The Intruder
- Judith D Collins
- Oct 12
- 6 min read
By: Freida McFadden
Narrators: Joe Hempel, Patricia Santomasso, Tina Wolstencroft
Dreamscape Media
ISBN: 978-1464260919
Publisher: Poisoned Pen Press
Publication Date: 10/072025
Format: Other
My Rating: 5 Stars + (ARC)
Who knows what the storm will blow in…
Casey's cabin in the wilderness is not built for a hurricane. Her roof shakes, the lights flicker, and the tree outside her front door is sways ominously in the wind. But she's a lot more worried about the girl she discovers lurking outside her kitchen window.
She’s young. She’s alone. And she’s covered in blood.
The girl won't explain where she came from or loosen her grip on the knife in her right hand. And when Casey makes a disturbing discovery in the middle of the night, things take a turn for the worse.
The girl has a dark secret. One she’ll kill to keep. And if Casey gets too close to the truth, she may not live to see the morning.
In this taut, deadly tale of survival and desperation, #1 New York Times bestselling author Freida McFadden explores how far one girl will go to save herself.
My Review
Dark and twisty, with white-knuckle tension and jaw-dropping surprises, the master of unreliable narrators, misdirection, and plot twists, Freida McFadden, is back with a wickedly dangerous game of cat-and-mouse, upending classic thriller tropes, keeping the reader guessing from start to finish in her latest electrifying psychological thriller, THE INTRUDER.
About the Story...
In THE INTRUDER, we meet Casey, a former teacher seeking solace in a rundown cabin in the secluded woods of New Hampshire as a fierce storm approaches.
Her solitude is abruptly shattered when she discovers a blood-soaked girl named Ella hidden in her toolshed. Unable to leave Ella in such peril, Casey invites her inside, unaware of the tumultuous events that are about to unfold.
What are Casey and Ella escaping from? Buckle up for a WILD ride filled with mysterious twists and turns, where nothing is as it seems.
Dual Narrative ...
The dual narrative expertly alternates between Casey’s increasingly perilous present and Ella’s harrowing past, gradually revealing the dark truth about the girl’s identity and the desperate circumstances driving her flight.
This culminates in a series of shocking plot twists that will leave you breathless. Casey is grappling with the unsettling reality of her new companion, and Ella’s backstory, which slowly reveals the trauma she carries and the secrets she desperately seeks to escape.
This book is packed with seismic plot twists— a hallmark of Freida McFadden’s storytelling—where the true nature of Ella’s situation and the threats she faces become increasingly intricate and unsettling.
At the heart of this tale lies the pressing mystery of what happened to Ella, the origin of her blood-stained appearance, and the dangerous truth lurking just beneath the surface.
Dive into THE INTRUDER for an unforgettable experience that promises to challenge your perceptions and keep you guessing until the very last page.
My Reflections...
As an avid admirer of the author, having immersed myself in her entire body of work, I can confidently declare that THE INTRUDER stands out as my absolute favorite.
This gripping psychological thriller weaves together two unnerving timelines that crackle with thrills and chills, suspense and intrigue, ultimately converging to unveil explosive dark secrets and a harrowing confrontation amidst a raging storm.
The mounting tension, intensified by the storm’s disruptions to phone lines and power, conjures a profound sense of isolation and entrapment that envelops the reader.
The clever cat-and-mouse dynamic keeps us guessing about who plays the predator and who is the prey, while short, cliffhanger chapters, unreliable narrators, and masterful misdirection elevate this novel to a remarkable psychological thriller with depth.
The characters, such as Lee, the neighbor, and Rudy, the landlord, add layers of intrigue to the narrative with a satisfying conclusion. I would like to see a sequel to catch up with everyone in the future. The storm serves as both a literal and symbolic force, enhancing the story's emotional weight.
Through the lens of Ella, a neglected middle schooler grappling with an abusive and hoarding mother, we witness immense suffering. Her endearing friendship with Anton, another outcast, provides a heartwarming contrast, showcasing the power of connection amid adversity.
As the plot unfolds, we gradually learn how Ella's journey intertwines with Casey's, culminating in a series of shocking twists that will leave you breathless. I can only imagine the looks of astonishment on readers' faces with each unexpected turn.
This suspenseful thriller is artfully constructed, blending intelligence, clever crafting with a chilling atmosphere. It’s an absorbing tale of deception and subterfuge, challenging readers’ perceptions of the characters’ true motivations as the two timelines intersect.
The title resonates perfectly, delving into the multifaceted meanings of the intruder, transcending the typical home invasion narrative. The conclusion is both satisfying and poignant, weaving a heartfelt story of abuse, trauma, guilt, revenge, mistaken identity, motherhood, the masks we wear to protect ourselves from further hurt, and the power of found family. Each plot twist reframes the entire narrative, shifting it from a mere survival story to a profound exploration of escaping generational trauma.
The psychological manipulation present in the cat-and-mouse game between Eleanor and Casey adds a layer of complexity. Ella’s authentic bond with Anton in the “Before” chapters serves as a counterbalance to the darker elements of the story, making the final confrontation all the more impactful.
The signature McFadden style, loved by readers, is on full display in THE INTRUDER. With dual timelines, unreliable narration, reflective moments, and escalating tension, the story unfolds like a slow-burning suspense puzzle. It intensifies the mystery and builds psychological tension, keeping readers on edge and engaged, constantly questioning what is real and what is mere deception.
No matter how far a character runs, their past inevitably catches up with them. McFadden's plots emphasize that the secrets of yesterday are destined to intrude upon the present.
The author bravely delves into the intricate emotions tied to child abuse, presenting a profound exploration of Eleanor’s relationship with her late mother. This relationship is depicted with a remarkable depth, capturing both Eleanor’s grief and her resentment toward the woman who played a dual role in her life—one of both protector and abuser. This psychological complexity enriches the narrative, transcending the typical victim-versus-perpetrator storyline and inviting readers to reflect on the multifaceted nature of human relationships and connections.
In conclusion, THE INTRUDER stands out as an exceptional thriller that deserves a spot on your reading list. With its cinematic quality, it's perfect for a binge-worthy experience, especially during the enchanting Halloween season.
For recommendations...
THE INTRUDER is a fantastic choice for fans of the author as well as those who appreciate intricately crafted thrillers with unexpected twists from celebrated writers such as Mary Kubica, Samantha Downing, Alice Feeney, Liv Constantine, and BA Paris.
I extend my heartfelt gratitude to Poisoned Pen Press (Mandy) and NetGalley for providing an advanced reading copy in exchange for my honest review.
Additionally, I couldn't resist purchasing the hardcover edition with its exquisite Deluxe Sprayed Edges (love). I'm also eagerly anticipating the audiobook, narrated by the talented Joe Hempel, Patricia Santomasso, and Tina Wolstencroft.
blog review posted @
JudithDCollins
@JudithDCollins #JDCMustReadBooks
My Rating: 5 Stars +
Pub Date: Oct 7, 2025
Praise
"The Intruder has all the ingredients of a terrific thriller: A dark and stormy night. An isolated cabin in the woods. A runaway child with a mysterious past. And (of course!) one surprising plot twist after another. With this fast-paced and engrossing novel, Freida McFadden demonstrates (yet again) why she is one of our most popular storytellers. Buckle up, thriller fans!"
― Jason Rekulak, New York Times bestselling author of The Last One at the Wedding
"McFadden has done it again. The Intruder is everything I want in a thriller: bingeworthy from the jump, deeply twisted, and impossible to put down. My smartwatch told me to calm down half a dozen times while reading this book. I did not."
― Noelle W. Ihli, bestselling author of Such Quiet Girls
"A grim yet gleefully gratifying tale of lost innocence and found family...McFadden lulls readers using a seemingly straightforward thriller setup before launching headlong into a series of progressively seismic (and increasingly bonkers) plot twists. The visceral first-person, present-tense narrative alternates perspectives, fostering tension and immediacy while establishing character and engendering empathy. Ella and Anton’s relationship particularly shines."
― Kirkus Reviews
"McFadden brings her usual tight plotting and twists to this massively absorbing work of psychological terror, which will be a winner with her fans and all who enjoy a tense, character-driven read."
― First Clue
About the Author
Author Freida McFadden
Photo credit: Mira Whiting Photography
#1 New York Times, Amazon Charts, USA Today, Washington Post, Wall Street Journal, Sunday Times, and Publisher’s Weekly bestselling author Freida McFadden is a physician who has penned multiple bestselling psychological thrillers and medical humor novels. Freida’s work has been selected as one of Amazon Editors’ best books of the year, she is the winner of the International Thriller Writers Award for best paperback, and she is a Goodreads Choice Award winner. Her novels have been translated into more than 45 languages.
Freida lives with her family and cat in a centuries-old three-story home overlooking the ocean, with staircases that creak and moan with each step, and nobody could hear you if you scream. Unless you scream really loudly, maybe. WEBSITE
