You know the old saying....What tangled webs we weave? This saying was made for the characters of this book. Oh my gosh!! I am not sure that I'd call any of the main characters likeable. Connie turned out ok I suppose but barely. I usually need at least one extremely likeable character BUT John Marrs did not disappoint with this book.

The characters Connie, Gwen & Paul...Gwen is suffering with dementia, Connie is her carer/daughter and Paul he's the handy man sent by a charity to help with lawn/outdoor things.

Doesn't sound crazy but TRUST me IT IS!!

This is another book that John Marrs has hit way OUT of the park!! Thanks to the author, Netgalley & Thomas & Mercer for allowing me to read this ARC!!

3.5

I feel a bit mean with the star rating but my reasoning was this. I watched a programme not so long ago that didn't mirror the start of the book, it was virtually identical. Daphne Franks mother was befriended by a much younger man, they married despite the woman having diagnosed dementia and after her death she was buried in an unmarked grave - all of which her daughter could do nothing about.

The plot of this book certainly mirrors this very closely to start but then Mr Marrs develops the plot into something far more sinister and we have several twists as we head towards the final part of the book which turns the plot on its head again. All of which jogged along at a good pace with more twists throwing you off track every so often. It's a bit like being on one of those fairground attractions with the moving floorboards.

Certainly our protagonist Connie seems just as bewildered by each turn of events. However Paul - the man who marries Gwen cutting Connie out of the inheritance is the one in charge - or so it seems. But for me a lot of his later actions seemed a little over the top and (for me) somewhat laughably ridiculous at times. Hence the missing star and a half.

On the whole it's a typical John Marrs and if you liked his books before Marriage Act (which for me was a little different to his usual fare) then you'll love The Stranger in Her House. It's pretty dark, there's tons of twists, the dialogue is believable, the plot is a bit OTT and there's even a nice final little twist at the end. I certainly enjoyed most of it although not quite as much as Marriage Act. I'd still recommend it for fans of the twisty thriller genre.

Thanks to Netgalley for the advance review copy.

This is the second book I’ve read by John Marrs. The first was What Lies Between Us and I enjoyed it. Unfortunately, I didn’t enjoy this one that much. I want to start off by saying I’m an outlier with my thoughts as the majority of the reviews for the book are 5 stars. The story started out great. I was into it and liked the premise. Then came the first big twist and it lost me. I also didn’t care for either of the main characters and found them both to be extremely annoying. So there was no emotional investment because of that which is something that typically makes me want to keep reading if nothing else does. Every time I thought the book was going to redeem itself, it just got even more ridiculous. This one just wasn’t for me.

Although this isn’t my favorite by John, it is still very good! It has a very interesting storyline with a few murders, a few twists. Short and easy to read chapters. I didn’t want to stop reading. The ending was very good and surprising.

Thank you @thomasmerceruk @johnmarrs.author for the #gifted ebook!

John! What are you doing to me?! I cannot stop reading your books! 🤪 This one is ahhhh-mazing in true John form. I could-not, would-not stop reading this book! This book is addictive, compulsive, heart rate inducing, sweat producing, stress causing and I loved every minute of it. The first twist I was jaw dropped. I think I even said “wait whaaaaaaa?!” out loud while reading it. The first major twist comes about 40% of the way through and I kept thinking what else is he going to add, there is so much more left! Don’t you worry…John simply makes this book bonkers! You have a forever fan! Bravo for keeping us all on our toes the entire way through! I LOVED this book.

I truly felt so frustrated for the first bit of the book and was infuriated with The Stranger in Her House! I think I kept thinking about how easy something like this could happen in real life. 👀 It’s truly terrifying. What am I talking about? I won’t tell you! You have to read the book to find out! 😝

I am a fan ,and have enjoyed each book I have read by this author .I did find that this was not my favourite book by Mr M if I am honest. I didn't really take to the characters, so it made me less invested in them. Still an okay read ,but just lacked something for me.

I love John Marrs books and this one is no exception! Honestly, I haven’t hidden away in the bath for 3 hours to finish a book for ages, and then message my friend immediately afterwards to tell her she needs to read this book asap! The way the author is able to write such a clever story in such a readable way and remain sensitive to a very emotional subject in such a perfectly balanced way is second to none, The characters are very cleverly written as you swing from trusting them to not believing a word they say from one paragraph to the next. This is a devilishly addictive and highly recommended read.

This seems to be a common start to my reviews - that despite having many of this Authors books on my shelves or on my kindle, this is the first John Marrs book I have actually read.
I was hooked in very very quickly, to the point where I read the first 50 % almost in one go as I couldn't put it down.
It had so many little twists and turns, that I didn't see coming at all - not even close, and I just couldn't get enough.
I have read reviews stating that this particular book isn't as good as his previous books - if that's the case, I can't wait to read his others as this one was really good, and I would be happy to recommend.
Great book ❤️

If John Marrs wrote it, you know it’s good! I was hooked right away at the beginning, felt a little bored in the middle, but then the ending picked back up again. Overall I enjoyed this game of cat and mouse.

Wow! I loved this book! It’s one of those books you keep thinking about long after you read it. It’s about a handyman that insinuates himself into the life of a woman with Dementia. The woman’s daughter grows suspicious of the man.
There’s so much more to it than that, but I don’t want to give anything away. Def recommend!

Thanks to the publisher and Netgalley for this eARC.

John Marrs comes through once again, with a captivating novel you cannot bear to put down. The first half of this novel kept me up reading most of the night.

Although, there are no honestly "good" people to cheer for in this novel, ultimately, all the bad people are certainly thoroughly punished (to death in some cases) for their misdeeds.

Think how you would feel if you were taking care of your elderly mother (who has dementia) and a young man half her age begins a relationship with her so that he becomes her soul heir? Not really a spoiler, and does not give away the various mysteries in this book as this occurs almost immediately.

What would you do when there is little you CAN do?

Many secrets to discover in this mystery where women are loved - to death.

John Marrs has made his best book yet IMO. WOW! Just wow!! This thriller had me flipping the pages so fast I felt like I was getting whiplash! So many twists and turns along the way, all the way to the very last page. Loved it!! Thanks to NetGalley and the publisher for this advance copy in exchange for my honest review. I do think this will be a favorite of 2024 (even though it's only January) I highly recommend this one.

Connie has a tough life, eking out a living by walking dogs and taking in ironing while also caring for her mom Gwen, who has vascular dementia. The day a handsome stranger shows up is the day it all starts going off the rails. Paul has been sent by a charitable organization to help with some yard work, but he’s soon wormed his way far deeper into the women’s lives and to say his motives appear suspect would be putting it mildly. As things start spiraling out of control, Connie fears she’s at risk of losing on the inheritance she’s been counting on.

Holy crap, John Marrs! It’s a good thing I can tell from Bookstagram that he’s such an awesome person, because otherwise I would be seriously concerned about where these twisted stories come from! He’s got such a compelling writing style that sucks you in immediately and doesn’t let go. The plot is intricate and clever and there’s a palpable sense of dread running just under the surface that will keep you racing through the pages. The gaslighting and cat-and-mouse interplay between Connie and Paul are dark and disturbing and kept me off balance as much as they kept each other dangling. I know Marrs is always going to have a curveball up his sleeve that I couldn’t possibly predict, so I didn’t even try to guess how this story would turn out, I just hung on and enjoyed the ride!

Many thanks to NetGalley and Thomas & Mercer for providing me an advance copy of this book.

A good read which kept me involved in the storyline from the beginning until the end.

I engaged with all the characters and they were well described.

Thank you to Netgalley and Thomas & Mercer for this ARC which I can recommend.

John Marrs has done it again and has written another fabulous and twisted story that I just can’t fault. I knew right from the off I was going to love this book as in no time at all I was so deeply immersed in the story I refused to leave the house until I finished reading it. The story is a sad one in many ways but it’s deliciously cunning and clever as the twists come and take you down yet another pathway it leaves you gasping as you realise what is going on…. well I thought I did but this is Mr Marrs at his best and of course I was wrong!!
Fabulous story, superb writing, characters that are never what they seem this book has it all and much more so another 5 star read from an amazing author I absolutely loved it and can highly recommend it it’s one that’s not to be missed.
My thanks to NetGalley and Thomas and Mercer for giving me the opportunity to read the ARC in exchange for my honest opinion.

Connie is struggling a bit, taking care of her mother, Gwen, who's dementia has progressed since becoming a widow. Luckily, a charity group for seniors has sent Paul to do some yard and house work, a huge help for both of them. But when Paul gets a little too involved with her mother's care, Connie starts to wonder what Paul's real intentions are.

I admit this book started off a little bit much. Part one had me shaking my head about some things that were going on and I could not get past. That is, until part two came and completely threw me for a loop. I was not expecting the twist at all, BUT looking back, the clues were there, which I believe to be important for a good twist, and there were more to follow. The characters were well written and all fairly unlikeable in a good way. The plot was very good, and while I had questions about some parts at first, the author answered them all in his acknowledgements, which were quite enlightening and shocking. The ending was perfect and I wouldn't have changed a thing. I have read several books by this author and this is likely tied with my favorite (alongside What Lies Between Us.)

To swim in a pond of deception with waves coming off the deceiver and the deceived.

John Marrs has created quite a multi-faceted novel here. Marrs stands his characters upright like two Samarai warriors eyeing each other for battle. Braced for combat, they both shift positions according to the circumstances. But through the process, both will begin to lose their solid footing at the expense of a total downfall.

Gwen sits in her chair near the door. It's become second nature to her as she awaits the arrival of her daughter, Connie, who lives in her own apartment in the village. Days run into each other with confusion and unsettled feelings. Dementia never seems to focus on the light at the end of the tunnel. It begins to dim day after day.

Connie concentrates on supplying Gwen with a change of clothes and a visit to the bathroom. Once Gwen is settled, she begins her regular routine as Gwen's carer. But sounds from outdoors suddenly draw Connie to the window. It's a handsome young man in his thirties cutting down branches from the overgrown tree in the front yard.

The man introduces himself as Paul, a volunteer from Help For Homes. Connie feels a bit uneasy. Paul returns every day with a new task at hand. It's Paul who settles Gwen down after one of her episodes that leaves scratches on Connie's face. Gwen begins to find comfort in Paul's presence and Paul begins to wear a path over the threshold day after day to Connie's dismay.

Connie contacts the local minister who assures her that Paul is a highly recommended volunteer. She also contacts Help For Homes and sees nothing but positive experiences listed. But there's something about Paul. His continuous presence is leaving Connie unsure of her own relationship with Gwen. Connie is losing her footing here. Paul will become a threat of momentous proportions. Just stick around and see this one unfold, folks. Deep Creep.

The Stranger in Her Home visits upon those issues that affect the elderly and those who care for them. And even on a grander scale, Marrs touches on those events and circumstances in life in which the sands of control begin to shift.......and not in our favor. When lies begin as small bites and then become mouthfuls. When the actual truth becomes hazy and difficult to discern in the mix of ill-gotten gains and terrible losses. Marrs will keep you clutchin' those pearls as these actions begin to swirl into a giant tsunami at the end. Stay tuned. This is a complicated knot of a read.

I received a copy of this book through NetGalley for an honest review. My thanks to Thomas & Mercer and to John Marrs for the opportunity.

How trustworthy is someone helpful? Are their motives always for good? And how can you know when the person they are helping isn’t of their right mind all the time? John pulls you into this creepy drama and has you second guessing yourself throughout.

Thank you NetGalley, Thomas & Mercer, and John Marrs for the advanced copy in exchange for my honest review.

Marrs has done it again! This excellent thriller had all sorts of twists I was not expecting (one big one in particular blew my mind).

The alternating POV chapters are always a favorite of mine and they were very well done in this instance. My only knock is something that happened at the end of the book but it’s probably just because I’m over sensitive!

The Stranger in Her House will be on US bookshelves February 13!

The Stranger in Her House" by John Marrs is a rollercoaster of suspense and twisted psychological intrigue. Marrs skillfully weaves a tale where a seemingly helpful stranger, Paul, infiltrates the life of elderly widow Gwen under the guise of charity assistance. However, Gwen's daughter, Connie, is quick to sense that something about Paul is off. As Paul's influence grows, Connie's suspicions intensify, leading to a gripping battle of wits between them.

While the premise requires some suspension of disbelief, Marrs delivers a proper twisty thriller that keeps readers guessing until the very end. The narrative's tension is palpable as Connie tries to unveil Paul's true intentions, creating a psychological chess game that explores themes of trust, manipulation, and the fragility of reality. "The Stranger in Her House" is an entertaining ride for those who enjoy suspenseful and mind-bending thrillers.