“Somewhere the ghosts of Shirley Jackson and the Henry James of The Turn of the Screw are smiling, because a wildly talented young writer has joined their lineage.”– George Saunders, #1 New York Times bestselling author of Lincoln in the Bardo “One of the best literary thrillers you’ll read this year, I was hooked from page one.” — Cosmopolitan Lydia and Lucas Moore are in their late twenties …
“One of the best literary thrillers you’ll read this year, I was hooked from page one.” — Cosmopolitan
Lydia and Lucas Moore are in their late twenties when a stranger enters their small world on Wolf Island. Lydia, the responsible sister, has cared for her pathologically shy brother, Lucas, ever since their mom’s death a decade before. They live together, comfortable yet confined, in their family house by the sea, shadowed by events from their childhood.
When Lydia sees the stranger step off the ferry, she feels an immediate connection to him. Lucas is convinced the man, Cole Anthony, is the reincarnation of their baby brother, who died when they were young. Cole knows their mannerisms, their home, the topography of the island–what else could that mean? Though Lydia is doubtful, she can’t deny she is drawn to his magnetism, his energy, and his warmth.
To discover the truth about Cole, Lydia must finally face her anxiety about leaving the island and summon the strength to challenge Cole’s grip on her family’s past and her brother. A deliciously alluring read, Goodnight Stranger is a story of choices and regrets, courage and loneliness, and the ways we hold on to those we love.
“The emotional reactions of Gault’s winning cast of characters lend her ghost story — with its family secrets and unexpected violence — a rare psychological depth.” — BBC.com
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Not at all what I expected from this mystery/thriller with such an amazing cover. It has supernatural undertones that remind me of Jennifer McMahon, who I love! Nothing over the top, just enough to keep readers gripped. Are they real or imagined? You’ll have to read the book to find out!
This mysterious debut centers around the Moore triplets and an unusual stranger that enmeshes himself into their lives. Lydia and Lucas were triplets at birth, but their brother died at just a few months old. The two of them are all that’s left of their family and they live together in their childhood home, on Wolf Island. Lydia keeps everything running smoothly. She more or less “mothers” Lucas, as he is a little odd, very socially awkward and dependent on Lydia. She wants to leave the island but stayed after their mother passed and now feels stuck in this situation.
Their brother, Colin, has always had a strong presence in their lives, even though they never knew him. When a stranger comes onto the island and gets overly involved in their lives, Lucas is convinced he’s the reincarnation of Colin. Cole knows things he shouldn’t know and has memories he shouldn’t have.
At first, there is sexual tension between Lydia and Cole. He has pulled Lucas out of his shell and Lydia has never seen him happier. But Cole is immersing himself into their lives like he belongs there and intends to remain. Lydia begins to see a disturbing side of Cole and wonders why he’s so secretive about his past.
This is the second novel I’ve read recently which mentioned the poem “Annabel Lee” by Edgar Allan Poe.
Sincere thanks to Park Row Books. I received an advance review copy for free, and I am leaving this review voluntarily.
My Rating: 4 ’s
Published: July 30th 2019 by Park Row
Pages: 304
Recommend: Yes
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Goodnight Stranger takes place on an island that actually exists… though even this New England sailor couldn’t guess which one. It’s about two siblings and a stranger who comes between them, and I recommend it for anyone who likes tales about a family that can’t escape its past.
Goodnight Stranger really opened my eyes about family roles, twin-ship, and trust. A very nice story examining family values. Recommended.
A wonderful debut novel by a writer to watch out for! Gault’s suspenseful, spooky and atmospheric novel kept me guessing as shivering throughout. As someone who loves those islands off Cape Cod, I think she did a great job with the sensual details that had me hearing the sound of waves, smelling the seaweed on the salt tide and feeling that sense of both security and isolation an island provides. This one kept me guessing right up the end.
I devoured Miciah Bay Gault’s captivating debut novel, Goodnight Stranger. I couldn’t put it down. It is at once suspenseful and moving and visceral and human. I will be thinking about this book for a very long time. Don’t sleep on this. It’s a perfect read.