An Unwanted Guest by Shari Lapena (Pamela Dorman Books)

Set in a remote and secluded inn in the Catskill Mountains, the story follows a group of guests who become stranded due to a snowstorm, only to find themselves trapped with a killer in their midst.

The plot is expertly crafted, with twists and turns that constantly keep the reader guessing. Lapena skillfully weaves together multiple storylines and perspectives, creating a complex and intricate narrative that gradually reveals the truth behind the mysterious deaths that occur throughout the novel. The pacing is excellent, with a perfect balance of suspense, action, and character development.

One of the most impressive aspects of the novel is the atmosphere and ambiance that Lapena creates. The remote and isolated setting of the inn, combined with the bleak and unforgiving winter weather, adds a sense of claustrophobia and tension to the story. The inn itself is described in vivid detail, with its creaking floorboards, flickering lights, and shadowy corners creating a sense of unease and foreboding.

The characters in An Unwanted Guest are well-developed and complex, with each guest bringing their secrets, motivations, and agendas to the table. Lapena does an excellent job of creating a diverse cast of characters, each with their distinct personalities and quirks. The interactions between the guests are often tense and uncomfortable, as they are forced to confront their fears and prejudices in the face of the mounting danger.

Lapena's writing style is both accessible and sophisticated. Her prose is clear and concise, with a strong narrative voice that draws the reader in from the very first sentence. She has a talent for creating memorable and quotable lines, and her dialogue is sharp and witty, with each character having a distinct voice and way of speaking.

While An Unwanted Guest is a highly entertaining and well-crafted mystery novel, it is not without its flaws. The ending is a bit too neat and tidy, with all the loose ends tied up a little too conveniently. And maybe the novel relies a bit too heavily on genre tropes and clichés, and that it doesn't offer anything particularly groundbreaking or innovative in terms of the mystery genre.

Despite these criticisms, An Unwanted Guest is a highly enjoyable and engaging read that will appeal to fans of mystery and suspense novels. Shari Lapena is a talented writer with a keen eye for detail and a gift for creating compelling and memorable characters. 

This is a must-read for anyone who enjoys a good mystery novel. With its atmospheric setting, complex characters, and expertly crafted plot, it is a gripping and entertaining read from start to finish. 

While it may not be the most groundbreaking or innovative novel in the genre, it is a solid and well-executed example of the mystery novel form, and a testament to Shari Lapena's skills as a storyteller.

3/5