I love every book Minka Kent writes and i knew i had to read this one. I admit it started out slow but i was hooked and flew through the book. Highly recommend.

Outstanding Thriller!!!!

✔️ Minka Kent
✔️ Twisty
✔️ Secrets
✔️ Phenomenal Writing

Thank you NetGallary for an early review copy of Imaginary Strangers!

This is another fantastic book from Minka Kent! There is just something about this book at hooked me from page one!

The character development was excellent! This book had plenty of twisty turns at just the right points.

I savored every word because I could not stop reading!

This is one of the best of 2024 thus far! A masterpiece that kept me engaged the entire time!

No spoilers with my review! This is a must read for 2024!

If I could give more than 5 stars ⭐️ ⭐️ ⭐️ ⭐️ ⭐️ I would!

I have previously read The Memory Watcher and The Stillwater Girls and enjoyed both, so I was excited to be approved for this ARC!

Minka Kent’s books are very fast-paced, and I always look forward to seeing how everything pans out in the end. This one was no exception, and I genuinely didn’t see the twist coming.

It was still a relatively average read for me, as the details about the FMC’s childhood and her mother weren’t padded out enough - in my opinion, the book either needed to be longer to accommodate a more fulfilling backstory, or shorter to eliminate some of the unnecessary detail. However, this was still an intriguing read, and a genuinely great thriller.

Minka Kent never lets me down. Her books are fast reads with layered characters who catch your attention. I was surprised and happy with the ending.

Many thanks to NetGalley and Thomas & Mercer for a digital ARC in exchange for my honest review!

“A Venus flytrap, which manipulates its prey using flowers and pleasant scent, isn’t acting out of malintent– it’s simply existing the only way it knows how… the only way it can” (Location 4006, Afterword).

Minka Kent, in her thriller "Imaginary Strangers," effectively creates an element of suspense and tension throughout the story through the use of characterization and carefully considered plot. Regardless of how much I tried to keep careful notes and annotations to attempt to predict the twists to come, I still ended up entirely surprised as the multiple twists and turns started to unfold.

Camille Prescott (narrator, 1st person POV), now lives a lavish life in San Diego, where she is happily married to a kind, loving doctor– Will Prescott– and mother of two young children– Georgiana and Jackson. Camille’s life is now everything she has ever wanted, but Camille has encountered a world of suffering and trauma after growing up in the care of her terrible mother, Lucinda Nichols. The novel begins by showing a scene where Lucinda is passed out drunk in the bathtub, unresponsive, and Camille has a sudden thought: “I could kill her. I could free myself from the misery, abuse, neglect, and cruelty that has stained my life these past seventeen years” (Location 80, Prologue). While this thought does not end up being fulfilled, the events that take place set the readers up for endless anticipation of what is to come as the story unfolds. Does Lucinda ever find Camille and encounter the opportunity to take revenge? What role does this opening scene play in relation to the rest of the plot?

Beyond the exposure to Lucinda as a possible antagonist due to her cruel, manipulative, abusive nature, there are many pieces of information that lead us to form various preconceived notions of our narrator. The situation that introduces the novel is complex– Camille is pondering the idea of taking her mother’s life, but this is because of the years of endless torture and neglect. Surely, the motivation for Camille’s dilemma is understandable and maybe even warranted. However, Camille then expresses that “the idea of taking a life–especially that of my own mother– is strangely exhilarating, a siren song to the dark side, a flood of power in a world in which I’ve never known such a thing” (Location 83, Prologue). This evokes questions from the reader regarding the narrator, Camille, as a character. Will our main character serve as a villain in this story? Will she end up murdering someone else, if not her mother, now that she has felt a slight amount of power that she could potentially hold?

It is stated that “whoever said there’s no rest for the wicked never met Lucinda Nichols” (Location 70, Prologue). Will Camille end up being more like her cold-hearted, vindictive mother Lucinda than she ever could have thought?

After surviving her childhood and despite the deep-rooted trauma that still affects her to the present-time, Camille is now what seems to be a picture-perfect wife and mother to her two young children. It has been thirteen years since the incident with Lucinda, who she has not seen since. Camille has taken every protective measure possible to keep herself and her family safe and secure, with her dark past hidden from even those to whom she is closest.

This is until her kindergartener, Georgiana, becomes friends with an imaginary friend named “Bestie” and then with “Imaginary.” What at first seems to be a harmless “imaginary friend” situation then evolves into something more concerning– especially when “Imaginary” starts teaching Georgiana games, disturbing lullabies, and making specific references to Camille’s childhood that are no longer able to be brushed off as strange coincidences. Camille becomes more and more convinced that Lucinda is behind this. If this is truly the case, then not only is Camille’s carefully-crafted persona at risk of being exposed, but she and her family are in danger. Camille will stop at nothing to make sure this does not happen.

Camille is determined to go to great lengths to protect her family– but, at what cost?


Kent explains in her “Afterword” the idea that drove her in her work: “By presenting a character who defies society’s stark categorizations, I hope to have sparked a broader dialogue around the complexities of mental health, the nuances and power of maternal love, and the fine line between survival and morality” (Location 4010, Afterword). It is no secret that Camille is a deeply flawed heroine for many different reasons. With that said, her all-consuming desire to protect the people she loves is something most people will find admirable, as well as relatable. In this sense, Kent is successful in highlighting Camille’s admirable personal qualities and bringing her true intentions to light so that readers are led to not only relate to Camille, but also to root for her. By using various literary strategies to evoke empathy in the readers towards Camille, Kent effectively challenges reader’s preconceived thoughts of Camille and her diagnosis (due to stigmatization in society).

Kent addresses readers in her “Afterword” stating that “if you’ve made it this far, it means you’ve journeyed through the labyrinth of ethical dilemmas and psychological tumult that constructs the world of our protagonist– a sociopathic mother fighting to protect her family at all costs.” Kent elaborates on this point by reminding us that humans are flawed, complex, and occasionally, morally ambiguous. I think this theme is one that made this such a fun read. After we were led to see Camille’s deep, dark inner thoughts and motivations in the Prologue and as the story progresses, it is only natural that we might be led to wonder whether or not she might fall villainous and ultimately end up following her mother’s path. This is where readers may make the common mistake: sometimes, when focusing on what we find to be “obvious” villain(s), we fall prey to the unsuspected… similar to those that fall victim to the Venus flytrap. To this, I pose the question: Will you be one of them?

This book hooked me from the beginning! It was hard to put down and the only reason I did was because of life and work! Trigger warning-this book does touch on child abuse/neglect. Some of the scenes I read were so heartbreaking.
The story starts off with the main character, 17-year-old Camille, and an incident that occurs between her and her abusive mom. After this incident, her mom threatens her and warns her that she will kill her if she ever sees her again.
The story moves ahead with Camille now married and has two children. Her life is perfect as she has made the best of it even though she went through such an ordeal as a child. Now as a mom herself, everything seems to be perfect until her 6-year-old daughter starts talking about an imaginary friend. Her daughter starts recounting some of the things that Camille went through as a kid, which terrifies Camille because that was something she had left in the past. The rest of the story progresses with Camille trying to find out if her mom is back and trying to get back to her through her kids.
Since she never told her husband about her past, it is hard for her to talk to him about what she believes is going on. During this time, Camille suggests for her mother-in-law, Jacqueline, to go visit as an added layer of security for the kids.
What I love about this book is that it is very quick paced and keeps you intrigued wanting to know what will happen next. I absolutely loved Camille’s character. I didn’t expect the twist at the end.
Thank you Netgalley and Thomas & Mercer. All opinions are my own.

Great story. This tale looks at mental health / illness and the way it walks among us . Camille is a mother and wife with many secrets. This story is suspenseful and intriguing and I didn’t want it to end. Thank you to Netgalley and Thomas & Mercer for the arc in exchange for my review.

Imaginary Strangers is the latest thriller novel from author Minka Kent. Ms. Kent has written a suspenseful novel full of surprises and twists. I have to admit, I did not see the major twist coming at all.

In this this novel, the protagonist is a woman named Camille Prescott who on the outside has it all, a handsome doctor for a husband, two beautiful children, and a big home in a very wealthy neighborhood. But Camille is hiding secrets. Mostly about her childhood which was an unpleasant one thanks to her abusive and cruel mother, Lucinda. Even though Camille has gotten away from her and it’s been years since she has seen Lucinda, she is always looking over her shoulder in fear that Lucinda will show up and ruin her life. One day her daughter comes home from school talking about her new best friend, a teacher from her school. A friend that knows a lot about Camille’s past.

The story is told from two perspectives. Camille tells her own story in the present and we get a glimpse into Camille’s past via sessions with her therapist. Ms. Kent’s writing style really puts you in Camilles’s state of mind and how she is processing the things that are happening. If you are a parent, it really makes you think, how far would I go to protect my kids?

Imaginary Strangers will be available on July 23, 2024. Thank you to Ms. Kent, Netgalley and publisher Thomas & Mercer for this advanced copy in exchange for my honest critique.

I would rate this book 3.5 ⭐️ so I bumped my review to 4.

A seemingly perfect suburban mom will do whatever it takes to keep her family safe, but is she the only one who feels that way? 👀

I was really captivated at the beginning of the book but then I got sort of bored with the story in between the beginning and the end. I feel like I wanted more thrill, more angst, more “oh my gosh” moments. Overall I enjoyed the book and I’m glad I read it.

I find the human brain so fascinating and learning more about mental health through a novel is always a plus for me. I really enjoyed the afterthoughts by Minka.

Thank you NetGalley and Publisher for this ARC kindle copy in exchange for an honest review.

Publish date: July 23, 2024

I flew through this book. I love anything that delves into sociopathy or psychopathy and this hit the mark. Great read.

The only thing I didn't enjoy about this book was that it was definately too short!

Minka Kent can do no wrong for my taste! A twist you'll love and a fast paced read for me!

Thank you #NetGalley #Thomas & Mercer for this ARC

I thought it was good..a little slow but definitely picked up. I have read a bunch by her and Unmissing is still my favorite!!!!

This book was shocking, unique and kept me on my toes wandering where this was going to go. It starts off with a bang as we unveil all the horrible things our main character Camille endured from her abusive psychotic mother. This then leads to her being diagnosed as a sociopath later in her adult life.

From the get go this book had me wanting to read because of the synopsis. Camille and her Husband lead an idyllic life with their two small children. She has everything she’s ever wanted, but deep down she’s hiding a dark secret past. It starts to resurface when her six year daughter Georgie meets an imaginary friend that seems to know all of Camille’s past trauma that she has never shared with anyone except her therapist.

Its main theme is as a mother how far would go to protect your children?

This Cover art drew my attention with it showing a woman surrounded by a Venus fly trap. Just as a Venus trap lures its prey in. I know now why this tied is so smart. The foreshadowing of her feeding a Venus fly trap and how the author ties this into the story is genius. As it’s described, a Venus fly trap manipulates its prey using its flowers and pleasant scent, isn’t acting out of mal intent it’s simply existing the only way it knows how to survive. I won’t give much more away, but I did not see the major twist and reveal at the end.

This ends on a cliffnote which makes the readers wonder what happens next. I noticed this is listed as first in the series, so I’m curious and eager for the next book.

Thank you Minka Kent and Negalley for the opportunity to read this ARC! I hope I get the chance to read the 2nd when this comes out!

This is not the first Minka Kent book I've read and it won't be the last. I enjoyed this story very much. Once I started it, I wanted to keep picking it up to continue. I loved the story, loved the twist at the end that I didn't see coming. Exactly what I want from a suspense book. Thank you Netgalley for sending me a copy. If you like a quick read with lots of intrigue then pick this one up. I'm gong to check into some of this authors backlist.

Can you forever leave the past behind? Or are you destined to forever look over your shoulder?

Camille grew up in an extremely abusive home. She’s done her level best to put it all behind her. Including marrying her kind husband Will, and having two wonderful children.

Her new family has no idea the pain she endured…and she’s determined to keep it that way! In fact, the only person she’s ever shared her past with is her therapist.

But when her daughter starts speaking to an imaginary friend, Camille’s greatest fears are re-ignited. This friend is too reminiscent of her past. Can she keep her children safe? Who can she trust?

Wow! Minka Kent has done it again!

An absolutely wicked thriller that will keep you guessing until the final twist leaves you picking your jaw up off the floor!

In no way did I EVER see THAT coming! Brilliant!🙌

In reading the author’s notes at the end, (make sure you do!) I realized this is just book one.💃🏼 Please don’t make me wait long Minka! I’m ready! Light up that keyboard and bring it on!

Thank you to NetGalley and Thomas & Mercer

I was on the edge of my seat throughout this book. This is such a good story, with twist that left me speechless. This is a suspenseful, face paced read that you will devour.

I received this book as a gift.
I knew I shouldn’t have started this book before I went to work in the morning. It had me hooked from the get-go. I would have devoured this one in a single day if I could have.
Let me tell you about Camille, the main character. She’s a mom of two, Jackson and Georgiana (or Jack-Jack and Georgie). This quiet family of four lives in San Diego in the ‘Pill Hill’ neighborhood, having moved there from Chicago. Her husband, Will, is an anesthesiologist at the local hospital, so this home was perfect for them. A safe neighborhood, schools nearby, the hospital just seven minutes away from home.
I found a lot of symbolism in this tale. I correlated Lucinda to Lucifer. I was especially intrigued by the plant Camille kept, a Venus flytrap of all things. I was even more intrigued with the story behind how Camille acquired this plant. The ending leads me to believe that there is more to Camille’s story.
This story takes on sociopathy, which I found to be put forth in a very nonjudgmental, concise way lending to the author’s research into the subject. All around, this is the kind of dark tale I enjoy reading and, I have to say, I think it is one of the best books this author has written.

Minka Kent paints a complex picture of Camille in her current and past life. She writes in a way that the book played out in my mind as a movie. I could picture the characters and envision the complexity of each “scene”. She beautifully depicted that life is not linear and everyone makes decisions based on what they think is the best sometimes for themselves but also for the greater good of their partners and families. I found this to be a fresh take on a psychological thriller as Minka has done before.

This is an interesting suspenseful read that centers around a woman who was diagnosed with Sociopathy. She's had quite the disturbing upbringing with a single mom who never showed any sort of love for her. The story goes back and forth between the past and present. The scenes from the past are primarily her therapy sessions, where she explains her past and what's going on in her mind. The present is her living her current life, as a married woman with two young children. How she tries to keep up the mirage of being the perfect wife and mother, so no one knows the real person behind the mask. She is also trying to find the person from her past that has come back to haunt her. She'll do anything to keep her family safe from that threat. The book has a slow and melancholy feel. Taking from the Protagonist's POV, it has a dark vibe, as we are inside her head (the head of a sociopath.) It's a 'clean' read as far as sexual content (none,) language and violence goes. Of course it has some heavier subject matters including mental health and abuse. There are some twists and turns and some surprise revelations. The character gives off a different kind of vibe. At first you are sympathetic due to her past, then you might decide you don't really care for her all that much (as we get inside her head,) but then you may give her accolades for the extremes she goes through for the safety of her family (even if you think she may need more help.) She is a smart character that knows how to take control of a conversation, and turn it in a direction she wants. The side characters are each perfect in their roles as well. Over all it's a good gripping story, that will have you second guessing yourself as you try to predict the outcome. (And really, you can't predict it.)

*I received an ARC from Netgalley.

"Imaginary Strangers" is a must read! This thriller kept me guessing the entire book and I could not put it down,