Review: The Perfect Guests by Emma Rous

About the Book

Synopsis from the Publisher:

The USA Today bestselling author of The Au Pair returns with another delicious, twisty novel—about a grand estate with many secrets, an orphan caught in a web of lies, and a young woman playing a sinister game.

1988. Beth Soames is fourteen years old when her aunt takes her to stay at Raven Hall, a rambling manor in the isolated East Anglian fens. The Averells, the family who lives there, are warm and welcoming, and Beth becomes fast friends with their daughter, Nina. At times, Beth even feels like she's truly part of the family...until they ask her to help them with a harmless game—and nothing is ever the same.

2019. Sadie Langton is an actress struggling to make ends meet when she lands a well-paying gig to pretend to be a guest at a weekend party. She is sent a suitcase of clothing, a dossier outlining the role she is to play, and instructions. It's strange, but she needs the money, and when she sees the stunning manor she'll be staying at, she figures she’s got nothing to lose. 

In person, Raven Hall is even grander than she'd imagined—even with damage from a fire decades before—but the walls seem to have eyes. As day turns to night, Sadie starts to feel that there’s something off about the glamorous guests who arrive, and as the party begins, it becomes chillingly apparent their unseen host is playing games with everyone...including her.

My Review

It’s 1988 and teenager Beth Soames’ life has been totally turned upside down after a tragic accident takes the lives of her parents and brother.  Her aunt doesn’t seem to have time for her so she’s sent to live with a family at Raven Hall.  The family feels Beth would be a wonderful companion for their daughter, Nina.  Beth is more than happy with the arrangements.  Then, things take a strange turn and the family isn't as innocent as they originally appeared.  Beth becomes more scared with each passing day. 

In 2019, actress Sadie Langton is hired to take part in a murder mystery weekend at Raven Hall. She’s given everything she will need to play her role.  It doesn’t take long before Sadie realizes there is more to Raven Hall than meets the eye. 

This story has  gothic overtones, complete with an old mansion involved.  I always enjoy books like this and The Perfect Guests is no exception.  There were so many twists and turns, they made my head spin.  Just when you thought the story was over, there’s more to come.  It literally wasn’t over until the final page.   

Some parts I figured out, but most of the storyline was a total surprise to me.  I enjoyed every minute of uncovering the history of Raven Hill and discover how 1988 and 2019 were connected.  It’s one of those stories that keeps you reading until late at night.   

I enjoyed this author’s previous book, The Au Pair, but this one is even better.  I’m looking forward to reading more books by this author.

 

For reading challenges:
Alphabet Soup Reading Challenge 2021
NetGalley and Edelweiss Reading Challenge 2021

FTC Disclosure: I voluntarily reviewed a free Advance Reader Copy of this book from NetGalley and the publisher. I was not required to write a positive review.  All opinions expressed are my own.

About the Author

Emma Rous is the USA Today bestselling author of The Au Pair. She grew up in England, Indonesia, Kuwait, Portugal and Fiji, and from a young age she had two ambitions: to write stories, and to look after animals. She studied veterinary medicine and zoology at the University of Cambridge, and worked as a small animal veterinarian for eighteen years before starting to write fiction. Emma lives near Cambridge in England with her husband and three sons, and she now writes full time.