What do you think?
Rate this book
Isolation
As a deadly epidemic sends the nation into quarantine, one family must face a killer in their home in this tense and timely mystery thriller.
Seemingly out of nowhere, a vicious virus puts all of America on lockdown. In their opulent mansion, the wealthy Stone family is better off than most. But they're not without their problems. Mark, a former tech industry giant, is now an invalid close to death. His wife Brenna is unravelling more each day. And the children are terrified by the constantly shifting news.
Then a member of the household staff starts showing symptoms. As paranoia builds, the family's fragile bonds are put to the test. But the virus is the least of their worries. Because someone has chosen to use this crisis to take the ultimate revenge . . .
Seemingly out of nowhere, a vicious virus puts all of America on lockdown. In their opulent mansion, the wealthy Stone family is better off than most. But they're not without their problems. Mark, a former tech industry giant, is now an invalid close to death. His wife Brenna is unravelling more each day. And the children are terrified by the constantly shifting news.
Then a member of the household staff starts showing symptoms. As paranoia builds, the family's fragile bonds are put to the test. But the virus is the least of their worries. Because someone has chosen to use this crisis to take the ultimate revenge . . .
- GenresThriller
278 pages, Kindle Edition
First published November 17, 2020
508 people are currently reading
334 people want to read
About the author
Sarah K. Stephens
8 books139 followersSarah K. Stephens is the author of seven novels and a developmental psychologist at Penn State University.
Although Fall and Spring find her in the classroom, she remains a writer year-round. Her writing has appeared in LitHub, The Writer's Chronicle, Hazlitt, and The Millions. Sarah's books include the psychological thrillers A Flash of Red, It Was Always You, The Anniversary, Isolation, The Good Life, The Killing Kind, and The Girl in the Fire.
Sarah loves using her psychological training to craft darkly human stories with killer twists. When she’s not plotting death and betrayal, she can be found enjoying the pleasures of country life with her husband and children in Central Pennsylvania.
E-mail: skstephensauthor (at) gmail (dot) com
Sarah enjoys attending Book Clubs and other literary events. E-mail with your inquiries.
Facebook: @sarahkstephensauthor
Instagram: @skstephenswrite
Ratings & Reviews
Friends & Following
Create a free account to discover what your friends think of this book!
Community Reviews
Displaying 1 - 30 of 42 reviews
November 17, 2020
A vicious virus has taken over the country. Everyone and everything is in lock down. This is the story of one family ....
Mark and Brenna are married with two children. Mark is dying, a little bit more each day. He's locked in a sterile room in the house. His wife has hired a nurse to take care of him. There's also the man who takes care of the horses and the man who maintains the gardens. Groceries are running low....
And when one of them starts to show symptoms, the rest of them have to decide what's to be done. There are no doctors, but then there's no cure anyway.
Lock down and isolation may kill them all.
This could have been taken from today's headlines ... but this is slightly different. There's a lot more going on .... they all have dark secrets ... on person in particular who has an axe to grind .. and what better time than now.
I have to admit, at first I wasn't too thrilled at reading about something I was watching on the nightly news. But then it drew me in .... It's a well written, character driven story about a family and their relationships. There are plenty of twists and turn; the ending comes fast and furious .. totally surprising and unexpected.
Many thanks to the author / Bloodhound Books for the digital copy of this thriller. Read and reviewed voluntarily, opinions are unbiased and entirely my own.
Mark and Brenna are married with two children. Mark is dying, a little bit more each day. He's locked in a sterile room in the house. His wife has hired a nurse to take care of him. There's also the man who takes care of the horses and the man who maintains the gardens. Groceries are running low....
And when one of them starts to show symptoms, the rest of them have to decide what's to be done. There are no doctors, but then there's no cure anyway.
Lock down and isolation may kill them all.
This could have been taken from today's headlines ... but this is slightly different. There's a lot more going on .... they all have dark secrets ... on person in particular who has an axe to grind .. and what better time than now.
I have to admit, at first I wasn't too thrilled at reading about something I was watching on the nightly news. But then it drew me in .... It's a well written, character driven story about a family and their relationships. There are plenty of twists and turn; the ending comes fast and furious .. totally surprising and unexpected.
Many thanks to the author / Bloodhound Books for the digital copy of this thriller. Read and reviewed voluntarily, opinions are unbiased and entirely my own.
November 14, 2020
For some readers, it may take a while to get into the story (as it did for my husband), however having read Sarah before, I knew what to expect. She bases the story at the start of the 2020 pandemic in the USA and a wealthy family going into lock down. The story is told by both the family and staff of the house but there is a very bad apple amongst them,,,,,,but just who is it. Sarah's strength in her writing, is that even when we are told who the killer is, she still makes you suspect that it may be someone else and right until the end of the book, the reader doesn't really find out what has actually happened! It is a brilliant psychological tale with misdirection and twists in abundance and highly recommend it.
Thanks to Bloodhound Books for the ARC to review.
Thanks to Bloodhound Books for the ARC to review.
November 6, 2022
Thriller is not my usual fare, but I was in the mood. I was ready for a Covid-based plot, too. The author is local to central PA where I live and that intrigued me.
The beginning built a web of messed up characters in a seemingly nice house with some seriously disturbing features. The story was complex enough to keep me shifting ideas for blame throughout at least half of the book. A few lines thudded as I read them - like the information could have been delivered a little more artfully, but overall the plot simmered enough to make me want more. I found the chapters changing perspective between the characters held my interest. The ending boiled frenetically - altogether satisfying thriller.
The beginning built a web of messed up characters in a seemingly nice house with some seriously disturbing features. The story was complex enough to keep me shifting ideas for blame throughout at least half of the book. A few lines thudded as I read them - like the information could have been delivered a little more artfully, but overall the plot simmered enough to make me want more. I found the chapters changing perspective between the characters held my interest. The ending boiled frenetically - altogether satisfying thriller.
December 22, 2020
Modern Mystery Thriller
I enjoyed this story. It was a bit slow to start with but it had a lot of interesting characters and a lot going on. I cottoned on to what was happening quite early but there was a lot of side storylines that got were intertwined that kept me guessing and interested. Considering Sarah Stephens started writing this novel at the start of the covid 19 pandemic it is really good quality seen as it's been written and released all under one year. It's a bit of an Agatha Christie type of whodunnit with connections to the modern day pandemic that we are facing right now.
Well done to the author. A new talent.
I enjoyed this story. It was a bit slow to start with but it had a lot of interesting characters and a lot going on. I cottoned on to what was happening quite early but there was a lot of side storylines that got were intertwined that kept me guessing and interested. Considering Sarah Stephens started writing this novel at the start of the covid 19 pandemic it is really good quality seen as it's been written and released all under one year. It's a bit of an Agatha Christie type of whodunnit with connections to the modern day pandemic that we are facing right now.
Well done to the author. A new talent.
January 10, 2021
I couldn’t keep reading. Didn’t realize it was involving COVID. I read to escape reality.
Read
April 17, 2021Дано се хареса на българската публика.
January 7, 2021
2.5 stars
I was expecting so much more from this. A rich family in quarantine and someone there is a killer. How awesome does that sound?? In the end this was very slow paced for a thriller and I kind of knew who the killer was before I got to 50%.
I was expecting so much more from this. A rich family in quarantine and someone there is a killer. How awesome does that sound?? In the end this was very slow paced for a thriller and I kind of knew who the killer was before I got to 50%.
November 26, 2020
This book was like an action-thriller, with plenty of twists coming at you fast and furious. I was furiously turning pages by the end, waiting impatiently to see what was coming next!
The plot involves an ultra-wealthy family and their staff in isolation from the outside world during a spreading pandemic - it’s not COVID, but COVID-like, so there’s some nice artistic license the author gets to take there. Things start to go south when one of the staff begins to show symptoms, and the others have to make some tough decisions which set off an unstoppable chain of events.
The characters are all unique and have their own backstories, so the reader is kept on their toes, trying to figure everyone out. There’s the couple, their two children, the nurse who cares for the dying husband, the gardener, and the horse tender. Each has secrets, and each has conflicting loyalties, even the kids. It makes for some interesting choices and dilemmas.
Like I said, this is a book you can’t sleep on, you have to be paying attention through the whole thing to keep putting all the pieces together to get the whole picture. And it’s really very good once everything is revealed. I liked that it wasn’t all a total happy ending, because that wouldn’t have felt “right” with this story. I like how things worked out.
I can’t really say too much without spoiling things, but trust me, this is a quick, great read that will keep you company while you socially isolate this holiday season. Then you’ll look sideways at your housemates and start questioning their motives.
The plot involves an ultra-wealthy family and their staff in isolation from the outside world during a spreading pandemic - it’s not COVID, but COVID-like, so there’s some nice artistic license the author gets to take there. Things start to go south when one of the staff begins to show symptoms, and the others have to make some tough decisions which set off an unstoppable chain of events.
The characters are all unique and have their own backstories, so the reader is kept on their toes, trying to figure everyone out. There’s the couple, their two children, the nurse who cares for the dying husband, the gardener, and the horse tender. Each has secrets, and each has conflicting loyalties, even the kids. It makes for some interesting choices and dilemmas.
Like I said, this is a book you can’t sleep on, you have to be paying attention through the whole thing to keep putting all the pieces together to get the whole picture. And it’s really very good once everything is revealed. I liked that it wasn’t all a total happy ending, because that wouldn’t have felt “right” with this story. I like how things worked out.
I can’t really say too much without spoiling things, but trust me, this is a quick, great read that will keep you company while you socially isolate this holiday season. Then you’ll look sideways at your housemates and start questioning their motives.
November 15, 2020
This is a wonderful psychological thriller. In my opinion it starts slowly but gets better and better with each chapter. A wealthy family in a large house with grounds are thrown into isolation due to deadly virus (sound familiar?). The family consisting of two children, mother, father (who is bedridden and dying), his nurse and two tradesmen. Due to the virus they are not allowed off their estate and have to be self sufficient. If that is not stressful enough there is a killer in their midst.
As the author takes you through each character there are many twists and turns in their daily lives and you suspect each of wrongdoings. As each day passes in quarantine the group of people start imploding on themselves.
All in this is a good read that keeps you in suspense throughout the book.
Thank you to Bloodhound Books for the ARC which I've reviewed voluntarily.
As the author takes you through each character there are many twists and turns in their daily lives and you suspect each of wrongdoings. As each day passes in quarantine the group of people start imploding on themselves.
All in this is a good read that keeps you in suspense throughout the book.
Thank you to Bloodhound Books for the ARC which I've reviewed voluntarily.
November 13, 2020
Lockdown during a pandemic can send even the sanest person insane.
But what if you are in lockdown with insane people?
It can only be a recipe for disaster. Especially when some of those people have a vendetta or their own agenda.
Who will come out of this lockdown alive? It won’t be the virus that kills them.
With a great cast of characters, the story is told by them, through each chapter.
This took me a little while to get into. For me in the beginning it felt slightly “disjointed” and I wasn’t really sure where the storyline was leading us.
That is until you get to that point in a book that I relish, the point you are gripped and pulled into the storyline, and aren’t “released” until the book reaches its conclusion.
Every step closer you get to the book’s conclusion you are thrown yet another twist that you won’t have seen coming; twist after twist, right up to the very last page.
Brilliant writing again from this author.
But what if you are in lockdown with insane people?
It can only be a recipe for disaster. Especially when some of those people have a vendetta or their own agenda.
Who will come out of this lockdown alive? It won’t be the virus that kills them.
With a great cast of characters, the story is told by them, through each chapter.
This took me a little while to get into. For me in the beginning it felt slightly “disjointed” and I wasn’t really sure where the storyline was leading us.
That is until you get to that point in a book that I relish, the point you are gripped and pulled into the storyline, and aren’t “released” until the book reaches its conclusion.
Every step closer you get to the book’s conclusion you are thrown yet another twist that you won’t have seen coming; twist after twist, right up to the very last page.
Brilliant writing again from this author.
November 17, 2020
This story is about a family that is in isolation due to a virus. Things at first aren't too bad, but the longer they are together the more the people in this family start to 'lose it'. It shows to me how the 'family unit' of years gone by no longer applies to family members now. Have we totally lost touch within our own family and rely on outsiders and technology to keep us healthy and sane? A very interesting story about our trying times now. I voluntarily reviewed a copy of this book from Bloodhound Books.
November 18, 2020
This is my second read by this author and I really enjoyed this story.
A wealthy family consisting of a mother, father and two children go into lockdown with their staff as a virus spreads through the country. They are completely isolated so what happens when one of the staff start showing symptoms.
I wasn’t sure I’d enjoy reading about a topic we hear and talk about all the time but this is well written and character driven so I really enjoyed it. The twists and turns had me gripped.
A wealthy family consisting of a mother, father and two children go into lockdown with their staff as a virus spreads through the country. They are completely isolated so what happens when one of the staff start showing symptoms.
I wasn’t sure I’d enjoy reading about a topic we hear and talk about all the time but this is well written and character driven so I really enjoyed it. The twists and turns had me gripped.
November 18, 2020
I enjoyed this suspenseful story. This is a new author for me and I look forward to reading more from her. This is a well written story that pulled me in right from the beginning. The characters are connectable and made the story easy to read. They made the story feel realistic. This is a story about a rich family having to be in isolation but it could turn into something that will shock you. I enjoyed the twist and turns that kept me turning pages. I highly recommend this book.
November 15, 2020
An interesting concept mirroring today’s climate, Isolation is a story about an aggressive virus tearing through the world.
Or is it?
The setting is claustrophobic, despite the house and land being so big and the plot, full of unexpected twists keeps you guessing the further into the story you read.
Brenna’s family, trapped in a lockdown at the mercy of the virus or their mother?
The question brings out the characters, and each different in their own way, some not completely likeable but realistic.
A solid story worth a read.
Or is it?
The setting is claustrophobic, despite the house and land being so big and the plot, full of unexpected twists keeps you guessing the further into the story you read.
Brenna’s family, trapped in a lockdown at the mercy of the virus or their mother?
The question brings out the characters, and each different in their own way, some not completely likeable but realistic.
A solid story worth a read.
April 22, 2021
This one peaked my interest, but honestly I was very very disappointed.
The story was steadily-paced, but all the 'reveals' was given away too quickly, or were very predictable. When reading these types of books, I want to be shocked, I want to be excited to read on, and I want plenty of twists and turns to keep me on the edge of my seat, but this book provided nothing of the sort. The characters were unlikeable, the whole plot was unrealistic and far-fetched, and honestly, I couldn't wait for the book to be over.
I never shut down an author after just one book, so will give this author's other books a try, but this one definitely wasn't for me.
The story was steadily-paced, but all the 'reveals' was given away too quickly, or were very predictable. When reading these types of books, I want to be shocked, I want to be excited to read on, and I want plenty of twists and turns to keep me on the edge of my seat, but this book provided nothing of the sort. The characters were unlikeable, the whole plot was unrealistic and far-fetched, and honestly, I couldn't wait for the book to be over.
I never shut down an author after just one book, so will give this author's other books a try, but this one definitely wasn't for me.
December 31, 2020
Curiously Creepy
I'm not a literary expert, and can't detail symbolism, meaning, etc. etc.. I simply enjoy reading. I was drawn to Isolation based on the subject description, and the current state of existence during Covid. I found chapter upon chapter laced with curious creepiness; an unspoken mix of Alfred Hitchcock and Rod Serling.; you feel like something is not quite right. I found this tone consistent throughout the read. I found the work enjoyable, and would recommend.
I'm not a literary expert, and can't detail symbolism, meaning, etc. etc.. I simply enjoy reading. I was drawn to Isolation based on the subject description, and the current state of existence during Covid. I found chapter upon chapter laced with curious creepiness; an unspoken mix of Alfred Hitchcock and Rod Serling.; you feel like something is not quite right. I found this tone consistent throughout the read. I found the work enjoyable, and would recommend.
February 22, 2021
Two and a half stars. Well i have to credit the author for writing a book about a pandemic in the middle of a pandemic so quickly. It had some good things going for it, but in the end, i was disappointed. The constantly changing POV's of the characters was confusing and the ending was a rush of information and actions that to me bordered on chaos. Yes there were surprises, but there has to be a limit of reader shock and believability. In the end, i just didn't enjoy it.
November 16, 2020
Wow, this book really gave me the creeps. I found myself rapidly turning the pages to find out what was going to happen next and holding my breath the whole time. The characters were complex and I just couldn’t figure out who I liked or hated or both. I would definitely recommend this book to anyone looking to get creeped out pandemic-style.
February 16, 2021
Intriguing! Couldn't stop reading.
This was a story that kept changing. You think it is about one thing and it changes into another, as do the characters. But it was a book I could not stop reading and eventually you get there, to the truth and you realize the truth really isn't what you thought.
This was a story that kept changing. You think it is about one thing and it changes into another, as do the characters. But it was a book I could not stop reading and eventually you get there, to the truth and you realize the truth really isn't what you thought.
May 5, 2021
Interesting
I definitely would not call this a thriller. Although the story was interesting, there was almost no background to any of the characters that made me feel like I really knew them. It was a fairly one dimensional story that I definitely dent feel connected to, yet which also made me want to keep reading to find out the truth. 3 stars as it was a bit up and down for me
I definitely would not call this a thriller. Although the story was interesting, there was almost no background to any of the characters that made me feel like I really knew them. It was a fairly one dimensional story that I definitely dent feel connected to, yet which also made me want to keep reading to find out the truth. 3 stars as it was a bit up and down for me
November 22, 2020
It took me a while to get into the characters and keeping up with who was who. I've never read any of the writers books before.
The book was alright on the whole. It kept you waiting till the end to reveal who died and by who. Just glad Brenna isn't my Mum!
The book was alright on the whole. It kept you waiting till the end to reveal who died and by who. Just glad Brenna isn't my Mum!
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
December 27, 2020
This was hard to put down. The characters are so complex. The author created a great escape. If you’re reluctant to read a book about COVID19, while existing during it, don’t be! It oddly left me grateful for the safe shelter, love, and abundance in my own home.
January 22, 2021
What the....
Breaks my heart to read a book I know someone put their heart and soul into but the finished product is just words on a page. Maybe there was a story in those words but my only take away was, trust no one, not even your Mother. Not a good thought to have.
Breaks my heart to read a book I know someone put their heart and soul into but the finished product is just words on a page. Maybe there was a story in those words but my only take away was, trust no one, not even your Mother. Not a good thought to have.
March 25, 2021
Fantastic!
This book was a thrill ride!!! OMG in could not put it down. I am exhausted... This is the most action packed... Twisted incredible sorry that I think I've ever read. And I read ALOT.
I CAN'T WAIT TO CHECK OUT MORE FROM THIS AUTHOR
This book was a thrill ride!!! OMG in could not put it down. I am exhausted... This is the most action packed... Twisted incredible sorry that I think I've ever read. And I read ALOT.
I CAN'T WAIT TO CHECK OUT MORE FROM THIS AUTHOR
July 30, 2021
Wow! Truly suspenseful!
The first few pages were a little slow as the characters were built, but once you got past that, I couldn't put it down. It was a great book that kept you guessing right up to the end!
The first few pages were a little slow as the characters were built, but once you got past that, I couldn't put it down. It was a great book that kept you guessing right up to the end!
November 15, 2020
This is not what you think it’s going to be. I really enjoyed this book and kinda wish there was more of it.
November 17, 2020
This took a while to get into but well worth persevering with. Going into lockdown during an epidemic can you stay sane but do you know who you are living with???
November 25, 2020
Great book
I really enjoy this book. So many twists and turns. I do believe there needs to be a sequel though.
I really enjoy this book. So many twists and turns. I do believe there needs to be a sequel though.
January 8, 2021
Wow
I did not see that coming at all the ending. A really good and well written book. Will there be a follow on book
I did not see that coming at all the ending. A really good and well written book. Will there be a follow on book
Displaying 1 - 30 of 42 reviews