A STRANGER IN MY GRAVE by Margaret Millar is a mystery novel set in San Felice, California, exploring themes of emotional toll, inner conflict, and despair. The story follows Daisy, a woman who believes there is somebody in her grave and hires a bail bondsman private detective to help her solve the mystery. The book features a diverse cast of characters spanning different backgrounds and economic classes, with strong and interesting women in central roles. Margaret Millar's writing style is praised for its engrossing narrative, originality, and excellent characterization.

Characters:

The characters are richly developed, embodying a wide spectrum of humanity with both strengths and vulnerabilities.

Writing/Prose:

The prose is characterized by deep emotional insights and compelling character portrayals, adorned with a narrative that balances complexity and clarity.

Plot/Storyline:

The plot centers on a woman who believes there's a presence in her grave, prompting her to engage a detective to unveil hidden truths.

Setting:

The setting reflects a diverse community in a fictional California locale, enhancing the narrative's social themes.

Pacing:

The pacing is steady and holds interest throughout, though it may not be the most thrilling compared to other works.

Notes:

Margaret Millar is considered a feminist writer due to her strong and complex female characters.

Her novels often explore the limitations placed on suburban housewives and women's desire for freedom.

Millar's stories feature rich narratives with various backgrounds, including upper middle class and Mexican Americans.

The book 'A Stranger in My Grave' is set in a fictionalized version of Santa Barbara, California.

Millar received the title of Grand Master from the Mystery Writers of America.

The main character, Daisy, believes someone is in her grave despite being alive, and she seeks help from a bail bondsman detective.

Her writing is known for its emotional depth and examination of inner conflicts.

Millar's earlier works are more progressive than her later ones, which reflect the repressed suburban culture of the post-war era.

The stories often highlight the compassion shown towards the downtrodden and vulnerable.

There is a desire for her work to be adapted into mini-series for wider recognition.

Sensitive Topics/Content Warnings

The story addresses themes related to mental health and addiction, which may require a medium level of content warning.

From The Publisher:

Young housewife Daisy Harker's world is upended when a blank spot in her memory and a reoccurring nightmare link her to an unsolved murder and a decades-old conspiracy

Jim and Daisy Harker are a young, well-to-do couple in San Felice, California, and though childless they maintain the sort of domestic happiness that others can only aspire to. But a darkness exists at the outer edges of Daisy's mind and she has no idea why it's there. In a series of reoccurring nightmares she wanders a cemetery, eventually finding her own gravestone. According to the dream, December 2nd, 1955 is the day she died.

Street smart but honorable, Stevens Pinata is a man with his own mysteries. An orphan left on a church doorstep as a child, he isn't even certain of his ethnicity, let alone his goals in life. As a private investigator he works with bail bonds and quick shakedowns. But when a pretty young woman like Daisy Harker comes into his office with a crazy request to "find her lost day" he is intrigued. He is too decent to take advantage of a crazy woman, but Mr. Harker is a wealthy man and who is Pinata to turn down money?

What unfolds is a masterpiece of suspense and one of the books that forever changed the domestic thriller. Millar's razor sharp prose cuts a masterful plot and slashes at the racism, sexism, and entitlement endemic to an era otherwise celebrated for its prosperity.

What can you read after
A Stranger in My Grave?

Meet New Books is a participant in the Amazon Services LLC Associates Program, an affiliate advertising program designed to provide a way for sites to earn advertising fees by advertising and linking to products and services on amazon.com and its subsidiaries.
When you click the Amazon link and make a purchase, we may receive a small commision, at no cost to you.

A Stranger in My Grave

Margaret Millar

About:

Characters:

Writing/Prose:

Plot/Storyline:

Setting:

Pacing:

Genres:

Tropes/Plot Devices:

Topics:

Notes:

Sensitive Topics/Content Warnings

From The Publisher:

What can you read after A Stranger in My Grave?

What can you read after
A Stranger in My Grave?