The Silent Guest

by Sally Rigby

I've been waiting years for this moment. When Vivienne Campbell needs a housesitter, I make sure I'm the perfect candidate. Warm, friendly, highly recommended. Everything she's looking for.

She has no idea who I really am. While she's away for the weekend, I have free rein of her perfect home, her perfect life. The life she doesn't deserve. Not after what she did.

When she returns, I watch her confusion grow. Small incidents that make her question her own sanity. I'm there to comfort her, to be the friend she desperately needs.

She thinks she's losing her grip on reality. She's starting to believe she might be dangerous to her own family. Maybe she should just... disappear? It's working perfectly. She's unraveling exactly as I planned.

But Vivienne doesn't know the real reason I'm here. She doesn't know about the past that connects us. She doesn't know how far I'm willing to go to make her pay. Some revenge is worth waiting for. And some secrets are worth killing for.

A totally gripping psychological thriller from an Amazon bestselling author! Perfect for fans of Shari Lapena, Shalini Boland and Claire Douglas.

Genres: Thriller, Psychological Thriller, Audiobook, Mystery, Fiction, Crime

252 pages, Kindle Edition

Published August 14, 2025

About the author

Sally Rigby was born in Northampton, in the UK. She has always had the travel bug, and after living in both Manchester and London, eventually moved overseas. From 2001 she has lived with her family in New Zealand, which she considers to be the most beautiful place in the world. During this time she also lived for five years in Australia. Sally has always loved crime fiction books, films and TV programmes, and has a particular fascination with the psychology of serial killers.

Reviews

[Kimberlylovesreadingbooks · Rating 4 out of 5]

First of all thank you netgalley and storm publishing for this beautiful Earc 🤭♥️.

This was a verrryy good thriller that I read within one sitting. ✨💁🏾‍♀️

This book follows Vivienne and Amelia. Vivienne is looking for a house sitter on a website and ends up finding Amelia.

What she doesn't know is that Amelia actually has an ulterior motive.

Amelia wants Vivienne to own up to what she did in the past and what better way than to make her think that she's slowly losing her mind.😭

Mind you Vivienne has anxiety add that with the fact that her grandmother had dementia before she died. 😬 She literally thought she was losing it until Amelia slipped up and then the tables turned. 👏🏾

Honestly I fully support women's wrongs and rights so the ending was justified. 🤷🏾‍♀️

I really enjoyed this book and the plot twist which I saw from a mile away 🤭. The writing was easy to follow and the characters were well written.🙂✨

[Judi · Rating 2 out of 5]

I love a good psychological thriller, but unfortunately, this book just wasn't for me. The premise is good, and many other reviewers have liked it. For me, though, I guessed what was going to happen right after the first chapter, except for one detail. I kept reading to find out if I was right, and I was disappointed when I was correct. I think I would have liked it better if it wasn't written in the first person. Although there are different points of view, I just didn't care enough about the characters in this book for it to matter.

Please don't let me stop you from reading it, though. I can see why other people would really like it.

Thank you to NetGalley, Storm Publishing, and Sally Rigby for my free copy of this book. This is my honest opinion.

[Julie (JuJu) · Rating 3 out of 5]

If you’re craving secrets, manipulation, and a side of revenge, pull up a chair for “The Silent Guest”.

Thanks to the author and Storm Publishing for the ARC provided via NetGalley. All opinions are my own.

Vivienne just wants her house to survive her vacation, so she hires Amelia to water the plants and maybe not devour all the snacks. She’s not worried. Amelia’s got that wholesome, trustworthy vibe, but underneath those fuzzy sheep pajamas, there’s a wolf. Her references are squeaky clean, but her smile is deceiving!

The dual perspective is the real draw for me. Vivienne spirals while Amelia schemes, building delicious tension. The story becomes a psychological tennis match as incidents push Vivienne to doubt herself while Amelia sits back and enjoys her control. That back-and-forth kept me eagerly reading.

The setup is strong and the psychological games engaging, though this isn’t the most shocking domestic thriller I've read. Rigby’s gift for suspense and messy characters makes it a solid pick for domestic noir fans.

If you like quick psychological domestic stories with a sprinkle of revenge and trust issues, this is worth picking up. It may not be a top-tier thriller, but it’s a fun ride, and I recommend it for fans of the genre. I’ll definitely keep an eye out for the author’s next work.

#TheSilentGuest #SallyRigby #NetGalley #StormPublishing #CapCut

Domestic Suspense - Housesitter - Revenge - Don’t Trust Her

[Samantha · Rating 4 out of 5]

This is a solid bingeable thriller. It's trippy, has suspense, and a twist that I didn't see coming. We follow two POVs: Vivienne and Amelia. Vivienne is married with a daughter and in need of a housesitter. She hires Amelia, who unbeknownst to Vivienne, has a plan to take Vivienne down for something horrible she did in the past. 

When Vivienne returns home from her trip, she starts to notice things changing and disappearing. She wonders if there is something wrong with her and if she can be trusted around her own family. While Amelia thinks she has the upper hand and will claim victory in Vivienne's demise, she starts to become uneasy as well when she is receives a gift that hints they know Amelia's true nature and could expose her at any moment.

I really enjoyed this. My only criticism is that when we get to the shocking reveal, I would have loved to read more about what happened between that point and the epilogue. It just seemed the book wanted to wrap up quickly and while that's fine, I just wanted a little more.

Thank you NetGalley and Storm Publishing for this arc

[Jen · Rating 4 out of 5]

This was a fun one! It centers on Amelia and Vivienne, with the former being hired as a dog sitter for the latter. The book alternates between the 2 POVs. We know that Amelia is out to get unsuspecting Vivienne but we don’t know why initially. As the story continues the pieces fall into place.

The stuff that Amelia does to make Vivienne think she is going crazy is really clever and well-written. I hope no real life baddies get ideas from this book because ir would be enough to drive someone mad! I thought that the things Vivienne did when she started to suspect also made a lot of sense and that she (mostly) acted the way I expect someone would. While neither character was all that likable, the suspense in the story made up for that. I had an idea around the big twist but I didn’t have it entirely figured out until it happened. I was a little surprised about why the characters made some of the decisions they made at that stage in the book but I suppose it all made sense, looking back on it. The end of the book tied up everything very neatly, though I couldn’t help but think that Amelia’s entire personality changed and I wasn’t sure who she really was.

Overall, thought this was a really engaging read that I finished quickly. Thanks to NetGalley for providing me with a copy of this book in exchange for an honest review.

[Ahmed Ismail · Rating 4 out of 5]

The moment I got my hands on this ARC, it jumped straight to the top of my TBR pile. That title? That cover? Totally irresistible. And I’m glad I gave in.

The Silent Guest is a fast-paced, addictive read, perfect for devouring in one sitting, preferably poolside with a cold drink in hand. The tension builds slowly but steadily, keeping you hooked until the last page. And just when I thought I'd figured it out....boom! A twist I did not see coming.

It’s a sharp, binge-worthy thriller that explores trust, identity, and how far someone will go for revenge. While the ending felt a touch rushed, it didn’t take away from how much I enjoyed the ride.

Highly recommend this one to fans of Freida McFadden and Shari Lapena. This was my first dive into Sally Rigby’s world, and I can confidently say that it won’t be my last.

Many thanks to @stormbooks_co for gifting me this ARC via @netgalley in exchange for my honest review. I’m truly grateful for the opportunity to read this one early. The Silent Guest is available for preorder now and is expected to be released on August 14, 2025.

[Shelley Amazon ca reviews as Purrrplehaze · Rating 5 out of 5]

Revenge is sweet, so they say....

Oh... this was good!

Vivienne Campbell needs a house-sitter. Sounds simple and ordinary, right?

You couldn't be more wrong!

Vivienne has NO idea her 'perfect' life is about to spiral out of control!

Fast-paced and shocking in parts, with twists and turns, this book had me not wanting to put it down.

WHAT A RIDE! I was NOT expecting THAT!

Tne ending did, however, seem rushed (deadline?🤔) but was still 'acceptable'.

I received an ARC of this book from the author, and I am giving you my honest review.

[Laura Smith · Rating 4 out of 5]

THE SILENT GUEST BY SALLY RIGBY.
Released today.
This book is so twisty and keeps you on your toes throughout.
Multiple POVs.
There's a twist I didn't see coming at all.
Highly recommend this book to anyone who loves a twisty suspenseful psychological thriller

[Caroline · Rating 5 out of 5]

This was SO good, I could hardly bear to tear myself away from it. Gripping? And then some!! This is the psychological thriller that will mess with your head. 🗡
The story is told from two POV's: Vivienne, the home owner, and Amelia, the house sitter who appears to have some kind of vendetta going on. 🗡
As Amelia steps up her campaign, one can't help but wonder what Vivienne did to deserve this. 🗡
Then....a shocking twist! 🗡
Although it was slow to get to the point, the suspense alone was enough to keep me hooked. I loved this book, and Sally Rigby has now joined the list of authors I want to read more of. 🗡
Thanks to Storm Publishing and Netgalley for the digital ARC.

[Yvette Jarrell · Rating 5 out of 5]

ARC Review
The Silent Guest by Sally Rigby
⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️½ - rounded up to 5 stars
🗓️ Release Date: August 14, 2025

What a tense, addictive ride—this book had me hooked from the very first line and didn’t let go until the final, jaw-dropping twist.

When Vivienne Campbell needs a house sitter for a weekend away, she finds Amelia—a warm, trustworthy, highly recommended woman—who seems like the perfect fit. But what Vivienne doesn’t know is that Amelia isn’t a stranger. She’s been waiting for this moment, for years. She has a score to settle, and now she has full access to Vivienne’s picture-perfect life.

But revenge rarely goes as planned.

Told in dual perspectives—Vivienne and Amelia—the story is cleverly split into three parts: before, during, and after, each revealing new layers of deception and tension. Vivienne, a busy working mother married to an often-absent pilot, is doing her best to keep it all together. When things in her home start to shift—small items misplaced, conversations she doesn’t remember—she begins to doubt herself, and even fears she might be losing her grip on reality.

Amelia, meanwhile, believes she’s orchestrating the perfect downfall. But when she starts receiving mysterious threats that suggest someone knows her true identity and motives, the tables start to turn in unexpected ways.

This is a psychological thriller that delivers on every level—unnerving, twisty, and emotionally complex. The tension is slow-burning but relentless, and the final reveal? Absolutely chilling. Sally Rigby masterfully crafts a tale where no one is fully innocent, and everyone has something to hide.

With morally gray characters, secrets simmering beneath the surface, and a plot that messes with your head in the best way possible, The Silent Guest is a binge-worthy cautionary tale about trust, identity, and the cost of revenge.

Highly recommended for fans of dark domestic thrillers.

Huge thanks to Netgally, Storm Publishing and Sally Rigby for the advanced readers copy of The Silent Guest. All opinions are my own.

[Carvanz · Rating 5 out of 5]

Just when you think you’ve got it all figured out, think again.





I loved how this story drew me in with a steady build of tension, always keeping me uncertain about where it was headed. Every time I thought I had the plot figured out, something shifted, sometimes subtly, sometimes like a punch to the gut, and I was left scrambling to reassess. The pacing was sharp, the stakes kept rising, and the atmosphere had me gripping my ereader closer with each chapter. The characters were flawed in ways that made them feel tangible and unpredictable, which only added to the suspense. The psychological push and pull between them kept me hooked, unsure who truly had the upper hand. This is the kind of thriller that will stay with me for a long while…addictive, twisty, and deeply satisfying.

Dual POV
Not a romance
Triggers sexual assault - in the past, details leading up to it, but nothing on page describing the act

[Kiana · Rating 4 out of 5]

I was hooked from the very beginning. This is a bingeable and suspenseful thriller that kept me hooked from the start. Vivienne Campbell appears to have the perfect life, but when she hires Amelia as a housesitter, she has no idea of the danger she is inviting in.

Amelia is hiding a dark connection to Vivienne’s past and has carefully constructed a plan for revenge.

Twisty and clever I really didn't know how this would end but, I loved it.

Thank You NetGalley and Storm Publishing for your generosity and gifting me a copy of this amazing eARC!

[Olga Maxwell · Rating 5 out of 5]

THIS!!!! BOOK!!! So unexpected and twisty. This book had me captivated from the 1st page and was a quick and easy read. I truly enjoyed it and cannot wait to read more by this author.

[Sarah Austin · Rating 5 out of 5]

As a lover of psychological thrillers, I had a feeling this one would be right up my alley, and the description had me hooked from the start.

WOW. This book grabbed me and did not let go. Told through dual POVs, it immediately had me questioning everything. Why was Amelia acting so incredibly petty? What could Vivienne have possibly done to deserve being manipulated into thinking she’s losing her mind? We, the readers, are kept in the dark about Amelia’s motives for tormenting Vivienne until the very end. where everything comes to a sudden halt at one of the biggest twists in the book. It had me gasping, reeling, and flipping pages as fast as I could.

I highly recommend this one to anyone who loves a good psychological thriller packed with twists and turns that’ll keep you glued to the book and on the edge of your seat.

Huge thanks to Storm Publishing, Sally Rigby, and NetGalley for the chance to read this brilliant thriller!

[Megh · Rating 2 out of 5]

Vivienne needs a house/dog sitter while she and her daughter, Lola, go away for the weekend. Enter Amelia, someone Vivienne’s husband’s coworker recommended. But things aren’t as they appear…

Or this book is exactly as it appears. There was really nothing mysterious about this book. Because the book alternates between Viviennes perspective and Amelia’s, we know right away that Amelia is playing tricks on Vivienne. There’s so suspense to it at all. The only reason I kept reading was hoping that something was being kept hidden but even the twist at the end I knew almost from the jump. I mean hello??? who thinks being a secret pilot for the government is a real thing flying secret missions all the time that keep you away most of the year and sometimes missions get cancelled last minute so you can come home??? Because that’s what Vivienne thinks her husband Miles does for a living. Like girl wake up. Something ain’t right with this dude. I immediately knew he was living a double life. Which he is. Because he is also Amelia’s boyfriend Tom.

And Tom is some psycho from Viviennes past. And honestly I even saw that whole twist coming too. It’s clear during Amelia’s perspective that Tom is irrationally blaming Vivienne for his shitty life. So what else would you expect from a man than to blame the victim for the problems the perpetrator created. It was all just too obvious for me.

Also…. We already knew Vivienne was dumb because she believed Miles/Tom was a secret pilot but then she was just gonna take Amelia’s word that she had dementia because Amelia googled symptoms and they sounded similar?????? Like this girl was full on believing this woman she met like twice and didn’t even mention seeking the opinion of oh I don’t know… a doctor?! She was just gonna take her dog sitters word for it and leave her family. Which by the way is an insane way to deal with dementia. Just wild.

I am providing this review after receiving an ARC from NetGalley and Storm Publishing. Thank you.

[Marjolein · Rating 1 out of 5]

Implausible, ludicrous, predictable and snail-paced.
I should know better by now than to pick up one of these run-of-the-mill 'thrillers'.

[Pav S. (pav_sanborn_bookworm) · Rating 4 out of 5]

This book had me hooked from the very first chapter! The suspense was palpable, and I found myself on the edge of my seat, utterly clueless about what twists awaited me.

The story revolves around Amelia, who has been waiting for the opportunity to take revenge on Vivienne Campbell. When Vivienne needs a housesitter, Amelia positions herself as the ideal candidate, gaining access to her life. While Vivienne is away, Amelia creates small incidents that lead Vivienne to question her sanity and feel threatened by her behavior. As Vivienne struggles with her mental state, Amelia secretly revels in her unraveling, motivated by a past connection and a desire for revenge. The tension builds as Amelia remains determined to make Vivienne pay for her past actions...

The story unfolds through the perspectives of two characters, Vivienne and Amelia. Naturally, one of them is utterly charming, while the other... well, let’s just say they’re not winning any popularity contests. It’s your classic domestic murder mystery, but the real question is: who’s who? You’ll have to dive into the pages to unravel that mystery! Both characters are richly developed, and just when you think you’ve got it all figured out, the main twist sneaks up on you at the end. I must give myself a little pat on the back here—this is a rare feat for me! I managed to piece together the twist before the big reveal, but I was still second-guessing myself right up until the last moment. The author did a fantastic job of keeping me guessing, and even though I cracked the code, it didn’t diminish my enjoyment one bit! Just a heads-up: keep your eyes peeled for the subtle hints sprinkled throughout; they all come together beautifully in the end.

If you’re in the mood for a fast-paced, mysterious read, this book is sure to satisfy. It’s a delightful tale of frenemies turned friends, with a heartwarming reminder that sometimes the best friendships blossom in the most unexpected situations. I absolutely loved the ending—it was both touching and a little quirky! Kudos to the author for crafting such a fantastic story. I’m thrilled to have had the opportunity to read this widget!

Thank you, Storm Publishing, for the digital ARC copy. I am leaving this review voluntarily.

[Courtney Pityer · Rating 5 out of 5]

If you are looking for a thriller novel that will have you on the edge of your seat this is the book for you! I will admit I wasn't sure whatto expect when I first started reading it but with each passing page I found myself more drawn to it. It's amazing how far some people will go to destroy the lives of others.

We are introduced to Vivenne who is a mother looking for a house/dog sitter so she and her husband can go away for the weekend. She hires Amelia a stranger whom she has never met before. From the beginning we know that Amelia is up to no good such snooping through Vivienne's computer.Then it seems like after she gets back from vacation nothing seems right. Soon she starts to question her sanity and if she doesn't get to the bottom of things she could end up losing her own life.

I received an arc copy from Netgalley and all opinions are of my own.

[Ella Stevens · Rating 5 out of 5]

Thank you to Netgalley and Storm Publishing for providing me with an ARC copy of The Silent Guest.
Rating: 🌟🌟🌟🌟🌟

Amelia is here to get a job done, whether or not that job is pet sitting is another thing. Lies, secrecy and mind blowing plot twists, The Silent Guest has it all.

This thriller has two point of views, Vivienne and Emlia and both will leave you on the edge of your seat, desperate to have your questions answered.

Lola is Vivienne's daughter and from the very start right until the end I adored her bubbly and playful personality. Amelia on the other hand immediately gives off red flags but in an intriguing way where you don't know her motive.
If you're a fan of thrillers that keep you in the dark and leave you guessing, such as the work of Freida McFadden then The Silent Guest is definitely worth a read.

[Rizwa ᥫ᭡ · Rating 4 out of 5]

~ARC review~

I am so thankful to the author @SallyRigby and @netgalley for giving me the opportunity to read this arc.✨️💜

Firstly, I loved the premise of the book, the whole concept of a house sitter doing questionable things in the house of her employer, while she has no idea.
It was a good thriller book, a short read. I don't know if it was all the thriller books I've read, but I could kind of see what was going to happen, but either ways, I liked how it played out. ✨️

[Kathleen Riggs · Rating 4 out of 5]

Taut, Tense, and Unputdownable
Sally Rigby delivers another gripping read with The Silent Guest. Full of psychological tension and unexpected twists, the story keeps you second-guessing right to the end. Rigby masterfully builds a sense of unease, with well-drawn characters and a plot that never lets up. Dark, compelling, and thoroughly addictive a must for crime and thriller fans. Thanks to NetGalley and to the publishers of this book for giving me a free advance copy of the book to preview and I am leaving this review voluntarily.

[Diane Elizabeth Taylor · Rating 5 out of 5]

This book is a departure from Sally's usual crime thrillers, plunging us into a chilling psychological masterclass.
From the outset, the central question is, why is Amelia so intent on destroying Vivienne's life?
We are immediately propelled into a relentlessly fast-paced narrative. Sally expertly crafts an atmosphere of palpable suspense, each chapter ratcheting up the tension another notch. Just when we think we have a handle on things, a truly huge twist explodes, and it took my breath away.
The brilliance lies not only in the shock but also in how meticulously the threads are woven together, leading to an ending all tied up as neatly as one of Lola's hair ribbons (not that we'd touch them of course)!
I devoured this book and highly recommend it!

[CiderandRedRot · Rating 2 out of 5]

My favourite genre is: women behaving with utter lunacy for Plot Reasons whose Suspicions are proven correct and she Feels Validated but then continues to be bonkers The End

Huge genre, ever growing

[Lupita_333 · Rating 5 out of 5]

The story alternates between Amelia and Vivienne’s POV. Amelia plans to get revenge and has found the perfect opportunity. Amelia does subtle arrangements around Vivienne’s house that make Vivienne question her own memory and sanity. Once Vivienne catches on she begins her own journey of revenge towards Amelia.

This book is perfect for readers who enjoy characters that are revenge driven, manipulative, and deceiving along with shocking plot twist. There was excellent twist after twist that made me constantly changed the way I felt about the characters and their actions. I had easily guessed the plot twist about the husband’s connection early on due to the wok / life balance of both of them. That didn’t stop me from being completing shocked by what the husbands were hiding. I didn’t except it to end the way it did but I liked it.

Trigger warning :
Brief mention of SA that happened to a character in the past.

Thank you NetGalley for the ARC in exchange for an honest review.

[Lost Vegas · Rating 2 out of 5]

Vivienne’s need for a dog/house sitter work perfectly for Amelia who needs the access to Vivienne’s life.

From almost the first page I had guessed one of the twists and I’m sure most had. The short chapters in dual POV were more repetitive than an actual story narrative.

I found the big ‘reveals’ to be very obvious and the ending felt very rushed, and it made no sense whatsoever to be so wrapped up in a happy little bow.

This would be a great choice for those that want a very quick read.

I received this eARC from Netgalley in return for an honest review, which this is. Thank you for the opportunity.

[gary kleinman · Rating 2 out of 5]

This book was a real disappointment. The plot was totally unbelievably and the writing was quite poor. Don’t waste your time. I gave It a generous 2 stars

[Rachel Browning · Rating 4 out of 5]

"The Silent Guest" by Sally Rigby is a suspenseful, twisty read full of secrets and simmering revenge. Just when you think you know what’s going on, another layer unravels. A gripping story that keeps you guessing until the end!

[Chanelle · Rating 4 out of 5]

Thanks NetGalley and Storm Publishing for the digital copy in exchange for an honest review.

The Silent Guest centres on the dynamic between the two FMCs Vivienne and Amelia (aka Milly). Amelia is hired to housesit one weekend while Vivienne and her daughter are away visiting family – and it’s clear from the outset that Amelia has it in for Vivienne.

As the story unfolds we learn that Vivienne’s past holds the answers, and Amelia will stop at nothing to get justice – even going as far as to make Vivienne believe she’s experiencing early onset dementia.

When Vivienne discovers Amelia has been taunting her, she retaliates by sending anonymous gifts. Meanwhile Vivienne hasn’t told her husband what’s going on, since he’s often away for work.

Things come to a head one weekend when Vivienne invites Amelia over. I won’t spoil the ending, but the twist absolutely blew my mind – even though I had a sneaky suspicion about a certain character earlier on, which turned out to be correct!

I raced through the final two-thirds of this book and enjoyed every minute of the wild ride. Expect short chapters, dual POV, unreliable narration, and seriously unhinged characters. It gave me bingeworthy Freida McFadden-esque vibes in the best possible way. The beginning was a tad slow, which is why it’s not a perfect rating – but otherwise, I loved it!

I believe it’s also available on Kindle Unlimited and I highly recommend checking it out.

[BookLover45 · Rating 5 out of 5]

In the crowded field of psychological thrillers, this novel distinguishes itself through its tightly wound narrative structure, slow-burning suspense, and a climactic revelation that delivers a profound narrative jolt. From its opening line to its final twist, the text crafts an atmosphere of psychological unease, inviting readers into a taut and intricately layered tale of deception, vengeance, and psychological warfare.

The premise is deceptively simple: when Vivienne Campbell seeks a house sitter for a brief absence, she selects Amelia—an ostensibly trustworthy woman with glowing recommendations. However, unbeknownst to Vivienne, Amelia harbors a long-standing vendetta, one that grants her intimate access not only to Vivienne’s home but to the architecture of her personal life. This premise becomes the foundation for an incisive exploration of betrayal, identity, and moral ambiguity.

Told through alternating points of view, the narrative structure itself becomes a vehicle for psychological tension. The dual perspective allows the reader to simultaneously inhabit Amelia’s calculated, simmering animosity and Vivienne’s bewildered descent into confusion and fear. The decision to withhold Amelia’s motivations until late in the narrative is a deliberate stylistic choice, effectively cultivating a sense of disorientation that mirrors the protagonist’s own unraveling mental state.

Thematically, the novel probes the idea of retribution and the subjective nature of justice. Amelia’s actions—initially perceived as unprovoked cruelty—are later reframed in a new, morally complex light. This delayed revelation prompts a re-evaluation of character alignments and challenges the reader to consider the ethical contours of revenge. The novel resists binary moral categorization, and its characters operate within morally gray territories that render their decisions both sympathetic and disturbing.

Stylistically, the prose is propulsive and emotionally charged, maintaining a relentless pace that mirrors the escalating psychological conflict. The author demonstrates a deft control of tension, balancing revelations with strategic omissions to maximize suspense. The climactic twist, when it arrives, is both narratively satisfying and structurally significant—it recontextualizes much of the preceding plot while preserving plausibility.

This novel is a compelling addition to the genre, notable for its psychological depth, narrative economy, and thematic resonance. It demands to be consumed in a single sitting, yet its implications linger long after the final page. For readers of domestic noir and psychological suspense, this work offers a masterclass in misdirection, character manipulation, and the enduring effects of past trauma.

Highly recommended for readers who value psychological intricacy, layered storytelling, and narratives that interrogate the blurred boundaries between victim and perpetrator.

[Kimberly · Rating 5 out of 5]

Book review: The Silent Guest by Sally Rigby.
Thank you to Storm Publishing and NetGalley for my gifted ARC of this totally unsettling and utterly addictive psychological thriller.

Let me just say—this one messes with your head in the best way. From the opening line, “I’ve been waiting years for this moment,” you know you’re not in for a gentle domestic drama. You’re in for a slow, precise unspooling of obsession, revenge, and the kind of psychological sabotage that makes you question your own grip on reality… even as a reader.

Our unnamed narrator is the kind of character who slips through the cracks—carefully crafted, deeply calculating, and absolutely ruthless. When Vivienne Campbell needs a housesitter, this woman makes herself the perfect candidate. What Vivienne doesn’t know is that her weekend away will mark the start of her carefully curated life unraveling thread by thread. And the reader is right there, complicit in the manipulation, watching as Vivienne begins to question her own memory, her safety, and her very identity.

The pacing is brilliant—tight, deliberate, and just twisted enough to keep you nervously flipping pages while glancing over your shoulder. Sally Rigby doesn’t waste time with red herrings or convenient plot gimmicks. Instead, she dials up the tension in the small things—misplaced items, subtle gaslighting, eerie familiarity—and lets the pressure simmer until it finally boils over. One quote that chilled me: “She thinks she’s losing her grip on reality. She’s starting to believe she might be dangerous to her own family. Maybe she should just… disappear?” The calmness in the narration makes it all the more chilling.

What I loved most was the balance between sinister plotting and emotional undercurrents. You don’t just witness Vivienne’s collapse—you feel it. You wonder how far she’ll fall. You question who the real victim is, and just when you think you have it figured out… you don’t.

This is one of those books you inhale in a day, then think about for a week. It left me rattled—in the best possible way. If you’re a fan of Shari Lapena, Claire Douglas, or any psychological thriller that dances on the edge of obsession and justice, The Silent Guest absolutely delivers.