Thank you to NetGalley and Thomas & Mercer for an ARC copy of Imaginary Strangers.

Minka Kent's books always seem to be fast-paced, quick reads and this was no exception. Although I would classify this as a domestic thriller, I found the plot to be very unique compared to many other domestic thrillers I've read recently, which was refreshing! I did guess the twist fairly early in the book, which made the ending a bit less exciting. 3.5 stars rounded up!

Camille Prescott had a traumatic childhood but you’d never know it by the picture-perfect image she’s curated of her life now. Her charming husband and two beautiful children complete the façade she hides behind. When her six-year-old daughter starts bringing up reminders of her past, Camille is left reeling.

This book had me hooked from the very first chapter. Camille’s sociopathy is revealed very early on in the book and I loved the tidbits revealed during her therapy sessions years ago. The way she recounts her daughter’s experiences with “Imaginary” had me wondering if there were multiple diagnoses at play. I was surprised by the ending – it definitely didn’t turn out how I anticipated. I was, however, expecting a jaw-dropping twist in the epilogue that never came. That said, I was happy with the set up for a sequel, which Kent pretty much confirmed in the afterword.

I’m a new fan of Minka Kent and was thrilled to read this ARC of Imaginary Strangers. Mark your calendars for the release on July 23! In the meantime, I’ll be adding all Kent’s books to my TBR list.

Dexter if he was a mom.
I really liked the twist, I thought her husband was about to show his true colours somewhere along the line but what we got was a great misdirect. Though… I wanted it to extend beyond one chapter. The twist was way too anticlimactic. Still, a psychopathic mother raising a sociopathic daughter who then has her own children? A great premise. I also liked the fact that she never once doubted or worried about herself around her children. She may not have loved them but she would never hurt them and sometimes that’s all it takes to be a good mom.

*It was a pleasure to read the ARC for Imaginary Strangers, thank you M. Kent and Thomas & Mercer.

Minka Kent never disappoints! Such a great twisty story!! Camille has it all a loving husband, two amazing kids but she’s running from her traumatic past.

This book has me guessing the whole way through! Definitely a quick easy read that will have you guessing until the end.

“Psychopaths are born, sociopaths are made.”

I loved the opportunity to get inside the head of a female sociopath! Reading the chapters where this character visits her therapist gave me an idea of what it must be like to be void of feeling and have occasions where there is no delineation between right and wrong. For someone who is a rule follower and a highly emotional person, I found this morally ambiguous complex person highly intriguing!

Perfection is an allusion. You won’t learn that from the Prescotts, though. They want you to believe they live a perfect life.

When their daughter comes home from school and shares about her imaginary friend and their secrets, cracks in this perfect family start to show. Camile’s hidden past comes to the surface and undermines the carefully veiled perfection. What has taken years of therapy to overcome and bury is undone, causing Camille to become unhinged. Kent’s examination of a sociopathic mother fighting to protect her family at all costs was a wild ride!

Minka Kent’s exploration of nature vs nurture, manipulation, motherhood, traumatic childhood, mental health, and sociopathic behaviour was amazing!

Her implementation of short chapters, flashbacks, tension-filled scenes where the reader knows more than some of the characters, twists and an engaging narrative mixed with untrustworthy characters, overbearing mothers, and secrets highlights the above and makes for an engaging read.

The main theme, metaphor, and foreshadowing device, conveyed in the cover, is phenomenal! I kept seeing parallels between Camille’s behaviour/environment and that of a Venus Flytrap. As you turn the last page, you’ll be wishing for a sequel and you’ll be left considering if the Venus Flytraps among us are really any different from the rest of us….

I was gifted this copy by Thomas & Mercer and NetGalley and was under no obligation to provide a review.

I found this book to be very unnerving and it kept me up at night in the best way possible. I loved the unique premise and found it addicting to keep reading and reading. I’ll definitely be recommending this one!

First and foremost, at no point while reading this book did I anticipate the absolute betrayal bombshell Minka Kent dropped on us at the end of it.

This book features short chapters, an engaging, suspenseful storyline, and flashbacks to the past to assist in the development of the main character, Camille – a sociopath, which made for an engaging read. When I got to the last page, I was honestly bummed it was over.

Overall, I thought the book was thought-provoking, suspenseful, and entertaining. For all that Camille was incapable of feeling, I felt for her.

Camille, a survivor of a childhood trauma at the hands of her psychotic mother, Lucinda, has worked hard to put her past permanently behind her. After her mother tells her she will kill her, should their paths ever cross again, can you blame her? Camille has since achieved a picture-perfect life with her husband and their two children in a wealthy suburban neighborhood, where their daughter attends the best school they could find, and she now has a loving mother-in-law – worlds different from the life she knew before. Things are progressing smoothly, until Camille’s daughter announces to her that she has made a new imaginary friend, and her imaginary friend begins sharing secrets with her. Secrets which are actually very specific references to the trauma Camille experienced at the hands of her mother growing up. Obviously, the only conclusion Camille could come to is that Lucinda has finally caught up to her, and is coming for her family.

I enjoyed the progression of this book. It was full of twists and turns, and there was a surprise in just about every chapter, making it easy to keep on reading. Some of the events weren’t super realistic, which may be a turn off to some. I personally don’t read fiction books to get a dose of reality, so I enjoyed the somewhat outrageous plot-twists and secrets Camille kept throughout the book. And shall I mention, once again, the ending??? You’ve got to read it. In hindsight, though, Kent did give us a HUGE hint from the get-go.

In terms of character development, Kent lets us in on the secrets of Camille’s past through flashbacks, both to her childhood and other important life events, which I thought was well-done, however in the present-tense it occasionally felt as though Kent suddenly remembered once again the mental health issues Camille struggled from, and needed to remind us, too. Despite this, I believe the goal of bringing awareness to the silent mental health struggles that affect so many of those around us was achieved. I do have some unanswered questions, and the ending seems to leave the possibility for some type of sequel or spin-off open. I look forward to reading that one day!


Thank you to NetGalley for the advanced copy to read and review!

3.5 stars

This book is my second book by this author. I first found her through the booktoker Stephanie who recommended "The Silent Woman" which I really really enjoyed.

TW: details of child abuse

From the outside looking in, Camille has a wonderful life. She has two children and a husband named Will. She also has a traumatic childhood (god her mother was awful). When her daughter Georgie comes home one day acting strange and talking about things that no one should know from Camille's past, she has to wonder what is going on.

There were definitely some moments that fell flat for me, however, the overall pacing was pretty decent. I really did want to know who Georgie's imaginary friend was and what was going on.


It sounds like this is going to be a series as the epilogue definitely was open enough that I could see another book coming!

Fast paced, easy to read, and very engaging. I enjoyed this a lot. I had a lot of fun reading this. Thanks to NetGalley and the publisher for the copy of this ARC.

This book kept my attention, and had a couple interesting twists, but I wanted more! I kept waiting for something big and unexpected to happen, and it just didn’t.

Thank you very much to Netgalley and Thomas and Mercer for the advanced reader’s copy of this book in exchange for my honest review.

Minka Kent brings together a magnificent view into the life of a sociopath in a way one often does not picture them. As Camille strives to be the best wife and mother she is reminded of her past at every turn. She will fight for her normal life and her family. As the story unfolds one learns about her past and how she became the way she is. As she struggles to protect her daughter from her past it is revealed who the enemy is. With an ending with a twist and a prelude to the next book, this was a 5-star read for me. I eagerly await the next book with this dynamic character that one can not help cheering for. This was my second Minka Kent novel and I will be reading more in the future.

I recently had the pleasure of delving into this book, and I am beyond impressed with the mesmerizing world that the author has crafted. From start to finish, the intricate plot weaves a tapestry of suspense, emotion, and unexpected twists that kept me eagerly turning the pages.

One of the standout features of this book is undoubtedly its characters. Each one is meticulously developed, breathing life into the narrative with their unique personalities, motivations, and flaws. The protagonists are not just names on paper; they are relatable, complex individuals with whom readers can form a genuine connection. The antagonist, too, is not a mere foil but a multi-dimensional force that adds depth to the story. The author's ability to create such well-rounded characters is a testament to their storytelling prowess.

The plot unfolds seamlessly, drawing the reader into a richly layered narrative that expertly balances tension, drama, and moments of poignant reflection. The pacing is impeccable, maintaining a perfect rhythm that keeps the reader engaged without sacrificing the depth of the story. The author skillfully navigates through various plot arcs, interweaving them with finesse to create a cohesive and satisfying whole.

What sets this book apart is its ability to tackle profound themes while maintaining an accessible and engaging narrative. The book seamlessly combines suspense and emotional depth, making it a truly immersive experience. The author's prose is both elegant and evocative, painting vivid imagery that lingers in the reader's mind long after the final page is turned.

As I reached the conclusion, I found myself yearning for more from this talented author. Their ability to craft a gripping plot and bring characters to life is truly commendable. I eagerly anticipate future works and would wholeheartedly recommend this book to any reader who appreciates a masterfully told tale. If you're searching for a book that seamlessly blends captivating characters with a compelling plot, this is a shining example. I can't wait to explore more literary worlds crafted by this exceptional storyteller.

‘A woman must keep her family―and her terrifying secrets―safe in a twisting thriller by Washington Post and Wall Street Journal bestselling author Minka Kent.’

For some reason, this one felt familiar to me. Like I’ve read it before. Or something similar. Lineage of sociopathy with no shortage of deceit, misdirection, untrustworthy characters, paranoia….overprotective, overbearing & unhinged mothers….🥴

A quick & easy read. The pages basically flip themselves. But I was still left slightly wanting…

Still, I am grateful to have had the opportunity to read this arc and I’m always going to read what Kent puts out. An easy go-to for me💯

So big thanks to NetGalley and Thomas & Mercer!

Pub date: 7.23.24

3 stars ⭐️

Camille's tough childhood molded her into a sociopath, and now as a mother, she wears a mask of “normalcy”.

Despite her inability to experience emotions like others, Camille navigates motherhood with a careful balance of manipulation and protection. When her daughter begins to display concerning behaviors, Camille is left questioning whether it's inherited or a deliberate setup. As the story unfolds, I was captivated by Camille’s complex character and how she manages her protective instincts.

“Psychopaths are born, sociopaths are made.” This line struck a chord with me and shed light on Camille's character. Initially, I thought I had a tiny grasp of the story's direction, but in the end I had no clue (in a good way). The book was fast-paced and kept me hooked from start to finish. I definitely recommend it!

Thank you to NetGalley for the advanced copy!

The author did a great job of showcasing the good, the bad, and the ugly of that specific mental health condition. This was an entertaining read, though I loved the suspenseful and mysterious journey more than the end.

Camille has a secret, and she will do anything to keep that secret, until her daughter comes home from kindergarten with stories about her past that no one else should know. As Camille says: they may not be the perfect family, but they are frighteningly close. And now someone is coming in to their lives to ruin all of her hard work.

Overall, I enjoyed the story. It was billed as a fast-paced thriller, although it did feel a little slow at times. The ending was happened rapidly and was wrapped up in a nice little bow that felt a little too neat. I feel like I am left with more questions than answers. I can only hope that it is setting up a sequel, and based on the epilogue, it most likely is.

This book gave me the creepy-crawlies and my mama bear claws were out and ready to inflict major damage! Minka Kent has an extreme talent for diving deep into the dark psyches of mental illness allowing her to create such beautifully conflicted characters in her stories. Camille was portrayed so perfectly that I found myself questioning my own sanity at times. I felt every feeling of her intense fear and dread like it was my own. "Psychopaths are born, sociopaths are made." This has to be my favorite line of the book as well as the most endearing statement to Camille's character. I thought I had a 50/50 shot of figuring out where the story was heading, but nope! I couldn't have been more wrong. It was a fast-paced, enjoyable read that I definitely recommend!

Thank you to the author, Thomas & Mercer, and NetGalley for granting me digital access in exchange for my honest review!

Despite her secret diagnosis as a sociopath, Camille is determined to give her children the family that she never had. And the family that she has married into, with her supportive in-laws and her kind husband, are a big part of that support structure.

The last thing Camille wants is to revisit memories of her traumatic childhood with her abusive, narcissistic mother, from whom she fled many years ago as a teenager. But when her daughter comes home from kindergarten talking about an imaginary friend who has told her "jokes" about details that match unpleasant aspects of Camille's childhood, she is terrified that her mother has finally tracked her down.

When you come from a troubled background and apparently achieve all the accoutrements of the perfect life - beautiful home, privileged lifestyle, doctor husband, and delightful kids - you have more to lose than most people...

This is Minka Kent delivering as always, a reliably entertaining story. The foreshadowing was laid on a little thick, so that I did figure out what was happening, though the how took longer. An enjoyable read. It gets 3.5 stars.

Every single book Minka Kent writes is perfection! I don't know how she does it but from the very first pages she reels you in for an exciting thriller! The book is about Camille and her quest to make sure she has the perfect family but has her mother ,her past come back to hunt her? There is a shocking ending to this book. Who doesn't love a good twist! This book didn't disappoint! If your looking for an excellent thriller by an author who's books are excellent then read it!!

Love everything from minka Kent and this one didn’t disappoint. Love the plot and at times had me guessing who was behind the whole thing but I still ended up surprised. The main character isn’t my favorite but I still enjoyed the story. Super quick read. Thank you NetGalley for this arc