The Stranger Inside

by Ruth Harrow

Zoe invited a stranger into her home. That was her first mistake.

Finally free of her abusive ex, Zoe is rebuilding her life.

Then, on a parenting forum, she meets Lisa who is going through the same thing Zoe escaped- psychological torture at the hands of a cold, controlling partner.

Zoe rescues Lisa from her evil husband, Greg, and offers her a place to stay. It’s supposed to be temporary, just until Lisa gets back on her feet.

But Lisa has no plans to leave.

Meanwhile, Greg is furious Zoe interfered in his marriage and is determined to destroy her life. He charms her coworkers, twists the truth, and turns everyone against her.

When the home she worked so hard to buy goes up in flames, Zoe knows she needs to fight back. She’s handled abusive men before and Greg has no idea who he’s dealing with…

But Lisa has a secret too. And when it’s finally revealed, Zoe realizes she may be trapped in her own private hell.

The Stranger Inside – the chilling psychological thriller from the bestselling author of The Guilty Girl and Dear Sister.

Genres: Mystery, Thriller, Suspense, Fiction

341 pages, ebook

Published September 7, 2025

About the author

Ruth Harrow is known for her gripping psychological thrillers. Born and raised in England, Ruth discovered her passion for writing in 2018. Her debut novel, In Her Footsteps, swiftly became a bestseller, marking the beginning of her journey in the genre. She continues to captivate readers with her jaw-dropping twists. For exclusive updates on her latest releases, visit RuthHarrow.com

Reviews

[Sharon Rimmelzwaan · Rating 5 out of 5]

I haven't read a Ruth Harrow book before this, and I am now kicking myself massively! The Stranger Inside drew me with the cover and blurb. I started reading with an open mind, ready to expect anything! Well! I didn't expect such an excellent read, seriously! The storytelling is second to none.
Zoe is rebuilding her life after experiencing an abusive ex. She meets Lisa on a forum who is experiencing exactly what Zoe did, so she lets her stay with her temporarily. Lisa, on the other hand, has no plans to move out! Greg, Lisa's husband, is furious and does everything in his power to destroy Zoe's life. When her home burns, she is determined to make him pay. Greg has no idea who he is dealing with...but Lisa has her own secrets, and Zoe might find she has bitten off more than she can chew, as they say.
Wow! Wow, and even more wow! There is so much tension that creeps up as you read. I was totally addicted to this one. There were so many twists that didn't allow me to stop reading at all. I read this in one day!
I am definitely going to be reading all of this authors' books. All I can say is I am glad I have a holiday coming up, I know which books I will be reading.
Masterful storytelling packed with suspense and twists that made my jaw drop more than twice!

[Rachel · Rating 3 out of 5]

I was almost certain I was going to DNF this but it did end up surprising me a little. I picked this up days ago, sat it down and read 2 other books, then came back to this to give it one more try and it finally hooked me.

This book takes a little while to catch its bearings. The beginning is kind of slow, and the narration is so casual and conversational in tone it felt like I was reading a really long-winded reddit post at first. However, once things start to pick up and the author starts to hit their stride, so did I with reading. After that, I was able to breeze through this book and read the majority of it one day.

I literally read another thriller yesterday that had absolutely no suspense or intrigue and that was not the case here. While the ending did start to get a little too crazy, I think this story has some interesting twists to it. I managed to predict some things but I was also caught by surprise a couple times.

I don't think I would personally pick up another book from this author, as the writing style just isn't for me, but I think this is a decent thriller that a lot of people could enjoy.

Thank you to Inkubator Books and Netgalley for this Advance Copy.

[Vivacious · Rating 1 out of 5]

A real disappointment. Here's why:

Unbelievable characters:
I did not believe the main character's choices that had her risking her freedom for a stranger. She was full of opinions except when it came to said stranger. This wouldn't have been much of a problem as she was written as someone conditioned to react in this way, but coupled with the other problems I had with this book, it became another source of frustration.

Outlandish twists:
Murders weren’t murders, abuse wasn’t abuse, suspense wasn’t suspense. Tension and stakes were pulled away by the end, and nothing meant anything.

Missed potential:
The eerie final video call hinted at real menace, but it was squandered on a cliffhanger.

At 380 pages, the novel dragged without delivering suspense, nuance, or emotional truth. I know writing a book is difficult, and I don’t give this rating lightly.

I thank Inkubator Books and NetGalley for a review copy of this title.

[Ashley Sawyer · Rating 4 out of 5]

When Zoe offers shelter to a fellow domestic abuse survivor, she believes she's doing the right thing. But her good deed quickly spirals into a nightmare. Lisa refuses to leave, her violent ex begins a campaign of terror, and Zoe's carefully rebuilt life starts to crumble. But as the danger closes in, Zoe realizes the real threat may not be outside her home... but rather the stranger she's let inside.

The Stranger Inside starts off with a simple act of kindness, and then spirals into a gripping psychological nightmare. Ruth Harrow does a great job building suspense, slowly peeling back the layers of her characters until you're not sure who to trust. Zoe is a sympathetic main character, and her descent into paranoia and fear feels believable and intense. Lisa is written with just the right balance of vulnerability and menace to keep you on edge. My only critique is that the pacing dragged a bit in the middle. But overall, the tension, atmosphere, and emotional stakes more than make up for it. If you enjoy slow burn suspense with dark secrets and satisfying twists, this one's worth the read!

Thank you to NetGalley, Ruth Harrow, and Inkubator Books for this eARC! Publication date is September 7th 2025.

[Tina A. · Rating 5 out of 5]

Good Deeds= Trouble!

I won’t hesitate to rate 5 stars for The Stranger Inside by Ruth Harrow!

The prologue immediately grabbed my interest when a main character’s callous, flippant dark humour reminded me so much of Perla in The Last Party by A.R. Torre. Then again, that’s part of the mystery in this story.

While Zoe is on an online women’s forum, she states she needs a roommate. There she reads Lisa’s chat about the abusive relationship Lisa is in. Zoe really empathizes with her, because she could relate to much of it after coming out of the same type of relationship with her last (and currently missing) boyfriend.

Fast forward, Lisa accepts Zoe’s help. Lisa leaves Greg, and Zoe gets her roommate! Greg becomes a huge problem for the ladies as Zoe is warned to stop helping Lisa. But Zoe’s major character flaw is in trying to be the perfect empathetic friend.


The Stranger Inside is packed with so much, it’s definitely worth the read! Ruth Harrow is brilliant at building tension-filled plots in some of the most memorable and gripping twists and revelations I’ve read this year. The imaginative, shocking, palpable drama leapt off the pages toward the end. I highly recommend this book.

***I received an advance copy from Inkubator Books via Booksprout, and these thoughts are my own opinion***

[VDKeck · Rating 4 out of 5]

Y’all. Zoe invited a stranger into her home… and honey, that’s when things went off the rails. Ruth Harrow’s The Stranger Inside is a tense, twisty thriller that will have you double-checking who’s really on your couch.

Zoe is finally rebuilding after escaping an abusive ex, and when she meets Lisa online, helping her seems like the right thing. But “temporary” quickly turns into nightmare fuel. Lisa stays, Greg seethes, and suddenly Zoe’s life spirals—her home burns, her coworkers doubt her, and danger feels like it’s crawling over every surface. 🏠🔥

Harrow’s writing is razor-sharp and immersive—you can feel the smoke, the panic, the whispered betrayals. Zoe’s fierce, relatable, and just smart enough to keep us rooting for her while navigating a web of lies, secrets, and psychological warfare. Some twists are slightly predictable, but the tension, pacing, and creepy domestic chaos more than make up for it.

In short: if you like women-power-meets-home-invasion vibes with a side of “oh hell no,” this one will grab you and not let go.

I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.

[Kaila · Rating 5 out of 5]

After reading The Guilty Girl and The Stranger Inside, I can wholeheartedly say that Ruth Harrow is one of my favorites! Her thrillers are phenomenal! If you like Freida McFadden, you'd absolutely love Ruth Harrow! She packs in the twists in a way that isn't overwhelming but perfectly mind-blowing and jaw-dropping. And just when we think the ride is slowing down, the suspense picks up, and by the end, you're left completely floored! Not to mention, she adds humor, but in a witty, sarcastic way that is just right for these novels.
This book, in particular, had me completely mind-blown. I don't want to go in-depth because I'm afraid I'll give it all away, but just know you never truly know a person. Twisty, suspenseful, shocking! Loved this one! 5 stars!
Thank you NetGalley, Inkubator Books, and Ruth Harrow for this ARC!

[Susan Belman · Rating 4 out of 5]

The Stranger Inside is a sharp, unsettling psychological thriller that kept me guessing from start to finish. Zoe is finally free from her abusive ex and determined to rebuild her life when she meets Lisa through a parenting forum. Lisa seems to be going through the same nightmare Zoe just escaped, so Zoe does the compassionate thing—she helps Lisa get away and offers her a place to stay. But what should be temporary quickly turns into something much darker.
Between Greg, Lisa’s manipulative husband, determined to ruin Zoe’s life, and Lisa herself harboring a secret of her own, the tension builds page by page. I was hooked by the paranoia, gaslighting, and uncertainty of who could be trusted. The whole “what and why” behind it all was a complete surprise—I truly didn’t see the ending coming, and I loved being kept on my toes.
Dark, tense, and twisty, this is a fast-paced thriller perfect for fans of domestic suspense and unreliable characters.

[Autumn Hanson · Rating 3 out of 5]

I have to admit I struggled to get into this book but overall it ended up surprising me. It was creepy but felt drawn out.

Thank you NetGalley for the arc!

[Kirsten Acker-Hitta · Rating 4 out of 5]

3.75 ⭐️

[pam denton · Rating 4 out of 5]

Compelling and recommended. Slightly over the top at the end but still I enjoyed it.

[Karolyn · Rating 5 out of 5]

Here is my review for The Stranger Inside by Ruth Harrow

I loved this gripping psychological thriller where the action starts on the very first page. I found I couldn’t put the book down as I had to know what happened next. Zoe is a thrilling character who I wouldn’t want to get on the wrong side of. She is addicted to an app on her phone that is a parenting forum and she hates her job. She is finally free of her boyfriend, Darren, who was abusive and controlling. On the forum, she gets involved in Lisa’s thread and learns about her psychological torture by her husband. Apparently, he’s very cold and controlling, even making her photograph receipts of her shopping at the supermarket! The story is brilliantly written and drew me in right from the very start of the book. It’s been extremely well thought out and very well plotted. I think it’s possible that the author has done some research into abusive and controlling relationships as the writing in the story seems to capture such realism on the subject. The story contains very descriptive writing which explains everything in great detail. I really like the blurb for the story but the book is outstandingly written. I have read stories by this terrific author before and I’m never disappointed.

Blurb :

She asked her to stay. Now she won’t leave.

Finally free of her abusive ex, Zoe is rebuilding her life.

Then, on a parenting forum, she meets Lisa who is going through the same thing Zoe escaped- psychological torture at the hands of a cold, controlling partner.

Zoe rescues Lisa from her evil husband, Greg, and offers her a place to stay. It’s supposed to be temporary, just until Lisa gets back on her feet.

But Lisa has no plans to leave.

Meanwhile, Greg is furious Zoe interfered in his marriage and is determined to destroy her life. He charms her coworkers, twists the truth, and turns everyone against her.

When the home she worked so hard to buy goes up in flames, Zoe knows she needs to fight back. She’s handled abusive men before and Greg has no idea who he’s dealing with…

But Lisa has a secret too. And when it’s finally revealed, Zoe realizes she may be trapped in her own private hell.

The Stranger Inside – the chilling psychological thriller from the bestselling author of The Guilty Girl and Dear Sister.

[Paula Phillips · Rating 3 out of 5]

Lately, I’ve found myself drifting away from romance reads. Maybe it’s the season, maybe it’s just reader fatigue—but psychological thrillers have become my go-to comfort genre. There’s something oddly satisfying about curling up with a cuppa and diving into a story that grips you from page one and doesn’t let go until the final twist. The Stranger Inside by Ruth Harrow was exactly that kind of read—one I devoured in a single sitting, blanket wrapped around me, heart racing.

We meet Zoe, a woman trying to rebuild her life after escaping an abusive relationship. She’s found solace in an online forum, offering advice to others in similar situations. It’s raw, real, and sadly relatable. One post catches her eye—a woman claiming her husband is controlling, even making her take photos in the supermarket. It’s eerie, and when Zoe spots someone doing just that in real life, she wonders: could this be the same woman?

Her curiosity leads her to Lisa, a seemingly fragile soul in need of help. Zoe, with her big heart and desire to do good, opens her home to her. But what starts as a kind gesture quickly spirals into a nightmare. Lisa isn’t who she claims to be, and Zoe finds herself tangled in a web of manipulation, crime, and secrets that threaten to destroy everything she’s worked to rebuild.

This book had me whispering “just one more chapter” until I realized I’d reached the end. Ruth Harrow masterfully plays with the reader’s trust, making us question every character’s motive. The pacing is tight, the tension palpable, and the ending? Let’s just say I didn’t see it coming.

If you’re like me—craving something that pulls you in and doesn’t let go—The Stranger Inside is a perfect pick. It’s a reminder that sometimes the scariest monsters aren’t strangers at all… they’re the ones we invite in.

So if your TBR pile needs a shake-up and you’re in the mood for a thriller that’ll leave you breathless, this one’s worth bumping to the top. Just maybe don’t read it alone at night

[jillian · Rating 5 out of 5]

I actually went into this thriller with low hopes because I feel like most thrillers for me are truly hit and miss.

Regardless of the plot, regardless of the cover it really is about the particular story and if I connect with it, and if it’s paced well and so many other factors and personal preference does always play a part.

I try to be unbiased and fair with my reviews as much as possible, but at the end of the day, I am consuming art.

This is one of the best thrillers I’ve read in a while. I was sweating. My heart rate increased, and the pacing was so perfect.

This book is very much about an abusive relationship and it gives Freida McFadden vibes in the best of ways. I genuinely was trying to take a nap and rest about 40% through this book and I could not put it down and I accidentally inhaled it so this is likely going to be a book that you’ll pick up and will not be able to put down until 3 AM so take that warning as you will I would read this on a Saturday evening.

Every single time I started to think that there was filler or fluff, or there was overwriting done something would happen, and it was very clear that the author was creating a transition scene and not only that but doing very well in a way that added to the characters development and showed things in realistic way.

This is one of my biggest ick with thrillers is that sometimes the character somehow doesn’t have a job they’re responsible for and can put everything down and become an investigator? This book was genuinely realistic with all of that.

I cannot express to you how much I love this book because it’s really hard for me to find a good thrillers, and this was one that blew me away and has changed my perspective slightly on what I truly enjoy in a good thriller a bit, which is my favorite part of reading new books and discovering new authors.

If you want a good thriller, I heavily recommend reading this one

Thank you for this ARC. I appreciate the opportunity to leave honest feedback voluntarily.

Blog post

[Lilli · Rating 3 out of 5]

3.5 stars

Thank you to NetGalley and the publisher for providing me with a copy of this book in exchange for an honest review.

The Stranger Inside is a psychological thriller full of tension, deceit, and unexpected twists that keep you guessing until the very end. The story follows Zoe, who is tricked to take in a new lodger, Lisa, hoping to help her to exit an abusive relationship but it quickly becomes clear that Lisa isn’t who she seems. As strange events begin to unfold and Sophie’s sense of security starts to crumble, she must question everything she knows about the people around her.
This novel falls into the psychological thriller and domestic suspense genres and features tropes such as the dangerous houseguest, unreliable narrator, hidden identities, and twist endings. It’s the kind of story designed to keep readers second-guessing who the real victim and the real villain truly is.

My thoughts
I found The Stranger Inside to be an interesting psychological thriller packed with twists and turns right up to the final chapters. The tension built nicely, and the story kept me engaged as the unsettling relationship between Zoe and Lisa evolved. However, I do wish the tagline on the cover “Letting her in was the first mistake” hadn’t given so much away, as it immediately made me suspicious of Lisa before I even began reading. I would have preferred the chance to experience that jaw-dropping revelation organically when it’s revealed that the supposed victim is actually the perpetrator. That said, this is more of a personal preference, as I tend to enjoy thrillers most when I go in knowing as little as possible so the surprises hit harder. The last part of the book, did feel a bit far-fetched and cluttered, with quite a lot happening in a short space of time. Still, the fast pace and strong sense of suspense kept me turning the pages.

[Blurb It Down Official · Rating 4 out of 5]

The Stranger Inside pulls you into a tense psychological maze where trust is as dangerous as betrayal. Zoe, fresh from the wreckage of an abusive marriage, wants nothing more than peace and a chance to heal. When she befriends Lisa—another woman with scars of her own—her decision to open her home feels like a compassionate step forward. But Harrow expertly shifts the ground beneath the reader’s feet, turning Zoe’s safe haven into a fortress under siege.

The story thrives on uncertainty. Every chapter forces you to reassess loyalties and motives, feeding just enough truth to keep you guessing while withholding the rest until it stings. Harrow’s pacing is deliberate but never sluggish, her prose tight and emotionally loaded. Zoe’s slow slide from tentative optimism to guarded paranoia feels unnervingly real, and the tension ratchets higher with each intrusion, each whispered threat, each unanswered question.

The climax is a gut punch, the final twist as unnerving as it is satisfying, and the epilogue? It flips the lingering dread on its head in a way that stays with you. This isn’t just a thriller—it’s a study in how trauma warps trust, and how kindness can sometimes be the most dangerous gamble of all.

For readers who like:
- Unreliable alliances
- Domestic thrillers
- Psychological cat-and-mouse games

Final Verdict
Gripping, unnerving, and layered with emotional depth, The Stranger Inside keeps you teetering between suspicion and sympathy until its final, chilling reveal. Harrow proves she’s a master at making you doubt everyone—and everything—you thought you knew.

Grateful to NetGalley, Inkubator Books, and Ruth Harrow for the opportunity to read an advance copy of this story in exchange for an honest review.

[Laura · Rating 5 out of 5]

From the very first page, The Stranger Inside by Ruth Harrow captivates with its intense exploration of resilience, betrayal, and the complexity of female friendships. Zoe, a woman striving to rebuild her life after escaping an abusive relationship, instantly draws you into her world, one that’s beautifully flawed and painfully relatable. When she finds solace in an online parenting forum, her compassion leads her to extend a helping hand to Lisa, another woman desperately fleeing the sinister grip of an oppressive partner. But as the lines between refuge and entrapment blur, Harrow artfully weaves a tale that keeps readers on the edge of their seats.

I loved how Harrow masterfully develops the characters, particularly Zoe and Lisa, who are both trying to reclaim their lives but ensnared by their own pasts. The tension escalates as Lisa's stay becomes far from temporary, forcing Zoe to confront not only the repercussions of her goodwill but also an antagonistic force in the form of Greg, Lisa's vengeful husband. Greg is a tour de force of villainy, manipulative and cunning - and his determination to ruin Zoe's newfound freedom adds a palpable sense of urgency to the narrative.

The themes of empowerment, sisterhood, and the fight against toxic relationships resonate deeply, making *The Stranger Inside* not just a thriller, but also a poignant reflection on the courage to stand up for oneself and others. The shocking revelations and heart-stopping moments kept me glued to the pages, eager to discover how the story would unfold.

Highly recommended!

[Sonja Charters · Rating 4 out of 5]

This was my fourth read by this author and I have to say that I didn't even need any persuasion to grab this and dive in.

My previous 3 books were all 5* reads for me and so I had high hopes for this one - and I was not disappointed.

 

This book introduces us to the really uncomfortable topic of domestic abuse, but this was so well written that it highlights both the harsh realities of this topic and the resilience of those who escape and create a new life afterwards.

 

As Zoe rebuilds her own life, she also befriends and rescues Lisa from her abusive husband, Greg, offering her a temporary home - but Lisa has other ideas and Greg is determined to wreak havoc on Zoe's life in revenge.

 

This one had me on edge right from the start.

I loved the friendship that Zoe and Lisa built, but it soon became clear that Lisa was unwilling to move on causing issues.

The addition of Greg's attempts for revenge meant that poor Zoe was once again, essentially trapped in an abusive relationship.

 

The writing style builds tension throughout and with the already fast-paced plot, I couldn't help racing ahead and binging this over just a couple of sittings.

 

This was packed with secrets and twists. The more I read, the more shocking the whole situation became and I feared that nobody would escape unharmed.

 

A great read once again and I can't waitbto see what will come next ...

 

 

 

[Leanne · Rating 4 out of 5]

The Stranger Inside is a chilling, slow-burning psychological thriller that explores the terrifying consequences of misplaced trust and the haunting echoes of trauma.

Ruth Harrow crafts a compelling narrative around Zoe, a woman finally free from an abusive relationship and determined to rebuild her life. When she meets Lisa on a parenting forum—another survivor of psychological torment—Zoe’s empathy leads her to offer shelter. But what begins as an act of kindness quickly spirals into a nightmare. Lisa refuses to leave, Greg (Lisa’s manipulative husband) begins a campaign of sabotage, and Zoe finds herself under siege from both outside and within.

Harrow’s prose is sharp and emotionally resonant, capturing the claustrophobia of domestic vulnerability and the slow erosion of safety. The tension builds with precision, and the final twist—when Lisa’s secret is revealed—is both shocking and deeply unsettling.

This is a story about survival, deception, and the thin line between protector and prey. Harrow doesn’t just deliver suspense; she offers a nuanced portrait of women navigating trauma, trust, and the fight to reclaim their lives.

Perfect for fans of The Girl on the Train and Behind Closed Doors, this thriller grips from the first page and doesn’t let go.

Thank you to Ruth Harrow the publisher and NetGalley for the ARC.

[Heidi Lengenfelder · Rating 5 out of 5]

Ruth Harrow delivers another tightly-wound psychological thriller with The Stranger Inside, a book that plays on our deepest, most domestic fears — the idea that home is no longer safe, and worse, that we might not even trust ourselves.

From the opening pages, the tension is palpable. Harrow crafts a compelling atmosphere that slowly suffocates, layering paranoia and dread as the protagonist begins to question the strange occurrences happening in her own house. The pacing is sharp — chapters are short and punchy, keeping the story moving with a kind of breathless urgency that makes it nearly impossible to stop reading.

What stands out most is Harrow’s ability to blur the lines between reality and perception. The unreliable nature of the narration keeps readers constantly guessing — is someone truly stalking her, or is she unraveling? It’s a psychological tightrope, and Harrow walks it with skill.

While the plot does rely on a few familiar thriller tropes, Harrow injects enough originality and emotional depth to make it feel fresh. The twist, when it comes, is satisfying — not overly flashy, but grounded in character and past trauma, which gives it weight.

If you're a fan of domestic thrillers that explore identity, fear, and the fragility of trust, The Stranger Inside is a gripping and unsettling read. It’s a page-turner that doesn’t just entertain — it lingers.

[Gwen Chester · Rating 5 out of 5]

This story is very good and I enjoyed the book right from page one until the end. This is a suspense book that will keep you guessing even beyond the end of the book. Something that Zoe says in the end of the book will have you second guessing as to if she could be right in her thinking. I highly recommend "The Stranger Inside" to you all and when you read it let us know what you think.

Zoe is a kind hearted person that thinks she is taking in an abused wife and rescuing her from an uncontrollably bad situation by taking in Lisa Jennings. But is she. She helps Lisa with everything and even confronts Lisa's husband Greg after he beats Lisa up in Zoe's home. Greg is furious because Zoe is interfered in his marriage and now he wants to destroy her life. They get phone calls and texts from Greg all of the time night and day and he is upset. At least this is supposed to be a temporary stay for Lisa until she gets back on her feet. But Lisa shows no plans of ever leaving.

And then one night Zoe's home is destroyed in a fire so they both have to find somewhere to go. She just knows that Greg started the fire and she will pay him back. And then she finds out that Lisa has secrets of her own and it may be too late for Zoe to get out of her own private hell.

[Nikki B. · Rating 4 out of 5]

The Stranger Inside is a psychological thriller that will leave you guessing!! The story starts off pretty fast past and slows down a little towards the middle, but does pick up again towards the ending.
Zoe just got out of an abusive relationship. How she got out of it is another story. But she's out. She joins a forum where she sees a woman talking about the abuse she's facing in her current relationship. While the events this woman on the forum is facing are slightly different from what Zoe went through, there are similarities in the mens behavior. So Zoe steps in and offers to help her. This is how she meets Lisa. But when Lisa doesn't seem to want to go to a shelter, she end up offering Lisa a room in her house. Lisa agrees and gets settler. Like, immediately. And it looks like she has no intentions of leaving. As events start to take place, Zoe begins to wonder what's really going on. It seems like secrets are being kept, and half truths a re being told. I promise you though, you won't see the plot twist coming. The ending also left my mind baffled because, what if that's isn't who they say they are?!?!?
This story is great and keeps the reader engaged in the plot. This is definitely worth the read!

[Siobhain · Rating 4 out of 5]

The Stranger Inside was an interesting psychological thriller that I did enjoy for the most part. Unfortunately for me I had some issues getting to grips with our narrator Zoe. She almost gave an unreliable narrator feel to her tone and I did have to take a few breaks before finishing. I also felt some of it was a bit too cliched, particularly when it came to Lisa and her story.

I did enjoy it overall and it is a solid 3.5 rounded to 4 but I think, perhaps because I’ve read a lot of psychological thrillers now, some of it felt a bit too obvious on what would happen next or where the story was going. The ending was good overall, but again I felt it was a bit too tidy, particularly with Zoe’s ex. But, these are just personal opinions. It was still an enjoyable read overall and if you are a fan of psychological thrillers I would give this one ago.
As always thank you to Zooloo’s Book Tours for the copy to review. My review is always honest, truthful and freely given.

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[Lu thrillskillsandchills · Rating 3 out of 5]

Zoe is finally free of her abusive ex, but when she invites another survivor, Lisa, into her home, things quickly spiral into a nightmare. What starts as compassion soon becomes a tense, claustrophobic story about misplaced trust and the dangers of letting someone too far into your life.

I found this to be an easy, fast-paced read — I actually flew through it in just a couple of sittings. The tension builds well, and the setup is genuinely chilling. Zoe’s situation had me on edge more than once, and there were moments I didn’t want to look away.

That said, a few of the twists felt a little predictable, and some of the characters weren’t as fleshed out as I’d have liked. Still, Ruth Harrow kept me turning the pages, and I definitely wanted to know how it all played out.

Overall, a gripping domestic thriller that explores trauma, trust, and survival — while not my favourite from the genre, it was an engaging read with enough unease to keep me hooked until the end.

Thank you to NetGalley, Inkubator Books and the author for the ARC in exchange for an honest review

[Patricia · Rating 4 out of 5]

Letting a stranger into your home can be terrifying.

That's the conclusion of Zoe after she empathizes with Lisa on an online chat about partner abuse, rescues her from her situation, and invites her to stay with her. Because it's been one hell of a ride having Lisa and her secrets and lies in the house. First, she has to deal with guilt over the possibility that she killed her former partner, who was also abusive. Then she has to deal with Lisa's nasty husband. Not to mention Lisa and all of her quirks as she sets about redecorating Zoe's guest room. She did say she would stay just a few days, right?

Ruth Harrow's sense of humor is quite dark, and saves the day for me in this book. There are so many dark humor quotes I would love to repeat here, except they would be spoilers. The book started slow, and climaxed with some unbelievable scenes, until it finally settled down and became the twisty novel I know Harrow can write.

Thank you to NetGalley and Booksprout for an advance reader's copy from one of my favorite thriller writers.

[Julie Shields · Rating 5 out of 5]

First off, I would like to thank NetGalley for the opportunity to read an arc of this book. In return, I am giving my honest review.
Let me begin by saying WOW! Boy, this book was a crazy ride I wasn’t expecting to take. From the beginning to the end of this book, I was hooked. It felt like seeing a car crash you couldn’t look away from. Zoe, our MFC, God love her, has the best of intentions, but seems to make horrible decision after horrible decision. I know she has her heart in the right place, but Girl, really?
Having lived through and survived an abusive relationship, she becomes deeply invested in a woman who posts online about her own domestic hell. Zoe’s heart feels deeply for this woman, and so begins our nightmare of a story.
I would love to give more detail, but I would hate to spoil this suspense packed, “nail biter” of a novel. You will just have to check it out for yourself. As for me, I look forward to reading more from this author.

[Bibliophile Foodie · Rating 5 out of 5]

I hadn’t read anything by Ruth Harrow before, but now I’m definitely going to check out more of her work. The Stranger Inside is a tense thriller that kept me guessing all the way through.

Zoe is trying to rebuild her life after escaping an abusive relationship. She’s finally starting to feel like herself again when she meets Lisa, another woman who seems to be going through something similar. Zoe decides to help her out and offers her a place to stay. At first, it feels like the right thing to do but things quickly take a dark turn.

Lisa doesn’t plan to leave, and her husband Greg is furious that Zoe got involved. He starts messing with Zoe’s life in ways that are both creepy and cruel.

The suspense in this book is intense. I couldn’t stop reading because I needed to know what was going to happen next. The characters felt real, and the way the story explored trust, trauma, and survival made it even more powerful.

[Donna · Rating 4 out of 5]

Zoe, a survivor of domestic abuse, is finally free from Darren. He's gone & will never return. She's slowly rebuilding her life. Pretty boring life, working a job she doesn't particularly like and returning home alone. She enjoys scrolling on online forums, giving advice, and just reading the posts. This is where she comes across LostLamb - Lisa. A woman currently living with domestic violence to quite a bad extent. After a few back and forths, she offers to help Lisa escape.

Lisa moves in, but things escalate with her partner becoming stalkerish and constantly texting/threatening both women. Things get worse from there, and the twists and turns keep you on your toes. I didn't expect it to go the way it did, and it blew me away. Ruth certainly knows how to write a twisty thriller. Im a sucker for some mixed media and enjoyed the forum posts and texts sprinkled throughout. Excellent book!

[lacie goodlett · Rating 4 out of 5]

thank you to netgalley and inkubator books for a copy of this ebook in exchange for an honest review! this is the first book i’ve read by this author, and i really enjoyed it. i didn’t really find any of the “twists” or anything too shocking in this book, but it was still entertaining and kept me engaged throughout. the writing style was so quick and easy to read, so i definitely see myself reading more from this author in the future. there were a couple little things here and there that i wondered if they were a mistake (as i did get this book as an early copy). for example, zoe tells lisa that she visited greg at work and they have a conversation about it, but in a following chapter, the cops tell lisa that zoe visited greg at work and lisa asks zoe about it like she didn’t know. but again, since i did get this book as an arc, i wasn’t too surprised by this. overall, i thought this book was really fun to read and i look forward to reading more from this author!

[Susan Ingraffea · Rating 4 out of 5]

I received an ARC of this book from Inkubator via NetGalley in exchange for my honest feedback. I am thinking 3.5 stars rounded up, as there were aspects of the book I liked and others that didn't work for me.

The beginning was enticing. I definitely felt sympathetic toward Zoe, as her life is pretty sad! A job she dislikes, mentions of a former relationship with a poor ending, no family. I could completely see why she was absorbed in Lisa's forum posts.

Then the middle got a little slow for my liking. Some of Zoe's actions were not very believable - Lisa was basically bulldozing her - and I felt like it was just pages & pages of similar stuff.

The twists were satisfactorily twisty! I didn't guess any of them, though of course we do realize not everything is as it seems. However, I also found some of the twists a bit far-fetched, and the very ending was frustating!