When A Stranger Comes by Karen S. Bell is a riveting, must read psychological thriller with an original gripping plot and heart-pounding storyline and premise.

Author Alexa Wainwright wants nothing more than for her new novel to be a bestseller and regain her renowned international status that her debut novel once gave her. Thrown into an alternate reality, Alexa makes a deal with a bizarre publisher who promises her fortune and fame with her new novel. Despite her resistance and doubts about this strange acting and looking CEO of Trinity of Sixes, Alexa can’t resist the idea of her new book becoming a hit and somehow, unknowingly, signs the contract (a deal with the devil?) and gets herself into a deep trap of evil which she must escape. Her greed and desire drags her down into a dangerous evil world of psychological and twisted reality and into an inescapable nightmare.

When a Stranger Comes by Karen S Bell is filled with mysterious, thrilling and complicated psychological scenarios. The reader will be delighted, engaged and riveted while guessing what’s real and what’s not. The author takes the reader on a ride of twists and turns with every turn of the page. Reality blends with an imaginative, nicely conjured-up and well-written altered reality in this one-of-a-kind psychological thriller. A compelling read with a paranormal slant, Karen Bell pulls it all together with a clever storyline which takes readers on a journey they won’t forget. Be careful what you wish for and greed are aptly defined as the protagonist soon finds out. We discover that fame and fortune can be dangerous and is not for everyone. The characters are great and well developed, as I totally related to them and felt like I knew them.

When A Stranger Come by Karen S. Bell is a fabulous book and one that is original and different with is orderly dreamy plot and engaging storyline. ( )

I truly enjoyed this take on the-writer's-world-comes-alive, it's well written, and with well-rounded characters. It kept me intrigued until the end, and with the paranormal's elements adding to the sense of irreality that permeates the whole story.

The only reason I don't give it a five stars rating it's because of the long monologues that slowed the pace of the narrative.

If you enjoy psychological thrillers, this one is for you. ( )

I was excited to read this book. In fact, in the beginning I was into this story. Yet, several chapters later my excitement had disappeared. However, I kept reading hoping that I would find that magic again. Sadly, after reaching the half way point I put the book down. It seems that I was reading a different book from the majority of the other readers.

There was nothing intriguing about the story or the characters that kept me wanting to come back for more. There were times when I had to re-read scenes. The alternate reality that Alexa was transported to did not lend much into the way or interest. Overall, this book just did not do it for me. As I stated however I am in the minority when it came to this book. So, you might like this book. Give it a try. ( )

Title: When a Stranger Comes
Author: Karen S. Bell
Publisher: K.S.B.
Reviewed By: Arlena Dean
Rating: Five
Review:

"When a Stranger Comes" by Karen S. Bell

My Thoughts....

All I will say is that this author really knows how to keep the reader in suspense in this 'magical realism, paranormal and supernatural read. It was quite interesting seeing Alexa Wainwright born [Gladys Lipschitz] as she 'soared to the number one bestsellers list and became an international sensation.'

What will Alexa have to do remain on high as 'she vows to do whatever it takes to attain the heady ego-stroking success of her debut? ' Now this is where this story will take a switch as the character Alexa realizes that 'this vow will be tested as she's magically transported to a alternate reality.'

I liked how this author was able to present such a unique magic, paranormal and supernatural read that will keep you on pins and needles taking this read all in. The characters were all so well developed, portrayed and delivered to the reader. There are a lots of questions that are needed to be answered .... such as ..how will Alexa make it in this world that is so full of loopholes [especially after 'she finds herself in this iron-clad book contract that even changes its wording on her novels?' All of this happens after she becomes involved with the publisher King Blakemore... signing a contract Alexa doesn't even remember and why were the people Alexa meets seemed to come right from her novels? How and why was King Blakemore able to do all the things he was doing to Alexa? What was Evangelina and Kips play in all of this so important to this read? Who was in the tale that was truly a big help to Alexa in understanding her background and why was this so very important in this read? What will happen as Alexa finds herself into a situation she sees no way out of? What all will come of this reveal as Alexa gets 'a second chance to save herself from eternity with Blakemore and be free?' Now, to finds all of the answers to these questions and so much more in this well written story you will just have to pick up and read "When a Stranger Comes" and see how it is presented and comes out.

In the end after being given a second chance will Alexa to get it right this time will she be able to make a more a more sensible choice or will she make the same mistake again by going after the money? Well, as this story end at least Alexa has someone new in her life...her dog Trinity who definitely seems to care for her especially after coming back to reality[or was it?] and also having her mom and Margaret back in her life after all is said and done. What was now going on with Alexa's publishing company that had been sold to Blakemore Media head by CEO King Blakemore and the email that was sent saying "Enjoy your second chance. Make wise choices in this rewrite of your life, milaya moyna." Will Alexa be done with her 'Darkside Trilogy?' Again, to know what this story is all about you will have to pick up "When a Stranger Comes" and would definitely recommend as a good read.

To the author....Thank you for the privilege of reading your novel and giving my honest review of it. ( )