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Perfect Stranger
You’re living with a stranger. It’s your daughter.
Following a whirlwind romance, Rose and Chris’s marriage has been unshakeable for twenty years. But when Katie turns up on their doorstep, blonde, wide-eyed and beautiful, their perfect life threatens to crumble to pieces. Because Katie says she’s Chris’s long-lost daughter, the product of a forgotten summer fling.
Kind-hearted Rose invites Katie to stay, despite Chris’s protests. The poor girl has only just lost her mother – they can’t leave her out on the street. But soon after Katie moves in, strange things start happening. Someone crashes into a neighbour’s fence. An unexplained fire starts in the couple’s kitchen. And a family friend coming to visit disappears on the way to the house. Chris insists Katie has to go. But it’s Chris who won’t explain where he was at the time their friend went missing…
The couple’s dream life seems to be turning into a nightmare. With dark secrets about Chris’s history with Katie’s mother coming to light, Rose no longer knows who to trust. Soon, she isn’t sure whether she’s invited a dangerous stranger into her home, or whether she’s been living with one all along…
A chilling thriller that will make you question everything you think you know about your loved ones. Fans of The Woman in the Window, Then She Was Gone and The Perfect Child won’t be able to put this book down.
Following a whirlwind romance, Rose and Chris’s marriage has been unshakeable for twenty years. But when Katie turns up on their doorstep, blonde, wide-eyed and beautiful, their perfect life threatens to crumble to pieces. Because Katie says she’s Chris’s long-lost daughter, the product of a forgotten summer fling.
Kind-hearted Rose invites Katie to stay, despite Chris’s protests. The poor girl has only just lost her mother – they can’t leave her out on the street. But soon after Katie moves in, strange things start happening. Someone crashes into a neighbour’s fence. An unexplained fire starts in the couple’s kitchen. And a family friend coming to visit disappears on the way to the house. Chris insists Katie has to go. But it’s Chris who won’t explain where he was at the time their friend went missing…
The couple’s dream life seems to be turning into a nightmare. With dark secrets about Chris’s history with Katie’s mother coming to light, Rose no longer knows who to trust. Soon, she isn’t sure whether she’s invited a dangerous stranger into her home, or whether she’s been living with one all along…
A chilling thriller that will make you question everything you think you know about your loved ones. Fans of The Woman in the Window, Then She Was Gone and The Perfect Child won’t be able to put this book down.
340 pages, Kindle Edition
First published August 20, 2019
364 people are currently reading
495 people want to read
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Displaying 1 - 29 of 99 reviews
October 8, 2019
While I really wanted to like the story, I sadly just couldn't find most of it believable. There are a few twists and that leave you shell-shocked, but they're all towards the end. The beginning and the middle parts of this story were good and contained a good amount of suspense, but the behaviors of the characters were not entirely believable.
When Chris Redfern receives a threating note - "I know what you did to Eve Levine" at his doorstep, his wife Rose and he shrugged it off as a practical joke. Chris is nonetheless bothered by the note and wants to know who sent it. Days later, the woman - Katie Hughill Levine shows up at his doorstep claiming to be his daughter - a result of a long-forgotten summer-fling. Katie tries her best to fit in the Redfern family while awaiting the results of a paternity test she's almost sure will tell her that Chris is her father. While Katie settles in the Redferns start noticing strange happenings around them. First, a friend of Julia never turns up to meet her, then Louise a co-worker Chris had a loud argument with is found beaten badly. A car crashes into the neighbor's fence and Chris grows increasingly unnerved and cannot focus. Soon the family starts doubting that Katie is not the sad broken girl she claims to be. With dark secrets about Chris’s history with Katie’s mother coming to light, Rose no longer knows who to trust. Soon, she isn’t sure whether she’s invited a dangerous stranger into her home, or whether she’s been living with one all along…
The minute the Redferns invite a practical stranger into their home without any proof or verification and going only on her word for thigs is when alarm bells started ringing in my head. And as they continue to write-off the bizarre happenings around them is when I realized that I do not like them at all. While this story might be high on the thrill factor, such things make it very difficult to believe that people can be so naive as to let a stranger in their houses. And Chris and his wife are no morons. Chris holds a respectable position as a microbiologist and Rose used to be a gymnast. They have a young daughter Julia who at least should've been the reason they should have been careful. While off-putting their behaviors and the constant making of excuses for Katie was what made this story so difficult to digest. If it's one thing, I can't stand, its stupid characters.
Ironically, I found Katie's character to be the most intriguing. Granted that she had to put in minimum effort to get her 'dad' Chris to acknowledge her., she still came off as a striking character. Wanting to know her past and story was what got me turning the pages. If I ignore the Redfern's ignorance, the plot of this book was good. I turned the pages like crazy during the last few chapters (but sadly that didn't make up for the gullible characters). I liked how the book ended. In the end, this was a good one time read!
Thank You, NetGalley, Bookouture and Jake Cross for an arc!
When Chris Redfern receives a threating note - "I know what you did to Eve Levine" at his doorstep, his wife Rose and he shrugged it off as a practical joke. Chris is nonetheless bothered by the note and wants to know who sent it. Days later, the woman - Katie Hughill Levine shows up at his doorstep claiming to be his daughter - a result of a long-forgotten summer-fling. Katie tries her best to fit in the Redfern family while awaiting the results of a paternity test she's almost sure will tell her that Chris is her father. While Katie settles in the Redferns start noticing strange happenings around them. First, a friend of Julia never turns up to meet her, then Louise a co-worker Chris had a loud argument with is found beaten badly. A car crashes into the neighbor's fence and Chris grows increasingly unnerved and cannot focus. Soon the family starts doubting that Katie is not the sad broken girl she claims to be. With dark secrets about Chris’s history with Katie’s mother coming to light, Rose no longer knows who to trust. Soon, she isn’t sure whether she’s invited a dangerous stranger into her home, or whether she’s been living with one all along…
The minute the Redferns invite a practical stranger into their home without any proof or verification and going only on her word for thigs is when alarm bells started ringing in my head. And as they continue to write-off the bizarre happenings around them is when I realized that I do not like them at all. While this story might be high on the thrill factor, such things make it very difficult to believe that people can be so naive as to let a stranger in their houses. And Chris and his wife are no morons. Chris holds a respectable position as a microbiologist and Rose used to be a gymnast. They have a young daughter Julia who at least should've been the reason they should have been careful. While off-putting their behaviors and the constant making of excuses for Katie was what made this story so difficult to digest. If it's one thing, I can't stand, its stupid characters.
Ironically, I found Katie's character to be the most intriguing. Granted that she had to put in minimum effort to get her 'dad' Chris to acknowledge her., she still came off as a striking character. Wanting to know her past and story was what got me turning the pages. If I ignore the Redfern's ignorance, the plot of this book was good. I turned the pages like crazy during the last few chapters (but sadly that didn't make up for the gullible characters). I liked how the book ended. In the end, this was a good one time read!
Thank You, NetGalley, Bookouture and Jake Cross for an arc!
August 25, 2019
Though Chris and Rose have had their ups and downs, after twenty years their relationship feels solid. But their comfortable home life is turned upside down when Katie shows up, claiming to be Chris’s daughter from a fling two decades ago. While Chris, unnerved and confused, hesitates accepting Katie, Rose is more than welcoming— after all, how could they turn away a grieving woman who’s just lost her mother? However, after Katie moves in, strange things begin occurring … But is Katie sabotaging her new family or is Chris hiding even bigger secrets?
Author Jake Cross brilliantly structures the opening scenes of Perfect Stranger, showcasing a loving family headed by Chris and Rose and rounded out by teenage daughter Julia. They have quirks and quibbles, but there’s a comfortability that permeates their home. But one way or another, previous actions always come back to haunt. For Chris, it’s in a particularly extreme way, as a daughter he never knew existed shows up at his front door.
And from there, it’s a pulse-pounding chain of events that sends everyone’s lives topsy-turvy.
Part of this is because Cross has no issue letting his main character, Chris, make unpopular choices— and therein lies the success of the story. Chris is complicated and rife with simmering tension, though he constantly tries to diffuse the stress around him with constant jokes. Though he obviously has a loving side with his family, he also struggles moving past even mild annoyances with those outside his close circle. This leads to an internal battle of muddled thinking as he attempts to accept Katie, which justifies a lot of his actions that might seem extreme.
And through it all is a central question: Is Katie his daughter? It’s a compelling conundrum, particularly since Chris and Rose choose to form a basic relationship with Katie, no matter the results of the paternity tests. However, strange and violent events begin occurring around their home, some involving their friends and colleagues. Cross carefully balances the questions of family relationships with who is actually causing the chaos and how that issue relates to the series of crimes, and he threads multiple logical answers. Even so, the ending manages to be both satisfying and surprising.
Ultimately, tight prose, a compelling mystery, and a lot of unreliable characters combine for an original domestic thriller.
Note: I received a free ARC of this book through NetGalley.
Review also posted at https://pluckedfromthestacks.wordpres...
Author Jake Cross brilliantly structures the opening scenes of Perfect Stranger, showcasing a loving family headed by Chris and Rose and rounded out by teenage daughter Julia. They have quirks and quibbles, but there’s a comfortability that permeates their home. But one way or another, previous actions always come back to haunt. For Chris, it’s in a particularly extreme way, as a daughter he never knew existed shows up at his front door.
And from there, it’s a pulse-pounding chain of events that sends everyone’s lives topsy-turvy.
Part of this is because Cross has no issue letting his main character, Chris, make unpopular choices— and therein lies the success of the story. Chris is complicated and rife with simmering tension, though he constantly tries to diffuse the stress around him with constant jokes. Though he obviously has a loving side with his family, he also struggles moving past even mild annoyances with those outside his close circle. This leads to an internal battle of muddled thinking as he attempts to accept Katie, which justifies a lot of his actions that might seem extreme.
And through it all is a central question: Is Katie his daughter? It’s a compelling conundrum, particularly since Chris and Rose choose to form a basic relationship with Katie, no matter the results of the paternity tests. However, strange and violent events begin occurring around their home, some involving their friends and colleagues. Cross carefully balances the questions of family relationships with who is actually causing the chaos and how that issue relates to the series of crimes, and he threads multiple logical answers. Even so, the ending manages to be both satisfying and surprising.
Ultimately, tight prose, a compelling mystery, and a lot of unreliable characters combine for an original domestic thriller.
Note: I received a free ARC of this book through NetGalley.
Review also posted at https://pluckedfromthestacks.wordpres...
August 16, 2019
Rose and Chris have had a happy marriage of almost twenty years. They have a teen daughter Julia and things couldn't be gong any better. One day, however, Katie, an older teen, shows up on their doorstep claiming to be Chris's daughter. What's more, is that she needs someplace to stay.
Chris did have a fling just before Rose, and now that the product of said event is there, what is he to do. Well, Rose cannot turn Katie away and welcomes her into their home. This is in consternation to what Chris wants. Sadly, Katie has lost her mother, and now she becomes an intimate part of Chris and Rose's family.
There is no peace, however, as strange events begin occurring. When daughter Julia's friend disappears en route to their home, things strangely begin to click into place. Quite naturally, Rose Rose begins to wonder if it was wise to let Katie move in, but also whether or not Chris could be connected to everything going on around them. Is Chris the trusted man Rose has been happily married to all of these years?
Jake Cross is a new name to me and I am glad that I got a chance to read this book. It is well-written and has a few twists and turns that kept me eagerly turning the pages. I look forward to reading more from this talented author.
Many thanks to Bookouture and to NetGalley for this ARC to review in exchange for my honest opinion.
Chris did have a fling just before Rose, and now that the product of said event is there, what is he to do. Well, Rose cannot turn Katie away and welcomes her into their home. This is in consternation to what Chris wants. Sadly, Katie has lost her mother, and now she becomes an intimate part of Chris and Rose's family.
There is no peace, however, as strange events begin occurring. When daughter Julia's friend disappears en route to their home, things strangely begin to click into place. Quite naturally, Rose Rose begins to wonder if it was wise to let Katie move in, but also whether or not Chris could be connected to everything going on around them. Is Chris the trusted man Rose has been happily married to all of these years?
Jake Cross is a new name to me and I am glad that I got a chance to read this book. It is well-written and has a few twists and turns that kept me eagerly turning the pages. I look forward to reading more from this talented author.
Many thanks to Bookouture and to NetGalley for this ARC to review in exchange for my honest opinion.
July 16, 2020
* Thank you to the publisher and Netgalley for providing me an ARC *
Predictable plot. Dragging dialogues. Makes-me-wanna-punch-a-wall-awful characters. This was SOOO frustrating to read. I could barely tolerate the BS coming out of every character’s mouth. Excuses after excuses. Stupid analogies and unbelievable scenarios. UGH
#WasteMyTime2020
BLOG: Pam Who Cried Books || Twitter || Instagram
Predictable plot. Dragging dialogues. Makes-me-wanna-punch-a-wall-awful characters. This was SOOO frustrating to read. I could barely tolerate the BS coming out of every character’s mouth. Excuses after excuses. Stupid analogies and unbelievable scenarios. UGH
#WasteMyTime2020
BLOG: Pam Who Cried Books || Twitter || Instagram
August 21, 2019
Chris Redfern met Eve Levine 18 years ago and had a fling. Little did he know that he'd left her pregnant. Now, that daughter, Katie, has shown up and wants to get to know him, his family, and to be a part of his life. Although Chris, his wife, Rose, and their own 18-year-old daughter, Julia, are waiting on paternity/DNA tests to confirm the relationship, they invite Katie to stay with them. That turns out to be a very bad decision.
I finished this only because I promised, by requesting, that I would read and write a review. I found it very difficult to get through as it was tedious, overly long, repetitive, and not very exciting despite the author's attempts to try some surprises and twists. Since I didn't like any of the characters, I didn't even really care how it all turned out but finish it, I did. I didn't find any of the plot believable because of the behavior and reactions of the characters. They didn't question anything or do their own covert investigation into this person who has just appeared into their lives. Call me a skeptic, but, honestly, I sure would have done a deep background check no matter the cost before I allowed someone to move into my home. But, I'm from Missouri, USA, where the motto is, "SHOW ME." Since I couldn't buy into the story line, I tried to follow the narrative and get something from it, but, sadly, I couldn't get past some of the ridiculous -- for example, Katie claiming that her paresthesias were caused by her swallowing a rubber ball that "went into her body and lived inside her, still bouncing." I mean really? Chris is supposed to be a scientist, a microbiologist, and he says nothing. Anyway, I don't know what more to say. I didn't find this book my cup of tea.
I'm still grateful to NetGalley and Bookouture for this e-book ARC to read and review.
I finished this only because I promised, by requesting, that I would read and write a review. I found it very difficult to get through as it was tedious, overly long, repetitive, and not very exciting despite the author's attempts to try some surprises and twists. Since I didn't like any of the characters, I didn't even really care how it all turned out but finish it, I did. I didn't find any of the plot believable because of the behavior and reactions of the characters. They didn't question anything or do their own covert investigation into this person who has just appeared into their lives. Call me a skeptic, but, honestly, I sure would have done a deep background check no matter the cost before I allowed someone to move into my home. But, I'm from Missouri, USA, where the motto is, "SHOW ME." Since I couldn't buy into the story line, I tried to follow the narrative and get something from it, but, sadly, I couldn't get past some of the ridiculous -- for example, Katie claiming that her paresthesias were caused by her swallowing a rubber ball that "went into her body and lived inside her, still bouncing." I mean really? Chris is supposed to be a scientist, a microbiologist, and he says nothing. Anyway, I don't know what more to say. I didn't find this book my cup of tea.
I'm still grateful to NetGalley and Bookouture for this e-book ARC to read and review.
August 30, 2019
Review can be found on my blog here: https://booksonthebookshelf.wordpress...
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Thank you to Bookouture for the eARC via NetGalley.
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Wow this book had me shook! I didn’t know what to believe, who to believe.. So full of secrets, lies, deception, betrayal, and revenge. This book will have you hooked as you read page after page.
Imagine having a happy life. You are married and have a teen daughter and your life is good. Suddenly by chance you meet a young woman who claims to be your daughter from a fling many years ago. What would you do?
I enjoyed this book as slowly everything is revealed bit by bit. We learn the truth, the lies, the deception, and boy is it juicy! If you love a good thriller then look no futher than this novel!
With a shocking ending that will leave you wanting more, this book will be a hit!
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Thank you to Bookouture for the eARC via NetGalley.
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Wow this book had me shook! I didn’t know what to believe, who to believe.. So full of secrets, lies, deception, betrayal, and revenge. This book will have you hooked as you read page after page.
Imagine having a happy life. You are married and have a teen daughter and your life is good. Suddenly by chance you meet a young woman who claims to be your daughter from a fling many years ago. What would you do?
I enjoyed this book as slowly everything is revealed bit by bit. We learn the truth, the lies, the deception, and boy is it juicy! If you love a good thriller then look no futher than this novel!
With a shocking ending that will leave you wanting more, this book will be a hit!
August 27, 2019
18 years prior, Chris Redfern met Eve Levine had a fling. Like most flings, Chris thought nothing of it, but Eve becomes pregnant following the brief affair. Fast forward to present day, Chris is now faced with 18 year old Katie who very much wants to get to know her father and be a part of his family, which he now has with his wife Rose and 18 year old daughter Julia. The family waits on a DNA test to confirm Katie’s story, but they allow Katie to stay with them while the await the results of the paternity test.
As the story begins to unfold, it becomes quite clear that letting Katie into their lives, was a HUGE mistake. What started out as adoration for a long lost father quickly escalates into an intricate web of lies and deceit. The family dynamic completely shifts as strange and violent events start to take place…including the disappearance of Julia’s friend.
I do think that the family was a bit too trusting when Katie showed up on their doorstep, but in the same respect, I don’t know what I would do if I was faced with the same revelation. Jake has delivered yet another nail biting, page turner that quite literally kept me on the edge of my seat. With each new revelation, the tension just kept building until we ultimately got to the stellar finish. Well done.
Thank you to Bookouture and NetGalley for providing an eARC. This did not influence my review. All opinions are my own.
As the story begins to unfold, it becomes quite clear that letting Katie into their lives, was a HUGE mistake. What started out as adoration for a long lost father quickly escalates into an intricate web of lies and deceit. The family dynamic completely shifts as strange and violent events start to take place…including the disappearance of Julia’s friend.
I do think that the family was a bit too trusting when Katie showed up on their doorstep, but in the same respect, I don’t know what I would do if I was faced with the same revelation. Jake has delivered yet another nail biting, page turner that quite literally kept me on the edge of my seat. With each new revelation, the tension just kept building until we ultimately got to the stellar finish. Well done.
Thank you to Bookouture and NetGalley for providing an eARC. This did not influence my review. All opinions are my own.
August 26, 2019
If you are looking for a fast paced thriller, this might not be your cup of tea, but it goes without a doubt that the story is intriguing and captivating. The author has the ability to confuse you and bring things to the book you don’t see how they will connect with the rest, but in the end it all makes perfect sense.
I do not mind that a thriller starts slowly as long as it delivers in the end and it certainly did for me.
I have to admit that I smelled a rat already in the beginning but I never dreamt it would develop the way it did. 🙂
The characters are a bit all over the place, but I think it fits the story perfectly. Who would not be confused or upset when they would find themselves in this situation?
Are people born with evil streaks? Yes, some are I guess and it gets worse and worse by the way they are treated. Sometimes revenge is the only way out for them.
You’d better be warned. Is the enemy the person knocking on your door disguised as an innocent stranger or as the person sleeping next to you for the last 16 years?
Who can you trust? Who should you be wary of?
A fascinating story sprinkled with a bit of humour. 4 stars.
Thank you, Jake Cross and Bookouture (via Netgalley)
https://bforbookreview.wordpress.com
I do not mind that a thriller starts slowly as long as it delivers in the end and it certainly did for me.
I have to admit that I smelled a rat already in the beginning but I never dreamt it would develop the way it did. 🙂
The characters are a bit all over the place, but I think it fits the story perfectly. Who would not be confused or upset when they would find themselves in this situation?
Are people born with evil streaks? Yes, some are I guess and it gets worse and worse by the way they are treated. Sometimes revenge is the only way out for them.
You’d better be warned. Is the enemy the person knocking on your door disguised as an innocent stranger or as the person sleeping next to you for the last 16 years?
Who can you trust? Who should you be wary of?
A fascinating story sprinkled with a bit of humour. 4 stars.
Thank you, Jake Cross and Bookouture (via Netgalley)
https://bforbookreview.wordpress.com
July 27, 2019
This book was weird. It started off pretty good, but the more I read, the stranger it got. Some parts were confusing. The end was bizarre. It was a bit disjointed at times. Thanks to netgalley for an advanced copy in exchange for my honest review.
August 23, 2019
Chris and Rose have an 18 year old daughter Julia. Life is plodding away nicely, apart from Rose’ rheumatoid arthritis, all is as it should be.
But then a note is put through their door ‘I KNOW WHAT YOU DID TO EVE LEVINE’
Rose thinks it must be something to do with Chris’ work at the hospital….but Chris seems to remember something from his past.
Then, after a mugging, they meet Katie, she says she’s Eve’s daughter…..and Chris is her father! As there had been a fire at Katie’s flat, she comes to stay with them….while they wait for paternity test results to come back.
Strange and violent events start to happen, Julia’s friend is hurt and secrets start to be unearthed …..not everyone is as they initially seemed to be…
This is a compelling psychological thriller with many twists and revelations that keep the sense of menace building from start to the nail biting finish.
Thank you to Bookouture for the opportunity to participate in this blog tour and for the promotional materials and a free copy of the ebook. This is my in honest, unbiased review.
Merged review:
Chris and Rose have an 18 year old daughter Julia. Life is plodding away nicely, apart from Rose’ rheumatoid arthritis, all is as it should be.
But then a note is put through their door ‘I KNOW WHAT YOU DID TO EVE LEVINE’
Rose thinks it must be something to do with Chris’ work at the hospital….but Chris seems to remember something from his past.
Then, after a mugging, they meet Katie, she says she’s Eve’s daughter…..and Chris is her father! As there had been a fire at Katie’s flat, she comes to stay with them….while they wait for paternity test results to come back.
Strange and violent events start to happen, Julia’s friend is hurt and secrets start to be unearthed …..not everyone is as they initially seemed to be…
This is a compelling psychological thriller with many twists and revelations that keep the sense of menace building from start to the nail biting finish.
Thank you to Bookouture, the author and NetGalley for a free copy of the ebook. This is my in honest, unbiased review.
But then a note is put through their door ‘I KNOW WHAT YOU DID TO EVE LEVINE’
Rose thinks it must be something to do with Chris’ work at the hospital….but Chris seems to remember something from his past.
Then, after a mugging, they meet Katie, she says she’s Eve’s daughter…..and Chris is her father! As there had been a fire at Katie’s flat, she comes to stay with them….while they wait for paternity test results to come back.
Strange and violent events start to happen, Julia’s friend is hurt and secrets start to be unearthed …..not everyone is as they initially seemed to be…
This is a compelling psychological thriller with many twists and revelations that keep the sense of menace building from start to the nail biting finish.
Thank you to Bookouture for the opportunity to participate in this blog tour and for the promotional materials and a free copy of the ebook. This is my in honest, unbiased review.
Merged review:
Chris and Rose have an 18 year old daughter Julia. Life is plodding away nicely, apart from Rose’ rheumatoid arthritis, all is as it should be.
But then a note is put through their door ‘I KNOW WHAT YOU DID TO EVE LEVINE’
Rose thinks it must be something to do with Chris’ work at the hospital….but Chris seems to remember something from his past.
Then, after a mugging, they meet Katie, she says she’s Eve’s daughter…..and Chris is her father! As there had been a fire at Katie’s flat, she comes to stay with them….while they wait for paternity test results to come back.
Strange and violent events start to happen, Julia’s friend is hurt and secrets start to be unearthed …..not everyone is as they initially seemed to be…
This is a compelling psychological thriller with many twists and revelations that keep the sense of menace building from start to the nail biting finish.
Thank you to Bookouture, the author and NetGalley for a free copy of the ebook. This is my in honest, unbiased review.
August 20, 2019
Wow. And not a good wow. A 'how did this even get close to publication?!' wow. This book is literally crammed full of some of the most unlikely events I've ever come across in a thriller and I've read some pretty outlandish thrillers.
A girl turns up claiming to be a man's daughter from a one-night stand eighteen years ago and his wife is all 'hey, move in with us until we find out either way!' and it gets more stupid with every chapter. There's a couple of attempted murders, an actual murder, a catfish, a couple of hostages, some pyromania, a LOT of secrets, an emphasis on rheumatoid arthritis which you think will become an important part of the story but it never does, a chequered past, a wanted criminal, an abandoned pub... It was just too much. And for a story so obsessed with fire, it fizzled out terribly.
I didn't care for the characters, I didn't buy any of the plot, the inconsistencies with personal pronouns was nothing short of irritating and for the most part, I couldn't follow any of the dialogue because it always seemed to refer to something not touched upon, as if it hadn't been re-edited since some changes were made. It definitely had a hook in that I was so stunned by how incoherent and ridiculous it was that I couldn't put it down until I'd seen how on earth the author managed to tie it together. Did he manage it? I'm not convinced.
A girl turns up claiming to be a man's daughter from a one-night stand eighteen years ago and his wife is all 'hey, move in with us until we find out either way!' and it gets more stupid with every chapter. There's a couple of attempted murders, an actual murder, a catfish, a couple of hostages, some pyromania, a LOT of secrets, an emphasis on rheumatoid arthritis which you think will become an important part of the story but it never does, a chequered past, a wanted criminal, an abandoned pub... It was just too much. And for a story so obsessed with fire, it fizzled out terribly.
I didn't care for the characters, I didn't buy any of the plot, the inconsistencies with personal pronouns was nothing short of irritating and for the most part, I couldn't follow any of the dialogue because it always seemed to refer to something not touched upon, as if it hadn't been re-edited since some changes were made. It definitely had a hook in that I was so stunned by how incoherent and ridiculous it was that I couldn't put it down until I'd seen how on earth the author managed to tie it together. Did he manage it? I'm not convinced.
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
September 3, 2019
Perfect Stranger is a twisted psychological thriller with a great creep factor. Would you let a young woman into your home because she claims to be your daughter from a long ago fling? If she had no proof? This couple and their teen daughter do let her in to live with them. Strange things begin to happen and keep happening. The family are not realistic because they weren't suspicious and didn't question the presence of this stranger coinciding with the strange events. It's like they were brain dead. Is this strange girl doing sinister things or is it actually a coincidence? The questions pile up. The story is very creepy and engrossing. I felt like I was being watched. I enjoyed the story, but I wish the family had been intelligent and intuitive. As psychological thrillers go, this story will keep you guessing! Thanks to NetGalley for an arc in exchange for an honest review.
September 19, 2019
I enjoyed this book more than the previous books by author Jake Cross.
A young woman landed up on Chris's doorstep claiming to be his daughter. That shattered the peace of the family. While waiting for DNA reports wife Katie invited the woman to stay at their home. Strange things happened. Who was the stranger who had invaded their home and lives?
My third book by Jake Cross, the story was different. Told mainly in Chris's POV, the story was interesting in most parts, though some felt repetitive. The characters were quite a weird lot, and therein lay the mystery. Lies and deception abounded, I never knew who was uttering them. The story reached its twisted culmination which was quite shocking.
An unexpected fun read.
A young woman landed up on Chris's doorstep claiming to be his daughter. That shattered the peace of the family. While waiting for DNA reports wife Katie invited the woman to stay at their home. Strange things happened. Who was the stranger who had invaded their home and lives?
My third book by Jake Cross, the story was different. Told mainly in Chris's POV, the story was interesting in most parts, though some felt repetitive. The characters were quite a weird lot, and therein lay the mystery. Lies and deception abounded, I never knew who was uttering them. The story reached its twisted culmination which was quite shocking.
An unexpected fun read.
October 10, 2024
Thanks to Bookouture for the ARC!!
I thought this story was a bit slow at first, but later I couldn't put it down. I just had to know what was gonna happen!!! Some say the ending was predictable, but it surprised me. I changed my mind several times while I was reading, 'cause I didn't know what to believe. All characters are very complex and have thousands of reasons to act the way they do.
Also, this story brings to discussion some really important matters, like catfishing, coming out to your parents as gay, DNA tests, childhood traumas, emotional and physical abuse, among others.
This is my first book by this author and I really liked it.
I thought this story was a bit slow at first, but later I couldn't put it down. I just had to know what was gonna happen!!! Some say the ending was predictable, but it surprised me. I changed my mind several times while I was reading, 'cause I didn't know what to believe. All characters are very complex and have thousands of reasons to act the way they do.
Also, this story brings to discussion some really important matters, like catfishing, coming out to your parents as gay, DNA tests, childhood traumas, emotional and physical abuse, among others.
This is my first book by this author and I really liked it.
April 17, 2021
I can and usually do forgive a lot when it comes to thrillers because it's probably my favourite genre and I tend to enjoy the silliness that often occurs in them. Perfect Stranger tested every bit of forgiveness I had.
The biggest issue was the dialogue. Do people in the North of England usually refer to their clothes as clothing? There was a lot of "I need that clothing back" or "Pass me that clothing" and I know that seems super trivial but sometimes when you read dialogue that sounds like it's been run through Google translate one too many times, it can really put you off a book as a whole.
The next issue was the characters. The dialogue certainly didn't help me care about them but even outside of that, I genuinely don't think I've cared any less for characters in a long time. It's not even that I disliked them because that would suggest I had any feelings at all.
The third issue was the plot. I don't know if this was an attempt at a plot twist but it didn't work if it was. The whole thing just felt so convoluted and that's something I actually tend to enjoy in thrillers but only when the rest of the book delivers. This did not.
If you want an easy, run-of-the-mill thriller to read on a day off then, sure, pick this up. Otherwise, save yourself and go in search of something better. Authors can and have written ridiculous while still writing well. Jake Cross got the ridiculous part down but the writing? Not for me.
Thanks to Bookouture and NetGalley for providing me with a copy for review.
The biggest issue was the dialogue. Do people in the North of England usually refer to their clothes as clothing? There was a lot of "I need that clothing back" or "Pass me that clothing" and I know that seems super trivial but sometimes when you read dialogue that sounds like it's been run through Google translate one too many times, it can really put you off a book as a whole.
The next issue was the characters. The dialogue certainly didn't help me care about them but even outside of that, I genuinely don't think I've cared any less for characters in a long time. It's not even that I disliked them because that would suggest I had any feelings at all.
The third issue was the plot. I don't know if this was an attempt at a plot twist but it didn't work if it was. The whole thing just felt so convoluted and that's something I actually tend to enjoy in thrillers but only when the rest of the book delivers. This did not.
If you want an easy, run-of-the-mill thriller to read on a day off then, sure, pick this up. Otherwise, save yourself and go in search of something better. Authors can and have written ridiculous while still writing well. Jake Cross got the ridiculous part down but the writing? Not for me.
Thanks to Bookouture and NetGalley for providing me with a copy for review.
January 16, 2024
Meh
Feel like half of that didn't need to be in the book
Feel like half of that didn't need to be in the book
August 14, 2019
When Chris and his wife Rose are confronted by a teenaged girl named Katie, who tells them she could be Chris’s daughter from a one night stand seventeen years ago, the couple are shocked.
While awaiting the results of a paternity test, Chris reluctantly invites Katie to stay with them and their daughter Julia. But is Katie all she seems? Her stepfather was murdered, and the main suspect has been spotted in Chris’s neighbourhood...
First off, let me start by saying I don't like to leave negative reviews, but this book drove me mad. There were so many errors and inconsistencies, the characters were like cardboard cutouts and universally irritating, and there was a lot of repetition.
Katie, Chris and Rose’s daughter, doesn't think to question why they have a strange girl her age staying with them until she's already been there a week. Chris's wife Rose asks THREE TIMES when he's going to tell the rest of the family about Katie potentially being his daughter - and it's not done to suggest she's gently nagging him either, each time it's as though it's the first time it's come up, and each time he gets the same answer. It's as though the author simply forgot they'd already posed the question.
The explanations Katie comes up with for things are ludicrous too, and they’re just lapped up by the family. NO ONE QUESTIONS ANYTHING IN THIS BOOK. It’s so annoying - especially when it's something as huge and life changing as a young girl turning up claiming to be your long lost daughter. A throwaway comment from Rose about Chris and Katie sharing DNA doesn’t elicit any kind of acknowledgement from their daughter Julia, who doesn’t know that Katie may be her dad’s daughter at that point. Clearly a slip by the author which wasn't picked up in the editing (as was Katie being referred to as "him" on one occasion). Plus even though there’s red flag after red flag, they all carry on writing off Katie’s behaviour as grief. Even when they know she’s lying about her burns, they make excuses for her - there's not a hint of suspicion for ages, and they don't know whether she's who she says she is at that point, so they're just blindly trusting a stranger who they know is lying?? No one challenges her on anything, or feels uneasy about the lies. It’s just ludicrous. The reactions of the characters in general is just so off. Rose in particular has no qualms about a strange girl turning up and announcing that she’s her husband’s long lost daughter. and not only that, defends her behaviour every time she does something strange or wrong.
The book needed a thorough editing, too. Some of the sentences didn’t even make sense: “A woman whose essence imbibed those who came into her circle”. Um, what? Imbibed used in totally the wrong context and not picked up by an editor? The whole thing was just sloppy and, I have to say, boring. The plot just didn’t seem to advance, I hated the cardboard cut-out characters, and the lack of any realistic responses just made this book irritating to read. I was so over it by the time I got to the end that I didn’t even care who was who and who’d done what any more. If I wasn't reading this for NetGalley, I would have given up halfway through for sure.
Thank you to NetGalley for providing me with a free ARC copy of this book in exchange for an honest review. (Sorry it's not a better one!)
While awaiting the results of a paternity test, Chris reluctantly invites Katie to stay with them and their daughter Julia. But is Katie all she seems? Her stepfather was murdered, and the main suspect has been spotted in Chris’s neighbourhood...
First off, let me start by saying I don't like to leave negative reviews, but this book drove me mad. There were so many errors and inconsistencies, the characters were like cardboard cutouts and universally irritating, and there was a lot of repetition.
Katie, Chris and Rose’s daughter, doesn't think to question why they have a strange girl her age staying with them until she's already been there a week. Chris's wife Rose asks THREE TIMES when he's going to tell the rest of the family about Katie potentially being his daughter - and it's not done to suggest she's gently nagging him either, each time it's as though it's the first time it's come up, and each time he gets the same answer. It's as though the author simply forgot they'd already posed the question.
The explanations Katie comes up with for things are ludicrous too, and they’re just lapped up by the family. NO ONE QUESTIONS ANYTHING IN THIS BOOK. It’s so annoying - especially when it's something as huge and life changing as a young girl turning up claiming to be your long lost daughter. A throwaway comment from Rose about Chris and Katie sharing DNA doesn’t elicit any kind of acknowledgement from their daughter Julia, who doesn’t know that Katie may be her dad’s daughter at that point. Clearly a slip by the author which wasn't picked up in the editing (as was Katie being referred to as "him" on one occasion). Plus even though there’s red flag after red flag, they all carry on writing off Katie’s behaviour as grief. Even when they know she’s lying about her burns, they make excuses for her - there's not a hint of suspicion for ages, and they don't know whether she's who she says she is at that point, so they're just blindly trusting a stranger who they know is lying?? No one challenges her on anything, or feels uneasy about the lies. It’s just ludicrous. The reactions of the characters in general is just so off. Rose in particular has no qualms about a strange girl turning up and announcing that she’s her husband’s long lost daughter. and not only that, defends her behaviour every time she does something strange or wrong.
The book needed a thorough editing, too. Some of the sentences didn’t even make sense: “A woman whose essence imbibed those who came into her circle”. Um, what? Imbibed used in totally the wrong context and not picked up by an editor? The whole thing was just sloppy and, I have to say, boring. The plot just didn’t seem to advance, I hated the cardboard cut-out characters, and the lack of any realistic responses just made this book irritating to read. I was so over it by the time I got to the end that I didn’t even care who was who and who’d done what any more. If I wasn't reading this for NetGalley, I would have given up halfway through for sure.
Thank you to NetGalley for providing me with a free ARC copy of this book in exchange for an honest review. (Sorry it's not a better one!)
July 27, 2019
Imagine a teenage stranger knocking on your door one night, claiming to be the daughter you didn’t know you had. She tells you she has no place to go. Would you invite her in to stay? Afterwards, you might regret it!
One night, that’s exactly what happens to Chris and Rose. Katie shows up on their doorstep and tells them she’s Chris’ daughter. She’s just lost her mother, a woman Chris remembers from a summer fling a long time ago. And while they are in shock by this revelation, Katie soon drops another bombshell. She has no place to go.
This is where Jake Cross creates a scenario that would put a lot of people in an awful position. Do you turn down a teenage girl with no place to go who claims to be your daughter? Or do you invite her in to stay? It seems like a catch-22 as turning her down means rejecting your daughter, but inviting her in could get you into serious trouble.
Therefore, Chris and Rose decide to invite her to live with them. At least until the DNA test comes back. But what strikes me as a little odd is they hide the fact Katie is (assumed to be) Chris’ daughter from their 18 year old daughter Julia. Likewise, Julia doesn’t ask any questions either and just accepts it. However, for some reason that just doesn’t seem likely, I would never just accept anyone moving in without an explanation and frankly I don’t know anyone who would.
As the story unfolds very strange things start to happen and people get hurt. Is Katie the cause of all this? It turns out Chris has some skeletons in his closet as well. Rose might not have invited a dangerous stranger into her home, he might have been living under her roof to begin with.
I don’t find the characters very likeable. They are back and forward between naive, hostile and oblivious, to everything around them and each other. It just doesn’t seem like the caring family I was expecting when I read the excerpt of this book.
The story is primarily based on coincidences however none of the protagonists seem to notice them. The first one happened right at the beginning and it continued on from there.
The idea behind the story is good. I like the concept of a long lost family member showing up and the change of dynamics that could case in a family in particular. It just didn’t grip me too much in this book. I feel if it was based on a little less coincidence it would be more believable for readers.
Overall it was an okay read. Therefore I would recommend it if you’re looking for a thriller to read on the pool side or the beach. It’s one of those books you can easily read if you want to do some light summer reading while getting a tan.
Disclaimer: I received this book as an ARC from Netgalley and Bookouture in exchange for my honest and unbiased review. All opinions are my own.
One night, that’s exactly what happens to Chris and Rose. Katie shows up on their doorstep and tells them she’s Chris’ daughter. She’s just lost her mother, a woman Chris remembers from a summer fling a long time ago. And while they are in shock by this revelation, Katie soon drops another bombshell. She has no place to go.
This is where Jake Cross creates a scenario that would put a lot of people in an awful position. Do you turn down a teenage girl with no place to go who claims to be your daughter? Or do you invite her in to stay? It seems like a catch-22 as turning her down means rejecting your daughter, but inviting her in could get you into serious trouble.
Therefore, Chris and Rose decide to invite her to live with them. At least until the DNA test comes back. But what strikes me as a little odd is they hide the fact Katie is (assumed to be) Chris’ daughter from their 18 year old daughter Julia. Likewise, Julia doesn’t ask any questions either and just accepts it. However, for some reason that just doesn’t seem likely, I would never just accept anyone moving in without an explanation and frankly I don’t know anyone who would.
As the story unfolds very strange things start to happen and people get hurt. Is Katie the cause of all this? It turns out Chris has some skeletons in his closet as well. Rose might not have invited a dangerous stranger into her home, he might have been living under her roof to begin with.
I don’t find the characters very likeable. They are back and forward between naive, hostile and oblivious, to everything around them and each other. It just doesn’t seem like the caring family I was expecting when I read the excerpt of this book.
The story is primarily based on coincidences however none of the protagonists seem to notice them. The first one happened right at the beginning and it continued on from there.
The idea behind the story is good. I like the concept of a long lost family member showing up and the change of dynamics that could case in a family in particular. It just didn’t grip me too much in this book. I feel if it was based on a little less coincidence it would be more believable for readers.
Overall it was an okay read. Therefore I would recommend it if you’re looking for a thriller to read on the pool side or the beach. It’s one of those books you can easily read if you want to do some light summer reading while getting a tan.
Disclaimer: I received this book as an ARC from Netgalley and Bookouture in exchange for my honest and unbiased review. All opinions are my own.
July 25, 2019
I got a free advance copy of this book in exchange for my honest review.
Perfect Stranger is about a family that is nearly destroyed by secrets and lies. Chris Redfern has been married for nineteen years to his wife, Rose. They have a normal family life with their daughter, Julia. However, he discovers that a one night stand which happened around the same time he met his wife could have resulted in a child, Katie. If she is really his child, it means he has sired two daughters with two different women a few weeks apart. Soon after finding out this, the family is forced to take her in their home. However, certain unexplainable things start happening. Rose starts wondering if Katie is who she really appears to be. Or if she knows Chris as well as she thought she did all along.
I found this story a bit hard to really get into. The characters were my main issue. None of them were likable. I understood that the revelation may have been a shock but I found that Chris was a bit dramatic in his reaction. Rose was an awful wife in my opinion. She was, quite frankly, a shrew. There were times during the book when I found myself getting really irritated with her. This was a bit of a turnoff for me because I cannot fully enjoy a book where there isn’t at least one person I could empathize with.
The writing for me was a bit stilted. The story did not flow as it should have. The dialogue between characters who supposedly loved each other was sometimes a bit hostile.
The plot was interesting though so that kept me going. However, the surprise twist at the end was not much of a surprise. I won’t give it away but I can say that if you could read between the lines, you could see where Jake Cross was headed.
Reading this book was a bit of a task for me. I found myself being easily distracted which happens when I’m not interested in a story. I was more than a bit relieved when the story ended. I am not certain I will try any more of his books.
Perfect Stranger is about a family that is nearly destroyed by secrets and lies. Chris Redfern has been married for nineteen years to his wife, Rose. They have a normal family life with their daughter, Julia. However, he discovers that a one night stand which happened around the same time he met his wife could have resulted in a child, Katie. If she is really his child, it means he has sired two daughters with two different women a few weeks apart. Soon after finding out this, the family is forced to take her in their home. However, certain unexplainable things start happening. Rose starts wondering if Katie is who she really appears to be. Or if she knows Chris as well as she thought she did all along.
I found this story a bit hard to really get into. The characters were my main issue. None of them were likable. I understood that the revelation may have been a shock but I found that Chris was a bit dramatic in his reaction. Rose was an awful wife in my opinion. She was, quite frankly, a shrew. There were times during the book when I found myself getting really irritated with her. This was a bit of a turnoff for me because I cannot fully enjoy a book where there isn’t at least one person I could empathize with.
The writing for me was a bit stilted. The story did not flow as it should have. The dialogue between characters who supposedly loved each other was sometimes a bit hostile.
The plot was interesting though so that kept me going. However, the surprise twist at the end was not much of a surprise. I won’t give it away but I can say that if you could read between the lines, you could see where Jake Cross was headed.
Reading this book was a bit of a task for me. I found myself being easily distracted which happens when I’m not interested in a story. I was more than a bit relieved when the story ended. I am not certain I will try any more of his books.
August 17, 2019
First, I want to thank Jake Cross, Bookouture, and NetGalley for providing me with this book so I may bring you this review.
Jake Cross was blessed with an incredible gift writing psychological thrillers. His newest book Perfect Stranger is a must-read book. This is a book that will leave you speechless and in shock. As I was reading it in my head I could see it being shown as a movie on Lifetime Channel. He captured everything from mystery, suspense, intense drama, secrets, lies, infidelity, twists and turns, coming out, investigations, etc.
A warning to readers this book may contain triggers for some. These would be suicide, physical and verbal abuse, parental neglect, severe mental illness, etc.
Kudos to the graphic artist who created the cover! It was pure genius! It totally represented Katie and the house in my eyes. The cover, title and the saying on the front cover made me want to know more about the book.
In the acknowledgements I like how he thanks everyone at Bookouture for their sheer brilliance. I smiled when he specifically mentioned Noelle and Kim for giving him great advice and back-slaps and reality checks at the same time.
The funny thing as I was reading this there was one thing that kept popping into my head. That one thing was be careful who you have a one night stands with. It could bite you in the booty big time later on!
I could tell by his writing style that James was extremely passionate about his characters and storylines. Especially Katie. One thing I loved with her was her character progression where at the very end you saw all of her true colors shine through! They were nothing I had ever read about in the past! I was totally shocked and blown away. Rarely does that happen.
I love how Jake Cross mind worked on this story! I am an instant fan of his and would gladly review for him again in a heartbeat.
Jake Cross was blessed with an incredible gift writing psychological thrillers. His newest book Perfect Stranger is a must-read book. This is a book that will leave you speechless and in shock. As I was reading it in my head I could see it being shown as a movie on Lifetime Channel. He captured everything from mystery, suspense, intense drama, secrets, lies, infidelity, twists and turns, coming out, investigations, etc.
A warning to readers this book may contain triggers for some. These would be suicide, physical and verbal abuse, parental neglect, severe mental illness, etc.
Kudos to the graphic artist who created the cover! It was pure genius! It totally represented Katie and the house in my eyes. The cover, title and the saying on the front cover made me want to know more about the book.
In the acknowledgements I like how he thanks everyone at Bookouture for their sheer brilliance. I smiled when he specifically mentioned Noelle and Kim for giving him great advice and back-slaps and reality checks at the same time.
The funny thing as I was reading this there was one thing that kept popping into my head. That one thing was be careful who you have a one night stands with. It could bite you in the booty big time later on!
I could tell by his writing style that James was extremely passionate about his characters and storylines. Especially Katie. One thing I loved with her was her character progression where at the very end you saw all of her true colors shine through! They were nothing I had ever read about in the past! I was totally shocked and blown away. Rarely does that happen.
I love how Jake Cross mind worked on this story! I am an instant fan of his and would gladly review for him again in a heartbeat.
August 19, 2019
This book promised to be a good read. There were many parts of it that were well written but there were also some rather surreal happenings, inconsistencies and just plain unbelievable developments to the plot. I know this is fiction but the story just seemed to run away with itself and become rather fantastical. I ended up feeling confused and several times remarked out loud 'This is nonsense!'
The premise, of a unknown daughter who emerges into a family, where a DNA paternity test reveals she is Chris's daughter, is a believable and sound one. Rose's reactions (Rose is Chris's wife) are often not believable and Julia, the 'real' daughter doesn't quite come across as believable either.
The parts where Chris, who is a microbiologist, is in the lab, are good and there are occasions where the dry humour made me laugh (mainly around Lionel Parrott, lab assistant), but the rest of it is just plain bizarre.
Katie is completely deranged. Hope that doesn't spoil the plot for anyone. Gold star to you if you can understand the surreal connections made in this book. I am afraid my mind wasn't up to the task. Thanks however to Jake Cross, the publisher and Netgalley for giving me the opportunity to read this book.
The premise, of a unknown daughter who emerges into a family, where a DNA paternity test reveals she is Chris's daughter, is a believable and sound one. Rose's reactions (Rose is Chris's wife) are often not believable and Julia, the 'real' daughter doesn't quite come across as believable either.
The parts where Chris, who is a microbiologist, is in the lab, are good and there are occasions where the dry humour made me laugh (mainly around Lionel Parrott, lab assistant), but the rest of it is just plain bizarre.
Katie is completely deranged. Hope that doesn't spoil the plot for anyone. Gold star to you if you can understand the surreal connections made in this book. I am afraid my mind wasn't up to the task. Thanks however to Jake Cross, the publisher and Netgalley for giving me the opportunity to read this book.
September 20, 2019
Rose & Chris have been happily married for many years. They have a teenage daughter who has not caused them much angst & apart from Rose's rheumatoid arthritis, they are ticking along nicely, until a note is found for Chris saying, "I know what you did to Eve Levine"- which confuses them all. One evening their car is involved in an attempted robbery that is foiled by a girl on a motor bike. Shortly afterwards, their saviour arrives at their doorstep. She tells them that she is Katie, Eve's daughter- the result of a long ago fling. She has recently lost her mother & her flat has burned down. Kindhearted Rose invites her to stay. Chris reluctantly agrees- at least until a paternity test result anyway.
So far so good. A bit of a stretch accepting them taking her in, but OK. However from there on things got progressively more difficult to believe. I like a 'good' baddy but this one really stretched the bounds of likelihood. I stuck with it to the end but the last few chapters were an effort!
Thanks to Netgalley & the publisher for letting me read & review this book.
So far so good. A bit of a stretch accepting them taking her in, but OK. However from there on things got progressively more difficult to believe. I like a 'good' baddy but this one really stretched the bounds of likelihood. I stuck with it to the end but the last few chapters were an effort!
Thanks to Netgalley & the publisher for letting me read & review this book.
September 9, 2019
Mystery? Ha, what mystery? This book was terrible. I don't give a ton of 1 stars but this gets it. The characters were incredibly boring. The father, despite him being right about Katie, was still annoying with this constant whoa is me about having a mysterious new daughter. The mother was okay. It was nice she had a disease, just added a little to her character, but not much. WAY too many things happened in this book, all scrambled up and just didn't make any connections or sense, until the end. The end wasn't even all that great. It reminded me of a Lifetime movie, but a crappy one. It had a good idea. Girl targets family because she's mentally unstable. It screams Lifetime! But the writing was so poor, the organization was so poor, it just did not work for me.
August 17, 2019
This is a great psychological thriller that makes you question everything that happens.
Rose and Chris are happily married with a teenage daughter, but then a young girl turns up claiming to be Chris' daughter.
Chris is wary at first but Rose encourages him to get a DNA test done and take it from there.
Things start moving a bit too quickly though as Katie needs somewhere to stay so Rose offers her their sofa.
Strange things start to happen around the family but Katie is the perfect pillar of support for the family so no questions are asked.
A slow burner to start with and then it really gets going.
Thanks to Bookouture and NetGalley for the opportunity to read this book.
Rose and Chris are happily married with a teenage daughter, but then a young girl turns up claiming to be Chris' daughter.
Chris is wary at first but Rose encourages him to get a DNA test done and take it from there.
Things start moving a bit too quickly though as Katie needs somewhere to stay so Rose offers her their sofa.
Strange things start to happen around the family but Katie is the perfect pillar of support for the family so no questions are asked.
A slow burner to start with and then it really gets going.
Thanks to Bookouture and NetGalley for the opportunity to read this book.
July 14, 2019
The Perfect Stranger by Jake Cross
Thanks @netgalley @jake_cross_author and @bookouture for my ARC
Publication date 22nd August 2019
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My goodness what a book! I absolutely raced through this. Firstly I loved the author’s writing style, knowledgeable and clever, this book incredible. Every chapter ended on a crazy twist that made it really hard to put down. A truly menacing and memorable psychological thriller. Five stars xx
Thanks @netgalley @jake_cross_author and @bookouture for my ARC
Publication date 22nd August 2019
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My goodness what a book! I absolutely raced through this. Firstly I loved the author’s writing style, knowledgeable and clever, this book incredible. Every chapter ended on a crazy twist that made it really hard to put down. A truly menacing and memorable psychological thriller. Five stars xx
September 4, 2019
What another belter and roller coaster of a ride this book has been. Gripping, thrilling, chilling and an edge of your seat read.
The story focuses on a family Rose (Mum), Chris (Dad) and Julie (Their daughter). But then Katie arrives aka the perfect stranger bringing trouble their way, I was questioning her character throughout… Who really is she?
A well deserved four stars from me. Highly recommend. Loving Jake Cross’s stories. Throughally enjoyed it, I was hooked. A real page turner.
The story focuses on a family Rose (Mum), Chris (Dad) and Julie (Their daughter). But then Katie arrives aka the perfect stranger bringing trouble their way, I was questioning her character throughout… Who really is she?
A well deserved four stars from me. Highly recommend. Loving Jake Cross’s stories. Throughally enjoyed it, I was hooked. A real page turner.
October 9, 2019
I appreciated the idea but the writing style was just not for me and made it difficult to connect with both the story and the characters which remained quite shallow in my opinion.
Thanks to NetGalley and Bookouture for this ebook!
Thanks to NetGalley and Bookouture for this ebook!
July 17, 2019
Was a good book overall. Didn't love the characters, but was well written with twists and turns.
Thanks to the publisher and net galley for an early release of this book.
Thanks to the publisher and net galley for an early release of this book.
December 2, 2021
With many thanks to Netgalley and the publishers for a copy of this book in exchange for an honest review.
This book left me so frustrated. Let's start with the positives, the writing was very good. The author has the ability to create tension and atmosphere which was good enough to keep me reading despite the very far fetched story line and unbelievable characters. If it had not been for the writing this would have been a DNF. The characters and their reactions to the events in the book were odd, particularly Rose. The story line was so unbelievable that I found myself declaring out loud "oh come on". It could have been a great book but sadly it wasn't.
This book left me so frustrated. Let's start with the positives, the writing was very good. The author has the ability to create tension and atmosphere which was good enough to keep me reading despite the very far fetched story line and unbelievable characters. If it had not been for the writing this would have been a DNF. The characters and their reactions to the events in the book were odd, particularly Rose. The story line was so unbelievable that I found myself declaring out loud "oh come on". It could have been a great book but sadly it wasn't.
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