Secrets, lies, and fascism in The Stranger in Room Six by Jane Corry

What happens when old secrets surface in the unlikeliest of places? Jane Corry’s upcoming novel The Stranger in Room Six (releasing October 7, 2025) is a cozy mystery that blends history, intrigue, and the complicated lives of women who’ve carried more than their share of burdens.

At the heart of the story are two women connected to Sunnyside Home for the Young at Heart. Belinda, newly released after serving fifteen years for her husband’s murder, is determined to rebuild her life and keep her past hidden. Taking a job at Sunnyside seems like the perfect way to start over. Then there’s Mabel, the home’s oldest resident, who first arrived as an evacuee during the Blitz. She knows Sunnyside’s darkest truths—secrets that, if exposed, could endanger everything. And lurking behind it all is the mysterious Room Six, where someone is watching and waiting for the right moment to strike.

One of the most fascinating aspects of this novel is its portrayal of British Nazis who sought to “Make Britain great again.” Corry shows how people with wealth and influence could be drawn to fascism, particularly at moments when traditional power structures were threatened by the increasing independence of others. These historical details give the story added layers, grounding the cozy mystery in unsettling but thought-provoking realities.

The writing itself is straightforward and highly readable, making it easy to sink into the story without distraction. This accessible style keeps the focus where it belongs—on the characters, their choices, and the secrets that bind them together.

If you enjoy mysteries set against richly imagined backdrops of both past and present, The Stranger in Room Six is one to watch for. It’s a story about resilience, reinvention, and the truths we try—and fail—to hide.

👉 The Stranger in Room Six by Jane Corry releases on October 7, 2025. Will you be adding it to your reading list? Share your thoughts in the comments below!

An advance reader copy of this book (ARC) was provided to me by the publisher via Netgalley in exchange for an honest review.

Related Content

• Author Interview: Jane Corry (The Bookworm’s Fantasy)
• What’s in a title – guest post by Jane Corry (Kill Zone)
• Inside the writer’s studio: An interview with author Jane Corry (Domestika)

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Now that Jack has been forced to reflect on everything he has to lose, he resolves to do better. He’s determined to spend more time at home with his family and repair the relationships that have suffered over the years while he’s been so focused on work. But as Callie’s behavior becomes increasingly bizarre, Jack realizes he has a lot more room to improve than he realized – and it might be too late to save his daughter after all.

For fans of We Need to Talk About Kevin, The Push, and Baby Teeth.