Title: The Last House Guest by Megan Miranda
Publisher: Simon & Schuster
Genre: Contemporary, Mystery, Suspense
Length: 352 pages
Book Rating: B
Complimentary Review Copy Provided by Publisher Through Edelweiss
Summary:
From the acclaimed New York Times bestselling author of All the Missing Girls, a suspenseful new novel about an idyllic town in Maine dealing with the suspicious death of one of their own—and her best “summer” friend, who is trying to uncover the truth…before fingers point her way.
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.
Another thrilling novel from the bestselling author of All the Missing Girls and The Perfect Stranger, Megan Miranda’s The Last House Guest is a smart, twisty read with a strong female protagonist determined to make her own way in the world.
Review:
The Last House Guest by Megan Miranda is an engrossing, suspenseful mystery.
Twenty-something Avery Greer is no stranger to heartache and loss but she continues to struggle with the suicide of her best friend Sadie Loman. With the one year anniversary quickly approaching, Avery can no longer quell her suspicions there might be more to Sadie’s death than meets the eye. She is still working for the Loman’s as the property manager for their numerous rentals but the family has not returned to Littleport, ME since Sadie’s death. Which is why Avery is so surprised when Parker Loman unexpectedly takes up residence in the family mansion. He is on hand to finalize plans for the upcoming memorial service celebrating Sadie’s life. She also crosses paths with Detective Ben Collins who was in charge of the investigation into her friend’s death. With a series of unexplained occurrences around the Loman estate and their rental properties, Avery begins asking questions and searching for answers. Will she be able to uncover the truth about Sadie’s death?
Avery’s troubled past is never far from the local residents’ minds. Years earlier, her rebellious and self-destructive behavior lost her the friendships of Connor Harlow and Faith Sylva. Without any family or friends, Avery is surprised when her chance encounter with Sadie leads to a close friendship and eventually a career. Although Sadie is only in town over the summer, the young women keep in touch through texts and phone calls. When Sadie breezes into town each year, they quickly pick where they left off and become inseparable.
Interspersed with Avery’s investigation in the present are flashbacks to the prior summer. As Avery continues searching for evidence that might shed light on what really happened to Sadie, she reflects back on the events leading up to her friend’s death with a fresh eye. A stunning discovery raises painful questions about much of the past decade. When she finally begins actively seeking answers, Avery is absolutely shocked by what she unearths. But can these revelations lead provide definitive proof about Sadie’s death?
The Last House Guest is a fascinating mystery which seamlessly weaves back and forth in time. Avery is an intriguing young woman who is a surprisingly reliable narrator despite her somewhat checkered past. The town of Littleport is an idyllic backdrop for the unfolding drama. With startling twists and shocking turns, Megan Miranda brings this engrossing mystery to an absolutely jaw-dropping conclusion. Fans of the genre do not want to miss this exciting, character-driven mystery.
