If you've read the author's other book, Local Gone Missing, you will recognize main character Elise King, who is back to solve a crime when a local woman is found dead in the woods.

I really enjoyed the multiple view points in this story. It allowed the reader to look at things from different angles and perspectives. The short chapters made it a quick and engaging read. I always enjoy this author and though the twist wasn't mind blowing, I found it to be very entertaining to read.

I have never read any of the other books from Fiona Barton. But I had read some great reviews. There are some trigger warnings in this novel. Pedophilia and Rape. So if you don’t want to read a story with these stay away from this one. This is told by a few different women. One Elise a cop who is just coming back for a cancer diagnosis. Kiki a reporter who really needs to make a name for herself. And Anne a mom who looses a child and years later must relive the pain when a lady is murdered in the same place. I did pick out the killer early on. But a bunch of twists and turns keeps you guessing. If you like a thriller that keeps you guessing this is one to try.

Overall, I’ve been entertained by Fiona Barton’s mysteries (The Child and Local Gone Missing come to mind), so I was pleased to receive a copy of Talking To Strangers in exchange for my honest review.

Local Gone Missing featured Detective Elise King, and The Child featured intrepid reporter Kate Waters. The good news is that Elise is back! This time, the story (which starts rather slowly for a good chunk of the book) follows a reporter who is determined to get the story no matter what, and a female Detective King who is back on the job in a small town filled with lots of “interesting” characters, many of whom tell the story from their own point of view. So right off, I knew my husband would not like this book: he hates alternating POV, and he isn’t a big fan of books with LOTS of characters. I, on the other hand, am fine with both of those, and I really like stories that look closely at how women tend to be treated…for example, crime victims who have a history of being active on dating sites and end up being blamed for their own victimhood. Lots of good plotting, and although several reviewers have said they knew early on who had committed the crime, I didn’t – but that’s not unusual, I am terrible at uncovering the mystery in the books I read!

I look forward to more books about Elise King. Kate Waters, not so much. But that’s just me. Four stars. Thanks to Berkley Publishing Group and NetGalley for providing a copy in exchange for my honest review.

Karin Simmons is found dead. As gossip circulates about her dating habits and her lifestyle, Detective King must sort through it all for the facts of the real person. Kiki Nunn is an aggressive reporter also searching for answers to the death antagonizing Detective King. Kiki is compassionate with the families and town people, so many people open up to her about what they knew. The investigation takes the women undercover to the many dating sites and dangerous situations. Several suspects present themselves, but the author keeps the reader guessing to the end.

This was kind of hard to follow. really so many characters , and why all the sub plots? At the end I really didn't care anymore.

"Talking to Strangers" by Fiona Barton is an intriguing mystery that grabbed my attention right away and held it through the fast pace of the book. The narrative is consistently engaging, revolving around the themes of victim-blaming and the pervasive misconception that certain women are 'looking for trouble.' This theme is especially relevant in our current era of online dating.

The women in the story that fight for the victim add depth to thid thrilling mystery, making it not just a page-turner but also a thought-provoking read. The characters are well-developed, and their determination and resilience are inspiring.

Overall, "Talking to Strangers" is a compelling mystery with a significant message, making it a must-read in my book!

Talking to Strangers by Fiona Barton is a fast-paced mystery with alternating viewpoints. Detective Elise King races to solve a woman's murder, but a determined reporter keeps interfering with her investigation. Short chapters keep the story moving, and switching between characters adds depth and intrigue. While the ending might be a bit predictable for some readers, it doesn't detract from the overall enjoyment. This is a compelling and easy weekend read that will immerse you in a good mystery.

Talking to Strangers by Fiona Barton is the story of Detective Elise King’s investigation into a woman’s murder, while a local reporter, Kiki Nunn, embarks on her own investigation that seems to constantly get in Elise’s way.

This is a classic murder mystery, but it just didn’t do it for me. I struggled to connect with the characters, many of whom were older single women. The mystery itself was fairly predictable. I believe this book would be a charmer for mystery readers a bit older than myself.

Thank you to Berkley Publishing Group and NetGalley for the eARC in exchange for my honest review. All thoughts and opinions are my own.

Thanks for the advance copy!!! I was very happy as this is one of my favourite authors.

I did give it. 4 stars because it was very slow to start. So don’t give up if you are struggling it got really good around page 145

PUBLICATION DAY: August 27, 2024

Kiki is a reporter, searching for a way back to the days when she was a respected journalist. Balancing her work and motherhood isn’t easy, but she has been managing until she stumbles on to the murder of Karen Slimmon, a woman she recently interviewed about online dating. As she investigates this death further, she comes in contact with Elise, the detective and Annie, a still grieving mother. What will these three women encounter during this investigation? And are any of them safe?

PROS and CONS:
It is quite painful to read about the experiences of Kiki and some of the other women as they navigate the pitfalls of the online dating world in search of true love. There is also a raw portrayal of Elise, the detective dealing with cancer and the demands of a stressful job. And then there is Annie, the mother who has already suffered so much, and will perhaps find out something even worse. This is an excellent book, my favourite so far from Barton.

READ IT?
I loved it - so yes!!!

5 Stars

This book was a little predictable and had a lot of characters to keep track of but oveall I enjoyed the story.

Thank you NetGalley and Berkley Publishing Group for this ARC! This book was BRILLIANT. There were so many twists and turns that kept me on the edge of my seat the majority of the time. I loved the character development of all the main characters in the book. Typically I find multiple viewpoints books to be a bit challenging to navigate but the extensive character development in this book made reading it a breeze as each character really had a different personality and tone. Absolutely loved the ending but wish we would have gotten more information on Archie’s death as I don’t feel like that part was as clear. Overall brilliant work, 5 stars from me!

Fast-paced, easy read.
Predictable, can you guess
the full picture?
⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️


I write haiku reviews on Instagram but am happy to provide further feedback.

Welcome back Detective Elise King! She is recovering from cancer and still getting her footing when she is thrown straight into an investigation of a local woman's murder. Karen Simmons was mid 40's woman looking for love and well-known in the small town. When her body is found in the woods, everyone is afraid. An intrepid report named Kiki throws herself head first into the story, believing that it's a case of an online dating meeting gone wrong. The two strong woman step on each other's toes as they race to get to the bottom of it all.

Meanwhile, we are introduced to Annie, a woman still grieving the death of her young son many years ago. She returns to those same woods and ends up opening a Pandora's box.

There are lots of threads and sometimes too many but a wholly enjoyable story that I needed to finish in one sitting! I can't wait to see what's next for Elise, I really admire her!
#fionabarton #talkingtostrangers #berkley

Thank you, NetGalley for an early copy of Talking to Strangers by Fiona Barton. D.I. Elise King is back in the second book in the series, she is called to solve the murder of Karen Simmons. The reporter Kiki Nunn is determined to solve the murder before the police and revive her career in journalism. Annie is the third narrator in the story, her son was found dead years ago in the same spot Karen Simmons is found. Is this a coincidence or are they connected?

A great thriller that explores issues many single women face in the dating world. It took a while to get into this book and follow with so many characters. I loved that I did not guess the ending. I will definitely read the next one in the series.

Not much to say about this book. I didn't love it but didn't hate it. An average whodunnit, Anyone who is a fan of Fiona Burton will enjoy it!

Thanks to NetGalley and the publisher for an advanced copy of the ebook in exchange for an honest review.

I didn't get completely hooked into this for quite a while, it was a little slow going for me. But once I got into it I found msyelf enjoying it, and I was pleasantly suprised by the ending!

Four women......Karen Simmons is found murdered on Valentine’s Day. Detective King suspects her online dating life might hold the key. .Journalist Kiki Nunn is determined to crack the case. Annie finds similarities relating to the death of her son. But how do the puzzles pieces connect????

Told for 3 points of view, I found it a little tough getting into the story. It was interesting to see how the lives of these four women were connected. The story was very thought provoking, and with the online dating, this could very well happen. I did find it rather easy to solve the case. I had it narrowed down and was correct.

It was an okay read. There are other books by this author that I like better. I would definitely recommend you give this one a try.

Thank you to NetGalley and Berkley Publishing Group for this ARC to enjoy.

This book got better as it went on The beginning/middle felt overly long and not so interesting but I kept at it and the end was worth it. I guessed a number of the twists. Three women, a mother grieving still for her murdered child, a reporter and a police detective and the cases that involve them, personally and professionally. Who can be trusted

Great mystery/thriller! The author kept me engaged and wove together a great story! I loved how the women wound up helping each other figure things out near the end! Great character development- believable characters and storyline.