Emma Garman, a Brighton-based writer and critic, has been a columnist for The Paris Review and a contributor to Literary Review, The Daily Beast, Lapham's Quarterly, and History News Network. She has an MA in creative writing from the City College of New York and an MA in literature from Queen Mary University of London. The Kindness of Strangers is her debut novel.

"Agatha Christie fans, gather 'round....If you like history with your mystery, look no further." --BookPage

"Addictive...[Garman] skillfully captures the decimated mood of postwar London, with its overflowing pubs and lingering food shortages, and maximizes suspense with perfectly timed reveals. Readers will hope for more from the author soon." --Publishers Weekly

"An acid-etched portrait of murder and manners in post-war Britain, The Kindness of Strangers is a sinister delight, like a chocolate-coated cherry bomb. Emma Garman's astonishingly deft debut is an absolute must-read, and heralds a brilliant new voice in crime fiction." --JULIA SPENCER-FLEMING, New York Times bestselling author of At Midnight Comes the Cry

"I couldn't put down this intricately woven debut by the talented Emma Garman. Set in perfectly-drawn 1950s London, The Kindness of Strangers is a tantalizing historical mystery that revolves around a house full of boarders--all of whom have something to hide--and the mysterious death of a man who has recently moved into their home. Twisty, fast-paced, brilliantly plotted and deliciously entertaining, The Kindness of Strangers is an absolute must-read!" --KRISTIN HARMEL, New York Times bestselling author

"A rich labyrinth of a story fiflled with deeply real, flawed, fabulous characters. Good luck putting it down before you reach the dark secret at the center." --STEPHEN SPOTSWOOD, author of Dead in the Frame, a New York Times Top 10 Mystery of the Year?

"A wholly delightful novel brimming with unpredictable characters and prose as elegant as it is sharp. With a true nod to Christie-esque tradition, Emma Garman whisks readers through fog-shrouded London, delivering every ingredient of a classic whodunnit with a wit and flair entirely her own. Fans of golden-age mysteries, buckle in for a thrill ride through this literary house of mirrors!" --SARAH CROUCH, USA Today Bestselling author of Middletide

"A beautifully woven novel full of escalating secrets and a found family of characters who tunnel their way into your heart. Hugely enjoyable, and with one of my favorite Epilogues ever, I've been recommending it to everyone." --AJ PEARCE, Sunday Times bestselling author of Dear Mrs. Bird

"What pure pleasure to discover Emma Garman's irresistible debut. Reading this ingeniously plotted, diabolically clever story of human deception and connection was like discovering a 1950s classic that was written with a surprisingly modern sensibility. Smart, original, darkly funny, and moving, it's everything I want in a mystery. I adored it." --KAREN DUKESS, USA Today bestselling author of Welcome to Murder Week

"The Kindness of Strangers drew me in immediately with its distinctive, singular voice. From there, an intricate, compelling plot developed, driven by a cast of characters so intriguing I couldn't turn the pages fast enough to discover what they'd do next or what secrets lurked in their pasts. Here is sublime storytelling and I couldn't have been more delighted to be taken along for the ride. I had a riotously good time at 42 Tregunter Road. The ending was simply perfect and made me want to start reading from the beginning all over again. A triumph of a debut novel and I'm already eager to read whatever Emma Garman writes next." --KATE KEMP, author of The Grapevine

"Vivid and entertaining, and powered by such a wonderfully dry wit." --The Times

Publisher: S&s/Summit Books

Pub date: 2026-05-12

Length: 304 pages