A stranger in the house

Why would you run away from home if you have a happy life?

After a tiring day, Tom Krupp is finally home. As soon as he parks the car, he thinks of Karen. He's eager to hug her, smell her scent, and enjoy a quiet dinner with his wife. But just as he's about to open the door, his entire body freezes. Something's wrong. The door isn't locked, but the lights are on, and Karen's car isn't in the driveway.

Upon entering the house, he feels completely silent and alone. He runs to the kitchen and realizes his wife is preparing dinner. The salad is practically ready, and the pasta is on the counter, ready to be cooked in a pot of water on the stove. Going upstairs, he finds her purse, wallet, and documents. He calls Karen's cell phone, but it's at home. He knows something's up... So, desperate, he calls the police.

Minutes later, a police officer is at his door. "How quick ," Tom thinks. But no. Officer Fleming isn't there because of a call, but to report that a woman driving his wife's car lost control and crashed head-on into a pole. She's in the hospital. The strangest part: the accident happened in the most dangerous part of town.

The police suspect Karen is involved in something shady, but Tom is certain she isn't. He's been married to her for two years and knows her very well. Is that really true? He'll ask Karen everything when he gets to the hospital, after telling her he loves her and is happy she survived, of course. But Tom has no answers... because she remembers absolutely nothing.

A Stranger in the House is another mesmerizing thriller from Shari Lapena , author of The Couple Next Door .