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Whatever It Takes

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WHATEVER IT TAKES

THE Lorna lives with her husband in her dream home, loves socialising and has a passion for the finer things in life.

THE Dan owns a successful accountancy business, enjoys golf and exercise, and loves Lorna deeply.
Life is good. Until new neighbours move in to the house next door.

Perry, a property developer is charismatic and friendly, with a beautiful young wife, Ingrid. They become friends, sharing intimate dinners, trips away and ultimately a holiday together in Greece. But all is not as friendly as it seems.

While there, a fatal accident occurs that changes their lives.

They don’t all return. But those that do, are hiding a huge secret . . . and there’s someone who will do whatever it takes to make sure that it never comes to the surface.

377 pages, Kindle Edition

Published September 24, 2024

176 people are currently reading
101 people want to read

About the author

Joy Wood

10 books31 followers

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5 stars
142 (39%)
4 stars
119 (32%)
3 stars
69 (19%)
2 stars
26 (7%)
1 star
7 (1%)
Displaying 1 - 30 of 35 reviews
Profile Image for Mary Schmidt.
Author 19 books92 followers
January 31, 2025
Twisted love and murder

What a woven tale of true love, twisted love, fake love, hate, intentional and extensive planning of two murders, and much more. Why a woman would allow herself to be wrapped up in promises of a rich life and child free, when she had a kind and generous man, despite watching dollars (an accountant after all), and she did have control of her own earned money, let planning evil for months, if not a year or more, is beyond me. That gives this book five stars. There are areas of repetition that aren't needed and should be cut from the galley.
Profile Image for Anna Shenton.
Author 20 books9 followers
October 18, 2024
I’d been looking forward to going on a journey of mystery with Joy Wood’s new novel Whatever It Takes. I’ve read several books by this author, but found the blurb intriguing, suggesting something a little different from her usual captivating style. Lorna and Dan are soon to draw me in with their outstanding characterisation as they play out a perfect life style in their dream home, but a hint of unease is soon apparent as Lorna confides in her friend revealing concerns about their relationship. Dan is so close to his younger brother Connor and wife Ruth who have their own issues. When needs must big brother goes to the rescue much to Lorna’s disapproval. So now I have a double plot going on. Not only two plots but three to be concerned about when new neighbours, Perry and Ingrid move in. The author cleverly sets the seeds of what might be to come as their friendship develops. Wow, this really is an amazing triple plot. Never a dull moment with these characters who portray the entwined story between them. This is most certainly a character driven story with great descriptive scenes written in the most absorbing, detailed way. Even the back characters paint a picture in mind’s eye. The story takes a turn as conspiring Perry and Ingrid convince Lorna and Dan to go on a trip to Greece. A Fatal accident turns everything upside down. The title sure fits the bill as someone will do whatever it takes to cover their tracks. There are many threads to distract you in one direction only to be surprisingly taken in another. This is a tale of love, happiness, sadness, mystery and conspiracy. An easy read, with great detail which is sure to keep you entertained for the duration with an unexpected ending. Don’t miss it!
Profile Image for Book Escapes Babs.
694 reviews30 followers
September 24, 2024
Inadvertently, I read this book at a similar time to viewing the Netflix production of The Perfect Couple. The story and premise differ remarkably, but I could draw parallels to the slick writing and impressive characters. Lorna and Dan are deeply in love and have what appears to be an enviable life. This life is compromised by the advent of new neighbours, Perry and Ingrid, who seem set on disrupting their lives.
Lorna and Dan are wonderfully imagined, and I completely bought into their relationship. Dan was the frugal saver and planner, while Lorna enjoyed spending and the trappings of money and success. With differing views of their new neighbours, they are soon sucked into a dangerous game that is managed by a pair of reprehensible tricksters.
I thoroughly enjoyed the exchanges between the characters and felt like the suspense created by the planning of the fatal ‘accident’ had me completely gripped. I shall avoid this line of thinking for fear of including spoilers. That said, it was unusual to feel like I was privy to both angles of the story, even though I didn’t spot the twists!
This is a well-put-together thriller with a glossy top layer and a darker core that continues to deliver shocks until the final pages. I’m so glad I shared an Afternoon Tea with Joy Wood, as I may never have taken the plunge otherwise.
Profile Image for Holly Parker.
44 reviews
March 16, 2025
This was painful to get through. My main problem is the repetition! This could have easily been cut in half. It's like the author didn't know how they wanted to portray a thought, so just tried a few options and left them all in. There was a twist which had me interested, but then it faded back into boring, repetitive, dialogue that didn't matter. Based on the reviews, I may be alone in these thoughts - but I'm so glad to be done this book.
Profile Image for Kaye Newson.
30 reviews2 followers
October 3, 2024
A fabulous read

Another triumph from Joy Wood. I didn’t see the plot twist. A great read with characters that are both very interesting and well thought out. I loved the storyline and (without wanting to give spoilers) found my heart going faster at the end. I would recommend reading this book.
Profile Image for Sian Brocklebank.
10 reviews
October 23, 2024
I absolutely loved this book.

From the first few pages I was gripped and as I kept reading and thinking I had it figured out and unexpected twist would happen.

Brilliantly written and probably one of the best books I’ve read this year, couldn’t put it down.
82 reviews
February 2, 2026
Interesting

It was a good read and had many interesting twists and moments. I wish there had been more details after the trial and more of Perry's point of view about the outcome.
Profile Image for Suze Prescot.
Author 12 books33 followers
December 9, 2024
Selfish Desires

In the first fifth of this book, we meet Dan who is married to a woman he loves; his wife, Lorna, an impatient, acidic woman who complains about him, her boss and their neighbour; and Perry and Ingrid who seem to have nefarious plans.
They say, only two people know what goes on in a marriage, but sometimes, it isn't even that many!
I really enjoyed this thriller, with twists and turns at every opportunity. I haven't read anything by Joy Wood before, but I will again.
A great read.
Profile Image for Deborah J Miles.
Author 1 book17 followers
September 5, 2024
I skimmed the blurb for this novel and knew it was something I'd enjoy, but the main reason for choosing this book was the author Joy Wood. I'd previously read Getting Away With Murder and the dark, twisted nature of the plot had had me gripped for a couple of days and I was hoping for more of the same.

Whatever It Takes is another dark and twisted novel. It begins slowly with the normalcy of everyday life for Lorna and Dan Lloyd. Lorna works in a Doctors' surgery and Dan is an accountant. They appear happy enough. Dan is very staid and Lorna would enjoy more excitement in her life. When new neighbours, Perry and Ingrid Hunter, move in next door, Dan would rather not get too involved with them, but Lorna introduces herself and accepts an invitation for her and Dan to go round for drinks one night. More invitations follow and eventually Dan and Lorna go to Greece for an idyllic holiday, staying with Perry and Ingrid in the Hunter's villa. And now the trap is laid.

The main characters are realistically drawn and it was easy to like Dan with his strong family values. Lorna, I didn't like from the outset. She comes across as entitled, selfish and manipulative. When we meet the Hunters we learn that Perry has a plan - although it is not clear what this plan involves - with Ingrid told only what she needs to know to carry out her part. Regardless, she is happy to support her husband with his impending misdeed.

I was hooked from the first chapter as I could feel the sinister undertones in this well-written story and being unable to work out what Perry could be up to, drew me in further. When all was revealed, I was shocked as that was not something I had contemplated, and at that point the plot thickens and the story becomes even more enthralling.

Whatever It Takes was an absolute joy to read and I ripped through it in a couple of days. I would whole-heartedly recommend Whatever It Takes to anyone who likes a dark and twisty crime fiction story.
Profile Image for Laura.
775 reviews46 followers
August 29, 2024

Joy Wood's "Whatever It Takes" promises a seemingly idyllic life, filled with laughter, love, and luxury, but as the story unfolds, it becomes a haunting reminder that the most polished exteriors can harbor the darkest secrets!

Meet Lorna, the perfect wife, and Dan, the devoted husband, enveloped in a charmed existence among the pristine walls of their dream home. They are the epitome of happiness, basking in social gatherings and the alluring embrace of a life well-lived. Then, they become entwined with their new neighbors, Perry and Ingrid—a couple whose charisma is as intoxicating as it is insidious.

What starts as a delightful camaraderie soon spirals into a web of deception and hidden agendas. Wood's prose grips you tight, immersing you in the eeriness that lingers like a threatening shadow over that sun-soaked holiday in Greece. A single fatal accident ripples through their polished lives, laying bare the cracks in their relationships and unveiling the chilling truth that festers just beneath the surface.

As the narrative unfolds, you come to question every shared laugh and secret glance. Tension crackles through the air like static before a storm, leaving you unsettled and ever-watchful. Who among these seemingly perfect people is concealing a monstrous truth? What lengths will they go to protect their facade?

By the end, you'll find yourself pondering the true cost of keeping secrets and the unthinkable lengths one might go to protect the illusion of an ideal life. It will leave you glancing sideways at your own neighbors, asking if you really know what lies behind their closed doors. Dare you invite them in?
Profile Image for Brenda Guiton.
Author 8 books15 followers
June 18, 2025
‘Whatever It Takes’ caught my attention after it had won the RNA Romantic Thriller Award. It is certainly worthy of the accolade and hit the spot for me in every respect.

The cleverly conceived plot is an intriguing one, well constructed and with several strands seamlessly woven into the story. The pace is perfect; from a slow beginning the momentum soon picks up and the unexpected twists make for some compelling reading. The characters are full-blown people, all the more real for their flaws. I could relate to the bond between siblings, Dan and Connor, both very likeable, even given Connor’s short-comings. The peripheral characters are equally convincing – staff at the GP surgery, Lorna’s work mate and the old guy in Scotland. I have driven through the Cairngorms and Ms Wood’s description of the journey and desolate place where the old boy lived is very atmospheric.

The author has an easy-going style that flows along and a gift for natural dialogue. I had a couple of questions in mind concerning Ingrid and feared these may go unanswered. I need not have feared. Ms Wood tied up the loose ends nicely and brought the story to a satisfying conclusion.

Being an avid reader of suspense, it’s pleasing to discover another excellent writer to add to my ‘must read’ list. A thoroughly enjoyable book that I can highly recommend. 5*





Profile Image for Felicity Terry.
1,232 reviews22 followers
September 27, 2024
First things first, my only criticism of the book and something that came as a bit of a shock given how tightly and well written the rest of the book was ... an overkill of description. Something that, as small a niggle as it might be to other readers, has me {some would say rather irrationally} shouting "Okay, I get it!"

This aside, all in all, an enjoyable enough read. Dark and twisted with some seriously sinister undertones. Lorna and Bill, the epitome of happiness living in their pristine home, one of those nauseating couples. Perry and Ingrid; so, so charismatic and yet chillingly and subtly insidious. All four of them make for great reading. The 'revelation', OOH! Hand on heart, I can honestly say it wasn't something I had even contemplated.

Copyright ... Felicity Grace Terry @ Pen and Paper
Disclaimer ... One of several bloggers participating in the Blog Tour of this book, agree or disagree with me, all opinions are my own; no financial compensation was asked for nor given; threats of violence towards my favourite teddy bear went unheeded as did promises of chocolate.
Profile Image for Julia Sutton.
Author 26 books53 followers
February 22, 2025
LOVED IT!

I am a huge fan of Joy Wood, she is such a skilled writer that I know when I pick up one of her books that I'm in for a treat. Whatever It Takes is up there as one of Joy's best.

Briefly the storyline centres around a quiet Nottingham cul-de-sac which is home to Dan and Lorna. Lorna is a bit of a character, being acerbic, fun loving and self centred. Dan on the other hand is staid, reserved, gentle and completely unaware that his wife is unsettled and yearning for passion and excitement. The arrival of new neighbour's Ingrid and Perry soon piques Lorna's interest. The couples become firm friends and spend time together, but is their relationship as innocent and harmless as it appears?

From page 1 I was hooked and immediately drawn into this story. It's an intriguing read which I raced through. I was genuinely surprised by the way the story evolved. The twists made for a compelling read and I thoroughly enjoyed this book. I liked how the story slowly unravelled. The backstory of the characters was well written and tied up all the loose ends effectively.

Highly recommended for a fab read. Loved it.
Profile Image for Dee (readaholic_dee).
329 reviews17 followers
September 15, 2024
I am a huge fan of Joy Woods books, and this one did not disappoint. I was drawn into the book from the first chapter and could tell this had all the makings of a brilliant, twisty, dark, suspenseful read, my favourite.

Straight away, the character portrayal had me gripped. You know an author has got it spot on when you are so drawn into the lives and stories of the characters, you just cannot put your book down. It is one of those reads where you can just forget about the outside world for a while and just sit back, read and thoroughly immerse yourself in this thrilling story Joy Wood has so cleverly sculptured for us. I was so trying to plan in my head how the story was going to pan out and got it completely wrong!

I found this book to be a fabulous, intensely gripping and riveting read. This is definitely a book you do not want to miss.

Highly Recommend.
Profile Image for Val Penny.
Author 20 books110 followers
October 28, 2024
First of all, an up front admission, I am a huge fan of Joy Woods books, and this one did not disappoint. The characters are well-rounded, and the plot draws you in from the beginning.

The seemingly perfect couple with their enviable lifestyle and wonderful friends feature in this intriguing story. However all is not as it seems - dark secrets lurk beneath the surface in this tale of intrigue and suspense. Whatever It Takes is difficult to put down because you want to keep reading to see what happens next. (As I read at night before I go to sleep, my guess is this author owes me several hours rest!)

Even when I put the book down, I was trying to work out in my head how the story was going to pan out. It is a gripping and cleverly drafted story that will keep you enthralled. I thoroughly enjoyed Whatever It Takes and I highly recommend it.
Profile Image for Lizzie Lamb.
Author 12 books150 followers
February 2, 2025
I’ll be the first to admit that I am not an avid reader of crime novels, but after reading this one I’m developing a taste for them! I like stories which are character driven and feature descriptive scenes with lots of absorbing detail. This novel delivers all three in abundance. The entwined story between the characters kept me turning the pages and I’m blaming the novel for interrupting my daily schedule as, only intending to read another chapter or two I found myself so engrossed that time passed and tasks remained undone. So, in a nutshell, if you like: triple plots, unexpected twists and a gripping storyline, this one is for you. PS. It turns out that I am rubbish at solving crimes – more practice needed.
Profile Image for Iwan Ross.
Author 21 books24 followers
November 19, 2025
Beneath the Turquoise: A Summer of Secrets

The idyllic facade began to crack, revealing fault lines of envy and unspoken desires. The shared laughter in sun-drenched tavernas, the stolen glances, the hushed conversations under a starlit sky – all served to weave a web of deceit far more intricate than anyone could have foreseen. Back home, the surviving members of the Greek holiday found themselves bound by a pact, the consequences of which were as devastating as the event itself. Whispers turned to threats, trust eroded with each passing day, and the dream home became a gilded cage, trapping them in a nightmare where the truth was the ultimate currency, and silence, the price of survival.
Profile Image for Nico.
192 reviews11 followers
September 24, 2024
The seemingly perfect couple with their enviable lifestyle and wonderful friends feature in this intriguing story. However all is not as it seems - dark secrets lurk beneath the surface in this tale of intrigue and suspense. Once again this talented author weaves a story populated with fascinating characters set in idyllic locations. People who will do ‘whatever it takes’ to protect themselves and their reputations. Submerse yourself in this page turning story - who is innocent - who is guilty? Read and you decide. This held my interest from the start to the finale and is 5 stars all the way. I can’t wait to read more from Joy Wood
1 review
January 29, 2026
Was a fun read...

I actually prefer a bit more intensity and detail in a book, nevertheless it was a rather enjoyable construct.

The characters were reasonably developed and storyline interesting enough to keep you wanting to follow along.

I'd probably want to give it a 3.5 out of 5 but I wasn't permitted the option and 3 point rating seemed unfair. A 4 out of 5 is generous however I was mostly engrossed and perused to the end.

Readers will enjoy it, I should think.

I personally, just would have appreciated more depth and ardor.
Profile Image for Tracy Reads.
727 reviews45 followers
September 25, 2024
What a fantastic read! Just when I thought I had everything figured out, another twist would hit, completely throwing me off. I found myself constantly predicting what would happen next, only to be surprised again and again. Joy masterfully kept me on my toes, weaving a plot that kept me guessing until the very end. I couldn’t put it down! I thoroughly enjoyed every moment and can’t wait to read more from this author.
Highly recommend
Profile Image for Gemma Owen-Kendall.
Author 16 books22 followers
December 4, 2024
This has been my first ever crime book that I've read. I'm over the moon to say I'm so happy I picked Joy's book as my first crime thriller. What a read, I loved the unexpected plot twists especially that there was more than one. I will look forward to reading more of Joy's books in the future. Joy is a truly brilliant writer.
Profile Image for Barbara  Daniels Dena.
645 reviews29 followers
December 5, 2024
Wow! What can I say? I have read all of Joy's books and I certainly didn't see this one coming. This is a fabulous read just as fantastic as her other novels but yet a bit different (IMHO). A dynamic mystery that will keep the pages flying and the reader guessing until the end. Way to go Joy! Keep up the good work.
Profile Image for Kat Dee.
393 reviews1 follower
July 9, 2025
My first from this author. Solid four star read, especially for Kindle author. It was simple yet detailed enough to hold my interest. I could visualize the conversations as I read them. I will definitely try another for this author.
Profile Image for Donna.
1,591 reviews39 followers
February 18, 2026
Really good!

I’m glad I found this story and this author and I will read more by her. This one is about betrayal and murder between two couples. It is well written and a story I could hardly put down.
Profile Image for mois reads .
536 reviews1 follower
December 26, 2024
Fantastic

This book had everything love intrigue I loved it from start to finish 5 STARS FOR A VERY INTERESTING BOOK
1 review
March 1, 2025
A really great storyline that I did enjoy however the amount of spelling and grammatical errors were quite distracting.
10 reviews
March 10, 2026
A great mystery

Great story, very interesting characters. You could really visualize them. The twist was a shocker. I really enjoyed it. Suspenseful!!
Displaying 1 - 30 of 35 reviews