The Last House Guest by Megan Miranda – A Twisty, Atmospheric Thriller That Kept Me Hooked

Hey everyone! Back with my third book review as I slowly (but surely) work through my 2024 reading backlog. I’ve been trying to be more consistent with my blog, so here I am, sticking to my posting every Friday plan. (Three posts in — am I officially making this a habit? Let’s hope. 😅)

This week, I’m talking about The Last House Guest by Megan Miranda, a thriller that completely pulled me in. If you love small-town mysteries, shifting friendships, and just the right amount of psychological suspense, this one is worth picking up.

A Gripping, Twisty Thriller

Set in the coastal town of Littleport, Maine, the novel follows Avery Greer, a local woman with a troubled past, and Sadie Loman, her wealthy best friend from a powerful summer family. But when Sadie is found dead under suspicious circumstances, Avery becomes entangled in a web of secrets, betrayals, and town politics that make her question everything she thought she knew.

What I loved about this book is how atmospheric it is. Miranda does an incredible job of making Littleport feel alive — from the quiet eeriness of the off-season to the stark contrast between the town’s wealthy summer visitors and its struggling year-round residents. There’s this underlying tension in every interaction, making you feel like everyone has something to hide.

Avery is a compelling protagonist. She’s not your typical unreliable narrator, but she’s flawed, determined, and constantly fighting against the assumptions people have about her. Her dynamic with Sadie—this mix of admiration, resentment, and dependence — felt layered and realistic. As the story unfolds, we start to see that their friendship wasn’t as picture-perfect as it seemed.

The Mystery & The Pacing

The mystery itself is well-paced, with just enough twists to keep me engaged without feeling over-the-top. I kept switching between theories, convinced I had it figured out — only to be thrown off again. Miranda masterfully builds suspense, slowly peeling back layers of the past while making you question what’s really going on in the present. And the final reveal? Satisfying without feeling too convenient or forced.

Final Thoughts

If you enjoy slow-burn thrillers with an immersive setting and a mystery that keeps you guessing, The Last House Guest is a solid pick. It’s not an action-packed, fast-paced thriller, but that’s what makes it so gripping — the tension builds gradually, making the payoff even more rewarding.

This was another great addition to my 2024 reads, and I’m so glad I finally got around to it. If you’ve read it, let’s chat! Did you predict the ending, or were you caught off guard like I was? Drop a comment below!

This is officially my third book review, and I’m still figuring out my style, but I’ll keep going! I’ll be posting every Friday — one step closer to actually being consistent with something. See you next week! 😊