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Detective Dan Riley #7
The Housewife’s Secret
I cast my eyes over the impressive meal I’ve cooked and the half-empty crystal wine glasses. As our guests smile graciously, I squeeze my husband’s shoulder. It’s vital I get his friends to like me. To believe this version of me. Because I’ll do anything to stop them learning the truth…
Ever since I met my handsome husband Dr Gabe Bonneville, I started playing the role of the perfect housewife. He works hard as a surgeon, so I look after our home, and throw elaborate dinner parties with champagne cocktails for his best friends Hugh and Anita. He’s my safe place and my chance to have the family I’ve always wanted.
I’ve managed to hide the mornings when I wake up and see a face in the shadows. I haven’t told Gabe the truth about the woman who raised me, or told him about the therapy I’ve been getting so my secrets stay hidden in the dark. I haven’t questioned his past so he doesn’t ask about mine. I see the way Anita looks at him sometimes, but I’ll never say a word.
Until the letter arrives at the front door. The beautiful, expensive card shakes in my hand as I read the neat black handwriting.
Someone knows I’m not just a housewife. And the lies I’ve told will be all that’s left when I disappear…
Ever since I met my handsome husband Dr Gabe Bonneville, I started playing the role of the perfect housewife. He works hard as a surgeon, so I look after our home, and throw elaborate dinner parties with champagne cocktails for his best friends Hugh and Anita. He’s my safe place and my chance to have the family I’ve always wanted.
I’ve managed to hide the mornings when I wake up and see a face in the shadows. I haven’t told Gabe the truth about the woman who raised me, or told him about the therapy I’ve been getting so my secrets stay hidden in the dark. I haven’t questioned his past so he doesn’t ask about mine. I see the way Anita looks at him sometimes, but I’ll never say a word.
Until the letter arrives at the front door. The beautiful, expensive card shakes in my hand as I read the neat black handwriting.
Someone knows I’m not just a housewife. And the lies I’ve told will be all that’s left when I disappear…
Audible Audio
First published January 12, 2024
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 535 reviews
March 18, 2025
4.5 amazing audiobook series stars!
I simply can’t get enough of this British police procedural series. I adore the main detective, DI Dan Riley!
As with all of the books, the Prologue starts with an intense, grab-your-attention scene that had me hooked. A prominent wife goes missing while out for her morning walk with her dog. DI Dan Riley and his team take on the case.
As with the last few books in this series, Dan’s personal life is only a very minor aspect, but I loved hearing those updates. He makes the entire series for me - I love everything about him and his witty humour! This case is another twisty mystery with creepy tones and never ending suspense. I loved the unreliable narrators and therapist perspective.
Overall, another winner for me! This series is a stand out favourite of mine! I have already downloaded book 8 and can’t wait to dive in.
Audio rating: 5+ stars! The audio narrator does an outstanding job with this series. He undoubtedly enhances my connection to each and every book in this well crafted series! I never want it to end…
I simply can’t get enough of this British police procedural series. I adore the main detective, DI Dan Riley!
As with all of the books, the Prologue starts with an intense, grab-your-attention scene that had me hooked. A prominent wife goes missing while out for her morning walk with her dog. DI Dan Riley and his team take on the case.
As with the last few books in this series, Dan’s personal life is only a very minor aspect, but I loved hearing those updates. He makes the entire series for me - I love everything about him and his witty humour! This case is another twisty mystery with creepy tones and never ending suspense. I loved the unreliable narrators and therapist perspective.
Overall, another winner for me! This series is a stand out favourite of mine! I have already downloaded book 8 and can’t wait to dive in.
Audio rating: 5+ stars! The audio narrator does an outstanding job with this series. He undoubtedly enhances my connection to each and every book in this well crafted series! I never want it to end…
January 31, 2025
As is the case with most mystery stories I've read lately, this started well but fizzled out about half way through.
I found the story very predictable and easy to guess. I had a hunch early on and every little thing that was revealed along the way proved that I was right. I'm not that good at guessing, but the author makes sure to repeat the clues more than once, just in case you didn't connect the dots the first time around.
The story lost its intrigue in the second half, as I was waiting for the characters to catch up. I can enjoy seeing how things will be revealed, but here it was frustrating and the story dragged for me towards the end. Especially when I had to listen to the villain monologuing for half an hour or more. The reasons behind what happened felt odd and far fetched. Also, writing characters like Dan's boss is getting old.
On the positive note, I liked the characters, I liked the ending and I enjoyed the narration.
I found the story very predictable and easy to guess. I had a hunch early on and every little thing that was revealed along the way proved that I was right. I'm not that good at guessing, but the author makes sure to repeat the clues more than once, just in case you didn't connect the dots the first time around.
The story lost its intrigue in the second half, as I was waiting for the characters to catch up. I can enjoy seeing how things will be revealed, but here it was frustrating and the story dragged for me towards the end. Especially when I had to listen to the villain monologuing for half an hour or more. The reasons behind what happened felt odd and far fetched. Also, writing characters like Dan's boss is getting old.
On the positive note, I liked the characters, I liked the ending and I enjoyed the narration.
September 18, 2024
3.5
DCI Dan Riley #7
The housewife in question who has a big secret is Darcie Bonneville. She’s wealthy in her own right and happily married to surgeon Gabe. She keeps her past close to her chest but an act of bravery brings her to the attention of the media. When she disappears one morning whilst walking her dog, Dan Riley and team are on the case.
It’s an entertaining easy read and I like how the truth about Darcie reveals itself. It does get a bit OTT towards the end though it is tense. It’s not exactly hard to work out who is behind it all as the clues are there. However, my biggest issue is my growing dislike of Dan! His insights, intuition and huge self belief are now getting on my nerves!! I’ve enjoyed the series but I think I’ll draw a line under it now.
Kindle Unlimited
DCI Dan Riley #7
The housewife in question who has a big secret is Darcie Bonneville. She’s wealthy in her own right and happily married to surgeon Gabe. She keeps her past close to her chest but an act of bravery brings her to the attention of the media. When she disappears one morning whilst walking her dog, Dan Riley and team are on the case.
It’s an entertaining easy read and I like how the truth about Darcie reveals itself. It does get a bit OTT towards the end though it is tense. It’s not exactly hard to work out who is behind it all as the clues are there. However, my biggest issue is my growing dislike of Dan! His insights, intuition and huge self belief are now getting on my nerves!! I’ve enjoyed the series but I think I’ll draw a line under it now.
Kindle Unlimited
March 25, 2024
Detective Dan Riley #7
Darcie is very content being a housewife and very proud of her husband, Gabe, who is a physician. Her life finally has some sort of normalcy from her tragic upbringing.
Thinking that is all behind her, Darcie starts to relax into her new role. Only when she receives a hand-written note saying "found you" does she start to panic.
It can't be! She's been so careful not to leave a footprint on social media and keep a low profile. It had to be the result of Darcie heroically saving a little girl from being hit by a car that she's been discovered.
Not long after this note arrives, Darcie goes missing. Her husband knows nothing of her shady past and can give no clues of where his wife may be.
Detective Dan Riley and his team certainly have their work cut out for them to find Darcie. Going on nothing but a childhood story from a friend, Dan has to find a needle in a haystack and hope that Darcie is still alive by the time he gets to her.
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All the five stars for this newest installment in the Detective Dan Riley series! They just keep getting better. Bravo! 👏
Darcie is very content being a housewife and very proud of her husband, Gabe, who is a physician. Her life finally has some sort of normalcy from her tragic upbringing.
Thinking that is all behind her, Darcie starts to relax into her new role. Only when she receives a hand-written note saying "found you" does she start to panic.
It can't be! She's been so careful not to leave a footprint on social media and keep a low profile. It had to be the result of Darcie heroically saving a little girl from being hit by a car that she's been discovered.
Not long after this note arrives, Darcie goes missing. Her husband knows nothing of her shady past and can give no clues of where his wife may be.
Detective Dan Riley and his team certainly have their work cut out for them to find Darcie. Going on nothing but a childhood story from a friend, Dan has to find a needle in a haystack and hope that Darcie is still alive by the time he gets to her.
___________________________________________________________
All the five stars for this newest installment in the Detective Dan Riley series! They just keep getting better. Bravo! 👏
December 11, 2023
I do enjoy the Detective Dan Riley books and this was another great addition to the series, this can absolutely be read as a stand alone but you will then want to go back and read the others.
This time we have a missing woman, a woman who is rich and has a dark and secretive past. I loved that nothing was as it seemed, and at just under 300 pages, I red this in an afternoon. I did pick the who but not the why, not completely, but that did not take away my enjoyment of the story. Each chapter left me needing more so I had to keep reading.
Thank you so much to Bookouture and NetGalley for the advanced copy of this book to read. Publishes on January 12th.
This time we have a missing woman, a woman who is rich and has a dark and secretive past. I loved that nothing was as it seemed, and at just under 300 pages, I red this in an afternoon. I did pick the who but not the why, not completely, but that did not take away my enjoyment of the story. Each chapter left me needing more so I had to keep reading.
Thank you so much to Bookouture and NetGalley for the advanced copy of this book to read. Publishes on January 12th.
April 6, 2024
*Dan at his best*
To the outside world 4 people having a wonderful dinner party is innocent enough. Darcie is carrying a secret, something that she wants no one to discover, not even her husband Gabe. Recently she was involved in a random act of kindness that catapulted her into the limelight. Something she desperately has tried to avoid. For this reason she avoids all social media. Quite late into the evening whilst the dinner party is going on she receives something in the mail. The words ‘Found You’ written on it. The very words she had heard years ago, words that have kept her looking over her shoulder. She panics inside and throws it away trying to keep her calm demeanour dismissing it as junk.
But with so much going on inside of her she wants an outlet. So when Anita her friend and one time university date of her husband offers her a card of a renowned tv therapist she decides to go ahead. Initially she goes in under the guise of having claustrophobia.
We are already apprised of what life for Darcie was like growing up, how much will she reveal?
Now DCI Dan Riley is about to go on holiday and his boss calls giving him the outline of the case but tells him to enjoy himself. Well, what does Dan do? His wife tells him he has a week and she makes her way with the kids to Sandbanks in Poole.
Darcie is missing and he gets involved, the one thing that the guilty party do not count on is Dan’s famous gut, with people trying to bamboozle him at every turn, when push comes to shove Dan is not one for obeying orders, he always follows his gut, it was fast paced, thrilling and hard to put down.
To the outside world 4 people having a wonderful dinner party is innocent enough. Darcie is carrying a secret, something that she wants no one to discover, not even her husband Gabe. Recently she was involved in a random act of kindness that catapulted her into the limelight. Something she desperately has tried to avoid. For this reason she avoids all social media. Quite late into the evening whilst the dinner party is going on she receives something in the mail. The words ‘Found You’ written on it. The very words she had heard years ago, words that have kept her looking over her shoulder. She panics inside and throws it away trying to keep her calm demeanour dismissing it as junk.
But with so much going on inside of her she wants an outlet. So when Anita her friend and one time university date of her husband offers her a card of a renowned tv therapist she decides to go ahead. Initially she goes in under the guise of having claustrophobia.
We are already apprised of what life for Darcie was like growing up, how much will she reveal?
Now DCI Dan Riley is about to go on holiday and his boss calls giving him the outline of the case but tells him to enjoy himself. Well, what does Dan do? His wife tells him he has a week and she makes her way with the kids to Sandbanks in Poole.
Darcie is missing and he gets involved, the one thing that the guilty party do not count on is Dan’s famous gut, with people trying to bamboozle him at every turn, when push comes to shove Dan is not one for obeying orders, he always follows his gut, it was fast paced, thrilling and hard to put down.
March 11, 2024
"The Housewife's Secret" is #7 in Anna-Lou Weatherley's Detective Dan Riley series.
Even though it's the seventh book in Weatherley's series, it is an unputdownable stand-alone read.
Similar to the earlier books in this series, this gripping book is fast-paced and well-written; boasting super-compelling characterizations, a diabolical villain, unpredictable twists, and multiple jaw-dropping moments.
MY FAVORITE CHARACTER?
The protagonist's "consummate liar" mother who had a penchant for draining the bank accounts of wealthy men.
I listened to the audiobook read by James Lailey, one of my favorite narrators.
A special thank you to author Anna-Lou Weatherley for delivering one of my besties of 2024.
Available on Audible Plus.
Five enthusiastic and shining stars. 💫⭐🌟✨⭐
December 17, 2023
Detective Dan Riley #7
Ever since I met my handsome husband, Dr Gabe Bonneville, I started playing the role of the perfect housewife. He works hard as a surgeon, so I look after our home, and throw elaborate dinner parties with champagne cocktails for his best friends Hugh and Anita. He's my safe place and the chance to have the family I've always wanted. I haven't told Gabe the truth about the woman who raised me, or the therapy I've been getting. My secrets stay hidden in the dark. Until the letter arrives at the front door. Someone knows I'm not just a housewife. And the lies I've told will be all that's left when I disappear.
Darcie, a housewife, mostly keeps herself to herself. She has secrets from her past. Even her husband, Gabe, doesn't know her secrets. But when Darcie receives a letter, someone knows the lies that she's told, and Darcie knows she has to disappear. Detective Dan Riley is on the case to find Darcie. We get flashbacks telling us what had happened in Darcie's past. There are some clues along the way, so look out for them. Another great addition to the series, but it could be read as a standalone.
I would like to thank #NetGalley #Bookouture and the author #Anna-LouWeatherly for my ATC of #TheHousewifesSecret in exchange for an honest review.
Ever since I met my handsome husband, Dr Gabe Bonneville, I started playing the role of the perfect housewife. He works hard as a surgeon, so I look after our home, and throw elaborate dinner parties with champagne cocktails for his best friends Hugh and Anita. He's my safe place and the chance to have the family I've always wanted. I haven't told Gabe the truth about the woman who raised me, or the therapy I've been getting. My secrets stay hidden in the dark. Until the letter arrives at the front door. Someone knows I'm not just a housewife. And the lies I've told will be all that's left when I disappear.
Darcie, a housewife, mostly keeps herself to herself. She has secrets from her past. Even her husband, Gabe, doesn't know her secrets. But when Darcie receives a letter, someone knows the lies that she's told, and Darcie knows she has to disappear. Detective Dan Riley is on the case to find Darcie. We get flashbacks telling us what had happened in Darcie's past. There are some clues along the way, so look out for them. Another great addition to the series, but it could be read as a standalone.
I would like to thank #NetGalley #Bookouture and the author #Anna-LouWeatherly for my ATC of #TheHousewifesSecret in exchange for an honest review.
May 25, 2024
Audio - 5 Stars
Story - 4.5 Stars
Story - 4.5 Stars
January 22, 2024
THE HOUSEWIFE’S SECRET is book #7 in the Detective Dan Riley Crime Thriller Series by author Anna-Lou Weatherley. Even though this is the seventh book in the Detective Dan Riley series, this is easily read as a stand-alone. After really enjoying the previous books in the series, I was anxious to start this book, The Stranger’s Wife…and again another winner! I was not disappointed! I loved it! This book will clutch you right from the beginning until the last page.
Detective Dan Riley Series:
1. Black Heart (2018) aka Last Cry
2. The Couple on Cedar Close (2019)
3. The Stranger's Wife (2020)
4. The Woman Inside (2021)
5. The Night of the Party (2022)
6. The Lie in Our Marriage (2023)
7. The Housewife's Secret (2024)
This is my review of The Housewife’s Secret.
Darcie had the perfect life married eighteen months to Dr. Gabe Bonneville, a renowned cardiologist. She doesn’t have to work, but looks after the home, throwing elaborate dinner parties for his best friends Dr. Hugh, a neurosurgeon, and his wife Anita. She hopes for a chance to have the family she’s always wanted.
But Darcie has a hidden past, the truth about the woman who raised her, which she has not disclosed any details to her husband, Gabe. Darcie has been seeing a therapist, Dr. Carmichael, to deal with her past trauma.
During a dinner party of all four, the postman delivers an envelope addressed to Darcie. She opens it and reads “FOUND YOU”, and quickly disposes it.
The next day Darcie went out to walk her dog in the woods near her home and hasn’t been seen since.
There is reason to believe that she may have been abducted.
Her phone was found down in the woods and traces of blood. Her dog had returned home.
DCI Dan Riley and his colleague, DS Lucy Davis were assigned to the case, by their boss, Super Archer. Together they must act swiftly to find Darcie.
I am not going to write any more for risk of spoilers, and ruin how it will end…you have to read this book to find out how it ends!
The Housewife’s Secret is a fast-paced crime-thriller, and additive read and one that you will not be able to put down…until you know!
Many thanks the author, Bookouture and Netgalley for my digital copy.
Detective Dan Riley Series:
1. Black Heart (2018) aka Last Cry
2. The Couple on Cedar Close (2019)
3. The Stranger's Wife (2020)
4. The Woman Inside (2021)
5. The Night of the Party (2022)
6. The Lie in Our Marriage (2023)
7. The Housewife's Secret (2024)
This is my review of The Housewife’s Secret.
Darcie had the perfect life married eighteen months to Dr. Gabe Bonneville, a renowned cardiologist. She doesn’t have to work, but looks after the home, throwing elaborate dinner parties for his best friends Dr. Hugh, a neurosurgeon, and his wife Anita. She hopes for a chance to have the family she’s always wanted.
But Darcie has a hidden past, the truth about the woman who raised her, which she has not disclosed any details to her husband, Gabe. Darcie has been seeing a therapist, Dr. Carmichael, to deal with her past trauma.
During a dinner party of all four, the postman delivers an envelope addressed to Darcie. She opens it and reads “FOUND YOU”, and quickly disposes it.
The next day Darcie went out to walk her dog in the woods near her home and hasn’t been seen since.
There is reason to believe that she may have been abducted.
Her phone was found down in the woods and traces of blood. Her dog had returned home.
DCI Dan Riley and his colleague, DS Lucy Davis were assigned to the case, by their boss, Super Archer. Together they must act swiftly to find Darcie.
I am not going to write any more for risk of spoilers, and ruin how it will end…you have to read this book to find out how it ends!
The Housewife’s Secret is a fast-paced crime-thriller, and additive read and one that you will not be able to put down…until you know!
Many thanks the author, Bookouture and Netgalley for my digital copy.
April 8, 2024
This was so unbearably long and boring 😭 It was making me fall asleep at work lol
January 18, 2024
3.5 Stars ⭐️
June 4, 2024
This is my favourite book of the series so far and I’m glad I stuck it out until the end! I would read the next book in this series if the author releases another one. Although this hasn’t been my favourite series, it’s been an easy read that has kept me turning the pages the whole time!
January 20, 2024
I normally prefer standalone books to series but I make an exception for Dan Riley - he is a character I feel like I know personally. This book is no exception to my love for this character, centered on the disappearance of a woman named Darcie who seems like she has it all when it turns out she is hiding a secret.
We established how I feel about Dan, but I really liked Darcie too. While some of the decisions she made frustrated me, I could empathize with her plight and why she did the things she did. The book was fast-paced and did a good job at tying in past and present timelines to draw the reader into the story. I did find the ending a little predicable, but even though I identified the villain early, I didn’t understand the reasons behind that person’s decisions until reading more.
Overall, this was another winner in this series and was a quick and engaging read with likable characters. Thanks to Netgalley for providing me with a copy of this book in exchange for an honest review.
We established how I feel about Dan, but I really liked Darcie too. While some of the decisions she made frustrated me, I could empathize with her plight and why she did the things she did. The book was fast-paced and did a good job at tying in past and present timelines to draw the reader into the story. I did find the ending a little predicable, but even though I identified the villain early, I didn’t understand the reasons behind that person’s decisions until reading more.
Overall, this was another winner in this series and was a quick and engaging read with likable characters. Thanks to Netgalley for providing me with a copy of this book in exchange for an honest review.
May 10, 2024
I enjoy these Dan Riley books. Great narrator. Plenty of mystery. Always a treat.
January 27, 2024
The burlb of this implies its a pov telling of the impact of a secret and the subsequent disapperance of Darcie the housewife.
Its intriguing and cleverly told via interactions learning Darcie's secret. Then a real clever mistory of who took her and why. I loved Detective Dan Riley and his character. This is part of a series but can bw read as a standalone. Dan has a heart and the pov clearly shows rhe true conflict of personal and professional life for all police.I loved the detailed and often potential pov of darcue and her feelings on her husband. Its nie to see someone with courage to write such feelings.
I enjoyed this all the characters were well developed and I actually cated about them and the outcom. I would highly recommend this sliw burn 5 star read
Thank you netgallery and publisher and author.
Its intriguing and cleverly told via interactions learning Darcie's secret. Then a real clever mistory of who took her and why. I loved Detective Dan Riley and his character. This is part of a series but can bw read as a standalone. Dan has a heart and the pov clearly shows rhe true conflict of personal and professional life for all police.I loved the detailed and often potential pov of darcue and her feelings on her husband. Its nie to see someone with courage to write such feelings.
I enjoyed this all the characters were well developed and I actually cated about them and the outcom. I would highly recommend this sliw burn 5 star read
Thank you netgallery and publisher and author.
January 15, 2024
Ever since I met my handsome husband, Dr Gabe Bonneville, I started playing the role of the perfect housewife. He works hard as a surgeon, so I look after our home, and throw elaborate dinner parties with champagne cocktails for his best friends Hugh and Anita. He's my safe place and the chance to have the family I've always wanted. I haven't told Gabe the truth about the woman who raised me, or the therapy I've been getting. My secrets stay hidden in the dark. Until the letter arrives at the front door. Someone knows I'm not just a housewife. And the lies I've told will be all that's left when I disappear.
Every time I see a book from Anna-Lou Weatherley I get excited and once again she has produced another great book. I love Dan Riley's character, he really seems like the kind of guy you would want on your side if the need arose. As the books have progressed you get to know more and more about him and what makes him tick.
Darcie is married to Gabe a cardiac surgeon and lives a wonderful life with him in a beautiful home but Darcie has secrets, secrets that even her husband Gabe knows nothing about. She has always ensured that she has left no digital imprint that could be traced and when she receives a disturbing note delivered to her house she knows her past is about to come back and haunt her, she is very frightened and realises these secrets are now going to become known, in her mind the only way out is to disappear. It is now up to Dan to try and figure out what has happened in Darcie's life that has led to her current behaviour, where is she, is she safe or has something terrible happened to her?
This is another book that was just all consuming and I read it in a few hours. A very good plot that held my attention all the way through, I did guess the major twist but this did not detract from my enjoyment of the book. If you have read this authors work before you will know how clever she is in her story telling and if you have not read her work you will soon be adding another author to your list of favourites.
Thank you to Netgalley, the author and publisher for an advanced copy in exchange for an honest review.
Every time I see a book from Anna-Lou Weatherley I get excited and once again she has produced another great book. I love Dan Riley's character, he really seems like the kind of guy you would want on your side if the need arose. As the books have progressed you get to know more and more about him and what makes him tick.
Darcie is married to Gabe a cardiac surgeon and lives a wonderful life with him in a beautiful home but Darcie has secrets, secrets that even her husband Gabe knows nothing about. She has always ensured that she has left no digital imprint that could be traced and when she receives a disturbing note delivered to her house she knows her past is about to come back and haunt her, she is very frightened and realises these secrets are now going to become known, in her mind the only way out is to disappear. It is now up to Dan to try and figure out what has happened in Darcie's life that has led to her current behaviour, where is she, is she safe or has something terrible happened to her?
This is another book that was just all consuming and I read it in a few hours. A very good plot that held my attention all the way through, I did guess the major twist but this did not detract from my enjoyment of the book. If you have read this authors work before you will know how clever she is in her story telling and if you have not read her work you will soon be adding another author to your list of favourites.
Thank you to Netgalley, the author and publisher for an advanced copy in exchange for an honest review.
May 20, 2024
Listen to a few in this series and you quickly realize that protagonist Dan Riley is a narcissistic, selfish asshole who thinks extremely highly of himself. He is a terrible father and an even worse husband, yet we are led to believe it is all benevolent. Give me a break. Audiobook performance was good. Story was far fetched. Protagonist was insufferable.
April 18, 2024
Extremely predictable storyline. I found myself desperate to get to the end as it was clear from very early on what was going to happen. The characters were likeable and it was easy and cheesy but I don’t think I'll be reading anymore from the series.
January 7, 2024
The perfect woman...the deadliest past...
I just love the Dan Riley series! Although I have yet to read the first couple of books, I've read every other since and have loved them all. I love Anna-Lou's style of incorporating the investigation with the rest of the story so that we're not all bogged down with procedural. She keeps that nice balance of both that keeps you coming back for more. And in doing so, each book can then be read as a standalone.
The reader is drawn in from the very beginning in the prologue leaving us wondering how it factors into the bigger picture...when it fact it is just a small part of the greater tapestry that it is to become.
Darcie Bonneville has the perfect life married to the perfect man, cardiac consultant Dr Gabe Bonneville, and they live in a beautiful and illustrious apartment in an affluent part of London. One morning she takes her dog for a walk and never returns home. The dog, however, does. And her husband arrives home to find the dog alone on the step but no sign of his wife.
DCI Dan Riley is on leave. Or about to go on leave. His wife Fiona has their bags all packed and the children ready...all they are waiting on is Dan to come home and they can leave for their holiday by the seaside. But then Dan's superior calls him in and alerts him to a missing woman whilst assuring him that they have it all under control. To go, enjoy his holiday and come back refreshed. But something niggles at Dan...and he knows he can't ignore his instinct. That being said, Dan has seven days to solve this case or his wife holds the threat of divorce over him.
Digging deeper into Darcie's life, Dan wonders whether her recent notoriety in saving a toddler's life has something to do with her disappearance now. But the deeper he digs, the more he discovers that no one really knows a lot about Darcie Bonneville...not even her husband. The woman has seemingly no past, no social media presence, no digital footprint. So what secrets does this housewife have that she doesn't want her husband to find out? And what secrets are they to have brought danger to otherwise perfect life?
This thrilling mystery keeps the reader enthralled from the very first page, immersing you in Darcie's life and what lead to her disappearance. Told in alternating chapters between the past and the present, Darcie's story gradually unfolds and leaves you questioning everything you thought you knew.
I wasn't overly surprised by the direction it took or the outcome because I must have had Dan's instinct telling me something was up from the get-go. But although I had it figured out, even down to the climatic twist that Dan unravelled, it didn't ruin my enjoyment of it at all. Half the fun is figuring it out and spotting the clues. And I kept my eyes peeled throughout.
I absolutely loved this book and devoured it in one sitting. Can't wait to see what's in store next for Riley and his team. Although, I do love that this is a psychological thriller first and police procedural second. My favourite kind.
I would like to thank #AnnaLouWeatherley, #Netgalley and #Bookouture for an ARC of #TheHousesSecret in exchange for an honest review.
This review appears on my blog at https://stinathebookaholic.blogspot.com/.
I just love the Dan Riley series! Although I have yet to read the first couple of books, I've read every other since and have loved them all. I love Anna-Lou's style of incorporating the investigation with the rest of the story so that we're not all bogged down with procedural. She keeps that nice balance of both that keeps you coming back for more. And in doing so, each book can then be read as a standalone.
The reader is drawn in from the very beginning in the prologue leaving us wondering how it factors into the bigger picture...when it fact it is just a small part of the greater tapestry that it is to become.
Darcie Bonneville has the perfect life married to the perfect man, cardiac consultant Dr Gabe Bonneville, and they live in a beautiful and illustrious apartment in an affluent part of London. One morning she takes her dog for a walk and never returns home. The dog, however, does. And her husband arrives home to find the dog alone on the step but no sign of his wife.
DCI Dan Riley is on leave. Or about to go on leave. His wife Fiona has their bags all packed and the children ready...all they are waiting on is Dan to come home and they can leave for their holiday by the seaside. But then Dan's superior calls him in and alerts him to a missing woman whilst assuring him that they have it all under control. To go, enjoy his holiday and come back refreshed. But something niggles at Dan...and he knows he can't ignore his instinct. That being said, Dan has seven days to solve this case or his wife holds the threat of divorce over him.
Digging deeper into Darcie's life, Dan wonders whether her recent notoriety in saving a toddler's life has something to do with her disappearance now. But the deeper he digs, the more he discovers that no one really knows a lot about Darcie Bonneville...not even her husband. The woman has seemingly no past, no social media presence, no digital footprint. So what secrets does this housewife have that she doesn't want her husband to find out? And what secrets are they to have brought danger to otherwise perfect life?
This thrilling mystery keeps the reader enthralled from the very first page, immersing you in Darcie's life and what lead to her disappearance. Told in alternating chapters between the past and the present, Darcie's story gradually unfolds and leaves you questioning everything you thought you knew.
I wasn't overly surprised by the direction it took or the outcome because I must have had Dan's instinct telling me something was up from the get-go. But although I had it figured out, even down to the climatic twist that Dan unravelled, it didn't ruin my enjoyment of it at all. Half the fun is figuring it out and spotting the clues. And I kept my eyes peeled throughout.
I absolutely loved this book and devoured it in one sitting. Can't wait to see what's in store next for Riley and his team. Although, I do love that this is a psychological thriller first and police procedural second. My favourite kind.
I would like to thank #AnnaLouWeatherley, #Netgalley and #Bookouture for an ARC of #TheHousesSecret in exchange for an honest review.
This review appears on my blog at https://stinathebookaholic.blogspot.com/.
December 18, 2023
The Housewife's Secret by Anna-Lou Weatherley continues the highly addictive Detective Dan Riley series, one that just keeps getting better and better.
Dan is on the case once again when housewife Darcie Bonneville fails to return home following a stroll with her dog. Interestingly, an anonymous note dropped through the letterbox the previous evening had left Darcie on edge. Could her recent notoriety, thanks to saving a child's life on the street, have led someone from her past to her doorstep? And just what secrets from her complex history have brought danger to her very contented present?
Told in alternating chapters of now and then, Darcie's story gradually unfolds in a way that will have you questioning everything you think you know about the missing woman. As always, Dan Riley is an empathetic character who always manages to keep us firmly onside and rooting for him all the way. I can't wait to see what comes next for this most affable detective.
Many thanks to NetGalley and Bookouture for an ARC.
Dan is on the case once again when housewife Darcie Bonneville fails to return home following a stroll with her dog. Interestingly, an anonymous note dropped through the letterbox the previous evening had left Darcie on edge. Could her recent notoriety, thanks to saving a child's life on the street, have led someone from her past to her doorstep? And just what secrets from her complex history have brought danger to her very contented present?
Told in alternating chapters of now and then, Darcie's story gradually unfolds in a way that will have you questioning everything you think you know about the missing woman. As always, Dan Riley is an empathetic character who always manages to keep us firmly onside and rooting for him all the way. I can't wait to see what comes next for this most affable detective.
Many thanks to NetGalley and Bookouture for an ARC.
March 26, 2024
I read the audiobook version on audible and although the presentation was great, the story was really lacking. It was incredibly predictable, I was hoping for something that would shock me but it never came. Not a bad book, it was enjoyable, it’s just not great.
January 13, 2024
I really liked this book. It wasn't what I expected, thinking it would be about a housewife dealing with an abusive husband. Those kinds of stories are common, so I was happily surprised to find a different plot. The way the story played out kept me hooked, and I didn't want to stop reading. The unexpected twists added to the excitement. I enjoyed the characters, especially the main detective. He was well-written, and I couldn't help but root for him. I highly recommend this book.
Thank you NetGalley for the opportunity to read this ARC.
Thank you NetGalley for the opportunity to read this ARC.
April 3, 2024
Another well-thought-out and perfectly executed story from Anna-Lou Weatherley. I did think that the pacing was a little slow in this one, and I sometimes found myself drifting away from the storyline, however, it was soon pulled back when the story really got going. Apart from the pacing issue, this was a great story, and once again, all was only revealed when the author wanted it to. Very cleverly executed.
January 13, 2024
Another excellent read in this series. Right from the very start I was hooked and found it difficult to put this book down. Part crime and part psychological thriller which is a perfect combination.
January 9, 2024
4.5 rounding up!
"Memories are simply interpretations of what one believes they have seen and experienced. Sometimes, like old paint, it's not always best to stir them."
In "The Housewife's Secret," the protagonist is a woman who is putting on a facade of being the perfect housewife to impress her husband's friends. She's hiding secrets about her past and her mental health struggles and is deeply afraid of these truths being exposed. When she receives a threatening letter, she realizes that someone knows about her hidden life and fears the consequences...
The use of multiple points of view and timelines created a suspenseful atmosphere that kept me on the edge of my seat until the very end! Full of unexpected twists and turns, this book held my attention, and I couldn't put it down!
I really enjoyed this book and the intrigue and mysterious atmosphere it created. I highly recommend it to anyone who enjoys thrilling narratives filled with surprise!
I would like to express my gratitude to Bookouture & NetGalley for granting me access to this advanced reading copy and allowing me to share my thoughts!
Comes out Jan 12th! ✨️
"Memories are simply interpretations of what one believes they have seen and experienced. Sometimes, like old paint, it's not always best to stir them."
In "The Housewife's Secret," the protagonist is a woman who is putting on a facade of being the perfect housewife to impress her husband's friends. She's hiding secrets about her past and her mental health struggles and is deeply afraid of these truths being exposed. When she receives a threatening letter, she realizes that someone knows about her hidden life and fears the consequences...
The use of multiple points of view and timelines created a suspenseful atmosphere that kept me on the edge of my seat until the very end! Full of unexpected twists and turns, this book held my attention, and I couldn't put it down!
I really enjoyed this book and the intrigue and mysterious atmosphere it created. I highly recommend it to anyone who enjoys thrilling narratives filled with surprise!
I would like to express my gratitude to Bookouture & NetGalley for granting me access to this advanced reading copy and allowing me to share my thoughts!
Comes out Jan 12th! ✨️
November 16, 2024
I crushed this audiobook in one day! 🕺 I really liked the narrators style and it was such an easy listen, I was fully enthralled the entire time.
I didn’t realize when I started the book that it was a part of a series, but it was absolutely enjoyable as a stand alone read and didn’t feel like it was lacking anything nor tediously explaining the characters backstories.
It was spooky and mysterious, but also had some really wholesome moments. Sometimes I found that things were “spelled” out a bit because I could see where things were going for a long time. I felt there may have been too many obvious repetitive hints given for the reader which took away the allure of being shocked and surprised when the mystery was finally uncovered. But regardless, it was an entertaining listen and I will definitely be putting the rest of this series on my TBR list! 👌🏻
4.5/5 ⭐️
(Also this is a freebie on Audible right now!)
I didn’t realize when I started the book that it was a part of a series, but it was absolutely enjoyable as a stand alone read and didn’t feel like it was lacking anything nor tediously explaining the characters backstories.
It was spooky and mysterious, but also had some really wholesome moments. Sometimes I found that things were “spelled” out a bit because I could see where things were going for a long time. I felt there may have been too many obvious repetitive hints given for the reader which took away the allure of being shocked and surprised when the mystery was finally uncovered. But regardless, it was an entertaining listen and I will definitely be putting the rest of this series on my TBR list! 👌🏻
4.5/5 ⭐️
(Also this is a freebie on Audible right now!)
June 25, 2024
Really enjoyed this book, currently the last in the series. Detective Dan Riley is a great character and his storylines are always so captivating. Not only was I cheering him on in the case he was working but was counting down the days to how work may affect his home life.
Interesting story, definitely didn’t see the ending coming for this one - a nice surprise twist that really made the novel. It tied up nicely & I enjoyed all the characters.
Interesting story, definitely didn’t see the ending coming for this one - a nice surprise twist that really made the novel. It tied up nicely & I enjoyed all the characters.
February 10, 2024
The Housewife's Secret is book 7 in the Detective Dan Riley series by Anna-Lou Weatherley. It's a very exciting read that leaves you wanting more. Darcie Bonneville has a wonderful marriage with Dr. Gabe Bonneville. They are truly in love and have a happy life. Gabe is a surgeon and Darcie stays home taking care of things there. Darcie and Gabe like to entertain and they have dinner parties with their best friends quite often. Darcie loves to cook and plan the entire meal for each party. Darcie and Gabe want to start a family and have been trying.
One night Darcie and Gabe are having their friends over for dinner. Everything is going well until the dog starts barking. Everyone has been drinking, except for Darcie. She doesn't like to drink as she's afraid what might happen if she let down her guard. Darcie is hiding her past from Gabe and she doesn't know much about his past either. They are both comfortable with this and so in love that it just doesn't matter. When someone opens the front door to check what the dog was barking at, there's a letter with Darcie's name on it. She puts it on the counter as she's getting dessert for everyone.
When Darcie opens the envelope, it just has two words......Found You! Darcie tells the others it's nothing and puts it in the garbage. In reality she is panic-stricken and her heart is racing. Darcie has always tried to avoid pictures, stays off of social media, and doesn't put herself in any position to gain interest. That is until she saves the life of a young girl at the grocery store. She's all over the news as a hero and the mother of the girl she saved won't let it rest. She keeps calling Darcie wanting to do talk shows and such to earn some money. Darcie refuses and blocks her number when it gets to be too much. That's how he has finally found Darcie.
Who is the letter from and what do they want? Darcie can't sleep thinking about it. The next morning she takes the dog for a walk, kissing her husband before she goes. Gabe has a golf game and then he and Darcie are meeting for lunch. As Darcie is walking the dog, she sees another woman walking her dog and chats for a bit. When Darcie is deep into the path she hears branches breaking as someone steps on them. She can't see anyone, but gets a bad feeling. Gabe comes home to find the dog on the front porch alone. Where is Darcie? Darcie would never leave the dog outside alone. Something has happened, but what?
Gabe calls Darcie but it goes right to voicemail. He then calls the police and tells them his wife is missing. Her purse is still at the house, her car, but no Darcie. Who would want to take Darcie? Will they hurt her? Is it a ransom grab? Detective Dan Riley is supposed to be going on vacation with his wife and kids. He hears the call and stops by Gabe and Darcie's house to get a feel for the case. He doesn't like what he hears and fears for Darcie's safety. As they uncover more about Darcie's past they are sure she is in danger. Will they find her in time?
As The Housewife's Secret unravels you will be in for a thrilling ride. The book takes some turns you won't see coming and keeps you hoping Darcie will be found alive. I enjoyed The Housewife's Secret very much and rate it 4 stars. I'd like to thank NetGalley and Bookouture for an advanced copy of The Housewife's Secret in exchange for a fair review. #TheHousewifesSecret
One night Darcie and Gabe are having their friends over for dinner. Everything is going well until the dog starts barking. Everyone has been drinking, except for Darcie. She doesn't like to drink as she's afraid what might happen if she let down her guard. Darcie is hiding her past from Gabe and she doesn't know much about his past either. They are both comfortable with this and so in love that it just doesn't matter. When someone opens the front door to check what the dog was barking at, there's a letter with Darcie's name on it. She puts it on the counter as she's getting dessert for everyone.
When Darcie opens the envelope, it just has two words......Found You! Darcie tells the others it's nothing and puts it in the garbage. In reality she is panic-stricken and her heart is racing. Darcie has always tried to avoid pictures, stays off of social media, and doesn't put herself in any position to gain interest. That is until she saves the life of a young girl at the grocery store. She's all over the news as a hero and the mother of the girl she saved won't let it rest. She keeps calling Darcie wanting to do talk shows and such to earn some money. Darcie refuses and blocks her number when it gets to be too much. That's how he has finally found Darcie.
Who is the letter from and what do they want? Darcie can't sleep thinking about it. The next morning she takes the dog for a walk, kissing her husband before she goes. Gabe has a golf game and then he and Darcie are meeting for lunch. As Darcie is walking the dog, she sees another woman walking her dog and chats for a bit. When Darcie is deep into the path she hears branches breaking as someone steps on them. She can't see anyone, but gets a bad feeling. Gabe comes home to find the dog on the front porch alone. Where is Darcie? Darcie would never leave the dog outside alone. Something has happened, but what?
Gabe calls Darcie but it goes right to voicemail. He then calls the police and tells them his wife is missing. Her purse is still at the house, her car, but no Darcie. Who would want to take Darcie? Will they hurt her? Is it a ransom grab? Detective Dan Riley is supposed to be going on vacation with his wife and kids. He hears the call and stops by Gabe and Darcie's house to get a feel for the case. He doesn't like what he hears and fears for Darcie's safety. As they uncover more about Darcie's past they are sure she is in danger. Will they find her in time?
As The Housewife's Secret unravels you will be in for a thrilling ride. The book takes some turns you won't see coming and keeps you hoping Darcie will be found alive. I enjoyed The Housewife's Secret very much and rate it 4 stars. I'd like to thank NetGalley and Bookouture for an advanced copy of The Housewife's Secret in exchange for a fair review. #TheHousewifesSecret
April 12, 2024
4.75 ⭐️ Oh my this book. This was amazing, amazingly written and the narration was fantastic, I was gripped from the start and was always rushing to turn it on at any moment I could. I don’t think i’ve ever cried at a crime book but I did at the ending of this one. The storyline was heartbreaking and utterly crazy but it was articulated so well.
The only reason it’s not a full five stars is because I hated the detective calling his work associate his work wife 😂😂 the term has so many negative connotations to that which isn’t necessary for this book
The only reason it’s not a full five stars is because I hated the detective calling his work associate his work wife 😂😂 the term has so many negative connotations to that which isn’t necessary for this book
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