The Stranger He Knew


Fiction - Realistic
266 Pages
Reviewed on 08/25/2023
Buy on Amazon

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Author Biography

I'm Debbie Stokes, and I was born and raised in Baltimore, Maryland. My family, faith, and writing are extremely important to me. I'm always sharing with people how my story ideas come to me in my dreams and how I'll often jump up to write them down.​

For most of my life, I've had a burning desire to be a published author of a fiction novel, but fear stood in the way. Finally, I pushed past my fears and allowed my vision to come to past. I'm now a published author, and The Stranger He Knew is my first book.​

Before my book, I was a women's empowerment blogger on my previous website called, 3 Women Voices, where I would share empowering stories of how people overcame odds to live their best lives. In addition, I have been a contributing writer for FEMI Magazine, a cultural lifestyle magazine, where I would interview and share people’s lifestyle stories.

When I'm not writing, I enjoy spending time with my family, laughing, singing, dancing, making other people laugh, and inspiring others.

    Book Review

Reviewed by Pikasho Deka for Readers' Favorite

The Stranger He Knew is a thriller drama by Debbie Stokes. David Wellington's happy life turned upside down when he was fired from his job as a senior executive at a prominent investment banking company. Soon, David finds himself in a downward spiral with the foreclosure of his house and his wife, Lisa, taking off with their two kids. To make matters worse, unbeknown to David, Lisa begins an affair with David's best friend, Connor, a manipulative man with plans of his own. As David becomes homeless and starts living on the Baltimore streets, he drowns his sorrows in drugs and alcohol. However, he finds his faith at his lowest point and works toward getting his life back on track. But someone previously close to him is determined to make his life a living hell. Will they succeed?

A gripping tale of lost love, betrayal, and revenge, The Stranger He Knew pulls you in deeper with each page turn. With shocking twists and turns, Debbie Stokes tells an engaging story about a man's attempts to get his life back on track. Stokes' plotting is fast-paced, perfectly complemented by some compelling character work that has you rooting for the hero. What I liked about these characters is their flawed nature. Everyone is susceptible to their vices, making their actions and motives all the more believable. Above all, The Stranger He Knew is a book for readers who enjoy a good, old-fashioned revenge tale. I loved the book and will gladly recommend it.