My goal is to read at least one book a month, so I can keep my mind further occupied and away from social media. I’ve been exploring the genre of murder mystery and my most recent find is, “An Unwanted Guest”, by Shari Lapena.

If you are looking for a perfectly set atmosphere and a riveting page-turner, look no further. Lapena beautifully writes a modern twist on a classic genre of murder mystery. This book will keep you up at night, convincing yourself it’ll only be one more chapter. Before you know it, you will have read almost half, if not, the entire book in one sitting. “An Unwanted Guest” revolves around strangers who have all come to this antique hotel for a weekend getaway. The weather takes a sudden turn for the worst and they all are snowed in with no power. The guests have no choice but to become acquainted with one another. All of the guests have a past, they all have baggage, and no one knows what the other is capable of. There are a variety of characters Lapena introduces; some have come with their significant other, while others have come alone. The hotel is a historical beauty, with wood burning fireplaces, a grand staircase, and a cellar with the finest wine. The distance away from the city is exactly what these guests thought they needed, until someone is coming for them one by one. There is a killer among them, but who could it be? An outsider perhaps, who made their way into the hotel. Or could it be one of the guests? Someone is lurking through the darkness, waiting for the right moment to attack its next victim.

Lapena’s ability to tell such a thrilling story is addictive. Her ability to set the scene and create such powerful imagery is extraordinary. If you are looking for a book to take you away for the weekend, to a literary getaway, I suggest picking yourself up a copy of “An Unwanted Guest”.

Perhaps for my next read I may venture into the work of Agatha Christie, the literary queen of mystery. I would also love to dive into Sir Arthur Cohen Doyle’s Sherlock Holmes’ adventures. I’m not sure what exactly allures me towards a good mystery, perhaps the art of the unknown or that bit of thrill you get with every single clue leading up to the big reveal.

Which genre intrigues you the most? Leave it in comments down below.

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Until Next Time!

-Suman Kang