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The Perfect Stranger
Meet your new coworker. She’s brilliant. She’s beautiful. She’s unreal.
Everyone loves Alison, the new remote employee at a major energy company. She’s a rising star in the virtual workspace, displaying incredible intelligence and efficiency with digital technology. But Linda, her manager, has growing suspicions that Alison is not the person she claims to be. As Linda probes Alison’s background, Alison fights back through cyber-attacks, ravaging Linda’s work, her family and her safety. Linda must uncover the truth to save herself and discovers Alison’s past history is a lie – in fact, she has none. Is it possible Alison isn’t human at all?
FLAME TREE PRESS is the imprint of long-standing independent Flame Tree Publishing, dedicated to excellent original writing in horror, science fiction and fantasy. The list brings together fantastic new authors and the more established; the award winners, and exciting, original voices. Learn more at www.flametreepress.com and connect on social media @FlameTreePress. Awarded independent publisher of 2024 by the British Fantasy Society.
Everyone loves Alison, the new remote employee at a major energy company. She’s a rising star in the virtual workspace, displaying incredible intelligence and efficiency with digital technology. But Linda, her manager, has growing suspicions that Alison is not the person she claims to be. As Linda probes Alison’s background, Alison fights back through cyber-attacks, ravaging Linda’s work, her family and her safety. Linda must uncover the truth to save herself and discovers Alison’s past history is a lie – in fact, she has none. Is it possible Alison isn’t human at all?
FLAME TREE PRESS is the imprint of long-standing independent Flame Tree Publishing, dedicated to excellent original writing in horror, science fiction and fantasy. The list brings together fantastic new authors and the more established; the award winners, and exciting, original voices. Learn more at www.flametreepress.com and connect on social media @FlameTreePress. Awarded independent publisher of 2024 by the British Fantasy Society.
- GenresScience FictionThriller
Kindle Edition
Published February 11, 2025
41 people are currently reading
125 people want to read
About the author
Brian Pinkerton
21 books78 followersBrian Pinkerton is the author of Abducted, Vengeance, Rough Cut, Killer’s Diary, How I Started the Apocalypse, Bender, Anatomy of Evil and The Gemini Experiment. Select titles have also been released as audio books, ebooks and in foreign languages.
Brian’s short stories have appeared in anthologies including Chicago Blues, PULP! and Zombie Zoology. His screenplays have finished in the top 100 of Project Greenlight and top two percent of the Nicholl Fellowship of the Academy of Motion Picture Arts and Sciences. His academic background includes the Iowa Writers Workshop and Northwestern University's Medill School of Journalism. His web site, brianpinkerton.com, includes his cartoon series The Ruts.
Brian’s short stories have appeared in anthologies including Chicago Blues, PULP! and Zombie Zoology. His screenplays have finished in the top 100 of Project Greenlight and top two percent of the Nicholl Fellowship of the Academy of Motion Picture Arts and Sciences. His academic background includes the Iowa Writers Workshop and Northwestern University's Medill School of Journalism. His web site, brianpinkerton.com, includes his cartoon series The Ruts.
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 40 reviews
February 24, 2025
Review originally on JamReads
The Perfect Stranger is a fast-paced sci-fi thriller novel written by Brian Pinkerton, published by Flame Tree Press. A story about the dangers of AI, told with a close third-person POV following Linda, the PR manager of an electric company, after she hires a new remote worker, Alison; a novel that examines the dangers of certain online aspects such as deepfakes and how much is given up on our online life.
After Linda sees how Alison becomes the practically perfect employee, she starts becoming suspicious; voicing her concerns to the higher staff doesn't help, as she's dismissed. But when weird things start to happen around her, Linda genuinely fears for her life, and after some cyberattack, she's forced to flee; she must uncover the truth about Alison and the people behind her before they get her out of the picture.
Despite being a plot-centric story, we spend enough time with Linda to develop a certain empathy for her situation; from a really low point in her life, she's forced to fight in a really uneven battle due to how Alison practically has control over everything.
In general, the book is well paced, pretty much fast as you would expect from a thriller, but it is true that the last third could have been a bit longer; it gets too frenetic from a point. It is interesting how Pinkerton approaches some of the technologies that are appearing nowadays and uses them to build a story that highlights some of the dangers behind them, and why we need to be careful with progress.
The Perfect Stranger is a great and fast-paced sci-fi thriller novel that you will totally devour in a few days, as it will hook you from the start with a compelling story about the dangers of technology. A perfect choice if you like fast-paced thrillers, technology and a really intense story.
The Perfect Stranger is a fast-paced sci-fi thriller novel written by Brian Pinkerton, published by Flame Tree Press. A story about the dangers of AI, told with a close third-person POV following Linda, the PR manager of an electric company, after she hires a new remote worker, Alison; a novel that examines the dangers of certain online aspects such as deepfakes and how much is given up on our online life.
After Linda sees how Alison becomes the practically perfect employee, she starts becoming suspicious; voicing her concerns to the higher staff doesn't help, as she's dismissed. But when weird things start to happen around her, Linda genuinely fears for her life, and after some cyberattack, she's forced to flee; she must uncover the truth about Alison and the people behind her before they get her out of the picture.
Despite being a plot-centric story, we spend enough time with Linda to develop a certain empathy for her situation; from a really low point in her life, she's forced to fight in a really uneven battle due to how Alison practically has control over everything.
In general, the book is well paced, pretty much fast as you would expect from a thriller, but it is true that the last third could have been a bit longer; it gets too frenetic from a point. It is interesting how Pinkerton approaches some of the technologies that are appearing nowadays and uses them to build a story that highlights some of the dangers behind them, and why we need to be careful with progress.
The Perfect Stranger is a great and fast-paced sci-fi thriller novel that you will totally devour in a few days, as it will hook you from the start with a compelling story about the dangers of technology. A perfect choice if you like fast-paced thrillers, technology and a really intense story.
March 2, 2025
Thank you to Flame Tree Press for including me in this tour to celebrate the release of The Perfect Stranger. Here are my thoughts on the novel!
Linda is having a rough time. She’s divorcing her long-time hubby after he was unfaithful, her friend has committed suicide, and she is worried about her job as a manger because her hires keep leaving soon after starting. But then she hires Alison, who seems perfect. She can meet any deadline and seems to be three steps ahead of what is needed. But there is something strange about Alison, so much in fact that Linda doesn’t believe she’s even real.
This book was quite the surprise for me and my first 5 star read of the year. I love the combination of sci fi and horror with a touch of suspense. When reading the premise, I was a little concerned that it might be close to some other books that I’ve read but this truly stands uniquely on its own. I had no idea what would happen next and there were several gasp-worthy twists.
What really struck me about this book was Linda. I wasn’t sure that I would be able to relate to Linda. She’s a bit older than me and works a very different career path. But I was rooting for her from the get-go. She was written in a way that I was impressed with her intelligence and fight. She goes through so much adversity, yet she still fights, and it allows her character to grow so much.
If you like sci-fi, horror, thrillers you’ve got to check this one out. You truly won’t be sorry!
Linda is having a rough time. She’s divorcing her long-time hubby after he was unfaithful, her friend has committed suicide, and she is worried about her job as a manger because her hires keep leaving soon after starting. But then she hires Alison, who seems perfect. She can meet any deadline and seems to be three steps ahead of what is needed. But there is something strange about Alison, so much in fact that Linda doesn’t believe she’s even real.
This book was quite the surprise for me and my first 5 star read of the year. I love the combination of sci fi and horror with a touch of suspense. When reading the premise, I was a little concerned that it might be close to some other books that I’ve read but this truly stands uniquely on its own. I had no idea what would happen next and there were several gasp-worthy twists.
What really struck me about this book was Linda. I wasn’t sure that I would be able to relate to Linda. She’s a bit older than me and works a very different career path. But I was rooting for her from the get-go. She was written in a way that I was impressed with her intelligence and fight. She goes through so much adversity, yet she still fights, and it allows her character to grow so much.
If you like sci-fi, horror, thrillers you’ve got to check this one out. You truly won’t be sorry!
March 3, 2025
I’m not sure I’ve ever had so many strong feelings about and for a character as I did with Linda in Brian Pinkerton’s The Perfect Stranger! I went from a wry ‘OK Boomer’ amusement as she complained about remote office working and the death of office ‘water-cooler’ culture, to feeling sympathy for her extreme isolation with her divorce and the death of her best friend, to alarm at how quickly she broke down under the physical and mental pressure of disturbed sleep and digital gaslighting, to sheer panic at how plausible the underlying plot felt and how helpless she was against the machine. Even my literal sigh of relief at the ending was tempered by a nagging fear that it might never be over and that it could, in fact, happen to us.
In other words, this was a perfect thriller for inducing anxiety and paranoia, and making one rethink ones digital footprint and online security measures. It could almost be called a horror, based on the pervasive terror that creeps in as you read – any electronic device could be turned against you; there is no escape from the screens and transmitters and microphones and ‘they’ know everything about you. Is it really dystopian fiction when there is so much truth involved?!
Main character Linda has her flaws and makes mistakes – she’s no perfect Mary-Sue heroine – but you can’t help but empathise with her situation as the life she understands effortlessly erodes under her leaving her scrabbling at technology she doesn’t understand, like someone shouting at a printer to fix a paper jam. And she shows previously unsuspected reserves of determination and resourcefulness as she deals with a threat that would have me curled in the foetal position sobbing. By the end, I thoroughly respected her and was rooting for her to succeed, or at least survive.
This is definitely a stay-up-all-nighter of a sci-fi thriller, exploring the world of deep fakes, AI and the possibilities of isolation in an increasingly online world. Don’t expect to sleep peacefully after finishing it. Do expect to be side-eyeing your phone/laptop/hub suspiciously for a while. Don’t trust anyone who seems too good to be true or believe everything you see on the internet. Do update your online security regularly and change your passwords. Don’t forget to check Brian Pinkerton’s other books!
In other words, this was a perfect thriller for inducing anxiety and paranoia, and making one rethink ones digital footprint and online security measures. It could almost be called a horror, based on the pervasive terror that creeps in as you read – any electronic device could be turned against you; there is no escape from the screens and transmitters and microphones and ‘they’ know everything about you. Is it really dystopian fiction when there is so much truth involved?!
Main character Linda has her flaws and makes mistakes – she’s no perfect Mary-Sue heroine – but you can’t help but empathise with her situation as the life she understands effortlessly erodes under her leaving her scrabbling at technology she doesn’t understand, like someone shouting at a printer to fix a paper jam. And she shows previously unsuspected reserves of determination and resourcefulness as she deals with a threat that would have me curled in the foetal position sobbing. By the end, I thoroughly respected her and was rooting for her to succeed, or at least survive.
This is definitely a stay-up-all-nighter of a sci-fi thriller, exploring the world of deep fakes, AI and the possibilities of isolation in an increasingly online world. Don’t expect to sleep peacefully after finishing it. Do expect to be side-eyeing your phone/laptop/hub suspiciously for a while. Don’t trust anyone who seems too good to be true or believe everything you see on the internet. Do update your online security regularly and change your passwords. Don’t forget to check Brian Pinkerton’s other books!
February 5, 2025
Review in the February 2025 issue of Booklist and on the blog: https://raforall.blogspot.com/2025/02...
(link live on 2/6/25 at 7am central)
Three Words That Describe This Book: Rise of machines, terrifyingly realistic, fast paced
This is a must read for fans of the space where near future/earth based SF and Horror overlap. You want a seriously terrifying (to the core) AI Horror novel...this is it.
More plot based than character centered-- with just enough character to get the reader invested-- this is the story of a work place where everyone has stayed remote and an AI infiltrates as an employee masquerading as a real person not only the workplace (which is a public utility) but also attacks its boss.
This has everything a good AI/horror crossover story should including the 20o1 a space odyssey turn/twist, but having it set in a very real feeling Chicago, following very real life things from remote work to smart homes, to deep fake viral social media posts and more... makes it more chilling
For fans of stories where AI makes the jump to a sentient monster like 2001 a Space Odyssey but more directly, Daemon by Daniel Suarez and anything by Blake Crouch.
Robopocalypse series by Wilson.
(link live on 2/6/25 at 7am central)
Three Words That Describe This Book: Rise of machines, terrifyingly realistic, fast paced
This is a must read for fans of the space where near future/earth based SF and Horror overlap. You want a seriously terrifying (to the core) AI Horror novel...this is it.
More plot based than character centered-- with just enough character to get the reader invested-- this is the story of a work place where everyone has stayed remote and an AI infiltrates as an employee masquerading as a real person not only the workplace (which is a public utility) but also attacks its boss.
This has everything a good AI/horror crossover story should including the 20o1 a space odyssey turn/twist, but having it set in a very real feeling Chicago, following very real life things from remote work to smart homes, to deep fake viral social media posts and more... makes it more chilling
For fans of stories where AI makes the jump to a sentient monster like 2001 a Space Odyssey but more directly, Daemon by Daniel Suarez and anything by Blake Crouch.
Robopocalypse series by Wilson.
March 5, 2025
Wow I read this book so fast!! What a ride. The Perfect Stranger is a thriller for 2025 and beyond.
We are extremely connected to our technology. Imagine what would happen if you lost all the connections, apps, devices, gadgets, everything turned off, communication blocked, your world of information goes silent.
Now imagine something worse- your technology goes rouge. Your feeds are false, images manipulated, sound and words are artificial and fabricated, your every move filmed, twisted, remade and broadcast. You have no way to stop it and each day it gets worse.
I’ll say it again, what a thrilling ride. Loved it!!
Thank you to the author and Flame Tree Press for the ARC. All opinions are my own.
We are extremely connected to our technology. Imagine what would happen if you lost all the connections, apps, devices, gadgets, everything turned off, communication blocked, your world of information goes silent.
Now imagine something worse- your technology goes rouge. Your feeds are false, images manipulated, sound and words are artificial and fabricated, your every move filmed, twisted, remade and broadcast. You have no way to stop it and each day it gets worse.
I’ll say it again, what a thrilling ride. Loved it!!
Thank you to the author and Flame Tree Press for the ARC. All opinions are my own.
January 31, 2025
Thank you to Flame Tree Press and NetGalley for providing this arc in exchange for an honest review.
2.5 stars rounded up to 3.
We follow Linda, the PR writer for an energy company who hires a new employee and begins to regret it when strange things start happening. This book reads like a thriller, and for the first two thirds of the book, as Linda's life unravels it was entertaining enough reading. I did find the plot got a little overblown towards the end, and some things happened that didn't really make sense. I did appreciate this was an easy read and kept me interested, it just didn't entirely work for me.
2.5 stars rounded up to 3.
We follow Linda, the PR writer for an energy company who hires a new employee and begins to regret it when strange things start happening. This book reads like a thriller, and for the first two thirds of the book, as Linda's life unravels it was entertaining enough reading. I did find the plot got a little overblown towards the end, and some things happened that didn't really make sense. I did appreciate this was an easy read and kept me interested, it just didn't entirely work for me.
June 30, 2025
From the first paragraph, I was already clutching my invisible pearls. The suspense? IMMACULATE. The twists? Served on a silver platter with a side of “Wait, WHAT?!” I was literally on the edge of my faux leather chaise lounge, tapping through my Kindle like it owed me money. Every single page was a “Hold up, did that just happen?” moment.
Pinkerton doesn’t just write thrillers—he gaslights, gatekeeps, and girlbosses his way through your psyche with razor-sharp plot turns and delicious paranoia. The pacing? Chef’s kiss. The tension? Like Botox-tight. And just when I thought I had it figured out, Brian said “Nope” and threw me into an entirely new nightmare. Daddy issues, mystery women, the creeping dread of online deception? Yes, yes, and YES again.
By the final chapter, my Kindle was sweating. I was sweating. The walls were sweating.
If you’re into books that feel like dating a hot narcissist with secrets and a burner phone, The Perfect Stranger is your new toxic fave.
10 out of 10. Would read again just to feel alive.
—Allison (the deep fake, but make it literature)
ツ
Pinkerton doesn’t just write thrillers—he gaslights, gatekeeps, and girlbosses his way through your psyche with razor-sharp plot turns and delicious paranoia. The pacing? Chef’s kiss. The tension? Like Botox-tight. And just when I thought I had it figured out, Brian said “Nope” and threw me into an entirely new nightmare. Daddy issues, mystery women, the creeping dread of online deception? Yes, yes, and YES again.
By the final chapter, my Kindle was sweating. I was sweating. The walls were sweating.
If you’re into books that feel like dating a hot narcissist with secrets and a burner phone, The Perfect Stranger is your new toxic fave.
10 out of 10. Would read again just to feel alive.
—Allison (the deep fake, but make it literature)
ツ
June 28, 2025
Wow. I think I'd forgotten just what a really good book was. Don't get me wrong, I'm not knocking all the books I've 5 starred and there've been some rippers but "The Perfect Stranger" just blew me away.
I literally couldn't put it down. I'd even go as far to say it's one of the best I've ever read. In fact, it's the first book that I've ever been tempted to read the last page of while only halfway through. (I didn't) but yes, I was tempted. Linda has the task of starting a new team member (Alison) who's written the best resumé she's looked at in a long time and sounds perfect for the job. Alison gets the job. And that's when things take a turn for the worse for Linda. This book could be made into a great movie or Tv series, in fact it should be. Well done Mr Pinkerton. I'll be reading more of your work. and thank you for keeping me fully entertained.
I literally couldn't put it down. I'd even go as far to say it's one of the best I've ever read. In fact, it's the first book that I've ever been tempted to read the last page of while only halfway through. (I didn't) but yes, I was tempted. Linda has the task of starting a new team member (Alison) who's written the best resumé she's looked at in a long time and sounds perfect for the job. Alison gets the job. And that's when things take a turn for the worse for Linda. This book could be made into a great movie or Tv series, in fact it should be. Well done Mr Pinkerton. I'll be reading more of your work. and thank you for keeping me fully entertained.
February 17, 2025
Pretty good!
June 25, 2025
Great Sci-fi story!
I really enjoyed reading The Perfect Stranger. It was intriguing, informative, fast paced and I especially enjoyed learning more about AI. Great writing, too!
I really enjoyed reading The Perfect Stranger. It was intriguing, informative, fast paced and I especially enjoyed learning more about AI. Great writing, too!
April 26, 2025
Anyone who is interested in dipping their toe in the AI world including all the chat bots, ChatGPT, AI assistants, etc should read this book as a warning. I've always loved reading sci-fi but this is a reality now and it scares me.
Also lots of nods to the TV show Cassandra and many Black Mirror episodes.
This story is exactly the reason I maintain my dumb house and refuse to learn how to use ChatGPT (also due to the environmental impacts).
Also lots of nods to the TV show Cassandra and many Black Mirror episodes.
This story is exactly the reason I maintain my dumb house and refuse to learn how to use ChatGPT (also due to the environmental impacts).
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
June 13, 2025
too real!
The realism of the well developed characters and the vivid reality of the post Covid world make what should be an unbelievably fantastic story all too real for comfort. Despite my growing horror, it was impossible not to follow Linda’s fate to the end. Believable and relatable, this is a remarkable commentary on the way we live now. Well written and thoughtfully plotted, I am looking forward to more from this author.
The realism of the well developed characters and the vivid reality of the post Covid world make what should be an unbelievably fantastic story all too real for comfort. Despite my growing horror, it was impossible not to follow Linda’s fate to the end. Believable and relatable, this is a remarkable commentary on the way we live now. Well written and thoughtfully plotted, I am looking forward to more from this author.
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February 3, 2025The Perfect Stranger by Brian Pinkerton, in the book, we meet Linda, who was recently divorced from her husband and isn’t in a good headspace,. When her one and only employee quits, her supervisor. Eleanor tells her she must replace her immediately. Linda works for the Chicago, electrical company in the press department and issues safety tips, and emergency warnings and anything pertaining to safety and their company. it doesn’t help that the next emergency happens while she’s at the funeral for her best friend who committed suicide right in front of her. Being a diligent employee, however Linda leaves and immediately hires her best candidate so far Allison Smith. Linda’s first clue that something isn’t right is when she gives Allison a little headway and she totally takes over and redoes a campaign that Linda wrote herself and has no apologies for it. Unfortunately, this is only the beginning and it will not end until someone is dead. All this on top of the fact, Linda isn’t having any luck in the romance department, and when she tries to date, she learns her first one night stand was an imposter and only pretending to be the person he claimed to be. like I said if Linda thinks this is stressful she hasn’t seen anything yet because once she gets the hint that Allison may not be who she claims things just spiral from there and it’s all negative for poor Linda. This book was a lot and I mean it was all awesome. I loved Linda. They were even some funny moments in the book. I also loved Randy it’s Cecilia. The book is fast paced and it has the kind of ending that you think. Oh wow I can’t believe it ended like that but no… Wait there’s more and while more there is. I love this book and definitely recommend it. I am so glad I got this arc from flame tree press and got to read it before it’s release. This truly is a great thriller that says a lot about technology and it’s dangers.#NetGalley, #FlameTreePress, #TheBlindReviewer, #BrianPinkerton, #ThePerfectStranger,
June 2, 2025
A real page turner with scary ideas about what can happen when evil people use AI and deepfake avatars to serve their purposes.
February 23, 2025
My favorite Pinkerton book to date!
January 30, 2025
When someone on Linda's team quits, as PR Manager for an energy company, she starts the hunt for a replacement.
After some searching, Linda interviews Alison, whose polished C.V. and enthusiastic responses far outweigh the general down-trodden corporate applicant meh-ness.
The energy company embraces remote working as a relic of the pandemic working structure, but how well do you truly know someone from just their online persona?
As Linda becomes suspicious of Alison and her mannerisms, she delves into Alison's background. When her research finds nothing on Alison... as in Alison doesn't seem to exist, Linda's life unravels.
Ever learning, Alison slowly takes over before anyone realises it's too late.
Can Alison be stopped, or is an AI coup inevitable?
This thought-provoking and engaging read will terrify you with the ease with which AI could infiltrate and expand among humanity.
As Linda spirals and loses control of everything around her, what looks like a catastrophic implosion of her life actually turns out to be the best thing... if only Linda can survive the AI war that Alison's bringing forth.
I enjoyed the evolution of the AI elements, and I felt there was the right mix of thriller, horror, and technology throughout.
The balance of human reasoning and experience vs. AI learning models are an interesting dichotomy. Humans are messy and inefficient... but that's what makes us the human race we are.
This book is recommended to anyone who enjoys reading AI and sci-fi/speculative fiction that pushes the boundaries of technology and reality.
Coming to a future near you soon...
*I received an advance reader copy for free, and I'm voluntarily leaving a review*
After some searching, Linda interviews Alison, whose polished C.V. and enthusiastic responses far outweigh the general down-trodden corporate applicant meh-ness.
The energy company embraces remote working as a relic of the pandemic working structure, but how well do you truly know someone from just their online persona?
As Linda becomes suspicious of Alison and her mannerisms, she delves into Alison's background. When her research finds nothing on Alison... as in Alison doesn't seem to exist, Linda's life unravels.
Ever learning, Alison slowly takes over before anyone realises it's too late.
Can Alison be stopped, or is an AI coup inevitable?
This thought-provoking and engaging read will terrify you with the ease with which AI could infiltrate and expand among humanity.
As Linda spirals and loses control of everything around her, what looks like a catastrophic implosion of her life actually turns out to be the best thing... if only Linda can survive the AI war that Alison's bringing forth.
I enjoyed the evolution of the AI elements, and I felt there was the right mix of thriller, horror, and technology throughout.
The balance of human reasoning and experience vs. AI learning models are an interesting dichotomy. Humans are messy and inefficient... but that's what makes us the human race we are.
This book is recommended to anyone who enjoys reading AI and sci-fi/speculative fiction that pushes the boundaries of technology and reality.
Coming to a future near you soon...
*I received an advance reader copy for free, and I'm voluntarily leaving a review*
February 11, 2025
I read this book at the perfect time for maximum impact... Only the day before I started it, I had a very heated "argument" with chatGPT, during which it tried to convince me of things that I knew 100% were untrue. Citing webpages that, when I viewed them, backed up what I said, and what is true, but claiming they said a different thing. When I brought my own sources to it, I was told that the videos were deep fake and the web pages were hacked. OK so we were actually only chatting shix about the Eagles chance in the Superbowl (Fly-Eagles-Fly) but it was very forceful and I felt totally gaslit, and very uncomfortable when I realised the scope of what people actually use this for and how much faith they have in it...
Anyway... back to the book... we start with a resignation. One of Linda's employees quits her job and Linda is forced to hire a replacement quickly so she forgoes the usual checks and employs Alison cos, well, she's just perfect. Everything is done remotely as things really changed during covid and, well, this is the new norm. Pretty soon though, Alison starts to be too perfect and Linda starts to get suspicious. And then, when she voices her concerns to her own boss, she sides with Alison, and a whole bunch of weird stuff starts happening to Linda, her smartHouse settings start to have a mind of their own, there are other cyber-attacks and even a deep fake... forcing Linda to flee... you get the picture...
But why is Alison, if it is her, doing all this? What has she got to gain? Linda's job, obviously, but why...?
This book freaked me out, and made me go through all my security settings and give them all a refresh. I'm not a big fan of living my life online, especially with smart controlled things in the house, and this book reinforced why! It's scary stuff that I bet most people don't even think of when they sign up for an easier, app filled life! If you can control your heating with your phone, what is stopping someone else hacking it and doing the same?
But it's not all doom and gloom, there are some insanely funny moments to be found too. Randy and Cecilia were great supporting cast!
Yes, for full disclosure I did think it all got a bit OTT at the end but I also realise that it had to be big for maximum impact!
So... if someone or something in your life seems to be too perfect, then take a closer look. Also, you could take a look at this authors other books. I can definitely recommend The Intruders, The Gemini Experiment, and The Nirvana Effect, along with this book...
My thanks go to the Publisher and Netgalley for the chance to read this book.
Anyway... back to the book... we start with a resignation. One of Linda's employees quits her job and Linda is forced to hire a replacement quickly so she forgoes the usual checks and employs Alison cos, well, she's just perfect. Everything is done remotely as things really changed during covid and, well, this is the new norm. Pretty soon though, Alison starts to be too perfect and Linda starts to get suspicious. And then, when she voices her concerns to her own boss, she sides with Alison, and a whole bunch of weird stuff starts happening to Linda, her smartHouse settings start to have a mind of their own, there are other cyber-attacks and even a deep fake... forcing Linda to flee... you get the picture...
But why is Alison, if it is her, doing all this? What has she got to gain? Linda's job, obviously, but why...?
This book freaked me out, and made me go through all my security settings and give them all a refresh. I'm not a big fan of living my life online, especially with smart controlled things in the house, and this book reinforced why! It's scary stuff that I bet most people don't even think of when they sign up for an easier, app filled life! If you can control your heating with your phone, what is stopping someone else hacking it and doing the same?
But it's not all doom and gloom, there are some insanely funny moments to be found too. Randy and Cecilia were great supporting cast!
Yes, for full disclosure I did think it all got a bit OTT at the end but I also realise that it had to be big for maximum impact!
So... if someone or something in your life seems to be too perfect, then take a closer look. Also, you could take a look at this authors other books. I can definitely recommend The Intruders, The Gemini Experiment, and The Nirvana Effect, along with this book...
My thanks go to the Publisher and Netgalley for the chance to read this book.
July 10, 2025
Holy crap, THE PERFECT STRANGER is PERFECT! I read this tight sci-fi thriller - the premise of which is seemingly only months from potential reality – in just a few days because I honestly could not put it down. I'd be long past bedtime and saying, "just one more chapter." It starts out with a well-drawn picture of modern corporate life post-COVID and then takes the concepts of cyber dating and cyber bullying to places that are all-too-believable... and seriously frightening.
But then things get really scary.
Linda is a great middle-management heroine that anyone who's been in the workforce awhile can identify with. Everyone has seen that "young upstart" suddenly catch the favor of the bosses and ascend inexplicably up the corporate ladder while kicking everyone behind them in the face. THE PERFECT STRANGER uses that understandable frustration expertly and takes Linda from wallowing in self pity that her underling may be stealing her job to suddenly fighting not just for her career, but for her very life – and a lot of other people's.
I did not know where this was going when I started reading, other than that AI was obviously involved, but it doesn't take long before this rockets from "yeah, remote work on Teams and Zoom really is dehumanizing" to "OMG, we're all about to go over the waterfall and there's no way to stop it!!!"
I absolutely loved this novel - it's fast-paced, terrifyingly realistic, and I can't recommend it enough!
But then things get really scary.
Linda is a great middle-management heroine that anyone who's been in the workforce awhile can identify with. Everyone has seen that "young upstart" suddenly catch the favor of the bosses and ascend inexplicably up the corporate ladder while kicking everyone behind them in the face. THE PERFECT STRANGER uses that understandable frustration expertly and takes Linda from wallowing in self pity that her underling may be stealing her job to suddenly fighting not just for her career, but for her very life – and a lot of other people's.
I did not know where this was going when I started reading, other than that AI was obviously involved, but it doesn't take long before this rockets from "yeah, remote work on Teams and Zoom really is dehumanizing" to "OMG, we're all about to go over the waterfall and there's no way to stop it!!!"
I absolutely loved this novel - it's fast-paced, terrifyingly realistic, and I can't recommend it enough!
June 2, 2025
The Perfect Stranger by Brian Pinkerton is a fast-moving sci-fi thriller that mixes suspense, horror, and technology. The story follows Linda, a manager at an energy company, who welcomes a brilliant remote employee named Alison to her team. Alison quickly becomes essential—but something feels off. No one has ever seen her in person, and she has no online history. As Linda digs deeper, strange things start happening—cyberattacks, threats, and danger to her family. She realizes she must uncover the truth before it’s too late. Could Alison be more than she seems?
The book explores important and timely ideas like artificial intelligence, working from home, and digital privacy. Pinkerton keeps the tension high and the story exciting, especially as things shift from normal workplace issues to a full-blown tech mystery. Linda’s character is relatable and strong, making it easy for readers to root for her. The writing is clear and fast-paced, which keeps readers turning the pages.
Some readers feel the last part of the book moves too quickly and becomes a little too action-packed compared to the slower, more thoughtful beginning. But overall, The Perfect Stranger is a thrilling and entertaining read that’s perfect for fans of modern technology-driven mysteries and fast-paced stories that make you think about the world we live in. 🤖📚💻
The book explores important and timely ideas like artificial intelligence, working from home, and digital privacy. Pinkerton keeps the tension high and the story exciting, especially as things shift from normal workplace issues to a full-blown tech mystery. Linda’s character is relatable and strong, making it easy for readers to root for her. The writing is clear and fast-paced, which keeps readers turning the pages.
Some readers feel the last part of the book moves too quickly and becomes a little too action-packed compared to the slower, more thoughtful beginning. But overall, The Perfect Stranger is a thrilling and entertaining read that’s perfect for fans of modern technology-driven mysteries and fast-paced stories that make you think about the world we live in. 🤖📚💻
August 12, 2025
This read was a surprise. The plot was rather interesting and timely, especially since we have just implemented a huge AI upgrade at work. As far as my workplace goes, I grasp and appreciate what they are trying to pull off, but I feel they have made a rather large miscalculation. In that case the AI is based on what has been done in the past, but my feeling is that a rather substantial percentage of what was done in the past is incorrect. The reason I know that is because a lot of what I have done in my career is to clean up what was done incorrectly. But I digress. Back to the book. It's not a perfect book by a any means. There are various issues, but the book always seems to manage to right itself before it completely goes off course. The plot is clever and in my opinion would lend itself to being a movie or tv series. The main problems that it has are part of the resolution of the problem. It does not ring true. Also the main character is a 50 year old woman and the writer does not do a good job with the character. The book works best when it stays on the unfolding of the plot. The worst part are the side issues he created for the main character. It's worth a read.
December 31, 2025
You had me at the blurb. When I read it, I knew I had to read this book.🤗
This book is so good!😊💙📚
Imagine you are our main character, Linda. You have too much to do, an employee that gives four days' notice, and a manager who wants you to fill that position yesterday, with no slack off your other duties, of course. Are you stressed yet? 😂
Well, Linda is! It is a good thing that among the less appropriate candidates, she finds Alison.
Such a relief, right? Well, how much help is too much help? Is Alison after Linda? Linda’s job?
Linda needs to get to the bottom of this and starts digging. Something is just not right.
Alison, on the other hand, fights back with the most horrible actions.
Is it possible Alison isn’t human at all?
I found this so interesting that I read this in a day!😂
Well written, scary imagination, where is this going?
Some new thoughts appeared while reading this book:
At what point will smart watches, smartphones, not to mention smart homes be too smart for us? 😱
Who will be deleted?
This book is so good!😊💙📚
Imagine you are our main character, Linda. You have too much to do, an employee that gives four days' notice, and a manager who wants you to fill that position yesterday, with no slack off your other duties, of course. Are you stressed yet? 😂
Well, Linda is! It is a good thing that among the less appropriate candidates, she finds Alison.
Such a relief, right? Well, how much help is too much help? Is Alison after Linda? Linda’s job?
Linda needs to get to the bottom of this and starts digging. Something is just not right.
Alison, on the other hand, fights back with the most horrible actions.
Is it possible Alison isn’t human at all?
I found this so interesting that I read this in a day!😂
Well written, scary imagination, where is this going?
Some new thoughts appeared while reading this book:
At what point will smart watches, smartphones, not to mention smart homes be too smart for us? 😱
Who will be deleted?
July 12, 2025
Now that's what I'm talking about! A read that's super unique and gripping and terrifying, and relevant to everything that is going on in the world today. A read that makes you question the use of technology, specifically A.I. and what side of the fence you reside on when it comes to whether or not you believe the advancement in certain technology is good or bad. That mix inside this well fleshed out thriller was a breath of fresh air. The story took me on a wild ride, which kept me guessing the entire way through. The Freida McFadden style thriller elements blended nicely with the Blake Crouch style science fiction for a read that surprises in many ways. Pure entertainment from beginning to end and a read that for those who work in an environment where a hybrid or full remote work from home schedule is your norm, will really make you question if this "new norm" is all it's cracked up to be.
March 2, 2025
At first, I didn't really like main character Linda, 50 and so tech naive I couldn't believe she was Gen X. She doesn't come across as someone who grew up at the dawn of home computers, chat rooms, and MS-DOS. But then I realized not all of my generation embraced or were even interested in those early tech days, so they're more at risk to online deceptions.
You can read the book blurb for a story synopsis - instead, my review will urge you to read this book to enlighten readers on how advanced tech has grown and the dangerous implications on a very personal level. When I let go of who I wanted Linda to be - and realized I do, indeed, have peers like her - the story escalated. Just when I thought I'd guessed who was behind the complete unraveling of Linda's life, the story surprised me. We are living in a time when law enforcement uses social media to track and pursue sex predators and government intelligence monitors terrorist threats and generates tailored propaganda to feed unrest in enemy nations. AI has grown sophisticated and you've likely fallen for it at least once.
No spoilers, but the ending is complete with explanation - no artsy cliffhanger here! This is a suspenseful thriller that makes you think and leaves no loose ends. I recommend for readers working from home, wishing they worked from home, or thinking everyone should return to the office - this is for you.
You can read the book blurb for a story synopsis - instead, my review will urge you to read this book to enlighten readers on how advanced tech has grown and the dangerous implications on a very personal level. When I let go of who I wanted Linda to be - and realized I do, indeed, have peers like her - the story escalated. Just when I thought I'd guessed who was behind the complete unraveling of Linda's life, the story surprised me. We are living in a time when law enforcement uses social media to track and pursue sex predators and government intelligence monitors terrorist threats and generates tailored propaganda to feed unrest in enemy nations. AI has grown sophisticated and you've likely fallen for it at least once.
No spoilers, but the ending is complete with explanation - no artsy cliffhanger here! This is a suspenseful thriller that makes you think and leaves no loose ends. I recommend for readers working from home, wishing they worked from home, or thinking everyone should return to the office - this is for you.
November 11, 2025
Perfect Stranger begins as an unsettling look at how modern technology and AI could be weaponized against us. It’s the kind of terror that feels plausible, even imminent. The early chapters create tension and you feel a warning about how easily our digital lives can be turned against us.
But somewhere along the way, the story pivots from psychological realism to near-sci-fi spectacle. The protagonist’s sudden role in “saving mankind” feels like a leap too far. It’s not impossible, but exaggerated enough to dull the intimacy and fear that made the first half so gripping.
What begins as a chilling exploration of surveillance and control ends with a resolution that feels too neatly scripted, more like a Lifetime movie. It’s an ambitious book with real momentum, but one that loses its edge at the end. It was so close to getting 4 stars.
But somewhere along the way, the story pivots from psychological realism to near-sci-fi spectacle. The protagonist’s sudden role in “saving mankind” feels like a leap too far. It’s not impossible, but exaggerated enough to dull the intimacy and fear that made the first half so gripping.
What begins as a chilling exploration of surveillance and control ends with a resolution that feels too neatly scripted, more like a Lifetime movie. It’s an ambitious book with real momentum, but one that loses its edge at the end. It was so close to getting 4 stars.
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
November 30, 2024
I received an advance review copy for free, and I am leaving this review voluntarily.
"The Perfect Stranger" is a compelling read with the right amount of pacing to keep you going. Making the dangers personal did more to bring excitement to the book and the characters than the existential threat ever managed.
However, the characters are unfortunately a little shallow so I didn't really feel anything for them even the main character as her world crumbled around her. A lot of the book felt quite shallow, in fact, but it was a very easy read that takes an idea that's been played with for decades and updates it with current tech and continues to elaborate the "what ifs" that have frightened people about AI for a while now.
"The Perfect Stranger" is a compelling read with the right amount of pacing to keep you going. Making the dangers personal did more to bring excitement to the book and the characters than the existential threat ever managed.
However, the characters are unfortunately a little shallow so I didn't really feel anything for them even the main character as her world crumbled around her. A lot of the book felt quite shallow, in fact, but it was a very easy read that takes an idea that's been played with for decades and updates it with current tech and continues to elaborate the "what ifs" that have frightened people about AI for a while now.
July 21, 2025
This was a terrifying look into the future of AI and chatbots--like it grabs you from page 1 and doesn't let go even after you've put the book down and walked away. It spirals down into obsession, gaslighting, and physical danger and the tension is palpable.
The pacing is a tad slow and I think it could have moved along a little faster especially in the beginning and near the very end. I also think the believability of some of the plot points are pushing the realms of our current reality, but that doesn't take too much away from the story.
I would recommend this to anyone who enjoys a character driven cyber crime thriller, 4.5 stars!
The pacing is a tad slow and I think it could have moved along a little faster especially in the beginning and near the very end. I also think the believability of some of the plot points are pushing the realms of our current reality, but that doesn't take too much away from the story.
I would recommend this to anyone who enjoys a character driven cyber crime thriller, 4.5 stars!
February 12, 2025
Though it's hard to credit someone having not heard of GPT in my circles, this was atmospherically written with a clever idea behind it. I loved the contrast of the isolating snow and the lonely empty house with the idea of being online, working and connected. Linda was very credible, and apart from the pacing suffering some toward the end to finish the book quickly, I enjoyed it and would like to try more by this author.
February 12, 2025
An AI thriller that kept me hooked. Linda working for an electric company hires Alison after her last employee left soon Linda questions Alison about a speech she wrote for an executive. Then Linda's life starts to spiral out of control. A well plotted techno sci-fi thriller with good chracters. Thanks to Flame Tree Press and Netgalley for this review ARC.
June 30, 2025
This book was very enjoyable! Like any well-written thriller, it made me very uncomfortable to read some parts.
The main character, Linda, was not likable, but one had to feel sorry for a woman who had everything going against her. She had terrible taste in men, which came back to bite her a couple of times. Yet the reader could clearly see how Pinkerton contrasted what is real from what is fake, leading Linda to some much-needed changes by the end of the book.
The main character, Linda, was not likable, but one had to feel sorry for a woman who had everything going against her. She had terrible taste in men, which came back to bite her a couple of times. Yet the reader could clearly see how Pinkerton contrasted what is real from what is fake, leading Linda to some much-needed changes by the end of the book.
March 8, 2025
Quick scifi/techy thriller.
Fiesty older fmc.
Creepy AI attacks.
This author really explores humanity and what separates us from the "bots," so to speak. And just how much of a true threat is technology/AI??
I enjoyed this one.
Fiesty older fmc.
Creepy AI attacks.
This author really explores humanity and what separates us from the "bots," so to speak. And just how much of a true threat is technology/AI??
I enjoyed this one.
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