Shari Lapena masterfully weaves a web of claustrophobic terror in An Unwanted Guest, a psychological thriller that transforms a picturesque mountain retreat into a deadly trap. Set against the backdrop of Mitchell’s Inn, a charming but remote hotel nestled deep in the Catskill Mountains, Lapena creates an atmosphere so thick with tension that readers will find themselves checking their own locks and looking over their shoulders.
The novel opens with the kind of weekend getaway we all dream of—a cozy mountain lodge, crackling fireplaces, and the promise of peaceful escape from city life. However, Lapena quickly subverts these expectations when an ice storm cuts the power and traps ten strangers together in what becomes a deadly game of survival. The author’s skillful setup demonstrates her understanding that the most terrifying stories often begin in the most ordinary circumstances.
Character Development: A Masterclass in Misdirection
Lapena’s greatest strength lies in her ability to craft characters who feel authentically flawed and human. Each guest arrives at Mitchell’s Inn carrying their own secrets and motivations, creating a rich tapestry of potential suspects and victims. The author particularly excels in developing David Paley, the criminal defense attorney haunted by accusations surrounding his wife’s murder, and Gwen Delaney, whose seemingly innocent exterior masks a traumatic past.
The character of Riley Shuter deserves special recognition. Lapena’s portrayal of a war correspondent suffering from PTSD feels both authentic and respectful, avoiding the stereotypical “crazy veteran” trope while genuinely exploring how trauma manifests in high-stress situations. Riley’s deteriorating mental state serves as both a red herring and a tragic reminder of how external circumstances can push vulnerable individuals over the edge.
Perhaps most impressively, Lapena manages to make every character simultaneously sympathetic and suspicious. Beverly and Henry Sullivan’s crumbling marriage, Matthew and Dana’s wedding tensions, and Ian and Lauren’s seemingly perfect relationship all provide compelling backstories that could serve as motives for murder.
Atmospheric Excellence and Pacing
The isolated mountain setting becomes almost a character itself in Lapena’s capable hands. The author expertly uses the environment to ratchet up tension—the howling wind masks potential threats, the darkness conceals movement, and the bitter cold transforms the outside world into a death trap. When the power fails and the phones go dead, the claustrophobic atmosphere becomes suffocating in the best possible way.
Lapena’s pacing deserves particular praise. She resists the temptation to rush into the violence, instead taking time to establish relationships and build psychological pressure. When the first death occurs, it feels both shocking and inevitable. The subsequent murders escalate logically, each one raising the stakes and eliminating potential allies or threats.
The author’s background in crafting bestsellers like The Couple Next Door and A Stranger in the House clearly informs her approach here. She understands that effective thriller writing requires patience—building trust with readers before pulling the rug out from under them.
Plot Structure: Classic Yet Fresh
An Unwanted Guest follows the classic “closed room mystery” formula popularized by Agatha Christie, but Lapena brings fresh energy to this traditional structure. The isolated setting, limited cast of suspects, and methodical elimination of characters will feel familiar to mystery fans, yet the author manages to surprise even seasoned readers with her revelations.
The novel’s structure builds around several key turning points:
- The Setup: Establishing character relationships and hidden tensions
- The First Death: Dana’s “accidental” fall creates suspicion and fear
- The Revelation: David’s suggestion that the death was murder
- The Escalation: Candice’s obvious murder confirms everyone’s worst fears
- The Breakdown: Riley’s panicked flight and subsequent deaths fracture the group
- The Resolution: Lauren’s arrest and Beverly’s hidden crime
The Art of Misdirection
Lapena proves herself a master manipulator of reader expectations. Throughout the novel, she plants evidence and develops suspicions around multiple characters, creating genuine uncertainty about the killer’s identity. David’s past makes him an obvious suspect, Matthew’s grief could mask guilt, and Ian’s charm might conceal sociopathic tendencies.
The author’s decision to reveal Lauren as the primary killer works on multiple levels. Not only does it subvert expectations about the “nice girl” character, but the connection to Dana’s past adds psychological depth to the murders. The revelation that these seemingly random killings stem from a teenage tragedy in foster care provides both motive and commentary on how childhood trauma can manifest in devastating ways.
Technical Mastery and Minor Flaws
Lapena’s prose style serves the story well—clear, direct, and focused on maintaining momentum rather than showcasing literary flourishes. Her dialogue feels natural and reveals character effectively, while her descriptions create vivid images without becoming overwrought.
However, the novel isn’t without minor weaknesses. Some readers might find the coincidence of Lauren and Dana’s shared past stretches credibility, even in a genre that regularly embraces unlikely circumstances. Additionally, certain character motivations feel slightly underdeveloped, particularly the relationship dynamics between some of the couples.
The resolution, while satisfying, arrives perhaps too quickly after Lauren’s arrest. Readers might have appreciated more exploration of her psychological makeup or the investigation process. Beverly’s secondary crime, while clever, feels somewhat tacked on rather than fully integrated into the main narrative.
Themes and Social Commentary
Beneath its thriller surface, An Unwanted Guest explores several meaningful themes. The novel examines how people respond to crisis—some become heroes, others reveal hidden darkness, and many simply struggle to survive. Lapena also touches on the lasting impact of childhood trauma, the masks people wear in social situations, and the thin veneer of civilization that can disappear under pressure.
The author’s treatment of mental health issues, particularly through Riley’s character, demonstrates sensitivity and awareness. Rather than using PTSD as a plot device, Lapena presents it as a real condition affecting a real person, whose tragedy stems from circumstances beyond her control.
Comparison to Similar Works
Fans of An Unwanted Guest will likely enjoy other contemporary psychological thrillers that blend classic mystery elements with modern sensibilities. Ruth Ware’s The Woman in Cabin 10 and In a Dark, Dark Wood offer similar isolated settings and unreliable narrators. For readers who appreciate Lapena’s character-driven approach, Tana French’s Dublin Murder Squad series provides psychological depth alongside compelling mysteries.
Lucy Foley’s The Hunting Party shares the isolated mountain setting and multiple perspective structure, while Simone St. James’s supernatural thrillers like Murder Road combine atmospheric horror with mystery elements.
Final Verdict: A Gripping Addition to Modern Thriller Fiction
An Unwanted Guest succeeds as both an entertaining page-turner and a thoughtful exploration of human nature under extreme stress. Lapena has crafted a novel that honors classic mystery traditions while feeling thoroughly contemporary in its psychological insights and social awareness.
While not groundbreaking in its approach, the book excels in execution. Lapena’s ability to maintain suspense, develop compelling characters, and deliver a satisfying resolution makes this a worthy addition to any thriller fan’s library. The novel works equally well as a beach read or a book club selection, offering enough depth for discussion while remaining thoroughly accessible.
For readers new to Lapena’s work, An Unwanted Guest serves as an excellent introduction to her style and strengths. Those familiar with her previous novels will find this represents a confident evolution of her voice, building on the domestic suspense of The Couple Next Door and A Stranger in the House while expanding into more complex territory.
In a crowded field of psychological thrillers, An Unwanted Guest distinguishes itself through careful character development, atmospheric writing, and genuine surprises. It’s the kind of book that will keep readers guessing until the final pages, then leave them immediately searching for their next thriller fix.
