Strangers in the Villa

Canada is home to many amazing suspense authors and Robyn Harding is definitely one of them.

In her latest book, Strangers in the Villa, Harding centres her story around a couple whose marriage is on the rocks. Sydney and Curtis decide to buy a large, secluded villa in rural Spain to try and salvage their relationship and start a new life. Their plans get derailed when a young Aussie couple's car breaks down in front of the villa and they ask Curtis and Sydney for help. Wanting to break the growing tension in their home, the couple invites the Aussies inside and this decision sparks a complicated and dangerous situation between the two couples who both have secrets to hide.

This is a book that takes its time revealing itself to the reader. I began the book suspecting things weren't as they seemed and was tsk tsking Sydney and Curtis' decision to invite these strangers into their home. But they didn't listen to me. Thank goodness for that because that's when things get going and readers realize that they're in for a wild ride of deception, lies and secrets that this quartet of people want to keep hidden at all costs. 

I'd suggest going into this book blind. Curl up with your favourite glass of Spanish wine and let the author weave her twisted tale where nothing is at it seems, you're unsure of who you can trust that ends with an oh-so-satisfying conclusion. 

Disclaimer: My sincere thanks to Grand Central Publishing for the complimentary digital advanced copy that was given to me in exchange for my honest review.

My Rating: 4 stars

Author: Robyn Harding

Genre: Suspense

Type and Source: ebook from publisher via NetGalley

Publisher: Grand Central Publishing

First Published: March 3, 2026

Read: Feb 20-26, 2026

Book Description from GoodReads: From the international bestselling author of The Drowning Woman, a psychological thriller about a couple rocked by infidelity who moves to a villa in Spain’s Costa Brava to rebuild their relationship, only to welcome a pair of visitors who have no intention of leaving.

Sydney Lowe’s life in New York is shattered when her husband, Curtis, admits to a meaningless affair with a client. Begging for forgiveness and vowing to prove his devotion, Curtis suggests the couple retreat to a remote hilltop house in Spain to repair their marriage.

High above the Mediterranean, Sydney and Curtis are working on the isolated property and their relationship when a pair of Australian travelers turns up at their door in dire need of help. Lonely for companionship and desperate for free labor, Sydney and Curtis invite the attractive young couple to stay. But as the days pass, dark secrets come to light, the Lowes’ bond is tested, and not everyone will leave the villa alive.