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Rockton/Casey Duncan #6
A Stranger in Town
Detective Casey Duncan has noticed fewer and fewer residents coming in to the hidden town of Rockton, and no extensions being granted. Her boyfriend, Sheriff Eric Dalton, presumes it’s the natural flux of things, but Casey’s not so sure. Something bigger is happening in the small town they call home.
When an injured hiker stumbles from the woods, the sole survivor of a hostile attack, it’s all hands on deck. Even a member of the elusive Rockton council comes in to help. This council member also comes bearing news: Rockton is being shut down due to the hostile situation.
Casey and Eric must now race to save the town that has allowed residents to have a fresh start, away from the mistakes of their past, while also getting to the bottom of this latest attack.
When an injured hiker stumbles from the woods, the sole survivor of a hostile attack, it’s all hands on deck. Even a member of the elusive Rockton council comes in to help. This council member also comes bearing news: Rockton is being shut down due to the hostile situation.
Casey and Eric must now race to save the town that has allowed residents to have a fresh start, away from the mistakes of their past, while also getting to the bottom of this latest attack.
356 pages, Hardcover
First published February 2, 2021
About the author
Kelley Armstrong
273 books30.8k followersKelley Armstrong has been telling stories since before she could write. Her earliest written efforts were disastrous. If asked for a story about girls and dolls, hers would invariably feature undead girls and evil dolls, much to her teachers' dismay. All efforts to make her produce "normal" stories failed.
Today, she continues to spin tales of ghosts and demons and werewolves, while safely locked away in her basement writing dungeon. She's the author of the NYT-bestselling "Women of the Otherworld" paranormal suspense series and "Darkest Powers" young adult urban fantasy trilogy, as well as the Nadia Stafford crime series. Armstrong lives in southwestern Ontario with her husband, kids and far too many pets.
Today, she continues to spin tales of ghosts and demons and werewolves, while safely locked away in her basement writing dungeon. She's the author of the NYT-bestselling "Women of the Otherworld" paranormal suspense series and "Darkest Powers" young adult urban fantasy trilogy, as well as the Nadia Stafford crime series. Armstrong lives in southwestern Ontario with her husband, kids and far too many pets.
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 750 reviews
October 30, 2020
2.75*
This entire series has been a hit and miss experience for me. I actually gave up on it a few books back.... but just like potato chips, I craved more!
Unfortunately, this latest release found its way directly into the ‘miss’ pile for me. After loving her previous release Alone in the Wild, I was anxious to dive in.
But…oh my! I just couldn’t keep up with all the characters.
When Casey and Eric come across an injured woman in the forest, they rush in to help. Terrified and disoriented the woman tries speaking to them in an unrecognizable language. They know she isn’t a hostile, and doesn’t look like a settler either. So what was she doing alone in the forest? Who hurt her? And was she alone or are there more in her party?
There were so many characters and warring factions, my head was reeling. And by the end, I was confused, lost and frustrated.
But…This is a series that I find myself addicted to and will be reaching for the next release. Fingers crossed, once again it’ll be a big hit for me.
A buddy read with Susanne
Thank you to Minotaur via Netgalley for an ARC to read and review
This entire series has been a hit and miss experience for me. I actually gave up on it a few books back.... but just like potato chips, I craved more!
Unfortunately, this latest release found its way directly into the ‘miss’ pile for me. After loving her previous release Alone in the Wild, I was anxious to dive in.
But…oh my! I just couldn’t keep up with all the characters.
When Casey and Eric come across an injured woman in the forest, they rush in to help. Terrified and disoriented the woman tries speaking to them in an unrecognizable language. They know she isn’t a hostile, and doesn’t look like a settler either. So what was she doing alone in the forest? Who hurt her? And was she alone or are there more in her party?
There were so many characters and warring factions, my head was reeling. And by the end, I was confused, lost and frustrated.
But…This is a series that I find myself addicted to and will be reaching for the next release. Fingers crossed, once again it’ll be a big hit for me.
A buddy read with Susanne
Thank you to Minotaur via Netgalley for an ARC to read and review
October 19, 2020
A new Rockton novel by Kelley Armstrong that unfortunately left me wanting.
Gosh.. What can I say here: I started out liking “A Stranger in Town” and then the storyline just completely lost me.
This novel included too many characters and too many groups of people - the hostiles, the settlers, the hikers, the danish, Emilie, Jay - a new resident, Sophie - the injured hiker, all of whom simply confused me and made it such that I was unsure as to who actually was “A Stranger in Town.” Simply put, I just kind of didn’t get it.
In the newest Rockton novel, Casey and Eric happen upon several bodies while out in the forest all of whom have been murdered, save one. Some appear to be settlers, some hostiles. When they come upon Sophie, an injured hiker who appears to be alive, they of course try to save her - even though she doesn’t speak English. What happens thereafter, leaves them stunned and completely unsettled trying to figure out who Sophie really is and why she was on the outskirts of Rockton. This leads to an investigation which frankly left me scratching my head.
The outcome of all of this admittedly, left me concerned for where the series will go next. I guess we will see.
Though I didn’t feel that this was a strong showing in the Rockton series, I will undoubtedly read the next book in the series if there is one.
This was a buddy read with Kaceey.
Thank you to NetGalley Minotaur Books and Kelley Armstrong for the arc.
Published on NetGalley and Goodreads on 10.19.20.
Gosh.. What can I say here: I started out liking “A Stranger in Town” and then the storyline just completely lost me.
This novel included too many characters and too many groups of people - the hostiles, the settlers, the hikers, the danish, Emilie, Jay - a new resident, Sophie - the injured hiker, all of whom simply confused me and made it such that I was unsure as to who actually was “A Stranger in Town.” Simply put, I just kind of didn’t get it.
In the newest Rockton novel, Casey and Eric happen upon several bodies while out in the forest all of whom have been murdered, save one. Some appear to be settlers, some hostiles. When they come upon Sophie, an injured hiker who appears to be alive, they of course try to save her - even though she doesn’t speak English. What happens thereafter, leaves them stunned and completely unsettled trying to figure out who Sophie really is and why she was on the outskirts of Rockton. This leads to an investigation which frankly left me scratching my head.
The outcome of all of this admittedly, left me concerned for where the series will go next. I guess we will see.
Though I didn’t feel that this was a strong showing in the Rockton series, I will undoubtedly read the next book in the series if there is one.
This was a buddy read with Kaceey.
Thank you to NetGalley Minotaur Books and Kelley Armstrong for the arc.
Published on NetGalley and Goodreads on 10.19.20.
December 2, 2021
I am disappointed there are still no killer rabbits in A Stranger in Town…or any rabbits. Nor is there bear bowling-although there are bears, oh my. Human predators take center stage in In a Stranger in Town and hold it strongly as they do in another Rockton tour de force.
Rockton is the little Yukon town that does not exist on any map, nor do very many people know about it. Due to some sophisticated technology, it is almost impossible to find, unless you just stumble across it. It was started more that sixty years ago as a hide-out for the idealists who were caught up in ugly governmental witch hunts. Later, much later it became the home of last resort for those who are wrongly accused, wrongly convicted, or hunted by loved one. In very recent years it seems as if the main requirement is large amounts of money, morality not required. In Rockton you can reinvent yourself. Become who or want you want. Sometimes you can even become a better person.
Staying within the confines of Rockton, unless you are being guided, is a requirement. The forest isn’t really trying to kill you, it just seems that way. There are apex predators of both the human and animal kind. Not to mention how easy it is to lose your bearings.
Casey Duncan is the town detective who was tricked into coming to Rockton, but has since fallen in love, first with the loved/hated Sheriff Eric Dalton then with both Rockton and the Yukon. Oddly enough, with a town filled with criminals her work load is fairly light, until the times it isn’t.
One day she and Eric set out from Rockton to do a bit of trading with a group of settler teenagers who are partying at a lake along with teenaged Sebastian from Rockton. They are the children and grandchildren of people who left Rockton, not wanting to return south. They have a hard life, but they did not turn into “hostiles” as the main group of forest human predators is known.
While visiting with the teens a severely injured woman comes stumbling from the forest. They get her back to Rockton and Casey’s sister saves her from her injuries. It is almost impossible to find out her story as she is Danish, until they find a new resident who knows Danish.
Casey and Eric find her campsite and two other bodies, all showing signs of murder by hostiles and animal predation.
While Casey and Eric try to discover what is behind the death of the Danish campers, two other mysteries occupy Casey; how and why did the hostiles evolve from hippie type settlement, and why are people no longer arriving in Rockton or giving extensions to stay? Casey and Eric have always said they have a plan B in case the Council who runs Rockton try to separate them, they just didn’t think it would be needed for other reasons. Nor do they really have a plan B. Now the main question, who will stand with them?
Casey’s sister, April, although a brilliant doctor and researcher is on the autism spectrum and has always gone untreated, which has also had a very negative effect on Casey. Another Rockton resident is a young sociopath who killed his parents at age ll. He is being treated, but Casey and Eric hold their breaths hoping for the best. Not having experience with either condition, it still strikes me that Armstrong handles these two characters in a knowledgeable and sensitive way.
This is world building at its best. Kelley Armstrong’s world of Rockton is just as intriguing, just as fascinating as her paranormal and fantasy worlds. Her characters and storytelling is exceptional. I can’t think of anyone who does it better. Maybe as well, but not better.
I’ve told everyone I know who is interested in books that the Rockton series is in my top six series-fluid order; and that the first book City of the Lost is in my top five favorite books, again fluid order. With Stranger in Town Rockton #6, I find no reason to change these comments. So once again I will be hounding friends and family to start or continue with the Rockton series.
Thank you to NetGalley and Minotaur Press for an ARC.
42 likes
Rockton is the little Yukon town that does not exist on any map, nor do very many people know about it. Due to some sophisticated technology, it is almost impossible to find, unless you just stumble across it. It was started more that sixty years ago as a hide-out for the idealists who were caught up in ugly governmental witch hunts. Later, much later it became the home of last resort for those who are wrongly accused, wrongly convicted, or hunted by loved one. In very recent years it seems as if the main requirement is large amounts of money, morality not required. In Rockton you can reinvent yourself. Become who or want you want. Sometimes you can even become a better person.
Staying within the confines of Rockton, unless you are being guided, is a requirement. The forest isn’t really trying to kill you, it just seems that way. There are apex predators of both the human and animal kind. Not to mention how easy it is to lose your bearings.
Casey Duncan is the town detective who was tricked into coming to Rockton, but has since fallen in love, first with the loved/hated Sheriff Eric Dalton then with both Rockton and the Yukon. Oddly enough, with a town filled with criminals her work load is fairly light, until the times it isn’t.
One day she and Eric set out from Rockton to do a bit of trading with a group of settler teenagers who are partying at a lake along with teenaged Sebastian from Rockton. They are the children and grandchildren of people who left Rockton, not wanting to return south. They have a hard life, but they did not turn into “hostiles” as the main group of forest human predators is known.
While visiting with the teens a severely injured woman comes stumbling from the forest. They get her back to Rockton and Casey’s sister saves her from her injuries. It is almost impossible to find out her story as she is Danish, until they find a new resident who knows Danish.
Casey and Eric find her campsite and two other bodies, all showing signs of murder by hostiles and animal predation.
While Casey and Eric try to discover what is behind the death of the Danish campers, two other mysteries occupy Casey; how and why did the hostiles evolve from hippie type settlement, and why are people no longer arriving in Rockton or giving extensions to stay? Casey and Eric have always said they have a plan B in case the Council who runs Rockton try to separate them, they just didn’t think it would be needed for other reasons. Nor do they really have a plan B. Now the main question, who will stand with them?
Casey’s sister, April, although a brilliant doctor and researcher is on the autism spectrum and has always gone untreated, which has also had a very negative effect on Casey. Another Rockton resident is a young sociopath who killed his parents at age ll. He is being treated, but Casey and Eric hold their breaths hoping for the best. Not having experience with either condition, it still strikes me that Armstrong handles these two characters in a knowledgeable and sensitive way.
This is world building at its best. Kelley Armstrong’s world of Rockton is just as intriguing, just as fascinating as her paranormal and fantasy worlds. Her characters and storytelling is exceptional. I can’t think of anyone who does it better. Maybe as well, but not better.
I’ve told everyone I know who is interested in books that the Rockton series is in my top six series-fluid order; and that the first book City of the Lost is in my top five favorite books, again fluid order. With Stranger in Town Rockton #6, I find no reason to change these comments. So once again I will be hounding friends and family to start or continue with the Rockton series.
Thank you to NetGalley and Minotaur Press for an ARC.
42 likes
February 28, 2023
A Stranger in Town by Kelley Armstrong
Rockton / Casey Duncan series #6. Thriller. Should be read in series order.
A remote Alaskan community inhabited by people hiding or escaping turns deadly. Again. How much is politics by the board? Detective Casey, Sheriff Dalton and trusted friends investigate.
As we get to know more about this town, it is clear, we don’t yet have all the facts or motives.
Rockton / Casey Duncan series #6. Thriller. Should be read in series order.
A remote Alaskan community inhabited by people hiding or escaping turns deadly. Again. How much is politics by the board? Detective Casey, Sheriff Dalton and trusted friends investigate.
As we get to know more about this town, it is clear, we don’t yet have all the facts or motives.
November 11, 2020
I have loved all the books in this series and sometimes wish I could become one of the residents of Rockton, even though I hate the cold.
On this, the sixth outing of the series, we are given a fine look at the town, its establishment, and the circumstances that have given rise to the first and second settlements, and the dreaded hostiles who are also inhabitants of this remote area.
When a stranger who is seriously hurt is found, it is the job of Casey and and Erik plus some other community members to figure out what happened. Their task is made more difficult by the fact that the woman does not speak English but Danish. Luckily a somewhat newer person to the area is able to understand Danish, so he becomes an integral part of the story. Also baffling, it seems the town's population is diminishing while extensions are not granted to those residents and no new people have been assigned to enter. Surely, there are many who still need to hide away in Rockton so this happening bodes ominous for Casey and the others. Something is amiss and it is Casey and Erik's job to find the clues and solve the mystery before more people die.
If the finding of dead bodies and tensions rising isn't enough, the appearance of one of the original Rockton founders add a sense of concern and worry and when a group of Danish adventure seekers turn up dead, the hunt is on to find the killers. Suspected of course is the hostiles, but as other clues pop up, they might not be the culprits and a more sinister reason might just be the answer.
Told once again with a good deal of excitement, danger, and mystery, this story builds upon itself and gives the reader lots to consider as they join Casey and Erik in the hunt for the killer or killers while battling the environment they have come to love.
Thank you to Kelley Armstrong, Minotaur Books, and Net Galley for a copy of this book that has a fine share of perilous, risky, and precarious happenings that are sure to keep the reader engaged. This story is due out February 2, 2021.
On this, the sixth outing of the series, we are given a fine look at the town, its establishment, and the circumstances that have given rise to the first and second settlements, and the dreaded hostiles who are also inhabitants of this remote area.
When a stranger who is seriously hurt is found, it is the job of Casey and and Erik plus some other community members to figure out what happened. Their task is made more difficult by the fact that the woman does not speak English but Danish. Luckily a somewhat newer person to the area is able to understand Danish, so he becomes an integral part of the story. Also baffling, it seems the town's population is diminishing while extensions are not granted to those residents and no new people have been assigned to enter. Surely, there are many who still need to hide away in Rockton so this happening bodes ominous for Casey and the others. Something is amiss and it is Casey and Erik's job to find the clues and solve the mystery before more people die.
If the finding of dead bodies and tensions rising isn't enough, the appearance of one of the original Rockton founders add a sense of concern and worry and when a group of Danish adventure seekers turn up dead, the hunt is on to find the killers. Suspected of course is the hostiles, but as other clues pop up, they might not be the culprits and a more sinister reason might just be the answer.
Told once again with a good deal of excitement, danger, and mystery, this story builds upon itself and gives the reader lots to consider as they join Casey and Erik in the hunt for the killer or killers while battling the environment they have come to love.
Thank you to Kelley Armstrong, Minotaur Books, and Net Galley for a copy of this book that has a fine share of perilous, risky, and precarious happenings that are sure to keep the reader engaged. This story is due out February 2, 2021.
January 22, 2021
From the beginning the premise of this series was intriguing. Set in the Yukon, an off the grid town where people who had trouble in their real lives, could stay for a period of time, with extensions granted if necessary. A chance to remake themselves with only a few who need to know, why you are there, who you were. Also of course, continuing to read the series makes one comfortable with the characters. An invested interest.
This one though, the plot just seemed a stretch, a jumbled conundrum that didn't sit as well. Things are changing in the town, as they change in life and I'm not sure I like the direction it is taking. Guess will see when the next in series is written. The author has a selling job to do to keep this invested reader.
ARC from Edelweiss.
This one though, the plot just seemed a stretch, a jumbled conundrum that didn't sit as well. Things are changing in the town, as they change in life and I'm not sure I like the direction it is taking. Guess will see when the next in series is written. The author has a selling job to do to keep this invested reader.
ARC from Edelweiss.
February 2, 2021
This review can also be found at Carole's Random Life in Books.
I loved this book! I am a huge fan of this series so I went into this book with rather high expectations and I am happy to report that they were all met. I was so excited to check in with Casey, Eric, and the rest of the Rockton residents and to find out what their next adventure would be. This was a book that I didn't want to put down once I started reading. I had a fantastic time with this book!
Casey and Eric encounter a wounded woman in the woods who is in very bad shape. It looks like the rest of her party has died and they are not sure what might have happened to the woman they are caring for in town. Rockton soon receives an important visitor, who brings a few answers but a lot more questions. Casey and Eric need to figure out what happened to the woman and what is going on with their town.
This book kept me guessing! There was a lot of excitement in this story and the mystery element was very well done. It was so good to finally get some answers to some of the bigger mysteries surrounding the town of Rockton. I wasn't sure how everything would be connected but I loved that we saw so many characters and elements from previous books play a role in this installment.
I would highly recommend this series to others! I do think that this is a series that is best when read in order since each book builds on the events from previous installments. I had a great time with this page-turner and believe that readers will find this to be a book filled with great characters and a nicely plotted mystery. I cannot wait to find out what will happen next in Rockton!
I received a digital review copy of this book from St. Martin's Press - Minotaur Books via NetGalley.
Initial Thoughts
I am a huge fan of this series so I went into this book with pretty high expectations and they were all met. I was drawn into the mystery and couldn't wait to see how everything would come together in the end. There were some pretty unexpected developments and enough action to keep things very interesting. I do think that this series needs to be read in order since a lot of the things that they are dealing with in this book tie into previous mysteries. It was nice to check in with Casey, Dalton, and the rest of the Rockton crew.
I loved this book! I am a huge fan of this series so I went into this book with rather high expectations and I am happy to report that they were all met. I was so excited to check in with Casey, Eric, and the rest of the Rockton residents and to find out what their next adventure would be. This was a book that I didn't want to put down once I started reading. I had a fantastic time with this book!
Casey and Eric encounter a wounded woman in the woods who is in very bad shape. It looks like the rest of her party has died and they are not sure what might have happened to the woman they are caring for in town. Rockton soon receives an important visitor, who brings a few answers but a lot more questions. Casey and Eric need to figure out what happened to the woman and what is going on with their town.
This book kept me guessing! There was a lot of excitement in this story and the mystery element was very well done. It was so good to finally get some answers to some of the bigger mysteries surrounding the town of Rockton. I wasn't sure how everything would be connected but I loved that we saw so many characters and elements from previous books play a role in this installment.
I would highly recommend this series to others! I do think that this is a series that is best when read in order since each book builds on the events from previous installments. I had a great time with this page-turner and believe that readers will find this to be a book filled with great characters and a nicely plotted mystery. I cannot wait to find out what will happen next in Rockton!
I received a digital review copy of this book from St. Martin's Press - Minotaur Books via NetGalley.
Initial Thoughts
I am a huge fan of this series so I went into this book with pretty high expectations and they were all met. I was drawn into the mystery and couldn't wait to see how everything would come together in the end. There were some pretty unexpected developments and enough action to keep things very interesting. I do think that this series needs to be read in order since a lot of the things that they are dealing with in this book tie into previous mysteries. It was nice to check in with Casey, Dalton, and the rest of the Rockton crew.
February 21, 2021
A Stranger in Town is Kelley Armstrong's sixth book in the Rockton series. As always Armstrong constructs a challenging mystery as newcomers arrive in the secluded town and bodies begin piling up.
This is an overall fantastic series with a strong female lead and action-packed plotlines. I love reading about the Yukon. The wildness of the region--its unpredictable weather, deadly animals, and inhospitable terrain is the most compelling character of all. While reading Armstrong's captivating descriptions it's easy to taste the fresh northern air with hints of winter and evergreen.
My only problem, the four stars instead of five, is
There is a huge storyline building for the next book, and I'm eager to find out what will happen! Only one year away...
This is an overall fantastic series with a strong female lead and action-packed plotlines. I love reading about the Yukon. The wildness of the region--its unpredictable weather, deadly animals, and inhospitable terrain is the most compelling character of all. While reading Armstrong's captivating descriptions it's easy to taste the fresh northern air with hints of winter and evergreen.
My only problem, the four stars instead of five, is
There is a huge storyline building for the next book, and I'm eager to find out what will happen! Only one year away...
February 19, 2021
Mesmerizing And Captivating!
The story takes place out in the desolate wilderness of the Yukon in the very small town called Rockton where all the residents are in hiding or exile from their old lives in society. There isn't any access to wifi or other outside communications because this town is completely isolated and hidden from the public for specific reasons and must remain that way to keep all of the residents safe. There are only about 200 citizens who live in Rockton and each individual must be approved by a special council in order to be relocated to this special and highly unusual community. Erik (The sheriff) and his wife Casey (a detective) are in charge of the safety and well-being of the residents and currently they are trying to find out the identity of a young woman presumably a.lost tourist who came stumbling out of the woods after she was viciously attacked and to find out where her companions are since there is no way anyone would be traveling in the Yukon alone. The story behind this woman goes much deeper than the couple could ever imagine and if they don't find answers soon many lives will be at risk and unfortunately many will be lost.
This was a captivating story for me. It was reminiscent of the old west without all the modern conveniences of normal everyday life. The atmospheric storytelling and stellar writing was spot-on and I could almost feel the chill of the air and sense the scent of the wildlife and solitude of the nearby woods that surrounded the town and I was mesmerized by the intoxicating writing that brought myself into this special, unknown little world that I felt I was part of and kept wanting to know more of this life and it's mysteries. This book is part of a series but it did well as a stand-alone read but now I want to read all the previous books in the series to find out everything I can about all the mysteries of Rockton. Maybe the author "Kelley Armstrong" would bestow a few of these fantastic books on this humble reader ( hint, hint - smile ). Well, a reader can just keep dreaming, right? I loved this book, the world of Rocton, the wilderness behind the story and just everything about this story. I can't wait to read another book from this series and I highly recommend it to any reader who wants to get away from the modern world for a little while.
I want to thank the author "Kelley Armstrong", the publisher "St Martin's Press" and Netgalley for the opportunity to read this terrific book and any thoughts and opinions expressed are unbiased and mine alone!
I have given this Highly Captivating story 5 Mesmerizing 🌟🌟🌟🌟🌟 Stars!!
Publication Date - February 9, 2021
The story takes place out in the desolate wilderness of the Yukon in the very small town called Rockton where all the residents are in hiding or exile from their old lives in society. There isn't any access to wifi or other outside communications because this town is completely isolated and hidden from the public for specific reasons and must remain that way to keep all of the residents safe. There are only about 200 citizens who live in Rockton and each individual must be approved by a special council in order to be relocated to this special and highly unusual community. Erik (The sheriff) and his wife Casey (a detective) are in charge of the safety and well-being of the residents and currently they are trying to find out the identity of a young woman presumably a.lost tourist who came stumbling out of the woods after she was viciously attacked and to find out where her companions are since there is no way anyone would be traveling in the Yukon alone. The story behind this woman goes much deeper than the couple could ever imagine and if they don't find answers soon many lives will be at risk and unfortunately many will be lost.
This was a captivating story for me. It was reminiscent of the old west without all the modern conveniences of normal everyday life. The atmospheric storytelling and stellar writing was spot-on and I could almost feel the chill of the air and sense the scent of the wildlife and solitude of the nearby woods that surrounded the town and I was mesmerized by the intoxicating writing that brought myself into this special, unknown little world that I felt I was part of and kept wanting to know more of this life and it's mysteries. This book is part of a series but it did well as a stand-alone read but now I want to read all the previous books in the series to find out everything I can about all the mysteries of Rockton. Maybe the author "Kelley Armstrong" would bestow a few of these fantastic books on this humble reader ( hint, hint - smile ). Well, a reader can just keep dreaming, right? I loved this book, the world of Rocton, the wilderness behind the story and just everything about this story. I can't wait to read another book from this series and I highly recommend it to any reader who wants to get away from the modern world for a little while.
I want to thank the author "Kelley Armstrong", the publisher "St Martin's Press" and Netgalley for the opportunity to read this terrific book and any thoughts and opinions expressed are unbiased and mine alone!
I have given this Highly Captivating story 5 Mesmerizing 🌟🌟🌟🌟🌟 Stars!!
Publication Date - February 9, 2021
July 13, 2021
Welcome to Rockton, a secret, hidden town deep in the Yukon wilderness. It’s a place where people can get away from mistakes they’ve made in the past - usually for a price. This was book 6 of the series and it is a series that needs to be read in order, in order to follow it.
This particular story was all about the hostiles. Sheriff Eric Dalton and detective Casey Butler (his girlfriend) have a suspicion that the Council, that manages the place from a distance, has a secret plan to shut it down due to the danger of the hostiles. Fewer residents have been arriving and very few extensions (to the usual two year tenure) have been granted. In addition to Rockton there are two settlements of former residents in the wilderness, relations are strained but generally peaceful. The hostiles are ‘wild people’ - feral and aggressive. Nobody at Rockton is quite sure where they came from and they are considered dangerous.
Over the course of this book Danish hikers who aren’t hikers are killed and a family of innocent trappers are killed, apparently by these hostiles, and Casey is determined to get to the bottom of it and save the town from closure. One of the original residents and benefactors, now an elderly lady, arrives to help although her motives are not clear at first.
As usual there is a lot of traipsing through the woods, ambushes and looking for people. But Casey and Dalton slowly arrive at the truth of the origin of the hostiles and the audacity of the perpetrators is stunning. But now they are able to formulate a plan to round up the hostiles and hopefully save the town. What happens next? I’ll have to wait for the next book which I believe will be the last. I have really enjoyed this series. It has been something different from the usual murder mysteries or psychological thrillers and the whole concept is refreshing. The addition of Casey’s dog, Storm - a Newfoundland pup, a couple of books ago has been heartwarming. She is a very helpful and loyal dog. Now to await book 7.
This particular story was all about the hostiles. Sheriff Eric Dalton and detective Casey Butler (his girlfriend) have a suspicion that the Council, that manages the place from a distance, has a secret plan to shut it down due to the danger of the hostiles. Fewer residents have been arriving and very few extensions (to the usual two year tenure) have been granted. In addition to Rockton there are two settlements of former residents in the wilderness, relations are strained but generally peaceful. The hostiles are ‘wild people’ - feral and aggressive. Nobody at Rockton is quite sure where they came from and they are considered dangerous.
Over the course of this book Danish hikers who aren’t hikers are killed and a family of innocent trappers are killed, apparently by these hostiles, and Casey is determined to get to the bottom of it and save the town from closure. One of the original residents and benefactors, now an elderly lady, arrives to help although her motives are not clear at first.
As usual there is a lot of traipsing through the woods, ambushes and looking for people. But Casey and Dalton slowly arrive at the truth of the origin of the hostiles and the audacity of the perpetrators is stunning. But now they are able to formulate a plan to round up the hostiles and hopefully save the town. What happens next? I’ll have to wait for the next book which I believe will be the last. I have really enjoyed this series. It has been something different from the usual murder mysteries or psychological thrillers and the whole concept is refreshing. The addition of Casey’s dog, Storm - a Newfoundland pup, a couple of books ago has been heartwarming. She is a very helpful and loyal dog. Now to await book 7.
April 25, 2021
Realistically I should not have liked this so much, particularly considering the last two books in this series were somewhat of a disappointment (but only in the grand scheme of the series, I mean, and when compared to books one to three). But the plot got so.. I won't say wildly but quite a bit out of control, much suspension of disbelief required, and yet I had a great time anyway.
To more or less copy over from my previous review's summation, this series is about an off-the-grid town in the Yukon, called Rockton. Rockton being a town populated by people who have escaped horrors, are on the run from something in their pasts, and have found a place where they can disappear for a few years. Sometimes, too, they are the ones who caused the horrors and just paid enough to a particular group in order to be admitted in order to lay low. Our lead protagonist is Casey Duncan, who arrived to this town to help her friend escape her ex, and has become one of the three detectives who help to police the outlaw-esque locals and keep the peace. Each book has juggled conflicts from within the town but also dealt with those who run the program that allows this to exist, as well as outside elements; as in, literally the outsider weather elements but also.. more.
This was the first since installment since book three that actually felt true to the origins of the series. Yes, via Casey, two years in, we are now settled into the running of this town, but equally her involvement has shed much to light -- in a multitude of directions. Specifically this mystery, this adventure, while it had so many moving parts, it managed to juddle them without ever feeling overwhelming, and watching them come together was ever so satisfying; even though for some of them I was tapping my foot waiting for the characters to clue in. It was a smug kind of foot tapping, though, not the impatient kind.
Additionally, this book has broader impacts to the series at large, making me wonder if maybe Armstrong really is trying to wrap things up soon. She must have an end in mind and I wonder if maybe we're nearing that now. Because if the characters go down a particular path they are considering, especially now that a particular element is more or less out of the way, well.. that would be it, wouldn't it?
Either way, I'll be eagerly anticipating that upcoming journey, no matter how it looks.
---
This review can also be found at A Take From Two Cities.
To more or less copy over from my previous review's summation, this series is about an off-the-grid town in the Yukon, called Rockton. Rockton being a town populated by people who have escaped horrors, are on the run from something in their pasts, and have found a place where they can disappear for a few years. Sometimes, too, they are the ones who caused the horrors and just paid enough to a particular group in order to be admitted in order to lay low. Our lead protagonist is Casey Duncan, who arrived to this town to help her friend escape her ex, and has become one of the three detectives who help to police the outlaw-esque locals and keep the peace. Each book has juggled conflicts from within the town but also dealt with those who run the program that allows this to exist, as well as outside elements; as in, literally the outsider weather elements but also.. more.
This was the first since installment since book three that actually felt true to the origins of the series. Yes, via Casey, two years in, we are now settled into the running of this town, but equally her involvement has shed much to light -- in a multitude of directions. Specifically this mystery, this adventure, while it had so many moving parts, it managed to juddle them without ever feeling overwhelming, and watching them come together was ever so satisfying; even though for some of them I was tapping my foot waiting for the characters to clue in. It was a smug kind of foot tapping, though, not the impatient kind.
Additionally, this book has broader impacts to the series at large, making me wonder if maybe Armstrong really is trying to wrap things up soon. She must have an end in mind and I wonder if maybe we're nearing that now. Because if the characters go down a particular path they are considering, especially now that a particular element is more or less out of the way, well.. that would be it, wouldn't it?
Either way, I'll be eagerly anticipating that upcoming journey, no matter how it looks.
---
This review can also be found at A Take From Two Cities.
January 20, 2021
This series with it's quirky little town and even stranger residents almost immediately became a favorite and that love, over time, over each new book, has only grown.
I adore these characters and as strange as they all are, I absolutely care about them and can't wait each time a new book gets into my hands. I want to devour it. I want to savor it, but mostly, I want all my beloved characters to stay strange, to stay true to themselves and to stay a part of Rockton and all it implies and holds.
I love the suspenseful mystery, how each new book brings out more information about Rockton, how it was founded, who founded it, and more importantly, about all it's residents and their lurid pasts. I love the relationships that have developed and the ones that are brand new. Simply put, it is unlike anything I have read before and I love it's absolutely unique addictive-ness.
I truly hope this is just the beginning of so much more for these wonderful characters and this incredible town and all it's weirdos.
*ARC provided by the publisher in exchange for an honest review.*
I adore these characters and as strange as they all are, I absolutely care about them and can't wait each time a new book gets into my hands. I want to devour it. I want to savor it, but mostly, I want all my beloved characters to stay strange, to stay true to themselves and to stay a part of Rockton and all it implies and holds.
I love the suspenseful mystery, how each new book brings out more information about Rockton, how it was founded, who founded it, and more importantly, about all it's residents and their lurid pasts. I love the relationships that have developed and the ones that are brand new. Simply put, it is unlike anything I have read before and I love it's absolutely unique addictive-ness.
I truly hope this is just the beginning of so much more for these wonderful characters and this incredible town and all it's weirdos.
*ARC provided by the publisher in exchange for an honest review.*
February 10, 2021
Rockton is a secret, off-the-grid town in the Yukon. A place formed for those on the run from danger as a refuge. An abusive husband, a stalker, unfair conviction? Rockton is your place to hide until the dust settles. Supposedly, inhabitants are vetted so that no violent criminals are allowed in, but in the past books we’ve learned that this isn’t true.
The series is best read in order, and as this is the sixth installment reading on in my review would give spoilers if you haven’t the previous books.
I think the book description is a bit misleading as it suggests that the plot revolves around Rockton being dismantled and Casey and Eric working at a solution. While that is an issue, it’s not revealed/focused on until late in the story. The plot, IMO, was more centered on the injured hiker, her companions and how their attack came about. Is this another aggression from the Hostiles? Edwin (from the First Settlement) flings blame about and wants action. An arrival from the council in the thick of things adds another interesting dimension to the story.
There’s a lot of plot threads here and it was interesting to see how they all connect. As usual, my attention was captured and held fast right from the beginning! Of course, Eric and Casey are the heart of the story, but there are so many interesting side characters! Casey’s sister April, the brilliant on-the-spectrum doctor, Sebastian the young, dangerous sociopath (who I’ve become real fond of!), Petra, Isabel and Phil. Felicity, Edwin’s granddaughter and probable successor, and Mathias. All the animals, tame and wild.
Rockton/Casey Duncan series’ is one of my very favorites! Casey is smart, always weighing her next move to get the desired outcome. Her analytical, forward thinking makes her perfectly suited to the position of Detective in the town of Rockton. Good thing, as she needs all her wits about her to deal with all the personalities of Rockton and its Council, the Settlements, and the Hostiles! After six books, the series still manages to be riveting, keeping me on the edge of my seat at every twist and turn! I loved how everyone came together at the end! I can’t wait until the next installment!
I read an e-copy, but I’ve already purchased the audio to re-read *listen* to with my husband. He’s a big fan as well, and we’ve listened to every installment on road trips together. Therese Plummer is such a fantastic narrator! She makes the characters and story come to life!
A copy was kindly provided by Minotaur Books in exchange for an honest review.
The series is best read in order, and as this is the sixth installment reading on in my review would give spoilers if you haven’t the previous books.
I think the book description is a bit misleading as it suggests that the plot revolves around Rockton being dismantled and Casey and Eric working at a solution. While that is an issue, it’s not revealed/focused on until late in the story. The plot, IMO, was more centered on the injured hiker, her companions and how their attack came about. Is this another aggression from the Hostiles? Edwin (from the First Settlement) flings blame about and wants action. An arrival from the council in the thick of things adds another interesting dimension to the story.
There’s a lot of plot threads here and it was interesting to see how they all connect. As usual, my attention was captured and held fast right from the beginning! Of course, Eric and Casey are the heart of the story, but there are so many interesting side characters! Casey’s sister April, the brilliant on-the-spectrum doctor, Sebastian the young, dangerous sociopath (who I’ve become real fond of!), Petra, Isabel and Phil. Felicity, Edwin’s granddaughter and probable successor, and Mathias. All the animals, tame and wild.
Rockton/Casey Duncan series’ is one of my very favorites! Casey is smart, always weighing her next move to get the desired outcome. Her analytical, forward thinking makes her perfectly suited to the position of Detective in the town of Rockton. Good thing, as she needs all her wits about her to deal with all the personalities of Rockton and its Council, the Settlements, and the Hostiles! After six books, the series still manages to be riveting, keeping me on the edge of my seat at every twist and turn! I loved how everyone came together at the end! I can’t wait until the next installment!
I read an e-copy, but I’ve already purchased the audio to re-read *listen* to with my husband. He’s a big fan as well, and we’ve listened to every installment on road trips together. Therese Plummer is such a fantastic narrator! She makes the characters and story come to life!
A copy was kindly provided by Minotaur Books in exchange for an honest review.
February 9, 2021
4.5/ 5 stars
A Stranger in Town is the sixth book in the Rockton/Casey Duncan series.
The mystery in A Stranger in Town is self-contained to this book. However I would highly recommend reading these books in order. It is possible to read this book without having read the others. But IMO the enjoyment will not be the same. There is so much history and character development. So I feel like a reader would not really understand the relationships if this series is not read in order.
I absolutely love Kelley Armstrong. She is probably my most read author. I am obsessed with this series. So I was beyond excited to be able to read this new book.
The narrator is 33 year old detective Casey Duncan (1st person POV). This book takes place in May approximately 5 months after the end of the last book.
The books take place in a remote part of the Yukon. Casey lives in the hidden town of Rockton with her boyfriend Sheriff Eric Dalton.
The author does remind of us of some events from the previous books. I'm not sure if this is to remind the reader of certain key events. Or to give context in case people try to read this book without having read the rest of the series.
I love Casey so much. She is one of my favorite narrators. I adore her with Dalton. How they work together and their relationship is everything. I also love seeing her with her old friend Diana. And with her sister April. I am obsessed with pretty much every resident in Rockton.
The mystery in this book was really strong. And I loved seeing Casey and Dalton try to solve it.
The book definitely had some crazy developments, which I enjoyed immensely.
There were some great happenings during the last part of the book. And I really enjoyed the ending.
There is at least one more book in this series. And hopefully there will be more. As I honestly don't want this series to end.
Thanks to netgalley and St. Martin's Press for allowing me to read this book.
A Stranger in Town is the sixth book in the Rockton/Casey Duncan series.
The mystery in A Stranger in Town is self-contained to this book. However I would highly recommend reading these books in order. It is possible to read this book without having read the others. But IMO the enjoyment will not be the same. There is so much history and character development. So I feel like a reader would not really understand the relationships if this series is not read in order.
I absolutely love Kelley Armstrong. She is probably my most read author. I am obsessed with this series. So I was beyond excited to be able to read this new book.
The narrator is 33 year old detective Casey Duncan (1st person POV). This book takes place in May approximately 5 months after the end of the last book.
The books take place in a remote part of the Yukon. Casey lives in the hidden town of Rockton with her boyfriend Sheriff Eric Dalton.
The author does remind of us of some events from the previous books. I'm not sure if this is to remind the reader of certain key events. Or to give context in case people try to read this book without having read the rest of the series.
I love Casey so much. She is one of my favorite narrators. I adore her with Dalton. How they work together and their relationship is everything. I also love seeing her with her old friend Diana. And with her sister April. I am obsessed with pretty much every resident in Rockton.
The mystery in this book was really strong. And I loved seeing Casey and Dalton try to solve it.
The book definitely had some crazy developments, which I enjoyed immensely.
There were some great happenings during the last part of the book. And I really enjoyed the ending.
There is at least one more book in this series. And hopefully there will be more. As I honestly don't want this series to end.
Thanks to netgalley and St. Martin's Press for allowing me to read this book.
December 17, 2021
My thanks to St. Martin's/Minataur Books, Kelley Armstrong and Netgalley. Stuffs going down in Rockton, and I'm loving it! A few of the older mysteries are solved and a few others pop up! People die, and of course there is a lot of trekking through the woods. I loved every moment. Can't wait to see what happens now. This is a series that should be read from the beginning. Even though I hated it. But, something kept me coming back. I think every book is better than the last!
August 11, 2021
Detective Casey Duncan and Sheriff Eric Dalton are seeing some changes in their town of Rockton. far fewer people are coming to the town .. is t here something going on that they don't know about?
A little background for new readers --- many years ago the town of Rockton allowed a small group of select individuals to pay to stay in this town for 2 years. This still continues toady. Some people come because they are hiding from the law, some hide because of abusive spouses, and some just need to walk away from whatever problems they are having.
BOOK BLURB: When an injured hiker stumbles from the woods, someone who seems to have come to the Yukon for a wilderness vacation but instead is now fighting for her life, it’s all hands on deck. What – or who – attacked this woman, and why?
With the woman unconscious, and no leads, Casey and Eric don’t know where the threat is coming from. Plus, the residents of their deeply secretive town are uneasy with this stranger in their midst. Everyone in Rockton wants this mystery solved – and fast.
The plot is compelling, the story line well written with authentic characters who live in a small town amid a flurry of secrets, lies, coverups. There's plenty of action and suspense from start to unexpected conclusion. Because I haven't read this series, it was a bit hard to follow when things in prior books were mentioned. I still enjoyed reading, but I would recommend starting at the beginning to grab those nuggets that make a series great.
Many thanks to the author / St Martin's Press / Minotaur Books / Netgalley for the digital copy of this crime fiction. Read and reviewed voluntarily, opinions expressed here are unbiased and entirely my own.
February 17, 2021
The hidden town of Rockton in Alaska is unusual in many aspects. It is a refuge of sorts, whether wrongly accused, escaping a dangerous family member, or the like. Rockton is a place where you have to have permission to reside, and there is a time limit as to how long you can remain there. The town's members are people who truly benefit from escape in one way or another. One of the long-time residents, Detective Casey Duncan, has a job and that job of policing has given her more than ample opportunity to solve murders. She often works quite closely with the town's Sheriff, Eric Dalton, who is also her boyfriend, and the two are quite close.
Casey and Eric are beginning to notice some changes in their unusual town. For one thing, they notice they are getting less applicants for new residents. There is also something happening with some of their neighbors and these are encroaching on the restricted way of life that Rockton demands.
While Rockton has been in existence, they have remained wary of the neighbors referred to as the hostiles. Actually, the hostiles are former Rockton residents who have created a different lifestyle, one that incorporates elements that involve things like narcotics that Rockton's board members do not support. One day a hiker stumbles into town, injured by what could only be a hostile attack. Rockton's town council comes together to deal with the hostile situation before anyone else is injured or even killed.
Casey and Eric love their town. They do not want it lost, which is exactly what could happen if they do not get a handle on the hostiles. Meanwhile, whenever possible, Eric and Casey try to assist a group of teenagers that live near Rockton. They are not part of the hostiles, but neither do they live in Rockton any longer. As they happen upon the injured woman while visiting the teens, they try to save her life and keep her safe until they can discover what happened to her. There is a language barrier, and this fact just might be the key do solving other mysteries that have been occurring.
A Stranger in Town is the most complicated book in the series thus far. I would not say that this book would work well as a standalone. The facts of the town itself, as well as some specifics regarding the town's members are just two factors that would warrant following this series from the beginning. I absolutely loved this book as I have loved every previous book in the series. For a series like this to work, you have to be able to get into the mind of the author, Kelley Armstrong, and see how she developed the unique town and its residents, all while developing various plots across each book in the series. I adore this series and truly hope it goes on and on. I cannot wait to see what Casey and Eric, as well as others, come across while striving to maintain the integrity of the town that is known as Rockton.
Many thanks to Minotaur Books and to NetGalley for this ARC for review. This is my honest opinion.
Casey and Eric are beginning to notice some changes in their unusual town. For one thing, they notice they are getting less applicants for new residents. There is also something happening with some of their neighbors and these are encroaching on the restricted way of life that Rockton demands.
While Rockton has been in existence, they have remained wary of the neighbors referred to as the hostiles. Actually, the hostiles are former Rockton residents who have created a different lifestyle, one that incorporates elements that involve things like narcotics that Rockton's board members do not support. One day a hiker stumbles into town, injured by what could only be a hostile attack. Rockton's town council comes together to deal with the hostile situation before anyone else is injured or even killed.
Casey and Eric love their town. They do not want it lost, which is exactly what could happen if they do not get a handle on the hostiles. Meanwhile, whenever possible, Eric and Casey try to assist a group of teenagers that live near Rockton. They are not part of the hostiles, but neither do they live in Rockton any longer. As they happen upon the injured woman while visiting the teens, they try to save her life and keep her safe until they can discover what happened to her. There is a language barrier, and this fact just might be the key do solving other mysteries that have been occurring.
A Stranger in Town is the most complicated book in the series thus far. I would not say that this book would work well as a standalone. The facts of the town itself, as well as some specifics regarding the town's members are just two factors that would warrant following this series from the beginning. I absolutely loved this book as I have loved every previous book in the series. For a series like this to work, you have to be able to get into the mind of the author, Kelley Armstrong, and see how she developed the unique town and its residents, all while developing various plots across each book in the series. I adore this series and truly hope it goes on and on. I cannot wait to see what Casey and Eric, as well as others, come across while striving to maintain the integrity of the town that is known as Rockton.
Many thanks to Minotaur Books and to NetGalley for this ARC for review. This is my honest opinion.
December 9, 2022
Why, yes! I did actually take the day off work today, so that I could start this at midnight, finish it by morning, and then get a few hours of sleep instead of getting ready for a bleary-eyed day of work. I’m still tired after only three hours of sleep and will probably spend the day napping a lot. But the book was totally worth it!
This is one of my favorite series and this latest installment is no exception. Casey and Eric come across an injured Danish woman in the forest, who has been attacked by hostiles, which leads to Casey solving the final bit of the hostile mystery. Now that I’m pretty sure this overarching plotline is finished for good, I’m curious to see where the series will go next. There’s one more book coming next year, but there hasn’t been any news yet if that’ll be the last or if there’ll be more Rockton to come after that.
The first few books dealt mainly with Rockton, with how the town works and with the dynamics between characters inside the town, but the later ones have zoomed out a bit and expanded the setting and cast of characters to go beyond Rockton’s borders. This wider view and growing cast of characters means that we do not have time to check in with every one of the secondary characters in every book. Matthias only played a small role in this, Jacob and Nicole only got a mention, but didn’t actually show up in any scene at all. Instead relations with some of the people from outside Rockton (Cherise and Owen, Edwin and Felicity) were further explored. And we got more Sebastian (teen sociopath) and April (Casey’s sister). Again, I enjoyed the characters we did get, but also missed the ones we didn’t spend much, or any, time with.
Casey and Eric are still one of my favorite book couples and I love how drama free their relationship is. I mean, they have plenty of challenges and drama that they have to deal with together, but there’s never any drama between them. They just understand and support each other. I also really loved getting more relationship development between Casey and April, who is on the autism spectrum, which – because it was undiagnosed until recently – led to the sisters never really understanding each other growing up. April is one of my favorite secondary characters here. We also get some development for Phil, the council liaison, who needs to figure out where he actually stands between the council and the residents of Rockton.
Despite the fact that the characters probably wished they’d get a second to catch their breath with everything going on here, to me as a reader the pace of this one felt slower. There were a lot of scenes of the characters talking through the mystery and their theories and not as many nail-biting action-y scenes, though we did get some of that too.
With the threat of the council shutting down Rockton hanging over our characters, I can’t wait to see what comes next for this series.
Dec 2022: Reread in audio format - really enjoyed Thérèse Plummer's narration, too.
This is one of my favorite series and this latest installment is no exception. Casey and Eric come across an injured Danish woman in the forest, who has been attacked by hostiles, which leads to Casey solving the final bit of the hostile mystery. Now that I’m pretty sure this overarching plotline is finished for good, I’m curious to see where the series will go next. There’s one more book coming next year, but there hasn’t been any news yet if that’ll be the last or if there’ll be more Rockton to come after that.
The first few books dealt mainly with Rockton, with how the town works and with the dynamics between characters inside the town, but the later ones have zoomed out a bit and expanded the setting and cast of characters to go beyond Rockton’s borders. This wider view and growing cast of characters means that we do not have time to check in with every one of the secondary characters in every book. Matthias only played a small role in this, Jacob and Nicole only got a mention, but didn’t actually show up in any scene at all. Instead relations with some of the people from outside Rockton (Cherise and Owen, Edwin and Felicity) were further explored. And we got more Sebastian (teen sociopath) and April (Casey’s sister). Again, I enjoyed the characters we did get, but also missed the ones we didn’t spend much, or any, time with.
Casey and Eric are still one of my favorite book couples and I love how drama free their relationship is. I mean, they have plenty of challenges and drama that they have to deal with together, but there’s never any drama between them. They just understand and support each other. I also really loved getting more relationship development between Casey and April, who is on the autism spectrum, which – because it was undiagnosed until recently – led to the sisters never really understanding each other growing up. April is one of my favorite secondary characters here. We also get some development for Phil, the council liaison, who needs to figure out where he actually stands between the council and the residents of Rockton.
Despite the fact that the characters probably wished they’d get a second to catch their breath with everything going on here, to me as a reader the pace of this one felt slower. There were a lot of scenes of the characters talking through the mystery and their theories and not as many nail-biting action-y scenes, though we did get some of that too.
With the threat of the council shutting down Rockton hanging over our characters, I can’t wait to see what comes next for this series.
Dec 2022: Reread in audio format - really enjoyed Thérèse Plummer's narration, too.
February 24, 2021
I completely adore this series and zoomed through this one far too quickly! Casey and Eric never disappoint. I am excited to see where the next in this series takes us!
December 2, 2021
I am disappointed there are still no killer rabbits in A Stranger in Town…or any rabbits. Nor is there bear bowling-although there are bears, oh my. Human predators take center stage in In a Stranger in Town and hold it strongly as they do in another Rockton tour de force.
Rockton is the little Yukon town that does not exist on any map, nor do very many people know about it. Due to some sophisticated technology, it is almost impossible to find, unless you just stumble across it. It was started more that sixty years ago as a hide-out for the idealists who were caught up in ugly governmental witch hunts. Later, much later it became the home of last resort for those who are wrongly accused, wrongly convicted, or hunted by loved one. In very recent years it seems as if the main requirement is large amounts of money, morality not required. In Rockton you can reinvent yourself. Become who or want you want. Sometimes you can even become a better person.
Staying within the confines of Rockton, unless you are being guided, is a requirement. The forest isn’t really trying to kill you, it just seems that way. There are apex predators of both the human and animal kind. Not to mention how easy it is to lose your bearings.
Casey Duncan is the town detective who was tricked into coming to Rockton, but has since fallen in love, first with the loved/hated Sheriff Eric Dalton then with both Rockton and the Yukon. Oddly enough, with a town filled with criminals her work load is fairly light, until the times it isn’t.
One day she and Eric set out from Rockton to do a bit of trading with a group of settler teenagers who are partying at a lake along with teenaged Sebastian from Rockton. They are the children and grandchildren of people who left Rockton, not wanting to return south. They have a hard life, but they did not turn into “hostiles” as the main group of forest human predators is known.
While visiting with the teens a severely injured woman comes stumbling from the forest. They get her back to Rockton and Casey’s sister saves her from her injuries. It is almost impossible to find out her story as she is Danish, until they find a new resident who knows Danish.
Casey and Eric find her campsite and two other bodies, all showing signs of murder by hostiles and animal predation.
While Casey and Eric try to discover what is behind the death of the Danish campers, two other mysteries occupy Casey; how and why did the hostiles evolve from hippie type settlement, and why are people no longer arriving in Rockton or giving extensions to stay? Casey and Eric have always said they have a plan B in case the Council who runs Rockton try to separate them, they just didn’t think it would be needed for other reasons. Nor do they really have a plan B. Now the main question, who will stand with them?
Casey’s sister, April, although a brilliant doctor and researcher is on the autism spectrum and has always gone untreated, which has also had a very negative effect on Casey. Another Rockton resident is a young sociopath who killed his parents at age ll. He is being treated, but Casey and Eric hold their breaths hoping for the best. Not having experience with either condition, it still strikes me that Armstrong handles these two characters in a knowledgeable and sensitive way.
This is world building at its best. Kelley Armstrong’s world of Rockton is just as intriguing, just as fascinating as her paranormal and fantasy worlds. Her characters and storytelling is exceptional. I can’t think of anyone who does it better. Maybe as well, but not better.
I’ve told everyone I know who is interested in books that the Rockton series is in my top six series-fluid order; and that the first book City of the Lost is in my top five favorite books, again fluid order. With Stranger in Town Rockton #6, I find no reason to change these comments. So once again I will be hounding friends and family to start or continue with the Rockton series.
Thank you to NetGalley and Minotaur Press for an ARC.
42 likes
Rockton is the little Yukon town that does not exist on any map, nor do very many people know about it. Due to some sophisticated technology, it is almost impossible to find, unless you just stumble across it. It was started more that sixty years ago as a hide-out for the idealists who were caught up in ugly governmental witch hunts. Later, much later it became the home of last resort for those who are wrongly accused, wrongly convicted, or hunted by loved one. In very recent years it seems as if the main requirement is large amounts of money, morality not required. In Rockton you can reinvent yourself. Become who or want you want. Sometimes you can even become a better person.
Staying within the confines of Rockton, unless you are being guided, is a requirement. The forest isn’t really trying to kill you, it just seems that way. There are apex predators of both the human and animal kind. Not to mention how easy it is to lose your bearings.
Casey Duncan is the town detective who was tricked into coming to Rockton, but has since fallen in love, first with the loved/hated Sheriff Eric Dalton then with both Rockton and the Yukon. Oddly enough, with a town filled with criminals her work load is fairly light, until the times it isn’t.
One day she and Eric set out from Rockton to do a bit of trading with a group of settler teenagers who are partying at a lake along with teenaged Sebastian from Rockton. They are the children and grandchildren of people who left Rockton, not wanting to return south. They have a hard life, but they did not turn into “hostiles” as the main group of forest human predators is known.
While visiting with the teens a severely injured woman comes stumbling from the forest. They get her back to Rockton and Casey’s sister saves her from her injuries. It is almost impossible to find out her story as she is Danish, until they find a new resident who knows Danish.
Casey and Eric find her campsite and two other bodies, all showing signs of murder by hostiles and animal predation.
While Casey and Eric try to discover what is behind the death of the Danish campers, two other mysteries occupy Casey; how and why did the hostiles evolve from hippie type settlement, and why are people no longer arriving in Rockton or giving extensions to stay? Casey and Eric have always said they have a plan B in case the Council who runs Rockton try to separate them, they just didn’t think it would be needed for other reasons. Nor do they really have a plan B. Now the main question, who will stand with them?
Casey’s sister, April, although a brilliant doctor and researcher is on the autism spectrum and has always gone untreated, which has also had a very negative effect on Casey. Another Rockton resident is a young sociopath who killed his parents at age ll. He is being treated, but Casey and Eric hold their breaths hoping for the best. Not having experience with either condition, it still strikes me that Armstrong handles these two characters in a knowledgeable and sensitive way.
This is world building at its best. Kelley Armstrong’s world of Rockton is just as intriguing, just as fascinating as her paranormal and fantasy worlds. Her characters and storytelling is exceptional. I can’t think of anyone who does it better. Maybe as well, but not better.
I’ve told everyone I know who is interested in books that the Rockton series is in my top six series-fluid order; and that the first book City of the Lost is in my top five favorite books, again fluid order. With Stranger in Town Rockton #6, I find no reason to change these comments. So once again I will be hounding friends and family to start or continue with the Rockton series.
Thank you to NetGalley and Minotaur Press for an ARC.
42 likes
February 9, 2021
Since Casey arrived in Rockton, an off the grid town, nestled in the remote Yukon territory, she has questioned how the other settlers and Hostiles came to be. In this sixth installment of the series, we finally get answers. Answers that may change everything for the people of Rockton.
While each of the books could work as a standalone, I feel that character & relationship development along with the series arc demand that the series be read in the order of its release.
Eric and Casey make a trip out to the lake where they encounter an outsider who is badly injured. While they take her back to town under April’s care, they quickly realize she was part of a camping group. When they discover the rest of the party savagely murdered, trouble begins.
The tale that unfolds was suspenseful with twists and discoveries as Casey pieces together clues from the past. We gained some insight on a few secondary characters and learned more about the council and other settlers. I enjoyed gaining further insight into the town’s past.
The story was action packed, which left very little time for romantic development. Eric and Casey’s relationship has depth, and quiet moments showed the strengthening of their relationship. Casey begins to trust and confide in other town members.
Change is coming to Rockton, and I will be curious to see what direction Armstrong takes this series. All I can say for sure is that I am all in! This review was originally posted at Caffeinated Reviewer
While each of the books could work as a standalone, I feel that character & relationship development along with the series arc demand that the series be read in the order of its release.
Eric and Casey make a trip out to the lake where they encounter an outsider who is badly injured. While they take her back to town under April’s care, they quickly realize she was part of a camping group. When they discover the rest of the party savagely murdered, trouble begins.
The tale that unfolds was suspenseful with twists and discoveries as Casey pieces together clues from the past. We gained some insight on a few secondary characters and learned more about the council and other settlers. I enjoyed gaining further insight into the town’s past.
The story was action packed, which left very little time for romantic development. Eric and Casey’s relationship has depth, and quiet moments showed the strengthening of their relationship. Casey begins to trust and confide in other town members.
Change is coming to Rockton, and I will be curious to see what direction Armstrong takes this series. All I can say for sure is that I am all in! This review was originally posted at Caffeinated Reviewer
February 7, 2021
WOW! Big things happening in Rockton. Huge mysteries that are prevalent background threads in all the books are at the forefront here. Yes, it is a long time between books with a lot of characters that have been added along the way, but Kelley Armstrong does a great job of reminding us of who each character is and their significance as they reappear in this book. A Stranger in Town is a stellar addition to an outstanding series. It is another roller coaster ride with lots of twists and turns with revelations surprisingly coming to light regarding some of those pesky mysteries that were always there in the background. But, they haven't all been revealed which makes me eager and anticipating the next book in this excellent and unique series. ;)
November 24, 2022
Holy cow! Although this book had many characters, it wasn't all that difficult to follow, especially if you've been reading the entire series. If you hadn't read any of the other books, you might find it a bit difficult to understand. Yet, it was a fantastic edge of your seat read. I recommend this book whole-heartedly to anyone who likes mysteries, alternate lifestyles, espionage, and just straight action adventures!
Welcome to Rockton, a place that most of us would hate needing to go live. This is where you go to escape your life, whether you need a breather from 'real' life or you are escaping a possibly justifiable crime. You pay to live here -deep in the backcountry, no phone, no electricity, grizzly bears, wild people and all!
What a ride this was, and the storyline had me a bit worried that this would be the last book in the series. But upon further reading, I don't think this is the end, folks, and thank goodness for that!
I bought this series on my own dime. Still, I was lucky enough to be offered the opportunity to read an early reviewer's copy of this. However, I will always buy my own copy, so the author will be encouraged to keep writing this series!
Welcome to Rockton, a place that most of us would hate needing to go live. This is where you go to escape your life, whether you need a breather from 'real' life or you are escaping a possibly justifiable crime. You pay to live here -deep in the backcountry, no phone, no electricity, grizzly bears, wild people and all!
What a ride this was, and the storyline had me a bit worried that this would be the last book in the series. But upon further reading, I don't think this is the end, folks, and thank goodness for that!
I bought this series on my own dime. Still, I was lucky enough to be offered the opportunity to read an early reviewer's copy of this. However, I will always buy my own copy, so the author will be encouraged to keep writing this series!
February 25, 2023
The man is flat on his back again, his eyes half open, mouth open, exactly as he'd been a moment ago.
"We... all saw that, right?" Petra murmurs. "The dead guy leaped up."
"Yes."
"Like something in a horror movie?"
"Yes."
She gives a tight laugh. "And instead of jumping for joy, we all pulled our weapons on him?"
"Except me," I say, my voice still shaky. "I just shrieked."
"It was a very small shriek."
The penultimate entry in the Rockton series wraps up a huge part of the storyline, so it's spoiler territory to get into anything but the most general of plot. Suffice to say, Kelley Armstrong keeps things moving, while also providing some stellar revelations for those who have been reading from the start.
On that note, this is the first book I'd say really does need the rest of the series to be fully appreciated by the reader - it has explanation enough for a newcomer, but it just won't hit as hard as it does when you're familiar with this story and these characters. Maybe it's just the effects of reading the series back to back, but there have been some serious developments as the series goes on - and it would be a shame to take the punch out by getting here too early.
One to go - and then it's new series time!
"We... all saw that, right?" Petra murmurs. "The dead guy leaped up."
"Yes."
"Like something in a horror movie?"
"Yes."
She gives a tight laugh. "And instead of jumping for joy, we all pulled our weapons on him?"
"Except me," I say, my voice still shaky. "I just shrieked."
"It was a very small shriek."
The penultimate entry in the Rockton series wraps up a huge part of the storyline, so it's spoiler territory to get into anything but the most general of plot. Suffice to say, Kelley Armstrong keeps things moving, while also providing some stellar revelations for those who have been reading from the start.
On that note, this is the first book I'd say really does need the rest of the series to be fully appreciated by the reader - it has explanation enough for a newcomer, but it just won't hit as hard as it does when you're familiar with this story and these characters. Maybe it's just the effects of reading the series back to back, but there have been some serious developments as the series goes on - and it would be a shame to take the punch out by getting here too early.
One to go - and then it's new series time!
February 1, 2021
Returning to the world of Rockton is the most electric, sensational feeling and each book leaves me insatiated for what comes next.
A Stranger in Town is the sixth of the closely tied series of thrilling romantic suspenses and is not a good series to get out of order.
Casey and Eric along with the residents of the hidden remote Canadian wilderness town of Rockton are not in the midst of crisis at the moment so she and Eric join some of the young people from another settlement and one of their own by the lake for a bonfire only to have a frantic and severely injured woman rush out of the woods and collapse at their feet setting off another dangerous chain of events involving the conspiracy of the hostiles, the political intrigue of the past history of Rockton with the other settlements and the council, and the complexities of the relationships of those living in the raw wild away from civilization. Casey and Eric have a new case to solve before the inflamed fear and anger around them explodes into hostilities.
The author has a gift for a macabre tone, a twisting suspense, and complexity of character and series plot. Casey has been working on the mystery and origin of the Hostiles who are like ravenous beasts and her curiosity has her curious how the other settlements came to be and the background of the main players. This is good because it keeps her and Eric in the game when this latest mystery can only be solved by delving into the past. The injured woman who doesn't seem to speak English is the tip of the iceberg when she is only the first of strange incidents for them to deal with including another surprise visit.
Other than a few precious moments of sitting on the deck or getting some fleeting moments as a couple, Casey and Eric are going full throttle. Several recurring side characters are part of this including some newer side characters that showed up in later books. It is good to have Casey and Eric in a solid, deep place in their relationship so they can face what comes together. The council's plans for the town are coming to a head and they have to be ready to do what they can for this place and people that are their home.
For all that I figured out what was going on in this latest mystery, there were still some good twists and exciting moments that left me flipping pages breathlessly. These always read so fast for me because of how much I get into the story. All in all, this was riveting and I am chomping at the bit for the next installment. Those who enjoy thrillers, romantic suspense, survival-wilderness settings and macabre mysteries should give this series a try.
I rec'd this book from Net Galley to read in exchange for an honest review.
I buddy read this for COYER Community off a friends' TBR RAT with Anne @ Books Are My Heart who gave it 4.5
A Stranger in Town is the sixth of the closely tied series of thrilling romantic suspenses and is not a good series to get out of order.
Casey and Eric along with the residents of the hidden remote Canadian wilderness town of Rockton are not in the midst of crisis at the moment so she and Eric join some of the young people from another settlement and one of their own by the lake for a bonfire only to have a frantic and severely injured woman rush out of the woods and collapse at their feet setting off another dangerous chain of events involving the conspiracy of the hostiles, the political intrigue of the past history of Rockton with the other settlements and the council, and the complexities of the relationships of those living in the raw wild away from civilization. Casey and Eric have a new case to solve before the inflamed fear and anger around them explodes into hostilities.
The author has a gift for a macabre tone, a twisting suspense, and complexity of character and series plot. Casey has been working on the mystery and origin of the Hostiles who are like ravenous beasts and her curiosity has her curious how the other settlements came to be and the background of the main players. This is good because it keeps her and Eric in the game when this latest mystery can only be solved by delving into the past. The injured woman who doesn't seem to speak English is the tip of the iceberg when she is only the first of strange incidents for them to deal with including another surprise visit.
Other than a few precious moments of sitting on the deck or getting some fleeting moments as a couple, Casey and Eric are going full throttle. Several recurring side characters are part of this including some newer side characters that showed up in later books. It is good to have Casey and Eric in a solid, deep place in their relationship so they can face what comes together. The council's plans for the town are coming to a head and they have to be ready to do what they can for this place and people that are their home.
For all that I figured out what was going on in this latest mystery, there were still some good twists and exciting moments that left me flipping pages breathlessly. These always read so fast for me because of how much I get into the story. All in all, this was riveting and I am chomping at the bit for the next installment. Those who enjoy thrillers, romantic suspense, survival-wilderness settings and macabre mysteries should give this series a try.
I rec'd this book from Net Galley to read in exchange for an honest review.
I buddy read this for COYER Community off a friends' TBR RAT with Anne @ Books Are My Heart who gave it 4.5
April 16, 2021
I want more, I wasn’t ready for this book to end.
I always find that these books give you so many questions at the beginning and if you listen hard enough they all get answered in one way or another. But still with that hint of leaving you wanting.
I loved the way this book played out it was exactly what you come to expect with this series and Casey either does what you think or she surprises you like with the Grizzly bears I swear if that had been me and I put my hand down thinking I was going to pet my dog only to find a bear cub I would have pissed myself no joke!
I don’t know what is going to happen but I have a feeling the next book is going to either make us want to slaughter the whole council or we are going to rejoice I am thinking the former we will have to wait and see.
Another great addition to the series.
I always find that these books give you so many questions at the beginning and if you listen hard enough they all get answered in one way or another. But still with that hint of leaving you wanting.
I loved the way this book played out it was exactly what you come to expect with this series and Casey either does what you think or she surprises you like with the Grizzly bears I swear if that had been me and I put my hand down thinking I was going to pet my dog only to find a bear cub I would have pissed myself no joke!
I don’t know what is going to happen but I have a feeling the next book is going to either make us want to slaughter the whole council or we are going to rejoice I am thinking the former we will have to wait and see.
Another great addition to the series.
February 9, 2021
*Source* NetGalley
*Genre* Mystery / Thriller
*Rating* 3.5-4
*Thoughts*
A Stranger in Town is the Sixth installment in author Kelly Armstrong's Rockton series. In this story, Detective Casey Duncan and Sheriff Eric Dalton will have to solve multiple mysteries while also trying to figure out how to save Rockton's future. As the story opens, Casey and Eric are out in the forest on a training exercise with their dog Scout. After catching up with some teens from the First Settlement and asking questions about former residents of Rockton who have apparently reverted back to a primal instinct, Casey encounters a woman who staggers out of the forest barefoot and bloody and with horrific injuries.
*Full Review @ Gizmos Reviews*
https://gizmosreviews.blogspot.com/20...
*Genre* Mystery / Thriller
*Rating* 3.5-4
*Thoughts*
A Stranger in Town is the Sixth installment in author Kelly Armstrong's Rockton series. In this story, Detective Casey Duncan and Sheriff Eric Dalton will have to solve multiple mysteries while also trying to figure out how to save Rockton's future. As the story opens, Casey and Eric are out in the forest on a training exercise with their dog Scout. After catching up with some teens from the First Settlement and asking questions about former residents of Rockton who have apparently reverted back to a primal instinct, Casey encounters a woman who staggers out of the forest barefoot and bloody and with horrific injuries.
*Full Review @ Gizmos Reviews*
https://gizmosreviews.blogspot.com/20...
September 27, 2020
Disclaimer: I am a Kelley Armstrong fan. I have read all of her books and loved them all. But, there is a reason why I and at least a million other readers consider her a world class author. Her books may be fictional, her characters not someone you'd meet on the street, but you easily get to know them as she builds them from page 1 of the 1st book. Yes, this is the 6th Rockton book. It can easily be read as a stand alone, but the first 5 are just as good as this one and you really do not want to miss out. No spoilers here but I could easily go on all day about how good this series is.
Rockton is a manufactured town in Yukon territory. The citizens are all there to hide from something or someone in their past. There is a core group, sheriff Eric Dalton, detective Casey Butler, deputy Anders, doctor April Butler (Casey's sister) and a handful of others that anchor the story and the town. There are even a couple of psychopaths running from their crimes and their psyches. Eric and Casey are married, a team emotionally and physically. The town is self contained, they have the basic needs with few extras. Everyone in Rockton works to keep the town safe and operational. There are also two small settlements know simply as the First Settlement and the Second Settlement, along with small groups and individuals who live in the surrounding forest and trade with Rockton for supplies.
Book 6 starts with a day on the lake becoming an emergency situation when a hiker crashes into the group, injured and unable to speak English. She has wounds consistent with an attack by a group of settlers that have become increasing violent. Unable to give Eric and Casey information, they do understand that she was part of a larger group. All of Kelley Armstrong's books give the readers a quick jump into the multiple puzzles and keep the story moving seamlessly and quickly to the point where they all meet and must now be solved and the criminal punished. I consistently have to stay up all night to finish because there is no way I can sit the book down.
There are no boring or slow chapters in Kelley's books. Each book moves the series forward while giving readers another chance to visit a town that is not on the maps anywhere. I have reread them many times and will reread them again. Rockton could easily become the next Netflix series.
Rockton is a manufactured town in Yukon territory. The citizens are all there to hide from something or someone in their past. There is a core group, sheriff Eric Dalton, detective Casey Butler, deputy Anders, doctor April Butler (Casey's sister) and a handful of others that anchor the story and the town. There are even a couple of psychopaths running from their crimes and their psyches. Eric and Casey are married, a team emotionally and physically. The town is self contained, they have the basic needs with few extras. Everyone in Rockton works to keep the town safe and operational. There are also two small settlements know simply as the First Settlement and the Second Settlement, along with small groups and individuals who live in the surrounding forest and trade with Rockton for supplies.
Book 6 starts with a day on the lake becoming an emergency situation when a hiker crashes into the group, injured and unable to speak English. She has wounds consistent with an attack by a group of settlers that have become increasing violent. Unable to give Eric and Casey information, they do understand that she was part of a larger group. All of Kelley Armstrong's books give the readers a quick jump into the multiple puzzles and keep the story moving seamlessly and quickly to the point where they all meet and must now be solved and the criminal punished. I consistently have to stay up all night to finish because there is no way I can sit the book down.
There are no boring or slow chapters in Kelley's books. Each book moves the series forward while giving readers another chance to visit a town that is not on the maps anywhere. I have reread them many times and will reread them again. Rockton could easily become the next Netflix series.
February 9, 2021
Ahoy there me mateys! I received an eArc of this thriller through NetGalley in exchange for me honest musings. This be the sixth book of a series. While I try to post no spoilers, if ye keep reading this log then ye have been forewarned and continue at yer own peril . . .
I love Kelley Armstrong! I discovered her through her young adult book, sea of shadows, and she became me most read author of 2016. I have really been enjoying this series and I didn't even read the blurb before I requested this one. While ye can read books 1 - 3 and get the gist, books 4 - 6 build on each other. I do recommend starting at the beginning.
This novel continues the adventures of Rockton's detective, Casey Duncan. For those who be adventurous and are readin' this post having not read the previous books, Rockton is an off-the-grid town in the Yukon. People pay a council to spend time in this town to hide from their pasts. Some flee domestic abuse. Some flee other more unsavory problems. Suffice to say, the town is not an idyllic wonderland.
Casey is always getting pulled into trouble. This time, an injured hiker is found in the woods. It seems as though she has been attacked . . . and not by a wild animal. Where are her companions? Who tried to kill her? And how is Rockton supposed to maintain its secrecy now?
I will admit that this plot was way more ridiculous than the previous novels. I will also admit that I did not care. This was a quick, fun read that made me happy. This book solves the major mysteries of the previous books. I truly did enjoy watching Casey investigate. I enjoyed getting the watch many of the relationships develop. I didn't love the big reveals but I do love the world and characters.
Some minor issues: I would have preferred more Jacob, Sebastian, and Mattias. There was a bit too much repetition of the background of Rockton and residents that ye already know from previous books. I feel that this impeded the pacing a bit. And the bear thing was SO silly!
Apparently the author is contractually obligated for a seventh Rockton novel which she is working on now. I cannot quite imagine where the story is going to go from here. Arrr!
So lastly . . .
Thank ye kindly St. Martin's Press!
I love Kelley Armstrong! I discovered her through her young adult book, sea of shadows, and she became me most read author of 2016. I have really been enjoying this series and I didn't even read the blurb before I requested this one. While ye can read books 1 - 3 and get the gist, books 4 - 6 build on each other. I do recommend starting at the beginning.
This novel continues the adventures of Rockton's detective, Casey Duncan. For those who be adventurous and are readin' this post having not read the previous books, Rockton is an off-the-grid town in the Yukon. People pay a council to spend time in this town to hide from their pasts. Some flee domestic abuse. Some flee other more unsavory problems. Suffice to say, the town is not an idyllic wonderland.
Casey is always getting pulled into trouble. This time, an injured hiker is found in the woods. It seems as though she has been attacked . . . and not by a wild animal. Where are her companions? Who tried to kill her? And how is Rockton supposed to maintain its secrecy now?
I will admit that this plot was way more ridiculous than the previous novels. I will also admit that I did not care. This was a quick, fun read that made me happy. This book solves the major mysteries of the previous books. I truly did enjoy watching Casey investigate. I enjoyed getting the watch many of the relationships develop. I didn't love the big reveals but I do love the world and characters.
Some minor issues: I would have preferred more Jacob, Sebastian, and Mattias. There was a bit too much repetition of the background of Rockton and residents that ye already know from previous books. I feel that this impeded the pacing a bit. And the bear thing was SO silly!
Apparently the author is contractually obligated for a seventh Rockton novel which she is working on now. I cannot quite imagine where the story is going to go from here. Arrr!
So lastly . . .
Thank ye kindly St. Martin's Press!
February 27, 2021
The Rockton series is one of my favorites! I eagerly await each new book!
Rockton is a town hidden away in the wilds of Canada. Those who can afford to pay can go there to hide out. Victims of abuse, criminals, those who want to escape their past....the residents are a mixed lot. Residents can stay for up to five years as long as they work and follow the rules. There are dangers -- wild animals, hostiles who live in the forest, illness...and sometimes even each other. Detective Casey Duncan and her boyfriend Sheriff Eric Dalton work to keep Rockton running smoothly, while communicating to the council that runs the hidden town and approves all residents. Then something strange happens.....something that never ever happens.....a stranger appears in town. An injured hiker stumbles out of the woods, and against all rules, Casey and Eric bring her inside Rockton to treat her. The injured stranger and the decision to bring her into town starts a series of events that bring the future of Rockton into question....
Loved this book! Covid and all the difficulties of juggling my job and home life at the moment led me to read this book late. I normally review before publication date...but life seems to enjoy getting in the way of my love for books and reviewing lately .... well, for the past year (just like everyone's lives have been derailed in one way or another). I finally got to visit Rockton! I grabbed the audio book of this newest installment in the series, and listened to A Stranger in Town while commuting to work, waiting for my son after football practice, while running errands....every spare moment I could find! Excellent story! And, excellent audio book!
I love how this series is developing. There are changes coming....I can't wait for the next book! Kelley Armstrong never disappoints! I wish they would make this series into a Netflix show or a movie -- I would definitely watch!
**I voluntarily read a review copy (and listened to an audio book from my awesome local library) of this book from St. Martin's Press. All opinions expressed are entirely my own.)
Rockton is a town hidden away in the wilds of Canada. Those who can afford to pay can go there to hide out. Victims of abuse, criminals, those who want to escape their past....the residents are a mixed lot. Residents can stay for up to five years as long as they work and follow the rules. There are dangers -- wild animals, hostiles who live in the forest, illness...and sometimes even each other. Detective Casey Duncan and her boyfriend Sheriff Eric Dalton work to keep Rockton running smoothly, while communicating to the council that runs the hidden town and approves all residents. Then something strange happens.....something that never ever happens.....a stranger appears in town. An injured hiker stumbles out of the woods, and against all rules, Casey and Eric bring her inside Rockton to treat her. The injured stranger and the decision to bring her into town starts a series of events that bring the future of Rockton into question....
Loved this book! Covid and all the difficulties of juggling my job and home life at the moment led me to read this book late. I normally review before publication date...but life seems to enjoy getting in the way of my love for books and reviewing lately .... well, for the past year (just like everyone's lives have been derailed in one way or another). I finally got to visit Rockton! I grabbed the audio book of this newest installment in the series, and listened to A Stranger in Town while commuting to work, waiting for my son after football practice, while running errands....every spare moment I could find! Excellent story! And, excellent audio book!
I love how this series is developing. There are changes coming....I can't wait for the next book! Kelley Armstrong never disappoints! I wish they would make this series into a Netflix show or a movie -- I would definitely watch!
**I voluntarily read a review copy (and listened to an audio book from my awesome local library) of this book from St. Martin's Press. All opinions expressed are entirely my own.)
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