Minnie's Fiction Addiction

👀 First impressions:
A Killer Guest List by Sarah Bonner immediately drew me in with its irresistible premise: a glamorous murder mystery weekend set in a luxury country house hotel on Dartmoor… except this time, the murder might not be part of the game.

The story centres on Sadie, who has been attending the annual “Murder on the Moors” event for decades, and Cassie, who arrives expecting a relaxing weekend alongside her wife. What neither of them fully realises is that this year’s event is different. Someone new is in charge, and they know far too much about the guests. As secrets begin to surface and tensions rise, the line between performance and reality quickly blurs.

It is a brilliant setup that promises secrets, betrayal, and a classic locked-room mystery feel with a modern, sinister twist.

✅ What I Liked:
The concept is genuinely one of the strongest parts of this book. A murder mystery event turning into something real is such a clever twist on the genre, and it creates an immediate sense of tension. You know from the start that something is going to go very wrong, and that anticipation keeps you hooked.

The setting adds so much to the atmosphere. The isolated luxury hotel on Dartmoor feels both elegant and eerie, the perfect backdrop for a story where no one can quite be trusted. It has that classic Agatha Christie energy but with a darker, more contemporary edge.

I also really enjoyed the dual perspectives, particularly the contrast between Sadie and Cassie. Sadie’s character brings a much darker, more unpredictable element to the story, while Cassie offers a more grounded viewpoint. This balance works well and keeps the narrative dynamic.

❎ What I didn’t Like:
At times, the number of secrets and reveals can feel a little overwhelming. With so many characters and hidden pasts, it occasionally becomes tricky to keep track of everything, which slightly disrupts the flow.

The pacing dips a little in the middle, where the tension pauses before ramping up again toward the end. While the build-up is important, some sections could have been tighter to maintain momentum.

Some twists, while entertaining, lean into familiar thriller territory. If you are a frequent reader of this genre, you might find a few of the reveals slightly predictable.

📚 Why You Should Read This Book:
If you love locked-room mysteries, dramatic reveals, and stories where everyone has something to hide, this book is definitely worth picking up. It is perfect for fans of modern thrillers with a nod to classic whodunnits.

It is also a great choice if you enjoy character-driven stories where relationships and secrets are just as important as the central mystery.

💭 Final Thoughts:
A Killer Guest List is a fun, twisty thriller that plays with the idea of performance versus reality in a really engaging way. While it does not completely reinvent the genre, it delivers plenty of tension, intrigue, and drama to keep you turning the pages.

It is the kind of book that is easy to get lost in, especially if you enjoy trying to piece together the mystery alongside the characters.

🛍️ Where to buy
To buy your own copy click HERE and HERE

Final Rating ★★★ – A stylish, twist-filled mystery that brings classic whodunnit vibes with a dark modern edge