A Stranger on the Beach

It would appear that Caroline has it all, a gorgeous new home on the beach, an attentive husband and loving family. But appearances can be deceiving, and Caroline’s marriage and family life are anything but happy, she decides to make herself feel better by hooking up with Aidan, a bartender from one of her beach parties. For Caroline, it’s a one off, but for Aidan, it’s the beginning of an obsession. He can’t let go of Caroline and tries to insert himself into her life at every go. Is he unbalanced enough to have had Caroline’s husband “disappeared”? Campbell writes another page turner, once I started reading, I had to know what happened. Book yourself a block of time, because this book will hook you and not let go

This is Campbell’s best book! It is absolutely unputdownable and makes you wonder the entire time who is telling the truth and who is lying. A book that will have your mind spinning, your lungs out or breath, and be completely sleep deprived until you finish! A must read for my fellow thriller lovers!
I will be using in a challenge and highly recommending in Chapter Chatter Pub!

I stayed up until 2:30 this morning to finish this one and even if I feel tired today it will have been SO worth it!

Michele Campbell hits it out of the park again with this amazing thriller! Caroline has a life many would envy; a gorgeous new beach home, a successful husband, a loving family, a job title she can toss around even as she spends her days running on the beach and working on her new house. But sometimes things are not as they seem. Caroline is already lonely when she discovers that her husband is cheating on her.

Alone and confused, she spends what was meant to be one careless and carefree night with the local bartender, Aidan. Only Aidan has different plans and if Caroline thought her life was a nightmare before she let Aidan into her bed? Well, she's about to find out just how bad things can get....

Told from a few POVs, some reliable and some not-so- much, OMG, this one was so fun and so completely, dangerously absorbing!

Thank you to Michele Campbell, St. Martin's Press and NetGalley for this ARC in exchange for an honest review!

Wow wow wowwww. The lady can write! Another incredible suspense mystery from Michelle Campbell.

Following up on her successful previous two novels, this one scores again. Couldn't put it down. And HAD to finish it one Saturday. Just couldn't leave the house until I learned of the ending. And what an ending it was! Highly recommend this novel--that is, if you don't mind being held hostage until you have finished the entire book. Ten stars to this author for her writing, Her imagination, and her shocker of an ending, Please write another real soon!

This is exactly my kind of thriller! I loved Michelle Campbell's novel, I Am Watching You, so I knew I would enjoy this one and I did! In fact, most of my chores were put on hold because I couldn't stop reading; it's one of those "just one more chapter..." books. What's not to love: A cheating husband, a jealous, vindictive wife, a younger handsome bartender, loving family members, a gorgeous beach house, and of course unreliable narrators! You may think you know the truth, but truth is really relative isn't it? So strap yourself in for the ride of your life! Just don't plan on doing any adulting once you start!

Thank you to Net Galley and St. Martin's Press for an e-ARC of this title in exchange for my honest review. This book had all the elements I love in a psychological thriller: family drama, mystery, various narrators, and alternating points of view. I'd read the author's previous book, and remember I loved it. This one is a little more predictable, but no less interesting. I honestly couldn't stand the main character, and I felt that the character of her husband was less thought out than other characters. That said, this was a really good read, highly recommended and something you'll want to read long into the night.

Thanks to NetGalley and St.Martin’s Press for this absorbing and highly suspenseful book in return for an honest review. I would categorize it as a domestic thriller and psychological mystery. It was well written with ana the narrative flowed smoothly. Short chapters ended with a sense of foreboding which kept me riveted and anxious to discover what happens next. It is scheduled to be published in July and should make an enthralling beach read.

The characters are definitely not likeable, but they are memorable. I often failed to anticipate where the plot was heading. Caroline seems to be leading a life of privilege. They have a city apartment and a new luxurious beach house. Her husband has a successful job in finance but is rarely home. Caroline is self-absorbed and a snob. Their daughter has moved away to attend University. She throws a lavish party. Her husband appears quite late with another woman which publicly humiliated her and makes her the center of gossip. He leaves with the woman and demands a divorce. Caroline learns their bank accounts have been wiped out and her credit cards are refused.

Caroline has noticed a man on the beach staring up at her house. She wonders if he is planning a burglary. Feeling dejected, she goes to a bar to drink away her sorrows. The bartender, Aidan, is the man she has seen on the beach. He is very handsome and 16 years younger than Caroline, and feels he is below her social status. Nevertheless, they begin a flirtation over drinks. She brings him home for a night of wild sex as revenge against her errant husband. To Caroline, this would be a one-night affair, but Aidan is obsessed with her to the point of madness. He starts stalking her and intruding into the lives of her family members.

The book touches themes of envy, financial insecurity, class distinctions, greed, murder, fraud, deception, betrayal, obsession. The story is told from the separate viewpoints of both Caroline and Aidan, both unreliable narrators with different perspectives. Deciding how much to believe is problematical. Recommended to those who like a twisty psychological thriller. Very enjoyable!

Loved this book from the very first page! Skillfully woven characters and lives made for a great read. I love a book with twists and turns and Michele Campbell does not disappoint. This one was a challenge for me to try to figure out. About the time I had it all in my head who did what, it took a hard left turn! Deep, dark, and manipulative psychological thriller with characters easy to love and some easy to hate. Just keep on guessing ‘til the last page!!

A Stranger on the Beach is a psychological/domestic thriller which is my favorite genre by far. This novel tells the story from the point of view of Aidan and Caroline.

While Caroline appears to have it all, her marriage appears to be falling apart and she falls, quite literally, into the arms of down on his luck small-town boy Aidan. From there you hear the two very different stories from both characters.

I thought the plot and twists were great, the chapters ended with hooks so you wanted to keep reading and the author built up a strong description of both characters lives. Where the book fell a bit flat for me was that I didn't quite get Aidan's fascination with Caroline, while the groundwork was laid I found his passion a bit too outlandish and unreasonable to get really into the story.

While the book was interesting from the beginning it took me about 20% to really get into the book enough to want to finish. Once I hit this point, however, it was a quick read that kept me turning pages. There were characters to love, characters to hate, and plenty of twists to keep me guessing until the end.

Caroline is a rich wife who has been married to her husband for 20 years. Aiden is the local bad boy who is a bartender in the local bar. He has served time and is on probation.

The story goes between Caroline's version of events and Aiden's version of events. They are very different. Who is telling the truth to the reader? Who is lying to the reader?

Honestly I couldn't stop reading. I was able to figure it out but not until late in the book. I enjoyed this and would definitely read something else from author.

Michele Campbell once again penned an addictive thriller that kept me hanging on until the very last page. The two unreliable narrators kept me wondering who to believe and what really happened during the storm. The contradictory chapters deepened the mystery and the reader’s search for the truth.

This was a well written twisty thriller. Caroline and Aiden both tell the story from their own points of view, which made it a bit confusing at first, but added to the thrill. While I had my ideas, the ending was totally unexpected. Very compelling and hard to put down! Thanks to the publisher and NetGalley for the ARC! I'll be looking for more by this author.

This book will suck you in the minute you start.
The main character Caroline meets a younger main which starts out as a fling, until she’s convinced he’s a stalker. This book had so many twists and turns. I LOVED it.

I loved this book!! A Stranger on the Beach is definitely a page turner! I could tell from the start that I wouldn't be able to put it down. The story is told from different narrators, and each story is told well. A Stranger on the Beach is nicely paced and held my attention throughout the book.

WOW WOW WOW!!!! This book is EXCELLENT. I stayed up through most of the night reading it because I literally couldn't put it down. I know I wouldn't realistically miss anything- all I had to do is pick up where I left off- but I couldn't put it down regardless! This is an edge of your seat tale of OBSESSION. It's compelling, absorbing, and gritty. I loved it!

Thank you #NetGalley for an advanced copy of #AStrangerOnTheBeach!

Boy oh boy did I not see this one coming!! When I started reading this book the things that Caroline was saying Aidan was responsible for were outrageous! It made you think there are some really crazy people out there... then when the chapters start going back and forth between Caroline and Aidan’s points of view you start to get really confused... I kept reading think “what the heck is going on here?” Then you come to part two... I thought I had somewhat of an idea of what was really going on between Caroline, her husband Jason and Aidan and man was I wrong. This was an incredibly fast read and I found it a lot less predictable than Michele Campbell’s other two books that I’ve also read. Definitely recommend!

I sincerely enjoyed this book. It kept me guessing until the end. I found the plot to be original and exciting. I highly recommend this book I'd you enjoy mystery/suspense.

I have enjoyed Michele Campbell's other books and was excited to read this one. "A Stranger on the Beach" did not disappoint.

Caroline Stark lives in a brand new house on the beach which she, and her husband of 20 years have recently built. As the book opens, Caroline meets a man on the beach in front of her house, a local named Aiden, who figures prominently in the storyline. Caroline throws a large housewarming party and her husband, Jason, shows up with another woman and makes a scene. He subsequently asks her for a divorce. Caroline ends up getting drunk and having a one-night stand with a bartender, the aforementioned Aiden.

The story is told from the alternating views of Caroline and Aiden and right from the beginning it is obvious that someone is not telling the truth. I don't want to give anything away because the fun of the book is trying to figure out which version is real.

The story can be hard to follow at times due to the conflicting accounts but, definitely worth the effort. I recommend this book and appreciate the advance copy provided by St. Martin's Press.

This book started out absolutely fascinating. I was hooked, but then it slowed down before getting into anything particularly interesting. There was a long period, from about 25 percent to sixty percent where I wasn't sure I was going to finish it. The good news is, it does get better and the end makes it all worth the time to read.

I found the characters interesting, mostly because, honestly, I didn't really like any of them very much, but the author wrote the story in such a way that I was still compelled to keep reading it regardless. This book quickly becomes a guessing game, making you wonder who is right and who is wrong and trying to put the pieces together as you read so it makes sense. I found out at the end that I was both right and wrong about what was going on.

I gave this book four stars, because in the end, I didn't manage to guess exactly what was going on before it happened, as I so often do. That was exciting. This is an interesting read with just the right amount of psychological suspense to satisfy. Give it a read.

This review is based on a complimentary copy from the publisher, provided through Netgalley. All opinions are my own.

I love books that hook you from page one and this one did just that. A Stranger on the Beach follows Caroline, a wife of a successful financier, and her chance encounter with Aiden, a young bartender. This is a twisty page-turner with all of the best plot elements: love, lust, murder, and deception. If you like this popular suspense genre, I'd highly recommend reading this book!

I received a digital advance copy of this novel in exchange for an honest review and rating. Thank you to St. Martin's Press for this opportunity.

I have been glued to this book over the last couple of days! It really grabbed my attention right from the beginning and drew me into the story and lives of the characters. What a wild ride. Almost every chapter, I was changing my mind about who was guilty and what was happening. I love that this novel felt like a suspense, psychological thriller, crime drama, romance novel and legal drama all in one.

It would be almost impossible to summarize this book without giving away too much of the plot. Suffice it to say, this tale of obsession, betrayal and lies will have you hooked from beginning to end.

I will absolutely recommend this read to friends and fellow book lovers. Get your copy when it is released in July!

Great read!
I found myself hooked from the very beginning! A married woman finds herself spending her time at her new beautiful beach house alone. She throws a housewarming party which gets ruined by her husband and his mistress! She later goes to the bar to drown her sorrows and she got more than she was hoping for. A stalker! This leads to lots of twists and turns which I won’t talk about so I don’t spoil any of the book!
For each chapter the point of view would change. At first it was confusing but later it made you question who is actually telling the truth! This was such a great book. I will definitely check out more books by Michele Campbell in the future!

This book was awesome!!!!
I received this book from NetGalley for an honest review-
Caroline and her husband own a beautiful beach home. He is so busy with work, or so it seems, that he is never there. Caroline meets a handsome stranger outside her beach home and the sparks fly.
An affair, an obsession, stalking, a husband murdered?
With twist and turns that move so fast your head is spinning you will reel at the ending.

A good read for my fellow Thriller/Suspense loving friends. I'm giving A Stranger on the Beach 4.5 stars!

When Caroline Stark meets Aidan Callahan, it isn't under the best circumstances. After learning her husband of 20 years is cheating and leaving her, not only physically but high and dry after draining their bank accounts, Caroline decides to drown her sorrows in booze at the local bar. It's there she meets Aidan and the two end up having a one night stand.

Aidan Callahan knows after one drunken night that Caroline is in love with him. He refuses to let her get away, he deserves this woman and she deserves him. Becoming obsessed with Caroline, Aidan does all he can to insert himself into her life. But, neither Caroline or Aidan are who they pretend to be. Both are hiding secrets.

Told from multiple POV, this book will have you questioning everything you read. Family drama, Suspense, Thriller all rolled into one good tale.

A Stranger on the Beach is sure to make you shiver in spite of the heat this summer!

Oh, gosh, I’m not sure how to tell you how much I love this book without spoilers, but I’m gonna try! Caroline is living the good life until her husband’s mistress crashes the party at her new beach house. In a drunken fit she cheats with the local bartender setting off a fatal attraction style love affair.

Told in alternating points of view, you soon find that you’re not sure what’s true and what’s not—just how delusional is Aidan to have fallen in love after one night with Caroline? The deeper into the book you get, the more Aidan’s and Caroline’s stories diverge. And when the police start investigating a murder, the situation gets darker and more confusing.

I don’t think I can say much else, except that author Michelle Campbell’s plotting is masterful. You need to go into this mostly blind if you want to enjoy the twists and turns.

This book in 3 words: unreliable, tangled, intricate. Five stars!

Do you have any auto-buy, auto-read authors? Michele Campbell has become one of those authors for me, so I was beyond thrilled to get a copy of her newest book, A Stranger on the Beach via @netgalley. This book doesn't come out until July. Of course, I have zero chill, so I threw my February TBR out the window and dropped everything to read this book.

Synopsis: Caroline has a spectacular new beach house, built for hosting expensive parties and vacationing with the family she thought she'd have. But her husband is lying to her and everything in her life is upside down, so when the stranger, Aidan, shows up as a bartender at the same party where Caroline and her husband have a very public fight, it doesn't seem like anything out of the ordinary. As her marriage collapses around her and the lavish lifestyle she's built for herself starts to crumble, Caroline turns to Aidan for comfort...and revenge. After a brief and desperate fling that means nothing to Caroline and everything to him, Aidan's obsession with Caroline, her family, and her house grows more and more disturbing. And when Caroline's husband goes missing, her life descends into a nightmare that leaves her accused of her own husband's murder.


Review: This book was the perfect thriller for me! I love the way Campbell writes. She has a way of weaving a story together that leaves you guessing throughout the entire novel. The story alternates between Caroline and Aidan's point of view, and I didn't know who to trust. I love a juicy thriller with an unreliable narrator. Whenever you decide to pick this up, I would recommend doing it when you have time to read it in one sitting, because that is what you will want to do. The plot touches on so many themes including betrayal, envy, murder, the lifestyles of the rich, adultery, and much much more. Campbell's background as a lawyer and federal prosecutor shines through in her writing. A Stranger on the Beach would make the perfect beach read this summer, or if you're like me, the perfect thriller to curl up with on a weekend. Make sure you add this one to your TBR. 🌟🌟🌟🌟🌟/5!! Thank you @netgalley @michelecampbellbooks and @stmartinspress for this digital ARC!

Great psychological thriller. This book kept me interested until the end. I would definitely recommend this book!

A Stranger on the Beach grabbed me on the first page and never let go. It's written in alternating viewpoints, his and hers, telling the same story. The kicker is that the stories don't match up at all! Somebody's lying and you can't quite decide who it is. Is Aiden, the good looking bartender, mentally unstable and deluded? Is he seeing the world the way he wishes it were, rather than how it is? Is Caroline being stalked and threatened? By Aiden? Or someone else? And what about Caroline's husband, Jason? Why is he gone all the time? Did he really bring his cheap looking mistress to Caroline's elegant party at their new beach house?

Michele Campbell weaves in enough clues to keep the reader guessing until almost the very end. Then she wraps it up and ties a bow on it in a satisfying ending. Highly recommended!

Oh, I loved this book. It was on my AmaZon list for its release date, so I was thrilled to receive an ARC. I love an unreliable narrative, and this book had not one, but two. I don't want to give too much away, but this was well written and I couldn't put it down. Definitely worth the read.

If you're looking for a great new thriller, this is it! Told by conflicting POV it kept me turning the pages all night. I could not tell who was lying. Great twists especially at the end! I've read other books by this author and she just keeps getting better.

A Stranger on the Beach is a twisted tale of what happens when love and marriage go wrong. Carolyn is about to have the housewarming party of her dreams, as she and her husband Jason are ready to move into an exclusive beach house. When Jason shows up to the party with another woman, it's apparent to everyone that he's having an affair, and he soon confirms that by walking out on Carolyn. Aiden is a bartender from the party, who is young and attractive, and could he possibly be flirting with Carolyn? When Carolyn has too much to drink, an innocent night of flirtation with Aiden turns into a one night stand. Suddenly, Aiden seems much more interested in it being more than Carolyn would like, and it's a question of what Carolyn has gotten herself into.

The story is told from Carolyn and Aiden's point of view. Aiden's obsession with Carolyn takes a dramatic turn for the dark side when Carolyn tries to break things off and reconcile with her husband. Could he be responsible for hurting Jason? The thing that pulled me in the most was the fact that both points of view were diametrically opposed. That's the question for me that kept me flipping pages, which one of these two is the unreliable narrator or are they both? It's hard to say much more about the story without giving something away, but I will say the story kept me engrossed from the first page to the last and I didn't see that ending coming.

I had a lot of thoughts as I was reading this one about what was really going on. I went back and forth between thinking that Aiden and Carolyn each were guilty, but I never figured out the whole plot. This book won't be published until July and I could definitely see it being a terrific beach read, though it held my attention on a cold January night. Kudos to the author, even after reading the final page and thinking about what I'd read, there were no obvious clues that I missed staring me in the face.

This book was awesome! Had me hooked right from the get. A married woman who has had a one night stand begins being stalked by her one night stand in this crazy thriller. A secret that can’t be kept hidden.

Michele Campbell has done it once again! I am totally blown away! I read the first 40% of A Stranger on the Beach in one sitting and then I literally had dreams about where this novel would go the entire night through. So of course, as soon as I woke up, I grabbed my kindle and spent the day finishing this twisty tale and boy was I wow’ed! I don’t want to get into details because with any mystery/suspense it’s always best to go in as blind as possible, but trust me this won’t be a novel you figure out quickly which is true testament to Michele Campbell’s fantastic writing! A Stranger on the Beach is a 4.5 star novel that is unputdownable! Michele Campbell has solidified herself as an automatic 1-click author- an absolute must read!

Absolutely fabulous book. I loved it. Caroline has what seems to be an envious life until it is gone. Aidan is a handsome bartender with a shady past. I really didn't envision the events that took place but they kept me hooked until the end. I highly recommend this book. Thanks to NetGalley, St. Martin's Press and the Author for allowing me to read and review this book.

Michele Campbell is in fine form with A Stranger on the Beach which is a follow-up to It's Always the Husband and is an equally good read!

Thank you to Netgalley and St. Martins press for giving me the chance to read and review and ARC of this title. This is the second book I’ve read by Michele Campbell and I do believe I’ve become a fan of hers. The style reminded me quite a bit of the show The Affair and how it would show two sides of the story. I love that because you’re kept guessing up until the climax. I really enjoyed this and I’d recommend it.

A Stranger on the Beach
Michelle Campbell
Description
From the bestselling author of It's Always the Husband comes a novel about a love triangle that begins on a fateful night...
There is a stranger outside Caroline's house.
Her spectacular new beach house, built for hosting expensive parties and vacationing with the family she thought she'd have. But her husband is lying to her and everything in her life is upside down, so when the stranger, Aidan, shows up as a bartender at the same party where Caroline and her husband have a very public fight, it doesn't seem like anything out of the ordinary.
As her marriage collapses around her and the lavish lifestyle she's built for herself starts to crumble, Caroline turns to Aidan for comfort...and revenge. After a brief and desperate fling that means nothing to Caroline and everything to him, Aidan's obsession with Caroline, her family, and her house grow more and more disturbing. And when Caroline's husband goes missing, her life descends into a nightmare that leaves her accused of her own husband's murder.
A Stranger on the Beach is Strangers on a Train meets Fatal Attraction in Michele Campbell's edge-of-your-seat story of passion and intrigue.

Thank you to NetGalley and St. Martins Press for the advance copy of this wonderful novel.
WOW, this book started out with me not connecting in any way with Caroline or Aiden. It was like a wild train, started slow and just being to take up speed. It was she said, he said thing with pov from both. But, the pov had different pov?
It was a good read. Never guessed until the end.

A Stranger on the Beach is the latest book by Michele Campbell. Ms Campbell tells the story in different points of view and has the reader wondering if the truth is somewhere in between the "he said, she said". This story is fascinating and difficult to put down. I was given an early copy to review.

Edge of your seat story!! I couldn’t put it down because I had to know who did what!!! Great book! Thank you net galley!!

My original judgements of Aiden and Caroline were that Aiden was delusional and creepy while Caroline was making the most frustrating mistakes but wow! There was so much more to it than first impressions! A Stranger on the Beach gave me total “You” vibes from the start and I couldn’t put it down. A cat and mouse thriller that will have you wondering who to believe throughout the entire story with such contradicting narrators... who is telling the truth?

Wow. Fatal attraction. This was a gripping novel that had so many twists and turns, leading up to a volatile ending. Caroline has it all: career, husband, beach house...One night with a handsome bartender changes her world. Who do you believe? Who is manipulating whom? Thanks to St. Martin’s Press and to NetGalley for providing me with a galley in exchange for my honest opinion.

Well written domestic thriller. Told by different characters point of view. Plenty of twists and turns that kept my curiosity piqued to the end.
This is the first novel by this author that I have read and I am looking forward to reading her present and future books.

I could not put this down.. a couple Mornings needs more sleep from status so late reading!! This is a definitely must read!

This book is a complex proof of understanding evil, lying in the human psyche. Several parts I could not even fathom, some I was shocked to read. The ending is worth the second part of the book, which for me was equal to confusion.

As much as I'd love to give this book a 5 star, one thing holds me back. The mysterious holes throughout the book, holes of information that pointed to confusion rather than mystery. But oh my, the last chapters were unexpectedly revealing, with incredible information and brilliant outcome.

Aidan' s character is in itself a flaw, symbol of what could go wrong in society due to taking advantage of gullible people, unlucky and poor. Caroline' s character stands for lies and avarice. These two are opposites and of course they attract each other.

The fact that up to a point the book is written through different POVs, got me confused and intrigued at the same time. I wonder if this was the goal of the author. If not, she managed it pretty well. There were so many elements and pieces of information that did or did not fit together at all. This affected slightly the flow of the novel.

What I recommend is to really go and read this book and convince yourself. Fans of suspense and family dramas will love it for sure.

Many thanks to Netgalley and St Martins Press for the opportunity to read and review this arc.

WOW - this book is PACKED with suspense and kept me up late into the night! I’m so impressed!!! Told from 2 different perspectives: the rich woman with the million dollar beach mansion, wife, mother, socialite....and the younger man: bartender, screwup, trying to rebuild his life. A murder occurs and the whole time you’re getting 2 completely different versions of the same story and trying desperately to figure out who to trust!! Which one is lying? Can either of them really be trusted? Unreliable narration at it’s finest!! Keeps you guessing until the end!

5 stars! ⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️

Thank you Netgalley and St. Martin’s Press for the chance to read and review an ARC from one of my favorite authors!! Michele Campbell NEVER disappoints in keeping me glued to the page and knocking my imagination for a loop!!

#Netgalley
#MicheleCampbell
Michele Campbell Books
#StrangerOnTheBeach
#Thrills

Yet another fantastic read by Michele Campbell . I loved her first two and this was eagerly anticipated and lived up to my expectations . Caroline , believing her marriage is over has what she perceives as a one night stand with Jason a bartender .Unfortunately that is not how he sees it and he believes them to be in a relationship . As we read on the story splits and is told from both Carolines and Jasons perspective . It becomes a he said she said and I seriously did wonder who's version of events was the truth . It was a brilliant read and I thoroughly enjoyed it . Another 5 star from me

Love, love, love this book. Author Michele Campbell is a wonderful writer.
A "Stranger on the Beach" is a clever suspenseful mystery thriller. The story is full of unpredictable plots and fun twist. Soon to be a big summer bestseller.

This is the kind of book that will keep you up late at night reading. The author hooks you from the start, intense page turner.

Thank you Netgalley for the opportunity to read and give an honest review.

Thanks to netgalley for providing this ARC in exchange for an honest review.

I thought this book was great. The story was told from 2 viewpoints, Caroline, the wealthy woman whose husband was cheating and the guy she had a brief affair with, Aidan. You can tell early on that the stories don’t line up and someone is lying. Even though I sort of figured out the ending a little early, it didn’t detract from my enjoyment. I also liked the cameo appearance by Melanie Vargas since I had read the series featuring her some years ago. This story had a lot of twists and turns and kept me entertained. It had sex, obsession, deceit, all the necessary elements for a good thriller. Once I got to 60% I couldn’t put it down because I wanted to see how it would end. I am excited to read more from this author.

A great read that pulls you in from the first chapter. You'll find yourself drawn into the twisted world of lies and deceit and it will make you wonder who you're truly supposed to be rooting for.

Aidan can't stop looking at the spectacular house that was built on the beach property that had belonged to his grandfather. It's everything that he's ever dreamed off. The woman that lives there is beautiful beyond compare. What a life that would be, a gorgeous woman, an amazing house, on the very property he lives so much.
The woman's name is Caroline, she has seen the man standing outside her house. All she can think is that he's casing her home. Maybe getting ready to break in and rob her.
Than one day running on the beach she sees him again, his name is Aidan.
Following a humiliating house warming party where her husband showed up with his Russian mistress, Caroline is looking for a place to try and forget her problems. She goes to the Red Anchor a local bar. There she discovers Aidan is the bartender. He's really not that bad. And, he's very attractive.
This is a book that keeps you on the edge of your seat. You get two views of the story Caroline's, and Aidan's. The characters are interesting as is the plot. It was a great read with a surprising ending.

First, I would like to thank St. Martin’s Press and NetGalley for providing me with a free ARC in exchange for an honest review.

A Stranger on the Beach caused so many vivid emotions for me. Having experienced an abusive relationship in the past, I was sickened reading Caroline’s chapters. This book forces you to weigh the honesty of Caroline and Aidan’s accounts of what has happened, and I immediately sided with Caroline, perhaps out of some sort of pseudo survivor’s bond. However, the more I read, the more I questioned if I was siding with the right person. The retellings given by Caroline and Aidan became so different factually that I started to side with Aidan (even if his supposed love for Caroline was nauseatingly codependent and frankly quite ridiculous and unbelievable). I began to feel as though I were an investigator, trying to work out from Caroline and Aidan’s sworn statements which of them was innocent. I read this book in two short sittings because it was completely engulfing (once I got past the initial aversion to reading Caroline’s chapters detailing her abuse). I do not want to describe more than this for fear of giving away spoilers, but I highly recommend this book for anyone who loves suspense and thrillers. Honestly, I would recommend this book to anyone because it was thrilling to read. I was sad to see that a lot of people who rated this book 1/5 had simply stopped reading after the first few chapters because they had given up on the book. If you only read the first few chapters, of course it is going to seem unbelievable! That’s the point! Your job is to seek out the contradictions and inconsistencies in the “statements” presented to you and figure out what is really going on. Why has Jason’s mistress followed him to his wife Caroline’s party to cause a scene? Why does Hannah, their daughter, side with Jason in all things? Why does Aidan, a supposedly gorgeous bartender, fall in love with Caroline after just one night together? What really happened all those years ago when Caroline and her sister Lynn screwed the rest of the family out of their inheritance? This book causes you to look deeper and piece together the facts until you’re sweating and your heart is racing as you read into the wee hours of the night because you want so badly to just be able to tell the investigators what has really happened. I finished this book late last night and I have been thinking about it ALL DAY. I wish I was part of a book club so I would have someone to gush over it with! A Stranger on the Beach was fantastic overall and I would love to read other books written by Michele Campbell.

#netgalley #astrangeronthebeach

Wow what a twisted convoluted story A Stranger on the Beach by Michele Campbell is. Where is the truth in this book? Subplots and more subplots and it definitely keeps you turning the pages. Great psychological thriller and definitely keeps you guessing. Very suspenseful. Would definitely recommend.

From the moment she saw him standing on the beach staring at her beach house, their fate was sealed.
Caroline and Jason are an “it” couple. They have an apartment in the city and a beautiful beach house on the ocean. They are both beautiful. And successful. And rich. Other than good looks, they are everything Aiden isn’t. And have everything Aiden doesn’t. Bitter about the big beach house built on his grandfather’s land, he still can’t help staring at the beautiful house longingly. But Aiden is an ex con who works as a bartender; he will never own a house like that.
But maybe part of that dream isn’t out of reach for him. Maybe he can’t have the house. But maybe, just maybe he could have the wife. Aiden can’t believe is luck when Caroline turns her attention his way. That perfect relationship Jason and Caroline have has developed a crack after their housewarming party turns ugly and soon after, Caroline finds her way into his bar to drown her sorrows and ends up with more than she was bargaining for. A moment of drunken revenge turns into a nightmare.
He’s desperate and obsessed with her. She’s mortified and frightened. And then two stories come into play. Same events are narrated by both Aiden and Caroline. But told entirely differently. Which is the truth? Or is it somewhere in the middle?
This story is so cleverly written. I was engaged throughout as I tried to figure out the truth. I didn’t want to put the book down while my head tried to wrap around what I thought was true and what I suspected. This book is full of suspense and intrigue and you will want to stay up until this one is finished.
4 1/2 stars for me.
Thank you to the publisher and Netgalley for allowing me the privilege to read and review this book by sending me a free copy in exchange for an honest review.

A Stranger on the Beach is my second Michele Campbell book. If you are looking for a domestic/psychological thriller that will keep you guessing until the very end, this is it! This novel is written from multiple points of views, each sharing their own narratives of what 'happened'. Campbell is able to build suspense while the twists keep coming and I didn't know who to trust as I progressed through the pages.

This was one of those books where I just needed to know what happened. This book is dark and manipulative and I didn't care for any of the characters, which I think was Campbell's intention. There are many issues that are covered, including marriage, infidelity, class, money, greed, fraud, betrayal and more. If you are looking for a dark mystery that will keep you on your toes, I think you will really enjoy this newest book by Michele Campbell. A big thank you to NetGalley and St. Martin's Press for a copy of this e-book. All opinions are my own.

Thank you! Thank you! Thank you! Beyond amazing I enjoyed this book so very much. The characters and storyline were fantastic. The ending I did not see coming Could not put down nor did I want to.

Her spectacular new beach house, built for hosting expensive parties and vacationing with the family she thought she'd have. But her husband is lying to her and everything in her life is upside down, so when the stranger, Aidan, shows up as a bartender at the same party where Caroline and her husband have a very public fight, it doesn't seem like anything out of the ordinary.

As her marriage collapses around her and the lavish lifestyle she's built for herself starts to crumble, Caroline turns to Aidan for comfort...and revenge. After a brief and desperate fling that means nothing to Caroline and everything to him, Aidan's obsession with Caroline, her family, and her house grows more and more disturbing. And when Caroline's husband goes missing, her life descends into a nightmare that leaves her accused of her own husband's murder.

A strong novel about infidelity, betrayal and greed. I've read a lot of books about this subject but none have been like this one before! This author is extremely talented and I can't wait to read her next book.

Thank you #NetGalley for the ARC of A Stranger on the Beach by Michele Campbell
Pub Date: 23 Jul 2019

Wow Michele Campbell really knocked it out of the park with this one!

This is my third Michele Campbell book. I liked It's Always the Husband (4/5) LOVED She was the Quiet One (5/5) and also LOVED A Stranger on the Beach. Possibly even more then She was the Quiet One. I'm not one to rate books 5/5, and usually when I love an author's book, I am disappointed with the next one I read from them as it doesn't live up to the one I loved.

I honestly think this may be her best one yet!

A Stranger on the Beach will capture your attention from the first page. It will keep you interested in the story through out the book and you will find yourself wanting to finish the book all in one day. The scenes in this book are fantastic. She nailed the atmosphere in this book.

I honestly think the less you know about this book the better. Without spoiling anything, the story is told through two main points of view. There is a lot of suspense, action, and mystery. This book will keep you on your toes. I have read through some other reviews with some potential spoilers so I'm leaving this as vague as possible. Just read it!

Schedule to be released Summer 2019, this is a perfect summer read and highly recommend!

Thank you Netgalley and St Martins Press for this ARC in exchange for an honest review.

A tense psychological thriller set in the Hamptons. Old vs new, rich vs poor, this book has it all including a murder, a missing body and a ready-made suspect. There is a hurricane brewing and bad things happen when the lights go out.

Who's telling the truth? You might think you know...but keep reading! This was a fun, twisty thriller that kept me guessing all the way through. I'll be looking for more books by this author.

Thanks to NetGalley and St. Martin's Press for this ARC in exchange for my honest review.

This was such a fun, fast paced, and suspenseful story! I would definitely love to see this turned into a movie! It had many likeable layers to the story and kept me guessing til the very end! When I wasn't reading it I was thinking about it and trying to figure things out. So fun and twisty. The characters were beautifully fleshed out and the scenery was so well described that I felt like I was right there with them. Thank you Netgalley for allowing me to read an advance copy of this book. All opinions are my own.

I’ve read one other book by Michelle Campbell, She Was The Quiet One and I really enjoyed it. This one I enjoyed even more! A Stranger On The Beach was told in two different viewpoints. One was telling the truth the other wasn’t. This book had so many twists and turns and I just loved it!

Fans of "The Affair" on Showtime, rejoice! A Stranger on the Beach is DEFINITELY the book for you! Told in alternating perspectives from Caroline to Aidan, you will see the same situations play out through both sets of eyes and clue you in to exactly how perception can differ. But just which of the two is relaying the story more accurately - is it Caroline who's husband's shocking affair has left her jilted and seeking out a handsome younger man to get her revenge - or is it Aidan, who feels this socialite has all he ever wanted and will stop at nothing to lock her down? Form your own opinions as you follow the story, but in true Michelle Campbell fashion, the outcome will absolutely surprise you.

Thank you to St. Martins Press for an advance copy. All opinions are my own.

Thank you to Netgalley and St. Martin's Press for this e-book in return for my honest review. The characters were great, but not very likeable. You have rich, well-to-do Caroline and wrong side of the tracks Aiden. This could go either way and just when you think it's "this" it's totally "that". I tend to always take "sides" in books but this one threw me for a loop! Not at all what I thought during several points in the book. If you like twisty psychological thrillers, this may be up your alley!

I absolutely love beach themed thrillers. I cannot get enough of them. The beach is so beautiful and peaceful and its very easy to get lost inside a book that has a beach setting. Its also the perfect place for murder and lies and everything horrific. All the heebie jeebies. All of them inside this book. I LOVED it. And if you are looking for a twist, A Stranger on the Beach has it, along with lies, sex, deceit, a very bad hurricane about to wreak havoc on a very glamorous house in the Hamptons, and more sex. The hurricane was symbolic as it wasn't just the weather about to come crashing in, so were the lives of the characters.
The characters were so brought to life off of the pages and the scenery was well created. The book was written in two POVs and each POV as describing the same situation but totally different. I had chills most of this book.
I read this book in one day/night. I cannot wait to read more by Michele Campbell. 5 stars for A Stranger on the Beach.
The cover is also a 5 star. It perfectly depicts the darkness inside this twisted story.
Thank you #NetGalley, the author and the publisher for my free ARC in exchange for my honest review.

This book has all of the elements I look for in a good psychological thriller: a scandalous affair, a tense family situation, an unreliable protagonist, creepy weather, and a juicy twist! I devoured this book and did not want it to end.

Thank you to NetGalley, Michele Campbell and St. Martin's Press for this wonderful ARC.

Michele Campbell is becoming one of my favorite authors. I loved her first two books, and I absolutely love this one. The story is told by two different people, with two different perspectives of things. Just when you start to think one person is lying, you find out that you were 100% wrong the entire time (or was that just me??). That ending was a shocker for sure!

Loved it!

Thank you NetGalley for this GREAT read, it was so good!

The twists and turns keep you guessing until the end.

Campbell created these characters perfectly. Who to believe, what happens next!?!?!

Highly recommend this book and author!

This was a fast paced book with lots of twists and turns! One moment I thought I had it all figured out only to find out what I thought was right wasn’t. Didn’t see that ending coming either!!

Michele Campbell has definitely sealed a spot on my MUST READ book list! I thoroughly enjoyed 2017's "It's Always the Husband," breezed through 2018's "She Was the Quiet One," but 2019's Stranger on the Beach solidified my love for Ms. Campbell's novels. I had a reasonably good feeling that it was going to be amazing, so I waited to dive in until I knew I had the opportunity to be able and just devour the novel, and she DID NOT DISAPPOINT!

If you're looking for a by the seat of your pants, gripping physiological thriller, this is the novel for you. As we've seen in and grown to love in her previous books, they are well written the character development is on point. Stranger on the Beach encompasses everything you want in a fast-paced, suspense-filled gem. Just when I hoped I'd figured out what was happening, she switched it up on me which is something I appreciate in a thriller.

I'm screaming from the rooftops this is a MUST READ for 2019! Add it to your TBR list now, and I assure you, you won't be sorry. I huge thank you to NetGalley & St. Martin's press for an advance copy in exchange for an honest review. Pre-Order your copy today or mark your calendars to pick up your copy from your local bookstore on 07/23/19.

Campbell strikes again! Another twisted, tale she’s weaved for her thrill loving fans.

The Stranger on the Beach is yet another page-turner that leaves you guessing! Towards the end, I predicted the ending even with that; I dub it a good read.

Do I dare say it? Yes I’m going there, this book is actually the perfect beach read- just remember stranger=danger. You’ve been warned. 4.5 stars

I really enjoyed this book and I would highly recommend it. It has a great story line, excellent main characters and it is a real page turner. I read this book in one sitting and the hours just flew by!

Campbell strikes again! Another twisted, tale she’s weaved for her fans. The Stranger on the Beach is yet another page-turner that leaves you guessing. It is told from alternating perspectives from Caroline to Aidan, which was a bit confusing to me at the beginning. Fast paced and thrilling, once I got into it I couldn't put it down !

What's not to love? A beach, a mysterious handsome stranger, a wealthy family, and a murder. Can you solve the case of who did it? I enjoyed this book from start to finish. It was an easy read, but very enjoyable.

Thank you to NetGallery for an ARC of this book for an honest review.

This book was EXCELLENT. I was hooked from the very first line and I could not stop reading. Fun, fast-paced, and completely intriguing - Michele Campbell has done it again!

There is a stranger outside Caroline's house.

Or is he?

This story was so well-written. It's told from two perspectives: Aiden's and Caroline's. Neither is a particularly reliable narrator, and you will find yourself questioning SO MANY THINGS. There were quite a few scenes which seemed to happen one way when Caroline was narrating, but then seemed to happen a completely different way when Aiden was narrating. Who's telling the truth? What actually happened? How do Caroline's husband, Jason, or her sister, Lynn, figure in to the story? Discovering all of this is half the fun, and I'm being very mindful of spoilers so as not to take that fun away from prospective readers! 🙂

A Stranger on the Beach is a twisted (and twisty), gripping, page-turner releasing July 23rd - just in time to take it to the beach. Add it to your TBR list now!

Thank you to NetGalley and St. Martin's Press for the opportunity to preview this title early in exchange for an honest review.

This book was very very good, I did not want to put it down, many long days and late nights reading this. Was new to this author but will definitely be looking forward to more by her!! Very well written and very easily captured my attention! , thank you! This is why i love reading!

Thank you to Net Galley and St. Martin's Press for the chance to read this book in exchange for an honest review. This is my first book by this author, and it was such a thrilling ride! Just when I thought I had it figured out, the author changed directions. It kept me guessing to the end! Caroline, who is building a beach house, seems to have it all. There's only one problem-she knows her husband is lying to her. She meets another man on the beach and has a quick fling with him. To her, it is a fling. To him, it is something more. He starts stalking her and the thrills begin. Great book for all readers that like a great thriller!

I received an ARC of this novel from Netgalley in exchange for my review. Well this twisty novel has it all! Cheating spouses, a crazy paroled stalker, an unreliable narrator and even the Russian mob? If you are in the mood to just dive into a book and not come up for air until it is over, this is the book for you! I loved it because you never really knew which character was telling the truth and that just added to the overall suspence of the story. A very fast and engaging story!

Loved it! A great domestic thriller. Very well written and when I wasn't reading, I was trying to figure things out.
Themes of wealth, murder, betrayal, obsession. Thank you to the author, publisher and Net Galley for the opportunity to read the advance copy.

This book has everything that I love in a story: a picture-perfect couple, complex backstories, a beautiful beach setting, glitz, glamour, mystery, and situations that remind us that nothing is what it seems. It defines what psychological thriller means.

The story is told by Caroline and Aidan and they have totally different perspectives on the same situations. It's so inconsistent that I questioned their sanity. I have never read a book where the two character perspectives are on opposite ends of the spectrum. Everything was dissimilar. What Caroline and Aidan think, feel, see, say, and do reflects completely differing stories which makes them both unreliable narrators. It is refreshing and unique, and I loved it.

My feelings swayed back and forth as Caroline and Aidan narrate the story. I didn't know who to believe. What really happened? Who is being manipulated? I questioned everything, even my own judgement. I had no clue what was really going on. I gave up trying and just went along for the ride. The narration switches away from Caroline and Aidan for the last 20% of the book, and that's when the truth started to reveal itself.

This book is about perspective, manipulation, infidelity, greed, lies, betrayal, revenge, class, marriage, regrets, money, temptation, and family. The differing perspectives just blew me away and gave me so many tidbits to think about. Michele Campbell is an excellent writer that weaves fascinating, magnetic, layered characters around a complex plot that keep readers riveted.

I loved It's Always the Husband and She Was The Quiet One but this book is by far my favorite of the three. This is definitely a standout book for me, and it lingered in my mind for a long time. This story is perfect to read on the beach while sipping a cool drink and listening to the ocean.

I loved. Michele Campbell’s previous books and was so excited to get to read the latest thriller! I wasn’t disappointed! Another score for her! You don’t wanna miss this! She writes the best thrillers that keep you wanting reading all night!
Thank you to the publisher and Netgalley for allowing me to read this book in exchange for an honest review.

Caroline Stark, the owner of the luxury beachfront house, notices that there is a stranger on the beach, staring intensely at it. At that instant, her gut-feeling tells her that he is a potential thief, and is best to stay away from him. Instead, she walks toward him, and strikes up a conversation. This fateful moment is the beginning of her downfall and changes her life.
Caroline has decided to host a housewarming cum Jason’s birthday party at the beach house. Jason, the husband whom she has married for 20 years, is no-show at first, then showed up with a Russian or maybe Czech woman who apparently is his mistress!
Coincidence or fate? The stranger on the beach is actually tendering bar at the party that day! His name is Aidan Callahan.

Out of frustration, Caroline confides her husband’s infidelity to Aidan. She has even asked Aiden to help to take out her husband!

When the storm approaches fiercely, Aiden rushes to Caroline’s beach house to protect her from Jason who intends to put her in jeopardy. Both men get into a heated altercation, and a violent fight… The next thing Aidan knows is that he is in his truck, covered in blood… What’s actually happened?

As pages turning, there are more secrets and lies! And there is an unexpected twist toward the end of the story!
A Stranger On The Beach is a well-written psychological thriller by the talented Michele Campbell. This is my first book by her and I am loving it. The novel will be on sale in July 2019, and it is a good summer read for fans of suspense/mystery thrillers.
I would like to thank NetGalley and St. Martin’s Press for the digital ARC of A Stranger On The Beach.

A STRANGER ON THE BEACH affirms that Michele Campbell is most definitely a master storyteller. Two sides of the story are presented by Caroline Starks and Aidan Callahan. The book begins as Caroline observes 27-year old Aidan standing on the beach and staring at her home. Her first impression is that he is a potential thief and confronts him. Other than exchanging names, not much more was said as they parted when it started pouring down rain, but that brief meeting caused Caroline to let her guard down.

Forty-two year old Caroline, a recent empty-nester, has been married for twenty years to Jason, an investment banker who travels a lot for business. Caroline had been an interior designer before her now 18-year-old daughter, Hannah, was born and is now away at college, Caroline feels that she needs to focus on herself. The Starks had recently had an ocean-front house--her dream home--built on the land that once belonged to Aidan’s grandfather.

Aidan has been recently released from prison and is on probation, having served a 10-year sentence for a manslaughter conviction. His brother, Tommy, is the police chief, and has warned Aidan that Caroline is trouble, but Aidan is young and naïve and flattered that he has caught the eye of a rich woman who is the owner of the house on his grandfather’s property.

Caroline is busy finalizing the details for a huge housewarming party which includes the works--caterers, tents, valet parking, and a society magazine photographer. As the time nears, Jason tells her that he will be out of town and will most likely be unable to attend the combination birthday celebration for him and housewarming. Caroline immediately jumps to the conclusion that he is having an affair and later utilizes the GPS tracker on his cell phone to confirm that he is not where he says he is. In addition, when he does show up late to the housewarming, Jason creates a stir as he is accompanied by a Russian woman, a purported business associate, but Caroline and the attendees perceive that he is blatantly having an affair.

Thinking that she is headed for divorce court and discovering that contrary to what Jason had told her, had emptied out their bank accounts, Caroline heads to the bar for the second time in two days where Aidan is a bartender. One thing leads to another, and she and Aidan are headed to her house for a supposedly one-night stand.

This is the third book I have read by this author, the others being SHE WAS THE QUIET ONE and IT’S ALWAYS THE HUSBAND, and this story is the best one yet. They just keep getting better and better. I wish to thank NetGalley for the opportunity to read a pre-release in exchange for an honest review, and look forward to reading more by this talented author. I highly recommend this to all readers who appreciate a well-written story.

As a big fan of Michele Campbell's work, I was looking forward to her latest book to be released, A STRANGER ON THE BEACH. My high expectations were surpassed! This book was a WILD ride and I had no idea of the huge twists coming chapter after chapter.
The story follows the beautiful, rich character of Caroline who had a husband she loves, a gorgeous home and a loving daughter. Rebounding after discovering her husband is having an affair, she spends the might with a local ex-con and exchanges a night of passion for endless chaos to follow.
This journey is told from several POV's which keeps you guessing...who is lying and who is really the victim?
Michele Campbell has done it again with her incredible plot twists and this is a must-read for all thriller fans!
Thank you, NetGalley, St. Martin's Press and Michele Campbell for this ARC. All thoughts and opinions are my own.

This book had a very different writing style, in that you didn't know who was telling the truth or who was in a fantasy world. I wasn't sure I liked it. Thought it would be too predictable but the ending was a little different than I expected. Anyhow, I did actually like it and would recommend. Thank you netgalley for the opportunity to read pre release in exchange for honest review.

My FAVORITE thriller I've read in awhile. Once you start this book, you will NOT be able to put it down. The story pulled me in from the first page and I read late in to the night to finish. Has all the elements a good thriller should have and will keep you guessing from the start who is telling the truth. Highly recommend. Thank you to NetGalley for the advanced reader copy in exchange for an honest review.

WOW just WOW!!! A Stranger on the Beach was fabulous!! This book takes you on a twisty thrill ride until the mind blowing conclusion that I did not see coming. I lost sleep because this book was simply too hard to put down. I would definitely recommend putting this on your summer reading list.

Thank you to St. Martins Press and NetGalley for allowing me to read this ARC.

A Stranger on the Beach by Michele Campbell was SO AMAZING. I loved it from the beginning and didn’t want to put it down until the very last page. This is her best book yet, in my opinion.

This is what I said on Goodreads:

I was riveted by the book from page one! I loved it and didn’t expect the twists and turns. A Stranger on the Beach will keep you glued to the pages until the very end. 2019 is starting out to be a very good year for books. If you enjoy fast-paced thrillers, you will want to scoot this up to the top of your MUST READ list.

Here is the synopsis:

There is a stranger outside Caroline’s house. Her spectacular new beach house, built for hosting expensive parties and vacationing with the family she thought she’d have. But her husband is lying to her and everything in her life is upside down, so when the stranger, Aiden, shows up as a bartender at the same party where Caroline and her husband have a very public fight, it doesn’t seem like anything out of the ordinary.

As her marriage collapses around her and the lavish lifestyle she’s built for herself starts to crumble, Caroline turns to Aiden for comfort…and revenge. After a brief and desperate fling that means nothing to Caroline and everything to him, Aiden’s obsession with Caroline, her family, and her house grows more and more disturbing. And when Caroline’s husband goes missing, her life descends into a nightmare that leaves her accused of her own husband’s murder.

First of all, I cannot let any details about this book slip because I don’t want to ruin it for you. Second, its a story that will have you reading well into the night so plan accordingly. And lastly, prepare yourself for twists and turns.

Due out in July.

A Stranger on The Beach will literally have you questioning your own sanity. I had to go back and read sections because I though I had read them incorrectly or misunderstood what was going on. It is crazy and I LOVED IT! It’s so difficult to figure out what really happened and who is crazy in this situation.

I did figure out what was going on around the middle of the book. I wouldn’t say it was apparent at all, I’m just really good at figuring these things out.

This book has a great plot, unreliable characters, a great back story, shocking moments, and a whole lot of insanity. Highly recommend!

This is my third book I have read by Michele Campbell and her first two books were awesome and in her latest book A Stranger on the Beach she keeps on delivering fantastic psychological thrillers. This book revolves around Caroline, Jason her husband and Aiden, a man 15 years younger than Caroline. It starts off in the Hamptons, a lavish beach resort at Caroline and Jason’s new beach house. But it appears things are not going well in Jason and Carol’s marriage. It appears that Jason is cheating on Caroline. So then Caroline goes to a local bar in the Hampton’s and picks up a local, very appealing younger bartender named Aiden She becomes very drunk and Aiden takes her home and they have passionate sex but in the morning Caroline is mortified with what happened. But Aiden becomes totally obsessed with Caroline and begins to stalk her. Caroline and Jason reconcile but Aiden refuses to go away and continues to stalk her. I do not want to go further with my review because I do not want to give away spoilers. Let’s just say this book had more twists and turns with a fantastic shocking ending that I only began to see as the book closes to the end. I absolutely loved this book. If you like psychological thrillers. I highly recommend this book.I also want to thank net galley for this ARC I received for an honest review. (less)

Michele Campbell has done it again! A Stranger on the Beach is twisted, compelling and a must listen. Without giving too much away, I can say that Caroline and Aiden will get under your skin and force you to think about who is telling the truth and what is really going on. Every time you think you have it figured out, something happens to make you second guess yourself. The novel also asks larger questions about truth, loyalty and love and makes us consider why we make certain decisions and whether or not we are prepared to deal with the consequences.

This was my first Michelle Campbell book, but it certainly won't be my last!

Caroline Stark has it all -- a handsome husband, a beautiful apartment in the City, and a lavish beach house. But not everything is what it seems. During the inaugural housewarming party at her new beach house, Caroline and her husband have a very public fight. He storms out, leaving her stunned and alone. Enter Aidan Callahan, the sexy, younger local bartender. After a one night stand, Caroline dismisses Aidan. But she underestimates how much the night meant to Aidan, and what he will do to keep her in his grasp.

Written from the perspectives of Caroline and Aidan, Michelle Campbell tells the same story with wildly different narratives. I truly enjoyed A Stranger on the Beach up until the very last page.

Really good book! I was drawn in from the first chapter. It took me a bit to realize that the story was actually being told from two different view points - Caroline’s and Aiden’s. But, which one was the truth? Caroline finds out that her husband is cheating on her and is drawn into a one-night stand with a much ‘younger man who becomes obsessed with her.

I stayed up late several nights finishing the book and would highly recommend it!

Told from two points of view, this thriller actually cost me a fingernail!

Caroline is living the dream. A successful interior designer, who quit to raise her daughter who is now off to college, she is determined to get back in the game and earn her own money. Her husband works long, hard hours in order to provide a lifestyle it would seem they both enjoy.

Staring out the expansive glass windows Caroline spots a man on the beach. Staring at her house. She debates calling the police since he isn't really doing anything,but at the same time there have been burglaries lately in this enclave for the rich and famous. Later she will say she wished she had called the police.

Aiden is a bartender in a local bar. Having served time for manslaughter and now determined to show his Chief-of -Police brother that he has changed. He isn't a teenager anymore and is tired of being treated like trash.

At Caroline's housewarming party everyone wants to know where Jason is. Even her husbands boss isn't believing her story of him running late. Later when he shows up with a Russian hussy in tow everything blows up and in front of God and everyone he leaves with the Russian girl and wants a divorce.

Aiden is happy to come to the rescue and Caroline is happy to have him. For a bit. 

That is all I'm giving away. Let me just say this was one twisted puzzle that had me speechless for a good hour at the end. What???  Did not see that coming. The pace was perfect. Timing was everything in this wickedly good thriller!

Well Done!

NetGalley/St.Martin's Press July 23rd 2019 by St. Martin's Press

WOW!! I have tried alot of author and I can honestly say Michele Campbell keep me guessing to the very end.
It starts out as a she said he said and left you wondering who to believe. Caroline or Aadan.
Never would of guess how it ended.
I could not put this book down because it is that good and I had to know how it ended.
Great read

Put on your seat belt as you are in for a roller coaster of a ride with A Stranger on the Beach !

It's a book that has it all: lies, deceit, treachery, murder, family .

Not all is what it appears to be.

Caroline decides her husband is lying to her and so the ride begins . She meets Aiden on the beach , has a one night stand and chaos results.

Who is telling the truth ? Who can you believe ? Any of them ?

A book where the pages fly by as you try and decide what you think. I thought i was right, then I would change my mind again.

Thanks to Net Galley and St. Martin's Press for the opportunity to read A Stranger on the Beach.

Put this on your must read list !

One of the things I love most about psychological suspense is when the author throws in the unreliable narrator, because you truly are held in suspense throughout the entire book. This book, told through the perspectives of Caroline and Aiden, has two unreliable narrators, so it was even better than I thought it would be.

Campbell does an amazing job of taking the stereotypical "too good to be true lifestyle" theme and twisting it to someplace you will not even see coming.

Love, love, love this book and I have already added it to my purchase list for our library in regular print and audiobook!

A quick and entertaining read. I really liked the different POV's throughout the book which kept you guessing where the truth was- was Caroline being truthful or Aidan, somewhere in between or neither?? I couldn't put this book down. Some of it was a little predictable but there was also a couple twists I didn't seem coming. Thank you to Netgalley and St Martin's Press for an ARC copy.

I received a free e-copy of A Stranger on the Beach by Michele Campbell from NetGalley for my honest review.

A twisted thriller that will have you second guessing everything. Loved it!

Caroline Stark has a perfect life. The life people dream of. She is happily married and just built the house of her dreams right on the beach. Then she has a house warming party and her life quickly takes a shift. Caroline's husband, who is cheating, is leaving her and to make things worse, her money is gone.

But something more is going on here . . . All these stories just don't line up. But why? What is going on? Who is lying? And, who is the stranger on the beach. A very addicting and enjoyable read that you just can't put down.

Thanks to Netgalley for an early copy, for an honest review.
I absolutely love Michelle Campbell , every time I read one of her books it plays like a movie in my head. I almost need buttered popcorn and milk duds while reading this book.
Very fast paced thriller. 5 stars for suspense and twist. Great job.

This will be a great Beach read. It is suspenseful and has a lot of twist that will draw you in and keep you turning the pages to find out more.

The story is told in Caroline and Aiden's POV. Each POV was a little bit different, which I liked. It kept you guessing where the truth lies. These two main characters could not be more opposite. Caroline a snobby socialite building her weekend "palace" on the beach. Aiden's a boy from the town in which they all watch the rich to come to play for the weekend. Aiden also has a past that has people looking down on him.

Aiden and Caroline have a chance meeting and have instant chemistry. This is where it all starts and you're never quite sure of where it's going or how it will end. This book is definitely worth a read.

Thank to netgalley, St. Martin's Press & Michele Campbell for the ARC.

Wow, this must be the best psychological thriller I've read in years.
It's a compulsive impossible to put down reading, and I couldn't sleep until I finished it.

The plot is pacey and highly suspenseful that you feel breathless trying to read as fast as you could.
I also loved the atmosphere of uncertainty where no one knows who is telling truth, who's lying, and what to expect next.

Thanks Netgalley, the publisher and the author for a chance to read this brilliant book which I highly recommend for all high quality thriller fans.

Caroline Stark finally had her dream home on the beach. Even though her husband was hardly ever there, it was still her special place. Her husband tended to stay at their city apartment, because it was closer to work. Carolina noticed a young handsome and fit man watching her house. Why was he watching her house? She approached him and introduced herself to him. He seemed to be a nice young man. So she decided to go to the neighborhood bar, where Aiden works, for a drink. Aiden felt as if she was making a play for him. He didn’t understand it though, since she was married and seemed to have everything. They eventually end up in a sexual relationship. There was a horrendous storm brewing up and it could very well cause catastrophic damage to homes along the beach. Aiden decided to check on Caroline and her home. Aiden wakes up in his truck with blood all over him. Where did the blood come from? Has someone been injured? Why couldn’t he remember being in Caroline’s home checking on her to be sure she was ok? He was being held for murder. Where is Caroline? Has she disappeared? So many mysteries that Aiden couldn’t solve. Will he stand trial for murder? Who did he supposedly murder? What did the neighbor witness? What secret had Caroline kept to herself about her marriage? What an intriguing mystery with so many hidden clues. I enjoyed this authors writing style. It basically reverted from Caroline’s point of view to Aidens point of view throughout the book. The character development was interesting. The plot was definitely well developed and thought out. The ending was not what I had thought it would be. It totally surprised

There are books marked as Psychological thrillers and then there are the ACTUAL Psychological thrillers!!!! Holy Cow!

Omg this book was amazing. I will read just about anything that Michelle Campbell writes. I liked how it went back and forth between both Adian and Caroline. I was second guessing the whole book. I thought I had it figured out and then bam something would happen and I would be like no maybe this is what's going on.

I have read books that have been a roller coaster before but A Stranger on The Beach tops all!
Caroline meets Aidan on a beach and has a one night stand with him/ or is it a relationship , right after she discovers her husband is having an affair ( or is he? ) so many scenarios ,told from different points of view, I didn’t know who was telling the truth and who was lying.
I swear , I thought I had it figured out several times , and I find out I knew nothing !
A fantastic read that had me thinking long after I closed the book !

My initial reaction is as follows: WHAT IN THE ACTUAL F**K?!???!??

Ok, so there are books marketed as psychological thrillers and then there are those that are ACTUAL psychological thrillers.  A Stranger on the Beach definitely falls in the latter.

Caroline appears to have it all - good looks, a lavish lifestyle, handsome husband, and a brand new multi-million dollar beach house.  So what do you do when you seemingly have it all and someone/thing threatens to take it away from you?  You manipulate a local man with a troubled past.

In Campbell's A Stranger on the Beach , you see the story unfold through both Aidan and Caroline's eyes.  With the two POVs you see some events and situations interpreted in completely different ways.  Which was a great touch.  You ask yourself, is one viewing the events through rose-colored glasses?  Who is manipulating who?  Who can be trusted?  And when someone winds up dead, who is really to blame?  And is anyone really innocent?

I felt there were a few twists which kept the action moving at just the right pace.  It was a quick read, riddled with WTF moments.  If you're in the mood for a psychological thriller, I'd recommend giving this one a read.

Another amazing thriller by Michele Campbell. The main character is complex yet naive and slightly mysterious. She is incredibly manipulative towards Aiden, the small town bartender who she frames for her husbands murder. incredibly well thought out and executed Caroline almost gets away with it, if not for a nosey neighbor and Aiden's friend who runs a catering company that catered Caroline's party at her beach house.

A wonderful story of manipulation and smoke and mirrors.

This book is a thrilling roller coaster ride with twists and tunnels where hidden clues are there for the very astute reader. What a wonderful book! The story of Caroline, the wealthy socialite with a million dollar mansion at the beach, and Aiden, a bartender with a crush on Caroline and her house, is told from both points of view so that at times the story seemed confusing, that is until the very satisfying and explanatory ending. Caroline doesn’t seem happy in her marriage, since her husband showed up at her housewarming party with another woman. It was inevitable that she seek out Aiden’s companionship and bared her heart and soul and deepest secrets to him. She needs his help and isn’t afraid to ask for it. In helping Caroline, Aiden risks everything, including his freedom. Just when you think that the ride is about to end in a certain way, another twist is brought in and you are again left guessing about what is really happening. The false trails that the author uses were wild but extremely compelling and original. Fans of psychological thrillers and suspense will definitely want to read this latest book by Michele Campbell and will definitely not be disappointed!

I was so excited to receive an early copy of this book for review. I throughly enjoyed it. I read consistently for several days at night, which I can’t always do when books are too slow. It kept me interested and have several twists and turns. Loved it. Can’t wait for her next one.

A great, twisty, edge-of-your-seat thriller! Told from two points of view - Caroline, a married woman who's husband is lying cheat, and Aiden, a young bartender who has been admiring Caroline's house and life. Aiden bartends a party where Caroline and her husband have a public fight, and eventually Caroline seeks comfort and revenge in the arms of young Aiden. While Caroline sees the fling as a just a little fun, Aiden becomes obsessed. Caroline's life soon turns into a nightmare when her husband goes missing and she becomes the main suspect in his disappearance.
I stayed up waaayyyyy past my bedtime to finish this one! I enjoyed the pace and the story-telling!
Thanks to Michele Cambell, St. Martin's Press and NetGalley for the ARC of this great book!

The perfect patsy for the perfect crime...
I began this book and midway through I thought I had the story completely figured out...or did I?
This story has so many twists and tangles, it was crazy and yet, so satisfying.
A bartender, Aiden falls for a woman hard and fast, she's separated from her husband after believing he'd been cheating on her, Aiden pursues Caroline and wants to show his dedication to her and her daughter, but just how far he'll go remains to he seen...
A definite must read and will be a perfect summer read! 
Thanks so very much to St Martins Press, NetGalley and Michele Campbell for the advanced readers copy, I thoroughly enjoyed this one!
Comes out a day after my birthday, July 23, so treat yourself for my birthday and grab this beach read!

WOW!! I can honestly say that I was absolutely blown away! I was not expecting this at all. The perfect vacation read. I couldn’t put it down!

I finished the book the Stranger on the Beach last night. I was completely enthralled with this book. Each chapter giving the point of view of first the rich beach home owner and then going to the hot local bartender. The chapters go back and forth between the two leaving you wondering which one you can trust. I enjoyed the writing and it kept me guessing until the very end. It was so good! So grateful for the chance to read it early! Thanks NetGalley! This is a good one!!

This book is a delicious he said, she said thriller that will keep you hooked until the very end. This thriller tells the story of a murder from two very different points of view. Caroline lives in a beautiful home on the beach and seems to have it all, including a cheating husband who chooses to humiliate her by bringing his mistress to her housewarming party. When Caroline has a one night stand with an an unhinged local bartender to ease her pain she gets way more than she bargained for. Excellent, twisted psychological thriller.

Summary:
Caroline was a wealthy woman who was happily married and putting the finishing touches on their new and expensive beach house. Caroline notices a stranger outside her house one night and on the very first page, we learn that she wishes she never saw this man because it made her whole life change.
Aiden, the stranger, ends up as the bartender at Caroline's party at the new beach house to celebrate her new home. At this same party, Caroline and her husband get into a fight in front of the entire party and nothing is the same after this night. Caroline realizes her husband is lying and caught him in his lies.
Caroline's life begins to fall apart and she spends a regretful night with Aiden.
Aiden becomes obsessed with Caroline...........or does he??
The narrators shift from Aiden to Caroline and the reader learns that perspective is the key.


My Thoughts:
If you've ever seen the HBO Series The Affair, you will know what to expect in this book. Aiden and Caroline have differing perspectives regarding the events following the party where the two of them meet. Who is telling the truth? Is Aiden really as obsessed with Caroline as she perceives? What is going on with Caroline's husband?
This book is an obsessive read that I read on a recent beach trip. I really couldn't put it down and couldn't figure out what was the truth was! Michele Campbell is definitely one of my "go-to" authors for a great thriller!


Thank you to Netgalley and St. Martin's Press for the ARC of The Stranger on the Beach that I received.
 


www.hockeysticksgripsandtrips.com

I spent a fair amount of reading saying WTF?! I didn’t know who was getting gaslit more - the characters or myself. This was a cleaver, manipulative, engrossing read that I surprisingly couldn’t put down.

I love beach thrillers! The setting is so beautiful and peaceful and it's easy to get lost inside a book that has a beach setting. Its also the perfect place for murder and lies and everything horrific. All the creeps. All of them inside this book. I LOVED it. And if you are looking for a twist, A Stranger on the Beach has it, along with lies, sex, deceit, a very bad hurricane about to wreak havoc on a very glamorous house in the Hamptons, and more sex. The hurricane was symbolic as it wasn't just the weather about to come crashing in, so were the lives of the characters. The characters were so brought to life off of the pages and the scenery was well created. The book was written in two POVs and each POV as describing the same situation but totally different. I had chills most of this book. I read this book in one sitting. I cannot wait to read more by Michele Campbell. 5 stars for A Stranger on the Beach.

Nicely Played.....

There are books marked as Psychological thrillers and then there are the ACTUAL Psychological thrillers!!!! Holy Cow!

This is a book that I think it is best to go in as blind as possible. When you seem to have it all and your whole world crumbles what do you do? Who do you turn to? Caroline appears to have it all - good looks, a handsome husband, a beach house, an apartment in the city, fancy clothes, a nice car but everything falls to pieces all in one night. Things get even worse when Caroline's husband goes missing.

This was a smart psychological thriller told through Caroline and Aiden's POV. This is the fun part as we see two different perspectives about the same events. Is one viewing the situations through rose-colored glasses? Is one unreliable? Is one manipulating the other? Is one dangerous? Who can be trusted? Who is to be believed?

This book had quite a few twists and turns which kept the action moving at just the right pace. I love when I think I have a book figured out and then it pulls the wool over my eyes. This one certainly did that. This was a fun page-turner full of are-you-freaking-kidding-me-moments and I savored every page. When nothing is as it seems, what is it then? Read and find out!

Thank you to St. Martin's Press and NetGalley who provided me with a copy of this book in exchange for an honest review. The thoughts and opinions expressed in this review are my own.

Have you ever read a book where you thought you had it figured out but the first five chapters and was completely wrong—but in a good way! This book has a twist that I didn’t see coming and for that alone I would say you have to read this one. The main character was iffy for me in that I liked her sometimes and then loathed her but I believe she was intentionally written that way. I would recommend!

I had no idea this was one of those "Unreliable narrator" books. I literally thought one of these characters was delusional! This was a fun read that definitely did not turn out the way I thought it was going to. The hurricane scene literally had me biting my nails the entire time. The writing was great- descriptive, it really put you there and I felt like I knew what the places being described looked like perfectly. This book is a perfect summer read. 4/5 stars! Thank you St. Martin's Press and Netgalley for an ARC in return for an honest review.

I love my Psychological Thrillers to be crazy and this one sure is! This is a great story that will leave you wondering if anyone is sane?!? Really enjoyed this book from beginning to end! Highly recommend!

This book was a good old fashioned thriller with enough twists and turns to keep me guessing until the end. It will be a great summer beach read.

Caroline and her husband have built a beautiful beach house, but while she is looking out at the view, she sees a stranger. A young man looking up at her house from the beach. After that moment, nothing is the same in the life of Caroline, or the stranger. His name is Aiden, a local with a troubled past. Their attraction is immediate, and potentially dangerous. This story was very interesting, there were times I was confused as the stories of Caroline were completely different to what Aiden describes, so it's really hard to know who is telling the truth and what the real story is. A good read overall!

This was absolutely a 5 star read from Michele Campbell. I simply couldn't put this book down. This is my 2nd Michele Campbell book and I love her writing style. I have to go back and read Its always the Husband - I have it sitting in my TBR pile! I loved the characters in this book and the storyline as well as the setting. Be sure to read this book - it is soooo good!

Thank you to St. Martin's Press and NetGalley for an advanced copy of this book in exchange for my honest review.

A truly twisting tale. Who is telling the truth? What is actually happening?

Those are the two questions you’ll keep asking yourself. I couldn’t put this book down because I needed to know what would happen next.

I received an ARC from NetGalley and immediately dove in. This book devoured me and I read it every chance I got. I spent 95% of the book convinced I had everything figured out only to be completely wrong. I love when books completely change directions and give me something unexpected!

Ok. So. I was not prepared for this book. I was not prepared to turn pages all hours to figure it out, and still get it wrong! What a great twisty turny novel!
Just when I start hating Aiden the "stalker" that Caroline has a one night fling with, I quickly pivot and start hating the husband more. Then I start hating Caroline but I'm still not sure why...until it allll clicks! Told from several points of view, this very absorbing thriller is highly recommended. Thank you NetGalley and Michele Campbell for the ARC. It did not disappoint!

This was an amazing book! I was mesmerized by this storyline and could not put it down. There were so many twists and turns. I did not see the ending coming. I loved reading the different outlooks of the characters!

This book had more twists and turns then I would have imagined! Holy Toledo. After reading this one, I had to stop and think on the plot for a few moments. You know, when you have wrapped up a book and then it has you wondering “What just happened”? Well Ms. Caroline, I tell you what......didn’t expect that at ALL.

Cheating, plotting, lying, manipulation. All wrapped up in between the cover of this book. I am not giving away any details, other then you need to read it. And, think twice before you cheat folks! LOL.

Thank you to the publisher, author and Netgalley for the advance copy.

A Stranger on the Beach starts out full of suspense. We are introduced to the main characters Caroline and Aiden. Caroline is going through a rough time in her marriage with her husband Jason and Aiden seems to have been at the right place at the right time. They have a very brief affair but someone can't let go of their feelings. Mysterious things start to happen between this "relationship" but you have no clue who to believe since this book is told from a dual point of views. You get inside the head of both Caroline and Aiden.

Who is lying? Who is telling the truth? Who murdered someone?

During the course of reading, the story line slowed down a bit for me but I was intrigued enough to continue flipping the pages. I need to find out what actually happened and who was telling the truth.

I will admit I saw the twist coming before it was revealed. However, I know many won't and their jaws will be on the floor.

As a huge thriller reader, Stranger on the Beach was a solid thriller that will many will love. I enjoyed it and think it will be the perfect beach read this summer.

This was a great page turner. I was amazed yet again by this author and her style of writing. Thank you for the chance to read this book. I give it 4.5/5 stars. I have left my review on good reads.

"I have never lied to you. I have always told you some version of the truth." (Jack Nicholson)

Michele Campbell packs a wallop of lies, deceits, untruths, and fractured distortions into a wicker picnic basket ready for unpacking at the seashore. All the condiments come in varying sizes and strengths. Some are gonna be whoppers.

Caroline Stark has it all. She stares out of the cathedral window of her newly built lavish beach house. With her background in interior design, this abode has quite the plush furnishings and fixtures. She and her husband, Jason, an investment banker, have locked down the ultimate getaway.

Her eye is drawn to a young, handsome man standing on the public beach gazing up at the house. He's still there when she comes back from her run. He introduces himself as Aidan Callahan who tends bar at the Red Anchor along the beachside. Caroline excuses herself to go inside to finish last minute details for her housewarming party that night. Aidan makes her feel a bit unsettled and excited at the same time.

That evening as the party is in full swing, Caroline receives a phone call from Jason saying that he's tied up at work and can't attend. Furious, Caroline gives him an ultimatum. Within an hour, Jason shows up at the beach house and he's not alone. To the horror of the attendees, there's a strange woman in a short skirt and spikey boots with him. Bad news travels like lightning and it's scorched the ground near the driveway. Caroline throws Jason out. Looks like she'll be ordering champagne for one from now on.

The following night, Caroline heads to the Red Anchor to drown her sorrows and meets up with a certain bartender with sand in his shoes. What will transpire from here on out will make your head spin like a Cuisinart on high speed. Campbell knows how to shift gears like a pro. The storyline will revert through the eyes of both Caroline's take and Aidan's take. As readers, we'll be sorting through sand dunes covered in lies and misgivings. It it walks like a duck and quacks like a duck, it may just be a platypus instead. Nothing, but nothing is written in concrete in this one.

Convoluted characters, intricate hanging threads, and a switcheroo of settings makes A Stranger on the Beach an excellent choice for a summer read. Throw in a vicious hurricane inside this one and we have all the fixings of a sizzlin' read.

I received a copy of this book through NetGalley for an honest review. My thanks to St. Martin's Press and to Michele Campbell for the opportunity.

This was both an entertaining and a frustrating read. It's hard to stick with a book when the main characters are unlikeable, untrustworthy, and most likely lying to your face. The story is told from multiple points of view and the unreliable narrators scramble your understanding of events. As a reader you pick your villain, your nutcase and your victims in one scene only to be forced to change your place holders in the next. Talk about a rollercoaster psychological ride. Kudos to the author for thoroughly messing with my head. The twists and turns are dramatic enough that when the big reveal happens and the reader pulls themselves off the ground, the ending is anticlimactic by comparison.

If you love a twisty thriller with twisted main characters this might be a great read for you.

ARC received with thanks from publisher via NetGalley for review.

Excellent thriller that left me second-guessing who the psychopath was and what was around the next corner in the twisted lives of the main characters. It was a page-turner from beginning to end and the last line made actually gasp out loud. SO GOOD!!!

Michele Campbell has a genuine skill of writing in multiple POV and this one, involving such varied perspectives of love, lust, greed, charm, danger, and protection, is outstanding!!! Destined to be a on the best seller list this summer!!!

I was hooked on this book on page 1. I’m not kidding. I read it and thought to my self, oh man, I have no idea where this is going. This book was definitely my kind of thriller. It kept me guessing the whole time, twisting and turning and making me question myself and what I had read. I couldn’t figure out who was lying, or if no one was lying, or who was delusional or who was not. Michele Campbell did a great job of sucking me in as a reader, and making me become so involved in the story that the characters even started to distract me. I loved it, and now want to go try out all of her other books.

Gotta admit, I had the hardest time putting this book down. Told in the alternating voices of Caroline and Aidan, I was never sure who the reliable voice was, and I honestly didn’t know until the very end. What a ride! This was a thriller in the best sense of the word and I loved every minute of it.

The writing was stellar, the story was psychological thriller through and through and the characters were delightfully confusing, I was never sure which one to like or whether I should hate both of them. It was simply fabulous.

I recommend this book to lovers of suspense, well written characters you will love to hate and a page turner at its best. I so enjoyed this one.

Michele Campbell takes alternating and unreliable narration to the hilt in this domestic psychological suspense/thriller set in Manhattan and the Hamptons. Who to believe? Caroline who says she is being stalked, or Aidan, who says Caroline is playing criminal head games. Chances are you won't guess the ending of this twisty, turn-y wild ride until the very end.

This book provides the reader with two very different points of views of the two main characters. At first it felt like the story was dragging and it seemed a little far fetched but I wanted to know the ending so I kept going and was glad I did. It was not the ending I was anticipating, which made it worth the read! Makes for a great beach read!

A Stranger on the Beach was quite the page turner! It started off a little slow, but then really grabbed my attentiona dn didn't let go until the end. Recommended!

A stranger on the beach is the quintessential summer read. It is the type of book you want to curl up with when the thunder is booming and the winds are blowing. The atmosphere painted in this book is so mesmerizing and the thrilling aspects of this book pair so perfectly well. This book kept me awake well into the night and I am so glad it did! I am so impressed by the writing not to mention the background of the author. You never see the twists and turns coming in this one.

Don't you just love when a book keeps you guessing and by the end of the book your feelings for each character have drastically changed?! A Stranger on the Beach was not at all what I was expecting, but in the best possible way. This book definitely lived up to the hype that I've been seeing all over Instagram and I can't wait for the release this summer so others can enjoy this book. This was a very fast paced psychological thriller that had alternated pov's between Caroline Stark and her one night stand, Aidan. As much as I saw this on Instagram, I hadn't read any reviews or synopsis on it before starting and I think that was for the best. Going into thrillers blind is so great since you don't have any presumptions or expectations.
I love Campbell's writing style and how with each book the ending is completely different than what you thought it'd be. Looking forward to many more novels from her!!


Thank you to Netgalley, the publishers and the authors for the opportunity to read this suspenseful novel in exchange for an honest review.

I LOVE me a good Psychological Thriller, and this is a GREAT one!
You will not see all the twists and turns coming in this one.

This gripping thriller leaves you on the edge of your seat anxiously flipping the pages.
This novel is fast paced and suspense filled.

The character development is perfectly thought out.

Several words come to mind: Clever, Suspenseful, Engrossing, Unputdownable!

This is A MUST READ for 2019!

"I'll tell you everything that happened, starting from the beginning. My first impression of Widen was that of a potential their. If only I'd listened to my instinct, I would've turned and run in the opposite direction. But that's not what I did. I walked toward him. And I will always blame myself for what came after"
This book has me hooked from the start. I loved the the little hints that were dropped in the first few chapters about what was to come. It gave a real sense of foreboding. The descriptions were so vivid that you could clearly picture each and every scene in your mind almost as if you were right there with the characters. And oh the characters... My head was spinning (in a good way) as each chapter went back and forth between Widen and Caroline's perspectives...but who to believe? I loved how what first seemed to be a straight forward plot of a woman who was in an unhappy marriage then finds herself in the arms of a one night stand gone wrong, or so your led to believe, could turn into such a twisted psychological thriller. i was on the edge of my seat throughout the entire book but that ending! I did not see that coming at all!!!!
I would like to thank netgalley for an ARC in exchange for an honest review.

Caroline believes life couldn't be better; she has been married to her husband, Jason for twenty years, her daughter, Hannah has just started college. And to add icing to the cake, construction on her beach home is completed. From the outside looking in, Caroline has it all. But does she has it all?

Out of the blue, Jason asks her for divorce without giving a good reason on why he is ending their marriage after twenty years. While drowning in her grief, she meets an attractive young stranger named Aidan. Lines get blurred, and boundaries get crossed, and their one-night stand turns into obsession. Or Does it?

When I start reading books like this, I always know things are never what they appear to be. The biggest challenge for me is trying to figure out all of the pieces of the puzzle before the end of the book. Author Michele Campbell does a great job of throwing the reader off course a few times during this story. The narration is usually there to guide the reader along with the story, but Author Campbell shakes it up so much that you start feeling you can't even trust the narrator.

A Stranger On The Beach will keep your mind racing until the end. Even when you think you have it figured out - the author will throw you off course. I finished 362 pages in a few hours. If you are looking for a read that doesn't disappoint, add A Stranger On The Beach to your reading list!!

4 Stars

A Stranger on the Beach was a great read. Michele Campbell tells a unique and compelling story that draws you in, and leaves you trying to figure out what may come next. You definitely don't fall in love with Aiden's character, but Caroline has you cheering for her as she figures things out.

From storms to murder, this book covers a lot of ground. Recommend.

This book kept me guessing from beginning to end. I couldn’t wait to see what was going to happen next. It was hard (in an exhilarating way) to figure out who the bad guy(s) were. Would definitely recommend. I finished it in one sitting.

This was an entertaining psychological thriller that left me rapidly turning the pages until the very end. I HAD to know who to believe and who was the reliable POV.
A Stranger on the Beach is told in alternating POVs from Caroline's (first person) and Aidan's (third person). Caroline is of the upper crust. She's beautiful, has a nice life and her and her husband recently bought and remodeled beachside property. What better time to hold a party and invite friends and locals? But what happens when uninvited guests show up and turn your whole life upside down?

From then on we get two POVs and we need to figure out who to believe. It seems we have two unreliable characters, but what clues can you pick up on and who will you believe? The crazy stalker with a questionable past or the jilted housewife that fell down a rabbit hole?

Michele Campbell wrote an intriguing and dangerous book with characters that are so very cleverly portrayed and yet still they left me wondering who I should believe. The plot moved at a steady pace and the supporting characters all played crucial roles to the development of the story.
It's a little Fatal Attraction that is disturbing, entertaining and full of twists and turns that will grip you to the very end. Would definitely recommend for a domestic psychological thriller that keeps you guessing until the end.

This was my first arc from Netgalley & it was awesome! I really liked how the author twisted this story up! Great work Michele Campbell! It kept me guessing until the end! My favorite character was definitely Aidan. The book ended just how I was hoping it would. I love a good "justice served" story! Thank you Michele Campbell, St.Martins Press & @netgalley for the arc!

WOW WOW WOW Michele Campbell has done it again! Another thriller!! I did not guess this ending! In this book, you have no idea who is telling the truth and who is the psycho! Who will you end up rooting for?? I see this book being on the Bestseller list!

Absolute perfection! I was guessing up to the very end. I loved the fact that was written from two points of view with an unreliable narrator. Such a perfect summer thriller!

Will edit for full review closer to pub date.

My favorite angle of Michele Campbell’s new book “A Stranger on the Beach” is the alternating versions of events between rich and beautiful Caroline and her one-night-stand boy-toy ex-con Aiden. At first, I kept flipping back a few pages to see if I was remembering it wrong. When I finally caught on, I was hooked. Their perspectives are completely alien to each other. To the point that one or the other is terribly unstable. But which one is sane, therefore in great danger? They both have some obvious personality flaws.
Caroline has just completed building the home of her dreams on the bluff over the beach. Nothing was spared during construction and nothing was left to chance at her housewarming party. But she hadn’t planned on a Russian floozy chasing her husband in and ruining the evening along with their marriage’s reputation. It’s nothing that can’t be fixed by a visit to the bar and a flirtatious swing with the young cute bartender, right? Let the roller coaster ride begin!
This is one of those books you’ll continue to read way past your bedtime! After reading this, then reading the author’s bio (move over J. Grisham, you’ve been warned), I have to read her two earlier books. I’m not sure how they got past me, but Ms. Campbell is a favorite now!
(I received an advance copy of this book from NetGalley in exchange for an unbiased review. Thanks so much to Jordan at St. Martin’s Press and NetGalley for making it available.)

“A Stranger on the Beach” is a thriller with an unreliable narrator. The question is, which of the two main characters telling their stories is it? It was a little reminiscent of “Gone Girl” in the way it made me shift my alliance to the characters narrating each chapter - I went from thinking one character was a victim and the other a villain and then it would switch and then switch again. Michele Campbell did a good job of keeping you guessing as to who was the crazy one until the end.

I absolutely LOVED this book! Every book Michele writes she completely knocks it out of the park. This was a real game of psychological cat and mouse and I never knew which way it was going to go. It kept me on my toes and the ending blew me away. A full review will be on my blog (www.whatamydid.com) soon but I won’t stop recommending this for months to come. Perfect beach thriller

Really enjoyed this one. Kept me guessing & wanting more. The story would go one way & then have a sudden twist. Characters are well developed, great story line.
Would definitely be recommending this book to other.

I loved this book! I stayed hooked on it from the beginning. As the chapters went by it was full of suspense and surprises. Towards the middle of the book you think you have an idea of what’s going to happen and then the author has her special way of giving your another twist and turn. Closer to the end I was totally shocked where the storyline went. This is my 3rd time reading one of Michele’s books and she’s had become one of my favorite authors! Thanks for giving me a chance to read this addicting read.

A Stranger on the Beach


A delightful psychological thriller told from several conflicting perspectives.

⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️

SUMMARY
Caroline Stark notices the stranger on the beach staring up at her brand new, and very expensive house. He is very handsome, but it looks like he was up to no good. Other houses in the area had recently been robbed, perhaps he is casing the house? He looks like a local and she knew that people like him resented people like her, people that have everything: good looks, apartment in the city, nice car, and fancy parties

The very next day, Caroline’s perfect life takes a turn for the worse. Caroline’s husband, Jason an successful investment banker, shows up at the beach house-warming party with another woman, his Russian mistress. He tells Caroline he wants a divorce, and then closes her bank accounts and credit cards. Caroline’s lavish lifestyle collapses around her. She turns to Aiden, the stranger on the beach who turns out to be a local bartender with a past, for comfort and maybe even a little revenge. A one night stand for Aiden turns into an obsession with Caroline. She is, and she has everything he ever wanted. When Caroline’s husband goes missing, her life descends into a nightmare that leaves her accused of her husband’s murder.

REVIEW
A STRANGER ON THE BEACH is a delightfully entertaining read. It’s a psychological thriller told from several conflicting perspectives, and you may think you know which perspective is right. But don’t be to quick to judge. There are so many twists and turns on this beach trip you are going to want to race to the end to uncover the truth.

I loved the vivid descriptions of Caroline’s gorgeous house on the beach with the wall of windows over looking the ocean, the infinity pool, the media room, the lighting system, and the soaring French limestone fireplace! Who wouldn’t want a place like that on the beach!

Books that keep you guessing are fun, but I got a little confused at times with the variety of perspectives and the unreliable characters. Who is manipulating who? And why? Even so, it’s a perfect read for a day at the beach. Just watch out for the category four hurricane that is headed straight your way.

Author Michele Campbell is a graduate of Harvard College and Stanford Law School and a former federal prosecutor in New York City who specializes in international narcotics and gang cases. Several years ago she moved with her husband and two children to an idyllic New England college town. She now teaches criminal and constitutional law and writes novels. Other books by Michele Campbell include She was the Quiet One (2018) and It’s Always the Husband (2017)

Thanks to Netgalley, St. Martin’s Press and Michele Campbell for an advance reading copy of this book in exchange for an honest review.

Publisher St. Martin’s Press
Published July 23, 2019
Review www.bluestockingreviews.com

This was my first book to read by Michelle Campbell and certainly will not be my last. I love that she wrote on a subject that wasn’t cliché and was able to keep me as the reader guessing. I absolutely love not being able to figure out what the ending will be.

Thank you in advance to netgalley and the publisher for this ARC.

Wow! It’s not often that a psychological thriller can surprise me but Michele Campbell really pulled out all the stops.

A Stranger on the Beach was a fun read and a page turner, I just couldn’t put it down. The plot switches back and forth between our two main characters POV. Right from the beginning you can tell, things aren’t adding up...

Unreliable characters, questionable morals, scandalous affairs - this book has it all. Put A Stranger on the Beach on your list of summer reads and you won’t be disappointed. I promise you, you’ll never guess the ending.

Thank you NetGalley, Michelle Campbell and St. Martin’s Press for the free e-book in exchange for an honest review.

Caroline has an amazing new beach house and is hosting an extravagant house warming party with all her and her husband’s friends and coworkers. The only problem is her husband has been lying to her and they have a very public fight at this party. Aiden, a stranger who lives in the town, is there when Caroline realizes that her husband has been cheating on her. Her marriage is collapsing and her life begins to crumble around her, but Aiden is there to comfort her and help her seek her revenge. After a brief fling that means nothing to Caroline but everything to Aiden; he becomes obsessed with her and her family.

Well this is definitely one of my top ten reads of this year and definitely a great summer beach read because you aren’t going to want to put this one down! I loved the way this book was formatted with chapters from both Caroline and Aiden; each chapter was from their respective opinions on what was going on and you have to try to piece together which one of them is telling the truth and who actually committed the crime! I was so intrigued the whole way through and I couldn’t stop reading long enough to really ponder why each character felt the need to lie. There is a lot of action and twists throughout this novel that made it all the more interesting! Definitely recommend!!

Out July 23rd!

I enjoyed this book a lot, but it didn’t totally blow me away. It had me guessing throughout as to which of the two main characters were telling the truth. Thanks to NetGalley and the publisher for a free copy in exchange for review.

Huge thanks to Netgalley and St. Martin’s Press for the e-arc of A Stranger on the Beach by Michele Campbell. All opinions are my own.

Michele Campbell keeps getting better and better. I finished this in one day. I could not put it down. It had a unique twist to it unlike her other books. The story follows Caroline who just finds out her husband is cheating on her and leaves her destitute.

She is extremely upset so goes to the local bar to drown her sorrows. While there she meets a younger man named Aiden. They have a one night stand which develops into a dangerous and chaotic relationship. Each chapter is either from Caroline’s or Aiden’s point of view, but what is interesting, each point of view has a different perspective. You don’t know who to believe which had me quickly turning the pages.

When you get to the end you get another twist you don’t see coming. I loved this book. I will buying the hardback edition when it is released in July. Plus, the cover is amazing.

A totally tangled ewes of deceit! A lot of characters but two are front and center in this great psychological thriller. But which one is the real psychopath? Great book to save for the beach!

Wow - it starts creepy and continues all the way through the book! A great thriller as it keeps you guessing, and the end just flips what you thought around. Don’t read at night - will keep you up in a good way!

This is a perfect example of how the grass is not always greener on the other side. Caroline Stark has it all and after a fling she realizes how quickly is to losing everything. This book had me on the edge of my seat and really had me pulled in emotionally.

Thank you NetGalley and the publisher for giving me the opportunity to read this book for my honest opinion.
I can not say enough about this book. I thought I had it figured out but I was totally wrong from the start. You can't assume anything because you are doing the wrong thing to someone and that is unfair.
Say that you see a homeless person and you assume that the person is penniless and destitute. It has been proven that some of the most richest people have decided to escape the corporate world and live on the streets.
You also have rich people take advantage of less than unfortunate people and try to benefit from their situation. This book is exactly that. Don't believe what you read. Things are not always what they appear to be.
Every time you think you have the plot figured out, you hit a twist.
Granted if you see someone standing outside looking at your house you will think the worse. But if it is every single day, don't you think that you should ask them why?

Caroline has it all, from looks to wealth, along with a cheating husband. She finds sympathy in the arms of a local bartender, Aidan. I was a little confused at some of the chapters where these 2 characters had differing points of view. Who's telling the truth and who's the manipulator? Filled with suspense, I had to keep reading to find out the truth and the ending did not disappoint!

This is one of those books that you ought to take on your holiday and get lost in while you are sunbathing by the pool sipping a mojito. I was hooked from the start after meeting Caroline Stark, 43 interior designer who just discovered that her husband is cheating on her. Caroline finds Aidan staring at her mansion on the beach and at first she thinks he might be a burglar. She later meets him at the local bar where she goes to drink down her failed marriage. Aidan is there to listen, taken by Caroline and knowing too well she is the lady from the expensive house on the beach he's been admiring. Caroline gets drunk and Aidan ends up taking her home. After a drunk wild night together, Caroline is keen to get rid of Aidan in the morning but he is in no rush to go anywhere. Aidan feels that he and Caroline shared something special and they are meant to be together! Or do they not?

Michelle Campbell has written a clever psychological thriller with a dual perspective on the story, letting the reader decide what to believe. Looking through Caroline's eyes, we see a handsome, young, but troubled man interested in her way beyond the one night they shared. Caroline is scared of Aidan and quickly realises he is stalking her and her family. Or if you prefer looking at things from Aidan's perspective - Aidan feeling lucky to having met beautiful Caroline who seems to like him and wants to spend time with him.

Hooked from page one, the book had me guessing what was going on till the end, and unsurprisingly I was totally wrong with my predictions!
So go, grab a mojito and immerse yourself in!

Many thanks to St.Martin's Press for my review copy in exchange for an honest review.

A Stranger on the Beach by Michele Campbell

The perfect, long awaited beach house, a handsome stranger, too much to drink and a cheating husband-what other outcome could be expected? Sex? Love? A murder suspect? Yes, yes and yes!

This story will have you checking out what you just read to be sure you got it right; but in a good way. Chapter by chapter the entanglement between Caroline and young Aidan gets deeper and deeper and more perplexing. Who is telling the truth about their relationship when Caroline pulls away and Aidan turns up everywhere?

Michele Campbell develops good, strong characters and a mystery you’ll think you’ve figured out until the ending. Hang on tight for a delightful ride into this well-written tale of... well, just read it!

This book has you hooked from the start and takes you on a whirlwind ride. It is a cracking good thrill ride.
Thanks to Netgalley and the publisher for letting me review this book

What a fantastic ride! I loved this book by Michele Campbell. Second one I've read from her and I was not disappointed. Nothing at all is as it appears. Told from two points of view with neither point of view matching the other so you don't know who to believe. I would think I had it figured out and then a plot twist would change my mind and then yet another twist, and I'd change my mind again. So cleverly written and an absolute thrill to read. Intense, crazy, manipulative, dramatic, and cleverly written book. Thank you NetGalley for providing this ARC.

This was a whirlwind of twists and turns. I enjoyed the suspense of this book until the last pages. Being originally from Long Island The was familiar with the places described in the story. This book was told through two points of view which were different perspective of the events. I didn’t really like the main characters in the story as much as I hoped to. I could visualize the story lines. Easily and can envision my own “cast” in the roles. Thank you Netgalley for the eARC of this book in exchange for an honest review.

*Thanks to NetGalley and the publisher for an ARC in exchange for an honest review.*

From the very start of this book, I was hooked! I didn't want to stop reading until I had a resolution! I loved the story until the very end. When I hit the resolution, it felt a bit far fetched to me but it somewhat made sense. Still, Michele Campbell is great at wring original and thrilling novels and I will always recommend giving her books a read.

Best book that I have read all year!

I couldn't put this book down! The story was told in a unique format - alternating and completely conflicting points of views. I loved how I never knew what to believe or which character's POV was accurate. The novel was fast-paced and completely unpredictable.

This is psychological thriller at its best. Both points of view give conflicting stories of the same events and my mind was blown. Who do you trust? Are they a rational thinker or simply delusional ? I saw the twist coming and it wasn’t totally original but I enjoyed it nonetheless.

I highly recommend! Go pick it up! Don’t start it too late at night or you’ll never get to sleep 😉

Omg!! This was a complete shocker of a book. I went in thinking it to a slow read but u realized that it was a fast read with thrills galore.
Caroline had everything, family and money. But all that glittered was sometimes not gold, and her life was a farce too.

Discovering husband's infidelity, she decided to hook up with the bartender Aiden.. A one time party soon became an obsession. Was he responsible for the mysterious happenings? Read the book to know more.

The book had some crazy twists which caused my head to spin. An addictive read for sure, I would say. Michele Campbell's writing had me upside down and inverted out in such a delicious way.
I love books which compel me to read right up to 3am.

I love my midnight thrillers. A best time to read.

A Stranger on the Beach by author Michele Campbell is a thriller that grabs your attention right from the start! It’s told from 2 point of views with each character seeing things completely different. You don’t know who to believe or what to think and that alone is what piqued my curiosity and kept me reading late into the night. After having read It’s Always the Husband and She Was the Quiet One, I knew I would really enjoy reading this one too! I’d like to thank Jordan Hanley from St. Martin’s Press for inviting me to read an early copy. Also, thank you to NetGalley for supplying the arc and author Michele Campbell for writing yet another great, entertaining read!

OMG - I didn't see that comin'!! What a roller coaster ride A Stranger on the Beach turned out to be! Caroline steps out of her troubled marriage and has a little fling with Aiden, The Stranger. After that, no one really knows who to trust, or what the real truth is. This exciting story is written in a back and forth format between Caroline's and Aiden's perspectives. It kept me guessing until the end!

I got quite confused with the events at one point, but after finishing the book, I understand why the "confusion" is in the story. Highly recommend for readers who love a complex and suspenseful tale!

If the movie "Fatal Attraction" and the psychological thriller genre had a baby, it would be A Stranger on the Beach by Michele Campbell. Holy cow, did I love this wild ride. I am a huge fan of thrillers and I was lucky enough to receive an advanced reader's copy from NetGalley, in exchange for an honest review. All I can say is if you read this one, buckle up. You'll be in for a wild ride.

A Stranger on the Beach by Michele Campbell is the story of Caroline Stark, a beautiful, wealthy woman who seems to have it all. The looks, the clothes, the cars, the breathtaking beach house, and the perfect husband and daughter. Suddenly, her world comes crashing down on her when she is humiliated by her husband, in front of all the affluent guests at her beach house party. Maybe Caroline's life isn't as perfect as she had always thought. She goes to a local dive bar to drown her sorrows and meets an attractive bartender, Aiden, who she has a one night stand with. The one night stand turns into an obsession that becomes more destructive each day.

The relationship between Caroline and Aiden is steamy, sexy, and dangerous. I was completely infatuated with them. I pictured Aiden as a cross between a surfer guy/Matthew McConaughey and sexy Brad Pitt. Caroline I pictured as a sultry Sharon Stone. It is always fun to read a book where the author's descriptions of the characters allows you to fully imagine them.

This story is told from alternating perspectives between Caroline and Aiden. I loved this aspect about the book, because it kept me guessing and questioning reality. Caroline and Aiden both saw the relationship from a different lens, but I was not sure whose lens was the accurate one until the very end. I read a lot of thrillers and can generally get a sense of how a book will end, but this one kept me guessing and actually surprised me. The twist was unsuspected and satisfying. Michele Campbell is a wonderful dialogue writer, which is difficult to write. This book had a lot of dialogue, but the dialogue made it a quick read and the writing flowed well.

There are several thriller like twists throughout the book, but the reader is left guessing up until the last few chapters. I also did not find it predictable. I rated this one ★★★★/5 stars. It is a great psychological thriller and I highly recommend it to anyone who enjoys that genre. Thank you to NetGalley and St. Martin's Press for the advanced reader's copy. I am honored to be able to read and review this wonderful book.

You will be riveted to this book, stay up too late reading it, and be worn out when it's over! All I'm the best way! Shocking psychological thriller!

The writing was just too amateurish for me and I couldn’t stay with it long enough to get hooked in by the story. The writing style was just irritating to me. It was not so bad that I would urge others not to pick it up. I really hate YA and the writing style reminded me of that, so take it as you will. I hate giving bad reviews so I will rate 4 stars and chalk it up to me not being the right reader for this one.

Thank you Netgalley for this advanced reader's copy! This book kept me captivated to the end! I love a great psychological thriller. I thought the two perspectives was good but it was tough to tell what was true or could possibly be true. It made the book confusing for awhile but once I got passed that the book got better. I didn't completely guess the ending so that's why I gave it 4 stars. I'll be reading other books from Michele Campbell!