The Stranger on the Stairs

by Ruth Mancini

THE GRIPPING NEW NOVEL FROM RUTH MANCINI, THE SUNDAY TIMES BESTSELLING AUTHOR OF THE WOMAN ON THE LEDGE.

'If you thought Ruth Mancini couldn't top The Woman on the Ledge think again…' Sabine Durrant

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You were only seven years old when you witnessed your mother's murder.

Although you did not see her attacker clearly, you are pretty sure who it was.

Thanks to you, he went to prison for twenty years.

Now he's out.

And you are no longer certain that the man you identified that terrifying evening really was the killer.

But if it wasn’t him, who was the stranger on the stairs?

And can he now be coming for you?

Inspired by a shocking real-life case, a gripping psychological thriller by a criminal defence lawyer who has seen it all.

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Praise for Ruth

'A tense, page turning read' 5-star reader review

'Exciting and addictive' 5-star reader review

'Clever and very thought provoking' 5-star reader review

‘A thriller you won’t be able to put down’ Sun

‘Ruth Mancini is fast becoming a master of the thriller genre' Laura Pearson

‘Ruth Mancini has done it again. Smart, twisty and propulsive' Harriet Tyce

'Ruth Mancini is like a British Jodi Picoult' Jennie Godfrey

Genres: Thriller, Crime, Mystery

356 pages, Kindle Edition

Published April 23, 2026

About the author

Ruth Mancini is an author and criminal defence lawyer. Her background as a solicitor adds authenticity to her crime and psychological fiction. She has spent two decades representing those accused of crimes, navigating courtrooms and police stations. Her storytelling prowess and legal background combine to create thrilling reads that will keep you guessing until the very end.

Ruth was born in London and now lives in Oxfordshire with her husband and two children.

Her fifth novel, THE WOMAN ON THE LEDGE was published by Penguin (UK) and HarperCollins (US) in January 2024.

She'd love to connect with you on FB https://www.facebook.com/ruth.mancini... or Twitter https://twitter.com/RuthMancini1

Reviews

[Nina (ninjasbooks) · Rating 3 out of 5]

Lovely characters and interesting plot, my only issue was with the instantly falling in love part.

[Ceecee · Rating 5 out of 5]

4.5 rounded up

An act of extreme violence by a vengeful man on her mother Christy leads to Bella having nightmares of the stranger on the stairs for many subsequent years. Now, it seems that Jamie Clark is being released from prison and it’s her evidence as a seven year-old girl that puts him there twenty years ago. However, Jamie has always claimed to be innocent and attempts and appeal in 2013 which is denied. Freelance lawyer Sarah Kellerman is sent his file by Truth for Justice and is intrigued enough to pick up the case and pursue it pro bono. Do the authorities convict the wrong man and leave a murderer free to kill again? Perhaps he already has.

I enjoy Ruth Mancini’s last book and in my opinion she’s knocked it out the park with this one. The premise is really good and which, as the plot and unfurls, it doesn’t disappoint. Quite the opposite in fact, as it has me in a vice like grip. It’s atmospheric, very tense in parts, it’s a well paced and all consuming page turner which is full of twists and turns.

The characterisation is excellent, particularly of Bella. Her angst and inner turmoil is so well done that it makes me emotional on occasions. Jamie’s character is also very well portrayed as are Sarah Kellerman and Eve who becomes quite pivotal to the story.

There are a number of occasions where it’s hard not to feel some anger and frustration at the obstacles placed by the justice system which clearly isn’t infallible. As the plot develops, I find my levels of anger rise further as there are dark moments to come and encounters with the worst specimens of humanity.

Overall, it’s a very credible, well written mystery/legal thriller which I recommend to fans of this genre.

With thanks to NetGalley and especially to Random House U.K./Cornerstone/Century for the much appreciated early copy in return for an honest review.

[Mandy White (mandylovestoread) · Rating 5 out of 5]

Ruth Mancini books are always so clever and well written, making it hard for the reader to put it down. I read this in 2 sittings, completely engrossed in this story of the legal system and how it doesn’t always get it right.

After I read this I discovered that this story is based in real life events. A 7 year old girl is the key witness in putting Jamie Clarke in prison for 20 years for the rape and murder of her mother. He has always maintained his innocence and now Bella is starting to remember things differently.

There are quite a lot of characters in this book, but it works as it shows just how many lives something like this can touch. I was hooked from the start, it really is a page turner. I have read a lot of this authors books and she never lets me down.

Thank you to Random House UK, Cornerstone, Century for allowing me access to read this book early on NetGalley. An absolute pleasure. Out on April 23rd.

[Bo.reads · Rating 5 out of 5]

Having read The Woman on the Ledge two years ago and being drawn to Ruth Mancini’s writing, I couldn’t wait to dive into her latest release, and overall I really enjoyed The Stranger on the Stairs.

The premise was a great hook. A woman whose childhood testimony helped convict a man for her mother’s murder is forced to question everything years later when he’s released. It’s one of those setups that easily pulls you into the story, and I was invested pretty quickly.

Mancini’s legal background really shines through here. The justice system elements feel grounded and realistic, adding weight to the story and making everything feel more impactful. The characters are also well written and engaging, and it’s a story that genuinely gets under your skin, evoking shock, frustration, and even moments where my heart was racing.

While some parts worked better than others and I did occasionally want it to pick up a bit more, I thought the tension was well handled through shifting perspectives and a growing sense of doubt. It’s a strong, atmospheric thriller that I found really immersive and one that sticks with you more for its themes and the uneasy, thought-provoking feeling it leaves behind.

A tense, well-written, emotionally layered story for psychological and legal thriller fans that I highly recommend, and one I found hard to put down.

4.5⭐️

[Mark · Rating 5 out of 5]

Now here’s a book to get your teeth into, based around a 20 year conviction for a heinous rape and murder….the convicted man is out and has always protested his innocence….Evie has no clue about any of this though when she meets Joe at a local Bookshop and could not have imagined the chaos that follows as she reluctantly at first then with gusto as days pass takes on the challenge as to what she believes is a major miscarriage of justice

The detail and info re trials, justice, bodies representing victims and also believed victims of injustice ( amongst many other things ) is quite amazing and even more amazing is for such complex things it is all explained well and concisely and so we the reader can start to form our own opinion and almost feel part of the various investigations

It is an emotional dodgem ( cant use rollercoaster again! ) and really had me believing this was a real case and peoples lives and reputations were on the line

Really really well written, sharp and focused and humane and built on itself brilliantly

[Donna · Rating 5 out of 5]

Thank you so much to Netgalley for giving me this free advance copy, and I’m writing this review honestly and without bias.

Ruth Mancini is a go to author for me as she never fails to disappoint and with her latest offering in her Sarah Kellerman books she has whacked this one out of the park. This is right up there with The Woman on a Ledge - one of my all time favourite reads. Exceptionally well written with perfect pacing and a tense and gripping atmosphere, this is a very credible legal thriller. The author took inspiration from true events but she has certainly made this story her own and one that will raise questions but ultimately will have you gripped. Flawless

[Zoe Kindle Queen · Rating 4 out of 5]

Oh Ruth Mancini, you’ve done it again, although only my second book of the authors, this is another gripping read that had me in a chokehold. The opening scenes we learn of Christy being brutally raped and murdered in her kitchen, then found by her 7 year old daughter, Bella. Fast forward 20 years and the man who has served his sentence for the crimes, is now released.

This one had me up late, I read it in less than 24 hours and I want to read the whole of Mancinis back catalogue immediately. The story is gruelling, thought provoking (what would you do scenarios) and twisty. It ticks all the boxes of a good thriller.

[cosylittlereadingcorner · Rating 5 out of 5]

Bella was just seven when she came downstairs and found her mother murdered in their kitchen. She identified the attacker from a line up: a man her mother had recently started a relationship with and that man, Jamie, spent the last 20 years in prison. Jamie never admitted to the murder and now that he is being released, Bella starts having recurring nightmares about that night and in all honesty, she is no longer sure she identified the right person all those years ago.

Welcome back Sarah Kellerman, probably my favourite character out there in crime fiction, a criminal deference lawyer who decides to try and prove Jamie’s innocence. I love Sarah as she is such a strong woman: fiercely loving and raising her autistic son (now with the help of the equally lovely Will) and at the same time believing that fighting for justice is so important, even when it’s not easy in a system not favouring her side of the cause. (If you haven’t read some of the earlier books with Sarah in, I highly recommend them as you will get to know her even better in those ones and they’re fab stories too.)

This was another brilliant book by Ruth, one I just couldn’t put down. Ruth’s own legal background and knowledge shines through each one of her thrillers and I love it how they give a different perspective to other crime novels out there (where we often have a focus on the perpetrators or the police).

[Kirsten · Rating 4 out of 5]

Ruth Mancini writes with clarity and conviction. The Stranger on the Stairs combines emotional depth with a probing look at the justice system, exploring culpability, trauma, and the lasting impact of guilt.

The novel is immersive and gripping. The plot centres on Jamie Clark, newly released after serving time for rape and murder, convicted largely on the testimony of a seven-year-old witness. Through a blend of perspectives, the narrative re-examines the case and its ripple effects on those connected to it. Witness reports, statements, and media excerpts are woven in effectively, lending authenticity while reflecting the clash of competing narratives that surround criminal cases.

Mancini handles structure with precision, using shifting viewpoints to create a sense of ownership of the case. Eve, in particular, is drawn with sensitivity inspiring both empathy and respect. The portrayal of life after incarceration is especially striking, capturing the strain of suspicion and the difficulty of rebuilding life.

Thoughtful and compelling, this is a carefully constructed novel that underscores the flaws and limitations of the legal system without losing its focus on those at the heart of the story.

[Liam Reads · Rating 4 out of 5]

Thank you to Netgalley and the UK publishers for an advanced copy of this book in exchange for an honest review.

I ended up really loving this book for the most part. In the initial stages I wasn't sure. It was a slow burn and some of the dialogue didn't feel realistic, so it took me a bit of time to get into.

However, once I could see the direction it was going, I was invested. I felt connection with all the main characters and was rooting for them. I could see the amount of research that had gone into UK legal system, and the novel expertly critiqued it's effects on victims of injustice so well.

It had so much heart, and i was very satisfied with the ending for the most part. I just hoped for a little more resolution for Eve and her side story with her family - it seemed to be forgotten about a little bit, and I felt like I wanted to see some much needed discussions play out on paper!

All in all, Ruth Mancini is now an autobuy author for me! 4.25 🌟

[Emma F · Rating 4 out of 5]

Christy Nicholls is brutally attacked, raped and murdered in her own home. Found by her seven year old daughter Bella, who is key witness for the prosecution. Putting Jamie Clarke behind bars. Now, 20 years later, having always claimed innocence he is released on licence, and wants to appeal his verdict. Bella is plagued by nightmares of the man on the stairs, her mother’s killer and doubts about who he was grow.

This is the second novel I have read by Ruth Mancini and was a gripping thriller. I read it in a day. You are rather thrown in with a number of characters but it’s well plotted and a great read. Mancini is shining a light on the CCRC, and how difficult criminal appeals are in England. Overall I would recommend.

CW: sexual assault, death of a parent.

[Matthew · Rating 4 out of 5]

I did enjoy this book overall and it had a lot to say about the police and could spark conversations.

My issue was the pacing as at times it was moving very slowly and then everything came together a bit too easily and the solicitor figures outbound real killer a bit too quickly

I liked the concept but could have been a bit tighter in places and the themes could have been explored a bit more to give it a bit more depth

[Karen · Rating 4 out of 5]

A tense and cleverly constructed psychological thriller that keeps you guessing throughout.

Centred on a childhood memory of a mother’s murder, the story explores what happens when doubt creeps in years later and the truth begins to unravel.

The suspense builds steadily, with well-timed twists and an underlying sense of unease that keeps you hooked.

A gripping and immersive read, perfect for fans of twisty domestic thrillers.

[Lee Lee · Rating 5 out of 5]

The Stranger on the Stairs - Ruth Mancini

Not a true story but inspired by a shocking real-life case, a gripping psychological thriller by a criminal defence lawyer who has seen it all.

It’s a wonderfully written book, albeit with a harrowing storyline.

I don’t want to want to ruin the reading for anyone so I won’t go into details but credit to the Author where credit is due. ⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️

[Joanne · Rating 5 out of 5]

I was hooked into this book from the start. The characters were just right to be believable and I loved the story. Very intriguing, though slightly predictable but it didn’t spoil it. Ruth Mancini writes some excellent standalone thrillers and this was definitely one of them 5⭐️
Thank you to Netgalley for the ARC

[Elli (Kindig Blog) · Rating 3 out of 5]

I have previously read The Woman on the Ledge and The Day I Lost You by Ruth Mancini, so I was excited to read her latest book – The Stranger on the Stairs.

20 years ago, Jamie Clarke was convicted of the murder of Christy Nicholls, and a key witness was her daughter Bella, who was 7 years old at the time and saw a stranger on the stairs. Now he’s been released and Bella isn’t entirely sure what she saw when she was a child is the whole truth…

The Stranger on the Stairs is told from three female perspectives: Bella - the daughter of the victim, Sarah - a lawyer who has decided to re-investigate the case and Eve who has fallen in love with Jamie and believes he might be innocent. The use of these perspectives keeps the tension high and the pace up as more information is drip-fed to the reader.

I know it is an unavoidable problem with the plot, but I found the idea of three women, all fighting for the rights of a man convicted of rape and murder to be an odd convention. Especially at the beginning, none of them seemed to have very much evidence besides his piercing blue eyes and a gut feeling. My lack of empathy for Eve in particular, who I personally found frustrating as a female reader, dampened my enjoyment of the plot. I found the part where she goes upstairs to the attic in a man’s house that she has only just met, to be incredibly naïve and risky. We are then led to believe that the establishment are overreacting for their decision to keep her away from her place of work with students as she is dating a sex-offender, whereas in actuality this is necessary safe-guarding for someone who has not been proven innocent. I also found her behaviour of pushing away her family and wanting to give up a generous amount of her savings to help with the case to be an idiotic one – yes, it ultimately worked out in this instance, but it isn’t an idealistic or healthy standard to be setting for younger readers.

In the author’s note at the end, Ruth Mancini does delve into the shortfalls of the Criminal Case Review Commission which makes an important point about how people can be falsely accused and then stuck in the system.

Overall, The Stranger on the Stairs is a well-written and twisty thriller, but as a female reader I had a few issues with the plot and characters. Thank you to NetGalley & Random House UK – Century & Cornerstone for the chance to read the ARC in exchange for an honest review.

For more of my reviews check out Kindig Blog

[Hannah · Rating 5 out of 5]

Bella was only seven when she witnessed her mother’s murder and thanks to her the man who did it went to prison for twenty years. Now he is out and Bella is no longer sure the man she identified that evening was the killer. But if it wasn’t him then who was the stranger on the stairs and is he now coming for her?

I have really enjoyed the books I have read by Ruth Mancini, since reading The Woman on The Ledge and this one was even better! Although it started strongly, it took me a bit of time to fully get into the story but by the 20% mark I was hooked and this kept building as the suspense and drama ramped up as the book progressed. The story focuses on serious issues, such as miscarriages of justice, and although dark at times, was executed fantastically. It felt fresh, raw and authentic, described in a fascinating and sensitive way. The story was interspersed with some mixed media documents, which I found added an extra layer of intrigue.

The characters were very strong, I found myself really caring for them and feeling a wide range of emotions. The author did a great job at steering these emotions, where at times I felt real rage, while other occasions made me feel contemplative. Even though there were no major reveals, there were plenty of small twists and turns, keeping me glued to the pages. The story moved at a steady pace and I was gutted when it was finished, I would love to read more from the characters or other similar stories exploring real life injustices and scenarios. I liked the fact that this was based on true events and the authors note about this at the end of the story.

This was a clever, multilayered legal thriller and has ended up being one of, if not the, top read of the year. I will definitely be putting this authors next book straight to the top of my reading pile and recommending this one to all. Thanks to NetGalley and the publisher for this copy in return for an honest review.

[Denis Wheller · Rating 5 out of 5]

The legal process after a crime is Evidence, Arrest, Trial, Verdict, Sentence, Release. But what happens if something goes wrong along the way? Twenty one years ago, Bella’s mother was raped and murdered in her own home. Bella was seven at the time, and in the house so saw the man arrive before being sent up to bed. She found her mother the next morning. Jamie Clarke was found guilty of the crime, largely on Bella’s identification evidence since everything else was circumstantial. He has always protested his innocence, which meant he was in prison for twenty years, rather than fifteen if he admitted his guilt. Released on Licence, his future looks dire until three women, unknown to each other at first intervene in various ways: Eve, who falls in love with him; Sarah, a pro bono lawyer working for a charity investigating miscarriages of justice; and Bella, still having nightmares but starting to consider that she may have identified the wrong man – if she slept through the murder why do the dreams feature a man on the stairs?
Once again the author, who is a defence lawyer, has used a complex, well written, and expertly plotted story, to examine aspects of the legal system which are not so obvious to the average reader. In this case the spotlight is mainly on the requirements of the Criminal Cases Review Commission, the operation of the appeals processes, and the role of the police in controlling evidence. All the characters are relatable and their actions are believable, which means the story is believable. Not surprising, since it draws upon real events. Altogether there is nothing to fault in the story, which is more than can be said for the legal processes.
I would like to thank NetGalley, the publishers and the author for providing me with a draft proof copy for the purpose of this review.

[Yvonne · Rating 5 out of 5]

This is a twisted story that begins with a young girl who finds the body of her mum. Years later she is grown up, has a life and family. She receives a call to say that the man who murdered her mum is being released after serving 25 years. He has always maintained his innocence.

This story is one that I just fell into and needed to keep reading. The death of a parent is bad but when it s murder and a child finds the body, well it is going be traumatic. This is the case for Belle, she is having nightmares about meeting the killer on the stairs, but recently she is wondering why she never sees the face in her visions. With this she starts to doubt herself.

Jamie is keeping to himself, he is following the rules that have been set out as part of his release. He doesn't expect to meet anyone but when he does the police are quick to inform them of his past. He still maintains his innocence and his case has been picked up pro bono by a solicitor.

This is a story that brings to the forefront people who maintain their innocence during their inca eration as well as after. What if they are innocent, and what becomes of them, their families and their outlook on life. Can they trust people with the truth or will they be hounded and sought after. The author looks at this as well as the effect it has on the victims family. Showing both sides of the story and how prejudice and opinion can be used as a weapon.

This is a book that I could not put down, it is a different side of the murder mystery genre, there is some procedural and courtroom stuff. This adds to the suspense and intrigued. I liked this a lot and I could see it being a good start to a series. This is one I would definitely recommend.

[Teresa Nikolic · Rating 4 out of 5]

Bella was seven years old when she found her mum Christy dead in the kitchen. She is certain she woke up in the night and witnessed something and her statement helped put the perpetrator away for twenty years. Now Jamie Clarke has been released under licence and still adamant that he didn't do it. Since his release Bella has started having nightmares about that night but they don't correlate with what she remembers. She's beginning to think he wasn't actually the killer but, if it wasn't him, who was the stranger she saw on the stairs and could she now be in danger?

The Stranger on the Stairs is the latest by Mancini which tells the story of Jamie Clarke, or Joe as he's now known, accused and sentenced for the murder and rape of a young mother twenty years ago. Now he's been released and is determined to clear his name but, the only people who seem willing to believe and help him with his appeal, are his solicitor Sarah and his new friend Eve. This is a fast paced story that highlights the horrors of the justice system, the red tape that is frustratingly hard to get past, the unfortunate case of corrupt police and, how easily people are so quick to judge that because someone has been charged with an offence and served their time then they must have done it! This story has really opened my eyes to what people go through to prove their innocence and I found myself rooting for Joe even though I didn't know if he was guilty or not. Another fantastic and compelling read from this author which kept me on the edge of my seat throughout, with some great twists along the way.

I'd like to thank Random House UK, Cornerstone and Netgalley for inviting me to read this, I will post my review on Goodreads now and Amazon on publication day.

[Hazel · Rating 5 out of 5]

A twisty and unsettling thriller

I read Ruth Mancini’s previous book, The Woman on the Ledge, back in December 2023 just before it was officially released, and I've been meaning to pick up another of her stories for ages. I’ve definitely left it far too long to dive back into her work, but I’m so glad I finally did because this was another cracking read.

The story centres on a woman who witnessed her mother’s murder when she was just a child. Her evidence was what put a man behind bars for twenty years, but now that he’s been released, she’s starting to question everything she thought she knew. It’s a really clever premise that looks at how fragile our memories can be – especially when we’re young – and whether we can ever truly trust what we think we saw.

Because Ruth Mancini is a criminal defence lawyer, the whole thing feels incredibly authentic. You can really tell she knows the legal system inside out. It isn’t just about the mystery either; it’s a very human story about trauma and the search for the truth, even when that truth is terrifying. The idea of a potential miscarriage of justice feels all too real – we've seen enough cases like this over the years to know that the system isn't always perfect – and that adds a layer of genuine unease to the plot.

The pacing is excellent and kept me turning the pages late into the night. I'll admit I did manage to guess what was happening and worked out "whodunnit" before the reveal, but that didn't take away from the enjoyment at all. I really liked how everything came together at the end which was very satisfying.

Many thanks to the author, Random House UK, Cornerstone, Century and NetGalley for enabling me to read and share my thoughts of this thought-provoking and scarily all to real book.

[Lorraine Woodall · Rating 5 out of 5]

The Stranger on the Stairs pulled me in almost immediately and I couldn’t put it down., it doesn’t rely on constant shocks or exaggerated twists to create tension. Instead, the suspense comes from uncertainty, the uncomfortable possibility that a child’s memory, trusted for decades, might not have been accurate.
What I enjoyed most was how grounded the story felt. Ruth Mancini’s legal background gives the novel a realism that makes the investigation and courtroom elements far more convincing than in many psychological thrillers. The legal process isn’t just background detail; it becomes part of the emotional conflict, especially as old assumptions start to unravel.
Bella was the character I connected with most. Her struggle with guilt, doubt and fragmented memory felt believable, and I found myself constantly questioning what was true alongside her. The three main perspectives added depth rather than confusion, because each character brought a different emotional angle to the same case. I particularly liked how the story explored the long-term damage caused by a single violent event, not only to victims but to everyone pulled into it.
The pacing starts steadily, but once the cracks begin to appear in the original conviction, the tension builds quickly.
There were a few moments where some character decisions felt slightly unrealistic, and one relationship developed faster than I fully believed. Even so, the emotional weight and moral complexity of the story carried me through those weaker moments.
I found it to be a smart, tense and emotionally engaging thriller that stands out because it focuses as much on memory, justice and consequence as it does on suspense. I’d definitely recommend it.

[Mary Carbajosa · Rating 5 out of 5]

I really enjoyed this book, it was exciting and addictive, with interesting characters, whose lives overlap in various ways to make this a twisty little thriller. With this story, the author manages to grab the reader’s attention in the early stages of the book, then draws you in still further as the story develops.

The premise is good and the plot intriguing : When Bella witnessed her mother’s murder, twenty years ago, she was only seven. Her testimony helped convict the only suspect and now two decades later he’s out. Is her life in danger? Is he coming after her ? And did they get the right man all these years ago ?

I thought the plot was clever and very thought provoking, touching upon the subject of a miscarriage of justice and its consequences. Meanwhile, Ruth Mancini takes her time unfolding the narrative, weaving together complex relationships, moral dilemmas and the search for the truth. Each revelation resonated deeply, not just because of the fabulous plotting, but also because Ruth Mancini infuses humanity into all of these characters’ journeys.

I really liked getting to know all the characters, who were beautifully described, multi layered, vivid and consistent in their behaviour and I cared deeply about their well being, particularly Eve and Joe.

The closing chapters are filled with tension and I read this so quickly and was disappointed it had to end. Truly excellent writing that managed to fascinate me every step of the way and I highly recommend it. 4.5 stars

Thank you to NetGalley and Random House publishers for the advanced copy.

[Leanne · Rating 4 out of 5]

The Stranger on the Stairs is Ruth Mancini at her most assured — a taut, quietly chilling psychological thriller that hooks you from the first page and keeps tightening its grip. Mancini has always excelled at blending emotional depth with legal‑world authenticity, and this novel feels like the perfect showcase of both.

The premise alone is enough to raise goosebumps: a woman who testified as a child in her mother’s murder case begins to doubt the certainty that shaped her entire life. Mancini handles this with such deftness — the creeping uncertainty, the fractured memories, the sense that danger might be inching closer even as the truth slips further away.

What really stands out is the atmosphere. There’s a constant hum of tension, but it never feels overwrought. Instead, the story unfolds with a kind of elegant restraint, letting the psychological unease do the heavy lifting. I found myself second‑guessing every character, every memory, every motive — exactly the kind of reading experience I crave in a thriller.

The legal insights add a grounded, realistic edge without ever bogging down the pace. You can feel Mancini’s real‑world experience shaping the narrative in subtle but compelling ways.

If you enjoyed The Woman on the Ledge, this feels like a natural — and perhaps even stronger — follow‑up. It’s gripping, smart, and quietly haunting, with a final act that lands beautifully.

A fantastic read that lingers long after you close the book.

My thanks to Ruth Mancini, the publisher and netgalley for the ARC

[Muna · Rating 2 out of 5]

(Received an arc)

I enjoyed woman on the ledge so was excited to start this one but that excitement did not last long.

I found the story to be pretty boring. Not very suspenseful. In the end I just felt like I wasn’t reading a story that was meant to keep me gripped but it felt like I was just getting facts to find out the culprit.

Most of the story was told by a character named Eve who I did not like at all. I could not comprehend how a woman could feel for and end up attached not only emotionally but physically/sexually to a convicted rapist and murderer. And for that point alone I dreaded all the chapters in her pov. I found her desperate and stupid. Whether she believed his innocence or not why she should put herself in such a dangerous situation was beyond me. She was acting completely reckless and obsessed when she had only known this man for 5 minutes.

Then we have Sarah a lawyer who just decides to help him because she thinks there may have been a miscarriage of justice. But even that annoyed me because she was talking about putting a financial strain on her family and working on this case that may go no where for years without giving us any real reason why it seems like a good thing to do.

I mostly enjoyed Bella trying to remember what happened. I did question one of her actions but unlike Eve she had honest good reasons to find out what happened.

The book was very lacklustre and some things just felt so stupid.

I feel for those hurt in this book but the book overall did not work for me.

[Danny Matheson · Rating 5 out of 5]

A very cleverly written book by Ruth Mancini. After 20 years imprisonment Jamie has won the right to appeal his conviction for the brutal murder and rape of a young mother. He has always refused to admit any part of the offences and now has a chance to prove his innocence as he's released on licence under very strict conditions. He has the help of Sarah a top lawyer who has taken his case on, knowing she may never be paid for it, and Eve who teaches law at college. Eve befriends, Jamie or Joe as he's now known by, not knowing his past history. On doing so she breaches one of the conditions of his bail, that he should not enter a relationship with any woman. When she is made aware of this by the police, determined to get him back in prison, she is convinced of his innocence and helps fight his case. Also involved is Bella who at seven years old discovered her Mum's body and has had recurring nightmares since. Her evidence in court was crucial to the incarceration of Jamie, but she now has her doubts.
Put all the above together and it gives a very twisted and exciting book written by someone who is an experienced defence lawyer herself in Ruth Mancini, who knows the complications involved in putting together a case. Throughout this book you are wondering if the accused is guilty or innocent and also why the police are so determined to get him back behind bars. This book keeps you thinking throughout and makes for a compelling read. Whilst not a true crime case it is based on other cases.

[A.J. Sefton · Rating 4 out of 5]

The Stranger on the Stairs is a dark and disturbing tale of how injustice and corruption can affect so many lives.

The prologue describes a violent and horrific scene from the past, where a young mother is murdered while her seven year old daughter is in the vicinity. The story proper starts twenty years later when a woman bumps into an attractive man in a bookshop. The budding relationship is cut short when police visit her home to inform her that he is a murderer and recently released prisoner, and, of course, there are safeguarding issues involved.

Other central characters include a criminal solicitor focusing on a pro bono case and a traumatised young woman who questions some of the decisions she made when she was a child. All three are connected to the released prisoner in some way.

The story is set in an affluent part of London, mostly, and the family life of the characters is laid out, demonstrating the supportive and caring aspects as well as the judgemental sides. At times this is a tad tedious until the real purpose of the book kicks in: a legal thriller. It is fascinating to learn how British justice works, the intricate legal documents and the way forensic evidence is collected and used.

An emotive read that is scarily realistic about justice, primarily. But it also features a thread about the bonds between mothers and their children that lasts even when they are not around. Tense and touching, a great read. Don't forget to read the Author's Note at the end to put the book into its full context.

[Angela Mellor · Rating 5 out of 5]

The Stranger On The Stairs is a 4.5⭐️ rounded up to 5⭐️.
Bella is seven years old when she comes down the stairs to find her mother on the floo, she runs to the next door neighbour and the police are called. Her mother has been brutally raped and murdered. Bella’s evidence along with some neighbours puts Jamie Clarke her mothers boyfriend in prison for life but he’s been in twenty years and he is out and he’s going to appeal as he says he is innocent. Bella has had recurrent nightmares since finding her mother, she goes to a therapist and starts to think she may have seen a different person on the stairs that night. Eve is divorced and meets Joe at a corner shop and she goes round to his house a few times but the police come round and tell her about joes life.
This book grabbed me from the first page, the writing sucked me right in. The book moved at a good pace and you can tell the author has got knowledge of law. The characters were all well formed and there are a lot of them but because of the way it is written I knew them all without thinking “who the heck is this”!! The book at the end says it is based on a true story and I felt this all the way through without knowing that as everything is so well described. A great psychological thriller that I struggled to put down.
I would like to thank NetGalley and Random House UK, Cornerstone for this ARC I received in exchange for an honest review.

[Andrea · Rating 4 out of 5]

Review of ‘The Stranger on the Stairs’ by Ruth Mancini, due to be published on 23 April 2026 by Random House UK, Cornerstone.

Jamie Clarke was convicted 20 years ago of the rape and murder of Christy Nicholls, among the eyewitnesses - her then 7 year old daughter Bella. He maintains his innocence, despite having failed at previous appeals, and served 5 years longer than needed due to his refusal to admit to the crime.

Bella has spent her life having nightmares of the night her mother was killed, convinced that there was a shadowy figure in the house after the time Jamie was seen leaving the house, making her question if she identified the right man.

When Jamie is released on licence, he meets and falls for Eve, although does not initially tell her who he is.  However she believes his innocence and together with lawyer Sarah, sets about gathering evidence to prove he was wrongly convicted.

A story told from three perspectives- those of Bella, Eve and Sarah.  Misplaced trust and loyalties lead you to think at times that maybe Jamie did do it, at others that he is as innocent as he claims.  Corrupt policing, withholding of vital pieces of evidence and other more sinister forces are at play, making for a tense and gripping thriller that gets its hooks into you and leaves you craving the justice that Bella and her dead mother deserve.  Definitely a recommended read.

[Lesley · Rating 4 out of 5]

The Stranger on the Stairs hooked me in straightaway, with the opening sequence of the rape and murder of the mother of 7yr old Bella. Bella identifies Joe/Jamie Clarke and he’s sent to prison for life. He is offered a reduction in sentence if he admits his crime but he maintains his innocence and served five more years. Bella is haunted by nightmares in which she sees a man on the stairs but can never quite identify who this man is, but begins to feel it may not have been Joe.

Eve is a lecturer in law and meets Joe after his release from prison. She finds out about his past but believes him when he swears he is innocent and begins to work alongside her colleague to try to prove his innocence and find out who actually committed this crime.

I found this book intriguing. It is quite relevant in today’s world as there has been a similar case in the news quite recently. I enjoyed the author’s style of writing and my only criticism was that I felt we went from struggling to prove Joe’s innocence to suddenly everything being wrapped up what seemed like very quickly.

I have read and thoroughly enjoyed this author before and I look forward to reading anything else she has written.
My thanks as always go to the author, the publisher and to NetGalley for an A.R.C of this book, the opinions in my review, however, are entirely my own.