What do you think?
Rate this book
Mutterfremd: Ein Klopfen verändert alles - Deutsche Ausgabe
Kara has the perfect life—a thriving restaurant on Cornwall's picturesque coast, a devoted husband, Alistair, and their precious newborn daughter, Charlotte. But when Alistair receives a mysterious message from Sabine, the mother who abandoned him decades earlier, their idyllic life spirals into turmoil.
Haunted by family secrets and torn by conflicting loyalties, Alistair reluctantly allows Sabine back into his life. Kara, sensing danger yet driven by compassion, encourages the reunion, unaware that Sabine’s intentions are far darker than they appear.
As Sabine integrates herself into their family, strange and sinister events begin to unfold. Kara’s anxiety grows into paranoia as Charlotte's safety is threatened by forces closer than she ever imagined. Every secret revealed brings them closer to an unimaginable truth—one that could destroy their family forever.
In a race against time, Kara must confront the chilling past and unmask the truth before it's too late. But who can she trust when betrayal lurks around every corner?
Estranged is an unputdownable psychological thriller perfect for fans of
twisty psychological thrillersdark crime thrillerssuspense thrillersjaw-dropping domestic thrillerspsychological dramaspsychological thriller seriesPerfect for readers who crave the addictive twists of Freida McFadden, the emotional complexity of Jodi Picoult, and the dark suspense of Gillian Flynn, Estranged delivers a nerve-shredding psychological thriller that keeps you guessing until the final page. Fans of Lisa Jewell’s domestic secrets, Ruth Ware’s claustrophobic tension, and Karin Slaughter’s unflinching crime drama will find themselves hooked by Philip Anthony Smith’s sharp prose, haunting atmosphere, and unforgettable characters.
Get your copy today and dive into a heart-stopping thriller that will keep you guessing until the very last page.
Haunted by family secrets and torn by conflicting loyalties, Alistair reluctantly allows Sabine back into his life. Kara, sensing danger yet driven by compassion, encourages the reunion, unaware that Sabine’s intentions are far darker than they appear.
As Sabine integrates herself into their family, strange and sinister events begin to unfold. Kara’s anxiety grows into paranoia as Charlotte's safety is threatened by forces closer than she ever imagined. Every secret revealed brings them closer to an unimaginable truth—one that could destroy their family forever.
In a race against time, Kara must confront the chilling past and unmask the truth before it's too late. But who can she trust when betrayal lurks around every corner?
Estranged is an unputdownable psychological thriller perfect for fans of
twisty psychological thrillersdark crime thrillerssuspense thrillersjaw-dropping domestic thrillerspsychological dramaspsychological thriller seriesPerfect for readers who crave the addictive twists of Freida McFadden, the emotional complexity of Jodi Picoult, and the dark suspense of Gillian Flynn, Estranged delivers a nerve-shredding psychological thriller that keeps you guessing until the final page. Fans of Lisa Jewell’s domestic secrets, Ruth Ware’s claustrophobic tension, and Karin Slaughter’s unflinching crime drama will find themselves hooked by Philip Anthony Smith’s sharp prose, haunting atmosphere, and unforgettable characters.
Get your copy today and dive into a heart-stopping thriller that will keep you guessing until the very last page.
415 pages, Paperback
Published July 25, 2025
48 people are currently reading
100 people want to read
About the author
Philip Anthony Smith
18 books112 followersGet a free book by clicking here! Philip Anthony Smith made his debut as an author in 2024 with his first psychological thriller, 'Run For Your Life', which released in April of the same year.
As a first time author, he has no accolades or awards to show off, but boasts a lifetime of desire to become an acclaimed story teller.
After a long string of seemingly unrelated professions including window cleaner, SMS psychic and small business owner, Philip decided 2024 was the year to bring his stories to life.
As a first time author, he has no accolades or awards to show off, but boasts a lifetime of desire to become an acclaimed story teller.
After a long string of seemingly unrelated professions including window cleaner, SMS psychic and small business owner, Philip decided 2024 was the year to bring his stories to life.
Ratings & Reviews
Friends & Following
Create a free account to discover what your friends think of this book!
Community Reviews
Displaying 1 - 30 of 66 reviews
June 25, 2025
Estranged
⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️ (3.5 rounded up)
When Philip kindly offered me an ARC of Estranged in exchange for an honest review, I was immediately intrigued by the premise—a couple adjusting to life with a new baby when an estranged family member appears, and suddenly things take a dark, eerie turn. I’m a sucker for a domestic thriller, and this one delivered on the tension from page one.
The pacing was relentless in the best way—once the unsettling moments started, they just kept coming, making it impossible to put down. I flew through it, heart racing. There’s a constant undercurrent of unease that builds beautifully as the mystery unravels.
What I especially loved was the classic thriller setup where someone new enters the scene and instantly causes rifts. I don’t know why, but I love yelling at my Kindle like, “Why are you trusting this complete stranger?” It’s part of the fun. Philip’s writing style is fast, punchy, and gripping, which made this such a quick and enjoyable read.
Yes, a few moments require suspending disbelief—but hey, that’s part of the ride with fiction. The twists weren’t mind-blowing (I guessed a couple), but the story still felt satisfying, especially with how everything ties up by the end.
All in all, a really entertaining read. Big thanks to Philip for the ARC—I’ll definitely be keeping an eye out for whatever comes next!
⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️ (3.5 rounded up)
When Philip kindly offered me an ARC of Estranged in exchange for an honest review, I was immediately intrigued by the premise—a couple adjusting to life with a new baby when an estranged family member appears, and suddenly things take a dark, eerie turn. I’m a sucker for a domestic thriller, and this one delivered on the tension from page one.
The pacing was relentless in the best way—once the unsettling moments started, they just kept coming, making it impossible to put down. I flew through it, heart racing. There’s a constant undercurrent of unease that builds beautifully as the mystery unravels.
What I especially loved was the classic thriller setup where someone new enters the scene and instantly causes rifts. I don’t know why, but I love yelling at my Kindle like, “Why are you trusting this complete stranger?” It’s part of the fun. Philip’s writing style is fast, punchy, and gripping, which made this such a quick and enjoyable read.
Yes, a few moments require suspending disbelief—but hey, that’s part of the ride with fiction. The twists weren’t mind-blowing (I guessed a couple), but the story still felt satisfying, especially with how everything ties up by the end.
All in all, a really entertaining read. Big thanks to Philip for the ARC—I’ll definitely be keeping an eye out for whatever comes next!
June 17, 2025
I initially struggled with this book - I wasn’t a fan of the female main character, Kara. She seemed overly emotional and suspicious and looked past common sense, however, it’s not necessarily a bad thing to not like a character - she was well written. It’s just that if she was a real person, I probably wouldn’t be her friend 🤣
I received an arc from the author and I haven’t read any of his other work. I was pleasantly surprised, I enjoyed the story - it was fast paced and full of detail, ensuring that places and people were well thought out.
I thought the plot was going to be predictable, and although parts were - there were surprises!
I would be happy to read more from this author.
I received an arc from the author and I haven’t read any of his other work. I was pleasantly surprised, I enjoyed the story - it was fast paced and full of detail, ensuring that places and people were well thought out.
I thought the plot was going to be predictable, and although parts were - there were surprises!
I would be happy to read more from this author.
May 31, 2025
Any book by Philip is an auto read for me, I love his character building, world building and his way of writing suspenseful scenes is one to admire!
Being abandoned as a child is hard, growing up in foster homes and the like, then making a life for yourself growing up and moving on and making a business go from strength to strength. You wonder what happened to your mum and one day, you get an email, supposedly from her wanting to meet you.
Alistair is cautious but his wife slowly persuades him, everything seems too good to be true when they meet. A whole can of worms is opened, I binged this whole book in a very short space of time, the twist at the end was a surprise and WOW, what a book! Another fave!
Being abandoned as a child is hard, growing up in foster homes and the like, then making a life for yourself growing up and moving on and making a business go from strength to strength. You wonder what happened to your mum and one day, you get an email, supposedly from her wanting to meet you.
Alistair is cautious but his wife slowly persuades him, everything seems too good to be true when they meet. A whole can of worms is opened, I binged this whole book in a very short space of time, the twist at the end was a surprise and WOW, what a book! Another fave!
June 5, 2025
There are not many authors I have read more than one of their books. But Philips anthony smith is an author I know what Iam getting and it’s always an easy, twisted and fun thriller that keeps me turning the pages.
I read this in one day which is a record for me!
We meet Kara and Alistair a happily married couple with a young daughter, their everyday lives as new parents trying to run a business and keep their heads above water. The story is told in dual POV Kara and Alistair’s and you can really get a feel for the high steak emotions and conflict that builds between the two and your left shouting at them through frustration! The level of manipulation and deception is insane and you can’t help but root for it all to unravel and when it does…. It really does!
When one day they happen to get in contact with Alistair’s mum who abandoned him as a baby, but is she the mum he always wanted or his worst nightmare?
Their lives implode and they can’t see why.
The clever psychological elements to this book have you on the edge of your seat. The character development and world building makes for a fully immersive read with the tension and suspense keeping you turning the pages while on the edge of your seats.
I thought I had this storyline pegged, but I didn’t! One or two small parts I guessed but the twists and turns at the end had me opened mouth like ‘ohhhhhhhhh’ didn’t see that coming.
I loved the ending and although less of my fav ‘oh shit’ ending I was pleased for it. It ended in the perfect way. With twist after glorious twist!
For lovers of easy, thrilling and griping thrillers this book is for you! I absolutely loved my time with this book as I have the other books by PAS
I read this in one day which is a record for me!
We meet Kara and Alistair a happily married couple with a young daughter, their everyday lives as new parents trying to run a business and keep their heads above water. The story is told in dual POV Kara and Alistair’s and you can really get a feel for the high steak emotions and conflict that builds between the two and your left shouting at them through frustration! The level of manipulation and deception is insane and you can’t help but root for it all to unravel and when it does…. It really does!
When one day they happen to get in contact with Alistair’s mum who abandoned him as a baby, but is she the mum he always wanted or his worst nightmare?
Their lives implode and they can’t see why.
The clever psychological elements to this book have you on the edge of your seat. The character development and world building makes for a fully immersive read with the tension and suspense keeping you turning the pages while on the edge of your seats.
I thought I had this storyline pegged, but I didn’t! One or two small parts I guessed but the twists and turns at the end had me opened mouth like ‘ohhhhhhhhh’ didn’t see that coming.
I loved the ending and although less of my fav ‘oh shit’ ending I was pleased for it. It ended in the perfect way. With twist after glorious twist!
For lovers of easy, thrilling and griping thrillers this book is for you! I absolutely loved my time with this book as I have the other books by PAS
June 7, 2025
Another edge-of-the-seat psychological thriller full of nail-biting suspense by Philip Anthony Smith who is certainly a dab hand at delivering the type of narrative with no deviating frills to get you fully engrossed in his unputdownable storytelling right from the minute you finish reading the prologue. «ESTRANGED» tries to warn us that some doors leading into our past had better remain firmly closed and if we ever decide, or shall I say dare, to open them, we ought to proceed with extreme caution and refrain from taking everything at face value.
His latest book had a few who-would-have-thought twists that really caught me off-balance, which is something that I like when authors get ahead of all the suspicions bubbling in the back of my mind and masterfully demolish them.
Highly recommendable and binge-worthy in just one sitting or two, but just be warned that the ending has a jaw-dropping reveal. I can hardly wait to read the twisty tale that Phil will try to regale us with in his next book in the next two months or so.
His latest book had a few who-would-have-thought twists that really caught me off-balance, which is something that I like when authors get ahead of all the suspicions bubbling in the back of my mind and masterfully demolish them.
Highly recommendable and binge-worthy in just one sitting or two, but just be warned that the ending has a jaw-dropping reveal. I can hardly wait to read the twisty tale that Phil will try to regale us with in his next book in the next two months or so.
June 4, 2025
What a wild ride that was!
Kara and Alistair are a lovely little family who, after initially thriving, are a little down on their luck after having a new baby and their restaurant stalling, then in comes Alistair’s long lost mother Sabine who abandoned him as a baby - and I was going to say to rock the boat, but that doesn’t accurately describe what follows.
Philip is so so good at creating that hook in the epilogue that doesn’t let go throughout. He creates vivid stories and rich characters that enable you feel immersed in that dark world and I love it.
The introduction to Sabine instantly made me feel uneasy, I knew she was all bullshit but I just couldn’t work out the endgame, making it so stressful as you can’t work out the danger, especially as it’s such a small group of characters, which I thought worked perfectly.
The story is told in a dual POV and we can see how cracks start to form between the couple as this incomer twists their way into their lives, and it’s quite distressing seeing how easily they were able to be manipulated and pitted against each other.
This one is fast paced and tension filled that continues to build and build until its thrilling climax, with plenty of twists and turns along the way!
Be prepared to be incredibly stressed and frustrated reading this one while trying to work out what the hell is going on.
Huuuuge thanks as always to Philip for allowing me to read your books before release - they’re a blast!
Kara and Alistair are a lovely little family who, after initially thriving, are a little down on their luck after having a new baby and their restaurant stalling, then in comes Alistair’s long lost mother Sabine who abandoned him as a baby - and I was going to say to rock the boat, but that doesn’t accurately describe what follows.
Philip is so so good at creating that hook in the epilogue that doesn’t let go throughout. He creates vivid stories and rich characters that enable you feel immersed in that dark world and I love it.
The introduction to Sabine instantly made me feel uneasy, I knew she was all bullshit but I just couldn’t work out the endgame, making it so stressful as you can’t work out the danger, especially as it’s such a small group of characters, which I thought worked perfectly.
The story is told in a dual POV and we can see how cracks start to form between the couple as this incomer twists their way into their lives, and it’s quite distressing seeing how easily they were able to be manipulated and pitted against each other.
This one is fast paced and tension filled that continues to build and build until its thrilling climax, with plenty of twists and turns along the way!
Be prepared to be incredibly stressed and frustrated reading this one while trying to work out what the hell is going on.
Huuuuge thanks as always to Philip for allowing me to read your books before release - they’re a blast!
June 26, 2025
✨ B O O K R E V I E W ✨
ESTRANGED by Philip Anthony Smith
OUT ON JUNE 27th
👨🍳 Alistair and Kara are building the life they have always dreamed of - happily married, parents to adorable baby Charlotte, a new restaurant that is fully booked, money rolling in…until their lives crash around them.
🔍 This is my first book by Philip Anthony Smith. I enjoyed the constant twists all throughout. I loved how the author opened the story, then told everything that happened in the past, and finally ended it by revisiting the story’s opening- which is the present time. There was SO much happening that I actually forgot the first chapter was occurring. The ending snapped me right back to the present time.
Thank you @philipsmithfiction for the copy of your book. All opinions are my own.
This novel is out for publication on June 27th. If you’re up for a quick, twisty read, check this out!!!
#estranged #philipanthonysmith #summerreading #twistyread #quickread #beachread
ESTRANGED by Philip Anthony Smith
OUT ON JUNE 27th
👨🍳 Alistair and Kara are building the life they have always dreamed of - happily married, parents to adorable baby Charlotte, a new restaurant that is fully booked, money rolling in…until their lives crash around them.
🔍 This is my first book by Philip Anthony Smith. I enjoyed the constant twists all throughout. I loved how the author opened the story, then told everything that happened in the past, and finally ended it by revisiting the story’s opening- which is the present time. There was SO much happening that I actually forgot the first chapter was occurring. The ending snapped me right back to the present time.
Thank you @philipsmithfiction for the copy of your book. All opinions are my own.
This novel is out for publication on June 27th. If you’re up for a quick, twisty read, check this out!!!
#estranged #philipanthonysmith #summerreading #twistyread #quickread #beachread
June 9, 2025
I'm always really excited to read Philip's work and it rarely disappoints! This was no exception!
A very twisty, snappy, intriguing ride laced with a web of lies and deceit.
All of the characters were amazingly thought out and written in such a way that you felt like you really knew them.
The storyline was gripping and interesting with an element that I didn't see coming at all! I always like it when an author can surprise me!
I did struggle to understand how Kara and Ali lost trust in each other so easily and quickly which frustrated me a little, I wanted to give them such a telling off!!
Philip always writes in short chapters and this is something I love as I find it makes for a much easier and satisfying read.
All in all another great book from Philip, thank you for having me on your arc team!
A very twisty, snappy, intriguing ride laced with a web of lies and deceit.
All of the characters were amazingly thought out and written in such a way that you felt like you really knew them.
The storyline was gripping and interesting with an element that I didn't see coming at all! I always like it when an author can surprise me!
I did struggle to understand how Kara and Ali lost trust in each other so easily and quickly which frustrated me a little, I wanted to give them such a telling off!!
Philip always writes in short chapters and this is something I love as I find it makes for a much easier and satisfying read.
All in all another great book from Philip, thank you for having me on your arc team!
June 10, 2025
As someone who has only dipped their toes in the psychological thriller genre with a few Freida Mcfadden books, i was excited to give a new author a try. I was hooked immediately by this book and did not want to put it down! I finished it in under three hours. This book has everything you could want from a psychological thriller, with constant twists and turns including ones you won't expect. The story is told from two different perspectives which adds another layer as you get to see the way both characters are thinking and feeling throughout, coming to a satisfying conclusion at the end. I would definitely recommend this book if you are a fan of a psychological thriller. This is one of the best I have read so far!
June 11, 2025
Spoiler free review
Omg have I just entered the Phillip Anthony Smith Survivers Club... Yes I have!
And you definitely need to after reading this book. It's FUSTRATINGLY BRILLIANT! There was sooo much gaslighting, i wanted to throw my kindle across the room but then I had to carry on reading because the rest of the way through I was thinking " please for the love of God someone see what's happening".
I figured out what was going on but wasn't expecting the very end part which was a nice touch.
If your into Thrillers, this book will not disappoint but it might make you scream into a pillow!
Omg have I just entered the Phillip Anthony Smith Survivers Club... Yes I have!
And you definitely need to after reading this book. It's FUSTRATINGLY BRILLIANT! There was sooo much gaslighting, i wanted to throw my kindle across the room but then I had to carry on reading because the rest of the way through I was thinking " please for the love of God someone see what's happening".
I figured out what was going on but wasn't expecting the very end part which was a nice touch.
If your into Thrillers, this book will not disappoint but it might make you scream into a pillow!
June 9, 2025
My first book by Phil and it will not be my last! This book had me hooked from the first page and the twists and turns were something else. I wanted to shake both Kara and Alistair as they just couldn’t see what was in front of them!! I had my heart in my mouth at times and I wasn’t sure how it would all end. Told from the POVs of both Kara and Alistair really enriched the story as you could see it from both sides and allowed their characters to develop. Sabine is such an interesting character as well who definitely adds to the story. A book that has short snappy chapters, dual POVs and a story that will have you hooked!
June 14, 2025
After reading this book, I will definitely be going through Phillip's backlist!
You wouldn't think that a mother being reunited with their long lost child could be dark and twisted but when reading this I was wrong!
I have never disliked a character as much as I did for Sabine, a truly evil character!
A couple of the twists I saw coming but there were others I was shocked by, and it made me eager to keep reading to find out what could possibly happen next.
I enjoyed the multi POV and the chapters were short so it felt like I was racing through to go back to each character. A really enjoyable read overall!
You wouldn't think that a mother being reunited with their long lost child could be dark and twisted but when reading this I was wrong!
I have never disliked a character as much as I did for Sabine, a truly evil character!
A couple of the twists I saw coming but there were others I was shocked by, and it made me eager to keep reading to find out what could possibly happen next.
I enjoyed the multi POV and the chapters were short so it felt like I was racing through to go back to each character. A really enjoyable read overall!
May 31, 2025
Really enjoyed this one! It was nice to read a standalone novel again by this author after spending a bit of time in the world of ‘The Forgotten Bride’ series.
At just under 300 pages, I read Estranged pretty quickly in a few days, making it perfect as my last read of the month.
True to the authors fashion, there was a cracking prologue that gets right into the action! I loved the whole mystery surrounding Sabine. It had me questioning is she really his mother? Is she hiding secrets? Who is telling the truth? The mystery and suspense with the mini cliffhanger twists at the end of the chapters really kept me gripped throughout!
There were some shocking twists towards the end! I loved the POV change and honestly didn’t expect it. It was a heartbreaking but shocking reveal 😱😳
I really loved the final chapters of the book, it honestly felt like I was watching a thriller film or tv show, it was HEART-STOPPING! The descriptive writing and edge of your seat tension was brilliant! I would love to see a tv adaptation, who knows maybe one day! 🤞🏻
The book wrapped up really nicely with a satisfying and heartfelt ending, which left me smiling with joy! 🥰
I honestly don’t know how Phil writes books so quickly! Once again a huge thank you for my having me on your ARC team! Can’t wait to see what you write next 😃
Overall I highly recommend this one. Thriller fans definitely add this one to your TBR!
At just under 300 pages, I read Estranged pretty quickly in a few days, making it perfect as my last read of the month.
True to the authors fashion, there was a cracking prologue that gets right into the action! I loved the whole mystery surrounding Sabine. It had me questioning is she really his mother? Is she hiding secrets? Who is telling the truth? The mystery and suspense with the mini cliffhanger twists at the end of the chapters really kept me gripped throughout!
There were some shocking twists towards the end! I loved the POV change and honestly didn’t expect it. It was a heartbreaking but shocking reveal 😱😳
I really loved the final chapters of the book, it honestly felt like I was watching a thriller film or tv show, it was HEART-STOPPING! The descriptive writing and edge of your seat tension was brilliant! I would love to see a tv adaptation, who knows maybe one day! 🤞🏻
The book wrapped up really nicely with a satisfying and heartfelt ending, which left me smiling with joy! 🥰
I honestly don’t know how Phil writes books so quickly! Once again a huge thank you for my having me on your ARC team! Can’t wait to see what you write next 😃
Overall I highly recommend this one. Thriller fans definitely add this one to your TBR!
June 3, 2025
Another great, heart wrenching twisty thriller from Philip!
In this one we follow Alistair and his wife Kara navigate their life with a new baby and their own business and thrown into the mix, Alistair finding his mother after 30 years. When she intertwines herself into their life, everything is thrown for a loop and life won't be the same again for this family.
This one is a super fast-paced twisty thriller that will keep you hooked from the get go and your brain working on overdrive to try and figure it out! There is twists after twists and unfortunately I did guess a few but the twist at the did get me! I really enjoyed that the book was written in 2 POV's and we could feel the emotions from each character in each chapter!
I did knock a star off and I hate to admit it but there was a point in the book that just stuck me, I don't want to give to much away but being a mother and that happening would be very scary and I just had to take a break from reading it further for a while. But overall this one is a great, quick read and is super twisty and gripping!
Amazing work Philip! And again, I really look forward to reading your future books!!
In this one we follow Alistair and his wife Kara navigate their life with a new baby and their own business and thrown into the mix, Alistair finding his mother after 30 years. When she intertwines herself into their life, everything is thrown for a loop and life won't be the same again for this family.
This one is a super fast-paced twisty thriller that will keep you hooked from the get go and your brain working on overdrive to try and figure it out! There is twists after twists and unfortunately I did guess a few but the twist at the did get me! I really enjoyed that the book was written in 2 POV's and we could feel the emotions from each character in each chapter!
I did knock a star off and I hate to admit it but there was a point in the book that just stuck me, I don't want to give to much away but being a mother and that happening would be very scary and I just had to take a break from reading it further for a while. But overall this one is a great, quick read and is super twisty and gripping!
Amazing work Philip! And again, I really look forward to reading your future books!!
May 31, 2025
Once again, Philip Anthony Smith has delivered another page turner.
Estranged is a gripping, suspense filled thriller that had me hooked from the very first chapter. The tension builds throughout, with just the right mix of twists and psychological intrigue to keep you fully immersed.
When Alistair reconnects with his mother, Sabine, after being abandoned as a baby, it feels like the start of something healing. But as their relationship deepens, cracks begin to show and Alistair starts to question if Sabine is really who she claims to be. What follows is a tense, unsettling unraveling of truth, trust, and long buried secrets.
I really enjoyed the multiple points of view each one added a new layer to the story and kept me second guessing what was really going on. The short punchy chapters made it hard to put down!
Phil’s writing is always so engaging, I love how he draws you into the minds of his characters, wondering who you can trust.
It was also an absolute honour that Phil chose my name suggestion, The Drowned Table for the restaurant featured in the book. Seeing it come to life on the page made this read even more special for me!
I genuinely feel honoured every time he sends me an ARC. There’s something really special about getting an early peek into one of his thrillers and this one certainly didn’t disappoint.
Estranged is a gripping, suspense filled thriller that had me hooked from the very first chapter. The tension builds throughout, with just the right mix of twists and psychological intrigue to keep you fully immersed.
When Alistair reconnects with his mother, Sabine, after being abandoned as a baby, it feels like the start of something healing. But as their relationship deepens, cracks begin to show and Alistair starts to question if Sabine is really who she claims to be. What follows is a tense, unsettling unraveling of truth, trust, and long buried secrets.
I really enjoyed the multiple points of view each one added a new layer to the story and kept me second guessing what was really going on. The short punchy chapters made it hard to put down!
Phil’s writing is always so engaging, I love how he draws you into the minds of his characters, wondering who you can trust.
It was also an absolute honour that Phil chose my name suggestion, The Drowned Table for the restaurant featured in the book. Seeing it come to life on the page made this read even more special for me!
I genuinely feel honoured every time he sends me an ARC. There’s something really special about getting an early peek into one of his thrillers and this one certainly didn’t disappoint.
June 1, 2025
Kara and Alistair live in a small Cornish town, with their young daughter, Charlotte. Having been abandoned by his mother at birth, Alistair decided to sign up to a DNA website in a bid to find out more about his family; so when he connects with his mother, Sabine, and she shows up on their doorstep, he thinks all his Christmases have come at once.
But what does Sabine really want?
Straight away I was transported into the story; Philip never fails to amaze me at how well he spins a narrative and hooks the reader. ‘Estranged’ is told from the POVs of both Kara and Alistair, and is addictive from the off.
I don’t know what Philip puts in his books, but I absolutely fly through them without fail. This was yet another psychological masterpiece that had me gaping in shock at the unpredictable twists and turn, and this one is up there at the top for me with Freida McFadden’s earlier books!
Thank you to Philip for the honour of being an ARC reader again, it is always an absolute pleasure.
But what does Sabine really want?
Straight away I was transported into the story; Philip never fails to amaze me at how well he spins a narrative and hooks the reader. ‘Estranged’ is told from the POVs of both Kara and Alistair, and is addictive from the off.
I don’t know what Philip puts in his books, but I absolutely fly through them without fail. This was yet another psychological masterpiece that had me gaping in shock at the unpredictable twists and turn, and this one is up there at the top for me with Freida McFadden’s earlier books!
Thank you to Philip for the honour of being an ARC reader again, it is always an absolute pleasure.
June 4, 2025
What a book!
I’d seen some amazing reviews of Estranged previously but nothing could prepare me for the fast paced, twist and turn story that I was reading. A well written, character driven, psychological thriller that I couldn’t stop reading.
I couldn’t help but feel for Kara at times, meeting Sabine, a seemingly lovely old lady, who makes the reader question what is going on. The way it is written, with the shifting between perspectives of husband and wife kept the pace of the story going. Add this to the unexpected ending, and it’s a great read.
The ending felt like it would be predictable but no way… twists and turns throughout all tied up nicely by the last page.
Thank you to Phillip for letting me read this book early!
I’d seen some amazing reviews of Estranged previously but nothing could prepare me for the fast paced, twist and turn story that I was reading. A well written, character driven, psychological thriller that I couldn’t stop reading.
I couldn’t help but feel for Kara at times, meeting Sabine, a seemingly lovely old lady, who makes the reader question what is going on. The way it is written, with the shifting between perspectives of husband and wife kept the pace of the story going. Add this to the unexpected ending, and it’s a great read.
The ending felt like it would be predictable but no way… twists and turns throughout all tied up nicely by the last page.
Thank you to Phillip for letting me read this book early!
June 8, 2025
Alistair is enjoying his life with his wife, Kara, his baby daughter Charlotte and his restaurant. Then he gets a message from his mother, who abandoned him as a baby. Then their life is thrown into disarray and they begin to distrust each other. A series of events causes much chaos and scary results.
Philip Anthony Smith is an outstanding thriller writer, and if you haven’t read any of his books, hurry and get some!
Release date June 27, 2025
Philip Anthony Smith is an outstanding thriller writer, and if you haven’t read any of his books, hurry and get some!
Release date June 27, 2025
June 1, 2025
From the very first page,Estanged by Philip Anthony Smith proves to be totally addictive, a masterclass in tension that pulls you in and doesn't let go.
Fast-paced and gripping, this is a page turner not to be missed.
What sets this apart is the small but impactful cast of characters,each one develops nicely with unexpected twists, which, together, form a web that brings the story together.
I love how Philip explores the dark side of human nature and themes of betrayal and conflict.
Just when you think you know what's happening, the writing moves to a different level, which shows how his storytelling is growing with each book,I really thought I knew where the ending was heading but the brilliant twist proved me wrong.
Philip is one of my favourite authors, and other books do get pushed to the side when I'm lucky enough to receive his next offering.
HIGHLY RECOMMENDED
Add to your TBR.You won't regret it🔥📚.
Fast-paced and gripping, this is a page turner not to be missed.
What sets this apart is the small but impactful cast of characters,each one develops nicely with unexpected twists, which, together, form a web that brings the story together.
I love how Philip explores the dark side of human nature and themes of betrayal and conflict.
Just when you think you know what's happening, the writing moves to a different level, which shows how his storytelling is growing with each book,I really thought I knew where the ending was heading but the brilliant twist proved me wrong.
Philip is one of my favourite authors, and other books do get pushed to the side when I'm lucky enough to receive his next offering.
HIGHLY RECOMMENDED
Add to your TBR.You won't regret it🔥📚.
June 5, 2025
Rating 4.5
This psychological thriller centres around a man, Alistair, who is meeting up with his mother, Sabine, who abandoned him when he was a baby. Then life spirals out of control for Alistair. It has dual POVs between him and his wife and a few time points. It’s expertly written, has well formed (but unlikeable) characters and I had my suspicions when reading but there was a lot of unexpected twists and the ending was great. I would definitely recommend, I couldn’t stop reading it once I started!
This psychological thriller centres around a man, Alistair, who is meeting up with his mother, Sabine, who abandoned him when he was a baby. Then life spirals out of control for Alistair. It has dual POVs between him and his wife and a few time points. It’s expertly written, has well formed (but unlikeable) characters and I had my suspicions when reading but there was a lot of unexpected twists and the ending was great. I would definitely recommend, I couldn’t stop reading it once I started!
May 31, 2025
Estranged begins with a tension packed prologue that immediately had me hooked.
When Kara’s picture perfect life is disrupted by the reappearance of her husband Alistair’s estranged mother, secrets quickly unravel into chaos (in true PAS fashion). As red flags start popping up, Kara’s unease spirals into a desperate search for the truth. Is she just paranoid? Or is Alistair hiding something too? Is Sabine guilty of more than just walking away years ago?
I was on the edge of my seat watching Kara and Alistair try to stay afloat as everything fell apart around them. It’s tense, twisty, and packed with betrayal. Watching it all unravel, I knew Phil had something up his sleeve, and once again he delivered with another bingeable and fast paced thriller!
Thank you PAS for a copy of this ARC in exchange for my honest opinion.
When Kara’s picture perfect life is disrupted by the reappearance of her husband Alistair’s estranged mother, secrets quickly unravel into chaos (in true PAS fashion). As red flags start popping up, Kara’s unease spirals into a desperate search for the truth. Is she just paranoid? Or is Alistair hiding something too? Is Sabine guilty of more than just walking away years ago?
I was on the edge of my seat watching Kara and Alistair try to stay afloat as everything fell apart around them. It’s tense, twisty, and packed with betrayal. Watching it all unravel, I knew Phil had something up his sleeve, and once again he delivered with another bingeable and fast paced thriller!
Thank you PAS for a copy of this ARC in exchange for my honest opinion.
June 2, 2025
This was my first read by this author but it definitely won’t be my last! This book was so good and had me second guessing things until the very end. I absolutely loved the way this author wrote and alternated between both Kara’s and Alistair’s POVs. This gave me such good insight into both characters and how they were feeling and seeing things as the story progressed. The twists were well done and the execution was well thought out. If you are looking for a twist thriller then be sure to check this one out.
May 30, 2025
Wow what a twist. I knew from the beginning that the dodgy character was dodgy from reading a few of PAS books now I’m starting to work out how his brain works, but I never guessed that twist another amazing five star read. Binge worthy, edge of his seat, gripping drenched in psychological mentalness! Everything you want when reading a thriller like this. You won’t be disappointed with this one, totally doable in one sitting! I just hope I don’t ever have a bad day like poor Ali! Thank you for my copy of this Philip. You’re a legend, even if your head is a bit messed up keep them coming!
June 27, 2025
This was my first time book by this author. Having discovered Philip on social media, I was invited to do an ARC read and jumped at the chance to.
I found this to be an easy and enjoyable read. There were times when I was able to guess what might be going on. However, despite being on the right lines, it always turned out there was more to it than I thought. There were also a number of surprise twists within the last few chapters that I hadn't seen coming that added more shock to the mystery of the story.
I did find Ali to be a bit too gullible. However, I loved the sneaky Google stalking that Kara did in an attempt to get to the truth(I mean, who doesn't like carrying out a bit of amateur detective work!)
After reading this, I will definitely be adding more of Philips' work to my 'to be read' list!
I found this to be an easy and enjoyable read. There were times when I was able to guess what might be going on. However, despite being on the right lines, it always turned out there was more to it than I thought. There were also a number of surprise twists within the last few chapters that I hadn't seen coming that added more shock to the mystery of the story.
I did find Ali to be a bit too gullible. However, I loved the sneaky Google stalking that Kara did in an attempt to get to the truth(I mean, who doesn't like carrying out a bit of amateur detective work!)
After reading this, I will definitely be adding more of Philips' work to my 'to be read' list!
June 24, 2025
This fast-paced psychological thriller features the most unlikeable characters I’ve ever encountered in a book, but surprisingly, this isn’t a negative. Their unlikability keeps you engaged, eager to discover whether they receive what they deserve. I found myself literally shouting at my Kindle in frustration at times.
The plot is great and written exceptionally well, though it may not entirely be believable. I would highly recommend this book to fans of Freida McFadden and Lisa Jewell.
Will definitely be reading more by Philip.
The plot is great and written exceptionally well, though it may not entirely be believable. I would highly recommend this book to fans of Freida McFadden and Lisa Jewell.
Will definitely be reading more by Philip.
June 10, 2025
🧨 “ESTRANGED” by Philip Anthony Smith
🍼💀 Motherhood, but with psychological warfare.
🏡👀 Family, but everyone’s lying.
🧠🔥 Suspense, but make it feral.
Y’ALL. This book had me clutching my Kindle like it was a holy relic. Imagine: you just had a baby. Your life is picture-perfect. Sleep-deprived, sure, but blessed. THEN. Your husband’s long-lost birth mother shows up out of nowhere with a smile like she’s auditioning for a murder podcast. And suddenly, your life?
IS. NOT. YOURS. ANYMORE.
🔪 THE VIBE
This book is gaslight, gatekeep, girl-unravels in real time.
You’re not reading Estranged, you’re spiraling with Kara.
You will:
• Start side-eyeing your in-laws
• Mistrust every closed door
• Consider installing baby monitors with lie detectors
📈 Unhinged Reader Chart
• Trust in family: 📉
• Faith in reality: 📉📉
• Number of times you scream “NOPE” at the page: 📈📈📈📈📈
🤯 READ IF YOU LOVE:
• The slow descent into “am I crazy or is this family cursed”
• A mother losing her grip while trying to hold a baby and a marriage together
• Sabine, a Mother shaped question mark with absolutely sinister auntie vibes
• Plot twists that hit like “you are not the father” on live TV and they just keep on coming twist after twist.
“Welcome to Estranged, where postpartum bliss suddenly plummets into a never ending vortex of lies, betrayal, insanity tied in a bow of family secrets so twisted you’ll wish you were orphaned.”
🪦 Final Thoughts:
If you love thrillers that feel like you’re unraveling in real time, Estranged is your next obsession. Add this to your TBR for its release on 27th June ‼️‼️
🍼💀 Motherhood, but with psychological warfare.
🏡👀 Family, but everyone’s lying.
🧠🔥 Suspense, but make it feral.
Y’ALL. This book had me clutching my Kindle like it was a holy relic. Imagine: you just had a baby. Your life is picture-perfect. Sleep-deprived, sure, but blessed. THEN. Your husband’s long-lost birth mother shows up out of nowhere with a smile like she’s auditioning for a murder podcast. And suddenly, your life?
IS. NOT. YOURS. ANYMORE.
🔪 THE VIBE
This book is gaslight, gatekeep, girl-unravels in real time.
You’re not reading Estranged, you’re spiraling with Kara.
You will:
• Start side-eyeing your in-laws
• Mistrust every closed door
• Consider installing baby monitors with lie detectors
📈 Unhinged Reader Chart
• Trust in family: 📉
• Faith in reality: 📉📉
• Number of times you scream “NOPE” at the page: 📈📈📈📈📈
🤯 READ IF YOU LOVE:
• The slow descent into “am I crazy or is this family cursed”
• A mother losing her grip while trying to hold a baby and a marriage together
• Sabine, a Mother shaped question mark with absolutely sinister auntie vibes
• Plot twists that hit like “you are not the father” on live TV and they just keep on coming twist after twist.
“Welcome to Estranged, where postpartum bliss suddenly plummets into a never ending vortex of lies, betrayal, insanity tied in a bow of family secrets so twisted you’ll wish you were orphaned.”
🪦 Final Thoughts:
If you love thrillers that feel like you’re unraveling in real time, Estranged is your next obsession. Add this to your TBR for its release on 27th June ‼️‼️
June 26, 2025
In Estranged, Philip Anthony Smith invites us into a life so beautifully crafted it almost feels like a dream—until you realize it's a trap.
Kara has everything: the sea-salt serenity of Cornwall, a restaurant born from passion, a husband who adores her, and a newborn daughter she’d do anything to protect. But all it takes is one message—one name from the past—for that carefully stitched life to start unraveling thread by thread.
Sabine doesn’t arrive with fire and brimstone. She arrives with softness, with stories, with a mother’s smile that's just a little too sharp. Smith captures this slow corruption masterfully, letting discomfort creep in like fog over the coast—quiet, cold, and impossible to escape.
What struck me most wasn’t just the suspense (though it’s there, and it’s thick). It was the grief. The buried guilt. The aching loyalty and the way love can blind you to danger. Kara’s descent into doubt feels tragically real—because the threats here aren’t just physical. They’re emotional. Psychological. Intimately personal.
This is a story about inheritance—the kind that stains instead of blesses. About how one wrong person, given an inch of grace, can dismantle everything.
Estranged is a slow-burning, elegantly sinister novel that slips under your skin. It’s not just about betrayal—it’s about how evil wears masks, sometimes even the kind that smile sweetly and call themselves “family.”
Dark, atmospheric, and deeply unsettling in the quietest ways—Smith has crafted a modern Gothic with bite.
Kara has everything: the sea-salt serenity of Cornwall, a restaurant born from passion, a husband who adores her, and a newborn daughter she’d do anything to protect. But all it takes is one message—one name from the past—for that carefully stitched life to start unraveling thread by thread.
Sabine doesn’t arrive with fire and brimstone. She arrives with softness, with stories, with a mother’s smile that's just a little too sharp. Smith captures this slow corruption masterfully, letting discomfort creep in like fog over the coast—quiet, cold, and impossible to escape.
What struck me most wasn’t just the suspense (though it’s there, and it’s thick). It was the grief. The buried guilt. The aching loyalty and the way love can blind you to danger. Kara’s descent into doubt feels tragically real—because the threats here aren’t just physical. They’re emotional. Psychological. Intimately personal.
This is a story about inheritance—the kind that stains instead of blesses. About how one wrong person, given an inch of grace, can dismantle everything.
Estranged is a slow-burning, elegantly sinister novel that slips under your skin. It’s not just about betrayal—it’s about how evil wears masks, sometimes even the kind that smile sweetly and call themselves “family.”
Dark, atmospheric, and deeply unsettling in the quietest ways—Smith has crafted a modern Gothic with bite.
June 13, 2025
Firstly, a huge thank you to Phil for sending me a copy of Estranged. All views are completely my own.
Wow - what a fantastic read! From the epilogue onwards, I was completely hooked. Estranged is a fast-paced, twisty thriller told from two points of view - Kara and Alister - which really pulls you into the heart of the drama. The short chapters kept the pace sharp, and the writing was so vivid and detailed I felt like I'd known the characters for
What starts as a perfect family life on the Cornish coast quickly descends into paranoia and danger after Alister's estranged mother reappears. With secrets unraveling and tension building, I found myself shouting at the pages, desperate for the characters to see what I could!
The ending wrapped everything up brilliantly - no loose ends or unanswered questions - and I was left with a very satisfied (and slightly jaw-dropped smile. If you love an easy-to-read, utterly gripping thriller that will keep you guessing, Estranged should be at the top of your list.
I'll definitely be reading more from Phil!
Synopsis: Kara's life seems perfect - a successful restaurant, a loving husband, and a newborn daughter. But when Alistair's estranged mother, Sabine, suddenly reappears, their peaceful life quickly unravels.
As Sabine worms her way back into their world, unsettling events threaten their family's safety. Kara must uncover the truth behind Sabine's return before it's too late - but with betrayal at every turn, who can she really trust?
Wow - what a fantastic read! From the epilogue onwards, I was completely hooked. Estranged is a fast-paced, twisty thriller told from two points of view - Kara and Alister - which really pulls you into the heart of the drama. The short chapters kept the pace sharp, and the writing was so vivid and detailed I felt like I'd known the characters for
What starts as a perfect family life on the Cornish coast quickly descends into paranoia and danger after Alister's estranged mother reappears. With secrets unraveling and tension building, I found myself shouting at the pages, desperate for the characters to see what I could!
The ending wrapped everything up brilliantly - no loose ends or unanswered questions - and I was left with a very satisfied (and slightly jaw-dropped smile. If you love an easy-to-read, utterly gripping thriller that will keep you guessing, Estranged should be at the top of your list.
I'll definitely be reading more from Phil!
Synopsis: Kara's life seems perfect - a successful restaurant, a loving husband, and a newborn daughter. But when Alistair's estranged mother, Sabine, suddenly reappears, their peaceful life quickly unravels.
As Sabine worms her way back into their world, unsettling events threaten their family's safety. Kara must uncover the truth behind Sabine's return before it's too late - but with betrayal at every turn, who can she really trust?
June 27, 2025
Estranged follows Kara, who has the perfect life living on the Cornish coast with her husband Alistair, and their daughter Charlotte. But when Alistair’s estranged mother Sabine enters their life, everything begins to spiral into turmoil. As Sabine integrates herself into their family, strange and sinister events begin to unfold. Kara must confront the chilling past and unmask the truth, before it's too late and it destroys their family forever. But who can she trust when betrayal lurks around every corner?
Philip Anthony Smith never fails to amaze me with his genius, and Estranged is no different. The contrast between the intense psychological tension and the beautiful Cornish setting creates a compelling dynamic that was further driven by the dual perspectives of Kara and Alistair.
In Estranged, short chapters drive the plot, often ending on cliffhangers that made it impossible to put the book down. The suspense builds gradually, weaving in hints of danger and distrust, until it exploded with unexpected twists and revelations that completely caught me off guard.
Then the ending itself is both surprising and impactful, leaving a lasting impression that perfectly reflects the kind of writing Philip Anthony Smith consistently delivers, and that I’ve come to know and love.
Thank you so much to Philip Anthony Smith for sending me this advanced copy of Estranged to read and review, and for getting me through another night shift as always! My opinions are my own.
Philip Anthony Smith never fails to amaze me with his genius, and Estranged is no different. The contrast between the intense psychological tension and the beautiful Cornish setting creates a compelling dynamic that was further driven by the dual perspectives of Kara and Alistair.
In Estranged, short chapters drive the plot, often ending on cliffhangers that made it impossible to put the book down. The suspense builds gradually, weaving in hints of danger and distrust, until it exploded with unexpected twists and revelations that completely caught me off guard.
Then the ending itself is both surprising and impactful, leaving a lasting impression that perfectly reflects the kind of writing Philip Anthony Smith consistently delivers, and that I’ve come to know and love.
Thank you so much to Philip Anthony Smith for sending me this advanced copy of Estranged to read and review, and for getting me through another night shift as always! My opinions are my own.
May 30, 2025
Estranged grabs the happy-family façade and rips it to shreds with a well-manicured hand. When Alistair’s long-lost mama Sabine shows up uninvited, Kara’s all about second chances and warm welcomes—until Sabine starts playing psychological Jenga with their lives. What begins as a cautious reunion spirals into a sinister game of secrets, suspicion, and seriously, why is this woman everywhere all the time?
The tension builds like a low-key horror movie disguised as a family drama—think Get Out but with more awkward brunches and dark backstories. Kara starts off strong, grounded, the glue of the family—but watching her come undone is both heartbreaking and hypnotic. Alistair is the kind of character you side-eye from chapter two, and Sabine? Oh, she’s the perfect mix of grace and gaslight. You’ll love hating her. Or hate loving her. Or both.
Smith’s writing is crisp, creepy, and cinematic—his dialogue snaps, his pacing slithers, and the reveals hit like a sucker punch in a pretty package. This isn’t a rollercoaster—it’s one of those drop towers where you know it’s coming, but still scream on the way down.
Short version? Estranged is family dysfunction meets psychological suspense with a slow burn that ends in flames. One part mystery, one part emotional chaos, and 100% worth devouring in a single, sweaty-palmed sitting.
The tension builds like a low-key horror movie disguised as a family drama—think Get Out but with more awkward brunches and dark backstories. Kara starts off strong, grounded, the glue of the family—but watching her come undone is both heartbreaking and hypnotic. Alistair is the kind of character you side-eye from chapter two, and Sabine? Oh, she’s the perfect mix of grace and gaslight. You’ll love hating her. Or hate loving her. Or both.
Smith’s writing is crisp, creepy, and cinematic—his dialogue snaps, his pacing slithers, and the reveals hit like a sucker punch in a pretty package. This isn’t a rollercoaster—it’s one of those drop towers where you know it’s coming, but still scream on the way down.
Short version? Estranged is family dysfunction meets psychological suspense with a slow burn that ends in flames. One part mystery, one part emotional chaos, and 100% worth devouring in a single, sweaty-palmed sitting.
Displaying 1 - 30 of 66 reviews