Beautifully tragic

For maybe the first few minutes I was worried this was going to be one of those audio books where everything goes wrong for the main character because they can't talk to their own partner about the most basic thing. I need not have worried, because although Callie's problems are brought about by her inability to communicate, it is very clear that she is, at the very least, dipping her toes in the sea of mental illness. This is a heartbreaking book, all the lives involved have been touched by tragedy. It's easy to see, as an outsider, and with the benefit of the whole picture and hindsight, that if this family had swum together, they could have succeeded. But they were all pulling in different directions, acting irrationally and led by their emotions. They ended up drowning each other. The very last line is so poignant, so perfectly placed, that I was weeping buckets. Bravo to Lisa Coleman on her excellent narration, she really makes Callie come alive. Of course a double bravo for Kathryn Croft, a thoroughly deserved 5 stars

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The stranger within...

Would you try another book written by Kathryn Croft or narrated by Lisa Coleman?

Yes I thought the narrator was really good. The story was a bit slow paced at times and it felt like not much was happening at times so it dragged a little for me. I got annoyed with the main character being so wet though.

If you’ve listened to books by Kathryn Croft before, how does this one compare?

I've not read this author before

What about Lisa Coleman’s performance did you like?

I think she's a great narrator

Do you think The Stranger Within needs a follow-up book? Why or why not?

Yes maybe as the ending felt rather unfair. You could do a spin off from the boys point of view?

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great story

really good book caught me up in story and could not be put down would recommend

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Brilliant!!

Loved this book, could not stop listening at every opportunity!!
One of my favourites so far

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The Best Book I have read for a very long time!

What made the experience of listening to The Stranger Within the most enjoyable?

A very good story and narrator

What did you like best about this story?

I loved the story and the insight into the emotions of the protagonist.

What does Lisa Coleman bring to the story that you wouldn’t experience if you had only read the book?

Lisa's voice is wonderful. She did put feeling into the words she was reading. I could really relate to her.

Was this a book you wanted to listen to all in one sitting?

Definitely! I listened to the book over a few days during my commute to and from work. Whenever there were traffic jams I did not get angry! Instead I loved the extra time I had to listen to the book! Such a wonderful way for me to use the 4 hours of commuting every day!

Any additional comments?

This is a fantastic book. I am now hooked and will buy all the other books by the same author. I will have to change my membership from 1 book a month to 2 since I am always running out of books to listen to! Such a wonderful service!

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Gripping

Very good read with an exciting twists ..... more than once. A must read and audio

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Good book for listening to.

I did enjoy this book although there were times when the main character really annoyed me. Loved the reader perfect for the book. I did work out what had probably happened but really it kept me guessing as to whether I was correct.

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Gripping

I was quickly drawn into this tale and hooked until the end . I thought I knew where the story would go, but it twisted and turned until the very last few minutes - did not see that end coming at all !!

The narration is excellent, well paced and enhances the story

The underlying theme of mental illness is subtle and help drive the tale

I will be listening to more from this author

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great, well thought out and strong book

very grounded but interesting thriller. very psychological, good development of characters and tension throughout, and I had to keep listening to the last couple hours of the book in one go, couldn't leave it til the next day !

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Ultimate Sacrifice

This was a gut wrenching almost twisted tale. A young woman Callie meets and marries a widower James and inherits his children. Callie cannot have her own children and she feels she has the family she always wanted and a chance to become a mother. But reality is another thing. She has two young boys who do everything to make her life hell. They disrespect her and her busy husband is too laid-backed and has the occasional word with and when they behave in front of him he seems to think his word has done the trick.

Callie has a secret her Dad has schizophrenia and she has never told her James he exists in this country. She starts to suspect her husband of having an affair with his work colleague after reading a cryptic text on his phone. She never challenges him about it but instead she spirals out of control and self destructs and there is a climax and twist at the end and with it comes a very high price.

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