Kevin O'Brien has been showing a different side for the last two books. This is his second historical thriller, and I like it! I have been a fan for many years but am used to his modern-day psycho-killer books. I wasn't sure about his previous historical thriller, The Enemy at Home, also set in 1943, like this one, and ended up loving it so I figured I'd give this one a go. I'm not disappointed! Virginia's husband has been killed at Guadalcanal. A year later, she has been assaulted, is pregnant, her attacker's family is after her and she flees Washington DC to Seattle to start a new life. Her new neighborhood is full of secrets, and she may not be as anonymous as she thought. People start dying. Who can she trust? I couldn't put this one down and highly recommend it!

Thank you to Kevin O'Brien, #NetGalley and Kensington Publishing for this ARC. All opinions are my own.

I will post my review to Amazon, Barnes and Noble, Instagram and other retail and social media sites upon publication day of September 30, 2025.

Toward the end of WWII, recently widowed and more recently pregnant Virginia Abrams flees Washington DC when the parents of her rapist attempt to force her into an abortion. Settling far away in Seattle and hiding her identity, she is drawn into intrigue of her courtyard apartment complex while worrying that a recent accidental death may have been meant as an attempt on her life. Soon, it is unclear who is trustworty and which of her fellow residents, and her employer, have her best interests in mind or may have her in their sights as a threat. Well paced and a quick read, be willing to suspend a bit of disbelief and you're in for a wild ride in this historical thriller.

I thorughly enjoyed this book. as it's well plotted, the mystery is full of surprises and twists, and entertaining. . I liked the good storytelling and appreciated the fleshed out characters
Highly Recommended.
Many thanks to the publisher for this ARC, all opinions are mine

So captivating and beautiful. A gripping historical thriller set in WWII‑era Seattle. There’s mystery and tension building up between the characters. Very emotional too how a single parent fighting for their life. So much layers to proof, definitely a page turning book and the slow burn make it like you can’t put down a book. Very inspiring.

Set your reminder on September 30th!!

Thankyou so much Netgalley, Kensington Books and Kevin O’ Brien for this e-arc.

A read that grabbed me from the first page and didn't let go. What a tale the author wove, and he sure didn't disappoint.
From one coast to the other, danger is lurking for for Virginia and those that know her. I loved the twists and turns here, and there are stories within the main story.
The characters are great here, and some whom I liked became questionable, whom to trust? Others that were questionable, became life savers.
This is intrigue at its best, and I'll be looking for more by this author!
I received this book through Net Galley and Kensington Publishing, and was not required to give a positive review.

During the WWII in the USA, an undercover life of a widow running from her family. I was caught up in the story right away. Loved it!

Everyone a Stranger by Kevin O'Brien is a great WWII-era historical fiction that is full of mystery, secrets, and thrilling suspense that kept me coming back for more.

I enjoyed Mr O’Brien’s previous book, The Enemy at Home, so I was excited to read this one as well. It did not disappoint.

A WWII era thriller that takes place in the US, it is full of twists, turns, secrets, mystery and kept me on the edge of my seat. Who can Virginia trust? Where can she hide? How is this all going to end?

Like me, you should go along for the ride to find out.

5/5 stars

Thank you NG and Kensington Publishing for this wonderful arc and in return I am submitting my unbiased and voluntary review and opinion.

I am posting this review to my GR and Bookbub accounts immediately and will post it to my Amazon, Instagram, and B&N accounts upon publication on 9/30/25.

Everyone a Stranger by Kevin O'Brien. This historical mystery has a bit of everything; sleeper cells, spies, corrupt politicians, murder, illicit romances. Very relatable and unique characters in Tim, Ginnie and Henry. An gripping and intriguing story that was hard to put down. Highly recommended read.

Thank you to the Kevin O'Brien, Kensington and NetGalley for the opportunity to preview the book.

I very much enjoyed this historical thriller. Virginia is on the run from a political family that will kill anyone to stop her from revealing their son assaulted her. She changes her name and ends up in the middle of another mystery. I especially enjoyed the young boy Tim.

Everyone a Stranger by Kevin O’Brien is such a gripping and twisty historical thriller. It’s set in WWII-era Seattle and follows Virginia who is a young war widow trying to escape her past. But she ends up landing right in the middle of murder and secrets. The spy like tension made me feel like everyone was hiding something! This was a great historical fiction read with twists and suspense.