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What the Wife Knew: A Twist-Filled Courtroom Drama Where Love and Lies Collide
THE TWIST-A-MINUTE NEW THRILLER FROM LIA MIDDLETON THAT ASKS HOW WELL YOU REALLY KNOW THE PERSON YOU'RE MARRIED TO . . .
'A suspenseful blend of legal and psychological thriller' Sunday Times
'Twisty and gripping with a stunning denouement. Dame Agatha herself would be proud of it' Daily Mail
'Written with unobtrusive skill by a criminal barrister' Literary Review
ONE MARRIAGE. ONE LIE. TWO SIDES TO THE STORY…
FRANK is standing trial for violently murdering his wife, Linda. His defence? She killed herself.
HARRY is Frank’s defence lawyer. Whether he believes Frank or not, it’s the biggest case of his career and he has to prove he can win.
PIERA is Harry’s wife. She’s hiding a secret that could destroy the case, and her life with Harry entirely.
What do you do when the biggest threat to your marriage is the truth?
'A suspenseful blend of legal and psychological thriller' Sunday Times
'Twisty and gripping with a stunning denouement. Dame Agatha herself would be proud of it' Daily Mail
'Written with unobtrusive skill by a criminal barrister' Literary Review
ONE MARRIAGE. ONE LIE. TWO SIDES TO THE STORY…
FRANK is standing trial for violently murdering his wife, Linda. His defence? She killed herself.
HARRY is Frank’s defence lawyer. Whether he believes Frank or not, it’s the biggest case of his career and he has to prove he can win.
PIERA is Harry’s wife. She’s hiding a secret that could destroy the case, and her life with Harry entirely.
What do you do when the biggest threat to your marriage is the truth?
- GenresPsychological Thriller
328 pages, Kindle Edition
Published September 25, 2025
29 people are currently reading
420 people want to read
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 42 reviews
September 15, 2025
4.5⭐️ FRANK is standing trial for violently murdering his wife, Linda. His defence? She killed herself. HARRY is Frank’s defence lawyer. Whether he believes Frank or not, it’s the biggest case of his career & he has to prove he can win. PIERA is Harry’s wife. She’s hiding a secret that could destroy the case & her life with Harry entirely. What do you do when the biggest threat to your marriage is the truth?
Wow, what a brilliant read, I devoured this completely, I just couldn’t put it down, each chapter leaving me wanting more.
I also really enjoyed how it was broken up into different parts, firstly from Harry, the husband, giving all of the insight into the current situation & the case he is representing. Followed by Piera, the wife, this seamlessly connected the stories together, filling in all the gaps. Alongside some flashback chapters, everything culminated together in a really action-packed and satisfying conclusion.
Whilst I did guess one of the final twists, this didn’t affect my enjoyment of the title in any way, I was kept intrigued & also rewarded with several other unexpected twists.
Set against the judicial process, there is no doubt whatsoever of the knowledge this author possesses in this area, after reading several courtroom thrillers recently & having done jury service in the last 12 months too, it was so accurate & detailed in the descriptions.
Needless to say I have already looked up previous titles by this author to add to my TBR list as thoroughly enjoyed every second of this!
Wow, what a brilliant read, I devoured this completely, I just couldn’t put it down, each chapter leaving me wanting more.
I also really enjoyed how it was broken up into different parts, firstly from Harry, the husband, giving all of the insight into the current situation & the case he is representing. Followed by Piera, the wife, this seamlessly connected the stories together, filling in all the gaps. Alongside some flashback chapters, everything culminated together in a really action-packed and satisfying conclusion.
Whilst I did guess one of the final twists, this didn’t affect my enjoyment of the title in any way, I was kept intrigued & also rewarded with several other unexpected twists.
Set against the judicial process, there is no doubt whatsoever of the knowledge this author possesses in this area, after reading several courtroom thrillers recently & having done jury service in the last 12 months too, it was so accurate & detailed in the descriptions.
Needless to say I have already looked up previous titles by this author to add to my TBR list as thoroughly enjoyed every second of this!
December 8, 2025
This was a gripping read by a new author to me - told from the perspective of firstly the husband, Harry, who is defending Frank, a man who is standing trial for violently murdering his wife Linda. His defence - she killed herself.
Harry, is the youngest QC, representing Frank, in the biggest case of his career. If he wins the case, it will create waves in his career and push him up to a new respected level, which he craves for.
The second side of the story is told from Harry’s wife, Piera’s point of view - she is hiding secrets of her own and everyone knows that secrets have consequences.
This story is written in several layers, starting with present day, with Harry getting a shot at a big case and meeting Frank, the accused. Whilst Harry works round the clock to build up his case, in a move that could give him the success that he craves, his personal life on the otherhand starts to take a dip. Harry notices a distance between him and his wife, and before long, he realises that she’s not being totally honest with him.
Whilst the backstory took a few chapters to build up, once the trial is underway, you start to feel the suspense. Then as each chapter develops, more and more revelations are exposed, leading to a story fill of shocking surprises.
Although I wasn’t overly satisfied with the ending, all in all, it was a good read.
Harry, is the youngest QC, representing Frank, in the biggest case of his career. If he wins the case, it will create waves in his career and push him up to a new respected level, which he craves for.
The second side of the story is told from Harry’s wife, Piera’s point of view - she is hiding secrets of her own and everyone knows that secrets have consequences.
This story is written in several layers, starting with present day, with Harry getting a shot at a big case and meeting Frank, the accused. Whilst Harry works round the clock to build up his case, in a move that could give him the success that he craves, his personal life on the otherhand starts to take a dip. Harry notices a distance between him and his wife, and before long, he realises that she’s not being totally honest with him.
Whilst the backstory took a few chapters to build up, once the trial is underway, you start to feel the suspense. Then as each chapter develops, more and more revelations are exposed, leading to a story fill of shocking surprises.
Although I wasn’t overly satisfied with the ending, all in all, it was a good read.
December 27, 2025
4.25 / 5.0
Wow, this is definitely one of Middletons stronger books, almost a banger. I have to be honest, I managed to read this book in just one sitting over 4 hours. Once I started, I honestly didn’t stop. This book is a legal thriller mixed with suspense in there, it’s quite literally my cup of tea. I really liked how we saw two perspectives, almost of the same events but with additional context. I’m stunned that I could read this in one sitting. The quality, the plot are all high standard! Great book this one, I wasn’t too keen on the ending probably due to how high the quality was set at the beginning it felt alittle rushed with little to no closure!
The book centres around 3 characters, it’s actually very simple. We have Frank who is on trial for murdering his wife. His defence is that she committed suicide herself. Harry is franks defence lawyer, he’s in charge or representing his case against the crown and prove his innocence. He’s also wanting to prove himself professionally as one of the youngster barristers in the king counsel. And we have Piera who is Harry’s wife, and she is hiding a secrets that could completely destroy the case and her life with Harry completely. Bus is the lie the biggest threat to the marriage or the truth??
It’s a great book, definitely worth the time investment!
Wow, this is definitely one of Middletons stronger books, almost a banger. I have to be honest, I managed to read this book in just one sitting over 4 hours. Once I started, I honestly didn’t stop. This book is a legal thriller mixed with suspense in there, it’s quite literally my cup of tea. I really liked how we saw two perspectives, almost of the same events but with additional context. I’m stunned that I could read this in one sitting. The quality, the plot are all high standard! Great book this one, I wasn’t too keen on the ending probably due to how high the quality was set at the beginning it felt alittle rushed with little to no closure!
The book centres around 3 characters, it’s actually very simple. We have Frank who is on trial for murdering his wife. His defence is that she committed suicide herself. Harry is franks defence lawyer, he’s in charge or representing his case against the crown and prove his innocence. He’s also wanting to prove himself professionally as one of the youngster barristers in the king counsel. And we have Piera who is Harry’s wife, and she is hiding a secrets that could completely destroy the case and her life with Harry completely. Bus is the lie the biggest threat to the marriage or the truth??
It’s a great book, definitely worth the time investment!
September 14, 2025
What The Wife Knew starts at the end of Francis Joseph’s trial. The jury have decided his fate, the foreman is about to say the words that will shape the direction of Francis’ future. Before we hear that life altering verdict, we are transported back to the incident which led to the trial, and the ensuing court case at The Old Bailey.
I thought the book would be purely based on the court case, but it becomes clear very early on that there is more to the defending King’s Counsel’s story; not that he knows it yet. Harry Mason-Hall KC, is the youngest barrister to proudly obtain his silks. From a working class background, he has worked extremely hard, without the safety net that privilege has provided for his colleagues, to reach his current respected position. Harry is motivated by the desire for a secure financial future for his wife Piera, who is currently on maternity leave, their lovely daughter Rose, not yet a year old.
I was engrossed by the trial itself, but even more so by what followed the tense verdict. This is where the author, Lia Middleton, transitions the book from a court room drama, to a domestic psychological thriller. At this point the narration changes from purely Harry’s perspective, to include another character too. Questions that had been brewing in my mind, were answered, with more being posed as I read further.
I found the book to be addictive, fast paced and filled with tension. I read compulsively, as the book held me gripped tightly within the pages. Initially it was the desire to hear the verdict, but then that morphed into learning what Piera had been obviously hiding.
I’ve recently read The Cut Throat Trial, which was another fabulous in depth look at a court trial. I think any readers who have enjoyed that book, will also love What The Wife Knew. It was engrossingly, and I highly recommend it.
I thought the book would be purely based on the court case, but it becomes clear very early on that there is more to the defending King’s Counsel’s story; not that he knows it yet. Harry Mason-Hall KC, is the youngest barrister to proudly obtain his silks. From a working class background, he has worked extremely hard, without the safety net that privilege has provided for his colleagues, to reach his current respected position. Harry is motivated by the desire for a secure financial future for his wife Piera, who is currently on maternity leave, their lovely daughter Rose, not yet a year old.
I was engrossed by the trial itself, but even more so by what followed the tense verdict. This is where the author, Lia Middleton, transitions the book from a court room drama, to a domestic psychological thriller. At this point the narration changes from purely Harry’s perspective, to include another character too. Questions that had been brewing in my mind, were answered, with more being posed as I read further.
I found the book to be addictive, fast paced and filled with tension. I read compulsively, as the book held me gripped tightly within the pages. Initially it was the desire to hear the verdict, but then that morphed into learning what Piera had been obviously hiding.
I’ve recently read The Cut Throat Trial, which was another fabulous in depth look at a court trial. I think any readers who have enjoyed that book, will also love What The Wife Knew. It was engrossingly, and I highly recommend it.
September 28, 2025
Whilst the word unputdownable sometimes seemed overused, that is exactly how I would describe this fabulous book, out tomorrow.
Opening with the verdict about to be announced in the case of Frank Joseph, charged with the murder of his wife, the story then moves back to before the court case, told from the perspective of Joseph’s barrister, Harry Mason-Hall. Mason-Hall has recently taken silk and this will be his first case as a KC, so an acquittal is even more important in order to prove himself.
The first half of the book focuses on the trial - I love a courtroom drama and the author uses her own experience to great effect to build the tension as the case progresses, the outcome seems far from clear and the verdict is announced.
But there’s more …. whilst Harry has been working on the case, his wife Piera, also a barrister but currently on maternity leave, has been acting strangely - and it seems that perhaps Harry does not know his wife as well as he thought …. Is his marriage on the line?
As we move from courtroom drama to psychological thriller, so the narrative switches from Harry to Piera, as we hear the “other side of the story” and begin to fill in the gaps, moving between the present and Piera’s time at Oxford University. There is no shortage of surprises and with perfect pacing, the tension really does build - and just as you think you have it all figured out, the author throws in yet another, supremely clever, twist.
I was already a huge fan of Lia’s books but for me this is her best yet - it’s clever, it’s gripping and I raced through it. Read it - just be prepared to put life on hold while you do!
Opening with the verdict about to be announced in the case of Frank Joseph, charged with the murder of his wife, the story then moves back to before the court case, told from the perspective of Joseph’s barrister, Harry Mason-Hall. Mason-Hall has recently taken silk and this will be his first case as a KC, so an acquittal is even more important in order to prove himself.
The first half of the book focuses on the trial - I love a courtroom drama and the author uses her own experience to great effect to build the tension as the case progresses, the outcome seems far from clear and the verdict is announced.
But there’s more …. whilst Harry has been working on the case, his wife Piera, also a barrister but currently on maternity leave, has been acting strangely - and it seems that perhaps Harry does not know his wife as well as he thought …. Is his marriage on the line?
As we move from courtroom drama to psychological thriller, so the narrative switches from Harry to Piera, as we hear the “other side of the story” and begin to fill in the gaps, moving between the present and Piera’s time at Oxford University. There is no shortage of surprises and with perfect pacing, the tension really does build - and just as you think you have it all figured out, the author throws in yet another, supremely clever, twist.
I was already a huge fan of Lia’s books but for me this is her best yet - it’s clever, it’s gripping and I raced through it. Read it - just be prepared to put life on hold while you do!
August 31, 2025
Wow
This book was fast paced and I was drawn right into the drama from the start. I got about 2/3 into the book and thought I had it all figured out, boy was I wrong! There’s a huge twist in the story and even I was surprised!
The book is split into ‘the husband’ and ‘the wife’ as there is one marriage and 2 sides to the story…
The book follows Francis/Frank who has been accused of killing his wife, his defence is that she killed herself. Que Harry (the husband) his defence lawyer, and wife Piera (the wife) The book follows Frank’s trial, and as the story unfolds you are wondering what went on, who did it?
A really well told story. It is clear the author has very good knowledge of the justice system and court room. The way things were explained were explained well and fit with the story so it flowed as though the scene was being described so it could be imagined.
I’d not heard of this author before, but they are now on my radar and I’ll definitely be reading more from them. I highly recommend picking this one up if you are a fan of fast paced, crime and psychological thrillers.
Thank you so much to Michael J Publishers for the early read of this book. Opinions expressed here are my own.
This book was fast paced and I was drawn right into the drama from the start. I got about 2/3 into the book and thought I had it all figured out, boy was I wrong! There’s a huge twist in the story and even I was surprised!
The book is split into ‘the husband’ and ‘the wife’ as there is one marriage and 2 sides to the story…
The book follows Francis/Frank who has been accused of killing his wife, his defence is that she killed herself. Que Harry (the husband) his defence lawyer, and wife Piera (the wife) The book follows Frank’s trial, and as the story unfolds you are wondering what went on, who did it?
A really well told story. It is clear the author has very good knowledge of the justice system and court room. The way things were explained were explained well and fit with the story so it flowed as though the scene was being described so it could be imagined.
I’d not heard of this author before, but they are now on my radar and I’ll definitely be reading more from them. I highly recommend picking this one up if you are a fan of fast paced, crime and psychological thrillers.
Thank you so much to Michael J Publishers for the early read of this book. Opinions expressed here are my own.
August 25, 2025
Lia Middleton’s What the Wife Knew delivers authentic legal drama and emotional depth, thanks to her background as a barrister, and I love a courtroom drama!
This compelling psychological thriller not only explores the courtroom element but also blends the emotional complexity with the author crafting a tense that explores the cost of truth and the fragility of trust.
Frank stands accused of murdering his wife, and his defence lawyer Harry must navigate a case that threatens not only his professional reputation but also his marriage. The characters are richly layered, and the shifting perspectives build suspense with every chapter. Lia Middleton’s writing is sharp, emotionally intelligent, and full of moral ambiguity.
The final twist is devastating and brilliantly execute, one that lingers long after the last page. A must-read for fans of Anatomy of a Scandal and The Cut Throat Trial, this novel is perfect for readers who crave courtroom authenticity and psychological depth.
This compelling psychological thriller not only explores the courtroom element but also blends the emotional complexity with the author crafting a tense that explores the cost of truth and the fragility of trust.
Frank stands accused of murdering his wife, and his defence lawyer Harry must navigate a case that threatens not only his professional reputation but also his marriage. The characters are richly layered, and the shifting perspectives build suspense with every chapter. Lia Middleton’s writing is sharp, emotionally intelligent, and full of moral ambiguity.
The final twist is devastating and brilliantly execute, one that lingers long after the last page. A must-read for fans of Anatomy of a Scandal and The Cut Throat Trial, this novel is perfect for readers who crave courtroom authenticity and psychological depth.
September 8, 2025
Harry, a defence lawyer, has been handed the biggest case of his career. He is due to defend Frank who is standing trial for violently murdering his wife. Harry shares his case with Piera who is also a barrister, but when it threatens to destroy their marriage, Harry must try and save both.
I have read previous books by this author and really enjoyed them, therefore I was excited to read this one. This ended up being a solid thriller and the story evidences the author’s knowledge of the courtroom. The story has a depth to it, which manages to convey real emotion and makes you think as a reader. The character’s are well developed and are easy to imagine.
The story was interesting from the start, but does slow slightly after a few chapters, however this soon picks up again and is a very compelling read all the way to the end. Especially once the twists start! This was a great, entertaining read overall, full drama and intrigue. Thanks to NetGalley and the publisher for this copy in return for an honest review.
I have read previous books by this author and really enjoyed them, therefore I was excited to read this one. This ended up being a solid thriller and the story evidences the author’s knowledge of the courtroom. The story has a depth to it, which manages to convey real emotion and makes you think as a reader. The character’s are well developed and are easy to imagine.
The story was interesting from the start, but does slow slightly after a few chapters, however this soon picks up again and is a very compelling read all the way to the end. Especially once the twists start! This was a great, entertaining read overall, full drama and intrigue. Thanks to NetGalley and the publisher for this copy in return for an honest review.
September 26, 2025
I can never resist a legal thriller but What the Wife Knew combines the legal world and the buzz of a trial with a domestic drama going on behind the scenes. I felt this mixed it up quite nicely and offered a fresh addition to the psychological thriller genre.
Francis Joseph is on trial for murdering his wife. His defence? She did it to herself. In a last minute change of representation, barrister Harry takes on the job of defending Frank at his trial. Waiting at home for Harry is Piera, his wife, a barrister herself but who is on maternity leave. What Harry doesn’t know is that Piera has a secret and it could ruin everything.
I found this to be a very fast-paced read. The first section is all from Harry’s point of view as he undertakes to try and get Frank acquitted. I particularly enjoyed following the trial (written with great skill from an author who really knows what she is talking about), knowing that the outcome would shape the next section which is from Piera’s point of view and addresses what she’s hiding.
It all unfolds in a quite exhilarating way and I flew through the pages. What the Wife Knew is easy to read yet full of tension and mystery until eventually I did indeed find out what the wife knew. I thought it was an excellent read.
Francis Joseph is on trial for murdering his wife. His defence? She did it to herself. In a last minute change of representation, barrister Harry takes on the job of defending Frank at his trial. Waiting at home for Harry is Piera, his wife, a barrister herself but who is on maternity leave. What Harry doesn’t know is that Piera has a secret and it could ruin everything.
I found this to be a very fast-paced read. The first section is all from Harry’s point of view as he undertakes to try and get Frank acquitted. I particularly enjoyed following the trial (written with great skill from an author who really knows what she is talking about), knowing that the outcome would shape the next section which is from Piera’s point of view and addresses what she’s hiding.
It all unfolds in a quite exhilarating way and I flew through the pages. What the Wife Knew is easy to read yet full of tension and mystery until eventually I did indeed find out what the wife knew. I thought it was an excellent read.
November 2, 2025
I don’t think I’ve ever turned pages so fast before in my life. This book honestly felt like watching a TV series and I could not put it down or focus on anything else the entire time! I somehow managed to read this in just one sitting, in just under 4 hours - which is no surprise considering the fact that I also read her previous book in a similar timeframe. If you’re a fan of courtroom dramas or legal thrillers, you will love this. The whole first half was so gripping, the cross-examination scenes had my full attention and I really couldn’t wait to see how this would end.
Whilst the second half did start with the same intense energy and it was so interesting to revisit the entire timeline but through a different POV - it did start to fade a little bit around 75% however, I think the use of the flashback scenes definitely helped keep me engaged. The last few pages made up for the temporary lull and I absolutely recommend this one for anyone in a reading slump!
Whilst the second half did start with the same intense energy and it was so interesting to revisit the entire timeline but through a different POV - it did start to fade a little bit around 75% however, I think the use of the flashback scenes definitely helped keep me engaged. The last few pages made up for the temporary lull and I absolutely recommend this one for anyone in a reading slump!
November 5, 2025
What The Wife Knew is a courtroom drama with a few twists.
Frank is accused of violently killing his depressed wife but he pleads that he is innocent and that is what Harry thinks as his defence lawyer, Frank is consumed with guilt for what he could have done to save his wife from killing herself. Pierra is Harry’s wife and mother to his young daughter but she is hiding a secret that could threaten her marriage and her husbands case.
This was a courtroom drama that held my attention, I was worried it wouldn’t but it did. I liked that there was a deeper story just bursting to get out and I didn’t get the secret at all. The book flowed well and had some solid characters that helped make it al, a bit more believable. I always enjoy a book by this author and this was no different.
I would like to thank NetGalley and Michael Joseph, Penguin Random House for this ARC I received in exchange for an honest review.
Frank is accused of violently killing his depressed wife but he pleads that he is innocent and that is what Harry thinks as his defence lawyer, Frank is consumed with guilt for what he could have done to save his wife from killing herself. Pierra is Harry’s wife and mother to his young daughter but she is hiding a secret that could threaten her marriage and her husbands case.
This was a courtroom drama that held my attention, I was worried it wouldn’t but it did. I liked that there was a deeper story just bursting to get out and I didn’t get the secret at all. The book flowed well and had some solid characters that helped make it al, a bit more believable. I always enjoy a book by this author and this was no different.
I would like to thank NetGalley and Michael Joseph, Penguin Random House for this ARC I received in exchange for an honest review.
September 21, 2025
WOW! What a book! Holy shit…. From the first page I was hooked, I pretty much inhaled this book. It was fast paced and it was just gripping, I literally didn’t put this down.
I got about halfway through and thought I’d worked it all out but nope I was wrong! I absolutely didn’t see any of it coming at all. The twists and turned left me shook and mouth gaping open.
The authors writing in this book was fantastic. It was pretty clear to me that they had experience within the judicial system and the scene and setting made me feel like I was there watching the whole thing unfold. The pacing, the plot was perfect for me.
This has to be one of the best books I’ve read in a very long time. I’ve not heard of this author before and now they will absolutely be on my radar again.
Wow, just wow!
I got about halfway through and thought I’d worked it all out but nope I was wrong! I absolutely didn’t see any of it coming at all. The twists and turned left me shook and mouth gaping open.
The authors writing in this book was fantastic. It was pretty clear to me that they had experience within the judicial system and the scene and setting made me feel like I was there watching the whole thing unfold. The pacing, the plot was perfect for me.
This has to be one of the best books I’ve read in a very long time. I’ve not heard of this author before and now they will absolutely be on my radar again.
Wow, just wow!
September 25, 2025
Frank is on trial for murdering his wife. His defence? Not an alibi or self-defence, he says she did it herself.
Thank you so much to MichaelJBooks for the opportunity to read this early, I was immediately intrigued by the premise of this book and was desperate to find out what happens!
What The Wife Knew is a uniquely formatted, wickedly engaging thriller that will have you locked in from the moment you pick it up. Frank’s story is revealed to us from within the courtroom, as we the readers learn everything alongside the jury - this switch up on the perspective made for an all the more exciting experience, and the two POVs we follow throughout this story were well crafted and distinct in their different voices.
This book centers around a rather grisly death, but the truly chilling moments don’t come from the gory details, they come from the subtleties of the characters. The death itself is, of course horrifying, but it’s the conversations that are had between the details that are what make this story so thrilling. Fast-paced, well crafted and unique in its delivery - I’d definitely recommend What The Wife Knew when you’re looking for your next thriller read!
Thank you so much to MichaelJBooks for the opportunity to read this early, I was immediately intrigued by the premise of this book and was desperate to find out what happens!
What The Wife Knew is a uniquely formatted, wickedly engaging thriller that will have you locked in from the moment you pick it up. Frank’s story is revealed to us from within the courtroom, as we the readers learn everything alongside the jury - this switch up on the perspective made for an all the more exciting experience, and the two POVs we follow throughout this story were well crafted and distinct in their different voices.
This book centers around a rather grisly death, but the truly chilling moments don’t come from the gory details, they come from the subtleties of the characters. The death itself is, of course horrifying, but it’s the conversations that are had between the details that are what make this story so thrilling. Fast-paced, well crafted and unique in its delivery - I’d definitely recommend What The Wife Knew when you’re looking for your next thriller read!
December 19, 2025
I’m a sucker for thrillers written by lawyers about lawyers, and I loved this one. The first half of the book is written from the husband’s POV, and I assumed the domestic husband-and-wife scenes were always going to be secondary to the main storyline, namely his first defence as a newly minted KC in a murder trial. But how wrong could I be … ! The trial is brilliantly described, and you can tell that the author has real experience of this kind of thing, for example in the scene when the jury is being selected and the KC is musing over who he does and doesn’t want to be chosen. If I’m honest, I wasn’t completely convinced by the ending, particularly the likelihood of the police being fooled by what is left for them to find, but the author knows more than me about these things so I was happy to go along with it.
September 11, 2025
Frank is standing trial for violently murdering his wife, Linda. But he says she killed herself.
Harry is now Frank's defence counsel. It's his biggest case yet and he must win. However, Harry's wife, Piera, has a secret that could destroy the case and their lives.
I absolutely love a legal mystery/thriller and this one was so twisted and incredibly clever. The courtroom setting and going through the evidence and facts around what brings all of these characters together kept me completely immersed and I flew through this in less than a day.
I can't say more about this and the synopsis is deliberately short but it is one not to be missed this year💐🎊🌟5🌟
Thank you to NetGalley and Michael Joseph Books, Penguin Random House, for this gifted review copy.
Harry is now Frank's defence counsel. It's his biggest case yet and he must win. However, Harry's wife, Piera, has a secret that could destroy the case and their lives.
I absolutely love a legal mystery/thriller and this one was so twisted and incredibly clever. The courtroom setting and going through the evidence and facts around what brings all of these characters together kept me completely immersed and I flew through this in less than a day.
I can't say more about this and the synopsis is deliberately short but it is one not to be missed this year💐🎊🌟5🌟
Thank you to NetGalley and Michael Joseph Books, Penguin Random House, for this gifted review copy.
August 26, 2025
From the opening sequence, I was completely hooked — gripped right through to that ending (which I absolutely did not see coming). I spent the whole book trying to piece things together, convinced I had it all figured out. I was wrong - on so many levels. And I LOVE when an author manages to outsmart me like that. It’s not an easy feat.
The suspense was perfection. The build-up? Deliciously tense. The courtroom drama was utterly addictive. Honestly, this book had everything I could want in a thriller — and more. I adored it and couldn’t put it down.
I’m now currently side eyeing my husband.
The suspense was perfection. The build-up? Deliciously tense. The courtroom drama was utterly addictive. Honestly, this book had everything I could want in a thriller — and more. I adored it and couldn’t put it down.
I’m now currently side eyeing my husband.
December 24, 2025
Henry is excited about his first big case as KC, but a lot is riding on this - his entire career, in fact. So having to come up with a defence for a client accused of killing his wife - which the man, Francis Joseph, claims is suicide - isn't made any easier when the deceased died of a cut throat...!
But there is a lot more here that Henry doesn't know, including the reason why he was chosen by his client.
Mysterious, bizarre and twisty, this is an entertaining story that will be enjoyed by thriller readers.
I received a free copy of this book from Netgalley in exchange for an honest review
But there is a lot more here that Henry doesn't know, including the reason why he was chosen by his client.
Mysterious, bizarre and twisty, this is an entertaining story that will be enjoyed by thriller readers.
I received a free copy of this book from Netgalley in exchange for an honest review
October 25, 2025
Full of tension, the unreliable narration from Frank creates a tense, thrilling courtroom drama. Lia’s knowledge of court proceedings and descriptive ability had me transported right into Court One at the Old Bailey. Multiple POV’s make for a truly gripping read.
Having read all of Lia’s previous novels, I knew this would be an epic rollercoaster of emotions, twisting throughout before reaching an unforeseen climax. Another book read in just over 24 hours, thoroughly deserving of every one of the five stars!
Having read all of Lia’s previous novels, I knew this would be an epic rollercoaster of emotions, twisting throughout before reaching an unforeseen climax. Another book read in just over 24 hours, thoroughly deserving of every one of the five stars!
August 30, 2025
Thank you so much to Michael Joseph for sending me a proof of What the Wife Knew in exchange for honest feedback.
What a great thriller! 👏🏻🔪
I had an idea of how it was going to go, & it did in a way, but there was another twist I didn't see coming! Holy toooot!!
It was really well paced and the dual POV from both Harry & Piera's perspective was well written - I love a first-person POV!
If you're looking for a suspenseful thriller that'll keep you guessing 'why?!' and whether the accused is innocent or guilty, you need to read this!
What a great thriller! 👏🏻🔪
I had an idea of how it was going to go, & it did in a way, but there was another twist I didn't see coming! Holy toooot!!
It was really well paced and the dual POV from both Harry & Piera's perspective was well written - I love a first-person POV!
If you're looking for a suspenseful thriller that'll keep you guessing 'why?!' and whether the accused is innocent or guilty, you need to read this!
September 21, 2025
WOW. Once I started this book I was hooked.. I love a legal thriller and this certainly delivered in that aspect. But, there was far more to come in this gripping psychological thriller. Harry Mason- Hall KC is defending Francis Joseph , who is accused of murdering his wife. This is a brilliant read from start to finish. . I've not read anything by this author previously so I'm now looking forward to reading more by Lia Middleton.
October 17, 2025
I really enjoyed the two previous books by this author and in comparison this was somewhat disappointing. Whilst it had the trade mark court scenes that Lia Middleton excels at I just found the plot a little predictable and the ending no great surprise. It is well written with solid characters and it's nicely paced. So whilst it's still an enjoyable read it does lack the uniqueness that the author has delivered before. 3.5⭐️
November 3, 2025
⭐⭐⭐⭐ What The Wife Knew by Lia Middleton
Harry is a defence lawyer about to take on a murder case that will change his life if he wins. Pierra, Harry’s wife, also a lawyer, is slightly envious of how Harry’s career is taking off while she is at home looking after their daughter.
Frank is being accused of murdering his wife Linda but he claims she killed herself due to many years suffering from depression and mental health issues.
Pierra’s secret which she has hidden for most of her life is in jeopardy of being revealed. And if this happens, not only will it have detrimental effects on her marriage, but it could also shatter Harry’s case.
This was a twisty thriller that I flew through. I didn't trust a few of the characters but I didn't know why until the last minute and even then it was unexpected. It had tension and secrecy throughout which added to the intensity of the plot.
There was a grilling courtroom drama that had me gripped and I loved how the dual narrative kicked in at the end where the truth was revealed shockingly.
This was an easy-to-follow nail-biting story that drew me in very early on. A thoroughly enjoyable book 😀
Thanks to NetGalley, Michael Joseph and Penguin Random House for an ARC of this book. What The Wife Knew is available to read now.
Harry is a defence lawyer about to take on a murder case that will change his life if he wins. Pierra, Harry’s wife, also a lawyer, is slightly envious of how Harry’s career is taking off while she is at home looking after their daughter.
Frank is being accused of murdering his wife Linda but he claims she killed herself due to many years suffering from depression and mental health issues.
Pierra’s secret which she has hidden for most of her life is in jeopardy of being revealed. And if this happens, not only will it have detrimental effects on her marriage, but it could also shatter Harry’s case.
This was a twisty thriller that I flew through. I didn't trust a few of the characters but I didn't know why until the last minute and even then it was unexpected. It had tension and secrecy throughout which added to the intensity of the plot.
There was a grilling courtroom drama that had me gripped and I loved how the dual narrative kicked in at the end where the truth was revealed shockingly.
This was an easy-to-follow nail-biting story that drew me in very early on. A thoroughly enjoyable book 😀
Thanks to NetGalley, Michael Joseph and Penguin Random House for an ARC of this book. What The Wife Knew is available to read now.
November 18, 2025
What the Wife Knew is an incredibly tense and well-plotted read by Lia Middleton. I’ve always enjoyed courtroom dramas, but in this book, Lia Middleton really does make it her own, particularly as she delves into the lives of her characters. Harry is a defence barrister, determined to take on his first big case, so he snaps up the chance to represent Frank, on trial for murdering his wife. And the interesting thing here is that Frank has personally asked for him. Harry is certain he believes Frank’s version of events, but Harry really has no idea what is really going on behind the scenes and what he’s letting himself into.
Lia Middleton paints a really clear picture of Harry as we begin to get to know him in the opening chapters. Yes, he wants to make his mark, but he is also a person who, I believe, cares deeply about the truth. I felt this particularly when he speaks to Frank the first time about what happened to his wife, and it is clear to see the impact Frank’s story has on Harry. Harry is determined to represent Frank to make sure he is found not guilty. Harry is also juggling his career with his own personal life. He and his wife, Piera, are now raising their baby daughter, and Harry is definitely a hands-on dad, which also made him really likeable.
I was desperate to know what was going to happen to Frank, and so Lia Middleton kept me completely gripped in the courtroom scenes. But it’s when we get to the second part of the story that things really begin to heat up, and Lia Middleton completely turns the book on its head in such an ingenious way.
Lia Middleton delivers twist after twist that takes this book in a direction I really wasn’t expecting. The final scenes were so chilling, and it left me wondering what I would do if I was in that situation. What the Wife Knew is a fantastic psychological thriller that I highly recommend.
Lia Middleton paints a really clear picture of Harry as we begin to get to know him in the opening chapters. Yes, he wants to make his mark, but he is also a person who, I believe, cares deeply about the truth. I felt this particularly when he speaks to Frank the first time about what happened to his wife, and it is clear to see the impact Frank’s story has on Harry. Harry is determined to represent Frank to make sure he is found not guilty. Harry is also juggling his career with his own personal life. He and his wife, Piera, are now raising their baby daughter, and Harry is definitely a hands-on dad, which also made him really likeable.
I was desperate to know what was going to happen to Frank, and so Lia Middleton kept me completely gripped in the courtroom scenes. But it’s when we get to the second part of the story that things really begin to heat up, and Lia Middleton completely turns the book on its head in such an ingenious way.
Lia Middleton delivers twist after twist that takes this book in a direction I really wasn’t expecting. The final scenes were so chilling, and it left me wondering what I would do if I was in that situation. What the Wife Knew is a fantastic psychological thriller that I highly recommend.
June 30, 2025
This book is delicious! OMG, OMG, OMG, OMG!
June 30th, and this is my 101st book of 2025.
It’s the BEST thriller of the year! OMG! 😱
Can you say, “Menendez?” 😱
“Mommie Dearest,” who?
Too many WTFs to count!
Leave NOW to go and get a copy — you can thank me later.
My kinda book!
Short chapters
Different narrators
Characters that are complex and crazy AF! 🤪
BRAVO, Darby Kane! 👍👍👍👏👏
June 30th, and this is my 101st book of 2025.
It’s the BEST thriller of the year! OMG! 😱
Can you say, “Menendez?” 😱
“Mommie Dearest,” who?
Too many WTFs to count!
Leave NOW to go and get a copy — you can thank me later.
My kinda book!
Short chapters
Different narrators
Characters that are complex and crazy AF! 🤪
BRAVO, Darby Kane! 👍👍👍👏👏
September 14, 2025
An unputdownable thriller that I read in just over a day. Fast paced and full of drama for the start and just when you think you’ve worked it out, the author throws in a curve ball. Brilliantly written. Thank you to NetGalley, Michael Joseph Penguin Random House and the author for the chance to review.
October 22, 2025
I think I may be in the minority with this one but I genuinely just could not get in to this book. I was intrigued by the case but the it just felt like a really drawn out trial. The twists didn’t overwhelm me. I’m just not a fan.
May 24, 2025
The most colour by numbers thriller ever
September 6, 2025
This was rather a good, twisty thriller. Proper page turner with twists all the way to the last page. Excellent.
September 29, 2025
Great book! Well written, fast paced, good characters and so many unexpected twists and turns
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