A Flaw in the Design: ‘a psychological thriller par excellence’ Guardian

Gil becomes the legal guardian of his estranged sister's son, Matthew, after their parents die in a car crash. Matthew, an urbane 17-year-old raised on Manhattan's Upper East Side, submits a story detailing ways a character resembling Gil's daughter might die, causing Gil to believe he has invited a psychopath to live under his roof. However, the women in Gil's life are impressed by Matthew's intelligence and charm.

Format: Paperback / softback
Length: 304 pages
Publication date: 07 December 2023
Publisher: Profile Books Ltd

Absorbing and original, this novel is a captivating tale that keeps readers guessing until the very end. The Daily Mail praises it as "a very smart tale packed with jeopardy," while The Times describes it as an "absolute page-turner." Authored by Miranda Cowley Heller, known for her previous work "The Paper Palace," the story revolves around Gil, who has been estranged from his sister ever since her obnoxious son attempted to drown his daughter during a family holiday. Gil's interpretation is that Matthew was intentionally trying to harm his niece, while his sister believes it was just a playful incident. However, when their parents meet a tragic end in a car crash, Gil becomes the legal guardian of Matthew, a 17-year-old who has been raised on Manhattan's Upper East Side, far away from Gil's rural Vermont home, where he lives with his wife and daughters. At first, Matthew appears to have undergone a significant transformation, but things take a sinister turn when he enrolls in Gil's writing class and submits a story detailing various ways a character resembling Gil's youngest daughter could die. Gil begins to suspect that he has unwittingly invited a psychopath into his home, while the women in his life, including his wife and daughters, are captivated by Matthew's intelligence and charm. As the plot unfolds, tensions rise, and Gil finds himself questioning his own sanity as he grapples with the possibility that his family is in desperate danger. The novel explores themes of family dynamics, trust, and the blurred lines between reality and imagination, leaving readers on the edge of their seats until the shocking conclusion. With its intricate plot, well-developed characters, and atmospheric writing, "The Guest List" is a must-read for anyone who enjoys psychological suspense and intricate storytelling.

Weight: 244g
Dimension: 196 x 130 x 21 (mm)
ISBN-13: 9781800812796
Edition number: Main