The Stranger Behind You

A Novel

By: Carol Goodman

Narrated by: Samantha Desz

Two-time Mary Higgins Clark Award-winning author!

A chilling story set in a former Magdalen Laundry in Manhattan that explores today’s #MeToo complexities.

"In a twisting, mesmerizing story that is as beautifully written as it is utterly propulsive, Goodman keeps us breathlessly turning the pages right to the shocking and poignant end. I absolutely loved this layered and moving novel!” (Lisa Unger, New York Times best-selling author)

You’re never really alone

Journalist Joan Lurie has written a seething article exposing a notorious newspaper tycoon as a sexual predator. But the night it goes live, she is brutally attacked. Traumatized and suffering the effects of a concussion, she moves into a highly secure apartment in Manhattan called the Refuge, which was at one time a Magdalen Laundry. Joan should be safe here, so how can she explain the cryptic incidents that are happening?

Lillian Day is Joan’s new 96-year-old neighbor at the Refuge. In 1941, Lillian witnessed a mysterious murder that sent her into hiding at the Magdalen Laundry, and she hasn’t come out since. As she relates to Joan her harrowing story, Joan sees striking similarities to her own past.

Melissa Osgood, newly widowed and revengeful, has burning questions about her husband’s recent death. When she discovers a suspicious paper trail that he left behind, she realizes how little she knew about her marriage. But it seems Joan Lurie might be the one who has the answers.

As these three lives intersect, each woman must stay one step ahead of those who are desperate to make sure the truth is never uncovered.

©2021 Carol Goodman (P)2021 HarperCollins Publishers

unexpected ending.

This book has twists I wasn't expecting. She weaves characters' stories together that fool you as you try solving different events in the book. The ending was spectacular. Her writing, mystery, and twists in the story remind me of my favorite author, Mary Higgins Clark. Now I have two favorites!

2 stories in one

I had a very hard time liking one of the characters Melissa. I almost didn’t finish the book. I’m very glad I did. The best part of the book was the story of Lillian. It was a good read.

The story, was interesting and suspenseful, with surprises, all the way through to the ending.

I especially liked the surprises and twist and turns. Narration was good. All around good story, good read.

Surprising, but great read.

I am not totally sure how to classify this book, but it is just a good listen. It has a few threads going and they seem to be flying apart at the halfway point, but stick with it and the author brings them together beautifully.
I see others say the narrator reads too slow. I always listen at 130% speed and the narration was as good as I have heard.
Even though I had a good idea where the whole thing was going well before the end of the book, it was well done and I really enjoyed it. There was enough foreshadowing I could see it coming, but I still wanted to read ahead and find the full details of the story.

Great book

Great book with surprise end throughly enjoyed it. Loved the Irish accent on the speaker

Absolutely loved this story!

I’ve never read (or listened to) anything by Carol Goodman before but I will now be searching for everything she’s written. This is a wonderful and very different story - and I enjoyed it immensely. I have tears running down my cheeks since I just finished listening but it’s wonderful. Don’t hesitate!

Entertaining

I thoroughly enjoyed the twist in history woven amongst the storyline. Well written and entertaining. Easily kept my attention to each chapter.

Top 5 book on my audible list

I have read over 100 books on audible. This is top 5, if not one of the top 3 books so far. The ending caught me off guard (I pride myself on always guessing the ending of books). Seamlessly ties together all the loose ends and makes for a captivating storyline. Highly recommend!

Wow. Laughter and tears. This book is perfect.

This will definitely go down as one of my very favorite books of all time. Beautiful story, historically and geographically accurate. Tingles and tears at the end. Very well written.

Soooooooooo Goooood!

so captivating, I knocked this out in no time. great storyline, great character's and a great narrator.