Review: The Last Guests - JP Pomare

Review: The Last Guests - JP Pomare - July 2021 

You know how sometimes you pick up a book by an author and you're just not sure what you're going to get? That's exactly where I found myself with JP Pomare's The Last Guests. My relationship with this Kiwi author has been a bit of a rollercoaster, if I'm being honest. His debut left me putting it down unfinished, but then 17 Years Later completely won me over with a solid five stars. So settling in with this one, I wasn't quite sure which version of JP Pomare I'd be getting.

Here's the thing about New Zealand fiction that I've noticed over the years we tend to take our cues from the UK when it comes to pacing. There's that slow-burn, atmospheric quality that builds and builds rather than hitting you with the high-octane intensity you often find in American thrillers. Sometimes I love that deliberate unfolding, and sometimes I'm itching for things to move faster. With The Last Guests, I found myself somewhere in the middle.

The premise hooked me right away. We've got Lina and Cain, a married couple who are both harboring secrets that would shatter their relationship if exposed. Lina's been having one-night stands behind her husband's back, while Cain has a gambling problem that's spiraling out of control. When a friend suggests they list their house on Airbnb, they both see it as a solution to their problems , Lina imagines a private space for her affairs, and Cain sees desperately needed cash. But someone else has other plans. Cameras have been hidden throughout the house, and suddenly their private sanctuary becomes a stage for a voyeur's entertainment. When the blackmail begins, both Lina and Cain have to decide what they're willing to sacrifice to keep their secrets buried.

It's the kind of setup that makes you squirm a little, especially in our world where renting out your home to strangers has become so normalized. I'll admit, this book has made me look at Airbnb listings with fresh eyes. Would I be brave enough to hand over my keys to people I've never met? After reading this, I'm leaning toward a hard no.

Where this book landed for me was right on that borderline three-star mark. It's solidly okay entertaining enough to keep me turning pages, but it didn't quite reach the heights of 17 Years Later. If you're already a JP Pomare fan, you'll probably want to pick this up. But if you're new to his work or weren't impressed by his previous books, this one isn't going to change your mind.

Still, there's something to be said for a thriller that makes you think twice about everyday decisions. And JP Pomare definitely delivers on creating that unsettling atmosphere that'll have you double-checking your smoke detectors for hidden cameras.

Perfect for: Fans of domestic thrillers, Airbnb hosts questioning their life choices, and readers who enjoy New Zealand's slower-paced thriller style.

Amazon: https://amzn.to/48ugTfA