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Secrets of Strangers, The

Norman, Charity

  28 Reviews

If they'd known what was in store for them, they would have been happy to forgo their daily fix and avoid the Tuckbox Cafe in Balham, London, at all cost. But in the randomness of everyday life, five strangers do not have this foresight, and it is their bad luck to be taken hostage by a seemingly crazed gunman who has just shot the cafe owner.

In the tense hours that follow as the hostages and the police negotiators attempt to make sense of the situation and prevent it from escalating, their lives are slowly laid bare.

Compassionate and compelling, this is a hostage drama with heart that will have you the reader also experiencing Stockholm Syndrome.

Pages
337
Year
2020

Reviews

WHITBY 002
11-03-2024
We all loved this book and enjoyed all the diverse back stories which the author wove into a cohesive narrative. Our sympathies for Sam increased as his story was revealed but Neil's character impressed and lead to a lively discussion on homelessness and begging.
WINT 001
29-02-2024
Everyone loved reading this book. The story unfolded in an interesting way and there was some pleasure finding out about the backstory of each person, even though some stories were quite harrowing. The author has created a thought provoking read with a clever combination of characters.
INVER 026
12-01-2024
This book was rated our group's favourite book of the year. The way the book was written made you want to keep reading, sometimes until the early hours to find out more. Each of the main characters was wonderfully described and it felt like you knew them.
DIAM 033
13-11-2023
This book was much enjoyed by most of our members. The plot and characters were well described without too much melodrama. some parts were understated which compensated for the horror and chaps in the lives of the hostages. Sam, the protagonist, was handled with empathy, as was his mother. The subject matter of the book provided a very lively meeting - all agreed the author provided some very interesting characters.
AUCK 307
11-10-2023
Everyone loved this book. It was carefully crafted, each of the characters well drawn out as the story unfolded. Charity Norman has become a favourite of our group.
CHCH 512
16-08-2023
Wow, what a book. Page turner from the get go. Everyone loved the book and couldn't put it down. Not everything is what it seems!
ASHB 016
22-05-2023
Every one of us enjoyed this book. It affected us all but in different ways - we all ended up feeling sorry for Sam, although not initially. Some of us felt the story had a 'happy ending' feel to it but others thought that might have happened and liked that it ended that way. Great story with great stories within the story...loved it. We would all like to read more of her books.
AMBER 006
10-05-2023
All except one thoroughly enjoyed this book, we are Charity Norman fans, some happy to read it for the second time. We thought the characterisation was excellent, so clever of the author to gain our sympathy with the villain. Our only criticism was the ending was a little too tidy.
NAP 034
07-02-2023
Our group scored this book 7.6/10. Most members found it an easy, compelling read with good themes. It was nice to have a range of stories captured in the main story. However some of us wanted more depth in some parts of the books, specifically with some of the other story lines.
CAMB 007
08-11-2022
We all enjoyed this book, and it generated lots of discussion. We were glad Robert died at the beginning so that we didn't have to listen to his story, and possibly gain sympathy for him! Our discussion became very wide ranging.
NAP 032
08-11-2022
We gave this book 4.61/5. We all loved this book. Well developed, realistic and relatable characters with interesting back stories. A fabulous read from a wonderful author.
CHCH 125
08-11-2022
We really found this compelling reading. Charity Norman does not disappoint. Captures facets of human nature well.
CHCH 238
08-08-2022
Suspenseful, great characters, a worthwhile read.
NEWP 018
08-08-2022
Another great read by Charity Norman. The entire group enjoyed this book, well worth a read.
RAWENE 001
03-08-2022
Good read - we all enjoyed it. Good writing. Hard to put down when you start to read it. Created a good discussion on the characters. Would definitely read another of her books.
ASHB 022
20-07-2022
Everyone thoroughly enjoyed the book and thought it was an easy read and well-written. We have read two other books by Charity Norman, and she never fails to deliver a good story.
HUNTER 003
16-05-2022
All but one loved it.
ALEXA 007
09-05-2022
We all really enjoyed this book - it makes you realise that everyone has a story.
AUCK 285
06-05-2022
A great page turner. We liked the way the characters' back stories were slowly unveiled. Not a deep and memorable read, as some of our more disturbing books have been - an easy read with no real feeling of danger or fear.
LOWER 006
05-05-2022
Good story, excellent characters, quite believable. All except for the resolution chapter - a bit "airy fairy" compared to the rest.
WELL 130
07-03-2022
We all really enjoyed this book. Insightful, great characters and attention to detail. Interesting style - written from the viewpoint of each main character in this hostage setting.
WHAKA 021
03-02-2022
An attention grabber!
PALMN 031
01-11-2021
We all enjoyed this book - an easy read.
ALEXA 006
18-10-2021
Gripping - a group favourite!
TAUR 051
22-09-2021
One of the best books we've read this year! An enjoyable yet harrowing book that was a quick easy read.
NEWP 013
27-08-2021
We all enjoyed this book. Very readable. We enjoyed the way the author cleverly revealed the personal stories of the diverse characters, and how, under stress, they learnt to understand and support each other. She had a real understanding of human nature.
WHAKA 010
27-08-2021
Absolute group favourite! The style of writing adds to the depth of the character development. Each character unfolds on their own and yet is in perfect harmony with the story as a whole.
DUNED 061
26-03-2021
Unusually we ALL enjoyed this book immensely. We warmed to the characters and loved her writing.