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lchoinski's review against another edition
dark
emotional
mysterious
tense
fast-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? A mix
- Strong character development? Yes
- Loveable characters? It's complicated
- Diverse cast of characters? Yes
- Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes
5.0
jazzlois24's review
dark
mysterious
sad
tense
medium-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? Character
- Strong character development? Yes
- Loveable characters? No
- Diverse cast of characters? No
- Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes
4.0
mooskimoo's review
mysterious
tense
medium-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? Plot
- Strong character development? It's complicated
- Loveable characters? No
- Diverse cast of characters? No
- Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes
3.0
An enjoyable read up to a point. Toward the end of the story, plot points and twists became predictable which was a little disappointing. A bit of fun nonetheless.
duskx's review
3.0
John Marrs’ “The Stranger in Her House” is a riveting thriller that masterfully intertwines suspense with a poignant commentary on societal vulnerabilities. The novel opens with Connie, our protagonist, facing a blend of intrigue and apprehension as Paul, a stranger sent to aid her dementia-afflicted mother, Gwen, integrates himself into their lives and community. As Paul’s bond with Gwen strengthens, so do Connie’s doubts, leading to a tense cat-and-mouse dynamic that begs the question: who is the predator, and who is the prey?
Marrs excels in crafting a narrative that is as much about the thrills as it is about the exploration of pressing social issues. The precariousness of those living alone, particularly the elderly and infirm, is laid bare, with Gwen’s condition serving as a stark emblem of how susceptible such individuals are to manipulation. The novel prompts introspection on the mechanisms in place to protect the defenseless and the ethical dilemmas surrounding their care, reminiscent of the unsettling themes in the movie ‘I Care a Lot’.
While the story’s plausibility may occasionally waver, the engrossing plot and Marrs’ fluid storytelling ensure that any skepticism is overshadowed by the urge to unravel the mystery. “The Stranger in Her House” stands as a compelling reminder of the fine line between safeguarding and exploitation, inviting readers to ponder the complexities of trust and deception in the face of vulnerability.
Marrs excels in crafting a narrative that is as much about the thrills as it is about the exploration of pressing social issues. The precariousness of those living alone, particularly the elderly and infirm, is laid bare, with Gwen’s condition serving as a stark emblem of how susceptible such individuals are to manipulation. The novel prompts introspection on the mechanisms in place to protect the defenseless and the ethical dilemmas surrounding their care, reminiscent of the unsettling themes in the movie ‘I Care a Lot’.
While the story’s plausibility may occasionally waver, the engrossing plot and Marrs’ fluid storytelling ensure that any skepticism is overshadowed by the urge to unravel the mystery. “The Stranger in Her House” stands as a compelling reminder of the fine line between safeguarding and exploitation, inviting readers to ponder the complexities of trust and deception in the face of vulnerability.
kaybuss's review
challenging
dark
mysterious
tense
medium-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? Character
- Strong character development? No
- Loveable characters? No
- Diverse cast of characters? No
- Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes
3.5
beckiedeek's review
dark
tense
medium-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? Character
- Strong character development? It's complicated
- Loveable characters? No
- Diverse cast of characters? No
- Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes
3.5
bonnie_1986's review
mysterious
tense
medium-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? A mix
- Strong character development? No
- Loveable characters? No
- Diverse cast of characters? Yes
- Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes
4.25
pagesplotsandpints's review
2.75
Read Completed 3/19/24 | 2.5 - 2.75 stars
This was a fairly disappointing read for me. I just didn't enjoy the this story very much and it felt much slower than John Marrs' other thrillers. I personally just didn't really connect with the characters or the concept. I think I had to suspend a little too much disbelief and I just didn't want to. Things were a little far-fetched that all of these people found each other all in the same location. The ending also really, really dragged. The wrap-up took way too long after the whole (somewhat) exciting conclusion.
I'm not really sure what else to say about it. Some of it was a little over the top, but the rest of it just wasn't as thrilling as I expected it to be. It was a fine read but it won't be something I jump to recommend to everyone else and maybe one of my least favorites of the John Marrs books I've read.
This was a fairly disappointing read for me. I just didn't enjoy the this story very much and it felt much slower than John Marrs' other thrillers. I personally just didn't really connect with the characters or the concept. I think I had to suspend a little too much disbelief and I just didn't want to. Things were a little far-fetched that all of these people found each other all in the same location. The ending also really, really dragged. The wrap-up took way too long after the whole (somewhat) exciting conclusion.
I'm not really sure what else to say about it. Some of it was a little over the top, but the rest of it just wasn't as thrilling as I expected it to be. It was a fine read but it won't be something I jump to recommend to everyone else and maybe one of my least favorites of the John Marrs books I've read.