In Comes a Stranger, acclaimed British mystery writer E. R. Punshon delivers a haunting and intricately plotted tale of suspense that blends classic Golden Age detective fiction with psychological depth. This standalone mystery departs from Punshon’s Bobby Owen series but retains all the hallmarks of his signature style — clever plotting, sharp dialogue, and an unsettling sense of unease that builds from the very first page. The novel centers around a quiet English village whose calm is shattered by the unexpected arrival of a mysterious stranger. At first, the newcomer is regarded with curiosity and even hospitality — but soon, suspicion begins to grow. Who is this man, really? And what does he want? As tensions mount, secrets long buried begin to surface, and the lines between innocence and guilt, truth and deception, become increasingly blurred. Punshon masterfully constructs a narrative in which the stranger’s presence acts as a catalyst for moral reckoning among the villagers. He explores the dark corners of human nature and the destructive power of gossip, fear, and suspicion. The psychological tension is as compelling as the mystery itself. With a slow-burning pace and richly drawn characters, Comes a Stranger draws the reader into a world that is both familiar and disquieting. The suspense grows with each chapter, culminating in a dramatic and satisfying conclusion. This novel is a compelling choice for fans of atmospheric British mysteries, and a perfect entry point into the lesser-known — but equally riveting — works of E. R. Punshon.