The Overnight Guest

Heather Gudenkauf
63 pages2-hour read
Fiction
Novel
Adult
Published in 2022

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Book Brief

Heather Gudenkauf

The Overnight Guest

Fiction | Novel | Adult | Published in 2022
Book Details
Pages

352

Format

Novel • Fiction

Genre
Horror & Suspense

•

Mystery & Crime Fiction

•

Modern Classic Fiction
Setting

Iowa • 2020s

Theme
Truth & Lies

•

Good & Evil

•

Guilt
Topic
Trauma & Abuse
First Publication Year

2022

Publisher

Park Row

Audience

Adult

Recommended Reading Age

18+ years

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Super Short Summary

The Overnight Guest by Heather Gudenkauf is a thriller set in rural Iowa, where true-crime writer Wylie Lark rents a farmhouse that witnessed a gruesome crime 20 years earlier. During a snowstorm, Wylie discovers an abandoned child outside and, while seeking to protect them, confronts her own past traumas. The novel spans multiple timelines, revealing interwoven mysteries and connections. This novel features depictions of sexual assault, domestic violence, murder, child endangerment, miscarriage, and gun use.

Suspenseful

Mysterious

Dark

Emotional

Unnerving

Reviews & Readership

4.1

190,923 ratings

78%

Loved it

19%

Mixed feelings

3%

Not a fan

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Review Roundup

Heather Gudenkauf's The Overnight Guest receives praise for its gripping plot and atmospheric suspense, keeping readers engrossed with tight pacing and twists. Criticisms focus on occasional predictability and less developed secondary characters. Overall, the novel succeeds in delivering a satisfying and entertaining thriller experience.

Who should read this

Who Should Read The Overnight Guest?

Readers who enjoy psychological thrillers with intricate plots and dark secrets will find The Overnight Guest by Heather Gudenkauf captivating. Fans of Gillian Flynn’s Gone Girl and Paula Hawkins’ The Girl on the Train will appreciate how Gudenkauf weaves suspense and mystery into a chilling narrative.

4.1

190,923 ratings

78%

Loved it

19%

Mixed feelings

3%

Not a fan

Character List

A true crime author who returns to her hometown to write about her family's past tragedy. She is a protagonist whose childhood trauma shapes her present actions and relationships.

She was Josie Doyle's childhood best friend and is portrayed as a strong and resilient character navigating a challenging situation. Her storyline involves protecting her daughter and seeking freedom.

The young daughter of Becky Allen, raised in captive conditions and characterized by her mixture of childlike innocence and necessary maturity. Her journey focuses on escape and identity.

A neighbor of Josie Doyle, marked by his military background and struggles with the aftermath of a flawed police investigation. He is initially suspected in a critical case but is ultimately not found responsible.

The antagonist of the narrative, a farmer embroiled in violent actions. His interactions with the main characters drive much of the central conflict and trauma within the story.

Book Details
Pages

352

Format

Novel • Fiction

Genre
Horror & Suspense

•

Mystery & Crime Fiction

•

Modern Classic Fiction
Setting

Iowa • 2020s

Theme
Truth & Lies

•

Good & Evil

•

Guilt
Topic
Trauma & Abuse
First Publication Year

2022

Publisher

Park Row

Audience

Adult

Recommended Reading Age

18+ years

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