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A Stranger in the House summary
Brief summary
A Stranger in the House by Shari Lapena is a gripping thriller that follows Karen, whose life takes a dark turn when she wakes up in the hospital with no memory of how she got there or what happened. As secrets unravel, she realizes she may not know her husband as well as she thought.
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A Stranger in the House
Summary of key ideas
Unsettling Discoveries and Suspicious Circumstances
In A Stranger in the House by Shari Lapena, we are introduced to Karen Krupp, who is found wandering the streets in a state of confusion. She has no memory of how she got there or what she was doing. The situation becomes even more perplexing when she learns that her husband, Tom, has been involved in a car accident in a rough part of town. The police are suspicious of the circumstances surrounding both incidents.
As Karen tries to piece together her missing memories, she returns home to find her house in disarray. She discovers a large amount of cash hidden in a closet, a gun in a drawer, and a bloodstained shirt in the washing machine. These unsettling discoveries only add to her confusion and fear. Meanwhile, Tom is acting strangely, and Karen begins to question whether she truly knows her husband.
Unraveling the Truth
With the help of her friend Brigid, Karen starts to investigate her own life. She learns that Tom has been lying to her about his whereabouts on the night of the car accident. She also discovers that the blood on the shirt in the washing machine matches the blood type of a man who was murdered in their neighborhood. Karen begins to suspect that Tom might be involved in the murder and that her memory loss might not be as accidental as it seems.
As Karen delves deeper into the mystery, she uncovers a web of deceit and betrayal. She learns that Tom has been embezzling money from his employer and that the murdered man was a colleague who had discovered his illegal activities. Tom, realizing that Karen is getting closer to the truth, becomes increasingly desperate and dangerous.
A Race Against Time
As the tension escalates, Karen realizes that she is in grave danger. She seeks help from the police, but they are skeptical of her claims due to her memory loss. With no one to turn to, Karen must rely on her own wits to survive. She confronts Tom, who confesses to the murder and reveals his plan to kill her and make it look like a suicide.
In a heart-pounding climax, Karen manages to outsmart Tom and escape his clutches. She leads the police to the evidence of Tom's crimes, and he is arrested. In the end, Karen is left to pick up the pieces of her shattered life, but she is grateful to be alive and free from the stranger she once called her husband.
Conclusion
In A Stranger in the House, Shari Lapena takes us on a thrilling journey of deception, danger, and survival. The novel explores the terrifying idea of not knowing the person you share your life with and the lengths one might go to in order to protect their secrets. Lapena's masterful storytelling keeps us on the edge of our seats until the very end, making this a gripping and unforgettable read.
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What is A Stranger in the House about?
A Stranger in the House by Shari Lapena is a gripping thriller that follows the story of Karen, who wakes up in the hospital after a car accident with no memory of how she got there. As she tries to piece together the events leading up to the crash, she discovers dark secrets about her own life and the people around her. Filled with twists and turns, this book will keep you on the edge of your seat until the very end.
A Stranger in the House Review
A Stranger in the House (2017) by Shari Lapena is a gripping thriller that will keep readers on the edge of their seats. Here's why this book is worth picking up:
- With its twists and turns, the story keeps you guessing until the very end, making it impossible to put down.
- The complex characters and their hidden secrets add layers of intrigue, drawing readers deeper into the mystery.
- Featuring suspenseful pacing and unexpected revelations, this book guarantees an exciting and engaging read that never gets dull.
Who should read A Stranger in the House?
- Readers who enjoy psychological thrillers and suspenseful mysteries
- Those who like stories with unexpected plot twists and unreliable narrators
- People who are intrigued by the dark and mysterious side of human nature
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A Stranger in the House FAQs
What is the main message of A Stranger in the House?
Unraveling the mysteries of a sudden crime that disrupts seemingly ordinary lives.
How long does it take to read A Stranger in the House?
Reading time varies, but expect several hours. Blinkist summary can be read in minutes.
Is A Stranger in the House a good book? Is it worth reading?
A Stranger in the House captivates with suspense, making it a compelling choice for a thrilling read.
Who is the author of A Stranger in the House?
Shari Lapena authored A Stranger in the House.
What to read after A Stranger in the House?
If you're wondering what to read next after A Stranger in the House, here are some recommendations we suggest:
- A Canticle for Leibowitz by Walter M. Miller
- The Boy in the Striped Pajamas by John Boyne
- Little House in the Big Woods by Laura Ingalls Wilder
- Wide Sargasso Sea by Jean Rhys, Judith L. Raiskin
- Just After Sunset by Stephen King
- Whereabouts by Jhumpa Lahiri
- Hearts in Darkness by Laura Kaye
- Every Heart a Doorway by Seanan McGuire
- The Curious Case of Benjamin Button by F. Scott Fitzgerald, Nunzio DeFilippis
- Side Jobs by Jim Butcher