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A Stranger on the Beach
"From the bestselling author of It's Always the Husband comes a novel about a love triangle that begins on a fateful night... There is a stranger outside Caroline's house. Her spectacular new beach house, built for hosting expensive parties and vacationing with the family she thought she'd have. But her husband is lying to her and everything in her life is upside down, so when the stranger, Aidan, shows up as a bartender at the same party where Caroline and her husband have a very public fight, it doesn't seem like anything out of the ordinary. As her marriage collapses around her and the lavish lifestyle she's built for herself starts to crumble, Caroline turns to Aidan for comfort...and revenge. After a brief and desperate fling that means nothing to Caroline and everything to him, Aidan's obsession with Caroline, her family, and her house grows more and more disturbing. And when Caroline's husband goes missing, her life descends into a nightmare that leaves her accused of her own husband's murder. A Stranger on the Beach is Strangers on a Train meets Fatal Attraction in Michele Campbell's edge-of your-seat story of passion and intrigue."--
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First published July 23, 2019
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About the author
Michele Campbell
10 books2,619 followersMichele Campbell is a graduate of Harvard College and Stanford Law School and a former federal prosecutor in New York City who specialized in international narcotics and gang cases.
A while back, she said goodbye to her big-city legal career and moved with her husband and two children to an idyllic New England college town a lot like Belle River in IT’S ALWAYS THE HUSBAND. Since then, she has spent her time teaching criminal and constitutional law and writing novels.
She's had many close female friends, a few frenemies, and only one husband, who – to the best of her knowledge – has never tried to kill her.
A while back, she said goodbye to her big-city legal career and moved with her husband and two children to an idyllic New England college town a lot like Belle River in IT’S ALWAYS THE HUSBAND. Since then, she has spent her time teaching criminal and constitutional law and writing novels.
She's had many close female friends, a few frenemies, and only one husband, who – to the best of her knowledge – has never tried to kill her.
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 2,791 reviews
April 21, 2025
**3.5-stars rounded up**
Caroline and Jason Stark have been married for 20-years. Typical of long-time couples, their relationship has had its ups-and-downs.
Recently, it seems more down than up, unfortunately.
With their only child, Hannah, off to college, and Jason traveling a lot for work, Caroline focuses on building her dream house in the Hamptons.
Everyone needs a project, am I right?!
After the lavish project is complete, Caroline decides to throw a house warming party, inviting all of their rich and influential friends.
Taking her completely by surprise, last minute, Jason tells Caroline he is stuck at a 'work thing' and will be unable to attend.
She's saddened by the news, as she was really hoping to reconnect with him and show off their beautiful new home together. It was no small accomplishment.
Then in a jaw-dropping turn of events, Jason does arrive at the house...!!!
As you can imagine, the proverbial shit hits the fan!
Days after wallowing in it, Caroline gets herself up, out of the house and straight to a popular local watering hole.
Once there, she recognizes the guy behind the bar. He was actually the bartender provided by the catering company on the night of her ill-fated house warming.
Instead of cowering in embarrassment, she decides to embrace it and proceeds to flirt with him all night whilst getting elbows deep in some vodka sodas.
Enter Aidan Callahan. He's young, incredibly handsome and has a troubled past.
Once he sets his sights on Caroline, and her house, he is nothing if not laser focused. What could go wrong?
Immediately after their first tryst, Aidan suddenly seems to be everywhere.
Caroline can't get rid of him and due to his volatile nature, fears angering him. Is this your typical stalker behavior or something more?
Alternating between Caroline and Aidan's perspectives, this book is so full of twists and turns, you won't know who to believe.
The truth is hidden in here somewhere but good luck discovering it from these two! This story is so compelling, so chilling; a true tale of suspense.
I loved the highly-readable format of this. I think Campbell's choices in the development of this story were close to perfection.
For the first 3/4 of the book, you are getting that twisted back-and-forth perspective and then suddenly, the main event.
The the final 1/4 follows new perspectives of the investigators called in to discover the truth. I thought this was unique and really well played.
The one small issue I had was that once you got to the investigation portion of the story, with the evidence put forth early on, it's pretty clear what actually happened.
I am not sure many people will be fooled at that point, but regardless, really well written, great characters, fast-paced, gripping; I really, really liked it and was satisfied with the conclusion!
Thank you so much to the publisher, St. Martin's Press, for providing me with a copy of this to read and review.
Michele Campbell is definitely one of my go-to authors. I love her storytelling.
If you haven't read any of her books yet, this is a great one to start with and perfect for summer fun!!
Caroline and Jason Stark have been married for 20-years. Typical of long-time couples, their relationship has had its ups-and-downs.
Recently, it seems more down than up, unfortunately.
With their only child, Hannah, off to college, and Jason traveling a lot for work, Caroline focuses on building her dream house in the Hamptons.
Everyone needs a project, am I right?!
After the lavish project is complete, Caroline decides to throw a house warming party, inviting all of their rich and influential friends.
Taking her completely by surprise, last minute, Jason tells Caroline he is stuck at a 'work thing' and will be unable to attend.
She's saddened by the news, as she was really hoping to reconnect with him and show off their beautiful new home together. It was no small accomplishment.
Then in a jaw-dropping turn of events, Jason does arrive at the house...!!!
As you can imagine, the proverbial shit hits the fan!
Days after wallowing in it, Caroline gets herself up, out of the house and straight to a popular local watering hole.
Once there, she recognizes the guy behind the bar. He was actually the bartender provided by the catering company on the night of her ill-fated house warming.
Instead of cowering in embarrassment, she decides to embrace it and proceeds to flirt with him all night whilst getting elbows deep in some vodka sodas.
Enter Aidan Callahan. He's young, incredibly handsome and has a troubled past.
Once he sets his sights on Caroline, and her house, he is nothing if not laser focused. What could go wrong?
Immediately after their first tryst, Aidan suddenly seems to be everywhere.
Caroline can't get rid of him and due to his volatile nature, fears angering him. Is this your typical stalker behavior or something more?
Alternating between Caroline and Aidan's perspectives, this book is so full of twists and turns, you won't know who to believe.
The truth is hidden in here somewhere but good luck discovering it from these two! This story is so compelling, so chilling; a true tale of suspense.
I loved the highly-readable format of this. I think Campbell's choices in the development of this story were close to perfection.
For the first 3/4 of the book, you are getting that twisted back-and-forth perspective and then suddenly, the main event.
The the final 1/4 follows new perspectives of the investigators called in to discover the truth. I thought this was unique and really well played.
The one small issue I had was that once you got to the investigation portion of the story, with the evidence put forth early on, it's pretty clear what actually happened.
I am not sure many people will be fooled at that point, but regardless, really well written, great characters, fast-paced, gripping; I really, really liked it and was satisfied with the conclusion!
Thank you so much to the publisher, St. Martin's Press, for providing me with a copy of this to read and review.
Michele Campbell is definitely one of my go-to authors. I love her storytelling.
If you haven't read any of her books yet, this is a great one to start with and perfect for summer fun!!
May 2, 2019
Nicely Played.....
There are books marked as Psychological thrillers and then there are the ACTUAL Psychological thrillers!!!! Holy Cow!
This is a book that I think it is best to go in as blind as possible. When you seem to have it all and your whole world crumbles what do you do? Who do you turn to? Caroline appears to have it all - good looks, a handsome husband, a beach house, an apartment in the city, fancy clothes, a nice car but everything falls to pieces all in one night. Things get even worse when Caroline's husband goes missing.
This was a smart psychological thriller told through Caroline and Aiden's POV. This is the fun part as we see two different perspectives about the same events. Is one viewing the situations through rose-colored glasses? Is one unreliable? Is one manipulating the other? Is one dangerous? Who can be trusted? Who is to be believed?
This book had quite a few twists and turns which kept the action moving at just the right pace. I love when I think I have a book figured out and then it pulls the wool over my eyes. This one certainly did that. This was a fun page-turner full of are-you-freaking-kidding-me-moments and I savored every page. When nothing is as it seems, what is it then? Read and find out!
Thank you to St. Martin's Press and NetGalley who provided me with a copy of this book in exchange for an honest review. The thoughts and opinions expressed in this review are my own.
There are books marked as Psychological thrillers and then there are the ACTUAL Psychological thrillers!!!! Holy Cow!
This is a book that I think it is best to go in as blind as possible. When you seem to have it all and your whole world crumbles what do you do? Who do you turn to? Caroline appears to have it all - good looks, a handsome husband, a beach house, an apartment in the city, fancy clothes, a nice car but everything falls to pieces all in one night. Things get even worse when Caroline's husband goes missing.
This was a smart psychological thriller told through Caroline and Aiden's POV. This is the fun part as we see two different perspectives about the same events. Is one viewing the situations through rose-colored glasses? Is one unreliable? Is one manipulating the other? Is one dangerous? Who can be trusted? Who is to be believed?
This book had quite a few twists and turns which kept the action moving at just the right pace. I love when I think I have a book figured out and then it pulls the wool over my eyes. This one certainly did that. This was a fun page-turner full of are-you-freaking-kidding-me-moments and I savored every page. When nothing is as it seems, what is it then? Read and find out!
Thank you to St. Martin's Press and NetGalley who provided me with a copy of this book in exchange for an honest review. The thoughts and opinions expressed in this review are my own.
January 14, 2025
Holy Shooty Balls!!! Gripping, highly compulsive, & spine-tingling suspense!
A STRANGER ON THE BEACH by MICHELE CAMPBELL is an engrossing, chilling, suspenseful, fun, easy, brisk, and mind-bending psychological thriller that was absolutely unputdownable. I was immediately sucked into the narrative and devoured every single page of this highly entertaining and deceptive book. Once I started reading it I was hooked and so absorbed in the storyline that I lost all sense of time.
My nose was definitely lost in this book and nothing was going to distract me until I finished reading it.
MICHELE CAMPBELL delivers quite the impressive, clever, complex, tension-filled and well-written read here that was extremely well-plotted, well-layered and well-played. The story was deliciously told from the perspectives of both Caroline and Aidan. And let me tell you I absolutely loved the manipulative and obsessive nature of both of their perspectives. It was extremely fun trying to figure out who the unreliable character was here. Both perspectives fed right into each other perfectly.
Publication Date: July 23, 2019
* Traveling Sisters Read *
Norma’s Stats:
Cover: Love the boldness, dark, and ominous beach setting.
Title: Appealing, suspenseful, intriguing and such a notable and worthy representation to storyline.
Writing/Prose: Well-written, engrossing, smart, compelling, and compulsively readable.
Plot: Clever, intriguing, manipulative, puzzling, twisty, intense, suspenseful, riveting, fast-paced, absorbing, enjoyable and entertaining. An absolutely fabulous and juicy storyline!!!!
Ending: Intense, flabbergasting, exciting, & wholly satisfying!
Armchair Detective Skills: Okay, I had my suspicions early on with the who but never would have guessed the why, what or reasoning behind the motivations that was driving these characters.
Overall: It was such an irresistibly fun and entertaining book and another winner added to my favourite reads shelf. I thoroughly enjoyed the reading experience!!! Would definitely recommend!
Thank you so much to NetGalley, St. Martin’s Press, and Michele Campbell for the opportunity to read an advanced copy of this book. It was an absolute pleasure reading this fun novel!!
A STRANGER ON THE BEACH by MICHELE CAMPBELL is an engrossing, chilling, suspenseful, fun, easy, brisk, and mind-bending psychological thriller that was absolutely unputdownable. I was immediately sucked into the narrative and devoured every single page of this highly entertaining and deceptive book. Once I started reading it I was hooked and so absorbed in the storyline that I lost all sense of time.
My nose was definitely lost in this book and nothing was going to distract me until I finished reading it.
MICHELE CAMPBELL delivers quite the impressive, clever, complex, tension-filled and well-written read here that was extremely well-plotted, well-layered and well-played. The story was deliciously told from the perspectives of both Caroline and Aidan. And let me tell you I absolutely loved the manipulative and obsessive nature of both of their perspectives. It was extremely fun trying to figure out who the unreliable character was here. Both perspectives fed right into each other perfectly.
Publication Date: July 23, 2019
* Traveling Sisters Read *
Norma’s Stats:
Cover: Love the boldness, dark, and ominous beach setting.
Title: Appealing, suspenseful, intriguing and such a notable and worthy representation to storyline.
Writing/Prose: Well-written, engrossing, smart, compelling, and compulsively readable.
Plot: Clever, intriguing, manipulative, puzzling, twisty, intense, suspenseful, riveting, fast-paced, absorbing, enjoyable and entertaining. An absolutely fabulous and juicy storyline!!!!
Ending: Intense, flabbergasting, exciting, & wholly satisfying!
Armchair Detective Skills: Okay, I had my suspicions early on with the who but never would have guessed the why, what or reasoning behind the motivations that was driving these characters.
Overall: It was such an irresistibly fun and entertaining book and another winner added to my favourite reads shelf. I thoroughly enjoyed the reading experience!!! Would definitely recommend!
Thank you so much to NetGalley, St. Martin’s Press, and Michele Campbell for the opportunity to read an advanced copy of this book. It was an absolute pleasure reading this fun novel!!
August 10, 2019
🎉Five Blew My Mind Stars!!🎉
Caroline is convinced that her husband is having an affair and then she meets Aiden, a stranger on the beach. As her marriage collapses around her and the lavish lifestyle she built for herself starts to crum ble, Caroline turns to Aiden for comfort and revenge. After a one night stand that means nothing to Caroline, means everything to Aiden. Aiden is obsessed with Caroline, her family and the house grows more and more disturbing. Aiden seems to be unstable and he ends up stalking her family.
This was an awesome twisty read that just blew my mind. It was a big surprise for me and it sure was not predictable. It was a fast paced read. I was immediately drawn into the story from the beginning to the end.
The book goes back and forth from Aidenn's point of view to Caroline's point of view. This was a roller coaster ride. I did not know what was going on or who to believe.
This book kept me guessing till the very end. This book was so entertaining.
This book is one of my favorite thrillers for this year and it also made my top 10 favorite list.
This was a Traveling Sister Read and I think we all enjoyed it.
I want to thank Jordan from St. Martin's Press for the copy of this book in exchange for an honest review.
Available Now
Caroline is convinced that her husband is having an affair and then she meets Aiden, a stranger on the beach. As her marriage collapses around her and the lavish lifestyle she built for herself starts to crum ble, Caroline turns to Aiden for comfort and revenge. After a one night stand that means nothing to Caroline, means everything to Aiden. Aiden is obsessed with Caroline, her family and the house grows more and more disturbing. Aiden seems to be unstable and he ends up stalking her family.
This was an awesome twisty read that just blew my mind. It was a big surprise for me and it sure was not predictable. It was a fast paced read. I was immediately drawn into the story from the beginning to the end.
The book goes back and forth from Aidenn's point of view to Caroline's point of view. This was a roller coaster ride. I did not know what was going on or who to believe.
This book kept me guessing till the very end. This book was so entertaining.
This book is one of my favorite thrillers for this year and it also made my top 10 favorite list.
This was a Traveling Sister Read and I think we all enjoyed it.
I want to thank Jordan from St. Martin's Press for the copy of this book in exchange for an honest review.
Available Now
October 29, 2019
Four my head is spinning and my grey cells started to give me “S.O.S” because of too much usage, feel like I got too many slaps on my face, the author definitely played too many mind games and she’s the winner stars!
There are three sides of this book’s story. Caroline’s, Aiden’s and the truth.( it’s out there! Ready to be found by Scully and Mulder)
Caroline tells us she’s the victim. Her husband is cheater. He vacuums all their bank accounts and shows up at their beach house party with his Russian mistress. He wants divorce and plans to flee the country. So Caroline gets drunk and has one night stand with Aiden and guess what happened as soon as their sex is over, he told her “I LOVE YOU” ( whattttt?) HE WANTS MORE. He turns into Sting who sings “ Every Breath You Take” meets You’s Joe Goldberg but the hottest Irish version !
He is determined enough to get rid of the husband, get the woman, get the house (Yes, he’s also obsessed with her house, we’re gonna understand why at the end of the book) ride his horse into the sunset!( or instead of that he got his horses to the old town road paved with prison stones )
And let’s hear out Aiden! There’s so much negativity on his side: Is he an ex felony of manslaughter (We can call it crime of passion, her girlfriend cheats on him and he fights with the other guy and bang! He accidentally kills him. That’s his statement, I’m not judging!), he’s 16 years younger than her (I’m not sure this is bad thing! It might be a big winning for Caroline who defines herself as a cougar), he’s broke, aimless, not having a proper job and he’s so blindly in love with her and he thinks she loves him back! I hear some kind of ominous music at the background ! Nananaa !
Okay, our cute psycho ( we’re not sure but his obsessive attitudes towards Caroline makes us think there’s something wrong with our guy or he’s ultra-Alpha male who has real control issues) joined Caroline’s spinning class and appeared as a waiter at the restaurant where she had a family dinner( you guess right, he wasn’t even working there)
And facts: Husband dies! Aiden gets convicted, Caroline is nowhere to be found!
I like the other’s writing style and technique to tell the same parts with two different POVS. I always adored “he said she said” kind of story-telling.
So whodunit, who tells the truth, whose side of story is more real?
It’s really complex book! But some parts made me alerted and I already found the truth at the beginning. But not worry because it’s not so foreseeable. I just concentrated so hard to find the answer on this one! The author might fool me so easily! Because she designed her twists so smartly, they’re impeccable !
And of course I like the ending! I’m so happy karma won and whatever went around came around! Hell yeah to the poetic justice!
I only cut the points because I had some hard times to empathize the characters. But this is not author’s flaw , this is all about my nature, I’m always dubious about the persons’ motives at first so this pushed me to be suspicious and alert about each word the characters say and in this case, it served me very well to catch the details and fill the blanks!
It was amazing, riveting and energizing book! I highly recommend it to the twisty, edgy, mind bending books lovers!
Thank to the publishers for ARC copy and special thanks to NetGalley and thanks to the author who made me need brain cells transplant after bending my mind with her clever writing!
There are three sides of this book’s story. Caroline’s, Aiden’s and the truth.( it’s out there! Ready to be found by Scully and Mulder)
Caroline tells us she’s the victim. Her husband is cheater. He vacuums all their bank accounts and shows up at their beach house party with his Russian mistress. He wants divorce and plans to flee the country. So Caroline gets drunk and has one night stand with Aiden and guess what happened as soon as their sex is over, he told her “I LOVE YOU” ( whattttt?) HE WANTS MORE. He turns into Sting who sings “ Every Breath You Take” meets You’s Joe Goldberg but the hottest Irish version !
He is determined enough to get rid of the husband, get the woman, get the house (Yes, he’s also obsessed with her house, we’re gonna understand why at the end of the book) ride his horse into the sunset!( or instead of that he got his horses to the old town road paved with prison stones )
And let’s hear out Aiden! There’s so much negativity on his side: Is he an ex felony of manslaughter (We can call it crime of passion, her girlfriend cheats on him and he fights with the other guy and bang! He accidentally kills him. That’s his statement, I’m not judging!), he’s 16 years younger than her (I’m not sure this is bad thing! It might be a big winning for Caroline who defines herself as a cougar), he’s broke, aimless, not having a proper job and he’s so blindly in love with her and he thinks she loves him back! I hear some kind of ominous music at the background ! Nananaa !
Okay, our cute psycho ( we’re not sure but his obsessive attitudes towards Caroline makes us think there’s something wrong with our guy or he’s ultra-Alpha male who has real control issues) joined Caroline’s spinning class and appeared as a waiter at the restaurant where she had a family dinner( you guess right, he wasn’t even working there)
And facts: Husband dies! Aiden gets convicted, Caroline is nowhere to be found!
I like the other’s writing style and technique to tell the same parts with two different POVS. I always adored “he said she said” kind of story-telling.
So whodunit, who tells the truth, whose side of story is more real?
It’s really complex book! But some parts made me alerted and I already found the truth at the beginning. But not worry because it’s not so foreseeable. I just concentrated so hard to find the answer on this one! The author might fool me so easily! Because she designed her twists so smartly, they’re impeccable !
And of course I like the ending! I’m so happy karma won and whatever went around came around! Hell yeah to the poetic justice!
I only cut the points because I had some hard times to empathize the characters. But this is not author’s flaw , this is all about my nature, I’m always dubious about the persons’ motives at first so this pushed me to be suspicious and alert about each word the characters say and in this case, it served me very well to catch the details and fill the blanks!
It was amazing, riveting and energizing book! I highly recommend it to the twisty, edgy, mind bending books lovers!
Thank to the publishers for ARC copy and special thanks to NetGalley and thanks to the author who made me need brain cells transplant after bending my mind with her clever writing!
August 4, 2019
My reviews can also be seen at: https://deesradreadsandreviews.wordpr...
Forty-two-year-old Caroline Stark loves her new beach house and she can't wait to show it off at her upcoming housewarming party. But when her husband, Jason tells her that he's not sure if he can attend the party, Caroline is very upset.
The night of the party, Caroline tries to enjoy herself. However, she can’t stop watching the door. Eventually, her husband does show up, but he’s not alone. Caroline is horrified and embarrassed. Who is the woman with Jason? Is he having an affair?
On top of everything, Caroline notices that a lot of money has gone missing. So not only is her husband likely having an affair, now it seems like he's going to leave Caroline broke too.
It’s during this time that Caroline first meets Aidan Callahan. She is out for a run when she sees him standing on the beach staring at her house. There’s been a string of robberies in the area lately. Is he admiring the beach house? Or casing it?
Maybe Caroline should run in the opposite direction.
Aidan Callahan can’t believe his luck when Caroline Stark walks into the bar where he works. He recognizes her right away. She owns the house that was built on his grandfather‘s land. His grandfather’s fishing shack was his favorite place as a child. He REALLY wants to see the inside of that huge house.
Aidan doesn't like the way Caroline's husband treats her, especially after what he saw the night of her housewarming party.
Caroline can’t decide what to do about her marriage. At first, Aidan's attention makes Caroline feel good. He takes her away from her problems. But when it seems like Aidan is becoming a bit possessive, Caroline isn’t sure what to do. For her, it was the perfect one night stand. For him, it was so much more.
But of course, things aren't always what they seem.
A hurricane is coming and by the time it’s over, there won’t just be property destroyed.
This psychological suspense novel was a quick and engaging read. With the different points of view and the same incidents experienced in different ways, I was a little confused at first. However, it wasn’t long before I caught on. Some parts were definitely over the top, but I still really enjoyed the story. I couldn’t wait to see how it all turned out.
“A Stranger on the Beach” was a suspenseful tale of lies, obsession, guilt, and revenge that kept me guessing. When the truth was finally revealed, I was completely surprised!
All in all, I thought this was a great summer read!
I'd like to thank St. Martin's Press for providing me with a copy of this novel. All opinions are my own.
May 1, 2019
In the profound words of Keanu Reeves, "Whoa." This book takes you on quite a ride!
With the completion of her incredible new beach house in the Hamptons, Caroline Stark finally has everything she wants—the lavish showplace of a home, a handsome and successful husband, the perfect family. Even if things aren't quite as storybook as they seem, she's come a long way from being raised by alcoholic parents and working her way through school to support her husband.
One night she sees a man on the beach near her house. He's young, handsome, and rough around the edges. But when her marriage literally falls apart during her housewarming party, and she discovers that all of her money is gone, suddenly this young man is what Caroline needs. Aidan is a local boy with a troubled past, and he offers her more than his shoulder to cry on. At first she thinks she can rely on him to help her solve the situation with her husband, but she quickly sees that he's a bit more unhinged than she realized.
Aidan doesn't quite realize that Caroline is manipulating him, for he has fallen head over heels in love with her. He knows they'll be together once her husband is out of the picture. And when Caroline tells him she needs his help, he knows he'll do anything for her, anything so they can live happily ever after, in that beautiful house on the beach.
In Michele Campbell's A Stranger on the Beach , you see the story unfold through both Aidan and Caroline's eyes, meaning you see some of the same events and situations interpreted in completely different ways. Who is manipulating whom? Is there an innocent victim amidst all of the scheming? And when someone winds up dead, who is to blame?
This book had so many twists and turns, I honestly didn't know how Campbell would tie everything up even as I raced toward the last page. You see such different interpretations of what happens and you have no idea what to believe. I didn't find either character particularly sympathetic, but I couldn't tear myself away, because I absolutely had to see what the outcome would be.
I love a book that keeps me guessing, but I'll admit the plot took so many hairpin turns that I got confused at least a few times. Still, this is one of the most compulsively readable books I've read in a while, and it will be the perfect book to devour while relaxing on the beach this summer. It's like Liane Moriarty crossed with the television show Revenge . This is a little bit soapy, a little bit campy, and a whole lot of crazy—it definitely will be a book everyone is talking about.
The rich may be different, but they're just as screwed up as we are, if not more! A Stranger on the Beach is the proof you need of that.
St. Martin's Press provided me an advance copy of this book in exchange for an unbiased review. Thanks for making it available!
The book will be published July 23, 2019.
See all of my reviews at itseithersadnessoreuphoria.blogspot.com.
Check out my list of the best books I read in 2018 at https://itseithersadnessoreuphoria.blogspot.com/2019/01/the-best-books-i-read-in-2018.html.
You can follow me on Instagram at https://www.instagram.com/the.bookishworld.of.yrralh/.
With the completion of her incredible new beach house in the Hamptons, Caroline Stark finally has everything she wants—the lavish showplace of a home, a handsome and successful husband, the perfect family. Even if things aren't quite as storybook as they seem, she's come a long way from being raised by alcoholic parents and working her way through school to support her husband.
One night she sees a man on the beach near her house. He's young, handsome, and rough around the edges. But when her marriage literally falls apart during her housewarming party, and she discovers that all of her money is gone, suddenly this young man is what Caroline needs. Aidan is a local boy with a troubled past, and he offers her more than his shoulder to cry on. At first she thinks she can rely on him to help her solve the situation with her husband, but she quickly sees that he's a bit more unhinged than she realized.
Aidan doesn't quite realize that Caroline is manipulating him, for he has fallen head over heels in love with her. He knows they'll be together once her husband is out of the picture. And when Caroline tells him she needs his help, he knows he'll do anything for her, anything so they can live happily ever after, in that beautiful house on the beach.
In Michele Campbell's A Stranger on the Beach , you see the story unfold through both Aidan and Caroline's eyes, meaning you see some of the same events and situations interpreted in completely different ways. Who is manipulating whom? Is there an innocent victim amidst all of the scheming? And when someone winds up dead, who is to blame?
This book had so many twists and turns, I honestly didn't know how Campbell would tie everything up even as I raced toward the last page. You see such different interpretations of what happens and you have no idea what to believe. I didn't find either character particularly sympathetic, but I couldn't tear myself away, because I absolutely had to see what the outcome would be.
I love a book that keeps me guessing, but I'll admit the plot took so many hairpin turns that I got confused at least a few times. Still, this is one of the most compulsively readable books I've read in a while, and it will be the perfect book to devour while relaxing on the beach this summer. It's like Liane Moriarty crossed with the television show Revenge . This is a little bit soapy, a little bit campy, and a whole lot of crazy—it definitely will be a book everyone is talking about.
The rich may be different, but they're just as screwed up as we are, if not more! A Stranger on the Beach is the proof you need of that.
St. Martin's Press provided me an advance copy of this book in exchange for an unbiased review. Thanks for making it available!
The book will be published July 23, 2019.
See all of my reviews at itseithersadnessoreuphoria.blogspot.com.
Check out my list of the best books I read in 2018 at https://itseithersadnessoreuphoria.blogspot.com/2019/01/the-best-books-i-read-in-2018.html.
You can follow me on Instagram at https://www.instagram.com/the.bookishworld.of.yrralh/.
May 30, 2019
Caroline Stark is just putting the finishing touches on her brand new beach home when she notices a young man staring at her house from the beach below and this isn't the first time she's seen him out there watching. Busy with making housewarming party plans she quickly forgets about this stranger.
At the housewarming party Caroline and her husband, Jason, get into an argument in front of all of the guests and much to her humiliation. She is convinced that he is having an affair but rather than to defend himself or deny it he tells her that he has to go and doesn't know when he'll be back.
Caroline, now feeling lonely and betrayed, heads to the local watering hole to drown her sorrows when it appears that the stranger from the beach is the bartender. His name is Aidan and he's absolutely gorgeous and she thinks that there isn't anything wrong with her doing some innocent flirting with this much younger man when her husband is clearly sleeping with another woman. When that innocent flirting turns into a one night stand she thinks they'll part ways without nary a worry but Aidan has other ideas because Aidan is in love.
This book started out so strong and I was digging all the unreliable narrators and not having a clue of what was happening but then I hit the 50% mark and sadly my interest started to wane. It all started to get a little ridiculous. Stupidity and poor choices abound. Caroline was just the worst and I felt no sympathy for her whatsoever. I did manage to finish this but I'll admit I skimmed from 50-75% because it became so tedious. The ending did tie everything up but I didn't really care at that point and was just happy to be done. 2.5 stars!
Thank you to NetGalley and St. Martin's Press for providing me with a digital ARC in exchange for my honest review.
At the housewarming party Caroline and her husband, Jason, get into an argument in front of all of the guests and much to her humiliation. She is convinced that he is having an affair but rather than to defend himself or deny it he tells her that he has to go and doesn't know when he'll be back.
Caroline, now feeling lonely and betrayed, heads to the local watering hole to drown her sorrows when it appears that the stranger from the beach is the bartender. His name is Aidan and he's absolutely gorgeous and she thinks that there isn't anything wrong with her doing some innocent flirting with this much younger man when her husband is clearly sleeping with another woman. When that innocent flirting turns into a one night stand she thinks they'll part ways without nary a worry but Aidan has other ideas because Aidan is in love.
This book started out so strong and I was digging all the unreliable narrators and not having a clue of what was happening but then I hit the 50% mark and sadly my interest started to wane. It all started to get a little ridiculous. Stupidity and poor choices abound. Caroline was just the worst and I felt no sympathy for her whatsoever. I did manage to finish this but I'll admit I skimmed from 50-75% because it became so tedious. The ending did tie everything up but I didn't really care at that point and was just happy to be done. 2.5 stars!
Thank you to NetGalley and St. Martin's Press for providing me with a digital ARC in exchange for my honest review.
July 25, 2019
I'm going to keep this one short and to the point, because so many other reviewers have given much more helpful thoughts on this book already. While the plot was intriguing and featured a clever idea, I found myself having trouble connecting with the characters. I'm quite likely in the minority here, but the multiple scenes that are told from one perspective first, and then the other, slowed down the pacing in the middle portion and I found myself struggling to stay focused. Overall, a light summer read full of drama, and definitely a must read for fans of Bravo tv.
*Many thanks to the publisher for providing my review copy.
*Many thanks to the publisher for providing my review copy.
July 14, 2019
Caroline is arranging the party of a lifetime at her beach home. But it’s not purely entertainment. She’s also hoping to use this opportunity as a re-launch of her design career.
Everything is set and prepared to perfection. Beautiful, just one minor detail...where is her husband? Suddenly he’s spotted across the room, and he is definitely not alone. Lover boy has a ravishing brunette hanging onto him! How dare he!
A chance encounter on the beach, followed by another surprise meeting at the local watering hole, brings Caroline together with Aidan – the local bad boy. Maybe it’s time for a little pay back for her husband. Perhaps it’s her chance to turn the tables!
Quickly, everything spirals out of control. How can one night change everything so drastically, so quickly!
Two perspectives...one affair!
Told from both Caroline and Aidans’ points of view. Fascinating how two people’s version of that one night can be so very different!
Michele Campbell writes a gripping thriller soaked in obsession and revenge that will have you thinking twice about trusting anyone you meet on a beach...or even in a bar!
This was a rapid, easy thriller, great for a summer read...considering it takes place on a beach!
There were some delicious twists along the way, though I did predict the ending.
Another great buddy read with Susanne!
Thank you to Jordan Hanley at St Martin’s Press, NetGalley and Michele Campbell for an ARC to read and review.
Everything is set and prepared to perfection. Beautiful, just one minor detail...where is her husband? Suddenly he’s spotted across the room, and he is definitely not alone. Lover boy has a ravishing brunette hanging onto him! How dare he!
A chance encounter on the beach, followed by another surprise meeting at the local watering hole, brings Caroline together with Aidan – the local bad boy. Maybe it’s time for a little pay back for her husband. Perhaps it’s her chance to turn the tables!
Quickly, everything spirals out of control. How can one night change everything so drastically, so quickly!
Two perspectives...one affair!
Told from both Caroline and Aidans’ points of view. Fascinating how two people’s version of that one night can be so very different!
Michele Campbell writes a gripping thriller soaked in obsession and revenge that will have you thinking twice about trusting anyone you meet on a beach...or even in a bar!
This was a rapid, easy thriller, great for a summer read...considering it takes place on a beach!
There were some delicious twists along the way, though I did predict the ending.
Another great buddy read with Susanne!
Thank you to Jordan Hanley at St Martin’s Press, NetGalley and Michele Campbell for an ARC to read and review.
June 22, 2019
I enjoyed Stranger on the Beach and it really had me going for a while. It wasn't until about 2/3 of the book that I was pretty sure what was going on and still, I wanted to know more. Aidan, a 27 year old bartender, is fixated with the mansion on his late granddad's former property and he visits the land often, even once a mansion is built on the land. Carolyn is the wealthy 43 year old woman who has built the beach mansion, along with her husband, who work works for an investment company.
The first 2/3 of the story is told from both Carolyn's viewpoint and Aidan's viewpoint. How confusing that their versions of the same events are so very different and it's very hard to figure out who is telling the truth. In fact, it seems likely that both versions could be unreliable. Carolyn is not a likeable character and is very concerned with her reputation among other rich people so her version is surely tainted with her need to be accepted among the wealthy crowd. Aidan was convicted of manslaughter as a teenager and he's never overcome the stigma and also the fact that he feels he was wrongly accused. Aidan seems a bit unhinged but at the same time sincere. Being "good" seems to be important to Aidan and he doesn't want to let his older brother down since his older brother has done so much to help Aidan.
The story changes once Carolyn's husband goes missing, with enough of his blood left behind that he is surely dead. At this point we are led to believe either Carolyn, Aidan, or both of them killed her husband and we now have a young woman detective's version of events added to the story. By this time in the story, I had pretty much figured out what was going on and also had moved firmly onto the side of one of the main characters. I was glad the story wrapped up the way it did and I like to think the "bad guy(s)" have more "justice" coming their way, from some characters that they should not have angered.
Thank you to St Martin's Press and NetGalley for this ARC.
The first 2/3 of the story is told from both Carolyn's viewpoint and Aidan's viewpoint. How confusing that their versions of the same events are so very different and it's very hard to figure out who is telling the truth. In fact, it seems likely that both versions could be unreliable. Carolyn is not a likeable character and is very concerned with her reputation among other rich people so her version is surely tainted with her need to be accepted among the wealthy crowd. Aidan was convicted of manslaughter as a teenager and he's never overcome the stigma and also the fact that he feels he was wrongly accused. Aidan seems a bit unhinged but at the same time sincere. Being "good" seems to be important to Aidan and he doesn't want to let his older brother down since his older brother has done so much to help Aidan.
The story changes once Carolyn's husband goes missing, with enough of his blood left behind that he is surely dead. At this point we are led to believe either Carolyn, Aidan, or both of them killed her husband and we now have a young woman detective's version of events added to the story. By this time in the story, I had pretty much figured out what was going on and also had moved firmly onto the side of one of the main characters. I was glad the story wrapped up the way it did and I like to think the "bad guy(s)" have more "justice" coming their way, from some characters that they should not have angered.
Thank you to St Martin's Press and NetGalley for this ARC.
July 11, 2019
Looking for a fun, fast summer beach read?
This one features a beach front setting, an obsessive relationship, and two POV's. One in first person and one in third person, but they don't exactly match up, so we must decide who is being truthful and who is living in their own little reality. Hmm... I think I know!
Caroline and Aiden have a roller coaster of a relationship and most would agree that it did not start off on the right track . Her being a seemingly happily married woman and Aiden being a complete stranger who shows up at a time when Caroline is feeling weakness. Especially since she has just caught her hubby with a mysterious Russian woman. Maybe revenge is what she is feeling?
I do love an unreliable narrator and there were some twists that I saw and a few that definitely surprised me.
I loved how this ended, I was completely absorbed as the action and pace revved up during last few chapters. There was no putting it down until the end. Maybe a perfect storm?
Thanks so much to St. Martin's Press for my review copy. OUT JULY 23,2019.
Blog review closer to publication.
This one features a beach front setting, an obsessive relationship, and two POV's. One in first person and one in third person, but they don't exactly match up, so we must decide who is being truthful and who is living in their own little reality. Hmm... I think I know!
Caroline and Aiden have a roller coaster of a relationship and most would agree that it did not start off on the right track . Her being a seemingly happily married woman and Aiden being a complete stranger who shows up at a time when Caroline is feeling weakness. Especially since she has just caught her hubby with a mysterious Russian woman. Maybe revenge is what she is feeling?
I do love an unreliable narrator and there were some twists that I saw and a few that definitely surprised me.
I loved how this ended, I was completely absorbed as the action and pace revved up during last few chapters. There was no putting it down until the end. Maybe a perfect storm?
Thanks so much to St. Martin's Press for my review copy. OUT JULY 23,2019.
Blog review closer to publication.
July 26, 2019
What a CRAZY, frantic, page-turning ride! Michele Campbell hooks you from page 1 and never lets go!
Caroline Stark seems to have it all - a gorgeous new beach house, a successful husband and a daughter headed to college. Now it's finally time to focus on herself and revive her career. What better way than to throw a lavish party and re-announce yourself to the world - bigger, bolder and ready for the future?
Unfortunately, Caroline's perfect life is far from perfect. In fact, the shiny surface is riddled with cracks and they get wider with every turn of the page!
I refuse to give away too much here. This is the perfect book to just jump right into and enjoy the ride. You are in for one juicy, spine tingling, creepy filled treat with this one!
Thank you to Michele Campbell, St. Martin's Press, Macmillan and Netgalley for the opportunity to read and review an arc of this thriller.
Caroline Stark seems to have it all - a gorgeous new beach house, a successful husband and a daughter headed to college. Now it's finally time to focus on herself and revive her career. What better way than to throw a lavish party and re-announce yourself to the world - bigger, bolder and ready for the future?
Unfortunately, Caroline's perfect life is far from perfect. In fact, the shiny surface is riddled with cracks and they get wider with every turn of the page!
I refuse to give away too much here. This is the perfect book to just jump right into and enjoy the ride. You are in for one juicy, spine tingling, creepy filled treat with this one!
Thank you to Michele Campbell, St. Martin's Press, Macmillan and Netgalley for the opportunity to read and review an arc of this thriller.
August 14, 2019
The roller coaster ride in Santa Cruz scared me to tears years ago when on Paul‘s 50th birthday, one of the things that he wanted was for me to finally ride it with him. I was so incredibly frightened - my knuckles were white and my eyes closed the entire time…
When I got off, I just started bawling crying. But then for the next hour I was very calm and serene. I still remember the body feeling.
I did tell Paul...”NEVER AGAIN”!
So why am I sharing this?
This was a crazy- fun listening Audiobook roller coaster ride. I thought about my ‘real’ one-time real ride.
I definitely figured out a part of the story early on.... but I didn’t know all the details - I was still interested.
There are many other reviews... so, I don’t feel it necessary to rehash the plot...
However, I want to draw attention to one particular part of the story....( BEFORE I KNEW MORE INFORMATION), of the storytelling-unfolding.
There was a part in this book that had me think about women who have one night stands: FOR REAL. What are ‘their’ stories?
First off, I’ve never gone to a bar by myself. But for any woman who does - I understand letting some guy buy you a drink... but to bring him home?
I saw the reasons in this story- understood all the justifications - ( crappy mood - bastard of a cheating husband... yada yada).....
but I also saw how frightening it could be when a woman gets herself in a situation THAT SHE HAD SOMETHING TO DO WITH.....but it’s too late. There was a small part in this book where I was really frightened...
haha....not like my own roller coaster experience... but I was trying to figure out in my head how in the hell I would I get out of the situation that scared me so much. I still don’t know how’d I’d do it.
I never had a one night stand…but I never thought about it from more sides - than I did in this book.
Granted there is more to this story.
This was the perfect type of Audiobook to follow along easily
....Great for doing all those daily things we do when our bodies are horizontally moving about!
4.5 rating - clever-enjoyment.
When I got off, I just started bawling crying. But then for the next hour I was very calm and serene. I still remember the body feeling.
I did tell Paul...”NEVER AGAIN”!
So why am I sharing this?
This was a crazy- fun listening Audiobook roller coaster ride. I thought about my ‘real’ one-time real ride.
I definitely figured out a part of the story early on.... but I didn’t know all the details - I was still interested.
There are many other reviews... so, I don’t feel it necessary to rehash the plot...
However, I want to draw attention to one particular part of the story....( BEFORE I KNEW MORE INFORMATION), of the storytelling-unfolding.
There was a part in this book that had me think about women who have one night stands: FOR REAL. What are ‘their’ stories?
First off, I’ve never gone to a bar by myself. But for any woman who does - I understand letting some guy buy you a drink... but to bring him home?
I saw the reasons in this story- understood all the justifications - ( crappy mood - bastard of a cheating husband... yada yada).....
but I also saw how frightening it could be when a woman gets herself in a situation THAT SHE HAD SOMETHING TO DO WITH.....but it’s too late. There was a small part in this book where I was really frightened...
haha....not like my own roller coaster experience... but I was trying to figure out in my head how in the hell I would I get out of the situation that scared me so much. I still don’t know how’d I’d do it.
I never had a one night stand…but I never thought about it from more sides - than I did in this book.
Granted there is more to this story.
This was the perfect type of Audiobook to follow along easily
....Great for doing all those daily things we do when our bodies are horizontally moving about!
4.5 rating - clever-enjoyment.
July 16, 2019
3.5 Stars* (rounded down)
One Crazy Wild Thriller.
An Affair. A Life Destroyed in Mere Seconds. Alternating Perspectives of Caroline Stark and Aidan, ”A Stranger on the Beach.”
There was a moment where my eyes literally popped and I mean popped. That good old fashioned skeevy feeling took hold. You know, the one that makes your skin crawl? Yeah, I think I still feel it.
Trust your instincts ladies. That’s all I’m going to say. I trusted mine and admittedly, I had this novel figured out from the get go, however I don’t think that everyone will.
This is a novel for which it is best to go in blind. No reading the blurb or reading reviews that give anything away. Just dive in.
“A Stranger on the Beach” is an insanely fast-paced read. You will tear through it like a bag of Sour Patch Kids. While I did find parts of the plot to be far-fetched, I must say that this is a crazy and creepy read that will definitely stick with me. If you like highly entertaining mystery/suspense, I have a feeling that Michelle Campbell’s new release will be exactly what you are looking for!
A buddy read with Kaceey!
Thank you to Jordan Hanley at St. Martin’s Press, NetGalley and Michelle Campbell for an arc of this novel in exchange for an honest review.
Published on Goodreads and NetGalley on 7.14.19.
Will be published on Amazon and Twitter on 7.23.19.
One Crazy Wild Thriller.
An Affair. A Life Destroyed in Mere Seconds. Alternating Perspectives of Caroline Stark and Aidan, ”A Stranger on the Beach.”
There was a moment where my eyes literally popped and I mean popped. That good old fashioned skeevy feeling took hold. You know, the one that makes your skin crawl? Yeah, I think I still feel it.
Trust your instincts ladies. That’s all I’m going to say. I trusted mine and admittedly, I had this novel figured out from the get go, however I don’t think that everyone will.
This is a novel for which it is best to go in blind. No reading the blurb or reading reviews that give anything away. Just dive in.
“A Stranger on the Beach” is an insanely fast-paced read. You will tear through it like a bag of Sour Patch Kids. While I did find parts of the plot to be far-fetched, I must say that this is a crazy and creepy read that will definitely stick with me. If you like highly entertaining mystery/suspense, I have a feeling that Michelle Campbell’s new release will be exactly what you are looking for!
A buddy read with Kaceey!
Thank you to Jordan Hanley at St. Martin’s Press, NetGalley and Michelle Campbell for an arc of this novel in exchange for an honest review.
Published on Goodreads and NetGalley on 7.14.19.
Will be published on Amazon and Twitter on 7.23.19.
May 6, 2019
I started reading A Stranger on the Beach on 5/3/2019 and finished it on 5/6/2019 at 4:50AM. This book is a great read! As always, I go into the story blindly without reading the synopsis. I liked the start and got confused later on when views don’t add up and realized that the narrators were getting unreliable. I became lost and couldn’t guess where the story was headed and the main characters don’t help because they were confused themselves. I like learning how local beach citizens think of the city folks who own those mansions by the beach front. I like how light headed this thriller is because it’s not gruesome at all.
This book is told in the first person point of view following an upper class Caroline, 43 as she witnessed seeing a stranger, Aidan on the beach watching her new beach mansion. She’s throwing a housewarming party and her husband, Jason of 20 years showing up with another woman. She drowned her sorrows with a local to a one night stand that ended up more than what she bargained for. The alternative point of view told in third person is Aidan, bartender. He has a troubled past. He is obsessed with Caroline and her beach house because it was built in place of his Grandpa’s fishing shack. He’s poor and dreams of a better life and sees that Caroline, pretty and in the process of getting a divorce, may be his ticket out. Third view is Jess, (state police, introduce later in the story) lieutenant investigating the murder case after the storm. Caroline is Jess’ star witness for the murder case.
A Stranger on the Beach started out with reliable narrators then switched to unreliable and finally back to reliable. I don’t think I have read a book with this type of organization but it’s definitely interesting. I like Tommy and his wife’s love for family and in-laws. I don’t think the ending touched base with Tommy’s job but I hope he won’t lose it. I like the chapters after the storm because they were such an adrenaline rush and that’s why I ended up finishing my reading of this book overnight. Each chapter doesn’t tell who’s view we are reading but it’s quick to figure out who after the first couple of sentences. If you are looking for a beach read, this is the book!
Pro: fast paced, page turner, beach living, family, lies, class, adrenaline rush, diversity
Con: none
I rate it 5 stars!
***Disclaimer: Many thanks to St. Martin’s Press for the opportunity to read and review. Please be assured that my opinions are honest.
xoxo,
Jasmine at www.howusefulitis.wordpress.com for more details
This book is told in the first person point of view following an upper class Caroline, 43 as she witnessed seeing a stranger, Aidan on the beach watching her new beach mansion. She’s throwing a housewarming party and her husband, Jason of 20 years showing up with another woman. She drowned her sorrows with a local to a one night stand that ended up more than what she bargained for. The alternative point of view told in third person is Aidan, bartender. He has a troubled past. He is obsessed with Caroline and her beach house because it was built in place of his Grandpa’s fishing shack. He’s poor and dreams of a better life and sees that Caroline, pretty and in the process of getting a divorce, may be his ticket out. Third view is Jess, (state police, introduce later in the story) lieutenant investigating the murder case after the storm. Caroline is Jess’ star witness for the murder case.
A Stranger on the Beach started out with reliable narrators then switched to unreliable and finally back to reliable. I don’t think I have read a book with this type of organization but it’s definitely interesting. I like Tommy and his wife’s love for family and in-laws. I don’t think the ending touched base with Tommy’s job but I hope he won’t lose it. I like the chapters after the storm because they were such an adrenaline rush and that’s why I ended up finishing my reading of this book overnight. Each chapter doesn’t tell who’s view we are reading but it’s quick to figure out who after the first couple of sentences. If you are looking for a beach read, this is the book!
Pro: fast paced, page turner, beach living, family, lies, class, adrenaline rush, diversity
Con: none
I rate it 5 stars!
***Disclaimer: Many thanks to St. Martin’s Press for the opportunity to read and review. Please be assured that my opinions are honest.
xoxo,
Jasmine at www.howusefulitis.wordpress.com for more details
April 25, 2019
"I have never lied to you. I have always told you some version of the truth." (Jack Nicholson)
Michele Campbell packs a wallop of lies, deceits, untruths, and fractured distortions into a wicker picnic basket ready for unpacking at the seashore. All the condiments come in varying sizes and strengths. Some are gonna be whoppers.
Caroline Stark has it all. She stares out of the cathedral window of her newly built lavish beach house. With her background in interior design, this abode has quite the plush furnishings and fixtures. She and her husband, Jason, an investment banker, have locked down the ultimate getaway.
Her eye is drawn to a young, handsome man standing on the public beach gazing up at the house. He's still there when she comes back from her run. He introduces himself as Aidan Callahan who tends bar at the Red Anchor along the beachside. Caroline excuses herself to go inside to finish last minute details for her housewarming party that night. Aidan makes her feel a bit unsettled and excited at the same time.
That evening as the party is in full swing, Caroline receives a phone call from Jason saying that he's tied up at work and can't attend. Furious, Caroline gives him an ultimatum. Within an hour, Jason shows up at the beach house and he's not alone. To the horror of the attendees, there's a strange woman in a short skirt and spikey boots with him. Bad news travels like lightning and it's scorched the ground near the driveway. Caroline throws Jason out. Looks like she'll be ordering champagne for one from now on.
The following night, Caroline heads to the Red Anchor to drown her sorrows and meets up with a certain bartender with sand in his shoes. What will transpire from here on out will make your head spin like a Cuisinart on high speed. Campbell knows how to shift gears like a pro. The storyline will revert through the eyes of both Caroline's take and Aidan's take. As readers, we'll be sorting through sand dunes covered in lies and misgivings. If it walks like a duck and quacks like a duck, it may just be a platypus instead. Nothing, but nothing is written in concrete in this one.
Convoluted characters, intricate hanging threads, and a switcheroo of settings makes A Stranger on the Beach an excellent choice for a summer read. Throw in a vicious hurricane inside this one and we have all the fixings of a sizzlin' read.
I received a copy of this book through NetGalley for an honest review. My thanks to St. Martin's Press and to Michele Campbell for the opportunity.
Michele Campbell packs a wallop of lies, deceits, untruths, and fractured distortions into a wicker picnic basket ready for unpacking at the seashore. All the condiments come in varying sizes and strengths. Some are gonna be whoppers.
Caroline Stark has it all. She stares out of the cathedral window of her newly built lavish beach house. With her background in interior design, this abode has quite the plush furnishings and fixtures. She and her husband, Jason, an investment banker, have locked down the ultimate getaway.
Her eye is drawn to a young, handsome man standing on the public beach gazing up at the house. He's still there when she comes back from her run. He introduces himself as Aidan Callahan who tends bar at the Red Anchor along the beachside. Caroline excuses herself to go inside to finish last minute details for her housewarming party that night. Aidan makes her feel a bit unsettled and excited at the same time.
That evening as the party is in full swing, Caroline receives a phone call from Jason saying that he's tied up at work and can't attend. Furious, Caroline gives him an ultimatum. Within an hour, Jason shows up at the beach house and he's not alone. To the horror of the attendees, there's a strange woman in a short skirt and spikey boots with him. Bad news travels like lightning and it's scorched the ground near the driveway. Caroline throws Jason out. Looks like she'll be ordering champagne for one from now on.
The following night, Caroline heads to the Red Anchor to drown her sorrows and meets up with a certain bartender with sand in his shoes. What will transpire from here on out will make your head spin like a Cuisinart on high speed. Campbell knows how to shift gears like a pro. The storyline will revert through the eyes of both Caroline's take and Aidan's take. As readers, we'll be sorting through sand dunes covered in lies and misgivings. If it walks like a duck and quacks like a duck, it may just be a platypus instead. Nothing, but nothing is written in concrete in this one.
Convoluted characters, intricate hanging threads, and a switcheroo of settings makes A Stranger on the Beach an excellent choice for a summer read. Throw in a vicious hurricane inside this one and we have all the fixings of a sizzlin' read.
I received a copy of this book through NetGalley for an honest review. My thanks to St. Martin's Press and to Michele Campbell for the opportunity.
July 19, 2019
Well hello there you fantastic psychological thriller! Wow this book is simply fantastic! It was a 5 star read from page one. I have read and loved Campbell's other books but this one is hands down my favorite.
What happens when you have it all, the perfect marriage, home and life and then....you find out your husband is not being totally honest with you? Your husband of 20 years is acting strangely after you move to your dream home. He appears to be cheating on you and doesn't even make an attempt to hide it. You get revenge! Except sometimes revenge doesn't always work out how you thought it would. Whoa what a wild ride this was!
Caroline is standing in front of her newly built beach house, breathing in the salt smell of the ocean. The view is absolutely breath taking...and then she sees a man staring back at her. What is the guy doing staring at her and her home? Is he casing it? Yet he doesn't look away, he doesn't seem to care that she has seen him. Eww this sent a shiver down my spine as I felt creeped out. Who is this mysterious figure and what does he want? Is he stalking Caroline?
Life starts to spin out of control as Caroline tried to cope with her husband Jason's sudden cold demeanor. She starts to act quite irrational and spontaneous. As this twisty web is spun I began to wonder if I really knew what was going on or if some of the character's were a bit, well maybe delusional?
I loved this book as it was able to just suck me right in from the very start. I flew through this one really quick as it was very suspenseful. I could just picture the gorgeous beach house! I loved reading this as a group read with Brenda, Norma and some other Traveling Sisters. It made for a great group read as we tried to play detective and decipher what was truly going on. I must admit I was on the wrong track and was in for quite a shock when the ending caught me completely off guard.
Thank you so much to St. Martin's Press for this gorgeous print ARC. I loved every minute of it. Thank you to Michele Campbell for yet another great book. I highly recommend getting your hands on this book! Publication date is right around the corner on July 23rd!!
What happens when you have it all, the perfect marriage, home and life and then....you find out your husband is not being totally honest with you? Your husband of 20 years is acting strangely after you move to your dream home. He appears to be cheating on you and doesn't even make an attempt to hide it. You get revenge! Except sometimes revenge doesn't always work out how you thought it would. Whoa what a wild ride this was!
Caroline is standing in front of her newly built beach house, breathing in the salt smell of the ocean. The view is absolutely breath taking...and then she sees a man staring back at her. What is the guy doing staring at her and her home? Is he casing it? Yet he doesn't look away, he doesn't seem to care that she has seen him. Eww this sent a shiver down my spine as I felt creeped out. Who is this mysterious figure and what does he want? Is he stalking Caroline?
Life starts to spin out of control as Caroline tried to cope with her husband Jason's sudden cold demeanor. She starts to act quite irrational and spontaneous. As this twisty web is spun I began to wonder if I really knew what was going on or if some of the character's were a bit, well maybe delusional?
I loved this book as it was able to just suck me right in from the very start. I flew through this one really quick as it was very suspenseful. I could just picture the gorgeous beach house! I loved reading this as a group read with Brenda, Norma and some other Traveling Sisters. It made for a great group read as we tried to play detective and decipher what was truly going on. I must admit I was on the wrong track and was in for quite a shock when the ending caught me completely off guard.
Thank you so much to St. Martin's Press for this gorgeous print ARC. I loved every minute of it. Thank you to Michele Campbell for yet another great book. I highly recommend getting your hands on this book! Publication date is right around the corner on July 23rd!!
June 16, 2019
Talk about one’s life going to hell in a handbasket...Caroline appears to have it all, a loving husband of 20 years, lots of money, a new beach house on the ocean. And all of a sudden, it all goes away, starting at her housewarming party. As the dominoes fall, Caroline has a brief fling with Aidan, a local young man who was a bartender at her party.
Told from two diametrically opposed viewpoints, Caroline’s and Aidan’s, the book moves at a fast clip.
In the beginning, the book reminded me of You by Caroline Keppnes. It’s disturbing in the same way and more than once I felt a shiver from reading Aidan’s chapters. But is Caroline a victim or a really smart femme fatale? I went back and forth pondering this over and over. Flip side, I felt very confident I knew what was going on with the husband even in the early chapters.
The book starts off much stronger than it finishes. The point of a psychological thriller is to surprise readers and catch us off guard. But Campbell leaves such obvious clues that I could foresee every big reveal.
My thanks to netgalley and St. Martin’s Press for an advance copy of this book.
Told from two diametrically opposed viewpoints, Caroline’s and Aidan’s, the book moves at a fast clip.
In the beginning, the book reminded me of You by Caroline Keppnes. It’s disturbing in the same way and more than once I felt a shiver from reading Aidan’s chapters. But is Caroline a victim or a really smart femme fatale? I went back and forth pondering this over and over. Flip side, I felt very confident I knew what was going on with the husband even in the early chapters.
The book starts off much stronger than it finishes. The point of a psychological thriller is to surprise readers and catch us off guard. But Campbell leaves such obvious clues that I could foresee every big reveal.
My thanks to netgalley and St. Martin’s Press for an advance copy of this book.
July 3, 2019
A Stranger on the Beach is an entertaining ride, though the start was more fun than the finish. Caroline has it all - A loving husband of 20 years, a well-behaved daughter, a lavish life in New York City and now, her dream beach house. She throws a party at the new beach house, where her husband, Jason, arrives late, with a new woman. Rumors of his infidelity swirl and he seems dishonest with Caroline, claiming the woman is a business associate.
Caroline drowns her sorrows at a local bar, flirting with the young, handsome bartender, Aidan, which then turns into a one night stand. The following day, Aidan hardly seems like the same guy and Caroline becomes fearful of what he’ll do next, based on the way he’s acting and what she learns about his past.
The story becomes a whirlwind as Caroline tries to figure out what Aidan’s next move will be and if there’s any hope of saving her marriage. The story is told from alternating POVs of both Caroline and Aidan, making the reader question which version of events is true. Who can be trusted?
I was swept up in the fast-paced story which held my attention, but felt the final section of the book was by far the weakest. The story slowed down quite a bit, and though the outcome was not what I initially expected, after all of the drama, it ended somewhat abruptly.
A Stranger on the Beach is a quick, entertaining book and good for a summer read, if you have the right expectations going into it. This is my first Michelle Campbell book and I liked it enough that I’d read more of her work.
Thanks to Katie for sharing an advance reader copy of A Stranger on the Beach from St. Martin’s Press.
Caroline drowns her sorrows at a local bar, flirting with the young, handsome bartender, Aidan, which then turns into a one night stand. The following day, Aidan hardly seems like the same guy and Caroline becomes fearful of what he’ll do next, based on the way he’s acting and what she learns about his past.
The story becomes a whirlwind as Caroline tries to figure out what Aidan’s next move will be and if there’s any hope of saving her marriage. The story is told from alternating POVs of both Caroline and Aidan, making the reader question which version of events is true. Who can be trusted?
I was swept up in the fast-paced story which held my attention, but felt the final section of the book was by far the weakest. The story slowed down quite a bit, and though the outcome was not what I initially expected, after all of the drama, it ended somewhat abruptly.
A Stranger on the Beach is a quick, entertaining book and good for a summer read, if you have the right expectations going into it. This is my first Michelle Campbell book and I liked it enough that I’d read more of her work.
Thanks to Katie for sharing an advance reader copy of A Stranger on the Beach from St. Martin’s Press.
July 24, 2019
This is Campbell’s best book yet!
Quick thoughts: Caroline has the beautiful new beach house she’s dreamt of...but her world is crumbling. She and her husband have a public fight at the local bar, where Aiden, a stranger who’s been lurking outside her house, is now bartending. Caroline’s marriage combusts further, and she turns to Aiden to seek revenge on her husband...But then Aiden becomes obsessed with Caroline. Just when things couldn’t get any worse, Caroline’s husband goes missing, and she’s accused of his murder. This is a book I read in one sitting. The writing is easy breezy, and I was gripped. The storyline is clever and original, and Michele Campbell has written another solid, entertaining summer thriller.
I received a complimentary copy. All opinions are my own.
Some of my reviews can also be found on instagram: www.instagram.com/tarheelreader
Quick thoughts: Caroline has the beautiful new beach house she’s dreamt of...but her world is crumbling. She and her husband have a public fight at the local bar, where Aiden, a stranger who’s been lurking outside her house, is now bartending. Caroline’s marriage combusts further, and she turns to Aiden to seek revenge on her husband...But then Aiden becomes obsessed with Caroline. Just when things couldn’t get any worse, Caroline’s husband goes missing, and she’s accused of his murder. This is a book I read in one sitting. The writing is easy breezy, and I was gripped. The storyline is clever and original, and Michele Campbell has written another solid, entertaining summer thriller.
I received a complimentary copy. All opinions are my own.
Some of my reviews can also be found on instagram: www.instagram.com/tarheelreader
July 26, 2019
Yahoo!! Michele Campbell has restored my faith in thrillers with this exciting, entertaining, uniquely written story that had me fascinated with our main characters from the very start right to that exciting ending that I did see coming.
A Stranger on the Beach is one of this summers highly anticipated reads and there has been quite a bit of hype built-up for this one. I was going to let that hype train pass on by for fear of all those hyped-up “Never Saw it coming ending” Well, well did I ever underestimate this one and I am so glad that I didn’t let this one pass on by the sister coulee. This one is definitely a summer hit for me and for a few of our Traveling Sisters.
Michele Campbell writes a well-layered story here that was all about the way the story was told for me. I was so engrossed and entertained and loved every minute of this story. Michele Campbell does such a great job here creating unreliable interesting some unlikable and likable characters here. Through our main character POV, we are left guessing just who to trust. The clues are so well-layered here and little clues are left along the way for us to pick up on and others that comes together so well in the end. My excitement grew with every chapter and I was slowly inching closer to the edge of my seat as I was piecing this story together until I reached the ending that left me flying out of my chair yelling YAHOO!!! I highly recommend
Thank you to St Martin Press for my copy!! It's going on my favourite shelve!!!
https://twosisterslostinacoulee.com/2...
A Stranger on the Beach is one of this summers highly anticipated reads and there has been quite a bit of hype built-up for this one. I was going to let that hype train pass on by for fear of all those hyped-up “Never Saw it coming ending” Well, well did I ever underestimate this one and I am so glad that I didn’t let this one pass on by the sister coulee. This one is definitely a summer hit for me and for a few of our Traveling Sisters.
Michele Campbell writes a well-layered story here that was all about the way the story was told for me. I was so engrossed and entertained and loved every minute of this story. Michele Campbell does such a great job here creating unreliable interesting some unlikable and likable characters here. Through our main character POV, we are left guessing just who to trust. The clues are so well-layered here and little clues are left along the way for us to pick up on and others that comes together so well in the end. My excitement grew with every chapter and I was slowly inching closer to the edge of my seat as I was piecing this story together until I reached the ending that left me flying out of my chair yelling YAHOO!!! I highly recommend
Thank you to St Martin Press for my copy!! It's going on my favourite shelve!!!
https://twosisterslostinacoulee.com/2...
July 23, 2019
ONE unpopular STAR
DNF at 20%
This is not my cup of tea. I've never read any of Campbell's books before, but I don't care for the insipid, gossipy chick-lit style that this feels like. I was forcing myself to stick with it, but just couldn't do it.
SEX. If you are into reading psyche thrillers with lots of sex scenes, I would recommend this novel for you. Me? nope. naaa-uh !
Thanks to Netgalley for the ARC. This is my honest opinion!
DNF at 20%
This is not my cup of tea. I've never read any of Campbell's books before, but I don't care for the insipid, gossipy chick-lit style that this feels like. I was forcing myself to stick with it, but just couldn't do it.
SEX. If you are into reading psyche thrillers with lots of sex scenes, I would recommend this novel for you. Me? nope. naaa-uh !
Thanks to Netgalley for the ARC. This is my honest opinion!
April 24, 2023
This book had real potential. The back and forth between the POV was like an intense tennis match, leaving me dizzy and slightly confused. This could have worked to its benefit if it wasn’t for the fact that absolutely nothing made sense in the end. I remember thinking in the start; Please let there be a satisfying explanation, then this will be brilliant. Unfortunately there wasn’t. I would love to discuss the problems more openly, but at the same time I don’t want to spoil it, so let’s just say that one of the POVs reactions didn’t fit.
Then we have the lawyer. She rolls her eyes while the client talks, and bursts out with ‘don’t you listen?’. She also said that in her career she had never heard anyone saying they had a blackout, not remembering what had happened. Really ? And she rolled her eyes! ROLLED HER EYES! A lot of unprofessional behavior, from allegedly a top lawyer.
Then we have the lawyer. She rolls her eyes while the client talks, and bursts out with ‘don’t you listen?’. She also said that in her career she had never heard anyone saying they had a blackout, not remembering what had happened. Really ? And she rolled her eyes! ROLLED HER EYES! A lot of unprofessional behavior, from allegedly a top lawyer.
July 26, 2019
EXCERPT: I'll tell you everything that happened, starting from the beginning. My first impression of Aiden was that he was a potential thief. If only I'd listened to my instincts, I would've turned and run in the opposite direction. But that's not what I did. I walked toward him. And I will always blame myself for what came after.
ABOUT THIS BOOK: There is a stranger outside Caroline's house.
Her spectacular new beach house, built for hosting expensive parties and vacationing with the family she thought she'd have. But her husband is lying to her and everything in her life is upside down, so when the stranger, Aiden, shows up as a bartender at the same party where Caroline and her husband have a very public fight, it doesn't seem like anything out of the ordinary.
As her marriage collapses around her and the lavish lifestyle she's built for herself starts to crumble, Caroline turns to Aiden for comfort...and revenge. After a brief and desperate fling that means nothing to Caroline and everything to him, Aiden's obsession with Caroline, her family, and her house grows more and more disturbing. And when Caroline's husband goes missing, her life descends into a nightmare that leaves her accused of her husband's murder.
MY THOUGHTS: Deliciously trashy....I read this overnight, totally unsure of where it was going. In fact, I didn't figure it out until the 80% mark, and even then I wasn't totally sure I was right.
The story is told from two points of view; Caroline's and Aiden's, and their accounts of the events differ markedly. So who is telling the truth? Aiden? Or Caroline? Or is the truth somewhere inbetween?
Have fun finding out. I did.
😍🤩😍🤩
THE AUTHOR: Michele Campbell is a graduate of Harvard College and Stanford Law School and a former federal prosecutor in New York City who specialized in international narcotics and gang cases.
A while back, she said goodbye to her big-city legal career and moved with her husband and two children to an idyllic New England college town a lot like Belle River in IT’S ALWAYS THE HUSBAND. Since then, she has spent her time teaching criminal and constitutional law and writing novels.
She's had many close female friends, a few frenemies, and only one husband, who – to the best of her knowledge – has never tried to kill her.
DISCLOSURE: Thank you to St Martin's Press via Netgalley for providing a digital ARC of A Stranger on the Beach by Michele Campbell for review. All opinions expressed in this review are entirely my own personal opinions.
For an explanation of my rating system, please refer to my Goodreads.com profile page or the about page on sandysbookaday.wordpress.com
This review and others are also published on Twitter, Amazon and my webpage https://wordpress.com/posts/sandysboo...
ABOUT THIS BOOK: There is a stranger outside Caroline's house.
Her spectacular new beach house, built for hosting expensive parties and vacationing with the family she thought she'd have. But her husband is lying to her and everything in her life is upside down, so when the stranger, Aiden, shows up as a bartender at the same party where Caroline and her husband have a very public fight, it doesn't seem like anything out of the ordinary.
As her marriage collapses around her and the lavish lifestyle she's built for herself starts to crumble, Caroline turns to Aiden for comfort...and revenge. After a brief and desperate fling that means nothing to Caroline and everything to him, Aiden's obsession with Caroline, her family, and her house grows more and more disturbing. And when Caroline's husband goes missing, her life descends into a nightmare that leaves her accused of her husband's murder.
MY THOUGHTS: Deliciously trashy....I read this overnight, totally unsure of where it was going. In fact, I didn't figure it out until the 80% mark, and even then I wasn't totally sure I was right.
The story is told from two points of view; Caroline's and Aiden's, and their accounts of the events differ markedly. So who is telling the truth? Aiden? Or Caroline? Or is the truth somewhere inbetween?
Have fun finding out. I did.
😍🤩😍🤩
THE AUTHOR: Michele Campbell is a graduate of Harvard College and Stanford Law School and a former federal prosecutor in New York City who specialized in international narcotics and gang cases.
A while back, she said goodbye to her big-city legal career and moved with her husband and two children to an idyllic New England college town a lot like Belle River in IT’S ALWAYS THE HUSBAND. Since then, she has spent her time teaching criminal and constitutional law and writing novels.
She's had many close female friends, a few frenemies, and only one husband, who – to the best of her knowledge – has never tried to kill her.
DISCLOSURE: Thank you to St Martin's Press via Netgalley for providing a digital ARC of A Stranger on the Beach by Michele Campbell for review. All opinions expressed in this review are entirely my own personal opinions.
For an explanation of my rating system, please refer to my Goodreads.com profile page or the about page on sandysbookaday.wordpress.com
This review and others are also published on Twitter, Amazon and my webpage https://wordpress.com/posts/sandysboo...
May 23, 2020
Many thanks to St. Martin's for sending me a copy in exchange for an honest review
Holy sh*t!! That was one hell of a plot twist!
***********
And the winner of the giveaway is Kelly W!
Thanks, everyone for entering
***********
Got this Media package which made my day! Of course, I didn't drink the alcohol because that would be illegal. I let my parents drink it.
Happy Book Birthday!
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June 16, 2019
Well well Michele Campbell you fooled me girl.. you definitely fooled me!
Let me tell you.... as you all know I am EXTREMELY picky with the books I choose to read... especially my thrillers. The first two books I've read by this author... were mediocre for me but this because I was SO thrown for a loop by the twist and ending... I have to give it to her ;).
This book was fun... and what I can say is that the obvious is NOT true in this. You're thinking and questioning so many things but let me tell you... you're going to have it wrong period haha.
Michele Campbell packs an entire picnic basket full of lies, deceptions, twists, and and paranoia in this lovely spread of a book. This makes the perfect summer sizzle right off that thriller girl ;).
I would put this one in your pocket and bring it to the beach!
Is it the best thriller I've read? No, but it will definitely keep you entertained and keep you thrown off ;).
Overall, was a fun one!
4 stars for A Stranger on the Beach
Thank you to Netgalley and St. Martins' Press for the arc in exchange for an honest review.
Publication date: 7/23/19
Published to GR: 6/16/19
Let me tell you.... as you all know I am EXTREMELY picky with the books I choose to read... especially my thrillers. The first two books I've read by this author... were mediocre for me but this because I was SO thrown for a loop by the twist and ending... I have to give it to her ;).
This book was fun... and what I can say is that the obvious is NOT true in this. You're thinking and questioning so many things but let me tell you... you're going to have it wrong period haha.
Michele Campbell packs an entire picnic basket full of lies, deceptions, twists, and and paranoia in this lovely spread of a book. This makes the perfect summer sizzle right off that thriller girl ;).
I would put this one in your pocket and bring it to the beach!
Is it the best thriller I've read? No, but it will definitely keep you entertained and keep you thrown off ;).
Overall, was a fun one!
4 stars for A Stranger on the Beach
Thank you to Netgalley and St. Martins' Press for the arc in exchange for an honest review.
Publication date: 7/23/19
Published to GR: 6/16/19
July 23, 2019
This book is a tricky one to rate because I am left trying to decide if the positives outweighed the negatives. The story got off to a real strong start, but about a third of the way in I began to lose interest in some of the characters. Points to the author for coming up with a slightly creative story but there were parts I wish were more fully fleshed out. This is also the type of book you look forward to discussing with other readers because the opinions could be all over the place which is always fun.
Caroline is living the high life in a beautiful new beach house when her whole world is knocked upside down. Her husband has been keeping secrets from her and Caroline finds herself being comforted by a handsome stranger named Aiden. And let's just say this fling is going to have disastrous consequences.
A big reason this story didn't completely work for me was Caroline. I realize the story is complicated but I still think the author needed to fine tune the character a bit along with a few others. In order for a story like this to work on a high level, the reader needs to have this uneasy feeling while reading that something terrible is going to happen to a character they care about. That extra layer of drama just wasn't there and it didn't make a difference to me if something bad happened to her or her family.
I had some problems with a few of the transitions in the book. I literally questioned more than once how the story got to that point and whether my kindle had skipped a few pages. I don't know how to describe it other than it feeling like there was no explanation to why a character was acting a certain way. Fully understanding characters' motivations is something I struggled with at times while reading the story. I think there needed to be a better setup as to why characters made certain decisions as in some cases the reasoning was pretty flimsy. It just wasn't something I could completely buy into and it felt like it was being told rather than shown.
The author tried to do something different with this story which I appreciate and overall this is an okay read. I just think the potential was there for a thoroughly entertaining story but it short. However, take my opinions with a grain of salt because there are plenty of readers who loved the book.
Thank you to Netgalley and the publisher for the opportunity to read a free advance digital copy in exchange for an honest review.
Caroline is living the high life in a beautiful new beach house when her whole world is knocked upside down. Her husband has been keeping secrets from her and Caroline finds herself being comforted by a handsome stranger named Aiden. And let's just say this fling is going to have disastrous consequences.
A big reason this story didn't completely work for me was Caroline. I realize the story is complicated but I still think the author needed to fine tune the character a bit along with a few others. In order for a story like this to work on a high level, the reader needs to have this uneasy feeling while reading that something terrible is going to happen to a character they care about. That extra layer of drama just wasn't there and it didn't make a difference to me if something bad happened to her or her family.
I had some problems with a few of the transitions in the book. I literally questioned more than once how the story got to that point and whether my kindle had skipped a few pages. I don't know how to describe it other than it feeling like there was no explanation to why a character was acting a certain way. Fully understanding characters' motivations is something I struggled with at times while reading the story. I think there needed to be a better setup as to why characters made certain decisions as in some cases the reasoning was pretty flimsy. It just wasn't something I could completely buy into and it felt like it was being told rather than shown.
The author tried to do something different with this story which I appreciate and overall this is an okay read. I just think the potential was there for a thoroughly entertaining story but it short. However, take my opinions with a grain of salt because there are plenty of readers who loved the book.
Thank you to Netgalley and the publisher for the opportunity to read a free advance digital copy in exchange for an honest review.
July 24, 2019
**July, 2019 UPDATE: I just saw that this is going to be made into a Major Motion Picture. It should be an interesting one. I’m curious to see who plays the role of Aiden. He’s pretty hot in the book 😉 **
I love the beach...and thrillers, so this book was an instant draw. I didn’t even bother reading the book blurb.
We heard from two narrators—Caroline and Aidan—who told completely different versions of the same story. One of them had to be an unreliable narrator, but which one? At times I wondered if it was both of them. How could two people see the same situation so differently?
Both characters made so many bad decisions, I thought they were competing for the “I’m Stupidest” award”. As it turned out, one was naive and the other was...well you can decide!
The story was told in such a unique way, I don’t think I’ve ever read anything quite like it before. Michele Campbell has an interesting and original writing style.
This was another fun Buddy Read with Marilyn!
Thank you to NetGalley, St. Martin’s Press and the author for this ARC, in exchange for my honest review!
My Rating: 4 ⭐️’s
Published: July 23rd 2019 by St. Martin's Press
Pages: 352
Recommend: Yes
I love the beach...and thrillers, so this book was an instant draw. I didn’t even bother reading the book blurb.
We heard from two narrators—Caroline and Aidan—who told completely different versions of the same story. One of them had to be an unreliable narrator, but which one? At times I wondered if it was both of them. How could two people see the same situation so differently?
Both characters made so many bad decisions, I thought they were competing for the “I’m Stupidest” award”. As it turned out, one was naive and the other was...well you can decide!
The story was told in such a unique way, I don’t think I’ve ever read anything quite like it before. Michele Campbell has an interesting and original writing style.
This was another fun Buddy Read with Marilyn!
Thank you to NetGalley, St. Martin’s Press and the author for this ARC, in exchange for my honest review!
My Rating: 4 ⭐️’s
Published: July 23rd 2019 by St. Martin's Press
Pages: 352
Recommend: Yes
July 28, 2019
Anyone know of that old saying that there are three sides to every story, his, hers and the truth? That is exactly what the psychological thriller A Stranger on the Beach by Michele Campbell brought to mind. The story is told from dual points of view of the same happenings that often vary greatly from one another and leaves the reader grasping for the truth.
Caroline Stark thought she was living the perfect life, wealthy and happily married. But just as Caroline is putting the finishing touches on her dream beach house she finds out that it seems her husband is cheating on her. In a moment of spite Caroline finds herself flirting with a hot bartender and taking things farther than she expected in her search for revenge. Caroline only expected a one night stand but Aiden has his eyes on so much more.
A Stranger on the Beach is perfect for those that are fans of unreliable narrators and total uncertainty while you read. All throughout the book as soon as you think you know what is happening the story flips and has you questioning what is real and what isn’t. With plenty of twists and turns along the way this one certainly kept me guessing all along.
I received an advance copy from the publisher via NetGalley.
For more reviews please visit https://carriesbookreviews.com/
Caroline Stark thought she was living the perfect life, wealthy and happily married. But just as Caroline is putting the finishing touches on her dream beach house she finds out that it seems her husband is cheating on her. In a moment of spite Caroline finds herself flirting with a hot bartender and taking things farther than she expected in her search for revenge. Caroline only expected a one night stand but Aiden has his eyes on so much more.
A Stranger on the Beach is perfect for those that are fans of unreliable narrators and total uncertainty while you read. All throughout the book as soon as you think you know what is happening the story flips and has you questioning what is real and what isn’t. With plenty of twists and turns along the way this one certainly kept me guessing all along.
I received an advance copy from the publisher via NetGalley.
For more reviews please visit https://carriesbookreviews.com/
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