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Home Sweet Home: A twisty new domestic thriller from the author of THE PERFECT GUEST
You invited her in. That was your first mistake.
Jules and Scott are a young couple living on the outskirts of London. When the charming and charismatic Orla sweeps into their lives, inviting her to house-share seems like the answer to all their she needs a home, they could do with the money.
But once Orla moves in, Jules starts to feel uncomfortable. Whatever the occasion, Orla has to be centre-stage. Every social occasion, every outing, every get-together is dominated by her and her daily dramas. But on closer inspection, Orla's stories just don't add up. And Jules starts to suspect that their dream housemate might be about to turn their lives into a nightmare.
A tense new psychological thriller from the author of The Perfect Guest.
Jules and Scott are a young couple living on the outskirts of London. When the charming and charismatic Orla sweeps into their lives, inviting her to house-share seems like the answer to all their she needs a home, they could do with the money.
But once Orla moves in, Jules starts to feel uncomfortable. Whatever the occasion, Orla has to be centre-stage. Every social occasion, every outing, every get-together is dominated by her and her daily dramas. But on closer inspection, Orla's stories just don't add up. And Jules starts to suspect that their dream housemate might be about to turn their lives into a nightmare.
A tense new psychological thriller from the author of The Perfect Guest.
308 pages, Kindle Edition
Published June 19, 2025
7 people are currently reading
100 people want to read
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 35 reviews
June 20, 2025
HOME SWEET HOME BY RUTH IRONS.
5 ✨ ✨ ✨ ✨ ✨s.
I love the cover for this one.
This was a very easy read for me.
I loved the storyline in this. I found it a little creepy and what a nightmare.
Great paced and relatable characters.
Highly recommend this book.
This is my first Ruth Irons book and it won't be the last.
5 ✨ ✨ ✨ ✨ ✨s.
I love the cover for this one.
This was a very easy read for me.
I loved the storyline in this. I found it a little creepy and what a nightmare.
Great paced and relatable characters.
Highly recommend this book.
This is my first Ruth Irons book and it won't be the last.
August 11, 2025
Absolutely nothing happens!
This felt like reading clickbait! You keep waiting to see what the story is about and …crickets! There’s a snippet or two and around Ch 34 there was a smudged of info but other than that a day of my life I won’t get back.
I couldn’t connect with the characters, the reason (not the twist or surprise or red herring) for Orla’s behaviours was wholly unbelievable.
One star for managing to write that much without saying anything!
This felt like reading clickbait! You keep waiting to see what the story is about and …crickets! There’s a snippet or two and around Ch 34 there was a smudged of info but other than that a day of my life I won’t get back.
I couldn’t connect with the characters, the reason (not the twist or surprise or red herring) for Orla’s behaviours was wholly unbelievable.
One star for managing to write that much without saying anything!
July 2, 2025
3.5 rounded down! ⭐️
This book is definitely a slow burn thriller. There’s plenty of character development in this story, and I was racing through the pages to find out more. I felt the same unease that Jules was feeling, which was only added to with Orla’s occasional narration. The let down for me is I would’ve liked a bit more of a twist at the end! Maybe I just don’t get on with slow burn thrillers sadly☹️
This book is definitely a slow burn thriller. There’s plenty of character development in this story, and I was racing through the pages to find out more. I felt the same unease that Jules was feeling, which was only added to with Orla’s occasional narration. The let down for me is I would’ve liked a bit more of a twist at the end! Maybe I just don’t get on with slow burn thrillers sadly☹️
July 2, 2025
I loved Ruth’s debut but I sadly didn’t enjoy this book. It’s was slow and not a lot happened, I skim read most of it. A lot of it was so predictable. It was obvious she was a conwoman, that she lied about everything, that she wasn’t sick, that she pushed Liam. I’m really confused what the big twists people are referring to? I didn’t guess the brother was sick or that she worked at the hospital but they were little twists that sadly couldn’t save this book for me.
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
August 16, 2025
I ate this up!! because of recent podcasts I’ve listened to, i noticed some patterns and had an idea of where this would go.
super easy read, makes you want to keep turning pages. had a couple of mouth gaping moments which is always fun :-)
also pictured orla as brandi glanville from rhobh the entire book which made it extra entertaining
super easy read, makes you want to keep turning pages. had a couple of mouth gaping moments which is always fun :-)
also pictured orla as brandi glanville from rhobh the entire book which made it extra entertaining
May 24, 2025
Jules and Scott are a couple living on the outskirts of London and are considering a lodger for their spare room. When they meet Orla it feels like their answer to this problem. But once Orla moves in, Jules becomes uncomfortable when things about her don’t add up. Will their perfect housemate turn out to be the start of a nightmare?
I heard great things about this author’s last book and have been meaning to read it, so when I saw this new one and read the blurb, I knew I had to give it a go. This ended up being a clever, well written psychological thriller with a simple but effective concept. I loved the way the author slowly built up the tension and constantly made you doubt yourself. My mind kept changing about how I thought the story would end and the conclusion ended up being very satisfying.
The characters are well developed and I could really feel their thoughts and what they were going through. Even though this was a slow burn and it took a while for the suspension to ramp up, it worked well in this story to help develop the characters and backstory. This was an enjoyable, accomplished read overall and I will definitely be reading the previous book that I’ve been meaning to pick up. Thanks to NetGalley and the publisher for this copy in return for an honest review.
I heard great things about this author’s last book and have been meaning to read it, so when I saw this new one and read the blurb, I knew I had to give it a go. This ended up being a clever, well written psychological thriller with a simple but effective concept. I loved the way the author slowly built up the tension and constantly made you doubt yourself. My mind kept changing about how I thought the story would end and the conclusion ended up being very satisfying.
The characters are well developed and I could really feel their thoughts and what they were going through. Even though this was a slow burn and it took a while for the suspension to ramp up, it worked well in this story to help develop the characters and backstory. This was an enjoyable, accomplished read overall and I will definitely be reading the previous book that I’ve been meaning to pick up. Thanks to NetGalley and the publisher for this copy in return for an honest review.
July 23, 2025
Jules and Scott are a couple thinking about looking for a lodger to help make ends meet. So when a serendipitous encounter with the charismatic Orla, who just happens to be needing a new place, occurs in their local pub, well it’s obviously meant to be. Before long Orla is happily ensconced in the top room of their house & it feels like she’s been there forever.
But increasingly Jules start to feel suffocated by Orla’s effusiveness; there seems to be no escaping her presence - & her dramas. It’s constant. Yet everyone else seems to be spellbound by her. And when Orla’s health takes a turn for the worse, Jules starts to wonder if inviting her to live with them was actually a very bad decision…
Fact. Ruth Irons is definitely one to watch. I LOVED her first book, The Perfect Guest, and Home Sweet Home is a superb follow up. I read lots & lots of thrillers. Often they can feel a bit samey and predictable. Not this one.
Orla is such an insidious character, she instantly drew me in & I was utterly captivated by her. Ruth Irons is SO skilled at creating characters that enchant you with their layers, (her debut novel is exactly the same) and unpeeling them is an itch that must be scratched. And that’s all I’m saying about Orla, because you all need to meet her for yourself.
What I will say is that I read this book in two sittings - I couldn’t put it down cause I HAD to find out where it was going. And I read it with an increasing sense of alarm and unease. Which is just what we want from our thrillers isn’t it? Heart racing, total focus, sheer delight within the pages.
Home Sweet Home is the perfect beach read. Chuck it in your suitcase and you can thank me later. (And why not try The Perfect Guest for a double whammy, you’re welcome 😄.)
But increasingly Jules start to feel suffocated by Orla’s effusiveness; there seems to be no escaping her presence - & her dramas. It’s constant. Yet everyone else seems to be spellbound by her. And when Orla’s health takes a turn for the worse, Jules starts to wonder if inviting her to live with them was actually a very bad decision…
Fact. Ruth Irons is definitely one to watch. I LOVED her first book, The Perfect Guest, and Home Sweet Home is a superb follow up. I read lots & lots of thrillers. Often they can feel a bit samey and predictable. Not this one.
Orla is such an insidious character, she instantly drew me in & I was utterly captivated by her. Ruth Irons is SO skilled at creating characters that enchant you with their layers, (her debut novel is exactly the same) and unpeeling them is an itch that must be scratched. And that’s all I’m saying about Orla, because you all need to meet her for yourself.
What I will say is that I read this book in two sittings - I couldn’t put it down cause I HAD to find out where it was going. And I read it with an increasing sense of alarm and unease. Which is just what we want from our thrillers isn’t it? Heart racing, total focus, sheer delight within the pages.
Home Sweet Home is the perfect beach read. Chuck it in your suitcase and you can thank me later. (And why not try The Perfect Guest for a double whammy, you’re welcome 😄.)
August 16, 2025
Domestic thrillers with at least one unhinged character are a definite sweet spot for me and Home Sweet Home by Ruth Irons definitely scratched my itch for one of these reads. It starts off innocuously enough with Jules and Scott a couple living on the outskirts of London who re considering getting a lodger for their spare room. They haven't even decided on it as yet when they meet Orla a lovely friendly lady who has locked herself out of her shared flat and strikes up a conversation with them. Before they know it they are offering for Orla to become their lodger, slowly we begin to see that Orla isn't quite as lovely or as innocent as she seems. This was an addictive read for me, the tension just kept building the more I read and I found myself also getting disheartened as Jules was when no one would believe her that there was something not quite right and indeed maybe even something sinister about Orla and her motives for befriending everyone with her charm. It felt like during some of this book I was the only one believing that Orla may indeed be manipulating people for her own gains and I found myself wanting to yell at Scott for not listening to Jule's concerns earlier. I thoroughly enjoyed just how dark and twisted Orla was, she even exceeded my expectations. Even I, a seasoned thrilled reader was not prepared for some of the places this book took me too, in the best of ways of course. An atmospheric read that will have you rethinking any thoughts on sharing a home with anyone. #homesweethome #ruthirons #zaffre #fable #goodreads #getlitsy #thestorygraph #domesticthriller #bookstagram #bookqueen
December 8, 2025
Home Sweet Home
By Ruth Irons
⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️
Scott and Jules think this found a solution to their money issues when Orla enters their lives. She’s looking for accommodation and they’re looking for a way to ease the financial strain they’re under.
At first everything seems fine but the longer she’s in their house, the more the fine line between lodger and friend seems to blur. As Jules starts to raise concerns about Orla’s behaviour, her husband and best friend refuse to see any problem with it.
_______________
✨ No Spoilers ✨
I’ve read The Guest by this author and loved it. This was no different. It’s a domestic thriller full of drama, lies, female jealousy and unreliable characters. It’s a bit of a slow burn which really helps build the tension and the MFC is really likeable; you can really feel her frustration all the way through the book.
It’s a “read in one sitting” kind of book, pretty much a popcorn thriller and I couldn’t put it down. I think it would also translate really well to screen, it read like one of those tense psychological dramas for the BBC/BritBox. I also really love the cover on this one too!
By Ruth Irons
⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️
Scott and Jules think this found a solution to their money issues when Orla enters their lives. She’s looking for accommodation and they’re looking for a way to ease the financial strain they’re under.
At first everything seems fine but the longer she’s in their house, the more the fine line between lodger and friend seems to blur. As Jules starts to raise concerns about Orla’s behaviour, her husband and best friend refuse to see any problem with it.
_______________
✨ No Spoilers ✨
I’ve read The Guest by this author and loved it. This was no different. It’s a domestic thriller full of drama, lies, female jealousy and unreliable characters. It’s a bit of a slow burn which really helps build the tension and the MFC is really likeable; you can really feel her frustration all the way through the book.
It’s a “read in one sitting” kind of book, pretty much a popcorn thriller and I couldn’t put it down. I think it would also translate really well to screen, it read like one of those tense psychological dramas for the BBC/BritBox. I also really love the cover on this one too!
November 23, 2025
📖 BOOK REVIEW 📖
HOME SWEET HOME BY RUTH IRONS
This was a lovely comfort read, fast paced and predictable but that didn’t make it any less enjoyable.
Jules and Scott are a very happy couple who happen to bump into the dramatic but charismatic, Orla, one night in the pub. Orla becomes a permanent fixture in their lives after that first meeting. Firstly they offer her a place to stay when shes down and out and then they have her as their full time lodger. As time goes on lots of her stories aren’t adding up and Jules is the first to notice and does some investigating of her own. Unfortunately everyone around Orla practically hero worships her so Jules has her work cut out. You will definitely get worked up reading this, i wanted to jump in the pages and give Orla a slap 👋 🤣.
#homesweethome #ruthirons #book #bookstagrammer #bookreviewer #bookish #bookishpost #thriller #thrillerbooks #domesticthriller #psychologicalthriller #bookworm #bookrecs #bookobsessed #bookaholic
HOME SWEET HOME BY RUTH IRONS
This was a lovely comfort read, fast paced and predictable but that didn’t make it any less enjoyable.
Jules and Scott are a very happy couple who happen to bump into the dramatic but charismatic, Orla, one night in the pub. Orla becomes a permanent fixture in their lives after that first meeting. Firstly they offer her a place to stay when shes down and out and then they have her as their full time lodger. As time goes on lots of her stories aren’t adding up and Jules is the first to notice and does some investigating of her own. Unfortunately everyone around Orla practically hero worships her so Jules has her work cut out. You will definitely get worked up reading this, i wanted to jump in the pages and give Orla a slap 👋 🤣.
#homesweethome #ruthirons #book #bookstagrammer #bookreviewer #bookish #bookishpost #thriller #thrillerbooks #domesticthriller #psychologicalthriller #bookworm #bookrecs #bookobsessed #bookaholic
April 20, 2025
I loved the author’s debut novel The Perfect Guest so was looking forward to reading Home Sweet Home.
Jules and Scott live in a London suburb and are discussing finding a lodger when they meet the dramatic and charismatic Orla one evening in the local pub. Orla soon moves in and although Scott appears happy with their new lodger Jules becomes increasingly uneasy with Orla’s presence.
I absolutely loved this psychological drama, it’s so well plotted and the tension creeps up on the reader gradually. Just when I thought I knew the direction of the plot there was another twist that left me breathless and wanting one more chapter. A compelling read which introduces some thought provoking themes that I raced through over the course of 24 hours. Recommended.
Many thanks to NetGalley and the publisher for the opportunity to read and review this digital ARC.
Jules and Scott live in a London suburb and are discussing finding a lodger when they meet the dramatic and charismatic Orla one evening in the local pub. Orla soon moves in and although Scott appears happy with their new lodger Jules becomes increasingly uneasy with Orla’s presence.
I absolutely loved this psychological drama, it’s so well plotted and the tension creeps up on the reader gradually. Just when I thought I knew the direction of the plot there was another twist that left me breathless and wanting one more chapter. A compelling read which introduces some thought provoking themes that I raced through over the course of 24 hours. Recommended.
Many thanks to NetGalley and the publisher for the opportunity to read and review this digital ARC.
May 1, 2025
I loved this psychological thriller - a plot that is SO well thought out and executed beautifully!
Jules and husband Scott decide to get a lodger when they happen to meet damsel in distress, Orla, in the pub one evening. Orla has lost her keys and the couple kindly agree to put her up for the night - all goes well and it is soon agreed that Jules will be their new lodger.
All seems to be going well when Jules begins to feel that boundaries are being crossed and Orla is moving into friendship territory that is not welcomed by Jules. Add in a pregnancy and health issues and Orla seems to have her feet well and truly under the table!
The story that follows is a very twisted rollercoaster ride of craziness…and is gripping to the end!
My thanks to NetGalley, author and publisher for the opportunity to review this book in exchange for an advance copy.
Jules and husband Scott decide to get a lodger when they happen to meet damsel in distress, Orla, in the pub one evening. Orla has lost her keys and the couple kindly agree to put her up for the night - all goes well and it is soon agreed that Jules will be their new lodger.
All seems to be going well when Jules begins to feel that boundaries are being crossed and Orla is moving into friendship territory that is not welcomed by Jules. Add in a pregnancy and health issues and Orla seems to have her feet well and truly under the table!
The story that follows is a very twisted rollercoaster ride of craziness…and is gripping to the end!
My thanks to NetGalley, author and publisher for the opportunity to review this book in exchange for an advance copy.
May 2, 2025
First, I thank Netgalley and Bonnier Books UK for this ARC!
I'm not always a fan of slowburn thrillers, but this one pulled me in and I needed to know what was happening next. Jules and Scott only wanted to do a good deed when making damsel in distress Orla her new lodger. Because it soon seems like Orla wants more out of this than only a place to stay...
The story is full of unexpected twists and turns and a lot of drama and while it started slow, I still could not stop and ended up reading it in one sitting. 4.5 stars from me.
I'm not always a fan of slowburn thrillers, but this one pulled me in and I needed to know what was happening next. Jules and Scott only wanted to do a good deed when making damsel in distress Orla her new lodger. Because it soon seems like Orla wants more out of this than only a place to stay...
The story is full of unexpected twists and turns and a lot of drama and while it started slow, I still could not stop and ended up reading it in one sitting. 4.5 stars from me.
May 14, 2025
Thank you to NetGalley and the publisher for providing me with an ARC of this book.
Home Sweet Home by Ruth Irons is a twisty domestic thriller. The story follows Scott and Jules, who welcome Orla into their home as a lodger. Initially, she seems perfect, but as Jules starts to notice unusual behaviour, she digs into Orla's past, uncovering dark secrets. The story is full of twists and turns with plenty of suspense. A good read for fans of domestic thrillers. I would recommend this be added to your 'to read' pile.
Home Sweet Home by Ruth Irons is a twisty domestic thriller. The story follows Scott and Jules, who welcome Orla into their home as a lodger. Initially, she seems perfect, but as Jules starts to notice unusual behaviour, she digs into Orla's past, uncovering dark secrets. The story is full of twists and turns with plenty of suspense. A good read for fans of domestic thrillers. I would recommend this be added to your 'to read' pile.
May 22, 2025
I read chose to read Home Sweet Home by Ruth Irons because I liked the title and cover of the book. I did not read the blurb and went into it blindly sometimes it is just fun to read something without knowing what you are getting. This was a fabulous psychological domestic thriller. The plot was well thought out, and the characters were well developed. It has enough twists and turns to keep you turning the pages to see what will happen next.
I look forward to the next Ruth Irons book
Thank you to NetGalley for an advanced copy of this book in exchange for an honest review.
I look forward to the next Ruth Irons book
Thank you to NetGalley for an advanced copy of this book in exchange for an honest review.
January 13, 2026
I’m so confused as to what this book is meant to be???? It’s not a thriller, it’s not a mystery, and absolutely nothing happens???? It’s like a domestic drama with the worst characters you’ve ever read. My 2026 reading is off to an awful start …..
I hate, HATE reading a book by a woman who writes caricatures of women - to be jealous, attention seeking, irrational, shrill, liars. Absolutely unbearable to read. Just avoid - nothing happens. No twist, no resolution and one of the most stupid last chapters I’ve ever read.
I hate, HATE reading a book by a woman who writes caricatures of women - to be jealous, attention seeking, irrational, shrill, liars. Absolutely unbearable to read. Just avoid - nothing happens. No twist, no resolution and one of the most stupid last chapters I’ve ever read.
January 13, 2026
📚Home Sweet Home
✍️Ruth Irons
🎧Audiobook
4⭐️
Jules and Scott are debating whether to take in a lodger when they meet Orla in their local pub and decide to rent out their spare room to her. Orla quickly integrates herself into their lives and their friendship group and then falls ill with a rare blood disease, prolonging her stay. There’s clearly more to Orla than meets the eye. Nicely written, the pace was maintained until the end, with a couple of small twists.
✍️Ruth Irons
🎧Audiobook
4⭐️
Jules and Scott are debating whether to take in a lodger when they meet Orla in their local pub and decide to rent out their spare room to her. Orla quickly integrates herself into their lives and their friendship group and then falls ill with a rare blood disease, prolonging her stay. There’s clearly more to Orla than meets the eye. Nicely written, the pace was maintained until the end, with a couple of small twists.
April 27, 2025
This book is a slow burn, which isn't usually my favourite, however it's cleverly done and suits the plot. What really had be turning pages, was how unsettling this was. I felt Jules' uneasiness throughout, and was desperate to find out why. Sometimes books with twist after twist let you down at the end, but with a book like this you get a really big payoff. Really enjoyed!
July 21, 2025
3.5 stars rounding up
-
It took a while for this slow burn psychological thriller to lay the foundation of the story and get to the fun part, but it was worth it. I felt empathy, annoyance, and doubt towards some of the characters, even doubted Jules, the protagonist, at times. I absolutely loved it when Jules took maters into her own hands.
-
It took a while for this slow burn psychological thriller to lay the foundation of the story and get to the fun part, but it was worth it. I felt empathy, annoyance, and doubt towards some of the characters, even doubted Jules, the protagonist, at times. I absolutely loved it when Jules took maters into her own hands.
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
August 17, 2025
I did this on audio while walking the dog… it is a really easy listen I would say it is a steady book it keep my interest but more because I wanted to know what happened rather than being super invested in the book… I enjoyed it, it wasn’t the best book I have listened to but not the worst either x
September 28, 2025
This was gripping from start to finish. I listened to it on Audible and the narrator was brilliant. I thought the characterisation was incredible. Ruth Irons had obviously done a lot of research to create the character of Orla and I was so frustrated for Jules! Everything was so convincing and compelling. A great read!
June 11, 2025
had no idea where this was going to end up and it did drag a tiiiiny but but overall a very enjoyable read, not the most 'thrilling' thriller but still good!!
August 12, 2025
Thoroughly enjoyed this book. Couldn't put it down!
September 5, 2025
I find stories and human behaviour like this fascinating. Enjoyed listening to this.
September 12, 2025
Very predictable with one of my most hated storylines - main character not being believed by those closest to them. And if I heard the words "#fightforOrla" once more I was going to scream.
October 12, 2025
Brilliant couldn’t put this down one of my most fav books of all time
November 14, 2025
Edge of the seater practically the whole time. Great book
December 25, 2025
Definitely not a bad thriller, I wish I liked the characters a bit more so I would care more about what's happening to them, but as far as suspense goes, it's well done.
October 19, 2025
Why the hell haven’t I read this sooner?! 🤯 Books like THIS are the reason why domestic thrillers are my absolute favourite, and this one has effortlessly slipped its way into my top reads of the year. Not only is this book a masterclass in tension building and characterisation, but my god is it addictive, with a super satisfying ending. It’s a real bloody page-turner and you just have to read it!
Home Sweet Home completely took over my life. It seemed to occupy my every waking thought. When Jules and Scott take in a lodger to help make a little extra cash, it seemed finding Orla was meant to be. She fitted effortlessly into their lives and their routine, and it seemed she was perfect… until she wasn’t.
Dramatic, charismatic and always craving attention, Orla slowly dominates their lives, their space, their friendships, and Jules learns Orla’s stories don’t add up… Oh my god, Orla is genuinely one of my all-time favourite characters, her development so fantastic, her scenes always so unsettling and unpredictable. A character you will love to hate. This book has unease and tension laced through a plot you’ll become utterly obsessed with. Ruth's writing is also a masterpiece in itself and I will quite literally buy anything she writes after this.
Chilling, definitely unhinged and impossible to put down! More please!
Home Sweet Home completely took over my life. It seemed to occupy my every waking thought. When Jules and Scott take in a lodger to help make a little extra cash, it seemed finding Orla was meant to be. She fitted effortlessly into their lives and their routine, and it seemed she was perfect… until she wasn’t.
Dramatic, charismatic and always craving attention, Orla slowly dominates their lives, their space, their friendships, and Jules learns Orla’s stories don’t add up… Oh my god, Orla is genuinely one of my all-time favourite characters, her development so fantastic, her scenes always so unsettling and unpredictable. A character you will love to hate. This book has unease and tension laced through a plot you’ll become utterly obsessed with. Ruth's writing is also a masterpiece in itself and I will quite literally buy anything she writes after this.
Chilling, definitely unhinged and impossible to put down! More please!
Displaying 1 - 30 of 35 reviews