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The Host
The HOST abducts and entombs pathological recluse Monti Cameron in his ‘Guest House,’ a 1960s survivalist bunker. She is buried there with a stranger, Oscar-winning actor Henry Walker Beecher. There is no way out. Monti and Henry must comply with their HOST's sadistic social experiment or escape. If they don’t, their Host has assured their residency in the crypt. Their journey is uncertain and complicated by Monti's self-imposed barriers. THE HOST is fast-paced, in an isolated setting, with an unknown captor, and an imminent need to escape. Adults interested in suspense and thriller without gore will enjoy The Host. Readers who traditionally enjoy science fiction have gravitated to the book because the main characters bond over a love of sci-fi. I hope you will enjoy the quirky characters and psychological suspense in this unique and terrifying environment. Trigger there is one mention of a suicide attempt though no descriptive content.
365 pages, Kindle Edition
Published December 9, 2023
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Displaying 1 - 16 of 16 reviews
December 15, 2023
A story whose central conceit constrains the cast to two characters is an ambitious one. The scheme would seem to evoke either a postmodern stage play, replete with sardonic wordplay and comments on the human condition, or a horror film, holding the reader's attention in a series of tense engagements.
And those elements are definitely there, but they're not central to the construction of the book. What holds this story together is the brilliant characterization of Monti and Henry, their chemistry, and the evolution of their characters.
T.C. Westminster succeeds brilliantly in her execution. Give this one a go.
And those elements are definitely there, but they're not central to the construction of the book. What holds this story together is the brilliant characterization of Monti and Henry, their chemistry, and the evolution of their characters.
T.C. Westminster succeeds brilliantly in her execution. Give this one a go.
December 10, 2023
GAHHHHH!!! OMG!!! “The Host” has me shook and needing more from T.C. Westminster! The dizzying opening that mirrors the disorientation of Monti and Henry plunged me immediately into their labyrinth of uncertainty. Between T.C.’s relentless pace and the endearing relationship development between Monti and Henry, I could not put my kindle down. Thankfully, my husband spotted all the signs of “hooked” and took over all family duties.
My heart still races with the claustrophobic sensation of waking up in a foreign environment, the pounding headache, the surreal 1960s-styled decor—the panic and confusion still reverberates through my bones. Westminster's narration propelled the story forward, maintaining an edge-of-your-seat tension that kept me turning the pages. The dynamic between Monti and Henry, two strangers thrust into a bizarre scenario, adds an extra layer of intrigue. Their contrasting reactions—Monti's urgency to escape and Henry's almost nonchalant demeanor—create an absorbing interplay.
As the narrative unfolds, each revelation only deepens the enigma, driving an insatiable curiosity to uncover the truth behind their confinement. The book's immersive storytelling, vivid descriptions, and the palpable sense of unease had me craving answers alongside Monti and Henry.
Prepare for a rollercoaster of emotions—a concoction of bewilderment, suspense, and an insistent urge to decipher the secrets lurking within the bunker's walls. “The Host” is an exhilarating journey through a psychological labyrinth that will leave you shouting with me for, “More T.C.!!!”
My heart still races with the claustrophobic sensation of waking up in a foreign environment, the pounding headache, the surreal 1960s-styled decor—the panic and confusion still reverberates through my bones. Westminster's narration propelled the story forward, maintaining an edge-of-your-seat tension that kept me turning the pages. The dynamic between Monti and Henry, two strangers thrust into a bizarre scenario, adds an extra layer of intrigue. Their contrasting reactions—Monti's urgency to escape and Henry's almost nonchalant demeanor—create an absorbing interplay.
As the narrative unfolds, each revelation only deepens the enigma, driving an insatiable curiosity to uncover the truth behind their confinement. The book's immersive storytelling, vivid descriptions, and the palpable sense of unease had me craving answers alongside Monti and Henry.
Prepare for a rollercoaster of emotions—a concoction of bewilderment, suspense, and an insistent urge to decipher the secrets lurking within the bunker's walls. “The Host” is an exhilarating journey through a psychological labyrinth that will leave you shouting with me for, “More T.C.!!!”
December 9, 2023
Okay, so I am sitting in bed writing this review in the middle of the night. Why? Because I just finished TC Westminster's newest novel The Host. The thriller is full of mystery and circumstances that keep you reading to the next page. It is only realized, when you are finished with this amazing book, that you are drenched in sweat with a heart thumping so loudly and the image of the last scene tormenting your mind. So much, that any sane person could not possibly get back to sleep after having felt all the emotions and the torturous mentality placed upon the victims or Guests within the novel.
They say don't judge a book by the cover, but the cover for this book fits perfectly for this novel. Looking at it, the creep factor to this thrill ride begins and it doesn't stop. I cringed. I cried. I felt claustrophobic, my chest tightened. The story drew me in from the get go and leaves me begging for more.
If you like Escape Room or Saw, without the creepy puppet, definitely check this out! But I dare you to read it at night! Muahaha!
450891
They say don't judge a book by the cover, but the cover for this book fits perfectly for this novel. Looking at it, the creep factor to this thrill ride begins and it doesn't stop. I cringed. I cried. I felt claustrophobic, my chest tightened. The story drew me in from the get go and leaves me begging for more.
If you like Escape Room or Saw, without the creepy puppet, definitely check this out! But I dare you to read it at night! Muahaha!
450891
June 6, 2024
Imagine waking up to find yourself trapped inside an elaborate bunker. This is where you begin the incredible story of The Host.
You’re plunged into a nightmare with two characters, Monti and Henry who are polar opposites and total strangers. Together they explore the bunker in search of a way out, taking you along for all the ups and downs.
I won’t go into any more detail as I don’t want to spoil anything for readers.
Suffice to say, I stand in awe over the absolute skill it took to create such an incredible story. I was hooked from the beginning all the way until the end. I seriously could not put it down.
Kudos to T.C. Westminster for creating a unique, mind bending thriller that keeps you guessing all the way to the end.
You’re plunged into a nightmare with two characters, Monti and Henry who are polar opposites and total strangers. Together they explore the bunker in search of a way out, taking you along for all the ups and downs.
I won’t go into any more detail as I don’t want to spoil anything for readers.
Suffice to say, I stand in awe over the absolute skill it took to create such an incredible story. I was hooked from the beginning all the way until the end. I seriously could not put it down.
Kudos to T.C. Westminster for creating a unique, mind bending thriller that keeps you guessing all the way to the end.
August 19, 2024
"The HOST" by T.C. Westminster is a gripping psychological thriller that traps readers in an intense and claustrophobic narrative. Monti Cameron, a socially withdrawn recluse, finds herself abducted and imprisoned in a survivalist bunker alongside Henry Walker Beecher, a famous actor. Their mysterious captor, known only as the HOST, forces them into a twisted social experiment where compliance might be their only means of survival. The novel expertly balances suspense with psychological depth, drawing readers into the characters' desperate struggle to escape while exploring themes of isolation and human resilience. With its fast-paced plot and chilling atmosphere, "The HOST" is a must-read for fans of psychological suspense who prefer thrills without graphic violence.
March 21, 2025
Author T.C. Westminster owes me some sleep. The Host was kindle tapper (electronic equivalent to a page turner). The story went from slow burn to house on fire. These two main characters have an undeniable chemistry. I would happily read about Monti and Henry shopping for window blinds. Luckily, I got to observe them join forces and fight to survive in an increasingly disturbing and dangerous puzzle house. I enjoyed seeing these distinct personalities slowly bond as the house threw more riddles and more peril in their path. I couldn't help but root for Monti and Henry.
I highly recommend this clever Sci-Fi-ish psychological thriller. Much fun to be had between the nail biting. Kudos.
I highly recommend this clever Sci-Fi-ish psychological thriller. Much fun to be had between the nail biting. Kudos.
December 8, 2023
THE HOST is a captivating story of Monti and Henry—two strangers trapped in a bunker at the mercy of their host. This book is the first in a new series, and it sucked me in and kept me turning pages to find out what Monti and Henry would do next. I loved the developing dynamic between the characters, and after reading, I’m hungry for the second book! A great examination of how two different personalities react when put through extreme psychological rigor!
January 11, 2024
The HOST is a truly captivating thriller novel that follows the reclusive Monti as she attempts to navigate being kidnapped and trapped with the charismatic extrovert Henry. The two go through what can only be described as a complete nightmare as they rely on each other to keep pushing through the ordeal.
I couldn't put it down as each twist revealed more nightmares and psychological terrorism that the host inflicts on the guests. An absolute must read.
I couldn't put it down as each twist revealed more nightmares and psychological terrorism that the host inflicts on the guests. An absolute must read.
July 14, 2024
After Tori appeared on the Budding Author Podcast, I wanted to check out her writing.
Really enjoyed the Host, a very engaging beginning and then a slight lull, as I was expecting more characters, but the developing relationship between Monti and Henry gave me an intriguing, will they won't they vibe.
It's very cleverly put together and drips info as you go to keep the psychological edge running.
Well Done Tori
Really enjoyed the Host, a very engaging beginning and then a slight lull, as I was expecting more characters, but the developing relationship between Monti and Henry gave me an intriguing, will they won't they vibe.
It's very cleverly put together and drips info as you go to keep the psychological edge running.
Well Done Tori
December 9, 2023
When Monti wakes up disoriented and confused, she has no idea this is only the beginning. Welcome to T.C. Westminster’s nightmare about a pathological recluse who finds herself trapped in a bunker with her complete opposite, Oscar-winning actor, Henry. The two must work past their differences in order to escape, or risk forever being entombed by The Host.
A fantastic page turner!
A fantastic page turner!
February 9, 2025
Holy Suspense, Batman!
Grab a pot of coffee and buckle up for an exciting ride! The Host is an amazing tale of mind games and intrigue. You will put life on pause to race toward the end and be left wondering where to go from here when you reach it. Who is the host? Why them? What next? Dive in now, and see what I mean for yourself!
Grab a pot of coffee and buckle up for an exciting ride! The Host is an amazing tale of mind games and intrigue. You will put life on pause to race toward the end and be left wondering where to go from here when you reach it. Who is the host? Why them? What next? Dive in now, and see what I mean for yourself!
December 29, 2023
Mystery soaked, The Host eases you into a situation that's at first intriguing then gradually sneaks into disturbing territory. It's a page turner that pulled me, and had me rooting for introverted Monti as she struggled against an insane situation.
February 12, 2024
The Host is a gripping story with a compelling premise and a bone-chilling creep factor. The dynamic between Monti and Henry is great and their Host is an outright psychopath. As her debut novel, T.C. Westminster is an author to watch!
January 19, 2025
Mind-bending
This is one of those rare books where you keep thinking, What is going on? Who would do something so awful?
Well, the answer is The Host.
Read it only if you want to be kept on the edge of your seat, sputtering with rage and desperate hope. It is a helluva ride.
This is one of those rare books where you keep thinking, What is going on? Who would do something so awful?
Well, the answer is The Host.
Read it only if you want to be kept on the edge of your seat, sputtering with rage and desperate hope. It is a helluva ride.
September 4, 2025
TC Westminster scores with a psychological thriller reminiscent of Stephen King's The Institute.
Read
April 5, 2024Tight and full of suspence, a story that plays on many of our contemporary fears. I’ve seen it described as The Truman Show meets Black Mirror, and I have to agree. The fear of being watched, of losing control over our privacy, of the many risks of The Internet, is all too relevant nowadays. The author is a master at revealing just enough to keep you hooked without unveiling the mystery. I can’t wait to know how it ends and I’m also scared: the sweet spot for a thriller.
Thank you to the author for my ARC copy.
Thank you to the author for my ARC copy.
Displaying 1 - 16 of 16 reviews