The Christmas Guest by Peter Swanson
3.5 Stars
The Book At A Glance
Ashley Smith, an American art student spending Christmas in the Cotswolds, is enchanted by Starvewood Hall and the Chapman family—until she learns Emma’s brother Adam is a suspect in a local girl’s murder. Strange sightings in the nearby woods and a growing sense of danger make Ashley question whether she’s in a holiday romance or a gothic nightmare. Decades later, a long-hidden diary brings the truth of that 1989 Christmas back to light, revealing a haunting connection that reaches all the way to modern-day New York.
Bookish Thoughts
If you’re in the mood for a Christmas novel with a touch of thrill and horror, this one is a perfect pick. Instead of the usual cozy holiday romance, it delivers a darker, more suspenseful twist on the season—making it a refreshing and unexpected read.
My Review
The Christmas Guest by Peter Swanson is a compact Christmas-time thriller told in two distinct parts. The first chapter unfolds through the diary of a young woman spending the holidays at her so-called friend’s countryside home. It’s atmospheric and slow-burning, laying the groundwork for the unsettling events to come. While I found this opening section a bit slow, I understood the need to build the setting and establish the relationships that ultimately drive the story.
The second chapter, told from the perspective of the person reading the diary, is where the tension really sharpens. The shift in point of view adds intrigue, momentum, and that classic Swanson twisty feel. It makes the entire story more gripping and gives the novella a satisfying sense of unease.
This was my first time reading a book by Peter Swanson, and I was genuinely impressed by his crisp, engaging writing style. Even in such a short format, he builds atmosphere and suspense with ease, and it made me excited to read more of his work.
Overall, I thought the concept was clever—combining Christmas coziness with creeping dread—and I actually wish it had been a full-length thriller. There’s so much potential to dive deeper into the characters, their motivations, and the unsettling dynamics revealed in the journal.
“Thank God for alcohol since I kind of hate flying. Except for the part where it takes you someplace entirely new. That part I love.”
Peter Swanson
Shelf To Table
The perfect food pairing for this novel is Gingerbread Cookies. Gingerbread cookies are the perfect sweet companion to this book, pairing warm holiday spice with the cozy yet unsettling atmosphere of the story. Their comforting aroma and nostalgic flavor contrast beautifully with the creeping tension of the plot, making each bite feel like a momentary escape from the mystery unfolding on the page.
Gingerbread Cookies
A classic holiday treat, made with a cozy blend of ginger, cinnamon, nutmeg, and cloves that fills the kitchen with the scent of Christmas. Slightly crisp on the edges and soft in the center, these cookies offer a perfect balance of sweetness and spice.
Book Club Bite
For a thrilling Christmas novel, pair it with a box of festive holiday cookies—especially your personal favorites. Their cozy sweetness adds a comforting contrast to the rising suspense, making every twist even more enjoyable.
“Chance of romance: nonexistent. Chance of gothic thriller murder mystery: growing by the minute.”
Peter Swanson