In true KMod fashion, this book was short, face paced, and had me trying to guess which way the story will go throughout the story. I was immediately sucked in from the beginning of the story but found myself annoyed with the characters actions. Overall, I liked the story and would recommend to others.

First and foremost, I have to say that the characters in the story were incredibly complex and well-developed. I was completely engrossed in getting to know Tibby and Walker's characters and their backstories. However, the villain's story was downright creepy and sent shivers down my spine every time the protagonist's monologue came in. Despite this, the way the characters were developed throughout the novel was excellent.

Secondly, the author did a fantastic job of keeping me guessing about the identity of the perpetrator. I was on edge the entire time, and the reveal of the villain's identity was incredibly satisfying. The plot was well-crafted, with the perfect pace and number of characters.

As I read through the novel, I couldn't help but notice that several aspects of the story seemed to resemble Hitchcock's film scenarios. While this was both a good and bad thing, it did make me feel a bit uncertain about how I felt about the book as a whole. There were moments when I found myself getting bored with the plot and questioning if it was worth continuing, but then the story would take an unexpected turn, and I would find myself completely engrossed once again.

However, while the book did have some similarities to other stories I've read before, the final plot twists were truly satisfying and made up for any feelings of deja vu. Overall, I would recommend this novel to readers who enjoy suspenseful and thrilling stories.

Overall, I thoroughly enjoyed reading this novel, and I want to express my gratitude to NetGalley for providing me with a free and advanced copy.

3.5 stars rounded up to 4. I got into this book right away since it was shorter and an attention getter. It was full of twist and turns. Not my favorite book by the author, but still a good read/listen!

While I had already read "The Stranger" by Kiersten Modglin, I really wanted to listen to it as well. It did not disappoint!!! Short but thrilling read.

I devoured this in a day!! Like the biggest butteriest hottest bowl of popcorn ever. Short, fast, and thrilling! The perfect suspenseful thriller to get you out of a reading slump. Kirsten knows how to shock you with a twist and keep you guessing all the way. I really enjoyed it!

This was a fun and easy listen. I liked that every chapter I changed my thoughts on who was trustworthy and who wasn’t. It wasn’t anything absolutely crazy, but I enjoyed it.

A classic KMod popcorn psychological thriller. Short and keeps you in a constant state of 😳 or 🤔. 80% of the time you aren't quite sure where things are going or what's happening next. The ending did seem very abrupt and I wish we had a bit more. That could have helped this be a 5 star read for me.

The audio by Saskia Maarleveld, Traci Odom and John Pirhalla was fantastic! They added an extra layer of Erie + creepy to the story and definitely helped set the mood.

Thank you Dreamscape Media + NetGalley for the ALC.

I thoroughly enjoyed listening to this audiobook, narrated by Saskia Maarleveld, Traci Odom, and John Pirhalla. From the outset, I was completely engrossed and couldn't guess the identity of the murderer! The plot delves into themes of trust, highlighting the idea that trust must be earned. The story captivates you from start to finish, with twists that keep you guessing. The narrators skillfully convey the panic and malevolence of the characters, enhancing the overall experience. Highly recommend!

This is a fast-paced thriller that takes place in a major snow storm. No one *should* be on the roads, cell phone towers are out and almost everywhere is shut down.

Walker happens upon Tibby walking down the highway about to freeze to death. She doesn’t want to get in with a stranger, he convinces her he’s “safe”. They travel together looking for a warm place to stay and get off the road.

After finding a run-down motel, things get even stranger. There is a murder in the hotel, a serial killer on the loose, tires are slashed and together, they decide they must chance it out in the storm.

There are twists and turns and a lot of surprises in this one. Just what I love most in a thriller. With danger lurking behind every corner- can everyone escape the storm unscathed?

The book is told in multiple POV's and the audiobook has a cast of characters, which I always enjoy.

Thank you to NetGalley and Dreamscape Media for an advanced audio copy of this book. It is currently out in a physical copy, but the audio comes out in August 2024.

I listened to this audiobook in one sitting (on 2X speed so in half the time) and thought it was pretty good. I am a huge fan of Kiersten Modglin but I don’t think this one was my favourite, unfortunately. It was super fast paced, tense and had me suspicious of all the characters. It really reminded me of the book No Exit by Taylor Adams! 3/5⭐️

The Stranger is a thriller that’ll keep you on the very edge of your seat, wondering whether you’ve landed in a horror novel by accident…it’s that thrilling. While simultaneously puzzling over what you’ve gotten yourself into (if you’re like me, always reading thrillers but never daring enough to take on a horror), you’ll also be searching for clues, trying to figure out who the killer is. It’ll keep you guessing the entire way.

The Stranger doesn’t disappoint. It is right on course with the fast paced stories Kiersten Modglin writes. You won’t be able to put it down until you know how it ends!

I listened to the audiobook, performed by three narrators. The performances were incredibly well done, and the effects were fantastic. The audiobook heightens the experience for this novel, adding to the mystery. I listened at 2x speed (with my normal audiobook listening speed 1.75-2x).

Thank you NetGalley and Dreamscape Media for this advanced audiobook copy.

I'm a big fan of Kiersten Modglin, so I was thrilled when I was approved for her ALC of The Stranger.

This book does a great job of pulling you in and keeping you guessing for much of it. She also did a great job of setting a creepy scene. I loved the dark vibes it was giving. The fact that they are all strangers adds to the creep factor and increases the element of surprise. This listen is short, just like her others, but even shorter than most at under 5 hours. It started off so strong for me, and I loved the multiple POVs and narration. However, it fell off a little for me midway and I found my mind wandering a little. It seemed like it abruptly ended. I initially thought that she might be preparing for a sequel because of the ending, but I haven't heard any plans yet. Although there wasn't much time for character development, I think it was acceptable because the characters were unfamiliar with each other, so it didn't matter much how I felt about them.

While not my first choice of her books, if you're a fan of Kiersten Modglin, you should give this one a shot. It's clear from the mixed reviews of those who read the early release that there were those who loved it, those who liked it, and only a few who didn't like it or hated it.

Although it was not as thrilling as others, I still had a good time and I am pleased that I listened. I enjoy the fact that she always tries new things, and whenever you receive one of her books, you're never quite sure what to expect. It's amazing to me when an author can accomplish that, and when their catalog is as extensive as hers, it's even more impressive.

Thank you Net Galley, Dreamscape Media, and Kiersten Modglin for the advance listen copy in exchange for my honest review.

A quick listen that has you guessing and questioning each character. In proper Kiersten Modglin fashion you know there is going to be a twist but you just can't quite figure it out.

The Stranger written by Kiersten Modglin and narrated by Saskia Maarleveld, Traci Odom & John Pirhalla is a terrifying psychological thriller that takes place on i57 during the worst snowstorm in years. There is no cell service, you are straded in a motel, there is no way to drive further and the road crews are not able to get out yet.

How did Walker and Tibby get here? Walker was driving to visit his parents for New Year as he could not make Xmas when a terrible snow storm sets in, getting worse and worse. He happens upon a young woman (Tibby) walking alongside the road on her own, no car behind, no car ahead and in no good conscience can he leave her there when the next town is miles away. However, she is reluctant to take his offer of a ride, adamant that she will not, until after some persistent encouragement and frostbite setting in, does she finally relent

However, things are not so simple, the snow is getting worse and despite stopping off at one rest stop without incident, they decide to stop at a motel where Walker knows the owner, Ernest, an aged man who runs the motel and looks after his ill wife, living in rooms behind the recetion desk

The pair are forced to share a room and things start to take a very dark turn. Who is the guy in the parking lot? Why does Tibby have so many wounds that start bleeding intermittently? Whose is the mysterious voice, describing how he has murdered his victims...

Written from multiple pov's, this audiobook is absolutely brilliant! The narrators were outstanding, not just in characterisation, but the vocal effect to add an extra dimension to the killers pov, almost like they are talking out of a confinement cell. The emotes from all 3 narrators are stunning and their performances blend together seamlessly while still retaining unique voices

This is my first book from Kiersten Modglin and I am very impressed. The pace is steady, clues pulling the reader this way and that. You think you have it worked out and you get flipped on your head. Full of suspense and drama that had me gritting my teeth for the ride

Stunning and if I could give 5 stars ++++++ I would! Absolutely on my "Go-to" thriller author list

Thank you to Netgalley, Dreamscape Media, the amazing author Kiersten Modglin and narrators Saskia Maarleveld, Traci Odom and John Pirhalla for this outstanding ALC. My review is left voluntarily and all opinions are my own

4/5 ⭐
0/5 🌶️
4/5 🎧

This is my favorite KMod I've read in a while. It was full of surprising twists and turns and had an absolutely unhinged unaliver. It was super quick too at less than 5 hours on 1x.

The audio was great, Saskia Maarleveld, Traci Odom and John Pirhalla all did wonderful jobs narrating this audiobook. I absolutely loved that we got the unaliver's POV under a voice changer too, it made for an interesting experience.

I really enjoyed this domestic thriller! It was eerie and kept you on the edge of your seat the entire time. I liked that the book was a quick listen as well. It make the urgency of the plot feel like it was a matter of life and death... because it was! I absolutely loved each narrator. They all made their part of the book all the more enjoyable!

I will definitely recommend this audiobook to all my friends and Instagram followers!

Thank you to Netgalley, Kiersten Modglin, and Dreamscape Media for providing an ARC of this book in exchange for an honest review.

Imagine being stranded on a snowy night, the roads closed, with no choice but to trust a stranger. This is the chilling premise of "The Stranger," a mystery thriller that takes you on a suspenseful journey with the protagonists, whose chance encounter evolves into a partnership teeming with suspicion and leaps of faith. The story's about Tibby and Walker, two strangers brought together by fate on a snowy evening, who decide to continue their journey together, not knowing what awaits them. Trapped in a shady motel with a group of strangers, they navigate through layers of deception and suspicion. With every twist and turn, the reader is kept guessing who to trust until the very end. The book stands tall within the mystery thriller genre, leveraging classic elements of misdirection and suspense with mastery. Compared to others in its category, it excels in creating an atmospheric tension reminiscent of Agatha Christie's closed-setting mysteries, yet it incorporates a modern twist that keeps it fresh and engaging. Although the motive's revelation may not hit the anticipated climax of shock, the journey there is electrifying and unexpected, satisfying the itch for a good thriller. Tibby and Walker are compelling protagonists whose developing dynamics and evolving trust keep you on your toes. Their character arcs are believable, with each decision and revelation adding depth to their personas. The reader oscillates between empathy and suspicion, making the experience personal and immersive. This book grips me from the start, with its theme of trust—or the lack thereof—at its core. Moments of tension, especially in the interactions among the stranded travelers, resonate deeply, forcing me to question how I would react in a similar situation. The story explores the idea that trust is not freely given but earned, a message that is effectively woven through the narrative. The ending brings a satisfying conclusion, tying up loose ends while leaving a lingering thought about the true nature of trust. The pacing is relentless, propelling the reader through the story with a sense of urgency that hardly ever wanes. It is a testament to Kiersten Modglin's skill in plot construction and suspense building that the story never drags, maintaining a grip on the reader's attention throughout. Modglin's writing is sharp and immersive, with a narrative style that is both engaging and evocative. The author's voice is compelling, capturing the essence of a psychological thriller with every sentence. It's the kind of writing that not only tells a story but also makes you feel the chill of the snowstorm and the claustrophobia of being trapped in a motel with strangers. "The Stranger" is a must-read for fans of mystery thrillers. With its engaging plot, well-developed characters, and a setting that perfectly complements the story's tension, it is a book that keeps you guessing until the very end. The only caveat is the slightly underwhelming motive, but this does not detract from the overall experience. Highly recommended for those looking for a story that combines suspense, mystery depth, and a fast-paced narrative. Plus, the Narrators Saskia Maarleveld, Traci Odom, and John Pirhalla did absolute justice to the vibe and feel of the set-up of the book. Very well modulated and performed, the audiobook rendition elevates the experience, making it even more immersive.

Thanks NetGalley for this opportunity to read and review one of my favorite authors!

This one didn’t miss! It was unexpected and unpredictable up until the very end, with plenty of red herrings.

Read this if you like: Five Total Strangers by Natalie D Richards

"The Stranger" is a chilling psychological thriller that takes you on a wild ride through a snowstorm and into a web of deceit. When a woman faces the choice of accepting a ride from a stranger or braving the cold alone, she has no idea the danger she's stepping into. The story unfolds in a roadside motel filled with secrets, where everyone is hiding something. Despite a somewhat predictable ending, the book keeps you on the edge of your seat with its fast-paced action and constant suspense. Perfect for a quick, thrilling read!

Walker is on his way home to spend time with his family when he sees a woman walking alone in the snowstorm. She doesn’t look like she is equipped to be out in the storm, and they are miles from anywhere. He does the right thing and offers the stranger a ride. Tibby, the woman walking alone, reluctantly accepts the ride because they are in the middle of nowhere and she definitely is not equipped to be out in the snowstorm. When the road ahead is closed due to the storm, the pair is forced to hole up in a roadside motel. There they discover something disturbing that makes them question the motives of everyone around them.

I am a huge Kiersten Modglin fan, and she is an auto-read author for me. I loved the premise of this story, but it fell a little flat for me. KMod is known for her twisty thrillers and this one didn’t have that many twists. I also didn’t enjoy the ending twist and it left me with too many questions. However, I did enjoy the audio narration. The third narrator has a creepy distorted voice so you cannot tell if it is male or female. It really made the audiobook for me. Therefore, I highly recommend the audio version if you are interested in this book. I give it 3.5/5 stars.