Author: Kiersten Modglin
Genre: Domestic Thriller
Page Count: 226
Rating: ❤❤❤❤❤
Backstory
Hi friends. I'm back with another hot take on the latest books I've been reading. These days, it feels like I have been flying through the books on my TBR list, which works for me because there is an endless amount of books on it. I add more just as quickly as I mark them off. So anyway, yep you guessed it. Another Kiersten Modglin book. I am basically a groupie at this point. Sheesh. Anyway, this is her newest title it just released at the beginning of this month. I'll just pretend it was meant to be a birthday present for me since this is my birthday month.
My birthday is May 22nd. Yes, it is important and yes you care. Or at least you should. Especially while you're here on the website. I'm just going to keep randomly announcing this throughout the month just so no one forgets.
More importantly, so I don't forget because it really doesn't even feel like it should be May right now. I think mentally I'm stuck back in January somewhere. Especially since we've randomly run into a cold front this week. Anyway, let me get to the actual point.
I saw this book being talked about on social
media. Kiersten shared people's reviews on it and the feedback was pretty much positive. So naturally, my FOMO kicked in and I wanted to see what all the hype was about. Downloaded the book through my Kindle app and...well...I finished it in literally a day and a half. If that gives you any indication. So without further ado, let's get into it.
Synopsis
A group of friends receives unexpected invitations to a dinner party from their new neighbors, the group sees it as a chance to finally meet the bizarre and reclusive couple whose home is covered in layers of concrete and security. As drinks get poured and food is eaten, the group begins to realize that things are not at all what they seem...
What started as an innocent chance to get the scoop on the neighbors, quickly turns into a calculated game filled with cryptic messages and chilling revelations. With no escape, the group of friends are forced to play along. Friendships fray, loyalties are tested and secrets they have kept from each other are all revealed one by one.
Six friends walk in that night. Will all six walk out?
As we stood there, sipping wine and toasting our upcoming meal, a bloodcurdling scream tore through the house...
My Thoughts
Okay so boom. The synopsis sounds nuts right? It gave me a little bit of And Then There Were None by Agatha Christie. I read the book when I was a teen and it is one of my all-time favorite books to this day. So when I saw this one, I already knew it would be interesting. Whew! I was clenching my butt cheeks in fear reading some of these scenes. I couldn't imagine what I would have done had I been in this story. Probably curled in a ball in the corner somewhere while everyone else figured out the riddles. This is why you never find me in an Escape Room. I can't do it. I would just get frustrated and start beating on the walls until something important fell out. Being trapped is a no-no for me. I can't think straight. I panic. My heart went out to these couples while they raced around trying to find their way out.
What I Liked About the Book
What did I like? Hmm. EVERYTHING. DUH.
Ha. But in all seriousness, I loved the mind games in this story. With a Kiersten twist, nothing is ever exactly how it seems. I was able to figure this out a little early on, but finding out the why was the fun part.
I also enjoyed the different dynamics of the couples in the book. I also loved how there were subtle hints and clues dropped throughout the story to let you know what was happening. In the Kindle version, others had highlighted or made notes on specific parts in the book to pay attention to or make note of. The riddles throughout the book were a lot of fun as well. I was trying to figure them out along with everyone else and it was here that I realized, riddles are definitely not my thing. Good thing I wasn't in this story otherwise I would have not been able to help them figure it out at all. Probably would have just been sweating and complaining and freaking out. Same thing I usually do.
Someone has been lying to you....
What I Didn't Like About the Book
Some spots seemed a little unrealistic. Without giving away the ending, some spots were a little unbelieve-able but it didn't take away from how much I loved the story. It just had me smirking in some spots like: "Really? Now come on!" but that's the fun of imagining a fictional universe. Sometimes things aren't always 100% logical. Especially when it involves trauma and secrets. Nothing is off limits. Plus, we've all seen a movie that had an ending that was a little far-fetched for the sake of furthering the plot. I'm okay with that.
Recommend or Nah?
You should already know what I'm going to say here, if you've been paying any type of attention. I am absolutely recommending this book. The Dinner Guests is 100% Booky Babe Approved! If you like reading mysteries, or you enjoy books that leave you sitting on the edge of your seat ignoring all work responsibilities for the day in order to find out what happens next (don't tell my boss), then this book is absolutely for you. If it's your first book by the Queen of Twists then prepare yourself for a wild ride! If you want to grab this book, you can buy it directly from her website or you can purchase it from Amazon using the link provided below.
The Booky Babe is an Amazon Affiliate. Any books you purchase using the links provided allows me the opportunity to earn a small commission at no extra cost to you. Every little bit counts towards the maintenance costs for the website. Thank you in advance
So there you have it, ladies and gentle-dudes. If you're looking for an Agatha Christie-eqsue story, I suggest you grab this one and immediately add it to your TBR list. You won't regret it. When you're done reading, make sure you come back and tell me what you think. Would you have survived? Do you do well in Escape Room type environments? I can't wait to hear from you! You can also join the conversation over on Instagram. I'd love to know your thoughts, but until then...
Happy Reading Babes! ❤
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