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The Stranger in Room Six
You may not know the stranger in room six. But they know everything about you.
It's been fifteen years since Belinda was wrongly convicted of her husband's murder. Now, she's ready for her life to begin again, and she's set on that happening at Sunnyside Home for the Young at Heart.
The owner, Mabel, has spent her life here. First as an evacuee during the Blitz and now as the care home's oldest resident, Mabel has held the secrets of this house for as long as she can remember. Secrets that could kill if in the wrong hands.
But history won't stay hidden forever and someone is onto them both. Watching and listening from room number six, they'll stop at nothing to find out the truth.
With a past this dark, is anyone as innocent as they seem?
It's been fifteen years since Belinda was wrongly convicted of her husband's murder. Now, she's ready for her life to begin again, and she's set on that happening at Sunnyside Home for the Young at Heart.
The owner, Mabel, has spent her life here. First as an evacuee during the Blitz and now as the care home's oldest resident, Mabel has held the secrets of this house for as long as she can remember. Secrets that could kill if in the wrong hands.
But history won't stay hidden forever and someone is onto them both. Watching and listening from room number six, they'll stop at nothing to find out the truth.
With a past this dark, is anyone as innocent as they seem?
432 pages, Paperback
First published June 19, 2025
169 people are currently reading
14721 people want to read
About the author
Jane Corry
16 books1,702 followersJane Corry is a Sunday Times and Washington Post best-seller. After working as a journalist for many years, she took a job as a writer in residence of a high-security male prison out of financial necessity. But she became hooked.
Novels include MY HUSBAND'S WIFE, BLOOD SISTERS, THE DEAD EX, I MADE A MISTAKE, I LOOKED AWAY, THE LIES WE TELL, WE ALL HAVE OUR SECRETS,COMING TO FIND YOU and I DIED ON A TUESDAY. Her next novel come out in June 2025. Title to be announced soon!
She is published by Penguin in the UK and Doubleday in Canada and the US.
You can find Jane on Twitter, Instagram, Tik Tok, Threads and Facebook . Also on www.janecorryauthor.com
Novels include MY HUSBAND'S WIFE, BLOOD SISTERS, THE DEAD EX, I MADE A MISTAKE, I LOOKED AWAY, THE LIES WE TELL, WE ALL HAVE OUR SECRETS,COMING TO FIND YOU and I DIED ON A TUESDAY. Her next novel come out in June 2025. Title to be announced soon!
She is published by Penguin in the UK and Doubleday in Canada and the US.
You can find Jane on Twitter, Instagram, Tik Tok, Threads and Facebook . Also on www.janecorryauthor.com
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 292 reviews
September 21, 2025
Confession: I absolutely love diving into page-turners that unravel tragic, mysterious, heart-wrenching lives—and this book gave me everything I crave and more. From the very first chapter, it hooked me with Mabel’s WWII-era story: a childhood built on grief and survival, longing for love yet finding herself tangled in webs of lies, cruelty, and betrayal. Each day in her youth carved deeper scars—loss upon loss, brutality wrapped in secrecy—and yet she endured, resilient in ways that left me breathless. Parallel to her haunting past is Belinda’s devastating present: a woman who, after twenty years of marriage, still mourns an old flame, only to discover she’s been betrayed. Her confrontation with her husband spirals out of control, ending in his death and a prison sentence that lands her among hardened criminals capable of destroying her life—and even threatening the safety of her two daughters, now left in the care of their uncle.
Their lives collide years later at Sunnyside for the Young at Heart, a once-grand Blitz-era mansion transformed into a refuge, then into a nursing home. Mabel, now ninety-nine, resides here, a living witness to its layered history. Belinda, recently released from prison, forges papers to take a job as a carer within its walls. She carries her own secrets, but also her sharpened skill as a listener—a survival tactic honed in prison—that draws her into Mabel’s orbit. Their bond blooms into a rare, genuine friendship. Through whispered conversations, Mabel reveals the shadows of her past: the mother and sister she lost, the cold, unfeeling aunt Clarice who raised her, and Clarice’s lover Jonty, all within the very same house where she now spends her final days. Old wounds and long-buried political connections come seeping back into the present, dangerous and unresolved.
Belinda, too, unburdens herself: the torment of prison life, the estrangement of her elder daughter, the fragile connection with her younger one, and the influence of a mysterious cellmate who reshaped her identity for the sake of survival. Their confessions intertwine, two women marked by mistakes but also by unimaginable resilience.
Yet neither of them realizes they are being watched. In Room Six, another resident lurks—a predator in plain sight, with ties to both Mabel and Belinda. This shadowy figure is ruthless, cunning, and determined to extract something from Mabel, no matter the cost. The quiet sanctuary of Sunnyside is about to become the stage for a reckoning neither woman is prepared for.
What will happen when these two scarred yet resilient women collide with a stranger bent on destruction? Have they already redeemed themselves through survival and confession, or are they fated to pay once more for the sins of their pasts?
Overall: This was a gripping, atmospheric read that kept me turning pages late into the night. While I found parts of Mabel’s backstory a touch melodramatic and rushed, her perspective resonated with me the most. It felt raw, compelling, and reminded me of my obsession with gritty prison dramas like Vis a Vis (Locked Up) by the La Casa de Papel team—tense, claustrophobic, yet deeply human. Belinda’s obsession with confronting her husband’s mistress, Karen, was another highlight that gave the story an edge of realism and catharsis.
This isn’t just a thriller; it’s a powerful exploration of women bound by secrets, mistakes, and second chances. I closed the book both satisfied and unsettled—a perfect sign of an addictive read.
⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️ — Four stars for redemption, resilience, and the electrifying bond between two unforgettable women.
Many thanks to NetGalley and Penguin Random House Canada/Doubleday Canada for the digital reviewer copy of this enthralling domestic thriller in exchange for my honest thoughts.
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Their lives collide years later at Sunnyside for the Young at Heart, a once-grand Blitz-era mansion transformed into a refuge, then into a nursing home. Mabel, now ninety-nine, resides here, a living witness to its layered history. Belinda, recently released from prison, forges papers to take a job as a carer within its walls. She carries her own secrets, but also her sharpened skill as a listener—a survival tactic honed in prison—that draws her into Mabel’s orbit. Their bond blooms into a rare, genuine friendship. Through whispered conversations, Mabel reveals the shadows of her past: the mother and sister she lost, the cold, unfeeling aunt Clarice who raised her, and Clarice’s lover Jonty, all within the very same house where she now spends her final days. Old wounds and long-buried political connections come seeping back into the present, dangerous and unresolved.
Belinda, too, unburdens herself: the torment of prison life, the estrangement of her elder daughter, the fragile connection with her younger one, and the influence of a mysterious cellmate who reshaped her identity for the sake of survival. Their confessions intertwine, two women marked by mistakes but also by unimaginable resilience.
Yet neither of them realizes they are being watched. In Room Six, another resident lurks—a predator in plain sight, with ties to both Mabel and Belinda. This shadowy figure is ruthless, cunning, and determined to extract something from Mabel, no matter the cost. The quiet sanctuary of Sunnyside is about to become the stage for a reckoning neither woman is prepared for.
What will happen when these two scarred yet resilient women collide with a stranger bent on destruction? Have they already redeemed themselves through survival and confession, or are they fated to pay once more for the sins of their pasts?
Overall: This was a gripping, atmospheric read that kept me turning pages late into the night. While I found parts of Mabel’s backstory a touch melodramatic and rushed, her perspective resonated with me the most. It felt raw, compelling, and reminded me of my obsession with gritty prison dramas like Vis a Vis (Locked Up) by the La Casa de Papel team—tense, claustrophobic, yet deeply human. Belinda’s obsession with confronting her husband’s mistress, Karen, was another highlight that gave the story an edge of realism and catharsis.
This isn’t just a thriller; it’s a powerful exploration of women bound by secrets, mistakes, and second chances. I closed the book both satisfied and unsettled—a perfect sign of an addictive read.
⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️ — Four stars for redemption, resilience, and the electrifying bond between two unforgettable women.
Many thanks to NetGalley and Penguin Random House Canada/Doubleday Canada for the digital reviewer copy of this enthralling domestic thriller in exchange for my honest thoughts.
Follow me on medium.com to read my articles about books, movies, streaming series, astrology:
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October 17, 2025
Atmospheric, raw, and deeply thought-provoking, The Stranger in Room Six was a hard-hitting family drama with a suspense-laden edge. Exploring the themes of love, forgiveness, trust, and revenge, the dual timelines and multiple POVs interwove into a startlingly haunting yet relevant story that I won’t be forgetting anytime soon. After all, packed full of multifaceted women hiding dark secrets, the slow reveal of their pasts made me fly through the pages. That wasn’t the only thing that had me utterly spellbound, however. You see, the WWII-era plot line had a serious message that was as provocative as it was timely. For this reason alone, I think it would be the perfect book club selection.
There were only two minor flaws. With a few plot points that required a definite need to suspend all disbelief, I felt myself jolted out of the story once or twice. You see, several times the turn in the plot went just a step too far into the melodramatic given the historical setting and overriding feel. The only other issue I had was the slow-boiling pace of the plot. Sadly, thanks to the synopsis, I went into this novel expecting a thriller—which it most definitely was not. That’s not to say that I didn’t love every minute of what I saw as an immersive family saga. After all, as these two flawed women exchanged their stories, I became just as invested in learning both of their truths as they were themselves.
All said and done, with an original format on top of short chapters full of drool-worthy cliffhangers, Ms. Corry certainly delivered in spades. After all, I loved how the entire plot was essentially a conversation between Belinda and Mabel, both of whom had plenty to hide. But it was the ever-present sense of angst and layers of secrets that kept my fingers flying at speed. Gritty and tense but also heartfelt and poignant, the author nimbly crossed the divide between drama and mystery with ease. A back-and-forth story of resilience and redemption, there was much to unpack and relish in this unputdownable tale, so you really should order it now. Go ahead. I’m waiting… Rating of 4.5 stars.
SYNOPSIS:
It's been fifteen years since Belinda was convicted of her husband's murder. Now that she’s free, she’s ready for a fresh start. So, when she gets a job at Sunnyside Home for the Young at Heart, she’s dead set on making sure no one learns about her awful past.
Mabel has spent her life at Sunnyside—first as an evacuee during the Blitz, and now as the home’s oldest resident. She’s held the secrets of this house for as long as she can remember. Secrets that, in the wrong hands, could kill.
But history won’t stay hidden forever, because someone is onto both Belinda and Mabel, watching and listening from Room Six. And they’ll stop at nothing to find out the truth.
Thank you to Jane Corry and Penguin Random House Canada for my complimentary copy. All opinions are my own.
PUB DATE: October 7, 2025
Content warning: infidelity, imprisonment, knife and gun violence, political beliefs, death of a parent, pregnancy, forced adoption, dementia
There were only two minor flaws. With a few plot points that required a definite need to suspend all disbelief, I felt myself jolted out of the story once or twice. You see, several times the turn in the plot went just a step too far into the melodramatic given the historical setting and overriding feel. The only other issue I had was the slow-boiling pace of the plot. Sadly, thanks to the synopsis, I went into this novel expecting a thriller—which it most definitely was not. That’s not to say that I didn’t love every minute of what I saw as an immersive family saga. After all, as these two flawed women exchanged their stories, I became just as invested in learning both of their truths as they were themselves.
All said and done, with an original format on top of short chapters full of drool-worthy cliffhangers, Ms. Corry certainly delivered in spades. After all, I loved how the entire plot was essentially a conversation between Belinda and Mabel, both of whom had plenty to hide. But it was the ever-present sense of angst and layers of secrets that kept my fingers flying at speed. Gritty and tense but also heartfelt and poignant, the author nimbly crossed the divide between drama and mystery with ease. A back-and-forth story of resilience and redemption, there was much to unpack and relish in this unputdownable tale, so you really should order it now. Go ahead. I’m waiting… Rating of 4.5 stars.
SYNOPSIS:
It's been fifteen years since Belinda was convicted of her husband's murder. Now that she’s free, she’s ready for a fresh start. So, when she gets a job at Sunnyside Home for the Young at Heart, she’s dead set on making sure no one learns about her awful past.
Mabel has spent her life at Sunnyside—first as an evacuee during the Blitz, and now as the home’s oldest resident. She’s held the secrets of this house for as long as she can remember. Secrets that, in the wrong hands, could kill.
But history won’t stay hidden forever, because someone is onto both Belinda and Mabel, watching and listening from Room Six. And they’ll stop at nothing to find out the truth.
Thank you to Jane Corry and Penguin Random House Canada for my complimentary copy. All opinions are my own.
PUB DATE: October 7, 2025
Content warning: infidelity, imprisonment, knife and gun violence, political beliefs, death of a parent, pregnancy, forced adoption, dementia
November 8, 2025
Nobody bats 1000%.
And talented author Jane Corry is no exception.
The book's compelling premise had promise:
A mysterious patient, a web of secrets, and unreliable narrators.
However, the storyline quickly became disjointed, and "Are we there yet?" repetitive.
The end result?
A disappointing and drawn-out melodrama.
The two female protagonists lacked depth and believability and felt like plot devices.
Twists were forced and implausible.
The sickly-sweet ending was contrived and required a huge suspension of disbelief that bordered on nonsensical.
One of the protagonists had been sentenced to prison for accidentally murdering her husband.
The prison flashbacks in this book were strikingly similar in tone and theme to the author's earlier books and were not always relevant to the storyline.
Readers heard about the plights of female prisoners forced to give up their babies.
The book's ex-felon protagonist was not a young mother with a baby.
As a result, instead of deepening the narrative, the rehashed and recycled prison content slowed the pace, adding little to the central storyline.
I listened to the audiobook, expertly narrated by Bronwen Price.
Although Bronwen Price's performance was outstanding, the book would have benefited from two narrators since it unfolded from two POVs.
To the author's credit, the "Author's Note" that appeared at the EOB was spot-on, and I adored the name selected for the book's "Sunnyside Home for the Young at Heart" elderly care facility.
Definitely not Jane Corry’s best.
2 stars, rounded up.
February 11, 2025
3.5 rounded down
Sunnyside Home is for the young at heart, some are there for respite, others for long-term care, some work there but one person is there for an entirely different motive. Who is the stranger in room six?
This is the home that 98 year-old Mabel Marchmont owns, lives in and is cared for especially by Belinda. Mabel goes to live in the seaside house with her aunt Clarissa during the war, when tragedy strikes her family and she has lived there ever since. As for Belinda, fifteen years ago she’s bored in her marriage to dull Gerald, who it transpires, isn’t quite as dull as he seems. Belinda pays a high price for her astonishing discovery and the subsequent fury she inevitably feels. Now, as Belinda chats to elderly Mabel, the pair decide to tell each other their stories and as trust builds it appears that both have quite the tale to tell.
I like the premise of the novel very much and it’s worth reading the authors afterword about the wartime narrative. Mabel is fantastic, her story for me is the standout of the book as she has some very difficult waters to navigate especially via her aunt Clarissa. Belinda is harder to get a handle on which is probably understandable as life throws a lot at her. I like that both main characters are strong women who have coped admirably with difficult obstacles and tragedy. The mystery of the stranger is good up to a point, giving a tantalising air of mystery, until the identity is revealed!
However, although I can genuinely say that I enjoy a lot of it, the two narratives do not always meld together smoothly and there’s a disjointed feel to the storytelling. I can understand why the author does this but I think Mabel story would probably have been enough as it is packed full of drama, danger as well as much unhappiness. It’s poignant and emotional in places.
As the conclusion of the story arrives, it gets a bit melodramatic for my taste and also a far-fetched stretch.
Overall, it’s well worth a read and although I’m a fan of the author, I sadly don’t think this is her best book.
With thanks to NetGalley and especially to Penguin General UK for the much appreciated EPUB in return for an honest review.
Sunnyside Home is for the young at heart, some are there for respite, others for long-term care, some work there but one person is there for an entirely different motive. Who is the stranger in room six?
This is the home that 98 year-old Mabel Marchmont owns, lives in and is cared for especially by Belinda. Mabel goes to live in the seaside house with her aunt Clarissa during the war, when tragedy strikes her family and she has lived there ever since. As for Belinda, fifteen years ago she’s bored in her marriage to dull Gerald, who it transpires, isn’t quite as dull as he seems. Belinda pays a high price for her astonishing discovery and the subsequent fury she inevitably feels. Now, as Belinda chats to elderly Mabel, the pair decide to tell each other their stories and as trust builds it appears that both have quite the tale to tell.
I like the premise of the novel very much and it’s worth reading the authors afterword about the wartime narrative. Mabel is fantastic, her story for me is the standout of the book as she has some very difficult waters to navigate especially via her aunt Clarissa. Belinda is harder to get a handle on which is probably understandable as life throws a lot at her. I like that both main characters are strong women who have coped admirably with difficult obstacles and tragedy. The mystery of the stranger is good up to a point, giving a tantalising air of mystery, until the identity is revealed!
However, although I can genuinely say that I enjoy a lot of it, the two narratives do not always meld together smoothly and there’s a disjointed feel to the storytelling. I can understand why the author does this but I think Mabel story would probably have been enough as it is packed full of drama, danger as well as much unhappiness. It’s poignant and emotional in places.
As the conclusion of the story arrives, it gets a bit melodramatic for my taste and also a far-fetched stretch.
Overall, it’s well worth a read and although I’m a fan of the author, I sadly don’t think this is her best book.
With thanks to NetGalley and especially to Penguin General UK for the much appreciated EPUB in return for an honest review.
June 11, 2025
Back in the war years, a young Mabel was in the shelter with their maid, while the bombers flew overhead. Her mother had refused to come to the shelter, needing to feed Mabel's little sister, Annabel. Mabel's Papa was away fighting for the British. But the bombs obliterated Mabel's home, taking her mother and sister with them - the only thing Mabel had left was Annabel's doll, lying in the rubble. When Aunt Clarissa took Mabel to the country to live with her, Mabel couldn't work out why her aunt didn't like her. The life she had following her losses was different to everything she'd ever imagined - heartache and loss; her only friends, maid Frannie and Cook.
Belinda couldn't believe what she was hearing! Confronting her husband, Gerald, was the worse thing she could have done while she was angry, and fifteen years in prison was the proof of that. Now, finally out and a changed person, she applied for a position in the Sunnyside Home for the Young at Heart, caring for the elderly. Belinda had learned to be a Listener while in prison, and it set her well for Sunnyside. When she became a carer for an almost 99 year old - Mabel Marchmont - she gradually came to love the old lady. But trouble was hiding in plain sight - Room 6 had an unseen resident who wasn't there for care...
The Stranger in Room Six is my second read by Jane Corry and it was exceptional! I wasn't sure what to expect, but it wasn't this well written, gritty, tense and electric historical mystery! Set in two time frames, well blended with no jumping around, Mabel's and Belinda's stories resonated with me. I couldn't put it down when it was time to sleep, so continued until it was finished!! Highly recommended.
With thanks to NetGalley & Penguin Random House UK for my digital ARC to read and review.
Belinda couldn't believe what she was hearing! Confronting her husband, Gerald, was the worse thing she could have done while she was angry, and fifteen years in prison was the proof of that. Now, finally out and a changed person, she applied for a position in the Sunnyside Home for the Young at Heart, caring for the elderly. Belinda had learned to be a Listener while in prison, and it set her well for Sunnyside. When she became a carer for an almost 99 year old - Mabel Marchmont - she gradually came to love the old lady. But trouble was hiding in plain sight - Room 6 had an unseen resident who wasn't there for care...
The Stranger in Room Six is my second read by Jane Corry and it was exceptional! I wasn't sure what to expect, but it wasn't this well written, gritty, tense and electric historical mystery! Set in two time frames, well blended with no jumping around, Mabel's and Belinda's stories resonated with me. I couldn't put it down when it was time to sleep, so continued until it was finished!! Highly recommended.
With thanks to NetGalley & Penguin Random House UK for my digital ARC to read and review.
July 10, 2025
It has been quite awhile since I have read anything by Jane Corry and after reading The Stranger in Room Six I am wondering why. What a terrific storyline! i loved the dual timelines and had no idea how they related to one another. A very interesting and addictive read.
2 women with 2 very different lives form a bond in a care home. Mabel is 98 and has seen so much in her life, living through a war. Belinda is her carer and she has had a complicated life until now. The women become friends while telling each other their stories, but someone else is listening and wants something from them.
I got completely lost in both women’s stories as well as the current day story. So much mystery. I learnt a lot in the historical part of the story, it was fascinating.
Thank you to Penguin General UK for my copy of this book to read. Highly recommend.
2 women with 2 very different lives form a bond in a care home. Mabel is 98 and has seen so much in her life, living through a war. Belinda is her carer and she has had a complicated life until now. The women become friends while telling each other their stories, but someone else is listening and wants something from them.
I got completely lost in both women’s stories as well as the current day story. So much mystery. I learnt a lot in the historical part of the story, it was fascinating.
Thank you to Penguin General UK for my copy of this book to read. Highly recommend.
October 13, 2025
3.5 stars rounded up
This was such a nice and unexpected surprise!!! It reminded me of Jojo Moyes books. It had a vibe similar to those.
Although this book is labeled as a thriller and a mystery, i'd say it is more a very beautifully written story about strength, loss, resilience, love, kindness and friendship.
Jane Corry did a fantastic job in this book and so did the narrator. A very enjoyable book!!!
It's been a while since I've read something written by JC, and I should really give her books another try.
This was such a nice and unexpected surprise!!! It reminded me of Jojo Moyes books. It had a vibe similar to those.
Although this book is labeled as a thriller and a mystery, i'd say it is more a very beautifully written story about strength, loss, resilience, love, kindness and friendship.
Jane Corry did a fantastic job in this book and so did the narrator. A very enjoyable book!!!
It's been a while since I've read something written by JC, and I should really give her books another try.
September 12, 2025
fuck gerald!!!!
October 8, 2025
A multi-faceted thriller following Belinda, a caretaker convicted of her husband’s murder, and Mabel, her 90-something patient with secrets of her own.
OH MY GOD did this one get me—gripping and thrilling throughout, as it alternated between Belinda’s and Mabel’s stories. It has my personal favorite thriller themes: resilience, and in particular, what a normal person might do in the most difficult of situations.
I’d rec this to fans of psychological thrillers, historical family sagas, and any story about women doing what they need to do to survive.
OH MY GOD did this one get me—gripping and thrilling throughout, as it alternated between Belinda’s and Mabel’s stories. It has my personal favorite thriller themes: resilience, and in particular, what a normal person might do in the most difficult of situations.
I’d rec this to fans of psychological thrillers, historical family sagas, and any story about women doing what they need to do to survive.
June 1, 2025
⭐️ Book Review ⭐️
The Stranger in Room Six - Jane Corry
Gifted by @penguinukbooks
Jane Corry’s The Stranger in Room Six had its moments, but overall, it didn’t leave much of an impact. I was really invested in Mabel but Belinda’s character was weird. I didn’t think they flowed together. While there were parts of the story that I enjoyed, the multiple timelines made it confusing at times rather than adding depth. Instead of enhancing the plot, they felt more like an unnecessary complication. The pacing also felt off, the book was long, and instead of drawing me deeper into the story, it seemed to drag on. I kept waiting for something more to happen, but it never quite delivered. Although Corry’s ability to build suspense worked well in some areas, the overall experience felt lacking, and in the end, it became forgettable. I doubt I’ll revisit it, and it’s not a book I’d readily recommend. 👎
#janecorry #bookreview #notforme #gifted #review #reviewer #ireviewbooks #bookstagram #booksta
The Stranger in Room Six - Jane Corry
Gifted by @penguinukbooks
Jane Corry’s The Stranger in Room Six had its moments, but overall, it didn’t leave much of an impact. I was really invested in Mabel but Belinda’s character was weird. I didn’t think they flowed together. While there were parts of the story that I enjoyed, the multiple timelines made it confusing at times rather than adding depth. Instead of enhancing the plot, they felt more like an unnecessary complication. The pacing also felt off, the book was long, and instead of drawing me deeper into the story, it seemed to drag on. I kept waiting for something more to happen, but it never quite delivered. Although Corry’s ability to build suspense worked well in some areas, the overall experience felt lacking, and in the end, it became forgettable. I doubt I’ll revisit it, and it’s not a book I’d readily recommend. 👎
#janecorry #bookreview #notforme #gifted #review #reviewer #ireviewbooks #bookstagram #booksta
June 24, 2025
Belinda’s life is in turmoil.
The Stranger in Room Six is what might be termed a ‘proper story‘. It’s packed with history, intrigue and a wide range of relationships so that it has something for every reader. The way in which the various strands of the narrative are drawn together is so cleverly done.
I’m not usually a fan of multiple timelines, but The Stranger in Room Six is woven together really effectively and, actually, requires the modern day and 1940s eras in order to illustrate the way history and the actions of the past reverberate through the lives of the characters.
Both Belinda and Mabel are complex individuals who show that literal truth does not necessarily reflect moral or intentional behaviours. Initially I found Mabel rather naïve, but realised that she needed to have that innocence in order to be malleable and that, in fact, she was very much a child of the era. Both women have secrets, they both do the wrong things for the right reasons and the right things for the wrong reasons. Both face tragedy partly of their own making, and yet neither intended their actions to have the consequences they did. This is a fascinating aspect of the plot
Along with that intricate, engaging and carefully crafted plot, there are thought-provoking themes in The Stranger in Room Six. Family and parenthood are central and I found Belinda’s estrangement from her daughter Gillian very moving. Equally interesting is the impact of the past on our lives. However, I think the most riveting aspect of The Stranger in Room Six is the consideration of revenge, retribution and redemption. This is the kind of narrative that leaves the reader questioning how they might have behaved in similar circumstances. Add in other aspects like marriage, dementia, friendship and trust and The Stranger in Room Six feels like a story to ponder long after the final page is read.
I also found the settings impactful and in many ways, place equates to character as it shapes Belinda and Mabel every bit as the secondary characters do. Belinda’s time in prison feels authentic and disturbing so that the reader cannot help but empathise with her even if she is deemed to be a murderer. I loved the way history has a physical consequence on Sunnyside Home for the Young at Heart – but you’ll need to read the book to see what I mean. It was fascinating how the house reinvented itself over time – just like a real person.
I thoroughly enjoyed The Stranger in Room Six and it proves that Jane Corry really knows how to craft a drama that reels in her readers and keeps them entirely gripped and entertained throughout.
The Stranger in Room Six is what might be termed a ‘proper story‘. It’s packed with history, intrigue and a wide range of relationships so that it has something for every reader. The way in which the various strands of the narrative are drawn together is so cleverly done.
I’m not usually a fan of multiple timelines, but The Stranger in Room Six is woven together really effectively and, actually, requires the modern day and 1940s eras in order to illustrate the way history and the actions of the past reverberate through the lives of the characters.
Both Belinda and Mabel are complex individuals who show that literal truth does not necessarily reflect moral or intentional behaviours. Initially I found Mabel rather naïve, but realised that she needed to have that innocence in order to be malleable and that, in fact, she was very much a child of the era. Both women have secrets, they both do the wrong things for the right reasons and the right things for the wrong reasons. Both face tragedy partly of their own making, and yet neither intended their actions to have the consequences they did. This is a fascinating aspect of the plot
Along with that intricate, engaging and carefully crafted plot, there are thought-provoking themes in The Stranger in Room Six. Family and parenthood are central and I found Belinda’s estrangement from her daughter Gillian very moving. Equally interesting is the impact of the past on our lives. However, I think the most riveting aspect of The Stranger in Room Six is the consideration of revenge, retribution and redemption. This is the kind of narrative that leaves the reader questioning how they might have behaved in similar circumstances. Add in other aspects like marriage, dementia, friendship and trust and The Stranger in Room Six feels like a story to ponder long after the final page is read.
I also found the settings impactful and in many ways, place equates to character as it shapes Belinda and Mabel every bit as the secondary characters do. Belinda’s time in prison feels authentic and disturbing so that the reader cannot help but empathise with her even if she is deemed to be a murderer. I loved the way history has a physical consequence on Sunnyside Home for the Young at Heart – but you’ll need to read the book to see what I mean. It was fascinating how the house reinvented itself over time – just like a real person.
I thoroughly enjoyed The Stranger in Room Six and it proves that Jane Corry really knows how to craft a drama that reels in her readers and keeps them entirely gripped and entertained throughout.
October 6, 2025
2.5 STARS As I was reading this book, I was unsure of what it was supposed to be. Marketed as a thriller, this story only had a bit of mystery and a distinctly historical fiction vibe.
The story is told in dual timelines, each with its own narrator.
1940's - Mabel a teen who is sent to live with her aunt after her mother and sister are killed in a London bombing during WWII.
Modern time - Belinda is a woman who was convicted of killing her husband but now works as a caregiver in a seniors home where she meets elderly Mabel.
This book had my attention in fits and spurts, but it had a slow pace and disjointed feel with less focus on the mystery and more on the backstories of Mabel and Belinda (with far too much time spent focusing on Belinda's time in jail). Mabel's story held my attention more (I do enjoy a good Historical Fiction tale), but Belinda's story bogged down what could have been a more focused story. Based on the book's suspenseful blurb, I expected more tension, but the only mystery is the identity of the 'stranger in room six' in the senior's home which we learn midway through.
The story soon becomes far-fetched with lots of happenstance requiring this reader to suspend disbelief in a few spots - including teenage Mabel's extreme naivieté when she didn't recognize one of the most prevalent symbols of hate in her era (and history).
This was my first book by Jane Corry and I was left wanting more suspense and less melodrama (and a book description that fits the story accurately). This just wasn't a good fit for me.
Disclaimer: My sincere thanks to DoubleDay for the complimentary digital advanced copy of this book that was given in exchange for my honest review.
The story is told in dual timelines, each with its own narrator.
1940's - Mabel a teen who is sent to live with her aunt after her mother and sister are killed in a London bombing during WWII.
Modern time - Belinda is a woman who was convicted of killing her husband but now works as a caregiver in a seniors home where she meets elderly Mabel.
This book had my attention in fits and spurts, but it had a slow pace and disjointed feel with less focus on the mystery and more on the backstories of Mabel and Belinda (with far too much time spent focusing on Belinda's time in jail). Mabel's story held my attention more (I do enjoy a good Historical Fiction tale), but Belinda's story bogged down what could have been a more focused story. Based on the book's suspenseful blurb, I expected more tension, but the only mystery is the identity of the 'stranger in room six' in the senior's home which we learn midway through.
The story soon becomes far-fetched with lots of happenstance requiring this reader to suspend disbelief in a few spots - including teenage Mabel's extreme naivieté when she didn't recognize one of the most prevalent symbols of hate in her era (and history).
This was my first book by Jane Corry and I was left wanting more suspense and less melodrama (and a book description that fits the story accurately). This just wasn't a good fit for me.
Disclaimer: My sincere thanks to DoubleDay for the complimentary digital advanced copy of this book that was given in exchange for my honest review.
April 28, 2025
Unfortunately, this one just wasn’t for me.
I know we’re always told not to judge a book by its cover, blah blah blah, but I admit the cover led me to expect something a little darker and grittier than what the story delivered. I found that while there were a few twists along the way, they felt more convenient than surprising, which left me less invested than I had hoped to be.
The book had a lot of chapter endings designed to build suspense, but for me, they leaned more towards melodramatic rather than truly tense. It’s also quite a long read where, despite the page count, not a lot seemed to happen. The pacing felt unusual - at times very slow-burning, yet within a single page the narrative could jump between multiple locations and conversations. This made it quite difficult to skim when I wanted to, as plot points could easily be missed in just a few paragraphs.
That said, I can absolutely see the appeal for readers who enjoy this kind of story. The writing itself is strong, and both main characters were genuinely likeable and interesting — I did enjoy spending time with them even if the overall pacing and style didn’t quite suit me.
Wishing the author all the best with the release!
I know we’re always told not to judge a book by its cover, blah blah blah, but I admit the cover led me to expect something a little darker and grittier than what the story delivered. I found that while there were a few twists along the way, they felt more convenient than surprising, which left me less invested than I had hoped to be.
The book had a lot of chapter endings designed to build suspense, but for me, they leaned more towards melodramatic rather than truly tense. It’s also quite a long read where, despite the page count, not a lot seemed to happen. The pacing felt unusual - at times very slow-burning, yet within a single page the narrative could jump between multiple locations and conversations. This made it quite difficult to skim when I wanted to, as plot points could easily be missed in just a few paragraphs.
That said, I can absolutely see the appeal for readers who enjoy this kind of story. The writing itself is strong, and both main characters were genuinely likeable and interesting — I did enjoy spending time with them even if the overall pacing and style didn’t quite suit me.
Wishing the author all the best with the release!
December 11, 2025
Before starting The Stranger In Room Six, I had no idea I would find a new favourite author, but Jane Corry instantly found herself among my faves!
When questioned about the book by a coffee shop stranger, I said: "It's marketed as a thriller, but it's very historical fiction-heavy, which really worked for me!"
I'm a big fan of genre blending, and this one perfectly wove aspects of WWII (that I was unaware of) into a plot filled with mystery, suspense, and intrigue, though it mostly takes place in a modern timeline. This book also hints at true crime elements, as one of the main characters spent many years in prison.
I was addicted to both perspectives, each with two timelines, and just like the characters, I was on the edge of my seat, eagerly turning pages to find out more!
Bronwen Price has a beautiful accent which added a sense of mystery, history, and formality to the audiobook narration. I know I will be seeking out more of her work!
I'll be trying to squeeze Corry's I Died On A Tuesday into this month's reading, as I'm desperate for more from her!
Thank you Libro.fm and Doubleday Canada for the complimentary audio copy to read and review.
When questioned about the book by a coffee shop stranger, I said: "It's marketed as a thriller, but it's very historical fiction-heavy, which really worked for me!"
I'm a big fan of genre blending, and this one perfectly wove aspects of WWII (that I was unaware of) into a plot filled with mystery, suspense, and intrigue, though it mostly takes place in a modern timeline. This book also hints at true crime elements, as one of the main characters spent many years in prison.
I was addicted to both perspectives, each with two timelines, and just like the characters, I was on the edge of my seat, eagerly turning pages to find out more!
Bronwen Price has a beautiful accent which added a sense of mystery, history, and formality to the audiobook narration. I know I will be seeking out more of her work!
I'll be trying to squeeze Corry's I Died On A Tuesday into this month's reading, as I'm desperate for more from her!
Thank you Libro.fm and Doubleday Canada for the complimentary audio copy to read and review.
October 5, 2025
I really enjoyed this book, loved how it went from present to past & how two unlikely characters came together after an awful time had by both. Didn't' see the end coming. I felt quite emotional for both characters and what they both went through. I would recommend
October 20, 2025
I didn’t have any expectations going into this one, but I ended up enjoying it. I liked the alternating timelines between Mabel and Belinda and seeing how everything led to where they are now, but I did find Belinda’s story slightly more interesting. I wasn’t super drawn to the stranger, but I thought the way that part was incorporated was done well. The book dragged a little toward the end, but overall it wrapped up nicely and had a satisfying conclusion. I wasn’t familiar with this author before but I’m interested in checking out more from them.
December 2, 2025
This has to be one of the worst, most uninteresting, poorly written books I have ever read. Corry writes dialogue like she’s never heard a single person speak, and none of the characters are likeable - they are all inexplicably stupid and dull. If I could give zero stars I would.
September 19, 2025
3.75 ⭐️
From the very start, The Stranger in Room 6 pulled me in with its fresh and eerie premise. The idea of a hidden guest in a seaside boarding house instantly grabbed my attention, and the mystery surrounding Room 6 kept me thoroughly entertained. Jane Corry has a real gift for atmosphere, and this one felt unique and unsettling in all the right ways.
The story followed Ellie, who took a caretaker job at a seaside boarding house hoping for a fresh start. But her curiosity about the mysterious guest in Room 6 led her down a dangerous path. The more she uncovered about the stranger’s past—and her own—the clearer it became that her new beginning carried a chilling price. Arthur, the frail man locked away in the room, wasn’t just living out his final days; he was tied to a violent past and long-buried secrets. At the same time, Ellie had to face her own guilt over her brother’s tragic death. These two threads collided in a tense final confrontation, ending with Arthur’s death and Ellie having found a fragile sense of redemption as she finally stopped running from her past.
I liked how Corry built an eerie, atmospheric setting that gave the story a constant sense of unease. The mystery of Room 6, paired with flawed, complex characters, kept me turning the pages. I also appreciated how the past and present wove together, adding depth and intrigue. On the downside, a few plot turns felt far-fetched, and the pacing dragged in spots with more detail than I needed. Even so, the central mystery and emotional layers made this a compelling read.
I’ve been wanting to read Jane Corry’s work and I’m so grateful to have been given a complimentary copy by NetGalley and Penguin Random House. Corry’s writing style shined with its ability to balance emotional depth and psychological suspense, making me glad I finally gave her books a try.
Thanks Net Galley and Penguin Random House Canada for an advance copy in return for my review.
From the very start, The Stranger in Room 6 pulled me in with its fresh and eerie premise. The idea of a hidden guest in a seaside boarding house instantly grabbed my attention, and the mystery surrounding Room 6 kept me thoroughly entertained. Jane Corry has a real gift for atmosphere, and this one felt unique and unsettling in all the right ways.
The story followed Ellie, who took a caretaker job at a seaside boarding house hoping for a fresh start. But her curiosity about the mysterious guest in Room 6 led her down a dangerous path. The more she uncovered about the stranger’s past—and her own—the clearer it became that her new beginning carried a chilling price. Arthur, the frail man locked away in the room, wasn’t just living out his final days; he was tied to a violent past and long-buried secrets. At the same time, Ellie had to face her own guilt over her brother’s tragic death. These two threads collided in a tense final confrontation, ending with Arthur’s death and Ellie having found a fragile sense of redemption as she finally stopped running from her past.
I liked how Corry built an eerie, atmospheric setting that gave the story a constant sense of unease. The mystery of Room 6, paired with flawed, complex characters, kept me turning the pages. I also appreciated how the past and present wove together, adding depth and intrigue. On the downside, a few plot turns felt far-fetched, and the pacing dragged in spots with more detail than I needed. Even so, the central mystery and emotional layers made this a compelling read.
I’ve been wanting to read Jane Corry’s work and I’m so grateful to have been given a complimentary copy by NetGalley and Penguin Random House. Corry’s writing style shined with its ability to balance emotional depth and psychological suspense, making me glad I finally gave her books a try.
Thanks Net Galley and Penguin Random House Canada for an advance copy in return for my review.
September 29, 2025
The Stranger in Room Six by Jane Corry sneaks up on you. While the pacing drags in the middle — and honestly, the story doesn’t really find its momentum until the final 20-25% — it still manages to hook you in with its intriguing premise and dual timelines.
We follow Belinda, freshly released from prison fifteen years after being wrongly convicted of her husband’s murder, and Mabel, the oldest resident of Sunnyside Home for the Young at Heart. Belinda is desperate to start over, and she believes Sunnyside is the place for that. Meanwhile, Mabel has been at the home since she was a child evacuee during the Blitz, and she’s spent her life guarding the secrets of the house. Secrets that someone — the titular stranger lurking in room six — is determined to uncover.
The structure works well, with Belinda’s and Mabel’s stories intertwining across decades. While the middle section feels bogged down and overly slow, if you can stick with it, the payoff is worth it. The last quarter delivers solid twists and a satisfying ending. Thanks to NetGalley and Random House Canada for the ARC.
We follow Belinda, freshly released from prison fifteen years after being wrongly convicted of her husband’s murder, and Mabel, the oldest resident of Sunnyside Home for the Young at Heart. Belinda is desperate to start over, and she believes Sunnyside is the place for that. Meanwhile, Mabel has been at the home since she was a child evacuee during the Blitz, and she’s spent her life guarding the secrets of the house. Secrets that someone — the titular stranger lurking in room six — is determined to uncover.
The structure works well, with Belinda’s and Mabel’s stories intertwining across decades. While the middle section feels bogged down and overly slow, if you can stick with it, the payoff is worth it. The last quarter delivers solid twists and a satisfying ending. Thanks to NetGalley and Random House Canada for the ARC.
November 8, 2025
Fully expected a thriller out of this book and got a fast-paced historical fiction story instead! Not mad at all but definitely a little confusing based on the cover/title lol. Loved the alternate timelines and different points of view! Certainly a different historical fiction story than I’ve read before but I really enjoyed both Mabel and Belinda’s storylines and was equally invested in both. I never really felt disappointed leaving one storyline for another which happens sometimes with dual POV. Not knowing how they ended up in each others lives certainly kept my engaged and I definitely didn’t predict the ending. Definitely would recommend and would read from this author again!
July 19, 2025
3.75 rounded up
August 14, 2025
I really enjoyed this one and loved getting to know Mabel and Belinda. Both their tales were intriguing, I didn’t think it needed the stranger chapters though
June 19, 2025
I haven’t given a five star review in some time but this was thoroughly deserved.
Dual time aspect books don’t always do it for me but the way this entwined past and present day was perfect. I was equally invested in both of the times the story was set in and the way they fused together in the present day. The historical aspect was fascinating and, as with other great writing, was based on a lot of truth and secret histories so this made my pages turn very fast indeed. I feel I learned a lot about WWII and British sub groups and the taboos of Nazi sympathisers and from a very human aspect through connected characters that I was very engaged with. The personal stories and trauma were exquisitely written and very poignant with quite a few tear jerking moments as were the acutely observed experiences of being in modern day prisons. Honestly this book has it all, hidden past secrets, teenage pregnancy, tragedy and plenty of intrigue. Do read it, if you get a chance, you won’t be disappointed. The ending totally threw my world upside down, I won’t lie, but I know the storyline will stay with me for a long time to come.
Dual time aspect books don’t always do it for me but the way this entwined past and present day was perfect. I was equally invested in both of the times the story was set in and the way they fused together in the present day. The historical aspect was fascinating and, as with other great writing, was based on a lot of truth and secret histories so this made my pages turn very fast indeed. I feel I learned a lot about WWII and British sub groups and the taboos of Nazi sympathisers and from a very human aspect through connected characters that I was very engaged with. The personal stories and trauma were exquisitely written and very poignant with quite a few tear jerking moments as were the acutely observed experiences of being in modern day prisons. Honestly this book has it all, hidden past secrets, teenage pregnancy, tragedy and plenty of intrigue. Do read it, if you get a chance, you won’t be disappointed. The ending totally threw my world upside down, I won’t lie, but I know the storyline will stay with me for a long time to come.
June 5, 2025
‘The Stranger In Room Six’ is a dual POV, telling the story of Belinda, an ex convict, and Mabel, an OAP. When Belinda becomes a carer for Mabel at Sunnyside, they find themselves telling each other their life stories; what darkness are they hiding from the light? And who is the stranger in room 6 that’s watching everything?
I have to start by saying this is the fastest 400 plus page book ever! I absolutely flew through it because I was so immersed in the story. It was a historical thriller in my eyes, and I loved Mabel’s POV when she went back to speaking about the Second World War.
The way the author makes the characters recount their pasts is incredible, and I throughly enjoyed their stories coming together and the differences between them. It had enough twists and turns to keep the reader guessing, without going into full on thriller territory. One of my favourite reads this year.
I have to start by saying this is the fastest 400 plus page book ever! I absolutely flew through it because I was so immersed in the story. It was a historical thriller in my eyes, and I loved Mabel’s POV when she went back to speaking about the Second World War.
The way the author makes the characters recount their pasts is incredible, and I throughly enjoyed their stories coming together and the differences between them. It had enough twists and turns to keep the reader guessing, without going into full on thriller territory. One of my favourite reads this year.
December 9, 2025
Shockingly bad.
October 22, 2025
3.5 rounded down! Loved this though very good reading for the commute to work
October 28, 2025
This was one of the worst books I have read. What a slow book! Things started coming together near the end, and it just dragged. was highly disappointed with this! 🥺
June 20, 2025
I love a Jane Corry book, and really look forward to a new one out every summer!
This book was a slight step away from her usual thriller/mystery style, and there was a hint at historical fiction in here - but still with enough thriller and mystery to keep her fans happy!
I really enjoyed this book, and the historical element came as a nice surprise. Corry's writing was fab at drip feeding more and more info with her back and forth structure.
I was a tad confused at points as i was wondering where the characters from the past would play out in the modern day timeline, but was happy with the ending as it joined up all the dots!
Great book and like nothing I have read before!
This book was a slight step away from her usual thriller/mystery style, and there was a hint at historical fiction in here - but still with enough thriller and mystery to keep her fans happy!
I really enjoyed this book, and the historical element came as a nice surprise. Corry's writing was fab at drip feeding more and more info with her back and forth structure.
I was a tad confused at points as i was wondering where the characters from the past would play out in the modern day timeline, but was happy with the ending as it joined up all the dots!
Great book and like nothing I have read before!
July 31, 2025
This was a really good dual timeline mystery/thriller, that hooked me from the prologue which I read as a sample, and then bought for 99p.
It’s told from the points of view of Belinda and Mabel, with occasional chapters from the mysterious stranger in room six!
I loved Mabel, and particularly enjoyed her memories from when she was a young teen in World War Two. She tells them to Belinda who has recently got a job at Sunnyside Home for the Young at Heart after being released from prison for murdering her husband. They get to know each other by telling their life stories whenever Belinda happens to be working. They become close friends as they open up to each other about their pasts, and start revealing their deepest secrets.
I loved Mabel and particularly enjoyed hearing about her time in Devon during World War Two. Belinda’s story is also interesting and heartbreaking, but her character was annoying at times. The stranger in room six is a sinister character who I desperately tried to find the connection between Belinda and Mabel.
The I enjoyed the way the two timelines came together as more about the resident in room six is revealed.
Definitely recommended it you enjoy dual timeline mysteries full of secrets.
Book 13 of 20 Books of Summer 2025
It’s told from the points of view of Belinda and Mabel, with occasional chapters from the mysterious stranger in room six!
I loved Mabel, and particularly enjoyed her memories from when she was a young teen in World War Two. She tells them to Belinda who has recently got a job at Sunnyside Home for the Young at Heart after being released from prison for murdering her husband. They get to know each other by telling their life stories whenever Belinda happens to be working. They become close friends as they open up to each other about their pasts, and start revealing their deepest secrets.
I loved Mabel and particularly enjoyed hearing about her time in Devon during World War Two. Belinda’s story is also interesting and heartbreaking, but her character was annoying at times. The stranger in room six is a sinister character who I desperately tried to find the connection between Belinda and Mabel.
The I enjoyed the way the two timelines came together as more about the resident in room six is revealed.
Definitely recommended it you enjoy dual timeline mysteries full of secrets.
Book 13 of 20 Books of Summer 2025
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