Don't be a Stranger

An easy blend of humor and suspense

Nine Perfect Strangers by Liane Moriarty is an engrossing page-turner that keeps the reader hooked until the very end. With its intriguing plot, well-drawn characters, and unpredictable twists and turns, this novel is sure to delight fans of Moriarty's previous works.

The story is set at a luxurious health resort where nine strangers have gathered to embark on a ten-day wellness retreat. Each character has their own reason for being there, and as they navigate the intense program, they begin to reveal their innermost secrets and vulnerabilities. Moriarty does an excellent job of capturing the distinct personalities and motivations of each character, and the interplay between them creates a palpable tension that keeps the reader engaged.

While the book is primarily a character-driven story, Moriarty also weaves in elements of mystery and suspense that add to the overall intrigue. Probably because I had already seen the TV mini-series adaptation, but I found the suspense lacking in this one.

My favorite moments in the book were actually the lighter ones. Frances is the heroine of her own life which I not only love for her, but find throughly entertaining. Delilah's observation that she is just a side character is this story made me laugh out loud.

Masha's focus on proving the new protocol's value eclipses any common sense, driving her to become completely unhinged by the end of the book.

Overall, "Nine Perfect Strangers" is a satisfying read that combines humor, drama, and suspense in just the right amounts. While it may not be Moriarty's strongest work, it is a solid addition to her oeuvre and a book that is sure to entertain and captivate readers. It's good book and I enjoyed it. It's not my favorite of anything but if you're looking for an easy read on a retreat of your own, it's worth picking up.

Tags

Fiction
Mystery
Mystery & Thrillers
Thriller