> Skip to content
  • Published: 26 September 2023
  • ISBN: 9781496738509
  • Imprint: Kensington
  • Format: Paperback
  • Pages: 416
  • RRP: $32.99

The Enemy at Home

A Thrilling Historical Suspense Novel of a WWII Era Serial Killer




“Tantalizing…had me guessing and turning pages right up to the final, shocking reveal—which I never saw coming.” —Charlie Donlea, bestselling author of Twenty Years Later

Perfect for readers of The Nurse’s Secret, this provocative and captivating new book from the New York Times bestselling author follows a diabolical murderer as he preys on women in WW2 era Seattle. Thoroughly researched, this gripping new historical thriller featuring a diverse, engaging cast of characters is at once vivid, richly detailed, and laced with taut suspense.

“Tantalizing…had me guessing and turning pages right up to the final, shocking reveal—which I never saw coming.” —Charlie Donlea, bestselling author of Twenty Years Later

Perfect for readers of The Nurse’s Secret, this provocative and captivating new book from the New York Times bestselling author follows a diabolical murderer as he preys on women in WW2 era Seattle. Thoroughly researched, this gripping new historical thriller featuring a diverse, engaging cast of characters is at once vivid, richly detailed, and laced with taut suspense.

“Fast-paced, suspenseful, and intriguing... Super enjoyable.” —Elizabeth George, #1 New York Times bestselling author

“A sweeping, addictive story of bravery and sacrifice…Authentic period detail creates a suspenseful, chilling atmosphere in this grand historical novel.” —Susan Wiggs, #1 New York Times bestselling author

1943, Seattle. While raging war reshapes the landscape of Europe, its impact is felt thousands of miles away too. Before the war, Nora Kinney was one of countless housewives and mothers in her comfortable Capitol Hill neighborhood. Now, with her doctor husband stationed in North Africa, Nora feels compelled to do more than tend her victory garden or help with scrap metal drives . . .

At the Boeing B-17 plant, Nora learns to wield a heavy riveting gun amid the deafening noise of the assembly line—a real-life counterpart to “Rosie the Riveter” in the recruitment posters. Yet while the country desperately needs their help, not everyone is happy about “all these women” taking over men’s jobs. Nora worries that she is neglecting her children, especially her withdrawn teenage son. But amid this turmoil, a sinister tragedy occurs: One of Nora’s coworkers is found strangled in her apartment, dressed in an apron, with a lipstick smile smeared on her face.

It’s the beginning of a terrifying pattern, as women war-plant workers like Nora are targeted throughout Seattle and murdered in the same ritualistic manner. And eclipsing Nora’s fear for her safety is her secret, growing conviction that she and the killer are connected—and that the haven that was her home has become her own personal battlefield . . .

“Nobody writes suspense better than Kevin O’Brien. Read The Enemy at Home, but do so with the lights on.” —Robert Dugoni, New York Times bestselling author

“A compulsively unputdownable, keep-you-guessing-to-the-end, pages-flying whodunit. Packed with compelling, complicated characters in a fascinating and meticulously-researched time and place.” —Laurie Frankel, New York Times bestselling author of This Is How It Always Is

“The curves in the plot kept me reading late into the night (while checking the locks on my doors!).” —Erica Bauermeister, New York Times bestselling author of No Two Persons

  • Published: 26 September 2023
  • ISBN: 9781496738509
  • Imprint: Kensington
  • Format: Paperback
  • Pages: 416
  • RRP: $32.99

Also by Kevin O'Brien

See all

Praise for The Enemy at Home

Praise for Kevin O’Brien   "O'Brien is a top-notch spinner of yarns." —Mystery Scene   “O’Brien expertly keeps the suspense ratcheted up throughout.” —The Seattle Times on The Bad Sister   "Summer means breezing through thrillers, and you can't really go wrong with a new one from Kevin O'Brien... O'Brien is good about providing some substance with his confectionary stuff, so expect to tear through this gossipy, creepy book in a couple of days without feeling too empty inside." —The Stranger (Seattle), Recommended Read, The Betrayed Wife   “Terrifying and fast-paced, They Won't Be Hurt is any parent's worst nightmare.” —Shelf Awareness   “O'Brien’s career shows no signs of slowing down.” —The Chicago Tribune on No One Needs to Know   “Relentless and highly suspenseful.” —The Seattle Times on You’ll Miss Me When I’m Gone   “The suspense builds from page one and ends with a climax you won’t see coming. You want a book that makes your heart race and the hairs on the back of your neck stand up? Well…you found it.” —Suspense Magazine on You’ll Miss Me When I’m Gone   “A page-turner wrapped around one of today’s pressing issues: school bullying.” Publishers Weekly on You’ll Miss Me When I’m Gone   “Twists and turns that unfold as the narrative moves ahead at lightning speed…high level of suspense and surprise.”—Bookreporter for You’ll Miss Me When I’m Gone

penguin pop image
penguin pop image