I’ve always been a huge fan of author C.L.Taylors, but when I first started reading Strangers the authors latest offering, I must admit I had some reservations,  I found the pace slower than her previous books, and the plot is one that’s very much character driven. As the saying goes ‘good things come to those who wait’ and ‘hallelujah’ as I turned the pages I became more intrigued by the three strangers stories, I found myself immersed in this compelling, twisted psychological thriller, and cursed myself for having doubts about this book. 


Strangers is told from three perspectives Gareth, Ursula and Alice, Three seemingly unrelated people, polar opposites, each with their own set of dramas and personal problems,  is it luck, misfortune or something far more ominous that brings the three together? I really appreciated the way the author has created three characters that are so different. First there’s single mum, Alice, who has recently got back into the dating scene, and boy does that cause her a whole host of problems! Then there’s Gareth, security guard and main carer for his mother who suffers from dementia, finally there’s the flatmate from Hell, Ursula, an ex teacher come shoplifter. Each one is flawed, each has their own complex story. The conundrum I found myself constantly returning to was how could the three possibly be connected? 

Another thing I really enjoyed about this book are the characters who, although not central to the plot, heighten the mystery surrounding this story. As I read on and the characters stories began to emerge, mistrust, fear, and paranoia grew, I sensed a storm brewing on the horizon. The sense of tension grows tenfold as the mystery deepens, and the threads of the stories meld together. I can honestly say ‘hand on heart’ I had no idea where the story was heading, and all my guesses were way of mark, but when I reached that all ‘enlightening moment’ where it all became clear, I had one of those ‘OMFG’ moments. For me Taylor is the queen of psychological thrillers, once again she gets the right balance between the psychological and thriller aspects of her books, which made this book such a hugely satisfying read. Strangers is very much like a magical mystery tour, you don’t know where the plot is going until you reach the final destination. I have a suspicion this book will be a huge success, and it’s a read I will happily recommend to psychological thriller lovers.

The biggest mystery is how this book got all those 5* ratings. There were 3 disparate stories running somewhat concurrently and in some cases making casual contact. The grand finale which had all the characters “on stage” at the same time even showed very little real connection between them.

This is the only book I’ve read by C. L. Taylor. Perhaps if I’d read more by this author, I would have gleaned more from this book. I do appreciate the ARC provided by NetGalley and the publisher Avon/Harper-Collins in exchange for an honest review.

Yet another fast paced thriller by the wonderful CL Taylor. The book centres around 3 separate characters each with their own story line. Tension and mystery is built well through out and you start to wonder how are all these stories going to end. An enjoyable read but not my favourite CL Taylor book.

Three people who seemingly have absolutely no connection and it is shelved as mystery-thriller. I was confused for half of the book about what was going to happen, the mystery was that there was no mystery.. I know it sounds bad, but it's actually amazingly addictive and the writing style was great, it kept me reading all afternoon. There were some moments I actually felt anxious, it's crazy how the author managed to make my heart race so fast.

Just read this when it releases, it is just a fun ride.

This story is set in Bristol and is built around three main characters. The first amongst them is Alice Fletcher, a 46 year old manager of a fashionable shop at the mall whose husband left her two years ago.  She now wonders if she has found true love when she meets the elusive Simon whom she finds extremely attractive. She wishes to develop this relationship much against the advice of her daughter, Emily.

The second, Gareth Filer is a security supervisor whose father left the family years ago. He now looks after his aged mother who suffers from dementia and has been unwell since long. A mistake on his part makes him open to being blackmailed by a colleague at work.

The third, Ursula Andrews is a compulsive shoplifter who ekes out a living as a private courier trying to make a new life after the turmoil following the death of her lover. A series of events make her suspicious of Edward, who has helped her by renting a room to her when she was desperate.

Taylor spins an interesting plot which holds you spell bound. The stories of the above three characters are skillfully woven together to make very interesting reading. Each of them does not really know the other, though they are brought together in a gripping climax.

I shall certainly add C L Taylor to the list of authors whose books I would gladly add to my reading list.

Thanks to the publisher and Netgalley for providing me with the e-ARC. I absolutely adore thrillers that can keep me on the edge of my seat throughout! This one did that for me. Will definitely read more from this author in the future!

Cally you have done it again. Dam she knows how to write a thriller. Strangers was tremendous. Absolutely pulled me in and kept me on the edge of my seat.

Three people. Three lives. One terrifying evening.

We get to read this story from the viewpoint of the three main characters. Each is dealing with their own dramas in life. And, there is the underlying theme of loneliness that creeps through. Each character has their own issues with being lonely, and due to the fact that we get to delve into their lives we see how they all cope with being lonely.

From the synopsis we know that Ursula, Gareth and Alice's paths will cross at some stage in the story. And, the opening chapter gives us a little clue as to where the story ends. I liked the not knowing and guessing what was going to happen, as each story developed I had my assumptions. But, as always I was wrong.

Strangers is a masterpiece yet again from C L Taylor.

Excellent book. Really taut plotting, clever twists and I loved the three main characters, their flaws and failings and seeing how strangers came together in a crisis.

It's a masterclass in slow burn tension. There are just so many little moments, incidents, that kept me on edge while I was reading it.

There were so many sinister threads that I really couldn't tell which one was going to lead me to three strangers standing over a body, yet I knew that was where we were headed.

It's so unusual to read a crime novel where the inciting incident pretty much closes the book out, and I really enjoyed this interesting take on it.

All of the characters felt very complex and real. There were no perfect heroes, and very few villains, but each one was a flawed individual who just seemed to be trying to do their best in a tough world. This made it a very grounded book for me. And I loved seeing how their paths intertwined, and how they saw each other, something that just added more depth.

Very cleverly put together and expertly pulled off.

Another cracking read from ÇL Taylor.

This book had me hooked from the start, with inter linking characters and plots, it had me on the edge of my seat wondering how it was going to play out.

The book focuses on the theme of loneliness, and each character shows how it can effect someone in different ways and can ultimately unite people.

I devoured this book and would recommend to anyone who enjoys an addictive page turner.

I really enjoyed Strangers, it focuses on 3 people, Ursula, Alice & Gareth, 3 lonely people who without realising it have their destinies entwined, I always find it hard writing a review for this type of novel as I don't want to give anything away but as always C.L Taylor has written another great thriller which leaves you wanting to read more of her work.

Strangers by C L Taylor sees the lives of three people who live in Bristol and don’t know each other collide.

The book starts slowly but the tension and excitement builds throughout until the finale which draws everything together.

I have now read a couple of books by this author and thoroughly enjoyed them both. Strangers is definitely recommended

If you follow my reviews you will know this house is a big fan of Taylors writing. The opening scene captures you straight away and leads you into the book wanting to know, why, how and what happened before hand, who are these people!

Three main characters, Alice - trying to get back into dating, her husband left her, her daughter is having boyfriend trouble and Alice is dipping her toes back into the world of dating. Ursula, ooft what a car crash of a person, we know something has happened and she is struggling to get through day to day. She is her own worst enemy and being a kleptomaniac and compulsively choosing the wrong decision in almost everything isn't helping. Gareth, caring for his mother who has dementia whilst holding down a security job with its own pressures. All three couldn't be anymore different so what links them and what will bring them into each others path?

The dating stuff, ugh I could have screamed at Alice and her daughter, warning flags and just no don't do that, don't text ahhhh. I suppose that is a nod to the authors talent, creating characters and situations that make you so mad because they are so real to life, we have all seen or done some of these things! Ursula, same, warning flags, don't do it, ask this, question that but when you are desperate you tend to ignore warning flags and when things are so bad and you have limited options you can only go with what is available to you. Gareth is a different character, I felt so sorry for him, caring with someone with dementia is heartbreaking, having unresolved father issues is something many readers will empathetic with.

Each character gets chapters and titled so you know whose is who and it is easy to follow. You have no idea what is coming, where the story is leading (for any of them) and I love when books do that for you. 4.5/5 for me this time, I have read all of Taylor's books (to my knowledge) and cannot wait for the next. Out to buy from April 2nd, ebook and hardbackk, paperback will be available in September.

I’d like to thank Avon Books UK and NetGalley for giving me the opportunity to read ‘Strangers’ by C L Taylor in exchange for my honest and unbiased review.

Three strangers unexpectedly come together, Alice Fletcher manager of the ladies’ fashion shop Mirage Fashions, Ursula who shop-lifts from them, and Gareth the security officer at the shopping centre where Mirage Fashions is situated. When the life of one of them is in danger they join forces to fight the enemy and overcome adversity.

‘Strangers’ is a well-written and addictive story told from the viewpoint of the three main characters who know nothing of each other’s history yet come together when one of them is threatened and in danger. I liked every single character and how their strengths and weaknesses developed but the part I found jaw-dropping was the final twist – I won’t say any more, the readers of this amazing novel will know the part I mean! This is a thoroughly enjoyable novel that had me gripped from the start and I have no hesitation in recommending it.

Weellllll.... nope. I just dont know what it is about this authors books but they just do not do it for me. I was hearing great things about Strangers so I thought, maybe this is it! Maybe this is the book that will finally get me up on the CL Taylor bandwagon!! And I really did want to love this, but I'm afraid I just found it boring. We follow 3 main characters, Alice I did like and did find her storyline interesting at times, Ursula (the tall one) also had her moments, but as a tall lady myself (6ft... so not quite at Ursulas level) I found the endless comments of height and size so annoying (did you get the part about her being tall??) and maybe a tad offensive at times, but to be fair that is my own bugbear. The character of Gareth and his whole storyline was just plain dull. So not for me I'm afraid

This is my first book by this author. I’m not sure why I requested it because mystery books set in Britain aren’t really my thing. But the book has great reviews so I thought I’d give it a try. The story follows 3 strangers all going through different trials in their lives. By the end, the story comes together and you find out how all the characters are connected in a big event that will keep you on the edge of your seat. The story kept me intrigued and I liked it enough to keep reading, but it just wasn’t great for me. The characters were just ok and the plot was fine and I think a lot of other readers will love it, but it was just ok for me. Another reminder to myself to stop requesting UK mysteries! Thank you #netgalley for an advanced copy of #Strangers.

Okay, this book? It was amazing! I got chills early on and they haven't left me till the end.
The writing is great and the story telling fantastic!
Up to this point, Helen S. Fields has been my favorite thriller author. CL Taylor has just joined her on the list.

I loved, loved, this book!
It was almost impossible to see ahead how all these lives would come together in the end, but they did and it was amazing!
I loved the character development and getting inside the heads of Ursula, Alice and Gareth.
I could not put this one down - lost sleep reading it and kept thinking about it once I finished.
Highly recommend for mystery, thriller and suspense fans. Thank you for the ARC!

It was the characters and suspense level that kept my interest high while reading “Strangers.” Author C. L. Taylor juggles three main characters (Gareth, Alice, and Ursula) while inserting a number of minor characters who are influential in moving the plot along.

All of the main characters reveal their strengths and faults, and while their personal foibles don’t make them unlikable, we are allowed to see them as they are. These same traits drive them through their actions, both good and bad. It is the humanistic element that makes this book even better. There are plenty of secondary characters, some more mysterious than others, and my “that’s-the-bad-person” radar focused on all of them at one time or another.

It is that feeling of the unknown, of knowing you’re being watched but you can’t tell by who, that keeps prodding the suspense level higher and higher. Alice is directly in the center of this aspect, although Ursula has her moments when danger lurks just around the corner. This book has so much going on that it never seems to lag and the I found myself glued to the pages and racing from chapter to chapter.

Bottom Line: Great combination of plot and character emotions that will keep you interested from page one until the end of the book. Five stars.

My thanks to NetGalley and Avon Books UK for a complimentary electronic copy of this book.

Having already enjoyed many of C.L. Taylor’s novels, I know she is a great writer and knows how to grip you from page one. Strangers was no different! Immediately thrown into the heat of a situation that you know nothing about, you spend the entire book wanting to know who, what, when, where and how.

The story is told from three perspectives; Alice, Ursula and Gareth. The three characters are all likeable and I gladly followed each one and hung on to every cliffhanger! Knowing they will all join together into one storyline at some point, but not knowing when, is definitely part of the appeal for me.

I couldn’t figure out how everything was going to come together until it did. Although, sadly, I did feel a bit disappointed by the ending, I just didn’t feel quite satisfied with the way it played out and how they all came together, the reasoning etc. It all felt a little bit O.T.T and unbelievable in my opinion. The final twist was interesting though and I liked how it came out of nowhere to round off a subtle thread which ran through the novel.

I do, however, highly recommend this book as it’s written so well (as always), has real believability with the characters and because I am clearly in the minority with disliking the ending!

Thank you to NetGalley and Avon UK for providing me with an advanced copy of this book in exchange for an honest review.

Alice, a 46-year-old woman and works as a clothing store. Life has taken drastic turns for her. And with unsure steps, she is trying to move on in life. Right then she has a sense of being watched. She is feeling she’s losing her sanity.

Ursula used to be a primary school teacher until the tragedy struck her. She lost her love of life and life as she knew it. Now she is a courier and feels guilty.

Gareth, a security guard in the mall. He is a carer for his mom. But things change when he receives a mysterious postcard at home.

As the situations turn around and these unrelated people unintentionally come together because of a stranger.

These are the three main characters and each narrates their story. I admired Ursula and Gareth. Both have difficult circumstances, yet they are fighters. They are fighting their internal and external demons but can manage and help people around them.

Ursula is instinctive and dares to take a stand against injustice. Gareth sacrificed his dreams and his love to take care of his mother.

Alice has an interesting backstory with elements of stalking. There’s an air of mystery around her.

The author did a fantastic job in portraying the insecurities of Alice.

This is my first book by the author, and I am wondering why I haven’t read her books earlier. I was super excited when I received this ARC, and I was not disappointed. The book is an absolute thriller right from the get-go. You are hooked to each page and engrossed; you keep turning the pages. There are subplots in the story. The author has inserted the subplot in the form of twitter posts. They weren’t a part direct part of the story, yet was an interesting and unforeseen twist to the story.

The central theme of the book is our society and how detached we are from the surrounding people. Even though we live in a society that should help us grow as a human, share our emotions, but in this century, we are more disconnected than ever.

I had huge expectation from the book in terms of the story and the mystery. The make or break for me, the ending, characters or how the mystery shapes up at the end. Strangers ticks all the boxes. With the mystery and the subplot merging at the end, the book has given its reader a spectacular ending.

I loved the book, and I have already added two of her books in my TBR.

Thank you, Netgalley and Avon Books UK, for the copy of ARC in exchange for my honest review.