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A Familiar Stranger
What do you do when you’ve lost it all? A novel of one man’s rise and fall, self-doubt, and spiral into despair—and the moments that can change our fates . . .
Eddie Gamble was blessed with looks and charm. Everything came easy to him. It always had. It was just how it was—until it wasn’t.
He had a successful media career, married his college sweetheart, and had a couple of kids. Still, every morning he looks in the mirror and only sees a fraud. When his career falls apart, his wife leaves him, and he’s down to his last dollar, he can’t stop the free fall. This wasn’t the way it was supposed to be.
With nowhere to turn, Eddie gives up—but an unlikely chance encounter on a snowy night may be the thing that saves him . . .
Eddie Gamble was blessed with looks and charm. Everything came easy to him. It always had. It was just how it was—until it wasn’t.
He had a successful media career, married his college sweetheart, and had a couple of kids. Still, every morning he looks in the mirror and only sees a fraud. When his career falls apart, his wife leaves him, and he’s down to his last dollar, he can’t stop the free fall. This wasn’t the way it was supposed to be.
With nowhere to turn, Eddie gives up—but an unlikely chance encounter on a snowy night may be the thing that saves him . . .
183 pages, Kindle Edition
First published September 7, 2021
About the author
McGarvey Black
23 books435 followersSuspense/Thrillers
THE SECOND HONEYMOON - August 2025
He's planned the perfect cruise - and the perfect murder. His new girlfriend (my replacement) is waiting in the wings.
Our luxury cruise ship departs from Florida. Its destination - paradise. A surprise gift from Andre. Our first proper vacation in five years. A second honeymoon.
He's bought me the perfect outfit. The champagne is flowing. Everything's going to plan. Andre's plan.
He thinks he'll get away with it. But he doesn't know what I'm capable of. Not yet.
Also,
—THE BABY I STOLE
—MY SISTER'S KILLER
—THE FIRST HUSBAND
—WITHOUT HER CONSENT
—THE WOMAN UPSTAIRS
—TRUST ONLY ME
—TWICE ON CHRISTMAS
—THE GIRL WHO KILLED HER MOM
Romantic Comedy;
— LOVE ON THE LINE (original title— THE FUSSY VIRGIN).
Morality Tale
—A FAMILIAR STRANGER "It's a Wonderful Life" meets "Wall Street". This novel is a parable of our times.
All my stories are character driven. I try to throw in lots of twists and turns to keep the reader interested and guessing. Most of my writing is inspired by real people or events that trigger my imagination.
I am married with two children and currently live in Connecticut where many of my stories take place. I'm happy to FaceTime or Zoom into your book club if our schedules permit. Reach out and I'll do my best to make it happen.
——McGarvey
You can find me on Facebook or Twitter, too. Thanks for reading my books and if you like them, please leave a review, it helps so much.
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 42 reviews
August 23, 2021
A Familiar Stranger is a contemporary parable inspired by the story of someone the author knew in real life, and the 1940s movie “It’s a Wonderful Life”, which I confess I have never seen.
It’s quite different to her previous psychological thrillers, with a protagonist who is difficult to like for most of the book, and no real suspense. It tells the story of a man who spent his life chasing the dream of success in the dog eat dog world of magazine publishing, only for it all to come crashing down through selfishness and greed, before finding redemption.
Eddie Gamble is a broken man, who has nothing left to live for, so has made an appointment with the front end of a train, until a chance encounter forces him to reconsider. Fourteen years earlier, he had it all: a beautiful wife and child, a glittering career and the respect of his peers. A born salesman, he was quickly promoted, embracing a life of luxury, but a series of bad decisions make him unemployable, turns his former colleagues and friends against him, and destroys his marriage, until every move he makes is a downward spiral. Can Eddie turn his life around when only a small dog wants to know him?
This was a short sweet novel (I read it across one afternoon & evening) that starts dramatically but then takes a little while to get going again. Eddie is not a bad man, he shows real kindness to those less fortunate, but he believes all his own hype and is seduced by all the perks of his new glamorous lifestyle - discovering almost too late that they mean nothing. Black has a lovely writing style which carries the reader along on Eddie’s journey of self-discovery to an uplifting ending - don’t worry, the dog survives!
Thanks to McGarvey Black for the ARC. I am posting this honest review voluntarily.
A Familiar Stranger is available is paperback now and the ebook is published on September 7th.
It’s quite different to her previous psychological thrillers, with a protagonist who is difficult to like for most of the book, and no real suspense. It tells the story of a man who spent his life chasing the dream of success in the dog eat dog world of magazine publishing, only for it all to come crashing down through selfishness and greed, before finding redemption.
Eddie Gamble is a broken man, who has nothing left to live for, so has made an appointment with the front end of a train, until a chance encounter forces him to reconsider. Fourteen years earlier, he had it all: a beautiful wife and child, a glittering career and the respect of his peers. A born salesman, he was quickly promoted, embracing a life of luxury, but a series of bad decisions make him unemployable, turns his former colleagues and friends against him, and destroys his marriage, until every move he makes is a downward spiral. Can Eddie turn his life around when only a small dog wants to know him?
This was a short sweet novel (I read it across one afternoon & evening) that starts dramatically but then takes a little while to get going again. Eddie is not a bad man, he shows real kindness to those less fortunate, but he believes all his own hype and is seduced by all the perks of his new glamorous lifestyle - discovering almost too late that they mean nothing. Black has a lovely writing style which carries the reader along on Eddie’s journey of self-discovery to an uplifting ending - don’t worry, the dog survives!
Thanks to McGarvey Black for the ARC. I am posting this honest review voluntarily.
A Familiar Stranger is available is paperback now and the ebook is published on September 7th.
April 18, 2022
If someone had told me what to expect from this book, I wouldn't have bothered reading it.... However, it's author is Mcgarvey Black and anyone who's ever read any of her books therefore knows it will be great.
Although it couldn't be described as a suspense/thriller, I just couldn't put it down. I simply had to know what the next chapter would bring. The main character is a rogue but he's lovable and I couldn't help rooting for him, despite his transgressions. There's heaps of sentiment in this book from the outset and oddly, I found the ending to be bitter-sweet. Give your regular genre a break and try this book; I can't conceive anyone not thoroughly enjoying it. In fact, I think you'll remember it for a long time; I know I will.
Although it couldn't be described as a suspense/thriller, I just couldn't put it down. I simply had to know what the next chapter would bring. The main character is a rogue but he's lovable and I couldn't help rooting for him, despite his transgressions. There's heaps of sentiment in this book from the outset and oddly, I found the ending to be bitter-sweet. Give your regular genre a break and try this book; I can't conceive anyone not thoroughly enjoying it. In fact, I think you'll remember it for a long time; I know I will.
September 7, 2021
Mcgarvey Black’s A Familiar Stranger is a classic cautionary tale of one man’s meteoric rise to success and his subsequent catastrophic and ignominious descent into oblivion. When we first meet Eddie Gamble we meet a man at rock bottom, a man who has literally reached the end of the line. A man who had everything; a glittering career and a loving family but who is now alone and down to his last few dollars, reduced to eating stale cinnamon doughnuts. It’s a powerful and harrowing opening, the weather only adding to the despondent, hopeless atmosphere that envelops him. Black’s description of a man on his knees having decided to exit this life in the most dramatic of fashions is an image that is impossible to erase from your mind once she so forcefully places it there. Sobering and subduing, this is a novel to stop you in your tracks, your thoughts consumed by those all important questions that are begging to be answered. What has led Eddie Gamble to this exact moment in time? Can anyone or anything save him now?
Mcgarvey Black then presses the rewind button and takes her readers back sixteen years to where it all began. To be honest this is a tragic tale that will be all too familiar, the novel’s trajectory known within the first few pages but we could all benefit from a reminder every so often about what we truly need to value in life. What constitutes success (and a wonderful life!) and how to achieve it differs from person to person. It doesn’t necessarily include wealth or notoriety or material possessions as Eddie believes but encompasses the simple things in life that are priceless such as family, friendship, loyalty trust and kindness. Success takes many shapes and forms but invariably it comes at a cost (good or bad) and Eddie is a prime example of how NOT to behave when reaching for the stars. It’s the way in which the author has inhabited Eddie’s mind, developing this character into someone so very tangible, so believably flawed and fallible that it matters not whether you like or loathe him. You are drawn into his story by an invisible hand unable to decline the author’s invitation to take a ringside seat and watch helplessly as Eddie metaphorically gambles away his good fortune. I read this with a heavy heart, bracing myself for the inevitable impact as Eddie’s life takes the road to nowhere before crashing and burning.
Married to Clare with two children Sarah and Joe, Eddie is riding high on the fruits of his labour. He’s the man with the midas touch and with every rung on the professional career ladder climbed the bigger his ego becomes. Ruthlessly ambitious, highly competitive, lacking in integrity, an absolute charmer and a womaniser to boot Mcgarvey Black paints a damning picture of humankind at its very worst but also at its very best. With his appetite for success insatiable Eddie makes the fatal error of believing in his own hype, trampling over anyone who threatens to stand in his way, forgetting that his time and presence are two commodities the three most important people in his life hunger for. In many ways Eddie is the biggest loser going despite his ability to charm the pants off all and sundry (except Lucy!) However much I’d like to believe I wouldn’t fall under his spell I have a horrible feeling I wouldn’t be immune. He radiates positivity, even if it is false, which is both highly infectious and dangerous. Yet for all Eddie’s obvious flaws he does possess some redeeming qualities. There is a particular scene in this novel in which Eddie displays immense kindness and thoughtfulness towards a work colleague who’s suffering some personal trauma. He shows compassion in his own unique way at a time when it is greatly appreciated proving that at his core he is a decent human being. It will make you want to weep tears of sadness (and frustration!) that his own wife and children aren’t afforded the same treatment. These glimpses of the man buried deep beneath the charm, the swagger and the self importance means you can’t hate him however much you want to!
You get the feeling Mcgarvey Black has poured her heart and soul into the writing of this novel. Eddie Gamble’s life story is one of immense highs and lows so you feel as if you’ve hitched a ride on a fairground waltzer spinning faster and faster, swooping up and down, your emotions by the end one huge jumbled, giddy mess. I veered from sadness, outrage, disgust, despondency and despair to grudging admiration, empathy, pity, a restored sense of faith, however temporary and a welcome feeling of hopefulness. To experience this whole spectrum of emotions and to constantly change your opinion of a character throughout the narrative is the sign of great writing. Turning a reader from one who is dead set against the protagonist to one who is forced to admit there is hope for him yet takes remarkable skill and that is one of the reasons why I hugely admire this writer.
I discovered Mcgarvey Black’s amazing talent when I read Without Her Consent and I’ve loved every book since. She manages to bring something fresh to the table every time so there’s no time to get too comfortable! Being able to write across genres and consistently deliver a compelling read puts her in the bracket of authors who deserve way more recognition than they receive. Whilst there are no real surprises or shocks in store this time around the ending has a serendipitous quality to it that suggests not all may be lost. Never underestimate the healing powers of our canine friends! If I have any slight criticism to make it’s that at times Eddie’s life reads as one long résumé. I would have relished more insight into Clare and the children’s perspective of this errant husband and father but have no idea how the author could achieve this given how this tale of redemption belongs to the one and only Eddie Gamble!
I’m no salesperson like Eddie but I hope I’ve managed to “sell” this wonderful novel so that you feel compelled to read it. If it causes you to pause for a moment, reflect, look around you and feel grateful for the life you have and the people who are in it rather than thinking the grass is greener on the other side and wishing you could have your cake and eat it then as far as I’m concerned this novel has achieved at least one of its aims! As someone who is rather introspective this novel was almost perfect; powerful and moving and imbued with a sense of reality. I highly recommend.
My thanks as always to Mcgarvey Black and Bloodhound books for giving me the opportunity to read in exchange for an honest review.
Mcgarvey Black then presses the rewind button and takes her readers back sixteen years to where it all began. To be honest this is a tragic tale that will be all too familiar, the novel’s trajectory known within the first few pages but we could all benefit from a reminder every so often about what we truly need to value in life. What constitutes success (and a wonderful life!) and how to achieve it differs from person to person. It doesn’t necessarily include wealth or notoriety or material possessions as Eddie believes but encompasses the simple things in life that are priceless such as family, friendship, loyalty trust and kindness. Success takes many shapes and forms but invariably it comes at a cost (good or bad) and Eddie is a prime example of how NOT to behave when reaching for the stars. It’s the way in which the author has inhabited Eddie’s mind, developing this character into someone so very tangible, so believably flawed and fallible that it matters not whether you like or loathe him. You are drawn into his story by an invisible hand unable to decline the author’s invitation to take a ringside seat and watch helplessly as Eddie metaphorically gambles away his good fortune. I read this with a heavy heart, bracing myself for the inevitable impact as Eddie’s life takes the road to nowhere before crashing and burning.
Married to Clare with two children Sarah and Joe, Eddie is riding high on the fruits of his labour. He’s the man with the midas touch and with every rung on the professional career ladder climbed the bigger his ego becomes. Ruthlessly ambitious, highly competitive, lacking in integrity, an absolute charmer and a womaniser to boot Mcgarvey Black paints a damning picture of humankind at its very worst but also at its very best. With his appetite for success insatiable Eddie makes the fatal error of believing in his own hype, trampling over anyone who threatens to stand in his way, forgetting that his time and presence are two commodities the three most important people in his life hunger for. In many ways Eddie is the biggest loser going despite his ability to charm the pants off all and sundry (except Lucy!) However much I’d like to believe I wouldn’t fall under his spell I have a horrible feeling I wouldn’t be immune. He radiates positivity, even if it is false, which is both highly infectious and dangerous. Yet for all Eddie’s obvious flaws he does possess some redeeming qualities. There is a particular scene in this novel in which Eddie displays immense kindness and thoughtfulness towards a work colleague who’s suffering some personal trauma. He shows compassion in his own unique way at a time when it is greatly appreciated proving that at his core he is a decent human being. It will make you want to weep tears of sadness (and frustration!) that his own wife and children aren’t afforded the same treatment. These glimpses of the man buried deep beneath the charm, the swagger and the self importance means you can’t hate him however much you want to!
You get the feeling Mcgarvey Black has poured her heart and soul into the writing of this novel. Eddie Gamble’s life story is one of immense highs and lows so you feel as if you’ve hitched a ride on a fairground waltzer spinning faster and faster, swooping up and down, your emotions by the end one huge jumbled, giddy mess. I veered from sadness, outrage, disgust, despondency and despair to grudging admiration, empathy, pity, a restored sense of faith, however temporary and a welcome feeling of hopefulness. To experience this whole spectrum of emotions and to constantly change your opinion of a character throughout the narrative is the sign of great writing. Turning a reader from one who is dead set against the protagonist to one who is forced to admit there is hope for him yet takes remarkable skill and that is one of the reasons why I hugely admire this writer.
I discovered Mcgarvey Black’s amazing talent when I read Without Her Consent and I’ve loved every book since. She manages to bring something fresh to the table every time so there’s no time to get too comfortable! Being able to write across genres and consistently deliver a compelling read puts her in the bracket of authors who deserve way more recognition than they receive. Whilst there are no real surprises or shocks in store this time around the ending has a serendipitous quality to it that suggests not all may be lost. Never underestimate the healing powers of our canine friends! If I have any slight criticism to make it’s that at times Eddie’s life reads as one long résumé. I would have relished more insight into Clare and the children’s perspective of this errant husband and father but have no idea how the author could achieve this given how this tale of redemption belongs to the one and only Eddie Gamble!
I’m no salesperson like Eddie but I hope I’ve managed to “sell” this wonderful novel so that you feel compelled to read it. If it causes you to pause for a moment, reflect, look around you and feel grateful for the life you have and the people who are in it rather than thinking the grass is greener on the other side and wishing you could have your cake and eat it then as far as I’m concerned this novel has achieved at least one of its aims! As someone who is rather introspective this novel was almost perfect; powerful and moving and imbued with a sense of reality. I highly recommend.
My thanks as always to Mcgarvey Black and Bloodhound books for giving me the opportunity to read in exchange for an honest review.
September 7, 2021
Eddie Gamble is a man who spent his life looking for 'more' ... more money, more power, more success. He had it all at one time .. a beautiful wife, lovely two children, a successful career with all the perks you could imagine .. but it just wasn't enough.
But a series of bad decisions on his part caused him to lose the careers, his reputation, the money, the success, his wife, his children. He has nothing.
Eddie is a hard man to get to know, to get to like. At the beginning, I applauded his work ethic .... yes, he didn't have a lot of time to spend with his wife and kids, but he was working hard for their future. But then he got addicted to all the perks .. and especially the various women.
As his story continues, I liked him even less. He become a liar, a cheat, and turns on the very people that put him in the spotlight to begin with.
With nowhere to turn, Eddie gives up—but an unlikely chance encounter on a snowy night may be the thing that saves him . . .
Inspired by the story of someone the author knew in real life, its a story of a rise to fame, and then the spiral downward fall that just wouldn't stop. It's a story of redemption, love, forgiveness. But is it too late for Eddie?
There is no suspense other than trying to guess how Eddie ends up. He's a multi-layered protagonist who is hard to like, much less admire. He seems to have no redeeming qualities. It's a compelling read, hard to put down for any reason. I read it in one day.
Many thanks to the author / Bloodhound Books for the digital copy of this most riveting novel. Read and reviewed voluntarily, opinions expressed here are unbiased and entirely my own.
But a series of bad decisions on his part caused him to lose the careers, his reputation, the money, the success, his wife, his children. He has nothing.
Eddie is a hard man to get to know, to get to like. At the beginning, I applauded his work ethic .... yes, he didn't have a lot of time to spend with his wife and kids, but he was working hard for their future. But then he got addicted to all the perks .. and especially the various women.
As his story continues, I liked him even less. He become a liar, a cheat, and turns on the very people that put him in the spotlight to begin with.
With nowhere to turn, Eddie gives up—but an unlikely chance encounter on a snowy night may be the thing that saves him . . .
Inspired by the story of someone the author knew in real life, its a story of a rise to fame, and then the spiral downward fall that just wouldn't stop. It's a story of redemption, love, forgiveness. But is it too late for Eddie?
There is no suspense other than trying to guess how Eddie ends up. He's a multi-layered protagonist who is hard to like, much less admire. He seems to have no redeeming qualities. It's a compelling read, hard to put down for any reason. I read it in one day.
Many thanks to the author / Bloodhound Books for the digital copy of this most riveting novel. Read and reviewed voluntarily, opinions expressed here are unbiased and entirely my own.
October 7, 2026
⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐
Oh my goodness… I am absolutely sobbing. 😭💔
Oh my goodness… I am absolutely sobbing. 😭💔
September 8, 2021
McGarvey Black continues to surprise, each new novel quite different from the last. With her latest, she shares the heartfelt story of a contemporary businessman who had everything anyone could hope for—and lost it all. Black asks us: Does this shamed and beaten down man deserve a second chance at life? Do any of us?
Eddie Gamble is handsome and charming. He's a golden boy, a top notch schmoozer and tons of fun, so all the men want to be his friend while the women wish to be more than that. He's a success at everything he does: he marries a wonderful woman who adores him, has two beautiful children, and works at a top publishing company in Manhattan as an up-and-coming advertising executive. But Eddie wants more—and he does whatever he has to in order to get it.
Eventually, his questionable business and personal choices tarnish his rising star, which begins to sink. Heading for a flame out, Eddie somehow keeps charming his way back from the edge. Until he can't anymore. Headed for freefall, Eddie's unlikely encounter with a four-legged mutt changes the course of his life.
A feel good story about the problems of rich people, Eddie Gamble's journey is a rollercoaster ride, one told with empathy and humor. I read this book in one sitting because, like all of Black's books, it's impossible to put down once you begin.
Eddie Gamble is handsome and charming. He's a golden boy, a top notch schmoozer and tons of fun, so all the men want to be his friend while the women wish to be more than that. He's a success at everything he does: he marries a wonderful woman who adores him, has two beautiful children, and works at a top publishing company in Manhattan as an up-and-coming advertising executive. But Eddie wants more—and he does whatever he has to in order to get it.
Eventually, his questionable business and personal choices tarnish his rising star, which begins to sink. Heading for a flame out, Eddie somehow keeps charming his way back from the edge. Until he can't anymore. Headed for freefall, Eddie's unlikely encounter with a four-legged mutt changes the course of his life.
A feel good story about the problems of rich people, Eddie Gamble's journey is a rollercoaster ride, one told with empathy and humor. I read this book in one sitting because, like all of Black's books, it's impossible to put down once you begin.
August 28, 2021
When everything isn’t enough until you’ve lost it.
Eddie Gamble has everything a man could desire.
Success was the only word he knew until it was all gone.
A man that only ever really thought of his own needs and what he wants, and doesn’t care how he gets there or on whose toes he treads to reach his goal will have you possibly despising him. But after losing everything including his outlook on life can he change himself for the better and your opinion of him.?
The author takes you along on his journey, a journey that will have you feeling a rollercoaster range of emotions yourself.
This is a different style of book than the psychological thrillers that i usually read by this author, an author who instantly became a favourite of mine from the first book I read of theirs, but this definitely did not leave me disappointed..
Eddie Gamble has everything a man could desire.
Success was the only word he knew until it was all gone.
A man that only ever really thought of his own needs and what he wants, and doesn’t care how he gets there or on whose toes he treads to reach his goal will have you possibly despising him. But after losing everything including his outlook on life can he change himself for the better and your opinion of him.?
The author takes you along on his journey, a journey that will have you feeling a rollercoaster range of emotions yourself.
This is a different style of book than the psychological thrillers that i usually read by this author, an author who instantly became a favourite of mine from the first book I read of theirs, but this definitely did not leave me disappointed..
August 31, 2021
This is one of the books that I thought I wasn't going to dislike, because the main character Eddie Gamble is such a dislikable person, but love it when I finished reading it.
Written impeccably you feel the highs and lows of Eddie's life, the pains and happiness that he goes thru during his life in the advertisement world and after he's been kicked out of it.
Eddie is not a bad person at heart, he's just so driven to succeed that he losses sight of the important things in life, makes questionable decisions and losses everything, his job, his family, his prestige and the appreciation and admiration of his colleagues.
The ending of the book is satisfying since Eddie realizes what is really important in life and turns his life around dedicating his time to help wounded veterans.
I truly enjoyed this book and recommend it.
Written impeccably you feel the highs and lows of Eddie's life, the pains and happiness that he goes thru during his life in the advertisement world and after he's been kicked out of it.
Eddie is not a bad person at heart, he's just so driven to succeed that he losses sight of the important things in life, makes questionable decisions and losses everything, his job, his family, his prestige and the appreciation and admiration of his colleagues.
The ending of the book is satisfying since Eddie realizes what is really important in life and turns his life around dedicating his time to help wounded veterans.
I truly enjoyed this book and recommend it.
September 10, 2021
This story follows the trials and tribulations of Eddie Gamble. Everyone’s hero until he wasn’t. A man chasing his dreams - the dream of having everything but what defines everything?
In his quest to be the next best thing Eddie loses sight of what’s valuable. You would think that after every cringe-worthy failure, he would learn his lesson. His selfishness was palpable and I had such intense feelings of disappointment, frustration and anger towards him. But one chance encounter can help you change your ways.
A complete departure from the mystery and phycological thrillers that Black usually writes this one kept my full attention throughout. I may have shed a tear of happiness. I loved this story!
In his quest to be the next best thing Eddie loses sight of what’s valuable. You would think that after every cringe-worthy failure, he would learn his lesson. His selfishness was palpable and I had such intense feelings of disappointment, frustration and anger towards him. But one chance encounter can help you change your ways.
A complete departure from the mystery and phycological thrillers that Black usually writes this one kept my full attention throughout. I may have shed a tear of happiness. I loved this story!
August 21, 2021
As ever, the writing is superb though this time, the subject matter totally different…… and I’m not sure whether I could say I ‘enjoyed’ this one or not.
The protagonist is charming, witty, confident and very attractive- but generally, not very nice. The reader follows his life and times and becomes a witness to some of his more challenging history.
Despite these comments, I am not sorry I read the book and will always be excited by a new release. As ever, what ever this author writes, her characters are authentic and raise a plethora of emotions in the avid reader.
A true sign of a great author.
The protagonist is charming, witty, confident and very attractive- but generally, not very nice. The reader follows his life and times and becomes a witness to some of his more challenging history.
Despite these comments, I am not sorry I read the book and will always be excited by a new release. As ever, what ever this author writes, her characters are authentic and raise a plethora of emotions in the avid reader.
A true sign of a great author.
September 7, 2021
I enjoyed this suspenseful story. This is a well written story about Eddie who has a perfect life until it wasn't. Everything comes easy for him until one day all that changes. Is is possible one snowy night change everything for him? He made such a great character and I enjoyed him alot. He was supportive of the secondary characters as well. They all made great characters that made you want to know what happens to next. They are connectable and made the story engaging. This is a fast paced, fun, entertaining story that kept me turning pages to the end. I also enjoyed being pulled into the story from the first word. I look forward to reading more from this author in the future.
August 23, 2021
This has to be up there in my top ten fiction books as it had everything. Highs, lows. happiness, sadness, empathy, love and tragedy. The main character, Eddie Gamble has it all but does he know what it's worth? Does he know how to treat people and how to stay at the top?
It's a change from McGarvey Black's usual style and i loved it. Such pathos and feeling has been put into this book that you live it with the main character. You follow his journey with your heart in your mouth and you cheer out loud when he succeeds and cry when he fails - I did, anyway!!
It's a change from McGarvey Black's usual style and i loved it. Such pathos and feeling has been put into this book that you live it with the main character. You follow his journey with your heart in your mouth and you cheer out loud when he succeeds and cry when he fails - I did, anyway!!
September 7, 2021
Eddie Gamble has it all - married to the woman who loves him, large house, two children, expensive watch and a limo driver to take him to work. He’s smashing all he does working in advertising sales. The Gamble charm gets him high so why does the first chapter show Eddie about to walk in front of a train?
This slow, gentle story tells of the rise and fall of a man who could have been great but who doesn’t realise what he has till it’s all gone. It takes a small dog who won’t leave his side to bring Eddie back from the brink.
A moving and deeply emotional read.
This slow, gentle story tells of the rise and fall of a man who could have been great but who doesn’t realise what he has till it’s all gone. It takes a small dog who won’t leave his side to bring Eddie back from the brink.
A moving and deeply emotional read.
September 7, 2021
This is a story that coming out September 7, 2021. This novel is about Eddie Gamble and the dog that saved his life, a black and white lopsided ear dog. This is a book about a man who had it all like the world say. That made the world a better place for others , Eddie is unique the first on to help when others are in trouble. The kind of person the is a gift of kindness in a cruel world. He had to find himself. He had to learn what real happiness for himself was, not what the world say what makes him happy. This is a story of living life, and find the real you., I enjoyed this story.
September 8, 2021
I have liked almost all McGarvey Black’s books, but “A Familiar Stranger” is the best of them. I loved it, and smiled and cried along with the protagonist. There were times I wanted to warn him not to turn into ‘that’ road, but the story, along with his fortune, raced on. Eddie Gamble is a bright, charming, hardworking and ambitious man. He is a big name in media and sales circles. People say he could sell snow to the Eskimos. The book takes us through his trajectory to dizzying heights, and then his plunging down to the nadir of despair. Meanwhile, he has no time to spare for his wife and children. As we go through his story, we are struck by the non-judgemental tone of the writer, and her compassion as she narrates Eddie’s story.
I would recommend this book wholeheartedly.
5 Stars
I would recommend this book wholeheartedly.
5 Stars
August 24, 2021
Wow what a read. I love this author but was surprised by this book, it’s not like her others but it’s a really fab read. It tells the story of Eddie Gamble a man who had it all. This book shows you that having everything sometimes means nothing. Be prepared for an emotional rollercoaster of a read. This book has everything in it the highest highs and the lowest lows. I could not put it down. I would love to see this book made into a film. A brilliant five star read.
September 1, 2021
A rollercoaster ride of emotions, you feel them all while reading this like. Eddie our main man is flying high and looks to have the perfect life. But at what cost, as the saying goes too much of a good thing, always wanting more, bigger and better Eddie it seems will learn the hard way. A really well written storyline that held my interest and had me wanting to see where Eddie would arrive on his life journey.
September 3, 2021
A short and interesting read, A Familiar Stranger is almost like a modern day parable- learn to appreciate what you have in life rather than assuming the grass is always green in the next job/ the next partner etc. Eddie, our main protagonist is the perfect character to give us this life lesson as the writing takes you on his journey of extreme highs and lows. Whilst I didn’t particularly like Eddie, I could certainly sympathise with him and I enjoyed seeing his life come full circle.
August 26, 2021
Based on a true situation, this author has grabbed my attention. She often tells stories that are unexpected and this is one of these.
Eddie has charm and knows how to use it. But can he come back when things are not going his way.
Eddie really is not a likeable character. But the ending is very satisfying and totally unexpected.
Another enjoyable addition from this author.
Eddie has charm and knows how to use it. But can he come back when things are not going his way.
Eddie really is not a likeable character. But the ending is very satisfying and totally unexpected.
Another enjoyable addition from this author.
September 6, 2021
This started well. It’s the story of Eddie Gamble who is down on his luck and is about to end his life. We then rewind to what went wrong for him & then the story gets a little lost. It’s a good concept. Quite well written but rather middle of the road. It’s a meander rather than a gallop but pleasant one.
December 18, 2025
I can’t quite tell why I like this book as I saw it all coming, I guess only other readers, and probably, Lucy, did not. As a veteran, I support programs for veterans, sort of felt like a “thrown in” conclusion. Well written, interesting and a little awkward read. Everyone loved this guy and he gave me the creeps from first meeting. I suppose it is a HEA but I feel oddly unfinished. Somehow.
September 6, 2021
Brilliant book. A classic. Very emotional, and I couldn't put it down. For me, it is the best book by Mcgarvey Black and I would love to see it on the big screen. Has all the elements of a Hollywood blockbuster. If you only read one book this year, make it this one.
September 7, 2021
I weren’t expecting an ending like that!!
Eddie Gamble had it all a few times over but it still wasn’t enough. What will make him think of others, instead of himself? Or, will he hit that self destruct one too many times.
I really enjoyed this book.
Eddie Gamble had it all a few times over but it still wasn’t enough. What will make him think of others, instead of himself? Or, will he hit that self destruct one too many times.
I really enjoyed this book.
July 23, 2024
Such an interesting story!
I really enjoy this author’s books. I usually choose mysteries but decided to give “A Familiar Stranger” a try since I’ve loved McGarvey Black’s writings. I was so interested in this storyline and how Eddie works out his problematic life.
I really enjoy this author’s books. I usually choose mysteries but decided to give “A Familiar Stranger” a try since I’ve loved McGarvey Black’s writings. I was so interested in this storyline and how Eddie works out his problematic life.
August 8, 2024
Beautiful Story
Like all us this man was searching, seeking and pursuing his career while missing what was more important. You will love this one as you go with Eddie on his journey.
Like all us this man was searching, seeking and pursuing his career while missing what was more important. You will love this one as you go with Eddie on his journey.
December 3, 2024
A sadness hung over me for much of the book, I was so involved in Eddie's ups and downs. But I rooted for him the entire time and wouldn't you know it? It took a stray dog to remind Eddie that he still has what it takes, but in another capacity, to feel good and useful again.
August 21, 2025
Wow, this book was amazing!
From the beginning to the end, l was enthralled.
Excellent way to realize that helping others is 10 fold better than singing your own praises .
I have read Ms McGarvey many books and have loved everyone of them.
From the beginning to the end, l was enthralled.
Excellent way to realize that helping others is 10 fold better than singing your own praises .
I have read Ms McGarvey many books and have loved everyone of them.
August 24, 2025
wow I’m speechless!
I’m not impressed with this story..until I arrived at the end! I am the daughter of a WWll Navy veteran and I gotta tell ya…anything any one does to help a vet is awesome in my heart and mind!
Wow! Incredible ending.
I’m not impressed with this story..until I arrived at the end! I am the daughter of a WWll Navy veteran and I gotta tell ya…anything any one does to help a vet is awesome in my heart and mind!
Wow! Incredible ending.
November 17, 2025
Susan Fraser Aberdeen
One of the best books I have ever read.
Page turner from the start and kept me guessing all the way through to the end.
McGarvey can certainly tell a story.
Read it ….you won’t be disappointed.
One of the best books I have ever read.
Page turner from the start and kept me guessing all the way through to the end.
McGarvey can certainly tell a story.
Read it ….you won’t be disappointed.
August 25, 2021
Another lovely novel by this author, as always. This one tells of a man who has it all and loses it, a real emotional roller coaster with a great ending.
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