"A Stranger in the Family: A Charlie & Simm Mystery" by A.J. McCarthy is a gripping addition to the mystery genre that keeps readers hooked from the very first page. The story follows detectives Charlie and Simm as they delve into a complex case involving a mysterious stranger with ties to a local family. McCarthy's writing is taut and engaging, skillfully balancing suspense with rich character development.

The plot unfolds with unexpected twists and turns, making it difficult to put down as secrets are revealed and tensions rise. The dynamic between Charlie and Simm adds depth to the narrative, showcasing their unique approaches to solving crimes. McCarthy explores themes of loyalty, trust, and the impact of the past on present relationships, which adds layers to the story.

Overall, "A Stranger in the Family" is a compelling and well-crafted mystery that will satisfy both seasoned fans and newcomers to the series. It's a must-read for anyone looking for an engrossing tale filled with intrigue and emotional depth.

I really enjoyed this entry in this series, it had that mystery element that I was looking for from the description. A.J. McCarthy created a great story and enjoyed how good everything worked overall. It was suspenseful and was engaging for the reader.

This was an enjoyable read with an interesting plot,

When Shanna senses she is being followed, a man approaches her, claiming to be her uncle. Shanna approaches a couple, Simm and Charlie, and asks them to investigate. What they discover is a horrifying history of orphans being labelled mentally ill and a family who may be sitting on unknown treasure.

I felt there was a real lack of character development which may not be a problem for anyone who has read the first two books in the series, but as a standalone, the shallowness of the characters let the story down.

3 ⭐️ Thanks to Netgalley, A. J. McCarthy and Black Rose for an ARC in return for an honest review.

Thank you NetGalley and Black Rose Publishing for the eARC.
This is a good mystery set in Montreal and headed by 2 very likeable characters and their cute pug. It covers a nasty part in Canada's history, when the babies of unwed mothers were taken from them and put in a home for the mentally ill because the government paid more for doctor care than the care for orphaned babies. Horrifying...
But it has an uplifting ending!