The Guest House: 'A tense spin on the locked-room mystery' Observer

Jamie and Victoria are on a final weekend break in a remote part of the North Pennines when they are greeted by Barry and Fiona, the older couple who run the guesthouse. The next morning, they wake up to find the house deserted and their mobile phones and car keys disappeared. Victoria knows the contractions are starting, and the baby is coming, but there is no way out.

Format: Paperback / softback
Length: 352 pages
Publication date: 10 November 2022
Publisher: Orion Publishing Co

Jamie and Victoria, a young couple expecting their first baby, embark on a final weekend break in a remote part of the North Pennines. They choose a small and peaceful guesthouse as the perfect destination to unwind and prepare for parenthood. Upon arrival, they are greeted by Barry and Fiona, the older couple who run the guesthouse. They are served a delicious dinner and shown to their comfortable room. As the night draws in, Barry and Fiona retire to their bed. The following morning, Jamie and Victoria wake up to a surprising discovery. The house is deserted, with no sign of Barry or Fiona. All the doors are locked, and their mobile phones and car keys have disappeared. Despite being a few weeks early, Victoria can feel the contractions starting, indicating that the baby is on its way. Trapped in the isolated guesthouse, they realize there is no way out. Panic sets in as they desperately try to find a way to summon help. They search the house for any clues or hidden passages, but to no avail. The situation becomes increasingly dire as Victoria's contractions grow stronger. Jamie, with his unwavering determination, takes charge of the situation. He uses his knowledge of construction and engineering to break down doors and find alternative escape routes. He scavenges for tools and materials, improvising solutions to their predicament. Victoria, in her fragile state, relies on Jamie's support and guidance. Together, they navigate through the challenges and obstacles, using their wits and resourcefulness to stay alive. Days turn into nights, and their situation becomes increasingly desperate. They must rely on their instincts and the limited resources available to them. They forage for food and water, using their survival skills to stay alive. They communicate through Morse code, tapping out messages on the walls to attract the attention of passing hikers or hunters. Despite the odds, their love and determination keep them going. They refuse to give up hope, even in the face of overwhelming adversity. After what feels like an eternity, they finally receive a signal of help. A group of hikers passing by the guesthouse notice the broken doors and the Morse code messages. They call for emergency services, and soon, a rescue team arrives at the scene. Jamie and Victoria are rushed to the hospital, where they give birth to a healthy baby boy. Their ordeal has tested their strength and resilience, but they have emerged victorious. They are grateful for the help they received from the hikers and the rescue team, and they cherish the memory of their baby's birth in the midst of adversity. In the aftermath of their experience, Jamie and Victoria become advocates for safety and preparedness. They share their story with others, hoping to raise awareness about the importance of being prepared for unexpected emergencies. They also work to promote the importance of community support and cooperation, recognizing that in times of crisis, it is the strength of the people that can make a difference. Their story serves as a reminder that even in the darkest of times, there is always hope and the power of love to guide us through.

Jamie and Victoria, a young couple expecting their first baby, embark on a final weekend break in a remote part of the North Pennines. They choose a small and peaceful guesthouse as the perfect destination to unwind and prepare for parenthood. Upon arrival, they are greeted by Barry and Fiona, the older couple who run the guesthouse. They are served a delicious dinner and shown to their comfortable room. As the night draws in, Barry and Fiona retire to their bed. The following morning, Jamie and Victoria wake up to a surprising discovery. The house is deserted, with no sign of Barry or Fiona. All the doors are locked, and their mobile phones and car keys have disappeared. Despite being a few weeks early, Victoria can feel the contractions starting, indicating that the baby is on its way. Trapped in the isolated guesthouse, they realize there is no way out. Panic sets in as they desperately try to find a way to summon help. They search the house for any clues or hidden passages, but to no avail. The situation becomes increasingly dire as Victoria's contractions grow stronger. Jamie, with his unwavering determination, takes charge of the situation. He uses his knowledge of construction and engineering to break down doors and find alternative escape routes. He scavenges for tools and materials, improvising solutions to their predicament. Victoria, in her fragile state, relies on Jamie's support and guidance. Together, they navigate through the challenges and obstacles, using their wits and resourcefulness to stay alive. Days turn into nights, and their situation becomes increasingly desperate. They must rely on their instincts and the limited resources available to them. They forage for food and water, using their survival skills to stay alive. They communicate through Morse code, tapping out messages on the walls to attract the attention of passing hikers or hunters. Despite the odds, their love and determination keep them going. They refuse to give up hope, even in the face of overwhelming adversity. After what feels like an eternity, they finally receive a signal of help. A group of hikers passing by the guesthouse notice the broken doors and the Morse code messages. They call for emergency services, and soon, a rescue team arrives at the scene. Jamie and Victoria are rushed to the hospital, where they give birth to a healthy baby boy. Their ordeal has tested their strength and resilience, but they have emerged victorious. They are grateful for the help they received from the hikers and the rescue team, and they cherish the memory of their baby's birth in the midst of adversity. In the aftermath of their experience, Jamie and Victoria become advocates for safety and preparedness. They share their story with others, hoping to raise awareness about the importance of being prepared for unexpected emergencies. They also work to promote the importance of community support and cooperation, recognizing that in times of crisis, it is the strength of the people that can make a difference. Their story serves as a reminder that even in the darkest of times, there is always hope and the power of love to guide us through.

Weight: 248g
Dimension: 130 x 197 x 27 (mm)
ISBN-13: 9781409194248