The Stranger Behind You

Mystery/suspense. Expose of NYC newspaper editor, sexual predator, by a reporter of rival newspaper. Lots of intrigue, deaths, a ghost, a crime almost a century ago in the building reporter lives in plays a part. As does her grandmother! Terrific ending. Suspenseful.

3.5 stars. I was incredibly put off by Melissa and her transference of all her frustration toward her husband onto Joan. Her entitlement and privilege were abhorrent, but I think maybe that was the point. I was also incredibly frustrated by Joan and her behavior after her attack.

That being said, I think the book was meant, at least in part, as a study of people whose lives are unraveling and who are falling apart. At least, that's how the narrative was most compelling to me.

What was not as successful was the number of bad actors, plot twists and converging narratives. I'm not sure that the older neighbor (Lily? Imma call her Lily) was necessary or helpful to the narrative.