The Stranger Within

When this title came up my reading list I knew it would be good.
A patient with multiple mental health issues escapes from a secure hospital, kidnaps one of DI Dennis Hamilton's team. He receives a note informing him that he has 24 hours to find her. The clock is ticking.
The escaped patient Grace Murphy has never got over what happened to her as a young girl. Grace has invented multiple personalities to protect her and these are doing her bidding.
As DI Hamilton begins to get some insights into her illness maybe he can come to terms with no longer feeling guilty about the death of his daughter.
This author never disappoints, her books are dark and gritty. A really good read.
I would like to thank the author Tara Lyons, Bloodhound books and Net.galley for giving me the opportunity to read this book in return for giving an honest review.

Another winner in this series. I love Hamilton, he is a great character.
I have a horrible feeling that this may be the last book, I hope not!
My thanks to Netgalley for this copy.

I feeel as if I've been waiting a lifetime for this book to come out. Was it worth the wait????? Too right it was, I loved it.

The story is based on Grace who has Multiple Personality Disorder which I found really interesting but also so sad at the same time. The author certainly did her research because at the beginning of the book I didn't know very much about the disorder but now I do.

We get the background to Grace and the reason why this disorder was triggered later in her life.

This is book 4 in the DI Hamilton Series It's always great to catch up with him and the team.

Tara you kept me up late last night as I couldn't put it down!!

As with the previous books this one is a fast paced and compelling read that had me hooked from the very first page. Tara's knowledge of London is excellent. The plot is gripping and well structured and the subject matter very well researched.

If you are looking for a Can't Put It Down, well written British crime thriller then look no further. I highly recommend this book and give it an easy 5 *****.

***This is book number four in the D.I. Hamilton series, it can be read as a standalone but I would recommend reading the previous books, especially book number one, In the Shadows, if you want the background to this story.

This was my first book from Tara Lyons. I wish I had read the previous 3 books in the series first, so as to know more about the characters and their backgrounds. I felt like an intruder!

The Stranger Within is a fast-paced, suspenseful and somehow dark thriller, dealing with the mental disorder known as Dissociative Identity Disorder or DID.

The story delves deep into the human mind and soul, showing us how the wounds, inflicted in our childhood, both mental and physical, can over a period of time, converge and become a raging monster ready to lash out at whoever or whatever it perceives harmful and evil.

Grace Murphy, who has a mental disorder, escapes from a hospital for the criminal, killing a security guard. Now she is on her way to right some wrongs and take some lives.
Would D.I. Hamilton and his team be able to stop her? Would she be able to stop herself before it is too late?

Thanks to Tara Lyons, Bloodhound Books and NetGalley for providing me with an advanced copy.

Absolutely fantastic, suspenseful psychological thriller that follows police officer Denis Hamilton in a case where he the must see shades of gray in his black and white outlook on life! This story has many twists as a woman who is arrested for murder has multi-personalities due to severe sexual abuse as a young teenager. We learn along with Hamilton, the amazing power of our brains, as a totally different personality is shown as an escape when life hits a period of turmoil.
DI Hamilton gets some insight into the suicide death of his own daughter recently, starting to understand that the woman who escaped from the hospital may actually be seeking someone to help her, to understand things that she can't herself! I could not put this book down after starting to read it! The author keeps the words flowing and characters three dimensional. I was able to learn more about psychology and the workings of the brain, in an exciting story that keeps you on the edge of your seat!
This is the fourth book in the DI Hamilton series, and I must go back to read a few I missed!
I received an ARC of this story from author Tara Lyons and Netgalley, who I thank for an incredible adventure, and I am able to put my thoughts into this review to assist other readers into grabbing this book!!

The Stranger Within is the fourth book in the DI Hamilton series. The author does give enough background to any readers that may not have had the fortune of reading the previous books but I would recommend if possible, reading them in order or at least going back to the start as they are fabulous books.

Hamilton is a character who really appeals to me. It's obvious he is a genuine and nice guy and I love the glimpses that we get of his home life as it really is important to the man he is today. His family background is tainted with sadness and I love seeing the bond between him and his wife. 

The case Hamilton and his team are working on is probably one of the hardest they've had to deal with yet. It is anything but straight forward making it a tougher case to crack. It certainly makes it an engrossing story for the reader and the author delivers a chilling, yet thrilling reading experience.

The Stranger Within is a compelling page turner of a read. I think in today's world where mental illness awareness is more important than ever before, I enjoyed seeing the subject being brought into books also. A current and gripping read that you will struggle to put down.

Fantastic book, fast paced gripping read. Hamilton and his team are a great bunch of characters. Can’t wait for next book in the series

I loved this latest instalment in the DI Hamilton series. It’s great to see Hamilton showing more empathy for some of his colleagues. You can tell from reading this book just how much research the author has put in regarding Dissociative Identity Disorder. The book was very fast paced and intense. This is definitely my favourite in the series so far, each book gets better and better.

Wow Tara Lyons has done it again with denis Hamilton and her latest book. I wasn't sure how well this book would come across as I have loved the previous books but this definitely didn't disappoint.

This is probably the best book in the series. It was so emotional and the characters really struck home many times.

In this the latest in the DI Hamilton series (No:4) the author once again weaves a gripping tale that drew me in from the start.
Grace Murphy who suffers from a multiple personality disorder escapes from an allegedley secure hospital after killing a security guard. She has one thing one her mind to exact revenge on the people she blames for her situation.
We learn the background causes of Graces illness and why her disorder was triggered.
A lot of research was obviously done and the character of Grace comes to life showing how the effects of childhood trauma can manifest itself.
Can Denis Hamilton and his team stop her before she kills again?
I found this an interesting as well as exciting read that moved along at a fast pace, I even found I had sympathy for Grace.
Thanks to Netgalley and Bloodhound books for the opportuninty to read this as an ARC.
I hope there will be more books in the DI Hamilton series.

Once again a riveting storyline that keeps you guessing all the way through. A tense story that will take your breath aay in places I love the characters .

This is the latest in the DI Hamilton series following the MIT team based in London and this one sees the return of Grace Murphy, a character we first met in the first book, In the Shadows, where she was fighting many demons, due to events of her past.  This one brings Grace/Carly back to us, where she is now in a secure hospital diagnosed with Dissociative Identity Disorder and still fighting those demons.  When Hamilton and his team are called to the hospital to investigate a murder, they are faced with a case that they considered well and truly closed and it opens up a whole new can of worms when one of his team goes missing, but will the team get to their colleague before it's too late?

It's very clear throughout the book that the author has researched the topic of DID thoroughly and tells the story with the greatest respect of a condition that needs to be treated with kid gloves, as no two patients with this condition deal with it in the same way. 

After reading the first three books in this series, I had very high expectations of this latest one and Tara Lyons did NOT disappoint! Her characters are all very plausible and true to life and i enjoyed seeing a bit more background from each of them this time, I was hooked from page one, right up to the end and finished it in less than a day, I really hope that there will be a book five!  Although these books can be read as standalone, I urge anyone that hasn't read this series yet to read them in order to fully understand the characters.

I would like to thank Bloodhound Books for the approval of this book and will post my review on Goodreads now and on Amazon on publication day.  A very well deserved 5 stars

The fourth book in the DI Hamilton series is a powerful psychological thriller. The human mind is fascinating and this gripping book gives a good insight with it's fast pace and the build up of tension. I love the character development showing a softer side to Hamilton. Another super read from Tara Lyons. Thanks to Net Galley for my copy. Reviews on Goodreads and Facebook with Amazon to follow.

My first book by Tara Lyons & already I’m looking forward to reading the others in the series.

This had me hooked from the beginning. Fast paced & enthralling. Left me wanting to find out more about DI Hamilton & his life.

4.5 stars

Had me gripped from the first page, a definate case of could not put down till finished. Would recommend this book to all fans and those who are looking for a compelling read

With thanks toNetgalley and the publishers for the book in exchange for an honest review.
It is a long time since I have read a book and felt the tension coming off the page, as I did whilst reading ‘The Stranger Within’. It was a very compelling read and talked and tried to explain the reasons for the the victims mental illness. It was not an easy read but it was really interesting and informative. I thoroughly enjoyed reading this story.
Recommended.

This is such a good series and I’m thrilled that DI Hamilton is still one of the main focuses in Tara Lyons books. I fell in love with him after reading Tara’s first book In The Shadows so it has been wonderful catching up with him again here. Although The Stranger Within can be read as a standalone novel, you may want to pick up the previous books to read as well as there is background information contained in them you may prefer to have the full facts about.

Now how to review The Stranger Within without spoiling the plot for anyone?! All I will say is that an escaped inmate from a psychiatric facility is hellbent on seeking revenge and it looks like it could get rather personal for the investigating team! With lives in danger can DI Hamilton solve what’s probably his most difficult case so far?

Tara Lyons is a natural storyteller and as soon as I started reading A Stranger Within I was swept away into her strongly constructed narrative and the mind of a criminal that I felt a very strong connection to. The themes explored were delicately handled especially the issues raised by the treatment of patients with mental health problems. It was very difficult not to feel torn by the emotions stirred up as the nature of the crimes committed was revealed. And that’s all down to the way the character development, meaning that you really get inside their heads.

I’m so pleased that this series seems to be getting better with every book released and I’m now quite invested in both the private and professional lives of Denis Hamilton. With a contemporary feel, great characterisation and a gripping storyline The Stranger Within proved to be an addictive read to the very last page. More please!

Book 4 in the DI Denis Hamilton series, and what a thriller! This book had me hooked from the very first line, which is something I love about books. The breakneck speed of this brilliant read made putting it down very, very difficult. The team are searching for a killer who has abducted one of their own. The killer they are seeking is very evasive and complex. and time is running out. The plot which was intriguing and to me, terrifying. I honestly can't say too much about the plot for fear of giving a spoiler. This is such a great series and is going from strength to strength. Can't wait for book 5!

Tara Lyons is a crime writer who hails from London, UK, she has always had a love for both reading and writing. Lyons studied English Literature at Brunel University and was Assistant Editor at an in-house magazine for a period of eight years. Having held a lifelong dream of becoming a successful writer, after turning 30 in 2015 she turned her dream into a reality, with her solo debut "In The Shadows", the first book in the Detective Inspector Denis Hamilton series, being published in March 2016. "No Safe Home" and "Deadly Friendship", book two and three in the series came out in January and July 2017 respectively. She has also written books as part of a writing duo with New York Times and USA Today Bestselling author M. A. Comley, penning "The Caller" and "Web of Deceit" together.

Well, this series is turning out to be a corker and this book is no exception! Gripping right from the get-go, easy-to-follow and a flowing, accessible narrative coupled with a great story and developed characters this is a excellent addition to the DI Hamilton franchise. As the synopsis suggests, there is an emphasis on mental illness in this book in particular and it is done pretty believably. Lyons uses the symptoms of Multiple Personality Disorder to ratchet up the tension and it continues to build nicely throughout the reading experience. The pacing is perfect as it's quick enough to keep the story suspenseful but you never feel as though things have been rushed. It is intelligently written and has an air of authenticity to it that a lot of thrillers lack these days. It feels as if the author has properly thought about the concept and made sure she executed it well. It is clear that she has done her research on the topics explored here and I appreciated that I was also learning as well as relaxing.

In "The Stranger Within" the killer police are seeking is a complex and often confused individual making catching them much more difficult than it usually would be but time is also running out for them to find this elusive predator. Can they net them before it's too late? I must mention DI Denis Hamilton - I loved his character from when he was first introduced back in the series opener and you learn a lot about him throughout this series. As I always mention in this situation, although this can easily be read as a standalone novel, I would recommend perhaps beginning at the start and reading them chronologically to see the evolution of the characters. Even reading this one and if you enjoy it going back and acquiring the others would be preferable to not reading them at all.

I look forward to the fourth book and hope it will be up to Ms. Lyons high standards. Somehow, with each additional book Lyons surpasses her last offering - long may that continue!

Many thanks to Bloodhound Books for an ARC. I was not required to post a review and all thoughts and opinions expressed are my own.

This is book number four in the incredibly great and very consistent series featuring DI Denis Hamilton and his team. This story follows on a year later from the events in the very first story “In The Shadows” and explores the concept of Dissociative Identity Disorder which the author has clearly researched well. Unfortunately for the team this makes it so much harder for them to try to recapture the murderer who has escaped from a secure mental hospital in order to further tackle the demons that she still battles with. It is very interesting idea that she is both predator and victim at the same time. The book is well written, the pace is fast and it grips the reader right from start to finish. I loved it and I am already waiting for book number five (please!).

Happy Publication Day! The Stranger Within is book four in the brilliant DI Hamilton series which I am absolutely loving! A fab series you must all add to your to read pile. I would recommend this series is best read in order.

Wow weeee. Where to beginning? What another brilliant story written by Tara. I flew through this story! This could possibly be the best story yet. Gripping, thrilling and a real page turner. A book you will want to read in one sitting. I think I may just have fallen inlove with DI Hamilton a little.

This time the case gets dark and personal for the team, could this be their worst case yet when one of their own is involved? When a killer wants revenge? Bloody brilliant. Cleverly written! A well deserved five stars from me… I now eagerly await book five… Hopefully 😉 Highly recommend!

DI Hamilton is back and he’s up against it in The Stranger Within when one of his team is taken by an escaped convict. A dangerous convict on a mission. They say revenge is a dish best served cold; well let’s just say this individual wants their ice cream….

I do like Denis Hamilton, he’s a no-nonsense kind of policeman. When he comes up against something new which in this twisted case is the concept of ‘dissociative identity disorder’, he needs get on board. And things don’t get any easier when he has to choose between his home and his work, especially when his wife drops a bombshell! 😲😲

Ms Lyons dropped enough clues to keep me guessing as to the whats and whys. Plenty of shockers to keep me turning the pages as fast as my eyes would let me. But that climax, my jaw dropped and stayed there. I could not believe what I was reading. I really did not expect that outcome!

I’ve read each of the Denis Hamilton books in order which is rare for me and each can be read as a standalone however I HIGHLY RECOMMEND YOU READ IN THE SHADOWS BEFORE VENTURING INTO THE STRANGER WITHIN. Yes I did shout that….it has to be said so that you get the full picture of what Denis and the team are up against.

I love reading a series so that I feel connected to the core key players straight away with each new story. This is the fourth book in the D.I. Denis Hamilton series and although you could read it as a stand alone I feel that you would get so much more out of it by reading from the beginning. Hamilton has had massive personal tragedies in his past that do reflect the way in which he views certain people. His work and his personal life have often clashed in the past. This case will have a huge impact on him.
When a mental health patient escapes Manor Hall Psychiatric Unit, after committing a brutal murder, D. I. Hamilton and his team are called in to track the woman down. The case takes a dive when it becomes personal to the team and a race against time starts to tick down each valuable second. This is a heart breaking story that is littered with cries for help that everyone was deaf to, the reality of it all is chilling and terrifying, especially for someone in the team.
Tara Lyons has certainly got her feet firmly placed in this genre, with this book being my favourite so far. I found that the story played havoc with my own mind and emotions so much, for the little girl to what then evolved inside her. I felt that the character she created in this story will make any reader feel uneasy, but in a scary book reading way because wow it hits the mark for one hell of a story line!
I wish to thank NetGalley and Bloodhound Books for an e-copy of this book which I have reviewed honestly.

DI Denis Hamilton is called in to investigate a murder that took place in a mental health facility. The killer who escaped is a patient with a mental called Dissociative Identity Disorder (DID) which developed as a result of being abused as a child. Now ... revenge is the sole reason that more people will die.

Comparing the present day with memories of his tragic past, can Hamilton open his mind to the difficulties of mental illness in order to catch a murderer? And when a colleague's life is threatened, can Hamilton unlock the truth of the stranger within before it's too late?

This is an action-packed, fast-paced crime fiction with characters that are well defined and come to life under this author's pen.

Even though this is 4th in the series, it does well as a stand alone. As always, I recommend starting at the beginning of the series to understand where the recurring characters come from and what molded them into the people they are.

Many thanks to the author / Bloodhound Books / Netgalley for the digital copy of THE STRANGER WITHIN. Opinions expressed here are unbiased and entirely my own.

A gripping crime thriller that will hook readers from the very first page and keep them engrossed until the very last full stop, The Stranger Within is an exceptional chiller featuring Tara Lyons’ terrific sleuth DI Denis Hamilton.

Forced into a briefing in the early hours of the morning of his weekend off with his family, DI Hamilton is not exactly in the best of moods. However, what he hears during this briefing pushes all thoughts of a weekend off out of his mind when he finds himself having to unravel an investigation which he had thought long closed. Having to put his personal problems to one side, Hamilton and the Murder Investigation Team have got a difficult job on their hands – especially when they come up against a mentally ill patient hell-bent on vengeance and revenge. With time not on their side and dead ends aplenty, will Hamilton and his team manage to get to the bottom of this impossible mystery? Or are there too many obstacles standing in their way to uncover the truth about this cold case?

A man with plenty of secrets in his heart and dark memories in his past, this case is proving to be anything but easy for Hamilton. Throwing himself into his work usually does the trick for him, but when he finds himself having to open his mind to the difficulties and challenges of mental illness to catch a murderer, will Hamilton be forced down a dark and dangerous path from which there is simply no going back? When a colleague’s life is threatened, Hamilton, however, is forced in a race against time to unlock the truth about the stranger within and find a killer. But is is too late? Will this case continue to stump Hamilton and his team? Or will they find the answers they are looking for at the eleventh hour?

The Stranger Within is everything you could possibly want from a crime novel and so much more besides. With a terrific sleuth, jaw-dropping twists and turns aplenty, nail-biting suspense and heart-pounding intrigue, The Stranger Within is a first rate crime novel from a writer you should definitely add to your list of favourites: Tara Lyons.

A fabulous crime novel that will keep you on the edge of your seat, The Stranger Within is not to be missed!

Book 4 in the series and it didn't disappoint. Having already read the first three I was really excited to get my hands on a copy of this. Tara's book is so good it had me hooked from the first paragraph and i read it in just over a day.
I love all the characters. It's great to learn more about the longstanding characters like DI Hamilton and his team, but I also love the attention to detail and depth that Tara gives her new characters in each book. The concept is stunning and the plot gripping. I found it shocking, thought provoking and incredibly moving in places. Yes I'll admit I did cry once or twice. It's one of those books that I got emotionally invested in and simply couldn't put down.
I'm already looking forward to book 5 (hint hint to the author) and would definitely recommend this book. I think you could easily read it as a standalone but it's well worth reading the other 3 in the series if you haven't already, because it makes this one just so much more thrilling.

I love DI Denis Hamilton and I was really looking forward to hooking up with him again in this, the fourth book in a series that just gets better and better with each book.

A face from Hamilton's past is back and this time the case forces him to examine parts of his life that he would rather forget. The pressure is really ramped up when one of his colleagues is kidnapped and he's told he has just twenty-four hours to find them but with a list of multiple places to look will he find the right place before time runs out?

It's abundantly clear that the author has thoroughly researched the mental health issues raised in the book and she deals with them with such an understanding that I felt a genuine empathy for the killer. I know that there's never a good reason to kill someone, but as I read the flashback parts of the story I could see just why things turned out the way they did.

I really enjoyed finding out more about Hamilton as well. He's a character who has his own demons but he battles through and is always focused on his job, sometimes to the detriment of his wife and although they speak, it never seems to be about the important stuff.

The Stranger Within is a breathtakingly tense and fast paced thriller that left me feeling like I'd lost a friend as I read the final words. Although it's book four of a series, I think that it could easily be read as a stand-alone but you'd be missing out on some amazing books, so I would definitely add the previous three little beauties to your TBR.

Really enjoyed this book, I am a big fan of this series and Tara Lyons so I was excited to read it. It didn’t disappoint it was full of action, suspense and twists that kept me turning the pages and kept me engaged and interested the whole way through the book. I enjoyed the storyline and characters and it it had a well thought out plot. This was the best in the series so far, I loved it and I highly recommend it and don’t hesitate in giving it 5 stars.

Oh wow, this was a fantastic book to read. Full of twists and turns but very well written so it kept you hooked so you didn't want to put the book down. I love crime thrillers and this will be an author that I will now add to my list. I will be catching up on this series!

Set in London, the reader is faced with rejection, revenge, abuse, guilt, blame, inability to cope, mental health issues, the past, feeling let down and a search for the truth. There are some uncomfortable themes, which the author handles sensitively and balanced.

Now that prologue – AMAZEBALLS! My heart was racing as I wondered who the killer was and would they be caught. 😱 I thought this was a cleverly crafted and interesting storyline. The author takes our hand and makes us believe one thing and then 💥 BOOM 💥 sneakily misguides us but I must admit, I was a little giddy with glee … if you’ve read IN THE SHADOWS, you’ll know exactly why!

I really felt that DI Hamilton has definitely grown as a character and I was once again drawn to him and the journey he has been on. He is determined and dedicated, but sadly his demons still haunt him and I was pleased to see some resolution as the novel ended. All the return characters, in fact, made me smile as I saw each develop into well written, interesting and extremely believable “people”.

Would I recommend this book? Oh HELL YEAH, I most definitely would. Ms. Lyons just gets better and better as a writer and each novel just makes me want more! Fast paced, edgy and most intriguing – delve into The Stranger Within and see what I’m talking about!

Keep reading for a fantastic #guestpost which gives you a little insight into how it all began!

OMFG where do I start other than the fact Tara Lyons is back with her best book yet! I am a massive fan of this series so has you can imagine I couldn't wait to get my teeth into this latest installment, after what feels like I have been waiting yonks for.

In this story we catch up with Hamilton in his toughest case yet when he has to unravel a case that he thought was long gone….

Those of you that read my reviews with know I am a sucker for a good prologue, after all it's what starts the story off and I can tell just from that whether I am going to like the book or not. Well this is definitely an OMG prologue….hat gripped me from the very first page. That was it for me I couldn't read it quick enough.

I feel like Tara has taken her writing back to where she first started. A style that I love her for. It is dark, creepy, fast-paced and engaging which tells a story that will keep you on the edge of your seat. Not forgetting the OMG moments.

Loving every single page of it I actually devoured this in one day. I almost forgot to mention the fact that after struggling to get into a few books I lost my reading mojo. Well you all know what it feels like to lose that, It’s not a good feeling at all. But this book gave me mine back, so I have the author to thank for that….Thank You Tara

What more can I say but be prepared for a story that will grab you round the throat and not let you go until the very last page!. I am just gutted to of finished it so soon, I hope that I don’t have to wait has long for the next one.

This can be read has a standalone there is plenty of background information so you don’t feel like you have missed anything. But it is to good a series not to miss which I highly recommend giving it 5 massive stars.

Tara Lyons is truly a great writer. Her books are going from strength to strength and her new book releases cannot come quick enough for me. For me this is Tara's best book yet.
Maybe it's because i feel i am really getting to know Denis Hamilton now as he has starred in all 4 books. He is a great, thought out character. He is battling his own demons regarding his daughter Maggie and things aren't getting any easier for him. And then.. a patient escapes a mental health hospital - shes on the run and very dangerous!
This book deals with Multiple Personality Disorder and for me was a fascinating read as well as a fast paced crime novel. I highly reccomend this book - its the fourth in a series but could be read on its own!
5*****

A stranger within.... mmmmm..do we all have one? We surely have the capability to...most can control it...in this story the main character cannot due to abuse and trauma suffered as a teenager that causes it to manifest itself........
It seems strange to mention Prisoner Cell Block H in my review but on our re run through at the mo there is a character called Brandy....she has Disassociative Identity Disorder and has been a fascinating few episodes and it was actually quite forward thinking ( 1983 ) to feature such a storyline....and then I started to read this book and realised the book is about this as well.....so I had an understanding ( basic ) of the disorder and this book goes much more into depth about it as the main charcater has it....I can only congratulate the author on talking about this and Mental Health in general, as many of you know I am a great believer in talking about mental health, so, firstly the whole basis of the book impressed me
The story itself is dark and includes abuse, rape, murder and vile secrets all alongside a very interesting set of characters including a reader friendly D.I. Hamilton and other Police characters that I quickly liked
The authors writing style is easy and warm and welcoming to a reader and drew me into the story and kept me there, so much so I read the book over 5 hours, I was keen to know the outcome!!
I thought I had it all sewn up and who the ‘baddy’ was......I was wrong, that shocked me as I was convinced.....but that was the Authors intention I am guessing 😃
A really great read that was unusual re the mental health side of the book
Loved it and am keen to now read the first 3 in the series (this book is fine as a stand alone if you havent read the other 3 )
10/10 5 stars 😃

Another fabulous installment! Totally gripping. Edge of the seat crime drama. Five stars! Look forward to the next instalment of the series!