Title: The Last Guests by J.P. Pomare
Publisher: Mulholland Books
Genre: Contemporary, Domestic Thriller
Length: 336 pages
Book Rating: B+
Complimentary Review Copy Provided by Publisher Through NetGalley
Summary:
A wife finds herself racing for answers when the decision to rent out her family vacation home takes a deadly turn in this “twisty thriller” perfect for fans of Megan Miranda (Megan Goldin, author of The Escape Room).
Ever have the feeling you’re being watched?
Newlyweds Lina and Cain don’t make it out to their property on gorgeous Lake Tarawera as often as they’d like, so when Cain suggests they rent the house out to vacationers, Lina reluctantly agrees. While the home has been in her family for generations, they could use the extra money. And at first, Lina is amazed at how quickly guests line up, and at how much they’re willing to pay.
But both Lina and Cain have been keeping secrets, secrets that won’t be put off by fresh paint or a new alarm system. And someone has been watching them—their mundane tasks, their intimate moments. When a visit takes a deadly turn, Lina realizes someone out there knows something they shouldn’t…and that welcoming strangers into your home is playing a dangerous game.
Review:
The Last Guests by J.P. Pomare is a suspenseful domestic thriller with a unique plot.
Lina Phillips and her husband Cain have weathered their fair share of storms throughout their relationship. Lina is a paramedic who is supporting the family since Cain’s personal trainer business has yet to turn a profit. Cain is a former New Zealand SAS veteran who was injured in his last deployment to Afghanistan. He continues to suffer from physical problems from his injuries and he also battles nightmares related to his final deployment. Lina and Cain are finally at a good place in their marriage which is why a decision she makes is inexplicable. Now keeping a huge secret from her husband, she has no one to turn to when she begins receiving vaguely threatening text messages. Feeling guilty, Lina gives in to Cain’s to rent her family home in Lake Tarawera on WeStay. All goes well with their first sets of guests, but Lina cannot shake her suspicions that something is off with one of the couples who recently stayed in the house.
Lina has nothing but happy memories of the lakeside home where she lived with her grandparents. They provided her with a wonderful childhood that was only marred by infrequent but memorable visits from her mother. Lina’s world was completely upended when they passed away just a few years apart. Her chance meeting with Cain turned her life around and her love for him has never waned. Lina worries he will revert to hold habits, but they have a “no secrets” agreement. Which is why she feels so guilty and scared he will uncover hers. As events continue to spiral out of control, Lina cannot help but wonder what Cain might be hiding from her.
The Last Guests is a menacing domestic thriller that is very fast-paced. Lina and Cain are well-developed characters who are secretive yet mostly appealing. Auckland and Lake Tarawera are beautiful locales that spring vividly to life. The storyline is absolutely fascinating and takes unanticipated twists and turns. With a final, shocking revelation, J.P. Pomare brings this devious domestic thriller to a jaw-dropping conclusion.
