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An Unwanted Guest Paperback – 26 July 2018
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The new page-turner from the author of the phenomenal bestseller, THE COUPLE NEXT DOOR, and A STRANGER IN THE HOUSE.
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We can’t choose the strangers we meet.
As the guests arrive at beautiful, remote Mitchell’s Inn, they’re all looking forward to a relaxing weekend deep in the forest, miles from anywhere. They watch their fellow guests with interest, from a polite distance.
Usually we can avoid the people who make us nervous, make us afraid.
With a violent storm raging, the group finds itself completely cut off from the outside world. Nobody can get in – or out. And then the first body is found . . . and the horrifying truth comes to light. There’s a killer among them – and nowhere to run.
Until we find ourselves in a situation we can’t escape. Trapped.
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Readers love Shari Lapena:
‘Best book I’ve read in ages’
‘5* fast paced, twisting thriller’
‘The pace never let up’
‘On the edge of my seat to the end’
‘I haven’t picked up a book in 9 years and I’m so glad that I picked this up! I loved it.’
‘Incredibly readable and unputdownable’
‘Very clever, well written, intriguing and suspenseful’
‘Had me hooked from start to finish’
- Print length304 pages
- LanguageEnglish
- PublisherBantam Press
- Publication date26 July 2018
- Dimensions15.3 x 2.2 x 23.4 cm
- ISBN-100593079655
- ISBN-13978-0593079652
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Review
Tense. Unpredictable. Unputdownable. Shari Lapena's novels are domestic noir at its finest. ― Simon Kernick
The psychological thrillers of Lapena are masterclasses in tightly plotted, economical narrative…This third novel has a premise straight out of a Agatha Christie classic ― Metro
[An Unwanted Guest] once again shows her gift for smart characterisation combined with a subtle appreciation for the darkness of the human heart . . . A perfectly choreographed danse macabre. ― Mail on Sunday
An intriguing cast, an isolated location, a raging storm and the threat of death in every dark corner: An Unwanted Guest reads like Agatha Christie with a shot of adrenalin. Clear your desk before you start it because you won't want to put it down. ― Gilly Macmillan, author of BURNT PAPER SKY
About the Author
Shari Lapena is the internationally bestselling author of the thrillers The Couple Next Door, A Stranger in the House, An Unwanted Guest, Someone We Know, The End of Her, and Not a Happy Family, which have all been New York Times and The Sunday Times (London) bestsellers. Her books have been sold in thirty-seven territories around the world. She lives in Toronto.
Facebook: ShariLapena
Twitter: @sharilapena
Product details
- Publisher : Bantam Press (26 July 2018)
- Language : English
- Paperback : 304 pages
- ISBN-10 : 0593079655
- ISBN-13 : 978-0593079652
- Item Weight : 408 g
- Dimensions : 15.3 x 2.2 x 23.4 cm
- Generic Name : Book
- Best Sellers Rank: #114,766 in Books (See Top 100 in Books)
- #1,498 in Science Fiction Crime & Mystery
- #2,118 in Mysteries (Books)
- #2,334 in Thrillers and Suspense
- Customer Reviews:
About the author

Shari Lapena is the internationally bestselling author of the thrillers The Couple Next Door, A Stranger in the House, An Unwanted Guest, Someone We Know, The End of Her, Not a Happy Family and Everyone Here is Lying which have all been Sunday Times and New York Times bestsellers. Her books have been sold in forty territories around the world. She lives in Toronto.
Customer reviews
Customers say
Customers find the book suspenseful and engrossing. They describe it as an interesting murder mystery with good writing and a page-turner plot.
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Customers enjoy the suspenseful and gripping story. They find it similar to Agatha Christie's novels and consider it one of the best mysteries they've read in recent years. The content is superb and the setting is pretty. However, some readers feel the book had potential but was dragged out.
"...It's a page turner like no other; one of the best mysteries I've read in recent years. Buy it for sure, you will not regret it...." Read more
"...Thrilling, but in my opinion, The Couple Next Door is even better." Read more
"...It was an entertaining read but definitely not the best!" Read more
"...past 95% of the book. It's a gripping tale and the setting is pretty eerie" Read more
Customers find the book readable. They say the writing is good and it's a page-turner like no other. Some readers mention the author writes like a film.
"...It's a page turner like no other; one of the best mysteries I've read in recent years. Buy it for sure, you will not regret it...." Read more
"...A good read, would certainly recommend it even though it drags a bit in the middle...." Read more
"...The writing was good up to a certain extent and I could totally picture Mitchell’s inn covered in snow, the characters evolving around it...." Read more
"...keeps you hooked till the end, it is scary at some points and is a page turner." Read more
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Top reviews from India
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- Reviewed in India on 22 September 2021Verified PurchaseIf you're a die hard Agatha Christie fan like me, you'll LOVE this one. It's a page turner like no other; one of the best mysteries I've read in recent years. Buy it for sure, you will not regret it. This is my first book by this author and after this one, I'm going to read all her books!
- Reviewed in India on 3 May 2022Verified PurchaseThis is a whodunit in which the suspense is very skilfully maintained till the end. A good read, would certainly recommend it even though it drags a bit in the middle. Thrilling, but in my opinion, The Couple Next Door is even better.
- Reviewed in India on 6 May 2020Verified PurchaseThis book totally reminded me of Agatha Christie’s Murder on the Orient express given the author set the story in a similar background. The writing was good up to a certain extent and I could totally picture Mitchell’s inn covered in snow, the characters evolving around it. However I couldn’t connect much with any of the characters in the book and even though I did not see the big reveal coming, I did not care for it much. It was an entertaining read but definitely not the best!
- Reviewed in India on 17 April 2022Verified PurchaseThe author manages to hold the suspence
past 95% of the book. It's a gripping tale and the setting is pretty eerie
- Reviewed in India on 20 February 2019Verified Purchasegripping story and keeps you hooked till the end, it is scary at some points and is a page turner.
- Reviewed in India on 22 September 2020Verified PurchaseAm unwanted guest :- Very interesting and engrossing, almost didn't see it coming. Looking forward to read more from author.
- Reviewed in India on 26 July 2019Verified PurchaseOne of the best I have ever read. Will not let you leave
- Reviewed in India on 6 March 2019Verified PurchaseThis is a good book for murder mystery. Author wrote this like a film. Definitely you will not repent.
Top reviews from other countries
- MonicaReviewed in the United States on 25 March 2024
5.0 out of 5 stars A Weekend Getaway Gone Wrong
Verified PurchaseShari Lapena's "The Unwanted Guest" is a masterclass in suspense. I devoured this book in one sitting – utterly unable to tear myself away from the chilling events unfolding at the Mitchell's Inn. Lapena masterfully crafts a locked-room mystery that's both atmospheric and addictive.
The story centers around a group of guests stranded at a secluded mountain lodge during a ferocious snowstorm. As tensions rise and secrets begin to surface, a murder shatters the illusion of a relaxing getaway. Lapena excels at building a sense of claustrophobia and unease, making you question everyone's motives and intentions.
The characters, while not overly complex, are masterfully drawn. Each guest has their own baggage and hidden agendas, creating a captivating whodunit puzzle. The narrative cleverly shifts perspectives, keeping you guessing until the very last page.
"The Unwanted Guest" is a fast-paced, tightly plotted novel that will keep you on the edge of your seat. With its chilling setting, layered characters, and unpredictable twists, this is a must-read for any fan of suspenseful thrillers. Lapena proves once again that a simple premise, executed with brilliance, can result in an unforgettable reading experience. Do yourself a favor – grab a cozy blanket, a steaming cup of tea, and prepare to be hooked!
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AnnaReviewed in Spain on 12 February 2025
5.0 out of 5 stars Interesante e inesperada
Verified PurchaseMuy interesante. Inesperada
- NehaReviewed in the United Arab Emirates on 2 July 2024
5.0 out of 5 stars Love this author!!!
Verified PurchaseLove everything by Shari Lapena.
Simple language, you actually feel like you are there. The characters are built up nicely and even if you think you know, you won't.
It's like fine dining. You wish there was more of something...but if it was there, it would have spoiled the dish.
Simple language, twists, it is page turning. Recommend all books.