The Christmas Guest by Peter Swanson review

About The Book

Book: The Christmas Guest
Author: Peter Swanson
Standalone or Series: Standalone
Publisher: Faber & Faber
Publication Date (UK): 28th September 2023

My Review

I snuck in a final 2024 read on New Year’s Eve with this festive novella that Faber kindly gifted me for Christmas.

I will keep this short and sweet, like The Christmas Guest, as I don’t want to give anything away! At just 96 pages, the author’s note says they envisaged the book being read in one sitting. Which I almost did if you allow for a break for some festive family Mario Party fun!

The book tells the tale of an American student, studying in the UK and spending the holidays with her university friend. We get to read her diary entries about this time which really add to how quickly this novella can be read. She wonders whether she’ll be in a gothic novel or romance whilst in the countryside abode. It gave Saltburn vibes but thankfully without *that* bath scene.

I did guess one of the major plot points on page 5, which was great as I read the remaining 91 pages feeling like a smug Poirot. Would definitely recommend this one!

Thanks again to Faber for sending me a free copy.