The Overnight Guest: A Novel - book cover
Thrillers & Suspense
  • Publisher : Park Row; Original edition
  • Published : 25 Jan 2022
  • Pages : 352
  • ISBN-10 : 0778311937
  • ISBN-13 : 9780778311935
  • Language : English

The Overnight Guest: A Novel

"Fully realized, wholly absorbing and almost painfully suspenseful...The journey is mesmerizing." -New York Times

A woman receives an unexpected visitor during a deadly snowstorm in this chilling thriller from New York Times bestselling author Heather Gudenkauf.

True crime writer Wylie Lark doesn't mind being snowed in at the isolated farmhouse where she's retreated to write her new book. A cozy fire, complete silence. It would be perfect, if not for the fact that decades earlier, at this very house, two people were murdered in cold blood and a girl disappeared without a trace.

As the storm worsens, Wylie finds herself trapped inside the house, haunted by the secrets contained within its walls-haunted by secrets of her own. Then she discovers a small child in the snow just outside. After bringing the child inside for warmth and safety, she begins to search for answers. But soon it becomes clear that the farmhouse isn't as isolated as she thought, and someone is willing to do anything to find them.


And don't miss these other great stories by Heather!

The Weight of Silence
These Things Hidden
Little Mercies
MIssing Pieces
Not a Sound
Before She Was Found
This is How I Lied 

Editorial Reviews

"Heather Gudenkauf is a master of suspense. Weaving together three narratives in an explosive and shocking denouement, The Overnight Guest will have you glued to the page and leave you wanting more." -Liv Constantine, international bestselling author of The Last Mrs. Parrish

"The Overnight Guest is not only compelling, it's addictive. Flawlessly plotted, the story unfolds in layers, each one more shocking than the last. I'll be thinking about this book for a long time." -Samantha Downing, bestselling author of My Lovely Wife and For Your Own Good

"Heather Gudenkauf's The Overnight Guest is a tightly woven braid of a novel guaranteed to raise the hairs on the back of your neck and keep you turning the pages deep into the night. Set inside a storm that you will feel beating against your windows, the present and the past will collide in an ending you won't see coming. Atmospheric, fast-paced and perfectly plotted, I devoured this and you will too." -Catherine McKenzie, USA Today bestselling author of I'll Never Tell and Please Join Us

"With The Overnight Guest, Heather Gudenkauf once again demonstrates she's a true master of suspense. Atmospheric and claustrophobic, tense and twisted, this chiller will make you hold your breath as you turn the pages. Cancel your plans when you start reading this one because you won't be able to put it down." -Hannah Mary McKinnon, internationally bestselling author of Sister Dear and You Will Remember Me

"Chilling, gripping, and gaspingly surprising. The oh-so-talented Heather Gudenkauf has created a modern day In Cold Blood. Her unforgettable characters reveal a devastating story that will chill you to the bone, and then break your heart. With a brilliant structure, an authentic sense of place, and gorgeous storytelling, Gudenkauf proves she is the queen of the rural thriller." -Hank Phillippi Ryan, USA Today bestselling author of Her Perfect Life

"An isolated farmhouse, a deadly snowstorm, and a small child found in the snow-those are the ingredients for Gudenkauf's latest up-all-night thriller. Scrupulously plotted and layered with multiple narratives that culminate in some explosive surprises, The Overnight Guest is Gudenkauf at her best. A chilling and heart-stopping stunner." -Kimberly Belle, international bestselling author of My Darling Husband

"Masterful, terrible, and absolutely addicting...Tense, taut, and terrifying." -Ki...

Readers Top Reviews

Kelly Garrison
Really good book. It kept me interested from the start and there were some decent twists. Heather Gudenkauf is one of my favorite authors, and this book didn't disappoint.
Kristine A. Coburn
Another great read. Stayed up all night reading as I couldn’t put it down. I can not wait for the authors next book!
Caity Hatteras
Grab something warm to drink and wrap up in a warm blanket because this one will chill you to the bone. Excellent thriller showing the perfect story telling art if Ms Gudenkauf
Heather Gudenkauf’s books are well worth the wait! This one is no exception. If you love a page turner, can’t put it down kind of book, this is it!
K.McBride
There is never a dull moment in Given laid books, and this one is her best yet. If you have never read her books, prepare to not be able to find a book that envelopes you, one that you will spend sleepless nights because you can't put it down, yet you don't want it to end. It was so worth the wait.

Featured Video