James Grippando is perhaps best known as the author of the Jack
Swyteck novels, including the most recent bestseller WHEN DARKNESS
FALLS. In addition, Grippando has published a number of stand-alone
works --- and he returns to that format in fine form with his
latest thriller.

LYING WITH STRANGERS is a riveting work --- steamy in spots,
violent in others --- with a puzzling mystery interwoven
throughout. Peyton Shields is a first-year resident at a major
children's hospital in Boston and is on a very fast track to
becoming head resident, until an automobile accident (which isn't
exactly what Shields would call it) injures her and changes
everything. Her husband, Kevin Stokes, is a somewhat less
successful attorney in a white-shoe law firm who feels neglected at
home and unappreciated at the office. Ironically he is in another
woman's bed on the night his wife is hurt, an act that will have
significant repercussions far beyond the obvious for him.

Meanwhile, Shields is being stalked by a mysterious person who is
obsessed with her; this individual knows the intimate details of
her life, as well as that of Stokes, and will stop at nothing to
possess her. When the machinations of this mystery man result in
murder, Shields and Stokes suddenly and inexplicably are under
suspicion and then jointly charged with the crime. Unable to trust
anyone, including each other, they find their lives, marriage and
freedom in jeopardy, never dreaming that everyone, including the
obsessed killer, is being manipulated.

LYING WITH STRANGERS is somewhat different from the Swyteck books,
but those who know the author solely from that series will agree
that this work retains his trademark flair for storytelling, one
that translates into a gripping, surprise-filled experience for the
reader. A former trial attorney, Grippando has written
suspense-laden courtroom sequences in which lives and reputations
hang in the balance and justice can be sacrificed at the expense of
winning. For fans of mysteries and thrillers there is much to
ponder here --- and even more to like.