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Detective Dan Riley #3
The Stranger's Wife
Beth and Cath are leaving their husbands.
This is a story about two very different women.
One is wealthy and having an affair with a man who gives her the kind of love that her cold, detached husband does not.
One is living hand to mouth, suffering at the hands of a violent partner who would rather see her dead than leave him.
You may think you know these women already and how their lives will unfold.
Beth will live happily ever after with her little girl and her soulmate.
Cath will go back to her abusive husband.
And these two women will never cross paths.
But you will be wrong.
On the 3.15pm train from London to Bristol, Beth and Cath are about to meet and discover they share one shocking thing in common.
A clever, engrossing and absolutely unputdownable page-turner of a read about what really lies beneath the surface of a marriage. Fans of Gone Girl and The Girl on the Train will be hooked on The Stranger’s Wife.
Read what everyone is saying about Anna-Lou Weatherley:
‘A.......maz........ing, what a fantastic book, loved every word on every page, a great psychological thriller that held my interest throughout and I didn't want it to end… I could carry on raving about this book but just read it for yourself, I can definitely recommend, you will not be disappointed.’ NetGalley Reviewer, 5 stars
‘Gripping, page-turner, disturbing, just a few words I would use to describe this fantastic read! I loved this book, it reminded me of The Girl on the Train and quickly became one of my new favorites!’ Goodreads Reviewer, 5 stars
‘Ten stars for being able to keep me up until 4 a.m. I just HAD to finish this book! I cannot begin to describe how riveting this novel was. Great writing, characterizations, plot, timing, suspense – it has it all. Trust me, you will NOT be able to put it down until you finish reading it. So many mediocre thrillers out there that this one hit me like a ton of bricks. Absolutely SUPERB!’ NetGalley Reviewer, 5 stars
‘What an explosive read… this is a loop the loop rollercoaster of a ride, you better strap in and get ready, your head will be spinning trying to keep up with all the twists, betrayals, friendships, heartache, loss… this book has it all, puts a whole new meaning on the term psychological thriller!!!’ Goodreads Reviewer, 5 stars
‘Flipping heck! It's a while since I've raced through a book like this, so engrossed that I literally did nothing today except read. I was caught from the very first line and it wouldn't let me go… The story is so well written, the characters so fleshed out and real, it was like watching a movie in my mind. excellent stuff!’ Rona Halsall, 5 stars
‘An awesome mystery that kept me guessing and guessing… The author has the ability to connect the reader with the characters and the story immediately. It's a winner!’ Goodreads Reviewer, 5 stars
‘I fell for this book within the first chapter! Anna-Lou Weatherley kept me guessing until the last chapter!... I read it in a few sittings.
This is a story about two very different women.
One is wealthy and having an affair with a man who gives her the kind of love that her cold, detached husband does not.
One is living hand to mouth, suffering at the hands of a violent partner who would rather see her dead than leave him.
You may think you know these women already and how their lives will unfold.
Beth will live happily ever after with her little girl and her soulmate.
Cath will go back to her abusive husband.
And these two women will never cross paths.
But you will be wrong.
On the 3.15pm train from London to Bristol, Beth and Cath are about to meet and discover they share one shocking thing in common.
A clever, engrossing and absolutely unputdownable page-turner of a read about what really lies beneath the surface of a marriage. Fans of Gone Girl and The Girl on the Train will be hooked on The Stranger’s Wife.
Read what everyone is saying about Anna-Lou Weatherley:
‘A.......maz........ing, what a fantastic book, loved every word on every page, a great psychological thriller that held my interest throughout and I didn't want it to end… I could carry on raving about this book but just read it for yourself, I can definitely recommend, you will not be disappointed.’ NetGalley Reviewer, 5 stars
‘Gripping, page-turner, disturbing, just a few words I would use to describe this fantastic read! I loved this book, it reminded me of The Girl on the Train and quickly became one of my new favorites!’ Goodreads Reviewer, 5 stars
‘Ten stars for being able to keep me up until 4 a.m. I just HAD to finish this book! I cannot begin to describe how riveting this novel was. Great writing, characterizations, plot, timing, suspense – it has it all. Trust me, you will NOT be able to put it down until you finish reading it. So many mediocre thrillers out there that this one hit me like a ton of bricks. Absolutely SUPERB!’ NetGalley Reviewer, 5 stars
‘What an explosive read… this is a loop the loop rollercoaster of a ride, you better strap in and get ready, your head will be spinning trying to keep up with all the twists, betrayals, friendships, heartache, loss… this book has it all, puts a whole new meaning on the term psychological thriller!!!’ Goodreads Reviewer, 5 stars
‘Flipping heck! It's a while since I've raced through a book like this, so engrossed that I literally did nothing today except read. I was caught from the very first line and it wouldn't let me go… The story is so well written, the characters so fleshed out and real, it was like watching a movie in my mind. excellent stuff!’ Rona Halsall, 5 stars
‘An awesome mystery that kept me guessing and guessing… The author has the ability to connect the reader with the characters and the story immediately. It's a winner!’ Goodreads Reviewer, 5 stars
‘I fell for this book within the first chapter! Anna-Lou Weatherley kept me guessing until the last chapter!... I read it in a few sittings.
288 pages, Kindle Edition
First published January 13, 2020
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 778 reviews
October 31, 2023
*4.5 stars *
As psychological thrillers go, this is a fine example of how to do it right. Third in the Detective Dan Riley series, this is easily read as a stand-alone.
Two main protagonists - the first one, Beth, is very wealthy, yet she’s locked in a loveless marriage, but she’s also conducting an affair with local landscape gardener, Nick, a kind and loving man, the complete opposite to husband Evan.
Our second protagonist, Cath, is living in utter poverty, with a physically violent, and mentally abusive drug addicted partner, someone who’s well known to the police, and he would rather see her dead than let her leave him.
On the face of it these two women have absolutely nothing in common, and under ordinary circumstances would never have met, but life and the universe is funny like that, and on the 3.15pm train from London to Bristol, they meet, and in the way that strangers sometimes do, they pour their hearts out to each other, and discover just how similar their lives really are, and just how toxic their relationships are, and from that single auspicious meeting, the plot transcends from the very ordinary to the very clever.
It’s difficult to say too much without spoiling it for other readers, but the characters were well drawn, shockingly so at times, the storyline was complex but very clever, and to say this book was hard to put down is an understatement. Completely addictive!
*My thanks to Bookouture for my ARC. I have given an honest unbiased review in exchange *
As psychological thrillers go, this is a fine example of how to do it right. Third in the Detective Dan Riley series, this is easily read as a stand-alone.
Two main protagonists - the first one, Beth, is very wealthy, yet she’s locked in a loveless marriage, but she’s also conducting an affair with local landscape gardener, Nick, a kind and loving man, the complete opposite to husband Evan.
Our second protagonist, Cath, is living in utter poverty, with a physically violent, and mentally abusive drug addicted partner, someone who’s well known to the police, and he would rather see her dead than let her leave him.
On the face of it these two women have absolutely nothing in common, and under ordinary circumstances would never have met, but life and the universe is funny like that, and on the 3.15pm train from London to Bristol, they meet, and in the way that strangers sometimes do, they pour their hearts out to each other, and discover just how similar their lives really are, and just how toxic their relationships are, and from that single auspicious meeting, the plot transcends from the very ordinary to the very clever.
It’s difficult to say too much without spoiling it for other readers, but the characters were well drawn, shockingly so at times, the storyline was complex but very clever, and to say this book was hard to put down is an understatement. Completely addictive!
*My thanks to Bookouture for my ARC. I have given an honest unbiased review in exchange *
January 26, 2020
The Stranger's Wife is the third book in the Detective Dan Riley series but this can be easily read as a stand-alone. As far as a domestic thriller goes, this book gets it just right. With an engrossing storyline, some compelling characters and a clever ending, this is one of the well-written thrillers out there.
This is a story about two very different women, Beth and Cath. Beth is wealthy and having an affair with a man who gives her the kind of love that her cold, detached husband does not. Cath is poor with a violently abusive husband. Both are suffering at the hands of their partners, who would rather see her dead than divorce them. By pure coincidence, Beth and Cath are about to meet and discover they share one shocking thing in common.
The story is told by Beth, Cath and Dan's points of view. The pace is fast and the story has several twists and turns to keep you guessing. The novel deals with domestic violence (not just physical but emotional and psychological too) and abusive husbands and accurately portrays the helplessness of living in abusive relationships. The portrayal gets too dark at times and some may find it disturbing (trigger warning).
I liked the main characters of Beth & Cath. This book covers a fair amount of Detective Dan Riley’s personal life but having not read this series before, I couldn’t relate much to Dan’s character. The story is more focused on Beth’s story than Cath. I loved the buildup towards the climax which explained the motivations for each character.
The biggest problem for me, however, was that the main twist is rather predictable and it isn’t an entirely original concept. Around 50% mark, you have a fair idea of where the story is going and the main mystery. That being said, it’s how the story progresses is what makes you keep reading. The story raises a lot of relevant questions about law vs morality, the failure of the legal system to dispense justice and the failure of society to protect the weak.
Overall, this is a well written and absorbing story. Although it feels a bit repetitive at times, the fast pace and some good characters, make it an interesting read. If you like reading domestic thrillers, you will enjoy this. Three and a half stars.
Many thanks to the publishers Bookouture and Netgalley for the ARC.
This is a story about two very different women, Beth and Cath. Beth is wealthy and having an affair with a man who gives her the kind of love that her cold, detached husband does not. Cath is poor with a violently abusive husband. Both are suffering at the hands of their partners, who would rather see her dead than divorce them. By pure coincidence, Beth and Cath are about to meet and discover they share one shocking thing in common.
The story is told by Beth, Cath and Dan's points of view. The pace is fast and the story has several twists and turns to keep you guessing. The novel deals with domestic violence (not just physical but emotional and psychological too) and abusive husbands and accurately portrays the helplessness of living in abusive relationships. The portrayal gets too dark at times and some may find it disturbing (trigger warning).
I liked the main characters of Beth & Cath. This book covers a fair amount of Detective Dan Riley’s personal life but having not read this series before, I couldn’t relate much to Dan’s character. The story is more focused on Beth’s story than Cath. I loved the buildup towards the climax which explained the motivations for each character.
The biggest problem for me, however, was that the main twist is rather predictable and it isn’t an entirely original concept. Around 50% mark, you have a fair idea of where the story is going and the main mystery. That being said, it’s how the story progresses is what makes you keep reading. The story raises a lot of relevant questions about law vs morality, the failure of the legal system to dispense justice and the failure of society to protect the weak.
Overall, this is a well written and absorbing story. Although it feels a bit repetitive at times, the fast pace and some good characters, make it an interesting read. If you like reading domestic thrillers, you will enjoy this. Three and a half stars.
Many thanks to the publishers Bookouture and Netgalley for the ARC.
January 28, 2020
A Fait Accompli!
Anna Lou Weatherly brilliantly weaves together a psychological thriller and a police procedural. A tense page turner filled with well developed characters and a riveting storyline. This is the third book in the Detective Dan Riley series, but it can absolutely be read as a standalone. Two women from completely different backgrounds. Beth lives in a wealthy neighborhood with her adorable daughter Lily and her distant and deranged husband Evan. Cath’s circumstances are quite different, she lives in a run down neighborhood with an abusive addict as her partner. When the women’s paths cross one day on the 3:15 train it seems as though it is faded. What follows is a compelling story of revenge and deceit.
I loved watching Beth and Cath tangle themselves up in this tale. I also loved watching Dan try to untangle the tale. Dan is such a great character, and in all the books it has been remarked on that he has very “kind eyes“. I also love how his personal life is infused into the story. There was a lot of gray area in this book, the path to justice was not clear-cut. And as much as I wanted Dan to solve the case, I also did not want him to. Complicated, captivating, addictive, tents. A riveting read with a satisfying ending.
This book in emojis. 👭 🚄 👮🏻♂️ 💉 🔫 🧩 🚨
*** Big thank you to Bookouture for my gifted copy of this book. All opinions are my own. ***
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January 16, 2020
I’ve found a new lead detective I like in Dan Riley! I’ve not read this series before ( it’s perfectly possible to read as a stand-alone) and had seen such good reviews I was intrigued and happily dove in!! Beth Lawler is in a loveless marriage to cold, passionless and emotionally stunted Evan. He provides well for her and their daughter Lily but that’s the extent of the relationship. Then she meets Nick Wainwright and wham, she falls in love. The second female protagonist is Cath who is a punchbag for evil, manipulative drug addict Saul Bennett. At first glance it’s not possible to see how these women connect as they come from such disparate worlds and this is intriguing but connect they do! This story of revenge is told from the perspectives of Dan, Beth and Cath and goes backwards and forwards in time from 2018-2020.
I like a lot about this novel especially the detectives, in particular Dan and DS Lucy Davis. Their repartee at times tends towards the cheesy and please, Dan, stop saying Exactamundo, it’s very irritating!!!! The plot is solid and has the requisite number of twists to satisfy fans of this genre. It’s deals very well with the difficult issue of domestic violence and psychological abuse at the hands of deeply disturbed and manipulative men. The time and character jumps lead to some repetition although this doesn’t detract from the enjoyment as it fills in some blanks. I like the dilemma that Dan faces as he tries to see that justice is done and am glad he goes with the white hats rather than the black!
However, the biggest twist is rather predictable and it isn’t an especially original concept as it’s been used previously in films and books so this for me places the book in the 4 star category. That being said it is interesting seeing how Dan and Lucy Davis get to the truth.
Overall, this is my first book by this author but it won’t be my last. It’s well written and maintains interest throughout.
Thank you to NetGalley and Bookouture for the arc.
I like a lot about this novel especially the detectives, in particular Dan and DS Lucy Davis. Their repartee at times tends towards the cheesy and please, Dan, stop saying Exactamundo, it’s very irritating!!!! The plot is solid and has the requisite number of twists to satisfy fans of this genre. It’s deals very well with the difficult issue of domestic violence and psychological abuse at the hands of deeply disturbed and manipulative men. The time and character jumps lead to some repetition although this doesn’t detract from the enjoyment as it fills in some blanks. I like the dilemma that Dan faces as he tries to see that justice is done and am glad he goes with the white hats rather than the black!
However, the biggest twist is rather predictable and it isn’t an especially original concept as it’s been used previously in films and books so this for me places the book in the 4 star category. That being said it is interesting seeing how Dan and Lucy Davis get to the truth.
Overall, this is my first book by this author but it won’t be my last. It’s well written and maintains interest throughout.
Thank you to NetGalley and Bookouture for the arc.
January 25, 2020
EXCERPT: Something in the garden suddenly catches Beth's eye, on the back lawn. At first she thinks it's maybe something the builders have left; they're having a swimming pool dug out at the moment and the garden is in a state of disarray, filled with equipment and tools.
She pushes her face closer to the glass and squints. Instinctively, she opens the sliding doors and goes outside. She strides across the lawn with urgency, still in her socks. It's drizzling heavily, the kind of rain that gets into your eyes and makes your hair frizzy. She feels her heartbeat increase as she moves, adrenalin giving her an almost unbearable lightness under her damp feet. She can feel her trachea tighten slightly; fear creeping in like tendrils around her neck. She recognizes it instantly. It's Marta's favourite scarf - that yellow silky thing with an odd pattern on it that she often wears. Why is it in the garden, abandoned like this?
She bends down to pick it up. It feels damp between her fingers and she can no longer stave off the feeling of terror that is threatening to engulf her.
The drizzle has turned into rain now - heavier drops splash spitefully against her skin. 'Oh my God...oh my God! Marta!' She says, as she runs inside to get her phone.
ABOUT THIS BOOK: Beth and Cath are leaving their husbands.
This is a story about two very different women.
One is wealthy and having an affair with a man who gives her the kind of love that her cold, detached husband does not.
One is living hand to mouth, suffering at the hands of a violent partner who would rather see her dead than leave him.
You may think you know these women already and how their lives will unfold.
Beth will live happily ever after with her little girl and her soulmate.
Cath will go back to her abusive husband.
And these two women will never cross paths.
But you will be wrong.
On the 3.15pm train from London to Bristol, Beth and Cath are about to meet and discover they share one shocking thing in common.
MY THOUGHTS: A quick and pleasant read that is nothing special. If you have read or watched Strangers on a Train, then you know what happens.... I have, so found it rather predictable.
I liked the main character, Detective Dan Riley, but this book has not made enough of an impact on me to make me want to read others in this series.
There were several inconsistencies that irked me...amongst them Marta's disappearance. There was no mention of anyone contacting her family in Norway to see if she had turned up there, no investigation of the swimming pool excavation. What better place to hide a body? There was no attempt to trace her via her phone. Really, her disappearance was swept under the carpet. There are more instances in the same vein....
Overall an average read.
🙂😕.5
#TheStrangersWife #NetGalley #Bookouture
THE AUTHOR: Anna-Lou Weatherley was born in Southampton and grew up in London where she still lives.
An award-winning writer for over ten years, she is the former editor and acting editor of J-17 and Smash Hits respectively and has written for magazines including New Woman, Company, B, Glamour, Marie Claire, Grazia and More (where she was their no nonsense agony aunt). She has also contributed to titles such as Arena, FHM, Loaded and NME.
She previously wrote women’s fiction before moving into the crime/thriller genre with Black Heart and bestseller The Couple on Cedar Close.
DISCLOSURE: Thank you to Bookouture via Netgalley for providing a digital ARC of The Stranger's Wife by Anna-Lou Weatherly for review. All opinions expressed in this review are entirely my own personal opinions.
For an explanation of my rating system please refer to my Goodreads.com profile page or the about page on sandysbookaday.wordpress.com
This review and others are also published on Twitter, Amazon and my webpage https://sandysbookaday.wordpress.com/...
She pushes her face closer to the glass and squints. Instinctively, she opens the sliding doors and goes outside. She strides across the lawn with urgency, still in her socks. It's drizzling heavily, the kind of rain that gets into your eyes and makes your hair frizzy. She feels her heartbeat increase as she moves, adrenalin giving her an almost unbearable lightness under her damp feet. She can feel her trachea tighten slightly; fear creeping in like tendrils around her neck. She recognizes it instantly. It's Marta's favourite scarf - that yellow silky thing with an odd pattern on it that she often wears. Why is it in the garden, abandoned like this?
She bends down to pick it up. It feels damp between her fingers and she can no longer stave off the feeling of terror that is threatening to engulf her.
The drizzle has turned into rain now - heavier drops splash spitefully against her skin. 'Oh my God...oh my God! Marta!' She says, as she runs inside to get her phone.
ABOUT THIS BOOK: Beth and Cath are leaving their husbands.
This is a story about two very different women.
One is wealthy and having an affair with a man who gives her the kind of love that her cold, detached husband does not.
One is living hand to mouth, suffering at the hands of a violent partner who would rather see her dead than leave him.
You may think you know these women already and how their lives will unfold.
Beth will live happily ever after with her little girl and her soulmate.
Cath will go back to her abusive husband.
And these two women will never cross paths.
But you will be wrong.
On the 3.15pm train from London to Bristol, Beth and Cath are about to meet and discover they share one shocking thing in common.
MY THOUGHTS: A quick and pleasant read that is nothing special. If you have read or watched Strangers on a Train, then you know what happens.... I have, so found it rather predictable.
I liked the main character, Detective Dan Riley, but this book has not made enough of an impact on me to make me want to read others in this series.
There were several inconsistencies that irked me...amongst them Marta's disappearance. There was no mention of anyone contacting her family in Norway to see if she had turned up there, no investigation of the swimming pool excavation. What better place to hide a body? There was no attempt to trace her via her phone. Really, her disappearance was swept under the carpet. There are more instances in the same vein....
Overall an average read.
🙂😕.5
#TheStrangersWife #NetGalley #Bookouture
THE AUTHOR: Anna-Lou Weatherley was born in Southampton and grew up in London where she still lives.
An award-winning writer for over ten years, she is the former editor and acting editor of J-17 and Smash Hits respectively and has written for magazines including New Woman, Company, B, Glamour, Marie Claire, Grazia and More (where she was their no nonsense agony aunt). She has also contributed to titles such as Arena, FHM, Loaded and NME.
She previously wrote women’s fiction before moving into the crime/thriller genre with Black Heart and bestseller The Couple on Cedar Close.
DISCLOSURE: Thank you to Bookouture via Netgalley for providing a digital ARC of The Stranger's Wife by Anna-Lou Weatherly for review. All opinions expressed in this review are entirely my own personal opinions.
For an explanation of my rating system please refer to my Goodreads.com profile page or the about page on sandysbookaday.wordpress.com
This review and others are also published on Twitter, Amazon and my webpage https://sandysbookaday.wordpress.com/...
May 8, 2024
4+ “I’m loving this series” stars!
Another twisty police procedural featuring my favourite British detective, DI Dan Riley.
I am not a series reader but I simply can’t get enough of this one! I can honestly say this is the best series I’ve ever read! Each book is equally as clever, witty, suspenseful, shocking, well-written, and addictive.
As with each book, the novel starts with a highly intriguing, unique, questionable scene. This one features a nanny gone missing.
This story will keep you on your toes. I thought I had it figured out a few times. It’s multi-layered and thought provoking. There are some dark themes explored.
It’s easy to see I loved this and highly recommend this book and the entire series! I’ve already started on Book 4 (and am loving it!)
Audio rating: 5 stars! The audio narrator is phenomenal! The perfect voice for the main character!
Another twisty police procedural featuring my favourite British detective, DI Dan Riley.
I am not a series reader but I simply can’t get enough of this one! I can honestly say this is the best series I’ve ever read! Each book is equally as clever, witty, suspenseful, shocking, well-written, and addictive.
As with each book, the novel starts with a highly intriguing, unique, questionable scene. This one features a nanny gone missing.
This story will keep you on your toes. I thought I had it figured out a few times. It’s multi-layered and thought provoking. There are some dark themes explored.
It’s easy to see I loved this and highly recommend this book and the entire series! I’ve already started on Book 4 (and am loving it!)
Audio rating: 5 stars! The audio narrator is phenomenal! The perfect voice for the main character!
January 14, 2020
From the 'eerie' opening to the 'gasp aloud' last sentence I was utterly and totally focused.
June, 2018 – Beth Lawler arrives home to find her four-year-old daughter alone in the house, napping upstairs, her nanny nowhere to be found. Marta's car is still in the driveway, handbag on the table, but her cell phone, and items of clothing are missing. Did the young women, who's always been 100% reliable, leave of her own accord, or is there something more sinister at play?
October, 2018 – Detective Dan Riley is called to a gruesome scene at a high-rise apartment. A man has been shot in the head at close range. There is something familiar about the crime, but Riley can't quite put his finger on it. The subsequent investigation will lead him to one of the most difficult and heart-wrenching decisions of his career – one that will have far-reaching consequences.
Last year I thoroughly enjoyed the twistiness that was The Couple on Cedar Close, so when I heard there was another book in the series being released this January, I knew I just had to get my hands on it. Be advised, avoid reading the official book blurb for this one if possible, I personally think it's too telling. Secondly, The Stranger's Wife can definitely be read as a standalone, even though it's the third installment. The protagonist’s (Detective Dan Riley) professional and personal life are fully explained, and the POV's connected to the crime/s and factors that led up to it outweigh Riley's narration.
The psychological thriller I read prior to this one warned to be wary of strangers. The Stranger's Wife cautioned that those closest to you are the ones to watch and can sometimes turn out to be the most duplicitous of all. Furthermore, a person can outwardly appear to be normal and non-threatening, but beneath lurks a monster, biding their time, waiting to strike. Revenge, betrayal, secrets, lies, reputation, and false accusations were some of the issues raised.
The novel dealt with the brutality and helplessness that is living in an abusive marriage (psychological, emotional, physical, manipulation and control) not just involving women, but children as well, so some parts were upsetting to the core. But feelings of disgust and distress were crucial to the plot, as later you were presented with a moral dilemma that will cause you to question society, the law, and its inability to believe and protect victims.
Whereas there were some “didn't see that coming" shockers, what was probably supposed to be the biggest twist was one I anticipated (and I didn't read the synopsis beforehand) because of its tendency to be overused in the thriller genre. There was some uniqueness to it, that I found intriguing, but overall, unfortunately predictable, hence my 4 rating.
Still, a fantastic read that had me swiping the pages to find out the fate of the characters I'd grown attached to, and Dan Riley just keeps getting better and better. There is no question I will be reading the first in the series – Black Heart, and book four upon release.
Note: Now that I'm in the know, the title is ingenious.
I'd like to thank Netgalley, Bookouture, and Anna-Lou Weatherley for the e-ARC.
Publication Date: 16th January, 2020.
June, 2018 – Beth Lawler arrives home to find her four-year-old daughter alone in the house, napping upstairs, her nanny nowhere to be found. Marta's car is still in the driveway, handbag on the table, but her cell phone, and items of clothing are missing. Did the young women, who's always been 100% reliable, leave of her own accord, or is there something more sinister at play?
October, 2018 – Detective Dan Riley is called to a gruesome scene at a high-rise apartment. A man has been shot in the head at close range. There is something familiar about the crime, but Riley can't quite put his finger on it. The subsequent investigation will lead him to one of the most difficult and heart-wrenching decisions of his career – one that will have far-reaching consequences.
Last year I thoroughly enjoyed the twistiness that was The Couple on Cedar Close, so when I heard there was another book in the series being released this January, I knew I just had to get my hands on it. Be advised, avoid reading the official book blurb for this one if possible, I personally think it's too telling. Secondly, The Stranger's Wife can definitely be read as a standalone, even though it's the third installment. The protagonist’s (Detective Dan Riley) professional and personal life are fully explained, and the POV's connected to the crime/s and factors that led up to it outweigh Riley's narration.
The psychological thriller I read prior to this one warned to be wary of strangers. The Stranger's Wife cautioned that those closest to you are the ones to watch and can sometimes turn out to be the most duplicitous of all. Furthermore, a person can outwardly appear to be normal and non-threatening, but beneath lurks a monster, biding their time, waiting to strike. Revenge, betrayal, secrets, lies, reputation, and false accusations were some of the issues raised.
The novel dealt with the brutality and helplessness that is living in an abusive marriage (psychological, emotional, physical, manipulation and control) not just involving women, but children as well, so some parts were upsetting to the core. But feelings of disgust and distress were crucial to the plot, as later you were presented with a moral dilemma that will cause you to question society, the law, and its inability to believe and protect victims.
Whereas there were some “didn't see that coming" shockers, what was probably supposed to be the biggest twist was one I anticipated (and I didn't read the synopsis beforehand) because of its tendency to be overused in the thriller genre. There was some uniqueness to it, that I found intriguing, but overall, unfortunately predictable, hence my 4 rating.
Still, a fantastic read that had me swiping the pages to find out the fate of the characters I'd grown attached to, and Dan Riley just keeps getting better and better. There is no question I will be reading the first in the series – Black Heart, and book four upon release.
Note: Now that I'm in the know, the title is ingenious.
I'd like to thank Netgalley, Bookouture, and Anna-Lou Weatherley for the e-ARC.
Publication Date: 16th January, 2020.
April 10, 2021
Audio - 5 Stars
Story - 4.25 Stars
Story - 4.25 Stars
December 26, 2019
Thank you Anna-Lou Weatherley for The Strangers Wife. When I picked this up I was starting to think I was having a reading slump as my previous 2 kindle reads had not been great and my current audio book isn't grabbing me either. The Strangers Wife has broken the drought in a big way - fantastic and addictive! I would have read this a lot quicker if it hadn't been for Christmas and a lot less reading on my part. But my goodness, this book is good!!
While this is book 3 to feature Dan Riley it can absolutely be read as a stand alone. Although in saying that, you will want to read the previous 2 books after reading this - I have read them all and really enjoyed them. This is not a series where the life of the police officers are very closely followed. There is a story there and we do have some idea of what is happening - and Dan is in a very tricky situation - but the main story is the case.
A story of 2 women and their husbands. Cath is a woman who is being physically abused by her husband and is struggling to get away from him. Beth on the other hand is having an affair and decided to leave her husband - on the day that her nanny goes missing. The 2 women have very different loves, but when they meet they can see each other in themselves. I won't spoil the story for you but it is clever and addictive and you will have to read it for yourself.
Thank you to Netgalley and Bookouture for my advanced copy of this book to read. All opinions are my own and are in no way biased.
While this is book 3 to feature Dan Riley it can absolutely be read as a stand alone. Although in saying that, you will want to read the previous 2 books after reading this - I have read them all and really enjoyed them. This is not a series where the life of the police officers are very closely followed. There is a story there and we do have some idea of what is happening - and Dan is in a very tricky situation - but the main story is the case.
A story of 2 women and their husbands. Cath is a woman who is being physically abused by her husband and is struggling to get away from him. Beth on the other hand is having an affair and decided to leave her husband - on the day that her nanny goes missing. The 2 women have very different loves, but when they meet they can see each other in themselves. I won't spoil the story for you but it is clever and addictive and you will have to read it for yourself.
Thank you to Netgalley and Bookouture for my advanced copy of this book to read. All opinions are my own and are in no way biased.
January 16, 2020
Detective Dan Riley #3
This is a story about two women who have different backgrounds. Beth is in a loveless marriage while Cath is in an abusive relationship. Both women would like to escape their situations. The story begins with the disappearance of Beth's Nanny. It then moves on to Beth and Cath's stories giving us the reasons why these women desperately wanted to leave their husbands.
The story is told from Cath, Beth and Dan's points of view. My heart went out to both women who were controlled by their husbands. From about the 60% mark, I knew where the story was going but there was still some things I didn't guess. I don't mind if I guess where a book is going, it doesn't spoil my enjoyment. The pace is fast and there is a few twists to keep your interest. There is some trigger warnings such as domestic abuse and the loss of a baby. I read this book I one sitting. I do recommend this book.
I would like to thank NetGalley, Bookouture and the author Anna-Lou Weatherley for my ARC in exchange for an honest review.
This is a story about two women who have different backgrounds. Beth is in a loveless marriage while Cath is in an abusive relationship. Both women would like to escape their situations. The story begins with the disappearance of Beth's Nanny. It then moves on to Beth and Cath's stories giving us the reasons why these women desperately wanted to leave their husbands.
The story is told from Cath, Beth and Dan's points of view. My heart went out to both women who were controlled by their husbands. From about the 60% mark, I knew where the story was going but there was still some things I didn't guess. I don't mind if I guess where a book is going, it doesn't spoil my enjoyment. The pace is fast and there is a few twists to keep your interest. There is some trigger warnings such as domestic abuse and the loss of a baby. I read this book I one sitting. I do recommend this book.
I would like to thank NetGalley, Bookouture and the author Anna-Lou Weatherley for my ARC in exchange for an honest review.
December 24, 2019
Another really good psychological thriller mingling well with police procedural thanks to ‘Dan’ who is back
Firstly I really like Dan, no flies on him, he loves his police work and takes it seriously but without being pompous or heavy handed, he has no sides to him and he really is one of the ‘good guys’, he does have a personal life that comes into the story but doesn’t overpower it or take over from the main tale
So that’s Dan, the policeman
Now meet Beth and Cath
Both women with troubled lives, both abused in very different ways, both needing an escape
Both look identical and by chance meet on a train....
The story then follows Beth and Cath and what they do to rid themselves of their respective ‘problem’
Its a clever, precise, dark and moving story with more twists and turns than most, they keep coming and it keeps you on your toes and flicking those pages
The book does cover abuse amongst other things but done in a non glorifying way and needed for the story
Elements of ‘Sliding Doors’ are here and all in all its a tense exciting and unique story that thriller lovers wont be able not to enjoy, well written, easy to visualise and addictive to read
10/10
5 Stars
Firstly I really like Dan, no flies on him, he loves his police work and takes it seriously but without being pompous or heavy handed, he has no sides to him and he really is one of the ‘good guys’, he does have a personal life that comes into the story but doesn’t overpower it or take over from the main tale
So that’s Dan, the policeman
Now meet Beth and Cath
Both women with troubled lives, both abused in very different ways, both needing an escape
Both look identical and by chance meet on a train....
The story then follows Beth and Cath and what they do to rid themselves of their respective ‘problem’
Its a clever, precise, dark and moving story with more twists and turns than most, they keep coming and it keeps you on your toes and flicking those pages
The book does cover abuse amongst other things but done in a non glorifying way and needed for the story
Elements of ‘Sliding Doors’ are here and all in all its a tense exciting and unique story that thriller lovers wont be able not to enjoy, well written, easy to visualise and addictive to read
10/10
5 Stars
June 9, 2023
Detective Dan Riley Series, Book # Three
Beth's husband (Evan) is found dead, executed with a shotgun in a high-rise penthouse. At the exact time, on the 3.15pm train from London to Bristol, Beth is seen entering a train leaving town. Beth couldn't have murdered her husband, she has an alibi. However, Detective Dan Riley senses that everything is not as it seems and will stop at nothing to find out the truth, even if it costs him his career.
Clever, engrossing, and absolutely enthralling, listen about what really lies beneath the surface of a marriage. This story is about endurance, strength, and motherhood.
**I love this series! Every book seems to be better than the last. James Lailey's narration is sublime.**💗
Beth's husband (Evan) is found dead, executed with a shotgun in a high-rise penthouse. At the exact time, on the 3.15pm train from London to Bristol, Beth is seen entering a train leaving town. Beth couldn't have murdered her husband, she has an alibi. However, Detective Dan Riley senses that everything is not as it seems and will stop at nothing to find out the truth, even if it costs him his career.
Clever, engrossing, and absolutely enthralling, listen about what really lies beneath the surface of a marriage. This story is about endurance, strength, and motherhood.
**I love this series! Every book seems to be better than the last. James Lailey's narration is sublime.**💗
February 23, 2020
THE STRANGER’S WIFE is the third book in the Detective Dan Riley Crime Thriller Series by author Anna-Lou Weatherley. Even though this is the third book in the Detective Dan Riley series, this is easily read as a stand-alone. After really enjoying the first two books, I was anxious to start the third book in the series; The Stranger’s Wife…and again another winner! I was not disappointed! I loved it! This book will clutch you right from the beginning until the last page.
The Three books in the series include:
Black Heart (Book 1)
The Couple on Cedar Close (Book 2)
The Stranger’s Wife (Book 3)
Beth and Cath are leaving their husbands.
This is a story about two very different women. This book deals with the issue of domestic abuse, both physical and psychological, and how it can affect anybody, rich or poor, class and gender…and the damage it can cause. This novel also explores the element of revenge in divorce, and how children can be affected by divorce.
Beth, is married to a rich husband, Evan, but she is in her marriage. She reaches out and has an affair with a man, Nick who gives her the kind of love that her cold, detached husband, does not. Beth decides to leave her husband with her four-year-old daughter, Lily - on the day that her nanny, Marta goes missing.
Marta is missing in the house, and the baby alarm monitor is turned off…Marta was reliable and would never leave Lily alone. Marta had disappeared without a trace. Something was wrong!
Beth calls her husband at work and tells him to come home, after reporting the disappearance to the police. DI Dan Riley from homicide is assigned to the case, and comes to the house to take statements. Dan and his team, D.S. Lucy Davis and newest team member, DC Carrie Mitchell focus on solving the case.
Meanwhile, Cath is suffering at the hands of a violent partner who would rather see her dead than leave him.
So will Beth will live happily ever after with her little girl and her soulmate, and will Cath will go back to her abusive husband.
On the 3.15pm train from London to Bristol, Beth and Cath are about to meet and discover they share one shocking thing in common.
I am not going to write any more for risk of spoilers, and ruin how it will end for the two women…you have to read this book to find out how it ends!
The Stranger’s Wife is a fast-paced crime-thriller that shows what really lies beneath the surface of a marriage. This is an additive read and one that you will not be able to put down…until you know!
Many thanks the author, Bookouture and Netgalley for my digital copy.
The Three books in the series include:
Black Heart (Book 1)
The Couple on Cedar Close (Book 2)
The Stranger’s Wife (Book 3)
Beth and Cath are leaving their husbands.
This is a story about two very different women. This book deals with the issue of domestic abuse, both physical and psychological, and how it can affect anybody, rich or poor, class and gender…and the damage it can cause. This novel also explores the element of revenge in divorce, and how children can be affected by divorce.
Beth, is married to a rich husband, Evan, but she is in her marriage. She reaches out and has an affair with a man, Nick who gives her the kind of love that her cold, detached husband, does not. Beth decides to leave her husband with her four-year-old daughter, Lily - on the day that her nanny, Marta goes missing.
Marta is missing in the house, and the baby alarm monitor is turned off…Marta was reliable and would never leave Lily alone. Marta had disappeared without a trace. Something was wrong!
Beth calls her husband at work and tells him to come home, after reporting the disappearance to the police. DI Dan Riley from homicide is assigned to the case, and comes to the house to take statements. Dan and his team, D.S. Lucy Davis and newest team member, DC Carrie Mitchell focus on solving the case.
Meanwhile, Cath is suffering at the hands of a violent partner who would rather see her dead than leave him.
So will Beth will live happily ever after with her little girl and her soulmate, and will Cath will go back to her abusive husband.
On the 3.15pm train from London to Bristol, Beth and Cath are about to meet and discover they share one shocking thing in common.
I am not going to write any more for risk of spoilers, and ruin how it will end for the two women…you have to read this book to find out how it ends!
The Stranger’s Wife is a fast-paced crime-thriller that shows what really lies beneath the surface of a marriage. This is an additive read and one that you will not be able to put down…until you know!
Many thanks the author, Bookouture and Netgalley for my digital copy.
February 12, 2020
This is my first book by the author. It has a decent story and good pace. A story about two women – Beth and Cath who are struggling with marital issues, and the stories converge well at the end.
Beth is married to Evan who is wealthy, but there seems to be little else to the marriage. She wants to move in with Nick, but it is not going to be easy and there is her young daughter Lily to consider. Cath is married to Saul, who is addicted to drugs and indulges in violent abuse. The scenes describing the abuse make for difficult & depressing reading but are very well written. Beth & Cath meet unexpectedly on the train and are struck by the similarities of their pains.
A violent crime brings Dan into the fray, who tries to piece together the sequence of event and the motive.
The book makes for engrossing reading - only the last few chapters could have been much better.
My rating: 3.5 / 5.
Thanks to Netgalley, the publisher & author for a free electronic copy in order to provide a review.
Beth is married to Evan who is wealthy, but there seems to be little else to the marriage. She wants to move in with Nick, but it is not going to be easy and there is her young daughter Lily to consider. Cath is married to Saul, who is addicted to drugs and indulges in violent abuse. The scenes describing the abuse make for difficult & depressing reading but are very well written. Beth & Cath meet unexpectedly on the train and are struck by the similarities of their pains.
A violent crime brings Dan into the fray, who tries to piece together the sequence of event and the motive.
The book makes for engrossing reading - only the last few chapters could have been much better.
My rating: 3.5 / 5.
Thanks to Netgalley, the publisher & author for a free electronic copy in order to provide a review.
January 16, 2020
Fear was a governess most people did not understand, not really. It muddles your mind. No one understands anything until they have truly lived it.
3.5
This was my first read from Anna Lou Weatherley. I didn’t realize that this book was number three in the Detective Dan Riley series, but it was fine because although some characters remain the same, there isn’t really an ongoing story. At least I didn’t pick up on one as I read The Stranger’s Wife. Which was a pretty twisted tale. I don’t want to say much, because I honestly feel this one is best read without even the vaguest spoiler. What I will say is that there wasn’t much to solve with this suspenseful thriller. It was quite obvious what probably occurred, but I think that’s what made the entire thing so scary. You’re sent one way, but then you just know that the obvious, terrifying answer is probably the truth.
The main characters have very real stories, even if they are a bit exaggerated at some points, but yes. You feel for some of the characters, because their stories are very much realities people face daily. I think Weatherley did a great job writing about heavy subject matter and also keeping the story flowing on track. I will say that my only true complaint is that there is a bit of time jumping, and it’s not that distant in time, so it’s a bit confusing to keep up with at first.
All in all this was a great read. I enjoyed it, and will definitely recommend it to anyone who likes suspenseful reads. There are quite a few triggering topics covered, but by the end it feels as though some form of justice has been served.
https://instagram.com/p/B7YbZXDgip7/
^reader graphic on IG!
Available now!!
*ARC
3.5
This was my first read from Anna Lou Weatherley. I didn’t realize that this book was number three in the Detective Dan Riley series, but it was fine because although some characters remain the same, there isn’t really an ongoing story. At least I didn’t pick up on one as I read The Stranger’s Wife. Which was a pretty twisted tale. I don’t want to say much, because I honestly feel this one is best read without even the vaguest spoiler. What I will say is that there wasn’t much to solve with this suspenseful thriller. It was quite obvious what probably occurred, but I think that’s what made the entire thing so scary. You’re sent one way, but then you just know that the obvious, terrifying answer is probably the truth.
The main characters have very real stories, even if they are a bit exaggerated at some points, but yes. You feel for some of the characters, because their stories are very much realities people face daily. I think Weatherley did a great job writing about heavy subject matter and also keeping the story flowing on track. I will say that my only true complaint is that there is a bit of time jumping, and it’s not that distant in time, so it’s a bit confusing to keep up with at first.
All in all this was a great read. I enjoyed it, and will definitely recommend it to anyone who likes suspenseful reads. There are quite a few triggering topics covered, but by the end it feels as though some form of justice has been served.
https://instagram.com/p/B7YbZXDgip7/
^reader graphic on IG!
Available now!!
*ARC
December 26, 2019
When I started this book, I didn't realize it's the third in a series featuring Detective Dan Riley. And by the time I finished, I was bummed that I haven't read the other two. That's not because this one doesn't stand alone - it does just fine on that score, thank the author very much - but rather because I really like the character. Oh well - now I'm looking forward to reading the next one.
The story follows two abused women; Beth's suffering is largely psychological, bestowed by her cold, uncaring but wealthy husband and father of their young daughter. For love, she turns to an affair with a man who isn't shy about showing affection to her or her daughter. Catherine's abuse is both psychological and physical, the latter often turning so violent that she ends up in the hospital. In part because her husband threatens to kill her if she leaves - and in part because she has no clue what she would do even if she did - she stays in the marriage but fears the worst.
Ultimately, Beth tells her husband Evan that she's found a new love and wants a divorce; he shows little emotion even then, but there's a not-so-thinly-veiled threat that he'll use his money and power to discredit Beth and gain custody of their daughter (at the very least). Riley gets involved early on when the couple's nanny and Beth's dear friend Marta goes missing and Beth calls in the police.
Marta's disappearance remains a mystery that stymies the police, but then "things" happen to other key characters in both women's worlds that require further police investigation. The "aha" moment, if you will, comes when Beth and Catherine actually meet; at that point it's clear (or at least it was to me) how the story would progress. The only question is specifically how it will end for the two women. Of course, I won't divulge anything except to say there are a couple of twists.
Although a few parts seemed a bit repetitive and I've read variations on this plot before, overall this is an easy-to-read, fast-paced and attention-holding book. In fact, I was grateful for the holiday lull in regular TV programming that allowed me to finish the remaining quarter without stopping - simply because I couldn't wait to get to the end. Well done, and I thank the publisher, via NetGalley, for the opportunity to read and review an advance copy.
The story follows two abused women; Beth's suffering is largely psychological, bestowed by her cold, uncaring but wealthy husband and father of their young daughter. For love, she turns to an affair with a man who isn't shy about showing affection to her or her daughter. Catherine's abuse is both psychological and physical, the latter often turning so violent that she ends up in the hospital. In part because her husband threatens to kill her if she leaves - and in part because she has no clue what she would do even if she did - she stays in the marriage but fears the worst.
Ultimately, Beth tells her husband Evan that she's found a new love and wants a divorce; he shows little emotion even then, but there's a not-so-thinly-veiled threat that he'll use his money and power to discredit Beth and gain custody of their daughter (at the very least). Riley gets involved early on when the couple's nanny and Beth's dear friend Marta goes missing and Beth calls in the police.
Marta's disappearance remains a mystery that stymies the police, but then "things" happen to other key characters in both women's worlds that require further police investigation. The "aha" moment, if you will, comes when Beth and Catherine actually meet; at that point it's clear (or at least it was to me) how the story would progress. The only question is specifically how it will end for the two women. Of course, I won't divulge anything except to say there are a couple of twists.
Although a few parts seemed a bit repetitive and I've read variations on this plot before, overall this is an easy-to-read, fast-paced and attention-holding book. In fact, I was grateful for the holiday lull in regular TV programming that allowed me to finish the remaining quarter without stopping - simply because I couldn't wait to get to the end. Well done, and I thank the publisher, via NetGalley, for the opportunity to read and review an advance copy.
October 18, 2023
*Riveting*
*4.5 Stars*
I found this one very hard to put down. The story is told By two women Beth the wife of Evan a very wealthy businessman and his power and influence becomes clear as the story continues. Beth has never wanted for anything financially but there is no love in the marriage and on the rare occasion he is home he is in the spare room. This changes when Beth meets someone else…..
Beth soon realises that Evan is in fact a stranger she never really knew
We then have Cath she has barely two pence to rub together and she lives with her drug fuelled partner who continually beats her and so much more, when is enough?…..
I kept wondering why Cath was being mentioned until something happens ….
The very powers that be who should protect us have not bargained on Detective Riley with his very sharp brain. He is being hampered and he is not a man who will brush things under the carpet, will the implications of what he discovers be worth the risk of him taking on his own and so much more…. Who exactly can he trust and is there such a thing as the perfect murder?
*4.5 Stars*
I found this one very hard to put down. The story is told By two women Beth the wife of Evan a very wealthy businessman and his power and influence becomes clear as the story continues. Beth has never wanted for anything financially but there is no love in the marriage and on the rare occasion he is home he is in the spare room. This changes when Beth meets someone else…..
Beth soon realises that Evan is in fact a stranger she never really knew
We then have Cath she has barely two pence to rub together and she lives with her drug fuelled partner who continually beats her and so much more, when is enough?…..
I kept wondering why Cath was being mentioned until something happens ….
The very powers that be who should protect us have not bargained on Detective Riley with his very sharp brain. He is being hampered and he is not a man who will brush things under the carpet, will the implications of what he discovers be worth the risk of him taking on his own and so much more…. Who exactly can he trust and is there such a thing as the perfect murder?
January 29, 2020
The Stranger's Wife was a gripping, fast paced psychological thriller, absolutely the kind I’m drawn to. It’s one of those books you want to race through to the end as it just hooks you in!
The Strangers Wife is a story about two very different yet similar women.
BETH is living the rich life but she’s in an unhappy and loveless marriage to Evan. They have a beautiful four-year old daughter Lily who is adored. Beth’s having an affair with Nick who she is in love with. The story opens with Beth returning home to find the nanny gone, the door left open and her daughter left alone in the house asleep, where is the nanny, this is so out of character?
CATH lives in a council flat and is being mentally and physically abused by her drug addicted and jealous partner Saul but can’t find a way to leave him as she’s in fear of her life. Saul has been her first and only love.
A chance meeting on a train between Beth and Cath reveals they have a lot in common, the women form a bond which turns their lives around.
Clever plot, interesting characters and addictive reading, a recommended read.
I wish to thank Netgalley and Bookouture for providing a copy of the book in return for an honest review.
The Strangers Wife is a story about two very different yet similar women.
BETH is living the rich life but she’s in an unhappy and loveless marriage to Evan. They have a beautiful four-year old daughter Lily who is adored. Beth’s having an affair with Nick who she is in love with. The story opens with Beth returning home to find the nanny gone, the door left open and her daughter left alone in the house asleep, where is the nanny, this is so out of character?
CATH lives in a council flat and is being mentally and physically abused by her drug addicted and jealous partner Saul but can’t find a way to leave him as she’s in fear of her life. Saul has been her first and only love.
A chance meeting on a train between Beth and Cath reveals they have a lot in common, the women form a bond which turns their lives around.
Clever plot, interesting characters and addictive reading, a recommended read.
I wish to thank Netgalley and Bookouture for providing a copy of the book in return for an honest review.
November 3, 2020
Not quite 4-stars but still an enjoyable psychological read/listen.
The downside first - the link between the stories of Beth and Cath, seemed forced and at times unbelievable. It did feel like a novel about Beth with everyone else being added to make the storyline work. Detective Dan Riley, whom I thoroughly enjoyed in the first two books in the series -where he had a significant role, seemed a little marginalised through the main part of this plot.
On the upside, it is a very well written book and fits the psychological thriller genre. Riley is true to his no-nonsense approach to police work and sticks to his morals and there is a definite opening in the conclusion to have these decisions come back to haunt him in Book #4.
Worth the read and maybe the audio version did not translate as well as the book versions I read in instalment #1 and #2. I will be back for more from this author!
The downside first - the link between the stories of Beth and Cath, seemed forced and at times unbelievable. It did feel like a novel about Beth with everyone else being added to make the storyline work. Detective Dan Riley, whom I thoroughly enjoyed in the first two books in the series -where he had a significant role, seemed a little marginalised through the main part of this plot.
On the upside, it is a very well written book and fits the psychological thriller genre. Riley is true to his no-nonsense approach to police work and sticks to his morals and there is a definite opening in the conclusion to have these decisions come back to haunt him in Book #4.
Worth the read and maybe the audio version did not translate as well as the book versions I read in instalment #1 and #2. I will be back for more from this author!
January 14, 2020
There was a saying - Marriages are made in heaven. Are they? Are they really? After reading this book with the fantastic cover and reading the plot emerging from a dark mind like Anna Lou Weatherley, you wouldn't think so... Nah... No ways..
2 women Beth and Cath, both in a lousy marriage, met on a train, and found similar things in their lives and things happened. And don't even think the movie you were thinking... 😂 😂
My second book by this author, I was so happy that the book went in the same direction as my brain had imagined. The moment Beth and Cath met each other, I knew the plot. Because I would have gone the same way. What can I say? I have a very dark brain.
The writing was strongly evocative, I could feel the rage in my blood rising at the lousy husbands. The story revolved spirally going deeper into the center, and just when I reached it, I discovered there was another subplot by the way of DI Dan who was investigating a murder.
Fast paced suspense with a writing style that gripped me, this was easily the fastest book read. A fun evening with tea and biscuits. And my kindle.
2 women Beth and Cath, both in a lousy marriage, met on a train, and found similar things in their lives and things happened. And don't even think the movie you were thinking... 😂 😂
My second book by this author, I was so happy that the book went in the same direction as my brain had imagined. The moment Beth and Cath met each other, I knew the plot. Because I would have gone the same way. What can I say? I have a very dark brain.
The writing was strongly evocative, I could feel the rage in my blood rising at the lousy husbands. The story revolved spirally going deeper into the center, and just when I reached it, I discovered there was another subplot by the way of DI Dan who was investigating a murder.
Fast paced suspense with a writing style that gripped me, this was easily the fastest book read. A fun evening with tea and biscuits. And my kindle.
January 19, 2020
In the Stranger’s Wife, we meet Beth and Cath, two women who are suffering at the hands of their violent, abusive and psychopathic husbands. Although they lead very different lives and don’t know each other, their paths will cross in a perfect fait accompli. Will these two women be able to get away from their abusive husbands and live without fear of their lives again?
The book was a page-turner for me even though I was able to see the twists coming. It didn’t take away one bit from how much I enjoyed the book. I felt totally invested in the story mainly because I really wanted to see these two women become free of these wicked men and also because the author is a great storyteller. The story unfolded seamlessly.
It was the first book I read in the series and it can be read a stand-alone. I will be going back to read the first two books.
Thank you to Net Galley and Bookouture for providing me with an ARC in exchange for a fair and honest review.
The book was a page-turner for me even though I was able to see the twists coming. It didn’t take away one bit from how much I enjoyed the book. I felt totally invested in the story mainly because I really wanted to see these two women become free of these wicked men and also because the author is a great storyteller. The story unfolded seamlessly.
It was the first book I read in the series and it can be read a stand-alone. I will be going back to read the first two books.
Thank you to Net Galley and Bookouture for providing me with an ARC in exchange for a fair and honest review.
December 21, 2022
I just spent the last 7 days with Anna-Lou Weatherley, narrator James Lailey, and DI Dan Riley (virtually), and it was an out-of-body experience.
Removing my headphones was a daunting task!
After polishing off all five audiobooks in author Anna-Lou Weatherley's DI Dan Riley series, I am currently suffering from withdrawal symptoms.
Yes, the books were that good.
This series checked all of my boxes:
* Cleverly crafted and intense UK mystery/thrillers
* Strong characterizations
* Over-the-top police procedurals
* Outstanding narration. Narrator James Lailey is an accomplished actor and he is one of my new favorite UK male narrators.
* A perfect dose of humor. Contrary to popular belief, it is possible for a gasp to be followed by a chuckle!
The author has a new book being released in early 2023. and this book will be at the tippy-top of my TBR list.
"The Stranger's Wife" is #3 in the series.
Even though all five thrillers are standalone reads, I strongly recommend starting with Book #1 and reading them in sequence.
Each book gets better and better.
Removing my headphones was a daunting task!
After polishing off all five audiobooks in author Anna-Lou Weatherley's DI Dan Riley series, I am currently suffering from withdrawal symptoms.
Yes, the books were that good.
This series checked all of my boxes:
* Cleverly crafted and intense UK mystery/thrillers
* Strong characterizations
* Over-the-top police procedurals
* Outstanding narration. Narrator James Lailey is an accomplished actor and he is one of my new favorite UK male narrators.
* A perfect dose of humor. Contrary to popular belief, it is possible for a gasp to be followed by a chuckle!
The author has a new book being released in early 2023. and this book will be at the tippy-top of my TBR list.
"The Stranger's Wife" is #3 in the series.
Even though all five thrillers are standalone reads, I strongly recommend starting with Book #1 and reading them in sequence.
Each book gets better and better.
February 5, 2022
I didn't find much originality in the story. I can think of several books that were based on this same theme. It also promised me a "jaw-dropping twist"...so okay let's see what this is. Sorry...I knew what it was going to be by the third chapter. There are two main characters, Beth, who has it all. A baby, a nanny...who just disappears without a trace, a beautiful home...she's living the life. The police semi-investigates the nanny's disappearance but say they see no evidence that anything has actually "happened" to her...she just left. As soon as the police leave, Beth tells her husband she wants a divorce because she has "fallen in love with another man, who makes her feel things her husband never did". I thought that they were more like roommates than a married couple anyway. The rest of the book delves into all the crazy and arsine, things her husband does to manipulate her into coming back. She should have just slit his throat in the night and said, "good riddance", end of book. But no... she meets Cath, a woman on the train to London, and forms a crazy plan and talks Cath, a woman whose husband has almost beat her to death on numerous occasions, to go along with it. The running theme throughout the book was, “How well do you really know someone”? I guess I missed the 'jaw-dropping twist", but seeing what stupid, unbelievable thing Beth would come up with next earned it 3 stars.
January 27, 2020
“He was the stranger she married; a man she never really knew.”
Holy freaking sheep shit, Batman!! Jezzzy petes that was one fun ride on the crazy train. Wow, Weatherlery hits the ball out of the park with this one! She makes you really think hard with regards to just how well can you really ever know someone?
The Stranger’s Wife gives crazy a whole new meaning. Yes my friends, as you read, you think you’ve reached the bottom of the crazy barrel but then Weatherlery, hits you with a hidden underground garage of crazy! Buckle up and enjoy the ride with this one. It’s a gasoline - fire fueled trip to crazy town - just light the match and enjoy the show. 5stars
Holy freaking sheep shit, Batman!! Jezzzy petes that was one fun ride on the crazy train. Wow, Weatherlery hits the ball out of the park with this one! She makes you really think hard with regards to just how well can you really ever know someone?
The Stranger’s Wife gives crazy a whole new meaning. Yes my friends, as you read, you think you’ve reached the bottom of the crazy barrel but then Weatherlery, hits you with a hidden underground garage of crazy! Buckle up and enjoy the ride with this one. It’s a gasoline - fire fueled trip to crazy town - just light the match and enjoy the show. 5stars
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June 14, 2024
1-Star - A Definite DNF @25%.
I was unimpressed with the first hour's listening, and totally unimpressed after two plus hours' listening.😒 I don't like the MFC, Beth, I don't like where the story seems to be going, and I'm dead sure I won't like Cath.
After 3-Stars ratings for both #1 and #2, I have not been able to come to grips with the "Detective Dan Riley" series, which has been highly acclaimed by some friends and followed.
I was unimpressed with the first hour's listening, and totally unimpressed after two plus hours' listening.😒 I don't like the MFC, Beth, I don't like where the story seems to be going, and I'm dead sure I won't like Cath.
After 3-Stars ratings for both #1 and #2, I have not been able to come to grips with the "Detective Dan Riley" series, which has been highly acclaimed by some friends and followed.
August 6, 2020
Two women are poles apart in their lives. One is extremely wealthy, has everything anyone could want. The one thing she lacks is a loving husband, so she has an affair. The other woman is living in near-poverty with an abusive husband.
These women are destined to meet and when they do, they find they have a lot in common... and their lives will forever change.
Although well written, this plot has been done again and again over the years. It seemed to drag in places, maybe because I knew what was coming. The suspense is well paced leading to a not so surprising conclusion.
Many thanks to the author / Bookouture / Netgalley for the digital copy of this psychological thriller. Read and reviewed voluntarily, opinions expressed here are unbiased and entirely my own.
January 31, 2020
Surprised by the high ratings; I guess nobody has ever seen a Hitchcock movie. This was an unoriginal plot told in a very flat and jagged manner. It felt like I was reading a rough draft, not a finished and honed novel. There was no depth to the characters, the story lacked atmosphere and I didn't get a sense of place. I found the cop sections particularly inauthentic, specially the dialogue and interactions. Overall, stale and bland. I think the reveal would have been best left out until discovered by the cop at the end. As written, it takes away any surprise. (watching Hitchcock takes it away also...just rename this ).
September 26, 2024
Entertainingly [and chillingly] twisted, this one involves the elite. I'm thinking that this will be a TV series at some point.
I am sorry that I already read ALL of Anna-Lou Weatherley's book. The stories are great, and the narrator is brilliant, an excellent choice for Detective Dan Riley.
Keep writing, please, Anna-Lou!
I am sorry that I already read ALL of Anna-Lou Weatherley's book. The stories are great, and the narrator is brilliant, an excellent choice for Detective Dan Riley.
Keep writing, please, Anna-Lou!
January 25, 2020
"The heart wants what the heart wants."
This third installment in the series featuring DI Dan Riley blends domestic drama with police procedural to create a satisfying mystery novel. A crime thriller that touches on many different issues and introduces some interesting characters has a familiar plot but unique pacing. I read it in a single sitting over a couple of hours and it kept me fully engaged throughout.
Two different women suffering at the hands and antics of their husbands who are abusive in different ways. Beth Lawler lives in an upscale area and is married to a wealthy, powerful man. She's miserable and finds love and happiness in an adulterous affair that puts her and her daughter, Lily, in an untenable position. Catherine Patterson is Saul Bennet's "zombie" -- her brute of a husband is an addict who regularly beats her but this time he has gone too far. Two vengeful wives who meet by accident on the 3:15 PM train to Bristol.
The detective, Dan Riley, is about to become a father with a woman he respects but doesn't love. He understands grief but has a solid moral compass. What's he to do with this case that has so many shades of gray? As he runs down the events and the suspects, Dan wants to do the right thing but the ramifications are made obvious by his supervisors. The age old question -- is there ever a justification for murder? NO SPOILERS.
I really like this series and I do appreciate the righteousness of Dan Riley however much I wanted this all to end differently. The writing is excellent, the pacing is perfect, and the premise was intriguing. The issues were handled in a masterful manner by the author and I really connected with both Beth and Cath as women put in situations that would make even a saint go crazy. The law limits what can be done.
Thank you to NetGalley and Bookouture for this e-book ARC to read, review and recommend. I've read all three books in this series and urge other readers to do the same. I'm looking forward to the next installment.
This third installment in the series featuring DI Dan Riley blends domestic drama with police procedural to create a satisfying mystery novel. A crime thriller that touches on many different issues and introduces some interesting characters has a familiar plot but unique pacing. I read it in a single sitting over a couple of hours and it kept me fully engaged throughout.
Two different women suffering at the hands and antics of their husbands who are abusive in different ways. Beth Lawler lives in an upscale area and is married to a wealthy, powerful man. She's miserable and finds love and happiness in an adulterous affair that puts her and her daughter, Lily, in an untenable position. Catherine Patterson is Saul Bennet's "zombie" -- her brute of a husband is an addict who regularly beats her but this time he has gone too far. Two vengeful wives who meet by accident on the 3:15 PM train to Bristol.
The detective, Dan Riley, is about to become a father with a woman he respects but doesn't love. He understands grief but has a solid moral compass. What's he to do with this case that has so many shades of gray? As he runs down the events and the suspects, Dan wants to do the right thing but the ramifications are made obvious by his supervisors. The age old question -- is there ever a justification for murder? NO SPOILERS.
I really like this series and I do appreciate the righteousness of Dan Riley however much I wanted this all to end differently. The writing is excellent, the pacing is perfect, and the premise was intriguing. The issues were handled in a masterful manner by the author and I really connected with both Beth and Cath as women put in situations that would make even a saint go crazy. The law limits what can be done.
Thank you to NetGalley and Bookouture for this e-book ARC to read, review and recommend. I've read all three books in this series and urge other readers to do the same. I'm looking forward to the next installment.
September 27, 2020
woof. Half a star.
moustache-twirling villains, cringe-inducing dialogue, obvious plot, over-explaining, over-justifying. unlikeable heroine AND hero. No compassion towards sex-workers and drug-addicts, narrator’s delivery didn't help things any (why is it a man?!?).
Last quarter of the book has no reason to exist. Incessant repetition (she literally sits there and repeats everything she thought throughout the book to the detective) and dead-horse beating with some preaching thrown in for good measure. No thank you.
moustache-twirling villains, cringe-inducing dialogue, obvious plot, over-explaining, over-justifying. unlikeable heroine AND hero. No compassion towards sex-workers and drug-addicts, narrator’s delivery didn't help things any (why is it a man?!?).
Last quarter of the book has no reason to exist. Incessant repetition (she literally sits there and repeats everything she thought throughout the book to the detective) and dead-horse beating with some preaching thrown in for good measure. No thank you.
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