Something is wrong. Despite the fact that Kyra Fletcher hasn’t seen her estranged father in five years, the peculiar birthday card he sends in the mail is out of character—and alarming.
Determined to put her mind at ease and mend their relationship in person, Kyra travels to her father’s Wyoming lodge. She finds it well kept but vacant, and according to the people in town, her father has been gone for months. Kyra is certain something has happened to him and turns to local Sheriff Shane McQuire for help. As the pair works together to investigate her father’s whereabouts, Kyra finds herself becoming more and more comfortable with the town—and its sheriff. But she is unaware of one deadly someone is watching her, and as she draws ever closer to the answers she seeks, that person will do anything to ensure her silence.
Kathi Oram Peterson is the Whitney Award winning author of TREACHEROUS LEGACY (2021 )A STRANGER WATCHES (2019), and A FAMILIAR FEAR (2018).
Kathi's heart-pounding suspense novels make readers double check door locks and sleep with a flashlight. Her YA Time Travels bring readers to historical events as if they are there. Her novels have richly-drawn characters and plots that hook readers and make setting the book down nearly impossible.
Keep connected with Kathi--and stay informed about special deals, new released, and other reader perks--by signing up for her newsletter: http://eepurl.com/cE52Y1
Shifting Sands (2023) Danger Unknown (2022) Treacherous Legacy (2021) A Stranger Watches (2020) Whitney winner Bloodline (2019) A Familiar Fear (2018) Whitney Winner Breach of Trust (2017) Star Struck (2016) Deceived (2014) Wanted (2013) Cold Justice (2012) River Whispers (2011)
Novella: An Angel on Main Street (2009).
YA Time Travel Novels:
Reluctant Warrior (2017)-Previously published as The Forgotten Warrior (2009) Stripling Warrior (2017) Guardian of the Stone (2017) Previously published asThe Stone Traveler (2010) Chasing the Star (2017)
Stories included in other books:
A Christmas to Remember (2011) Life Lessons from Mothers of Faith (2013) Remembering the Joy of Christmas (2015)
Concept and Biography Books for Children:
I Want to Be a Mathematician Like Archimedes I Want to Be a Scientist Like Thomas Edison I Want to Be a Scientist Like Antoni Van Leeuwenhoek I Want to Be a Scientist Like Alexander Von Humboldt Tyrannosaurus X 1 How Did the Chicken Cross the Road Yangshi’s Perimeter Lightning Bells The Beginning of Numbers
Oooohhhhh! This book starts off with a bang (literally) and the momentum speeds up until the end of the book.
Kyra and her father have been estranged for five years. He leaves a message on her phone saying that he is coming to see her and make amends, but he never shows up. Kyra, not wanting to let it go, shows up and finds that her father is missing and the circumstances are very suspicious. Right from the beginning, the book is full of suspense and mystery. Kyra teams up with the local sheriff and tries to locate her father.
This book started off at a little slower for me. It quickly picked up the pace and became a book that I could not put down. I could not figure out who the bad guy was. There were so many options. Just when I thought I knew, it became apparent that I did not know.
I loved the setting and the characters. The book contains a little bit of romance, but it is not the focus. What little there was, I appreciated and wholeheartedly approved.
I love Kathi Oram Peterson's books and I look forward to each and every one. This book contains non-graphic violence.
Source: I received a complimenatry copy. All thoughts and opinions expressed are my own.
Do not start reading this at night if you plan on getting any sleep. I didn't want to put it down and when I did I couldn't wait to get back to it to see what was happening. From the prologue that gives a tiny glimpse into what was going on with Kyra's dad, I was hooked. Kyra and her dad had a falling out five years prior after her mom died, but he called to say he was sorry and was coming to visit her, but he never arrives. When Kyra goes to visit him at the lodge in Wyoming, he's not there, and the explainations she receives don't make sense to her.
This is my first book by Kathi Oram Peterson but it won't be my last if they all grab and keep my attention like this one. I really liked Kyra. Even though she had left home and hadn't had contact with her father for five years, when he didn't show up like he said would she decided to check on him. Upon her arrival when little things weren't adding up she didn't let it slide, no matter that people were telling her he was probably on one of his solo trips.
I liked the sheriff (Shane), and Kyra's relationship with him. I also appreciated that the slow-growing romance between them took a backseat in the story and it didn't distract me from the main storyline. I figured out why Kyra's dog Boo kept going in the garden but I never figured out who the bad guy was. I thought I had a couple of times, but I was wrong. Once the guilty party was revealed I couldn't figure out why they had done it. I really enjoyed this mystery/suspense and found a new author as a bonus.
I received a complimentary copy. All thoughts expressed in this review are my own.
I LOVE a good suspense book. It’s fun to try to figure out just who did it and why. I also like to be put into a place where it feels a bit dangerous for me, even though I’m perfectly safe at home.
This one by Kathi Oram Peterson is really well written. I loved the way she did all of it! The characters were great, the plot kept me guessing and I loved the setting.
This one starts out with Kyra’s dad. The reader sees what he sees, at least a little. I didn’t know for sure what had happened to him until Kyra did. And I also had no idea who would have done it, just like Kyra.
Kyra is a great character. I loved her love for her dog. And the way her dog protected her whenever she was in danger. I also loved her compassion for Bryce, Shane’s daughter. She watches out for her as best as she can.
Shane is a great character too. I loved that the reader gets to see things through his eyes as well. He isn’t always sure who he should be trusting. But he tries his best. And he’s a good dad, too.
I couldn’t put this one down. I couldn’t wait to see what would happen next! Make sure to grab this one!
I was sent an e-copy of A Stranger Watches as a gift from the publisher. All opinions are my own.
I absolutely loved this book. I picked it up and it took everything within me to put it down to do things like sleep and go to work. I have decided I love mysteries set in small town western United States (aka Idaho and Wyoming) this one being set in Wyoming near the Targhee forest and the Tetons. It gives me better visuals being from near that area and loving it my whole life. Now back to the story. The ominous prologue that gives the reader a bit more of the story but leaves more questions sets up the mystery as Kyra comes back to the town where she spent time with her beloved parents to track down her dad after receiving a birthday card that was decidedly not from him. In order to solve the mystery she works with the sheriff, Shane, aka Captain Handsome.
The writing keeps the story moving and the relationships rich. There are multi-layered mysteries that will keep the reader guessing. I absolutely love when the ending is not obvious as much as it drives me nuts that I can't figure it out. This is definitely recommended for lovers of mystery and the outdoors.
I really enjoyed this book! It was well written and fast-paced. I didn't want to put it down. I picked up on some clues along the way but was still surprised by the ending. I would love to see more from these characters!
I really enjoyed this book. The main characters were multifaceted and well written, and the plot was suspenseful and intriguing. I could never quite guess who was behind everything, which points to good writing.
One thing I love about Kathi Oram Peterson's books is that they pull you into the story instantly. I start reading and then I don't want to stop. A Stranger Watches does this so well within the first minute while reading the Prologue. Chapter one is just as intense and you start questioning things, people, possible motives, and it never stops.
Main character Kyra is an independent woman but I couldn't help feeling bad for her. She lost her mom and then she had a rift with her dad. Now her dad has disappeared and all of the guilt surfaces. With the help of the local Sheriff Shane McQuire, they work together to figure out what happened to her dad. There are so many people that are suspicious. I love novels where everyone could be the potential "supposed killer". The only person I wasn't thinking of as a suspect was Kyra, the Sheriff, and Kyra's dog.
The slow-burn romance in this book is realistic and I loved how things developed. I also loved how well Kathi shows the Native American people at the pow-wow. Such beautiful things are written with such respect to the Shoshone and Arapaho nations. I have to say this is one of my favorite books by Kathi Oram Peterson. I've read most of the books she's written and this story is one of the best. If you are looking for a fast-paced mystery with loads of suspense and a just-right touch of a budding romance, A Stranger Watches should be on your to-read list.
This book is full of twist and turns as well as a slow-burn romance. Perfect for snuggling up with on a cold day.
As with every good mystery, we see the murder first, but not who the murderer is. Poor Kyra's father has been estranged from his daughter and is on his way to make amends. But before he can leave, he's murdered. But who did the deed?
Kyra Fletcher hasn't heard from her father in too long. He sent a strange birthday card, but she knows something is wrong, so she travels to see him with her dog Boo. Almost from the moment she arrives, strange things are happening. Her dad's almost ex-wife is acting threatening toward Kyra---more so than just "stepmother" issues. Even her dad's lawyer seems unhappy about her arrival. Sheriff Shane McQuire steps in to help, but he's got a problem teenaged daughter of his own to deal with. But as their investigation goes deeper, Kyra and everyone she's come to care about are in danger. Can they figure out who the killer is before Kyra becomes the next victim?
I thought this was a well-done mystery and I didn't guess the killer until right before it was revealed. There were some really great red herrings! I really thought it was one character and was surprised that it wasn't. The small town was easy to imagine and the characters were memorable. At times the pacing was slow and the chemistry between the hero and heroine just wasn't there, (the hero was in law enforcement years ago and saved the heroine when she was a young girl at a youth camp, which sort of made it seem like he was much, much older than her which was hard for me romance-wise) but I did like the ending and how our hero and heroine dealt with the danger. I was glad the heroine was smart and didn't make questionable decisions. It made the mystery that much better. I great "spooky" read for October!
Kathi Oram Peterson has written a great mystery. I'm not familiar with her other books but found myself enjoying this well written story.
Willam Fletcher has gone missing and everyone in town who knows him, knew he was going away for an undecided amount of time.
His daughter Kyra heard from him two months ago, he said he was coming to visit, but never showed. When she received two birthday cards from him it prompted her to come visit him.
She arrives and things just don't feel right.
Kyra never travels alone she has her Rottweiler Boo and a .22 revolver to protect her.
Sheriff Shane McQuire has a rebellious daughter and no time for a wild goose chase, but he can't ignore the desperation Kyra feels about her missing father. Without any evidence he can't get the court orders needed to do a full investigation.
As they dig around for answers, the list of suspects who know anything gets bigger and bigger.
This story is about more than the mystery, it's about father daughter relationships, and overcoming problems in a family. I also found some parts predictable but didn't feel that it took away from the complete story.
I also love the inclusion/glimpse into the Native American traditions and lifestyle in Targhee County, Wyoming.
I was given access to a copy of A Stranger Watches, all opinions are my own.
Loved, loved, loved this book! I could not put it down!
The characters are well developed and believable. The plot has a good pace and kept me wondering about the “who done it” until the very end. Suspense, mystery, romance and a little teenage drama are all a part of this book. The villains keep changing and so do the heros/heroines. I was left with unanswered questions and a need to know what happens next. Would love to see another book with these characters.
*Note: I received a complimentary copy of this book. All thoughts and opinions expressed are my own.
Kyra Fletcher arrives in Wyoming to discover her father missing. She'd come to find out why he had never shown up to see her, after telling her he was coming. With the help of the local sheriff, Shane McQuire, she sets out to find her father. But clues are few and far between, and no one seems to have any idea where her father is. And her father's wife complicates everything. Kyra's difficulties with her lawyer neighbor, and Shane's struggles with his teenage daughter make it even more challenging to find answers. But Kyra is determined to find her father despite the growing number of incidents that make it clear that someone doesn't want her to find anything. The growing feelings between Kyra and Shane also leave her wondering what the future might hold.
Kathi Oram Peterson has written plenty of romantic suspense novels, but this is my favorite so far. I enjoyed the characters and following along as they searched for clues. Peterson does a fine job of revealing information piece by piece, allowing the reader to try to figure things out along with Kyra and Shane. The relationship issues made the book more interesting and left me with lots of suspects. An enjoyable read for those who enjoy contemporary romance and mystery.
3.5 stars. The author kept me reading, and there was a dog (a really tough dog), so kudos for that. I just felt that the end was rushed. In addition, right near the end of the book the heroine and hero seem to forget everything that has been happening, and he drops her off (along with his teenage daughter) at the house where the murder was committed. Really? I felt like I was watching one of those horror movies where the entire audience is yelling "Don't go in there!", yet the character does anyway. There were some interesting characters and I liked the setting, but I just felt like the author got a little tired and decided to hurry up the ending.
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
By the end of the prologue, I was interested. End of chapter one, I was intrigued. By the end of chapter two, I was completely hooked! This book was full of suspense, mystery and a dash of romance. I could not put it down! Well-written, fast paced, and with just enough twists and dead ends to make me wonder whodunnit until the very end. Can't wait to read more from this author!
I listened to this on audio and it had a bad reader! Her female voices all sound shrewish and her male voices all sound creepy. I tried not to let that color my overall opinion of the book. I liked the story and it was a nailbiter in places and there were a few bits of information that were not disclosed or foreshadowed that caused a bit of a surprising twist at the end. It was very hard to put down. I did not love Kyra’s character but I am wondering if the voice thing may have been part of it. The Sheriff’s character was also a little weak but overall I was hooked from the start and it held my interest to the end.
WOW!! This was such a great book-I couldn’t put it down! The story had a good, steady, suspenseful plot with interesting characters and town. At times I thought I had the “bad guy” figured out but I was wrong and I definitely didn’t expect the ending.
I really liked Kyra and her dog Boo as they struggled to figure out what happened to her father when she returns to her hometown. She knows something bad has happened to her father-she just has to figure it out. The Sheriff was a great character too as he figures out how to be a single parent to a teenage girl, a working dad and Sheriff to a small town. The both had to come to terms with their losses and feelings of guilt and anger throughout this book.
I would love to read a follow up book about the lodge, town, maybe a bakery, and the friendship that developed between Kyra and Sheriff Shane. I absolutely loved this book! I read it in one day because I couldn’t stop reading-I had to know what was going to happen next! Clean suspense (nothing graphic) with lots of drama and intrigue. I definitely plan on keeping this book to read again!
I received a copy of this book complimentary for blog and social media review. All opinions are my own.
WHAT IT'S ABOUT Determined to put her mind at ease and mend their relationship in person, Kyra travels to her father’s Wyoming lodge. She finds it well kept but vacant, and according to the people in town, her father has been gone for months. Kyra is certain something has happened to him and turns to local Sheriff Shane McQuire for help. As the pair works together to investigate her father’s whereabouts, Kyra finds herself becoming more and more comfortable with the town—and its sheriff. But she is unaware of one deadly detail: someone is watching her, and as she draws ever closer to the answers she seeks, that person will do anything to ensure her silence.
MY TAKE This was my first Peterson book, but it won't be the last. I found the characters engaging, they mystery intriguing, the murder heartbreaking, and the romance just enough to sweeten the story without out taking away from the suspense.
I listened to the audiobook, and the narrator did a great job!
What a fabulously written and thrilling novel! A Stranger Watches far exceeded my expectations. When I initially picked up this book, I expected a good story, but the way the plot and characters just sucked me in, I was completely engrossed in the story and loved that I was questioning every character and trying to figure out each person's possible motive. The plot was unpredictable and the killer was unexpected which I really enjoyed. So many times I wondered who the murderer would be and even more so the "why". The author does a fantastic job of throwing the reader into doubts and off the trail just as her characters are experiencing. I also really enjoyed that there was a good romance developing between Shane and Kyra, but it didn't overshadow the situation nor did it feel contrived. This was one of the better suspense novels I have read of late and I definitely recommend it.
Peterson immediately drew me in and held my attention captive until the very end of the book! The combination of an estranged father and daughter, mystery, danger and romance was dynamic. I felt like I was there with Kyra trying to figure out what happened to her father right alongside Shane. I could almost taste the heavenly goodness of Dove's Cafe, see Running Wolf and hear Boo barking, the story was told so well. You know a story is well told when you can picture it and still think of it when you are done. This is THAT book! If you are a fan of mystery and suspense this is the book to pick up! You will not be disappointed and you will be left guessing until the very end! I received a copy of this book for free; all thoughts and opinions are my own.
Kyra has a feeling that something is not right, so she puts her life on hold and goes back to the family lodge looking for her father whom she has spoken to in the last five years. With strange birthday cards and an eerie feeling that someone is watching her, Kyra stays on her guard and begins her search for her father. Which also includes the handsome police officer who also shares a bit of a past with her.
I liked this story. It was very well written and I enjoyed the suspense novel. I did not guess who it was until everything finally came to light. It was a great read and I look forward to reading more books by this author. My only complaint was that the romance could have been a bit more developed. My favorite part was when answers finally started showing up.
The book was ok with a pretty good mystery. I'll admit I got WAY distracted with the writing. The author was writing too formally (see what I did there?) and it was like reading my own work. But that's not how people speak in real life. (I did it again.)
Things like:
"The night I arrived" should read something like "the night I got here".
"... Will be there shortly" ("will be there in a bit/minute/soon").
"She's fond of you." (from a man?!)
"Whoever did this be it Jackie or..."
I know, I know. I sound way too picky. But maybe reading the book out loud might help a tad.
And like I said, I'm guilty too. And to repeat, I still liked the storyline. Maybe things were more obvious to me because I listed on audible.
I guess I'm an outlier on this one, but I felt like this story was a bit of a flop. It dragged on many places, and I found myself zoning out for pages and coming back not having missed anything. It felt like a superficial, high-level version of a mystery. The suspense was missing. Lots of talking. Lots of taking care of her dog. Not a lot of action. I did appreciate that it was a clean read, no profanity, gore or sex.
This was an enjoyable story, although I listened to the audio version rather than reading it, and I think I would have liked it better if I had actually read it as the narrator wasn't my favorite. I figured out "who dunnit" by about the third chapter so the "twist" at the end wasn't much of a surprise, but still the process of getting there was fun.
I did not want to put this book down! It's a quick moving mystery with a little romance thrown in, and a great reminder of the importance of forgiving and keeping family ties strong. Having read the author's volume "Breach of Trust", I had expected another good read and I was not disappointed. Ms. Peterson has learned her craft well.
Fun read with likeable characters. The tiny bit of romance kept me coming back to see what would happen. It was good, but I probably wouldn't read it again. It was missing a real sense of suspense and thrill ride entertainment. The ending felt a little abrupt.
This book is so well written! It kept me guessing the whole time. When the plot came to an end it was not what I had even predicted! This is one I am sharing and will read again. So very good. Gets your attention right out of the gate!
Kathi is the queen of suspense. She immediately grabs your attention and pulls you in. You'll be unable to put down the novel, which is a perfect blend of action, suspense and the right amount of romance. A must read!
Enjoyed this book! I like the author's books because she doesn't dwell on the heroine's looks to the point where she's depicted as perfect. The emphasis is on the story itself and the riveting mystery!
The latest novel by Kathi Oram Peterson is full of mystery with some romance weaved throughout the book. She had me hooked from the beginning to the end, and I didn’t see the end coming. If you’re looking for a great mystery, then look no further. I highly recommend this to all mystery lovers.