Description

Book Synopsis

Previously published at The Octopus


We believed he had died from an overdose. There was no reason to suspect otherwise . . .

When Elspeth is invited to her ex-husband Richard's fiftieth birthday party, she's expecting a star-studded event for the famous British film director, full of A-listers and hangers-on. But she arrives to find just seven other carefully selected guests in attendance.

A surreal evening ensues, orchestrated by the charming yet manipulative host, culminating in what will surely become a night to remember . . .

Because by morning, Richard will be dead, and every guest a suspect.


Praise for The Ninth Guest:

'Very intriguing' Heat, Book of the Week

'Tess Little is a modern Agatha Christie, setting up her nine suspects, locking them in a sprawling Los Angeles mansion, and knocking them down one by one' Tanen Jones, author of The Better Liar

'A unique locked-room mystery . . . Perfect for fans of Lucy Foley' Wendy Walker, bestselling author of Don't Look for Me



Trade Review
Dark, compelling Hollywood intrigue and a diverse cast of well-drawn characters make The Ninth Guest a unique locked-room mystery that readers will simply devour! It's perfect for fans of Lucy Foley -- Wendy Walker, bestselling author of DON'T LOOK FOR ME
Tess Little is a modern Agatha Christie, setting up her nine suspects, locking them in a sprawling Los Angeles mansion, and knocking them down one by one over the course of a decadent, stomach-turning dinner party. The Ninth Guest kept me guessing until the very last -- Tanen Jones, author of THE BETTER LIAR
With a knowing satirical eye, Tess Little skillfully weaves a page-turner full of satisfying twists and turns -- Kyle McCarthy, author of EVERYONE KNOWS HOW MUCH I LOVE YOU
With skewering intensity and taut, unsettling prose, Tess Little plunges us into the kaleidoscopic glamour of Hollywood, where the eccentric birthday party of a brilliant, sadistic director forces the eruption of long-buried pain. Timely, smart and satisfying -- Paula McLain, bestselling author of THE PARIS WIFE
Elspeth's emotional journey both grips and gratifies. Little is a writer to watch * Publisher's Weekly *
A novel you will easily devour in just a few sittings, it's unexpected and immensely gripping, leaving you with lots to consider. * Selcouth *

The Ninth Guest

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    £8.54

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    RRP £8.99 – you save £0.45 (5%)

    Order before 4pm tomorrow for delivery by Wed 10 Jun 2026.

    A Paperback / softback by Tess Little

    3 in stock


      View other formats and editions of The Ninth Guest by Tess Little

      Publisher: Hodder & Stoughton
      Publication Date: 28/10/2021
      ISBN13: 9781529358841, 978-1529358841
      ISBN10: 1529358841

      Description

      Book Synopsis

      Previously published at The Octopus


      We believed he had died from an overdose. There was no reason to suspect otherwise . . .

      When Elspeth is invited to her ex-husband Richard's fiftieth birthday party, she's expecting a star-studded event for the famous British film director, full of A-listers and hangers-on. But she arrives to find just seven other carefully selected guests in attendance.

      A surreal evening ensues, orchestrated by the charming yet manipulative host, culminating in what will surely become a night to remember . . .

      Because by morning, Richard will be dead, and every guest a suspect.


      Praise for The Ninth Guest:

      'Very intriguing' Heat, Book of the Week

      'Tess Little is a modern Agatha Christie, setting up her nine suspects, locking them in a sprawling Los Angeles mansion, and knocking them down one by one' Tanen Jones, author of The Better Liar

      'A unique locked-room mystery . . . Perfect for fans of Lucy Foley' Wendy Walker, bestselling author of Don't Look for Me



      Trade Review
      Dark, compelling Hollywood intrigue and a diverse cast of well-drawn characters make The Ninth Guest a unique locked-room mystery that readers will simply devour! It's perfect for fans of Lucy Foley -- Wendy Walker, bestselling author of DON'T LOOK FOR ME
      Tess Little is a modern Agatha Christie, setting up her nine suspects, locking them in a sprawling Los Angeles mansion, and knocking them down one by one over the course of a decadent, stomach-turning dinner party. The Ninth Guest kept me guessing until the very last -- Tanen Jones, author of THE BETTER LIAR
      With a knowing satirical eye, Tess Little skillfully weaves a page-turner full of satisfying twists and turns -- Kyle McCarthy, author of EVERYONE KNOWS HOW MUCH I LOVE YOU
      With skewering intensity and taut, unsettling prose, Tess Little plunges us into the kaleidoscopic glamour of Hollywood, where the eccentric birthday party of a brilliant, sadistic director forces the eruption of long-buried pain. Timely, smart and satisfying -- Paula McLain, bestselling author of THE PARIS WIFE
      Elspeth's emotional journey both grips and gratifies. Little is a writer to watch * Publisher's Weekly *
      A novel you will easily devour in just a few sittings, it's unexpected and immensely gripping, leaving you with lots to consider. * Selcouth *

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