Ashley Smith always spends Christmas alone in her New York apartment where she fled after college. 30 years ago Ashely spent Christmas very differently, at a manor home of fellow classmate, Emma Chapman’s family home. Not intending to head back to the States for the holidays, Ashely is invited to spend the holidays with Chapman’s. What starts out as a picturesque holiday though quickly turns into anything but idyllic when strange occurrences around the manor start taking place.

The majority of this book is told through Ashely’s journal entries which date back to 1989, when she spends the holidays with the Chapman’s. The narrative then switches over to present day, where we get a second look at the events that transpired and the aftermath that ensured. Personally, I find the differences in perspectives adds an extra layer of mystery to the story, and really enjoyed the way this one flowed.

I’m not a huge fan of short stories and novellas. I either think they’re pointless or leave me wanting more. The Christmas Guest definitely fell into the second camp and was so good. I wish Peter Swanson would have made this a full-fledged mystery though, because I could have easily read another 200 pages on this mystery.

This is such a well written, atmospheric, and quick mystery. If you’re looking for something twisty to read in one sitting by the Christmas tree or curled up by the fireplace, this book is for you!

AMAZON | GOODREADS |★★★★

https://amzn.to/3RuX5AnThe Christmas Guest is out now. Thank you to William Morrow for my advanced copies in exchange for my review. If you liked this review, please let me know either by commenting below or by visiting my Instagram @speakingof.books.