Today I have a review of The Stranger Diaries by Elly Griffiths, publishing on March 5, 2019 from Houghton Mifflin Harcourt.
My Thoughts:
My friends in the UK love this author, and it’s about time I try an Elly Griffiths’ book! And it’s a win!
The Stranger Diaries is a gothic mystery of sorts centered on Clare Cassidy. She’s a high school English teacher whose area of expertise is a particular Gothic author.
One day, one of her closest friends is murdered, and right beside her body? A copy of the Gothic writer’s most famous story.
On top of that, the police insist that author connection means Clare must know the killer.
Clare has kept diaries for years, and she begins to write about the case; however, she notices something suspicious. In an old diary, someone has written, “Hallo, Clare. You don’t know me,” and she begins to wonder if that famous story has now come to life as her own.
The Stranger Diaries definitely has the gothic vibe to it. While it’s a contemporary thriller, it felt timeless or even old. The setting was super creepy and atmospheric. The tone is definitely haunting. The Stranger Diaries has the feeling of a classic old-fashioned whodunit, and I absolutely loved every bit!
I received a complimentary copy. All opinions are my own.
Synopsis:
From the author of the beloved Ruth Galloway series, a modern gothic mystery for fans of Magpie Murders and The Lake House.
Clare Cassidy is no stranger to murder. A high school English teacher specializing in the Gothic writer R. M. Holland, she teaches a course on it every year. But when one of Clare’s colleagues and closest friends is found dead, with a line from R. M. Holland’s most famous story, “The Stranger,” left by her body, Clare is horrified to see her life collide with the storylines of her favourite literature.
To make matters worse, the police suspect the killer is someone Clare knows. Unsure whom to trust, she turns to her closest confidant, her diary, the only outlet she has for her darkest suspicions and fears about the case. Then one day she notices something odd. Writing that isn’t hers, left on the page of an old diary: “Hallo, Clare. You don’t know me.”
Clare becomes more certain than ever: “The Stranger” has come to terrifying life. But can the ending be rewritten in time?
Have you read The Stranger Diaries, or is it on your TBR? Do you have a favorite book by Elly Griffiths? Happy Reading! ~ Jennifer THR
Like you, I’ve listened to friends rave about this author and I’ve collected a lot of her books. One of these days I’ll get to read some of them. Your wonderful review confirms that this one will join that list. I’m just a bit jealous you got there before me😏
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Thanks, Jonetta! I think you’ll love this author and her writing! I’ll definitely be reading more from her!
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This book is on my TBR and I’m glad you enjoyed it, Jenn. Good review!
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Thanks, Stephen! I hope you enjoy this one, too. The atmosphere was my favorite aspect.
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Woohoo! Thrilled to bits you loved it!
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So, so good, Eva! ♥️ I’ve landed back in Twitter jail, and I know at least two others who are in there as well. Back to the drawing board and I’m going to incorporate more of your helpful advice this time. ♥️
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Gah, that’s so frustrating! Hope to see you back there soon! ❤️
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A classic whodunit.. yes, sounds wonderful. Glad you liked this one, Jennifer!
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Thanks, Marialyce! It was a terrific, entertaining read!
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Sounds great! I haven’t read anything by this author. Adding to my list.
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I think you’ll enjoy this one, too, Darinda! Atmospheric and chilling!
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Wonderful review and picture, Jennifer. I have not read a book by this author. I added this Victorian thriller to my tbr list. Happy 😊 Reading to you, too. Sorry 😐 that you are back in Twitter jail. 💕📚💐
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Thanks, Virginia! This was such a fun, atmospheric read! I hope you get a chance to read it. Twitter jail is the worst! ♥️
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one of her closest friends is murdered, and right beside her body? A copy of the Gothic writer’s most famous story….. I’m really liking that! Lol. Creepy but really intriguing too
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Nina, this was such a good Gothic mystery! It was definitely creepy and kept me on edge!
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I adored this book. I’m so glad she finally wrote a stand alone. I think I’m going to go all the way back to the beginning of her series and start reading it. Terrific review as always.
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Thanks, Mackey! I’m so happy to hear it was a winner for you, too. I am definitely looking into the series as well. Too good to pass up!
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I can’t believe I have not read anything by this author! Just added it to the TBR!!
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I don’t think you’ll regret adding this, Tina! ♥️
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Hmmm, another author I haven’t heard of. Wonderful review my friend! Off to check out Elly Griffiths now!💜
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Thanks, Sus! I don’t think you’ll regret looking into her books. So many of our mutual friends love her! Are you all settled in the new house? ♥️
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Almost! Still got a few boxes to unpack but I just want to read!!😂💙
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I think that’s pretty impressive progress! ♥️
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I have never read anything by Elly Griffiths, but this book sounds perfect for me, especially since I’m an English Lit professor specializing and teaching Gothic Lit…my goodness, if anything like this ever happened to me, I would freak out! Thankfully, my life is boring! I’m adding this to my TBR right now! ♥
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Thanks, Steph! I think this was a read now, and it pubs next week? I know you probably don’t want to add anything right now, but just FYI. The similarities- wow! You definitely have to read this one. This author is well loved by some of our mutual friends, and I can definitely see why. I hope you get a chance to read it! ♥️
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You’re welcome! I may just have to grab it and hope I can get it read and a review published one day next week–I’ll take a look anyway! I’ve got a pile of Amazon GC so worst case, I can add to my book haul! LOL! I’m saving some of those babies for spring and summer releases 😉 I know-I thought the similarities were crazy, especially since I’m working on a research article right now about a Gothic author to be published in Gothic Studies academic journal. I really want to read this since so many of our friends love the author…I’ll let you know if I download it!
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This author is new to me. I’ll have to add it to my tbr after reading your fantastic review!
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Aw, thank you, Anne! This author seems to be more well known in the UK, but this book is getting her some US attention. Engaging storytelling!
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This sounds like a book I’d really enjoy. Brilliant review.
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Thanks, Chrissi! I think you would too!
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Love this author, and I am so looking forward to reading this! 💕📚
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I can definitely see why you love her, Sandy! I can’t wait to hear what you think of this one. ♥️
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Oh sounds wonderful I have this one coming up you’ve intrigue me!💜
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Thanks, Berit! ♥️
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Ooh, I’m so glad you enjoyed this one – I thought it was great! I reckon you’d love her Ruth Galloway series too, which you should really read in order if you decide to read them – I dotted about through the series and I’m sure that stopped me getting as fully invested in the characters as most of her zillions of fans… 😀
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Thanks, FF! I will give that Galloway series a try and definitely in order. Yes, I remember you enjoyed this, too. What a fab storyteller!
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I’m glad to see that you liked this one! I think books written by Elly Griffiths can be hit or miss but the synopsis and your review makes me think that this is definitely one of the hits!
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Thanks, Darina! I definitely found it noteworthy! ♥️
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I also read and reviewed this book. If you have not read this author’s Ruth Galloway series, know that I cannot recommend it highly enough! i love quirky protagonist Ruth and those around her.
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Thanks, Joyce, and thank you for the rec. I’m going to have to read that series!
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This was the first book I’ve read by this author also. Glad to see you enjoyed it as well!
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Thanks, Kyra! I need to make sure I’ve read your review! ♥️
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Fantastic review Jenni, I’m so glad you enjoyed this one! 🤓
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Thanks, Beth! What a fantastic author! ♥️
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This sounds so eerie and terrifying. I feel like I would need to read this during the day!! Nevertheless, adding this to the TBR lol.
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That’s probably a safe bet, LP! It’s super creepy!
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I haven’t read anything by this author yet. This sounds like a really good thriller. Definitely adding this one! I love that cover too! Excellent review, Jen. ❤
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Thank you, favorite M! So many of our mutual friends are loving this book. It’s pretty special! I hope you get a chance to read it too! Xoxo
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