Well this was a dark and bingeable read! A fast-paced psychological thriller full of untrustworthy characters, twists and turns, and shocking back stories that reveal themselves at the most opportune time. A fun read if you like shocking storylines and books that leave you just a little bit more weary of the people you meet.

First off I have to thank the ever talented John Marrs for this advanced reading copy of this book! I simply could not wait until February.

This book was so gripping I found every spare moment I could pick it back up I was. The story surrounds an elderly woman who is suffering from dementia - and those sick twisted person(s) who take advantage of someone in that position.

The cat & mouse game between Connie & Paul was so fierce & the quickness in which Paul moved to always have the upper hand was both infuriating and amazing. It really made me feel Connie's frustrations every single time!

Being a huge JM fan & avid reader of his, I was constantly trying to piece things together - even the smallest details but still came up short in the end. Every chapter made me need a little bit more - so of course I indulged and finished this book in no time at all.

There are very few writers that can create a book with SO many unlikeable and ruthless characters & still manage to be so amazing - & John Marrs has definitely done it again.

Paul was horrifying & so damn smart there were many times I was shocked but also low key impressed by him. The scary thing was he was such a believable character & knowing this stuff actually happens makes it far more unsettling.

RUN and get your copy when this hits shelves in February 2024!

My Review: 🍷🍷🍷🍷

Wow this book!!!!!
I think this could be my fav book I have read in 2023.
I was feeling every emotion, but part 1 had me feeling so angry for Connie then wham part 2.
I always love John marrs books, he is a fantastic write and they just get better and better

John Marrs does it again! I absolutely ate this one up, once I started I had it finished in 24 hours! The Stranger in Her House had my jaw on the floor at many points and made my blood boil as well, so to say it was a rollercoaster is an understatement! I loved this reading experience and really cannot recommend this book enough! I'd say the less you know the better heading into this one, you'll be in for a real treat!

Thank you to NetGalley, Thomas & Mercer and John Marrs for this copy! The Stranger in Her House is out February 13th 2024, do not miss out!

* Please look up trigger warnings before reading *

I always love John Marrs books and I was SO happy to get access to this one! In this, Marrs succeeds in making the most FRUSTRATING scenario possible and then twisting it on its head so you don’t know how to feel anymore!

This story had a lot less action than I’d come to expect in a John Marrs book, it was very slow and subtle and then there was a bit of action at the end. This wasn’t necessarily a bad thing, this book was a lot more focused on familial relationships, con artists, morality, and the vulnerability of old people. I especially liked that Gwen had dementia, as this made the stakes for figuring Paul out so much higher for Connie. I can’t talk much more about the rest of the book without giving lots away.

This one had some really interesting characters, none massively likeable though 😂 I enjoyed the ending overall as I wasn’t rooting for many of the characters. I did wish that the side plot with Margaret and Tom was more complex. Overall though I really enjoyed this and absolutely raced through it! It was so frustrating and annoying in the best way. I’d definitely recommend.

A dark and unputdownable tale. I loved it more than I loved the mostly unlikeable characters. I felt it dragged just a bit towards the end, but it arrived at a satisfyingly wicked conclusion.

4.5 stars

Thank you to NetGalley and Thomas & Mercer for an ARC of this novel. I stayed up way too late to read “just one more chapter!” The twist at the middle of the book was perfection. You really can’t trust anyone in this book- they all have a secret agenda (which I loved!). 4.5 ⭐️ rounded up!

Thank you to NetGalley and the publishers for this ARC.

Paul’s just here to help, or so he claims—sent by a charity for vulnerable people to do odd jobs for elderly widow Gwen. But for Gwen’s daughter Connie, there’s just something about Paul that rings alarm bells from day one. He’s a little too kind, a little too involved…Worse still, Gwen seems to have fallen under his spell.

As always John has blown me away. This book was fantastic.

I thought I knew what was going to happen about half way through by boy was I wrong.

I somehow hated yet loved all the characters.

Love John marrs books! What happens when your elderly loved one gets seduced by a possible con man? Connie finds herself in this position and begins to fear for her mothers life. Good read, a bit repetitive and Connie is a bit unlikeable. But enjoyable

This was such a clever read. There were quite a few twists , but the one that happened about midway completely took this book in a whole different direction. A cat and mouse thriller you will DEFINITELY want to add to your list. The two main characters, Connie and Paul, are both unlikable, but after reading on, you'll realize one is worse than the other and you'll actually be rooting for one of them. This was a compulsively readable book that will almost definitely catch you off guard! Highly recommend!

Thank you to the publisher and netgalley for the gifted copy in exchange for an honest review. All opinions are my own. My review will be posted on Instagram, Bookbub, Goodreads, and Amazon once it publishes.

Another masterpiece by John Marrs. This book is split into three parts and my word part 1 had my jaw on the floor. I love the way John writes and has you trying to guess the outcome and it ends up completely different. The book is very quick paced and packed with tension. The only negative was that I found towards the end it was just dragging but again it had revelations and it was all imperative to the story. Love John Marrs and he never lets you down. 5 🌟

Twisty thriller with a cast of characters that kept you guessing who to believe the whole time. I really like how John Marrs writes always keeps the story moving and easy to read. I enjoyed the short chapters and the different points of view chapters that would pop up from time to time. I want to thank NetGalley and Thomas & Mercer for the digital arc in exchange for an honest review. 3 stars for this one would recommend.

My first John Marrs book! And I loved it!

Let me tell you, I was convinced I knew where this was going…I did not!

This book was so twisty. The constant shocks and reveals in the second half made for such addictive reading. It's rare I read a book in 24 hours but this one was just begging to be read!

This is a binge worthy, suspend belief, sit back and enjoy the ride type of thriller and I enjoyed every page of it! Get excited for next Feb when this book is released!

Now I need to know, which John Marrs book do I need to read next?

What a book! It has all you need for a great read. Characters who you love to hate, Short sharp chapters and a good storyline which keeps you on your toes right until the very end. I really enjoyed reading this.

Thank you to Netgalley and the publisher for an ARC of this ebook in exchange for my honest review.

I've long been a fan of John Marrs and this didn't disappoint.

Connie's mum, Gwen, has Alzheimer's and is receiving help from Paul from a local charity. Small things at first, tidying the garden, a few bits around the house but slowly Paul begins to nudge Connie out the picture and, despite a brief period where she felt Paul might be a nice guy, she slowly comes to see a hidden agenda. But can she get rid of him before he works his way into her mum's life......

This was a well-paced domestic thriller with a midway twist which really turns the story on its head. I mean, I say it's a twist, however I think it was so well signposted that I'm not quite sure it counts as a twist. Regardless, it turns the story well and leads to an exciting second part of the novel which builds to an exciting ending.

Thanks to Netgalley and Thomas and Mercer for an ARC in exchange for an honest review

John Marrs is one of my favorite authors, and that is because of books exactly like this one. He has the imagination we would all love to have - boundless and exciting, to take us on journeys which surpass our fantasies.

Connie is very comfortable living with her elderly mother Gwen who is suffering from Alzheimers. Along comes Paul, a handyman sent by a charity to do some odd jobs in the house. Paul is strong, handsome and has a captivating manner, but Paul's attentions seem to be very focused on Gwen. Alarm bells ring for Connie, but everyone is so talented in by Paul, and he is so deceptively clever, Connie just starts looking unhinged.

Reading this blurb you think you know exactly where this book is headed - I can assure you that you don't. Several times throughout the novel I had to re-evaluate what I knew - or thought I knew. This book is published in February 2024, but as soon as you can pre-order it, I recommend that you do.

https://www.goodreads.com/review/show/5927901441

Paul's just here to help, or so he claims - sent by a charity for vulnerable people to do odd jobs for elderly widow Gwen. But for Gwen's daughter Connie, there's just something about Paul that rings alarm bells from day one. He's a little too kind, a little too involved. Worst still, Gwen seems to have fallen under his spell. The last thing Connie wants is a stranger meddling in the safe routine she's built around Gwen. She loves being the one Gwen turns to for cooking, cleaning and company. But the more Paul visits, the more Gwen is relying on him. By the time he conveniently finds himself between homes, and has no choice but to move in, Connie is certain he's trying to push her out completely.

Connie's mum has dementia. Connie has been looking after her mum Gwen until a charity sends Paul to help with her care. Gwen starts to rely more on Paul, and Connie is suspicious of him. This story is told in three parts. The first part I didn't enjoy so much. It was full of bad decisions being made. But when I was getting near the end of part one, it became more intriguing. Parts two and three are more compelling and disturbing. The more you read, the darker it gets. This is a twisted and well-written story. I liked the author's writing style. The characters are well-developed, unlikable, and they'll get under your skin. Due to some of the graphic content, this book is not for the faint-hearted.

I would like to thank #NetGalley #Thomas&Mercer and the author #JohnMarrs for my ARC of #TheStrangerInTheHouse in exchange for an honest review.

Connie visits her mother, Gwen, everyday now she has dementia. It's not always easy and Connie herself struggles at times. One day she finds Paul at her mother's, sent by a charity to do small jobs for her. Initially Connie is pleased that someone else is helping out with harder tasks however increasingly Paul seems to be determined to edge Connie out of her mother's life. Is it possible that Paul has another agenda and what is really going on?

Essentially the book is split into three parts and is mainly in Connie's "voice". One or two others have the odd chapter but it is well signposted. At the end of the first third there is a reveal which didn't surprise me and the tone of the book changes. I really do prefer not to put in spoilers so I'll simply says that the final third has a somewhat different character again. I guess this is probably best seen as a psychological thriller.

The chapters are generally not long here and the pace is very good. It was certainly enough to keep me reading. However it's fair to say that I found this really rather blunt and simplistic in its presentation. Personally I felt most of the twists had been very well trailed. I guess that the fact that I really didn't like or feel engaged with any of the characters meant I found this rather unappealing. I do realise that I am in a minority here. Equally I'm glad I've read this and nothing about it made me want to give up. I cannot call it a bad read but it's just not my kind of things these days I think.

Connie is alarmed when her mother hires a workman to help with her garden when he then takes on indoor work and her mother starts to rely on him on a daily basis things become very strained.
A story about secrets and lies with plenty of twist and turns.
Thank you to NetGalley and Thomas & Mercer for my e-copy in exchange for an honest review.

Connie is working as a carer for Gwen who has dementia. One day Paul arrives from a local charity to do jobs around the house for Gwen. Although his services are free of charge, he has a hidden agenda. But so does Connie. Things begin to go wrong for Connie when Gwen and Paul are married, and Gwen is found dead soon after.
Thrilling , scary, a warning and a twist. An excellent read.