"The Paying Guests" is a historical novel by Sarah Waters, set in post-World War I London. It follows the life of Frances Wray, a young woman living with her mother in a decaying house. To make ends meet, they take in a young couple, Lilian and Leonard Barber, as lodgers, which disrupts their quiet existence and leads to unexpected relationships. As tensions rise, the story explores themes of class, sexuality, and societal change. A tragic event forces Frances to confront her desires and the consequences of her choices, ultimately leading to a gripping and dramatic conclusion.