The Housewife's Secret

by Anna-Lou Weatherley

Genres: Audiobook

296 pages, Paperback

Published January 8, 2024

Reviews

[Megan Gattone · Rating 2 out of 5]

Maybe it’s because I listened to this one, but it was definitely hard to follow. The ending was predictable, and not worth it.
Glad I didn’t waist time reading this one.

[Gauri Joshi · Rating 4 out of 5]

I may have found the best genre for Audiobooks with this one. Gripping thriller, equally engaging narration!

[Kirby Brunskill- Gough · Rating 4 out of 5]

Good story line everything happened quickly and well narrated too

[Nandini Reddy Dayal · Rating 4 out of 5]

Darcie Bonneville a shy, reclusive housewife, gets shoved into the limelight after rescuing a young girl from an accident. A moment most would have capitalized on makes Darcie nervous. She doesn't want anyone to recognize her because she doesn't want to be found. When Darcie suddenly goes missing everything in her past comes tumbling into the present.

This is another Detective Riley book, not sure which one in the series order but it was brilliantly written. The story focusses heavily on childhood trauma and it's aftermath and it is narrated brilliantly. Westherley manages to bring in new ideas, twists and moments in every book and that is definitely what keeps her audience hooked.

[Ameya · Rating 3 out of 5]

So-so police procedural.


The Housewife's Secret is a police procedural and psychological thriller that delves into the secrets and lies within a well-off but normal marriage. The story concerns the disappearance of pregnant Darcie Bonneville, the eponymous, 37 y.o., recent housewife, married to a cardiologist. Darcie’s past becomes of police focus, revealing the secrets she's spent 22-odd years burying. The tale follows DCI Dan Riley in his detective investigation, unravelling twists and following hunches. Reclusive Darcie was thrust into the limelight after rescuing a child from a car accident. What should have been a moment of self-acknowledgement made Darcie fearful instead, not wanting recognition or to be located.

Darcie's personality and past are what make for the psychological thriller element. She’s reported to be perfect in all her skills, e.g. interior decorating, keeping house and cooking. Her quiet demeanour makes her a seemingly typical housewife, who goes unnoticed. As her secrets unravel, the complexity of her past are what make the detective, DCI Dan Riley’s and his sidekick’s characters shine through. However, some aspects of the plot, especially the reasons behind the multiple captive situations, feel unrealistic and don’t quite ring true, leaving some questions unanswered. I also don’t much like captive books.

The narrator, James Lailey, does a largely commendable job bringing the story to life. However, his attempt at different accents falls flat when he attempts broad accents that he overly exaggerates, making him difficult to understand, requiring multiple listens to fully grasp the dialogue.

Despite these issues, the prose is good, though the plot is full of holes. The book is fairly engaging with moments of suspense, though its believability and audio narration could use some improvement.

This book review also appears in https://thereadersvault.blogspot.com/....

[Painter9300 · Rating 4 out of 5]

The book begins with a dinner party between two couples and we are introduced to the main characters Darcy and her husband Gabe. They are happy and there is obvious much love between them. Unexpectedly there is a message left at their apartment without knowing who dropped it off. Darcy has many secrets that she has not shared with Gabe and discards the note without letting him know about it. The next morning Darcy gets ready for her day and takes the dog for his walk. The dog shows up later at their apartment without Darcy. As a reader you see the real Darcy and are introduced to her past and see the horrendous experiences that she had earlier in her life. She is a brave and strong young woman and took charge of her life creating a safe place for herself. As you near the end of the book the story loses his momentum and falls a little flat, it comes across as an explanation of how things worked out but without witnessing the exchange between Darcy and Gabe. It felt like a letdown.

[Jennifer Lynn · Rating 3 out of 5]

This was pretty good, nice little twist, although I kind of had it figured out before it was revealed. Three stars because I felt like there were too many plot holes with the characters. The detective and his whole family issues, his strangely close relationship with his partner, it was all kind of vaguely explained. Also, the conclusion just went on a little too long for my taste.
**EDIT** I’ve just realized that this is part of a series, which explains my lack of knowledge about the detective. AHA moment! This is apparently book 7 of the series.

[Deanna Sovern · Rating 4 out of 5]

It took me a while to get into it to be honest. I had a hard time keeping up with the characters and storyline (possibly because this is an audiobook and I generally prefer written books), but once I got around chapter 28, I was hooked.

[Sorcha Pomeroy · Rating 4 out of 5]

Couldn’t put this down, actually lost sleep over how exciting it was! Not the most complex story of all time, although it was entertaining and the main characters had plenty of depth as well as being likeable. Also a sucker for a plot twist.

[Shannon O · Rating 3 out of 5]

I listened to this book on Audible and it was really hard for me to follow. I liked the story line and the twists that it had. But because of the audio version, I did not give it as many stars as it probably deserves.

[Marguerite · Rating 3 out of 5]

Very slow

[Lucie Milton · Rating 4 out of 5]

Quick fun listen on audible whilst on holiday.
Young girl kept in a room by mother’s boyfriend, paralleled with the current day version of her life, having not told husband. Easy read

[Lindsy Clark · Rating 4 out of 5]

Really enjoyed this read, keeps you gripped and guessing who done it

[Lauryn · Rating 4 out of 5]

I liked it! Kept me guessing, and it was an easy listen. 🙂

[Marla Currie · Rating 4 out of 5]

It's predictable, but it's still a fun read.

[Cherise E · Rating 3 out of 5]

I enjoyed it! It was a quick, fun read. But I feel like the ending was a bit unhinged and contrived, mostly due to the behavior, backstory, and motive of the perp.

[Lish · Rating 4 out of 5]

LOVED this! Everything starts off pretty quickly and I was constantly wondering who was behind it all

[Nicole Czaplicki · Rating 2 out of 5]

2.5 Stars

[Heather · Rating 3 out of 5]

Not a bad book. A little bit of an unexpected twist, which I appreciated, because I usually see them coming.

[Ellie · Rating 2 out of 5]

Sorry but I did not like it much. Very slow, no good plot twists, boring plot.

[Leah · Rating 3 out of 5]

3.5 stars

[Clayton Henry · Rating 2 out of 5]

It was hard to follow and kind of boring. I had to reread many parts because I couldn’t pay attention.

[Tiffany Clay · Rating 4 out of 5]

I enjoyed this book and the twist; however, I could have done without the detective's relationship with his partner and his family mess.

[Roni Shane · Rating 5 out of 5]

It's different but good, as in almost half of the story we see the viewpoint of the suspects. Interesting

[Eileen Carter · Rating 3 out of 5]

Awesome story psychological thriller st its finest

[Penelope · Rating 3 out of 5]

Not bad, but completely predictable. Also, why isn’t it clearer that this is book #7 of a series! Maybe I would have liked it better if I had started with book #1.

[Ladymidnight12 · Rating 5 out of 5]

so good with twists and turns. we can guess who it was, but the motive, didn't predict that🤩👍