What do you think?
Rate this book
The Guests
From USA Today bestselling author Margot Hunt comes the chilling tale of what happens when a family besieged by a storm must play host to uninvited guests.
When a Category 5 hurricane is poised to hit their coastal Florida town, the Davies family takes refuge in their waterfront manse. Marlowe, Lee, and their teenage twins invite their close friends to wait out the storm in comfort and style.
Uninvited are the three strangers who dock on the family’s shore right before the storm descends. Brothers Jason and Bo—and Bo’s girlfriend, Darcy—are a charming, helpful trio in need of a safe haven that the Davies are only too happy to provide.
But as the storm outside grows more threatening, so does the tension in the house.
Soon, the lines between family, friends, and strangers blur. Danger mounts with every pointed finger and broken confidence, and long-held secrets are revealed one after another until only one truth not everyone is going to make it out alive.
When a Category 5 hurricane is poised to hit their coastal Florida town, the Davies family takes refuge in their waterfront manse. Marlowe, Lee, and their teenage twins invite their close friends to wait out the storm in comfort and style.
Uninvited are the three strangers who dock on the family’s shore right before the storm descends. Brothers Jason and Bo—and Bo’s girlfriend, Darcy—are a charming, helpful trio in need of a safe haven that the Davies are only too happy to provide.
But as the storm outside grows more threatening, so does the tension in the house.
Soon, the lines between family, friends, and strangers blur. Danger mounts with every pointed finger and broken confidence, and long-held secrets are revealed one after another until only one truth not everyone is going to make it out alive.
296 pages, Kindle Edition
First published January 9, 2024
946 people are currently reading
10.7k people want to read
About the author
Margot Hunt
9books1,248followersMargot Hunt is the author of LOVELY GIRLS, THE LAST AFFAIR, FOR BETTER AND WORSE, and BEST FRIENDS FOREVER. She has also written the Audible Original novellas TELL HER STORY, THE HOUSE ON THE WATER and BURIED DEEP. Her next book, THE GUESTS, will be released in January 2024.
Learn more about Margot and her forthcoming books at
.
Learn more about Margot and her forthcoming books at
.
Ratings & Reviews
Friends & Following
Create a free account to discover what your friends think of this book!
Community Reviews
Displaying 1 - 30 of 461 reviews
January 9, 2024
2.5 stars rounded up
With a Category 5 hurricane on track to hit their coastal Florida town, the Davies family is preparing their waterfront mansion for the storm, with a plan to shelter in place since they are not in a flood zone.
Joining Marlowe, Lee, and their teenage twins will be a few close friends that have been invited to stay with them.
Uninvited are the three strangers who dock on the family’s shore right before the storm descends.
Brothers Jason and Bo—and Bo’s girlfriend, Darcy, who thought they could beat the storm, before quickly worsening conditions forced them to seek the closest dock-which happens to be the one on the Davies property.
At least, that’s the story they are telling.
It soon becomes apparent that this detour was planned, and with first responders unable to assist until after the storm-the Davies family is on their own to deal with their uninvited “guests�.
I have certainly read WORSE books this year, BUT this wasn’t up to the standards that I have come to expect from Margot Hunt! I have rated ALL of her past books, 4 or 5 stars, but the writing in this one seems much more simplistic.
All but one twist was predictable, and the character development and dialogue were not as sharp as what we have come to expect from this talented author.
Maybe, locked room style mysteries are not her strong suit?
Or maybe, this was a book that she wrote before she perfected her craft, that was dusted off and is just being released now?
Though not her best, I AM a fan, and I will pick up her next, expecting that she will return to form!
NOW AVAILABLE
Thank You to Thomas and Mercer for the gifted copy provided through NetGalley. It was my pleasure to offer a candid review!
With a Category 5 hurricane on track to hit their coastal Florida town, the Davies family is preparing their waterfront mansion for the storm, with a plan to shelter in place since they are not in a flood zone.
Joining Marlowe, Lee, and their teenage twins will be a few close friends that have been invited to stay with them.
Uninvited are the three strangers who dock on the family’s shore right before the storm descends.
Brothers Jason and Bo—and Bo’s girlfriend, Darcy, who thought they could beat the storm, before quickly worsening conditions forced them to seek the closest dock-which happens to be the one on the Davies property.
At least, that’s the story they are telling.
It soon becomes apparent that this detour was planned, and with first responders unable to assist until after the storm-the Davies family is on their own to deal with their uninvited “guests�.
I have certainly read WORSE books this year, BUT this wasn’t up to the standards that I have come to expect from Margot Hunt! I have rated ALL of her past books, 4 or 5 stars, but the writing in this one seems much more simplistic.
All but one twist was predictable, and the character development and dialogue were not as sharp as what we have come to expect from this talented author.
Maybe, locked room style mysteries are not her strong suit?
Or maybe, this was a book that she wrote before she perfected her craft, that was dusted off and is just being released now?
Though not her best, I AM a fan, and I will pick up her next, expecting that she will return to form!
NOW AVAILABLE
Thank You to Thomas and Mercer for the gifted copy provided through NetGalley. It was my pleasure to offer a candid review!
September 15, 2023
Last call for the Stupid Train. Destination: Face Palm City.
Happily married couple Lee and Marlowe, along with their 17 year old twins, Tom and June, have a wonderful life and a beautiful home on the Florida coast. They're preparing the home for a category 5 hurricane that is soon to come ashore. Staying with them is Zack, Tom's best friend, and, Isabel, Marlowe's assistant.
The winds have begun whipping and the rain is pelting down when to their surprise a boat is headed right for their dock. On it are two men and a young woman. Lee and their handyman Mick run out to assist them when an unfortunate accident occurs in which they need the strangers assistance. Marlowe feels it wouldn't be right to turn them back out into the storm after they just helped them in a time of need so they are invited to hunker down in the luxurious comforts of their well appointed home. What could go wrong?
EVERYTHING!!!!
Um, so, yeah, this was not good. Not at all. This book had absolutely no substance to it. Where do I even begin? Let's start with the terrible dialogue. This was so cheesy. These people spoke and acted like no one I know. Character development was basically zilch. I'd rather watch paint dry then to spend even a minutes worth of time with these people. Brand name this and brand name that, please stop it already. Their wealthy we get it. A plot that was incredibly simple to figure out made for zero tension or suspense.
Let me give you an example of how stupid these characters are. This family has been terrorized by these strangers for many hours and what does Marlowe have to say about one of them:
"Bo was handsome, charming, and engaging, and, perhaps most importantly, he had a sexual energy that was hard to miss."
Seriously. He's killed people you care about and is also holding a gun to your head but he sure is dreamy isn't he? 🤦♀� I can't make this shit up. 💩
I wish every single one of these characters had been swept out to sea. Now that would have made it a satisfying ending but, alas, my dreams were dashed. 😞 1 star!
Thank you to NetGalley and Thomas & Mercer for my complimentary copy.
Happily married couple Lee and Marlowe, along with their 17 year old twins, Tom and June, have a wonderful life and a beautiful home on the Florida coast. They're preparing the home for a category 5 hurricane that is soon to come ashore. Staying with them is Zack, Tom's best friend, and, Isabel, Marlowe's assistant.
The winds have begun whipping and the rain is pelting down when to their surprise a boat is headed right for their dock. On it are two men and a young woman. Lee and their handyman Mick run out to assist them when an unfortunate accident occurs in which they need the strangers assistance. Marlowe feels it wouldn't be right to turn them back out into the storm after they just helped them in a time of need so they are invited to hunker down in the luxurious comforts of their well appointed home. What could go wrong?
EVERYTHING!!!!
Um, so, yeah, this was not good. Not at all. This book had absolutely no substance to it. Where do I even begin? Let's start with the terrible dialogue. This was so cheesy. These people spoke and acted like no one I know. Character development was basically zilch. I'd rather watch paint dry then to spend even a minutes worth of time with these people. Brand name this and brand name that, please stop it already. Their wealthy we get it. A plot that was incredibly simple to figure out made for zero tension or suspense.
Let me give you an example of how stupid these characters are. This family has been terrorized by these strangers for many hours and what does Marlowe have to say about one of them:
"Bo was handsome, charming, and engaging, and, perhaps most importantly, he had a sexual energy that was hard to miss."
Seriously. He's killed people you care about and is also holding a gun to your head but he sure is dreamy isn't he? 🤦♀� I can't make this shit up. 💩
I wish every single one of these characters had been swept out to sea. Now that would have made it a satisfying ending but, alas, my dreams were dashed. 😞 1 star!
Thank you to NetGalley and Thomas & Mercer for my complimentary copy.
December 11, 2023
4.5🌟
On the hunt for a tension-filled thriller that will have you white-knuckling your kindle? Well, this is that book!!
Heart pounding! Edge of your seat! Reading late into the night! That and so much more!
The Davies family missed their chance to evacuate for the cat 5 hurricane bearing down on Florida, and their home is directly in the path. They’re on high ground and boarding up every window, so fingers crossed, they’ll safely ride this monster out.
But what if the hurricane itself is the least of their worries? Believe it or not, there are far worse dangers than what a hurricane can blow in.
As the Cat. 5 approaches, three strangers dock their boat at the Davies� pier. With nowhere to go, of course the Davies will welcome them into their home to ride out the storm.
Locked in a house with strangers. No phones, no power, no way to call for help. Who will survive?
Once again Margot Hunt delivers a chilling and suspenseful read! I did have a few guesses along the way that were correct but was shocked at the absolute unexpected twists!
Already looking forward to her next read!
Thank you to NetGalley and Thomas & Mercer
On the hunt for a tension-filled thriller that will have you white-knuckling your kindle? Well, this is that book!!
Heart pounding! Edge of your seat! Reading late into the night! That and so much more!
The Davies family missed their chance to evacuate for the cat 5 hurricane bearing down on Florida, and their home is directly in the path. They’re on high ground and boarding up every window, so fingers crossed, they’ll safely ride this monster out.
But what if the hurricane itself is the least of their worries? Believe it or not, there are far worse dangers than what a hurricane can blow in.
As the Cat. 5 approaches, three strangers dock their boat at the Davies� pier. With nowhere to go, of course the Davies will welcome them into their home to ride out the storm.
Locked in a house with strangers. No phones, no power, no way to call for help. Who will survive?
Once again Margot Hunt delivers a chilling and suspenseful read! I did have a few guesses along the way that were correct but was shocked at the absolute unexpected twists!
Already looking forward to her next read!
Thank you to NetGalley and Thomas & Mercer
January 15, 2024
EXCERPT: The forty-four-foot saltwater fishing boat felt as insubstantial as a kayak in the hurricane as it struggled to remain upright. Waves like rolling walls slammed into the vessel over and over with a terrifying ferocity. Every time the boat tipped, another huge swell of salt water rolled over the side, drenching her, stinging her eyes so that she couldn't see, washing away everything that wasn't tied down. Fishing gear, supplies, even the heavy Yeti cooler had been hurled out of the boat, fated to sink to the bottom of the ocean.
It was a miracle she hadn't been flung off as well. She figured it was just a matter of time.
He was still here.
At first he had tried to steer the boat out onto the ocean. When it had quickly become clear that the boat was unnavigable, he's sat huddled by the wheel. She could see his back occasionally when lightning lit up the darkness around him. Once he looked back at her, his eyes wide and panicked, his face hollowed out. Just like her, he knew the inevitable was going to happen.
They were both going to die that night.
ABOUT 'THE GUESTS': When a Category 5 hurricane is poised to hit their coastal Florida town, the Davies family takes refuge in their waterfront manse. Marlowe, Lee, and their teenage twins invite their close friends to wait out the storm in comfort and style.
Uninvited are the three strangers who dock on the family’s shore right before the storm descends. Brothers Jason and Bo—and Bo’s girlfriend, Darcy—are a charming, helpful trio in need of a safe haven that the Davies are only too happy to provide.
But as the storm outside grows more threatening, so does the tension in the house.
Soon, the lines between family, friends, and strangers blur. Danger mounts with every pointed finger and broken confidence, and long-held secrets are revealed one after another until only one truth REMAINS - not everyone is going to make it out alive.
MY THOUGHTS: Fast paced and twisty.
I honestly don't believe that this is as good as other books I have read by Margot Hunt. Perhaps she is trying to expand her repertoire. The pace is fast, the machinations of the characters superb, but towards the end the plot disintegrates into a spiral of violence that didn't sit well with me. I would have preferred, and have come to expect, a cleverer solution from this author.
Marlowe is definitely the star character of this book. She is a caring person, but there are things in her past that she is unaware of that have helped to trigger this whole situation. These are no random strangers come to seek shelter from a storm. They have an agenda. And knowledge.
For the first 75% of the book I was hooked, rapidly turning pages, but then the author's predilection for simply killing off any inconvenient character began to wear thin. I was having to suspend a lot of belief.
I have read nearly all Margot Hunt's books, it is twisty and it is good, just not up to her usual standard, but The Guests would make a brilliant action thriller if it was made into a movie.
⭐⭐�.5
#TheGuests #NetGalley
THE AUTHOR: Margot Hunt is the pseudonym for chick lit and women’s fiction author Whitney Gaskell.
DISCLOSURE: Thank you to Thomas & Mercer for providing a digital ARC of The Guests by Margot Hunt for review. All opinions expressed in this review are entirely my own personal opinions.
It was a miracle she hadn't been flung off as well. She figured it was just a matter of time.
He was still here.
At first he had tried to steer the boat out onto the ocean. When it had quickly become clear that the boat was unnavigable, he's sat huddled by the wheel. She could see his back occasionally when lightning lit up the darkness around him. Once he looked back at her, his eyes wide and panicked, his face hollowed out. Just like her, he knew the inevitable was going to happen.
They were both going to die that night.
ABOUT 'THE GUESTS': When a Category 5 hurricane is poised to hit their coastal Florida town, the Davies family takes refuge in their waterfront manse. Marlowe, Lee, and their teenage twins invite their close friends to wait out the storm in comfort and style.
Uninvited are the three strangers who dock on the family’s shore right before the storm descends. Brothers Jason and Bo—and Bo’s girlfriend, Darcy—are a charming, helpful trio in need of a safe haven that the Davies are only too happy to provide.
But as the storm outside grows more threatening, so does the tension in the house.
Soon, the lines between family, friends, and strangers blur. Danger mounts with every pointed finger and broken confidence, and long-held secrets are revealed one after another until only one truth REMAINS - not everyone is going to make it out alive.
MY THOUGHTS: Fast paced and twisty.
I honestly don't believe that this is as good as other books I have read by Margot Hunt. Perhaps she is trying to expand her repertoire. The pace is fast, the machinations of the characters superb, but towards the end the plot disintegrates into a spiral of violence that didn't sit well with me. I would have preferred, and have come to expect, a cleverer solution from this author.
Marlowe is definitely the star character of this book. She is a caring person, but there are things in her past that she is unaware of that have helped to trigger this whole situation. These are no random strangers come to seek shelter from a storm. They have an agenda. And knowledge.
For the first 75% of the book I was hooked, rapidly turning pages, but then the author's predilection for simply killing off any inconvenient character began to wear thin. I was having to suspend a lot of belief.
I have read nearly all Margot Hunt's books, it is twisty and it is good, just not up to her usual standard, but The Guests would make a brilliant action thriller if it was made into a movie.
⭐⭐�.5
#TheGuests #NetGalley
THE AUTHOR: Margot Hunt is the pseudonym for chick lit and women’s fiction author Whitney Gaskell.
DISCLOSURE: Thank you to Thomas & Mercer for providing a digital ARC of The Guests by Margot Hunt for review. All opinions expressed in this review are entirely my own personal opinions.
March 17, 2024
I don’t know that I have ever read a book faster than I read this one. Intense!!!
Family drama
Category 5 hurricane
Strangers at the door
Secrets piled on top of secrets
HEA (for some)
What happens when you force a dysfunctional family into one home, throw an impending storm their way, add some creepy strangers, and blend? You get a psychological thriller on high-octane.
Both men had thought they were entitled to the life they wanted, without ever feeling the need to work to attain it.
Another amazing book recommendation from Dan!
Family drama
Category 5 hurricane
Strangers at the door
Secrets piled on top of secrets
HEA (for some)
What happens when you force a dysfunctional family into one home, throw an impending storm their way, add some creepy strangers, and blend? You get a psychological thriller on high-octane.
Both men had thought they were entitled to the life they wanted, without ever feeling the need to work to attain it.
Another amazing book recommendation from Dan!
October 1, 2023
Gate Crashers.
When unexpected guests descend on Marlowe’s bayside home during a hurricane, more than a commotion ensues, it’s murder.
How rude. People just don’t know their place anymore.
Unfortunately, the chaos also includes the dialog, prose, character development, and plot. Although I liked Lovely Girls by this author, I wasn’t entertained by this. Not one bit, I’m sorry to say.
Thank you to Thomas & Mercer, and NetGalley for my advanced reader copy.
When unexpected guests descend on Marlowe’s bayside home during a hurricane, more than a commotion ensues, it’s murder.
How rude. People just don’t know their place anymore.
Unfortunately, the chaos also includes the dialog, prose, character development, and plot. Although I liked Lovely Girls by this author, I wasn’t entertained by this. Not one bit, I’m sorry to say.
Thank you to Thomas & Mercer, and NetGalley for my advanced reader copy.
December 28, 2024
Have you ever read a book that’s equally suspenseful and eye-roll-worthy? Like, the kind where you’re rolling your eyes at the events but still completely hooked? That’s exactly how I feel about Margot Hunt’s books. They’re the ones I always intend to read but somehow put off, and then—boom—end of the year rolls around, I finally crack one open, and I’m flipping pages like my life depends on it.
So, yeah, nothing groundbreaking here—there’s a hurricane, a family stuck with strangers, secrets spilling left and right, and those well-loved-but-maybe-a-little-overdone tropes I can’t get enough of.
But what really makes this a page-turner is Hunt’s talent for ratcheting up the suspense. There’s danger, stakes that feel huge, and that delicious “what’s-going-to-happen-next� tension she nails every time. It’s cliché in the best way possible.
I received a copy from the publisher through NetGalley.
So, yeah, nothing groundbreaking here—there’s a hurricane, a family stuck with strangers, secrets spilling left and right, and those well-loved-but-maybe-a-little-overdone tropes I can’t get enough of.
But what really makes this a page-turner is Hunt’s talent for ratcheting up the suspense. There’s danger, stakes that feel huge, and that delicious “what’s-going-to-happen-next� tension she nails every time. It’s cliché in the best way possible.
I received a copy from the publisher through NetGalley.
February 19, 2024
A terrifying situation with deadly consequences.
As a category-5 hurricane approaches Florida, the Davies family is ready to spend it at their waterfront home. After all, the house was built with hurricane standards. Even if this is the wrong decision, it is too late to leave the premises. Traffic is at a standstill with all the people who are trying to evacuate. If they leave now, they will just be experiencing the hurricane winds on the road. Staying at their home should be safer or so they think until a boat carrying three strangers arrives uninvited at their dock.
Two brothers (Bo and Jason) and Bo's girlfriend Darcy join the Davies and their friends who are already in the house. As the storm rages, the possibility that the brothers showed up as a coincidence becomes doubtful and a more menacing plan seems to be in the works.
The Guests had a good amount of suspense and I felt bad for Marlowe and her kids. I was rooting for them to succeed in surviving the night.
I had some issues with the storyline and how naive some of the characters were. The end was too far-fetched for my taste which took some of the enjoyment away from the novel.
Cliffhanger: No
3.5/5 Fangs
A complimentary copy was provided by Thomas & Mercer via Netgalley in exchange for an honest review.
| | |
As a category-5 hurricane approaches Florida, the Davies family is ready to spend it at their waterfront home. After all, the house was built with hurricane standards. Even if this is the wrong decision, it is too late to leave the premises. Traffic is at a standstill with all the people who are trying to evacuate. If they leave now, they will just be experiencing the hurricane winds on the road. Staying at their home should be safer or so they think until a boat carrying three strangers arrives uninvited at their dock.
Two brothers (Bo and Jason) and Bo's girlfriend Darcy join the Davies and their friends who are already in the house. As the storm rages, the possibility that the brothers showed up as a coincidence becomes doubtful and a more menacing plan seems to be in the works.
The Guests had a good amount of suspense and I felt bad for Marlowe and her kids. I was rooting for them to succeed in surviving the night.
I had some issues with the storyline and how naive some of the characters were. The end was too far-fetched for my taste which took some of the enjoyment away from the novel.
Cliffhanger: No
3.5/5 Fangs
A complimentary copy was provided by Thomas & Mercer via Netgalley in exchange for an honest review.
| | |
March 4, 2024
The Guests, by Margot Hunt, relates the story of a Florida family who decides to sit out a hurricane in their home. Three people unexpectedly seek refuge with them. What happens in the house forms the story. A pleasant read. Recommend.
March 8, 2024
3 stars! ⭐️⭐️⭐️
After just finishing Lovely Girls, I was looking forward to starting my next Margot Hunt novel. Living in an area where we are threatened by hurricanes, the premise sounded like it could be an interesting read. Unfortunately, it didn’t live up to my expectations.
I’m somewhat new to listening to audiobooks, so maybe the review could’ve been better had I read it instead. The narrators voices were somewhat annoying. In my little experience, that can make or break book for me.
The Davies live on a beach house in Florida. When a Category 5 hurricane is heading their way, they are preparing for the worst, but wish to stay in their home. When strangers approach by boat they immediately dock in front of the Davies home. The two men and one young woman are nice enough at first, but once the family invites them into their house to ride out the storm, things start to get a little tense. Who invites strangers into their home for a hurricane? Not me!
ԲǴ�
I feel like this could’ve been so much better. A few twists, but they weren’t really that great except maybe one that I didn’t see coming.
I really like Hunt’s novels, so I’ll continue to grab them when I see them!
Thank you to NetGalley, Thomas & Mercer and Margot Hunt for my advanced copy to read and review.
After just finishing Lovely Girls, I was looking forward to starting my next Margot Hunt novel. Living in an area where we are threatened by hurricanes, the premise sounded like it could be an interesting read. Unfortunately, it didn’t live up to my expectations.
I’m somewhat new to listening to audiobooks, so maybe the review could’ve been better had I read it instead. The narrators voices were somewhat annoying. In my little experience, that can make or break book for me.
The Davies live on a beach house in Florida. When a Category 5 hurricane is heading their way, they are preparing for the worst, but wish to stay in their home. When strangers approach by boat they immediately dock in front of the Davies home. The two men and one young woman are nice enough at first, but once the family invites them into their house to ride out the storm, things start to get a little tense. Who invites strangers into their home for a hurricane? Not me!
ԲǴ�
I feel like this could’ve been so much better. A few twists, but they weren’t really that great except maybe one that I didn’t see coming.
I really like Hunt’s novels, so I’ll continue to grab them when I see them!
Thank you to NetGalley, Thomas & Mercer and Margot Hunt for my advanced copy to read and review.
January 2, 2024
It's been a long time since I read a book in one day, but I did it with THE GUESTS!
This is a great, quick read that flies by: a Category 5 storm, Hurricane Celeste, pounds down on the Davies family-Lee, Marlowe, and their teenage twins. It feels like the hurricane is truly happening and the tension building as the storm hits. Just before Celeste arrives, a boat docks at the family's home, and three strangers (brothers Bo and Jason and Bo's girlfriend Darcy) arrive. Since Celeste changed track, they need a place to stay.
What ensues is a totally wild read. Some of the characters reveal a few surprise connections, and the book feels like a locked room thriller, with the family, the new arrivals, and a few others (a friend, an assistant, a handyman) all stuck in the house. I felt like I could hear the wind howling and rain pounding down. Things get a little preposterous by the end, with a few predictable turns and some not at all, but the result is still a fun, exciting, and often violent (!) thriller. 3.5 stars, rounded up to 4 stars here.
I received a copy of this book from Thomas & Mercer and Netgalley in return for an unbiased review. Look for THE GUESTS on 01/09/2024!
This is a great, quick read that flies by: a Category 5 storm, Hurricane Celeste, pounds down on the Davies family-Lee, Marlowe, and their teenage twins. It feels like the hurricane is truly happening and the tension building as the storm hits. Just before Celeste arrives, a boat docks at the family's home, and three strangers (brothers Bo and Jason and Bo's girlfriend Darcy) arrive. Since Celeste changed track, they need a place to stay.
What ensues is a totally wild read. Some of the characters reveal a few surprise connections, and the book feels like a locked room thriller, with the family, the new arrivals, and a few others (a friend, an assistant, a handyman) all stuck in the house. I felt like I could hear the wind howling and rain pounding down. Things get a little preposterous by the end, with a few predictable turns and some not at all, but the result is still a fun, exciting, and often violent (!) thriller. 3.5 stars, rounded up to 4 stars here.
I received a copy of this book from Thomas & Mercer and Netgalley in return for an unbiased review. Look for THE GUESTS on 01/09/2024!
November 4, 2023
I have loved some of her previous books, Best Friends Forever and For Better and Worse but this one I found myself skimming through ALOT of this book to get to the end. I’ve lived through 8 hurricanes being in FL and NC so to me, I just kept shaking my head throughout. I was disappointed in this book. I’ll give it 3 stars for effort. Thanks to NetGalley and the publisher for this early release but it wasn’t for me. To be published January 2024.
December 26, 2024
It has been way too long since I picked up something by and was exactly what I needed right now. It was a quick pacy read full of secrets and the tension was to the max thanks to everything happening during a Category 5 hurricane. The storyline had a very atmospheric quality, and I loved the way Hunt was able to describe the storm in a way that made me feel like I was there too. While certain characters did have good qualities, the majority of these people are not likeable and once the secrets start coming out you find out how despicable some of them really are.
I would say this book is best enjoyed on audio as there is a full cast and someone for each viewpoint. Amy McFadden, Sarah Naughton, Michael Crouch, Soneela Nankani, & A.J. Beckles all did a great job, though I did think whoever voiced Felix didn’t fit him as well as what I expected. His voice was pretty high pitched which is not what I think of when I think about tall and lean basketball players. You definitely have to suspend disbelief for The Guests, but it was just the kind of wild and crazy thriller I love, and I didn’t find it to be too predictable. Read this if you live for unlikable characters, enjoy the rich people behaving badly trope, and love when the weather becomes a character in itself.
I would say this book is best enjoyed on audio as there is a full cast and someone for each viewpoint. Amy McFadden, Sarah Naughton, Michael Crouch, Soneela Nankani, & A.J. Beckles all did a great job, though I did think whoever voiced Felix didn’t fit him as well as what I expected. His voice was pretty high pitched which is not what I think of when I think about tall and lean basketball players. You definitely have to suspend disbelief for The Guests, but it was just the kind of wild and crazy thriller I love, and I didn’t find it to be too predictable. Read this if you live for unlikable characters, enjoy the rich people behaving badly trope, and love when the weather becomes a character in itself.
September 10, 2023
I was so enveloped in the setting of this book that my mind was tricked into thinking that I couldn't walk my dogs outside for a break because there was a storm. The author does a great job with the details of the setting and the storm that I really felt I was a part of it. I read this book in one sitting it was so good! The multiple point of views kept the pace moving quickly. Normally I get confused with multiple characters and POVs, but the characters were so well developed that I was able to keep them all straight and didn't have any issues. I did not see the twists coming on this one! Such a good locked room thriller!
Thanks to Netgalley and Thomas & Mercer, Thomas & Mercer for a digital ARC in exchange for my honest review.
Thanks to Netgalley and Thomas & Mercer, Thomas & Mercer for a digital ARC in exchange for my honest review.
May 27, 2024
Ever read a book and think…wow! This makes my life look uncomplicated, easy, and relatively normal? That was this book. Just bananas all the things this family goes through in less than 24 hours. So wild. Fun audio read!
January 12, 2024
6/10, not bad, but I will probably forget quickly all about it. To be honest I was expecting something entirely different - a typical locked room mystery, not a with many very, very unlikeable characters. I'm personally not very fond of this genre, but if you are in a mood for a fast-paced book packed with some action to read during a lazy weekend it's probably a good choice.
October 27, 2023
I love a good ‘locked room� storyline. I was really interested in the premise of this book and overall found it entertaining, but I don’t think it will be everybody’s cup of tea.
I really liked the twists and the weather/hurricane descriptions. I felt uneasy and on edge the whole time.
I knew I was rooting against the bad guys, but didn’t find myself really loving any of the characters. I also thought some parts were a little hard to believe, like that a family would allow strangers in their house during a hurricane and that they wouldn’t have evacuated with their proximity to the water.
Overall it was a quick read and it kept me wanting to find out what would happen next.
Thank you to NetGalley and the Thomas & Mercer for the advanced copy in exchange for my honest review.
I really liked the twists and the weather/hurricane descriptions. I felt uneasy and on edge the whole time.
I knew I was rooting against the bad guys, but didn’t find myself really loving any of the characters. I also thought some parts were a little hard to believe, like that a family would allow strangers in their house during a hurricane and that they wouldn’t have evacuated with their proximity to the water.
Overall it was a quick read and it kept me wanting to find out what would happen next.
Thank you to NetGalley and the Thomas & Mercer for the advanced copy in exchange for my honest review.
December 31, 2023
A category 5 hurricane is heading towards Marlowe and Lee’s Florida home. They waited to long to evacuate and are planning to stick out the storm at home with their two teens and Marlowe’s assistant. Just as the storm rolls in, 3 strangers pull up in a boat at the family’s dock. They allow them to stay and wait out the hurricane with them. Little do they know, these strangers have a hidden agenda and a dangerous plan for them.
I enjoyed the story, I knew from the start that these strangers were going to be dangerous and that intrigued me to see how everything would play out. Little did I know, this was a planned visit and the strangers seemed to know quite a bit about the family. Divulging secrets even Marlowe didn’t know about those she loves most. When the storm started, no one imagined 3 people would wind up dead. But who died?! Read to find out!
I enjoyed the story, I knew from the start that these strangers were going to be dangerous and that intrigued me to see how everything would play out. Little did I know, this was a planned visit and the strangers seemed to know quite a bit about the family. Divulging secrets even Marlowe didn’t know about those she loves most. When the storm started, no one imagined 3 people would wind up dead. But who died?! Read to find out!
February 22, 2024
4.5!!!
This was so good I couldn't put it down! Well rounded original story line with many layers and fascinating characters! I've been excited to read it for a long time now and it didn't disappoint!
This was so good I couldn't put it down! Well rounded original story line with many layers and fascinating characters! I've been excited to read it for a long time now and it didn't disappoint!
February 12, 2024
A plot-driven thriller with little character development. You won’t get too invested in any particular character, but the tension is high.
Picture preparing your beautiful, waterfront mansion for an upcoming storm. Your family has already decided to stay in and weather the storm in the comfort of home. You’ve been through these before. Your kids are both inside, as is your husband. Your extensive art collection inherited from your parents has been secured with the help of your assistant, Isabel. She will also be staying at your house for the storm. Your favorite art piece—a Cezanne sketch—is locked away in the safe.
But as you are locking the safe, you notice something else. A cell phone is inside. It must belong to your husband, but why would he have it? You can’t dwell on it long. The police have stopped by to strongly encourage you to evacuate. You can go to one of the designated shelters. You turn down the offer.
After they leave, a boat approaches your dock from rocky waters. Three strangers get out—two men and a woman. You hope to send them away towards one of the shelters in town, but you don’t get a chance. The storm rolls in, an accident happens, you don’t have a choice but to invite them inside to dry off. Your handyman, Mick, warns you—something seems off with the three strangers. You agree, but reluctantly allow them to stay.
Things quickly go from bad to worse, though. The strangers have an ulterior motive for being there. As the storm gets worse outside, tensions inside the house begin to boil over. Soon it becomes clear no one will escape this storm unscathed�
Go into this knowing you'll have to suspense some disbelief. It's a fast read with a tense premise. The characters are largely one-dimensional, but the ending delivers a great twist.
Picture preparing your beautiful, waterfront mansion for an upcoming storm. Your family has already decided to stay in and weather the storm in the comfort of home. You’ve been through these before. Your kids are both inside, as is your husband. Your extensive art collection inherited from your parents has been secured with the help of your assistant, Isabel. She will also be staying at your house for the storm. Your favorite art piece—a Cezanne sketch—is locked away in the safe.
But as you are locking the safe, you notice something else. A cell phone is inside. It must belong to your husband, but why would he have it? You can’t dwell on it long. The police have stopped by to strongly encourage you to evacuate. You can go to one of the designated shelters. You turn down the offer.
After they leave, a boat approaches your dock from rocky waters. Three strangers get out—two men and a woman. You hope to send them away towards one of the shelters in town, but you don’t get a chance. The storm rolls in, an accident happens, you don’t have a choice but to invite them inside to dry off. Your handyman, Mick, warns you—something seems off with the three strangers. You agree, but reluctantly allow them to stay.
Things quickly go from bad to worse, though. The strangers have an ulterior motive for being there. As the storm gets worse outside, tensions inside the house begin to boil over. Soon it becomes clear no one will escape this storm unscathed�
Go into this knowing you'll have to suspense some disbelief. It's a fast read with a tense premise. The characters are largely one-dimensional, but the ending delivers a great twist.
January 14, 2024
This was a fast paced, heart pounding page turner that I HIGHLY RECOMMEND!! I couldn’t turn the pages fast enough. It read like a movie and I couldn’t get enough. Think: Strangers vs Hostage. So damn good!!!!
January 30, 2024
Audio - 4 Stars
Story - 4.5 Stars
Story - 4.5 Stars
January 18, 2024
This didn’t work for me. It was incredibly predictable and I was skimming it by the end. This isn’t a locked room mystery like I thought it would be, it’s more of a hostage situation and there’s only so much bullying and threats I can read before I’m done.
A category 5 hurricane is landing and the Davies family is locking down. However when three uninvited guests show up and make themselves comfortable in their house they realize they may have let the wrong people in.
There were just so many terrible decisions being made that I started to lose track. The ending was predictable, albeit with a lot more deaths than I expected. Boring and uninspired.
A category 5 hurricane is landing and the Davies family is locking down. However when three uninvited guests show up and make themselves comfortable in their house they realize they may have let the wrong people in.
There were just so many terrible decisions being made that I started to lose track. The ending was predictable, albeit with a lot more deaths than I expected. Boring and uninspired.
June 18, 2024
The Guests by Margot Hunt
+293-page Kindle Ebook
Genre: Domestic Thriller, Mystery
Featuring: Praise, Author's Bibliography, Hurricane Party, Southeastern Florida 2 hours south of Orlando, Teens, Multiple POVs, Affluent People, Art, Lawyer, Boats, Drama, Violence
Rating as a movie: R for adult content
Songs for the soundtrack: "Don't You (Forget About Me)" by Simple Minds
Books and Authors mentioned: The Wonderful Wizard of Oz aka The Wizard of Oz by L Frank Baum (Lyman Frank Baum) - Oz #1, The Breakfast Club by John Hughes
My rating: ⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️½🌀🥳🖼
My thoughts: This story was pretty good, I nearly read it straight through, minus a phone call and Facebook notifications. I'm adding the final title of Hunt's catalog (Lovely Girls) to my summer list. This is my seventh book, the fourth novel, and long or short she knows how to spin a good story. I'm a bit sad there's only one left, but hopefully, there be a new story or two by next year.
Recommend to others: Yes. This author has become one of my automatic reads. I'm not sure if cozy thrillers are a thing but she makes me feel like they could be. Like the spicy chicken noodle soup Campbell's sells.
+293-page Kindle Ebook
Genre: Domestic Thriller, Mystery
Featuring: Praise, Author's Bibliography, Hurricane Party, Southeastern Florida 2 hours south of Orlando, Teens, Multiple POVs, Affluent People, Art, Lawyer, Boats, Drama, Violence
Rating as a movie: R for adult content
Songs for the soundtrack: "Don't You (Forget About Me)" by Simple Minds
Books and Authors mentioned: The Wonderful Wizard of Oz aka The Wizard of Oz by L Frank Baum (Lyman Frank Baum) - Oz #1, The Breakfast Club by John Hughes
My rating: ⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️½🌀🥳🖼
My thoughts: This story was pretty good, I nearly read it straight through, minus a phone call and Facebook notifications. I'm adding the final title of Hunt's catalog (Lovely Girls) to my summer list. This is my seventh book, the fourth novel, and long or short she knows how to spin a good story. I'm a bit sad there's only one left, but hopefully, there be a new story or two by next year.
Recommend to others: Yes. This author has become one of my automatic reads. I'm not sure if cozy thrillers are a thing but she makes me feel like they could be. Like the spicy chicken noodle soup Campbell's sells.
December 30, 2024
While this was easy to read, and I liked that the action took place during a category five hurricane, overall this was a miss. There were too many characters and all of them were dumb as a box of rocks. The story was too convoluted, with all of these stupid characters running around ineffectively and occasionally getting killed.
I also felt like there was a weird message about wealth woven in. Marlowe, the closest thing we have to a heroine, has a big pile of inherited wealth. She doesn’t do anything particularly interesting with her riches, except live in her huge beachfront house. She is such a bland character, I couldn’t have any sympathy for her, despite the fact that multiple other characters are trying to take advantage of her wealth.
Several of these characters did grow up in terrible impoverished conditions. All they do is whine about how unfair it is that Marlowe is rich and they are poor and the reason for the crime is because they don’t want to work for anything. Like if only they had bootstrapped harder, problem solved. It just felt off to me. They could have just been greedy criminals without all the comments about how they just didn’t want to work for stuff.
So…two stars. It kept me mildly entertained for a couple of hours.
I also felt like there was a weird message about wealth woven in. Marlowe, the closest thing we have to a heroine, has a big pile of inherited wealth. She doesn’t do anything particularly interesting with her riches, except live in her huge beachfront house. She is such a bland character, I couldn’t have any sympathy for her, despite the fact that multiple other characters are trying to take advantage of her wealth.
Several of these characters did grow up in terrible impoverished conditions. All they do is whine about how unfair it is that Marlowe is rich and they are poor and the reason for the crime is because they don’t want to work for anything. Like if only they had bootstrapped harder, problem solved. It just felt off to me. They could have just been greedy criminals without all the comments about how they just didn’t want to work for stuff.
So…two stars. It kept me mildly entertained for a couple of hours.
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
December 26, 2023
This is fast-paced and packed with tension! Thank you to the publisher via Netgalley for the early copy to read and review!
I liked this story. Was it perfect? No. Were the characters shallow? Yes. Did I care about what happened to them? Eh, not particularly ,if I'm being totally honest. But the story was fast-paced and packed with high-tension, mid-thrill moments. There are a LOT of twists and this gets CRAY CRAY so buckle in, friends. Like, the reasoning/ full story is WILD. All that said, I did keep turning pages in a rush because: 1. it is an easy read 2. short chapters helped and 3. I wanted to know what happened for one character in particular :)
I liked that the author left some breadcrumbs about some characters. There were twists that were out of left field but it was a good mix of "I guessed that" and surprising.
Overall, would recommend if you like high tension as this is all set in one SUPER stressful day and night spent locked in a house in a hurricane.
I liked this story. Was it perfect? No. Were the characters shallow? Yes. Did I care about what happened to them? Eh, not particularly ,if I'm being totally honest. But the story was fast-paced and packed with high-tension, mid-thrill moments. There are a LOT of twists and this gets CRAY CRAY so buckle in, friends. Like, the reasoning/ full story is WILD. All that said, I did keep turning pages in a rush because: 1. it is an easy read 2. short chapters helped and 3. I wanted to know what happened for one character in particular :)
I liked that the author left some breadcrumbs about some characters. There were twists that were out of left field but it was a good mix of "I guessed that" and surprising.
Overall, would recommend if you like high tension as this is all set in one SUPER stressful day and night spent locked in a house in a hurricane.
January 10, 2024
I like to read "locked room" stories and this one kept my attention even tho the ending wasn't that satisfying. I will look into Margot Hunt previous and future books because I believe that she had and will write great books.
December 2, 2023
Fun and engaging! In this story, a monster category 5 hurricane is bearing down on Shoreham, Fl and the Davies family is well prepared to wait it out in their beautiful and fortified beach home. However, they can’t predict the series of events that will bring three strangers into their home, at the last minute, or the violence that will ensue before Hurricane Celeste exhausts herself. I love Margot Hunt’s books, she always entertains me! This one was a little predictable and the ending seemed slightly disorganized but it was another fun one to read and I look forward to what she writes next! Thank you Netgalley, Thomas & Mercer, and the author for this eARC in exchange for my honest review. This book will be available for purchase on January 9, 2024
February 2, 2024
RTC Soon
I received an advanced digital copy of this book, courtesy of the author and publisher, via Netgalley, for review consideration.
RTC
I received an advanced digital copy of this book, courtesy of the author and publisher, via Netgalley, for review consideration.
RTC
Displaying 1 - 30 of 461 reviews
Can't find what you're looking for?
Get help and learn more about the design.