Flat narration spoil us a great story

Would you recommend this audiobook to a friend? If so, why?

No, I'd recommend the book, not the audio as narrated.

What was one of the most memorable moments of The Stranger Within?

A few twists along the way and I missed a couple, so it's constantly exciting.

What didn’t you like about Lisa Coleman’s performance?

I found the voice flat and bordering on boring. The story kept my interest, but not the telling.

Any additional comments?

The story, at first, seemed a bit trite, but I became more involved as a few different threads emerged. It's well plotted and more complex than I first imagined, so worth sticking with overall. Some thought provoking themes throughout.

10 people found this helpful

Conclusion, not at all believable

No one is that selfless. No one! This is a novel to torment, bring you down and be glad when it's over. Depressing, unbelievable and the characters are one dimensional.

18 people found this helpful

Expected so much

In truth I found the story a little bit boring and predictable. Became a bit fed up of listening to the woes of a want to be mother. I did not connect to her character at all.
Listened to it all but was a struggle.
Don't understand the great reviews, but that's just my opinion.
Sorry not for me.

6 people found this helpful

Pretty slow

Pretty slow going and didn't really feel like it was going anywhere... skipped ahead and wasn't compelled to listen further

5 people found this helpful

Captivating and compulsive - loved it.

Couldn't stop listening to this book. Really engaging story - plenty of twists and turns and a very unusual protagonist. The tension builds throughout with very satisfying ending. Would definitely recommend if you're looking for something slightly different from the usual crime/thriller.

11 people found this helpful

Brilliant

I really enjoyed this book. Great plot,plenty of unexpected twists and turns. would recommend and looking forward to hearing more from this author

17 people found this helpful

STRANGER INDEED

Enjoyed book immensely, unexpected ending. Book moved along at a great pace. Great read. Excellent.

13 people found this helpful

How many cups of tea does it take??

The main character certainly drinks a lot of tea! At all times, in every scene it seems, a kettle is being boiled for the bloody tea (or, to make it more exciting, coffee occasionally).

The tea-making is, unfortunately, one of the main take-aways from this book for me. Unbelievable story, and some uncomfortable (to put it mildly) choices made by the main character. The fact that no one seems to like her is telling, and therefore makes her marriage unbelievable.

I seem to be in a minority as not enjoying this. I did listen to the end, but won't be rushing back for more. Maybe my dislike of cups of tea made me too judgemental?

20 people found this helpful

Has potential

Would you say that listening to this book was time well-spent? Why or why not?

Hmm, I'm not sure about time well spent, but I must admit I wanted to keep listening til the end (it's a page-turner, a beach-read), even though I felt fairly sure where the plot was going and that there would be a twist coming. It was the Daily Deal so I gave it a listen on fast mode, and found it quite diverting background noise as I went about household chores. The characters aren't very nice, there's really only one truly sympathetic one, and the whole idea is too sensationalist, doesn't take promising threads as far as I thought it might, is depressing subject matter, but I gave it a go.

How would you have changed the story to make it more enjoyable?

It kept giving me a similar feeling to reading Before I Go to Sleep, in that I was suspecting one or more of the characters knew more than they let on and the reader would be kept in the dark until the final twist, which is sort of what gripped me, but I was disappointed that this never materialised. What you hear is what you get: I thought there was going to be more to it.

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

She projects the sensation of heightened paranoia which makes the book quite a compulsive listen.

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

No, I'm not sure I'd want to be in the company of these characters any longer, I feel I know all I need to about them, and the twist/cliffhanger ending can keep dangling as it is.

3 people found this helpful

Can't stop thinking about this compelling novel.

Would you consider the audio edition of The Stranger Within to be better than the print version?

There are some novels that I'm certain are improved by great narrators but this novel, even though it's read by the quite superb Lisa Coleman, will be equally superb in the written form too. Great writing and a terrific listening experience.

What did you like best about this story?

I loved the sheer strength of the characters and the story-line which are nothing short of compelling and unforgettable. You might think at the early outset that you just know how things will turn out but forget that because you'll mostly be wrong!

Which character – as performed by Lisa Coleman – was your favourite?

Easy to say that the lead female character, Caroline, was a favourite, but this means under-valuing the rest of the compelling and important characters that make this such a memorable novel.

Was there a moment in the book that particularly moved you?

Many, many moments in this great book moved me through various emotions but none as powerfully as the final chapter.

Any additional comments?

Read this book over 2 days because it was so well written and SO well read by the wonderful Lisa Coleman who never over-plays any parts of the novels she narrates. Always her 'pitch' is quite perfectly suited to the book. I just can't stop thinking about this whole listening experience. Quite special and how to follow this one?? Next one asap please Kathryn Croft.

11 people found this helpful