Freida McFadden’s latest novel, THE INTRUDER, brings with it her standard series of plot twists and surprises, along with her vow to stay away from gratuitous sex and violence. A familiar storytelling element she frequently employs is multiple narrators, some occurring along timelines other than the present. This not only provides unique perspectives but also acts as a diversion to some of the curveballs she has in store for readers before everything is wrapped up.

Casey has isolated herself in a cabin in the New Hampshire woods following the controversial events that led her to lose her teaching job. At the start of the novel, Casey realizes that her cabin is ill-equipped to face the huge storm that’s approaching. But she’s been having trouble getting her landlord, Rudy, to repair the roof, among other things.

"THE INTRUDER is a satisfying read that follows the formula that has made Freida McFadden such a dynamic force in psychological thrillers."

Rudy eventually makes it out just before the storm is about to hit but merely inspects the cabin rather than bring any equipment to fix it. He tells Casey that she should be fine but then asks if she wants to stay at his place. When the offer becomes a bit too intrusive for Casey, she takes Rudy down physically and demands that he return after the storm to make all the necessary repairs.

Casey is also visited by her nearest neighbor, Lee, who had moved out to his own cabin in the woods shortly after she arrived. He, too, makes a friendly gesture to safely house her if the storm gets too intense.

Meanwhile, Casey believes that she sees a face peering in one of her cabin windows as she prepares for the storm and doesn’t think it’s Rudy or Lee. Upon further inspection of her property, she comes across a girl hiding in her toolshed holding a switchblade knife and carrying a bag that appears to have blood all over it.

Interspersed throughout the novel and Casey’s story are chapters written about a girl named Ella in a timeline set “before” that show a violent event involving this apparently troubled youth and her family. I will leave it at that to avoid giving away spoilers.

The intruder becomes violent and turns the tables on Casey as the storm begins to rage. And when she finds Casey’s gun, the suspense significantly ramps up. The outcome is both unpredictable and quite precarious. Of course, McFadden has more than a few tricks up her sleeve as she introduces different elements to the story before the denouement, which will have readers reeling.

THE INTRUDER is a satisfying read that follows the formula that has made Freida McFadden such a dynamic force in psychological thrillers.