Review of The Overnight Guest by Heather Gudenkauf
As a devoted follower of thrilling mysteries, Heather Gudenkauf’s The Overnight Guest caught my eye like a moth to a flame. The anticipation surrounding its release had been palpable, and I couldn’t resist diving into this chilling tale that promised high tension and a slow-burn mystery. And let me tell you, it does not disappoint!
From the start, I was enveloped in the claustrophobic atmosphere of an old farmhouse struggling against a relentless blizzard. Our protagonist, Wylie Lark, a true crime author, chooses this isolated setting to escape her tumultuous life following a heated argument with her teenage son. The cabin in the woods vibe intertwines effortlessly with themes reminiscent of Room, leading to a palpable tension that kept my heart racing. Wylie’s unexpected guest—a wounded, silent little boy—adds another layer of suspense that had me biting my nails and gasping along the way.
Gudenkauf expertly crafts the narrative, alternating between present-day Wylie and pivotal events from 2000 that reveal the grim history of the farmhouse. We learn of the tragic Doyle family and the unsolved questions surrounding their deaths, including the chilling fate of Josie Doyle and her best friend Becky. The dual timelines are woven skillfully, maintaining a brisk pace that kept me flipping pages as if the world outside my window had vanished.
Yet, it wasn’t just the pacing that captivated me; Gudenkauf’s characterization shines brightly. Wylie’s turmoil and the boy’s trauma are etched deeply, evoking empathy and concern. The atmosphere is thick with dread as past and present converge—each revelation providing a crack in the facade of safety that the farmhouse seemingly offers. I felt like a co-conspirator in Wylie’s journey, squirming and screaming each time the tension crescendoed.
As I approached the ending, my excitement was tinged with anticipation. However, a quick correction about the final chapters: while they deliver some thrilling vengeance, they veer into a territory that felt a touch extravagant—think Jason Voorhees meets an unyielding cat with nine lives! I did find myself rolling my eyes at the excess, wishing the resolution was a tad more succinct. Still, the journey to that point was a wild ride, and the unanswered motives of the killer kept my mind buzzing long after I turned the last page.
In a nutshell, The Overnight Guest is an exhilarating read that I can wholeheartedly recommend, especially for fans of dark mysteries and psychological thrillers. There’s an unmistakable, heart-pounding quality that grips you and doesn’t let go. Even if I wanted to, I couldn’t put it down! This book calls out to lovers of suspense and beautifully crafted narratives alike, offering just the right balance of fear and intrigue. Thank you, NetGalley and Harlequin Trade Publishing, for gifting me this electrifying read in exchange for my honest thoughts.
Give this book a shot if you crave an edge-of-your-seat experience—I guarantee it won’t disappoint!