Title: A Stranger at the Door
Author: Jason Pinter
Series: Rachel Marin Thriller, #2
Narrator: Angela Dawe
Published: January 2021, Brilliance Audio
Length: 10 hours 36 minutes
Source: Publisher
Rachel Marin is in a good place. After years of struggle, the single mother has found both a stable, loving relationship and a new purpose: putting her investigative skills to work solving crimes for the local PD. But just as the pieces of her life are finally starting to fall into place, her teenaged son’s teacher is gruesomely murdered, starting a domino effect that shatters her peaceful existence.
When Rachel discovers an ominous email the teacher sent to her just before his death, she knows she must help bring his killer to justice. But soon a figure from her past reappears, threatening to expose Rachel’s darkest secrets if she doesn’t tread lightly. And when her son is recruited by a shadowy businessman who may be connected to the murder, Rachel knows this has just gotten very, very personal.
Someone out there is dead set on keeping this grisly cover-up good and buried, which means if Rachel’s not careful, it’s only a matter of time before her dream life becomes her worst nightmare.
My thoughts: This is the second book in Jason Pinter's Rachel Marin Thriller series and I love it. If you love a strong, kick-a** female protagonist who will do anything to protect her children, this is a series for you!
This book starts off with a bang and never lets up. It's a fast-paced and suspenseful read and I love that Rachel doesn't let anything deter her from getting answers. I will say that this is probably a case where you really should read the first book, Hide Away, before picking this one up, so that you have a better idea of Rachel's backstory, though the author does do a good job of giving just enough information without repeating everything verbatim.
Rachel goes all out when she realizes that her own son is being led astray by a sinister scheme that may have some connection to the murder of a beloved teacher at his school. There is nothing more fierce than a protective mama bear and all her instincts are screaming that something is not right.
I love that we continue to get more answers about Rachel and her past. We still do not have the complete story - this will probably take the entire series to flesh out but that is why I love reading series. There is also the continued relationship between Rachel and Detective Serrano. That is a tricky relationship, still in it's early days and they are clearly having growing pains, but I have faith they will learn to work through it as I think they balance each other out.
This is a great series and I cannot wait to see where it goes next!
Audio thoughts: I was so glad to see that Angela Dawe was back to narrate this second installment. She narrated the first book and did such a great job and continued to do an amazing job with this second book. She really brings these characters to life, giving each one their own personality, even Rachel's children. Angela has such a knack for infusing just the right amount of tension and emotion into her voice as needed at just the right time to make this book a great listening experience.
Books in this series:
- Hide Away
- A Stranger at the Door