Holy moly 🤯 I am totally shaken by this book and I can’t believe my head is so messed up😱. What a fantastic roller-coaster of a psychological thriller! With an isolated island, honeymooning couple and a mysterious stalker – I was all in. I am pleased to say that, this was easily one of the best thrillers I have ever read.

Plot -
Liam and Laura just want to have a romantic honeymoon. They choose a beautiful secluded island off Scotland’s coast. But soon, all hell breaks loose. They realize that the island has a dark history and what’s worse, they are being stalked by a stranger, who has no intention of leaving them alone.

Review -

Firstly, I think it’s the setting that takes the spotlight here. The remoteness of the place along with the ruined castle, medieval church and the celtic graves, create a dark, creepy and bone-chilling atmosphere. The eeriness was uncanny and I knew it was a bad idea to read this one late into the night, but hey, I did anyway 😬!

The narrative mostly involves the first person of Laura. She is meek, depressed and easily frightened, which added a lot of uncertainty to the plot. Her thoughts kept me contemplating turning me into a curious cat. Added to that, Liam’s flair for history and adventurous spirit, puts them in dangerous situations, making it all the more disturbing.

The fast paced writing was just riveting. I could feel the fear gripping me, making me bite my nails off. The author does a fine job with the build-up to the suspense and I for one, absolutely got blown away with the twists. And I bet, most of us would too.

Oh this one is just blind alley galore! Obviously it’s getting harder to review without giving much away.

The ending just shocks you into gasping, leaving you unable to fathom how it all unraveled this way. Maybe for some it could feel a bit unrealistic, but somehow I certainly didn’t think so.

The book deals with a fair bit of heavy topics which could be triggers – domestic and pet abuse, murder and gore. But if it is manageable, this book is a treat to thriller fans!

Highly recommend if you are into the genre!

Thanks NetGalley and Avon Books UK for providing me with the e-ARC for an honest review.

The Stalker
by Sarah Alderson
--------------------

📚Plot:
A couple, Liam and Laura are spending romantic quality time on an isolated beautiful island. Laura thinks they are being watches and soon her suspension is confirmed when creepy things start to happen.

📚Insights:

☘️The book has a spine chilling setting.

☘️The plot contains constant twists and turns.

☘️The final twist really demands praise.
It is a slow burn book that finally becomes a page-turner.

📚Features:

☘️The language is quite easy. Characterization is craftful.

☘️Pages:

📚Recommended: Yes

🌟Rating 4/5

Something here just missed. The entire thing was meant to be tense but it came off as kind of silly to me. The POV of the stalker came off as parody of what a stalker would be thinking. Almost simplistic. I read through the book fairly quickly and never felt any of the suspense I expected to feel. It was just OK.

A spine-tingling, edge-of-your-seat thriller that will have mystery readers white-knuckling its pages late into the night.

Liam and Laura are off on their dream honeymoon on a remote island off the coast of Scotland. Or at least, that's what they thought until they wake up one morning to find a message scratched into their window, and it becomes clear that they are not only not alone on the island, but they're in very real danger.

With its fast pace, haunting setting, and captivating mystery, this is one thriller that is nearly impossible to put down. I devoured it in one sitting and can't wait to read more from this author!

I loved The Stalker. It had, to begin with, an idyllic setting as I can think of nowhere better to be than a remote Scottish Island, totally unreachable to the outside world. But what started out as a dream location soon turned into a nightmare for Liam and Laura.
This book was so intense. It had me on the edge of my seat throughout. I could feel the tension and fear of the characters. It was just an amazing book that I highly recommend.

Thank you to NetGalley and Avon Books UK for my ARC.

Clever, unsettling, creepy, spooky, claustrophobic. The Stalker is all this and more. Full of tension and twists and turns, exellently written, fast paced and captivating. If you, like me, love a good thrill, you won't be able to put down this one. Highly, highly recommended!

Thank you to netgalley and the publisher for providing me with an arc in exchange for an honest review.

I love a good thriller so was very much looking forward to this after reading the synopsis.

Unfortunately it just didn't grip me as much as I was hoping it would. The premise was a great idea, however I think what let it down for me were the characters. I just couldn't warm to them at all especially Laura.

I got to halfway in the book and it still didn't feel like anything had happened. I then skim read the remaining half. The twist near the end I did think was really good as I didn't see that coming at all although I did have my suspicions about Liam from the start. It was possibly a little over the top though.

Overall whilst the idea was good I just felt it was a little slow and didn't care enough about the characters.

Wow, that was an intense and creepy book !!

Laura and Liam are in Scotland, on a remote island, for their honeymoon. They think they are alone on this island and are very excited to finally spend some alone time together. They both need it- Liam is a police officer who is always stressed from his job. Laura has been depressed since her day her mother died (the day after their wedding) .
Things start to get strange when Laura sees a figure in the woods, and then weird things start happening- SAT phone is dead, the electric is cut, the wood for a fire is soaked, food stolen, and they know someone has been watching them. They are determined to find out who it is and stop them.

This book was super fast paced and a quick, intense read. The book is told mainly from Laura’s POV but you also get little bits of the “stalker” in there as well. I loved the twist in the end. I though I figured it out, but I didn’t and that’s always the best. I definitely loved the flashback moments as well to show who the characters got to the point they did.

Triggers: domestic abuse, physical Abuse, stalking, animal death, death of parent, body shaming, murder, toxic relationship

Thank you to Sarah Alderson, NetGalley and Avon Books UK for an advanced reading copy in exchange for an honest review.

A fascinating and scary thriller depicting the story of a couple honeymooning on a secluded island and suddenly realizing they are not alone and are in fact in terrible danger.

A whirlwind romance and a delayed honeymoon lead Laura and Liam to an isolated cottage on an island. They are the only people there. They can spend their days exploring the land, sitting by the fire and just enjoying being together.

Except, they aren't alone. There's a shadow in the woods, a face in the window and a message scratched on the window glass. Someone knows they are there and they want them to LEAVE.

Sarah Alderson has written a fast-paced thriller. I quite enjoyed the story/plot but I did find parts of the 'twist' a little fast moving. I wish there was more development on the 'past' rather than the build up to the reveal.

This is still a great summer read.

Thanks to NetGalley and the publishers for the opportunity to read and review.

📖Book Review📖
⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️.5

#thestalker by @sarahaldersonauthor

@avonbooksuk @netgalley

⏩for synopsis

I’ve been a growing fan of this author since picking up her book #inhereyes and I have been making my way through her back catalogue ever since. So it was no surprise that upon seeing this one on netg I knew I had to read it 👏

So this book was a little different from the usual run of the mill thrillers and I really enjoyed it. The author did a great job of creating complex characters, used amazing settings and had a tangled enough plot to keep you entertained throughout.

The book felt really complete in every way; this was a book that knew its conclusion and executed everything perfectly to reach it. Although, at basics the story isn’t an original idea, I thought the way it was presented, combined with a creepy and twisty storyline really portrayed itself as a very original story.

I found it to be a quick and easy read, It delivered on all its promises and was everything I’ve come to expect from this author. Would definitely recommend picking this one up as soon as it’s out!

Released: July 8th (not long to wait!)

With thanks to author #sarahalderson #avonbooks and #netgalley for allowing us to read this one early!

-Emily @the_book_girls_1

Chilling, full of suspense and hugely atmospheric!

After reading and loving The Weekend Away last year, I couldn’t wait to get my hands on a copy of Sarah’s new book. The title and the front cover were enough alone to attract my attention. Hooked from the start, this was another great read!

Poor Laura lost her beloved mum soon after she married Liam, unable to go on their honeymoon to Greece they decide that they will honeymoon in the UK instead. What better place to take some time out than on a remote island just off the coast of Scotland. Dropped off by boat with an arrangement to be collected a week later, the newlyweds are looking forward to spending a week alone together. Not only is the island currently uninhabited but there is also no phone signal or internet. Bliss, some may think. Well, I think we know from the title of this book that this honeymoon is going to be anything but bliss!

We follow Laura and Liam as their perfect honeymoon quickly turns into a holiday from hell! Someone is watching them and clearly doesn’t want them on the island, but who and why is the ultimate question. You’ll have to read the book to find out and I can promise you that you won’t be disappointed!

I find Sarah’s books so easy to read, there is nothing overcomplicated about them, you can just immerse yourself in the story from the first chapter and let each scene play out in your mind as if it were a movie. The characters are portrayed perfectly throughout, not quite letting you get to know them enough, leaving that element of doubt about each one.

With the stormy weather, creepy messages and faces appearing at the cottage window, this is probably not a book to read alone in the dark, but this is what makes this story so atmospheric. I have a perfect image in my mind of the characters, the island and everything that went on there and this is all down to Sarah’s descriptive writing.

With twists and turns aplenty, my attention never waned. Whilst I did guess one of the outcomes, I was blindsided by another and absolutely loved how the story ended.

A creepy captivating read! Thank you to Sarah Alderson, Avon and NetGalley for my advanced copy of this book.

This was an OK read for me. It's an atmospheric, spooky read that started off really well as a honeymooning couple arrive on a remote Scottish island, which is purported to be haunted.
Then, it lost something and became unbelievable with a strange additional storyline making an appearance at the end.
I enjoyed this author's previous book, but, this one not so much.
It's an easy read though and so, for me, an OK rating.

Thanks to NetGalley and the publishers for the opportunity to preview.

“It was a meant to be a romantic getaway, but its turning into the honeymoon from hell.”

Liam and Laura are newly-weds spending a romantic getaway on an isolated island off the coast of Scotland in a log cabin surrounded by gorgeous beaches, a castle and stunning panoramic views. (How dreamy is that!?) All is well until it isnt… Laura feels as though they are being watched and her suspicions are confirmed when creepy things begin happening to them and they soon realise they are not alone on this private island after all.

This book was a page turner and I finished it in two sittings. I liked the atmospheric descriptions of the island and the unpredictability of the plot. I did not expect the ending and I loved that about this book. The Stalker starts off as a slow burn but then very quickly turns into a thrilling page turner.

Overall I really enjoyed this one. I rate it * * * * .5 for the spine chilling setting, the mindblowing ending and the constant twists and turns of the plot. I have read so many thrillers and just when I thought I had this one all figured out, the Sarah Alderson spun me for a loop. If you’re into thrillers and suspense books I definitely recommend you read this one. It comes out in North America on July 8th!

Thank you Sarah Alderson, NetGalley, and Avon books for the advanced copy of this book. I absolutely loved it!

I just finished The Stalker and that ending! My review went from 4 to 5 !

The Stalker is a quick read that keeps you turning those pages and thinking this vacation of Liam and Laura is not going to turn out well.

Who is watching Laura and Liam? They should be the only two on the island.

Red herrings, twists and turns will keep you on the edge of your seat to the surprising conclusion.

This was my first Sarah Alderson book , won't be my last, add me to Sarah's fan club.

Thanks to NetGalley and Avon Books Uk, Avon for a gripping read.

This is the first book I’ve read by this author and all I can say is wow! The twists and turns kept coming and I was on the edge of my seat the entire time. This book will keep you reading way past your bedtime.

Thank you to Avon books and Netgalley for this ARC in exchange for my honest review.

Laura and Liam are on a delayed honeymoon on a very remote island in Scotland. They are supposed to be the only ones there, BUT they are not alone. With no way to reach the outside world or get off the island, they realize they are not imagining things when they find footprints.
The setting was awesome. Couldn't get much more creepy.
I liked the book but thought the twists came out of nowhere. I guess that was the point but for me it didn't come naturally. A solid thriller nonetheless.
Thanks to netgalley and Avon Books UK for the arc

I was not sure how this book was going to be for me at first, but boy am I glad I stuck with it. Great read that kept me on the edge of my seat the whole time. The story was believable and the characters were relatable. The story ended nicely but with just enough edge to keep you thinking about it long after the last page was turned. Kudos to Sarah Alderson on a job well done.
I would like to thank net galley and the publishers for an advance copy of The Stalker in exchange for my honest review.

Help! I’m a newlywed. Get me out of here!!!!!!!

Newlywed Liam and Laura Carrington have chosen the remote island of Shura as their belated honeymoon destination opting for peace and quiet which they’ll have in abundance given they will be the sole two occupants. Sound blissful or would it be your idea of hell? This couple are about to discover that their week of isolation may not be the cosy, romantic holiday they’ve been looking forward to and the memories they take from their time here are ones they’d rather forget.

There’s something very odd with this scenario from the beginning in terms of the couple’s dynamics and their choice of honeymoon destination. Not many people would choose a remote Scottish island with its inclement weather over a sun drenched Greek island but if it’s privacy and solitude and natural beauty Liam and Laura are after then they’ve picked the right place. Completely cut off from the mainland, with no WiFi signal and with the island’s mysterious history casting a ominous shadow over the place I’m not sure this would be my idea of a romantic getaway but the location is a perfect setting for this psychological thriller. What has happened to the previous owners and who owns the island now are questions begging to be answered as Liam and Laura step over the threshold of the converted old forge which is the only habitable building on the island. The haunting and chilling atmosphere instinctively fills you with apprehension and a sense of foreboding that this week spent on Shura will be far from idyllic! Goosebumps were forming on my skin with descriptions of the dangerous cliffs, forests, and creepy ramshackle castle and chapel giving off an unwelcoming air to this island where your imagination suggests bad things have happened here in the past. I don’t just mean the Vikings who came raiding and pillaging either! Sarah Alderson unsettles you with these visions superbly, setting the stage for this honeymoon to take a sinister, vengeful and malevolent turn. The impression that all is not well between husband and wife with Laura grieving for her mother and barely eating together with mounting evidence that they might not be the only occupants on this island leaves you on tenterhooks, anticipating and expecting the very worst. Who or what lurks in the darkness adds another layer of eeriness to what is a exceptionally creepy storyline. Are the eyes of the long ago dead watching over Liam and Laura or do they belong to someone still very much alive??

This is a very slow paced thriller with the author building the tension oh so gradually. In my opinion it is overly drawn out. I could feel my interest wavering and boredom creeping in perplexed as to how and why this couple are together. Laura is clearly depressed giving Liam free rein to take charge in their relationship and they don’t exactly exude happiness considering they are only recently married. As the week descends into a hellish nightmare the pace suddenly quickens and you begin to observe both Liam and Laura in a whole new light. Let’s just say appearances can be deceptive! Definitely this is a book of two halves; the second half is where these characters really come alive and show their true colours. The twist is VERY clever. I felt well and truly played by the author who from the start pulls the wool over your eyes, metaphorically blinding you to the clues so that you take everything laid before you at face value, rather than reading between the lines.

I would say overall this is a good psychological thriller despite the slow start. The evocative setting makes up for the lack of action in the first half with the latter part of the book proving more thrilling and entertaining, earning 4 ⭐️ from me. It’s worth persevering with because the ending is so unexpected!

My thanks to the publisher Avon books and Netgalley for giving me the opportunity to read in exchange for an honest review.

The story through the book is well written. Only problem I found was that it got bit confusing at the end but that could just me.

Otherwise excellent read.