The last Susan Walter book I read was in the mystery/thriller lane, but this book is quite different. Inspired by real events, Letters From Strangers explores the relationships that bind us: from romantic partners who are out of sync to people who want to be parents to those who are not ready to be. It's also a book about the toxic diet culture of the 80s and 90s and how damaging it was to many of us!

Thanks to the publisher for providing an advance copy for review!

YES. THANK YOU.

I was really surprised to see Susan Walter was switching genre, as I had already read her previous mystery thriller books and really enjoyed them. But oh boy this one did not disappoint!

I enjoyed Running Cold by Susan Walter, but I loved this one even more. The two main characters, Jane in California and Adam in Massachusetts, are looking for answers about their families. Jane is a married woman facing fertility issues and Adam is an adopted teenager experiencing an identity crisis .When Jane's father unexpectedly passes away, she finds a stack of letters from his long-term girlfriend. "We were all about to take on new identities: fatherless, widow, mourner, and one I didn't expect - detective." "Detective" Jane is determined to learn about her father's secret life and possibly her half-sibling. Adam is a nationally-ranked tennis player who no longer wants to play. Tennis is his father's dream, not his. Adam's mother sees him struggling to figure out who he is and where he comes from and decides to share long-stashed-away letters from his birth mother with him, This sets Jane and Adam on a converging path to answers. Susan Walter's characters are beautifully developed and easy to care about. The story is compelling and I highly recommend it. I look forward to Susan Walter's next book. Thanks to #netgalley #lakeunionpublishing and #susanwalter for this ARC in exchange for an honest review.

A delight.

4.5 stars rounded up.

“Losing a parent is largely inevitable, but when it happens, it’s as incongruous as losing a piece of the sky. Something that’s always been there suddenly isn’t.”

An unexpected family death brings to life hidden letters and decades-old secrets in this wonderfully rewarding family saga that marks a notable and successful departure from author Susan Walter's thriller roots.

Jane has just lost her father. Meanwhile, across the country, sixteen-year old Adam is looking for his birth mother. As their parallel narratives gradually intertwine, "Letters from Strangers" becomes a tender, heartfelt exploration of parents and their children, identity, and the question of what makes a family.

"Letters from Strangers" tackles heavy issues such as grief, emotional abuse, eating disorders, infertility, and adoption, but it never feels overly heavy, handling hard topics with empathy and care. The result is a sweeping story full of reliable characters that is both poignant and unexpectedly uplifting. Even expected twists and turns are made into plot revelations by the author's exquisite writing, and true to her thriller background, a few well-placed surprises still manage to catch you off guard.

I very much enjoyed this novel, and will be reading more from Susan Walter in the future - regardless of the genre, given how seamlessly she transitions between different ones.

If you appreciate character-driven, emotionally resonant fiction that handles life’s hardest questions with compassion and nuance, "Letters from Strangers" is not to be missed.

Many thanks to NetGalley and Lake Union Publishing for the free copy in exchange for my honest review.

"Letters from Strangers" was published on May 27, 2025, and is available now.

DNF at 16%

Content warnings should have been given, too triggered by eating disorder content to continue.

Additionally, the writing felt very chopping and the lack of flow in both the audio and digital versions made it hard to really get into the story.

I had no idea what to expect from Letters from Strangers by Susan Walter. I've read some of her thrillers and very much enjoyed them. This book was quite different but offered that same sense of surprise and a-ha! moment you come to expect from a thriller but there were no murders, and the mystery to be solved was more about past secrets and lies and long-smothered feelings. And this was a lovely read, I was swept up in everyone's (connected) stories. The key characters are beautifully developed and complex, feeling very real and Walter addresses some issues that often go undiscussed. It certainly resonated with me for that reason.

The book is narrated by several characters and interspersed with letters. Old and new. We meet Jane, a chef who's put work on hold to try to get pregnant and starting to worry as she's in her mid 30s and none of the treatment she's had has worked. Her brother is in the airforce and we learn he was close to his mother, while Jane idolised her father. The latter has just died as this book opens and Jane is packing up his old office when she comes across old letters and learns he had a long-term affair—which culminated in a pregnancy—decades earlier.

There's Adam, a ranked high school tennis player before discovering football (gridiron to we Aussies given the multiple types of football that exist). The change in focus coincides with him deciding to bulk-up before going too far and being unable to stop eating.

And then there's Ellie, who we hear from the least, and whose sister Jane believes was her father's lover. As the letters reference her being pregnant and Jane is hoping to find their half-sibling while trying to keep her father's secrets from her mother.

As Jane revisits her teenage years she is forced to reflect on her own relationship with her father (and mother). We learn she was anorexic and in the present she ponders on the way she desperately tried to please her father, though was often the butt of his weight-related jokes. And she's forced to accept that her childhood, and her parents relationship with each other and their children, wasn't as she remembered. So this is very much about families, the legacies of our early years and how they impact on our lives if never truly confronted or accepted. Here, Jane and Adam act-out in ways available to them but also with some deliberate intent of self-harm—Jane by starving herself, Adam unable to stop himself overeating despite the way it makes him feel. 

This was almost a rare five-star read for me, though a little disappointed on conclusion as it felt a little anticlimactic though perhaps Walters went with realism. Nevertheless I was held captive by these stories and the way they unfolded.

4.5 stars

I LOVED this book! It was intriguing and compelling. Character development and story lines were thoughtfully written and resonated deeply with me. Thank you NetGalley!

Jane is crushed by the sudden death of her father. While he wasn't perfect, she was his favourite and he hers. She has never really connected with her mother the same and while she tries to deal with her own grief, and support her mother, she is dealt another blow in the form of a women that had a relationship with her father. One that may have also had a child.
We are told in the synopsis (no spoiler), that across the country, sixteen year old Adam is self-destructing. His adoptive parents show him unsigned letters from his birth mother and he is desperate for answers.
As we see Jane and Adam's lives intertwine, secrets are uncovered. Relationships are formed and others are left broken.

This was phenomenal!! I could not stop turning the pages. Oh my goodness. It was a mystery, a family saga as promised, emotional, heart wrenching and uplifting. I loved everything about this novel. The complex and realistic characters, the settings and the format with letters mixed in with the story. The Writing Was Masterful. This will be an absolute favourite for me this year.

I was hooked from the beginning!
It was amazing and engaging.
I was instantly sucked in by the atmosphere and writing style.
The characters were all very well developed .
The writing is exceptional and I was hooked after the first sentence.

Letters From Strangers by Susan Walter ⭐⭐⭐ ⭐⭐

OMG just when I got to the plot....bam curve ball...bam another. This great was everything you want a book to. It covers many topics that happen everyday. And it's not one side it makes you think ...am I doing the right thing.

You don't want to miss this book, so get your copy today. It released on May 27th

The story of two strangers searching for the truth about their families, Letters From Strangers is a beautifully written book that deals with grief, family secrets, eating disorders, infidelity and many other topics.

Vivid real characters, the story is told from multiple characters viewpoints and is very cleverly crafted to bring all the pieces together in what is a satisfying and nearly but not quite(thankfully) twee ending.

I really loved this book. My reading diet is usually full of thrillers and horrors so this was a nice change of pace for me and reminded me that a story well told about the human condition is as thrilling and scary as any thriller or horror.

Many thanks to the publisher for the ARC through Netgalley.

Susan Walter is one of my favorite mystery/thriller authors and I was so excited to receive a copy of her first women’s fiction/family drama story.

Following Jane’s father’s death, she find a stack of letters that sheds light on his secret life, which involves another woman, who possibly may have had his child. Our other lead Adam, 16, knows he’s adopted and finds unsigned letters from his birth mother and is desperate for answers. They are both looking for someone who does not want to be found.

This story spans two decades and brings you on an emotional ride. Both stories are compelling and had me flipping pages late into the night to figure out the family secrets on both sides. Both stories are weaved together so well and with such care and sensitivity. Our two main characters are complex, relatable, and you are rooting for both of them to find the answers they are looking for. I loved seeing how the stories tied together and seeing both of their journeys towards healing and forgiveness.

Recommend if you enjoy:
▫️Complicated family sagas
▫️Stories with epistolary elements (letters/emails)
▫️Adoption stories
▫️Family secrets

Excellent! I have really enjoyed Susan Walter’s books in the past, so I jumped at the chance to read Letters From Strangers. And I’m glad I did! This is different from Walter’s psychological thrillers, and it was superb. It spoke to me on so many levels. She confronts important, but sometimes difficult situations such as self-confidence, diet, family, wanting to please, coming-of-age, first crush, responsibility, life changing secrets and so much more. It is full of a range of emotions, but will inevitably make you smile. 5 strong stars! Thank you to NetGalley and Lake Union Publishing for the digital ARC.

This book has two main components: secrets and Families. The families are interconnected (to a point), and not coincidentally, so are the secrets.

This is a hard book to review without spoilers. There are two sets of letters from the past that set up the road to discovery of the secrets. Intriguing?

Family plays a big part in the story. There are several prominent themes: infidelity, teen pregnancy, adoption, body image, homosexuality, infertility. Some of these are likely to be triggers for some.

The author writes with sensitivity regarding the above themes. And, while the story is convoluted at times, it is cohesively presented.

The characters are realistic and well presented. There is honest emotion, so it’s easy to get drawn in. They exhibit qualities that I am well familiar with: doubt, regret, insecurities, hope, and acceptance.

I appreciated the Author's Note at the end. Like many writers, she allowed personal aspects of her life to show up in the story. I think that this validates the plot to the reader.

This was an enjoyable, though emotional, story which I think can resonate with many readers.

Thank you to NetGalley and the Publisher for the Advance Readers Copy.

Letters From Strangers… Oh my! This story is told from three perspectives, Jane, Ellie and Adam. Going from past to present each detailing their choices, pain, trauma and struggles. This was my first book by Susan and it definitely will not be my last.
I was invested in this story from the very first page. I thought I had it all figured out to find I wasn’t close to piecing this puzzle together.

My opinion is my own. However, I’m certain you definitely want to read this one.

I read and listened to this book. The narrators did such a good job. It felt like I was right in the middle of the drama. And boy was there drama. But it was so good. A well written story. It will make you stop and think about what you would do in this situation. Both as the mothers and as the child.

This is a story of love and grief. Of loss and finding. A story of family.

It's told from a few different points of views and different timelines.

Jane's dad died and she found letters in his desk from another woman. Not from her mother. Jane's parents never separated or divorced so this is a shock to her. Jane takes the letters to her house and reads them. She finds that her dad may have fathered a child by this other woman who is only know by initials GM. And she lives in Boston, MA.

Apparently Jane's dad has been seeing this woman for many years. She knew he was married but still had a lifelong affair. I did not like her. She should have had better sense than that. How dare she. And yes part of me felt sorry for her. He was her first love and seems they both loved each other deeply. But he married someone else so how much could he really have loved her? Or respected her. Or himself.

You read some letters to a child that was given up for adoption almost seventeen years prior and letter from the mother to the child. Also the love letters from GM to Richie, the married man.

I didn't like Jane's husband either. He was not in the least supportive about her and finding out about this other woman. He was not supportive to her in her quest to find a possible half brother. I never believed he wanted a child either. He was just a jerk.

I think Jane's mother was a bit mean but I kind of understood her feelings. In a way. She had been done wrong throughout her marriage. She had two children by this man and he was seeing another woman almost the whole time.

I enjoyed reading this book even though parts sure made me mad. I liked the son, Adam and I loved Rowan. Though I do think he and Jane rushed into sex way to fast. I still liked him. I liked Jane and her brother Kenny. I finally liked her mother but it took a while. I didn't like Richie or GM.

This story keeps you turning the pages to find out who is who and what happened back then. Also what is going to happen now. It has a big surprise that I personally did not see coming for some reason. But I did love it. Well played...

This book hits on abortion, death, loss of baby, adoption, weight problems(both losing and gaining). It shows that people have real problems. Lots of real problems.

Thank you to the publisher and author for the arc of this book.

This one's going down as one of my favourites for 2025 🌟

This author is quickly becoming an automatic read for me. Last year, her novel, "Running Cold" was one of my favourites too. While this story is quite different she's pulled off another hit! I'd classify this as a family drama with lots of secrets.

There are two timelines happening. One involves Jane. The story begins dramatically as she suddenly loses her father. Then she finds out something very shocking about his life. In the other timeline there's Adam who is a 16 year old teenager. He's struggling to find himself. The two timelines eventually intertwine.

I love Susan Walters writing. She tackles some tough subjects with a lot of heart. Her candid and heartfelt Author's Note at the end is not to be missed!

Publishes on May 27, 2025

I'd like to kindly thank NetGalley and Lake Union Publishing for granting me access to this Advanced Reader's Copy.

I had very high expectations going into this book, and I'm not so sure why I put so much pressure on it, but Susan Walter met and surpassed my expectations.

This was an emotional expertly crafted story. The writing was superb, the character development top notch.

I absolutely loved the multi POVs and multi timelines.

Also as a Gen Xer who suffered from an eating disorder, I felt it relatable but also appreciated that it wasn't an overly emotional journey when matters of body dysmorphia were taking center stage.


There were many memorable quotes in this book, these 2 stuck out.

"You can't succeed if you're chasing someone else's goal."

"The diet industry can't sell you a remedy if they don't sell you a problem first."

Following Running Cold, Susan Walter (favorite author)— from concert violinist, TV, screenwriting, directing, to novelist, and the creator of the 2017 film—All I Wish, comes her latest, a beautifully written, emotional, and captivating story of family, LETTERS FROM STRANGERS.

Two unlikely strangers seek the truth about their past with mysterious letters and secrets of the past that may change the trajectory of their lives.

About...

WEST COAST: After her father's sudden death, Jane is devastated to discover shocking letters from his past. This revelation not only deepens her grief but also shatters her perception of her father, leaving her feeling betrayed and lost.

Did her dad have another family with his mistress? It sounds like she may have been pregnant. When he was traveling for work, was he with his other family? Could she have a step-brother or sister?

She did not have an easy life with her self-image and acceptance, growing up with an eating disorder. She met a guy (her brother's friend) when she was a teen, but she never answered his letters, and she has never stopped thinking of him.

She has her secrets of the past and traumas, but now she is in search of answers to the past to deal with her current grief. In the meantime, she also has problems with her husband, Greg, infertility, and their marriage.

EAST COAST: Adam, a teen who lives across the country. He is sixteen years old, gay, with an eating disorder, and adopted. He is trying to find his place in life. His adopted dad wants him to play tennis, but he is over it. He wants something different and needs support. He learns of an unsigned letter from his biological mother and is in search of her to seek answers.

Jane and Adam are on a collision course, but things are not as they appear. There are letters from strangers that may break their hearts, but at the same time, they both may find the answers they desperately seek.

My thoughts...

LETTERS FROM STRANGERS is a heartbreaking, yet poignant novel about family, hope, loss, and second chances.

From past to present, inspired by actual events, the author crafts a highly relatable character-driven novel. The characters' struggles with identity, self-worth, and relationships will resonate with readers, making the story feel personal and engaging.

I adored LETTERS FROM STRANGERS, and you will fall in love with these compelling characters and the secondary ones. Even though this one is slightly different from Susan's psychological thrillers, fans will enjoy this thought-provoking, tender, lovely story of family secrets, mystery, and betrayal.

A massive fan of the author, I enjoyed rewinding to the 80s when families kept things close to their belts and often not as open and communicative as they should be on the road to self-discovery. I loved the letters sprinkled throughout and characters, Jane, Adam, Rowan, the coach, and the fabulous ending!

Ideal pick for book clubs with discussion questions included. I enjoyed the Author's Note (do not miss it).

Told from the perspectives of Jane, Ellie, and Adam, the novel's unique structure and engaging characters make for a compelling and inspiring read. I'm eagerly looking forward to Susan's upcoming locked-in thriller, set to release in Feb 2026!

Audiobook...

I had the honor of reading the book and listening to the audiobook narrated by the talented Selah Victor, Eddie Lopez, and Moniqua Plante—all distinct voices for all the characters, further elevating the story and making them come alive. What a stunning and engaging performance. I highly recommend the audiobook.

Recs...

This gem is for fans of the author and those who enjoy character-driven family sagas. Fans of Susan Redfearn, Laura Lippman, Lisa Jewell, Wendy Walker, Tammy Greenwood, Liane Moriarty, Jennifer Weiner, Sally Hepworth, Celeste Ng, and Kristin Hannah will enjoy.

Interview...

Stay tuned for my fun #AuthorElevatorSeries QA with Susan, where we go behind the book and this mega-talented author. (May 28)

Thanks to Lake Union Publishing (e-book) via Netgalley, the author (paperback), and Brilliance Audio for an ARC and ALC in exchange for an honest review.

blog review posted @
JudithDCollins.com
@JudithDCollins | #JDCMustReadBooks
Pub Date: May 27, 2025
My Rating: 5 Stars
May 2025 Must-Read Books
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Compelling, engaging, and heartfelt!

Letters from Strangers is an immersive, moving tale that takes you into the lives of two main characters. Jane, a young woman who, while grappling to come to grips with the sudden death of her father, has her world turned upside down when she stumbles across a bunch of letters that shatter her illusion of him, and Adam, a teenage boy who is stuck in a downward mental spiral due to his conflicting feelings about familial expectations, his emerging sexuality, and the facts surrounding his adoption.

The prose is sensitive and sincere. The characters are vulnerable, troubled, and consumed. And the plot is a captivating tale of life, loss, family, grief, friendship, self-discovery, revelations, strained relationships, and forgiveness.

Overall, Letters from Strangers is a hopeful, tender, heart-tugging tale by Walter that reminds us that families are complicated and messy, the choices we make often have far-reaching consequences, and secrets often find their way to the surface no matter how well they’re hidden.