Strange Sally Diamond

By: Liz Nugent

Narrated by: Jessica Regan, Stephen Hogan, Sara Lynam, Liz Nugent

Length: 10 hrs and 4 mins

Publisher's summary

“Shocking, disturbing, and utterly original.” —Paula Hawkins, #1 New York Times bestselling author

This “haunting and poignant tale, one that won’t be easy to forget any time soon” (Mystery and Suspense Magazine), follows an enigmatic woman confronting her unknown past—from internationally bestselling author Liz Nugent.

Reclusive Sally Diamond is thrust into the media spotlight when she tries to incinerate her dead father, causing widespread outrage. Now she’s the center of attention, not only from hungry reporters and police detectives, but also a sinister voice from a past she does not remember. As she begins to discover the repressed memories of her horrific early childhood, Sally steps into the world for the first time, making new friends, big decisions, and learning that people don’t always mean what they say.

But who is the man observing Sally from the other side of the world, and why does he call her Mary? And why does her new neighbor seem to be obsessed with her? Sally’s trust issues are about to be severely challenged in this “truly incredible reading experience” (Lisa Jewell, #1 New York Times bestselling author).

©2023 Liz Nugent (P)2023 Simon & Schuster Audio

Could be a true story....Very good

You know how they say that truth is stranger than fiction? Listening to this story makes you feel like you're listening to something true; someone's memoir whose reality is strange rthan fiction. Everything that happens in this book feels like you're getting it firsthand, and things aren't tied up like a perfect bow" in the end like some most mystery books do, which is also very unrealistic in real life. The story just rings 'true'. This could have happened in real life, and I liked that aspect of it because it saturates the story into your consciousness making you more captivated that way. It's not a "feel-good" type boo, and I found myself feeling a but dreary (I also listened on a rainy/stormy & cloudy day which likely added to the heavy ambience of the story). But man oh man, it was a good story and you're invested in the characters for sure. It had it's uniqueness amoung other similar stories as well. Love that the Author knows how to write without "fluff". Very "to-the-point" while building up the mystery. Very, very well done in my opinion!!

Slow but great story

Could have been much shorter but loved the end twist.
A bit too slow but loved the narration

Wow. Speechless

What a unique and thrilling novel. I was enthralled the entire book. Definitely one of my top 5. It is dark.

Trigger- pedophilia and rape

Kept me listening.

I had high expectations with all the great reviews. Definitely had me hooked. But is not a feel good story in the least. If you are down or depressed in any way do not read this book. I did not like how I felt after finishing.

Loved this!! Beautiful and tragic…

The characters were so well developed, narration was perfect. A sad story of generational trauma that was captivating with some good twists!

Great story - great narration

If you like psychological thrillers- you will love this!! Best narration I have heard in a long time. Couldn’t stop listening

Dark story with a hint of humor

Excellent character development and story. I was very invested in seeing how things would turn out for sally and I loved her honesty along the way. Example- when told that she needs some fake tan cream for her legs, she says her legs are leg-colored, and she’s okay with that. She also declines church due to it being “too boring”. Great narration. The tape recordings were a nice touch.
Trigger warning/spoiler alert- kidnapping, rape, abuse. Portions of the story reminded me of the movie “Room”, similarly disturbing but very well-done.

Really good, but heed your trigger warnings

4 stars for Strange Sally Diamond. 2023 has truly been the year of weird fiction. And, Strange Sally Diamond is a good example. I read exactly one review on this book that said, read it - but don't read any reviews going in. I will endorse that recommendation with one trigger warning - this book has child abduction/hostage themes that were quite honestly shocking to me because I did not expect them. So, if that is not something you can handle - this is most definitely not the book for you. If you are unsure if it will be something you can read through - I would say this, the scenes aren't necessarily graphic or horribly gruesome but they are prevalent and persistent through the entire book. I would NEVER have read this book if I'd known and I still was compelled to finish the book and even now recommend it. I won't say anything else about it - go in "mostly" blind. But I only feel it is fair to give that TW.

Enjoyed Very Much!

First audiobook that’s kept my solid attention to for months. First by this author and definitely not my last.

Another hit by Liz Nugent

I’m so glad and proud to say that I have read all published books by Ms. Nugent.
This last one “Strange Sally Diamond” was no exception.