4.5 stars

This was a truly engaging read, and I had a hard time putting it aside! It's easy to connect with Skyler, and there are numerous twists and turns to keep the reader guessing! I had fun sleuthing along with Skyler, trying to figure out why she was left the inheritance from a near-stranger, and the reason was nothing like I expected! (which is always a good thing)! I also enjoyed the dual timeline used to help the mystery unfold. I look forward to reading more of White's books in the future!

I really enjoyed this story about Skyler Moore, an artist who receives a phone call that changes her life. The story is told through two timelines and is intriguing and suspenseful. I don't want to give away any spoilers, but I can say the book is full of surprises and very entertaining. I like the main character and was rooting for things to turn out well for her. Some of the plot relies on coincidence, but I still found this to be a solid thriller and recommend it to anyone looking for a fast-paced and suspenseful story.

I received an advance copy of this ebook from NetGalley and HarperCollins at no cost, but my review is voluntary and unbiased.

Thank you to NetGalley & Harper Perennial and Paperbacks for an eARC of Between Two Strangers by Kate White. Publication is in 3 days: Tuesday May 16th! * I received an advance review copy for free, and I am leaving this review voluntarily.*
I really enjoyed the premise of this story. Skyler Moore randomly receives a phone call from an attorney that suddenly changes her whole life. A man named Christopher Whaley has left Skyler an inheritance, but the problem is that she doesn’t know anybody by that name. Once she realizes who this man was, someone she only spent one night with many years ago, she sets out to figure out why he would leave his money to her, especially since he has a wife and kids. Following Skyler’s thought process as she tries to figure out the why definitely keeps readers interested and racking their own brains for possible explanations. I did feel like one or two of Skyler’s theories were a big stretch & far fetched (re: focusing on the lies from the Two Truths & a Lie game they played) however she doesn’t focus on these too much! This is my first time reading Kate White’s work and I am looking forward to reading her other works.

Oh my, my, my ....

She does it again.

Kate White is my spirit animal and I will forever be a huge fan.

Vacation just isn't vacation unless I bring a Kate White, book along and all I can say is WOW! Between Two Strangers, is about to break the internet!!! This book is jam packed with twists and turns that once you catch your breath from your last surprise you're instantly having the wind knocked right back out of you.

Between Two Strangers is one of those books you MUST pre-order, I promise you do not want to miss this one!

Teaser :

A woman receives a bewildering inheritance that may have something to do with her past in this twisty and addictive psychological thriller from the New York Times bestselling author Entertainment Weekly calls “impossible to outwit.”

Struggling artist Skyler Moore is flabbergasted when she receives a suspicious phone call from a lawyer she’s never met regarding a “private matter.” As soon as she arrives at the law firm’s office, she learns she’s the recipient of a large inheritance, a life-changing sum that will allow her to realize her long-held dream of becoming a mother. But who was her benefactor, Christopher Whaley? The late man’s name means nothing to Skyler, and she has no idea why he would leave her such an enormous bequest.

Looking into his background, Skyler finally realizes they met once at a hotel bar and shared a one-night stand. But they never exchanged numbers, or even last names, and that was over a decade ago. She wonders if the inheritance is meant to be a message of some kind, but can’t imagine what it might be.

Chris’ family is confused and suspicious too, and his widow accuses Skyler of having an affair with her late husband, then threatens revenge. In order to protect herself, Skyler has to understand the reason the money was left to her. But as she digs for the truth, it becomes clear that Chris Whaley might have taken other secrets to the grave, ones that could have terrifying consequences for her . . .

Thank you to Harper Perennial and Paperbacks and NetGalley for an advanced review copy of this book!

Skylar Moore, a struggling artist in NYC, finds out that she's mysteriously about to inherit a lot of money. When she finds out the name of the man who left her his trust, she's certain she has no idea who he is. His family is obviously upset that the money is going to an assumed stranger and his widow threatens legal actions against her. Just as quickly as this money fell into her lap, it can be taken away. But then as Skylar remembers once she learns his nickname, she realizes that she does know Christopher- but that she only met him once and that was 12 years ago. It just doesn't make sense why he would leave her all this money.

We're transported back and forth between present day and the past- where Skylar recollects an unimaginable family tragedy. Then when things in present day keep going awry for her, it's clear that there's foul play involved and someone is out to get her. Finding out the reason why Christopher left her his trust turns out to be more complex and dangerous than she could ever have imagined.

I loved this book. It was so well-written, with a single POV and some past/present chapters, it was very easy to follow along. I enjoyed the setting of NYC, how Skylar shopped at Strand Books, and that the author let her eat... I know it sounds crazy, but hear me out: I've read so many books where it's never even mentioned that the main character is eating meals. I just thought it really humanized Skylar and made her an even more likeable character. I finished this book quickly- and not in a bad way. It was super enthralling and I couldn't wait to see what would happen next and to see if Skylar would get the answers she desperately seeks. The twists in this book were unexpected and I really enjoyed them.

Between Two Strangers publishes next week on May 16th!

Great read. Enjoyed the story throughout . Will recommend to patrons who enjoy a quick but exciting read.

One-sentence summary:
Skyler learns that an enormous inheritance has been left to her by a man she barely knows, but when it becomes clear that the life-changing sum is putting her in danger, she is forced to find the truth around why the money was left to her or face terrifying consequences.
—-
This is a fun premise that’s a bit of a pipe dream for all of us: getting a call, out of the blue, informing us that a large sum of money has been left to us without knowing the person who passed away. No grief - just riches.

But of course, since this is a thriller, the pipe dream goes terribly wrong.

The story varies between past and present as Skyler investigates why this money was left to her, while facing threats from family members who are unhappy with the ‘arrangement.’ And honestly, this is a truth that is stranger than fiction; how viciously relatives can be when it comes to money and possessions that are left when a loved one dies. Anyway, I digress…

Poor Skyler is tormented yet unwilling to relinquish the money since she’s a bit of a starving artist, so it was interesting to feel like you were in her shoes and contemplate what you might do in the situation.

That’s all I’m going to say to avoid spoilers, but this is a page-turner that will appeal to those who love slow-burn thrillers with some great twists.

Thank you Harper for the ARC!

3.5★. This was my first Kate White novel and I really enjoyed how straightforward it was, at least until the second half (then things became kind of murky for me). Of note - although it features a woman post grad, the story felt younger than I originally anticipated. Between Two Strangers had all the cozy mystery elements, so if you are a cozy fan, I think this one may be for you.

This book started out very interesting and hooked me right from the start. However, as it went on it waned a bit and the twist and ending definitely left a bit to be desired. I could see this being adapted to a movie and being miraculous. I would still recommend if you like twisty thrillers, especially those that aren't very dark.

Between Two Strangers comes out next week on May 16, 2023 and you can purchase HERE.

I tell myself to relax, that although a call from a lawyer seems ominous, I can't be in any kind of legal trouble. I've never broken the law to my knowledge, except smoking weed in college before it was legal. The only debt I'm carrying is on my credit card, which, if anything, the bank seems delighted with, and I don't have a sidewalk someone could have slipped and cracked their skull on.

3.5 ⭐️ This book follows struggling artist Skyler Moore after she gets a call from an attorney telling her she was left a large sum of money in a will. The catch is that she has no idea who this person is and why they left her a trust. Alternating between past and present timelines, Skyler sets off on a mission to put the puzzle pieces together without initially realizing that this may all be connected to her sister’s mysterious death years prior. I enjoyed the unique plot, the cozy mystery feel (do not expect an edge of your seat thriller), and loved the audiobook narrator. However, I finished this book wanting more and was unsatisfied with the ending.

🔹 My take - 3.5/5

This is my first novel by Kate White. While I loved the writing and the plot was promising, I found the mystery very easy to resolve. It was not difficult to make two plus two midway through the story and understand how Skyler’s past and present are linked. I also could not relate much with the protagonist since she kept overthinking at times and at times was too timid for my liking. What I did find emotional was her equation with her mom. It was so gutting to see her yearn for her mom and the latter not reciprocating. I would love to read other novels of Katie White since she does weave good story. Just that the mystery part in this book would have upped, it would have been a solid 4 stars from me.

Intriguing and engaging mystery. A suspicious potential windfall becomes a source of trouble. Two time periods entwined. It kept me guessing although my suspicions led me in the right direction. A charming ending. Thanks to the publisher for providing a copy via NetGalley. My review is voluntary.

I really lived this book. It was sensational. The twists and turns just made me turn the pages faster. Kate is a great author I have read several of her books and she never disappoints you.

Thank you net gallery for the chance to read another great read of Katie's

Thank you, Harper Perennial and Paperbacks and NetGalley, for the advanced copy of Between Two Strangers.

This one was twisty, and I didn't see the ending coming which is saying something since I always guess how a story will end. This one was one that I didn't want to put down. I had to know what was coming next. I'm a big fan of this book, and look forward to reading more from Kate White.

Struggling artist Skyler Moore is going about her business trying to finish up some collages for her art shower which could give her a big break when she receives a phone call that she's been named in an inheritance for someone she thinks she's never even met. After meeting with a lawyer, she determines that she had a one-night stand with the benefactor many, many years ago, but has no idea why he would bequeath such a large amount of money to her. Between Two Strangers is twisty pyschological thriller that will keep you wanting more. Add this one to your TBR today!!

Between Two Strangers
By Kate White
Pub Date: May 16, 2023
Harper paperbacks
Thanks to the author, publisher and NetGalley for the ARC of this book in exchange for my honest opinion.
Plot: Unique
Imagine getting an unexpected call from an attorney informing you that a stranger left you money in their will. Who is responsible for the gift? Why.
This is a good solid thriller. I loved it. I’m definitely looking up this author’s backlist.
4 stars

Imagine receiving a call that someone has left a trust to you in his will. The catch? You don’t even know this person. And it WASN’T a mistake. This is what happens to Skylar. I feel like the plot was unique and I had to keep turning the pages (well, clicking through them on my Kindle!) The characters are realistic and believable. I loved the past and present storylines and was invested in both plots. The twist was unpredictable, 👏🏼👏🏼. This is the perfect example of a suspense novel. Great job, Kate White! Excuse me while I go search up your backlist!

Thank you Netgalley for the ARC of this book. This was a quick mystery that kept me hooked. I enjoyed the writing style and the past to present timeline.

3.5 stars

This was a quick mystery, however, it felt slow at the same time.

I really enjoyed the then and now timeline and how the stories intertwined. I didn't guess the ending, but it was just okay and wrapped up very quickly

Thanks to NetGalley & Harper Perennial and Paperbacks for an advance copy in exchange for an honest review.

Thank you to NetGalley and Harper Perennial and Paperbacks for and advance copy of this book in exchange for a honest review.

I absolutely loved this book. I have never heard of Kate White before this book but I'm definitely going to check her out.

This was such a fast paced read. I was consumed and had to know how it ended. Skyler has a one night stand and now 12 years later that night may have had something to with her sisters death. I highly recommend everyone read this book!!!

Thank you to NetGalley and Harper Perennial and Paperbacks for this ARC of Between Two Strangers by Kate White.

I loved this riveting thriller!
It contains suspense, the thrill of quick easy money (but at what mysterious cost?), art, and Boston and New York City locales. I am a Boston suburb resident so I particularly enjoyed its depiction here.

I thought that I saw the twist by the 36% point in the book, but that in no way lessened my enjoyment of how the story and details of that twist would evidence.

It turned out that I was not correct, but I think the ending might have been a bit more
exciting of a reveal had I been. I won’t explain in order to avoid spoilers.

I will definitely put author Kate White on my follow list.

Four stars.