TITLE: Do Not Disturb
AUTHOR: Claire Douglas
RELEASED: August 9, 2018
PUBLISHER: Michael Joseph
FORMAT: Ebook
GENRE: Mystery, thriller
GOODREADS RATING: 4.03
TRIGGERS: Mention of suicide and incest, abuse
SYNOPSIS
After what happened in London, Kirsty needs a fresh start with her family.
And running a guesthouse in the Welsh mountains sounds idyllic.
But then their first guest arrives.
Selena is the last person Kirsty wants to see.
It’s seventeen years since she tore everything apart.
Why has she chosen now to walk back into Kirsty’s life?
Is Selena running from something too?
Or is there an even darker reason for her visit?
Because Kirsty knows that once you invite trouble into your home, it can be murder getting rid of it . . .
I got this eARC through the publisher and was so keen to jump right in. You all know thrillers aren’t my usual kind of book to pick up, but.. sometimes I just can’t help myself, ha. I guess you could say it’s one of those guilty pleasures, in a way? But was it truly a pleasure this time around?
I have to start by saying the writing really was fluent. Even though I had some other issues with this novel – more about that later on – I did love how I kept reading and reading. The pace is good, not too fast nor slow.
I also like the whole idea of Do Not Disturb. Starting your own business is never an easy feat, let alone opening a guesthouse / hotel for that matter. I can’t even imagine what it would feel like to have strangers invading your home on a regular basis. Not all people are easy and we all have our secrets on top of that!
Also, set in Wales? In a small town? A home that’s said to be cursed and haunted? Yup, the setting of the story: definite win for me.
And all the plot twists! There were a huge amount of those and they really kept me guessing until the end. I can see how this story would be predictable for others – especially people often reading books in this genre – but to me.. I kept changing my mind about.. everything! Although I did see some things coming as well – thank the skies. Sometimes you just want your gut feeling validated, right?
How easily the people you love can be snatched away from you. Suddenly. Without warning.
But there’s one thing I really had a problem with. I didn’t like the main character at all and everything’s written from her point of view. She struggles with a lot of things, which is understandable considering her past but.. She’s so distrusting towards anyone – doesn’t matter if it’s strangers, friends or her own family. Her husband, her mom. Anyone! It got on my nerves, really. The smallest doubt had her on the fence immediately, every single time. I didn’t like it and it definitely impacted my reading experience..
All in all, I found it an enjoyable read.. If only Kirsty didn’t get on my nerves like she did, it would’ve been at least a four cupcake-rating!
Are there any books you read where the main character ruined it for you?
Or where another character had such an influence you liked the book less?
Books & Munches 
Yes!! There was a book called H20 which the plot was good and even though it was typical, I wanted to know more. But the character annoyed me to no end that I just couldn’t.
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I’m so glad I’m not alone, haha! It rarely happens to me, but when it does.. It ruins so much about the book!
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Let me just say that I read a ton of thrillers and mysteries and I NEVER SEE THE TWISTS COMING.
That said, there have been a few books I’ve read where the main character was like this. I get not being very trusting when you’ve had a rough past but to never, ever trust anyone ever? It seems illogical. But I’m happy you enjoyed it despite not liking the main character.
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Hahaha – at least they remain fun to read that way! I know some people who actually get frustrated when they see twists coming but.. can you really blame the book for that?! :’)
Exactly! You can easily distrust a lot of people, but I can’t imagine not trusting your own family, your spouse.. It’s.. It just didn’t sit well with me. :’)
Thank you!
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Right? Ugh, I know – it’s not the book’s fault you’ve already read ten books just like it already.
And if you’re distrusting your spouse that much, how are you still married? That’s the thing that confuses me.
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Exactly!
They definitely have a past, that’s for sure but still.. The way she distrusts everyone just isn’t normal at all. :’) I can’t even imagine living with someone like that. It’d drive me absolutely bonkers.
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