Along Comes a Stranger
Along Comes a Stranger by Dorie McCullough Lawson, published by Harper Collins on April 24, 2007, is a work of fiction that delves into the complexities of identity and family life. Set in the summer of 1995, the story follows Kate Colter, who has spent fifteen years in the small town of Hayden, Wyoming. While she generally enjoys her marriage and daily routine, Kate feels a sense of disconnection from her surroundings and longs for the stories of her past. The arrival of Tom Baxter, her mother-in-law’s new suitor from “back East,” ignites a spark of curiosity and companionship in Kate, leading her to question the nature of her life and relationships.
As the narrative unfolds, readers will encounter a series of peculiar events that heighten Kate’s intrigue about Tom and reveal unsettling truths that threaten to disrupt her seemingly stable existence. The novel weaves elements of mystery, suspense, and dark humor, creating a rich tapestry of characters and situations. With 258 pages of eloquent prose, Lawson’s debut captures the essence of a familiar American landscape while exploring themes of connection and the search for identity.
Official synopsis Publisher
The summer of 1995 marks Kate Colter’s fifteenth year in the small town of Hayden, Wyoming. She is a woman who is generally happy in her marriage and with her now predictable day-to-day life as wife, mother, and part-time breadwinner. Even though she is a New Englander at heart, Kate has reached a point where rodeos, summer heat, sharp light, and the vast, desolate beauty of the West have become almost second nature to her. She loves her husband and daughter, is fond of her neighbors, and enjoys the company of her mother-in-law. Yet, privately, she longs for the conversations and stories of her past, and she can’t help but feel disconnected from the people around her.
In walks Tom Baxter, Kate’s mother-in-law’s new suitor from “back East.”
Kate is immediately drawn to Tom—his gentle charm and engaging conversation spark an unusual companionship. Tom seems like the little piece of home that Kate so misses. She’s curious about him and about his story, but finds unexplained gaps and inconsistencies that pique her interest to a new level. Then a series of peculiar and seemingly suspicious events leads Kate to a terrifying conclusion—a conclusion that could forever shatter her life and the lives of those she loves.
In this debut novel, Dorie McCullough Lawson vividly captures a familiar American landscape. Filled with unforgettable characters and written in eloquent yet suspenseful prose, Along Comes a Stranger is a darkly humorous novel that examines the depth of identity and family life.
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