very special, creepy friends) and a couple of "huh?" moments and an ending that well....hmm....still trying to figure out how I feel about that one. But this was a fast fun read that was outlandish and crazy at times but highly entertaining.
So, in short, entertaining, fast read, and educational - it reinforced not opening the door to strangers, advised me to stay away from creepy pens and proved Mark Edwards creates interesting and original story-lines.
Thank you to Amazon Publishing UK and Netgalley who provided me with a copy of this book in exchange for an honest review. All the thoughts and opinions are my own.
April 12, 2020
You are housesitting in NY
There is a summer storm...
The doorbell rings...
and, standing there, drenched, is a harmless looking young woman, who claims to be friends with the owner...
WOULD YOU INVITE HER IN?
The premise HOOKED me...the story, did not.
(just like with my first attempt from this author, "The Retreat", which I actually preferred to this one!!)
Mark Edwards is a three million copy best-selling author with many fans, so clearly I am just not the right audience for his work.
Thank You to NetGalley, Thomas & Mercer, and the author for the digital ARC I received in exchange for a candid review! Fans can grab a copy on June 3. 2020!
There is a summer storm...
The doorbell rings...
and, standing there, drenched, is a harmless looking young woman, who claims to be friends with the owner...
WOULD YOU INVITE HER IN?
The premise HOOKED me...the story, did not.
(just like with my first attempt from this author, "The Retreat", which I actually preferred to this one!!)
Mark Edwards is a three million copy best-selling author with many fans, so clearly I am just not the right audience for his work.
Thank You to NetGalley, Thomas & Mercer, and the author for the digital ARC I received in exchange for a candid review! Fans can grab a copy on June 3. 2020!
May 3, 2020
First and foremost, a large thank you to NetGalley, Mark Edwards, and Amazon Publishing UK for providing me with a copy of this publication, which allows me to provide you with an unbiased review.
A long-time fan of Mark Edwards and his writing, I turned to this book to see if it would bring the same psychological thrill. Edwards succeeds in delivering and spins a story with layers that the reader will discover as the plot progresses. Adam and Ruth are housesitting for some friends when there’s a knock at the door one rainy evening. A woman stands on the stoop of this New York home, seeking the owners. After introducing herself, Eden explains that she has an open invitation to visit at any time, but can find someplace else to go. Ruth is happy to let her come in and Adam soon falls into line. A single night under the same roof soon stretches to a week and Eden becomes a third house sitter. While Ruth is out earning a living, Adam and Eden spend more time together. After a hard night of partying at the house one Friday, Adam wakes up to find the place empty. Ruth is not answering her phone and Eden’s presence is all but impossible to detect. When the proprietors return home, they deny knowing any Eden, which only worries Adam more, as Ruth still has not responded. Fighting against time and an NYPD that won’t help at all, Adam turns to an unlikely source. He soon learns of a secret group that may be the key to the entire ordeal, but they are also close to impossible to trace. In order to find Ruth, Adam will have to risk it all. Meanwhile, Ruth is on the other side of this group and the choice to abduct her becomes clear, but there’s a catch and a time limit. With a wonderful twist at the end, Edwards does well to sow some great drama and a few thrills in this piece. The reader with surely be left wanting more, with each page turn. Recommended to those who are fans of Edwards’ work, as well as the reader who knows the fun of unexpected company on the doorstep.
Mark Edwards writes in such a way that I am always looking for exciting twists, yet am usually still surprised by some of the directions in which the plot develops. He has a knack for taking a simple situation and turning it on its head with strong characters and the odd spine tingling. There are a host of characters that could serve as protagonist here, though the reader can enjoy anyone they see fit for the role. From Adam’s panic as he tries to piece things together, to Ruth’s being stuck in the middle of a scenario as a ‘chosen one’, and even the mysterious Eden who turns up on the doorstep one rainy evening. All three propel the story forward in their own way, keeping the reader guessing as the narrative finds itself twisting alongside the thickening plot. With a story that never stops, the reader is treated to another stellar Edwards novel, on par with many of his other pieces of fiction. Not to be missed, this is one novel that will keep the reader from answering the door on a rainy night, especially when not in their own abode.
Kudos, Mr. Edwards, for another winner. I hope many others discover the wonders of your writing and how the mind will race after completing one of your stories.
This book fulfils Topic #4: Building Blocks in the Equinox #10 reading challenge.
Love/hate the review? An ever-growing collection of others appears at:
http://pecheyponderings.wordpress.com/
A Book for All Seasons, a different sort of Book Challenge: https://www.goodreads.com/group/show/...
A long-time fan of Mark Edwards and his writing, I turned to this book to see if it would bring the same psychological thrill. Edwards succeeds in delivering and spins a story with layers that the reader will discover as the plot progresses. Adam and Ruth are housesitting for some friends when there’s a knock at the door one rainy evening. A woman stands on the stoop of this New York home, seeking the owners. After introducing herself, Eden explains that she has an open invitation to visit at any time, but can find someplace else to go. Ruth is happy to let her come in and Adam soon falls into line. A single night under the same roof soon stretches to a week and Eden becomes a third house sitter. While Ruth is out earning a living, Adam and Eden spend more time together. After a hard night of partying at the house one Friday, Adam wakes up to find the place empty. Ruth is not answering her phone and Eden’s presence is all but impossible to detect. When the proprietors return home, they deny knowing any Eden, which only worries Adam more, as Ruth still has not responded. Fighting against time and an NYPD that won’t help at all, Adam turns to an unlikely source. He soon learns of a secret group that may be the key to the entire ordeal, but they are also close to impossible to trace. In order to find Ruth, Adam will have to risk it all. Meanwhile, Ruth is on the other side of this group and the choice to abduct her becomes clear, but there’s a catch and a time limit. With a wonderful twist at the end, Edwards does well to sow some great drama and a few thrills in this piece. The reader with surely be left wanting more, with each page turn. Recommended to those who are fans of Edwards’ work, as well as the reader who knows the fun of unexpected company on the doorstep.
Mark Edwards writes in such a way that I am always looking for exciting twists, yet am usually still surprised by some of the directions in which the plot develops. He has a knack for taking a simple situation and turning it on its head with strong characters and the odd spine tingling. There are a host of characters that could serve as protagonist here, though the reader can enjoy anyone they see fit for the role. From Adam’s panic as he tries to piece things together, to Ruth’s being stuck in the middle of a scenario as a ‘chosen one’, and even the mysterious Eden who turns up on the doorstep one rainy evening. All three propel the story forward in their own way, keeping the reader guessing as the narrative finds itself twisting alongside the thickening plot. With a story that never stops, the reader is treated to another stellar Edwards novel, on par with many of his other pieces of fiction. Not to be missed, this is one novel that will keep the reader from answering the door on a rainy night, especially when not in their own abode.
Kudos, Mr. Edwards, for another winner. I hope many others discover the wonders of your writing and how the mind will race after completing one of your stories.
This book fulfils Topic #4: Building Blocks in the Equinox #10 reading challenge.
Love/hate the review? An ever-growing collection of others appears at:
http://pecheyponderings.wordpress.com/
A Book for All Seasons, a different sort of Book Challenge: https://www.goodreads.com/group/show/...
October 26, 2023
Knock-knock✊
You’re house-sitting when a stranger shows up at your front door.
She claims to know the owners, insisting she has an open invitation (of sorts) to stay while she’s in town. And well…here she is! It’s the middle of the night…it’s pouring rain. What do you do? Invite her in or say sorry and close the door? Tough question, right? Well unfortunately for Adam and Ruth they picked the wrong answer, letting her into the home and their lives! (Personally, I would have shut the door!)😉
This was a speedy thriller as are all reads from Mark Edwards. I breezed through this one in only two sittings.
Was it as straight forward as I thought? Not even a little bit! This went off in a direction I never saw coming. So I sat back, got comfy and let the author take me on a (somewhat) wild and OTT trip!
Very well done Mr. Edwards! And loved the ending!🙌
You’re house-sitting when a stranger shows up at your front door.
She claims to know the owners, insisting she has an open invitation (of sorts) to stay while she’s in town. And well…here she is! It’s the middle of the night…it’s pouring rain. What do you do? Invite her in or say sorry and close the door? Tough question, right? Well unfortunately for Adam and Ruth they picked the wrong answer, letting her into the home and their lives! (Personally, I would have shut the door!)😉
This was a speedy thriller as are all reads from Mark Edwards. I breezed through this one in only two sittings.
Was it as straight forward as I thought? Not even a little bit! This went off in a direction I never saw coming. So I sat back, got comfy and let the author take me on a (somewhat) wild and OTT trip!
Very well done Mr. Edwards! And loved the ending!🙌
June 4, 2020
EXCERPT: Something had happened last night. Something I couldn't remember. I held on to the breakfast bar and waited for it to hit me, in the way that embarrassing memories always do after a drunken night.
Nothing came. Just a chilling sense of disquiet.
I tried to peer back through the fog in my brain. I remembered sitting on the chair, the two women on the sofa. I remembered Eden telling us something. A story.
A spasm of nausea hit me and I doubled over, just managing to stop myself from throwing up.
Eden had told us something last night. A secret.
Something about a friend of hers . . . a girl who had died. Or disappeared? It was unclear. I remembered Eden getting upset. We had all hugged, hadn't we? I had a vague recollection that my stomach had hurt.
And then nothing.
ABOUT THIS BOOK: When British twenty-somethings Ruth and Adam are offered the chance to spend the summer housesitting in New York, they can’t say no. Young, in love and on the cusp of professional success, they feel as if luck is finally on their side.
So the moment that Eden turns up on the doorstep, drenched from a summer storm, it seems only right to share a bit of that good fortune. Beautiful and charismatic, Eden claims to be a friend of the homeowners, who told her she could stay whenever she was in New York.
They know you’re not supposed to talk to strangers—let alone invite them into your home—but after all, Eden’s only a stranger until they get to know her.
As suspicions creep in that Eden may not be who she claims to be, they begin to wonder if they’ve made a terrible mistake…
MY THOUGHTS: The House Guest had so much potential...but somewhere along the line it fell flat for me. Mark Edwards usually does suspense so well...but this time, I didn't feel it. But that ending? That ending made reading the whole book worthwhile. Damn! It is good, and I would give Edwards the full five stars for the ending alone . . . but only three stars for the remainder of the book, so a 3.75 rating overall.
Even the characters are like cardboard cutouts. I didn't relate to any of them, felt nothing for them. We don't really get to know them at all.
I wanted to feel the suspense, the thrill, but it eluded me. I think the label 'psychological' thriller, isn't really accurate here. This is a little lightweight and superficial compared with Edward's other writing. I was expecting something grittier, darker. Something I could get my teeth into. Or something that would get it's teeth into me. I didn't get it.
This was a quick, easy read.
***.5
THE AUTHOR: Mark Edwards writes psychological thrillers in which scary things happen to ordinary people.
He loves love hearing from readers and always responds.
Mark lives in the West Midlands, England, with his wife, their three children, two cats and a golden retriever.
DISCLOSURE: Thank you to Amazon Publishing UK via Netgalley for providing a digital ARC of The House Guest by Mark Edwards for review. all opinions expressed in this review are entirely my own personal opinions.
For an explanation of my rating system, pleas refer to my Goodreads.com profile page or the about page on sandysbookaday.wordpress.com
This review and others are also published on Twitter, Amazon, Instagram and my webpage https://sandysbookaday.wordpress.com/...
Nothing came. Just a chilling sense of disquiet.
I tried to peer back through the fog in my brain. I remembered sitting on the chair, the two women on the sofa. I remembered Eden telling us something. A story.
A spasm of nausea hit me and I doubled over, just managing to stop myself from throwing up.
Eden had told us something last night. A secret.
Something about a friend of hers . . . a girl who had died. Or disappeared? It was unclear. I remembered Eden getting upset. We had all hugged, hadn't we? I had a vague recollection that my stomach had hurt.
And then nothing.
ABOUT THIS BOOK: When British twenty-somethings Ruth and Adam are offered the chance to spend the summer housesitting in New York, they can’t say no. Young, in love and on the cusp of professional success, they feel as if luck is finally on their side.
So the moment that Eden turns up on the doorstep, drenched from a summer storm, it seems only right to share a bit of that good fortune. Beautiful and charismatic, Eden claims to be a friend of the homeowners, who told her she could stay whenever she was in New York.
They know you’re not supposed to talk to strangers—let alone invite them into your home—but after all, Eden’s only a stranger until they get to know her.
As suspicions creep in that Eden may not be who she claims to be, they begin to wonder if they’ve made a terrible mistake…
MY THOUGHTS: The House Guest had so much potential...but somewhere along the line it fell flat for me. Mark Edwards usually does suspense so well...but this time, I didn't feel it. But that ending? That ending made reading the whole book worthwhile. Damn! It is good, and I would give Edwards the full five stars for the ending alone . . . but only three stars for the remainder of the book, so a 3.75 rating overall.
Even the characters are like cardboard cutouts. I didn't relate to any of them, felt nothing for them. We don't really get to know them at all.
I wanted to feel the suspense, the thrill, but it eluded me. I think the label 'psychological' thriller, isn't really accurate here. This is a little lightweight and superficial compared with Edward's other writing. I was expecting something grittier, darker. Something I could get my teeth into. Or something that would get it's teeth into me. I didn't get it.
This was a quick, easy read.
***.5
THE AUTHOR: Mark Edwards writes psychological thrillers in which scary things happen to ordinary people.
He loves love hearing from readers and always responds.
Mark lives in the West Midlands, England, with his wife, their three children, two cats and a golden retriever.
DISCLOSURE: Thank you to Amazon Publishing UK via Netgalley for providing a digital ARC of The House Guest by Mark Edwards for review. all opinions expressed in this review are entirely my own personal opinions.
For an explanation of my rating system, pleas refer to my Goodreads.com profile page or the about page on sandysbookaday.wordpress.com
This review and others are also published on Twitter, Amazon, Instagram and my webpage https://sandysbookaday.wordpress.com/...
June 10, 2020
3.5.
Mark Edwards never fails to take an ordinary domestic situation and turn it into your worst nightmare.
A British couple, Adam and Ruth, are house-sitting in New York City.
One evening a young woman knocks on the door, claiming to be a friend of the owners.
They invite her in, and then to stay.
A decision Adam and Ruth will soon live to regret!
When I first read the summary for The House Guest, I was equal parts thrilled to bits and somewhat hesitant that hot on the heels of his previous release (Here to Stay) the two plots sounded very similar. My concern was unfounded though as it quickly became clear that this was heading in a completely different, excited beyond words, direction. And what a ride it was!
A quick fire, action-packed, twisty read that I would normally have read in a day or two, but given everything that’s going on at the moment, took me a lot longer. Definitely no reflection on the book. I was on the edge of my seat anxiously awaiting where things were heading, however Part Three felt a little rushed, and the ending was pretty out there, have to say. As I continue to mull it over, it becomes clearer what led up to it, and why the author chose to end it the way he did, but I'm still undecided whether or not it was one step too far?
Chapter’s were medium length, narrated mainly by Adam, but there were also chapters in Ruth’s POV. If not for the last 20% this would have been one of my top favourite’s of his books. It was still great though, and like all his books, definitely worth reading.
I’d like to thank Netgalley, Amazon UK Publishing, and Mark Edwards for the e-ARC.
Publication Date: 3rd June, 2020.
Mark Edwards never fails to take an ordinary domestic situation and turn it into your worst nightmare.
A British couple, Adam and Ruth, are house-sitting in New York City.
One evening a young woman knocks on the door, claiming to be a friend of the owners.
They invite her in, and then to stay.
A decision Adam and Ruth will soon live to regret!
When I first read the summary for The House Guest, I was equal parts thrilled to bits and somewhat hesitant that hot on the heels of his previous release (Here to Stay) the two plots sounded very similar. My concern was unfounded though as it quickly became clear that this was heading in a completely different, excited beyond words, direction. And what a ride it was!
A quick fire, action-packed, twisty read that I would normally have read in a day or two, but given everything that’s going on at the moment, took me a lot longer. Definitely no reflection on the book. I was on the edge of my seat anxiously awaiting where things were heading, however Part Three felt a little rushed, and the ending was pretty out there, have to say. As I continue to mull it over, it becomes clearer what led up to it, and why the author chose to end it the way he did, but I'm still undecided whether or not it was one step too far?
Chapter’s were medium length, narrated mainly by Adam, but there were also chapters in Ruth’s POV. If not for the last 20% this would have been one of my top favourite’s of his books. It was still great though, and like all his books, definitely worth reading.
I’d like to thank Netgalley, Amazon UK Publishing, and Mark Edwards for the e-ARC.
Publication Date: 3rd June, 2020.
March 2, 2020
It’s a hot, humid summer in New York City. British born Adam and Ruth are housesitting for wealthy Mona and Jack Cunningham at their large Brooklyn house while they are away. They met on a cruise where Ruth was acting in a production of The Tempest, she now has a lead role in a Broadway play, her career is taking off. Adam is an aspiring writer but is not as yet successful, so there’s an unevenness to their relationship. One night there a tremendous storm, there’s a knock at the door and there, soaked to the skin is Eden. They invite her in as their kind and she’s dripping wet. She says she knows Mona and Jack well and that they’d invited her to stay if ever she’s in New York. So Adam and Ruth do just that, after all the house is huge and there’s plenty of room. What can possibly go wrong? The story is told principally by Adam with some input from Ruth.
I’m going to say very little about what unfolds as it will spoil the journey for future readers but a lot of the plot is all too possible. There are perhaps one or two occasions where it strays into the zone of the far fetched but did I enjoy it? Oh yes!!! It’s a fast paced, seat of your pants, twist and turn kind of a read. It’s well written and exciting and just as you think you’ve figured a few things out there’s another revelation and ....you’re wrong!! Although not all the characters are very likeable they are well portrayed - Adam is very likeable and real.
Overall, a thought provoking and enjoyable read.
Many thanks to NetGalley and Amazon Publishing for the arc.
I’m going to say very little about what unfolds as it will spoil the journey for future readers but a lot of the plot is all too possible. There are perhaps one or two occasions where it strays into the zone of the far fetched but did I enjoy it? Oh yes!!! It’s a fast paced, seat of your pants, twist and turn kind of a read. It’s well written and exciting and just as you think you’ve figured a few things out there’s another revelation and ....you’re wrong!! Although not all the characters are very likeable they are well portrayed - Adam is very likeable and real.
Overall, a thought provoking and enjoyable read.
Many thanks to NetGalley and Amazon Publishing for the arc.
May 13, 2020
This novel starts off really well with a stranger arriving soaking wet on a rainy night on the NY doorstep of Adam and Ruth who are house-sitting for friends. Eden claims to know the couple who own the house, Jack and Mona, and says she was invited to stay with them whenever she was in town. Adam and Ruth invite her in to dry off and change her clothes and then, not wanting to send her out into the rain with nowhere else to stay, they invite her to stay. A generous action they will later have cause to regret.
I've enjoyed quite a few of Mark Edwards' books and was really looking forward to this one. However, while this one started out really well, it disappointingly failed to deliver. Initially, as events occurred following Eden's stay at the house, the plot was quite intriguing but once the explanation was revealed, it lost it's momentum and fell a bit flat. The characters also started off well but I didn't feel that their subsequent actions (particularly Ruth, Eden and Mona) were justified by what we had been shown of their natures. 3.5★
With thanks to Amazon Publishing and Netgalley for a copy of the book to read
I've enjoyed quite a few of Mark Edwards' books and was really looking forward to this one. However, while this one started out really well, it disappointingly failed to deliver. Initially, as events occurred following Eden's stay at the house, the plot was quite intriguing but once the explanation was revealed, it lost it's momentum and fell a bit flat. The characters also started off well but I didn't feel that their subsequent actions (particularly Ruth, Eden and Mona) were justified by what we had been shown of their natures. 3.5★
With thanks to Amazon Publishing and Netgalley for a copy of the book to read
March 6, 2020
Protect one, protect all.
Looking back through the many Mark Edwards books I've read over the years, most of which I've rated 4 stars (with the occasional 3 sprinkled in), I'd definitely say The House Guest falls near the bottom of the group.
Although this story is written in Edwards' speedy, fun, action-packed style...which I love...the plot simply didn't hold my interest. At the beginning, I was ALL in. I mean, how creepy to invite a stranger into your home, thinking she's a friend of a friend...only to find out that isn't the case at all?
I actually can't say much more than that, for fear of giving away spoilers, but the direction the story took was very meh for me. So many times, while reading, I found myself whispering, "Why would he DO that?" or "What was she thinking?" The actions of the characters seemed forced, which is something I'm so unfamiliar with in Edwards' book, it was discombobulating.
I did, however, appreciate all the research he did about NYC, and living in the United States. His hard work definitely paid off, as the setting certainly seemed legit to me.
While this wasn't my favorite of his novels, it's still a mostly fun read, and one I'd recommend, especially if you've never read Mark Edwards novels before. You can purchase your very own copy on June 3, 2020.
**My sincere thanks the publisher for my review copy.
Looking back through the many Mark Edwards books I've read over the years, most of which I've rated 4 stars (with the occasional 3 sprinkled in), I'd definitely say The House Guest falls near the bottom of the group.
Although this story is written in Edwards' speedy, fun, action-packed style...which I love...the plot simply didn't hold my interest. At the beginning, I was ALL in. I mean, how creepy to invite a stranger into your home, thinking she's a friend of a friend...only to find out that isn't the case at all?
I actually can't say much more than that, for fear of giving away spoilers, but the direction the story took was very meh for me. So many times, while reading, I found myself whispering, "Why would he DO that?" or "What was she thinking?" The actions of the characters seemed forced, which is something I'm so unfamiliar with in Edwards' book, it was discombobulating.
I did, however, appreciate all the research he did about NYC, and living in the United States. His hard work definitely paid off, as the setting certainly seemed legit to me.
While this wasn't my favorite of his novels, it's still a mostly fun read, and one I'd recommend, especially if you've never read Mark Edwards novels before. You can purchase your very own copy on June 3, 2020.
**My sincere thanks the publisher for my review copy.
June 16, 2020
THE HOUSE GUEST. My new Mark Edwards favorite!
New York City. Two house sitters...a rainy evening...and a charming surprise visitor.
Oh the setup... Oh the secrets... and Oh how the plot thickens.
I liked the narration, the storyline...albeit a bit out there, the characters and the conclusion.
Fast-paced, entertaining read, but be on the lookout..."They're Everywhere."...or are they?
Many thanks to NetGalley, Thomas & Mercer, and author for the "Read Now" opportunity in exchange for an honest review.
May 26, 2024
Dead. Men. Walking.
THE HOUSE GUEST by Mark Edwards
No spoilers: 4 stars. Adam and Ruth are house sitting for Mona and Jack, who they met while on a cruise. Jack and Mona are going on to New Mexico...
One stormy night...
Adam answers a knock on the door and finds a young woman, Eden, standing at the threshold soaking wet...
Eden explains...
She is a friend of Jack and Mona and she was expecting to stay a few days in their home. The homeowners gave her an open invitation...
Adam allows her to stay since she is the home owner's friend and the three young people become fast friends...
But...
There is an old grey-bearded man who seems to be watching the house. Who is he, and what does he want?...
One day...
At the neighborhood pool, Eden is accosted by two young men who suggest some sexual action they'd like to have with her, and she tells them...
... You're dead men walking... Dead. Men. Walking...
A few days later...
One of the young men is indeed dead, the other frightened, and both Eden and Ruth are missing...
This was a well-written crime/mystery story, but the plot was rather pedestrian. You'll usually not go wrong choosing a book by this author, but some are better than others.
Decently written and plausible but not very original.
THE HOUSE GUEST by Mark Edwards
No spoilers: 4 stars. Adam and Ruth are house sitting for Mona and Jack, who they met while on a cruise. Jack and Mona are going on to New Mexico...
One stormy night...
Adam answers a knock on the door and finds a young woman, Eden, standing at the threshold soaking wet...
Eden explains...
She is a friend of Jack and Mona and she was expecting to stay a few days in their home. The homeowners gave her an open invitation...
Adam allows her to stay since she is the home owner's friend and the three young people become fast friends...
But...
There is an old grey-bearded man who seems to be watching the house. Who is he, and what does he want?...
One day...
At the neighborhood pool, Eden is accosted by two young men who suggest some sexual action they'd like to have with her, and she tells them...
... You're dead men walking... Dead. Men. Walking...
A few days later...
One of the young men is indeed dead, the other frightened, and both Eden and Ruth are missing...
This was a well-written crime/mystery story, but the plot was rather pedestrian. You'll usually not go wrong choosing a book by this author, but some are better than others.
Decently written and plausible but not very original.
March 5, 2020
'House Guest' is the new novel by one of the best psychological thriller writers about, Mark Edwards.
Ruth and Adam are summer house sitting in New York, for Jack and Mona a couple they met on a cruise. Young and in love they are having a wonderful time stopping at the house but things start to change when Eden turns up on the doorstep. Eden claims to be a friend of Jack and Mona and tells Ruth and Adam that she was invited to stay in the house whenever she was in New York. With a storm in progress Eden is asked to stay to shelter the weather.
Everything is working out well and Eden is getting on well with the young couple but suspicions are raised that she may not be who she claims to be and that they have made a terrible mistake.
This is an excellent psychological thriller with great characters, good paced plot and lots and lots of suspense.
I would like to thank both Net Galley and Amazon Publishing UK for supplying a copy of this novel in exchange for an honest review.
Ruth and Adam are summer house sitting in New York, for Jack and Mona a couple they met on a cruise. Young and in love they are having a wonderful time stopping at the house but things start to change when Eden turns up on the doorstep. Eden claims to be a friend of Jack and Mona and tells Ruth and Adam that she was invited to stay in the house whenever she was in New York. With a storm in progress Eden is asked to stay to shelter the weather.
Everything is working out well and Eden is getting on well with the young couple but suspicions are raised that she may not be who she claims to be and that they have made a terrible mistake.
This is an excellent psychological thriller with great characters, good paced plot and lots and lots of suspense.
I would like to thank both Net Galley and Amazon Publishing UK for supplying a copy of this novel in exchange for an honest review.
May 19, 2020
Ruth and Adam have been asked to housesit for friends in New York. Eden shows up on the doorstep claiming to be a friend of the owners. They know you should invite strangers into your home but Eden is only a stander until they get to know her. As suspicion creeps in, they being to wonder if they’ve made a big mistake...✨
This one is hard for me to review. Whether you like going into books blind or not you will be anyway with this one.
The premise of this sounded good and I enjoyed the start but then it took a really unexpected turn and I wasn’t vibing it anymore. I don’t want to say too much because I don’t want to give any major spoilers but the storyline shifted focus to a subject that I personally don’t enjoy reading about.
I don’t think this book is bad, I loved the New York setting and the pace was good, it just wasn’t a storyline I’m interested in and if I’d known what it was really about I wouldn’t have picked it up. 🤷🏻♀️
This one is hard for me to review. Whether you like going into books blind or not you will be anyway with this one.
The premise of this sounded good and I enjoyed the start but then it took a really unexpected turn and I wasn’t vibing it anymore. I don’t want to say too much because I don’t want to give any major spoilers but the storyline shifted focus to a subject that I personally don’t enjoy reading about.
I don’t think this book is bad, I loved the New York setting and the pace was good, it just wasn’t a storyline I’m interested in and if I’d known what it was really about I wouldn’t have picked it up. 🤷🏻♀️
June 2, 2020
Ruth is an up and coming actress and her boyfriend Adam is an aspiring writer. When they were on a cruise, they met and agreed to house sit for one and Jack. One stormy night a young woman knocks on the door looking for Mona and Jack. She tells Adam that she is a friend of the couple. Adam and Ruth invite her to stay. The three of them get along until the night they all get drunk. When Adam wakes up the next day, he discovers that Ruth and Eden have disappeared without trace.
I love when I see a Mark Edwards book up for request on NetGalley. The book is action packed, full of surprises, twist and turns and at times a little far fetched. The pace is steady. I don't want to say to much a out the plot as it would give too much away. This story is told from Adam's point of view. This is a most enjoyable read.
I would like to thank NetGalley, Amazon Publishing UK and the author Mark Edwards for my ARC in exchange for an honest review.
I love when I see a Mark Edwards book up for request on NetGalley. The book is action packed, full of surprises, twist and turns and at times a little far fetched. The pace is steady. I don't want to say to much a out the plot as it would give too much away. This story is told from Adam's point of view. This is a most enjoyable read.
I would like to thank NetGalley, Amazon Publishing UK and the author Mark Edwards for my ARC in exchange for an honest review.
May 8, 2020
This was not my favourite Mark Edwards book. In fact I think it is my least favourite and it hurts me to say that. I have enjoyed all of his books but this one... hmmm, the first half as really good but then massive plot twist and it lost me. It was not what I was expecting at all and it was a bit too far fetched for me. I wasn’t a fan of the direction that it went at all.
Without spoiling this for anybody the blurb is only half the story. I won’t go into it so that I don’t spill the beans. In saying that I will still read everything that he writes. The writing was great just not the story so much.
Thanks to Amazon Publishing UK and NetGalley for my advanced copy of this book to read. All opinions are my own and are in no way biased
Without spoiling this for anybody the blurb is only half the story. I won’t go into it so that I don’t spill the beans. In saying that I will still read everything that he writes. The writing was great just not the story so much.
Thanks to Amazon Publishing UK and NetGalley for my advanced copy of this book to read. All opinions are my own and are in no way biased
March 3, 2020
A chilling psychological thriller that starts off with a slow burn and keeps building.
Adam and Ruth are house sitting in NY for a couple that they met on a cruise. It is an opportunity for Ruth because she is wanting to work on Broadway as an actress. Adam is a writer trying to find his big break in NY as well. They are an ordinary, realistic couple with a flawed relationship due to their struggles of wanting to be successful.
When Eden, a young woman, shows up at the front door dripping wet on the last week of house sitting and says she is friends with the homeowners and that they have given her an open invitation to stay whenever she is in the area, the couple are unsure what to do. Ruth and Adam can't contact the owners to get approval because they are away on a retreat so they decide the girl is honest looking and agree to let her stay. This is the start to a series of events that are soon to do damage to their relationship, their work, their life and more. A clever and gripping thriller with interesting characters. Somewhat predictable but Mark Edwards always manages to pull a punch or two that is entertaining and satisfying.
Many thanks to Amazon Publishing UK and NetGalley for a great read.
Adam and Ruth are house sitting in NY for a couple that they met on a cruise. It is an opportunity for Ruth because she is wanting to work on Broadway as an actress. Adam is a writer trying to find his big break in NY as well. They are an ordinary, realistic couple with a flawed relationship due to their struggles of wanting to be successful.
When Eden, a young woman, shows up at the front door dripping wet on the last week of house sitting and says she is friends with the homeowners and that they have given her an open invitation to stay whenever she is in the area, the couple are unsure what to do. Ruth and Adam can't contact the owners to get approval because they are away on a retreat so they decide the girl is honest looking and agree to let her stay. This is the start to a series of events that are soon to do damage to their relationship, their work, their life and more. A clever and gripping thriller with interesting characters. Somewhat predictable but Mark Edwards always manages to pull a punch or two that is entertaining and satisfying.
Many thanks to Amazon Publishing UK and NetGalley for a great read.
January 27, 2021
I love the premise of this book. The idea of a stranger appearing on your doorstep out of nowhere was intriguing. The beginning definitely had me hooked. Unfortunately, one of the big twists was very disappointing. The suspense picked up toward the conclusion, including twists I did not see coming. I wasn’t crazy about the path the plot took, and was hoping for a different scenario. This was not one of my favorite thrillers, but the suspense kept me interested in the outcome.
June 4, 2020
The House Guest is bestselling master of suspense Mark Edwards’s sixteenth psychological thriller and, as always, the plot is taut and exciting from the get-go; I soon found myself absolutely riveted to the spot and hanging on the authors every word. It feels so exhilarating to know that you can steadfastly rely on Edwards to produce a dark, gritty, twisty tale full of intrigue, mystery, suspense and surprises every time he publishes. The book is about a British couple, Adam and Ruth, who are house-sitting in Brooklyn, New York, for a couple they met on a cruise when a young woman appears at the door looking very dishevelled. She claims to know the house owners. The couple invite her in and… well, you’ll quickly realise everything is not as it seems. Who is this strange woman, and what exactly does she want from them?
For many a long year, we have taught our children about ”stranger danger” yet here we as adults believe we are safe to open the door to a complete stranger in the pitch black. Mark Edwards is at the top of the domestic-based thriller game and somehow he manages to make this plot seem fresh and completely original. The plot keeps the cogs whirring upstairs with its many, many layers and action aplenty which eventually begin to peel back to reveal plenty of home truths as the novel progresses. So turn your phone onto silent, cancel the day's chores and ensure that everyone knows that you will be incommunicado for the evening and prepare for a wild ride that all thrill-seekers will adore. Unreservedly recommended. A must-read page-turner that certainly doesn't disappoint. Many thanks to Amazon Publishing UK for an ARC.
For many a long year, we have taught our children about ”stranger danger” yet here we as adults believe we are safe to open the door to a complete stranger in the pitch black. Mark Edwards is at the top of the domestic-based thriller game and somehow he manages to make this plot seem fresh and completely original. The plot keeps the cogs whirring upstairs with its many, many layers and action aplenty which eventually begin to peel back to reveal plenty of home truths as the novel progresses. So turn your phone onto silent, cancel the day's chores and ensure that everyone knows that you will be incommunicado for the evening and prepare for a wild ride that all thrill-seekers will adore. Unreservedly recommended. A must-read page-turner that certainly doesn't disappoint. Many thanks to Amazon Publishing UK for an ARC.
June 1, 2020
Nothing like I thought!
I started this book safe in the knowledge it was a Mark Edwards book and from previous books had read I knew I would enjoy it
It was just as I wanted, Ruth and Adam are house-sitting for friends in New York when Eden appears, saying she is a friend of their friends and was ‘calling to see them and stay’......of course Ruth and Adam invite her in, out of the rain and yep let her stay, perfect for what I wanted to read, next up ( I thought ) Eden will seduce Adam, Ruth will become suss and ‘twill all end, after a few twists, nicely
Wrong
Very wrong
The book takes a sharp and unexpected turn and goes off on a surprising tangent that readers will either love or not love, I found it ‘interesting’ and ‘thought provoking’ and,once I got over my grumpiness
at how the book wasnt going to follow my route, different enough to be intriguing
I dont want to give anything away really but the characters are in equal measure annoying and likeable, the writing easy to be involved with quickly and it was good to be foxed by a plot and storyline that was very different
8/10
4.5 Stars
I started this book safe in the knowledge it was a Mark Edwards book and from previous books had read I knew I would enjoy it
It was just as I wanted, Ruth and Adam are house-sitting for friends in New York when Eden appears, saying she is a friend of their friends and was ‘calling to see them and stay’......of course Ruth and Adam invite her in, out of the rain and yep let her stay, perfect for what I wanted to read, next up ( I thought ) Eden will seduce Adam, Ruth will become suss and ‘twill all end, after a few twists, nicely
Wrong
Very wrong
The book takes a sharp and unexpected turn and goes off on a surprising tangent that readers will either love or not love, I found it ‘interesting’ and ‘thought provoking’ and,once I got over my grumpiness
at how the book wasnt going to follow my route, different enough to be intriguing
I dont want to give anything away really but the characters are in equal measure annoying and likeable, the writing easy to be involved with quickly and it was good to be foxed by a plot and storyline that was very different
8/10
4.5 Stars
March 14, 2020
Adam and Ruth are house sitting in New York for a couple they met on a cruise. One evening a girl arrives in the pouring rain saying that she has been invited to stay by the home owners,they believe her and invite her to stay. This decision has terrifying consequence for Adam and Ruth and they will have cause to regret it.
A psychological thriller with twist and turns that keeps you hooked.
Thank you to NetGalley and Amazon Publishing UK for my e-copy in exchange for an honest review.
A psychological thriller with twist and turns that keeps you hooked.
Thank you to NetGalley and Amazon Publishing UK for my e-copy in exchange for an honest review.
March 30, 2020
“There is usually a simple explanation for everything.” (except in Mark Edwards’ books there isn’t ;)
I have long since come to appreciate Mark Edwards’ books as good entertainment – he comes up with the best premises where (in his own words) “scary things happen to ordinary people”. Last time, the houseguests refused to leave. This time, the houseguest poses a different threat altogether!
THE HOUSE GUEST delivered on its promise of being a fast, entertaining read that had me frantically turn the pages wanting to find out how this latest disaster would end. It is fortuitous that we are in quarantine at the moment, because after reading Edwards’ last two books, I would be too scared to have any houseguests anyway!
Here, our two hapless main protagonists are Brits Ruth and Adam, who are house-sitting in Manhattan for a couple they met on a cruise. One night, a young woman turns up on the doorstep, claiming to be a friend of the owners. Being trusty and openhearted people, they let her in. Do you hear the alarm bells ringing yet?
Yes, from here on in the two Brits are marching towards their own doom. The how and when you will have to find out yourself. In typical Mark Edwards’ style, the premise is all the more terrifying because the couple are so relatable, so ordinary, so much like you and I. Could this happen to us? Perhaps some parts of the book were just a bit farfetched, but then again, maybe not. Living in my rural Australian bubble, I don’t profess to know how things are done in NYC. In any case, THE HOUSE GUEST made for another fun read. It’s the type of book you want to pick up when you don’t feel like anything too deep but want a type of bookish Netflix binge that will sweep you away in a tidal wave of entertainment (and terror). I’m not giving anything else away!
In summary, I recommend you pick up THE HOUSE GUEST when in the mood for a fast, entertaining read with ordinary, everyday characters who stumble headlong into misadventure in the fashion Mark Edwards is famous for. There are plenty of elements to this thriller that will satisfy lovers of the genre who are looking for a bit of intrigue, a few bad guys, some fast paced action and a rising body count. I really enjoyed it and it provided a welcome distraction.
3.5 stars
Thank you to Netgalley and Amazon Publishing UK for the free electronic copy of this novel and for giving me the opportunity to provide an honest review.
*blog* *facebook* *instagram*
I have long since come to appreciate Mark Edwards’ books as good entertainment – he comes up with the best premises where (in his own words) “scary things happen to ordinary people”. Last time, the houseguests refused to leave. This time, the houseguest poses a different threat altogether!
THE HOUSE GUEST delivered on its promise of being a fast, entertaining read that had me frantically turn the pages wanting to find out how this latest disaster would end. It is fortuitous that we are in quarantine at the moment, because after reading Edwards’ last two books, I would be too scared to have any houseguests anyway!
Here, our two hapless main protagonists are Brits Ruth and Adam, who are house-sitting in Manhattan for a couple they met on a cruise. One night, a young woman turns up on the doorstep, claiming to be a friend of the owners. Being trusty and openhearted people, they let her in. Do you hear the alarm bells ringing yet?
Yes, from here on in the two Brits are marching towards their own doom. The how and when you will have to find out yourself. In typical Mark Edwards’ style, the premise is all the more terrifying because the couple are so relatable, so ordinary, so much like you and I. Could this happen to us? Perhaps some parts of the book were just a bit farfetched, but then again, maybe not. Living in my rural Australian bubble, I don’t profess to know how things are done in NYC. In any case, THE HOUSE GUEST made for another fun read. It’s the type of book you want to pick up when you don’t feel like anything too deep but want a type of bookish Netflix binge that will sweep you away in a tidal wave of entertainment (and terror). I’m not giving anything else away!
In summary, I recommend you pick up THE HOUSE GUEST when in the mood for a fast, entertaining read with ordinary, everyday characters who stumble headlong into misadventure in the fashion Mark Edwards is famous for. There are plenty of elements to this thriller that will satisfy lovers of the genre who are looking for a bit of intrigue, a few bad guys, some fast paced action and a rising body count. I really enjoyed it and it provided a welcome distraction.
3.5 stars
Thank you to Netgalley and Amazon Publishing UK for the free electronic copy of this novel and for giving me the opportunity to provide an honest review.
*blog* *facebook* *instagram*
November 17, 2020
Few authors make me fly through the pages as Mark Edwards do. The premise of The House Guest got me hooked even before I started reading it because I have a suspicious nature and if you asked me if I would invited a stranger in my house I would say, HELL, NO!
Part one was lots of fun as I kept guessing who Eden was. Then the plot started to unravel in a direction I would never have imagined. Although being well written, giving the reader no moment to catch your breath, I found it a bit far fetched sometimes. I found some actions to be barely believable or not understandable in light of the situation the character was experiencing (I seem to talk in riddles but I don't wanna spoil the plot for those who haven't read it yet). Also, in spite of giving lots of answers, the ending felt a bit rushed.
Super fast read, full of twists, making it perfect entertaiment.
3,5 ⭐️
Thanks to Netgalley and Amazon Publishing UK for providing an eARC in exchange for an honest review.
Part one was lots of fun as I kept guessing who Eden was. Then the plot started to unravel in a direction I would never have imagined. Although being well written, giving the reader no moment to catch your breath, I found it a bit far fetched sometimes. I found some actions to be barely believable or not understandable in light of the situation the character was experiencing (I seem to talk in riddles but I don't wanna spoil the plot for those who haven't read it yet). Also, in spite of giving lots of answers, the ending felt a bit rushed.
Super fast read, full of twists, making it perfect entertaiment.
3,5 ⭐️
Thanks to Netgalley and Amazon Publishing UK for providing an eARC in exchange for an honest review.
September 28, 2020
I used to look forward to reading Mark Edward's books but this one was a disappointment,The reason why the book description was intriguing like his older books he wrote. My best read was The magpies. So couldn't wait to read this book.Mark last few books have been disappointing not keen on his paranormal books,It was a slow burner it was 30% into this book when I thought it was going to pick up but soon went flat again.The story starts with house owners Jack and Mona went on a cruise they left there home to house sitters Adam and Ruth,they recieved a caller named Eden saying she knew the home owners they invited her to stay but does she know the owners.Adam and Ruth trust her but do they really know her.wanted twists and turns wanted to be creepy this book felt it was rushed.Im hoping the next book is alot better. If not might have to move on to other authors.
January 19, 2022
3.5★
When young couple Adam and Ruth are offered to spend the summer in New York housesitting they can’t say no and see it as a great opportunity.
When Eden turns up on the doorstep drenched from a Summer storm, Adam and Ruth do what they think is right and let her in. They quickly discover that Eden is a friend of the homeowners and was told she could stay anytime she was in New York. Adam and Ruth have no reason not to believe, Eden, but it soon becomes apparent that things don’t seem to be adding up and they are starting to wonder if Eden is who she says she is.
The House Guest by Mark Edwards is an intriguing read which I enjoyed. I must admit for me this was not a fast-paced thriller more of a slow burn. With thanks to Netgalley and the publishers for my digital copy to read and review.
When young couple Adam and Ruth are offered to spend the summer in New York housesitting they can’t say no and see it as a great opportunity.
When Eden turns up on the doorstep drenched from a Summer storm, Adam and Ruth do what they think is right and let her in. They quickly discover that Eden is a friend of the homeowners and was told she could stay anytime she was in New York. Adam and Ruth have no reason not to believe, Eden, but it soon becomes apparent that things don’t seem to be adding up and they are starting to wonder if Eden is who she says she is.
The House Guest by Mark Edwards is an intriguing read which I enjoyed. I must admit for me this was not a fast-paced thriller more of a slow burn. With thanks to Netgalley and the publishers for my digital copy to read and review.
March 5, 2020
'House Guest' is the new novel by one of the best psychological thriller writers about, Mark Edwards.
Ruth and Adam are summer house sitting in New York, for Jack and Mona a couple they met on a cruise. Young and in love they are having a wonderful time stopping at the house but things start to change when Eden turns up on the doorstep. Eden claims to be a friend of Jack and Mona and tells Ruth and Adam that she was invited to stay in the house whenever she was in New York. With a storm in progress Eden is asked to stay to shelter the weather.
Everything is working out well and Eden is getting on well with the young couple but suspicions are raised that she may not be who she claims to be and that they have made a terrible mistake.
This is an excellent psychological thriller with great characters, good paced plot and lots and lots of suspense.
I would like to thank both Net Galley and Amazon Publishing UK for supplying a copy of this novel in exchange for an honest review.
Ruth and Adam are summer house sitting in New York, for Jack and Mona a couple they met on a cruise. Young and in love they are having a wonderful time stopping at the house but things start to change when Eden turns up on the doorstep. Eden claims to be a friend of Jack and Mona and tells Ruth and Adam that she was invited to stay in the house whenever she was in New York. With a storm in progress Eden is asked to stay to shelter the weather.
Everything is working out well and Eden is getting on well with the young couple but suspicions are raised that she may not be who she claims to be and that they have made a terrible mistake.
This is an excellent psychological thriller with great characters, good paced plot and lots and lots of suspense.
I would like to thank both Net Galley and Amazon Publishing UK for supplying a copy of this novel in exchange for an honest review.
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