Casey and Dalton are back again for another Rockton book. They find an injured woman and have to figure out what is really going on. ARC from NetGalley.

I have loved all the books in this series and sometimes wish I could become one of the residents of Rockton, even though I hate the cold. Brr!


On this, the sixth outing of the series, we are given a fine look at the town, its establishment, and the circumstances that have given rise to the first and second settlements, and the dreaded hostiles who are also inhabitants of this remote area.

When a stranger who is seriously hurt is found, it is the job of Casey and and Erik plus some other community members to figure out what happened. Their task is made more difficult by the fact that the woman does not speak English but Danish. Luckily a somewhat newer person to the area is able to understand Danish, so he becomes an integral part of the story. Also baffling, it seems the town's population is diminishing while extensions are not granted to those residents and no new people have been assigned to enter. Surely, there are many who still need to hide away in Rockton so this happening bodes ominous for Casey and the others. Something is amiss and it is Casey and Erik's job to find the clues and solve the mystery before more people die.

If the finding of dead bodies and tensions rising isn't enough, the appearance of one of the original Rockton founders add a sense of concern and worry and when a group of Danish adventure seekers turn up dead, the hunt is on to find the killers. Suspected of course is the hostiles, but as other clues pop up, they might not be the culprits and a more sinister reason might just be the answer.

Told once again with a good deal of excitement, danger, and mystery, this story builds upon itself and gives the reader lots to consider as they join Casey and Erik in the hunt for the killer or killers while battling the environment they have come to love.

Thank you to Kelley Armstrong, Minotaur Books, and Net Galley for a copy of this book that has a fine share of perilous, risky, and precarious happenings that are sure to keep the reader engaged. This story is due out February 2, 2021.

It’s Kelley Armstrong, so of course,I loved this book. I have enjoyed all of her books and all the books in this series. If you have not read the previous Rockton books, read them before you read this one or you probably won’t understand the story. An injured stranger, presumably a hiker, appears in Rockton speaking an incoherent language. She is taken to Rockton’s clinic under April’s care. Worried she might have been with a group of other hikers, Casey and Dalton begin a search and make a grisly find at a campsite. They’ve all been savagely murdered apparently by hostiles. They also become aware of a family also that has also presumably been murdered by hostiles. Casey and Dalton need to find out what has set the hostiles off while trying to figure out why there have been so few new residents and why current resident extensions have been rejected. Casey needs to find out if the council is closing down Rockton. I really liked this as it tied up so many loose ends. This book clears up a long standing issue concerning the hostiles, their origin and evolution and their relationship with Rockton. It almost felt like an end of series book but the last scene teases that there is more to come. I hope so because I really like this series and the characters and I want to see what future lies ahead for them and the residents of Rockton. Thanks to NetGalley and the publisher for giving me an ARC in exchange for a fair and honest review. All opinions expressed are my own.

A Stranger in Town is the sixth book of the Rockton series and I highly recommend reading these books in order due to call backs and context.

Detective Casey Duncan has been looking into and speculating on the history of the hostiles - who are they? Who created them? When a woman runs headlong, bleeding from the stomach into a gathering of young people outside of Rockton, speaking a language none of them recognize, Casey and Eric bring her back to Rockton for medical treatment. He appearance will split wide open the entire history of the hostiles and reveal things the Rockton residents previous didn't know about the council and Rockton itself.

This entry in the series was the weakest for me. I typically enthusiastically anticipate the newest release in the Rockton series and this one fell a bit flat for me. I think I prefer the books that are much more focused on the town of Rockton itself and less on the hostiles and outside settlments; the plot was also a bit convoluted and I was happy when this one was over as the storyline began to feel like a chore to read. However, I look forward to the next in the series and hope it will be more focused on the Rockton residents.

A Stranger in Town is book six in Kelley Armstrong's Rockton series of books about the town of Rockton, where people with dangerous secrets are hidden and allowed to get away from their mistakes in order to have a fresh start. These books should be read in order, so I would not recommend reading this book if you haven't read the previous books in the series. I didn't enjoy this book as much as the previous five because I felt like the main character, Casey Duncan, was just continuously narrating her thoughts, and there wasn't much to the actual story. I do find the premise of this series to be unique, though, and I will continue reading any upcoming additions to this series. Thanks to NetGalley for the free digital review copy. All opinions are my own.

I've recently become hooked on the Rockton series and was pleased to be able to read the latest on NetGalley. These books blend many different genres without falling neatly into a single box. They have elements of a police procedurals--after all, Casey was a homicide detective "down south" with some aspects of conspiracy fiction (because the council definitely is keeping secrets...). Book 6 moves the overall story along while providing Casey and her colleagues with another challenging murder to solve. This series is highly binge-worthy, and you have enough time to pick up the first 5 books to catch up before A Stranger in Town is released in February.

I loved it! This is one of my favorite book series of all time. The dialogue is superb. It's gratifying that the author recognizes that her readers can follow the quick and complex plot without having to write plainly or simply. The setting is a barely habitable wild forest and the town's residents fit in each with their own uneasy anonymity. The fast moving scenes sometimes don't give you time to breathe before the situation completely changes. Excellent book!

I was given the opportunity to read the ARC for this book, and when I opened it and read the description, I realized it was the sixth book in a series. So...then I went to Goodreads to see if I had read the series, and if so - where had I left off. It sounded familiar...

I had read the first and second books but for whatever reason, I had not gone any further. I have this really weird thing that I can not explain, but I have a VERY hard time reading books out of order. If I see a book that interests me, and it is the 3rd book in a series, I will find Book 1 and read all of the books prior, just to be able to read the third book. Weird...I know.

I had a dilemma, catch up or not? I decided, since I am a fan of Kelley Armstrong and for whatever reason, I really haven't read anything from her in quite a long while, it was a definite yes. Why the long story? Well, because to read this book, I ended up reading books 3, 4, and 5 in 2 days to get to book 6. And I think that was a good thing. My brain was in the Rockton world and full of Casey and Eric.....yep, it was a good decision.

Okay, about this book. As I mentioned before, it is the 6th book in the series. I can honestly say that I liked book 6 quite a bit more than the prior 2 books. It had gotten to a point in the books where it was more like a day in the life of Casey and Eric. I mean, they live in Rockton, they meet new people, bad things happen, then they solve the mystery. Rinse and repeat. Not really that bad, but kind of. So, imagine my surprise when book 6 takes a wildly different turn.

It starts with the fact that Casey's world has expanded - these are the fruits of all the meeting new people that has been going on lately. We are immediately shown that there is an injured stranger that stumbles into their realm. And because it's Casey, she is determined to find out who this person is and where the others might be - if there really were others. Add to that the unexpected visit from one of the original members of the Council.

This book is different because it feels like Casey and Eric are finally getting to the bottom of the issues that have been bothering her, and by extension, Eric. Casey is very, very curious - we have learned that already. She is a detective, right? Sometimes to the detriment of all else. She finds a string and the book is really about what happens when she tugs on that string.

I think KA had a general story arc when she started the series, and I have the feeling that we are very near the end of this original arc. We finally get some answers, but then as is usually the case, we are left with more questions. As usual, Eric is a doll. He is really one of those GREAT guy characters - supportive, handsome, strong, yet willing to let his partner take the lead and not at all challenged by a strong female....yep, just a doll. And in usual fashion, Eric Casey and Storm are busy trying to solve not one, but several mysteries.

Without going into any spoilers, I just want to say that I enjoyed this book. Was it worth having to read 4 books in a couple days to get to? Yep. Without a doubt. And, I'm glad that I had the sixth book because if I had stopped at book 5, I might not have continued onward if there hadn't been a book for me to review. Like I mentioned before, it was becoming a bit repetitive. So...definitely a winner. Lots of questions answered, but not anywhere near the end of the line for our fabulous trio (Storm is considered part of the family, of course),

As I mentioned before, this original storyline might be near its end, but another arc seems to be just beginning. I will be looking forward to the next book in the series, and luckily...I've read all the books leading up to it :)

Thank you to NetGalley for letting me read and review this ARC. The opinions are all my own.

This is the sixth book in the Rockton series. I did not realize it was part of a long running series. So, it took me the first part of the book to figure out the back story.
An injured hiker is found and Casey and Eric, the main characters, try and solve the mystery. There is a threat to the town.
I did enjoy the writing and all the action. I think if I had read a few of the earlier novels I would have enjoyed it more. My review is a little bit off because it took me a bit to figure out what was going on.
If you like Kelly Armstrong, I recommend reading the series in order. I plan to go back and read a few so I can understand the backstory. Thank you, Net Galley, for an advanced copy for an honest review

This is the sixth book in this series, though I think that it covers off enough of the backstory that it could be read as a standalone. It is a very quick book even though it’s just over 360 pages long, the action is nonstop from the moment Casey and her boyfriend Eric come across a hiker that is injured and missing her boots. They take her into Rockton for medical attention where Casey, Eric and a few other residents live. It’s a very secretive town in the wilds of Yukon where people pay big bucks to spend a couple of years to avoid their situation down ‘south’. Casey is a detective from down south and Eric grew up in Rockton. They immediately begin to investigate where this hiker came from, and eventually find a couple of her hiking party, deceased. There is a lot going on in this book, a lot of it talks about how Rockton was founded and the ‘hostiles’ that had left Rockton to live on their own and occasionally attack the town and kidnap residents to live in their settlements. If you haven’t read the previous books, I would highly recommend them. Thanks to Netgalley and the publisher for the ARC.

I have read the entire Casey Duncan series and actually have them all on my bookshelf! I love this series I still remember the first book and how cool the idea behind Rockton! This is another great addition to the series, the only thing I dislike is how spread apart the series is. I know it’s common but it is hard to remember what happened in the last 2-3 books when you read 50-100 books a year! However, you don’t even need to read the other books in the series to read this one! All in all, another good mystery in Rockton! A woman is attacked and unconscious and Casey is on the case! I love this series. It’s solid and continues to get better!

Thanks to NetGalley and St. Martin’s Press/Minotaur Books for an advanced readers copy in exchange for an honest review.

A Stranger In Town is the sixth book of the Rockton series. Armstrong knocks another one out of the park with this book. This is one of my favorite series and I am so glad that Kelley Armstrong is a prolific writer. Please keep them coming Kelley!

As always there are many moving pieces but the main focus is on the different settlements around Rockton and the hostiles.

I love so many of the characters. Casey and Eric are such a great team in work and as parters. I have always wanted a Newfoundland so I love every scene with Storm. April has been a great addition to the cast of characters. The only negative thing I could say about the book was that the book was mainly focused on people outside of Rockton so we had less time with some favorites—Matias, Anders, Kenny, etc.

Rockton was created years ago in an isolated area in the Yukon territory, with the purpose of allowing a select group of individuals to pay to hide there for two years. People are constantly coming and going, but there is a core group to form continuity. Some residents are hiding from their crimes, some are hiding from their abusers, and some just need an escape from life in civilization. All of the residents have secrets, which only the sheriff and the council that overseas Rockton know. They all have to work together to survive, this isn’t a resort. There are other groups that live in the area; there are two settlements, some individuals/groups on their own, and the hostiles.

The story is told through Detective Casey Duncan, who is in a committed relationship with Sheriff Eric Dalton. Although she is an exceptional detective, she grew up lacking self-confidence since her parents downplayed her intelligence and abilities. This is a continual internal struggle for her. When things suddenly start happening in the area outside of town, they get drawn into the struggles between the hostiles, the settlements, others who live in the wilds, and some hikers that seemed to have been killed by the hostiles with one known survivor. Things happen that leave Casey wondering if she is making the right decisions, questioning her responses.

There is a lot happening in this book, involving more of the known characters than usual. And then there are the new characters. It was a lot to take in. It looks like the hikers were killed by hostiles, but what about the family of trappers? And then other things go wrong and the mysteries continue to pile up. But we do get more history on the town, the settlements and the hostiles. Also, it seems residents of Rockton are being denied extensions at the same time that no new residents are arriving, so what does that mean?

Sebastian has become one of my favorite characters, a sociopath who is trying to adjust and live a more normal life, or at least appear to be living a normal life as a young man. I’m enjoying Casey’s sister April coming out of her shell, with the sisters developing a better relationship. April is on the autism scale which explains many of the problems they had growing up as neither really understood the other.

The stage is set for the next book in this series, but the question is which direction the story will take.

Kelley Armstrong is one of my favorite authors and I buy all of her adult books and I have been hooked on this series since the first book. Thank you to St. Martin's/Minataur Books, Kelley Armstrong and Netgalley for the opportunity to read this Advanced Reader Copy; this is my honest review.

2.75*
This entire series has been a hit and miss experience for me. I actually gave up on it a few books back.... but just like potato chips, I craved more!

Unfortunately, this latest release found its way directly into the ‘miss’ pile for me. After loving her previous release Alone in the Wild, I was anxious to dive in.
But…oh my! I just couldn’t keep up with all the characters.

When Casey and Eric come across an injured woman in the forest, they rush in to help. Terrified and disoriented the woman tries speaking to them in an unrecognizable language. They know she isn’t a hostile, and doesn’t look like a settler either. So what was she doing alone in the forest? Who hurt her? And was she alone or are there more in her party?

There were so many characters and warring factions, my head was reeling. And by the end, I was confused, lost and frustrated.

But…This is a series that I find myself addicted to and will be reaching for the next release. Fingers crossed, once again it’ll be a big hit for me.

A buddy read with Susanne

Thank you to Minotaur via Netgalley for an ARC to read and review

I always look forward to new books from this author. And while I enjoyed the story as a whole and found it enlightening, there were times that I struggled. The author makes leaps with the characters thoughts and decisions that there is nothing for the reader to follow to see how they figured this out or got to this place. I find that very frustrating. There were also too many characters and it takes me out of what I am reading when I have to stop and think OK, who is that.
That being said, I do look forward to the next book in the series to see what the future of Rockto

Thank you to NetGalley for an ARC of A Stranger in Town.

I LOVE the Rockton series so I was SO excited when my request was approved.

Casey and Duncan, her loyal boyfriend and partner, are enjoying a non-eventful day with friends when an injured stranger crashes the party.

The stranger's appearance sets off a shocking chain of events that has Casey unraveling a criminal act in the past with a disastrous aftermath that has reverberated through Rockton for decades and affected its citizens since.

I've become a fan of Casey with each book; she's strong, smart, capable and patient; not only a good detective, but a good person.

The residents of Rockton have their own charm, dangerous and wily, suspicious or cunning, and it's always 'fun' to see Casey interacting with them, whether it be Mathias or Sebastian, Petra or Paul.

There's action, suspense, tension and lots of suspicion: who to trust? Who not to trust? Who is lying? For what reason?

I made correct guesses about certain parts of the narrative, but a few 'twists' had me stumped and I love it when that happens.

Loose ends are tied up with reasonable explanations, people are rescued (some aren't) and Casey and Eric save the day.

My favorite part of the narrative is always the love, respect, and affection between Casey and Eric.

They're equals as partners and as colleagues; he listens to her, and she does the same. He is never patronizing or condescending, he gives her room to learn, to develop her skills, and to learn from her mistakes.

Casey trusts Eric to have her back, to offer advice when he knows she needs it, and to trust her when she says she is a capable of handling or defusing a tense situation.

Their rapport is comfortable, their chemistry is genuine, and their banter is easy, mildly lusty, and amusing.

The writing is great, as always, and ends on a positive note.

I wait eagerly for the next book!

Reading this book was more like starting to watch a mystery series midway through the season. So many.characters that probably were fleshed out in earlier installments. I probably made a mistake in reading this book before #’s 1-5.

A Rockton Novel Number 9

We’re back in Rockton with Detective Casey Duncan and Sheriff Eric Dalton, along with all the characters we’ve grown to love! But this time the entire town may be in danger.

When a badly injured tourist from a group of four bursts out of the forest screaming and hysterical, Casey and Eric take her back to Rockton’s clinic for April to examine her. At the same time, a new resident shows up who understands the woman is speaking Dutch. Hm…

Are the hostiles at work again? Or is this something more sinister?

When one of the original founders flies in, they are suspicious that they aren’t being told everything. Why have they not had any residents in quite a while? Why is no-one getting an extension?

I am not about to tell you anymore, except we finally find out how Rockton began and if it will continue or not.

Kelley’s books are always a solid read with capable female leads and great stories. I can’t wait to see what comes next.

NetGalley/ Minotaur February 02,2021

A new Rockton novel by Kelley Armstrong that unfortunately left me wanting.

Gosh.. What can I say here: I started out liking “A Stranger in Town” and then the storyline just completely lost me.

This novel included too many characters, too many groups of people - the hostiles, the settlers, the hikers, the danish, Emilie, Jay - a new resident, Sophie - the injured hiker, all of whom simply confused me and made it such that I was unsure as to who actually was “A Stranger in Town.” Simply put, I just kind of didn’t get it.

In the newest Rockton novel, Casey and Eric happen upon several bodies while out in the forest all of whom have been murdered - save one. Some appear to be settlers, some hostiles. When they come upon Sophie, an injured hiker who appears to be alive, they of course try to save her - even though she doesn’t speak English. What happens thereafter, leaves them stunned and completely unsettled trying to figure out who Sophie really is and why she was on the outskirts of Rockton. This leads to an investigation which frankly left me scratching my head.

The outcome of all of this admittedly, left me concerned for where the series will go next. I guess we will see.

Though I didn’t feel that this was a strong showing in the Rockton series, I will undoubtedly read the next book in the series if there is one.

This was a buddy read with Kaceey.

Thank you to NetGalley, Minotaur Books and Kelley Armstrong for the arc.

Published on NetGalley and Goodreads on 10.19.20.

I was glad to get some answers about the Hostiles in this installment, and I was excited about the arrival of Emilie. This one was full of action and surprises but still made time for the sweet Eric/Casey scenes I love about the series.