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The Guest
Lynda Blackthorn is still reeling from the tragic car crash that killed her family more than a year ago. Throwing herself into her volunteer charity work, she is trying to piece her life back together.
When she's asked to be the face of the charity's annual fundraiser, an appeal for volunteers on the local news brings old friend Sarah to her door - and the events of fourteen years ago crashing down around her.
As the two women reconnect, Lynda invites Sarah to stay in her guest bedroom. But soon strange things start happening and Lynda learns it might have been better to keep the door to the past firmly closed . . .
When she's asked to be the face of the charity's annual fundraiser, an appeal for volunteers on the local news brings old friend Sarah to her door - and the events of fourteen years ago crashing down around her.
As the two women reconnect, Lynda invites Sarah to stay in her guest bedroom. But soon strange things start happening and Lynda learns it might have been better to keep the door to the past firmly closed . . .
308 pages, Kindle Edition
First published April 27, 2023
11 people are currently reading
330 people want to read
About the author
Lorraine Mace
14 books83 followersLorraine is the author of the D.I. Sterling series. Her first standalone psychological thriller, The Guest, was published April 2023. The second, The Family Home, was published 25 April 2024.
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Website: www.lorrainemace.com
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Find her at:
Website: www.lorrainemace.com
X: https://twitter.com/lomace
BlueSky: https://bsky.app/profile/lomace.bsky....
Threads: https://www.threads.net/@mace_lorraine
Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/mace_lorraine/
Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/LorraineMace...
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 75 reviews
April 26, 2023
THE GUEST is the first standalone Psychological Thriller by British author Lorraine Mace.
Lynda Blackthorn feels guilty about the past for not stopping the bullying that her best friend, Sarah, had experienced. Lynda was with her boyfriend, Mark at the time, when Sarah decided to stand up to the bullies and attacked the leader and ended up getting expelled over it. After that, Lynda and Sarah lost touch and Mark died of a suspected suicide. Later, Lynda’s family dies in a car accident.
Now Lynda, who suffers from OCD, new boyfriend, Jason, struggles to deal with her OCD rituals and moves out to allow her to get professional help. In order to deal with all the upheaval in her life, Lynda volunteers for charity work, where she mans a helpline. She still wants to get back with Jason.
When she's asked to be the face of the charity's annual fundraiser, an appeal for volunteers on the local news brings old friend Sarah to her door - and the events of fourteen years ago crashing down around her.
Soon after, Lynda invites Sarah to stay in her guest bedroom, until Sarah can find a job in order to get an apartment. But soon strange things start happening and Lynda realizes she made a big mistake by letting Sarah move in.
Lynda starts getting disturbing threatening notes. Someone is targeting her! She believes someone is stalking her.
It appears like her past has come back to haunt her…
This was a gripping psychological thriller with a shocking twist.
Many thanks to the author, and The Book Club Reviewer Request Group (FB) for my digital copy.
Lynda Blackthorn feels guilty about the past for not stopping the bullying that her best friend, Sarah, had experienced. Lynda was with her boyfriend, Mark at the time, when Sarah decided to stand up to the bullies and attacked the leader and ended up getting expelled over it. After that, Lynda and Sarah lost touch and Mark died of a suspected suicide. Later, Lynda’s family dies in a car accident.
Now Lynda, who suffers from OCD, new boyfriend, Jason, struggles to deal with her OCD rituals and moves out to allow her to get professional help. In order to deal with all the upheaval in her life, Lynda volunteers for charity work, where she mans a helpline. She still wants to get back with Jason.
When she's asked to be the face of the charity's annual fundraiser, an appeal for volunteers on the local news brings old friend Sarah to her door - and the events of fourteen years ago crashing down around her.
Soon after, Lynda invites Sarah to stay in her guest bedroom, until Sarah can find a job in order to get an apartment. But soon strange things start happening and Lynda realizes she made a big mistake by letting Sarah move in.
Lynda starts getting disturbing threatening notes. Someone is targeting her! She believes someone is stalking her.
It appears like her past has come back to haunt her…
This was a gripping psychological thriller with a shocking twist.
Many thanks to the author, and The Book Club Reviewer Request Group (FB) for my digital copy.
January 25, 2024
wow, wow, wow!
I did NOT see that twist coming🤯 in rated it 5 stars because even tho it started out slow, it ALL came together everything that was mentioned. This is one of the best thriller books I’ve read. Will defo recommend!
I did NOT see that twist coming🤯 in rated it 5 stars because even tho it started out slow, it ALL came together everything that was mentioned. This is one of the best thriller books I’ve read. Will defo recommend!
May 29, 2023
Was a little bit slow to start with and nearly stopped reading it. However I am glad I stuck with it as the ending was not at all what I was expecting.
Did really and up enjoying this book and would read more from this author.
Did really and up enjoying this book and would read more from this author.
April 28, 2023
I loved Lorraine Mace's DI Sterling novels, so I jumped at the chance to read The Guest.
Lynda takes in an old school friend, Sarah, as she feels guilty over the way she treated her when they were younger. Things quickly turn sour as she feels Sarah is trying to disrupt her life, moving things and gaslighting her. But more sinister things start to happen and Lynda's carefully ordered life spirals out of control.
The Guest is a tension packed read, full of suspicious characters who you're not sure who you can trust.
I felt for Lynda, even though most of the time I found her unlikeable as I read. She's incredibly neurotic, and I would have suggested to her to find a new therapist if she were a real person as it didn't seem to help her at all!
This is no fault of the author, but recently I read a book with a fairly similar storyline and I kept comparing the two and found this one not to be quite as gripping.
Also, with all the buildup, the ending felt a bit rushed even though it tied things up neatly.
I'd recommend this if you like a quick read packed with unlikeable and flawed characters.
Lynda takes in an old school friend, Sarah, as she feels guilty over the way she treated her when they were younger. Things quickly turn sour as she feels Sarah is trying to disrupt her life, moving things and gaslighting her. But more sinister things start to happen and Lynda's carefully ordered life spirals out of control.
The Guest is a tension packed read, full of suspicious characters who you're not sure who you can trust.
I felt for Lynda, even though most of the time I found her unlikeable as I read. She's incredibly neurotic, and I would have suggested to her to find a new therapist if she were a real person as it didn't seem to help her at all!
This is no fault of the author, but recently I read a book with a fairly similar storyline and I kept comparing the two and found this one not to be quite as gripping.
Also, with all the buildup, the ending felt a bit rushed even though it tied things up neatly.
I'd recommend this if you like a quick read packed with unlikeable and flawed characters.
March 12, 2024
Just a bit meh really.
As a typical suspense psychological thriller girlie I had high hopes and compared to other reads it just didn’t hit the mark for me. Very repetitive without actually giving you anything until the very end of the book.
Character dynamics I loved, written to hate the character we are meant to hate and love those we are supposed to. I found Lynda quite annoying at times however didn’t see the last plot twist coming! Bravo! Would never ever have expected the real villain.
Felt the most for poor lucky.
Overall it’s alright, probably not one of the books of the genres I would recommend but it’s an ok read. I’d try the author again but without high expectation if I’m honest.
As a typical suspense psychological thriller girlie I had high hopes and compared to other reads it just didn’t hit the mark for me. Very repetitive without actually giving you anything until the very end of the book.
Character dynamics I loved, written to hate the character we are meant to hate and love those we are supposed to. I found Lynda quite annoying at times however didn’t see the last plot twist coming! Bravo! Would never ever have expected the real villain.
Felt the most for poor lucky.
Overall it’s alright, probably not one of the books of the genres I would recommend but it’s an ok read. I’d try the author again but without high expectation if I’m honest.
August 10, 2025
Jesus Christ
April 28, 2023
The Guest by Lorraine Mace.
YOUR PAST HAS COME KNOCKING. WILL YOU LET IT IN?
Lynda Blackthorn is still reeling from the tragic car crash that killed her family more than a year ago. Throwing herself into her volunteer charity work, she is trying to piece her life back together.When she's asked to be the face of the charity's annual fundraiser, an appeal for volunteers on the local news brings old friend Sarah to her door - and the events of fourteen years ago crashing down around her.As the two women reconnect, Lynda invites Sarah to stay in her guest bedroom. But soon strange things start happening and Lynda learns it might have been better to keep the door to the past firmly closed . . .
A slow read. I found this to drag a bit. It was readable but very slow. I didn't like Lynda. 3*.
YOUR PAST HAS COME KNOCKING. WILL YOU LET IT IN?
Lynda Blackthorn is still reeling from the tragic car crash that killed her family more than a year ago. Throwing herself into her volunteer charity work, she is trying to piece her life back together.When she's asked to be the face of the charity's annual fundraiser, an appeal for volunteers on the local news brings old friend Sarah to her door - and the events of fourteen years ago crashing down around her.As the two women reconnect, Lynda invites Sarah to stay in her guest bedroom. But soon strange things start happening and Lynda learns it might have been better to keep the door to the past firmly closed . . .
A slow read. I found this to drag a bit. It was readable but very slow. I didn't like Lynda. 3*.
April 27, 2023
I teetered a bit between three and four stars for this one. The premise of the story is good the main character has lost her parents in an accident, the exact details she cannot remember due to amnesia despite her also having been there. She has personal issues, notably OCD for which she is seeing a therapist as she feels her issues are pushing away those closest to her. She begins to feel she’s being followed and mysterious things keep happening so when someone from her past that she loves to hate turns up and announces they need to stay everything is very much up in the air, they do say keep your friends close and your enemies closer…… Parts of the story are really well written and very atmospheric and sinister, which was compelling to read. Some aspects of the storyline, however, were for me a bit too contrived and fanciful so pushed my limits of believable. Also the term ‘committed’ in relation to suicide was used multiple times which is no longer considered politically correct in more enlightened times. Overall a decent read and I’d recommend.
April 9, 2023
Lynda Blackthorn is an unfortunate soul. She lost her family in a car crash (which resulted in OCD that her partner struggles with to live with) and still beats herself up for her actions as a teenager, where she failed to be there for bullied friend Sarah, and believes she contributed to the death of boyfriend Mark.
She's just about keeping things on track, seeing a therapist, and working for a charity, when she starts getting unpleasant, threatening notes. At the same time, Sarah pops up from the past and desperately needs a place to stay. Out of guilt, Lynda lets her, but while they might've been friends once, they struggle to be nice to one another now. Once in the flat, Lynda thinks Sarah is moving her things, but Sarah denies everything...
The tension builds up as the novel moves along, but it is certainly one you need to suspend your disbelief for. I also thought Lynda's therapist did a poor job of stopping her from blaming herself for everything going. Few of the characters show any self-awareness. Lynda constantly berates herself for 'not being there' to stop Sarah getting bullied - but she couldn't help being late, and Sarah went on to attack another girl. That's on Sarah, no one else. I found it frustrating. It was if Lynda was the only one in the world who'd ever made a mistake.
There are some twists and turns right at the end which some will really enjoy and I found reasonably satisfying.
She's just about keeping things on track, seeing a therapist, and working for a charity, when she starts getting unpleasant, threatening notes. At the same time, Sarah pops up from the past and desperately needs a place to stay. Out of guilt, Lynda lets her, but while they might've been friends once, they struggle to be nice to one another now. Once in the flat, Lynda thinks Sarah is moving her things, but Sarah denies everything...
The tension builds up as the novel moves along, but it is certainly one you need to suspend your disbelief for. I also thought Lynda's therapist did a poor job of stopping her from blaming herself for everything going. Few of the characters show any self-awareness. Lynda constantly berates herself for 'not being there' to stop Sarah getting bullied - but she couldn't help being late, and Sarah went on to attack another girl. That's on Sarah, no one else. I found it frustrating. It was if Lynda was the only one in the world who'd ever made a mistake.
There are some twists and turns right at the end which some will really enjoy and I found reasonably satisfying.
April 21, 2023
Thank you NetGalley, Lorraine Mace, and Headline for allowing me to read an advanced copy of The Guest.
Lynda is the main character. She let's her past run her life. She feels guilty for not stopping the bullying that her best friend, Sarah, experienced. Sarah decided to stand up to the bullies with Lynda by her side, but Lynda failed to be there. Sarah then viciously attacked the head bully and ended up getting expelled over it and her and Lynda lost touch. Lynda's boyfriend at the time dies of suspected suicide. Later, her family dies tragically in a car accident.
Currently, Lynda deals with OCD and it causes her and her boyfriend to breakup. She heads a charity to bring awareness to bullying. Sarah then contacts Lynda after seeing her on TV 14 years after their fallout. This is when Lynda's life really starts to unravel.
This one was fast paced at the beginning. I felt the middle slowed down a little and things became a bit repetitive. It did pick up again after the lull and there was a twist I wasn't expecting.
Lynda is the main character. She let's her past run her life. She feels guilty for not stopping the bullying that her best friend, Sarah, experienced. Sarah decided to stand up to the bullies with Lynda by her side, but Lynda failed to be there. Sarah then viciously attacked the head bully and ended up getting expelled over it and her and Lynda lost touch. Lynda's boyfriend at the time dies of suspected suicide. Later, her family dies tragically in a car accident.
Currently, Lynda deals with OCD and it causes her and her boyfriend to breakup. She heads a charity to bring awareness to bullying. Sarah then contacts Lynda after seeing her on TV 14 years after their fallout. This is when Lynda's life really starts to unravel.
This one was fast paced at the beginning. I felt the middle slowed down a little and things became a bit repetitive. It did pick up again after the lull and there was a twist I wasn't expecting.
May 6, 2023
YOUR PAST HAS COME KNOCKING. WILL YOU LET IT IN?
Lynda Blackthorn is still reeling from the tragic car crash that killed her family more than a year ago. Throwing herself into her volunteer charity work, she is trying to piece her life back together.
When she’s asked to be the face of the charity’s annual fundraiser, an appeal for volunteers on the local news brings old friend Sarah to her door – and the events of fourteen years ago crashing down around her.
As the two women reconnect, Lynda invites Sarah to stay in her guest bedroom. But soon strange things start happening and Lynda learns it might have been better to keep the door to the past firmly closed . . .
I didn’t really warm to Lynda much as I read the story, and Sarah’s behaviour was pretty creepy, and was quite unlikeable too. But that didn’t detract from the suspenseful story as it was built up towards the inevitable showdown.
Definitely worth a read.
Lynda Blackthorn is still reeling from the tragic car crash that killed her family more than a year ago. Throwing herself into her volunteer charity work, she is trying to piece her life back together.
When she’s asked to be the face of the charity’s annual fundraiser, an appeal for volunteers on the local news brings old friend Sarah to her door – and the events of fourteen years ago crashing down around her.
As the two women reconnect, Lynda invites Sarah to stay in her guest bedroom. But soon strange things start happening and Lynda learns it might have been better to keep the door to the past firmly closed . . .
I didn’t really warm to Lynda much as I read the story, and Sarah’s behaviour was pretty creepy, and was quite unlikeable too. But that didn’t detract from the suspenseful story as it was built up towards the inevitable showdown.
Definitely worth a read.
July 16, 2023
The Di Sterling series by Mace is one of my absolute favourite series, so I had high hopes for The Guest which is Mace's first standalone thriller...it didn't disappoint whatsoever!
The plot was a slow starter, but boom, when it started it was full steam ahead and it didn't stop until the last page was turned.
Lynda having recently reacquainted with old school friend Sarah has invited her to stay until she finds her feet again. When the notes start appearing, her cat's poisoned and strange things start to happen around the home, Sarah assumes her new lodger is behind the goings on and asks her to leave. And that my friends is when the story starts to get really twisty and things blow up to be even bigger and better than what you've already read!
The story is absolutely gripping and the tension in the Blackthorn household palpable as the gaslighting ups its pace.
I really enjoyed it and hope this is the first of many standalone from Mace.
The plot was a slow starter, but boom, when it started it was full steam ahead and it didn't stop until the last page was turned.
Lynda having recently reacquainted with old school friend Sarah has invited her to stay until she finds her feet again. When the notes start appearing, her cat's poisoned and strange things start to happen around the home, Sarah assumes her new lodger is behind the goings on and asks her to leave. And that my friends is when the story starts to get really twisty and things blow up to be even bigger and better than what you've already read!
The story is absolutely gripping and the tension in the Blackthorn household palpable as the gaslighting ups its pace.
I really enjoyed it and hope this is the first of many standalone from Mace.
May 4, 2023
This started off a bit confusing but once the story, drama and suspense ramped up I began to get into this and I enjoyed being on the edge of my seat wondering what would happen next. I did feel the main character, Lynda, was slightly annoying at times and I didn't always root for her however overall I did enjoy the book and would read more by this author.
April 20, 2023
This was a story which left me wanting to know more. I enjoyed the character development and the twists as the story unfolded. I did start to wonder how much more can happen to one person though.
Overall an enjoyable read. I did work out the why but just not the who.
An easy enjoyable read. Thanks to the TBC Reviewer group for my copy of this.
Overall an enjoyable read. I did work out the why but just not the who.
An easy enjoyable read. Thanks to the TBC Reviewer group for my copy of this.
May 8, 2023
Loved, loved,loved this book. Based near where I live so was easy to visualise where things were happening. A page turner at its best, an ending I was not prepared for but was amazing.. did not see that coming. Can't wait to read more of this authors books :) 100% recommend
November 8, 2024
Found this book quite boring, struggled to finish it. Ending wasn’t completely shocking and I felt as though it was quite predictable. Wouldn’t recommmend to someone who likes a ‘physchological’ thriller.
April 16, 2023
A twisty turny story with lots of surprises. Lots of interesting characters most with different issues. Couldn’t wait to finish the book to see how everything was resolved. A good read.
May 5, 2023
Loads of twists! Enjoyed
May 8, 2023
I enjoyed the book, however I was hoping Lynda would be much firmer with her guest. Did not see the twist.
November 15, 2023
I struggled a bit at the beginning of this book, but once I got into it it was an enjoyable read.
April 10, 2023
A good book overall but in some parts a bit unbelievable. How can so much happen to one person. Well written and easy to read.
May 24, 2024
Honestly this was a little bit boring. The plottwist wasn’t completely unexpected, and i think the ending was way too rushed. Overall an okay read, but i wouldn’t recommend it to a thriller lover
April 7, 2023
Menacing throughout. Sometimes a good deed can backfire. As Lynda tries to make amends for past decisions, her life quickly descends into frightening chaos. Not knowing who to trust, this makes a thrilling read.
April 5, 2023
Overall an enjoyable book and easy to read.
A tale of revenge from the past. I like books which are ‘wrapped up’ towards the end though felt this was a bit too wrapped up. The level of revenge seemed completely over the top.
The character of Amanda almost seemed irrelevant.
Good storyline though
A tale of revenge from the past. I like books which are ‘wrapped up’ towards the end though felt this was a bit too wrapped up. The level of revenge seemed completely over the top.
The character of Amanda almost seemed irrelevant.
Good storyline though
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
April 27, 2023
A twisty thriller that will keep you guessing until the end.
Lynda suffers from OCD and her obsessions have driven her boyfriend away, her family have died in an accident so she is not in the best place in her life. She meets up with an old friend Sarah at the charity she volunteers at who is then made homeless when her girlfriend kicks her out. Feeling guilty over past events Lynda invites Sarah to stay for the night. Sarah has other plans though and is planning a longer stay, Lynda’s OCD goes into overdrive. Is it her compulsions or is it something more sinister?
Lynda suffers from OCD and her obsessions have driven her boyfriend away, her family have died in an accident so she is not in the best place in her life. She meets up with an old friend Sarah at the charity she volunteers at who is then made homeless when her girlfriend kicks her out. Feeling guilty over past events Lynda invites Sarah to stay for the night. Sarah has other plans though and is planning a longer stay, Lynda’s OCD goes into overdrive. Is it her compulsions or is it something more sinister?
April 6, 2023
At times I found this story a bit too unbelievable. Lynda is the main character and her past soon comes knocking. It was a good read though very well written and easy to read
April 29, 2023
This book started really well and had a good level of suspense. Many times I thought that I had guessed who the culprit was, but every time I was wrong!
There were many twists and turns to the story but it dragged on a little too long for me and the ending was very far-fetched.
There were many twists and turns to the story but it dragged on a little too long for me and the ending was very far-fetched.
August 9, 2023
Fabulous reading. I could not put this book down until I found out who was the suspect. Definitely I will read all of Lorraine Mace’s other thrillers.
April 18, 2023
Lynda’s parents died in a car crash and she had no other family. Her partner is getting concerned about Lynda’s OCD and it’s causing a huge rift between them as Lynda keeps accusing him of moving things - he ends up moving out.
Lynda has huge guilt about not stepping in to help her childhood friend Sarah when she is being bullied. Lynda volunteers at an anti- bullying charity as she feels so bad about what happened in the past.
Sarah tracks Lynda down and they meet up a few times. Sarah tells lynda she’s been thrown out of her home and lynda invites her to stay for a few nights.
Nasty letters start appearing at Lynda’s home and her cat disappears- she thinks someone is out to get her. Sarah overstays her welcome and starts being really horrible to Lynda - things quickly spiral out of control and Lynda can’t stop them.
This was a great book and I couldn’t stop reading it. I would definitely recommend this book.
Lynda has huge guilt about not stepping in to help her childhood friend Sarah when she is being bullied. Lynda volunteers at an anti- bullying charity as she feels so bad about what happened in the past.
Sarah tracks Lynda down and they meet up a few times. Sarah tells lynda she’s been thrown out of her home and lynda invites her to stay for a few nights.
Nasty letters start appearing at Lynda’s home and her cat disappears- she thinks someone is out to get her. Sarah overstays her welcome and starts being really horrible to Lynda - things quickly spiral out of control and Lynda can’t stop them.
This was a great book and I couldn’t stop reading it. I would definitely recommend this book.
April 29, 2023
Lynda is one who has gone through so much tragedy in her lifetime that she needs to see a therapist and her current levels of OCD cause her current relationship to become destructive. When a friend from her past comes back into her life she feels she needs to make amends but slowly Lynda feels there is more going off and that her friend is out to cause her more difficulty. There are a lot of twists and turns and the ending is almost too neatly wrapped up, I was expecting more from the character of Amanda as it seemed like there was more to learn from her. Overall a quick, enjoyable read.
Displaying 1 - 30 of 75 reviews