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The Guest List
Abby Mitchell has been reunited with her sister, Mallory, after a tragic accident separated them. But while the two sisters make up for lost time, danger lurks in the shadows. Abby and Mallory have planned a sumptuous party-unaware that their gathering will include an uninvited guest who will do anything to keep the past hidden.
Hardcover
First published January 1, 2000
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4745 people want to read
About the author
Fern Michaels
429 books6,571 followersFern Michaels isn’t a person. I’m not sure she’s an entity either since an entity is something with separate existence. Fern Michaels® is what I DO. Me, Mary Ruth Kuczkir. Growing up in Hastings, Pennsylvania, I was called Ruth. I became Mary when I entered the business world where first names were the order of the day. To this day, family and friends call me Dink, a name my father gave me when I was born because according to him I was ‘a dinky little thing’ weighing in at four and a half pounds. However, I answer to Fern since people are more comfortable with a name they can pronounce.
As they say, the past is prologue. I grew up, got a job, got married, had five kids. When my youngest went off to Kindergarten, my husband told me to get off my ass and get a job. Those were his exact words. I didn’t know how to do anything except be a wife and mother. I was also a voracious reader having cut my teeth on The Bobbsey Twins, Nancy Drew, The Hardy Boys, Cherry Ames and the like. The library was a magical place for me. It still is to this day. Rather than face the outside world with no skills, I decided to write a book. For some reason that didn’t intimidate me. As my husband said at the time, stupid is as stupid does. Guess what, I don’t have that husband any more. Guess what else! I wrote 99 books, most of them New York Times Best Sellers.
Moving right along here . . . Several years ago I left Ballantine Books, parted company with my agent, sold my house in New Jersey that I had lived in all my married life and in 1993 moved to South Carolina. I figured if I was going to go through trauma let it be all at one time. It was a breeze. The kids were all on their own at that point. The dump was a 300 year old plantation house that is listed in the National Registry that I remodeled. Today it is beyond belief as are the gardens and the equally old Angel Oaks that drip Spanish moss. Unfortunately, I could not get my ghost to relocate. This ghost has been documented by previous owners. Mary Margaret as we call her, is “a friendly”. She is also mischievous. It took me two weeks to figure out that she didn’t like my coffee cups. They would slide off the table or counter or else they’d break in the dishwasher. I bought red checkered ones. All are intact as of this writing. She moves pillows from one room to the other and she stops all the clocks in the house at 9:10 in the a.m. at least once a week. When the Azaleas are in bloom, and only then, I find blooms on my night stand. I have this glorious front porch and during the warm months I see my swing moving early in the morning when the air is still and again late in the day. She doesn’t spook the dogs. I always know when she’s around because the five of them line up and look like they’re at a tennis match. As of this writing we’re co-habiting nicely.
Most writers love what they do and I’m no exception. I love it when I get a germ of an idea and get it down on paper. I love breathing life into my characters. I love writing about women who persevere and prevail because that’s what I had to do to get to this point in time. It’s another way of saying it doesn’t matter where you’ve been, what matters is where you’re going and how you get there. The day I finally prevailed was the day I was inducted into the New Jersey Literary Hall of Fame. For me it was an awesome day and there are no words to describe it.
I’ve been telling stories and scribbling for 37 years. I hope I can continue for another 37 years. It wasn’t easy during some of those years. As I said, I had to persevere. My old Polish grandmother said something to me when I was little that I never forgot. She said when God is good to you, you have to give back. For a while I didn’t know how to do that. When I finally figured it out I set up The Fern Michaels® Foundation.
READ FERN MICHAELS' FULL BIOGRAPHY HERE: http://www.fernmichaels.com/biography/
As they say, the past is prologue. I grew up, got a job, got married, had five kids. When my youngest went off to Kindergarten, my husband told me to get off my ass and get a job. Those were his exact words. I didn’t know how to do anything except be a wife and mother. I was also a voracious reader having cut my teeth on The Bobbsey Twins, Nancy Drew, The Hardy Boys, Cherry Ames and the like. The library was a magical place for me. It still is to this day. Rather than face the outside world with no skills, I decided to write a book. For some reason that didn’t intimidate me. As my husband said at the time, stupid is as stupid does. Guess what, I don’t have that husband any more. Guess what else! I wrote 99 books, most of them New York Times Best Sellers.
Moving right along here . . . Several years ago I left Ballantine Books, parted company with my agent, sold my house in New Jersey that I had lived in all my married life and in 1993 moved to South Carolina. I figured if I was going to go through trauma let it be all at one time. It was a breeze. The kids were all on their own at that point. The dump was a 300 year old plantation house that is listed in the National Registry that I remodeled. Today it is beyond belief as are the gardens and the equally old Angel Oaks that drip Spanish moss. Unfortunately, I could not get my ghost to relocate. This ghost has been documented by previous owners. Mary Margaret as we call her, is “a friendly”. She is also mischievous. It took me two weeks to figure out that she didn’t like my coffee cups. They would slide off the table or counter or else they’d break in the dishwasher. I bought red checkered ones. All are intact as of this writing. She moves pillows from one room to the other and she stops all the clocks in the house at 9:10 in the a.m. at least once a week. When the Azaleas are in bloom, and only then, I find blooms on my night stand. I have this glorious front porch and during the warm months I see my swing moving early in the morning when the air is still and again late in the day. She doesn’t spook the dogs. I always know when she’s around because the five of them line up and look like they’re at a tennis match. As of this writing we’re co-habiting nicely.
Most writers love what they do and I’m no exception. I love it when I get a germ of an idea and get it down on paper. I love breathing life into my characters. I love writing about women who persevere and prevail because that’s what I had to do to get to this point in time. It’s another way of saying it doesn’t matter where you’ve been, what matters is where you’re going and how you get there. The day I finally prevailed was the day I was inducted into the New Jersey Literary Hall of Fame. For me it was an awesome day and there are no words to describe it.
I’ve been telling stories and scribbling for 37 years. I hope I can continue for another 37 years. It wasn’t easy during some of those years. As I said, I had to persevere. My old Polish grandmother said something to me when I was little that I never forgot. She said when God is good to you, you have to give back. For a while I didn’t know how to do that. When I finally figured it out I set up The Fern Michaels® Foundation.
READ FERN MICHAELS' FULL BIOGRAPHY HERE: http://www.fernmichaels.com/biography/
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 543 reviews
December 13, 2014
Ugh. I knew the whodunit so early as to be ridiculous.
The writing... ouch, just ouch. Wooden, no rhythm, painful to read. I kept going, hoping it would get better. And remained disappointed throughout.
This is way outside my wheelhouse in terms of both genre and quality, but I wanted a tub read that I didn't care if I dropped it in the water.
Now I kinda wish I had. Would have been better to not have wasted my time on this schlock.
The writing... ouch, just ouch. Wooden, no rhythm, painful to read. I kept going, hoping it would get better. And remained disappointed throughout.
This is way outside my wheelhouse in terms of both genre and quality, but I wanted a tub read that I didn't care if I dropped it in the water.
Now I kinda wish I had. Would have been better to not have wasted my time on this schlock.
July 22, 2022
.Abby's mother hates her because she has a port wine stain on her face, and is constantly throwing vitriol her way, Abby's sister Mallory often joins in with hateful comments. Right after Abby's father decides to divorce her mother, they both end up dead. Abby and Mallory are then taken in by friend and brother-in-law Donovan, who marries his girlfriend Carol to help him raise the girls. Carol is just as open about her hate of Mallory, who is soon sent to an institution.
Years later, Abby and Mallory reunite and try to heal past wounds. They are planning a party to celebrate their reunion, plus the publication of Abby's new novel. But their past will not leave them alone.
This is a mystery with few twists and turns and is not the best offering from Fern Michaels. The guilty party is pretty obvious from the start, and some of the characters are way too over the top. There are some poignant moments, such as Abby's feelings about her port wine stain birthmark, how it has affected her life, and how she deals with that. But otherwise I just couldn't connect with the characters or gain much interest in the story.
This book was actually published 20 years ago and appears to be a re-release.
I received a free copy of this book from the publishers via Netgalley. My review is voluntary and my opinions are my own.
Years later, Abby and Mallory reunite and try to heal past wounds. They are planning a party to celebrate their reunion, plus the publication of Abby's new novel. But their past will not leave them alone.
This is a mystery with few twists and turns and is not the best offering from Fern Michaels. The guilty party is pretty obvious from the start, and some of the characters are way too over the top. There are some poignant moments, such as Abby's feelings about her port wine stain birthmark, how it has affected her life, and how she deals with that. But otherwise I just couldn't connect with the characters or gain much interest in the story.
This book was actually published 20 years ago and appears to be a re-release.
I received a free copy of this book from the publishers via Netgalley. My review is voluntary and my opinions are my own.
February 21, 2013
This book kept interest going at first. However, mid way through the book it was obvious who the villain was. Even though the end was interesting, there were no big surprises. I wished the author kept more room for speculation. I loved the writing style, clear and direct to the point.
April 22, 2021
Had a book by the same title on my “to read” list. Picked this up not realizing it was a different book. Once I realized my mistake I kept going because I don’t like not finishing a book it f possible. However I should have ditched it…
Poor character development, very predictable plot, and completely unrealistic dialogue. Found myself over and over asking “who speaks like this??”…. Anyway, skimmed over the last 1/2 of the book just to get through it - a wasted few days.
Poor character development, very predictable plot, and completely unrealistic dialogue. Found myself over and over asking “who speaks like this??”…. Anyway, skimmed over the last 1/2 of the book just to get through it - a wasted few days.
January 5, 2025
With all the good reviews of this book, I can't help but wonder if we read different books because this was just terrible. Poorly written, poorly edited, and all-around disappointing. It was easy early on to figure out the bad guy, and the characters were very cringe. I will say there are dogs, and I loved them, even if the way they came into Abby's life was completely unbelievable. This will likely be my first and last book by this author.
March 2, 2025
I'm confused as to why this book is called The Guest List. The party in question doesn't even happen until the last 10% of the book. The first half covers decades of Abby's and Mallory's lives. And the end was predictable.
August 15, 2020
Funny story. I was highly recommended by a friend to read The Guest List. I read the book and thoroughly enjoyed it. Lots of twists and turns. I found it hard to put down as I wanted to find out what really happened. I don't want to spoil anything for anyone so I'm not saying anything. The book is a murder mystery. When I finished the book I texted my friend a thank you for recommending this page turner. It turned out there is a new book by the same title that she was actually recommending. Now she is reading this book on my recommendation and hopefully enjoying it. I told my book club to read the Fern Michaels The Guest List and they plan to.
July 20, 2010
Predictable and repetitive. I finished it, but mostly just hoping that the ending would be a surprise. It wasn't.
March 26, 2020
I do not understand all the great reviews for this book. It was extremely predictable. Almost immediately it was very obvious who the villain was. Didn't really seem like a mystery at all. The characters were not developed at all. Also, Abby was supposedly a murder mystery writer and couldn't put two and two together!
May 18, 2020
I've always been a huge Fern Michaels fan, so I don't know how I missed this one (published in 2000) but I'm glad I discovered it now. Don't want to give anything away, but I will say it had all my favorite things: A mystery, romance, and dogs!! A very enjoyable read.
January 29, 2023
"there's always room for one more" girl if u don't get out of my face
October 7, 2024
Another quick read of a murder mystery.
August 5, 2022
Fern Michaels is well known for her character series, she portrays women who have struggled to succeed but still manage to live full lives and help others. I've read many of her books. This is a re-release of an older title but still a good read.
THE GUEST LIST follows a young woman, Abby, from her troubled youth to her successful celebration of publishing her first book and reuniting with her only sister after many years apart. There is a mystery throw in for interest but the characters carry the story. This was a fast read for me.
THE GUEST LIST follows a young woman, Abby, from her troubled youth to her successful celebration of publishing her first book and reuniting with her only sister after many years apart. There is a mystery throw in for interest but the characters carry the story. This was a fast read for me.
July 26, 2022
A twisty tale. Abby and Mallory as children were not close. Mallory was a horrible child, coddled and spoiled by an over indulgent mother. Abby was the ugly duckling due to her birth mark on her face, a fact her mother never let her forget. Events change very quickly. I was torn between who was the real villain and puppet master until almost the very end. The ending seemed hurried and thrown together, but I still enjoyed the read.
Thanks to Kensington Publishing and NetGalley for the early read.
Thanks to Kensington Publishing and NetGalley for the early read.
June 11, 2022
My first thought as I started reading The Guest List was this isn’t a book that is going to age well. A mother’s detachment towards a child for a wine stain birth mark felt over the top. But I under estimated the author. What follows is a decent mystery. Mallory and Abby are sisters but their mother pitted the older against the younger child. When their parents die an uncle and his new wife gets custody and adopts them. Unable to control Mallory’s behavior she is sent to an institutionalized school. Years later Mallory and Abby reconnect and secrets and lies come out. Abby has become a mystery writer and Mallory is her public face and research assistant. When Mallory convinces Abby to base her next book on their parents murder things start happening.
I enjoyed the pacing but wish the author could have kept some viable red herring suspects. It became obvious to me less than half way in who was behind everything. But at least it was something that I could see and figure out and not a last minute surprise that comes from no where. Fern Michael’s is a solid writer. Her writing style is a little old fashioned, no graphic love scenes or gore. This is a republishing of a book from 2000 and it held up better to time than I expected. Thank you to NetGalley and Kensington Books for an eARC in exchange for an honest review.
I enjoyed the pacing but wish the author could have kept some viable red herring suspects. It became obvious to me less than half way in who was behind everything. But at least it was something that I could see and figure out and not a last minute surprise that comes from no where. Fern Michael’s is a solid writer. Her writing style is a little old fashioned, no graphic love scenes or gore. This is a republishing of a book from 2000 and it held up better to time than I expected. Thank you to NetGalley and Kensington Books for an eARC in exchange for an honest review.
February 8, 2011
I did really like this. I enoyed the characters, the mystery was good. It became too evident too early who was villainous, however, the main characters' doubt fueled my own.. that was good and so was the ending. pretty much just right.....liked that.
May 23, 2025
This is the type of book I read when I was in junior high thinking I was reading an adult book. Didn’t altogether hate it, but if it would’ve been a Hallmark movie, I probably would’ve changed the channel.
January 4, 2014
This was a very predictable story. I knew who the villain was early on in the story. I thought of putting the book down and walking away but I kept on as it was such an easy read.
September 3, 2022
Very confusing! Perspectives change mid paragraph, non consistent character traits, constant time skips that cause you to question timelines. It had a great idea was just poorly executed.
February 23, 2025
At Least It Kept Me Reading?
A bit meandering in spots for sure and far too drawn out for sure. The actual "villian" was so very obvious early on.
I didn't *completely* hate it.
A bit meandering in spots for sure and far too drawn out for sure. The actual "villian" was so very obvious early on.
I didn't *completely* hate it.
July 20, 2025
This might be the worst book I have ever read. I would rate it negative stars if I could.
June 13, 2022
Fluffin' Puffin! 😳😯🤯🥹
Oh my flip flappin' chicken wings! I absolutely adored this! I happily hunkered down during a rainstorm today, with an iced coffee & my dog to dig into this comforting novel. This was such a great suspenseful mystery with an added bonus of a heart warming story mixed in that I loved! This was such a type of cozy comfort mystery for me and I adored it! Think chocolate cake with a mystery show!
Mყ 𝐒ყɴ𝐨ρѕιѕ: This novel takes place in the 80's & 90's, starting with two young sisters, Mallory and Abby. Mallory was older, prettier and self centred, while Abby was smart, sensitive and marked with a port-wine stain on half of her face. Tragedy struck their lives early when both their parents died and their Uncle Donovan & Aunt Carol took them in. However, as their stories unfold, as they grow, learn, go through ups and downs, and as the sisters grow close again after a hiatus of years apart; Abby's job and Mallory's suspicions will unearth something so sinister and heart-wrenching, it could cost both of them.
Even though I had it figured it out 3/4 of the way through, I absolutely fell in love with their characters, their journey and how it all unravelled. I enjoyed it so much. A mystery wrapped up in a warm hug! It was beautiful and poignant with an excellent added mystery. I always love reading Fern Michaels and this was no exception. When I need something lighter, but still with meat, she never lets me down!
Thank you to NetGalley & Kensington Books for this ARC.
Re-Release Date: July 26, 2022
𝐌𝐞𝐫𝐢𝐭: 4 / 5 Beach Waves! 🌊
Oh my flip flappin' chicken wings! I absolutely adored this! I happily hunkered down during a rainstorm today, with an iced coffee & my dog to dig into this comforting novel. This was such a great suspenseful mystery with an added bonus of a heart warming story mixed in that I loved! This was such a type of cozy comfort mystery for me and I adored it! Think chocolate cake with a mystery show!
Mყ 𝐒ყɴ𝐨ρѕιѕ: This novel takes place in the 80's & 90's, starting with two young sisters, Mallory and Abby. Mallory was older, prettier and self centred, while Abby was smart, sensitive and marked with a port-wine stain on half of her face. Tragedy struck their lives early when both their parents died and their Uncle Donovan & Aunt Carol took them in. However, as their stories unfold, as they grow, learn, go through ups and downs, and as the sisters grow close again after a hiatus of years apart; Abby's job and Mallory's suspicions will unearth something so sinister and heart-wrenching, it could cost both of them.
Even though I had it figured it out 3/4 of the way through, I absolutely fell in love with their characters, their journey and how it all unravelled. I enjoyed it so much. A mystery wrapped up in a warm hug! It was beautiful and poignant with an excellent added mystery. I always love reading Fern Michaels and this was no exception. When I need something lighter, but still with meat, she never lets me down!
Thank you to NetGalley & Kensington Books for this ARC.
Re-Release Date: July 26, 2022
𝐌𝐞𝐫𝐢𝐭: 4 / 5 Beach Waves! 🌊
January 12, 2022
I have read mini mini books by Fern Michaels. I have enjoyed many books by Fern Michaels. However, this Hass to be one of her top five! This book has everything. From the beginning of the book, you will find yourself addicted, hooked in! Suspense, excitement, romance, love, and much much more. This only scratches the surface. Two sisters, as children, torn apart. Torn apart by life circumstances! Torn apart by things they do not understand, and things that are out of their control. Two sisters, as adults, brought back together. Things have become so much more difficult. Their lives are on the line! You will not believe, why their lives are on the line, and who is behind at all!
May 25, 2025
3.8 stars
Picked up this book at the Villa I was staying at. It was an easy read and liked the character/plot however I felt the that title doesn’t really give much meaning as the party only happens in the last 50 pages.
I also thought the ending mystery was dragged out for much too long and could’ve been simplified in <290 pages as you could definitely guess towards the end.
Picked up this book at the Villa I was staying at. It was an easy read and liked the character/plot however I felt the that title doesn’t really give much meaning as the party only happens in the last 50 pages.
I also thought the ending mystery was dragged out for much too long and could’ve been simplified in <290 pages as you could definitely guess towards the end.
March 17, 2025
This book to me was very good!! I loved how fast paced it was, it kept me on my toes. I was sure I knew who it was at first then I was wrong and then I was wrong again. If you like murder mystery with a little romance this book is for you!
August 4, 2018
Enjoyable, but very obvious who the murderer is midway through the book. It was a bit annoying that it took Abby and Mallory so long to figure it out.
February 13, 2021
Just when you think these characters couldn't get any dumber, they do. I won't be looking g for anymore if this author's books.
August 6, 2021
It was okay. Seemed to drag out. Not really want twists either. It did want to finish it though.
September 3, 2021
A book of forgiveness, mystery and murder.
August 6, 2024
I have read 10 Fern Michaels books now, and the cadence of this book was a bit different than the other books of hers I read. It threw me off a bit. But, the plot of this book was Very Good.
Displaying 1 - 30 of 543 reviews