It is hard to know what to make of this novel which is set in a luxury hotel in Ireland at Christmas, where Janice, a sprightly 82-year-old meets Gerry. They are the only two guests and it is natural that they meet for dinner. Janice opens the conversation by asking Gerry what is the worst thing he has ever done and the story flows from there.

It’s not giving too much away to say that Janice has lived a relatively ordinary life while Gerry is on the run following a substantial heist from the hedge fund company where he worked.

The story is propelled along by their conversation and it is entertaining as their back stories take shape. The conversation is well written, as you’d expect from Sarah Moss, and the descriptions of the the luxurious background as well as the sumptuous menu add to the appeal of the story. It’s an easy read since it is also very short for a novel.

However, the characters develop well and the sudden ending will be a surprise for some people. It’s an enjoyable read.

(The Winter Guest is published by Picador. Thanks to the publishers and to NetGalley for an advance copy.)