Heather Gudenkauf's The Overnight Guest receives praise for its gripping plot and atmospheric suspense, keeping readers engrossed with tight pacing and twists. Criticisms focus on occasional predictability and less developed secondary characters. Overall, the novel succeeds in delivering a satisfying and entertaining thriller experience.

Readers who enjoy psychological thrillers with intricate plots and dark secrets will find The Overnight Guest by Heather Gudenkauf captivating. Fans of Gillian Flynn’s Gone Girl and Paula Hawkins’ The Girl on the Train will appreciate how Gudenkauf weaves suspense and mystery into a chilling narrative.

The Overnight Guest by Heather Gudenkauf is a thriller set in rural Iowa, where true-crime writer Wylie Lark rents a farmhouse that witnessed a gruesome crime 20 years earlier. During a snowstorm, Wylie discovers an abandoned child outside and, while seeking to protect them, confronts her own past traumas. The novel spans multiple timelines, revealing interwoven mysteries and connections. This novel features depictions of sexual assault, domestic violence, murder, child endangerment, miscarriage, and gun use.

Suspenseful / Mysterious / Dark / Emotional / Unnerving

**Wylie Lark/Josie Doyle**  
A true crime author who returns to her hometown to write about her family's past tragedy. She is a protagonist whose childhood trauma shapes her present actions and relationships.

**Becky Allen/The Mother**  
She was Josie Doyle's childhood best friend and is portrayed as a strong and resilient character navigating a challenging situation. Her storyline involves protecting her daughter and seeking freedom.

**Josie/The Girl/The Child**  
The young daughter of Becky Allen, raised in captive conditions and characterized by her mixture of childlike innocence and necessary maturity. Her journey focuses on escape and identity.

**Jackson Henley**  
A neighbor of Josie Doyle, marked by his military background and struggles with the aftermath of a flawed police investigation. He is initially suspected in a critical case but is ultimately not found responsible.

**Randy Cutter**  
The antagonist of the narrative, a farmer embroiled in violent actions. His interactions with the main characters drive much of the central conflict and trauma within the story.

Heather Gudenkauf

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