The Stranger in Her House

By: John Marrs

Narrated by: Elizabeth Knowelden, Soneela Nankani, Steve West

Shortlisted for the CWA Twisted Dagger 2025 Award.

"A proper twisty thriller."—Sarah Pinborough

A stranger has infiltrated your family…and now he’s taking over.

Paul’s just here to help, or so he claims—sent by a charity for vulnerable people to do odd jobs for elderly widow Gwen. But for Gwen’s daughter Connie, there’s just something about Paul that rings alarm bells from day one. He’s a little too kind, a little too involved…Worse still, Gwen seems to have fallen under his spell.

The last thing Connie wants is a stranger meddling in the safe routine she’s built around Gwen. She loves being the one Gwen turns to for cooking, cleaning and company. But the more Paul visits, the more Gwen is relying on him. By the time he conveniently finds himself between homes and has no choice but to move in, Connie is certain he’s trying to push her out completely.

It’s her word against his, though, and as her attempts to unmask him become ever more desperate she’s not the only one left wondering if she’s lost her grip on reality. But when events start spiralling rapidly out of her control, should Connie wage all-out war on Paul and risk losing Gwen forever—or has that been his plan all along?

©2024 by John Marrs. (P)2023 Brilliance Publishing, Inc., all rights reserved.

Critic reviews

“Though not yet a household name, Marrs is an incredibly talented storyteller with a built-in audience who knows what he can do. When unfamiliar readers get their hands on this one, they’ll want more.”—Booklist

“I inhaled this book. A novel of second guesses, of mistrustful characters and downright terrifying ones. An absolute ride of a thriller. I loved it.”—L. V. Matthews, author of The Twins and The Silent Waters

Good read

Not my favorite bit him so far but still a good read....It was a bit drawn out at the end... but I get it, trying to bring everything together into a neat little bow

Crazed characters

This was my first book by this author and I will be reading others. I listened via Audible and the narration was good. Halfway through, I didn’t trust any one of the characters. Lots of twists and turns and surprises throughout. Enjoyed it from Kindle Unlimited.

Deliciously twisty

John Marrs is up there in my top 5 favorite authors as he never disappoints. And he was at it again in The Stranger in Her House.

Connie leaves her wedding planning business in Italy to come home to take care of her ailing mother who is suffering from vascular dementia and Alzheimer’s.

One day, Paul, a handyman is sent by a charity to help with odd jobs around the house. Connie grows increasingly frustrated as Gwen seems to be falling under Paul’s spell more and more each day, and pushing Connie away.

And in typical John Marrs fashion, the twists are mind blowing. This twisty psychological thriller will have your brain spinning. And I loved it!!

If you haven’t tried John Marrs yet, what are you waiting for?

I switched back and forth between the audiobook and the print book. The audiobook was performed by Elizabeth Knowelden, Soneela Nankani, and Steve West and they were wonderful!

He Does It Again

Couldn’t stop listening until I got to the end. Enjoyed the multiple points of views and the twist got me

THE TWIST

I thoroughly enjoyed this book! The twist I didn’t predict coming at all.. or the ending for that matter ! You’ve done it again Mr. Marrs !