A strangers house by Clare Chase is a mystery and thriller and women's fiction read.
What if you were powerless to protect the person you cared about most?
When Ruby finds out that her partner has done the unforgivable, she has no option but to move out of their home. With nowhere else to go, a job house-sitting in Cambridge seems like the perfect solution.

But it’s soon clear the absent owner hurts everyone he gets close to, and Ruby’s faced with the fallout. As violent repercussions unfold, her instinct is to investigate: it’s a matter of self-preservation. And besides, she’s curious…
I really enjoyed this book. I loved the story and the characters. Especially ruby. She was my favourite character. Highly recommended. 5*.

I am a total sucker for a good mystery novel and A Stranger's House did not disappoint! This sort of book appeals to me as I am by nature a very nosy person so I immediately warmed to Ruby who seems to have a nose for when something isn't quite right! A Stranger's House is set in beautiful Cambridge and from the wonderful detailed descriptions in the book I definitely want to go visit.

At the beginning of the book we find out that Ruby's relationship with her partner has ended and finding herself suddenly with nowhere to go, a house sitting job seemed like the perfect solution to all her problems...........at least for a few weeks. Her new boss Nate appears to be a man of hidden depths as well as rugged good looks and he was an easily likeable character. He was caring and kind with a hint of mystery about him too. Ruby's friend Steph is a bit of a ditzy but well meaning character who is a good support to Ruby. I liked her a lot.

From the very beginning of Ruby's house sitting job things about the owner of the house, Damien Newbold start to intrigue and slightly worry Ruby. Nate also becomes concerned and is worried that River House may not be the best place for Ruby. A series of events and a string of strange characters soon set a chain of events in motion and Ruby and Nate find themselves caught up in a good old fashioned mystery, placing Ruby at the centre of the danger. As though that wasn't enough to deal with, Ruby and Nate find themselves attracted to the other but with so much hurt already in their lives, does this seem like the right time to take their professional relationship further.

Clare Chase has written a book with all the perfect elements of a good mystery novel - location, secrets, mysterious characters and lots of little clues hidden throughout the story line. This was a difficult book to put down once you start to read it. I love the fact that I immediately hated Damien Newbold and continued to hate him throughout. He is a fantastically well developed character with so many concerning traits that he intrigues the reader throughout. A really enjoyable read and highly recommended for those of you who love a good sleuth!

Published by: Choc Lit (7 February 2017 - paperback)

ISBN: 978-1781893470

Source: NetGalley

Rating: 5*

Synopsis:
When Ruby finds out that her partner has done the unforgivable, she has no option but to move out of their home. With nowhere else to go, a job house-sitting in Cambridge seems like the perfect solution.
But it's soon clear the absent owner hurts everyone he gets close to, and Ruby's faced with the fallout. As violent repercussions unfold, her instinct is to investigate: it's a matter of self-preservation. And besides, she's curious...
But Ruby's new boss, Nate Bastable, has his eye on her and seems determined to put a stop to her sleuthing. Is he simply worried for the welfare of a member of staff, or is there something altogether more complicated and potentially dangerous at play?

Review:
Clare Chase really impressed me with her first London & Cambridge Mystery, You Think You Know Me, and the author's skill at weaving together intricate levels of intrigue and romance are displayed brilliantly again here. With a solid plot and marvellous characters, A Stranger's House is a fantastic read that is hard to put down!
Ruby is the perfect mix of feisty and vulnerable, and a great amateur sleuth to boot! She's so well written, as are all the other characters, they spring to life from the pages. Village life is described in idyllic detail too, I could just imagine myself sitting in the pub garden facing the river.
Thanks to Clare Chase, Choc Lit and NetGalley for providing an ARC in return for my honest review. The third book in the series, One Dark Lie, is out now. I, for one, will be grabbing a copy!