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The Wrong Stranger
He's always enjoyed the darker things in life, finding that the thrill of the hunt and the kill are the only aspects of life he truly loves... Bill Wright has spent years building a successful career that allows him ample time to work on his favorite hobby, all while blending in with the rest of society. After a tragedy hits home, Bill's marriage to a woman nearly half his age teeters on the edge, threatening his way of life.
He begins to see another side to his wife that recaptures his attention. Bill invites Ashley to join him in his interests, hoping to reignite some passion in their relationship.
Holding on to a secret she isn't aware of keeping, Ashley struggles against the void that comes with each agonizing headache as she discovers who her husband really is... and who truly lies within herself. ... but will his wife's secret be all that it takes to undo him?
CONTENT WARNING ⚠️ This novel contains mature themes that some readers may find disturbing. For more information see author's website at www.klucasauthor.com
He begins to see another side to his wife that recaptures his attention. Bill invites Ashley to join him in his interests, hoping to reignite some passion in their relationship.
Holding on to a secret she isn't aware of keeping, Ashley struggles against the void that comes with each agonizing headache as she discovers who her husband really is... and who truly lies within herself. ... but will his wife's secret be all that it takes to undo him?
CONTENT WARNING ⚠️ This novel contains mature themes that some readers may find disturbing. For more information see author's website at www.klucasauthor.com
- GenresThriller
256 pages, Hardcover
Published October 31, 2021
39 people are currently reading
147 people want to read
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Displaying 1 - 22 of 22 reviews
October 17, 2021
Whoa! Whoa! Whoa! I wrapped up The Wrong Stranger last night and I think my heart rate is back to normal and I do not believe anyone is in my house watching my every move. This is a highly intense, thrill a minute, high octane read. That sends you on a horrific, terrifying trip of a lifetime. K. Lucas' details will make you feel as though you are there, lurking in the shadows watching these deeply disturbing deeds taking place. If you are in search of a dark, shocking, troubling psychological thriller, The Wrong Stranger is for you.
The book immediately grabs your attention and does not let up until the last distressing detail is revealed. Bill owns a trucking business; he is never home. He is always out on the hunt, searching for his next victim to play with. His hobby is his life, and everything he does revolves around it. He needs to appear normal, so no one suspects that there is more than meets the eye. He marries Ashley for this reason. When tragedy strikes their small family and their son, Chris is taken too soon. Ashley falls deep into depression. Spending days at a time in bed. Could the loss of Chris be too much for her? Or does it trigger something deep within Ashley? Something disturbing, that Bill will enjoy.
The Wrong Stranger made my head spin. I was filled with terror, and the descriptions are so detailed, so graphic, that I had to put the book down, take a deep breath and continue. This book is a crazy, intense read, that will have you sitting at the edge of your seat, reading as fast as possible. There are twists and turns I did not see coming, and the ending!!! It also has an emotional side, which will make your eyes well up when you read the ghastly details of how some people treat children. Thank you to K. Lucas for sending me your book. Wow! It is an amazingly emotional, terrifying read, that I enjoyed immensely.
The book immediately grabs your attention and does not let up until the last distressing detail is revealed. Bill owns a trucking business; he is never home. He is always out on the hunt, searching for his next victim to play with. His hobby is his life, and everything he does revolves around it. He needs to appear normal, so no one suspects that there is more than meets the eye. He marries Ashley for this reason. When tragedy strikes their small family and their son, Chris is taken too soon. Ashley falls deep into depression. Spending days at a time in bed. Could the loss of Chris be too much for her? Or does it trigger something deep within Ashley? Something disturbing, that Bill will enjoy.
The Wrong Stranger made my head spin. I was filled with terror, and the descriptions are so detailed, so graphic, that I had to put the book down, take a deep breath and continue. This book is a crazy, intense read, that will have you sitting at the edge of your seat, reading as fast as possible. There are twists and turns I did not see coming, and the ending!!! It also has an emotional side, which will make your eyes well up when you read the ghastly details of how some people treat children. Thank you to K. Lucas for sending me your book. Wow! It is an amazingly emotional, terrifying read, that I enjoyed immensely.
April 30, 2022
wow. just wow.
From start to finish this was a crazy book. I could not stop reading it. It is twisted and full of plot twists. Great read.
From start to finish this was a crazy book. I could not stop reading it. It is twisted and full of plot twists. Great read.
December 2, 2021
What a ride!
Whew!! I'm a total mess after finishing this book! I never knew what was coming next and this is what makes a fantastic read. Twists and turns coming at me so fast I would have to back up a few pages to make sure I was on track with what was happening! Excellent read!
Whew!! I'm a total mess after finishing this book! I never knew what was coming next and this is what makes a fantastic read. Twists and turns coming at me so fast I would have to back up a few pages to make sure I was on track with what was happening! Excellent read!
December 1, 2021
WOW
Wow this book had me on the edge all through it. You will not be disappointed once you start reading. Fair warning you may lose a little sleep.
Wow this book had me on the edge all through it. You will not be disappointed once you start reading. Fair warning you may lose a little sleep.
November 19, 2021
The Wrong Stranger by K. Lucas is a fast paced dark psychological thriller. Just when I thought I had everything figured out a twist happens that I did not see coming. Hoping that a second book will be coming soon.
Thank you to BookSirens for the free ARC. This review is voluntary and all opinions are my own.
Thank you to BookSirens for the free ARC. This review is voluntary and all opinions are my own.
November 4, 2021
I have always loved horror and psychological thrillers and try to consume media of the genre often whether it is via movies, tv shows, games or books. So when I read the synopsis of this novel I had high hopes and honestly the majority were met.
The book predominately follows Bill Wright who has always enjoyed the darker things in life, he finds that the thrill of the hunt and the kill are the only aspects of life he truly loves and intends to indulge. Building a successful career to allow him ample free time and resources to work on his favourite hobby while keeping up the pretense of blending in with ‘normal’ society. When a tragedy strikes his home life, Bill’s marriage to a woman, Ashley nearly half his age teeters on the edge, threatening his way of life.
It isn’t all bad news though, Bill begins to see a new side to his wife that recaptures his attention. Finally he invites Ashley to join him in his hobby and hopes to reignite their relationship. Slowly Ashley begins to struggle against the void that comes with each agonizing headache as she slowly discovers who her husband really is and what truly lies within herself as well. But could Ashley’s secret be the undoing of the couple.
The story is generally well written and fast paced but not for the faint of heart. It can be very visceral at parts and deals with some darker themes but obviously you would expect that from a psychological thriller. At a few points it did make me a little uncomfortable but not enough to stop reading.
All in all this was a good read and I would recommend it to psychological thriller fans who are not easily distressed by the themes.
Thank you to Booksirens and the author for a copy of the book. I received an advance review copy for free, and I am leaving this review voluntarily.
The book predominately follows Bill Wright who has always enjoyed the darker things in life, he finds that the thrill of the hunt and the kill are the only aspects of life he truly loves and intends to indulge. Building a successful career to allow him ample free time and resources to work on his favourite hobby while keeping up the pretense of blending in with ‘normal’ society. When a tragedy strikes his home life, Bill’s marriage to a woman, Ashley nearly half his age teeters on the edge, threatening his way of life.
It isn’t all bad news though, Bill begins to see a new side to his wife that recaptures his attention. Finally he invites Ashley to join him in his hobby and hopes to reignite their relationship. Slowly Ashley begins to struggle against the void that comes with each agonizing headache as she slowly discovers who her husband really is and what truly lies within herself as well. But could Ashley’s secret be the undoing of the couple.
The story is generally well written and fast paced but not for the faint of heart. It can be very visceral at parts and deals with some darker themes but obviously you would expect that from a psychological thriller. At a few points it did make me a little uncomfortable but not enough to stop reading.
All in all this was a good read and I would recommend it to psychological thriller fans who are not easily distressed by the themes.
Thank you to Booksirens and the author for a copy of the book. I received an advance review copy for free, and I am leaving this review voluntarily.
October 31, 2021
Let me begin by caveating that this was not the right book for ME. Although I am someone who enjoys true crime documentaries and podcasts and who can watch blood-filled horror movies without difficulty, the extent of graphic torture and murder scenes (often including sex acts throughout) was too much for me. That being said, if you have a stronger stomach for such things, you may very well enjoy The Wrong Stranger .
I did correctly guess at the plot twist that connected certain characters, but that’s not to say that it wasn’t well-done. Such elements of the story stand as testament of Lucas’s imagination and ability to create a storyline that I, for one, have never seen done before. My main critique (beyond the goriness of it, which is a point of personal taste) would be that there were many times in the book that I felt I was being “told” rather than “shown” the story.
This book was oddly lacking in dialogue. When dialogue was included, it was very brief and truncated, followed by explanations of the rest of the conversation and how the characters were feeling. I would have preferred more in-depth dialogue (and internal monologue!) rather than being told what everyone was thinking and feeling. I understand the choice to tell the story through an omniscient (perhaps limited) narrator, but I personally feel that this resulted in me feeling like I never deeply got to know any of the characters but was, instead, left on the periphery.
Still, I will say that author K. Lucas painted a vivid picture and kept me turning pages throughout most the story, curious to see what would happen next. Bill was a demonically intriguing character who had me checking my windows twice before going to bed, and Lucas’s ability to instill fear in readers is quite impressive for a debut author.
*I received an ARC copy in exchange for an honest review.*
I did correctly guess at the plot twist that connected certain characters, but that’s not to say that it wasn’t well-done. Such elements of the story stand as testament of Lucas’s imagination and ability to create a storyline that I, for one, have never seen done before. My main critique (beyond the goriness of it, which is a point of personal taste) would be that there were many times in the book that I felt I was being “told” rather than “shown” the story.
This book was oddly lacking in dialogue. When dialogue was included, it was very brief and truncated, followed by explanations of the rest of the conversation and how the characters were feeling. I would have preferred more in-depth dialogue (and internal monologue!) rather than being told what everyone was thinking and feeling. I understand the choice to tell the story through an omniscient (perhaps limited) narrator, but I personally feel that this resulted in me feeling like I never deeply got to know any of the characters but was, instead, left on the periphery.
Still, I will say that author K. Lucas painted a vivid picture and kept me turning pages throughout most the story, curious to see what would happen next. Bill was a demonically intriguing character who had me checking my windows twice before going to bed, and Lucas’s ability to instill fear in readers is quite impressive for a debut author.
*I received an ARC copy in exchange for an honest review.*
October 15, 2021
If you like dark psychological thrillers, then The Wrong Stranger is the right book for you!
The prologue hooks you right away and makes you eagerly continue to turn the pages. Every chapter is filled with twists and turns. Just when you think you know what’s going on, another plot twist plummets you back into the depths of despair and shock. (Spoiler Alert: Don’t get too attached to a character, there’s a good chance they won’t be left in one piece!)
K. Lucas leaves you cringing, hanging on the edge of your seat, and anxious to read more!
The prologue hooks you right away and makes you eagerly continue to turn the pages. Every chapter is filled with twists and turns. Just when you think you know what’s going on, another plot twist plummets you back into the depths of despair and shock. (Spoiler Alert: Don’t get too attached to a character, there’s a good chance they won’t be left in one piece!)
K. Lucas leaves you cringing, hanging on the edge of your seat, and anxious to read more!
October 29, 2021
This is the 1st book I've read written by K. Lucas; I can’t wait to read more of her books.
She has written a great book. The story is about Ashley & Bill trying to save their marriage after tragedy strikes and they lose their son Chris.
I received a free copy of this book via booksprout and I’m voluntarily leaving a review.
She has written a great book. The story is about Ashley & Bill trying to save their marriage after tragedy strikes and they lose their son Chris.
I received a free copy of this book via booksprout and I’m voluntarily leaving a review.
October 17, 2021
I was totally sucked in by this thriller, it feels very much like a "classic thriller" to me - exactly what I would expect when looking for a quick, enjoyable, thrilling read. This author did a great job of subtly adding more and more layers onto the story which had me trying to guess ahead and failing every time. Nice, quick read that I enjoyed!
November 10, 2021
I just finished reading the book "The Wrong Stranger" by K Lucas. Thank you to Book Sirens for a free copy of this book in return for an honest review. This is a deep psychological thriller that includes some scenes that I can only describe as horrifying.
The story follows the character of Bill who enjoys the darker side of life and finds a woman who he believes is his match. When tragedy strikes the couple, his young wife finds herself sinking into a depressive state which leads Bill to try to include her in his dark hobby. The result is horrifying and difficult to read at times.
This psychological thriller is not for the faint of heart, but it is filled with drama and chaos which keeps the reader interested in what is going to happen next. For veterens of psychological thrillers, I would say to take a chance and read this book, but be warned that there are some uncomfortable parts to it, which makes it difficult to read but also difficult to put down.
The story follows the character of Bill who enjoys the darker side of life and finds a woman who he believes is his match. When tragedy strikes the couple, his young wife finds herself sinking into a depressive state which leads Bill to try to include her in his dark hobby. The result is horrifying and difficult to read at times.
This psychological thriller is not for the faint of heart, but it is filled with drama and chaos which keeps the reader interested in what is going to happen next. For veterens of psychological thrillers, I would say to take a chance and read this book, but be warned that there are some uncomfortable parts to it, which makes it difficult to read but also difficult to put down.
October 24, 2021
I really enjoyed reading this book! The opening is unusual but it works in the long run - we are introduced with a series of homicides, some of them quite brutal (to the point that I had to stop reading for a minute), that apparently don't make sense. it takes a further plunge into the story to be able to put the pieces together and connect some of the unwired threads. Bill and Ashley, the married couple who are the main characters of the whole story, go through the horrific lost of their little kid, who dies by accident in a swimming pool. The event will shutter them in different ways and make them react in different ways too, bringing up secrets and twists in the plot that will only be revealed at the end, in a mind-blowing finale.
March 8, 2022
This was a first time read for me by this author so I didn't know what to expect. Oh my, what an absolutely gripping and thrilling ride! This was such a page-turner, one of those books you pick up and simply can't put down until you reach the end. I was literally on the edge of my seat the whole time. So many twists and turns that I didn't see coming, kept me guessing the whole time! This is a dark, twisted, fast-paced thriller that is just simply riveting and you won't be able to put it down. If you are a fan of psychological thrillers, then you definitely don't want to miss this one!
Thank you BookSirens for the opportunity to review. This is my voluntarily and honest opinion.
Thank you BookSirens for the opportunity to review. This is my voluntarily and honest opinion.
December 12, 2021
Had promise, but was poorly executed. Great prologue, but the story itself was disjointed and went in too many different directions. The biggest issue was the lack of dialogue. Too much was simply told to the reader in a disconnected manner instead of being built up through dialogue between the characters.
May 8, 2022
The author of Wrong Stranger tone was incredible!
Fans of Karin Slaughter will enjoy. The way author went back and forth between characters - was exciting
The beginning was sad but worth the heartbreak
The ending was climactic and delivered a punch to the gut that no body is expecting
Bill and his “wives” give reader a run for money!
Fans of Karin Slaughter will enjoy. The way author went back and forth between characters - was exciting
The beginning was sad but worth the heartbreak
The ending was climactic and delivered a punch to the gut that no body is expecting
Bill and his “wives” give reader a run for money!
November 21, 2021
Wait. What? Idek.
Kept my attention.
Some difficulty following the random character changes.
All threads tied together with a neat pretty little bow at the end.
And the ending.
Solid, moderately something Idek what, 3.
Kept my attention.
Some difficulty following the random character changes.
All threads tied together with a neat pretty little bow at the end.
And the ending.
Solid, moderately something Idek what, 3.
January 4, 2022
The wrong stranger
I'm giving this 4 stars bc you don't find to many books that have this much gore and a good plot, and the twist that I'm not gonna mention.
I'm giving this 4 stars bc you don't find to many books that have this much gore and a good plot, and the twist that I'm not gonna mention.
February 16, 2022
This book was full of seriously messed up characters
May 16, 2023
Brutal!
February 4, 2024
Very predictable, I knew as soon as I heard the character’s name what was going on in the second or third chapter. Kind of weird and gross.
October 17, 2022
Good mystery, a little dark, out of my norm
April 21, 2022
I received an advance review copy for free, and I am leaving this review voluntarily.
I would not want to be family or friends of this author, she scares me LOL.
This book kept me turning the pages, and for an author I suppose that is a good. However, this book was by no means anywhere close to this author's other book 'The Neighbors'.
I found this book uneccesarily violent and depraved, and believe me I have read my share of violent and depraved books, but those had more of a purpose, whereas with this book it felt like the author was more trying to shock than tell a story, as I think she could have done more towards the story (yes there were warnings, but so where there warning on her other book, that were more implied, leaving the reader to imagine, rather than putting the reader in something that to me did not add to the story, but rather detracted from it, in my opinion).
The perspective changes without warning was also disorienting and it often felt like I was losing track of whose perspective I was in. Very little dialogue between characters was also frustrating, and changing from first to second to third perspectives made it choppy and clumsy.
Overall, hence the 3 stars and not 2, the story in itself was good, the characters were well developed and although some things seems a bit over the top, it kind of worked okay.
I enjoyed the story that the author was trying to tell, but not so much the way she told it due to the unecessary violence and to some degree cliché plot lines. This was very disappointing as I absolutely loved, loved, loved her book 'The Neighbors'.
Got a few of the twists quite early, so that too was disappointing, unless the author wanted the twists to be obvious?
One for one at the moment, so will definitely read something by this author again to break the tie, and then see where I go from there in terms of future books.
Trigger warnings (take this seriously from a reader who is not squemish when it comes to depraved, violent books/shows): Violent rape and torture (graphic in at least one instance), child abuse (inferred to a degree), mental illness. Plus a few others that I can't mention due to it being a spoiler.
I would not want to be family or friends of this author, she scares me LOL.
This book kept me turning the pages, and for an author I suppose that is a good. However, this book was by no means anywhere close to this author's other book 'The Neighbors'.
I found this book uneccesarily violent and depraved, and believe me I have read my share of violent and depraved books, but those had more of a purpose, whereas with this book it felt like the author was more trying to shock than tell a story, as I think she could have done more towards the story (yes there were warnings, but so where there warning on her other book, that were more implied, leaving the reader to imagine, rather than putting the reader in something that to me did not add to the story, but rather detracted from it, in my opinion).
The perspective changes without warning was also disorienting and it often felt like I was losing track of whose perspective I was in. Very little dialogue between characters was also frustrating, and changing from first to second to third perspectives made it choppy and clumsy.
Overall, hence the 3 stars and not 2, the story in itself was good, the characters were well developed and although some things seems a bit over the top, it kind of worked okay.
I enjoyed the story that the author was trying to tell, but not so much the way she told it due to the unecessary violence and to some degree cliché plot lines. This was very disappointing as I absolutely loved, loved, loved her book 'The Neighbors'.
Got a few of the twists quite early, so that too was disappointing, unless the author wanted the twists to be obvious?
One for one at the moment, so will definitely read something by this author again to break the tie, and then see where I go from there in terms of future books.
Trigger warnings (take this seriously from a reader who is not squemish when it comes to depraved, violent books/shows): Violent rape and torture (graphic in at least one instance), child abuse (inferred to a degree), mental illness. Plus a few others that I can't mention due to it being a spoiler.
Displaying 1 - 22 of 22 reviews