John Marrs does what he does best in The Stranger in Her House: delivering a story packed with relentless twists and turns that will keep you turning the pages. The plot is absolutely bonkers in true Marrs fashion, and Paul, the villain, is one of the most chillingly terrifying characters I’ve read in a while.

That said, I found this book exhausting, and not in the best way. The biggest hurdle for me was the characters. Connie, the main character, is highly unlikable. Despite the deep dive into her backstory and the explanations for her actions, I just couldn’t bring myself to connect with or empathize with her. Similarly, the lack of a single character I could truly root for left me feeling somewhat detached from the emotional core of the story.

While it’s not my favorite John Marrs book, I’d still say it’s worth a read for fans of dark, twisty thrillers. Marrs’ ability to craft jaw-dropping surprises is unparalleled, but this one didn’t fully hit the mark for me.

Verdict: A wild ride that’s perfect for thriller lovers, but be prepared for a cast of characters that might leave you frustrated.