Book review: The Last House Guest

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By Megan Miranda
Published by Corvus

 Synopsis: Littleport, Maine is like two separate towns: a vacation paradise for wealthy holidaymakers and a simple harbour community for the residents who serve them. Friendships between locals and visitors are unheard of - but that's just what happened with Avery Greer and Sadie Loman. 

 Each summer for a decade the girls are inseparable - until Sadie is found dead. When the police rule the death a suicide, Avery can't help but feel there are those in the community, including a local detective and Sadie's brother Parker, who blame her. Someone knows more than they're saying, and Avery is intent on clearing her name before she's branded a killer.

 How did this book end up in my hands? I read a serialisation of this book via The Pigeonhole app.

 Was it a page-turner? If I could have read this book in one sitting, I would have. It was so terribly gripping that I feel the adrenaline even now that it’s all over.

 Did the book meet my expectations? This book definitely exceeded my expectations. Some readers mentioned it was too slow but I didn't think it was. Personally, its pace was perfect for a reading experience that allowed me to immerse myself in the community of Littleport, get to know the people and make my guesses. Plus, I loved the fact that Avery was an unreliable narrator, adding a whole other level to the mystery.

 Three words to describe it. Thrilling. Creepy. Doubt-inducing. 

 Do I like the cover? Yes, it’s beautiful and it contributes to the very strong sense of place that pervades the novel.

 Have I read any other books by the same author? No, I haven’t. Based on this novel, however, I would very much like to.

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