Strangers She Knows

Christina Dodd

Sep 2019 · Sold by HQN Books

About this ebook

I have three deadly problems:

1. I’ve seriously offended a maniacal killer.

2. I just had a bullet removed from my brain.

3. My new daughter is growing up too fast--and she’s in the line of fire.

Living on an obscure, technology-free island off California means safety from the murderer who hunts Kellen Adams and her new family.... Or does it? Family time becomes terror-time, and at last, alone, Kellen faces a killer playing a cruel game. Only one can survive, and Kellen knows who must win...and who must die.

Don't miss FORGET WHAT YOU KNOW, a brand-new heartstoppingly suspenseful thriller by New York Times bestselling author Christina Dodd. Perfect for fans of Karen Slaughter, Lisa Jewell, and Sandra Brown.

A Cape Charade series
Book .05 - HARD TO KILL: Novella
Book 1 - DEAD GIRL RUNNING
Book 1.5 - FAMILIES AND OTHER ENEMIES: Novella
Book 2 - WHAT DOESN’T KILL ME
Book 2.5 - HIDDEN TRUTHS: Novella
Book 3 - STRANGERS SHE KNOWS

Ratings and reviews

This book was suspenseful, with interesting characters and good story besides just the fear. Going in, I didn't realize it was book three but I was able to read it with no confusion, didn't feel like I missed anything. Kellen has gone through a lot, and her and her husband and daughter are trying to move past it all as a family. Kinda hard when there are bad people coming for you and you have to hide. Kellen's hubby is sweet and supportive, her daughter is a typical preteen. The character development was really well done. Not only was this full of action and scary moments, the diary was so interesting, the house was a mystery. This is the first I've read by this author and I totally would read more. I really enjoyed it.

Thrilling Romantic Suspense I am not sure where to begin to review this awesome book. Kellen has so many challenges. She just had a bullet removed from her brain and here comes her archenemy from the past. Mara just escaped from prison ready to attack not only Kellen but also her family. Husband Max packs up the family to hide on his family’s private island where he feels they will be safe. Family includes Kellen, their daughter Rae and family dog “Luna”. The caretaker and his wife on this island are an interesting couple and the new cook is unique as well---not necessarily on the good side of interesting and unique. The lack of technology on the island makes Max feel protected whereas it makes Rae feel alone. Finding an old diary from one of the previous residents perks Rae’s interest---seeing a lady with silver hair late at night, not so much! Restoring a 1955 Ford-100 a pickup truck helped Max’s feelings of boredom. He was accustomed to activity. He included Rae in his many attempts to get the truck running which helped her as well. Family dynamics include a lie of omission which creates problems and secrets that would be better shared, both increasing tension as the story unfolds. Kellen has a interesting way of cataloging people which brings up a quick evaluation in her brain which not only helps her but helps the reader understand her concept. She is also nursing a hand that hasn’t recovered it’s normal dexterity following surgery. She is trying to practice the piano to restore the flexibility to her fingers. Neither Kellen nor Luna approve of these sessions. The suspense and the hunt involved in this story are thrilling as Rae needs medical help and Max races her to the mainland in a boat that can only seat two if he wants to get to land safely. There is a violent storm, a disabled helicopter and a killer. Kellen is alone to face it all. Definitely a Romantic Suspense in the truest sense of the word, part mystery, part thriller! It’s all carefully wrapped up to make sense in the most satisfying of ways as Christina Dodd is so well known to accomplish. She never disappoints! Warning: this book is difficult to put down so sleep may be lost but it will be well worth it! I understand “Strangers She Knows” is to be the conclusion to the exceptional series about Kellen. I really hope that’s a threat rather than a promise as there is so much more to know about this family. Maybe if we hope enough they will come back.

Strangers She Knows by Christina Dodd is the third book in Cape Charade series. Each book in this fast paced series can be read on its own since the author provides a recap (just enough to catch you up, but not too much as to spoil the other books in the series for new readers). Kellen Adams Di Luca has gone through so much in the last few years. She is denied her wedding night and honeymoon when the bullet in her brain shifts requiring immediate surgery. Kellen does survive the surgery, but she has a long recovery. She returns home still weak and with one hand that is refusing to cooperate. The therapist recommends piano lessons which is torture for Kellen and everyone else in the family including Luna, Rae’s dog (everyone’s a critic). When Mara resurfaces and is determined to get revenge, Kellen is not strong enough to go after her on her own. The family moves to the remote Isla Paraiso with a cook, Olympia Paolerio and the two islands caretakers, Jamie and Dylan Conkle. The family explores the island thanks to the three bikes Max had shipped in for them and they get reacquainted. The pacing in the first half is more laid back (feel the island vibe) with the second half ramped up like a person after drinking three espressos in a row. Kellen is trying to survive a maniacal killer. You can feel the suspense, tension and pain. Rae is still her fearless and intelligent self but now puberty is hitting (her poor parents). She manages to get into scrapes even on an island. I like how Rae is still a young girl at times who needs her parents. Max and Kellen are just beginning their marriage and they have no privacy. They are learning each other’s quirks and foibles. It was interesting to learn more about Mara. She is a complex woman and her upbringing explains a lot. I really enjoyed the addition of Ruby’s diary. I thought it enhanced the story as added depth and interest plus gives us a second mystery. I enjoyed the various references to Harry Potter and Hogwarts. Strangers She Knows is one of those books that you will not be able to put down. I am sorry to see the Cape Charade series come to an end. Strangers She Knows is a riveting suspense with a mad murderer, a temperamental tween, a remote refuge, panicked parents and an explosive ending.

About the author

New York Times bestselling author Christina Dodd writes “edge-of-the-seat suspense” (Iris Johansen) with “brilliantly etched characters, polished writing, and unexpected flashes of sharp humor that are pure Dodd” (ALA Booklist). Her fifty-eight books have been called "scary, sexy, and smartly written" by Booklist and, much to her mother's delight, Dodd was once a clue in the Los Angeles Times crossword puzzle. Enter Christina’s worlds and join her mailing list at www.christinadodd.com.