Stranger by Karen Perry

 

Description from Goodreads:

"Abi Holland considers herself lucky.

She's happily married, and her oldest daughter, Eva, is all set for a place at a top university.

She just can't help but worry about Beth.

So when foreign exchange student Corinne comes to stay, it's a relief her lonely younger daughter finally has someone to talk to.

It's only when Beth starts to misbehave, that Abi begins to wonder how much they really know about their guest.

Because the Holland family have lots of secrets, and Corinne is quietly listening to them all.

And once they come out, there's no going back..."

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I am sad to say that I couldn't get into this at all and found my mind wandering to other things.  I have read Your Closest Friend by Karen Perry and enjoyed it but this one just didn't do it for me unfortunately, however it won't put me off reading more from these authors.  Not sure why it didn't grab me but sometimes it just doesn't happen.

Thank you to Penguin Michael Joseph and NetGalley for my copy in return for an honest, unbiased and unedited review.

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Your Closest Friend by Karen Perry

Description from Goodreads:

"Imagine sharing your darkest secret with a stranger - a girl who isn't what she seems, and who will do anything to keep you close . . .

On a hot humid night in London, Cara Jameson's busy, fulfilling life is interrupted with the sound of gunfire. Panic and terror grip the street as the air is filled with screaming and Cara is pulled roughly to safety by a stranger.

Taking refuge in a storeroom, Cara huddles with her savior - Amy - and in the darkness she shares more in those hours than ever has with even her husband. When she emerges hours later, a bond forged in the trauma of that night has formed between them.

Returning to work, Cara tries to put the experience behind her, but the incident has taken its toll and as cracks begin to show in her perfect life and marriage, Amy reappears, set on pursuing a friendship.

Cara wished she hadn't shared everything she did in those hours of darkness. But as her life skids towards deepening violence, there is only one person she can turn to: Amy, her closest friend."

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What a unique story and nothing like anything I've read before.  You are thrown into the middle of a terrorist attack at the beginning of the story and not knowing whether she is going to survive or not, Cara confides her deepest secrets to the young lady who plucked her to safety.  Secrets that should have stayed hidden as they are now used against her.

The writing style is easy to read and flows really well with each chapter written from the perspectives of the 2 main characters - Cara and Amy - which works extremely well for this book and the story.  I did feel there was a bit of a lull in the middle but it certainly makes up for it as we move towards the thrilling conclusion.

Never having read anything by these authors before (Paul Perry and Karen Gillece ), I will most certainly keep my eyes open in future and thank you to the Publisher, Penguin UK - Michael Joseph, and NetGalley for once again introducing me to yet another great book that would likely have passed me by.

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Connect with the authors:

Twitter:  karenperrybooks 

Come A Little Closer by Karen Perry

Description from Goodreads:

"The new gripping psychological thriller from the bestselling author of Girl Unknown and Your Closest Friend

Leah is in love. It should be the happiest summer of her life, but she can't help feeling lonely with Jake's attention divided between her, his ex-wife and his young son. As insomnia sets in, the walls of their new basement flat feel as if they're closing in around her.

Until she meets her upstairs neighbour, Anton, who has recently moved back in after a long absence from the street. He's a sympathetic ear when Jake can't be, and even though others on the street seem strangely hostile towards him, Leah soon comes to rely on Anton and their secret conversations in the night.

Leah has no idea that nineteen years before, Anton was convicted of killing his wife. A wife who looked a little bit like Leah. He has always said he didn't do it.

Is Leah his redemption? Or is she befriending a killer intent on luring her closer and closer?"

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Nope ... not for me ... hard to feel anything for any of the characters and hard to get into - sorry but I found it pretty boring and I can't bring myself to recommend it although there are plenty of very positive and 4 and 5 star reviews out there so obviously it appeals to others so don't take my word for it ... try it for yourself.

Thank you to Penguin UK - Michael Joseph via NetGalley for my copy in return for an honest review.

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