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The Stranger
A dark and handsome stranger opens a shop in the quiet village of Woodend. Anna begins to wonder about the visitors who come to Dave Slatin's shop. What do they buy and what exactly is behind the door marked Special Orders Only? At first, Anna finds Dave exciting and attractive but soon she becomes very frightened.
63 pages, Mass Market Paperback
First published January 1, 1990
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 161 reviews
January 18, 2022
This was a good little book. Rather strange but good.
Their is a strange man who moves into a rather provential small villiage. He opens a shop and very strange things happen there to his special costomers.
It seems the stranger has some pretty scarey special powers.
I will not spoil the end for you. Please read and enjoy!
Their is a strange man who moves into a rather provential small villiage. He opens a shop and very strange things happen there to his special costomers.
It seems the stranger has some pretty scarey special powers.
I will not spoil the end for you. Please read and enjoy!
July 13, 2018
The story is gripping, you can't leave it in the middle; the narration is also good, but the end is somewhat confusing. The protagonist who emerged as an angel in the beginning, turned into a mysterious evil and an innocent girl is sacrificed to let his secret unrevealed.
April 16, 2018
When i was starting this story, the stranger for the Woodend village, Dave Slatin came to mind that he is a kind, rich man and prefers to live in peaceful quite village. So, he chose the Woodend village to live..i thought. Then i read further more and more...this book did not give me a chance to put it away for a while. Main thing to say is that Dave has a special room for the special visitors. The room was locked all the time. Anna was always surprised why the special visitors visited Special room to meet Dave Slatin. What for? Anna noticed that the visitors carried something with them and left their things in Special room as they went out the room. During reading, the reader I was hurried to know about Dave Slatin and i had same questions as Anna had thought. who Dave Slatin was..why the special visitors visited Dave...what the visitors met Dave for...what they are in Special room...etc🤔. When Anna confirmed the reason more and more, she felt frightened of him....
In the end, Dave Slatin told Anna that i have a power and i helped for the people who wanted to achieve/fulfill their wishes. Special visitors were those who were full of jealous, green-eyed people and they got success in bad ways with the power of Dave Slatin.
What a pitiful...Anna was dead without reason due to refused to marry with him after knowing all about Dave Slatin. He used his power to Anna and killed her. Then he suicided himself in fire. Who he was....He was a foul-mouthed that he could turn the good things into bad things. Dave Slatin was paid much by visitors and he used to fulfill their wishes. Their competitors disappeared on the way along their wishes and they got success.
I wondered and it is mystery for me why he suicided himself in fire without escaping
Foul-mouthed=хараалч хүн гэж авлаа.
In the end, Dave Slatin told Anna that i have a power and i helped for the people who wanted to achieve/fulfill their wishes. Special visitors were those who were full of jealous, green-eyed people and they got success in bad ways with the power of Dave Slatin.
What a pitiful...Anna was dead without reason due to refused to marry with him after knowing all about Dave Slatin. He used his power to Anna and killed her. Then he suicided himself in fire. Who he was....He was a foul-mouthed that he could turn the good things into bad things. Dave Slatin was paid much by visitors and he used to fulfill their wishes. Their competitors disappeared on the way along their wishes and they got success.
I wondered and it is mystery for me why he suicided himself in fire without escaping
Foul-mouthed=хараалч хүн гэж авлаа.
December 13, 2021
Naaaah! I didn't like it!
It was too predictable and I didn't find anything special about it.
I was supposed to "Like" Anna, but I never hated a character as I hated her!
It was too predictable and I didn't find anything special about it.
I was supposed to "Like" Anna, but I never hated a character as I hated her!
June 19, 2020
It is a first mysterious book I ever read. I have watched too many movies but none of them is similar to it. It is such a great book.
It's a story about a strange, rich man, Dave Slatin, who has a luxurious car and have much money to live a comfortable life but came in a small village to live. He soon buy a house and gave idea of opening a shop which contains necessary requirements of the people. Firstly, villagers opposes him but he convinced them by telling them to utilize their skills and sold their hand made objects to the people who needs them. He told them that he'll take some of the profit and rest will be their.
He work according his promise and appointed Anna, a villager, as a assistant which helps him to run his shop.
Their are two rooms in his shop one for the ordinary people and second was with the heading on the top SPECIAL ORDERS, DO NOT OPEN. That room was always locked.
One day a famous film actress who is very rich and wearing diamond rings, Greta Gordon, came to shop and Dave Slatin personally took her in special order room and forbid Anna to enter. After half hour pass she came out of the room but not wearing her diamond rings, Anna realizes but when she talk to her, she told Anna to keep her visit a secret and tries to not talk about her rings. Another two special order coustomers arrive with the little difference of time. Now Anna became suspicious about the special order room and many questions arise in her mind. Why Greta Gordon like woman, came to shop? Why she left her diamond rings behind? How did she know about Dave Slatin? For what special orders room is for? What she was doing their for about half an hour?
I really don't want to spoil your interest in it. I hope you will like this book and build your interest after reading my review.
It's a story about a strange, rich man, Dave Slatin, who has a luxurious car and have much money to live a comfortable life but came in a small village to live. He soon buy a house and gave idea of opening a shop which contains necessary requirements of the people. Firstly, villagers opposes him but he convinced them by telling them to utilize their skills and sold their hand made objects to the people who needs them. He told them that he'll take some of the profit and rest will be their.
He work according his promise and appointed Anna, a villager, as a assistant which helps him to run his shop.
Their are two rooms in his shop one for the ordinary people and second was with the heading on the top SPECIAL ORDERS, DO NOT OPEN. That room was always locked.
One day a famous film actress who is very rich and wearing diamond rings, Greta Gordon, came to shop and Dave Slatin personally took her in special order room and forbid Anna to enter. After half hour pass she came out of the room but not wearing her diamond rings, Anna realizes but when she talk to her, she told Anna to keep her visit a secret and tries to not talk about her rings. Another two special order coustomers arrive with the little difference of time. Now Anna became suspicious about the special order room and many questions arise in her mind. Why Greta Gordon like woman, came to shop? Why she left her diamond rings behind? How did she know about Dave Slatin? For what special orders room is for? What she was doing their for about half an hour?
I really don't want to spoil your interest in it. I hope you will like this book and build your interest after reading my review.
October 6, 2020
Well, I have to say, this was mounds better than the Vampire's Tear.
A slightly creepy story, with a mysterious stranger who comes to town, opens a shop, hires an assistant, gets mysterious customers who have mysteriously good fortunes days after they come see him; this was a really good story!!
Yeah, this was a middle grade level story, but I found it like Ruskin Bond's mysterious stories, most of which I have read in Dust on the mountain.
What I didn't like: Like with most mysterious short stories, the story doesn't seem quite complete.....
A good short story, wonderful for people wanting to improve vocabulary. In general, one of the good mystery short stories I've come across.
A slightly creepy story, with a mysterious stranger who comes to town, opens a shop, hires an assistant, gets mysterious customers who have mysteriously good fortunes days after they come see him; this was a really good story!!
Yeah, this was a middle grade level story, but I found it like Ruskin Bond's mysterious stories, most of which I have read in Dust on the mountain.
What I didn't like: Like with most mysterious short stories, the story doesn't seem quite complete.....
A good short story, wonderful for people wanting to improve vocabulary. In general, one of the good mystery short stories I've come across.
June 4, 2016
Left Poker-faced in the end.
It had a promising buildup, language was simple, story was filled with mystery and suspense but it was the ending that wasn't so appealing.
*Spoiler* I don't understand why Dave lit up his house intentionally and never made an effort to escape from it.
Being a short story, the author should've laid more emphasis on the conclusion which is the most vital part of any short story. The author must justify the reason behind the lead character's behaviour at the end.
Actually I mistook this book for the critically acclaimed 'The Stranger' by Albert camus.
In the end, I was like, 'Is that it?! Is this the novel that people all over the world regard as one of the influential book of all time ?' :P
It had a promising buildup, language was simple, story was filled with mystery and suspense but it was the ending that wasn't so appealing.
*Spoiler* I don't understand why Dave lit up his house intentionally and never made an effort to escape from it.
Being a short story, the author should've laid more emphasis on the conclusion which is the most vital part of any short story. The author must justify the reason behind the lead character's behaviour at the end.
Actually I mistook this book for the critically acclaimed 'The Stranger' by Albert camus.
In the end, I was like, 'Is that it?! Is this the novel that people all over the world regard as one of the influential book of all time ?' :P
March 17, 2017
the story was fascinating and I enjoyed the events but it had unreal actions with too much suspens ..
the beginning was terrific but the end was a bit silly !
bad plot although it had a good idea
In general , it was exciting
the beginning was terrific but the end was a bit silly !
bad plot although it had a good idea
In general , it was exciting
October 4, 2018
my opinion the story is really nice to who is learning English like me, but the end is kind poor I was expecting more but still really nice a lot of vocabulary to learn .
March 11, 2021
Great story!
November 24, 2020
i enjoyed reading it. a stranger comes to a village and loves the place . he bought a house and changes into a corner shop.
Everyone in the village loves Dave. The corner shop is a hit. But things start changing when the famous actor comes to the corner shop to meet Dave.
February 16, 2017
Va de un hombre que llega a un pequeño pueblo, y como en todos los pueblos pequeños la gente del mismo ya saben de su llegada e inclusive algunos ya han hecho migas con él. Pronto el "extraño" se vuelve uno más de la villa cuando decide quedarse a vivir ahí. y no sólo se conforma con vivir ahí, sino que también abre una tienda en la que los moradores del pueblo pueden vender sus propios productos. Tiene éxito en poco tiempo que contrata a Anna ,quien tiene 17 años.
Todo el misterio comienza cuando gente ajena a la villa (que no va a comprar nada a la tienda) comienza a buscar a nuestro "extraño", y cosas relacionadas con esas personas comienzan a suceder después de estás raras juntas con nuestro él. Cosas de las cuales Anna se da cuenta.
Me gustan los cuentos cortos con la medida perfecta de misterio.
Todo el misterio comienza cuando gente ajena a la villa (que no va a comprar nada a la tienda) comienza a buscar a nuestro "extraño", y cosas relacionadas con esas personas comienzan a suceder después de estás raras juntas con nuestro él. Cosas de las cuales Anna se da cuenta.
Me gustan los cuentos cortos con la medida perfecta de misterio.
May 12, 2020
Well, what should I say?
The story is gripping and intriguing. It captures my attention. The language is simple and the writing style is good. A pretty short story as well. I think I increased my rating because of the good narrator I listened to, too🙃
A story about a man called Dave who comes to a villege. He builds a shop, which is one thing that villagers aren't accustomed to having for years. He appears as a decent man, but you can't judge a book by its cover!
.
There is a woman in the story who is determined to uncover secrets, but there is a cost for what a man wants🤤
I think that readers can interpret the value behind this story in different ways. I found that it was a fun read, but not necessarily that impactful. I don't really know!
The story is gripping and intriguing. It captures my attention. The language is simple and the writing style is good. A pretty short story as well. I think I increased my rating because of the good narrator I listened to, too🙃
A story about a man called Dave who comes to a villege. He builds a shop, which is one thing that villagers aren't accustomed to having for years. He appears as a decent man, but you can't judge a book by its cover!
.
There is a woman in the story who is determined to uncover secrets, but there is a cost for what a man wants🤤
I think that readers can interpret the value behind this story in different ways. I found that it was a fun read, but not necessarily that impactful. I don't really know!
December 8, 2017
What a suspens ! I didn't expect that from Dave Slatin. The destin of Anna at the end is bizzare !
April 7, 2018
After reading i came to a conclusion
"Never trust a stranger.even if the whole world supports him"
Amazing and scary book
"Never trust a stranger.even if the whole world supports him"
Amazing and scary book
April 23, 2023
Quaint Faustian story told from the POV of (mostly) a witness and not a participant. The ending was a bit of a let down because of the heights reached by the first 2/3rds.
February 20, 2023
A little village,a lot of beautiful scenery, some simple people, a pinch of sudden hype and a mysterious man, these are the perfect ingredient for any memorable short story.
The Stranger by Norman Whitney is a strange little story with an impactful plot. Much suitable for an autumn reading, the story of a handsome protagonist who did beautiful things in the beginning end up doing something devilish. It reminded me strongly of The Lottery by Shirley Jackson, because of its weird theme.
Dave is a handsome man who comes to peaceful little village and opens a shop. The village had no shop for quite sometime and everyone is excited to have a shop of their own. Later the shop becomes a centre of amazement and some secrets.
The narration is simple and the writing is so gripping that one cannot stop reading it midway. I read it over my breakfast, yes it's that quick, short and engrossing.
It's amazing yet eerie.
The Stranger by Norman Whitney is a strange little story with an impactful plot. Much suitable for an autumn reading, the story of a handsome protagonist who did beautiful things in the beginning end up doing something devilish. It reminded me strongly of The Lottery by Shirley Jackson, because of its weird theme.
Dave is a handsome man who comes to peaceful little village and opens a shop. The village had no shop for quite sometime and everyone is excited to have a shop of their own. Later the shop becomes a centre of amazement and some secrets.
The narration is simple and the writing is so gripping that one cannot stop reading it midway. I read it over my breakfast, yes it's that quick, short and engrossing.
It's amazing yet eerie.
December 19, 2023
OKAY BUT EXCUSE ME, I READ ANOTHER "THE STRANGER" BY MISTAKE OOPS-
ANW, I'LL STILL READ THE OTHER ONE BUT BRUH.
A short one; I didn't enjoy the ending; it seemed a little random and abrupt, after what took place there was nothing more—THE END. Mm, I will keep in mind the fact that it was short and maybe that's why I didn't really like it that much.
ANW, I'LL STILL READ THE OTHER ONE BUT BRUH.
A short one; I didn't enjoy the ending; it seemed a little random and abrupt, after what took place there was nothing more—THE END. Mm, I will keep in mind the fact that it was short and maybe that's why I didn't really like it that much.
December 14, 2020
Dave slaten "the stranger"evil man came with promises to wooded village and made many changes in the souls and bodies around him.
سمعتها وكانت لطيفة وصغيرة وبسيطة .
الروايات الانجليزى وتجربة الكتب الصوتيه جميلة
اختيارات بسيطة فى الاول واحدة واحدة
سمعتها وكانت لطيفة وصغيرة وبسيطة .
الروايات الانجليزى وتجربة الكتب الصوتيه جميلة
اختيارات بسيطة فى الاول واحدة واحدة
November 3, 2019
great book couldn't stop reading it its from the mystery books that make u unable to put it down really enjoyed every part of it some people will say that the ending is a little bit confusing it is confusing but it's so great
June 17, 2021
I only read this because it was really quick and I needed to catch up on my reading challenge, I didn’t expect to like it but oh my god the ending scared me.
November 20, 2021
The ending was rather interesting. This is a pleasant read filled with enough suspense to keep you reading despite a very consistent MO that makes it almost predictable.
February 8, 2022
such a great short novel *-*
May 10, 2021
Light and interesting.
I thoroughly enjoyed the narrative. And the story gets more exciting towards the end.
I appreciate the small simple sentences which make the book very good for elementary level English learners.
Audiobook narrated by Eden Buttenshaw.
I thoroughly enjoyed the narrative. And the story gets more exciting towards the end.
I appreciate the small simple sentences which make the book very good for elementary level English learners.
Audiobook narrated by Eden Buttenshaw.
November 8, 2021
I’ve started listening to more audiobooks. I wanted something easy and quick to listen to so I found The Stranger by Norman Whitney on YouTube and started playing it whilst knitting. The audiobook was only 55 minutes long so it didn’t take me long to finish it.
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The audiobook itself was okay. The narrator was really upbeat and lovely and really helped to make the voices of the characters come alive.
The story was very intriguing and I enjoyed trying to figure out what was going to happen next. It’s a really great and quick audiobook to listen to with a great atmosphere and vibe for those who love a bit of a mystery!
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The audiobook itself was okay. The narrator was really upbeat and lovely and really helped to make the voices of the characters come alive.
The story was very intriguing and I enjoyed trying to figure out what was going to happen next. It’s a really great and quick audiobook to listen to with a great atmosphere and vibe for those who love a bit of a mystery!
October 31, 2020
3.5 stars
A love triangle comprising a diabolic gentleman by the name Dave Slatin, a clever and young Anna and her country fiance Peter. The story was gripping till the end. It started off eerie, then a little lovely here and there only to turn eerier by the end. All the characters were imperfect in their own ways, and Anna and Slatin's sudden interest for each other and their respective reasons for it makes sense. Slatin could give Anna his time and take her on dates and in Anna, Slatin saw the mother of his prospective sons who would take after his powers. Anyway, the story ends in an expected fashion. Slatin kills himself by setting a fire to his Corner Shop and also made arrangements for Anna's death.
What did I learn from the story?
Think twice before you give space for a stranger. And flee when you sense his toxicity.
A love triangle comprising a diabolic gentleman by the name Dave Slatin, a clever and young Anna and her country fiance Peter. The story was gripping till the end. It started off eerie, then a little lovely here and there only to turn eerier by the end. All the characters were imperfect in their own ways, and Anna and Slatin's sudden interest for each other and their respective reasons for it makes sense. Slatin could give Anna his time and take her on dates and in Anna, Slatin saw the mother of his prospective sons who would take after his powers. Anyway, the story ends in an expected fashion. Slatin kills himself by setting a fire to his Corner Shop and also made arrangements for Anna's death.
What did I learn from the story?
Think twice before you give space for a stranger. And flee when you sense his toxicity.
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
July 15, 2018
This story's hero is one stranger, Dave Slatin, who opened a shop in Woodend village. In a few times, special customers visited the shop and did something with Dave in a secret room,
more people came to visit the special order room. And every time the came out something strange happened. A clerk in the shop, Anna, woking there came to know what the room is. One day the room was open. Anna went in there for a look. She saw strange dolls some old newspapers, magazines... but he found it and told her what they were doing. Therefore, he forced her to marry him.
At last, Dave was missing and Anna was dead. The most terrible point is strange power which Dave had. And I think Dave killed Anna by his strange power because she refused his propose. This story is a little weird
more people came to visit the special order room. And every time the came out something strange happened. A clerk in the shop, Anna, woking there came to know what the room is. One day the room was open. Anna went in there for a look. She saw strange dolls some old newspapers, magazines... but he found it and told her what they were doing. Therefore, he forced her to marry him.
At last, Dave was missing and Anna was dead. The most terrible point is strange power which Dave had. And I think Dave killed Anna by his strange power because she refused his propose. This story is a little weird
June 15, 2016
I LOVE THIS BOOK. Thanks to the teacher who choose this amazing history .
June 8, 2019
I think it's really good story for who learn english for me
You can't leave at the middle of the story but i don't like the end i was expected more than that
You can't leave at the middle of the story but i don't like the end i was expected more than that
Displaying 1 - 30 of 161 reviews