The Perfect Guests by Emma Rous

 

This tale is told in two time periods:  1988 and 2019.  It's a bit confusing at the beginning but as you keep reading you see how it all ties together.

Berkley and Net Galley let me read this book for review (thank you) and it will be published  on January 12th.

Beth is 14 when she's taken to Raven Hall by her Aunt to be a friend to their daughter, Nina.  It goes well and she even feels like part of the family.  They ask her to take part in a reunion with the man's father and pretend she is Nina.  She does, more than once.  This is where the plot begins...

In 2019, Sadie is trying to be an actress and has an opportunity to participate in a murder mystery that pays a lot.  She says yes.  But she doesn't know what she's getting into.

All the actors and actresses get sick here and there and can't participate like they planned.  Who is giving them the the drug that makes them sick?

Then there's a confrontation between Beth and Nina that surprises everyone.  Even the old lady that keeps to herself is involved.  It seems she's part of the family from the past...

It's a real mix of plots and there are victims along the way.  It holds your attention and you wonder where the author is going with it.

THE AU PAIR by Emma Rous

Seraphine and her brother were only hours old when their mother threw herself off a cliff.  She'd been moody and a bit crabby but no one expected suicide.  Was it or wasn't it?

Berkley and Net Galley let me read this book for review (thank you). It is being published today.

This is a house of secrets.  The children are turning 25 and while Danny is happy with thing the way they are, Seraphine feels like she's not who they've been telling her she is.  When their father falls and dies from his injuries, she feels like she's afloat.  She wants to know why her mother died so she tries to find the Au Pair that was working there at the time of birth.  Some secrets might be better off left that way...

There are new loves, old loves, hidden facts, and even evil plans afoot.  The truth is a very complicated matter and doesn't necessarily make anyone happy.  This house has more complications than Peyton Place.

I don't read a lot of this type of book but I enjoyed the history of the family they shared and the drama kept me glued to the pages until I was done with the book.  There's sadness and happiness both in this story.  If you start reading this, I bet you'll finish it.  Get ready for backstabbing, scandal and murder all mixed in one pot...