A review by frostyreads
The Stranger in Our House by Sarah A. Denzil

dark mysterious tense medium-paced
  • Plot- or character-driven? A mix
  • Strong character development? Yes
  • Loveable characters? Yes
  • Diverse cast of characters? No
  • Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes

5.0

Thank you to @sarahadenzil and @netgalley for me with a copy of this novel in exchange for an honest review. 

⭐️ ⭐️ ⭐️ ⭐️ ⭐️

Told through a series of diary entries, transcripts and newspaper articles, The Stranger in our House is a terrific addition to the unique take on psychological and domestic thrillers. 

Tired of city life, Aaron and Meera relocate to the idyllic village of Little Crake along with their two children, Noah and Uma. They believe it’s a perfect fresh start, until fifteen-year-old Noah wanders alone into the Dark Valley Forest and is found three days later tucked into the hollow of a tree. 

Once a studious and gentle boy, Noah becomes a troublemaker, both at home and at school. He sleep walks at night, and draws eerie sketches of the Dark Valley Forest. Aaron tells himself that Noah just needs time to readjust, but Meera believes otherwise - that the boy who came back from the woods is not her son. 

The novel was easy to follow and gripping - seriously addictive, as all Sarah’s novels are. It was well-paced, and built up tension through layers of mistrust, paranoia and genuine fear. 

In regard to characters, Uma was an easy favourite. She’s level headed and mature for her age, presenting a love for reading and book blogging that I’m sure we can all relate to. 

Overall, The Stranger in our House is a must-read; it’s a frightening, yet compelling novel, which not only warps the reality of the characters, but questions just how far they’re willing to go to protect the people they love. I’d highly recommend it!