The Christmas Guest by Peter Swanson on October 17, 2023
Genres: Fiction / Holidays, Fiction / Literary, Fiction / Thrillers / Psychological, Fiction / Thrillers / Suspense
Pages: 112
Format: eBook
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If you haven’t read Peter Swanson before, this is the perfect time to get this short book read. I don’t read many novella’s, but this one was right up my alley for a perfect Christmas mystery. It is the perfect break from all the romance I had been reading lately.
The story’s first half unfolds through diary entries from 1989 by Ashley Smith, an American art student residing in London. Her classmate, Emma Chapman, invites her to spend Christmas at the Chapman family’s Cotswold residence. When she gets there, Ashley is captivated not only by the charming manor but also by Emma’s attractive brother, Adam. However, Ashley’s intrigue turns to concern as she discovers that Adam is a murder suspect and spots a mysterious figure lurking in the nearby woods.
After delving into the diary, the narrative shifts to the present day. This is where I really got invested with the story. This was where the real suspense starts, as Swanson introduces unexpected twists that keep the reader on edge. I found myself surprised by these developments, despite typically being hard to impress as a reviewer.
Swanson’s storytelling prowess shines through; his portrayal of the diary entries feels remarkably genuine. As someone not easily swayed by authenticity in writing, I was wholly convinced that they were penned by a young woman in her twenties. The setting felt so real and cold and Gothic. The characters were so unique and some not very likeable. This has only increased my eagerness to delve further into Swanson’s works. I have only read one of his books, but I will definitely be checking out his backlist.