Publisher: Forge Books
Length: 336 pages printed
Publication Date: February 7, 2023
I received this book from the author.
Imagine being blindsided by your husband as he walks out the door telling you your marriage is over. Bill Macallan casually mentions this to his wife as he leaves, suitcase in hand. Alyssa Macallen thought life was moving in the right direction. She married a charming man that swept her off her feet. She is living in a wonderful house, member of the country club, and attends a multitude of social events. Her husband Bill had been acting distant lately but every relationship has a few bumps. Bill’s leaving has set her adrift. She can’t determine her next steps. While going to the country club for a drink would be normal, she doesn’t want to see people gossip about her. She decides to go to a bar for a drink, to escape her house, outside her social sphere.
Alyssa has ventured to this particular bar a few times. She is just another patron and likes the feeling. As she leaves the bar one evening, Alyssa meets Bree, a woman trying to escape an obsessed boyfriend. Bree convinces Alyssa to stay and they bond by discussing Bree’s problem. Alyssa offers Bree her guest house for as long as necessary. Bree would be off the grid staying with Alyssa and be good company too. Alyssa has no friends, children, or family to turn to in her time of trouble. Bree and Alyssa seem to need each other. Will this new friend take advantage of Alyssa when she is vulnerable? Will Bree help Alyssa strengthen her resolve to move on?
As this story unfolds, Bill Macallan becomes a person of interest to the FBI. Alyssa is distressed at this news and questions where her loyalties lie. Will Alyssa help the FBI or will she help Bill? If she helps Bill, will he reconcile with her?
Hank Phillipi Ryan is a master of the psychological thriller. “The House Guest” is a psychological thriller that will lead the reader through the lives of the country club rich. Money doesn’t make them immune to problems and one of my favorite scenes is when Alyssa relates each member’s problems to Bree during lunch in the club’s dining room. Ryan has crafted a sympathetic character in Alyssa, her problems are relatable. People do disguise their intentions and Alyssa must understand who she can trust. There is a progression in Alyssa’s maturity as she evolves from a shell-shocked wife to a strong and capable woman. Some of the outcomes in this story are expected, and other outcomes are completely surprising. The twists and turns are well-crafted and entertaining. Hank Phillipi Ryan has another hit on her hands.
My Rating: 🌻🌻🌻🌻🌻/5