Unwanted Guest - Shari Lapena

Mystery

Rating: 8/10

A group of random strangers converge on a cozy mountain lodge for the perfect winter weekend getaway.  What they get instead is a raging storm and the shock of a sudden mysterious death. Imminent threat is around every corner, panic and paranoia escalate at every sound.  The author does a good job at character development, no small feat considering there are a number of them. And the location is so vividly rendered that it made me want to be there, except for the risk of being picked off by a crazed murderer that is! The combination of these two story elements creates an atmospheric tension that ensures the reader is held in the novels icy grip.  Yeah, I kinda hate me for that one too.

Footnote: This is one of those books that is complete and utter brain candy. Swift and fun to read and no storage space required in your gray matter.