A review by imlaurenshelton
Five Total Strangers by Natalie D. Richards

adventurous mysterious tense medium-paced

• Plot- or character-driven? Plot
• Strong character development? N/A
• Loveable characters? N/A
• Diverse cast of characters? It's complicated
• Flaws of characters a main focus? It's complicated

4.5

had no intention of reading through this book so quickly but was able to knock it out in one sitting! The hook is just good enough to keep your attention throughout the story. This is a young adult thriller, with some gore-ish depictions throughout but I would say it’s a pretty enjoyable book. Especially for those more inclined to true crime and mysteries. I was actually very surprised by the ending, totally buying into the character’s mindset throughout the book (well with a few exceptions). The final chapters of the book may be disturbing to some readers, as they involve death, stalking, violence, and drug use. In the end, Mira learns to listen to what her Father told her on the phone: Always trust your gut.

im rating this a 4.5 because it is a great thrill read but did include some disturbing content that may not be well-suited for teens. I think if death and injuries make you queasy this book may not be for you, I’d be happy to recommend a less gruesome thriller for you, just let me know! This book was a fun read, but not worth a purchase for me, a one and done for sure.

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Content Warnings

Graphic: Death, Stalking, and Car accident

Moderate: Addiction, Drug use, Gun violence, and Violence

Minor: Medical content and Alcohol

The story follows a teenage girl trying to make it home to her mother on Christmas Eve when the last leg of her flight is cancelled. She decides to hitch a ride home with four strangers after the girl she sat next to on the plane offers her a spot for free. (BTW there is mention of turbulence but no plane crash.) The weather gets increasingly worse throughout the book, and Mira’s nerves are making her increasingly antsy because she feels like someone is watching her, and he is. There are letters written to Mira from the stalker’s perspective throughout the book. Along the ride, mishaps continue and violence ensues. There are car accidents, theft, drug abuse and addiction, and death. In one scene, an unfortunate incident involves running a young man over, it is unknown if he survived. Another man chases the car full of strangers around, toting a gun and threatening them, which leaves them with an ominous feeling, There are a few scenes that take place in hospitals but none are gruesome or overbearing. The final chapters of the book may be disturbing to some readers, as they involve death, stalking, violence, and drug use.