An Unwanted Guest

A remote lodge in upstate New York is the perfect getaway. . . until the bodies start piling up.It's winter in the Catskills and the weather outside is frightful. But Mitchell's Inn is so delightful! The cozy lodge nestled deep in the woods is perfect for a relaxing--maybe even romantic--weekend away. The Inn boasts spacious old rooms with huge wood-burning fireplaces, a well-stocked wine cellar, and opportunities for cross-country skiing, snowshoeing, or just curling up with a book and someone you love. So when the weather takes a turn for the worse, and a blizzard cuts off the electricity--and all contact with the outside world--the guests settle in for the long haul. The power's down but they've got candles, blankets, and wood--a genuine rustic experience! Soon, though, a body turns up--surely an accident. When a second body appears, they start to panic. Then they find a third body. Within the snowed-in paradise, something--or someone--is picking off the guests one by one. They can't leave, and with no cell service, there's no prospect of getting the police in until the weather loosens its icy grip. The weekend getaway has turned deadly. For some couples, it's their first time away. For others, it will be their last. And there's nothing they can do about it but huddle down and hope they can survive the storm.

Genre: Thiller / Mystery

Author: Shari Lapena

Hardcover, 290 pages

Published: August 7th, 2018

Publishing House: Pamela Dorman Books

My Review

And then there were none.....
And some got away!

This book was fantastic! A murder mystery reminiscent of "Clue" or "And Then There Were None". Very entertaining with endless suspense.

How wonderful to go on a weekend getaway in the Catskill Mountains. The book begins with 2 friends driving on their way to a remote Inn through a wintery white landscape to reconnect, but they are having some car trouble. A couple passing by discovers them and offers them a ride. By happenstance, they are going to the same Inn. As we enter the cozy Inn that is run like a Mom and Pop shop by father and son, picturesque and rustic in setting, the reader meets the other characters sitting by the fire or having a drink at the bar. As the quests begin their introductions and conversations, everyone is settling in nicely. It’s a weekend to reconnect for couples or friends, to stay unplugged and get pampered, perhaps read or write a book.

Outside the weather is changing into a full on snowstorm and at first their host is not too concerned. They are used to bad weather. But this is even worse than what they have encountered before. As the power is cutting out, everyone takes extra blankets for heat and candles are lit. In hopes of it being a temporary issue, the quests settle for a long cold night in their rooms.

The next morning, the first dead body is found at the bottom of the staircase. Everyone is shocked and offers their theory or opinion to what might have happened. The worst part is…they can’t call for help. There is no cellular signal, and the phones are dead. They decide to leave the body as is and try to go on with the day by a blazing fireplace.

Between noises of snow crashing of the roof, hunger pangs and opinionated discussions breaking out, the mood of the guests are changing from shocked to aggravated. As it turns out, not everyone was exactly thrilled to come to the Inn in the first place. Some were leaving some trouble behind, others were forced by their spouse to save the marriage. As so many characters of different backgrounds, professions and their own secrets are trapped in one place, it is the perfect opportunity for some to make a bold move and for others to point a finger.

This was only the beginning. As more and more bodies begin to be murdered or disappear, this plot moves into high gear in tension and suspense and edgy allegations. It is un-put-downable!

***

I stinkin loved this book. It was the classic “Whodunit” scenario, and sometimes those are just the best. It was cleverly instigated and written, such an entertaining story. And if you want to know…I had no clue who the murderer was behind it all. No inclination at all! The plot kept me on my toes and my suspects kept changing and changing. The end of the book commences twisted and satisfyingly. However, I do want to read more books like this. So glad I took a chance on it, since I had not heard of it before.

If you are a thriller / mystery fan, this has to be on your list. So, off you go…get the book. It’s amazing!

Enjoy!