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The Guests
A chilling novel by the author of The Serial Killer's Son: They weren't invited. But they refuse to leave . . .
Tamsin is being haunted by what she calls the Shadows. But she won't make the mistake of confiding in her family again, even when her relationship with her teenage daughter suffers as a result.
As each day passes, the presence of the Shadows becomes harder to bear. They have infected her life and Tamsin needs help.
After seeking out a psychiatrist, she begins to realize that trauma from her past is seeping into the present, and her mind is playing tricks on her. But just what do these visitors want from Tamsin? Will she be able to face the disturbing truth and banish the unwanted guests—or is she destined to be haunted forever?
Tamsin is being haunted by what she calls the Shadows. But she won't make the mistake of confiding in her family again, even when her relationship with her teenage daughter suffers as a result.
As each day passes, the presence of the Shadows becomes harder to bear. They have infected her life and Tamsin needs help.
After seeking out a psychiatrist, she begins to realize that trauma from her past is seeping into the present, and her mind is playing tricks on her. But just what do these visitors want from Tamsin? Will she be able to face the disturbing truth and banish the unwanted guests—or is she destined to be haunted forever?
- GenresPsychological Thriller
252 pages, Kindle Edition
First published July 29, 2024
66 people are currently reading
282 people want to read
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 80 reviews
February 9, 2025
Wow! I was not expecting anything like this! Throughout the book I assumed one thing, but was surprised by the twisted dark side.
Tamsin is haunted by shadows and unexpected guests. "They weren't invited. But they refuse to leave..."
She seeks a psychiatrist to help her through the troubling guests and repressed memories. The therapy sessions give insight to what is happening and I love the way the therapist listens, weeding out the unnecessary. Mental health and grief has left her with raw emotions not only for herself but also for her loved ones.
Even though Tamsin comes from a dysfunctional family we see several characters in supportive roles such as her mother, sister and daughter. They are also covering some disturbing truths and trauma.
Excellent for readers who love a psychological twist and see trauma from the past unfold in a creative and compelling way.
Excellence to the narrator Emmy Rose for making it even more thrilling.~An Amazon Audio~
Tamsin is haunted by shadows and unexpected guests. "They weren't invited. But they refuse to leave..."
She seeks a psychiatrist to help her through the troubling guests and repressed memories. The therapy sessions give insight to what is happening and I love the way the therapist listens, weeding out the unnecessary. Mental health and grief has left her with raw emotions not only for herself but also for her loved ones.
Even though Tamsin comes from a dysfunctional family we see several characters in supportive roles such as her mother, sister and daughter. They are also covering some disturbing truths and trauma.
Excellent for readers who love a psychological twist and see trauma from the past unfold in a creative and compelling way.
Excellence to the narrator Emmy Rose for making it even more thrilling.~An Amazon Audio~
August 12, 2024
This is the 2nd book by the author that brought us the wonderful ‘Serial Killers Son’ and so was excited to read and see what the author had created this time…
We meet a very dysfunctional family where secrets and lies haunt each of them but the main focus is with our lead character Tasmin,a very detailed and poignant and moving account of her daily anxieties and how she tries to hide them from her daughter and how she just,just scrapes through every day…….we find out why she struggles so as the book continues and also why these unwelcome guests are at her house
It’s dark and chilling at times but really really brought home to the reader the despair Tasmin was going through,the utter hand wringing loneliness and inability to get over things,again we find out more and more as the book continues as to why she suffers
Loved Arabella,Tasmins Mum,green nail polish and quirkiness and all!
A good little side story of friendship and acceptance is included and gave a happier note to show that humans can be,well human,as well as their darker side
Great writing again,enjoyably unsettling and a really great 2nd book that I read in one sitting
August 12, 2024
Firstly I need to say how different (in a very positive way) from any other psychological thriller I’ve read so far this is! I read the author’s debut novel and loved it, so I knew this was going to be good. Charlotte Stevenson really knows how to write a compelling thriller full of life and raw emotions.
I loved the plot which revolves around a family of women (and what women!), strong and broken at the same time, with a thirst for life like no other. But something is disturbing Tamsin, the main character, who has been seeing things, badly affecting her mental health and the life of everyone around her!
Who are these apparitions, these guests? That’s what the book is about, trying to unravel these hauntings which in turn might not turn out to be as bad as their meaning!
I loved the stress on mental health and the simultaneous grief and will to be better permeating throughout the book. The characters are vivid and full of depth, blemished by their past but looking forward with an envious optimism.
With expressive writing the author unpicks the past and present of Tamsin’s family with unexpected developments, sure to leave you questioning even after you read the last word.
Thanks to the author and Bloodhound Books for a copy and this is my honest opinion.
I loved the plot which revolves around a family of women (and what women!), strong and broken at the same time, with a thirst for life like no other. But something is disturbing Tamsin, the main character, who has been seeing things, badly affecting her mental health and the life of everyone around her!
Who are these apparitions, these guests? That’s what the book is about, trying to unravel these hauntings which in turn might not turn out to be as bad as their meaning!
I loved the stress on mental health and the simultaneous grief and will to be better permeating throughout the book. The characters are vivid and full of depth, blemished by their past but looking forward with an envious optimism.
With expressive writing the author unpicks the past and present of Tamsin’s family with unexpected developments, sure to leave you questioning even after you read the last word.
Thanks to the author and Bloodhound Books for a copy and this is my honest opinion.
August 28, 2024
Oh my gosh. This wasn’t at all what I was expecting, but that wasn’t a bad thing! This is a dark read, with a lot of twists. I loved the mental health rep in this, and that the main character started putting in the work at therapy rather than just taking pills and started working through what was haunting her. It is a bit of a tough read, I had to set it down at times and take a couple of deep breaths. But despite it all, the ending made me laugh. Overall unexpected but well done.
Tamsin hasn’t slept in who knows how long. She drinks until she passes out and then comes back into consciousness. She’s taking pills and drinking multiple bottles of wine to deal with her issues, but it isn’t working. She is being haunted by uninvited guests. No one can see them but her, but they never try to hurt her. She tried to tell her husband about them and he left her. So she is hiding them. Until she can’t anymore.
Thank you to Love Book Tours for the copy, all thoughts are my own.
Tamsin hasn’t slept in who knows how long. She drinks until she passes out and then comes back into consciousness. She’s taking pills and drinking multiple bottles of wine to deal with her issues, but it isn’t working. She is being haunted by uninvited guests. No one can see them but her, but they never try to hurt her. She tried to tell her husband about them and he left her. So she is hiding them. Until she can’t anymore.
Thank you to Love Book Tours for the copy, all thoughts are my own.
August 7, 2024
This is the second novel by Charlotte Stevenson that has hugely impressed me. I can't remember a story that has chilled me to the bone as much as this one. From the beginning to end it is dark and disturbing. I can't recommend it highly enough.
Tamsin, Arabella, Summer and Hetty are four incredible women but the past has damaged them all. Harold and Alex are two dangerous men at the heart of the women's secrets. The plot is complex and full of twists and disturbing revelations.
Layer upon layer of characterisation unleashes poignant memories and terrifying moments from the past making this a compelling and addictive read.
This is perfect material to adapt into a feature film that would shock and terrify its audience.
Tamsin, Arabella, Summer and Hetty are four incredible women but the past has damaged them all. Harold and Alex are two dangerous men at the heart of the women's secrets. The plot is complex and full of twists and disturbing revelations.
Layer upon layer of characterisation unleashes poignant memories and terrifying moments from the past making this a compelling and addictive read.
This is perfect material to adapt into a feature film that would shock and terrify its audience.
August 2, 2024
This was my first read by this author and I was very impressed at the depth of writing. There is a heavy trigger warning for mental illness so please be aware. I loved how skillfully the story unfolded. When I started reading I assumed one thing only to find out it was something completely different. I also loved how well therapy was portrayed in the story. I really enjoyed reading the therapy sessions and how the therapist helped her uncover what her mind had been hiding. The book kept surprising me until the very last page! If you love a book that will keep you guessing add this book to your TBR!
July 19, 2025
This is more of a reflective contemporary fiction with some dark happenings. The slow pacing and informative writing style were dull and I couldn’t get invested in the characters. I think this works better if you personally resonate with what the characters are going through or are learning about/looking for cathartic reflection of healing from emotional abuse and the benefits of therapy. Also, if you like Jennifer McMahon’s character-driven slightly supernatural vibe-this reminded me of her plots.
Energy: Quiet. Melancholic. Enervated.
🐺 Growls: The synopsis was a little misleading…the mystery of the visions/hallucinations is solved early on; this is a quiet, slow-paced contemporary fiction about personal healing and how different generations coped with trauma.
🐕 Howls: It’s heavy on symbolism for repressed childhood memories and how they impact adulthood, but it felt like over-explaining because the situation was obvious, then the symbolism around it was obvious, then the therapist’s explanation of it and character unpacking it was stating the obvious; it was just too much of an extended exploration of every little topic (but this approach could be healing/helpful for others). The plot was meandering too much during the reflective parts.
🐩 Tail Wags: Great audio narration. Writing is easy to follow.
Scene: 🏴 Manchester, England
Perspectives (2): A single parent of a teen who is seeing ghostly visitors in their home, but trying to hide that they are. The teen who is crushing on their bestie while managing concern for their parent’s mental state. We also get brief perspectives of the sister/aunt and mother/grandmother.
Timeline: Current (2010s or 2020s). Spring. Linear + Then & Now
🔥 Fuel: Are "the guests" visions or hallucinations? Will Tamsin be able to keep it together for her daughter? How will therapy & digging up the past affect her? How will Tamsin's healing journey unfold? Will Summer confess her crush?
📖 Cred: Paranormal realism
Mood Reading Match-Up:
Kitchen window. Tea and biscuits. Family gatherings. Wine. Cartoony socks. Therapist’s office.
• First person deep in the characters’ minds
• Repressed memories discovered
• Living ghosts
• Best friend sapphic crush
• Ghost fiction
• Contemporary fiction about recognizing and overcoming family trauma
• Direct, reflective writing style
• Mix of sympathetic, flawed, and troubled characters
• How far would you go for family?
• Legacy, loss, and regret
• Low stakes, nothing really happens
• Maturing parent-child bonds
• Slow burn emotional and psychological symbolism
Content Heads-Up: Ableism (from parent). Alcohol (self-medicating blackouts). Classism (prejudice, hatred). Domestic abuse (parents fighting, violence, emotional abuse). Generalized anxiety disorder (medicated). Hallucinations. Loss of parent (distant relationship; as child). Mentally ill parent. Misogyny. Neonatal brain injury. Spousal, parental abandonment (as teen). Stigmas around mental illness. Toxic masculinity. Toxic relationship. Vomit.
Rep: British. Second generation Ghanian. Cis. Hetero. Lesbian. Pale and ambiguous skin tones. Cerebral palsy.
📚 Format: Kindle Unlimited
My musings 💖 powered by puppy snuggles 🐶
Energy: Quiet. Melancholic. Enervated.
🐺 Growls: The synopsis was a little misleading…the mystery of the visions/hallucinations is solved early on; this is a quiet, slow-paced contemporary fiction about personal healing and how different generations coped with trauma.
🐕 Howls: It’s heavy on symbolism for repressed childhood memories and how they impact adulthood, but it felt like over-explaining because the situation was obvious, then the symbolism around it was obvious, then the therapist’s explanation of it and character unpacking it was stating the obvious; it was just too much of an extended exploration of every little topic (but this approach could be healing/helpful for others). The plot was meandering too much during the reflective parts.
🐩 Tail Wags: Great audio narration. Writing is easy to follow.
Scene: 🏴 Manchester, England
Perspectives (2): A single parent of a teen who is seeing ghostly visitors in their home, but trying to hide that they are. The teen who is crushing on their bestie while managing concern for their parent’s mental state. We also get brief perspectives of the sister/aunt and mother/grandmother.
Timeline: Current (2010s or 2020s). Spring. Linear + Then & Now
🔥 Fuel: Are "the guests" visions or hallucinations? Will Tamsin be able to keep it together for her daughter? How will therapy & digging up the past affect her? How will Tamsin's healing journey unfold? Will Summer confess her crush?
📖 Cred: Paranormal realism
Mood Reading Match-Up:
Kitchen window. Tea and biscuits. Family gatherings. Wine. Cartoony socks. Therapist’s office.
• First person deep in the characters’ minds
• Repressed memories discovered
• Living ghosts
• Best friend sapphic crush
• Ghost fiction
• Contemporary fiction about recognizing and overcoming family trauma
• Direct, reflective writing style
• Mix of sympathetic, flawed, and troubled characters
• How far would you go for family?
• Legacy, loss, and regret
• Low stakes, nothing really happens
• Maturing parent-child bonds
• Slow burn emotional and psychological symbolism
Content Heads-Up: Ableism (from parent). Alcohol (self-medicating blackouts). Classism (prejudice, hatred). Domestic abuse (parents fighting, violence, emotional abuse). Generalized anxiety disorder (medicated). Hallucinations. Loss of parent (distant relationship; as child). Mentally ill parent. Misogyny. Neonatal brain injury. Spousal, parental abandonment (as teen). Stigmas around mental illness. Toxic masculinity. Toxic relationship. Vomit.
Rep: British. Second generation Ghanian. Cis. Hetero. Lesbian. Pale and ambiguous skin tones. Cerebral palsy.
📚 Format: Kindle Unlimited
My musings 💖 powered by puppy snuggles 🐶
August 25, 2024
What an unexpected read! I was preparing myself for a completely different kind of book before I started reading it. And then slowly, as I read about Tamsin, her daughter, her mother and her sister (definitely a story about women), another story started to be uncovered.
And I thoroughly enjoyed it. It wasn't a light story, and I remember having to take a short break at some point, but I couldn't let it go.
Tamsin is definitely a flawed character, taking refuge in her drinking... But then, as she starts doing the work and we learn more and more about her, and the traumatising events she experienced, she appears stronger and stronger - still not perfect (who is?), but I was still rooting for her.
The writing in itself was good, with multiple POVs and short chapters, so it was definitely a page turner. It is classified as a thriller but, for me, this is a story about childhood trauma (TW for domestic violence, injury, substance abuse, and death) and, more importantly, family bonds (mother/daughters and between siblings).
I'm glad I got the opportunity to read it!
And I thoroughly enjoyed it. It wasn't a light story, and I remember having to take a short break at some point, but I couldn't let it go.
Tamsin is definitely a flawed character, taking refuge in her drinking... But then, as she starts doing the work and we learn more and more about her, and the traumatising events she experienced, she appears stronger and stronger - still not perfect (who is?), but I was still rooting for her.
The writing in itself was good, with multiple POVs and short chapters, so it was definitely a page turner. It is classified as a thriller but, for me, this is a story about childhood trauma (TW for domestic violence, injury, substance abuse, and death) and, more importantly, family bonds (mother/daughters and between siblings).
I'm glad I got the opportunity to read it!
September 1, 2024
I just read this book in hours! I was IMMEDIATELY hooked from the first page. The whole story was fascinating to me and I just couldn’t believe everything Tamsin had thrown her way. As a therapist myself, I was so proud of how she handled everything she was going through and how she worked through all the dark secrets that kept being revealed. Those same secrets really kept me invested in this story. I just had to see what would come out next! Do yourself a favor and get this book!
August 25, 2024
Twiiiiisted, Wow! This read took me allll over with a family that was dark and fully of sooooo many secrets, and it kept me on my toes the whole time. My sympathy for Tamsin is profound as she faced the secrets and trauma of her past. Total thriller, suspense, ghost vibes, along with the feeling of the struggle of facing profound mental health issues.
September 8, 2024
Extremely predictable. Therapy was pretty well done though.
April 9, 2025
This was just so good. The dialogue is a bit trite at times, but it is refreshing to read a novel that addresses mental health and trauma in a positive (but not flippant) manner.
And as a grammar bore, the blurb from the publisher regarding their shared dislike for typos and the promise to fix them as soon as they are reported…a balm to my heart. 🙂
And as a grammar bore, the blurb from the publisher regarding their shared dislike for typos and the promise to fix them as soon as they are reported…a balm to my heart. 🙂
August 21, 2024
⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️
Available now on KU!
Link in bio under Amazon recommended reads
I read The Serial Killer’s Son and 💙’d it so of course I was all in on this one. This is a total binge read. Things I loved
⭐️ surprises until the end
⭐️ mental heath awareness
⭐️ dysfunctional and relatable family
⭐️ the strength and love and battle as a mom
This would be easy to give spoilers. Let say this is exactly what I look for in a psychological thriller. Add to your TBR
Available now on KU!
Link in bio under Amazon recommended reads
I read The Serial Killer’s Son and 💙’d it so of course I was all in on this one. This is a total binge read. Things I loved
⭐️ surprises until the end
⭐️ mental heath awareness
⭐️ dysfunctional and relatable family
⭐️ the strength and love and battle as a mom
This would be easy to give spoilers. Let say this is exactly what I look for in a psychological thriller. Add to your TBR
August 30, 2024
The Guests was a great book. I really enjoyed the family dynamic, the mystery of the secrets they all held and the twists and turns along the way. John Mars fans will love this.
October 6, 2024
I couldn’t put this one down!
March 7, 2025
2.5 stars? maybe three?
August 3, 2024
I was lucky enough to have received an ARC for this book and let me tell you, it did NOT disappoint. SO incredibly good!!! This was the fastest I’ve read a book in over a year. It sucked me in from the very first line. This is exactly what I look for in a psychological thriller. A book that keeps me wondering and keeps me guessing. I’ll keep this review short and sweet since it is an ARC but all I’m saying is READ IT!!!!!!
August 16, 2024
I’m sorry it took me so long to get around to reading this. I was caught up in a velvet wave of some of the hottest proofs and ARCs around.
Charlotte Stevenson’s debut The Serial K*ller’s Son was very good. I was eager to read more.
The Guests goes deep and dark into mental illness, past traumas of the main character have resulted in regular hallucinations, she sees people around her house. The same people, who are they? How can she get rid of them?
Time for some comparisons, some very big ones - the character writing has a similar quality to Liz Nugent’s masterpiece Strange Sally Diamond, the complete, intrinsic depiction of mental illness reminded me of some of the best, The Phantom Limb and Follow Me spring to kind. There’s a deep literary fiction character aspect, books that I love that don’t get enough attention The Saint Of Lost Things (Tish Delaney) and Trespasses (Louise Kennedy).
This is a book to fully commit to and let it wash over you. It goes deep and it made me cry, and I wish I had read it sooner.
Thanks to Charlotte Stevenson and Bloodhound Books.
Charlotte Stevenson’s debut The Serial K*ller’s Son was very good. I was eager to read more.
The Guests goes deep and dark into mental illness, past traumas of the main character have resulted in regular hallucinations, she sees people around her house. The same people, who are they? How can she get rid of them?
Time for some comparisons, some very big ones - the character writing has a similar quality to Liz Nugent’s masterpiece Strange Sally Diamond, the complete, intrinsic depiction of mental illness reminded me of some of the best, The Phantom Limb and Follow Me spring to kind. There’s a deep literary fiction character aspect, books that I love that don’t get enough attention The Saint Of Lost Things (Tish Delaney) and Trespasses (Louise Kennedy).
This is a book to fully commit to and let it wash over you. It goes deep and it made me cry, and I wish I had read it sooner.
Thanks to Charlotte Stevenson and Bloodhound Books.
September 4, 2024
Predictable plot lines and too much hugging going on by all the characters. I wonder how Tamsin has a car since she isn’t employed? The therapist is explained by NHS but not the other luxuries like wine etc. Did I miss something?
June 17, 2025
Definitely not a “chilling novel”.
A mother revisiting the past to try to rid her of the guests.
A mother revisiting the past to try to rid her of the guests.
August 23, 2024
What happens when our minds start working against us? "The Guests" is a deep dive into psychological trauma that left me questioning reality as I turned pages, trying to figure out what was real and where the story was going.
This was such a fun book to dive into reading.
I'm in my thriller era and I've been enjoying diving into different kinds of books. Psychological thrillers have had me hooked lately and "The Guests" was no exception. This book stood out because of its raw portrayal of mental health and the all too real possibility of hallucinations that can plague the mind and could quickly take over our lives.
"The Guests" is a intense book about psychological trauma and hallucinations that come with repressed memories. The FMC Tamsin is dealing with a lot (a nice way of putting it) and struggles with seeing hallucinations of visions she calls The Guests. Being introduced to the guests at the beginning was disturbing and unsettling, especially since they appeared every day like clockwork. The Guests are a representation of Tamsin's psyche, exposing repressed memories, feelings and the trauma she's been carrying for so long. The Guests aren't just Tamsin's hallucinations, they are a manifestation of her darkest thoughts/fears, making this an unnerving read.
You begin meeting Tamsin, a broken individual who numbs herself with alcohol to escape her daily torment from hallucinations and trauma. Her journey through therapy to unpack the past, regain control of her life and her future is compelling, you really can't help but root for her (we love a good glow up). Tamsin's healing journey is at the heart of this story and it offers a powerful contrast to the dark forces of her mind. "I hadn't realized that recovering from trauma would be so bloody traumatic in itself." Watching Tamsin transform from a broken, haunted individual to someone reclaiming her life and making a change is inspiring.
This book explores difficult relationships and family dynamics and the lengths that people are willing to go to keep secrets from others and themselves. This read had me guessing, questioning my own theories and turning pages late into the night until I figured out what really happened in the end. For those drawn to thrillers that explore the darkest parts of the human psyche, "The Guests" is not just a book to read, but an experience you won't soon forget. I highly recommend giving this book a chance.
This was such a fun book to dive into reading.
I'm in my thriller era and I've been enjoying diving into different kinds of books. Psychological thrillers have had me hooked lately and "The Guests" was no exception. This book stood out because of its raw portrayal of mental health and the all too real possibility of hallucinations that can plague the mind and could quickly take over our lives.
"The Guests" is a intense book about psychological trauma and hallucinations that come with repressed memories. The FMC Tamsin is dealing with a lot (a nice way of putting it) and struggles with seeing hallucinations of visions she calls The Guests. Being introduced to the guests at the beginning was disturbing and unsettling, especially since they appeared every day like clockwork. The Guests are a representation of Tamsin's psyche, exposing repressed memories, feelings and the trauma she's been carrying for so long. The Guests aren't just Tamsin's hallucinations, they are a manifestation of her darkest thoughts/fears, making this an unnerving read.
You begin meeting Tamsin, a broken individual who numbs herself with alcohol to escape her daily torment from hallucinations and trauma. Her journey through therapy to unpack the past, regain control of her life and her future is compelling, you really can't help but root for her (we love a good glow up). Tamsin's healing journey is at the heart of this story and it offers a powerful contrast to the dark forces of her mind. "I hadn't realized that recovering from trauma would be so bloody traumatic in itself." Watching Tamsin transform from a broken, haunted individual to someone reclaiming her life and making a change is inspiring.
This book explores difficult relationships and family dynamics and the lengths that people are willing to go to keep secrets from others and themselves. This read had me guessing, questioning my own theories and turning pages late into the night until I figured out what really happened in the end. For those drawn to thrillers that explore the darkest parts of the human psyche, "The Guests" is not just a book to read, but an experience you won't soon forget. I highly recommend giving this book a chance.
September 2, 2024
Tamsin, Arabella, Summer and Hetty are four women who have been damaged by their past. It is Tamsin’s struggles that we experience the most in this story: she know she is unwell, and starts to see a new psychiatrist to break her out of the spiral she has found herself in. Tamsin seems to see things – people, in particular. They are her uninvited guests, referred to as Shadows. They speak to her, they tell her things over and over. They are in the same place, all the time. Are they ghosts? Are they memories? Are they visions of the past? What will it take for Tamsin to work out why her guests won’t leave?
Tamsin is suffering so desperately in this story, and Charlotte Stevenson has created her so intricately that her despondency and angst is felt through each word. In fact, every woman in this book is created in the same way. Arabella, Tamsin’s mother, seemed stoic yet on the edge of collapse. Each one of these women are unique as characters, and the movement across chapters with each of these distinct voices kept me reading this in one sitting.
There is also a lot of work done to recreate memories are layered on top of and underneath the present-day pain and anguish Tamsin is working through. As each character questioned their own and the actions of each other, these questions will also build for the reader. Each of the memories are captured in such a way that they coerce you to keep reading, to peel back another layer, and wait for all the pieces start to fit together.
There is a lot of emotion in the words, and these are used to highlight the impact of mental health issues, domestic and family violence, and the strains of connection in families. The connection and push to reconnect families infuse the story, and it is all then more real through the deep characterisation of each person.
This is a psychological thriller that is quite different to others I have read, and it’s one recommended for those who love something different in this genre.
Tamsin is suffering so desperately in this story, and Charlotte Stevenson has created her so intricately that her despondency and angst is felt through each word. In fact, every woman in this book is created in the same way. Arabella, Tamsin’s mother, seemed stoic yet on the edge of collapse. Each one of these women are unique as characters, and the movement across chapters with each of these distinct voices kept me reading this in one sitting.
There is also a lot of work done to recreate memories are layered on top of and underneath the present-day pain and anguish Tamsin is working through. As each character questioned their own and the actions of each other, these questions will also build for the reader. Each of the memories are captured in such a way that they coerce you to keep reading, to peel back another layer, and wait for all the pieces start to fit together.
There is a lot of emotion in the words, and these are used to highlight the impact of mental health issues, domestic and family violence, and the strains of connection in families. The connection and push to reconnect families infuse the story, and it is all then more real through the deep characterisation of each person.
This is a psychological thriller that is quite different to others I have read, and it’s one recommended for those who love something different in this genre.
October 2, 2024
Here is my review for The Guests by Charlotte Stevenson
This book is a terrific read and I was soon hooked. My attention was held to the end of the book as it was such a gripping and intriguing read. Tamsin is suffering from hallucinations. She is seeing people in her house and she calls them guests but nobody else knows about their presence. Tamsin told her husband Alex and he left her as their relationship broke down through various reasons, the hallucinations being one of them. She is unhappy that her relationship with her daughter, Summer, is now suffering in the same way. What do her guests want from her though? If she wants her guests to go, she needs to find out the reasons why they are there and do so before it causes irreparable harm to her relationship with her family which she is shutting herself away from. This was an absolutely brilliant read and I loved it. It was all about hallucinations and the reason behind them. Also, the effect it was having on Tamsin as a person. The author must have done some research to have written such an amazing story but it was worth it to have all the facts and I loved how it was worded. I thought it was excellently written and so well plotted. There was so much detail, it was great and so many secrets coming out! Well worth a read if you love a good psychological thriller.
Blurb :
They weren’t invited. But they refuse to leave...
Tamsin is being haunted by unwelcome visitors in her house she calls The Guests.
Nobody knows about their presence but her. After confiding in her husband, he left, and she won’t make that mistake again.
But now her relationship with her teenage daughter Summer is starting to suffer.
As each day passes, the presence of The Guests becomes harder to bear. They have infected her life and Tamsin needs help.
But just what do they want from her?
Will she be able to face the disturbing truth and banish The Guests, or is she destined to be haunted forever?
This book is a terrific read and I was soon hooked. My attention was held to the end of the book as it was such a gripping and intriguing read. Tamsin is suffering from hallucinations. She is seeing people in her house and she calls them guests but nobody else knows about their presence. Tamsin told her husband Alex and he left her as their relationship broke down through various reasons, the hallucinations being one of them. She is unhappy that her relationship with her daughter, Summer, is now suffering in the same way. What do her guests want from her though? If she wants her guests to go, she needs to find out the reasons why they are there and do so before it causes irreparable harm to her relationship with her family which she is shutting herself away from. This was an absolutely brilliant read and I loved it. It was all about hallucinations and the reason behind them. Also, the effect it was having on Tamsin as a person. The author must have done some research to have written such an amazing story but it was worth it to have all the facts and I loved how it was worded. I thought it was excellently written and so well plotted. There was so much detail, it was great and so many secrets coming out! Well worth a read if you love a good psychological thriller.
Blurb :
They weren’t invited. But they refuse to leave...
Tamsin is being haunted by unwelcome visitors in her house she calls The Guests.
Nobody knows about their presence but her. After confiding in her husband, he left, and she won’t make that mistake again.
But now her relationship with her teenage daughter Summer is starting to suffer.
As each day passes, the presence of The Guests becomes harder to bear. They have infected her life and Tamsin needs help.
But just what do they want from her?
Will she be able to face the disturbing truth and banish The Guests, or is she destined to be haunted forever?
Read
July 20, 2024The Guests by Charlotte Stevenson is not a ghost story. This surprised me. I thought it sounded like an intelligent ghost story. It does have some very intelligent psychoanalysis, and is a great advert for why people with mental health issues should seek professional help. The professional help works exactly the way it should and Tamsin deals with all her problems with great efficiency.
In one way, the ‘guests’ (always known to be manifestations of one woman’s psyche) actually are ghosts. They are the ghosts of people still living and Tamsin manages to vanquish them with the modern equivalent of an exorcism – talking about it with the family over endless cups of tea.
I found it difficult to empathise wholly with the main character. Perhaps because the first-person viewpoint is used on a lot of characters, and swapping between them all in short bursts means I never got to settle properly in anybody’s head, or heart. Or perhaps because the main character has nothing in her life other than her daughter and a boatload of trauma. Her every problem is sorted by talking things over with the family. If she’d had other facets to her life - money worries, a broken boiler or a Thursday night Pilates class, I might have found her a bit more relatable.
I loved Tamsin’s mother however, and all her interesting quirks. She has a more lateral approach to problem solving and being in her head was an exciting whirlwind. Arabella’s reasoning, actions and philosophy, are all utterly believable and enjoyable for their sense of justice.
In one way, the ‘guests’ (always known to be manifestations of one woman’s psyche) actually are ghosts. They are the ghosts of people still living and Tamsin manages to vanquish them with the modern equivalent of an exorcism – talking about it with the family over endless cups of tea.
I found it difficult to empathise wholly with the main character. Perhaps because the first-person viewpoint is used on a lot of characters, and swapping between them all in short bursts means I never got to settle properly in anybody’s head, or heart. Or perhaps because the main character has nothing in her life other than her daughter and a boatload of trauma. Her every problem is sorted by talking things over with the family. If she’d had other facets to her life - money worries, a broken boiler or a Thursday night Pilates class, I might have found her a bit more relatable.
I loved Tamsin’s mother however, and all her interesting quirks. She has a more lateral approach to problem solving and being in her head was an exciting whirlwind. Arabella’s reasoning, actions and philosophy, are all utterly believable and enjoyable for their sense of justice.
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
July 30, 2024
"The Guests" by Charlotte Stevenson delves into the complex narrative of how the shadows of the past can seep into the present and extend their influence into the future. The book distinguishes itself through Stevenson's skillful character development; she crafts individuals who are profoundly imperfect and authentically human. This realism encourages contemplation of the hidden truths "that are hidden beneath the surface of everyday life."
This narrative is deeply emotional, centering on the effects of mental health struggles while also addressing issues like domestic abuse and familial bonds. It compels one to continue reading through its numerous plot twists, secrets, lies, regrets, and the initial communication breakdown among family members.
The novel's method of telling each chapter from a different character's point of view was really interesting. It helped me understand the story better. Each character had a unique voice and style, which made the book very engaging. The short chapters made it so interesting that I almost wanted to read the whole book in one go, if I had the time.
Charlotte Stevenson is an author to look out for in the thriller scene. I am eager to see what she does next. If you enjoy a creepy psychological thriller, this will be right up your alley.
This narrative is deeply emotional, centering on the effects of mental health struggles while also addressing issues like domestic abuse and familial bonds. It compels one to continue reading through its numerous plot twists, secrets, lies, regrets, and the initial communication breakdown among family members.
The novel's method of telling each chapter from a different character's point of view was really interesting. It helped me understand the story better. Each character had a unique voice and style, which made the book very engaging. The short chapters made it so interesting that I almost wanted to read the whole book in one go, if I had the time.
Charlotte Stevenson is an author to look out for in the thriller scene. I am eager to see what she does next. If you enjoy a creepy psychological thriller, this will be right up your alley.
August 21, 2024
I can't remember the last time a psychological thriller made me cry, but this one packed such an emotional wallop that it happened three separate times. It was tragic, tender, and moving, and, true to the genre, utterly thrilling. I had ideas about what I thought might be going on - I was right about some things, and wrong about others - but taken as a whole, I didn't really know where the heck it was going for most of the story, because I've never read a concept quite like this before.
Stevenson started with a fresh, intricately plotted, and totally absorbing story, infused it with excellent insight into the human psyche and so much emotional impact around fraught family dynamics, and then enhanced it another tenfold with the elegance of her writing. Not to mention, I could have listened to her audiobook narrator all day.
Though I didn't initally see the ending coming, it was EXACTLY the one I wanted once it came. Every thread was tied up perfectly. I sat looking out my window in quiet contemplation (and immense gratitude) for some time after finishing, thinking about it, and that's really the highest compliment I can pay it - that I didn't immediately reach for the next book on my list. For all those reasons, this book is an easy recommendation.
Stevenson started with a fresh, intricately plotted, and totally absorbing story, infused it with excellent insight into the human psyche and so much emotional impact around fraught family dynamics, and then enhanced it another tenfold with the elegance of her writing. Not to mention, I could have listened to her audiobook narrator all day.
Though I didn't initally see the ending coming, it was EXACTLY the one I wanted once it came. Every thread was tied up perfectly. I sat looking out my window in quiet contemplation (and immense gratitude) for some time after finishing, thinking about it, and that's really the highest compliment I can pay it - that I didn't immediately reach for the next book on my list. For all those reasons, this book is an easy recommendation.
August 26, 2024
Tamsin is struggling with her mental health and trying her best to act “normal” for the sake of her daughter. However the guests she has started to see each day is making things harder. From a screaming baby at the foot of her bed to a crying girl in her bathroom she is struggling to keep up the facade that everything is fine since her husband left. She knows she can’t continue the way she is so she makes an appointment with a new psychologist who she immediately feels comfortable with and starts her journey to getting her life back.
This is a psychological thriller that focuses on mental health which the author has written about with great empathy. You are welcomed into the mind of Tamsin and can really feel her desperation to get better. It is told from several POVs allowing us to get to know the other main characters. As Tamsin begins to unwrap her past she realises she needs to have some difficult conversations with her family. I found myself really rooting for her and hoping she could see she was worth helping. The flashbacks of memory are brilliantly written, drip feeding you information little by little.
This is a story about how past traumas can affect you later in life without you even realising and how talking to others can help. It really gives you a great insight into the mind of someone on self destruct mode. I read this in two sittings as I was so engrossed. I will definitely be looking out for more books by this author.
This is a psychological thriller that focuses on mental health which the author has written about with great empathy. You are welcomed into the mind of Tamsin and can really feel her desperation to get better. It is told from several POVs allowing us to get to know the other main characters. As Tamsin begins to unwrap her past she realises she needs to have some difficult conversations with her family. I found myself really rooting for her and hoping she could see she was worth helping. The flashbacks of memory are brilliantly written, drip feeding you information little by little.
This is a story about how past traumas can affect you later in life without you even realising and how talking to others can help. It really gives you a great insight into the mind of someone on self destruct mode. I read this in two sittings as I was so engrossed. I will definitely be looking out for more books by this author.
August 25, 2024
Told by four multiple perspective characters, Tamsin, Summer, Arabella and Hetty. It’s instantly so eerie and spooky. It’s quick to understanding who Tamsin refers to as the guests. I loved getting to know the characters life before and current and this really develops so much understanding to what emotions are flowing through the pages. The sisters father was awful and not a very nice man at all, the psychological abuse was difficult to read. The trauma and reliving childhood experiences hit close to home for me and it was hard reading the therapists perspectives. Something I’ve never participated in.
Hidden secrets and lies are never good and I loved how the author threw them in along the way to keep the engagement. Towards the end I needed answers and quickly and the way the author changed perspectives kept me glued to the pages in anticipation needing to know what was going to be revealed next. I loved that this book was so relationship and trauma focused and what that can do to you. Although not my favourite book ever I can completely see what the author wanted readers to feel and I felt a message of never be afraid to speak out and not hold on to emotions that affect you daily. It was a really interesting, emotional roller coaster of a book. Loved it.
Hidden secrets and lies are never good and I loved how the author threw them in along the way to keep the engagement. Towards the end I needed answers and quickly and the way the author changed perspectives kept me glued to the pages in anticipation needing to know what was going to be revealed next. I loved that this book was so relationship and trauma focused and what that can do to you. Although not my favourite book ever I can completely see what the author wanted readers to feel and I felt a message of never be afraid to speak out and not hold on to emotions that affect you daily. It was a really interesting, emotional roller coaster of a book. Loved it.
July 18, 2024
After reading, and loving, The Serial Killer's Son, I jumped at the chance to read an ARC of The Guests. What sets this book apart from the rest, is the realistic way Stevenson creates characters. Each character is deeply flawed, human, and incredibly real. It makes you question what's really going on behind closed doors.
Stevenson tackles the subject of mental health with tact and doesn't demonise it (which is a pet peeve of mine). The mental illness is part of the character, not the whole character. As somebody who has suffered from mental illness, it was so refreshing to see it painted in such a realistic and skilled way.
I loved that the chapters were each told in a varying viewpoint. This allows the reader to see the bigger picture. Each character had their own unique voice, and style of writing. It kept the book pacey and interesting. The short, snappy chapters kept me flipping through the pages. If I'd had the time, I could easily have finished it in one sitting.
Charlotte Stevenson is an author to watch out for on the thriller scene. I can't wait to see what she does next.
Stevenson tackles the subject of mental health with tact and doesn't demonise it (which is a pet peeve of mine). The mental illness is part of the character, not the whole character. As somebody who has suffered from mental illness, it was so refreshing to see it painted in such a realistic and skilled way.
I loved that the chapters were each told in a varying viewpoint. This allows the reader to see the bigger picture. Each character had their own unique voice, and style of writing. It kept the book pacey and interesting. The short, snappy chapters kept me flipping through the pages. If I'd had the time, I could easily have finished it in one sitting.
Charlotte Stevenson is an author to watch out for on the thriller scene. I can't wait to see what she does next.
August 22, 2024
The guests by Charlotte Stevenson.
I did enjoy this book. I liked the cover and blurb. I did enjoy her book the serial killer son. I liked the writing style. Gripping. The story is told between Tamsin, Summer, Arabella and Hetty. I didn't have a favourite character. I wasn't sure about them. It was slow going to begin with but I soon got into it. I was surprised by the ending. My jaw was on the floor.
Blurb
They weren’t invited. But they refuse to leave...
Tamsin is being haunted by unwelcome visitors in her house she calls The Guests.
Nobody knows about their presence but her. After confiding in her husband, he left, and she won’t make that mistake again.
But now her relationship with her teenage daughter Summer is starting to suffer.
As each day passes, the presence of The Guests becomes harder to bear. They have infected her life and Tamsin needs help.
But just what do they want from her?
Will she be able to face the disturbing truth and banish The Guests, or is she destined to be haunted forever?
@Charlotte_Stevenson
@bloodhound.books
@lovebookstours
#Ad #LBTCrew #Bookstagram
I did enjoy this book. I liked the cover and blurb. I did enjoy her book the serial killer son. I liked the writing style. Gripping. The story is told between Tamsin, Summer, Arabella and Hetty. I didn't have a favourite character. I wasn't sure about them. It was slow going to begin with but I soon got into it. I was surprised by the ending. My jaw was on the floor.
Blurb
They weren’t invited. But they refuse to leave...
Tamsin is being haunted by unwelcome visitors in her house she calls The Guests.
Nobody knows about their presence but her. After confiding in her husband, he left, and she won’t make that mistake again.
But now her relationship with her teenage daughter Summer is starting to suffer.
As each day passes, the presence of The Guests becomes harder to bear. They have infected her life and Tamsin needs help.
But just what do they want from her?
Will she be able to face the disturbing truth and banish The Guests, or is she destined to be haunted forever?
@Charlotte_Stevenson
@bloodhound.books
@lovebookstours
#Ad #LBTCrew #Bookstagram
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