The Guest House: A Novel

A very well built up story. A real page turner with surprising twists. I enjoyed reading this book very much. I would recommend it as an easy reading for holiday or just relaxation.

SEPT 2022 : 4 STARSHow far would you go to protect the ones you love? Jamie and Victoria are off for a last quick vacation before the arrival of their first baby. The remote country guesthouse Victoria chose seems like the perfect retreat—miles away from the distractions of work and their regular life. And the older couple that run the establishment, Barry and Fiona, are more than accommodating. But when Jamie and Victoria awake on their first morning, they find the house deserted. Barry and Fiona are nowhere to be seen. All the doors are locked. And their cell phones and car keys have disappeared. Even though it's a few weeks before the baby's due date, Victoria feels the contractions starting. The baby is coming... and there's no way out.REVIEW: Recommended by author, John Marrs, who I love. WHAT a great and original beginning. Pulled me right-in! Tense, intriguing plot that kept me guessing. For some, you might think over-the-top, but I enjoyed the whole reveal.

Finally, a story where a husband is actually the good guy. It’s been along time since I’ve read such an enlightened story, where a husband is a complete innocent, in the lies and deceptions of others. Bravo to the author.

If you enjoy plot-driven thrillers that have unique twists, this is a great read. If you are looking for well-drawn characters that you develop a feeling for, you may have a hard time. There are two protagonists--and you hear each voice in the alternating chapters. This is a more modern writing technique and was handled very well, technically, by the author. Overall, I think the story would make a better thriller/horror movie. It has lots of good visual detail, and the characters are drawn in the broad strokes that work well when creating heroes and villians for the screen.

I just finished reading The House Guest. It was incredible! I didn’t want to put it down. Also, the fact that a man wrote this book is amazing considering how well he (Robin Morgan-Bentley) captured the women in the story. 4+ stars from me.

I typically love these type of thriller/psychological twisty type of books but there was too much graphic blood and gore and malevolence as well. Creepy characters that seemed just so disturbed. Even the birth scene was traumatic with an almost evil type of bent. I would have passed on this if I knew some of the plot.

Every time I thought I knee what was coming, something different happened. What a roller coaster Of emotions. Definitely recommend

This books was so disappointing. The cover made it look good and creepy, but the first half of the book is mostly filler. I have never skimmed a book the way I skimmed this. You can tell almost immediately what the trauma was, and then it's nothing but internal angst of the two main characters with no forward motion. I literally got through the first half of the book in 45 minutes, because I only needed to glance at each paragraph to get the gist. Just terrible.

After many attempts with IVF treatment Victoria is now heavily pregnant, so a few days away with husband Jamie was exactly what was needed before the big day arrived.A guest house in Cumbria seemed just the right choice and although quite remote, owners Barry and Fiona made them feel welcome.Intriguing, mysterious and with twists I didn’t see coming I just couldn’t put it down. I had to know the outcome and it was quite an eye opener.Loved that the story was told from different view points and the characters were realistic and relatable.For me a 5 star read- loved it and would certainly recommend it.

I read this after being so totally engaged by The Wreckage, it spurred me to reach out to the author. I had been surprised by the effect his narrative had had on me. I downloaded The Guest House on its release day, intending it to be casual holiday reading. It’s not casual, it’s enthralling, half of me couldn’t believe what I was reading, the other half thinking, ‘this could actually happen’. When I read the very last word I nearly dropped my iPad! BRILLIANT 👍

I enjoyed this read and the flip flop chapters kept me invested throughout. There were lots of twists and turns and it was well plotted and compelling , however the ending left me confused and a little deflated

I absolutely loved this book. From the very first page I was totally invested, and even though some of it was quite shocking I thought it was original and very, very clever. I'll be looking out for more books by Robin Morgan Bentley.

Like maybe I didn’t understand it but it was a good way to while away a few hours on a sunny day on antibiotics