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The Guests
A chilling novel by the author of The Serial Killer’s Son: They weren’t invited. But they refuse to leave . . .
Tamsin is being haunted by what she calls the Shadows. But she won’t make the mistake of confiding in her family again, even when her relationship with her teenage daughter suffers as a result.
As each day passes, the presence of the Shadows becomes harder to bear. They have infected her life and Tamsin needs help.
After seeking out a psychiatrist, she begins to realize that trauma from her past is seeping into the present, and her mind is playing tricks on her. But just what do these visitors want from Tamsin? Will she be able to face the disturbing truth and banish the unwanted guests—or is she destined to be haunted forever?
Tamsin is being haunted by what she calls the Shadows. But she won’t make the mistake of confiding in her family again, even when her relationship with her teenage daughter suffers as a result.
As each day passes, the presence of the Shadows becomes harder to bear. They have infected her life and Tamsin needs help.
After seeking out a psychiatrist, she begins to realize that trauma from her past is seeping into the present, and her mind is playing tricks on her. But just what do these visitors want from Tamsin? Will she be able to face the disturbing truth and banish the unwanted guests—or is she destined to be haunted forever?
252 pages, Kindle Edition
First published July 29, 2024
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 64 reviews
August 12, 2024
This is the 2nd book by the author that brought us the wonderful ‘Serial Killers Son’ and so was excited to read and see what the author had created this time…
We meet a very dysfunctional family where secrets and lies haunt each of them but the main focus is with our lead character Tasmin,a very detailed and poignant and moving account of her daily anxieties and how she tries to hide them from her daughter and how she just,just scrapes through every day…….we find out why she struggles so as the book continues and also why these unwelcome guests are at her house
It’s dark and chilling at times but really really brought home to the reader the despair Tasmin was going through,the utter hand wringing loneliness and inability to get over things,again we find out more and more as the book continues as to why she suffers
Loved Arabella,Tasmins Mum,green nail polish and quirkiness and all!
A good little side story of friendship and acceptance is included and gave a happier note to show that humans can be,well human,as well as their darker side
Great writing again,enjoyably unsettling and a really great 2nd book that I read in one sitting
August 12, 2024
Firstly I need to say how different (in a very positive way) from any other psychological thriller I’ve read so far this is! I read the author’s debut novel and loved it, so I knew this was going to be good. Charlotte Stevenson really knows how to write a compelling thriller full of life and raw emotions.
I loved the plot which revolves around a family of women (and what women!), strong and broken at the same time, with a thirst for life like no other. But something is disturbing Tamsin, the main character, who has been seeing things, badly affecting her mental health and the life of everyone around her!
Who are these apparitions, these guests? That’s what the book is about, trying to unravel these hauntings which in turn might not turn out to be as bad as their meaning!
I loved the stress on mental health and the simultaneous grief and will to be better permeating throughout the book. The characters are vivid and full of depth, blemished by their past but looking forward with an envious optimism.
With expressive writing the author unpicks the past and present of Tamsin’s family with unexpected developments, sure to leave you questioning even after you read the last word.
Thanks to the author and Bloodhound Books for a copy and this is my honest opinion.
I loved the plot which revolves around a family of women (and what women!), strong and broken at the same time, with a thirst for life like no other. But something is disturbing Tamsin, the main character, who has been seeing things, badly affecting her mental health and the life of everyone around her!
Who are these apparitions, these guests? That’s what the book is about, trying to unravel these hauntings which in turn might not turn out to be as bad as their meaning!
I loved the stress on mental health and the simultaneous grief and will to be better permeating throughout the book. The characters are vivid and full of depth, blemished by their past but looking forward with an envious optimism.
With expressive writing the author unpicks the past and present of Tamsin’s family with unexpected developments, sure to leave you questioning even after you read the last word.
Thanks to the author and Bloodhound Books for a copy and this is my honest opinion.
August 2, 2024
This was my first read by this author and I was very impressed at the depth of writing. There is a heavy trigger warning for mental illness so please be aware. I loved how skillfully the story unfolded. When I started reading I assumed one thing only to find out it was something completely different. I also loved how well therapy was portrayed in the story. I really enjoyed reading the therapy sessions and how the therapist helped her uncover what her mind had been hiding. The book kept surprising me until the very last page! If you love a book that will keep you guessing add this book to your TBR!
August 28, 2024
Oh my gosh. This wasn’t at all what I was expecting, but that wasn’t a bad thing! This is a dark read, with a lot of twists. I loved the mental health rep in this, and that the main character started putting in the work at therapy rather than just taking pills and started working through what was haunting her. It is a bit of a tough read, I had to set it down at times and take a couple of deep breaths. But despite it all, the ending made me laugh. Overall unexpected but well done.
Tamsin hasn’t slept in who knows how long. She drinks until she passes out and then comes back into consciousness. She’s taking pills and drinking multiple bottles of wine to deal with her issues, but it isn’t working. She is being haunted by uninvited guests. No one can see them but her, but they never try to hurt her. She tried to tell her husband about them and he left her. So she is hiding them. Until she can’t anymore.
Thank you to Love Book Tours for the copy, all thoughts are my own.
Tamsin hasn’t slept in who knows how long. She drinks until she passes out and then comes back into consciousness. She’s taking pills and drinking multiple bottles of wine to deal with her issues, but it isn’t working. She is being haunted by uninvited guests. No one can see them but her, but they never try to hurt her. She tried to tell her husband about them and he left her. So she is hiding them. Until she can’t anymore.
Thank you to Love Book Tours for the copy, all thoughts are my own.
September 1, 2024
I just read this book in hours! I was IMMEDIATELY hooked from the first page. The whole story was fascinating to me and I just couldn’t believe everything Tamsin had thrown her way. As a therapist myself, I was so proud of how she handled everything she was going through and how she worked through all the dark secrets that kept being revealed. Those same secrets really kept me invested in this story. I just had to see what would come out next! Do yourself a favor and get this book!
August 25, 2024
Twiiiiisted, Wow! This read took me allll over with a family that was dark and fully of sooooo many secrets, and it kept me on my toes the whole time. My sympathy for Tamsin is profound as she faced the secrets and trauma of her past. Total thriller, suspense, ghost vibes, along with the feeling of the struggle of facing profound mental health issues.
August 25, 2024
What an unexpected read! I was preparing myself for a completely different kind of book before I started reading it. And then slowly, as I read about Tamsin, her daughter, her mother and her sister (definitely a story about women), another story started to be uncovered.
And I thoroughly enjoyed it. It wasn't a light story, and I remember having to take a short break at some point, but I couldn't let it go.
Tamsin is definitely a flawed character, taking refuge in her drinking... But then, as she starts doing the work and we learn more and more about her, and the traumatising events she experienced, she appears stronger and stronger - still not perfect (who is?), but I was still rooting for her.
The writing in itself was good, with multiple POVs and short chapters, so it was definitely a page turner. It is classified as a thriller but, for me, this is a story about childhood trauma (TW for domestic violence, injury, substance abuse, and death) and, more importantly, family bonds (mother/daughters and between siblings).
I'm glad I got the opportunity to read it!
And I thoroughly enjoyed it. It wasn't a light story, and I remember having to take a short break at some point, but I couldn't let it go.
Tamsin is definitely a flawed character, taking refuge in her drinking... But then, as she starts doing the work and we learn more and more about her, and the traumatising events she experienced, she appears stronger and stronger - still not perfect (who is?), but I was still rooting for her.
The writing in itself was good, with multiple POVs and short chapters, so it was definitely a page turner. It is classified as a thriller but, for me, this is a story about childhood trauma (TW for domestic violence, injury, substance abuse, and death) and, more importantly, family bonds (mother/daughters and between siblings).
I'm glad I got the opportunity to read it!
August 7, 2024
This is the second novel by Charlotte Stevenson that has hugely impressed me. I can't remember a story that has chilled me to the bone as much as this one. From the beginning to end it is dark and disturbing. I can't recommend it highly enough.
Tamsin, Arabella, Summer and Hetty are four incredible women but the past has damaged them all. Harold and Alex are two dangerous men at the heart of the women's secrets. The plot is complex and full of twists and disturbing revelations.
Layer upon layer of characterisation unleashes poignant memories and terrifying moments from the past making this a compelling and addictive read.
This is perfect material to adapt into a feature film that would shock and terrify its audience.
Tamsin, Arabella, Summer and Hetty are four incredible women but the past has damaged them all. Harold and Alex are two dangerous men at the heart of the women's secrets. The plot is complex and full of twists and disturbing revelations.
Layer upon layer of characterisation unleashes poignant memories and terrifying moments from the past making this a compelling and addictive read.
This is perfect material to adapt into a feature film that would shock and terrify its audience.
September 13, 2024
so, blood is thicker than water?
This is a sad sweet book partly ghost story after a fashion and partly a book about mental health and the recovery from trauma. it’s a good book. predictable but gook for all that. So good in fact i read it in one sitting. If blood is thicker than water then it is so in strange ways as this book makes clear. It will provoke a range of reaction among readers I think though I must admit mine are ambiguous. I should but i don’t blame any of them for what they did.
This is a sad sweet book partly ghost story after a fashion and partly a book about mental health and the recovery from trauma. it’s a good book. predictable but gook for all that. So good in fact i read it in one sitting. If blood is thicker than water then it is so in strange ways as this book makes clear. It will provoke a range of reaction among readers I think though I must admit mine are ambiguous. I should but i don’t blame any of them for what they did.
August 21, 2024
⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️
Available now on KU!
Link in bio under Amazon recommended reads
I read The Serial Killer’s Son and 💙’d it so of course I was all in on this one. This is a total binge read. Things I loved
⭐️ surprises until the end
⭐️ mental heath awareness
⭐️ dysfunctional and relatable family
⭐️ the strength and love and battle as a mom
This would be easy to give spoilers. Let say this is exactly what I look for in a psychological thriller. Add to your TBR
Available now on KU!
Link in bio under Amazon recommended reads
I read The Serial Killer’s Son and 💙’d it so of course I was all in on this one. This is a total binge read. Things I loved
⭐️ surprises until the end
⭐️ mental heath awareness
⭐️ dysfunctional and relatable family
⭐️ the strength and love and battle as a mom
This would be easy to give spoilers. Let say this is exactly what I look for in a psychological thriller. Add to your TBR
August 30, 2024
The Guests was a great book. I really enjoyed the family dynamic, the mystery of the secrets they all held and the twists and turns along the way. John Mars fans will love this.
September 8, 2024
Extremely predictable. Therapy was pretty well done though.
August 3, 2024
I was lucky enough to have received an ARC for this book and let me tell you, it did NOT disappoint. SO incredibly good!!! This was the fastest I’ve read a book in over a year. It sucked me in from the very first line. This is exactly what I look for in a psychological thriller. A book that keeps me wondering and keeps me guessing. I’ll keep this review short and sweet since it is an ARC but all I’m saying is READ IT!!!!!!
August 16, 2024
I’m sorry it took me so long to get around to reading this. I was caught up in a velvet wave of some of the hottest proofs and ARCs around.
Charlotte Stevenson’s debut The Serial K*ller’s Son was very good. I was eager to read more.
The Guests goes deep and dark into mental illness, past traumas of the main character have resulted in regular hallucinations, she sees people around her house. The same people, who are they? How can she get rid of them?
Time for some comparisons, some very big ones - the character writing has a similar quality to Liz Nugent’s masterpiece Strange Sally Diamond, the complete, intrinsic depiction of mental illness reminded me of some of the best, The Phantom Limb and Follow Me spring to kind. There’s a deep literary fiction character aspect, books that I love that don’t get enough attention The Saint Of Lost Things (Tish Delaney) and Trespasses (Louise Kennedy).
This is a book to fully commit to and let it wash over you. It goes deep and it made me cry, and I wish I had read it sooner.
Thanks to Charlotte Stevenson and Bloodhound Books.
Charlotte Stevenson’s debut The Serial K*ller’s Son was very good. I was eager to read more.
The Guests goes deep and dark into mental illness, past traumas of the main character have resulted in regular hallucinations, she sees people around her house. The same people, who are they? How can she get rid of them?
Time for some comparisons, some very big ones - the character writing has a similar quality to Liz Nugent’s masterpiece Strange Sally Diamond, the complete, intrinsic depiction of mental illness reminded me of some of the best, The Phantom Limb and Follow Me spring to kind. There’s a deep literary fiction character aspect, books that I love that don’t get enough attention The Saint Of Lost Things (Tish Delaney) and Trespasses (Louise Kennedy).
This is a book to fully commit to and let it wash over you. It goes deep and it made me cry, and I wish I had read it sooner.
Thanks to Charlotte Stevenson and Bloodhound Books.
August 23, 2024
What happens when our minds start working against us? "The Guests" is a deep dive into psychological trauma that left me questioning reality as I turned pages, trying to figure out what was real and where the story was going.
This was such a fun book to dive into reading.
I'm in my thriller era and I've been enjoying diving into different kinds of books. Psychological thrillers have had me hooked lately and "The Guests" was no exception. This book stood out because of its raw portrayal of mental health and the all too real possibility of hallucinations that can plague the mind and could quickly take over our lives.
"The Guests" is a intense book about psychological trauma and hallucinations that come with repressed memories. The FMC Tamsin is dealing with a lot (a nice way of putting it) and struggles with seeing hallucinations of visions she calls The Guests. Being introduced to the guests at the beginning was disturbing and unsettling, especially since they appeared every day like clockwork. The Guests are a representation of Tamsin's psyche, exposing repressed memories, feelings and the trauma she's been carrying for so long. The Guests aren't just Tamsin's hallucinations, they are a manifestation of her darkest thoughts/fears, making this an unnerving read.
You begin meeting Tamsin, a broken individual who numbs herself with alcohol to escape her daily torment from hallucinations and trauma. Her journey through therapy to unpack the past, regain control of her life and her future is compelling, you really can't help but root for her (we love a good glow up). Tamsin's healing journey is at the heart of this story and it offers a powerful contrast to the dark forces of her mind. "I hadn't realized that recovering from trauma would be so bloody traumatic in itself." Watching Tamsin transform from a broken, haunted individual to someone reclaiming her life and making a change is inspiring.
This book explores difficult relationships and family dynamics and the lengths that people are willing to go to keep secrets from others and themselves. This read had me guessing, questioning my own theories and turning pages late into the night until I figured out what really happened in the end. For those drawn to thrillers that explore the darkest parts of the human psyche, "The Guests" is not just a book to read, but an experience you won't soon forget. I highly recommend giving this book a chance.
This was such a fun book to dive into reading.
I'm in my thriller era and I've been enjoying diving into different kinds of books. Psychological thrillers have had me hooked lately and "The Guests" was no exception. This book stood out because of its raw portrayal of mental health and the all too real possibility of hallucinations that can plague the mind and could quickly take over our lives.
"The Guests" is a intense book about psychological trauma and hallucinations that come with repressed memories. The FMC Tamsin is dealing with a lot (a nice way of putting it) and struggles with seeing hallucinations of visions she calls The Guests. Being introduced to the guests at the beginning was disturbing and unsettling, especially since they appeared every day like clockwork. The Guests are a representation of Tamsin's psyche, exposing repressed memories, feelings and the trauma she's been carrying for so long. The Guests aren't just Tamsin's hallucinations, they are a manifestation of her darkest thoughts/fears, making this an unnerving read.
You begin meeting Tamsin, a broken individual who numbs herself with alcohol to escape her daily torment from hallucinations and trauma. Her journey through therapy to unpack the past, regain control of her life and her future is compelling, you really can't help but root for her (we love a good glow up). Tamsin's healing journey is at the heart of this story and it offers a powerful contrast to the dark forces of her mind. "I hadn't realized that recovering from trauma would be so bloody traumatic in itself." Watching Tamsin transform from a broken, haunted individual to someone reclaiming her life and making a change is inspiring.
This book explores difficult relationships and family dynamics and the lengths that people are willing to go to keep secrets from others and themselves. This read had me guessing, questioning my own theories and turning pages late into the night until I figured out what really happened in the end. For those drawn to thrillers that explore the darkest parts of the human psyche, "The Guests" is not just a book to read, but an experience you won't soon forget. I highly recommend giving this book a chance.
September 2, 2024
Tamsin, Arabella, Summer and Hetty are four women who have been damaged by their past. It is Tamsin’s struggles that we experience the most in this story: she know she is unwell, and starts to see a new psychiatrist to break her out of the spiral she has found herself in. Tamsin seems to see things – people, in particular. They are her uninvited guests, referred to as Shadows. They speak to her, they tell her things over and over. They are in the same place, all the time. Are they ghosts? Are they memories? Are they visions of the past? What will it take for Tamsin to work out why her guests won’t leave?
Tamsin is suffering so desperately in this story, and Charlotte Stevenson has created her so intricately that her despondency and angst is felt through each word. In fact, every woman in this book is created in the same way. Arabella, Tamsin’s mother, seemed stoic yet on the edge of collapse. Each one of these women are unique as characters, and the movement across chapters with each of these distinct voices kept me reading this in one sitting.
There is also a lot of work done to recreate memories are layered on top of and underneath the present-day pain and anguish Tamsin is working through. As each character questioned their own and the actions of each other, these questions will also build for the reader. Each of the memories are captured in such a way that they coerce you to keep reading, to peel back another layer, and wait for all the pieces start to fit together.
There is a lot of emotion in the words, and these are used to highlight the impact of mental health issues, domestic and family violence, and the strains of connection in families. The connection and push to reconnect families infuse the story, and it is all then more real through the deep characterisation of each person.
This is a psychological thriller that is quite different to others I have read, and it’s one recommended for those who love something different in this genre.
Tamsin is suffering so desperately in this story, and Charlotte Stevenson has created her so intricately that her despondency and angst is felt through each word. In fact, every woman in this book is created in the same way. Arabella, Tamsin’s mother, seemed stoic yet on the edge of collapse. Each one of these women are unique as characters, and the movement across chapters with each of these distinct voices kept me reading this in one sitting.
There is also a lot of work done to recreate memories are layered on top of and underneath the present-day pain and anguish Tamsin is working through. As each character questioned their own and the actions of each other, these questions will also build for the reader. Each of the memories are captured in such a way that they coerce you to keep reading, to peel back another layer, and wait for all the pieces start to fit together.
There is a lot of emotion in the words, and these are used to highlight the impact of mental health issues, domestic and family violence, and the strains of connection in families. The connection and push to reconnect families infuse the story, and it is all then more real through the deep characterisation of each person.
This is a psychological thriller that is quite different to others I have read, and it’s one recommended for those who love something different in this genre.
Read
July 20, 2024The Guests by Charlotte Stevenson is not a ghost story. This surprised me. I thought it sounded like an intelligent ghost story. It does have some very intelligent psychoanalysis, and is a great advert for why people with mental health issues should seek professional help. The professional help works exactly the way it should and Tamsin deals with all her problems with great efficiency.
In one way, the ‘guests’ (always known to be manifestations of one woman’s psyche) actually are ghosts. They are the ghosts of people still living and Tamsin manages to vanquish them with the modern equivalent of an exorcism – talking about it with the family over endless cups of tea.
I found it difficult to empathise wholly with the main character. Perhaps because the first-person viewpoint is used on a lot of characters, and swapping between them all in short bursts means I never got to settle properly in anybody’s head, or heart. Or perhaps because the main character has nothing in her life other than her daughter and a boatload of trauma. Her every problem is sorted by talking things over with the family. If she’d had other facets to her life - money worries, a broken boiler or a Thursday night Pilates class, I might have found her a bit more relatable.
I loved Tamsin’s mother however, and all her interesting quirks. She has a more lateral approach to problem solving and being in her head was an exciting whirlwind. Arabella’s reasoning, actions and philosophy, are all utterly believable and enjoyable for their sense of justice.
In one way, the ‘guests’ (always known to be manifestations of one woman’s psyche) actually are ghosts. They are the ghosts of people still living and Tamsin manages to vanquish them with the modern equivalent of an exorcism – talking about it with the family over endless cups of tea.
I found it difficult to empathise wholly with the main character. Perhaps because the first-person viewpoint is used on a lot of characters, and swapping between them all in short bursts means I never got to settle properly in anybody’s head, or heart. Or perhaps because the main character has nothing in her life other than her daughter and a boatload of trauma. Her every problem is sorted by talking things over with the family. If she’d had other facets to her life - money worries, a broken boiler or a Thursday night Pilates class, I might have found her a bit more relatable.
I loved Tamsin’s mother however, and all her interesting quirks. She has a more lateral approach to problem solving and being in her head was an exciting whirlwind. Arabella’s reasoning, actions and philosophy, are all utterly believable and enjoyable for their sense of justice.
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
July 30, 2024
"The Guests" by Charlotte Stevenson delves into the complex narrative of how the shadows of the past can seep into the present and extend their influence into the future. The book distinguishes itself through Stevenson's skillful character development; she crafts individuals who are profoundly imperfect and authentically human. This realism encourages contemplation of the hidden truths "that are hidden beneath the surface of everyday life."
This narrative is deeply emotional, centering on the effects of mental health struggles while also addressing issues like domestic abuse and familial bonds. It compels one to continue reading through its numerous plot twists, secrets, lies, regrets, and the initial communication breakdown among family members.
The novel's method of telling each chapter from a different character's point of view was really interesting. It helped me understand the story better. Each character had a unique voice and style, which made the book very engaging. The short chapters made it so interesting that I almost wanted to read the whole book in one go, if I had the time.
Charlotte Stevenson is an author to look out for in the thriller scene. I am eager to see what she does next. If you enjoy a creepy psychological thriller, this will be right up your alley.
This narrative is deeply emotional, centering on the effects of mental health struggles while also addressing issues like domestic abuse and familial bonds. It compels one to continue reading through its numerous plot twists, secrets, lies, regrets, and the initial communication breakdown among family members.
The novel's method of telling each chapter from a different character's point of view was really interesting. It helped me understand the story better. Each character had a unique voice and style, which made the book very engaging. The short chapters made it so interesting that I almost wanted to read the whole book in one go, if I had the time.
Charlotte Stevenson is an author to look out for in the thriller scene. I am eager to see what she does next. If you enjoy a creepy psychological thriller, this will be right up your alley.
August 21, 2024
I can't remember the last time a psychological thriller made me cry, but this one packed such an emotional wallop that it happened three separate times. It was tragic, tender, and moving, and, true to the genre, utterly thrilling. I had ideas about what I thought might be going on - I was right about some things, and wrong about others - but taken as a whole, I didn't really know where the heck it was going for most of the story, because I've never read a concept quite like this before.
Stevenson started with a fresh, intricately plotted, and totally absorbing story, infused it with excellent insight into the human psyche and so much emotional impact around fraught family dynamics, and then enhanced it another tenfold with the elegance of her writing. Not to mention, I could have listened to her audiobook narrator all day.
Though I didn't initally see the ending coming, it was EXACTLY the one I wanted once it came. Every thread was tied up perfectly. I sat looking out my window in quiet contemplation (and immense gratitude) for some time after finishing, thinking about it, and that's really the highest compliment I can pay it - that I didn't immediately reach for the next book on my list. For all those reasons, this book is an easy recommendation.
Stevenson started with a fresh, intricately plotted, and totally absorbing story, infused it with excellent insight into the human psyche and so much emotional impact around fraught family dynamics, and then enhanced it another tenfold with the elegance of her writing. Not to mention, I could have listened to her audiobook narrator all day.
Though I didn't initally see the ending coming, it was EXACTLY the one I wanted once it came. Every thread was tied up perfectly. I sat looking out my window in quiet contemplation (and immense gratitude) for some time after finishing, thinking about it, and that's really the highest compliment I can pay it - that I didn't immediately reach for the next book on my list. For all those reasons, this book is an easy recommendation.
August 26, 2024
Tamsin is struggling with her mental health and trying her best to act “normal” for the sake of her daughter. However the guests she has started to see each day is making things harder. From a screaming baby at the foot of her bed to a crying girl in her bathroom she is struggling to keep up the facade that everything is fine since her husband left. She knows she can’t continue the way she is so she makes an appointment with a new psychologist who she immediately feels comfortable with and starts her journey to getting her life back.
This is a psychological thriller that focuses on mental health which the author has written about with great empathy. You are welcomed into the mind of Tamsin and can really feel her desperation to get better. It is told from several POVs allowing us to get to know the other main characters. As Tamsin begins to unwrap her past she realises she needs to have some difficult conversations with her family. I found myself really rooting for her and hoping she could see she was worth helping. The flashbacks of memory are brilliantly written, drip feeding you information little by little.
This is a story about how past traumas can affect you later in life without you even realising and how talking to others can help. It really gives you a great insight into the mind of someone on self destruct mode. I read this in two sittings as I was so engrossed. I will definitely be looking out for more books by this author.
This is a psychological thriller that focuses on mental health which the author has written about with great empathy. You are welcomed into the mind of Tamsin and can really feel her desperation to get better. It is told from several POVs allowing us to get to know the other main characters. As Tamsin begins to unwrap her past she realises she needs to have some difficult conversations with her family. I found myself really rooting for her and hoping she could see she was worth helping. The flashbacks of memory are brilliantly written, drip feeding you information little by little.
This is a story about how past traumas can affect you later in life without you even realising and how talking to others can help. It really gives you a great insight into the mind of someone on self destruct mode. I read this in two sittings as I was so engrossed. I will definitely be looking out for more books by this author.
August 25, 2024
Told by four multiple perspective characters, Tamsin, Summer, Arabella and Hetty. It’s instantly so eerie and spooky. It’s quick to understanding who Tamsin refers to as the guests. I loved getting to know the characters life before and current and this really develops so much understanding to what emotions are flowing through the pages. The sisters father was awful and not a very nice man at all, the psychological abuse was difficult to read. The trauma and reliving childhood experiences hit close to home for me and it was hard reading the therapists perspectives. Something I’ve never participated in.
Hidden secrets and lies are never good and I loved how the author threw them in along the way to keep the engagement. Towards the end I needed answers and quickly and the way the author changed perspectives kept me glued to the pages in anticipation needing to know what was going to be revealed next. I loved that this book was so relationship and trauma focused and what that can do to you. Although not my favourite book ever I can completely see what the author wanted readers to feel and I felt a message of never be afraid to speak out and not hold on to emotions that affect you daily. It was a really interesting, emotional roller coaster of a book. Loved it.
Hidden secrets and lies are never good and I loved how the author threw them in along the way to keep the engagement. Towards the end I needed answers and quickly and the way the author changed perspectives kept me glued to the pages in anticipation needing to know what was going to be revealed next. I loved that this book was so relationship and trauma focused and what that can do to you. Although not my favourite book ever I can completely see what the author wanted readers to feel and I felt a message of never be afraid to speak out and not hold on to emotions that affect you daily. It was a really interesting, emotional roller coaster of a book. Loved it.
July 18, 2024
After reading, and loving, The Serial Killer's Son, I jumped at the chance to read an ARC of The Guests. What sets this book apart from the rest, is the realistic way Stevenson creates characters. Each character is deeply flawed, human, and incredibly real. It makes you question what's really going on behind closed doors.
Stevenson tackles the subject of mental health with tact and doesn't demonise it (which is a pet peeve of mine). The mental illness is part of the character, not the whole character. As somebody who has suffered from mental illness, it was so refreshing to see it painted in such a realistic and skilled way.
I loved that the chapters were each told in a varying viewpoint. This allows the reader to see the bigger picture. Each character had their own unique voice, and style of writing. It kept the book pacey and interesting. The short, snappy chapters kept me flipping through the pages. If I'd had the time, I could easily have finished it in one sitting.
Charlotte Stevenson is an author to watch out for on the thriller scene. I can't wait to see what she does next.
Stevenson tackles the subject of mental health with tact and doesn't demonise it (which is a pet peeve of mine). The mental illness is part of the character, not the whole character. As somebody who has suffered from mental illness, it was so refreshing to see it painted in such a realistic and skilled way.
I loved that the chapters were each told in a varying viewpoint. This allows the reader to see the bigger picture. Each character had their own unique voice, and style of writing. It kept the book pacey and interesting. The short, snappy chapters kept me flipping through the pages. If I'd had the time, I could easily have finished it in one sitting.
Charlotte Stevenson is an author to watch out for on the thriller scene. I can't wait to see what she does next.
August 22, 2024
The guests by Charlotte Stevenson.
I did enjoy this book. I liked the cover and blurb. I did enjoy her book the serial killer son. I liked the writing style. Gripping. The story is told between Tamsin, Summer, Arabella and Hetty. I didn't have a favourite character. I wasn't sure about them. It was slow going to begin with but I soon got into it. I was surprised by the ending. My jaw was on the floor.
Blurb
They weren’t invited. But they refuse to leave...
Tamsin is being haunted by unwelcome visitors in her house she calls The Guests.
Nobody knows about their presence but her. After confiding in her husband, he left, and she won’t make that mistake again.
But now her relationship with her teenage daughter Summer is starting to suffer.
As each day passes, the presence of The Guests becomes harder to bear. They have infected her life and Tamsin needs help.
But just what do they want from her?
Will she be able to face the disturbing truth and banish The Guests, or is she destined to be haunted forever?
@Charlotte_Stevenson
@bloodhound.books
@lovebookstours
#Ad #LBTCrew #Bookstagram
I did enjoy this book. I liked the cover and blurb. I did enjoy her book the serial killer son. I liked the writing style. Gripping. The story is told between Tamsin, Summer, Arabella and Hetty. I didn't have a favourite character. I wasn't sure about them. It was slow going to begin with but I soon got into it. I was surprised by the ending. My jaw was on the floor.
Blurb
They weren’t invited. But they refuse to leave...
Tamsin is being haunted by unwelcome visitors in her house she calls The Guests.
Nobody knows about their presence but her. After confiding in her husband, he left, and she won’t make that mistake again.
But now her relationship with her teenage daughter Summer is starting to suffer.
As each day passes, the presence of The Guests becomes harder to bear. They have infected her life and Tamsin needs help.
But just what do they want from her?
Will she be able to face the disturbing truth and banish The Guests, or is she destined to be haunted forever?
@Charlotte_Stevenson
@bloodhound.books
@lovebookstours
#Ad #LBTCrew #Bookstagram
July 11, 2024
This story has an intriguing and mesmerising close psychological POV, and I found myself instantly inside the main characters head. She is a mess, and by the time I was ten percent into the story, I was rooting for her. I love it when a story gives you a deep attachment to the characters. I enjoyed the way there are flashes of light and dark withing the structure, so that some characters fool you into thinking they are luminous. Snippets of backstory are dropped in to give a timely and tantalising bolster to the main threads. I like that. I was constantly wondering about the difference between manipulation and cries for help. The psychiatrist was a superb character: faceless and anonymous but so powerful. Again, a clever bit of writing. The 'guests' themselves are a creepy addition to the story, and the author manages them in a sensitive and believable way. The Guests by Charlotte Stevenson is a multi-layered story exploring the way things stored up from the past can manifest in the present, and push nasty tendrils into the future. I loved it.
August 30, 2024
Tamsin sees dead people, in her house, every day. She confided in her husband, and he left. Now she knows to keep quiet about her guests. As she struggles to pretend everything is ‘normal’, her relationships suffer, and alcohol is less and less helpful as a coping strategy. When she finally begins to open up and trust someone to help, she finds there is another way to deal with these apparitions.
Tamsin’s daily battle to be a good mum to her daughter, Summer, is utterly engaging. And it’s heartbreaking, because it’s easy to see how see’s hurting everyone—including herself—more than she’s helping. She is a sympathetic and likable character, well drawn with beautiful nuance. The plot is compulsive making the book a complete page turner – every night it was ‘just one more chapter’.
I loved the slow burn of the reveal, as little by little more becomes known about the guests. The scenes between Tamsin and her psychiatrist are brilliant, and the ending utterly satisfying. This is a creepy mystery of a book, and I can’t wait to read more from Charlotte Stevenson.
Tamsin’s daily battle to be a good mum to her daughter, Summer, is utterly engaging. And it’s heartbreaking, because it’s easy to see how see’s hurting everyone—including herself—more than she’s helping. She is a sympathetic and likable character, well drawn with beautiful nuance. The plot is compulsive making the book a complete page turner – every night it was ‘just one more chapter’.
I loved the slow burn of the reveal, as little by little more becomes known about the guests. The scenes between Tamsin and her psychiatrist are brilliant, and the ending utterly satisfying. This is a creepy mystery of a book, and I can’t wait to read more from Charlotte Stevenson.
August 30, 2024
This is Charlotte's second novel, and it's a cracker.
The story follows 2 main characters - Summer and Tamsin who are bothered dealing with Tamsin's visitors, that she calls 'The Guests. The Guests, though... are starting to tear Tamsin and Summer's mother-daughter relationship.
I love how Charlotte develops these characters and how she cleverly shows Tamsin through her own eyes and also through the eyes of her daughter.
We see her slowly starting to spiral, and the effects it has on her daughter, that in itself is haunting.
When I first met The Guests, I didn't know if they were ghosts, her imagination, or what. It was very cleverly written and admittedly, very creepy!
This is the main storyline, of course, but Charlotte has also weaved many different smaller storylines in there to support the main one, and it all just seamlessly works, like - where is Tasmin's ex husband?
Charlotte manages to build tension and creates just a fantastic book that keeps you on your toes!
Highly recommend!
The story follows 2 main characters - Summer and Tamsin who are bothered dealing with Tamsin's visitors, that she calls 'The Guests. The Guests, though... are starting to tear Tamsin and Summer's mother-daughter relationship.
I love how Charlotte develops these characters and how she cleverly shows Tamsin through her own eyes and also through the eyes of her daughter.
We see her slowly starting to spiral, and the effects it has on her daughter, that in itself is haunting.
When I first met The Guests, I didn't know if they were ghosts, her imagination, or what. It was very cleverly written and admittedly, very creepy!
This is the main storyline, of course, but Charlotte has also weaved many different smaller storylines in there to support the main one, and it all just seamlessly works, like - where is Tasmin's ex husband?
Charlotte manages to build tension and creates just a fantastic book that keeps you on your toes!
Highly recommend!
July 29, 2024
This is such an emotional tale, focussing on the impacts of mental health issues as well as covering topics such as domestic abuse and family relationships. It kept me wanting to keep reading, with various twists and turns, with lots of secrets, lies, regrets and initially, lack of communication between the family members. The characters were all interesting and different from one another, and their thoughts and feelings were believable throughout. I really felt for Tamsin, the main character, and what she was going through; I was rooting for her throughout and keen for her to learn, as well as myself, what she had gone though and who the ‘guests’ were and what their significance was. All becomes clear in the end, with surprising revelations.
I received an ARC from Bloodhound Books for an honest review, thank you, and all thoughts are my own.
I received an ARC from Bloodhound Books for an honest review, thank you, and all thoughts are my own.
August 10, 2024
Thanks to Bloodhound Book for my arc copy of The Guests by Charlotte Stevenson.
This is my first book by this author, and I loved the dual pov, which I felt helped to create tension within this book. It was a slow build that built p really well to have the guests in this house that won't leave. I found the chapters short, snappy, and quick to read, and I found this book a quick read as I wanted to know what was happening. The mental health representation in this book was really good down, and some may find it hard to swallow as it shows a darker side to mental health that often isn't shown. The inclusion of the therapy session was brilliantly written. Tamsin is profound as she faces the secrets and trauma of her past. A thrilling read with suspense, ghostly vibes, and the challenge of confronting profound mental health issues.
#BookReview #MentalHealth #SuspensefulRead #DualPerspectives #PageTurner #PsychologicalThriller #GhostlyVibes #EmotionalJourney #BookRecommendation #DarkThemes.
This is my first book by this author, and I loved the dual pov, which I felt helped to create tension within this book. It was a slow build that built p really well to have the guests in this house that won't leave. I found the chapters short, snappy, and quick to read, and I found this book a quick read as I wanted to know what was happening. The mental health representation in this book was really good down, and some may find it hard to swallow as it shows a darker side to mental health that often isn't shown. The inclusion of the therapy session was brilliantly written. Tamsin is profound as she faces the secrets and trauma of her past. A thrilling read with suspense, ghostly vibes, and the challenge of confronting profound mental health issues.
#BookReview #MentalHealth #SuspensefulRead #DualPerspectives #PageTurner #PsychologicalThriller #GhostlyVibes #EmotionalJourney #BookRecommendation #DarkThemes.
August 24, 2024
If I said I found the ending hilarious, you’d think I was really weird. I actually told my son about it and he laughed and said ‘I get it.’ However, the opening chapter with the baby crying at the end of the bed was heartbreaking and not one bit funny.
The book was nothing like I expected. The ‘Guests’ are not real in the sense that they are actual living flesh and blood. They haunt Tamsin, but they are not ghosts either. There are three of them and she knows they want something from her, but she has no idea what it is. She knows who they are, but not why they won’t leave her alone. Her answer is to drink every night and get totally smashed.
Tamsin’s husband Alex left her when she tried to tell him about the ‘Guests’. He just thought she’d gone bonkers and walked out, leaving her and teenage daughter Summer to get on with it.
In the meantime, we know that Tamsin’s dad was a really horrible person. He exercised such a degree of control over her mother that they both breathed a sigh of relief when he died. Her sister Hetty is disabled and he found her irritating and embarrassing. He also taunted Tamsin and made her feel responsible for his ‘unhappiness’. Now Alex has made her feel that she is entirely responsible for him leaving. She can’t cope with the guilt.
Tamsin has had enough of being drunk all the time, and wants to be a good mum to Summer, so she visits a psychiatrist called Dr McCabe. He of the colourful socks. He gradually helps her to unpick the truth about her deeply hidden past, and the revelations are shocking. In spite of all this, I still found humour in the outcome. It’s brilliantly written, suspenseful and engaging. I loved it.
Many thanks to @lovebookstours for inviting me to be part of #TheGuests blog tour
The book was nothing like I expected. The ‘Guests’ are not real in the sense that they are actual living flesh and blood. They haunt Tamsin, but they are not ghosts either. There are three of them and she knows they want something from her, but she has no idea what it is. She knows who they are, but not why they won’t leave her alone. Her answer is to drink every night and get totally smashed.
Tamsin’s husband Alex left her when she tried to tell him about the ‘Guests’. He just thought she’d gone bonkers and walked out, leaving her and teenage daughter Summer to get on with it.
In the meantime, we know that Tamsin’s dad was a really horrible person. He exercised such a degree of control over her mother that they both breathed a sigh of relief when he died. Her sister Hetty is disabled and he found her irritating and embarrassing. He also taunted Tamsin and made her feel responsible for his ‘unhappiness’. Now Alex has made her feel that she is entirely responsible for him leaving. She can’t cope with the guilt.
Tamsin has had enough of being drunk all the time, and wants to be a good mum to Summer, so she visits a psychiatrist called Dr McCabe. He of the colourful socks. He gradually helps her to unpick the truth about her deeply hidden past, and the revelations are shocking. In spite of all this, I still found humour in the outcome. It’s brilliantly written, suspenseful and engaging. I loved it.
Many thanks to @lovebookstours for inviting me to be part of #TheGuests blog tour
August 26, 2024
Tamsin is Seeing "guests" in her home. A crying baby in her bedroom wakes her each morning. A young girl is in her bathroom and a lady in her dressing gown is her garden. It's very frightening, having a huge impact on her mental health and has even driven her husband away. She's drinking too much, her only way to cope and daughter Summer is worried about her.
Tamsin doesn't know where to turn and seeks help from a psychiatrist. Together they work through what is happening and Tamsin starts to experience flashbacks from her childhood....
The Guests is dark psychological thriller with lots of secrets and lies as the truth of Tamsin's past is slowly revealed. It's quite a page turner, creepy and a bit disturbing. Although not what I was expecting I did enjoy the book and will be looking out for more from this author.
Tamsin doesn't know where to turn and seeks help from a psychiatrist. Together they work through what is happening and Tamsin starts to experience flashbacks from her childhood....
The Guests is dark psychological thriller with lots of secrets and lies as the truth of Tamsin's past is slowly revealed. It's quite a page turner, creepy and a bit disturbing. Although not what I was expecting I did enjoy the book and will be looking out for more from this author.
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