VBT# The Stranger Inside - Ruth Harrow

VBT# Review: The Stranger Inside - Ruth Harrow - September 2025 

Lately, I’ve found myself drifting away from romance reads. Maybe it’s the season, maybe it’s just reader fatigue—but psychological thrillers have become my go-to comfort genre. There’s something oddly satisfying about curling up with a cuppa and diving into a story that grips you from page one and doesn’t let go until the final twist. The Stranger Inside by Ruth Harrow was exactly that kind of read—one I devoured in a single sitting, blanket wrapped around me, heart racing.

We meet Zoe, a woman trying to rebuild her life after escaping an abusive relationship. She’s found solace in an online forum, offering advice to others in similar situations. It’s raw, real, and sadly relatable. One post catches her eye—a woman claiming her husband is controlling, even making her take photos in the supermarket. It’s eerie, and when Zoe spots someone doing just that in real life, she wonders: could this be the same woman?

Her curiosity leads her to Lisa, a seemingly fragile soul in need of help. Zoe, with her big heart and desire to do good, opens her home to her. But what starts as a kind gesture quickly spirals into a nightmare. Lisa isn’t who she claims to be, and Zoe finds herself tangled in a web of manipulation, crime, and secrets that threaten to destroy everything she’s worked to rebuild.

This book had me whispering “just one more chapter” until I realized I’d reached the end. Ruth Harrow masterfully plays with the reader’s trust, making us question every character’s motive. The pacing is tight, the tension palpable, and the ending? Let’s just say I didn’t see it coming.

If you’re like me—craving something that pulls you in and doesn’t let go—The Stranger Inside is a perfect pick. It’s a reminder that sometimes the scariest monsters aren’t strangers at all… they’re the ones we invite in.

So if your TBR pile needs a shake-up and you’re in the mood for a thriller that’ll leave you breathless, this one’s worth bumping to the top. Just maybe don’t read it alone at night

Amazon:  https://amzn.to/3Vrs0P6