The Guest by B.A. Paris

" Paris has crafted a stealthily-constructed book. A masterfully-designed puzzle of a story that can only be truly appreciated in retrospect. The opening scene is odd and deceptively simple. The reader is lulled into both the normalcy and the disturbing elements from the outset. Iris and Gabriel return from vacation to find their friend, Laure, ensconced in their home unexpectedly. Laure is slightly apologetic, but oblivious to her trespass and intrusion. I was incredulous. Who would actually do this? I’d call a taxi or an Uber, and send her on her merry way. So many buttons and boundaries pushed. Laure plows forward undeterred and undaunted. She tearfully explains that Pierre, her husband, recently confessed that he has a daughter. Laure suspects an ongoing affair. Unable to face the drama, she fled France, seeking refuge with Iris and Gabriel.The Pelley’s allow Laure to stay for several weeks, despite disruptions to their routine..... The ending was a stunner. There was also some ambiguity, which was a nice touch, a small, oblique reference made by one of the characters near the end, that could be taken in one of two ways. I chose to believe that was the author’s intent, perhaps to leave room for interpretation or further discussion...."

좋아하는 작가 중의 한 명이다. 지금까지 여러 권의 책을 읽었는데 만족감을 주는 작가이다. 스릴러 미스터리 장르가 줄 수 있는 재미를 잘 표현하는 작가인 거 같다. 게다가 지금까지 읽은 그녀의 책들이 비교적 무난한 문장과 표현들로 쓰였기 때문에 읽는데 큰 부담이 없다. 이 작품은 놀라운 반전의 이야기를 보여주는 심리 스릴러 장르이다. 배신과 거짓을 막으려고 극단의 수단을 사용하는 한 인물의 이야기가 섬뜩하다.