The Christmas Guest: A Novel By Peter Swanson
Peter Swanson crafts a chilling tale in "The Christmas Guest." American art student Ashley joins a classmate's holiday at Starvewood Hall, a Cotswold manor. Amid festive veneer, secrets of the village's grim history unfold.
Enchanted by the cozy manor and Emma's brother, Adam, Ashley's idyllic Christmas takes a dark turn. Adam is under investigation for a brutal slaying, and a mysterious stranger lurks in the woods. The narrative oscillates between romance, gothic intrigue, and something more sinister, leaving Ashley questioning her reality.
Three decades later, the haunting events resurface, intertwined with a diary from that fateful week. The story that began in a quaint English village reaches its ghostly conclusion in contemporary New York, creating a bridge across time and unveiling the true nature of the holiday horror Ashley unwittingly stepped into.
Swanson's novella is a suspenseful journey through layers of mystery and revelation, blending elements of romance, gothic horror, and psychological thriller.
"The Christmas Guest" captivates readers with its atmospheric setting, well-woven plot, and the lingering shadows of a dark past, delivering a spine-chilling experience that resonates across time and place. 📚❤️