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The Last Guest House
Guest House Rules
No smoking in the rooms.
No loud music.
No phones
No leaving your room after 9pm
DI Alex McKenna is meant to be resting following her last case, so she lets her boyfriend to take her to the Isle of Skye for the weekend. But what's meant to be a getaway to see the aurora borealis soon turns into a nightmare when they discover that their hotel has double booked.
In desperation, they check into the only hotel with rooms available nearby - The Loch House.
But from the moment they step foot in the guest house Alex knows something is very wrong.
And as snow starts to fall, and night closes in, she begins to wonder if they will ever leave here alive...
The absolutely gripping, action-packed new thrilled from bestselling author Caroline Mitchell. Perfect for fans of The Sanatorium and The Hunting Party.
No smoking in the rooms.
No loud music.
No phones
No leaving your room after 9pm
DI Alex McKenna is meant to be resting following her last case, so she lets her boyfriend to take her to the Isle of Skye for the weekend. But what's meant to be a getaway to see the aurora borealis soon turns into a nightmare when they discover that their hotel has double booked.
In desperation, they check into the only hotel with rooms available nearby - The Loch House.
But from the moment they step foot in the guest house Alex knows something is very wrong.
And as snow starts to fall, and night closes in, she begins to wonder if they will ever leave here alive...
The absolutely gripping, action-packed new thrilled from bestselling author Caroline Mitchell. Perfect for fans of The Sanatorium and The Hunting Party.
237 pages, Kindle Edition
First published April 16, 2024
1353 people are currently reading
1616 people want to read
About the author
Caroline Mitchell
40 books2,155 followersNew York Times, USA Today, Washington Post and International #1 Bestselling Author. Shortlisted by the International Thriller Awards for best ebook 2017 and the Killer Nashville Best Police Procedural 2018.
** See all my books in order here: https://caroline-writes.com/books **
**Join my writing course here: https://www.caroline-mitchell.com **
Now available:
Amy Winter thriller series: https://geni.us/AmySeries
Slayton thriller series: https://geni.us/Slaytonseries
Jennifer Knight thriller series: https://geni.us/JKSeries
The Islanders psych thriller: https://geni.us/TheIslandersCM
The Village psych thriller: https://geni.us/thevillage
** See all my books in order here: https://caroline-writes.com/books **
**Join my writing course here: https://www.caroline-mitchell.com **
Now available:
Amy Winter thriller series: https://geni.us/AmySeries
Slayton thriller series: https://geni.us/Slaytonseries
Jennifer Knight thriller series: https://geni.us/JKSeries
The Islanders psych thriller: https://geni.us/TheIslandersCM
The Village psych thriller: https://geni.us/thevillage
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 237 reviews
April 17, 2024
Rules, rules, rules, you must obey the rules! But will following the rules be enough????? Caroline Mitchell has delivered another thrilling and gripping book about a weekend gone awry! This creepy and eerie book was full of atmosphere, tension, and a bunch of quirky characters!
DI Alex McKenna, her boyfriend, Matt and her six-year-old son, George were hoping to be enjoying a lovely weekend at a hotel on the Isle of Skye to see the aurora borealis. When they arrive at the hotel, they learn that there is a booking mix up and there are no rooms left. It's late, it’s snowing, they are grumpy, and in need of a place to stay. The receptionist finds them a room at "The Loch House." From the eccentric and odd owners to the peeling wallpaper, rules, and doors that lock from the inside, something does not feel right...
I love that 'trapped' feeling in books. Add that trapped feeling to snow piling up with no way to leave, and I'm in every single time! Plus, the rules! Some are reasonable such as no smoking in the rooms or loud music. That makes sense and I'm on board with that. But no phones and no leaving after 9 p.m., yeah, I'm not feeling those rules. Seems very restrictive and concerning. Alex felt the same way that I did about these rules. Then there is the ten-years-ago-something-horrific-happened-here revelation that propels the creepy vibe in this book into overdrive.
The description of Dorothy, one of the owners, had me thinking of Bette Davis in "What ever happened to Betty Jane?" You're welcome for that visual! But wait, there is also Henry, Dorothy's husband, with his dirty uniform - well, nothing makes one feel more welcome than these two!
WOWZA! This book kept me on my toes and turning the pages. I love a gripping, creepy, and tension filled book and The Last Guest House hit the spot! I found this book to be well written, well thought out, nicely paced, and dripping with atmosphere. This book also has increasing dread and a mounting sense of danger. There are also quite a few twists, turns and reveals along the way as well. What an enjoyable read!
Thank you to Embla Books and NetGalley who provided me with a copy of this book in exchange for an honest review. All the thoughts and opinions are my own.
Read more of my reviews at www.openbookposts.com 📖
DI Alex McKenna, her boyfriend, Matt and her six-year-old son, George were hoping to be enjoying a lovely weekend at a hotel on the Isle of Skye to see the aurora borealis. When they arrive at the hotel, they learn that there is a booking mix up and there are no rooms left. It's late, it’s snowing, they are grumpy, and in need of a place to stay. The receptionist finds them a room at "The Loch House." From the eccentric and odd owners to the peeling wallpaper, rules, and doors that lock from the inside, something does not feel right...
I love that 'trapped' feeling in books. Add that trapped feeling to snow piling up with no way to leave, and I'm in every single time! Plus, the rules! Some are reasonable such as no smoking in the rooms or loud music. That makes sense and I'm on board with that. But no phones and no leaving after 9 p.m., yeah, I'm not feeling those rules. Seems very restrictive and concerning. Alex felt the same way that I did about these rules. Then there is the ten-years-ago-something-horrific-happened-here revelation that propels the creepy vibe in this book into overdrive.
The description of Dorothy, one of the owners, had me thinking of Bette Davis in "What ever happened to Betty Jane?" You're welcome for that visual! But wait, there is also Henry, Dorothy's husband, with his dirty uniform - well, nothing makes one feel more welcome than these two!
WOWZA! This book kept me on my toes and turning the pages. I love a gripping, creepy, and tension filled book and The Last Guest House hit the spot! I found this book to be well written, well thought out, nicely paced, and dripping with atmosphere. This book also has increasing dread and a mounting sense of danger. There are also quite a few twists, turns and reveals along the way as well. What an enjoyable read!
Thank you to Embla Books and NetGalley who provided me with a copy of this book in exchange for an honest review. All the thoughts and opinions are my own.
Read more of my reviews at www.openbookposts.com 📖
August 19, 2024
I had not heard of this author when I chose this audiobook, listed as one of the new books on BorrowBox. The synopsis appealed and I placed hold. I am not sure if I should be doing this as I am not at all getting through my tbr!
It had a different feel to other thrillers, the locked door vibe was fun, as well as the cast of many weird and odd characters and cultish vibes morphed the story into an unusual one. I immediately felt safe with DC Nicola McKenna who from the outset showed the reader her unhappiness with boyfriend Matt. As each chapter was told from alternate POV, we see how hard Matt is clutching at a family with Nicola and her quiet and lovely six-year-old son.
He has a definite odd vibe, something is definitely off and this is all a little unsure as Nicola surely would be on top of things given her career choice. Added to the odd bunch of occupants in a Scottish guest house (of course with a sinister history), are interspersed chapters of a true crime podcast. These were funny in a strange way, the banter seemed real and a little corny, in a good way. I found myself listening hard and smiling at the banter. The author's acknowledgements explained this in away. Interesting.
I found this an enjoyable read, definitely an original storyline which had an almost literary fiction vibe, or that could just be me. I’d rate this more of a 3.5 star read.
I listened to this via the BorrowBox app and my public library.
It had a different feel to other thrillers, the locked door vibe was fun, as well as the cast of many weird and odd characters and cultish vibes morphed the story into an unusual one. I immediately felt safe with DC Nicola McKenna who from the outset showed the reader her unhappiness with boyfriend Matt. As each chapter was told from alternate POV, we see how hard Matt is clutching at a family with Nicola and her quiet and lovely six-year-old son.
He has a definite odd vibe, something is definitely off and this is all a little unsure as Nicola surely would be on top of things given her career choice. Added to the odd bunch of occupants in a Scottish guest house (of course with a sinister history), are interspersed chapters of a true crime podcast. These were funny in a strange way, the banter seemed real and a little corny, in a good way. I found myself listening hard and smiling at the banter. The author's acknowledgements explained this in away. Interesting.
I found this an enjoyable read, definitely an original storyline which had an almost literary fiction vibe, or that could just be me. I’d rate this more of a 3.5 star read.
I listened to this via the BorrowBox app and my public library.
May 1, 2024
{Good}
Nice premise, loved the freaky guesthouse syndrome but in my opinion the podcast add in's did not work for this book.
Nice premise, loved the freaky guesthouse syndrome but in my opinion the podcast add in's did not work for this book.
March 22, 2024
Firstly I would like to thank netgalley and Embla books,and the fantastic author Caroline Mitchell for an early copy of her book to read.
Nicola has a son George and her partner Matt,who's relationship isnt going well take a trip to the Isle of Skye.when they arrive the place they booked told them it was the following week they drove in bad snowy weather no where to stay the only available room was in the Loch house which has a terrible past,on arrival they didnt expect so many rules..no phones..no going out after nine but why? it soon becomes apparent why..my rating is 3.5 rounded to four.a creepy mystery read.still enjoy her crime reads abit more..enjoy reading her books and looking forward to reading more.
To be reviewed on goodreads and Amazon uk.
Nicola has a son George and her partner Matt,who's relationship isnt going well take a trip to the Isle of Skye.when they arrive the place they booked told them it was the following week they drove in bad snowy weather no where to stay the only available room was in the Loch house which has a terrible past,on arrival they didnt expect so many rules..no phones..no going out after nine but why? it soon becomes apparent why..my rating is 3.5 rounded to four.a creepy mystery read.still enjoy her crime reads abit more..enjoy reading her books and looking forward to reading more.
To be reviewed on goodreads and Amazon uk.
March 11, 2024
"The Last Guest House" by Caroline Mitchell is an atmospheric psychological thriller told in the first person from the perspectives of three main characters: Nicola, Matt, and Elita. We get to know them and what makes them tick, and find ourselves rooting for some of them.
Nicola, a police officer, is going with her boyfriend, Matt, and her son, Georgie, to the Isle of Skye to see the northern lights. However, not everything goes according to plan. Due to Matt booking the wrong dates and the hotel being fully booked, they cannot stay there. They are forced to spend the night in the Loch House, which surprisingly has some vacant rooms.
The Loch House gives off odd vibes and enforces peculiar rules: "No smoking in the rooms. No loud music. No phones. No leaving your room after 9 pm." With no other options, Nicola and Matt decide to spend the night there. Other guests are present, none of whom are pleased with the rules. Nerves fray, and tension escalates once the guests discover the gruesome history of the hotel. The eccentric behavior of their hosts only adds to the already intense atmosphere. As night falls and the snow intensifies, it becomes clear that danger is afoot.
The book exceeded my expectations. It was much better and more original than I anticipated. Overall, I found the plot successful in propelling the story forward despite the slow start. The author excels in setting the scene from the very first page. The writing is taut and suspenseful, with the author expertly building tension and atmosphere throughout the book. Segments of a true crime podcast are smoothly interspersed throughout the narrative, heightening suspense and filling in details. Although I'm not a fan of podcasts, I appreciated how the author used them to drop clues to the reader about the events.
The main characters are well-drawn, each with their own distinct personality and backstory. I liked the eclectic mix of characters. I particularly liked Nicola and Elita, finding them relatable and engaging. However, I disliked Matt due to his overly controlling and overbearing nature. The story is tightly plotted, albeit a bit slow-paced. The ending was fitting, and there were some format issues—such as the author's name being inserted every couple of pages—so another round of editing wouldn't hurt. With themes of cults, abuse, religious fanatics, birth defects, and fallible human nature, the author has woven a tale that I thoroughly enjoyed. I recommend the book to lovers of the genre seeking a refreshing tale. This is not a story you've read before.
* Thank you NetGalley and (publisher) for the opportunity to read this arc. All opinions are my own.
* Review in my blog: https://galibookish.blogspot.com/2024...
Nicola, a police officer, is going with her boyfriend, Matt, and her son, Georgie, to the Isle of Skye to see the northern lights. However, not everything goes according to plan. Due to Matt booking the wrong dates and the hotel being fully booked, they cannot stay there. They are forced to spend the night in the Loch House, which surprisingly has some vacant rooms.
The Loch House gives off odd vibes and enforces peculiar rules: "No smoking in the rooms. No loud music. No phones. No leaving your room after 9 pm." With no other options, Nicola and Matt decide to spend the night there. Other guests are present, none of whom are pleased with the rules. Nerves fray, and tension escalates once the guests discover the gruesome history of the hotel. The eccentric behavior of their hosts only adds to the already intense atmosphere. As night falls and the snow intensifies, it becomes clear that danger is afoot.
The book exceeded my expectations. It was much better and more original than I anticipated. Overall, I found the plot successful in propelling the story forward despite the slow start. The author excels in setting the scene from the very first page. The writing is taut and suspenseful, with the author expertly building tension and atmosphere throughout the book. Segments of a true crime podcast are smoothly interspersed throughout the narrative, heightening suspense and filling in details. Although I'm not a fan of podcasts, I appreciated how the author used them to drop clues to the reader about the events.
The main characters are well-drawn, each with their own distinct personality and backstory. I liked the eclectic mix of characters. I particularly liked Nicola and Elita, finding them relatable and engaging. However, I disliked Matt due to his overly controlling and overbearing nature. The story is tightly plotted, albeit a bit slow-paced. The ending was fitting, and there were some format issues—such as the author's name being inserted every couple of pages—so another round of editing wouldn't hurt. With themes of cults, abuse, religious fanatics, birth defects, and fallible human nature, the author has woven a tale that I thoroughly enjoyed. I recommend the book to lovers of the genre seeking a refreshing tale. This is not a story you've read before.
* Thank you NetGalley and (publisher) for the opportunity to read this arc. All opinions are my own.
* Review in my blog: https://galibookish.blogspot.com/2024...
February 26, 2024
Special thanks to NetGalley and the publisher for a free, electronic ARC of this novel received in exchange for an honest review.
Expected publication date: April 16, 2024
A guest house with a haunted past plus a locked-in mystery PLUS a cult component? Caroline Mitchell, you know the way into this girl’s heart.
Nicola’s partner, Matt, and her son, George, are going to Scotland for the weekend to see the aurora borealis. Matt hopes that the break will give Nicola the rest she needs, as well as a brief respite from her job on the police force. Until the hotel they originally reserved is double booked and they end up at The Loch House, the creepy, dilapidated guest house with strict rules, eccentric hosts and a dark past. But it isn’t long until Nicola finds herself putting her police skills to work- with an incoming snow storm, all of the guests are stranded with no phones and no access to the outside world. But if no one can get out, how did an unexpected visitor named Larry show up? And what secrets is he hiding?
“The Last Guest House” by author Caroline Mitchell had absolutely everything I look for in a psychological suspense novel; twists and turns, a completely un-guessable ending and pulse-pounding excitement and tension.
The novel is narrated by various players, primarily Nicola and her partner, Matt. There are segments of a murder mystery podcast at the end of each chapter that provides the background detail that the story itself does not. This was a unique and clever format, and I really enjoyed how Mitchell revealed details of the guest house’s past while still staying on task. The novel flowed well and I was hooked from the start.
I expected great things, as I have grown to love Caroline Mitchell, but “The Last Guest House” provided more than I anticipated. Anyone who loves psychological suspense and locked-in mysteries, but is looking for a break from the often predictable and overused plot lines that are the norm in this genre, check into Caroline Mitchell’s “The Last Guest House”! You won’t be disappointed.
Expected publication date: April 16, 2024
A guest house with a haunted past plus a locked-in mystery PLUS a cult component? Caroline Mitchell, you know the way into this girl’s heart.
Nicola’s partner, Matt, and her son, George, are going to Scotland for the weekend to see the aurora borealis. Matt hopes that the break will give Nicola the rest she needs, as well as a brief respite from her job on the police force. Until the hotel they originally reserved is double booked and they end up at The Loch House, the creepy, dilapidated guest house with strict rules, eccentric hosts and a dark past. But it isn’t long until Nicola finds herself putting her police skills to work- with an incoming snow storm, all of the guests are stranded with no phones and no access to the outside world. But if no one can get out, how did an unexpected visitor named Larry show up? And what secrets is he hiding?
“The Last Guest House” by author Caroline Mitchell had absolutely everything I look for in a psychological suspense novel; twists and turns, a completely un-guessable ending and pulse-pounding excitement and tension.
The novel is narrated by various players, primarily Nicola and her partner, Matt. There are segments of a murder mystery podcast at the end of each chapter that provides the background detail that the story itself does not. This was a unique and clever format, and I really enjoyed how Mitchell revealed details of the guest house’s past while still staying on task. The novel flowed well and I was hooked from the start.
I expected great things, as I have grown to love Caroline Mitchell, but “The Last Guest House” provided more than I anticipated. Anyone who loves psychological suspense and locked-in mysteries, but is looking for a break from the often predictable and overused plot lines that are the norm in this genre, check into Caroline Mitchell’s “The Last Guest House”! You won’t be disappointed.
March 31, 2024
Nicola a Police officer, with partner Matt decide to take a well-earned break with her six-year-old son George. They are on the island of Skye to see the Northen Lights. But when they get to the hotel, the soon discover that they have come to the island on the wrong weekend. The hotel is fully booked because of a wedding and so is most of the surrounding places to stay, except for The Loch house and there is a snowstorm on the way,
They decide to go there. It’s only for one night Nicola says to partner Matt. But when they get there, they find the place severely outdated, and the wallpaper is peeling off the walls. But the weather is closing in, so they haven’t got a choice. When they meet their hosts, they found them quite weird, and they have set a group of house rules for them to stay. Which the couple are not happy about as one of them is no phones. The hosts take them. It’s a small price to pay for one night. But Nicola feels something is not right about the place. It feels like that there is something sinister at play and a feeling of being watched.
Caroline Mitchell is one of my go to authors and her latest offering ‘The last guest House is a riveting read.
This is a mix of a thriller/ horror, lock room mystery, set in a snowstorm. It was full of tension and suspense and found it to be quite different to others that I have read. I also like the mix of the story with the episodes of the podcasts in the storyline. It added a bit more depth and direction. I couldn’t put this down because I kept wanting to read more and so much, I read this to the small hours of the morning. This is a fab read. 5 stars from me.
They decide to go there. It’s only for one night Nicola says to partner Matt. But when they get there, they find the place severely outdated, and the wallpaper is peeling off the walls. But the weather is closing in, so they haven’t got a choice. When they meet their hosts, they found them quite weird, and they have set a group of house rules for them to stay. Which the couple are not happy about as one of them is no phones. The hosts take them. It’s a small price to pay for one night. But Nicola feels something is not right about the place. It feels like that there is something sinister at play and a feeling of being watched.
Caroline Mitchell is one of my go to authors and her latest offering ‘The last guest House is a riveting read.
This is a mix of a thriller/ horror, lock room mystery, set in a snowstorm. It was full of tension and suspense and found it to be quite different to others that I have read. I also like the mix of the story with the episodes of the podcasts in the storyline. It added a bit more depth and direction. I couldn’t put this down because I kept wanting to read more and so much, I read this to the small hours of the morning. This is a fab read. 5 stars from me.
March 24, 2024
The title on Amazon states, “The Last Guest House: An absolutely unputdownable and gripping BRAND NEW thriller”. I am usually leery of books with such bold declarations; that’s a lot to live up to. But I won this book through NetGalley, and it is fairly short, So I gave it a try. And the benefit of the doubt.
The premise is alluring: During a severe snowstorm, Matt, Nicola, and wee George wind up at Loch House where there are already several other guests. They check the reviews and are hard-pressed to find any positive ones which goes against the first part of the cover blurb under the title (“Your Perfect Escape”). They are all stranded due to the storm. The elderly proprietors give them several rules that they must all abide; two of which are the sticking points: no phones, and no leaving the building after 9 pm. They are locked into Loch House (get the word play?), and blithely give over their phones. They are never given a reason; the couple being cagey and obtuse (multiple times throughout the book there is basically the same conversation). Even when a crisis occurs, the guests never push for answers.
This is a frame story. The events at Loch house told through the points of view of Matt and Nicola (he wants to marry her, she doesn’t like him), and Elita (an unknown quantity to the guests), alternating with podcast banter between Alex and Matt (who are giving us some background information that will eventually bring the mysterious happenings at the Loch House, and a seemingly unrelated case history). For me, their banter and insincerity was painful to read.
Nicola is a police officer, but doesn’t know how to act like one. Matt is pathetic but believable (the only character who is). There is the obligatory twist at the end which I found silly.
I wish I could be more positive.
I would like to thank NetGalley and Embla Books for the opportunity to read and review this book.
The premise is alluring: During a severe snowstorm, Matt, Nicola, and wee George wind up at Loch House where there are already several other guests. They check the reviews and are hard-pressed to find any positive ones which goes against the first part of the cover blurb under the title (“Your Perfect Escape”). They are all stranded due to the storm. The elderly proprietors give them several rules that they must all abide; two of which are the sticking points: no phones, and no leaving the building after 9 pm. They are locked into Loch House (get the word play?), and blithely give over their phones. They are never given a reason; the couple being cagey and obtuse (multiple times throughout the book there is basically the same conversation). Even when a crisis occurs, the guests never push for answers.
This is a frame story. The events at Loch house told through the points of view of Matt and Nicola (he wants to marry her, she doesn’t like him), and Elita (an unknown quantity to the guests), alternating with podcast banter between Alex and Matt (who are giving us some background information that will eventually bring the mysterious happenings at the Loch House, and a seemingly unrelated case history). For me, their banter and insincerity was painful to read.
Nicola is a police officer, but doesn’t know how to act like one. Matt is pathetic but believable (the only character who is). There is the obligatory twist at the end which I found silly.
I wish I could be more positive.
I would like to thank NetGalley and Embla Books for the opportunity to read and review this book.
July 5, 2024
another engaging story
by the queen of small town
creepiness: a bit overplotted
but also full with delightful
mousetrap peril vibes. :)
by the queen of small town
creepiness: a bit overplotted
but also full with delightful
mousetrap peril vibes. :)
May 16, 2024
Love a good locked room mystery. This had a fantastic twist. Very clever.
May 4, 2025
Imagine being whisked off to Scotland to watch the ever-so-rare Northern Lights (yes I know they were visible further south last year). But this is such a romantic gesture well until you get to the hotel and your other half has the date wrong 🤦🏻♀️🤦🏻♀️🤦🏻♀️ I really felt for Nicola when she was presented with this epic fail with her young tired son in tow.
The alternative accommodation they had was creepy to say the least. Then the other residents are just odd. I’d want to get out there sharpish but the Scottish weather has other ideas for Nicola and her family. The lack of escape gave the story a more claustrophobic feel that was already there from the remoteness of the guesthouse.
Mitchell has created a goosebump inducing thriller which hits an almighty tense climax. She expertly made me feel on edge and fearing for Nicola and her family. Would they all make it home alive? Another chilling read from Caroline Mitchell!!
The alternative accommodation they had was creepy to say the least. Then the other residents are just odd. I’d want to get out there sharpish but the Scottish weather has other ideas for Nicola and her family. The lack of escape gave the story a more claustrophobic feel that was already there from the remoteness of the guesthouse.
Mitchell has created a goosebump inducing thriller which hits an almighty tense climax. She expertly made me feel on edge and fearing for Nicola and her family. Would they all make it home alive? Another chilling read from Caroline Mitchell!!
March 29, 2024
My first time reading Caroline Mitchell and I wasn't a fan of the writing style. The pacing was too slow for me and I hate podcast/interview chapters, and this had a lot. The story was moving along fairly slowly, then came to a screeching halt for a conversation between two women on a true crime podcast that had no relevance to the story overall. By the time it picked back up at the guest house I'd lost my rhythm. This happened several times. Mitchell is a well liked author who I was interested to try but her work wasn't for me.
I received a free arc from the publisher via Netgalley.
I received a free arc from the publisher via Netgalley.
October 8, 2024
*Rules and More*
This was certainly a strange read. There were a motley crew of characters, most of them were not who they seemed.
We have Dc Nicola McKenna, she has a terrible past of being involved with a violent and abusive partner and father of her son George. When he goes to prison she still lived in fear as to what would happen when he is released.
She meets Matt who seemed to be there at the right time. She divulged a secret that if exposed could mean a different path of life for Nicola. The sad thing is when he senses her feelings have changed towards him he holds her secret over her. He would love nothing more than for her to leave the force and have a family in his head she would be bonded to him.
When Matt decides to whisk her away on a couples weekend to Scotland, she agrees but wants to take her son George and such is his desperation to go he relents.
Well, what happens is anything but the weekend either of them expected. When Matt’s original hotel is ruined because of a mix-up they have no alternative but to book into the only place left with a room.
The Loch House should be just the ticket? Or is it. As they enter the proprietors are as strange as they seem. To stay they are presented with rules ‘for their own good’ but that is only the start of a break that would leave them forever changed….
This was certainly a strange read. There were a motley crew of characters, most of them were not who they seemed.
We have Dc Nicola McKenna, she has a terrible past of being involved with a violent and abusive partner and father of her son George. When he goes to prison she still lived in fear as to what would happen when he is released.
She meets Matt who seemed to be there at the right time. She divulged a secret that if exposed could mean a different path of life for Nicola. The sad thing is when he senses her feelings have changed towards him he holds her secret over her. He would love nothing more than for her to leave the force and have a family in his head she would be bonded to him.
When Matt decides to whisk her away on a couples weekend to Scotland, she agrees but wants to take her son George and such is his desperation to go he relents.
Well, what happens is anything but the weekend either of them expected. When Matt’s original hotel is ruined because of a mix-up they have no alternative but to book into the only place left with a room.
The Loch House should be just the ticket? Or is it. As they enter the proprietors are as strange as they seem. To stay they are presented with rules ‘for their own good’ but that is only the start of a break that would leave them forever changed….
March 5, 2024
Oh, this was good!
First of all, it’s legitimately creepy. I felt like I was stuck in that hotel with no way out.
And I trusted no one – not even our main character.
Now, I get sooooo tired of books using true crime podcasts as a plot vehicle. It was clever the first billion times, right? But just when I swear to never read another one…comes this book. The author used the podcast so cleverly! Rather than being tired of it, I was eagerly reading each podcast entry in order to ferret out the clues the author drops there. The author absolutely did this right.
The book is atmospheric, the plot clever, and the characters fully realized. This was simply a fabulous read!
• ARC via Publisher
First of all, it’s legitimately creepy. I felt like I was stuck in that hotel with no way out.
And I trusted no one – not even our main character.
Now, I get sooooo tired of books using true crime podcasts as a plot vehicle. It was clever the first billion times, right? But just when I swear to never read another one…comes this book. The author used the podcast so cleverly! Rather than being tired of it, I was eagerly reading each podcast entry in order to ferret out the clues the author drops there. The author absolutely did this right.
The book is atmospheric, the plot clever, and the characters fully realized. This was simply a fabulous read!
• ARC via Publisher
May 12, 2025
3.5 stars
The Last Guest House by Caroline Mitchell is a psychological thriller about a strange hotel and even stranger guests....and then there are the owners!
First, let me thank NetGalley, the publisher Embla Books (and in particular Katie Williams for sending me a widget) and of course the author, for providing me with a copy of this book in exchange for an honest review. All opinions are my own.....but apologies for the delay in reading/reviewing.
Well, this was quite interesting (as are most books by this author).
The story is told by Nicola, Matt, and Elita. It is also told through a true-crime podcast. The combination was quite well done, except it took me a while to start enjoying the podcast, and seeing it's true relevance.
I didn't particularly like any of the characters, except for perhaps George and Elita. Nicola grated on me. Even when I found out why she was staying in an abusive relationship, it didn't help. Two abusive relationships, and it's only now that she thinks she should put her son first? That, and for a police officer, her mind was all over the place.
However, I loved the hotel, which was a wonderful character in itself, with all the secret rooms. I wish more was said about the passageways. It was really intriguing.
As much as I love books about cults, that side of the story didn't work for me.
So, as much as I disliked parts, I did enjoy the book. Overall, it was definitely a creepy, atmospheric mystery.
Anyway, until next time.....
For a more complete review of this book and others (including the reason I chose to read/review this book, my own synopsis of the book, and its author information), please visit my blog: http://katlovesbooksblog.wordpress.com/
April 20, 2024
I hadn't heard of Caroline Mitchelle before, and after finishing this book I was shocked to learn that she has written several books previously, as this one all but screams "debut that never saw an editor".
The premise of the story isn't half bad (although it does have absolutely massive plot holes) but the writing is truly terrible. The characters are all one-dimensional, their behaviour doesn't ring true to real life, everything just reads so incredibly stilted, and the whole book is one long case of telling rather than showing. Two stars because I did still want to know how the story would play out (although more than one major plot point was never explained).
The premise of the story isn't half bad (although it does have absolutely massive plot holes) but the writing is truly terrible. The characters are all one-dimensional, their behaviour doesn't ring true to real life, everything just reads so incredibly stilted, and the whole book is one long case of telling rather than showing. Two stars because I did still want to know how the story would play out (although more than one major plot point was never explained).
April 15, 2024
The Last Guest House is a thriller with tons of suspicious characters and a true crime spin as interviews from a true crime podcast are woven throughout the story.
Nicola and Matt are traveling with Nicola‘s young child for a family trip. She is a police officer and is supposed to be off duty for her trip but the entire setting starts off dark and mysterious. We meet a whole cast of characters at the inn they reluctantly decide to stay in which leads to so many suspicions and curiosity about their motives when things go horribly wrong. You can’t trust anyone! There are so many stories woven into this main story and it was so good! The last half had me on the edge of my seat.
Thank you so much to Netgalley, Caroline Mitchell, and Embla Books for providing this ARC in exchange for an honest review. This is going to be an amazing read for everyone on April 16th!
Nicola and Matt are traveling with Nicola‘s young child for a family trip. She is a police officer and is supposed to be off duty for her trip but the entire setting starts off dark and mysterious. We meet a whole cast of characters at the inn they reluctantly decide to stay in which leads to so many suspicions and curiosity about their motives when things go horribly wrong. You can’t trust anyone! There are so many stories woven into this main story and it was so good! The last half had me on the edge of my seat.
Thank you so much to Netgalley, Caroline Mitchell, and Embla Books for providing this ARC in exchange for an honest review. This is going to be an amazing read for everyone on April 16th!
October 19, 2024
Lazy writing. “Now I vow to put my son first.” 🤮My 4th graders can do better!
Predictable. Not at all creepy or suspenseful - unless a character mentioning every 20 pages or so “this place is creepy” counts as good writing. Where is the atmosphere?! The yawning sense of dread?! Just yawns for me.
Characters were misnamed twice (Henry/Hill); bad copy editing. A guy running out into a blinding blizzard in jeans will get disoriented, lost and die from frostbite, not safely return hours later.
Shotguns hold two shots. Period. At the climax, they are out of ammo. It was a huge plot hole for me. Maybe people in England don’t realize that 2 barrels = all it has?
And the main character… yuck. She was awful. And did awful things.
Just… no redeeming characters here. Skip it!
I told my friends this was the Great Value version of Robert Galbraith/JK Rowling’s “The Running Grave.” Read that instead. This book was so clumsy and juvenile in comparison. I don’t know if I have ever been so terrified reading a book with a cult in it as that one.
And the stupid podcast scenes!!! What the hell was that?! Gross. Just gross. Lazy plot exposition device.
Predictable. Not at all creepy or suspenseful - unless a character mentioning every 20 pages or so “this place is creepy” counts as good writing. Where is the atmosphere?! The yawning sense of dread?! Just yawns for me.
Characters were misnamed twice (Henry/Hill); bad copy editing. A guy running out into a blinding blizzard in jeans will get disoriented, lost and die from frostbite, not safely return hours later.
Shotguns hold two shots. Period. At the climax, they are out of ammo. It was a huge plot hole for me. Maybe people in England don’t realize that 2 barrels = all it has?
And the main character… yuck. She was awful. And did awful things.
Just… no redeeming characters here. Skip it!
I told my friends this was the Great Value version of Robert Galbraith/JK Rowling’s “The Running Grave.” Read that instead. This book was so clumsy and juvenile in comparison. I don’t know if I have ever been so terrified reading a book with a cult in it as that one.
And the stupid podcast scenes!!! What the hell was that?! Gross. Just gross. Lazy plot exposition device.
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
July 6, 2024
Normally quite like a cult theme but this one just dragged with no real action!
April 16, 2024
would like to thank netgalley and the publisher for letting me read this thriller of a book
where to start with this one... its different from anything else i have ever read and the podcast bits i couldnt get my head around until further in the book and then it started to make sense
the different points of views were interesting to read as well and didnt put me off the storyline at all
matt has planned a romantic weekend away but the snow storm comes out of no where and then the booking for the hotel he was hoping for was fully booked so they had to find somewhere quick
they ended up in a run down place that had some very strange rules.... but as they were all tired and only for one night it was thought best to just go along with it...
but as the night progressed things escalated very quickly and seriously got out of hand... what was to come was something out of a horror story
but what a ride this book was.... couldnt put it down
where to start with this one... its different from anything else i have ever read and the podcast bits i couldnt get my head around until further in the book and then it started to make sense
the different points of views were interesting to read as well and didnt put me off the storyline at all
matt has planned a romantic weekend away but the snow storm comes out of no where and then the booking for the hotel he was hoping for was fully booked so they had to find somewhere quick
they ended up in a run down place that had some very strange rules.... but as they were all tired and only for one night it was thought best to just go along with it...
but as the night progressed things escalated very quickly and seriously got out of hand... what was to come was something out of a horror story
but what a ride this book was.... couldnt put it down
January 14, 2025
In the words of Linkin Park, “I tried so hard to get so far, but in the end, it [didn’t] even matter.” I just couldn’t even get into this book. I felt it was lacking in a lot of description, and the characters were all flat to me. I did listen to the audio version, and those narrators weren’t not nearly as good as other narrators — they are definitely not being added to my iPhone list of favorite audiobook narrators. One narrator did the most over-the-top Robin Leach voice for his part as a podcast host — and the podcast section of the book did nothing for the story.
Also, I chose this book right after reading a terrific book by Lisa Jewell, and that may have been a problem since that book was really good.
Also, I chose this book right after reading a terrific book by Lisa Jewell, and that may have been a problem since that book was really good.
September 5, 2024
This was terrible. And I found errors - using the wrong character’s name multiple times.
July 17, 2025
Just. WOW. Just wow. No others words. It was a good book, a little dragged out and predictable but okay.
April 1, 2024
What a deliciously dark story this was, it has two different storylines and while I wasn't sure how they would join, they were both interesting in their ways.
Nicola, her son George and her partner Matt had not meant to be staying at the guest house they ended up in. It was a surprise that Matt had organised, everything that could go wrong did. Instead of a lovely warm hotel, they are in a dark, gloomy guest house where the owner has a series of rules. The owners are as creepy as their house. Other guests are staying and each of them is not exactly pleased with the rules, but as the snow is now coming down thick and fast they have no choice but to stay put and abide by the rules.
The author does such a good job of describing the house, and the owners and also giving a back story to this creepy house. It is the 10th anniversary of a murder and once those staying there find this out there is some tension and edginess. The author has created a locked room mystery within the house and the setting of the Isle of Skye adds even more remoteness to the scenario.
I did mention two storylines, one is the main bulk of the story and the focus with Nicola trying to put things together and Matt getting annoyed that she cannot leave her "police head" on holiday mode. The other is a podcast, short sections that are dropped in between the main story. This one left me puzzled and it was not until much later in the book when it suddenly dawned on me what and how it was connected. It caught me completely unaware!
The author definitely knows how to gradually increase tension and suspicion and she does this with great effect with her characters. There is a sense of distrust and because each of the chapters is from the perspective of alternating people you are never quite sure who can be trusted. I do like this way of telling things as you get little snippets of a character's darkest secrets or motives.
This is a wonderfully paced story that increases its pace and keeps me turning the pages. I wanted to know and found that the answers were gradually given but more questions arose. There is a dramatic conclusion and it was a satisfying one as well. Great for readers who like a tense, atmospheric, locked-room mystery and thriller story. Addictive and creepy and one I would definitely recommend.
Nicola, her son George and her partner Matt had not meant to be staying at the guest house they ended up in. It was a surprise that Matt had organised, everything that could go wrong did. Instead of a lovely warm hotel, they are in a dark, gloomy guest house where the owner has a series of rules. The owners are as creepy as their house. Other guests are staying and each of them is not exactly pleased with the rules, but as the snow is now coming down thick and fast they have no choice but to stay put and abide by the rules.
The author does such a good job of describing the house, and the owners and also giving a back story to this creepy house. It is the 10th anniversary of a murder and once those staying there find this out there is some tension and edginess. The author has created a locked room mystery within the house and the setting of the Isle of Skye adds even more remoteness to the scenario.
I did mention two storylines, one is the main bulk of the story and the focus with Nicola trying to put things together and Matt getting annoyed that she cannot leave her "police head" on holiday mode. The other is a podcast, short sections that are dropped in between the main story. This one left me puzzled and it was not until much later in the book when it suddenly dawned on me what and how it was connected. It caught me completely unaware!
The author definitely knows how to gradually increase tension and suspicion and she does this with great effect with her characters. There is a sense of distrust and because each of the chapters is from the perspective of alternating people you are never quite sure who can be trusted. I do like this way of telling things as you get little snippets of a character's darkest secrets or motives.
This is a wonderfully paced story that increases its pace and keeps me turning the pages. I wanted to know and found that the answers were gradually given but more questions arose. There is a dramatic conclusion and it was a satisfying one as well. Great for readers who like a tense, atmospheric, locked-room mystery and thriller story. Addictive and creepy and one I would definitely recommend.
March 20, 2024
Nicola and Matt along with their son George are taking a short break on the Isle of Skye. Unfortunately there was a mix up with the hotel they had booked so ended up at the Loch house.
The house is old, untidy with a creepy vibe. The old couple that run it are eccentric to say the least. They have rules that need to be kept such as no phone and no going out after 9pm. There is a severe snow storm so they have no choice but to stay here for the night.
There is a feeling of being watched, the other guests seem untrustworthy and George goes missing. This is a creepy mystery where all is not what it seems.
This had my interest right from the start. There are pov's from Nicola, Matt and Elita and the chapters are short, which I like. I did get a little bored mid way, I found it abit slow and repetitive but then it picked up again in the second half. There was a random unsolved mystery pod cast every couple of chapters that kept you up to date with the mystery of the Loch house which the owner and guests were murdered 10 years prior. This didn't add anything for me and seemed somewhat out of place.
Overall this was a quick, easy, fun read that did have you wondering who was who.
3 stars.
#netgalley #thelastguesthouse #carolinemitchell #mystery #murder
The house is old, untidy with a creepy vibe. The old couple that run it are eccentric to say the least. They have rules that need to be kept such as no phone and no going out after 9pm. There is a severe snow storm so they have no choice but to stay here for the night.
There is a feeling of being watched, the other guests seem untrustworthy and George goes missing. This is a creepy mystery where all is not what it seems.
This had my interest right from the start. There are pov's from Nicola, Matt and Elita and the chapters are short, which I like. I did get a little bored mid way, I found it abit slow and repetitive but then it picked up again in the second half. There was a random unsolved mystery pod cast every couple of chapters that kept you up to date with the mystery of the Loch house which the owner and guests were murdered 10 years prior. This didn't add anything for me and seemed somewhat out of place.
Overall this was a quick, easy, fun read that did have you wondering who was who.
3 stars.
#netgalley #thelastguesthouse #carolinemitchell #mystery #murder
September 15, 2024
This review is just to help me remember key points about the book. If you find it helpful or relatable that's cool too.
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"As snow starts to fall, and night closes in, she begins to wonder if they will ever leave here alive."
I honestly thought the plot was boring and the characters were flat. The true crime podcast chapters gave me the ick and felt like lazy exposition.
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"As snow starts to fall, and night closes in, she begins to wonder if they will ever leave here alive."
1.5 Stars ⭐️
I honestly thought the plot was boring and the characters were flat. The true crime podcast chapters gave me the ick and felt like lazy exposition.
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
April 18, 2024
I love the quirky characters that the author comes up with, it certainly adds to the story. I had a great time imagining them!
Enjoyed the book, the whole setting was creepy and atmospheric, being stuck in a snowstorm in a weird and freaky guesthouse you just know nothing good is going to happen!
All in all, not a bad read.
Happy Reading.
Enjoyed the book, the whole setting was creepy and atmospheric, being stuck in a snowstorm in a weird and freaky guesthouse you just know nothing good is going to happen!
All in all, not a bad read.
Happy Reading.
April 24, 2024
Thank you to NetGalley, the author and publisher for this copy in return for my honest review.
A gripping psychological thriller set on the Isle of Skye. Plenty of suspense and complex, interesting characters. I loved how the author delivered the plot.
A thriller to add to your tbr!
A gripping psychological thriller set on the Isle of Skye. Plenty of suspense and complex, interesting characters. I loved how the author delivered the plot.
A thriller to add to your tbr!
December 9, 2024
This thriller was creepy and had me on the edge of my seat. The characters were quirky, and all had their own back stories as to why they were at the hotel. Nothing but rules, rules, rules, and will you make it out alive. Definitely pick it up if you have the chances.
March 15, 2025
3.75
I saw the ending coming from a mile away. And I didnt like the podcast element of the story. I understand the purpose of it but it could have been executed better.
Overall the story was good and I enjoyed the book.
I saw the ending coming from a mile away. And I didnt like the podcast element of the story. I understand the purpose of it but it could have been executed better.
Overall the story was good and I enjoyed the book.
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