The Good Stranger – Dete Meserve

A Kate Bradley Mystery

Five of five stars

“Kindness is not some kind of exchange: I’ll help you, but then you have to help someone else. And maybe I’ll be rewarded for my kindness. That’s not how it works.” I leaned forward. “How what works?”

“Connecting with others,” she said, softly. “It’s not transactional. It starts with understanding that everybody is struggling, even people who don’t appear to be suffering on the outside . Loss. Grief. Brokenness. Hurt. Worry. Everyone around you, the people you share the grocery line with, sit next to at work, meet on social media, and see across the kitchen table. They’re all wrestling with something. And we all have the power to help.”

🌟🌟🌟🌟🌟

Imagine a stranger pays for breakfast.  For everyone in the restaurant. 

Imagine a stranger pays next month’s rent.  For a whole building.  Then invites them to meet him at a local park.  And sends them a free picnic lunch.

Imagine a stranger pays for lunch for a whole school.  Everyone’s favourites.  But the catch is that no one eats alone.

Random acts of extreme generosity are happening all over Manhattan.  And Kate Bradley is investigating the story.  Because there IS definitely a story here!

As she searches for the stranger, Kate starts receiving warnings.   “Stop looking for her, Kate.  I’m watching you.”  What could it mean?

Meserve is masterful!  Endearing characters, an engrossing story line, and a conclusion that I, for one, didn’t even imagine!  The Good Stranger is the kind of novel that stays with you.  An absolutely compelling read!

[Many thanks to NetGalley and the author for the opportunity to read an Advance Reader Copy of this book.  The opinions expressed in this review are entirely my own.]