A familiar stranger is a familiar story, done well, but not really to my personal taste.
I did not feel the use of the victim as narrator, after her demise, added that much to the story.
I thought the author was fair in providing clues. The first appearance to me was creepy enough to set off alarm bells that never went away.
I thought it strange that the author presented almost no likable, relatable characters. The husband a. It of a psycho ok, best friend too, maybe like attracts like, but even the main character seems more preoccupied with how much her husband spent on his lover, rather than the fact that their relationship has deteriorated to such a point that he’s taken a lover. Also, not upset enough about the toll her actions take in her son.
The former cop was the saving grace for me… really 3.5, but goodreads doesn’t do ( )

3.5 stars

The best way I can describe this book, is that you're reading along, and you think you know what's going on (you don't), then the book takes a sharp left turn and the rest is just a wild ride of surprises!

(I did predict one of the surprises, but it didn't ruin the story at all for me really.) ( )

Lillian Smith leads an unexceptional life, writing obituaries and killing time with her inattentive husband and disconnected son. Then she meets David, a handsome stranger, in a coffee shop. Lured into an affair, she invents a new persona, one without strings, deadlines, or brooding husbands.

Lillian has never felt so reckless, unpredictable, or wanted. But as her affair with David intensifies, she withdraws from everything that’s real, even her closest friend. When evidence of her life as a secret lover finds its way onto her son’s social media, she risks ruining much more than her marriage or reputation.

As lies beget lies, Lillian’s two worlds spiral dangerously out of control. And betrayals run deeper than she imagines. Because Lillian isn’t the only one leading a double life. ( )

Lillian is fed up with her cheating husband and mundane life. Writing obituaries for a local newspaper Lillian hears of a girl named Taylor’s death. When Lillian meets a stranger, David, she pretends her name is Taylor and takes on that persona of what she thinks Taylor is like. She begins an affair with this man and finds that being someone else is freeing. But living a double life isn’t all that fun as someone is following Lillian around - recording and posting videos of her and David on social media. And then one of them ends up dead.

This is a fast-paced, page turning thriller. Lillian has spent her life being a wife and mother and feels confined by this being her identity. This story portrays the struggles of one’s own identity and is as equally deep as shallow - showing the complexities of relationships and the power of greed to change everything.

What I will remember: facts of the day and social media posts guessing who dies. ( )

This book had me turning pages quickly. We know there is a death, just not sure who. Once you hit 50%, all bets are off and the book takes so many twist you’ll need to hold on. I really can’t say I had it figured out, expected some, shocked by others. Some left me with questions and scratching my head, rereading to see if I missed it. Fast paced domestic thriller. Another win for this author. I look forward to the her next book!

Lillian has a unique job — writing obituaries. But she is at a crossroads; unhappy with work, unsatisfied in her marriage and an overly solemn son. She meets a handsome stranger in a coffee shop, comes up with an alias and starts an illicit affair. An unfulfilled life, trying to bring some much needed affection into it. Lillian has so many vices. Then we have her controlling husband, Mike. He has no redeeming qualities and you can so figure out where some of Lillian’s issues stem from. This guy has more secrets than any character should! Characters are sad, mostly unlikeable. Definitely not an uplifting character in the story. Although, I had a soft spot for the cop turned cemetery caretaker Lenny!

Thanks to AR Torre, Thomas & Mercer and NetGalley for this ARC. Opinion is mine alone. ( )