A MESSAGE FROM ADRIANE LEIGH

I grew up in rural northern Michigan and wrote my first book when I was eight — I’ve wanted to be an author since that moment. I’ve always been fascinated with people and storytelling so being a writer felt like a natural choice for me, but if I wasn’t a writer, I would probably be an anthropologist studying history and culture and gathering stories from around the world. 

I loved writing this story, in part because it takes place on Mackinac Island which is very near to where I grew up in the beautiful and remote Upper Peninsula of Michigan. I spent many summers visiting, working at the tourist shops, and much of my family still works on the island. It’s a very special place that doesn’t allow motor vehicles, the clip-clop sound of horse-drawn carriages is so nostalgic for me! One of my favorite jobs was working on the ferries that brought tourists and locals to and from the island — I loved it so much! Actually, one of my favorite themes of The Guests is the tension that often exists between tourists and full-time locals, and of course the pure isolation that comes with living on a remote island.

While many of the characters are flawed and even unlikable, I hope readers connect with the familiar feeling of being outside their comfort zone whilst on vacation and the underlying sense of trouble in paradise! It’s a twisty story packed with toxic secrets and dysfunctional friendships and I am so excited to share it with readers!

What kind of thrillers do you love?

Psychological thrillers with strong but morally gray leading women are my favorite to read and write! I also love a moody island setting or a haunted house story!

What are you currently reading?

I’m just finishing How to Sell a Haunted House by Grady Hendrix

Who would you pick to play the main characters from your novel?

Kerrigan: Mila Kunis, Ryleigh: Amanda Seyfried, Cole: Scott Eastwood

Describe your novel in three words.

Toxic friendships in paradise.