A fast-paced and intense thriller set by the Georgia coast. The sea-turtle rescue elements were a really fun addition to the plot and moved the story along nicely, reminding me of Coble’s other books featuring dolphins.

It would be very traumatic to lose a friend to murder, so it makes sense that Torie will stop at nothing to make sure her friend’s “accidental” death is solved and prosecuted. She’s sure that Lisbeth didn’t willingly go out into the water; but as soon as she starts to piece a thing or two together, the killer instantly tries to terrorize her away from the case—and when that doesn’t work, she’s next on his list.

One of the best examples of Coble’s talent for penning a great thriller story. Definitely going to be rereading this one at some point.

Thanks to NetGalley and the publisher for a free reading copy. A favorable review was not required.

A Stranger's Game was a quick-moving story! I was intrigued by the plot pretty much right when I started it and found that it was a fast read.

I liked the characters and thought the setting was great. The romance was fine, but I didn't find myself caring too much about it.

The mystery was good. I did end up slightly guessing the "bad guy", which was fun. I will say, though, that a character did something very foolish near the end that I just couldn't believe. Everything worked out okay...but it wasn't believable to me.

All in all, I liked the book, but it wasn't a favorite.

*Disclosure of Material Connection: I received one or more of the products or services mentioned above for free in the hope that I would mention/review it on my blog. I was not required to give a positive review, only my honest opinion - which I've done. All thoughts and opinions expressed are my own and I only recommend products or services I use personally and believe will be good for my readers. I am disclosing this in accordance with the Federal Trade Commission's 16 CFR, Part 255: "Guides Concerning the Use of Endorsements and Testimonials in Advertising.*

Title: "A Stranger's Game" by Colleen Coble - A Disappointing Thriller

Rating: ★★☆☆☆

Regrettably, my experience with "A Stranger's Game" by Colleen Coble was far from satisfying, despite my high expectations. As an advanced reader who eagerly delved into this novel courtesy of NetGalley and the publisher, I found myself underwhelmed by the story's execution.

The premise promised a gripping thriller centered around Eleanor, a woman determined to uncover the truth behind her husband's mysterious disappearance. However, the plot's potential was hindered by a lackluster narrative that failed to deliver the suspense and intrigue I had anticipated. Coble's writing, typically celebrated, fell short in this instance, lacking the captivating depth required for a thriller of this nature. The characters, while well-conceived, lacked the development and complexity necessary to engage the reader on an emotional level.

What set "A Stranger's Game" apart, unfortunately, was its inability to sustain a sense of mystery and keep readers guessing. The pacing felt uneven, with certain revelations feeling forced and predictable. Despite the book's promising premise, it ultimately left me unsatisfied and wanting more. If you're seeking an immersive thriller, this may not be the book to provide that experience.

This book was the perfect combination of suspense and thrills, and keeps the reader turning pages to see what happens next. I haven't read much by Ms Coble before, but I will do so in future. Recommended.

Due to a personal difference in beliefs (WITH THE PUBLISHER) I will not be reviewing this book outside of Netgalley nor do I plan to support Thomas Nelson in the future due to their decisions of late and the lack of fiction with good Biblical values.

This does not mean I do or do not like the book, it just means I will not be reviewing books for this publisher anymore as I do not care to support them when I do not agree with the way they have left their former standards.

A Stranger's Game is a standalone, romantic suspense story from Colleen Coble. In this story we meet heiress and hotel magnate's daughter, Torie Bergstrom. Torie had gotten her best friend a job at one of the family's hotels on Jekyll Island, where she ends up dead. The case is closed and deemed a drowning accident, but Torie knows that couldn't have happened. Lisbeth was terrified of water and wouldn’t have gone anywhere near the water let alone for a swim. Torie feels responsible, so goes undercover at the hotel to see if she can find out what really happened. When pills are found in her room, suicide is suspected, but there is noone seems to think she was depressed or had any issues. While there she meets Joe Abbott and his daughter, Hailey, rescuing baby turtles. They become friends and he agrees to help her, but he is unsure if she is on the right track.

This story started very abruptly, so it took me some time to figure out what was going on, but once I did, I really enjoyed the book. There is a lot going on, with Torie's life being in danger, the more she snoops. When her identity is revealed, even more storylines are revealed. There seems to be some connection to her mother's suicide many years before. When another death occurs, the urgency picks up as well as the tension. I was pleased with how all the various plotlines come together in the end. I enjoyed the addition of Hailey, she was a real sweetheart. There was definitely chemistry between Torie and Joe, but the romance is light and does not overpower the mystery. This is a Christian Fiction story, so there is a faith basis to the story. It is a natural addition with Joe sharing scripture with Hailey and pointing out God's presence in the many things that happened in the story. I enjoyed all aspects of this story and recommend it to those who enjoy Christian Fiction.

Another amazing book from Colleen Coble. I always keep an eye out for new books from this author and she doesn’t disappoint.

I’m a big fan of Colleen Coble’s work and A Stranger’s Game did not disappoint! A Stranger’s Game tells the story of Torie who goes undercover at her father’s hotel to find out the truth about her best friend’s death. While back home, Torie meets Joe Abbott and his daughter. Joe joins Torie on her quest for answers and justice. As both search for the truth, they fall in love.

I love the way Colleen Coble writes and how she keeps the reader on the edge of their seat. If you are looking for a book of suspense and mystery, then I highly recommend A Stranger’s Game by Colleen Coble! Thank you to NetGalley and the Publisher for the opportunity to read this book. My review is also on Goodreads.

Colleen Coble doesn't disappoint with another story of mystery and romance . The main character , Torrie is working undercover in her family's island resort hotel trying to discover what happened to her best friend Lisbeth. This was a very entertaining read.
Thanks to Netgalley for the ARC in exchange for my honest review.

I've read many books by Collen Coble and have enjoyed them all. This one was no different. Her books are faced pace and easy to read. Great characters that are easy to root for. I highly recommend this book.

An heiress going undercover - what a wonderful idea! This novel is well written. I loved the characters. It's a gripping read, so be prepared to not put it down!

This is a romantic suspense novel and the combination is wonderful. Colleen Coble is a talented writer and I look forward to each new addition she adds to her growing list of excellent novels she has written.

a mystery/thriller with twists and turns that reveal themselves slowly and make you rethink what you though was going to happen. family drama must be dealt with and a sweet budding romance is the perfect addition to move things along!

While considered romantic suspense, the mystery aspect of this book is what really appealed to me. There are multiple plots sprinkled throughout the pages. The characters are well developed and the twists and turns will have you invested in the story. I really appreciated the Christian focus and the effort to explain why we trust God to a child even through bad situations.

Thank you to NetGalley and Thomas Nelson for my advanced review copy. All opinions and thoughts are my own.

“Look at how beautiful that glass is in spite of being manipulated and worked on by so many outside forces. God uses all the bad things in our lives to make us more beautiful too. Nothing is wasted—it all serves a purpose.”

“The Stranger’s Game” was packed with twists and turns that kept me turning page after page. The mystery was good, the romance was engaging, and the setting was beautifully detailed. The mystery was multilayered, which was a bit confusing, but came together with an unexpected ending. Jekyll Island sounded like such a beautiful place, and I hope to visit there one day. Coble really brought this beachy island to life. I really enjoyed learning more about turtles in the area. I loved the walks along the ocean and scuba diving adventures, too. Joe Abbott has the coolest job and coolest kid. I enjoyed the characters and the struggles they had to work through to overcome hurts. Tori captured my heart by how much she fought for the truth, even putting herself in danger. Seeing how well her and Joe worked together to figure out the mysterious happenings was engaging, too. I liked how their relationship developed.

“She took a step closer, and he opened his arms. Her cheek nestled on his chest, and she fit as if she’d been made for him. Maybe she had.”

Coble addressed some spiritual aspects in the book that added another level to the relationships as well. At times, it seemed forced, but I appreciated the depth it brought. Learning to grieve, to let go, and grab onto a future filled with hopes and dreams really made this story shine. I think Coble’s fans will enjoy this different style as will those who enjoy romantic suspense.

“It’s not life. By its very nature, life involves loss. If we stop taking chances, stop living our lives, we might as well crawl in the grave and let someone kick the dirt over us. Real life is worth the risk.”

I was given a copy of this book through NetGalley by the publisher. All opinions are my own and are given honestly.

I have read Colleen Coble on and off throughout the years. She always writes compelling, romantic suspense.

Colleen Coble's latest romantic suspense has it all: a 20-year-old suspicious death, a recent suspicious death, a terrorist plot, a budding romance, and an adorable 8-year-old girl. I read it in a couple of days - half by listening to the audio version, and half by reading the book. I always enjoy audio books whenever I can because they feel like I'm listening to radio theater and they're portable, so I can listen when I walk, or in the car.

Coble's "whodunits" often have more than one antagonist, which can be a little unsettling. Just when you think they've "caught the bad guy" and go, Whew!, someone else steps in to wreak havoc all over again. I liked the chemistry between Joe and Torie, and how natural she was with Joe's daughter. I also liked that their faith was evident, but that they both struggled with aspects of belief in God that many people have.

If you are a romantic suspense reader, A Stranger's Game will be a good choice for you. There's plenty of suspense that comes at the reader from more than one place, and the romance is sweet and even though it develops pretty quickly, they are willing to give it the time it deserves. Coble is always a "MUST READ" for me, so this one ticked all my boxes!

This was a great read. I have read a few of Colleen Coble's books and I really appreciate her writing and stories. I was captivated with this book, and was immediately drawn to the story when I saw "a wealthy hotel heiress" and "Jekyll Island". That's all I needed to see to pick up this book. Colleen Coble writes great romantic suspense and this was definitely no exception. This was full of twists and turns, you never quite knew what would happen next. Highly recommend!

Thanks to NetGalley for an advanced copy fir my opinion. This was a pretty decent mystery. Quite a few twists and turns. Good easy read.

I could not put this book down. I was drawn into Torie's story from the beginning and the stories about Jekyll Island just drew me in more. The fact that she was lying to people about who she was didn't set well with me, but the truth always sets you free. The way that Torie and Joe start to get along and form a bond really helps me like the story even more. I wanted to just throw the book at the personality of her aunt Genevive. I will say that you never know what people will do for money.
Thank you, Thomas Nelson, @colleenCoble and #NetGalley for this advance read


#AStrangersGame

Colleen Coble is definitely one of my go-to authors. I can always count on her to keep me reading past my bedtime. This book is no different. Torie and Joe come from very different backgrounds. It was intriguing to watch them come together and express their feelings for each other. Torie would be a great friend for Bree from Rock Harbor! I will definitely be recommending this book to friends!