Playing Host

by Antony Botting

When a man living in seclusion and recovering from serious injury is visited by strangers, it is not clear how or why they have arrived. He welcomes them into his home and plays host to the best of his ability. When inexplicable events begin to happen and dreadful truths come to light, no one is able to communicate with the outside world.

325 pages, Kindle Edition

Published April 9, 2024

About the author

Antony Botting was born in London, England. Graduating from the University of Hull with a Masters in International Law & Politics, he now works in the field of modern slavery and human trafficking.

Playing Host is now available.

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Reviews

[Shahid · Rating 5 out of 5]

A knock at the door can sometimes be the beginning of a nightmare rather than the arrival of a guest.

Antony Botting’s Playing Host presents an intriguing and atmospheric premise built around isolation, mystery, and growing psychological tension. A man recovering from a serious injury finds his secluded life unexpectedly disrupted by the arrival of strangers whose reasons for appearing remain unclear. As he attempts to welcome them and fulfil his role as host, unexplained events and disturbing revelations gradually transform the situation into something far more sinister. The inability to communicate with the outside world adds an unsettling sense of confinement and vulnerability, while the mysterious circumstances invite readers to question whom they can trust. With its combination of suspense and dreadful secrets, the novel promises an absorbing reading experience.

In Playing Host, opening your home may be easy—but discovering the truth about those inside it could be impossible to escape.

[Patrick Simmons · Rating 5 out of 5]

It was clear there was something off from the start, but I wasn't expecting that!