The Sea House

Toussaints Detective Agency #3

by Louise Douglas

A mysterious bequest and the legacy of a tragic love – only one person can unravel the hidden secrets of the past before it’s too late…

When Elisabeth Quemener dies she leaves a small parcel with the instructions that it must only be opened by Astrid Oake. The trouble is, no one knows who Astrid Oake is…

Elisabeth’s family turn to Touissants detective agency for help but, when Mila Shepherd and Carter Jackson try to track Astrid down, their frustration soon mounts. Their only clue is a photo of two young women holding the hands of a tiny child. The women are smiling but Mila is haunted by the sadness in their eyes. Is this Astrid and Elisabeth and if so, who is the child? And why are there signs everywhere in Elisabeth’s home that the old woman was frightened despite her living a quiet life with no known enemies?

As Elisabeth and Astrid’s story slowly unfolds, Mila feels the walls of her home The Sea House closing in. And as the secrets finally begin to reveal themselves, she is ever more determined to carry out Elisabeth’s final wishes. Because what is inside that unprepossessing parcel might just save a life…

Louise Douglas is back in the Brittany seaside town of Morranez with a heart-stopping, heart-breaking, brilliantly written and utterly compelling mystery. Perfect for fans of Kate Morton, Eve Chase and Lucinda Riley.



BRAND NEW from #1 bestselling author of The Lost Notebook Louise Douglas
'Louise Douglas achieves the impossible and gets better with every book.' Milly Johnson


'A brilliantly written, gripping, clever, compelling story, that I struggled to put down. The vivid descriptions, the evocative plot and the intrigue that Louise created, which had me constantly asking questions, made it a highly enjoyable, absolute treasure of a read.' Kim Nash


'Another stunning read from the exceptionally talented Louise Douglas! I love the way in which Louise creates such an atmospheric mystery, building the intrigue and suspense brick by brick. Her writing is always beautiful and multi-layered, her characters warm and relatable and the intriguing nature of the mystery makes this unputdownable.’ Nicola Cornick


'A tender, heart-breaking, page-turning read' Rachel Hore


'The perfect combination of page-turning thriller and deeply emotional family story. Superb’ Nicola Cornick


‘Kept me guessing until the last few pages and the explosive ending took my breath away.' C.L. Taylor


‘Beautifully written, chillingly atmospheric and utterly compelling' Tammy Cohen

Genres: Mystery, Fiction, Crime, Contemporary, France, Audiobook, Romance

338 pages, Kindle Edition

Published November 5, 2024

About the author

Hello and thank you for visiting my profile page. I write contemporary Gothic novels which are usually inspired by places close to where I live in the Mendips, close to Bristol in the UK, or by places I've visited, especially Italy and Sicily. The House by the Sea won the Jackie Collins Romantic Suspense Award in 2021. The Love of My Life, my first book, was longlisted for the Romantic Novel of the Year Award. My second book, Missing You, won the RNA Readers' Choice Award, and my third, The Secrets Between Us was a 2012 Richard and Judy Summer Read.

The next book, The Room in the Attic is due to be published in October 2021 and is a ghost story set in a Victorian asylum-turned-boarding school on Dartmoor.

If you'd like to connect, you'll find me on Facebook Louise Amy Douglas or Twitter: @LouiseDouglas3.

Reviews

[Rosh ~catching up slowly~ · Rating 4 out of 5]

In a Nutshell: A contemporary mystery filled with secrets. Third book of the series (which I didn’t know when I grabbed this.) One dominant mystery and one more secondary mystery. Realistic characters, interesting themes, slowburn, fair bit of suspense, partially incomplete ending. Not too sure if it is good as a standalone as I haven’t read the earlier two books, but I feel it is better read in series order.

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Plot Preview:

Morranez town, Brittany, France. When Elizabeth Quemener dies, she leaves behind a small parcel with the instructions that only Astrid Oake can open it. The problem is that no one knows who Astrid Oake is. When Elizabeth’s family and her solicitor approach the Toussaint Detective Agency for help, Mila Shepherd and her colleague Carter Jackson begin pursuing leads, but most end up blank. An exploration of Elizabeth’s home reveals that she was very afraid of someone/something, but why?
To add to the frustration, Mila is dealing with her personal troubles as well, which seem as insurmountable as the Astrid Oake case. Will Mila and the agency be able to crack both cases?
The story comes to us in Mila’s third person perspective.

I had adored 'The Room in the Attic' by this author, and so went into this book looking forward to a gripping mystery. Well, I did find what I wanted, but I also got a lot of what I had not bargained for.


Bookish Yays:
😍 The prologue – perfect to set the right mood. Moreover, it is tough to figure out the “who” of the prologue until almost the final section. Love it when prologues work this cleverly!

😍 The Astrid Oake mystery is not the dominant arc for the first one-third and begins in an almost ordinary way, but once it gets going, it is excellent AND chilling. This mystery, darker than I had expected at first, generated a variety of emotions in me – not something I can often claim for this genre.

😍 Quite a few twists and turns along the way, most of which are tough to see coming. Some of the revelations are quite disturbing.

😍 Mila’s relationship with her teenaged niece Ani is beautifully portrayed through its ups and downs. I appreciate how Ani isn’t portrayed as a typical rebellious teen who doesn’t know how to be around adults. It’s so rare to see positive teen portrayal in adult fiction.

😍 A bonafide creepy-as-heck villain, the likes of which I haven’t read in ages.

😍 The investigation process of the Toussaint team (Mila and Carter) felt very true to life. No instant results for the most way, many dead ends, some developments left unpursued as they possibly led nowhere… The process seemed mostly authentic, with hopes as well as frustrations in equal measure. There were a few convenient discoveries, but that’s always present in this genre, so no issues.

😍 Great atmospheric writing, especially once the threads start untangling.

😍 Nice use of the picturesque setting of Brittany and also the location of the finale.

😍 The final third (except for the last chapter) is quite satisfying, even thought I could see a couple of things coming. This section made me elevate my rating.


Bookish Mixed Bags:
😐 I am a series freak and do not like reading books out of series order. This book was marked as a standalone novel, but it actually is the third novel of an ongoing series. (I have since updated the listing. Perks of being a Goodreads Librarian.) A look at the first two blurbs shows that Mila and Carter are present in both of those books. As a part of the story also focusses on Mila’s family, they too would have appeared earlier. I felt like I didn’t get to know these characters as intimately as I would have, had I read all the books. This lack of connection affected my overall experience, even though the continued plot was easy to follow. This point wouldn’t be an issue for those who can jump in between a series without hassles.

😐 Too many parallel plotlines! While there is enough mystery, there is also a lot of family and personal drama, which sometimes detracts from the Astrid Oake mystery. Maybe it would be better to go into this book expecting a family drama in addition to what’s promised in the blurb. All the subplots work well, but there’s too much to keep track of.

😐 The pacing is on the slower side, especially in the first half. The second half picks up the tempo steadily until the quick-paced finale.

😐 While the core mystery connected to Astrid Oake is resolved satisfactorily, there is one more mystery in the novel, which apparently continues from the earlier books and isn’t resolved even by the end of this one. So the ending won't be satisfying to those who prefer completed arcs.

😐 “The Sea House” is actually the name of the house where Mila lives with Ani, and is nothing but an incidental setting for the story. So I didn’t get why it had to be the title of this novel. Moreover, it is too similar to another book by the same author – “The House By The Sea”. I wish the title had been more suited to the plot and a bit more unique.


Bookish Nays:
😢 Mila’s relationship struggles with Luke (which I think continue from the earlier books) felt very ad hoc to me. It didn’t seem convincing that they had been together for thirteen years. (Perhaps my lack of familiarity with them affected my experience.)

😢 There’s a lot of secret keeping (on the lines of “I'll tell later”) from various characters. This bugged me after a point.


All in all, I was pleasantly surprised to see two mysteries in the book, almost like a Buy-One-Get-One-Free offer. I enjoyed the Astrid Oake part of the story, and am even curious to know more about the other mystery that has been left dangling. However, Mila’s relationship issues and the fact that this was a continued series stopped me from enjoying this novel more.

I think I would have appreciated this book much better had I known that it was the third of a series, and preferably having read the first two books. I did enjoy this enough to want to read the earlier books in the series, but I am slightly disappointed that I already know some future events of the overarching mystery.

Recommended to those who enjoy darkish slowburn mysteries with a healthy dollop of family drama and don’t mind a cliffhanger ending. Better read in series order.

3.5 stars. (Rounding up because my lower rating is partly due to incorrect expectations.)


My thanks to Rachel's Random Resources and Boldwood Books, for a complimentary copy of 'The Sea House' via NetGalley. This review is voluntary and contains my honest opinion about the book.

The digital version of this book is currently available free to Kindle Unlimited subscribers.


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[Cindy Spear · Rating 4 out of 5]

Feeling quite uneasy after reading this eerie novel, The Sea House!! Louise Douglas certainly has a way of building intense suspense through atmospheric settings and internal dialogue. Not to mention creating a creepy villain! Little by little the plot is eked out to the point I felt as if I was holding my breath too long under water! She provided lots of twists and turns that kept my mind spinning and flipping back and forth as to what might happen next.

When I picked up The Sea House to review, I did not realise it was part of a series. Having not read any of Louise Douglas’s books before, but being aware of her work, this was a new reading experience with this author for me. Now after completing The Sea House, I can verify she definitely knows how to create atmospheric mystery thrillers! It was the cover that caught my attention first and the title. The blurb was intriguing, too. Now that I have read one, I would like to delve into the rest of the Toussaints Detective Agency series and learn more about it. But even though I had not read the previous instalments-- I was still able to follow the recurring characters of Mila and Carter.

The ending left me with a question (as everyone else will see) and certainly made it seem like another book will follow. At least the crime case at the centre of this story was settled by the end with a complete and satisfactory conclusion to the mystery of the missing person of Astrid Oake and the unusual gift that was left to her by friend Elisabeth Quemener. The journey was quite interesting learning about both of these women and the lives they led. Again, the Oake family’s tragic past is not quite as it seems. Mila is determined to unravel this mystery connected to them and a child. This parcel left in a bequest must only be opened by the person it is intended for and we learn why that is so! As the secrets begin to unfold and Mila grasps more of the pieces of the puzzle, her determination to carry out the request is heightened and puts her in danger. But she will stop at nothing to deliver this package. At times it takes precedence over the troubles in her personal life that have been amassing. Distance has brought to light issues between her and her long time fiancé. On top of this, she has become a surrogate mother to her teenage niece since her stepsister and husband have strangely disappeared. But through her relentless detective work, her heart becomes fine-tuned and certain things come into focus: both with the missing person case at work and that of her extended family. With the help of Carter, her associate, shocking realisations are made.

Tragedy runs like a bitter thread through this novel. Severe victim control by a menacing villain is widely covered and left me reeling with disbelief. There are many twists and turns, surprises and alarming events that made me feel edgy. Reading this at night stoked my imagination a bit too much! But the author has delivered her stories well and I do want to know what will come next. 4.5 stars ⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️💫

Thanks to Boldwood Books and Netgalley for a review copy.

[Fictionophile · Rating 4 out of 5]

To me, this novel seemed to be a book of two parts. The first part was quite a slow-paced women's fiction/mystery. The second part turned into a dark thriller with some disturbing scenes.

Mila Shepherd is engaged to Luke, who lives in England, yet now they are living apart due to the fact that her sister has recently died, leaving a sixteen year old daughter. She is living in Brittany, France at her sister's home, the Sea House, with her orphaned teenage niece, Ani, who she adores. Ani's mother, Mila's sister, was recently killed alongside her husband, and the circumstances surrounding their deaths is forefront on Mila's mind.

Mila works as a private investigator with her work partner, Carter Jackson. They are tasked with finding a woman named Astrid Oake in order to deliver a package as part of their late client's last wishes. With little to go on, their task is frustrating and unfruitful.

As Mila's personal life implodes, she is on track to finding Astrid Oake in Yorkshire, England. Life threatening danger result, and long-held secrets are exposed.

"The Sea House" is the third novel in a series featuring the Touissants Detective Agency. I have not read the previous two books in the series, but can attest that this one reads well as a stand-alone.

The settings were vividly rendered, making the reader even more immersed in the story.

Family secrets, emotional turmoil, familial love, bereavement, and a devastating discovery mark this novel as one that will be enjoyed by many readers.

[Pam Baddeley · Rating 3 out of 5]

This is the third in the series and continues the story of Mila, who when it begins, still has one foot metaphorically in Brittany at the Sea House with Ani, teenage daughter of deceased friends Charlie and Sophie, and one in the UK with long-term fiancé Luke. This, it was clear to me in book two, was an increasingly untenable situation, and that at least comes to a resolution in this volume although, contrary to my earlier expectation this is a longer series, not a trilogy. The ongoing mystery of the boat accident - why did they go out in a storm and why was Charlie's body found in a cave used by smugglers - continues, though some unwelcome information comes to light. I didn't find it surprising as I was expecting it, but Mila is devastated, immediately thinking the worst about poor long-suffering Carter, the ex-policeman who works for the investigation bureau alongside Mila.

Meanwhile, the bureau has taken on the case of delivering a legacy to a woman who seems to have dropped out of sight for thirty years. The case has many twists and turns, drawing Mila into extreme danger by story's end.

I did find myself being increasingly irritated with Mila in this story. She makes it a life's mission to bottle up not only her emotions but points of fact and also to rationalise things away. A man comes to the house asking Ani whether Mila lives there, without giving his name, yet she repeatedly assures herself there's nothing to worry about. She never tells Carter about it and builds up resentment against him for what she imagines is his role in the revelation about Charlie instead of just asking him outright. She later has to rely on the courage of another woman, who has suffered appallingly, to save them both. I just found her a wimp. Mainly for this reason I can give this only a 3 star rating.

[Jackie · Rating 1 out of 5]

no real ending

Incomplete story so I am not rating it higher than *. I usually don’t read a series but this author can write, Too bad she cannot write an ending.

[Trina Dixon · Rating 5 out of 5]

The Toussaint detective agency receive a strange request, a lady has died and left instructions for a mysterious package to be delivered to an Astrid Oakes. The search takes Mila around the UK and delving into the deep dark past of both women and their families. We also discover more around the puzzling deaths of her Stepsister Sophie and her husband Charlie.
I didn't realise this was the 3rd book in a series but it didn't alter my enjoyment of the book. I had read the first installment The Lost Notebook so I already knew the characters.
Louise Douglas is a go to author for me, her characters and their lives are relatable. I love the French village and descriptions of the relaxed lifestyle.

[Karen · Rating 4 out of 5]

I’ve read so many of Louise’s books over the years; she is such a trusted author, I don’t even need to read the blurb to know that I want to read the book.

The Sea House is the third book in the Toussaints Detective Agency series (the previous ones being The Lost Notebook and The Summer of Lies). I haven’t yet read either of these but it didn’t matter at all. In fact I wasn’t aware that there were previous books until I had finished this one so it works perfectly well as a standalone.

Mainly set in Brittany, the main characters are Ceci and Mila. Ceci is Mila’s stepmother and together with a colleague Carter, they both run an agency specialising in looking for missing people. Following the death of a client, they are tasked with quite a challenge with fulfilling her last wishes. They are given a parcel with strict instructions that it is only to be given in person to a certain Astrid Oake. The client, Elizabeth Quemener, lived an unassuming life in a heavily protected house. She had clearly been afraid, but of what or who? The intriguing prologue didn’t give much away.

Tracking down Astrid is no easy task, no-one knows who or where she is and Mila struggles to know where to begin. There is also a separate strand of a family tragedy which is causing heartache and leaving Mila conflicted in her loyalties.

I’m never disappointed in a book by Louise Douglas and I was completely engrossed in this. Mila was a great character; compassionate and caring, she was treading unchartered waters and emotions with difficult family dynamics. She had her own complicated love affair to deal with as well as a challenging relationship with her mother Lydia after her husband left to be with Ceci.

The hunt for Astrid brings Mila to the UK but someone doesn’t want her to succeed. The receipt of threatening messages are just the prelude to events that ultimately lead to a suspenseful and tension filled conclusion that kept me on tenterhooks wondering how it would end. There were times when I thought Mila was crazy to take the actions she did but then it would have been a much shorter book!

This is a great read, cleverly plotted and definitely one to recommend. There is a fantastic sense of place with vivid imagery of both the seaside town of Morranez and the wintry desolation of Yorkshire. The twists and turns of the investigation, together with the ongoing mystery of another strand with its emotional turmoil make for a dramatic and intriguing read.

[Calli Webb · Rating 4 out of 5]

booked kind of slayed - brain is not thinking of much more to say - didn’t realise this was a whole series whoops

[Linda · Rating 5 out of 5]

For me it helps that it’s set in France. I really enjoyed it.

[Linda · Rating 2 out of 5]

Two and a half stars. I find the protagonist a tad annoying but I mostly noticed the author used the same wrong word several times across several books. The author used “internment” when referring to someone interred in the ground after death. The correct word is “interment.” It troubles me when an author publishes a book with the same error over and over.

[Jo :: The Country Book Nerd · Rating 3 out of 5]

I’m not sure on the ending. Will we find out more in the next book in the series?

[Kay Brown · Rating 1 out of 5]

This book was all over the map. Extremely far-fetched story with weak plot and annoying characters. Don't waste up time.

[Kriti Dalmia · Rating 4 out of 5]

°book review°
 
The Sea House by Louise Douglas
 
Unexpected! This book was unraveling secrets left, right, and center, and the same with the twists and turns.
 
Elisabeth Quemener dies, leaving a parcel with instructions to be opened by Astrid Oake. The trouble is, no one knows who Astrid Oake is.
 
Elisabeth's family turns to Touissants detective agency for help, and Mila Shepherd and Carter Jackson try to track Astrid down, but their only clue is a photo of two young women holding a child. As the story unfolds, Mila feels the walls of her home, The Sea House, closing in on her, and she is determined to carry out Elisabeth's final wishes.
 
There were different storylines added in the mix that were causing Mila some trouble and exhaustion. It was about the past and present, a story of loss, redemption, and family drama—a story that delves into the impact of tragic events that can be traumatic.
 
Things were not what they seemed; I was shocked and left gasping the way the story took turn. I was waiting to know what happens next. The prologue set the base of the story, keeping the mysterious and dreadful air from the start. The start, no matter how slow, the later half picked up the pace and covered up.
 
Douglas creates an atmosphere that is gripping and emotional. This bequest and legacy will unravel secrets. It was brilliantly written and clever, and the detailed and vivid descriptions made it more intriguing, authentic, and mysterious. It was a bit dark and creepy.
 
I think there was one mystery left unsolved, or maybe it is to come as a subplot in another book. This is Book 3 in the Touissants Detective Agency series and can be read as a standalone. I think to know the characters and their story better, we need to read the first two; however, I enjoyed this.

It was my first by the author, and I can't wait to read more.

[Joanne · Rating 4 out of 5]

The Sea House is the third in a series set in Brittany in the seaside town of Morranez, featuring the Toussaints detective agency. I haven’t read the first two but it didn’t stop me enjoying this book immensely. I now want to go back and read the others to find out more about Mila and Carter, two of the main characters.

The scene was set for a compelling read right from the prologue where a mother is packing quickly to take her child away from danger. We don’t know who these two are although have a good idea as to the danger they are in. Fast forward several years and Mila is trying to track down the recipient of a very unusual bequest. A package must be delivered in person to Astrid Oake and if that is not possible then the package must never be opened.

There are three mysteries in this book really but I don’t want to risk any spoilers by mentioning much detail. Obviously there is the fascinating hunt for Astrid but in the course of that investigation, Mila uncovers more secrets related to Elizabeth, who left the package and curious instructions. There is also a lot going on in Mila’s personal life where it seems that someone very close to her was also keeping a very big secret which comes to light in a tragic way.

I was so gripped by the story that I just flew through the pages. The Sea House is a brilliantly crafted story of family secrets full of suspense. The blurb says it is ‘perfect for fans of Kate Morton, Eve Chase and Lucinda Riley’ and I would absolutely agree. It combines elements of family drama with the tension of a thriller and with an emotional touch that will keep your interest from the beginning to the end. And talking of the end (no of course I won’t give it away!) not every mystery us resolved so I’ll be eagerly awaiting the next in the series!

[Kara Dennison · Rating 4 out of 5]

Mila Shepard is in the business of finding people, but her latest job at Toussaints Detective Agency is a struggle even for her. She's been entrusted with a woman's last wish: the late Elisabeth Quemener has bequeathed a package to her old friend Astrid Oake. But there's no sign of who or where Astrid is, or even that she exists. Every time a new lead pops up, it just raises more questions. Meanwhile, Mila is struggling with a mystery closer to home, as more information surfaces about her niece Ani's late parents.

Mila's investigation uncovers decades of injustice: an apparent murder/suicide, school and hospital cover-ups, and dubious cybersecurity. Even when she gets to the truth, there's still more to uncover—much of it strangely echoing the strife in the life of the now-sixteen-year-old Ani.

If The Sea House is your first Mila Shepard book, you can still slide easily into the central mystery. It reads easily as a stand-alone, while still hinting at an overarching story beyond the bounds of the book that can be appreciated to some degree. The story of the week is, at least for a new reader, far more compelling than Mila's story. That isn't to say Mila's story isn't compelling or is too difficult to follow. All the relevant information is there, but it does become evident as the story goes on that we're missing out on some characterization for these recurring characters. That said, Astrid's story speaks for itself. As a solvable mystery, the pieces fit together cleanly; as a novel, it's compelling and tragic. And even once the mystery itself is solved, there are little loose ends that get tucked in neatly—even some the reader may have forgotten.

[Joanna Lambert · Rating 4 out of 5]

This is my first outing with Louise Douglas and I understand the third in the Toussaints Detective Agency series. Despite this, it did not spoil the read. The story begins with a prologue set in 1988. Already there is a sense of danger as the opening chapter focusses on a young woman sorting out her belongings, fearful of being caught by an unidentified man as she tries to convince her small daughter they are about to go on an adventure.
The next chapter moves to present day Brittany, where central character Mila is working for the Toussaints Detective Agency and becomes involved in finding someone called Astrid Oake who is subject of a bequest from recently deceased Elizabeth Quemener. Mila has moved to France to look after her niece Ani, following the death of her parents. As the search for Astrid draws blanks, Mila receives unsettling news concerning one of Ani’s parents, which draws her into another investigation.

The author writes a compelling weave of mystery suspense filled with believable characters and a great plot. Although the third in the series, I did not find any difficulty having not read the previous novels, but am keen to go back to the beginning to get a fuller picture. Although most of the issues are eventually resolved, there’s definitely enough loose ends to indicate a fourth book will follow. A wonderful read, well worth the four stars I have given it.

Recommended.

I would like to thank Boldwood, the author and Netgalley for an ARC of The Sea House in exchange for an honest review.

[Esther · Rating 4 out of 5]

I enjoyed this read thoroughly, it’s the first free Amazon book I’ve read that I haven’t felt marginally let down by in regard to narrator reliability, plotline predictability or quality of writing.
One disappointment (which may be my own fault so not taken into account in rating) is that I had no idea this was the third book in a series! As a result, when there were discussions of Mila’s family or relationship, for example, I felt lost and as if I was missing something, even rereading previous chapters to see if I’d overlooked a detail. Now I know there are two previous books it makes sense that the reader ‘should’ have some prior knowledge of key characters.
On the flip side, there is so much positive to say about this book! The relationship between characters was written beautifully, even without context clues from previous books. I was particularly fond of the relationship between Mila and her niece; a previous reviewer has mentioned how rare it is to see positive portrayals of teenagers in adult fiction, but ‘The Sea House’ explores a vulnerable parent/teen relationship in a refreshing, compassionate light.
There are two simultaneous plot lines with one being resolved and one not. Both are paced well with slow, almost frustrating pace to begin with which for the resolved plot-line, ramp up throughout the book. The unresolved plotline I now understand arches across the previous two books in this series, so I’ll be interested to see if it feels ‘dragged out’ after reading the first two.
Overall, I was delighted with this book and I will work back and read the first two in the series.

[Shannon Kelly blair · Rating 4 out of 5]

I really love Louise Douglas’s writing and I love this series in particular. I find the series and this latest book the perfect comfort read - rugged and beautiful setting with interesting mysteries and stories that are suspenseful but not overly intense (PG13 instead of R). She also writes really good multifaceted characters. Plot points are sometimes predictable but it doesn’t take away my enjoyment. I didn’t want this one to end (it’s the best of the series so far)…I wanted to stay and hang out with the main characters and will anxiously await the next one whenever that comes.

[Caroline Mattinson · Rating 5 out of 5]

Good read

Another good story set in Brittany with the same characters,a continuation of the family mystery with the added interest of a missing person which leads back to Yorkshire.

[Marian Green · Rating 5 out of 5]

A book you just have to keep reading!

A nice relaxing read but three quarters of the way through you realised there was much more to the story than a relaxing read! Proud to say I didn’t work it out until the very last minute so it was captivating until the end. The last quarter was a lovely round up and left a good all round feeling at the finish. Exciting to see a follow up book due later this year!

[Emily Ablewhite · Rating 4 out of 5]

perfectly short chapters. i thought it was going to be really predictable but no it kept giving me surprises. unfortunately the third one in a series but it also stood alone.

[Beth · Rating 4 out of 5]

I thought this would be a lighter women’s fiction mystery but along with great descriptions of Brittany and France I happily got a darker and more complicated adventure than I expected! Multiple plot lines with a missing person, a death, a murder and family drama.

[Jorji Alexandra · Rating 3 out of 5]

2.5 stars. Good story and writing but described the run down ex-mining town where Astrid lived as being in the North Yorkshire Moors in the North Midlands. We don’t have any mining towns in the North York Moors, and we’re not in the Midlands.

[Lynsey (To read or not to read… definitely read!) · Rating 4 out of 5]

Thank you NetGalley and Boldwood Books for access to the ARC in exchange for an honest review.

Wow! What a read and such an improvement in Louise Douglas’s writing since the earlier novel of hers that I had read, which was good, but not even close to the caliber of this book.

This was the third in the Toussaints Detective Agency series, I had not read the first two and this did not matter, however, I will now be looking to read both of these and the next book in the series to follow.

Mila is now working for the Toussaints Detective Agency. They receive a bequest from Elizabeth Quemener, that on her death to place a parcel into the hands of Astrid Oake, or if unable to locate her, bury it unopened in her own grave. Here starts the mystery of who is Astrid Oake and makes you wonder, where on earth could she be?

Whilst the investigation is ongoing, other mysteries are afoot as her sister’s partner is found deceased and it would appear not by natural causes. Mila is trying to look after her niece, Ani, after her sister and her partner’s demise, and coming to terms with a new lifestyle in France, albeit her fiancé is back in the UK and wanting her to return.

The story explores the lives of the family and friends, the detective work investigation with the unravelling of many different threads, then a sinister turn as Mila and Ani’s safety are suddenly under threat.

This story just kept giving, and there was so much to absorb and keep you interested that the pages just kept turning until everything comes to a head, no spoilers given but wow, you will be gripped! Very clever writing for you to live in the story, rather than to just read the words.

If you want all the ends tied up then this isn’t for you, most are, but we are left with baited breath for the next in the series. I would thoroughly recommend this book and a 4 star read from me.

Very much looking forward to the next one. Thank you Louise Douglas!

[Megan Jones · Rating 3 out of 5]

Having read the previous books in this series I was keen to read this and catch up with previous characters. The setting of Brittany is once again joyful and the characters felt like long lost friends that I was catching up with.
However for me, this had a weaker plot as sadly there was a lot of focus on the characters and the developments in their lives and not so much attention given to the investigative plot. This was a real shame as the investigation was intriguing. Equally, learning the developments about the characters was also intriguing reading and I feel like this could have been improved if Douglas had picked to focus on one plot thread over the other.
I still enjoyed this read and look forward to any future instalments.
Thank you to NetGalley and Boldwood Books for an advance copy.

[Elise Rigby · Rating 1 out of 5]

Terrible ending.

So unbelievable, characters have no personality, truly awful end that didn't really explain anything. Nothing spellbinding about this book. Don't bother.

[Sharon Goodwin · Rating 5 out of 5]

I really enjoyed The Lost Notebook and The Summer of Lies and didn’t think the stories could get any better … but oh my! The Sea House is the BEST yet. Maybe it’s because I’m so totally invested in the characters giving the story an added depth but maybe, it’s because of Mila’s investigations and her experiences solo cut to the bone. Or even a blend of them both 🙂

I just want to add here that you don’t need to have read the first two stories, each is a stand-alone. However, if you want to enrich your reading experience, definitely go back and read them if you can.

It was lovely to experience Morranez in a different season with different rituals and a slower pace of life. I thought it was the perfect offset to Mila’s experiences in the UK! Despite the isolation of Mila and Ani’s home in Morannez, the investigation leads Mila into a setting that’s not only isolated but full of darkness and depravity. The total opposite of Mila’s home which is often full of laughing teenagers and always love!

I said before that Mila was a fab role model for Ani and the questions that arise as Ani is growing into a young woman and Mila’s response prove that she is. Another event that comes to light causes a dilemma for Mila and Ceci too. I agreed 100% with Mila’s reasoning. And although Mila feels uncomfortable, she sees it through.

The intrigue of the case started for me in the prologue. Trying to find Astrid Oake leads Mila and Carter to dead ends but Mila doesn’t give up. There are scenes that made me feel very uncomfortable and tense. I thought Mila was crazy going solo knowing what we did about the excessive security. And how it made me feel, well, it made me afraid and scared, I needed a resolution as soon as possible! How it all weaves together is brilliantly creative.

We have some answers in this story BUT as before, it leads to more questions (I thought the same as Mila). I wanted more from the last scene. Louise Douglas, how could you leave the story in that situation? 🙂 Can’t wait to see what happens next.

Louise Douglas gets right inside the mind of her characters. Whether it’s abuse of power or the effects of experiencing that, each story’s injustice is dealt with sensitively and with reality. She writes about loss with feeling and depth.

The Sea House is an intriguing mystery that will have you experiencing all the emotions.

An easy 5 stars from me.

[Janalyn, the blind reviewer · Rating 4 out of 5]

The SeaHouse is the third book in the Toussaints, Detective Agency by Louise Douglas, once again, Miss Douglas has given us a doozy! Mila is still in Brittany, raising Anna the best she can and working for CC at the detective agency. And CC has a new case for her. She has to find Astrid Oak, to give her the inheritance left to her by Elizabeth Quinemer. it just looks like a small wrapped parcel and the lawyer says it isn’t worth much and it should only be opened by Astrid. When Mila goes to Miss Quinemer’s home it becomes obvious Mila that the older lady was afraid of something, but what could it be. She finds a picture like the one the lawyer showed her Elizabeth, Astrid and a small girl who Mila believes to be Elizabeth’s daughter, Manon. as if looking for a woman who hasn’t been seen in years, isn’t enough on Mila’s plate. She also learned new unsettling news about Charlie. They found his body and it looks as if he’s been murdered. Unfortunately, however, that isn’t the unsettling news. It is sad but not the thing that could change Mila’s life. In the meantime, she starts getting threatening text messages and even sees an older man with a limp watching her house.It isn’t long before she learns Astrid had a twin brother Anderson, this is what brings her to suffix, England. she finds many people who knew her but it doesn’t help her get any closer to the elusive Astrid. Will Mila fine the missing lady and deliver her inheritance? This book was just wow! I can’t believe this is the third book that means I missed the second, but I will definitely correct that mistake after posting this review. I find these books are so good and although the author can be a bit long on describing scenes and situations, it’s just a tad bit long and not a tad bit too long. Because as far as the story goes, it’s worth getting through to get to the next page. I was not at all prepared for where this book was going and thought the ending of at least Astrid was a Homerun… I was not expecting that at all! not to mention the bombshell with Charlie just makes me ready for Mila to focus on that case because that one almost made me fall off my bed. this is a great series for anyone who likes mysteries and or thrillers because this is always a tad bit of both. What a great story. #NetGalley,#BoldWoodBooks, #Toussaint’sDetectiveAgency, #LouiseDouglas, #TheSeaHouse,.

[Anne · Rating 5 out of 5]

This is a series I really love – the characters, the settings, the relationships, the mysteries at the centre of each book, the running background story, the tension, the many shocks and surprises, just wonderful. The tense prologue to this latest book immediately hooked me in – a mother and child fleeing from a sinister and unknown threat – before the story kicked in with Mila in an off-season Morranez, taking on a new and intriguing case for the Toussaints Detective Agency. Elisabeth Quemener has left a bequest, a small package to be opened only by its intended recipient, Astrid Oake – and, with scant information, they need to track her down. And, while looking for leads, it appears that Elisabeth had secrets of her own – a life lived in fear, an unusual degree of security in her home, and a number of unanswered questions.

As always, the whole investigation is totally engrossing – taking Mila back to the UK, building steadily in tension and suspense before a stunning climax with a particularly unexpected (and ingenious) outcome, edge-of-the-seat writing at its very best. But alongside, we have the unfolding story of her own life – the investigation into the death of her sister and her husband taking a wholly unexpected turn, as she continues to care for their teenage daughter Ani. Their relationship is just so beautifully drawn – Mila has put her own life on hold, driven by her love for her niece and need to be there for her, always questioning whether what she’s doing is right or enough. Ani herself is living the life of a typical teenager, particularly challenging at times – but needing Mila’s fierce protection as uncomfortable truths begin to emerge about her family. And, through it all, Mila is still trying to sustain a relationship with fiancé Luke at home in Bristol – and to keep an eye on her mother, bitter after the end of her marriage, and often struggling.

The different threads of the story are so perfectly entwined – the mounting suspense of the investigation as it steadily unfolds, the emotional impact of some of the discoveries, set against the minutiae of everyday lives – with that wonderfully drawn wintery Breton backdrop, but also moving into more unfamiliar and chilling territory. The storytelling is just superb – left field twists and turns, developments that were disturbing and distinctly uncomfortable at times, but with moments of laughter and lightness too and the perfect emotional touch, everything so perfectly balanced.

Don’t be put off if you haven’t read any of the earlier books – there’s enough background to allow you to hit the ground running, and I do hope you’ll want to read more of this wonderful series. While the mystery of the bequest reaches a wholly satisfying end, I especially liked the fact that a few of the ongoing issues were left open – and I can’t wait to see those storylines developed further. A superb and entirely compelling read, and one I really couldn’t recommend more highly.

[Bookfan36 · Rating 4 out of 5]

Brief synopsis from the book cover:

A mysterious bequest and the legacy of a tragic love – only one person can unravel the hidden secrets of the past before it’s too late…

When Elisabeth Quemener dies she leaves a small parcel with the instructions that it must only be opened by Astrid Oake. The trouble is, no one knows who Astrid Oake is…

Elisabeth’s family turn to Touissants detective agency for help but, when Mila Shepherd and Carter Jackson try to track Astrid down, their frustration soon mounts. Their only clue is a photo of two young women holding the hands of a tiny child. The women are smiling but Mila is haunted by the sadness in their eyes. Is this Astrid and Elisabeth and if so, who is the child? And why are there signs everywhere in Elisabeth’s home that the old woman was frightened despite her living a quiet life with no known enemies?

As Elisabeth and Astrid’s story slowly unfolds, Mila feels the walls of her home The Sea House closing in. And as the secrets finally begin to reveal themselves, she is ever more determined to carry out Elisabeth’s final wishes. Because what is inside that unprepossessing parcel might just save a life…

My rating:

Plot: 4.5 out of 5 stars
Writing: 4 out of 5 stars
Character development: 4 out of 5 stars
Overall: 4 out of 5 stars

Recommended for readers of:

General Fiction
Mystery and Suspense

Review:

This well-structured and captivating mystery begins with the death of Elisabeth Quemener, who leaves behind a parcel intended for a woman no one seems to know—Astrid Oake. Tasked with uncovering her identity, detectives Mila Shepherd and Carter Jackson follow a trail of clues that lead to a haunting photograph and unsettling signs of fear in Elisabeth’s quiet home. As the investigation unfolds, a tragic love story and long-hidden secrets come to light. With emotionally resonant characters and a narrative that avoids predictability, the story delivers a satisfying blend of suspense, depth, and discovery.