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Elise King #2
Talking to Strangers
Detective Elise King’s investigation into a woman’s murder is getting derailed by a reporter who insists on doing her own investigation in this nail-biting mystery from the author of Local Gone Missing.
When Karen Simmons is murdered on Valentine’s Day, Detective Elise King wonders if she was killed by a man she met online. Karen was all over the dating apps, leading some townspeople to blame her for her own death, while others band together to protest society’s violence against women. Into the divide comes Kiki Nunn, whose aggressive newsgathering once again antagonizes Elise.
A single mother of a young daughter, Kiki is struggling to make a living in the diminished news landscape. Getting a scoop in the Simmons murder would do a lot for her career, and she’s willing to go up against not just Elise but the killer himself to do it.
When Karen Simmons is murdered on Valentine’s Day, Detective Elise King wonders if she was killed by a man she met online. Karen was all over the dating apps, leading some townspeople to blame her for her own death, while others band together to protest society’s violence against women. Into the divide comes Kiki Nunn, whose aggressive newsgathering once again antagonizes Elise.
A single mother of a young daughter, Kiki is struggling to make a living in the diminished news landscape. Getting a scoop in the Simmons murder would do a lot for her career, and she’s willing to go up against not just Elise but the killer himself to do it.
384 pages, Kindle Edition
Expected publication August 15, 2024
About the author
Fiona Barton
8 books3,888 followersMy career has taken some surprising twists and turns over the years. I have been a journalist - senior writer at the Daily Mail, news editor at the Daily Telegraph, and chief reporter at The Mail on Sunday, where I won Reporter of the Year at the National Press Awards, gave up my job to volunteer in Sri Lanka and since 2008, have trained and worked with exiled and threatened journalists all over the world.
But through it all, a story was cooking in my head.
The worm of this book infected me long ago when, as a national newspaper journalist covering notorious crimes and trials, I found myself wondering what the wives of those accused really knew – or allowed themselves to know.
It took the liberation of my career change to turn that fascination into a tale of a missing child, narrated by the wife of the man suspected of the crime, the detective leading the hunt, the journalist covering the case and the mother of the victim.
Much to my astonishment and delight, The Widow is available now in the UK, and around the world in the coming months.
However, the sudden silence of my characters feels like a reproach and I am currently working on a second book.
My husband and I are living the good life in south-west France, where I am writing in bed, early in the morning when the only distraction is our cockerel, Sparky, crowing.
But through it all, a story was cooking in my head.
The worm of this book infected me long ago when, as a national newspaper journalist covering notorious crimes and trials, I found myself wondering what the wives of those accused really knew – or allowed themselves to know.
It took the liberation of my career change to turn that fascination into a tale of a missing child, narrated by the wife of the man suspected of the crime, the detective leading the hunt, the journalist covering the case and the mother of the victim.
Much to my astonishment and delight, The Widow is available now in the UK, and around the world in the coming months.
However, the sudden silence of my characters feels like a reproach and I am currently working on a second book.
My husband and I are living the good life in south-west France, where I am writing in bed, early in the morning when the only distraction is our cockerel, Sparky, crowing.
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 75 reviews
July 14, 2024
3.5🌟
Get ready to swipe right!
Karen Simmons is not sitting idly by waiting for Mr.Right to come knocking. No sir! She’s putting herself out there determined to have the best time of her life until she settles down.
And if that means using several online dating apps until then, well a girls gotta’ do….
But when Karen disappears and eventually found murdered, the police feel confident that it was someone she’d met online.
Enter D.I. Elise King. We were introduced to her in book one of this series Local Gone Missing. Elise has her own personal battles she’s conquering…the biggest being breast cancer.
She’s returned to work but still feels the effects of the chemo-induced brain fog that just lingers on.
With her present case revolving around dating, Elise reflects on just how lonely she truly is. Maybe it’s time to allow someone in…
We also have Kiki Nunn, a journalist who is determined to break this same murder mystery and won’t be held back to make that happen. Even if it means putting herself in danger.
Can either woman find the killer before he strikes again?
I love a good police procedural but this latest by Fiona Barton just failed to completely grip me.
I found it a bit slow moving for my taste. I wanted more from our detective (personally and professionally) and felt it lacked the depth I was hoping to experience.
Will I pick up the next in the series….🤷🏻♀️
Who am I kidding! Of course I will! I’m hoping Fiona Barton will take even a deeper dive into Elise’s character.🙏
Thank you to Berkley Publishing via NetGalley
Get ready to swipe right!
Karen Simmons is not sitting idly by waiting for Mr.Right to come knocking. No sir! She’s putting herself out there determined to have the best time of her life until she settles down.
And if that means using several online dating apps until then, well a girls gotta’ do….
But when Karen disappears and eventually found murdered, the police feel confident that it was someone she’d met online.
Enter D.I. Elise King. We were introduced to her in book one of this series Local Gone Missing. Elise has her own personal battles she’s conquering…the biggest being breast cancer.
She’s returned to work but still feels the effects of the chemo-induced brain fog that just lingers on.
With her present case revolving around dating, Elise reflects on just how lonely she truly is. Maybe it’s time to allow someone in…
We also have Kiki Nunn, a journalist who is determined to break this same murder mystery and won’t be held back to make that happen. Even if it means putting herself in danger.
Can either woman find the killer before he strikes again?
I love a good police procedural but this latest by Fiona Barton just failed to completely grip me.
I found it a bit slow moving for my taste. I wanted more from our detective (personally and professionally) and felt it lacked the depth I was hoping to experience.
Will I pick up the next in the series….🤷🏻♀️
Who am I kidding! Of course I will! I’m hoping Fiona Barton will take even a deeper dive into Elise’s character.🙏
Thank you to Berkley Publishing via NetGalley
July 22, 2024
Talking to Strangers follows the 17 day murder investigation of a middle-aged single woman from a variety of angles. Karen was still looking for the love of her life - organizing single events, on a variety of dating apps, when she was murdered and her body left posed in the woods. Elise is the DI assigned to the case. She’s just getting over treatment for breast cancer and suffering from chemo brain. Kiki is the reporter who had been interviewing Karen about the dating world for adults and now sees reporting on her murder as a way to score a big scoop. Then there’s Alice, who lost her young son in the same location 15 years earlier. The three women are all fully fleshed out and I was engaged in each of their stories. Even the secondary characters, like DS Caro and Elise’s neighbor, Ronnie, are developed.
The book makes some interesting points about victim blaming and also the whole online dating world for those past the first blush of youth. And the writing is so intense. It was way too easy to envision what the characters were experiencing. Trigger warnings for rape. The who/how/why or both main storylines were easy to piece together from early on, despite a number of red herrings. But it was an enjoyable ride to get to the end to see if I was right.
This isn’t billed as the second in a series but Elise King is the investigator in both stories. This can easily be read as a standalone.
My thanks to Netgalley and Berkley Publishing for an advance copy of this book.
The book makes some interesting points about victim blaming and also the whole online dating world for those past the first blush of youth. And the writing is so intense. It was way too easy to envision what the characters were experiencing. Trigger warnings for rape. The who/how/why or both main storylines were easy to piece together from early on, despite a number of red herrings. But it was an enjoyable ride to get to the end to see if I was right.
This isn’t billed as the second in a series but Elise King is the investigator in both stories. This can easily be read as a standalone.
My thanks to Netgalley and Berkley Publishing for an advance copy of this book.
July 17, 2024
Don’t Talk to Strangers sang Rick Springfield!
It’s Valentine’s Day 2020 in Ebbing, and Karen Simmons is looking for love on a night reserved for couples. But it’s slim pickings at her local pub that night, so a depressed and lonely Karen heads home alone.
The next day, Karen’s body is found in Ebbing Woods – still wearing her red dress from the night before – suffocated, propped up against a tree. Why did Karen go out again after she got home? Who was she meeting? Most importantly, who killed her, and why? And Karen’s isn’t the first murder to occur in those woods…
The second book in the series is set a year after the events of the first and can be enjoyed as a standalone. I feel horrible saying this because #1, Local Gone Missing, was one of my top reads in 2022, but unfortunately, Talking to Strangers was average by comparison. The first half moved at a snail's pace, and even though the plot did pick up after that, it wasn’t by much. I kept finding other things to occupy my time, and it's never a good sign when you’d rather do the vacuuming over reading a book. I think two POVs investigating/researching Karen’s murder was one too many, as things tended to get repetitive. Annie’s POV was the most intriguing. My second complaint is that the mystery was pretty predictable, and the epilogue came as no surprise – the myriad of subtly placed clues that the first book contained were absent from this one. I preferred the secondary crime involving online dating apps and misogynous men. That plot was tense, emotive, informative, and disturbing – several times I wanted to punch my kindle screen imagining it was these disgusting male’s faces. If I didn’t already loathe dating apps, I would now. Also, I’d never heard of cyber-flashing used in this context and immediately checked my Apple AirPlay privacy settings – so thanks for the info, Fiona Barton.
I enjoyed spending time with Elise, Kiki and company; just wish the main crime and pacing had been more to my liking. I will continue to read the series because I loved the first book, this author, and the recurring characters.
I want to thank NetGalley UK, Random House UK Transworld Publishers, and Fiona Barton for the e-ARC.
UK Release Date: 15 August 2024.
It’s Valentine’s Day 2020 in Ebbing, and Karen Simmons is looking for love on a night reserved for couples. But it’s slim pickings at her local pub that night, so a depressed and lonely Karen heads home alone.
The next day, Karen’s body is found in Ebbing Woods – still wearing her red dress from the night before – suffocated, propped up against a tree. Why did Karen go out again after she got home? Who was she meeting? Most importantly, who killed her, and why? And Karen’s isn’t the first murder to occur in those woods…
The second book in the series is set a year after the events of the first and can be enjoyed as a standalone. I feel horrible saying this because #1, Local Gone Missing, was one of my top reads in 2022, but unfortunately, Talking to Strangers was average by comparison. The first half moved at a snail's pace, and even though the plot did pick up after that, it wasn’t by much. I kept finding other things to occupy my time, and it's never a good sign when you’d rather do the vacuuming over reading a book. I think two POVs investigating/researching Karen’s murder was one too many, as things tended to get repetitive. Annie’s POV was the most intriguing. My second complaint is that the mystery was pretty predictable, and the epilogue came as no surprise – the myriad of subtly placed clues that the first book contained were absent from this one. I preferred the secondary crime involving online dating apps and misogynous men. That plot was tense, emotive, informative, and disturbing – several times I wanted to punch my kindle screen imagining it was these disgusting male’s faces. If I didn’t already loathe dating apps, I would now. Also, I’d never heard of cyber-flashing used in this context and immediately checked my Apple AirPlay privacy settings – so thanks for the info, Fiona Barton.
I enjoyed spending time with Elise, Kiki and company; just wish the main crime and pacing had been more to my liking. I will continue to read the series because I loved the first book, this author, and the recurring characters.
I want to thank NetGalley UK, Random House UK Transworld Publishers, and Fiona Barton for the e-ARC.
UK Release Date: 15 August 2024.
June 26, 2024
Well, good news: DI Elise King is back! If you've read the author's previous work, "Local Gone Missing," you're already familiar with the character. However, like many readers, I slightly prefer the author's Kate Waters series, with "The Suspect" being my favorite novel of hers.
Now, let's focus on the multi-narrated "Talking to Strangers," which presents us with different voices alongside Elise King. She is dealing with her own issues while adamant to solve the murder of Karen Simmons. The other narrators include Kiki Nunn, an aspiring journalist who is focused on investigating Karen's murder. Kiki had interviewed Karen about her complex love life and interactions with various men who may have turned out to be creeps, stalkers, or even scammers. Could one of them be the reason for her demise?
The third narrator is Annie, whose son was also murdered and found in the same woods where Karen's body was discovered.
Besides the murder itself, what connection will tie these women together? Are they both in danger and could they be the target of the perpetrator?
The good aspects of this book include its pacing and short, intriguing chapters, even though the ending and the identity of the murderer become predictable in the middle of the story.
It's an easy read that allows you to get lost in the mystery, make quick guesses, and enjoy the full thrill. That's why, even though the predictable ending dampened my enthusiasm, I still rate it 4 stars for its fast pacing.
Many thanks to NetGalley and Berkley Publishing Group for providing me with this digital review copy in exchange for my honest thoughts.
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Now, let's focus on the multi-narrated "Talking to Strangers," which presents us with different voices alongside Elise King. She is dealing with her own issues while adamant to solve the murder of Karen Simmons. The other narrators include Kiki Nunn, an aspiring journalist who is focused on investigating Karen's murder. Kiki had interviewed Karen about her complex love life and interactions with various men who may have turned out to be creeps, stalkers, or even scammers. Could one of them be the reason for her demise?
The third narrator is Annie, whose son was also murdered and found in the same woods where Karen's body was discovered.
Besides the murder itself, what connection will tie these women together? Are they both in danger and could they be the target of the perpetrator?
The good aspects of this book include its pacing and short, intriguing chapters, even though the ending and the identity of the murderer become predictable in the middle of the story.
It's an easy read that allows you to get lost in the mystery, make quick guesses, and enjoy the full thrill. That's why, even though the predictable ending dampened my enthusiasm, I still rate it 4 stars for its fast pacing.
Many thanks to NetGalley and Berkley Publishing Group for providing me with this digital review copy in exchange for my honest thoughts.
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June 6, 2024
This novel features DI Elise King from Local Gone Missing; she is in recovery from cancer treatment.
When hairdresser Karen Simmons is murdered on Valentines Day, DI Elise King wonders if there’s a connection to the online dating community as Karen uses several sites. Does she meet her murderer that way? DI King’s difficult investigation is repeatedly hampered by reporter Kiki Nunn who has met Karen as part of one of her journalistic reports and the single mum is determined to get ahead of fellow journalists to get her scoop. Is she putting herself in danger?
I thoroughly enjoy this latest novel from Fiona Barton because it’s a ‘meaty’ police procedural which includes several topical issues dealt with via three points of view. It’s especially good, challenging and thought provoking on the victim blaming culture and the online dating scene. The latter element highlights its potential dangers and it becomes quite raw in places. The author does a very good job of demonstrating the impact of serious crimes on families with one perspective really standing out. It’s therefore a multi layered story which is well paced, with short sharp chapters and changing points of view, keeping me invested and also deepening the mystery. There’s some dark humour and wit which is greatly appreciated.
The characters are good, I like Elise as she’s a fighter in more ways than one and I like how DS Caro Brennan has her back now she’s returned to work. Kiki can be admired in many ways, she’s brave and gutsy but equally she can be annoying especially for Elise!
There are some good twists, there’s tension and suspenseful moments. However, it isn’t too hard to figure out the end big reveal but it’s still an addictive read. Fiona Barton will always have a reader in this reviewer!
With thanks to NetGalley and especially to Random House U.K., Transworld for the much appreciated arc in return for an honest review.
When hairdresser Karen Simmons is murdered on Valentines Day, DI Elise King wonders if there’s a connection to the online dating community as Karen uses several sites. Does she meet her murderer that way? DI King’s difficult investigation is repeatedly hampered by reporter Kiki Nunn who has met Karen as part of one of her journalistic reports and the single mum is determined to get ahead of fellow journalists to get her scoop. Is she putting herself in danger?
I thoroughly enjoy this latest novel from Fiona Barton because it’s a ‘meaty’ police procedural which includes several topical issues dealt with via three points of view. It’s especially good, challenging and thought provoking on the victim blaming culture and the online dating scene. The latter element highlights its potential dangers and it becomes quite raw in places. The author does a very good job of demonstrating the impact of serious crimes on families with one perspective really standing out. It’s therefore a multi layered story which is well paced, with short sharp chapters and changing points of view, keeping me invested and also deepening the mystery. There’s some dark humour and wit which is greatly appreciated.
The characters are good, I like Elise as she’s a fighter in more ways than one and I like how DS Caro Brennan has her back now she’s returned to work. Kiki can be admired in many ways, she’s brave and gutsy but equally she can be annoying especially for Elise!
There are some good twists, there’s tension and suspenseful moments. However, it isn’t too hard to figure out the end big reveal but it’s still an addictive read. Fiona Barton will always have a reader in this reviewer!
With thanks to NetGalley and especially to Random House U.K., Transworld for the much appreciated arc in return for an honest review.
April 10, 2024
When Karen Simmons is murdered on Valentine’s Day, Detective Elise King suspects her online date might be the culprit. Karen’s dating app activity divides the town—some blame her, while others protest violence against women. Enter Kiki Nunn, a journalist determined to crack the case and advance her career, even if it means facing off against Elise and the killer.
One of the things I really liked about this book is how it dives into some real-world issues. Barton doesn't shy away from exploring the divide in society over Karen's murder. On one side, you've got people blaming her for what happened, while others are standing up against violence towards women. And then there's Kiki Nunn, this fierce journalist who adds a whole new layer of drama to the mix.
Now, I'll be real with you—it did take me a little bit to really get into the story. But once I did, I was hooked! The way Barton flips between Elise, Kiki, and Annie's perspectives keeps things fresh and exciting. Although, I gotta admit, sometimes I found it a bit tricky to tell Elise and Kiki's voices apart.
"Talking to Strangers" is an entertaining mystery with plenty of characters and motives to keep you guessing. Sure, the ending might be a bit predictable, but it doesn't detract from the overall enjoyment. It's the perfect book for a cozy weekend read, with relatable and realistic characters that draw you into their world. Definitely worth picking up if you're in the mood for a good mystery!
One of the things I really liked about this book is how it dives into some real-world issues. Barton doesn't shy away from exploring the divide in society over Karen's murder. On one side, you've got people blaming her for what happened, while others are standing up against violence towards women. And then there's Kiki Nunn, this fierce journalist who adds a whole new layer of drama to the mix.
Now, I'll be real with you—it did take me a little bit to really get into the story. But once I did, I was hooked! The way Barton flips between Elise, Kiki, and Annie's perspectives keeps things fresh and exciting. Although, I gotta admit, sometimes I found it a bit tricky to tell Elise and Kiki's voices apart.
"Talking to Strangers" is an entertaining mystery with plenty of characters and motives to keep you guessing. Sure, the ending might be a bit predictable, but it doesn't detract from the overall enjoyment. It's the perfect book for a cozy weekend read, with relatable and realistic characters that draw you into their world. Definitely worth picking up if you're in the mood for a good mystery!
July 21, 2024
The murder of local hairdresser, Karen Simmons, on Valentines Day in the small town of Ebbing. DI Elise King has her work cut out for her finding this killer. With help from investigative journalist Kiki.Nunn, the 2 women will unearth so much more than they ever expected.
Fiona Barton books are always so interesting, with well fleshed out characters and storylines. This was a fast read, with plenty of potential assailants in the mix. A small town, where everyone knows everyone’s business, surely it can’t be that hard to get the killer. I had an inkling of who the killer was going to be early on and I was proved to be right which makes a change for me. Nonetheless I really enjoyed this murder mystery. It was nice to have Elise back in another story.
Thanks to Random House UK and NetGalley for the advanced copy to read. Publishes on August 15th.
Fiona Barton books are always so interesting, with well fleshed out characters and storylines. This was a fast read, with plenty of potential assailants in the mix. A small town, where everyone knows everyone’s business, surely it can’t be that hard to get the killer. I had an inkling of who the killer was going to be early on and I was proved to be right which makes a change for me. Nonetheless I really enjoyed this murder mystery. It was nice to have Elise back in another story.
Thanks to Random House UK and NetGalley for the advanced copy to read. Publishes on August 15th.
July 30, 2024
Author Fiona Barton taps into the wildly popular world of online dating in her latest thriller, TALKING TO STRANGERS. Highly relevant in today's world of online dating, this story highlights the potential danger associated with connecting with virtual strangers. In doing so, Barton also explores the social divide that exists between those who get off on victim blaming and those who remain focused on stopping the predators using the platforms to stalk unsuspecting victims as well as women's continuous struggle to overcome misogyny.
DI Elise King suspects a middle age murder victim's prolific online dating activity may have led to her death. Karen Simmons frequented the apps in hopes of finding a real connection that might lead to true love, but in letting down her guard, did she unwittingly invite a killer into her life? Half the town believes she reaped what she sowed while the other half protest violence against women. Kiki Nunn is a reporter in need of that one big story to catapult her back to the top of her field and having recently interviewed Simmons about the pros and cons of online dating, she's especially chagrined over her murder, pledging to unmask the killer at any cost. The story could potentially land her back on the front pages of major newspapers, but is it also putting her in the killer's crosshairs? As the story unfolds, readers also meet Anni, a mother still grieving the loss of her son whose body was discovered in the same area and manner as Karen's fifteen years prior. Are the cases connected? DI Elise King has her work cut out for her and despite suffering the continuing effects of chemotherapy for cancer, she’ll stop at nothing to bring these grieving families' closure.
TALKING WITH STRANGERS is delivered through the three engaging points of view of Elise, Kiki and Annie. The author does an excellent job portraying each woman's strength while allowing readers to feel their pain and vulnerability, their desire for a real connection with another loving human being. Barton doesn't shy away from highlighting prevalent issues including the world of online dating with its many potential dangers and cultural blaming via the points of view of these three women. While there are several potential red herrings with motive for characters and readers to sift through, savvy couch detectives will uncover the who and why early on, and yet the drama unfolding on the pages along with the need to see these three brave women get justice holds readers attention to the end.
Author Fiona Barton has rendered another highly atmospheric, entertaining police procedural in TALKING WITH STRANGERS. Both the characters and plot line command readers' attention while earning their empathy. The topic of online dating and its usage by our aging population looking for love in today's world is highly relevant and thought-provoking. While today’s society is painfully aware of the danger faced by unsupervised children using the internet, not enough attention is paid to lonely older adults who are also vulnerable to exploitation by online predators. Kudos to Barton for tackling relevant issues facing today's society with love and grace. With short concise chapters, shifting points of view and a tense, fast pace, fans of mysteries and police procedures will be engaged from beginning to end while reading TALKING WITH STRANGERS.
Special thanks to Berkley Publishing for an arc of this title. All opinions expressed are my own. This title is scheduled for release Aug. 15, 2024. My review is available at Mystery & Suspense Magazine and also on my blog Cross My Heart Reviews.
DI Elise King suspects a middle age murder victim's prolific online dating activity may have led to her death. Karen Simmons frequented the apps in hopes of finding a real connection that might lead to true love, but in letting down her guard, did she unwittingly invite a killer into her life? Half the town believes she reaped what she sowed while the other half protest violence against women. Kiki Nunn is a reporter in need of that one big story to catapult her back to the top of her field and having recently interviewed Simmons about the pros and cons of online dating, she's especially chagrined over her murder, pledging to unmask the killer at any cost. The story could potentially land her back on the front pages of major newspapers, but is it also putting her in the killer's crosshairs? As the story unfolds, readers also meet Anni, a mother still grieving the loss of her son whose body was discovered in the same area and manner as Karen's fifteen years prior. Are the cases connected? DI Elise King has her work cut out for her and despite suffering the continuing effects of chemotherapy for cancer, she’ll stop at nothing to bring these grieving families' closure.
TALKING WITH STRANGERS is delivered through the three engaging points of view of Elise, Kiki and Annie. The author does an excellent job portraying each woman's strength while allowing readers to feel their pain and vulnerability, their desire for a real connection with another loving human being. Barton doesn't shy away from highlighting prevalent issues including the world of online dating with its many potential dangers and cultural blaming via the points of view of these three women. While there are several potential red herrings with motive for characters and readers to sift through, savvy couch detectives will uncover the who and why early on, and yet the drama unfolding on the pages along with the need to see these three brave women get justice holds readers attention to the end.
Author Fiona Barton has rendered another highly atmospheric, entertaining police procedural in TALKING WITH STRANGERS. Both the characters and plot line command readers' attention while earning their empathy. The topic of online dating and its usage by our aging population looking for love in today's world is highly relevant and thought-provoking. While today’s society is painfully aware of the danger faced by unsupervised children using the internet, not enough attention is paid to lonely older adults who are also vulnerable to exploitation by online predators. Kudos to Barton for tackling relevant issues facing today's society with love and grace. With short concise chapters, shifting points of view and a tense, fast pace, fans of mysteries and police procedures will be engaged from beginning to end while reading TALKING WITH STRANGERS.
Special thanks to Berkley Publishing for an arc of this title. All opinions expressed are my own. This title is scheduled for release Aug. 15, 2024. My review is available at Mystery & Suspense Magazine and also on my blog Cross My Heart Reviews.
July 30, 2024
Special thanks to NetGalley and the publisher for a free, electronic ARC of this novel received in exchange for an honest review.
Expected publication date: Aug. 27, 2024
Fiona Barton, author of “Local Gone Missing” and the Kate Waters series of novels brings us a new story with a new detective at its core- but Talking to Strangers” is so much more than that.
Local woman Karen Simmons is found the day after Valentines Day, obviously murdered, her body left against a tree. Detective Elise King and her team catch the case and immediately, Elise begins to wonder if Karen was killed by someone she met while online dating. Anyone who knew Karen spoke of her online dating activity and it seems to Elise that Karen was likely killed by someone she had recently met. But something isn’t adding up when local reporter, Kiki, brings information to Elise that ties Karen’s murder with the murder of a ten-year-old child from years ago. How are the two very different murders related?
“Talking to Strangers” has two other protagonists besides Elise, with complex and important roles in the plot. Kiki, a local reporter who is desperate for the story that will allow her to make her return to the journalism world in a big way and Annie, who is the mother of the young boy who was murdered in the same town years ago. All three women are connected arbitrarily to each other, and to the dead woman, but each one ends up helping the others out in crucial ways.
There are thick, emotional themes in Barton’s “Strangers”, including misogyny and the ‘incel’ lifestyle, sexual assault, child molestation and, of course, murder. Although the topics are heavy, Barton is fair in her depiction while leaving out the graphic details. I was able to feel the emotions of everyone involved, without having to hear the play-by-play of the vilest parts, and, in this case, I appreciated it.
Each woman narrates a chapter, which ends in a suspenseful way, such that I kept reading cliffhanger after cliffhanger until the end of the novel. “Strangers” was compulsively readable, as are the majority of Barton’s books that I have read. I enjoyed the characters, the complicated relationships and the female camaraderie that led to the resolution of not one, but two, murders (no spoilers given).
I am not sure if “Strangers” is going to go the way of other police novels and spawn a series, but I enjoyed Elise King enough to keep reading if Barton chooses to go that route. If not, Barton’s psychological suspense novels will always appeal to me, so I’ll be reading her next one, whatever the subject matter.
Expected publication date: Aug. 27, 2024
Fiona Barton, author of “Local Gone Missing” and the Kate Waters series of novels brings us a new story with a new detective at its core- but Talking to Strangers” is so much more than that.
Local woman Karen Simmons is found the day after Valentines Day, obviously murdered, her body left against a tree. Detective Elise King and her team catch the case and immediately, Elise begins to wonder if Karen was killed by someone she met while online dating. Anyone who knew Karen spoke of her online dating activity and it seems to Elise that Karen was likely killed by someone she had recently met. But something isn’t adding up when local reporter, Kiki, brings information to Elise that ties Karen’s murder with the murder of a ten-year-old child from years ago. How are the two very different murders related?
“Talking to Strangers” has two other protagonists besides Elise, with complex and important roles in the plot. Kiki, a local reporter who is desperate for the story that will allow her to make her return to the journalism world in a big way and Annie, who is the mother of the young boy who was murdered in the same town years ago. All three women are connected arbitrarily to each other, and to the dead woman, but each one ends up helping the others out in crucial ways.
There are thick, emotional themes in Barton’s “Strangers”, including misogyny and the ‘incel’ lifestyle, sexual assault, child molestation and, of course, murder. Although the topics are heavy, Barton is fair in her depiction while leaving out the graphic details. I was able to feel the emotions of everyone involved, without having to hear the play-by-play of the vilest parts, and, in this case, I appreciated it.
Each woman narrates a chapter, which ends in a suspenseful way, such that I kept reading cliffhanger after cliffhanger until the end of the novel. “Strangers” was compulsively readable, as are the majority of Barton’s books that I have read. I enjoyed the characters, the complicated relationships and the female camaraderie that led to the resolution of not one, but two, murders (no spoilers given).
I am not sure if “Strangers” is going to go the way of other police novels and spawn a series, but I enjoyed Elise King enough to keep reading if Barton chooses to go that route. If not, Barton’s psychological suspense novels will always appeal to me, so I’ll be reading her next one, whatever the subject matter.
August 2, 2024
Talking to Strangers
4⭐️
1 murder in the present. 1 murder in the past. 3 women’s POV. 17 days.
Elise: Detective investigating the death of Karen, a small town hairdresser. The investigation constantly brings twists and turns-never giving Elise a break. She is still recovering from her cancer diagnosis and treatments. Her brain is a bit foggy and she is frustrated that things are different now. She wants to feel a sense of normalcy again. Breaking the case will prove she is still just as good of a detective as she was before.
Kiki: Reporter stuck in a dead end job and looking to break a story that will provide her with better career options. She just may have found the perfect story. Karen was murdered, but she had just interviewed her 5 days earlier regarding modern age dating apps. Will Kiki be able to use the victims own words and interview to find clues about her murderer?
Annie: A grieving mother and wife. Her young son was found dead 16 years ago. She’s never been able to fully move on, but now that a second body has been found in the same location, she begins to spiral and question what really happened to her son.
I liked how well woven and distinct the alternating POVs were written. Multiple POVs and short chapters are my jam. It makes it so easy to keep reading longer than I was planning. This kept my attention all the way through. I did end up predicting most of the reveals (maybe not fully, but each twist had crossed my mind at some point), but that didn’t cause me to like the book any less. I did find it a little frustrating how easily everyone spilled the tea with Kiki the reporter. It felt like there was barely ever any push back and it seemed unlikely she could single handedly obtain the amount of information she did. Again, I enjoyed the writing so much that I was able to suspend belief.
Thank you NetGalley and Berkley Publishing Group for this ARC. This review will be shared on NetGalley, Goodreads, and Amazon.
Pub Date Aug 27 2024
4⭐️
1 murder in the present. 1 murder in the past. 3 women’s POV. 17 days.
Elise: Detective investigating the death of Karen, a small town hairdresser. The investigation constantly brings twists and turns-never giving Elise a break. She is still recovering from her cancer diagnosis and treatments. Her brain is a bit foggy and she is frustrated that things are different now. She wants to feel a sense of normalcy again. Breaking the case will prove she is still just as good of a detective as she was before.
Kiki: Reporter stuck in a dead end job and looking to break a story that will provide her with better career options. She just may have found the perfect story. Karen was murdered, but she had just interviewed her 5 days earlier regarding modern age dating apps. Will Kiki be able to use the victims own words and interview to find clues about her murderer?
Annie: A grieving mother and wife. Her young son was found dead 16 years ago. She’s never been able to fully move on, but now that a second body has been found in the same location, she begins to spiral and question what really happened to her son.
I liked how well woven and distinct the alternating POVs were written. Multiple POVs and short chapters are my jam. It makes it so easy to keep reading longer than I was planning. This kept my attention all the way through. I did end up predicting most of the reveals (maybe not fully, but each twist had crossed my mind at some point), but that didn’t cause me to like the book any less. I did find it a little frustrating how easily everyone spilled the tea with Kiki the reporter. It felt like there was barely ever any push back and it seemed unlikely she could single handedly obtain the amount of information she did. Again, I enjoyed the writing so much that I was able to suspend belief.
Thank you NetGalley and Berkley Publishing Group for this ARC. This review will be shared on NetGalley, Goodreads, and Amazon.
Pub Date Aug 27 2024
May 22, 2024
PUBLICATION DAY: August 27, 2024
Kiki is a reporter, searching for a way back to the days when she was a respected journalist. Balancing her work and motherhood isn’t easy, but she has been managing until she stumbles on to the murder of Karen Slimmon, a woman she recently interviewed about online dating. As she investigates this death further, she comes in contact with Elise, the detective and Annie, a still grieving mother. What will these three women encounter during this investigation? And are any of them safe?
PROS and CONS:
It is quite painful to read about the experiences of Kiki and some of the other women as they navigate the pitfalls of the online dating world in search of true love. There is also a raw portrayal of Elise, the detective dealing with cancer and the demands of a stressful job. And then there is Annie, the mother who has already suffered so much, and will perhaps find out something even worse. This is an excellent book, my favourite so far from Barton.
READ IT?
I loved it - so yes!!!
5 Stars
Kiki is a reporter, searching for a way back to the days when she was a respected journalist. Balancing her work and motherhood isn’t easy, but she has been managing until she stumbles on to the murder of Karen Slimmon, a woman she recently interviewed about online dating. As she investigates this death further, she comes in contact with Elise, the detective and Annie, a still grieving mother. What will these three women encounter during this investigation? And are any of them safe?
PROS and CONS:
It is quite painful to read about the experiences of Kiki and some of the other women as they navigate the pitfalls of the online dating world in search of true love. There is also a raw portrayal of Elise, the detective dealing with cancer and the demands of a stressful job. And then there is Annie, the mother who has already suffered so much, and will perhaps find out something even worse. This is an excellent book, my favourite so far from Barton.
READ IT?
I loved it - so yes!!!
5 Stars
March 7, 2024
I received a copy of this novel from the publisher via NetGalley.
This concerns the investigation into the death of a woman called Karen, both by Elise, the DI tasked with the case, and Kiki, a reporter who has a personal interest as she has met Karen and her group of singles looking to socialize. The short chapters switch mostly between the perspectives of Elise, Kiki and a woman called Annie whose son died in the same woods as Karen many years previously. At times I found it difficult to remember if it was Elise or Kiki narrating, since they both went round interviewing the same people and their voices were fairly similar.
The ending was as I anticipated, and is the kind of ending I very much dislike, but it flowed naturally from the plot. I really don't see why people want to become reporters, and I really really don't see why people are so ready to talk to reporters, but there you are.
This concerns the investigation into the death of a woman called Karen, both by Elise, the DI tasked with the case, and Kiki, a reporter who has a personal interest as she has met Karen and her group of singles looking to socialize. The short chapters switch mostly between the perspectives of Elise, Kiki and a woman called Annie whose son died in the same woods as Karen many years previously. At times I found it difficult to remember if it was Elise or Kiki narrating, since they both went round interviewing the same people and their voices were fairly similar.
The ending was as I anticipated, and is the kind of ending I very much dislike, but it flowed naturally from the plot. I really don't see why people want to become reporters, and I really really don't see why people are so ready to talk to reporters, but there you are.
March 18, 2024
It took a long time for me to get into this one. I felt sorry for our victim, and it was all very sad, but I also wasn’t very invested. The one main character I really liked was a woman who has decided to no longer be a door mat (loved her!), but the other two main characters kind of faded together.
The thing is, the book never really feels like it’s really about the murder. There are a lot of underlying messages here which, fine important, but the story suffers just a bit. And the solution is…different and distinct from all that messaging.
I definitely appreciated much of what the author tried to do here, but it may have worked better if I could have connected with our victim more.
It ended up being an okay read for me. I definitely didn’t hate it, but it didn’t inspire any greater feeling than that.
• ARC via Publisher
The thing is, the book never really feels like it’s really about the murder. There are a lot of underlying messages here which, fine important, but the story suffers just a bit. And the solution is…different and distinct from all that messaging.
I definitely appreciated much of what the author tried to do here, but it may have worked better if I could have connected with our victim more.
It ended up being an okay read for me. I definitely didn’t hate it, but it didn’t inspire any greater feeling than that.
• ARC via Publisher
June 8, 2024
Content warnings: Murder of young child was a major focus of this book. Also date rape , stalking and pornography
This was an excellent follow up to Local Gone Missing. I am glad I read that one before I started this one as it definitely made me feel more invested with the characters.
The different POV kept my interest and made for a quick read. One of the “twists” I did see coming but the final one shocked me.
I received a complimentary copy of this book and all opinions expressed are strictly my own
This was an excellent follow up to Local Gone Missing. I am glad I read that one before I started this one as it definitely made me feel more invested with the characters.
The different POV kept my interest and made for a quick read. One of the “twists” I did see coming but the final one shocked me.
I received a complimentary copy of this book and all opinions expressed are strictly my own
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
March 17, 2024
Detective Elise King’s investigation into a woman’s murder is getting derailed by a reporter who insists on doing her own investigation in Talking to Strangers by Fiona Barton.
The pacing was good, and the short chapters allowed the switch between multiple character perspectives.
The ending was a bit predictable, but it didn't take away from the whole story. An enjoyable and easy weekend read to immerse yourself in a good mystery.
I would recommend this book.
#TalkingtoStrangers #NetGalley @BerkleyPub
The pacing was good, and the short chapters allowed the switch between multiple character perspectives.
The ending was a bit predictable, but it didn't take away from the whole story. An enjoyable and easy weekend read to immerse yourself in a good mystery.
I would recommend this book.
#TalkingtoStrangers #NetGalley @BerkleyPub
March 7, 2024
Talking to Strangers by Fiona Barton. Many different POVs which slowed the pace of the story. Interesting and relatable characters. Didn't expect the ending, well...until the ending. Not sure that Elise King is a good leader which her health issues, KiKi seemed more capable of investigating. Entertaining read.
Thank you to the author, publisher, and Netgalley for the opportunity to preview the book.
Thank you to the author, publisher, and Netgalley for the opportunity to preview the book.
July 31, 2024
Kiki is a journo on the edge of extinction, needing a story to save her from her terrible copy and paste ‘clickbait’ she is now forced to post…..Karen is dead, for no other reason than she had been ‘looking for love’ via online hook ups and dating
Kiki senses a big story, and she is right, but what she finds when she delves into the world of apps will not only shock her but also reignite an old murder case aling the way
Elise is the DC in charge and recovering from breast cancer, she wants the case dealt with sharpish and not with Kiki’s interference, Kiki intends to help whatever
and so the women embark on a tentative togetherness re finding out what has happened, both putting themselves at risk
The book covers sexual assualt, rape and gross misogyny amongst other dark subjects but is non glorifying, however is not afraid to call out those that need to be called out
The writing is sharp, almost acidic in its observations but needs to be and far from being offputting adds to the urgency, some very good self deprecation dark humour and soul searching throughout
More than real characters, edgy writing and dialogue and disturbing storyline make this a read you will be a part of and want to help to solve and feel a need for justice
Kiki senses a big story, and she is right, but what she finds when she delves into the world of apps will not only shock her but also reignite an old murder case aling the way
Elise is the DC in charge and recovering from breast cancer, she wants the case dealt with sharpish and not with Kiki’s interference, Kiki intends to help whatever
and so the women embark on a tentative togetherness re finding out what has happened, both putting themselves at risk
The book covers sexual assualt, rape and gross misogyny amongst other dark subjects but is non glorifying, however is not afraid to call out those that need to be called out
The writing is sharp, almost acidic in its observations but needs to be and far from being offputting adds to the urgency, some very good self deprecation dark humour and soul searching throughout
More than real characters, edgy writing and dialogue and disturbing storyline make this a read you will be a part of and want to help to solve and feel a need for justice
April 2, 2024
Four women. Four lives intertwined by the actions of the men around them. TRIGGER WARNING: MENTION/DESCRIPTIONS OF SEXUAL ASSAULT; MENTION OF CHILD DEATH.
Kiki Nunn, a journalist and mother, is attempting to get her groove back by becoming a “real writer” again, undertaking the responsibility of covering the murder of Karen Simmons, a local hairstylist. Karen has spent the last several months combing the dating apps and websites, setting up a singles group for others in the area to meet and mingle, called the Free Spirits. But, when she turns up dead the day after Valentine’s Day, it opens up a web of questions that have been left unanswered for years. For Annie, she has spent the last 16 years going through the motions after the death of her young son, Archie, believed to have been murdered by a convicted sexual predator. Her older son, Xander, has lived with secrets since he was a child that has been eating away at him all of these years, but the actions of six men bring everything to light. For Elise, a police officer working the case on Karen’s murder, and working through her recent diagnosis of breast cancer, leaves her questioning her own sanity sometimes.
For all of these women, things have taken a deadly turn because of the men in their lives. Kiki’s ex-husband and father of her teenage daughter, left for a young woman, leaving her lonely and wondering what went wrong. But, when she begins investigating the apps that Karen was using during her dating trysts, she gets taken up with a man who ultimately sexually assaults her, and she goes on a rampage in order to get her revenge, but not in the angry, murderous way that happens in these kinds of cases. Kiki works diligently along with the police, including Elise, to bring her attacker down and he is none other than the man that Elise has been seeing, her neighbor, who went by the name of Mal, but used several aliases during his time on the websites.
Unfortunately, for Annie, Karen’s murder brings up a string of questions regarding her son Archie’s death that was she never sure she wanted answered. But after Karen’s untimely death, it began nagging at her due to the proximity to the location of where Archie had been found. Her marriage with her husband has been slowly deteriorating for the last 16 years, especially after his confession that he had been in a relationship with the murder victim, intending to leave his wife and children to start up a new life with her. But, when it is confirmed that Karen’s DNA was all over a jacket that had been found within their home, Annie isn’t sure what to think, until he is charged with her murder, and Xander, her older son, confesses to accidentally killing his younger brother after he himself had been sexually assaulted, Archie wanting to tell their mother what happened and Xander wanting to protect her from the truth.
In the end, every single women gets the answers they had been looking for, but through his own confession, Xander comes forward to the reader stating that he was responsible for the death of Karen, having swiped on her profile. When Karen realized that she was with the son of the man she had once loved, she tried to leave but Xander ended up killing her in the exact area where he killed his younger brother. He also accepts responsibility for the deaths of a local man named Ash, who was also in the woods when Archie had been killed all those years ago and knew the truth and was going to confess, as well as the death of the man who had assaulted him in the woods on that fateful day, though not directly. That man killed himself while in police custody when he had been coerced into lying about Archie’s death.
In truth, this story took me a WHILE to get into. After having read Fiona Barton’s trilogy, The Widow, The Child and the Suspect, I became a HUGE fan of this author. Each of those three stories had me hooked from the very beginning. This one, however, took me quite a bit. I found it to be a bit slow going to start, but it really did start picking up around the time that the character, Kiki, began identifying members of the group that called themselves the Band of Brothers. Each women’s story within this book is INCREDIBLY tragic. For Kiki and Elise, they’re just older woman, who are lonely and are wanting to get rid of that loneliness with a little male companionship. For Annie, the death of her son, the eventual birth of another son and then dealing with her older son and husband’s infidelity is something that no woman or mother should have to deal with.
Fiona really got down deep into the trials and tribulations that a lot of women face in the dating culture, especially when there is sexual assault involved. The constant victim blaming is something that happens every single day, though it is never the fault of the victim…EVER, and this is something that Fiona herself says multiple times throughout the story. I truly hope that any one who reads this book who has been through similar situations understands that it is never their fault…myself included.
Overall, 4/5 stars from me! I’d recommend this story to anyone, though I do leave the trigger warnings in place for those who are sensitive to the topics mentioned. Thank you to NetGalley, Fiona Barton and Berkley Publishing Group for this ARC.
Kiki Nunn, a journalist and mother, is attempting to get her groove back by becoming a “real writer” again, undertaking the responsibility of covering the murder of Karen Simmons, a local hairstylist. Karen has spent the last several months combing the dating apps and websites, setting up a singles group for others in the area to meet and mingle, called the Free Spirits. But, when she turns up dead the day after Valentine’s Day, it opens up a web of questions that have been left unanswered for years. For Annie, she has spent the last 16 years going through the motions after the death of her young son, Archie, believed to have been murdered by a convicted sexual predator. Her older son, Xander, has lived with secrets since he was a child that has been eating away at him all of these years, but the actions of six men bring everything to light. For Elise, a police officer working the case on Karen’s murder, and working through her recent diagnosis of breast cancer, leaves her questioning her own sanity sometimes.
For all of these women, things have taken a deadly turn because of the men in their lives. Kiki’s ex-husband and father of her teenage daughter, left for a young woman, leaving her lonely and wondering what went wrong. But, when she begins investigating the apps that Karen was using during her dating trysts, she gets taken up with a man who ultimately sexually assaults her, and she goes on a rampage in order to get her revenge, but not in the angry, murderous way that happens in these kinds of cases. Kiki works diligently along with the police, including Elise, to bring her attacker down and he is none other than the man that Elise has been seeing, her neighbor, who went by the name of Mal, but used several aliases during his time on the websites.
Unfortunately, for Annie, Karen’s murder brings up a string of questions regarding her son Archie’s death that was she never sure she wanted answered. But after Karen’s untimely death, it began nagging at her due to the proximity to the location of where Archie had been found. Her marriage with her husband has been slowly deteriorating for the last 16 years, especially after his confession that he had been in a relationship with the murder victim, intending to leave his wife and children to start up a new life with her. But, when it is confirmed that Karen’s DNA was all over a jacket that had been found within their home, Annie isn’t sure what to think, until he is charged with her murder, and Xander, her older son, confesses to accidentally killing his younger brother after he himself had been sexually assaulted, Archie wanting to tell their mother what happened and Xander wanting to protect her from the truth.
In the end, every single women gets the answers they had been looking for, but through his own confession, Xander comes forward to the reader stating that he was responsible for the death of Karen, having swiped on her profile. When Karen realized that she was with the son of the man she had once loved, she tried to leave but Xander ended up killing her in the exact area where he killed his younger brother. He also accepts responsibility for the deaths of a local man named Ash, who was also in the woods when Archie had been killed all those years ago and knew the truth and was going to confess, as well as the death of the man who had assaulted him in the woods on that fateful day, though not directly. That man killed himself while in police custody when he had been coerced into lying about Archie’s death.
In truth, this story took me a WHILE to get into. After having read Fiona Barton’s trilogy, The Widow, The Child and the Suspect, I became a HUGE fan of this author. Each of those three stories had me hooked from the very beginning. This one, however, took me quite a bit. I found it to be a bit slow going to start, but it really did start picking up around the time that the character, Kiki, began identifying members of the group that called themselves the Band of Brothers. Each women’s story within this book is INCREDIBLY tragic. For Kiki and Elise, they’re just older woman, who are lonely and are wanting to get rid of that loneliness with a little male companionship. For Annie, the death of her son, the eventual birth of another son and then dealing with her older son and husband’s infidelity is something that no woman or mother should have to deal with.
Fiona really got down deep into the trials and tribulations that a lot of women face in the dating culture, especially when there is sexual assault involved. The constant victim blaming is something that happens every single day, though it is never the fault of the victim…EVER, and this is something that Fiona herself says multiple times throughout the story. I truly hope that any one who reads this book who has been through similar situations understands that it is never their fault…myself included.
Overall, 4/5 stars from me! I’d recommend this story to anyone, though I do leave the trigger warnings in place for those who are sensitive to the topics mentioned. Thank you to NetGalley, Fiona Barton and Berkley Publishing Group for this ARC.
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
July 4, 2024
Wow wow auto approved for this....Thanks a million to the publishers
FROM THE COVER📖
Three women. One Killer.
Talking to strangers has never been more dangerous...
When the body of forty-four-year-old Karen Simmons is found abandoned in remote woodland, journalist Kiki Nunn is determined this will be the big break she so desperately needs.
Because she has a head start on all the other reporters. Just a week before Karen was killed, Kiki interviewed her about the highs and lows of mid-life romance. Karen told her all about kissing strangers on the beach under the stars, expensive meals, roses. About the scammers and the creeps...
While the police appear to be focusing on local suspects, Kiki sets out to write the definitive piece on one woman's fatal search for love. But she will soon learn that the search for truth can be just as deadly...
REVIEW ⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️
As is always the case with Barton’s writing I was drawn in and engaged in the story. This was a wonderful follow up to Local Gone Missing, makes a great second outing for Elise King, I am glad I read the first book before I started this one as it definitely made me feel more invested with the characters however even know this is the second book featuring Elise, there are no links between the plots so this can be read as a stand alone . The story is told from the different, but overlapping, points of view of the three women; all of whom are solidly drawn for me, the strongest aspect of this book was the characters. I really liked them and connected with them. There was some mention to both Elsie and Kiki’s back story from the first book which made me invest in them more it was great to see how they developed. The characters are good, I like Elise as she’s a fighter in more ways than one and I like how DS Caro Brennan has her back now she’s returned to work. Kiki can be admired in many ways, she’s brave and gutsy but equally she can be annoying. I also really liked Annie she was portrayed very well, Barton does a very good job of demonstrating the impact of serious crimes on families via Annie’s perspective. Fiona Barton writes effortlessly and really took me inside the lives of the main characters. The characters are well written, the dashing back and forth between them works well, it reveals their backstories as well as those of the victim Karen and other characters.
Told in a mixture of first person POV and third person POV there is much weaving of two time frames together, and it is done extremely well, with a collection of people portrayed so realistically ; I got Broadchurch vibes big time in parts.
It’s a multi layered story which is well paced, with short sharp chapters and changing points of view, which kept me invested and also deepened the mystery. There is so much more to it than just a murder. The story stretches wider and wider. It’s a ‘meaty’ police procedural which includes several topical issues dealt with via three points of view. There is great care taken in how Elsie’s character in adjusting to life after cancer the author really captures the feelings around being ill and how you can lose part of yourself to it. There is great inner monologue from all three characters on what it feels like to be aging as a woman and how society views woman of a certain age as well as woman place in society we a whole.
It’s especially good, challenging and thought provoking on the victim blaming culture and the online dating scene. The latter element highlights its potential dangers and it becomes quite raw in places. This storyline is powerful and very current and explores violence against women and the dangers of online dating, not just the well-known apps but the more clandestine sites, where people hide behind aliases and practices are riskier.
There are some good twists, there’s tension and suspenseful moments. However, it isn’t too hard to figure out the end big reveal but it’s still an addictive read. As always Barton plots are unique and are unlike that I’ve read before. There was a few little bug bears for me in terms of the fall out and how it effected the characters perhaps this will be explored more in the next Elsie King book, I really do hope there is another.
From the very intriguing opening to the twisty ending this a solid four star read
FROM THE COVER📖
Three women. One Killer.
Talking to strangers has never been more dangerous...
When the body of forty-four-year-old Karen Simmons is found abandoned in remote woodland, journalist Kiki Nunn is determined this will be the big break she so desperately needs.
Because she has a head start on all the other reporters. Just a week before Karen was killed, Kiki interviewed her about the highs and lows of mid-life romance. Karen told her all about kissing strangers on the beach under the stars, expensive meals, roses. About the scammers and the creeps...
While the police appear to be focusing on local suspects, Kiki sets out to write the definitive piece on one woman's fatal search for love. But she will soon learn that the search for truth can be just as deadly...
REVIEW ⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️
As is always the case with Barton’s writing I was drawn in and engaged in the story. This was a wonderful follow up to Local Gone Missing, makes a great second outing for Elise King, I am glad I read the first book before I started this one as it definitely made me feel more invested with the characters however even know this is the second book featuring Elise, there are no links between the plots so this can be read as a stand alone . The story is told from the different, but overlapping, points of view of the three women; all of whom are solidly drawn for me, the strongest aspect of this book was the characters. I really liked them and connected with them. There was some mention to both Elsie and Kiki’s back story from the first book which made me invest in them more it was great to see how they developed. The characters are good, I like Elise as she’s a fighter in more ways than one and I like how DS Caro Brennan has her back now she’s returned to work. Kiki can be admired in many ways, she’s brave and gutsy but equally she can be annoying. I also really liked Annie she was portrayed very well, Barton does a very good job of demonstrating the impact of serious crimes on families via Annie’s perspective. Fiona Barton writes effortlessly and really took me inside the lives of the main characters. The characters are well written, the dashing back and forth between them works well, it reveals their backstories as well as those of the victim Karen and other characters.
Told in a mixture of first person POV and third person POV there is much weaving of two time frames together, and it is done extremely well, with a collection of people portrayed so realistically ; I got Broadchurch vibes big time in parts.
It’s a multi layered story which is well paced, with short sharp chapters and changing points of view, which kept me invested and also deepened the mystery. There is so much more to it than just a murder. The story stretches wider and wider. It’s a ‘meaty’ police procedural which includes several topical issues dealt with via three points of view. There is great care taken in how Elsie’s character in adjusting to life after cancer the author really captures the feelings around being ill and how you can lose part of yourself to it. There is great inner monologue from all three characters on what it feels like to be aging as a woman and how society views woman of a certain age as well as woman place in society we a whole.
It’s especially good, challenging and thought provoking on the victim blaming culture and the online dating scene. The latter element highlights its potential dangers and it becomes quite raw in places. This storyline is powerful and very current and explores violence against women and the dangers of online dating, not just the well-known apps but the more clandestine sites, where people hide behind aliases and practices are riskier.
There are some good twists, there’s tension and suspenseful moments. However, it isn’t too hard to figure out the end big reveal but it’s still an addictive read. As always Barton plots are unique and are unlike that I’ve read before. There was a few little bug bears for me in terms of the fall out and how it effected the characters perhaps this will be explored more in the next Elsie King book, I really do hope there is another.
From the very intriguing opening to the twisty ending this a solid four star read
August 2, 2024
5* Brilliant intro to this author, with a strong female-led cast of females.
I'm not sure I was expecting to read this book in under 2 hours, but it was unputdownable. Starting it, I expected a simple murder and police procedural in small-town England, but got introduced to several female characters who each contributed to the denouement of the tale.
I didn't expect that Kiki, a reporter, would pick up the mantle and run with it, pretty much solving the murder with all the things that were divulged to her. Yes, she's a reporter, so akin to an estate agent or salesperson, but she did have a kind heart, though she remained self-serving. What she went through personally, to benefit her career, was shocking, but sadly, had feet in today's dating world. But, she didn't let trauma bog her down; getting a wrongdoer to justice helped her get stronger and take charge, and saved the life of potentially countless other females.
The lead detective, whose name I can't recall, came across as vulnerable but also caring. I'm not sure that she and her team would have 'solved' the case had Kiki not inserted herself into several families. She seemed to spend a lot of time wondering what others thought of her, but that wasn't unreasonable given her time off work due to illness. Her DS came across as cold and intolerant of others, but strangely supportive and there for her. It's this relationship that made me suspect this book isn't a standalone. She redeemed herself from her failures by being impressively there for Kiki in the aftermath of the latter's trauma.
The horrors of online dating are a warning that females need to be careful, especially ageing ones. Kiki took on a misogynistic gang of men and found out their identities, doing justice not just for herself. That part of the tale was brilliant but cautionary - sadly, it likely happens in real life, with hook-up apps/dating sites/social media, etc., as they exist, aiding and abetting men.
I wasn't expecting much of no-backbone Annie, who always seemed to smooth over the troubled waters at home and pretend that a hug made everything alright, but her mother's love made her strong at the right point, and yet the same kept her blind.
The ending, shocked me because the real killer hadn't just killed once, and was a bit of a side character, though toxic and part of the online dating group of psychos, and yet seemed inoffensive. But, ugh, that he got away with killing several times, worked, and yet was shocking in the sense that he manipulated justice being done and the closure of the case. It didn't spoil the tale but it did make me wonder how many more people would end up dying over the course of his life. We couldn't reasonably learn more but it both felt off, and yet not, that he'd manipulated things so that a certain person he detested got what they deserved, at least in his eyes, for wronging his family.
All in all, this was an excellent tale.
ARC courtesy of NetGalley and Random House, for my reading pleasure.
I'm not sure I was expecting to read this book in under 2 hours, but it was unputdownable. Starting it, I expected a simple murder and police procedural in small-town England, but got introduced to several female characters who each contributed to the denouement of the tale.
I didn't expect that Kiki, a reporter, would pick up the mantle and run with it, pretty much solving the murder with all the things that were divulged to her. Yes, she's a reporter, so akin to an estate agent or salesperson, but she did have a kind heart, though she remained self-serving. What she went through personally, to benefit her career, was shocking, but sadly, had feet in today's dating world. But, she didn't let trauma bog her down; getting a wrongdoer to justice helped her get stronger and take charge, and saved the life of potentially countless other females.
The lead detective, whose name I can't recall, came across as vulnerable but also caring. I'm not sure that she and her team would have 'solved' the case had Kiki not inserted herself into several families. She seemed to spend a lot of time wondering what others thought of her, but that wasn't unreasonable given her time off work due to illness. Her DS came across as cold and intolerant of others, but strangely supportive and there for her. It's this relationship that made me suspect this book isn't a standalone. She redeemed herself from her failures by being impressively there for Kiki in the aftermath of the latter's trauma.
The horrors of online dating are a warning that females need to be careful, especially ageing ones. Kiki took on a misogynistic gang of men and found out their identities, doing justice not just for herself. That part of the tale was brilliant but cautionary - sadly, it likely happens in real life, with hook-up apps/dating sites/social media, etc., as they exist, aiding and abetting men.
I wasn't expecting much of no-backbone Annie, who always seemed to smooth over the troubled waters at home and pretend that a hug made everything alright, but her mother's love made her strong at the right point, and yet the same kept her blind.
The ending, shocked me because the real killer hadn't just killed once, and was a bit of a side character, though toxic and part of the online dating group of psychos, and yet seemed inoffensive. But, ugh, that he got away with killing several times, worked, and yet was shocking in the sense that he manipulated justice being done and the closure of the case. It didn't spoil the tale but it did make me wonder how many more people would end up dying over the course of his life. We couldn't reasonably learn more but it both felt off, and yet not, that he'd manipulated things so that a certain person he detested got what they deserved, at least in his eyes, for wronging his family.
All in all, this was an excellent tale.
ARC courtesy of NetGalley and Random House, for my reading pleasure.
May 31, 2024
Detectives in procedurals usually have problems. Reporters in mysteries are usually mavericks. Here we have both, but neither are clichés. DI Elise King is not long back from medical leave for breast cancer and is still suffering from brain-fog due to the residual effects of chemotherapy. Kikki (Erica) Nunn used to be a top broadsheet reporter, but is now ‘reduced’ to working for a tabloidish online news service. Karen Simmons owns a hairdressing salon in the small Sussex town of Ebbing, near Brighton. All are mid-forties and single, but only Karen is active on dating sites. After a drunken Valentine’s Day, Karen has gone off with person unknown. Next morning her body is found, posed, in Knapton Wood, a few miles away. Elise is in charge of the investigation, although she is not really well enough, which means that things might not run as smoothly as might be wished. Kikki, on the other hand, sees the situation as a possible escape route back to the top, because she had recently interviewed Karen about her online dating habit for a piece she is writing. Parallel investigations, therefore, with each side keeping the other in the dark, but Kikki racing ahead because she doesn’t have Elise’s problems. There is a sinister link to Knapton Wood because sixteen years earlier a young boy was murdered there. Annie Curtis, the boy’s mother, has never recovered from that event and has always thought that there was more to it, even though a local paedophile had apparently confessed and then committed suicide. Her obsession, now triggered again, starts her off on an investigation to find the truth, and Kikki and Elise get dragged in. Three women, similar ages, different motives, trying to solve two murders.
This is the second book featuring Elise, but there are no links between them. The story is told from the different, but overlapping, points of view of the three women; all of whom are solidly drawn. It is very well written, dashing back and forth between them, revealing their backstories as well as those of Karen and other characters. A central feature is the world of online dating, not just the well-known apps but the more clandestine sites, where people hide behind aliases and practices are riskier. The plot follows the two investigations as tenuous links slowly appear, and what looks like the solutions become easy to spot. However, although you might think you’ve spotted the ending, there is a double twist that you almost certainly won’t. I could get picky about a couple of minor holes, but actually the story is too enjoyable for that.
I would like to thank NetGalley, the publishers and the author for providing me with a draft proof copy for the purpose of this review.
This is the second book featuring Elise, but there are no links between them. The story is told from the different, but overlapping, points of view of the three women; all of whom are solidly drawn. It is very well written, dashing back and forth between them, revealing their backstories as well as those of Karen and other characters. A central feature is the world of online dating, not just the well-known apps but the more clandestine sites, where people hide behind aliases and practices are riskier. The plot follows the two investigations as tenuous links slowly appear, and what looks like the solutions become easy to spot. However, although you might think you’ve spotted the ending, there is a double twist that you almost certainly won’t. I could get picky about a couple of minor holes, but actually the story is too enjoyable for that.
I would like to thank NetGalley, the publishers and the author for providing me with a draft proof copy for the purpose of this review.
April 11, 2024
📚 PRE-PUBLICATION BOOK REVIEW 📚
Talking To Strangers By Fiona Barton
Publication Date: August 27, 2024
Publisher: Berkley Publishing
📚MY RATING: ⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐
📚MY REVIEW:
What an entertaining and fun read this was!! Thrillers aren't always "fun," but this was one really was. Online dating - and dating in your forties-ish - were themes running through these plotlines, with relatable characters and skeezy serial daters with which people who've done the whole online dating thing are (unfortunately) probably all-too-familiar.
This book is one part murder mystery, one part domestic thriller, one part British police episode. This book features short chapters of multiple POVs, with numerous storylines to follow, and I was so intrigued to see how everything was going to ultimately intersect. This book kept me guessing the entire time, and most importantly, it held my attention and captivated my interest.
I thought I'd rate this a 4.5⭐ read... Until I finished it. And WOW. I did NOT see this twist coming. This is my favorite kind of book - a whodunnit that leaves you guessing...right up until the very last words. There is no way this book could be anything less than a 5⭐ rating for me.
I saw that it's rated below 4⭐ on GoodReads, and to be honest, I'm not sure if we read the same book. In my opinion, this book was brilliant. Maybe somebody figured out the ending before they got there, but I sure didn't. I just love books like this, the ones that leave you reeling as you savor their last words.
Fiona Barton has gained a new fan and I'm excited to read her other books -- if these twists are indicative of her writing style, I am here for it.
A huge thank you to Net Galley and Berkley Publishing for this advanced copy in exchange for my honest review! Add this one to your TBR list - and request it on NetGalley if you can!
#TalkingToStrangers #FionaBarton #NetGalley #ARC #fivestarreads #thrillerreads #bookrecommendations #bookreviews #bookcommunity #booklover #thrilleraddict #booknerd
Talking To Strangers By Fiona Barton
Publication Date: August 27, 2024
Publisher: Berkley Publishing
📚MY RATING: ⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐
📚MY REVIEW:
What an entertaining and fun read this was!! Thrillers aren't always "fun," but this was one really was. Online dating - and dating in your forties-ish - were themes running through these plotlines, with relatable characters and skeezy serial daters with which people who've done the whole online dating thing are (unfortunately) probably all-too-familiar.
This book is one part murder mystery, one part domestic thriller, one part British police episode. This book features short chapters of multiple POVs, with numerous storylines to follow, and I was so intrigued to see how everything was going to ultimately intersect. This book kept me guessing the entire time, and most importantly, it held my attention and captivated my interest.
I thought I'd rate this a 4.5⭐ read... Until I finished it. And WOW. I did NOT see this twist coming. This is my favorite kind of book - a whodunnit that leaves you guessing...right up until the very last words. There is no way this book could be anything less than a 5⭐ rating for me.
I saw that it's rated below 4⭐ on GoodReads, and to be honest, I'm not sure if we read the same book. In my opinion, this book was brilliant. Maybe somebody figured out the ending before they got there, but I sure didn't. I just love books like this, the ones that leave you reeling as you savor their last words.
Fiona Barton has gained a new fan and I'm excited to read her other books -- if these twists are indicative of her writing style, I am here for it.
A huge thank you to Net Galley and Berkley Publishing for this advanced copy in exchange for my honest review! Add this one to your TBR list - and request it on NetGalley if you can!
#TalkingToStrangers #FionaBarton #NetGalley #ARC #fivestarreads #thrillerreads #bookrecommendations #bookreviews #bookcommunity #booklover #thrilleraddict #booknerd
June 21, 2024
Detective Elise wonders is Karen was murdered because of a man she met online. While the townspeople are blaming Karen for her own death, others are banding together to protest societies violence against women. Kiki is just reporting on it all, and aggravating Elise in the process.
Kiki is struggling as a single mom but solving the mystery of who killed Karen would put her back on the map and revitalize her career. Can she figure it out before the killer strikes again?
I didn’t love but I didn’t hate this book. It was a solid mystery, but it is slower paced, and easy to figure out. While I really wanted to enjoy this one more, I feel that it fell victim to trying to fit too many hot topic items into one book. I am noticing a trend right now where this is happening, and I can say that I am not a fan. It feels like we are taking a handful of pasta and throwing it at the wall and hoping some of the noodles, hot topics, stick or resonate with our readers. Not to say this book was bad, I really think that it had some fabulous potential and had some awesome points going for it. This book is told through three different points of view, and I really felt connected to one of them. It was interesting how while two of the characters made sense and were connected the third was kind of loosely connected and we needed to figure out why. I think the short chapters, while usually my preferred reading style, really through things off here because just when I got into it, we switched, so they were just a little too short. Despite having a lot of hot button topics, this book did make me think and was thought provoking. While this wasn’t my favorite read of the year, I would recommend it to certain readers who I know would enjoy it.
If you are looking for mystery told from three different points of view and touches on several different hot topic items, then this is the book for you.
Thank you to @berkleypub and @netgalley for this e-arc. All thoughts are my own.
Kiki is struggling as a single mom but solving the mystery of who killed Karen would put her back on the map and revitalize her career. Can she figure it out before the killer strikes again?
I didn’t love but I didn’t hate this book. It was a solid mystery, but it is slower paced, and easy to figure out. While I really wanted to enjoy this one more, I feel that it fell victim to trying to fit too many hot topic items into one book. I am noticing a trend right now where this is happening, and I can say that I am not a fan. It feels like we are taking a handful of pasta and throwing it at the wall and hoping some of the noodles, hot topics, stick or resonate with our readers. Not to say this book was bad, I really think that it had some fabulous potential and had some awesome points going for it. This book is told through three different points of view, and I really felt connected to one of them. It was interesting how while two of the characters made sense and were connected the third was kind of loosely connected and we needed to figure out why. I think the short chapters, while usually my preferred reading style, really through things off here because just when I got into it, we switched, so they were just a little too short. Despite having a lot of hot button topics, this book did make me think and was thought provoking. While this wasn’t my favorite read of the year, I would recommend it to certain readers who I know would enjoy it.
If you are looking for mystery told from three different points of view and touches on several different hot topic items, then this is the book for you.
Thank you to @berkleypub and @netgalley for this e-arc. All thoughts are my own.
July 28, 2024
Karen Simmons is a fun loving forty four year old who is looking for love, then on Valentine's Day, 2020 she is found dead in Knapton Wood. The police begin their investigations, headed up by DI Elise King and her team. Also interested in the case is journalist Kiki Nunn who, a week earlier, had interviewed Karen relating to an article she was writing about mid life romance and the problems she faced during the whole online dating experience and talking to strangers but, as she delves deeper into this story, could she be putting herself in as much danger as Karen?
Taking to Strangers is the latest thriller by Barton and brings Elise King back into our lives after first meeting her in Local Gone Missing. This one is a slow burn, told from the perspectives of multiple characters, and details what happens from before the murder and then throughout the investigation to its conclusion and beyond. There are some delicate subjects dealt with in this story; rape, grooming, misogyny and all are researched intricately by the author. It was interesting to read about how the public were divided on the reasons for Karen's death, some blamed it on her behaviour and how she dressed/acted where others were in complete sympathy with her and rightly so, nobody deserves to be treated this way, this does happen in real life and it's about time society woke up and realised this is not the attitude to have towards women. This is an intriguing read, with some good twists and, although I guessed who the perpetrator was, it didn't affect my perception of this story.
I'd like to thank Random House UK, Transworld and Netgalley for inviting me to read this book, I will post my review on Amazon and Goodreads.
Taking to Strangers is the latest thriller by Barton and brings Elise King back into our lives after first meeting her in Local Gone Missing. This one is a slow burn, told from the perspectives of multiple characters, and details what happens from before the murder and then throughout the investigation to its conclusion and beyond. There are some delicate subjects dealt with in this story; rape, grooming, misogyny and all are researched intricately by the author. It was interesting to read about how the public were divided on the reasons for Karen's death, some blamed it on her behaviour and how she dressed/acted where others were in complete sympathy with her and rightly so, nobody deserves to be treated this way, this does happen in real life and it's about time society woke up and realised this is not the attitude to have towards women. This is an intriguing read, with some good twists and, although I guessed who the perpetrator was, it didn't affect my perception of this story.
I'd like to thank Random House UK, Transworld and Netgalley for inviting me to read this book, I will post my review on Amazon and Goodreads.
July 1, 2024
Talking to Strangers by Fiona Barton
Having read Local Gone Missing by the same author I was interested to read this new offering. The book centres on DI Elise King, or Elsie as some mistakenly call her. She is recovering from treatment for cancer and is finding that her memory is not functioning with its usual clarity. She is investigating the murder of Karen Simmons on Valentine’s Day and there is a link to dating websites and singles group.
Kiki Nunn a journalist who is struggling as a single mum and determined to get a scoop on the story begins her own investigation. The murder victim has been discovered in woods which were once the location of the murder of a young boy and so we meet the family who are still trying to cope with their loss.
The novel is a police procedural but we also have the perspectives of the bereaved mother of the long dead boy and the journalist Kiki. The journalist seems so wrapped up in her desire to make a scoop that she inevitably puts herself in danger as she enters the somewhat dubious area of online dating and men who pretend to be different people online and who place no value on women as people.
It is a gripping story and you are keen to find out exactly what happened on the night of Karen’s death. It also deals with the difficult subject of blaming the victim for their attack because of the way in which they dressed or behaved. I will be recommending it at my various book groups and would like to thank the author, the publishers and Net Galley for the opportunity to read the book in return for an honest review.
Having read Local Gone Missing by the same author I was interested to read this new offering. The book centres on DI Elise King, or Elsie as some mistakenly call her. She is recovering from treatment for cancer and is finding that her memory is not functioning with its usual clarity. She is investigating the murder of Karen Simmons on Valentine’s Day and there is a link to dating websites and singles group.
Kiki Nunn a journalist who is struggling as a single mum and determined to get a scoop on the story begins her own investigation. The murder victim has been discovered in woods which were once the location of the murder of a young boy and so we meet the family who are still trying to cope with their loss.
The novel is a police procedural but we also have the perspectives of the bereaved mother of the long dead boy and the journalist Kiki. The journalist seems so wrapped up in her desire to make a scoop that she inevitably puts herself in danger as she enters the somewhat dubious area of online dating and men who pretend to be different people online and who place no value on women as people.
It is a gripping story and you are keen to find out exactly what happened on the night of Karen’s death. It also deals with the difficult subject of blaming the victim for their attack because of the way in which they dressed or behaved. I will be recommending it at my various book groups and would like to thank the author, the publishers and Net Galley for the opportunity to read the book in return for an honest review.
August 3, 2024
Elise King is back in another explosive thriller! Karen Simmons is single and looking for love but along the way she is determined to have a good time. Then on the day after Valentine’s Day her body is discovered in the woods … she has been murdered.
Kiki is a reporter and a single mum. She had been researching the singles scene and had interviewed Karen as part of this. She is determined to further explore the perils of online dating and hopefully uncover the truth surrounding Karen’s death and lead Kiki to Karen’s killer. However she seems oblivious to the danger she may be putting herself in.
Elise King is the officer in charge of the investigation into Karen’s death. She is struggling in the aftermath of her cancer diagnosis but is determined to do her job. After three years of being single she is finally starting to come around to the idea of dating again and when the attractive single man who moves in next door shows an interest in her, she can feel the sparks fly.
Annie sees the news of Karen’s death and it affects her deeply. Not only does she know Karen from years ago, Karen was found in the same woods that Annie’s son was found murdered over a decade ago. Annie’s husband thinks she should just left go and not revisit the past but Annie can’t and has always struggled with the unanswered questions surrounding her son’s death.
A thoroughly enjoyable book which is told from several characters point of view.
Thank you to Netgalley and the publisher for an advanced read copy of this book in exchange for an honest and unbiased review.
Kiki is a reporter and a single mum. She had been researching the singles scene and had interviewed Karen as part of this. She is determined to further explore the perils of online dating and hopefully uncover the truth surrounding Karen’s death and lead Kiki to Karen’s killer. However she seems oblivious to the danger she may be putting herself in.
Elise King is the officer in charge of the investigation into Karen’s death. She is struggling in the aftermath of her cancer diagnosis but is determined to do her job. After three years of being single she is finally starting to come around to the idea of dating again and when the attractive single man who moves in next door shows an interest in her, she can feel the sparks fly.
Annie sees the news of Karen’s death and it affects her deeply. Not only does she know Karen from years ago, Karen was found in the same woods that Annie’s son was found murdered over a decade ago. Annie’s husband thinks she should just left go and not revisit the past but Annie can’t and has always struggled with the unanswered questions surrounding her son’s death.
A thoroughly enjoyable book which is told from several characters point of view.
Thank you to Netgalley and the publisher for an advanced read copy of this book in exchange for an honest and unbiased review.
June 10, 2024
When Karen Simmons is murdered on Valentine’s Day, Detective Elise King wonders if she was killed by a man she met online. Karen was all over the dating apps, leading some townspeople to blame her for her own death, while others band together to protest society’s violence against women. Into the divide comes Kiki Nunn, whose aggressive newsgathering once again antagonizes Elise.
A single mother of a young daughter, Kiki is struggling to make a living in the diminished news landscape. Getting a scoop in the Simmons murder would do a lot for her career, and she’s willing to go up against not just Elise but the killer himself to do it.
An engrossing story with a number of strands to keep the interest going. The online dating world is explored by journalist Kiki who seems to take extraordinary risks for the sake of a scoop. The other major character, Detective Elise King, is recovering from cancer and there is a lot of time spent discussing her feelings of inadequacy and not coping. Despite the two women seeming very different it was at times hard to distinguish whose POV I was reading and I kept returning to the start of the chapter to check.
There's rather a slow start but it becomes more compelling as the story progresses.
My thanks to NetGalley and RandomHouse UK for an advance copy in return for an honest review.
A single mother of a young daughter, Kiki is struggling to make a living in the diminished news landscape. Getting a scoop in the Simmons murder would do a lot for her career, and she’s willing to go up against not just Elise but the killer himself to do it.
An engrossing story with a number of strands to keep the interest going. The online dating world is explored by journalist Kiki who seems to take extraordinary risks for the sake of a scoop. The other major character, Detective Elise King, is recovering from cancer and there is a lot of time spent discussing her feelings of inadequacy and not coping. Despite the two women seeming very different it was at times hard to distinguish whose POV I was reading and I kept returning to the start of the chapter to check.
There's rather a slow start but it becomes more compelling as the story progresses.
My thanks to NetGalley and RandomHouse UK for an advance copy in return for an honest review.
June 17, 2024
Karen Simmons goes on dates. Karen Simmons ends up dead. And Kiki Nunn is the journalist who Karen had confided in, a week beforehand, and told her all about the dating obsession that she tried so hard not to let rule her life. After all, it was a bit of fun and, if men could do it, why couldn't she? Except it did become an obsession and someone out there didn't like Karen as much as she'd thought ....
Kiki delves deeper into the world of online dating, as well as bating the investigating police officers in an attempt to stay ahead of the game and in many ways succeeding - but at what cost? Is there a link to another body, a child's, found in the same location a dozen years before?
There is much weaving of two time frames together, here, and it is done extremely well, with a collection of people portrayed so realistically it sometimes takes a moment to adjust to their fictional setting; at one point I found myself jumping ahead with where I thought the story was going and feeling desperately sad. Was I right? You'll have to read and find out for yourself but for me, an immensely satisfying read.
Kiki delves deeper into the world of online dating, as well as bating the investigating police officers in an attempt to stay ahead of the game and in many ways succeeding - but at what cost? Is there a link to another body, a child's, found in the same location a dozen years before?
There is much weaving of two time frames together, here, and it is done extremely well, with a collection of people portrayed so realistically it sometimes takes a moment to adjust to their fictional setting; at one point I found myself jumping ahead with where I thought the story was going and feeling desperately sad. Was I right? You'll have to read and find out for yourself but for me, an immensely satisfying read.
June 4, 2024
I absolutely loved Fiona Barton’s first three novels but was a little disappointed with Local Gone Missing, her last novel which introduced readers to DI Elise King. In Talking to Strangers DI King is back and this is a much more satisfying read that I loved and could not put down.
DI King is investigating the murder of Karen Simmons whose body is found in the woods in Ebbing and who she believes was killed by someone she met on a dating app. The novel is also told from the point of view of journalist Kiki Nunn who had interviewed Karen regarding online dating and Annie, whose son Archie’s body was discovered in the same woods many years ago.
As with all of the author’s novels I loved the short chapters, the different viewpoints and the fast pace of the novel. Fiona Barton writes effortlessly and really took me inside the lives of the main characters. I enjoyed the small town setting of Ebbing in Sussex and getting to know more about the secondary characters. The storyline is powerful and very current and explores violence against women and the dangers of online dating. The different strands of the novel come together satisfyingly and I can’t wait to be back in Ebbing again.
Overall this is an excellent, well written and well characterised police procedural exploring an important topic. Highly recommended.
Many thanks to NetGalley and the publisher for the opportunity to read and review this digital ARC. 4.5 stars.
DI King is investigating the murder of Karen Simmons whose body is found in the woods in Ebbing and who she believes was killed by someone she met on a dating app. The novel is also told from the point of view of journalist Kiki Nunn who had interviewed Karen regarding online dating and Annie, whose son Archie’s body was discovered in the same woods many years ago.
As with all of the author’s novels I loved the short chapters, the different viewpoints and the fast pace of the novel. Fiona Barton writes effortlessly and really took me inside the lives of the main characters. I enjoyed the small town setting of Ebbing in Sussex and getting to know more about the secondary characters. The storyline is powerful and very current and explores violence against women and the dangers of online dating. The different strands of the novel come together satisfyingly and I can’t wait to be back in Ebbing again.
Overall this is an excellent, well written and well characterised police procedural exploring an important topic. Highly recommended.
Many thanks to NetGalley and the publisher for the opportunity to read and review this digital ARC. 4.5 stars.
May 16, 2024
Welcome back Detective Elise King! She is recovering from cancer and still getting her footing when she is thrown straight into an investigation of a local woman's murder. Karen Simmons was mid 40's woman looking for love and well-known in the small town. When her body is found in the woods, everyone is afraid. An intrepid report named Kiki throws herself head first into the story, believing that it's a case of an online dating meeting gone wrong. The two strong woman step on each other's toes as they race to get to the bottom of it all.
Meanwhile, we are introduced to Annie, a woman still grieving the death of her young son many years ago. She returns to those same woods and ends up opening a Pandora's box.
There are lots of threads and sometimes too many but a wholly enjoyable story that I needed to finish in one sitting! I can't wait to see what's next for Elise, I really admire her! Thank you to NetGalley
#fionabarton #talkingtostrangers #berkley
Meanwhile, we are introduced to Annie, a woman still grieving the death of her young son many years ago. She returns to those same woods and ends up opening a Pandora's box.
There are lots of threads and sometimes too many but a wholly enjoyable story that I needed to finish in one sitting! I can't wait to see what's next for Elise, I really admire her! Thank you to NetGalley
#fionabarton #talkingtostrangers #berkley
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