The Stranger
Suspense/Thriller
Dutton
Published by The Penguin Group
Release Date: March 24, 2015
Setting: New Jersey
Hardcover: 400 pages
ISBN-13: 978-0525953500
E-Book ASIN: B00NMPN46W
The Stranger appears out of nowhere, perhaps in a bar, or a parking lot, or at the grocery store. His identity is unknown. His motives are unclear. His information is undeniable. Then he whispers a few words in your ear and disappears, leaving you picking up the pieces of your shattered world.
Adam Price has a lot to lose: a comfortable marriage to a beautiful woman, two wonderful sons, and all the trappings of the American Dream: a big house, a good job, a seemingly perfect life.
Then he runs into the Stranger. When he learns a devastating secret about his wife, Corinne, he confronts her, and the mirage of perfection disappears as if it never existed at all. Soon Adam finds himself tangled in something far darker than even Corinne’s deception, and realizes that if he doesn’t make exactly the right moves, the conspiracy he’s stumbled into will not only ruin lives—it will end them.
I get so excited when a new Harlan Coben thriller is about to be released. I drop everything and read it as soon as it arrives. This one had a very different feel right from the start but like all of his other books I started reading and just couldn’t stop. I had to break it up over 2 evenings because my eyes just wouldn’t stay open but if my body had let me I would have finished the whole thing all in one sitting.
“The Stranger” visits normal everyday people that could have been me or my friends or neighbors. Anyone who is affected by a secret someone close to us is keeping. Adam’s wife, Corinne, had a secret and after the stranger reveals it to him his life is never going to be the same. The stranger also visits other throughout the story with secrets too, changing their lives.
What appeared to be a pretty straight forward story quickly twists and turns. Exactly what I expect from Mr. Coben. I found myself completely enthralled by this story, you may even say mesmerized. At first I thought Corinne’s secret was hurtful but not life shattering. Yes, the couple’s trust had been broken, but I thought a strong marriage would survive it. But the more Adam’s story continued and the plot started to play out I saw the author’s writing style start to shine and draw us in deeper. It is a story that has many layers. This is not you typical nail biting thriller, but more a mystery with thrilling and suspense filled moments.
I have been impressed with every Harlan Coben novel. I can’t say that is my favorite Harlan Coben book, Caught still holds that spot, but frankly all of his stories rate 5 stars to me. They all grab a hold of you and don’t let go. If you a are a new fan or an old fan this book should be on your “Can’t Wait To Read” list!!

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To find out more about Harlan Coben and his books visit his webpage here.
Disclosure of Material Connection: I received this book free from the publisher. I was not required to write a positive review. The opinions I have expressed are my own. Receiving a complimentary copy in no way reflected my review of this book. I am disclosing this in accordance with the Federal Trade Commission’s 16 CFR, Part 255 : “Guides Concerning the Use of Endorsements and Testimonials in Advertising.”
Scary….
TBR’d this. Sounds delicious and disturbing all at the same time!
Harlan Coben always has very interesting characters. Looks like another winner.
Ann
I have not read this author yet. Sounds like it would keep you on the edge of your seat. Thanks. Hugs to you Lori.
Sue B
I never read a book by this author. This one sounds like something I would like to read with secrets and twists and turns. Good review.