Be careful when: Talking to Strangers-an e book bargain

by Fiona Barton

#TalkingtoStrangers #NetGalley

Talking to Strangers is an absorbing addition to Barton’s earlier books. Once again readers get to spend time with Elise King. She has been through a lot (no spoilers) but is back on the job. She and her partner are on the complex case of Karen Simmons. Was her murder related to her desire to find “the one?” Who murdered her? She had been so full of life and part of a group of singles. Does this connect to her murder?

Kiki (so named by an editor) is a reporter who is following the case. She has been preparing to write articles about on-line dating. Not the easiest way to meet someone as Kiki discovers when she is on a date after a swipe early in the book. She and Elise have a history.

Readers also meet Annie. How, if at all, is a tragedy in her past related to the current case? Readers will definitely want to know.

Readers of thrillers will, I think enjoy this book. I recommend it for the way the story comes to life and for the time I got to spend with the characters. I also liked that the chapters were from the points of view of several of these people. Many chapters are short so it is very easy to keep turning the pages. Remember to pay attention to characters who may not feel like the most significant ones.

Here is what Kirkus says: A compelling demonstration of the sad truth that there’s no neutral way to conduct a murder investigation. Everybody pays.

I say, Watch out!

Many thanks to NetGalley and Berkley Publishing Group for this title. All opinions are my own.

Pub date: 27 August 2024

From the Publisher

Editorial Reviews

Review

“Tense and topical” — People

“Barton effortlessly toggles between each woman’s viewpoint, maintaining suspense as she builds to the plot’s devastating resolution.” — Publishers Weekly

What happened with the: Local Gone Missing by Fiona Barton