From the bestselling author of Good Sam—now a Netflix feature film—comes another Kate Bradley story about the nature of generosity and finding unexpected connections with strangers.
TV reporter Kate Bradley arrives in Manhattan ready to take on a challenging new position as a national news correspondent. When a massive power outage plunges New York City into darkness, the disaster she expected … disaster she expected to cover takes an unexpected turn. Someone is leaving thousands of mysterious gifts throughout the city, and the only clue to the giver’s identity is the occasional note from “A Stranger.”
Together with handsome TV series host Scott Jameson, Kate must make sense of these random generous acts, which quickly escalate in scale and capture the attention of viewers across the country. In early-morning stakeouts and late-night surveillance, they crisscross the city hunting down leads, but the elusive Stranger is always one step ahead.
Menacing letters and videos addressed to Kate threaten to derail the investigation, but she’s determined to uncover the identity of the benefactor. The closer Kate gets to the truth, the more clearly she sees that even the smallest act of generosity can bring about powerful change. And it just may take her own selfless act of kindness to solve the feel-good mystery of the year.
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The Good Stranger is a satisfying conclusion to the Kate Bradley trilogy. Kate is on her own in NYC, but trouble soon finds her in the form of anonymous gifts that are being left all over New York. Will Kate figure out who’s sending them or will the stranger remain a mystery? A fun premise mixed with suspense and humor.
There has never been a better time for a book like this. Even as we mouth virtues of kindness and generosity, the news is filled with more division and strife than ever. That’s why a story that illuminates good deeds – especially on behalf of strangers – is the ideal remedy for today’s headlines. In her third book of the Kate Bradley series (though easily a standalone), Meserve expands her hallmark mission of putting goodness in the world, but adds a fresh take, and an even deeper one: what happens when four mysterious people spread goodness around New York City with no apparent motive? Meserve’s take on the mystery genre is both uplifting and compelling and not to be missed.
Dete Meserve has done it again! She has created another world that is full of good people doing amazing, wonderful, and kind things for others—just what we need to see in these times. I love The Good Sam series and this latest installment is just as uplifting as the previous two books.
The Good Stranger takes us to New York, where Kate is starting a new career and a new life. As she starts to cover her first story, unusual things start to happen in the city—people are getting gifts from strangers. Being the great reporter she is, Kate jumps into the story, trying to find out who’s behind all of this generosity and kindness.
I absolutely love reading Dete’s books and I always feel good after reading one of them. They are always so positive and heartwarming, perfect examples of how we should all lead our lives. The Good Stranger is full of life lessons—you never know what someone else is going through, a little kindness goes along way, and it doesn’t cost anything to be kind and friendly to others. Her stories make me think about my actions and make me want to be a better person.
I highly recommend The Good Stranger as well as the whole Good Sam series. All of them are such uplifting, positive stories that will inspire you to do good.
Imagine a stranger pays for breakfast. For everyone in the restaurant.
Imagine a stranger pays next month’s rent. For a whole building. Then invites them to meet him at a local park. And sends them a free picnic lunch.
Imagine a stranger pays for lunch for a whole school. Everyone’s favourites. But the catch is that no one eats alone.
Random acts of extreme generosity are happening all over Manhattan. And Kate Bradley is investigating the story. Because there IS definitely a story here!
As she searches for the stranger, Kate starts receiving warnings. “Stop looking for her, Kate. I’m watching you.” What could it mean?
Meserve is masterful! Endearing characters, an engrossing story line, and a conclusion that I, for one, didn’t even imagine! The Good Stranger is the kind of novel that stays with you. An absolutely compelling read!
[Many thanks to NetGalley and the author for the opportunity to read an Advance Reader Copy of this book. The opinions expressed in this review are entirely my own.]
September 29, 2020
Loved it!
Wonderful and not so wonderful characters coexisting in a world where good can happen? I like to think it can. This book makes it seem like it can, too.
Despite being a part of the Kate Bradley mystery series, I read it as a stand-alone and didn’t miss a beat. This is what I’d definitely call a feel good story, and I’d recommend it to anyone looking for a compelling read that’ll leave you with a smile.
This is the type of story whose synopsis doesn’t need any more explanation than what’s already posted. Instead, my favorite part: all the random acts of kindness. Personally, I think the world could use more of those right now, and that’s why it hit me right in the feels.
I also appreciated that the “menacing letters and videos” that Kate receives did not feel inappropriately evil. I think that would’ve made the story feel unbalanced, but Meserve did a great job of making sure the flow was smooth.
WARNING: This May Motivate You To Go Out & Do Good‼
__________
Few questions ‼
Have you ever assumed someone is better off than
you are, only to realize they’re also struggling?
Do you think it’s true that
some people are “reeling in pain, disappointment, and
loss and hiding that behind a tough exterior”?
Who is a Good Samaritan Perhaps
he/she is someone who helps complete strangers, without knowing
who they are or judging their needs or their worthiness.
COULD PEOPLE
LIKE THAT ACTUALLY EXIST, or is a Good Samaritan in the fantasy realm of
Superheroes?
__________
WeLcOmE to the #booktour of this beautiful story‼
THE GOOD STRANGER
__________
This book, the 3rd part in The Kate Bradley Mystery Series, brings a satisfactory conclusion to the triology.
__________
The series is based on the concept of being a GOOD SAMARITAN..
__________
KATE, the protagonist, a TV reporter, tries to unveil WHO is behind the good things happening with people in the city of Manhattan.
Purple & white balloons, ribbons , gift cards are all over the city. Someone’s medical bills get paid, someone’s rent, someone receives a much needed necessity..etc etc
Kate is intrigued & tries to solve this mystery, to locate, who is behind this, who is THE GOOD STRANGER‼
Meanwhile she receives THREATS to get off the case, her boss asks her to concentrate on big news stories/;of political happenings- use her links as her father is a senator, she has a breakup with her fiance, moves on, finds a friend in a handsome-good natured colleague, leaves her old job & city, tries to adjust to this new life, her father is happy with his young girlfriend..yrs after her mom’s demise…
__________
SHE IS TACKLING ALL THIS MESS BUT STILL TRYING TO SOLVE THIS MYSTERY.
__________
‼ Will she be able to find the good stranger
‼Why doesn’t the good stranger want to be found
‼Why is he trying to do good stuff for ppl
‼Can Kate find love again
_________
TAG ALONG, to find out all this and more!
__________
THE GOOD STRANGER, published by Lake Union Publishing in May 2020, 284 pages, 32 chapters!
__________
You can find thought-provoking#bookclub questions at the end of the book.
___________
A MYSTERY CUM ROMANCE, INSPIRING, FEEL GOOD STORY, WHICH IS WELL CRAFTED WITH A SATISFYING ENDING!
__________
A story the world needs to know, esp. in the present times..
I love all things Dete Meserve. She has three books in her Kate Bradley series, which started with Good Sam, that has become a NETFLIX movie. I highly recommend watching it. I watched it again last night! All three books are excellent and can be read in series order or as a stand-alone. The Good Stranger is the most recent installment in her series and the one I’m promoting today!
In this one, Kate has moved to New York to work with a national news channel. She has always been a reporter of “feel-good” current news previously, but at this station, they want her to cover political news, being the daughter of a senator. While reluctantly working the assignment she is given, she also starts investigating a new wave of mystery good being done in the city. The handsome, well-known Scott Jameson, who works with her station, joins her on a wild adventure. Mysterious gift cards appear on cars, people’s bills are paid, meeting neighbors and making friends is being spread so everyone feels connected. While looking for who is behind all of this, Kate receives warnings telling her to stop. Never one to back done from a great story like this, she and Scott continue until the end of this great new book!
I think this edition is my favorite in the series. Meserve captures the city well and makes the reader feel like they’re in NYC with Kate. I’ve greatly enjoyed reading about Kate and her growth from a local news reporter to a national one. It’s a little suspense and enough to keep you wanting to see who this “Perfect Stranger” is while enjoying the growing chemistry of Kate & Scott.
This is the first book I read by Dete meserve and plan on reading the rest in the series even though I read this as a stand alone. I can’t wait to read the rest of her books.
TV reporter Kate Bradley arrives in Manhattan ready to take on a challenging new position as a national news correspondent. When a massive power outage plunges New York City into darkness, the disaster she expected to cover takes an unexpected turn. Someone is leaving thousands of mysterious gifts throughout the city, and the only clue to the giver’s identity is the occasional note from “A Stranger.”
Together with handsome TV series host Scott Jameson, Kate must make sense of these random generous acts, which quickly escalate in scale and capture the attention of viewers across the country. In early-morning stakeouts and late-night surveillance, they crisscross the city hunting down leads, but the elusive Stranger is always one step ahead.
Menacing letters and videos addressed to Kate threaten to derail the investigation, but she’s determined to uncover the identity of the benefactor. The closer Kate gets to the truth, the more clearly she sees that even the smallest act of generosity can bring about powerful change. And it just may take her own selfless act of kindness to solve the feel-good mystery of the year.
This was a great time to read this during the pandemic. I have heard about a lot of good things happening to strangers and think this is just the perfect book. I enjoyed this so much I had a hard time putting it down. I can’t wait to read more. Thank you Dete Meserve for selecting me as one of your winners to receive this book.
This is the first book I’ve read by Dete Meserve, though it is the 3rd book in her Kate Bradley Mystery series. While I usually like reading series in order, I had no problem picking this one up and reading it as a stand-alone…and I found it to be the perfect book to read right now in light of all that is going on in regards to the pandemic and the way we have all been feeling – that message of kindness just hit me in the right spot.
Right from the start, I knew I liked the character of Kate and as the book progressed, I really came to appreciate everything about her. No matter what was going on, no matter what her new boss was saying, she knew she wanted to give this story about “the stranger” doing random acts of kindness its due. Even when she starts receiving menacing and threatening letters, she’s not about to let this go.
I loved this book. With all that is going on in the world right now, to read this book was so refreshing. It put such a smile on my face, knowing that there are good people out there, that it doesn’t take much to do a little good and that you never know how a little bit can go a long way.
This may have been the first book I’ve read by Dete Meserve but it definitely won’t be the last. I will absolutely be picking up the earlier books in this series and I hope this one isn’t the last – I would love to see this series continue on.
Author Dete Meserve has written an amazing
feel good series! The Good Stranger brought tears to my eyes and joy to my heart! Kate Bradley has began her new job in New York working for ANC. Little does she know that a major power outage will be the beginning of someone trying to show that giving to others is the new norm. Strangers begin helping others by paying their rent, buying their dinner or a simple gesture of helping someone cross the street. Will Kate be able to discover the identities of the good samaritans? With the help of Scott, star of Wonders of the World television show, Kate tries piece together the mystery behind all of the selfless acts. This beautiful novel is guaranteed to melt even the hardest of hearts!
Kate Bradley a recent transplant from LA takes a new job as a news correspondent investigating the overwhelming generosity by anonymous strangers that leaves gifts throughout the city.
Working with her co-host Scott, they partner to solve this mystery before this starts to get out of control. This is the third book in the series, and can be read as a stand alone. Meserve creates these amazing characters I loved and brought to life how a simple act of kindness has turned people to pay forward.
A lovely and timely read that I thoroughly enjoyed.
Held your interest. Easy to read.
Once again, Dete Meserve delivers a compelling story with an uplifting message. Her latest, The Good Stranger, is the story of news reporter Kate Bradley as she works to uncover the origin of a wave of seemingly random gifts left throughout the city of New York. This novel is the perfect illustration of how even the smallest acts of kindness can transform lives in powerful ways. A must read!
You forget how much you’ve missed a truly uplifting novel until you read one. Dete Meserve has written a well-crafted and genuinely heartwarming story about the good to be found in humanity if we can open ourselves up to it. I devoured it.
As refreshing as it is uplifting, The Good Stranger takes us on another thrill ride in the Kate Bradley series. Dete Meserve constructs a mystery bound in good deeds, and reminds us of how we are all connected. In today’s twenty-four hour cycle of doom and gloom, this novel is a much needed respite, and we enjoyed every last word.
The Good Stranger is a heartwarming joyride that will remind you about all the good out there. I tore right through it. The world needs more Dete Meserves.
I have been a fan of Dete Meserve and the Good Sam Series and I was really thrilled to read The Good Stranger, the third book in the series. I don’t know if a book could be more timely or uplifting than the Good Stranger.
Kate is now in New York and covering her first story as a political reporter, thanks to her politician father. But Kate is a good reporter.
I love a good mystery and the mystery here is one that will leave you with tears of joy.
People are doing good deeds all around Manhattan and it seems to be quite the mystery.
I always believe that you never know what someone else is going through in their own lives contrary to what may appear on the surface. A little kindness can go a LONG way and that is a central theme in this book and all of the Good Sam books.
I devoured this book , it truly has everything. Mystery, human nature, kindness, gratitude, and some unexpected twists thats I didn’t see coming.
Go buy this book.
First I want to thank Dete Meserve & Suzy Approved Book Tours for giving me a copy of this in trade for an honest review.
I honestly had no idea what this book was about when I picked it up. I had no clue that I would love it so completely! It pulled on the heart strings with a little bit of mystery mixed in, and a dash of romance. What’s not to love, right?
Kate Bradley is a seasoned reporter in LA but then takes a huge leap and accepts a position at a huge network in New York. Manhattan wasn’t very nice to her in the beginning. Then there was a blackout, looting, etc. When everything calmed down suddenly the city was full of purple and white balloons. Purple and white flowers on random people’s doorsteps. Gift cards on people’s windshields, etc.
Random acts of kindness at it’s finest. Kate decides to investigate and goes down the rabbit hole of these good deeds. No luck finding the person responsible. So she teams up with another reporter to try to find the good stranger. It’s twisty and full of goodness. My heart is full after reading this book.
I loved this book. I actually read it all day because I couldn’t put it down. I pretty much cried happy tears during the whole thing. You’ve got to read this book. If you know Kate Bradley, this is a great addition to her story. If you don’t, it’s ok because reading this will make you get Good Sam and A Perfectly Good Crime. If you want something to make you feel better about humanity, this is it!