If you’re in the mood for a twisty, atmospheric thriller, The Last House Guest by Megan Miranda is a must-read. Set in the contrasting worlds of Littleport, Maine—a vacation hotspot for the wealthy and a humble harbor town for year-round locals—this story weaves together mystery, friendship and betrayal. With Megan Miranda’s signature suspenseful storytelling, you’ll be captivated by the secrets lurking in this seemingly idyllic town. Whether you’re already a fan of her work or new to her books, this novel promises a gripping and unforgettable journey. Let’s dive into what makes The Last House Guest such a standout in the thriller genre!
Summary of The Last House Guest by Megan Miranda
Set in the picturesque yet divided town of Littleport, Maine, The Last House Guest explores themes of privilege, loyalty and betrayal. Littleport is home to a distinct dichotomy: wealthy summer visitors who flock to their luxurious coastal homes and year-round locals who cater to their needs. In this setting, an unlikely friendship develops between Avery Greer and Sadie Loman. Avery is a local with a troubled past and Sadie is the vivacious daughter of a wealthy family.
For nearly a decade, Avery and Sadie’s bond defies societal norms. Avery even manages the Lomans’ properties during the off-season. But their idyllic summers come to an abrupt end when Sadie is found dead, and her death is ruled a suicide. Avery, however, senses there’s more to the story. Suspicion falls on her, fueled by whispers from both the locals and Sadie’s family. Avery is determined to uncover the truth. Through her investigation, she must confront buried secrets, unravel the mystery of Sadie’s death and clear her own name before it’s too late.
Megan Miranda delivers another taut and twisty narrative filled with intrigue, suspense and shocking revelations that keep readers on edge.
Review of The Last House Guest by Megan Miranda
Megan Miranda never fails to deliver suspense-filled stories, and The Last House Guest is no exception.
Avery Greer is a compelling and layered protagonist. Her complicated past and self-doubt add depth to her character while making her perspective unreliable at times. I loved how Megan Miranda wove Avery’s personal struggles into the broader mystery, creating an intricate web of suspicion and tension. The setting of Littleport is beautifully rendered—its charm juxtaposed with a simmering undercurrent of darkness. Miranda’s descriptive prose made me feel like I was walking those windswept beaches alongside Avery.
The slow-burn pacing worked well for me, as it allowed the tension to build gradually. Every new piece of evidence and conversation felt like peeling back another layer of a deeply buried secret. While I initially found the middle portion of the book a bit meandering, the jaw-dropping final twist more than compensated for it. The ending was satisfying, tying up loose ends while leaving enough ambiguity to linger in my mind.
One of the standout elements was how Miranda captured the distinct social divide between locals and visitors. This dynamic not only added richness to the story but also served as a clever backdrop for the tension that builds between Avery and the Lomans.
However, I’ll admit that I found the pacing uneven at times, particularly in the earlier chapters. It took a while for me to feel fully immersed in the story. That said, once I hit the halfway mark, I couldn’t put it down. The final chapters were a whirlwind of revelations and suspense.
Overall, The Last House Guest offers an atmospheric and gripping tale that fans of psychological thrillers will thoroughly enjoy. While it may not have the relentless pace of some of Megan Miranda’s other works, its layered characters and stunning conclusion make it a standout read.
About the Author, Megan Miranda
Megan Miranda has made a name for herself as a master of atmospheric thrillers. Her ability to craft engaging, twist-filled narratives has earned her a dedicated fanbase and critical acclaim. She is best known for her breakout novel, All the Missing Girls, which introduced her signature storytelling technique of reverse chronology.
Miranda’s other popular books include The Perfect Stranger, The Girl from Widow Hills, and Such a Quiet Place. Each of her novels combines rich character development with intricate plots that keep readers guessing. I’ve enjoyed several of her works. She consistently delivers stories that blend psychological depth with edge-of-your-seat suspense.
Her writing often explores themes of memory, secrets and the complexity of human relationships. She excels at creating atmospheric settings, from small coastal towns to tight-knit neighborhoods, which serve as both a character and a catalyst in her stories.
If you’re new to Megan Miranda’s work, The Last House Guest is a great introduction. For longtime fans, it’s another compelling addition to her impressive backlist.
Final Thoughts
Megan Miranda’s The Last House Guest delivers a suspenseful and atmospheric story that lingers long after the final page. While the pacing may not be as relentless as some of her other novels, the layered characters and satisfying twists make this a must-read for thriller fans. The exploration of loyalty, privilege and the weight of secrets adds emotional depth to the story.
Whether you’re a die-hard Megan Miranda fan or a newcomer to her books, I highly recommend giving The Last House Guest a try. The gripping finale alone makes it worth the read.
Have you read The Last House Guest or any other books by Megan Miranda? I’d love to hear your thoughts in the comments. Let me know your favorite Megan Miranda book or share a recommendation for what I should pick up next!
Genres: Thriller, Psychological Thriller, Suspense, Mystery
