A Gripping Locked-Room Mystery
Shari Lapena's An Unwanted Guest is a masterfully crafted thriller that traps readers in an isolated hotel with a killer on the loose. With a 3.76/5 rating from over 146,000 reviewers, this 352-page suspense novel delivers an atmospheric, Agatha Christie-style mystery perfect for fans of claustrophobic whodunits.
What Makes This Book Stand Out?
Lapena excels at creating an eerie, snowbound setting where tensions escalate naturally among strangers forced together by a storm. The Mitchell's Inn becomes a character itself—its flickering lights and creaking halls amplifying the growing paranoia as guests start dying. Readers consistently praise how the author:
- Builds relentless suspense through subtle clues rather than graphic violence
- Crafts believable character dynamics that keep you guessing
- Maintains a classic mystery feel with modern pacing
Why Readers Can't Put It Down
The novel's strength lies in its psychological tension. Each guest arrives with secrets, and Lapena slowly unravels their facades as the body count rises. Reviewers highlight how the rotating third-person perspective allows readers to suspect everyone while avoiding confusion—a tricky balance the author handles skillfully.
While some note the characters aren't deeply developed, this actually serves the story's purpose: in true locked-room mystery fashion, they function as plausible suspects first, fleshed-out individuals second. The brisk pacing (many report finishing in one sitting) compensates with relentless forward momentum.
Perfect For:
- Fans of atmospheric, weather-isolated thrillers
- Readers who enjoy classic mystery tropes with contemporary execution
- Anyone seeking a bingeable weekend read with clever twists
A Few Considerations
Some reviewers wished for more shocking reveals or deeper character backstories, but most agree the novel succeeds as intended—a tightly plotted page-turner that prioritizes suspense over sentimentality. The ending proves divisive, though many appreciate its abruptness as thematically fitting.
Final Verdict: 4/5 Snowflakes ❄️
An Unwanted Guest delivers exactly what thriller lovers want: escalating dread, clever misdirection, and that delicious "anyone could be next" tension. While not reinventing the genre, Lapena demonstrates why she remains a must-read author for mystery enthusiasts. Best enjoyed with a warm blanket and locked doors.
Page Count: 352 | Genre: Psychological Thriller/Mystery | Themes: Isolation, Deception, Survival
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