Strangers She Knows: 3 (Cape Charade)

Strangers She Knows by Christina Dodd is the third book in Cape Charade series. Each book in this fast paced series can be read on its own since the author provides a recap (just enough to catch you up, but not too much as to spoil the other books in the series for new readers). Kellen Adams Di Luca has gone through so much in the last few years. She is denied her wedding night and honeymoon when the bullet in her brain shifts requiring immediate surgery. Kellen does survive the surgery, but she has a long recovery. She returns home still weak and with one hand that is refusing to cooperate. The therapist recommends piano lessons which is torture for Kellen and everyone else in the family including Luna, Rae's dog (everyone's a critic). When Mara resurfaces and is determined to get revenge, Kellen is not strong enough to go after her on her own. The family moves to the remote Isla Paraiso with a cook, Olympia Paolerio and the two islands caretakers, Jamie and Dylan Conkle. The family explores the island thanks to the three bikes Max had shipped in for them and they get reacquainted. The pacing in the first half is more laid back (feel the island vibe) with the second half ramped up like a person after drinking three espressos in a row. Kellen is trying to survive a maniacal killer. You can feel the suspense, tension and pain. Rae is still her fearless and intelligent self but now puberty is hitting (her poor parents). She manages to get into scrapes even on an island. I like how Rae is still a young girl at times who needs her parents. Max and Kellen are just beginning their marriage and they have no privacy. They are learning each other's quirks and foibles. It was interesting to learn more about Mara. She is a complex woman and her upbringing explains a lot. I really enjoyed the addition of Ruby's diary. I thought it enhanced the story as added depth and interest plus gives us a second mystery. I enjoyed the various references to Harry Potter and Hogwarts. Strangers She Knows is one of those books that you will not be able to put down. I am sorry to see the Cape Charade series come to an end. Strangers She Knows is a riveting suspense with a mad murderer, a temperamental tween, a remote refuge, panicked parents and an explosive ending.