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Stranger

The unputdownable psychological thriller with an ending that will blow you away

Karen Perry author

Format:Paperback

Publisher:Penguin Books Ltd

Published:13th May '21

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Stranger cover

A mother’s anxiety about her daughter escalates when a foreign exchange student arrives, revealing dark family secrets in Stranger.

Under the scorching summer sun, the story unfolds around Abi Holland, a mother who is increasingly anxious about her daughter, Beth. When foreign exchange student Corinne arrives to stay with them, it seems like a solution to Abi's worries as Beth finds a friend in her. However, the Holland family is not as perfect as it appears, harboring secrets that could unravel their lives. As the narrative progresses, it becomes clear that Corinne is not just a visitor; she is an observer, quietly absorbing the family's dynamics and hidden truths.

As the tension builds, Stranger reveals how Corinne's presence begins to shift the balance within the household. She listens, watches, and waits, hinting that she may have her own agenda. The story takes a darker turn as the reader is drawn into a web of psychological manipulation and suspense. Abi's relief quickly turns into dread as the stakes rise, and the family's secrets threaten to emerge, leading to a thrilling climax.

Stranger is a gripping exploration of trust, betrayal, and the lengths one will go to protect their loved ones. With assured storytelling and unexpected twists, this psychological thriller keeps readers on the edge of their seats. As the characters confront their pasts, the question remains: how well do we really know those closest to us?

Perry does justice to every one of her flawed but fully rounded characters as the story accelerates towards an ending that is as bleak, bloody and inevitable as that of any Greek tragedy -- Declan Burke * Irish Times *
I read Stranger in 24 hours. What a compelling, brilliant and entertaining thriller it is. The twists just kept on coming as skeletons fell one by one out of this family closet. Most enjoyable! -- Liz Nugent
A really disturbing tale . . . Assured storytelling and neat twists * Daily Mail *
Throughout this well-paced thriller Perry keeps ramping up the tension to almost unbearable heights to an unexpected and utterly devastating denouement * Irish Independent *
This well-crafted read goes in unexpected directions, with plenty of twists and turns to keep you on your toes * Belfast Telegraph *
A twisty domestic noir that keeps you guessing right to the end. Fans of Paula Hawkins and Liz Nugent will swallow it whole * Westmeath Examiner *
Praise for Karen Perry * - *
Slick, engrossing, twisted and addictive. Domestic crime drama at its best. Highly recommended -- Jo Spain
Like Gone Girl...it's the most gripping thing I've read for ages * Evening Standard *
Truly remarkable...Grips your heart from the first pages and simply never lets go -- Jeffery Deaver
Tense, unpredictable, blending a thriller with an intimate family story to produce a most compelling read -- John Boyne

ISBN: 9780241438039

Dimensions: 234mm x 153mm x 29mm

Weight: 481g

400 pages