This was a good conclusion to the Kellen Adams trilogy. I could hardly put it down and finished in the middle of the night. Thank goodness I didn't have work the next day! ( )

Strangers She Knows by Christina Dodd is a 2019 HQN publication.

I have a terrible habit of putting off the last book in a trilogy or series when I don’t want it to end. I’ve had this last installment in the Cape Charade series on my Kindle for a while, but have been reluctant to read it. I’ve been hoping for an extension or a crossover series to be announced, but it looks as though that’s not going to happen- at least not any time soon.

So, I finally pulled this book out of hibernation and prepared myself to send these beloved characters in the land of happily ever afters…

As it turns out, I couldn’t have picked a better time to read this book. The Di Luca family is still adjusting to some of the unpleasant side effects of Kellen’s brain surgery, when news of an old nemesis force them to ‘shelter in place’ on a secretive and secluded island owned by the Di Luca estate.

Many people right now, can probably relate to the feelings of boredom and isolation Rae, Kellen and Max experienced, which was made worse by their lack of computers and cell phones. Rae, who is on the cusp of puberty, is experiencing some mood swings and challenging her parents in a precursor of things to come. However, the discovery of an old diary keeps the family riveted as they slowly read through it, revealing a sad story of lost love.

Meanwhile, unbeknownst to the Di Luca’s their arch enemy is edging closer and closer….

Rae, the delightful, inquisitive child we grew to love has matured into an annoying stage, but is, more than anyone in this last installment, the centerpiece of the story. The suspense is intense in one or two places and the diary entries the entire family looked forward to reading, helped give the story an added bit of warmth and depth.

The obvious goal of this final chapter in the series is to wrap things up, therefore, the stage was set for the long- anticipated showdown we all knew had to happen. While this installment didn’t have the action and adventure we’ve come to expect, it was a fitting premise, and conducive to Kellen’s health. Still the heroics were more than adequate.

So, although this last installment was perhaps a bit subdued compared to previous installments, the conclusion was both poignant and humorous and sent the series off with a lovely farewell.

I’m wondering if, in the future, we might see Rae emerge as the heroine in her own series- a YA mystery series, with Max and Kellen appearing regularly. What do you say, Ms. Dodd? I don’t read YA that often, but I’m game, if you are!

4 stars ( )

Strangers She Knows by Christina Dodd is an entertaining novel with a slight suspense element. This final book in the Cape Charade series can be read as a standalone but I highly recommend the two previous works as well.

Kellen Adams, husband Max Di Luca and their ten year old daughter Rae relocate to the family's isolated, private island off the coast of California in order to escape a stalker out for revenge. In an attempt to keep their location under wraps, the only other people on the island are housekeeper Olympia Paollergio and caretakers Jamie and Dylan Conklin. Kellen and Max finally get to the opportunity to enjoy married life since the majority of their two year marriage has been dedicated to Kellen's recovery from brain surgery. Kellen is also delighted for the chance to get closer to Rae and finally cement their mother/daughter relationship. With a storm headed their way, a violent death and the certainty Kellen's stalker has caught up with them, will the Di Luca family escape before it is too late?

Kellen has had a few rough years and she is ready to enjoy her family. With her rehabilitation mostly behind her, she is enjoying the transformation in her relationship with Rae. She is also working hard to convince Max that she is not a fragile flower in need of careful handling. When Kellen discovers her murderous nemesis has escaped prison and plans to exact revenge on her and her family, she defers to Max's plans against her better judgment. Will her fears for their safety be proven right?

With little to do on the island since they are completely unplugged from the outside world, Kellen and Rae enjoy exploring the spooky mansion where they are living. The discovery of the one of the former occupants diary provides them with an intriguing glimpse into the young woman's life during the 1940s. These passages are quite engrossing and add just a hint of mystery to the unfolding story.

Strangers She Knows is an interesting novel but the suspense aspect of the storyline is very understated. Some of the plot is a bit predictable due to some eye-rolling decisions by Max and Rae. Despite her few remaining health issues, Kellen proves to be a worthy adversary when she and her stalker finally come face to face. Christina Dodd brings the stalker part of the storyline to an action-packed, explosive conclusion. Old and new fans are sure to enjoy this final installment in the Cape Charade series. ( )

In this thrilling conclusion of the Cape Charade series, Kellen is finally free to live a quiet life. Well, actually, she is rather forced to do so. She has just had a bullet removed from her brain and she is currently striving to regain some skills. She is now with her husband, Max and daughter Rae.

However, Kellen is not so safe after all. Someone has managed to escape prison, thus forcing Kellen and her family to flee in order to survive. What a challenge for Kellen. She has proven to be a strong, resourceful woman who has survived the unthinkable before now. Currently, however, she is far less than 100%, and she has much more at stake since she is finally with her family.

I have read every book in this series, including the prequel and the novellas. I am truly invested in Kellen, Max and Rae. I adore them, in fact. Kellen is by far my favorite heroine in any book I have ever read. What Kellen must do to survive is nothing less than miraculous! She must use her wits to deal with a formidable foe. Max has proven to be excellent in this series and is even more so in this story.

Although this book was not due to be out for several months when I received it, I pushed aside my TBR only to sit down and read it from cover-to-cover in one sitting. My only sadness is that we have reached the end of this incredible series.

Hard to Kill, Dead Girl Running, Families and Other Enemies, What Doesn't Kill Her and Hidden Truths are the previous books in what is one of the best series I have ever read.

Many thanks to HQN Books and to NetGalley for this ARC to review in exchange for my honest opinion. ( )

This is book three in the Cape Charade series. I have not read the prior two books. I say this book can be read as a stand alone novel; despite the fact that I did feel my relationship with Kellen might have suffered a bit from not having read the prior novels. The reason that I do say it can be read as a stand alone as there was nothing really from the prior novels that distracted from the events in this book.

The story started out good. I was very intrigued. My feelings keep up this way for a few chapters. Than, my vibe for the book went from excited to "just ok" and stayed that way for a good portion of the book. The latter third of the last part of the book is where it picked up and wrapped everything up. There was so much going on in this latter part of the story. If the rest of the story had the same intensity I would have been in a better place with my feelings towards this book. Yet, this will not be the last time I read a Christina Dodd book. ( )