The Escape

by Karen Woods

A deadly choice. A secret between friends or a stab in the back?

Four friends as close as they come. Until a girl’s weekend away leaves them with a shared secret that could destroy them all.

But a secret is safe among friends, isn’t it? That’s what they think until in turn they all in turn receive a letter with the grim truth written down in black and white. Someone wants money for their silence – and quick…

With the clock ticking, the girls must work out who they can trust and who’s been watching them. And ultimately, discover what they’d do to keep the truth among friends.

320 pages, Paperback

Published September 16, 2025

About the author

Goodreads also has books by me listed as Karen S Woods and Karen S. Woods.

I write fiction and nonfiction.

When I was a young college instructor, if anyone had told me that I would be making my living as a writer, I would have told him that he had the wrong woman. Oh, I had stories and characters dancing in my head, clamoring to get out. Writing, however, was something I did strictly for my own amusement, as I had done since I had written my first short story at the age of five. I simply had plans for my life other than writing. I was quite happy teaching undergraduates. Hey, I had to use my degrees for something, didn't I? I do quite enjoy teaching. But, it dawned on me that I could and did write tales that were as good or better than the ones I read in my leisure time.

As for me at this stage of my life, I tease that I live a quiet life. Well, maybe it's quiet in comparison to a Category Four hurricane. I've been married to my best friend since 1979.

Reviews

[Angela Kulcsar · Rating 5 out of 5]

this book is so good. Karen Woods never fails to disappoint. lots of twists and surprises. definitely a must read.

[Kim · Rating 5 out of 5]

This is a captivating story filled with intrigue that keeps the reader engaged from start to finish. Best friends since school—Jane, Katie, Maxine, and Lesley—have all promised to look out for one another.

When they begin receiving golden envelopes containing notes about secrets and little heart confetti, the mystery unfolds. Initially, I thought it was going to turn into a typical whodunit, a genre I'm not particularly fond of. However, I'm glad I continued reading, as Karen Woods skillfully weaves together the individual lives of the women, leading up to an explosive climax filled with deceit, lies, and heartbreak.

This book definitely deserves a rating of 5 out of 5.

[Vanessa · Rating 5 out of 5]

The Escape by Karen Woods was another excellent book from start to finish, I loved reading this book especially the way Karen writes she just pulls you in with an excellent storyline and excellent characters that will have you turning the pages of your kindle to find it what happens next this book was No different I ended up reading it most of the day until I had finished. I am looking forward to Karen's next book.

I highly recommend all her books they have been all a great read and a great read for you holiday.

[Tracy ann Robinson · Rating 5 out of 5]

this story was so addictive read in a day .. Jane Katie Lesley Maxine have been best friends since school they always there for each other. and no one will break that bond. Jane has it all but always looks after and treats her friends. Tommy has finally proposed to Jane, and thare having the hen party in Benidorm. You get all the girl's stories, but someone knows their secrets they will try to break the friendship an amazing read

[Greer Andjanetta · Rating 1 out of 5]

Expecting a story such as "Escape from Alcatraz" or "The Great Escape" imagine how disappointed I was to find a Harlequin-type novel about the marital woes of 4 oversexed women and their love lives. Maybe an enjoyable read for the female genre but I'll make sure I never load anything from this author again.

[Amanda · Rating 4 out of 5]

First time I have read this author very good

[Jo Woodcock · Rating 5 out of 5]

I love all of Karen Woods books but I have to say I have just read this book within a day as it was absolutely brilliant 👏 x look forward to reading the next one x