The Stranger cover art

The Stranger

A gripping story of secrets and lies for fans of The Beekeeper's Promise

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The Stranger

By: Kate Riordan
Narrated by: Pippa Bennett-Warner, Gabrielle Glaister, Chris Nelson, Hattie Morahan, Laura Kirman
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About this listen

Penguin presents the audiobook edition of The Stranger by Kate Riordan. Read by Pippa Bennett-Warner, Hattie Morahan, Gabrielle Glaister, Chris Nelson and Laura Kirman.

When you're the outsider, who do you trust?

Cornwall, 1940.

For decades, Penhallow Hall has stood frozen in time, protecting the secrets of its isolated inhabitants. But the far corners of England are no shelter from the war, and Penhallow must finally open its doors to strangers.

Three newcomers arrive, each looking to escape their past. They adjust easily to the routine - nightly blackouts, the threat of invasion - but tensions mount and secrets are forced into the open. For one of them is not there by choice. And then, in the hushed hours of deepest night, a young woman is taken by the sea.

Was it simply a tragic accident? Or should the inhabitants of Penhallow have been more careful about whom they invited in?

 20th Century Historical Historical Fiction Mystery Romance Fiction Suspense

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Critic reviews

Dark, atmospheric and crackling with period intrigue. The perfect summer read (Rachel Rhys, author of Richard & Judy Book Club pick Dangerous Crossing)
As buried secrets and lies unravel, tension begins to mount in this atmospheric and compelling story
Heady with atmosphere, simmering with tension, this novel had me captivated. When I wasn't reading, I was thinking about it, when I was reading, I couldn't think about anything else! (Jenny Ashcroft)
With excellent characters, the novel revels in the magical backdrop of Cornwall, with shades of du Maurier
Richly textured, with a clever and deeply satisfying conclusion, the influence of Daphne du Maurier's Rebecca infuses the The Stranger . . .
Simmers with a forbidding unease that makes it impossible to put down. Creepy and evocative, the mystery builds to a shocking end. Impressive
Everyone loves unravelling a good mystery and armchair sleuths won't be disappointed with The Stranger
An evocative whodunnit . . . an absorbing, heart-wrenching romance. This stunning tale about a house of secrets where everyone is guilty of something is both immersive and deeply atmospheric
With its vivid Cornwall setting and a house full of shadows, The Stranger has echoes of Daphne Du Maurier but its riveting in its own right
A beautifully written tale of family secrets, loves and losses, set against the magical Cornish coastline. I loved it (Amanda Jennings)
All stars
Most relevant
I have listened to a number of Kate Riordan books on audio and really enjoyed them. I have to say though that I was disappointed by this one. It had a very unsatisfactory ending and I didn't find the actors who read it very convincing particularly the character Rose who read so fast it was really difficult to keep up with the story.

Disappointing

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