Stevie‘s review of Strangers She Knows (Cape Charade, Book 3) by Christina Dodd
Contemporary Domestic Thriller published by HQN Books 17 Sep 19
I’ve been following this series avidly, and not really wanting it to end, hence my delay in getting around to reading the final book. The previous instalment had a bit of a paranormal feel to it, with our heroine in a coma, but for this novel-length showdown with her nemesis, she’s properly back in the world of the living, even if there’s some way to go before she’s fully recovered. One thing I like about this series is the fact that the author doesn’t shy away from the long-term and permanent effects from the serious head injuries Kellen has suffered at various points in her life. Sadly, I can’t say the same about the way this book treats mental health issues.
While we’ve encountered delusional villains in the series before, the antagonist of the series’ main story arc has always struck me as nasty rather than in any way detached from reality. Now, in this last book, following Mara Philippi’s escape from prison, she is referred to repeatedly as being mentally unstable, sometimes in reference to actions that were previously described as being signs of her ruthlessness. As Mara’s past is revealed in the course of the story, it becomes apparent that some of her traits are a result of her childhood. However, I don’t see this as being a mental health issue in the way that the characters seem to. The whole thing left a bad taste in my mouth, which is a real shame, given my feelings about the rest of the series.
That gripe aside, I wasn’t entirely happy with the contrivance that placed the main characters alone on an island aside from a small (and rapidly diminishing) bunch of misfit employees, whom we’d not met before. I also figured out the main plot twists very early on, and then spent the rest of the book being cross at the supposedly intelligent and alert main characters for not figuring out any of it for themselves.
All in all, not the way I wanted this previously excellent series to conclude. There were some positive points to it: Kellen’s adaptation to her life-changing injuries and her gradual recovery from some of her limitations was portrayed in a very believable and relatable way, and Rae is still an engaging child. Her development as she grows up from book to book has been fun to watch. I also liked the side story that we learned alongside the characters as they delved into the history of the island they found themselves on.
I’m now very much in two minds as to whether I want to read anything else by this author.
Grade: D
Summary:
I have three deadly problems:
1. I’ve seriously offended a maniacal killer.
2. I just had a bullet removed from my brain.
3. My new daughter is growing up too fast–and she’s in the line of fire.
Living on an obscure, technology-free island off California means safety from the murderer who hunts Kellen Adams and her new family…. Or does it? Family time becomes terror-time, and at last, alone, Kellen faces a killer playing a cruel game. Only one can survive, and Kellen knows who must win…and who must die.
Read an excerpt.
Other books in this series:
