The Other People by C.J. Tudor

"Welcome to The Other People"
"We know about pain. We know about loss. We know about injustice. We share the pain...with those who deserve it."

Tragedy happens to many but we always hope to keep it away from ourselves and those we love. When or if the unthinkable happens, there's absolutely no way to avoid the grief, the rage, or the hopelessness. Sometimes it occurs due to accident, but what if it was something caused by another person -- such as murder? And, just say, that there was a way for you to get justice -- an eye for an eye -- so to speak? Would you do it?

Reminiscent of The Chain but equally clever, this novel explores how hate and bitterness can lead people to make choices and decisions that will have far-reaching repercussions that they could never anticipate. Blinded by desolation and loss of hope, unable to see the future without their loved one, individuals might feel bent on revenge.

This deliciously sinister novel tells the story of Gabe whose daughter, Izzy, was murdered along with his wife. He's lost in suspended animation because he thinks that his daughter is still alive even though she's buried next to his wife in the local cemetery. He believes this because he saw his daughter in a car that night, but no one will listen and, in fact, he's initially thought to have been involved in the double homicide. In addition, there's Fran: on the run with Alice and they can't seem to get away from those following them. And, Katie, a waitress who works in the cafe at Newton Green Services off the M1 Junction. She serves Gabe his coffee every day as he spends all of his waking hours driving up and down the highway where he had last seen his daughter. Katie, divorced with 2 young children, has a drudge of a life and hasn't quite recovered losing her father -- killed in his own garage. What do these three have in common? NO SPOILERS.

This was a great story and I found it impossible to put down so read it in a single sitting this evening. It hooks you from the beginning and reels you in as the narration flops between different points of view and time. The writing is excellent, the characterization strong and believable. There's a bit of paranormal involved but I could overlook that because the rest of it had more realistic tone. Definitely a must read as it's a very well-crafted thriller.

Just beware the stranger who seems to offer you a strange bit of comfort in your moments of desolation. Don't take them up on their brand of resolution.

Thank you to NetGalley and Penguin Random House/Ballantine Books for this e-book ARC to read, review and recommend.

This is a standalone and is not part of any series.
Genre - Thriller with themes of revenge, grief, vigilantism