The Stranger in Room Six by Jane Corry
The Stranger in Room Six by Jane Corry is a gripping standalone psychological thriller that weaves together past and present through the lives of two women, Belinda and Mabel, while a mysterious observer lurks in the shadows.
Belinda, once a bored housewife trapped in a loveless marriage, finds her life upended when she discovers her husband Gerald's long-term affair. In a moment of rage, she pushes him, an act that leads to his death and her conviction for murder. After serving 15 years in prison, Belinda reinvents herself and secures a job as a carer at Sunnyside Home for the Young at Heart.
There, she meets Mabel, a sharp-minded centenarian with a complex past. During WWII, Mabel was evacuated to live with her cold and distant aunt on the Devon coast. In an effort to gain approval, she unwittingly becomes involved in spreading fascist propaganda under the influence of a charismatic aristocrat known as "The Colonel." As Belinda and Mabel bond over their secrets, a third, unnamed character, the titular "stranger in room six", watches and manipulates events from the sidelines. This person is determined to uncover a long-buried truth that could destroy both women.
This book has been described as “ambitious, unguessable and always fascinating”, and it’s particularly recommended for fans of layered thrillers with strong female leads and historical intrigue.
