what a sad and moving tale. also very terrifying to think this was based on a true story. started off slow but the payoff was worth it

My review: Really enjoyed this book told from five POVs about a village under siege from a mysterious burglar who breaks into people’s houses but often doesn’t take anything. It’s based on a true story, although one much more sinister, and reminded me a lot of the Broadchurch TV series, where everyone in the village is a suspect and vigilantes run amok. The different POVs remind us that everyone has secrets they keep from their neighbours, often for good reason. All the characters’ POVs were touching and I really felt badly for how each one was treated. A very good debut novel.

***Disclaimer: This e-ARC was provided to me by the publisher via Netgalley in exchange for an honest review. Huge thanks to them. ***

My rating: 4/5

Book blurb...

It's 1984, and summer is scorching the ordinary village of Heathcote.

What's more, a mysterious figure is slipping into homes through back doors and open windows. Dubbed 'the Fox', he knows everything about everyone - leaving curious objects in their homes, or taking things from them.

When beloved Anna goes missing, the whole community believes the Fox is responsible.

For the worried residents, finding Anna will be difficult - but stopping the Fox from exposing their darkest secrets might just be impossible...

Inspired by a real 80s mystery, and with pitch-perfect characters, WE ALL BEGIN AS STRANGERS is a beautiful debut novel you'll want to recommend to everyone.

The ideal read for fans of THE TROUBLE WITH GOATS AND SHEEP and ELIZABETH IS MISSING.

My thoughts…

I found this story was slow to start as I was introduced to all of the characters. I was quite interested in the concept of the story being inspired by a real event.

The introduction of so many characters did tend to cause me some confusion however I understand the need to show the reader all the possible people responsible and how they fit into each others lives.

I did not enjoy the story as much as I had hoped, however as the pace increased towards the end I was more interested in the characters journeys.

Great development of characters and loved the book, too bad it's finished