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Dangerous Strangers Thrillers #1
Imaginary Strangers
A woman must keep her family―and her terrifying secrets―safe in a twisting thriller by Washington Post and Wall Street Journal bestselling author Minka Kent.
Camille Prescott has it all. A doting husband, two children, a charming home in a seaside enclave, and a beautiful, fixed smile that exudes normalcy. But behind her polished mask lurks a much different Camille―one with a padlocked vault of secrets. Raised by a vindictive and psychotic woman, Camille has gone to great lengths to bury her past and for good reason: if her mother ever finds her, she will kill her.
But nothing can prepare Camille for the day her six-year-old daughter, Georgie, starts showing signs of unsettlingly familiar behavior, including an imaginary new friend who casts a disturbing influence on everything the little girl says and does. Worse than that, Georgie’s imaginary friend knows things about Camille’s childhood, things Camille has never told a soul. Is it a coincidence or is Georgie’s imaginary friend not so fictional after all?
As the family’s stability cracks, so does Camille’s facade, because the past isn’t just coming for her and everyone she loves―it’s already here.
Camille Prescott has it all. A doting husband, two children, a charming home in a seaside enclave, and a beautiful, fixed smile that exudes normalcy. But behind her polished mask lurks a much different Camille―one with a padlocked vault of secrets. Raised by a vindictive and psychotic woman, Camille has gone to great lengths to bury her past and for good reason: if her mother ever finds her, she will kill her.
But nothing can prepare Camille for the day her six-year-old daughter, Georgie, starts showing signs of unsettlingly familiar behavior, including an imaginary new friend who casts a disturbing influence on everything the little girl says and does. Worse than that, Georgie’s imaginary friend knows things about Camille’s childhood, things Camille has never told a soul. Is it a coincidence or is Georgie’s imaginary friend not so fictional after all?
As the family’s stability cracks, so does Camille’s facade, because the past isn’t just coming for her and everyone she loves―it’s already here.
269 pages, Kindle Edition
First published July 23, 2024
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18134 people want to read
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July 12, 2024
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4.5 Stars
I loved both The Stillwater Girls and When I Was You by this author so it was a no-brainer to request this on NetGalley and am I ever glad I did. This is a well-done psychological thriller. Not a lot happens but Minka Kent's writing style is easy to read and it sucked me in right away. The best part? She totally caught me by surprise and that doesn't happen very often.
Using a two-timeline format (or is it three?) we get Camille in the present raising her two kids in California with her adoring doctor husband. We also get Camille in the past (six years ago), when she lived in Chicago, via therapy sessions and in those sessions she speaks about her past, especially her childhood. This was a hard book to read at times because Camille did not have the best childhood. It was mega disturbing to me and I have a rough background myself.
This book was so intense with short punchy chapters. I held my breath without realizing it and flipped through the pages like a maniac. We readers know all about Camille's secrets as she takes us on a journey of trying to discover who is trying to reveal her past while protecting her family from the perpetrator, in a word...gripping. This one starts out with a bang and never lets up. The super fast pacing and wonderful writing were such a joy to read.
I took half a star off because some of the happenings at the end were a little too convenient for my liking, which is typical of thrillers nowadays. I did love the ambiguous ending though. This one is a part of a series and I didn't know that when I requested it, it happens. I am not a series reader but I cannot wait to see what happens with Camille next.
Thank you to NetGalley and the publisher for the Advance Readers Copy.
The Book Review Crew Blog
4.5 Stars
I loved both The Stillwater Girls and When I Was You by this author so it was a no-brainer to request this on NetGalley and am I ever glad I did. This is a well-done psychological thriller. Not a lot happens but Minka Kent's writing style is easy to read and it sucked me in right away. The best part? She totally caught me by surprise and that doesn't happen very often.
Using a two-timeline format (or is it three?) we get Camille in the present raising her two kids in California with her adoring doctor husband. We also get Camille in the past (six years ago), when she lived in Chicago, via therapy sessions and in those sessions she speaks about her past, especially her childhood. This was a hard book to read at times because Camille did not have the best childhood. It was mega disturbing to me and I have a rough background myself.
This book was so intense with short punchy chapters. I held my breath without realizing it and flipped through the pages like a maniac. We readers know all about Camille's secrets as she takes us on a journey of trying to discover who is trying to reveal her past while protecting her family from the perpetrator, in a word...gripping. This one starts out with a bang and never lets up. The super fast pacing and wonderful writing were such a joy to read.
I took half a star off because some of the happenings at the end were a little too convenient for my liking, which is typical of thrillers nowadays. I did love the ambiguous ending though. This one is a part of a series and I didn't know that when I requested it, it happens. I am not a series reader but I cannot wait to see what happens with Camille next.
Thank you to NetGalley and the publisher for the Advance Readers Copy.
July 28, 2024
If you love psychological thrillers, this book has two of the best ingredients: creepy kids with ghostly happenings and a sociopathic main character. Mix them together, and you get the most entertaining read ever!
Meet Camille Prescott. On the surface, she's got it all - a loving husband, two kids, a charming home by the sea, and a picture-perfect smile. But behind that flawless facade lies a very different Camille, hiding a vault of dark secrets.
Raised by a cruel and psychotic mother, Camille has worked hard to bury her past. And for good reason – if her mother finds her, Camille’s life is in danger.
Things take a terrifying turn when Camille’s six-year-old daughter, Georgie, starts behaving oddly. She has a new imaginary friend who influences everything she says and does. Even scarier, this friend knows secrets about Camille’s childhood that she’s never told anyone. Is Georgie’s friend just a figment of her imagination, or is something far more sinister at play?
This book will keep you on the edge of your seat, blending eerie childlike innocence with spine-chilling suspense. Dive in for a thrilling ride!
Meet Camille Prescott. On the surface, she's got it all - a loving husband, two kids, a charming home by the sea, and a picture-perfect smile. But behind that flawless facade lies a very different Camille, hiding a vault of dark secrets.
Raised by a cruel and psychotic mother, Camille has worked hard to bury her past. And for good reason – if her mother finds her, Camille’s life is in danger.
Things take a terrifying turn when Camille’s six-year-old daughter, Georgie, starts behaving oddly. She has a new imaginary friend who influences everything she says and does. Even scarier, this friend knows secrets about Camille’s childhood that she’s never told anyone. Is Georgie’s friend just a figment of her imagination, or is something far more sinister at play?
This book will keep you on the edge of your seat, blending eerie childlike innocence with spine-chilling suspense. Dive in for a thrilling ride!
February 18, 2024
*CRACK* That is the sound of Minka Kent hitting it out of the ballpark with Imaginary Strangers!!! This book was shocking, brilliant and amazing! I did not want to put this instantly addictive book down. I was glued to the pages wanting more of this riveting, twist filled, book!!
WOWZA!
Camille Prescott appears to have it all. She is happily married to a handsome, supportive, and loving husband. She has 2 adorable children. She also has a secret. It's a whopper of a secret, one that Camille has no intention of ever divulging. One of those secrets relates to her childhood and upbringing. She lives in fear that one day she will be found. Her fear intensifies when her six-year-old daughter, Georgie, has an imaginary friend who knows things about Camille's childhood. Things that Camille has never shared except in her therapy sessions.
I devoured this book! I loved being able to sit in on Camille's therapy sessions. I loved knowing some of Camille's secrets that she had kept in the vault and never shared with her husband. I loved being a silent observer as things began to become uncomfortable for Camille. Speaking of Camille, she is such an interesting character. Very interesting, indeed.
There are a nice number of twists and turns in this book. Holy Moly, I did not see a major twist/reveal coming at all! I was left with my mouth hanging open, thinking "did that just happen?" and "shut the front door!" Seriously, Minka Kent, I salute you. This is how you write a gripping and shocking psychological thriller!!! I'll also never think of Venus flytraps the same way again.
I loved, loved, loved the suspense, the tension, and the plot of this book. I never knew when the other shoe was going to drop. I loved that I was not able to figure this book out. Minka Kent kept me on my toes, fully invested, and turning the pages of this book. Whew!
I can't wait to read what comes next for Camille and her family!!!! Bring it on, Kent, bring it on! I'm looking forward to it!
#ImaginaryStrangers #NetGalley #MinkaKent, #Thomas&Mercer
Thank you to Thomas & Mercer and NetGalley who provided me with a copy of this book in exchange for an honest review. All the thoughts and opinions are my own.
Read more of my reviews at www.openbookposts.com
WOWZA!
Camille Prescott appears to have it all. She is happily married to a handsome, supportive, and loving husband. She has 2 adorable children. She also has a secret. It's a whopper of a secret, one that Camille has no intention of ever divulging. One of those secrets relates to her childhood and upbringing. She lives in fear that one day she will be found. Her fear intensifies when her six-year-old daughter, Georgie, has an imaginary friend who knows things about Camille's childhood. Things that Camille has never shared except in her therapy sessions.
I devoured this book! I loved being able to sit in on Camille's therapy sessions. I loved knowing some of Camille's secrets that she had kept in the vault and never shared with her husband. I loved being a silent observer as things began to become uncomfortable for Camille. Speaking of Camille, she is such an interesting character. Very interesting, indeed.
There are a nice number of twists and turns in this book. Holy Moly, I did not see a major twist/reveal coming at all! I was left with my mouth hanging open, thinking "did that just happen?" and "shut the front door!" Seriously, Minka Kent, I salute you. This is how you write a gripping and shocking psychological thriller!!! I'll also never think of Venus flytraps the same way again.
I loved, loved, loved the suspense, the tension, and the plot of this book. I never knew when the other shoe was going to drop. I loved that I was not able to figure this book out. Minka Kent kept me on my toes, fully invested, and turning the pages of this book. Whew!
I can't wait to read what comes next for Camille and her family!!!! Bring it on, Kent, bring it on! I'm looking forward to it!
#ImaginaryStrangers #NetGalley #MinkaKent, #Thomas&Mercer
Thank you to Thomas & Mercer and NetGalley who provided me with a copy of this book in exchange for an honest review. All the thoughts and opinions are my own.
Read more of my reviews at www.openbookposts.com
April 7, 2024
Can you forever leave the past behind? Or are you destined to forever look over your shoulder?
Camille grew up in an extremely abusive home. She’s done her level best to put it all behind her. Including marrying her kind husband Will, and having two wonderful children.
Her new family has no idea the pain she endured…and she’s determined to keep it that way! In fact, the only person she’s ever shared her past with is her therapist.
But when her daughter starts speaking to an imaginary friend, Camille’s greatest fears are re-ignited. This friend is too reminiscent of her past. Can she keep her children safe? Who can she trust?
Wow! Minka Kent has done it again!
An absolutely wicked thriller that will keep you guessing until the final twist leaves you picking your jaw up off the floor!
In no way did I EVER see THAT coming! Brilliant!🙌
In reading the author’s notes at the end, (make sure you do!) I realized this is just book one.💃🏼 Please don’t make me wait long Minka! I’m ready! Light up that keyboard and bring it!
Thank you to NetGalley and Thomas & Mercer
Camille grew up in an extremely abusive home. She’s done her level best to put it all behind her. Including marrying her kind husband Will, and having two wonderful children.
Her new family has no idea the pain she endured…and she’s determined to keep it that way! In fact, the only person she’s ever shared her past with is her therapist.
But when her daughter starts speaking to an imaginary friend, Camille’s greatest fears are re-ignited. This friend is too reminiscent of her past. Can she keep her children safe? Who can she trust?
Wow! Minka Kent has done it again!
An absolutely wicked thriller that will keep you guessing until the final twist leaves you picking your jaw up off the floor!
In no way did I EVER see THAT coming! Brilliant!🙌
In reading the author’s notes at the end, (make sure you do!) I realized this is just book one.💃🏼 Please don’t make me wait long Minka! I’m ready! Light up that keyboard and bring it!
Thank you to NetGalley and Thomas & Mercer
October 20, 2024
After surviving a childhood full of abuse at the hands of her sadistic mother, Camille Prescott is determined to be the perfect parent. And she’s pretty much succeeding, until her kindergartener comes home talking about her new friend “Imaginary,” whose “silly” stories and songs point directly to Camille’s traumatic past. Worried her mother has found her at last, Camille will go to any lengths to protect her children…before it’s too late.
I absolutely loved this book and will definitely be keeping up with this series. I’m a Minka Kent fan already, but this is my favourite of her novels by far. I was so convinced I knew where this one was going until a surprise twist left me gobsmacked. Camille is a deeply flawed heroine, but her all-consuming desire to protect the people she loves is something most people will find very relatable. I would highly recommend this one to any thriller fan.
I absolutely loved this book and will definitely be keeping up with this series. I’m a Minka Kent fan already, but this is my favourite of her novels by far. I was so convinced I knew where this one was going until a surprise twist left me gobsmacked. Camille is a deeply flawed heroine, but her all-consuming desire to protect the people she loves is something most people will find very relatable. I would highly recommend this one to any thriller fan.
August 14, 2025
Kent expertly weaves together themes of nature vs. nurture, manipulation, motherhood, childhood trauma, mental health, and sociopathic behavior so smoothly.
Camille Prescott has it all. A doting husband, two children, a charming home in a seaside enclave, and a beautiful, fixed smile that exudes normalcy.
Tropes/themes
Nature vs. nurture
Childhood trauma
Toxic/abusive parent
Family secrets
Unreliable narrator
Gaslighting/manipulation
Small-town community
Psychological suspense
Best husband award
The eerie atmosphere, layered characters, dual-timeline, and psychological suspense was done so very well.
Thank you Dan, for the wonderful recommendation!
Camille Prescott has it all. A doting husband, two children, a charming home in a seaside enclave, and a beautiful, fixed smile that exudes normalcy.
Tropes/themes
Nature vs. nurture
Childhood trauma
Toxic/abusive parent
Family secrets
Unreliable narrator
Gaslighting/manipulation
Small-town community
Psychological suspense
Best husband award
The eerie atmosphere, layered characters, dual-timeline, and psychological suspense was done so very well.
Thank you Dan, for the wonderful recommendation!
August 6, 2024
Camille is happily married to her kind husband and they have two lovely children together. They've recently moved from Chicago to San Diego for Will's job as an anesthesiologist and life seems perfect.
Until....
Her daughter starts saying things to her. Things that no one else knows. About her traumatic childhood being raised by her psychopathic mother. Who is telling her daughter these things? Camille is hell bent on figuring it out. If it's her mother coming back to haunt her then she will be ready and waiting. BRING IT ON!!!
This was a fun one!
Camilla, a diagnosed sociopath due to her horrific upbringing, was surprisingly easy to root for and relate to. I felt so terrible for her and her situation. I should say that she has undergone years of intensive therapy in order to maintain as much normalcy as she can. While she is incapable of love and empathy she is intensely loyal to those that care about her. She will do anything to protect her family. Mama Bear on steroids, if you get my drift. It's for those reasons that, I as a reader, had sympathy for her. She was always trying to do her very best even if at times it was only acting on her part.
The ending was a total surprise. I thought I had it somewhat figured out but I never once suspected that this was how it was all going to go down. Obviously to say more would put this review in spoiler territory but points awarded to Minka Kent for that tricky late game maneuver. Well played! 4 stars!
Thank you to NetGalley and Thomas & Mercer for my complimentary copy.
Until....
Her daughter starts saying things to her. Things that no one else knows. About her traumatic childhood being raised by her psychopathic mother. Who is telling her daughter these things? Camille is hell bent on figuring it out. If it's her mother coming back to haunt her then she will be ready and waiting. BRING IT ON!!!
This was a fun one!
Camilla, a diagnosed sociopath due to her horrific upbringing, was surprisingly easy to root for and relate to. I felt so terrible for her and her situation. I should say that she has undergone years of intensive therapy in order to maintain as much normalcy as she can. While she is incapable of love and empathy she is intensely loyal to those that care about her. She will do anything to protect her family. Mama Bear on steroids, if you get my drift. It's for those reasons that, I as a reader, had sympathy for her. She was always trying to do her very best even if at times it was only acting on her part.
The ending was a total surprise. I thought I had it somewhat figured out but I never once suspected that this was how it was all going to go down. Obviously to say more would put this review in spoiler territory but points awarded to Minka Kent for that tricky late game maneuver. Well played! 4 stars!
Thank you to NetGalley and Thomas & Mercer for my complimentary copy.
August 31, 2025
3.75 (rounding up as I am a big fan of this author!)
Available via kindle unlimited with audio
This was an easy, quick read (or- listen in my case) less than 270 pages. Limited characters and focused plot allowed for fast pacing and easy to follow story.
This was a domestic psychological thriller through and through. The story opens with a psychopath mother. The daughter has had to deal with the fallout of how she was raised creating a very specific main character for the reader to mentally dissect. The story takes the reader through the main character’s life between 2 timelines (then and now) unraveling bits of string for us to figure out the true cause of her current predicament. We are not given the answers until the very end.
The story was just long enough to give the reader a feeling of drama and suspense without overdoing it.
I enjoyed the bit about Chicago- the MFC/MMC have moved from Chicago to San Fran. The bit about Chicago baseball was not lost on this Chicagoan…Sox vs Cubs…. Though clearly this author is not a Sox fan….
While this story is complete, the epilogue ends on a cliffhanger to prepare the reader for her new book ‘Circle of Strangers’ out now- also available on KU with audio.
Available via kindle unlimited with audio
This was an easy, quick read (or- listen in my case) less than 270 pages. Limited characters and focused plot allowed for fast pacing and easy to follow story.
This was a domestic psychological thriller through and through. The story opens with a psychopath mother. The daughter has had to deal with the fallout of how she was raised creating a very specific main character for the reader to mentally dissect. The story takes the reader through the main character’s life between 2 timelines (then and now) unraveling bits of string for us to figure out the true cause of her current predicament. We are not given the answers until the very end.
The story was just long enough to give the reader a feeling of drama and suspense without overdoing it.
I enjoyed the bit about Chicago- the MFC/MMC have moved from Chicago to San Fran. The bit about Chicago baseball was not lost on this Chicagoan…Sox vs Cubs…. Though clearly this author is not a Sox fan….
While this story is complete, the epilogue ends on a cliffhanger to prepare the reader for her new book ‘Circle of Strangers’ out now- also available on KU with audio.
October 24, 2024
This book showcases the author’s remarkable ability to create an atmosphere of uncertainty, skillfully hiding the true ‘villain’ lurking in the narrative’s shadows. Despite Minka Kent’s talent, I guessed the twist early on. As someone who reads frequently, I’ve noticed that I’m starting to anticipate plot twists more easily, which is a bittersweet experience. I enjoy guessing correctly but also miss the thrill of being completely surprised.
Imaginary Strangers is filled with suspense and rising tension throughout. Minka Kent has an exceptional knack for keeping readers on their toes, and I savored every thrilling moment. The ending was executed perfectly, tying all the intricate threads of the story together while leaving just enough ambiguity to suggest a potential sequel. I’m definitely crossing my fingers for a second book!
Be sure to add this to your TBR. This story was an absolute joy to read—it kept me on the edge of my seat, and as always with Minka Kent, it was completely binge-worthy!
Imaginary Strangers is filled with suspense and rising tension throughout. Minka Kent has an exceptional knack for keeping readers on their toes, and I savored every thrilling moment. The ending was executed perfectly, tying all the intricate threads of the story together while leaving just enough ambiguity to suggest a potential sequel. I’m definitely crossing my fingers for a second book!
Be sure to add this to your TBR. This story was an absolute joy to read—it kept me on the edge of my seat, and as always with Minka Kent, it was completely binge-worthy!
July 27, 2024
A very interesting read on “sociopaths”. I was trying to decide how many of my character traits match, lol! This poor protagonist does a great job pretending to have all the emotions that are expected, but the events around her little girl would push the best “faker’s” nerves to the brink! The twist is astonishing but guessable. I just try not to guess anything and just enjoy the ride! Seriously I think the author (who has bunches of great books) pulled out all stops on her research. It was a very interesting story!
November 25, 2025
Actual rating: 3,75 stars
June 22, 2024
Special thanks to NetGalley and the publisher for a free, electronic ARC of this novel received in exchange for an honest review.
Expected publication date: July 23, 2024
A thrilling novel about familial sociopathy? Could Minka Kent actually be writing a novel just for me? Well, of course not, but “Imaginary Strangers” is a knock-me-down, blow-me-away, five-star page-turner and I couldn’t get enough.
Camille Prescott was diagnosed as a sociopath as a young child and after spending her formative years under the unloving and malicious care of her biological mother, Camille has severed all ties and is now living a full life of her own, as a wife and mother. Although she thought she put the past behind her, Camille’s daughter, Georgie, comes home from kindergarten telling stories and singing songs from Camille’s childhood, things that no one else knew except Camille and her mother. Then, Georgie starts talking about her new “friend” and Camille’s worst fear comes to life- has her biological mother returned and is she set on destroying Camille’s happiness once and for all?
The first section of the novel is a prologue, describing the formative event in Camille’s childhood that led her to leave her mother behind once and for all. From there, we get hints of Camille’s childhood through her chats with her psychologist and, occasionally, Camille’s own memories. Kent slowly teases readers by revealing one small detail at a time, and I was instantly hooked.
Could it be Camille’s mother, back to cause harm? Could it be something entirely innocuous? Could it be someone else, working for Camille’s mother? The possibilities for this novel were vast, but Kent seems to hone in on just the right plot points at just the right time, creating a taut, action-packed, well-flowing story. The ending made so much sense that it seemed to be the only way that Kent possibly would’ve went and, even though I did not figure it out as easily as I expected to, I was so excited when I discovered that this novel was the beginning in a series. More Camille? Um, yes please, where do I sign up?
Broken homes, mental illness, addiction, sociopathy, even Venus fly traps, “Imaginary Strangers” has all of this and more. This is a novel I plowed through in one day, because I just could not stop. I am anxiously awaiting more from Kent, and more from Camille! Bring on the second novel!
Expected publication date: July 23, 2024
A thrilling novel about familial sociopathy? Could Minka Kent actually be writing a novel just for me? Well, of course not, but “Imaginary Strangers” is a knock-me-down, blow-me-away, five-star page-turner and I couldn’t get enough.
Camille Prescott was diagnosed as a sociopath as a young child and after spending her formative years under the unloving and malicious care of her biological mother, Camille has severed all ties and is now living a full life of her own, as a wife and mother. Although she thought she put the past behind her, Camille’s daughter, Georgie, comes home from kindergarten telling stories and singing songs from Camille’s childhood, things that no one else knew except Camille and her mother. Then, Georgie starts talking about her new “friend” and Camille’s worst fear comes to life- has her biological mother returned and is she set on destroying Camille’s happiness once and for all?
The first section of the novel is a prologue, describing the formative event in Camille’s childhood that led her to leave her mother behind once and for all. From there, we get hints of Camille’s childhood through her chats with her psychologist and, occasionally, Camille’s own memories. Kent slowly teases readers by revealing one small detail at a time, and I was instantly hooked.
Could it be Camille’s mother, back to cause harm? Could it be something entirely innocuous? Could it be someone else, working for Camille’s mother? The possibilities for this novel were vast, but Kent seems to hone in on just the right plot points at just the right time, creating a taut, action-packed, well-flowing story. The ending made so much sense that it seemed to be the only way that Kent possibly would’ve went and, even though I did not figure it out as easily as I expected to, I was so excited when I discovered that this novel was the beginning in a series. More Camille? Um, yes please, where do I sign up?
Broken homes, mental illness, addiction, sociopathy, even Venus fly traps, “Imaginary Strangers” has all of this and more. This is a novel I plowed through in one day, because I just could not stop. I am anxiously awaiting more from Kent, and more from Camille! Bring on the second novel!
July 21, 2024
“Psychopaths are born, sociopaths are made.”
I loved the opportunity to get inside the head of a female sociopath! Reading the chapters where this character visits her therapist gave me an idea of what it must be like to be void of feeling and have occasions where there is no delineation between right and wrong. For someone who is a rule follower and a highly emotional person, I found this morally ambiguous complex person highly intriguing!
Perfection is an allusion. You won’t learn that from the Prescotts, though. They want you to believe they live a perfect life.
When their daughter comes home from school and shares about her imaginary friend and their secrets, cracks in this perfect family start to show. Camile’s hidden past comes to the surface and undermines the carefully veiled perfection. What has taken years of therapy to overcome and bury is undone, causing Camille to become unhinged. Kent’s examination of a sociopathic mother fighting to protect her family at all costs was a wild ride!
Minka Kent’s exploration of nature vs nurture, manipulation, motherhood, traumatic childhood, mental health, and sociopathic behaviour was amazing!
Her implementation of short chapters, flashbacks, tension-filled scenes where the reader knows more than some of the characters, twists and an engaging narrative mixed with untrustworthy characters, overbearing mothers, and secrets highlights the above and makes for an engaging read.
The main theme, metaphor and foreshadowing device, conveyed in the cover, is phenomenal! I kept seeing parallels between Camille’s behaviour/environment and that of a Venus Flytrap. As you turn the last page, you’ll be wishing for a sequel and you’ll be left considering if the Venus Flytraps among us are really any different from the rest of us….
I was gifted this copy by Thomas & Mercer and NetGalley and was under no obligation to provide a review.
I loved the opportunity to get inside the head of a female sociopath! Reading the chapters where this character visits her therapist gave me an idea of what it must be like to be void of feeling and have occasions where there is no delineation between right and wrong. For someone who is a rule follower and a highly emotional person, I found this morally ambiguous complex person highly intriguing!
Perfection is an allusion. You won’t learn that from the Prescotts, though. They want you to believe they live a perfect life.
When their daughter comes home from school and shares about her imaginary friend and their secrets, cracks in this perfect family start to show. Camile’s hidden past comes to the surface and undermines the carefully veiled perfection. What has taken years of therapy to overcome and bury is undone, causing Camille to become unhinged. Kent’s examination of a sociopathic mother fighting to protect her family at all costs was a wild ride!
Minka Kent’s exploration of nature vs nurture, manipulation, motherhood, traumatic childhood, mental health, and sociopathic behaviour was amazing!
Her implementation of short chapters, flashbacks, tension-filled scenes where the reader knows more than some of the characters, twists and an engaging narrative mixed with untrustworthy characters, overbearing mothers, and secrets highlights the above and makes for an engaging read.
The main theme, metaphor and foreshadowing device, conveyed in the cover, is phenomenal! I kept seeing parallels between Camille’s behaviour/environment and that of a Venus Flytrap. As you turn the last page, you’ll be wishing for a sequel and you’ll be left considering if the Venus Flytraps among us are really any different from the rest of us….
I was gifted this copy by Thomas & Mercer and NetGalley and was under no obligation to provide a review.
July 28, 2024
Minka Kent is absolutely extraordinary at concocting intricate and flawed characters. Her books are incredibly riveting, and you won't want to stop once you start reading. I was thrilled to discover that "Imaginary Strangers" is just the beginning of a series, even though I normally don't gravitate toward series.
Camille appears to have the perfect life with a loving husband who's a doctor and two wonderful children. Even her mother-in-law is supportive and always there to help out. However, Camille harbors a massive secret from her family. Despite all the support, she has been hiding the fact that she grapples with sociopathic tendencies stemming from a traumatic childhood, which she also hides from her family. Can you imagine living in constant fear of your true self being revealed?
This book is a real page-turner, and I found myself yearning for more with each turn of the page. The twists at the end were shocking, taking me completely by surprise! I'm anxiously awaiting the release of the next book in the series to see where the story goes next.
I highly recommend this book and it's even on Kindle Unlimited!!
Sincere thanks to Minka Kent and Thomas & Mercer for providing this ARC via Netgalley. All opinions are my own.
#ImaginaryStrangers #MinkaKent #ThomasMercer #AmazonPublishing #KindleUnlimited
Camille appears to have the perfect life with a loving husband who's a doctor and two wonderful children. Even her mother-in-law is supportive and always there to help out. However, Camille harbors a massive secret from her family. Despite all the support, she has been hiding the fact that she grapples with sociopathic tendencies stemming from a traumatic childhood, which she also hides from her family. Can you imagine living in constant fear of your true self being revealed?
This book is a real page-turner, and I found myself yearning for more with each turn of the page. The twists at the end were shocking, taking me completely by surprise! I'm anxiously awaiting the release of the next book in the series to see where the story goes next.
I highly recommend this book and it's even on Kindle Unlimited!!
Sincere thanks to Minka Kent and Thomas & Mercer for providing this ARC via Netgalley. All opinions are my own.
#ImaginaryStrangers #MinkaKent #ThomasMercer #AmazonPublishing #KindleUnlimited
March 5, 2025
Not bad, not great
Thoughts: https://www.tiktok.com/t/ZT2QJfSmM/
Thoughts: https://www.tiktok.com/t/ZT2QJfSmM/
August 13, 2024
The author's note at the end is one of the reasons why I enjoy her books.
Ms Kent delves into the world of a sociopath in this novel. Mental health is an important and diverse topic, and in this story the reader is schooled in this, often misrepresented, condition - but in an entertaining way - and may even dispel some common myths.
Camille had a horrifying childhood at the hands of her mother, but, despite this, she is now married to a wonderful husband, and has two beautiful children. All seems just perfect.
But. Is her past coming back to destroy her perfect life?
I hope this book makes readers do what Ms Kent intended, and they think about mental health in new ways - but also enjoy this story and the engaging characters.
Ms Kent delves into the world of a sociopath in this novel. Mental health is an important and diverse topic, and in this story the reader is schooled in this, often misrepresented, condition - but in an entertaining way - and may even dispel some common myths.
Camille had a horrifying childhood at the hands of her mother, but, despite this, she is now married to a wonderful husband, and has two beautiful children. All seems just perfect.
But. Is her past coming back to destroy her perfect life?
I hope this book makes readers do what Ms Kent intended, and they think about mental health in new ways - but also enjoy this story and the engaging characters.
February 10, 2024
Minka Kent is an automatic read for me, but I’m sad to say I didn’t enjoy Imaginary Strangers as much as I’d hoped. It’s a fast paced, easy read with a flawed and complex main character, but some of it just felt flat to me.
August 1, 2024
Yesssss, this was SOO GOOD!! I DEVOURED this book. Highly recommend! Super excited to continue this story and see where book #2 leads us! 👏🏼👏🏼👏🏼👏🏼
July 30, 2024
TW: Graphic child abuse
Brrrrr...
Author Minka Kent goes hot and cold with me and this latest release left me cold.
🥶😰❄️🥶
WHY?
1) "Imaginary Strangers" was yet ANOTHER book about a woman with a secret past.
Quite frankly, it simply failed to shine in this very, very crowded genre.
2) Not a fan of books showcasing harsh and graphic child abuse.
On the positive side, I enjoyed the author's end-of-book commentary on mental health.
I listened to the audiobook read by Renata Friedman, who did an outstanding job with the narration.
Brilliance Audio declined my NetGalley request to review this book (AGAIN!!!), so I have KindleUnlimited to thank for this audiobook freebie.
1.5 stars, rounded up.
March 5, 2024
I've become a huge fan of Minka Kent! Imaginary Strangers is fast paced and suspenseful. The main character, Camille, is flawed and complex with a significant history of childhood trauma. The major twist/reveal was shocking and jaw dropping. I could not put this down and read it in one day!
Thanks to NetGalley and Thomas & Mercer for a digital ARC in exchange for my honest review.
Thanks to NetGalley and Thomas & Mercer for a digital ARC in exchange for my honest review.
August 11, 2024
ARC provided in exchange for an honest review.
I really enjoyed the whole premise of this book! A married woman and mother battles with her dysfunctional upbringing while trying her best to keep her family safe. I loved all the twists and turns at the end and how the story didn’t lead you to a super predictable conclusion. If you like reading psychological thrillers, definitely give this book a try!
I really enjoyed the whole premise of this book! A married woman and mother battles with her dysfunctional upbringing while trying her best to keep her family safe. I loved all the twists and turns at the end and how the story didn’t lead you to a super predictable conclusion. If you like reading psychological thrillers, definitely give this book a try!
August 15, 2024
What a TWIST in the plot!! Shocked me and I shed some tears (good ones). Oh, wow, wow, wowwww.
March 4, 2024
First of all, an imaginary friend named Bestie was brilliant. I’m now inventing my own imaginary friend named Bestie to creep my already creeped out family even more. Thank you, Minka!
Imaginary Strangers is book #1 of The Dangerous Stranger series. I enjoyed this tense psychological thriller. I liked Camille’s sociopathic character and her husband, Will. There was plenty of dark humor thrown in which I always appreciate. I devoured the novel in a day and I loved the twist at the end. There is a powerful message throughout the novel to never underestimate a mother’s love for her children.
Thank you to @netgalley and @minkakentauthor for an advance digital copy of Imaginary Strangers. I’ll be looking forward to meeting up with Camille again!
Meat jelly sandwich = 😳
Imaginary Strangers is book #1 of The Dangerous Stranger series. I enjoyed this tense psychological thriller. I liked Camille’s sociopathic character and her husband, Will. There was plenty of dark humor thrown in which I always appreciate. I devoured the novel in a day and I loved the twist at the end. There is a powerful message throughout the novel to never underestimate a mother’s love for her children.
Thank you to @netgalley and @minkakentauthor for an advance digital copy of Imaginary Strangers. I’ll be looking forward to meeting up with Camille again!
Meat jelly sandwich = 😳
June 24, 2024
This has such a good premise, the idea of a child knowing things they shouldn’t know just creeps me out and the author portrayed it in a way that was unsettling and addictive. Camille had such a horrific childhood, the bits and pieces that are shared about her past are chilling and haunting, I so felt for her. She’s resilient and has worked very hard to move on from her past and watching her beautifully crafted life unravel was so sad. But it also made me wonder if she was just being paranoid or overprotective, I mean who could blame her if she was? It made for a fun guessing game and I really didn’t predict at all how things would turn out. I don’t want to say much more about the plot but if you like dark and fast paced thrillers this was excellent and I cannot wait for the next book!
August 5, 2024
5++ Stars- I’m currently on a Minka Kent book binge and this one is my favorite so far! I couldn’t put it down, it’s definitely a fast page turner. I love how Minka is so good at thorough and intricate character development. I really enjoyed following Camille in this book and her story was so riveting and heartbreaking. I’m so excited this is going to be a series and I can’t wait for the next book!!
December 23, 2024
So good! I can't wait for the sequel to this!
~ E📖
~ E📖
March 24, 2024
My unrestrained thoughts: Camille and Lucinda, your dynamic was so fucked up that it made the book a lot more sinister. And… where can I get a Will for myself?
Now, onto a little sophisticated review – it may contain tiny spoilers!
Minka Kent’s Imaginary Strangers surely starts off with a bang! The book is about the teenage daughter, Camille, who is now a gorgeous adult woman with a seemingly amazing life. Attentive, green-flag husband, two loving children, and a house filled with love and laughter. The problem is with Camille, though – her past, filled with horrifying memories of her mother, has made her… an unfeeling wife and mother.
Fortunately, she has everything under control… until one fine day when her daughter starts recounting all her childhood memories. Terror grips Camille, as these incidents are only known to two people – herself and her vindictive mother. Fearing her past has caught up to her, Camille goes on a wild hunt, only to uncover something absolutely appalling!
The highlight of this book for me was Camille’s therapy sessions. Her being diagnosed with sociopathy and her journey to navigate this new normal and be the best person for her little family… really made me appreciate her. Everything she did may be morally grey, but I felt it was justified.
Another thing – or person – I loved was Will! That guy works long shifts in the hospital, comes home and engages with his children, and gives enough love and space to his wife. As if this is not enough, he is so kind and considerate to Camille after he learns . Guys… I want someone like him in my life!
What I liked about the book:
o Gripping concept:
The idea behind the plot itself is absolutely gripping! I have never read a novel exploring sociopaths in such a domestic way, which made it all the more exciting. I loved how devoted Camille was to her family and keeping up with their happiness, even if it was a learned behavior.
Annoyingly, the author gave Camille dialogues like I would, if I could, which felt like not-very-subtle reminders of her sociopathy. But I was able to ignore these constant reminders because the mystery was exciting!
o Dr. Runzie and Lucinda:
For me, these two are like the side characters who steal the show and have everyone talking about them. As for Dr. Runzie, even though it’s her job, she was supportive and understanding towards Camille. It made me happy to see Camille being acknowledged and appreciated. But her exact opposite was Lucinda, who had such an influence on the story, even if she never appears in the story actively. She truly felt like the puppeteer of Camille’s life, even if the latter had somewhat freed herself from Lucinda’s clutches.
To be honest, Dr. Runzie and Lucinda are on the extreme side – good and evil. Maybe that’s why they caught my eye. I am just speculating here but if Lucinda is the id, then the superego is Camille. And mediating between the two, literally and symbolically, is Dr. Runzie, as ego.
o Parts of the big reveal:
I have very conflicting feelings about the twist at the end, but one thing is for sure.
With the way Lucinda played with her own daughter, it would make sense that she wouldn’t even care about what happened to her daughter after she left. And this little point really made me appreciate the book even more!
What I wasn’t impressed with:
. But that intrigue vanished there because the surprise reveal fell flat when everything was laid out on the table.
On top of this, there were passages, even whole chapters, where nothing happened. Or rather, nothing relevant happens, and they are just… there, hanging on like loose ends. Like Camille chasing Imogen, her uneasy friendship with Clare, and equally awkward animosity towards Rachel, or the imaginary bestie Georgiana has. What was that about?
Thankfully, these didn’t bother me as much as they would have and I was able to overlook them to enjoy the book. But they did help me decide the rating…
My final thoughts?
Overall, I loved Imaginary Strangers. The book left quite an impression on me with its deep exploration of sociopathy and how it affects an ordinary housewife like Camille. And by the looks of it, there is going to be another book, . You bet I am reading it ASAP!
Thanks to NetGalley and Thomas & Mercer for providing this ARC in exchange for an honest review!
#netgalley #arcreview
Now, onto a little sophisticated review – it may contain tiny spoilers!
Minka Kent’s Imaginary Strangers surely starts off with a bang! The book is about the teenage daughter, Camille, who is now a gorgeous adult woman with a seemingly amazing life. Attentive, green-flag husband, two loving children, and a house filled with love and laughter. The problem is with Camille, though – her past, filled with horrifying memories of her mother, has made her… an unfeeling wife and mother.
Fortunately, she has everything under control… until one fine day when her daughter starts recounting all her childhood memories. Terror grips Camille, as these incidents are only known to two people – herself and her vindictive mother. Fearing her past has caught up to her, Camille goes on a wild hunt, only to uncover something absolutely appalling!
The highlight of this book for me was Camille’s therapy sessions. Her being diagnosed with sociopathy and her journey to navigate this new normal and be the best person for her little family… really made me appreciate her. Everything she did may be morally grey, but I felt it was justified.
Another thing – or person – I loved was Will! That guy works long shifts in the hospital, comes home and engages with his children, and gives enough love and space to his wife. As if this is not enough, he is so kind and considerate to Camille after he learns . Guys… I want someone like him in my life!
What I liked about the book:
o Gripping concept:
The idea behind the plot itself is absolutely gripping! I have never read a novel exploring sociopaths in such a domestic way, which made it all the more exciting. I loved how devoted Camille was to her family and keeping up with their happiness, even if it was a learned behavior.
Annoyingly, the author gave Camille dialogues like I would, if I could, which felt like not-very-subtle reminders of her sociopathy. But I was able to ignore these constant reminders because the mystery was exciting!
o Dr. Runzie and Lucinda:
For me, these two are like the side characters who steal the show and have everyone talking about them. As for Dr. Runzie, even though it’s her job, she was supportive and understanding towards Camille. It made me happy to see Camille being acknowledged and appreciated. But her exact opposite was Lucinda, who had such an influence on the story, even if she never appears in the story actively. She truly felt like the puppeteer of Camille’s life, even if the latter had somewhat freed herself from Lucinda’s clutches.
To be honest, Dr. Runzie and Lucinda are on the extreme side – good and evil. Maybe that’s why they caught my eye. I am just speculating here but if Lucinda is the id, then the superego is Camille. And mediating between the two, literally and symbolically, is Dr. Runzie, as ego.
o Parts of the big reveal:
I have very conflicting feelings about the twist at the end, but one thing is for sure.
With the way Lucinda played with her own daughter, it would make sense that she wouldn’t even care about what happened to her daughter after she left. And this little point really made me appreciate the book even more!
What I wasn’t impressed with:
. But that intrigue vanished there because the surprise reveal fell flat when everything was laid out on the table.
On top of this, there were passages, even whole chapters, where nothing happened. Or rather, nothing relevant happens, and they are just… there, hanging on like loose ends. Like Camille chasing Imogen, her uneasy friendship with Clare, and equally awkward animosity towards Rachel, or the imaginary bestie Georgiana has. What was that about?
Thankfully, these didn’t bother me as much as they would have and I was able to overlook them to enjoy the book. But they did help me decide the rating…
My final thoughts?
Overall, I loved Imaginary Strangers. The book left quite an impression on me with its deep exploration of sociopathy and how it affects an ordinary housewife like Camille. And by the looks of it, there is going to be another book, . You bet I am reading it ASAP!
Thanks to NetGalley and Thomas & Mercer for providing this ARC in exchange for an honest review!
#netgalley #arcreview
February 11, 2024
A fast and engaging read, Minka Kent does not disappoint with Imaginary Strangers.
Camille lives a quintessential life. Her husband Will is a surgeon and she has two adoring children. From the outside looking in, others may say they have a perfect life. But, we all know nothing is ever perfect.
Camille had a traumatic childhood, raised by a mother who hated her, abused her and did horrific things to her. Camille does not share these details with her husband and claims she has no family. One person who does know about her past is her therapist. The sessions with her therapist are detailed in the book and it as the reader, I was so angry to think anyone could be so cruel to a child. We learn early on in the book (not a spoiler) Camille is a sociopath, unable to feel the emotions most people can.
When Camille's daughter, Georgiana starts coming home from school with stories, songs and phrases from Camille's past no one could know about, Camille begins to panic. Has her mother come looking for her? How could she have found her? Camille calls upon Will's mother to come visit so she can help with the children while she searches to find out answers.
Overall, a gripping well written story. Camille may be a sociopath but I could not help but root for her and feel emotion towards her character and what she was going through. The ending I did not necessarily see coming but I found the ending happened so fast and wrapped up even faster.
The epilogue left the door open to follow up with a book two and if it happens, I am there for it.
Thank you to NetGalley and Thomas & Mercer for the advanced digital copy to read and review!
Camille lives a quintessential life. Her husband Will is a surgeon and she has two adoring children. From the outside looking in, others may say they have a perfect life. But, we all know nothing is ever perfect.
Camille had a traumatic childhood, raised by a mother who hated her, abused her and did horrific things to her. Camille does not share these details with her husband and claims she has no family. One person who does know about her past is her therapist. The sessions with her therapist are detailed in the book and it as the reader, I was so angry to think anyone could be so cruel to a child. We learn early on in the book (not a spoiler) Camille is a sociopath, unable to feel the emotions most people can.
When Camille's daughter, Georgiana starts coming home from school with stories, songs and phrases from Camille's past no one could know about, Camille begins to panic. Has her mother come looking for her? How could she have found her? Camille calls upon Will's mother to come visit so she can help with the children while she searches to find out answers.
Overall, a gripping well written story. Camille may be a sociopath but I could not help but root for her and feel emotion towards her character and what she was going through. The ending I did not necessarily see coming but I found the ending happened so fast and wrapped up even faster.
The epilogue left the door open to follow up with a book two and if it happens, I am there for it.
Thank you to NetGalley and Thomas & Mercer for the advanced digital copy to read and review!
February 12, 2024
Ιмagιnary Ѕтrangerѕ
(𝘽𝙊𝙊𝙆 #1 of the 𝘿𝘼𝙉𝙂𝙀𝙍𝙊𝙐𝙎 𝙎𝙏𝙍𝘼𝙉𝙂𝙀𝙍𝙎 𝙎𝙀𝙍𝙄𝙀𝙎)
By Minka Kent
Release Date 07/23/2024
Camille is a married mom of 2 with a great husband who’s a doctor. She’s a SAHM who does it all. But she has many secrets from her past and a condition she's long hidden from everyone. Which, for me, made her so intriguing. The therapy sessions …. loved them.
This book is full of twists that will keep you guessing.
Since the book is five months from release, I’ll leave my review short for now. I recommend this book to all those who love psychological thrillers!!!
4.5 🌟🌟🌟🌟🌟S̤̈T̤̈Ä̤R̤̈S̤̈
#minkakent #arcbooks #netgalley #thomasandmercer
#bookstragram #bookpile #bookaddicts #bookblogging #bookishfeature #booknerds #booksofinsta #bookstagramer #books #booklover #bookworm #bookish #instabook #bibliophile #booknerd #bookstagrammer #bookaddict #booksofinstagram #bookshelf #instabooks #readersofinstagram #bookblogger #bookreview #goodreads #bookblog
(𝘽𝙊𝙊𝙆 #1 of the 𝘿𝘼𝙉𝙂𝙀𝙍𝙊𝙐𝙎 𝙎𝙏𝙍𝘼𝙉𝙂𝙀𝙍𝙎 𝙎𝙀𝙍𝙄𝙀𝙎)
By Minka Kent
Release Date 07/23/2024
Camille is a married mom of 2 with a great husband who’s a doctor. She’s a SAHM who does it all. But she has many secrets from her past and a condition she's long hidden from everyone. Which, for me, made her so intriguing. The therapy sessions …. loved them.
This book is full of twists that will keep you guessing.
Since the book is five months from release, I’ll leave my review short for now. I recommend this book to all those who love psychological thrillers!!!
4.5 🌟🌟🌟🌟🌟S̤̈T̤̈Ä̤R̤̈S̤̈
#minkakent #arcbooks #netgalley #thomasandmercer
#bookstragram #bookpile #bookaddicts #bookblogging #bookishfeature #booknerds #booksofinsta #bookstagramer #books #booklover #bookworm #bookish #instabook #bibliophile #booknerd #bookstagrammer #bookaddict #booksofinstagram #bookshelf #instabooks #readersofinstagram #bookblogger #bookreview #goodreads #bookblog
October 3, 2024
This book taught me more about sociopaths than anything else could.
Poor camille
Poor camille
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