I always find Sarah A. Denzils novels enjoyable and easy reads but I'll admit the format of The Stranger in Our House confused me at first.
As the story progressed I enjoyed the diary entries of the family members but did skim read the chapters relating to the history of the locality. It is relevant to the families situation but personally I just did not find it interesting and it did not impact my understanding.
The juxtaposition of the day to day lives of the Family and what is unfolding creates an atmospheric mood and I was continually pondering what was going to happen next. I thought this was particularly good towards the end of the novel.
Whilst the conclusion is not a 'twist' as such it is certainly hard hitting and leaves unanswered questions without being frustrating.

The second I downloaded this book, I stopped everything (including the book I was already reading) and got stuck right in! I am a massive fan of the author anyways so had hopes and I wasn't disappointed.

This book did feel very different to her others but it still had that same tension and suspenseful atmosphere. The book is written in multiple povs but through diary entries, voice notes and therapy sessions. It sounds odd but it actually works perfectly and flows a lot more cohesively than you might imagine. The effect that is created is giving a clear insight into the inner mindset of each character and what they're going through, what they think is happening and it really does give you such insight into who they are and why they're doing what they're doing. It also means you never quite know what's going on as each of the characters are so firmly rooted in their own reality and their own experience. Which is a very human thing. It highlights the difference that perspective makes and how our personal beliefs have dictate how each one of us will react, and its often very differently even though we're in the same situation. It's so cleverly written and just such an insight into the human experience! Which is strange considering its a book with strong folklore vibes but it really is brought into a modern setting seamlessly.

Through the 1st person accounts in the various formats you do get such clarity into who these people are and their fears and struggles are so relatable. That choice between trying to protect the ones you love hut without having any idea what you're protecting them from or how to even go about it combined with that sheer helplessness. You can't help but get drawn into the family and care what happens to them

So with that rambling aside, this book keeps up such a good pace. There is constantly things happening and the unsettling, creepy atmosphere is built throughout the book. There are twists and turns and you just have no idea what's going to happen next.... or what's already happened either since you don't know who's account to believe. It really does get under your skin and have your hair standing on end in parts, it's everyone's worst nightmare and taps into that tiny part of you that does wonder..... what if?!

I'd highly recommend!!