The Intruder

By: Frieda McFadden

Casey has lost her job and now lives in a cabin in a remote area. There’s a terrible storm coming and her roof may not hold up and the tree may fall down. But that’s the least of her worries when she finds a girl, clothes filled with blood, in her shed. The girl won’t explain who she is, but we later learn her name is Eleanor. Casey invites her in and gives her food, but the girl won’t let go of the knife she’s holding onto. Casey offers the girl her bed, and she stays on the couch. She sneaks a peak at the girls notebook and discovers something disturbing. The girl is keeping a secret and Casey may not make it through the night.

This is one of my favorite books from Ms. McFadden! This book was very atmospheric and suspenseful! The setting makes everything happening feel so tense, I loved it.

I’ll be honest, I always reach for a Freida McFadden book when I want a good, suspenseful read that I can usually read in a day. This one was no different. The story is told in the present and the past. The past chapters are from Elle’s point of view. It provides insight to her life and her hoarding, abusive mother. We learn of the impact that Elle’s mother had on her. The present chapters are from Casey’s point of view about what is happening in the cabin. I don’t know if I could be as nice and welcoming as Casey was, letting a stranger in the cabin, especially when she has a knife.

As I kept reading, and one of the twists was revealed, I felt like I got slapped in the face with the twist. Ms. McFadden, how is it that you’re able to trick me over and over! I didn’t see that first twist coming from a mile away!!!! It really blew my mind. Then there was another and another and another!!!!! I don’t know where she comes up with these twists, or how, but I’m sure glad she does and that I get the pleasure of reading them!

That ending left me wanting more. I don’t want to say more than that because I don’t want to give anything away – no spoilers here! I hope somewhere in the universe, there is a part 2 to this book.

If you haven’t read this one yet, do youself a favor and read it!

Publish Date: October 7, 2025
Find the book here.
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