Title: The Last House Guest
Author: Megan Miranda
Publication: April 21, 2020
Publisher: Simon & Schuster; Marysue Rucci Books
Genre: Thriller, Mystery
Pages: 368
Amazon | Barnes and Noble | Goodreads | Author Website
SYNOPSIS: (From Goodreads)
The summer after a wealthy young summer guest dies under suspicious circumstances, her best friend lives under a cloud of grief and suspicion.
Littleport, Maine, has always felt like two separate towns: an ideal vacation enclave for the wealthy, whose summer homes line the coastline; and a simple harbor community for the year-round residents whose livelihoods rely on service to the visitors.
Typically, fierce friendships never develop between a local and a summer girl—but that’s just what happens with visitor Sadie Loman and Littleport resident Avery Greer. Each summer for almost a decade, the girls are inseparable—until Sadie is found dead. While 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 the facts get twisted against her.
REVIEW:
As my second Miranda book, The Last House Guest has officially made me a fan and I can’t wait to read my next book. This book took place in Maine on the ocean and I love a good seaside story. Throw in a suspicious death, a questioning best friend and a town full of people with secrets and I’m all in.
I love Avery as a main character. She’s an underdog and gives you someone to cheer for. I really enjoyed all the secrets that kept coming up and the small-town vibe where everyone was suspicious. I honestly had a couple of thoughts playing out and my main suspect turned out to be innocent. I did not see the ending coming and I love when a book can surprise me. Miranda gave us just enough about each character to make them suspicious. The writing is smooth and transitions from current time to the past flow nicely and don’t feel disruptive. Those flashbacks are like finding pieces of the puzzle you’ve been looking for and slowly seeing the big picture come together.
I cannot wait to read another Megan Miranda book. The Last House Guest kept me on the edge of my seat with intrigue, lies, and even some danger. I was constantly waiting for a jump scare in book form and filled with suspense. Miranda knows how to keep us guessing. Pick up The Last House Guest and any other Megan Miranda book. I’m sure you are going to love it.
Also check out my previous review of The Perfect Stranger.
