A Stranger in the Family:

by Diane Saxon

The BRAND NEW pulse-pounding thriller from Diane Saxon, BESTSELLING author of The Quiet Wife 🩸📖 Just what is in the attic? 😱 I’ve just made the biggest mistake of my life.

As the last of my children leave home, I’ve persuaded my husband we should move house.

Clearing out thirty-odd years of rubbish is overwhelming, but nothing prepares me for what I find in my attic.

It’s a hint at a hidden horror. A box of secrets I only glimpsed, before I was disturbed.

And now it’s gone.

Someone in my home has removed it. Which means someone I love thinks I know their secret. A secret so dark, I refuse to contemplate it. Until I am forced to.

I need to find that box and take a better look.

I need to protect myself because if I’m right…

My life is in peril.

278 pages, Kindle Edition

Expected publication February 27, 2026

About the author

Librarian note:
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Diane Saxon - Thriller, Crime, Romance

Reviews

[Lady MacDeath · Rating 3 out of 5]

Emma, a put upon wife and mother, is married to Ralph, with twin teenaged boys, and twenty something Harry, whom is married to Jess. As the twins have moved away to university, Emma and Ralph have decided to downsize their large family home for a bungalow. While she is in the attic, packing up boxes, she finds one, which she doesn’t recognise, and which after investigating, realises it’s contains odd pieces of jewellery, which don’t belong to her or her family. Meanwhile, the news is full of reports of female bodies being found, all over the UK, spanning the last 20 years. When she later returns to the attic, to have another look, she finds that someone in the family has moved it…

I enjoyed reading this book, which is my first from Diane Saxon, and found it to be full of twists and turns, but somewhere in the middle, it seemed to lose the excitement, which eventually picked up again towards the last part of the book. I also found that it was quite repetitive in parts, which felt like gap fillers. This is the reason, for a 3 star rating instead of 4. I really enjoyed the story and it really gets exciting and suspenseful towards the end, though I did have an idea how the book would end.
I will definitely read more from this author, and recommend this book to anyone who likes psychological thrillers.

Thanks to Diane Saxon, Boldwood Books, and NetGalley for providing me with this free ARC, with which I leave a voluntary review.

3 ⭐️

Available: 27th February 2026

[Susan]

An awful book. D,N.F.

[Pav S. (pav_sanborn_bookworm) · Rating 5 out of 5]

What an exhilarating ride this book turned out to be! It’s packed with twists and turns that keep you on the edge of your seat.

Emma, feeling overwhelmed by the process of moving after her children leave home, discovers a mysterious box in the attic that hints at a hidden horror and dark secrets. After realizing the box was removed by someone she loves, she becomes anxious, suspecting that this person believes she is aware of the secret. As Emma grapples with the implications, she feels her safety is at risk and decides to find the box to better understand the situation.

The story unfolds through multiple perspectives, allowing us to grasp the full scope of the narrative. We dive into the lives of Emma, The Nomad, Laura, and Harry, while a separate timeline weaves through the chapters, adding depth to the plot. Each character is shrouded in a bit of mystery, with clever hints scattered throughout. I thought I had it all figured out, but the jaw-dropping twist at the end left me speechless as I rifled back through the timeline to catch the clues I missed.

Emma is such a relatable character, facing a significant life change that many of us can understand. Starting anew is never easy, and I found myself wondering whether she truly knows her family, or if danger lurks closer than she realizes. You’ll have to read on to uncover the truth!

This book is impressively crafted and flows seamlessly through its timeline. I've been a fan of this author for a while, and it’s evident she improves with every new release! The ending was completely unexpected, and it’s astonishing how a person on the run can end up in the wrong place at the wrong time.

If you enjoy fast-paced stories filled with mind-bending twists and surprises, this one is definitely for you! It kept me guessing and left me breathless. I think this is my absolute favorite from Ms. Diane so far, so don’t miss out on this fantastic read! Now, if you’ll excuse me, I need to finish unpacking the last boxes from my recent move. I hope I don’t stumble upon any unexpected surprises! Ha!

Thank you, Boldwood Books and Netgalley, for the DRC widget. I am leaving this review voluntarily.

[Trina Dixon · Rating 4 out of 5]

As usual Diane Saxon has given us a fast paced, tense family drama with the added twist of a serial killer theme.
Emma is reluctantly packing up the family home, all 3 boys are moving out so it will just be her and husband Ralph. She comes across a box in the attic filled with jewellery but has little time to look. The next day she realises the box has been moved, who in the family could've moved it and why?
We also have The Nomad, a killer who's preyed on women around the country for years.
Each time I thought I had everything worked out, a curveball was thrown into the mix.
Really enjoyed it

[Diane Merritt · Rating 4 out of 5]

Wooohhhh study a great read. I love anything about serial killers so this was right up my alley. I loved how this came to a crazy crashing end. And also happy.

Thanks to the author the publisher and Netgalley for a early release of this book.

[Wendi Flint Rank (WendiReviews) · Rating 5 out of 5]

First, let me come right out and share that
when we moved house 31 years back~ we
found only really cool artifacts in a pony wall…
Whew ‼️‼️‼️

This book had me going - I got a little boisterous
and I was all wound up because I KNEW who and
where~. Nope! Did NOT.

This book is so well laid out and the horror
is absolutely, positively horrific. You would
not think of any of these connections but it
Is spectacular.

Oddly, for a short book it packs a full blown
Lisa Jewell or Patricia Cornwell from start to
finish. It is a “hurry up & wait of the highest
Order. I’ve been talking about it for 3 days!

I recommend the book to suspense / thriller
fans. My thanks to Boldwood Books via
NetGalley for the download copy of the book
for review purposes.

[Janalyn, the blind reviewer · Rating 3 out of 5]

A Stranger In The Family by Diane Saxon, during the book someone called the nomad killer is killing women up and down the country and has been doing it for years while somewhere else in Iceland Emma and her husband Ralph are empty-nesters their oldest son is married and their youngest boys the twins are all at Uni so they’re downgrading to a smaller home but on the day that packing is to commence the boys go off to watch a football game and she is left to do all the dirty work. While packing up the attic she finds a box With different pieces of jewelry that she knows doesn’t belong to her in the box isn’t something her husband would buy so she is baffled as to what it is and who it belongs to. Before she could search any further her husband and the kids get home and for now the box is forgotten about. Throughout the book there is another POV where a lorry driver which is an 18 wheel driver in European countries, Who at first accidentally killed a woman. Soon however he starts doing it on purpose but who is it well at first we all think it’s Ralph I know I did! Emma believes her husband loves her and that her children love her but her son Harry and his wife seem to be standoffish and Emma is a nice lady and it really hurts her because she doesn’t know why. Throughout the book Emma goes through the ordeal of packing unpacking and a water flood but by the time it’s over her family will be different in many ways she just hopes that she gets to live through it. I find books go through trends as if the newsletter is sent out to the authors telling them to write stories including A,B,C, because this is the second book where the ending just almost seemed too much. I love this author those books in love her ability to tell great stories and have all the questions answered by the end but I think the ending as I said was just a tad bit too much. I am still going to read her book because this one although you read the book thinking you know who did it only to find out no he isn’t the nomad killer but someone else’s and I knew or at least I thought because it was Miss Saxon that it would be an explosive moment and it was but maybe just a tad to bit explosive. #NetGalley, #TheBlindReviewer, #MyHonestReview,

[Dani · Rating 5 out of 5]

Thank you to NetGalley for the ARC of A Stranger in the Family by Diane Saxon

This was a tense, disturbing and utterly compelling thriller that completely drew me in. At its heart is Emma a wife, mother, and a woman whose ordinary family life begins to fracture in the most devastating way imaginable. When the truth about her husband slowly starts to surface, the shockwaves through her world are profound. What follows is not just a crime story, but a deeply human exploration of betrayal, denial and survival.

The premise is chilling: a HGV driver, constantly on the road and living a seemingly routine life, becomes linked to a series of horrific crimes. But this is very much Emma’s story. The emotional core of the novel lies in her perspective, her confusion, her instinct to protect her children, and her growing realisation that the man she thought she knew may have been living a double life. The author captures that dawning horror with restraint and realism, which makes it all the more powerful.

I particularly appreciated how the narrative balances suspense with psychological depth. The tension builds steadily as Emma pieces together fragments of truth, and the atmosphere becomes increasingly claustrophobic as suspicion seeps into every corner of domestic life. The author doesn’t sensationalise; instead, she focuses on the emotional fallout and the impact on a family forced into the glare of scrutiny and judgement.

Emma is a strong, believable protagonist. Her resilience feels hard won, and her determination to shield her children while confronting an unimaginable reality gives the novel real heart. The pacing is confident, the twists feel earned, and the final revelations land with real force.

A chilling, character driven thriller that explores what happens when evil is not a stranger at all, but someone sitting at your own kitchen table. A powerful and unforgettable read, five stars from me.

[justonemorechapter2025 · Rating 3 out of 5]

A Stranger in the Family by Diane Saxon is a gripping psychological thriller that combines everyday life with unsettling mystery. The story begins when a woman, recently empty-nested and ready to start a new chapter, decides to clear out decades of accumulated belongings in her attic. What she discovers hints at a secret so disturbing that it changes everything she thought she knew about her own home and the people she loves.
The pacing is sharp and compelling, with chapters that pull you forward and keep you invested in uncovering the mystery right alongside the main character. Saxon balances moments of quiet unease with dramatic revelations, making it hard to put the book down once the tension begins to mount.
The pacing is steady and engaging, particularly in the first half, where the mystery is at its strongest. The tension builds naturally, and the short chapters make it easy to keep reading “just one more.” The central concept is compelling to me and taps into that universal fear of not truly knowing the people closest to you.
However, there are moments where the story feels slightly drawn out, particularly in the middle, where the tension plateaus rather than escalates. I also found certain character reactions a little repetitive, as the emotional turmoil circles similar thoughts before moving the plot forward. While the twists are effective, I did anticipate parts of the story before the final reveal.
Although the novel remains an absorbing and well-crafted domestic thriller. It’s strongest in its atmosphere and its exploration of family dynamics under pressure. If you enjoy stories built around secrets within seemingly normal lives, A Stranger in the Family is a tense read.

[Barbara Schultz · Rating 3 out of 5]

Title: The Stranger in the Family
Author: Diane Saxon
Publisher: Boldwood Books
Genre: Domestic, Psychological Thriller
Pub Date: February 22, 2026
My Rating:3.4 Stars
Pages: 278


Emma persuaded her husband Ralph that since their twin sons Mickey and Thomas are off attending the University the house is too big for just the two of them. They have lived there for thirty-one years and raised three sons Harry the oldest is married so moved out some time ago.
Ralph agrees and they find a nice bungalow with a large garden for planting flowers as well as growing vegetables.
However, as she is packing as well as boxing for charity or throwing away she is full of memories and having second thoughts.
But she continues and decides to check the attic. While going through things, harry joins her and questions what she is bothering. She doesn’t tell him but there is something she is looking for a box of secrets but now it’s gone. She fears someone in her home has removed it.-someone she loves knows.

Okay this seems over dramatic to me but I continued. Then we are introduced to ‘Nomad and it gets more interesting.
I read a lot of thrillers so I put start my arm chair detective skills and suspect who this nasty serial killer might be-yep got it but sure didn’t know for figure out the details.

Want to thank NetGalley and Boldwood Books for this this eGalley.
Publishing Release Date scheduled for February 22, 2026.

[Leanne · Rating 4 out of 5]

A Stranger in the Family is a gripping, slow‑burn domestic thriller that taps into one of the most unsettling fears imaginable: discovering that the people you love most may be hiding something monstrous. Diane Saxon builds tension with a deft, steady hand, turning an ordinary life transition — the last child leaving home, the bittersweet decision to downsize — into the catalyst for a chilling unravelling.

The novel’s hook is irresistible. While clearing out decades of family clutter, the narrator stumbles across a box in the attic that hints at something deeply wrong. Before she can examine it properly, it disappears — taken by someone inside her own home. From that moment, the story becomes a claustrophobic dance of suspicion, dread, and second‑guessing. Saxon captures the creeping paranoia beautifully, letting the smallest domestic details take on a sinister edge.

What makes the book especially compelling is the emotional realism. The narrator’s fear isn’t melodramatic; it’s rooted in the quiet, everyday intimacy of long marriages and grown children, where trust is assumed until it suddenly isn’t. The slow drip of revelations keeps the pages turning, and the sense of danger builds in a way that feels both grounded and deeply unnerving.

Saxon delivers a thriller that is atmospheric, pulse‑pounding, and rich with psychological tension — a story that lingers long after the attic door closes.

With thanks to Diane Saxon, the publisher and netgalley for the ARC

[Jen · Rating 3 out of 5]

This was a fast-paced and intense read, though I didn't find it to be all that unique in a crowded serial killer genre. The story centers on Emma, who, along with her husband Ralph, is downsizing into a smaller home after their kids leave the nest. When packing up, she finds a box of concerning items that leads her to believe that either her husband or 3 male kids is keeping a deadly secret. You also get chapters told from the perspective of an unknown serial killer coined "the nomad".

Emma was a likable enough character, though I thought some of her inner thoughts around regretting the move were repetitive. I also wish she would have stood up for herself around her family, who seemed fine with just letting her do all the heavy lifting. The storyline was somewhat predictable- there were a couple of twists but I felt like I knew what was happening the whole time, and I was mostly correct. The nomad chapters were definitely intense. I thought the ending was OK- there was one twist that I thought was too big of a coincidence to ring true. Beyond that, it tied up loose ends cleanly and worked with the rest of the story.

Overall, this was a decent, quick read but I just don't think it was all that memorable. Thanks to Netgalley for providing me with a copy of this book in exchange for an honest review.

[Mya Joan Emma · Rating 2 out of 5]

A Stranger in the Family by Diane Saxon is a solid psychological thriller that delivers an intriguing premise and plenty of tension, even if it doesn’t fully reach its potential.

The story centers around themes of identity, family secrets, and deception, which Saxon handles with a steady sense of suspense. The concept itself is compelling, and the mystery kept me engaged enough to want to see how everything unraveled. There are some genuinely unsettling moments, and the emotional undercurrents within the family dynamics add depth to the plot.

However, while the setup is strong, the pacing feels uneven at times. Certain sections drag with repetitive internal reflections, while other twists seem rushed or not as impactful as they could have been. Some of the characters, particularly secondary ones, could have been more fully developed to make their motivations feel more convincing.

The writing is accessible and easy to follow, making it a quick read overall. Fans of domestic thrillers and family-based psychological drama will likely enjoy the tension and gradual reveals, even if seasoned thriller readers might find some of the twists somewhat predictable.

Overall, A Stranger in the Family is an entertaining but not unforgettable thriller—worth reading if you enjoy the genre, but it may not stand out among the very best.

[Angel **Book Junkie** · Rating 2 out of 5]

Thank you to NetGalley, Boldwood Books, and Diane Saxon for the ARC of A Stranger in the Family.

This one is hard for me to rate because technically… there’s nothing wrong with it. The premise was strong, the plot was solid, and the characters were likable enough to keep me reading. BUT — and this is a big but — I couldn’t shake the feeling that I’ve read this exact story before.

Before anyone comes for me, I’m not saying Diane Saxon copied anything. I’m just saying this trope feels very well-traveled at this point. The wife uncovering a shocking secret about a family member that somehow ties back to a serial killer? I’ve been down this road a few times already, and unfortunately nothing here felt new enough to keep my full attention.

About halfway through, my interest started slipping. I kept waiting for a twist or angle that would make it stand out, something that would make me sit up and go okay, now we’re doing something different — but that moment never really came for me.

Now, I will absolutely give credit where it’s due: the ending alone earns two stars. It was easily the strongest part of the book and finally delivered the energy I had been hoping for all along.

Final verdict: A solid thriller with a great setup, but for me it felt like a story I’d already experienced in another form. I

[Catharine · Rating 3 out of 5]

My initial reaction to “A Stranger in the Family” was a positive one. I was quickly drawn in, and the central question — who is hiding what, and why — is an effective hook that keeps the story moving.

However, while my curiosity held, my patience with the writing wore a little thin. The narrative tends to repeat itself, revisiting points that already felt established, which blunts the tension rather than building it. Scenes that should escalate instead linger, and the pacing occasionally feels padded where it should be sharp.

Ultimately, I found myself admiring the concept more than the execution. The premise is strong and well-suited to the genre, but the characterisation often feels underdeveloped, leaving some emotional moments curiously flat. I wanted more depth, and more impact, from revelations that deserved to hit harder.

That said, “A Stranger in the Family” is a competent and readable domestic thriller, and the final twist had slightly more bite than I anticipated — just not quite enough to fully make up for what came before.

My thanks to NetGalley and Boldwood Books for the DRC of “A Stranger in the Family” by Diane Saxon.
Due for publication on 27 February 2026.

[Louise Wilson · Rating 4 out of 5]

As the last of my children left home, I persuaded my husband that we should move house. Clearing out thrity-odd years of rubbish is overwhelming, but nothing prepares me for what I find in my attic. It's a hint at a hidden horror. A box of secrets I only glimpsed before I was disturbed. and now it's gone. Someone in my home has removed it. Which means someone I love thinks I know their secret. A secret so dark, I refuse to contemplate it. Until I am forced to. I need to find that box and take a better look. I need to protect myself, because if I'm right....

There were enough twists and turns in this well written story that kept me on the edge of my seat. The pace is steady as I race through the pages. I had no idea where this story was heading, as when I thought I did, a curve ball was thrown in my direction. This is a gripping read and the tension builds throughout.

Published 27th February 2026

I would like to thank #NetGalley #BoldwoodBooks and the author #DianeSaxon for my ARC of #AStrangerintheFamily in excahnge for an honest review.

[Lydia Bailey · Rating 3 out of 5]

I’d previously read ‘Cuckoo in the Nest’ by Diane Saxon (now re-named, My Missing Sister) which was the book responsible for getting me back into psychological thrillers, so I was delighted to receive this ARC - thank you Net Galley & Boldwood Books.

Emma & her husband Ralph are leaving their family home after many years bringing up their 3 boys who have recently flown the nest. Whilst packing up, Emma stumbles upon a mysterious box in the attic which later disappears.


Meanwhile, a serial killer is plaguing young women nationwide & things take a downward turn for the family in their new home….

A great premise and a page- turning, twisty thriller. All the characters were believable & The Nomad was spine- chillingly creepy. I did guess the main twist but didn’t work out the sub twist.

I did find the middle of the book became a little repetitive - mainly with Emma’s issues - and some of the detail was a little too graphic for me- but I still rattled through the book needing to know what happened 3.5 *

[A Lane · Rating 4 out of 5]

A Stranger in the Family by Diane Saxon is a dark and evil psychological thriller that left my head spinning. This roller-coaster ride was so intense with an ending I did not see coming.

Emma and Ralph are now empty nesters and have decided to move house to something smaller. While packing up, Emma discovers a box that contains someone's secrets. Convinced someone in her house is hiding something and she vows to find out who and what. Before she can take matters into her own hands, the box disappears.

Fast-paced and thrilling, this story is layered with tension and secrets. It is packed with betrayal and deception from the start and right up to the explosive ending. Another win for Diane Saxon. Psychological suspense lovers will absolutely love this one

Thanks to Netgalley and Boldwood Books for the advanced copy

[Jennifer TW · Rating 4 out of 5]

Emma is a devoted wife and mother to 3 adult sons who finds herself in the throes of a house move in her middle life. As Emma works through the many tasks associated with a house move, she discovers sinister items in the attic.
In parallel there are continued news reports of a gruesome serial killer who has killed again. Their MO suggests a haulier who likes to keep a trophy of his kills. Emma becomes more paranoid as she dwells on the move, and her family.
In the meantime Emma is concerned as to why her daughter in law appears so withdrawn, especially as they’ve moved to be closer to them. Then disaster strikes in their new home, and revelations come to light. Will Emma ever trust her instinct again?
A gripping page turner. Recommended. Huge thanks to Author and publisher for an ARC in exchange for an honest review

[Lubybel · Rating 5 out of 5]

Buckle up for this gripping fast paced psychological thriller that is Diane Saxon's latest book, A Stranger In The Family.

Emma and her haulier husband Ralph are downsizing. Their three boys have now left home.
Whilst clearing a lifetimes accumulated family belongings Emma discovers a box she has not seen before containing odd pieces of jewellery.
Innocent enough, or is it?

Diane Saxon knows how to write suspense and intrigue and she has worked her magic here again giving us a page turner to savour.
Saxon's books never disappoint and I believe this latest novel is her best yet.
The story is well written and expertly laid out out. It is an absorbing book that will have you gripped in its twists and turns.

My thanks go to Diane Saxon, Boldwood Books and NetGalley for the advanced readers copy.

[Rach Crisp · Rating 4 out of 5]

Having previously read 'Cuckoo In the Nest', one of many Diane Saxon books, I was looking forward to reading this new one. This story was very different! A wonderfully, gritty thriller told from the point of view of several of the main characters. I really like this style of writing.
The main story follows Emma, a middle aged wife and mother who's life seems very similar to a lot of women the same age. Her youngest children have left home and she's going through inner turmoil as her life is moving to it's next chapter. She's also aware of something extra, something sitting just at the periphery of her consciousness. Something that does not sit well for her.
There are some quite graphic parts, and although the story had me gripped and eager to read more, I did find the ending a bit too neat for my liking.

Thanks to Netgalley and Boldwood Books for this ARC.

[Diane Elizabeth Taylor · Rating 4 out of 5]

A Box Of Secrets Unpacks A Lifetime Of Deception! ​
Diane Saxon cements her status as the queen of domestic thrillers with this sophisticated, simmering read.
As Emma prepares to almost single-handedly downsize, she discovers a box of women’s jewellery hidden in the attic, a strange find that triggers a chilling mystery.
Saxon brilliantly analyses the transition from domestic compliance to a woman determined to abide by her moral compass, evolving from a downtrodden wife and mother into a woman reclaimed by her own sense of right and wrong.
As the tension escalates, Emma’s niggling doubts transform into a quest for the truth, culminating in an ending tied up as neatly as a locket wrapped in a bow.
My thanks to Netgalley and Boldwood Books for the ARC. This is my own opinion.
Expected publication date 27 February.

[Cin (cinsnextchapter) · Rating 4 out of 5]

A Stranger in the Family is a fast-paced, twisty psychological thriller that kept me second-guessing who the killer might be. I went back and forth on my suspicions more than once.

The book alternates between multiple points of view, including that of the serial killer known as The Nomad. The descriptions of the crimes are intense and violent, and there were several moments where I found myself holding my breath.

I really felt for Emma —she just wanted her family to help pack for their move, and if they had, she never would’ve stumbled across that box in the attic. While I did manage to piece together parts of the mystery along the way, the ending was still wild!

[Meg Pearson · Rating 5 out of 5]

Another amazing read! I honestly couldn’t put this book down. I buddy read A Stranger in the Family and we both loved every minute of it — we even managed to read it in a single day!

The story is fast-paced, tense, and packed with twists that kept us constantly guessing. Just when you think you know what’s going on, another layer is revealed, making it impossible to stop reading. The suspense builds beautifully, and the short chapters make it so easy to say “just one more”… until suddenly the book is finished.

If you enjoy psychological thrillers full of secrets, suspicion, and shocking twists, this one is definitely worth picking up. Highly recommended!

✨ Thank you to NetGalley, Boldwood Books, and the author for the ARC. All opinions are my own.

[Sue · Rating 4 out of 5]

Emma and her HGV Driver husband, Ralph are moving into a smaller house as their twin sons are going to university.
Emma comes across a box with mismatched jewellery, and is disturbed while she is looking through the box. She tidies it away, and when she comes to the attic to take another look, it has disappeared. That means someone in her house knows what was in the box and wants to hide their secret.


What an incredibly tense read this was!
My suspicions of who the serial killer was kept shifting. There are red herrings, and then in your mind the suspect changes.
Dark and tragic, and yes, emotional as well, I recommend this book.

[Ronni · Rating 5 out of 5]

A Stranger in the Family is a true edge-of-your-seat, fast-paced thriller! This is one of my favorite reads this year! I loved the writing, the plot, the characters, all of it. My favorite was finding out why Jess is the way Jess is. I spent the entire time thinking I had guess who The Nomad was, only to second-guess myself every other chapter. I also really enjoyed the way the author captured (wrote?) Emma’s feelings about moving house and carrying essentially all of the weight in the family. As a woman who feels the same, it felt like speaking with a friend. These characters are the type I’ll be wondering about for days, forgetting they’re fictional and wondering what they’re up to!

[JAY · Rating 3 out of 5]

I’d give this a 3.5! It was all around a good domestic thriller to indulge yourself in. Only part I didn’t like was the long narratives the FMC had with herself, it would last pages of her reminiscing or talking about her kids/husband. I felt like it could’ve been cut down a bit.

I did enjoy (? don’t know if thats the right word for those circumstances) reading the other POV and how it spanned in the last 10 years. I did figure out 1 of the plot twist but the other one did take me by surprise! Overall, i think it’s an okay read minus the inner dialogues.

Thank you NetGalley, Boldwood Insider, and Diane Saxon for this ARC 🫶🏽

[Karlyne · Rating 4 out of 5]

Thanks to Netgalley and the publishers for an ARC of this book.

I would give this 3.5 stars - no spoilers.

I really enjoyed this book, which I know you might not think is reflected in the rating, however it was very predictable.
It was a well written book, but I guessed the ending very quickly. It kept reading the book because I enjoyed the writing, the characters and wanted to see how everything would come out, but there was no surprises or twists and turns.

This was an easy read, one that I would recommend to anyone who wanted a bit of a thriller, but nothing too complicated.

[Victoria · Rating 4 out of 5]

Title: A Stranger in the Family
Author: Diane Saxon
Rating: 🌟🌟🌟🌟
Publication Date: February 27, 2026

If you're looking for a quick, easy read that keeps you on the edge of your seat, look no further. This book kept me guessing until the very end.

The main character, Emma, begins to sense that something just isn't right with her family. She starts to question everything she thought she knew, but she's afraid to confront her concerns head on. Do you REALLY know your family??

Make sure to add this to your TBR list now!

Thank you to NetGalley for the opportunity to read this ARC in exchange for my honest opinion/review.

[Bao Bao · Rating 5 out of 5]

Emma and her family are moving house. No-one seems to care about helping her move, so she decides to take a big step, go into the attic and clear a few things to move before the final day.

She then discovers a box of valuables, but she doesn't know whose they are. Her husband, or one of her sons?

There's a bit of reverse psychology in this book but enjoyed some of the intense moments. Wished it could have dragged a bit longer to explain the reasons behind the killings, but nevertheless it was a good book to get your heart rate going it bit higher.

Thanks to Netgalley and Boldwood Books for this copy!