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The Other Couple
A relationship on the rocks. A body on the beach. A secret they can't escape.
For Beth and Vince, on the brink of a break-up, their island getaway was a last-ditch attempt to save their crumbling marriage. Instead, it’s left them with a haunting the discovery of a young woman’s body on the beach, and Vince’s arrest by suspicious local police. Now back in London after an alibi freed him, they’re desperate to move on—until a familiar face from that terrible night reappears on their street. One they hoped never to see again.
Detective Alison Hegarty was on the scene too, drawn into the case during what was meant to be a relaxing babymoon. Now she’s also back in London, heavily pregnant but in a race against impending maternity leave. Can she unravel the lies that connect the holiday murder, a long-ago crime and a new suspicious fall?
As Beth and Vince are forced to face up to the choices they made that night—and the lies they’ve told one another—one thing seems you can run away from your secrets, but the truth will always find you.
For Beth and Vince, on the brink of a break-up, their island getaway was a last-ditch attempt to save their crumbling marriage. Instead, it’s left them with a haunting the discovery of a young woman’s body on the beach, and Vince’s arrest by suspicious local police. Now back in London after an alibi freed him, they’re desperate to move on—until a familiar face from that terrible night reappears on their street. One they hoped never to see again.
Detective Alison Hegarty was on the scene too, drawn into the case during what was meant to be a relaxing babymoon. Now she’s also back in London, heavily pregnant but in a race against impending maternity leave. Can she unravel the lies that connect the holiday murder, a long-ago crime and a new suspicious fall?
As Beth and Vince are forced to face up to the choices they made that night—and the lies they’ve told one another—one thing seems you can run away from your secrets, but the truth will always find you.
349 pages, Kindle Edition
First published February 24, 2026
1101 people are currently reading
8859 people want to read
About the author
Claire McGowan
41 books2,128 followersClaire McGowan grew up in a small village in Northern Ireland. After a degree in English and French from Oxford University she moved to London and worked in the charity sector. THE FALL is her first novel, which is followed by a series starring forensic psychologist Paula Maguire. She also writes as Eva Woods.
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 115 reviews
March 9, 2026
This was a fun popcorn thriller. I loved the island setting. Three couples on vacation, when a murder happens. One of them is a suspect, then released. When they go back to London, they reconnect. But they are being investigated about what went down. I loved the detective's POV. This was twisty and kept me guessing until the end. I enjoyed it.
Thank you to the publisher and netgalley for the gifted copy. All opinions are my own.
Thank you to the publisher and netgalley for the gifted copy. All opinions are my own.
September 7, 2025
Ugh! I feel horrible giving a below-par review, but this book was a huge miss for me. The story was extremely slow and dragged to the point of boredom. I had to keep putting it down due to lack of interest. It took me about four days to finish it, which is highly unusual for me. Somewhere around the halfway point, Beth's 'then' POV started all over again, repeating everything from the beginning but with a few more details that were purposely left out. These many chapters could have been summed up into one or two instead of dragging the story out with unnecessary filler. And since I could not relate to her overly weak character at all, this was very painful for me. I also didn't understand why the author provided us with the POV of Him. Yes, it was a mysterious addition to the plot, but it immediately called out the guilty party for not being any of the characters that were under suspicion. This completely ruined the element of surprise for me. I did like DI Hegarty's role, as always, and will continue to be a fan. Overall, the first half of this book held promise with the exception of Him, but the second half was a total letdown. Some other readers seemed to have really enjoyed it, so I would recommend only to form your own opinions. I'm hoping that the author's next book hits the mark for me.
Thank you to Amazon Publishing UK | Thomas & Mercer for granting me a digital ARC via NetGalley in exchange for my honest review!
Thank you to Amazon Publishing UK | Thomas & Mercer for granting me a digital ARC via NetGalley in exchange for my honest review!
September 22, 2025
The Other Couple by Claire McGowan is a psychological thriller that will appeal to fans of fast-paced, short-chapter reads. Told through the alternating perspectives of Beth, Alison, and an unnamed male character (“Him”), the narrative keeps the reader guessing as secrets unravel between two couples brought together by circumstance.
The multiple POVs offer a layered view of the story, and the short chapters make it easy to fly through the book. For readers who enjoy switching perspectives and keeping track of different voices, this format is a definite plus.
The main body of the book is engaging, with some strong moments of tension and intrigue. While the plot occasionally drags in places, it mostly holds your attention and builds anticipation for the resolution.
Unfortunately, the ending is where the story falters. It feels rushed and attempts to tie up multiple loose ends too quickly, which undermines some of the suspense built throughout the novel. The final chapters could have benefited from more depth and a slower pace to do justice to the complex threads woven earlier.
A big thank you to NetGalley and Amazon Publishing for the ARC
The multiple POVs offer a layered view of the story, and the short chapters make it easy to fly through the book. For readers who enjoy switching perspectives and keeping track of different voices, this format is a definite plus.
The main body of the book is engaging, with some strong moments of tension and intrigue. While the plot occasionally drags in places, it mostly holds your attention and builds anticipation for the resolution.
Unfortunately, the ending is where the story falters. It feels rushed and attempts to tie up multiple loose ends too quickly, which undermines some of the suspense built throughout the novel. The final chapters could have benefited from more depth and a slower pace to do justice to the complex threads woven earlier.
A big thank you to NetGalley and Amazon Publishing for the ARC
March 8, 2026
I’ve tried picking up a few of Claire McGowan’s books over the years, but never managed to get past the first handful of chapters. After finally finishing The Other Couple, I think I’ve come to accept that McGowan’s writing style and my reading style just don’t quite mesh.
That said, the premise itself really intrigued me. The idea of a couple trying to move on from a dark vacation incident while the past slowly creeps back into their lives had a lot of potential. This one definitely leans into the slow-burn mystery side of crime fiction, with the story gradually unfolding through multiple perspectives and timelines.
I ended up listening to the audiobook, which helped me get through the story. If I had been reading a physical copy, I’m not sure I would have stuck with it all the way to the end. While this one ultimately wasn’t the best fit for me, I can easily see it working better for readers who enjoy slower-paced, methodical crime mysteries.
That said, the premise itself really intrigued me. The idea of a couple trying to move on from a dark vacation incident while the past slowly creeps back into their lives had a lot of potential. This one definitely leans into the slow-burn mystery side of crime fiction, with the story gradually unfolding through multiple perspectives and timelines.
I ended up listening to the audiobook, which helped me get through the story. If I had been reading a physical copy, I’m not sure I would have stuck with it all the way to the end. While this one ultimately wasn’t the best fit for me, I can easily see it working better for readers who enjoy slower-paced, methodical crime mysteries.
March 23, 2026
This is the murder book I have been reading. I can see this turned into a film.
This is the most fabulous twisted thriller I have read in a longtime.
When you go on holiday it meant to be the most relaxing enjoyable time. Three couples are on holiday in Tenerife. One couple is Detective Alison Hegarty. Beth and Vince find a dead woman on the beach. Spanish police arrest Vince.
Back in London although detective Alison Hegarty is heavily pregnant she won't stop until she has solved the murder investigation. Beth and Vince and the other couple Joel and Corinna all have their own secrets
March 8, 2026
Ending missed the mark
This one was mediocre. It felt like the goal was to hit the "big twist." In reality the ending fell flat and the perpetrator left me feeling cheated.
This one was mediocre. It felt like the goal was to hit the "big twist." In reality the ending fell flat and the perpetrator left me feeling cheated.
December 9, 2025
Thanks to NetGalley and Thomas & Mercer for the advanced copy of this title in return for an honest review.
This flits between POVs and time periods, and whilst I like both narrative devices, I know some people (my mother included) would struggle with it. Honestly, I did struggle more than I normally do but I did get to grips with it and from then on it was seamless.
I started reding it one evening and after about 90 minutes I was halfway through, it was so absorbing. And I devoured the second half as soon as I woke up the next day.
You have six main characters, some nicer than others, and some with bigger roles than others, but they're all well written. You're not sure who to trust and whose side you're meant to be on. Everyone becomes a suspect and you end up tying yourself in knots trying to figure it out.
It is fast-paced and tense, multi-layered with so much depth to it. There's twists and turns and surprises and it really keeps you on your toes.
I have always been notoriously terrible at working out thrillers and whodunnits, but even I was surprised by the reveal in this. I had my suspicions that kept changing throughout but I didn't see the ending coming.
The chapters are short (which I like) and snappy and fast-paced which helps add to the manic nature of the characters and the situation.
The one thing I'm not sure of is the ending. I mean, I didn't see it coming, which is good in a thriller. But it also seemed to come out of the blue and it was all done in a handful of pages, like something needed to be tied up but she didn't quite know how.. I liked it, don't get me wrong, the ending was good, I just wish it had been drip fed slightly earlier so it felt like part of the main story instead of just this added-on end.
This is my second of Claire's books I've read, the first being This Could Be Us, which is as far away from a thriller as you can get. Thrillers are my most read genre and I will definitely be putting Clare's name on my list of thriller writers to look out for.
This flits between POVs and time periods, and whilst I like both narrative devices, I know some people (my mother included) would struggle with it. Honestly, I did struggle more than I normally do but I did get to grips with it and from then on it was seamless.
I started reding it one evening and after about 90 minutes I was halfway through, it was so absorbing. And I devoured the second half as soon as I woke up the next day.
You have six main characters, some nicer than others, and some with bigger roles than others, but they're all well written. You're not sure who to trust and whose side you're meant to be on. Everyone becomes a suspect and you end up tying yourself in knots trying to figure it out.
It is fast-paced and tense, multi-layered with so much depth to it. There's twists and turns and surprises and it really keeps you on your toes.
I have always been notoriously terrible at working out thrillers and whodunnits, but even I was surprised by the reveal in this. I had my suspicions that kept changing throughout but I didn't see the ending coming.
The chapters are short (which I like) and snappy and fast-paced which helps add to the manic nature of the characters and the situation.
The one thing I'm not sure of is the ending. I mean, I didn't see it coming, which is good in a thriller. But it also seemed to come out of the blue and it was all done in a handful of pages, like something needed to be tied up but she didn't quite know how.. I liked it, don't get me wrong, the ending was good, I just wish it had been drip fed slightly earlier so it felt like part of the main story instead of just this added-on end.
This is my second of Claire's books I've read, the first being This Could Be Us, which is as far away from a thriller as you can get. Thrillers are my most read genre and I will definitely be putting Clare's name on my list of thriller writers to look out for.
August 23, 2025
I love this author's books; you can always count on a twisty, addictive read. Alison and her husband Tom, both police officers, are on holiday in Tenerife, taking a break before their baby arrives. Beth and Vince are also staying at the same hotel. One morning, Vince discovers a dead woman on the beach, and Alison gets involved in the case, much to the annoyance of the Spanish police. When they return to London, their lives become intertwined. It's a fantastic read with plenty of twists!
March 7, 2026
This was a fun and very easy thriller to get through. I really enjoyed the destination setting and the sense of unease that comes from placing a group of strangers together in a holiday resort where everyone seems to be hiding something.
The story follows three couples staying in Lanzarote. Beth and Vince are there on a make or break holiday, trying to salvage a marriage that already feels like it is hanging by a thread. Alison and Tom are both police officers enjoying a babymoon before their lives change forever. Then there is Corinna and Joel, a glamorous influencer couple who seem to be living a very curated version of their lives online.
When Ana, the resort’s lounge singer, is found dead one morning, the holiday takes a much darker turn and suddenly everyone’s memories, motives and relationships come under scrutiny.
I really liked the structure of the story. The narrative shifts between Beth and Alison across different timelines, alongside chapters from a mysterious “him” whose identity slowly unfolds. Claire McGowan is very good at keeping the reader guessing and the twists and turns definitely kept me engaged.
What surprised me most was how invested I became in Beth and Vince’s failing marriage. The tension between them felt very real and I found myself more interested in the reasons behind their dynamic than the actual murder mystery. Learning more about their history and how they had reached this breaking point was genuinely compelling.
While the chapters from “him” did add an extra layer of suspense, I do think the ending let this aspect down a little and it did not land quite the way I hoped it would.
I also felt that some of the decisions made by the main characters did not always track with the personalities we had been shown earlier in the book, which pulled me out of the story at times.
Overall this was an entertaining and bingeable read with a great setting and plenty of twists. It just did not fully stick the landing for me.
The story follows three couples staying in Lanzarote. Beth and Vince are there on a make or break holiday, trying to salvage a marriage that already feels like it is hanging by a thread. Alison and Tom are both police officers enjoying a babymoon before their lives change forever. Then there is Corinna and Joel, a glamorous influencer couple who seem to be living a very curated version of their lives online.
When Ana, the resort’s lounge singer, is found dead one morning, the holiday takes a much darker turn and suddenly everyone’s memories, motives and relationships come under scrutiny.
I really liked the structure of the story. The narrative shifts between Beth and Alison across different timelines, alongside chapters from a mysterious “him” whose identity slowly unfolds. Claire McGowan is very good at keeping the reader guessing and the twists and turns definitely kept me engaged.
What surprised me most was how invested I became in Beth and Vince’s failing marriage. The tension between them felt very real and I found myself more interested in the reasons behind their dynamic than the actual murder mystery. Learning more about their history and how they had reached this breaking point was genuinely compelling.
While the chapters from “him” did add an extra layer of suspense, I do think the ending let this aspect down a little and it did not land quite the way I hoped it would.
I also felt that some of the decisions made by the main characters did not always track with the personalities we had been shown earlier in the book, which pulled me out of the story at times.
Overall this was an entertaining and bingeable read with a great setting and plenty of twists. It just did not fully stick the landing for me.
March 17, 2026
A stunning whodunnit.
I loved this. It had all the elements I love in a good mystery. It was so well written.
Beth and Vince are on holiday when they are befriended by a couple of influencers. A woman ends up dead at the resort. Detective Alison and her partner Tom are also at the resort.
It’s told across 2 timelines. It’s so good! It’s perfect to read on holidays
I loved this. It had all the elements I love in a good mystery. It was so well written.
Beth and Vince are on holiday when they are befriended by a couple of influencers. A woman ends up dead at the resort. Detective Alison and her partner Tom are also at the resort.
It’s told across 2 timelines. It’s so good! It’s perfect to read on holidays
February 10, 2026
A very entertaining thriller. A holiday that goes wrong, a murder and couple dramas. I loved the character of Alison who is a very pregnant detective determined to solve a murder. I would recommend. It had short chapters and a fast pace!
February 21, 2026
This book was fast paced and kept me hooked. This would be the perfect read for your summer vacation as it’s giving poolside reading. I still enjoyed this one even though it’s constantly raining outside 🤣
March 13, 2026
Loved Alison as a character but all the others fell flat for me. A decent thriller with a few twists and turns but the ending was a bit of a let down. Overall I enjoyed it but mainly because of Alison being awesome.
Review of advance copy received from Netgalley
Who knew I was missing a cop mystery in my life? This one had me hooked from the start... a death while on holiday! So many twists and turns, loved it.
March 15, 2026
An interesting and intriguing story, but it was quite complicated at times. The backwards and forwards time line was sometimes hard to follow. Not sure about some of the literary techniques, but overall it was a good read.
March 26, 2026
3.5 kept me hooked!
September 20, 2025
I enjoyed this psych thriller, and am a fan of this author! It was a little slow and repetitive at times, but the story and characters were good! 7/10.
Thank you very much to NetGalley and Amazon Publishing UK for the advanced reader’s copy of this book in exchange for my honest review.
Thank you very much to NetGalley and Amazon Publishing UK for the advanced reader’s copy of this book in exchange for my honest review.
Review of advance copy received from Netgalley
In The Other Couple, Beth and Vince take a last-ditch holiday to an island resort in the hope of saving their crumbling marriage. Instead, they find a young woman’s body on the beach and Vince is swiftly arrested by the local police. Although an alibi eventually clears him, the shock follows them home to London, especially when someone connected to that night reappears in their neighbourhood. Meanwhile, Detective Alison Hegarty, who was also at the resort at the same time cannot let the case go. Back in London and heavily pregnant, she continues to investigate.
This was an enjoyable holiday thriller. The multiple POVs and dual timelines worked well for me and the short chapters made it very easy to race through the book. I really liked the character of Alison, her persistence and the added pressure of her pregnancy which gave some of her sections a real sense of urgency. That said, I did feel a little let down by the big reveal at the end, which didn’t quite land with the punch I was hoping for and felt slightly rushed.
A recommended read for fans of Ruth Ware and Gillian McAllister.
Thank you to NetGalley and Amazon Publishing for providing me with a digital copy of this book in exchange for an honest review.
This was an enjoyable holiday thriller. The multiple POVs and dual timelines worked well for me and the short chapters made it very easy to race through the book. I really liked the character of Alison, her persistence and the added pressure of her pregnancy which gave some of her sections a real sense of urgency. That said, I did feel a little let down by the big reveal at the end, which didn’t quite land with the punch I was hoping for and felt slightly rushed.
A recommended read for fans of Ruth Ware and Gillian McAllister.
Thank you to NetGalley and Amazon Publishing for providing me with a digital copy of this book in exchange for an honest review.
September 17, 2025
I'm very conflicted writing this review! For the most part, I loved it. The writing style was really enjoyable to read and I liked the structure. Also, 'Stodgy-looking man' is probably my favourite character description ever!
I just felt really cheated by the end. Spoiler territory - I was really enjoying the mystery and untangling what had happened with the three couples at the resort, only for the murderer to turn out to be a random character who wasn't even introduced until the end. Really disappointing, and took what could have been a 5 star read for me to 3 stars.
Can't win them all I suppose, I would definitely read more from the author because of how much I enjoyed the first 90% of the book.
I just felt really cheated by the end. Spoiler territory - I was really enjoying the mystery and untangling what had happened with the three couples at the resort, only for the murderer to turn out to be a random character who wasn't even introduced until the end. Really disappointing, and took what could have been a 5 star read for me to 3 stars.
Can't win them all I suppose, I would definitely read more from the author because of how much I enjoyed the first 90% of the book.
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
August 26, 2025
I love this author and enjoy every new book of hers that I read, so I knew I'd like this one. It's laid out a bit differently; it starts with Beth's POV in the present and Alison's in the past, and then switches to Beth in the past and Alison in the present. I loved that twist on the timeframes, and it makes you curious about why the author chose to lay it out that way, so keep that in mind. Beth and her husband, Vince, are supposed to be enjoying an island vacation when a woman's body is found washed up on the beach. Vince is arrested but released, and is happy to go back home to London after the ordeal. But that doesn't mean it's over.
Alison is also enjoying a vacation with her partner, but she's several months pregnant, which leaves her unable to enjoy many of the perks, like endless day drinking. As a detective, she does what she does best and observes the other vacationers. She witnesses Beth and Vince arguing more than once and gets a feeling that something's not right with them. She can't let it go, even after her vacation is over, and continues to investigate once she returns home. Also to London. Apparently, it's common for Londoners to vacation in Tenerife, so it's not far-fetched that they would have crossed paths on vacation. As an American, I know nothing about that, but the details about the locals protesting tourism are probably familiar to people all over the world.
It turns out there's more to this than an ill-timed death in paradise, and the characters' stories start to intermingle. The present narrative gets good when all the pieces start to come together, but then it kind of veers off, and I can't say too much more about that. There are events in the past having to do with the present that come out of nowhere and end up being more important than you would expect. And I'm not sure how satisfied readers will be when it's revealed who killed the woman on the beach. But it was unexpected, that's for sure.
I enjoyed Alison's POV more than Beth's - her husband is a complete jerk, and she puts up with way too much when she should be kicking him out. He treats her horribly, and she just makes excuses and coddles him to the point where it's just painful to read. And he never truly redeems himself or apologizes anywhere near enough for the way he treated her. Ugh. If you're going to create such a terrible character, they need to be dealt with accordingly!
Anyway, it's a fun story that would be a great - cliche coming - beach read! Just maybe watch out for bodies in the water.
Alison is also enjoying a vacation with her partner, but she's several months pregnant, which leaves her unable to enjoy many of the perks, like endless day drinking. As a detective, she does what she does best and observes the other vacationers. She witnesses Beth and Vince arguing more than once and gets a feeling that something's not right with them. She can't let it go, even after her vacation is over, and continues to investigate once she returns home. Also to London. Apparently, it's common for Londoners to vacation in Tenerife, so it's not far-fetched that they would have crossed paths on vacation. As an American, I know nothing about that, but the details about the locals protesting tourism are probably familiar to people all over the world.
It turns out there's more to this than an ill-timed death in paradise, and the characters' stories start to intermingle. The present narrative gets good when all the pieces start to come together, but then it kind of veers off, and I can't say too much more about that. There are events in the past having to do with the present that come out of nowhere and end up being more important than you would expect. And I'm not sure how satisfied readers will be when it's revealed who killed the woman on the beach. But it was unexpected, that's for sure.
I enjoyed Alison's POV more than Beth's - her husband is a complete jerk, and she puts up with way too much when she should be kicking him out. He treats her horribly, and she just makes excuses and coddles him to the point where it's just painful to read. And he never truly redeems himself or apologizes anywhere near enough for the way he treated her. Ugh. If you're going to create such a terrible character, they need to be dealt with accordingly!
Anyway, it's a fun story that would be a great - cliche coming - beach read! Just maybe watch out for bodies in the water.
March 9, 2026
3.5 stars rounded up
The Other Couple is a psychological thriller that will appeal to readers who enjoy fast-paced stories with short, punchy chapters that make it hard to stop at “just one more.”
The story is told through multiple perspectives, including Beth, Alison, and an unnamed male character referred to as “Him,” as well as shifting between “then” and “now.” This structure keeps the mystery moving and slowly reveals the secrets connecting two couples brought together by circumstance. At times I found the constant switching of perspectives a little frustrating, but in the best possible way. Just as one storyline was getting particularly interesting, the narrative would jump to another point of view and leave you wanting to flip ahead to see what happens next. It definitely had me repeatedly telling myself I’d read “just one more chapter.”
The multiple POVs give the story a layered feel, and the short chapters make it incredibly easy to fly through. For readers who enjoy piecing together a mystery from different voices and perspectives, this format will likely be a big plus.
That said, there were moments where the shifting viewpoints felt a bit repetitive or slightly confusing. I may revisit this opinion on a reread though, as some of those moments happened when I was reading late at night. I’d rather not blame the book entirely when tired-brain reading might have played a part!
The one aspect I’m still a little unsure about is the ending. On the one hand, I genuinely didn’t see it coming, which is always a win in a thriller and I genuinely hate it when I have been able to guess the ending in a book. On the other hand, it felt like it arrived very quickly in the final pages, almost as though everything needed to be wrapped up in a hurry and to an extent, I feel almost cheated by the ending. I did like the ending, but I think it might have been even more satisfying if some of those final revelations had been drip-fed slightly earlier so they felt more integrated into the main story rather than appearing right at the end.
Overall, The Other Couple is a gripping, quick read packed with secrets, shifting perspectives, and plenty of tension to keep the pages turning.
The Other Couple is a psychological thriller that will appeal to readers who enjoy fast-paced stories with short, punchy chapters that make it hard to stop at “just one more.”
The story is told through multiple perspectives, including Beth, Alison, and an unnamed male character referred to as “Him,” as well as shifting between “then” and “now.” This structure keeps the mystery moving and slowly reveals the secrets connecting two couples brought together by circumstance. At times I found the constant switching of perspectives a little frustrating, but in the best possible way. Just as one storyline was getting particularly interesting, the narrative would jump to another point of view and leave you wanting to flip ahead to see what happens next. It definitely had me repeatedly telling myself I’d read “just one more chapter.”
The multiple POVs give the story a layered feel, and the short chapters make it incredibly easy to fly through. For readers who enjoy piecing together a mystery from different voices and perspectives, this format will likely be a big plus.
That said, there were moments where the shifting viewpoints felt a bit repetitive or slightly confusing. I may revisit this opinion on a reread though, as some of those moments happened when I was reading late at night. I’d rather not blame the book entirely when tired-brain reading might have played a part!
The one aspect I’m still a little unsure about is the ending. On the one hand, I genuinely didn’t see it coming, which is always a win in a thriller and I genuinely hate it when I have been able to guess the ending in a book. On the other hand, it felt like it arrived very quickly in the final pages, almost as though everything needed to be wrapped up in a hurry and to an extent, I feel almost cheated by the ending. I did like the ending, but I think it might have been even more satisfying if some of those final revelations had been drip-fed slightly earlier so they felt more integrated into the main story rather than appearing right at the end.
Overall, The Other Couple is a gripping, quick read packed with secrets, shifting perspectives, and plenty of tension to keep the pages turning.
Review of advance copy received from Netgalley
Rating: 1.8/5
I have had mixed experiences with Claire McGowan's output in the past, so I went into this one hoping for the best, but also prepared to be disappointed. Sadly, it was to be the latter. There was nothing about this latest offering from Claire McGowan that really hooked me, which is a shame, because, at her best, she is a very capable writer.
The setting was potentially fine, although it wasn't long before matters started to stretch credulity. Heavily pregnant detective, Alison Hegarty, is on holiday with her husband in Tenerife when a woman's dead body is discovered on the beach. Rather than leaving matters to the local police, Alison can't help but force herself into the investigation. The manner in which she goes about it is far from professional and I couldn't help but think of the way that amateur sleuths in cosy mysteries inveigle their way into police matters, because they obviously know better than the bumbling local plod.
The narrative is told primarily from the perspectives of Alison (the British detective) and Beth, a British holidaymaker whose husband had discovered the dead woman's body. There are also intermittent chapters from an unnamed male, known only as "Him". The time frame alternates between the holiday in Tenerife and two weeks later with the various parties now back in the UK. I have no issue with dual perspectives, nor with dual time frames, which can work extremely well. However, in this instance there is a lot of repetition, with ground already covered being re-trodden and then gone over once or twice more just for good measure.
Without wanting to stray into spoiler territory, the ultimate unravelling of the mystery is far from satisfying. Claire McGowan comes dangerously close to committing the cardinal sin of pulling a rabbit out of the hat. Strictly speaking, the doer of the deed doesn't quite appear out of nowhere - but it is hardly a glowing example of clever mystery plotting.
Many thanks to NetGalley and the publisher for supplying an ARC in return for an honest review.
I have had mixed experiences with Claire McGowan's output in the past, so I went into this one hoping for the best, but also prepared to be disappointed. Sadly, it was to be the latter. There was nothing about this latest offering from Claire McGowan that really hooked me, which is a shame, because, at her best, she is a very capable writer.
The setting was potentially fine, although it wasn't long before matters started to stretch credulity. Heavily pregnant detective, Alison Hegarty, is on holiday with her husband in Tenerife when a woman's dead body is discovered on the beach. Rather than leaving matters to the local police, Alison can't help but force herself into the investigation. The manner in which she goes about it is far from professional and I couldn't help but think of the way that amateur sleuths in cosy mysteries inveigle their way into police matters, because they obviously know better than the bumbling local plod.
The narrative is told primarily from the perspectives of Alison (the British detective) and Beth, a British holidaymaker whose husband had discovered the dead woman's body. There are also intermittent chapters from an unnamed male, known only as "Him". The time frame alternates between the holiday in Tenerife and two weeks later with the various parties now back in the UK. I have no issue with dual perspectives, nor with dual time frames, which can work extremely well. However, in this instance there is a lot of repetition, with ground already covered being re-trodden and then gone over once or twice more just for good measure.
Without wanting to stray into spoiler territory, the ultimate unravelling of the mystery is far from satisfying. Claire McGowan comes dangerously close to committing the cardinal sin of pulling a rabbit out of the hat. Strictly speaking, the doer of the deed doesn't quite appear out of nowhere - but it is hardly a glowing example of clever mystery plotting.
Many thanks to NetGalley and the publisher for supplying an ARC in return for an honest review.
March 21, 2026
Not all holidays go as planned. Beautifully played!
The Other Couple by Claire McGowan
I had the pleasure of reading McGowan a while ago and as soon as I was presented with this opportunity I felt so honored. Thank you @netgalley for this ALC of another stunning novel!
Not all holidays turn out to be special, no matter how hard we try. However, not all holidays end up in a brutal murder. Unfortunately, this is what three couples had to face in the breathtaking Tenerife.
Alison and her husband, two detectives on their last holidays before becoming officially parents, will face the cruel murder of a young local who appeared stranded on the beach. She was so young, so lovely. Beautifully talented.
Other guests will be involved in different aspects and almost all of them questioned by the police in an effort to catch the murderer and restore peace at the resort. However, one particular couple would check out in horror, despite the fact of having paid a full week.
Will Alison be able to close one more case before becoming a mother? Can she really trust their testimonies? Or is there something else that goes beyond this young woman’s death?
My thoughts 💭
It’s a brilliant and fast paced novel, told in a dual POV which adds texture to this cat and mouse story. The characters were certainly well crafted portraying Alison, Beth and Corinna as three completely different stereotypes of women.
Each one of them added something quite unique, as their stories were so apart from each other. It was a pleasure watching how they evolved, left the past behind and threw themselves to a whole new world of possibilities.
I truly enjoyed the novel and I highly recommend it!
⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️/5
The Other Couple by Claire McGowan
I had the pleasure of reading McGowan a while ago and as soon as I was presented with this opportunity I felt so honored. Thank you @netgalley for this ALC of another stunning novel!
Not all holidays turn out to be special, no matter how hard we try. However, not all holidays end up in a brutal murder. Unfortunately, this is what three couples had to face in the breathtaking Tenerife.
Alison and her husband, two detectives on their last holidays before becoming officially parents, will face the cruel murder of a young local who appeared stranded on the beach. She was so young, so lovely. Beautifully talented.
Other guests will be involved in different aspects and almost all of them questioned by the police in an effort to catch the murderer and restore peace at the resort. However, one particular couple would check out in horror, despite the fact of having paid a full week.
Will Alison be able to close one more case before becoming a mother? Can she really trust their testimonies? Or is there something else that goes beyond this young woman’s death?
My thoughts 💭
It’s a brilliant and fast paced novel, told in a dual POV which adds texture to this cat and mouse story. The characters were certainly well crafted portraying Alison, Beth and Corinna as three completely different stereotypes of women.
Each one of them added something quite unique, as their stories were so apart from each other. It was a pleasure watching how they evolved, left the past behind and threw themselves to a whole new world of possibilities.
I truly enjoyed the novel and I highly recommend it!
⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️/5
February 28, 2026
I have read every single Claire McGowan (except the Paula series and the non-fiction). My favourite of hers is definitely the Oxford thriller. I felt that the setting of Tenerife was different for her, and would work quite well, except that I was quite confused. Firstly: is this a hotel of chavs, or of rich people with £300 a night to spend?
I always find it hard in novels when someone has disowned their past identity - and here, we have three of them. It felt like the identity of Him kind of came out of nowhere, and managed to bolt the main 6 free. I think something more interesting would have been if Alison’s husband was involved. Or, Corinne et al were swingers, which is where it felt like it was going at one point.
I love McGowan usually but think that this one was a little more rushed than normal. I appreciated the small details (both sets of gold toenails) but some stuff got lost (e.g. the differing testimony from the child at the beach doesn’t ever make it anywhere meaningful). Also, when did Beth get covered in sangria? We don’t really get that bit. Did the victim throw it on her?
I liked the delusion of Corinne, I didn’t like the patent twist - it doesn’t track with me how Beth’s husband can seem so cruel but really has the best intentions (and the concerns of Beth’s friends regarding her alcoholism weren’t too strong). Also, if Beth cared that much about a kid - the drink?
I felt like the characters were shoehorned into situations that I don’t think they would be in, given what we know about their character.
However, I still love McGowan and look forward to her next one this summer (yes, I am on preorder!)
I always find it hard in novels when someone has disowned their past identity - and here, we have three of them. It felt like the identity of Him kind of came out of nowhere, and managed to bolt the main 6 free. I think something more interesting would have been if Alison’s husband was involved. Or, Corinne et al were swingers, which is where it felt like it was going at one point.
I love McGowan usually but think that this one was a little more rushed than normal. I appreciated the small details (both sets of gold toenails) but some stuff got lost (e.g. the differing testimony from the child at the beach doesn’t ever make it anywhere meaningful). Also, when did Beth get covered in sangria? We don’t really get that bit. Did the victim throw it on her?
I liked the delusion of Corinne, I didn’t like the patent twist - it doesn’t track with me how Beth’s husband can seem so cruel but really has the best intentions (and the concerns of Beth’s friends regarding her alcoholism weren’t too strong). Also, if Beth cared that much about a kid - the drink?
I felt like the characters were shoehorned into situations that I don’t think they would be in, given what we know about their character.
However, I still love McGowan and look forward to her next one this summer (yes, I am on preorder!)
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
March 3, 2026
The Other Couple is a fast paced psychological thriller with short, punchy chapters that make it incredibly easy to keep turning the pages.
The multiple-narrative style took a little while to settle into. With several points of view and shifting timelines, it can initially feel slightly disorientating. However, once the rhythm of the storytelling becomes clear, it adds real depth to the novel.
Each chapter is brief but packed with just enough information to keep you wanting to read on, often ending on a small cliffhanger that pulls you straight into the next one.
At times the pacing feels almost manic, which works well for the tension building throughout the story. Just when you think you’re heading down the path to a clear resolution, another twist appears and knocks you completely off course. The constant turns keep the suspense high and make it difficult to predict where the story will ultimately go.
I was fortunate enough to receive an early copy of the audiobook, and I genuinely struggled to stop listening. The narrator does an excellent job with tone and pacing, capturing the emotional shifts of the story and helping bring the different characters to life.
As for the ending — when I say my mouth dropped open, I absolutely mean it. Wow. It was genuinely shocking and very unexpected. There were small hints scattered throughout the story, but I felt there could perhaps have been a little more depth to this aspect. The final reveal felt slightly rushed compared to the careful build-up we get throughout the rest of the novel. Without giving anything away, it almost felt as though the conclusion arrived suddenly and wrapped things up very quickly. I would have loved to see that final element expanded upon and woven more fully into the main narrative.
Overall, The Other Couple is a gripping and twist-filled psychological thriller that keeps you guessing right until the end. If you enjoy fast-paced stories, shifting perspectives, and plenty of surprises along the way, this is definitely one to add to your reading list.
Thank you to Brilliance publishing and NetGalley for the early copy of the audiobook.
The multiple-narrative style took a little while to settle into. With several points of view and shifting timelines, it can initially feel slightly disorientating. However, once the rhythm of the storytelling becomes clear, it adds real depth to the novel.
Each chapter is brief but packed with just enough information to keep you wanting to read on, often ending on a small cliffhanger that pulls you straight into the next one.
At times the pacing feels almost manic, which works well for the tension building throughout the story. Just when you think you’re heading down the path to a clear resolution, another twist appears and knocks you completely off course. The constant turns keep the suspense high and make it difficult to predict where the story will ultimately go.
I was fortunate enough to receive an early copy of the audiobook, and I genuinely struggled to stop listening. The narrator does an excellent job with tone and pacing, capturing the emotional shifts of the story and helping bring the different characters to life.
As for the ending — when I say my mouth dropped open, I absolutely mean it. Wow. It was genuinely shocking and very unexpected. There were small hints scattered throughout the story, but I felt there could perhaps have been a little more depth to this aspect. The final reveal felt slightly rushed compared to the careful build-up we get throughout the rest of the novel. Without giving anything away, it almost felt as though the conclusion arrived suddenly and wrapped things up very quickly. I would have loved to see that final element expanded upon and woven more fully into the main narrative.
Overall, The Other Couple is a gripping and twist-filled psychological thriller that keeps you guessing right until the end. If you enjoy fast-paced stories, shifting perspectives, and plenty of surprises along the way, this is definitely one to add to your reading list.
Thank you to Brilliance publishing and NetGalley for the early copy of the audiobook.
March 11, 2026
⭐️ 4.5
This was my first read by Claire McGowan, and I thoroughly enjoyed it.
The story unfolds against the glamorous backdrop of a luxury holiday resort in Tenerife. When a body washes up on the beach one morning, the mystery begins and the tension quickly builds.
At the resort are three couples: Vince and Beth, Joel and Corrina (the influencers), and Tom and Alison – both detectives, although Alison is very pregnant and is meant to be enjoying a relaxing break before becoming a mum.
But Alison can’t switch off her detective instincts. She notices Beth’s unhappiness before the murder, the icy tension between her and Vince, and the overly polished façade of the influencer couple. Something doesn’t quite add up…
Once the holiday ends and everyone returns home, the mystery only deepens. How are these couples connected, and can Alison uncover the truth before it’s too late?
Told from Beth and Alison’s POV both during the holiday and afterwards – alongside intriguing chapters simply titled “HIM” – there’s plenty to keep readers hooked. I loved trying to piece the puzzle together alongside Alison.
I genuinely didn’t see the ending coming. I was led down the garden path more than once, and every time I thought I had something figured out, the story twisted again. I love thrillers that keep me guessing, and this one absolutely delivered!
A twisty, entertaining thriller that kept me turning the pages.
This was my first read by Claire McGowan, and I thoroughly enjoyed it.
The story unfolds against the glamorous backdrop of a luxury holiday resort in Tenerife. When a body washes up on the beach one morning, the mystery begins and the tension quickly builds.
At the resort are three couples: Vince and Beth, Joel and Corrina (the influencers), and Tom and Alison – both detectives, although Alison is very pregnant and is meant to be enjoying a relaxing break before becoming a mum.
But Alison can’t switch off her detective instincts. She notices Beth’s unhappiness before the murder, the icy tension between her and Vince, and the overly polished façade of the influencer couple. Something doesn’t quite add up…
Once the holiday ends and everyone returns home, the mystery only deepens. How are these couples connected, and can Alison uncover the truth before it’s too late?
Told from Beth and Alison’s POV both during the holiday and afterwards – alongside intriguing chapters simply titled “HIM” – there’s plenty to keep readers hooked. I loved trying to piece the puzzle together alongside Alison.
I genuinely didn’t see the ending coming. I was led down the garden path more than once, and every time I thought I had something figured out, the story twisted again. I love thrillers that keep me guessing, and this one absolutely delivered!
A twisty, entertaining thriller that kept me turning the pages.
September 21, 2025
Claire McGowan’s The Other Couple by Claire McGowan is a gripping thriller where relationships and secrets cannot escape the weight of the past.
Beth and Vince have travelled to a luxury island in an effort to escape the troubles from their failing marriage. Instead, they stumble across the body of a young woman on the beach and Vince is quickly under suspicion by local police. He is eventually freed, but a suspicion of doubt remains. They return to London hoping to put the memories behind them but when a familiar face from that night turns up it is obvious they have not yet escaped their nightmare.
Detective Alison Hegarty, who was also present that night, finds herself unexpectedly entangled in the case while on her own holiday. She is heavily pregnant and feels drawn into the case and cannot resist trying to solve it.
The novel is told from multiple perspectives and is well paced and full of simmering tension. This is a page turner that I really enjoyed. a police procedural full of intrigue and domestic suspense, that tells of the betrayal and lies between Beth and Vince as they face up to what really happened that night.
Lots of twists and turns made this a very enjoyable read.
I would like to thank both Netgalley and Amazon Publishing UK for supplying a copy of this novel in exchange for an honest review.
Beth and Vince have travelled to a luxury island in an effort to escape the troubles from their failing marriage. Instead, they stumble across the body of a young woman on the beach and Vince is quickly under suspicion by local police. He is eventually freed, but a suspicion of doubt remains. They return to London hoping to put the memories behind them but when a familiar face from that night turns up it is obvious they have not yet escaped their nightmare.
Detective Alison Hegarty, who was also present that night, finds herself unexpectedly entangled in the case while on her own holiday. She is heavily pregnant and feels drawn into the case and cannot resist trying to solve it.
The novel is told from multiple perspectives and is well paced and full of simmering tension. This is a page turner that I really enjoyed. a police procedural full of intrigue and domestic suspense, that tells of the betrayal and lies between Beth and Vince as they face up to what really happened that night.
Lots of twists and turns made this a very enjoyable read.
I would like to thank both Netgalley and Amazon Publishing UK for supplying a copy of this novel in exchange for an honest review.
February 26, 2026
The Other Couple starts with a strong and intriguing premise — a troubled couple on a last-ditch holiday that spirals into a mysterious murder case. McGowan lays the setup well, with layered relationships and an atmospheric setting that should make for a gripping psychological crime novel.
However, despite that promising start, the book falls short of its potential. For most of the story, the build-up around the murder and the shifting viewpoints keep you engaged with questions about who’s involved and why. The characters are drawn with enough detail to care about their dilemmas, and the investigation thread has real promise.
That said, the ending undermines almost everything that came before it. Rather than a satisfying resolution to the central mystery, the final reveal feels tacked on and almost unrelated to the plot that’s been developed throughout the book. It comes so late and so abruptly that it robs the story of coherence — the murderer’s identity doesn’t feel earned from the clues and character threads laid out earlier, and it gives the impression of an afterthought rather than a climax. This made what could have been a good read feel disappointing overall.
In short: a good setup and engaging middle, but the ending weakens the entire experience. Fans of McGowan’s work or twisty crime fiction might still enjoy parts of this, but the final pages let the novel down.
However, despite that promising start, the book falls short of its potential. For most of the story, the build-up around the murder and the shifting viewpoints keep you engaged with questions about who’s involved and why. The characters are drawn with enough detail to care about their dilemmas, and the investigation thread has real promise.
That said, the ending undermines almost everything that came before it. Rather than a satisfying resolution to the central mystery, the final reveal feels tacked on and almost unrelated to the plot that’s been developed throughout the book. It comes so late and so abruptly that it robs the story of coherence — the murderer’s identity doesn’t feel earned from the clues and character threads laid out earlier, and it gives the impression of an afterthought rather than a climax. This made what could have been a good read feel disappointing overall.
In short: a good setup and engaging middle, but the ending weakens the entire experience. Fans of McGowan’s work or twisty crime fiction might still enjoy parts of this, but the final pages let the novel down.
March 12, 2026
This was a fun psychological thriller, plus, I'm always up for a Claire McGowan book!
I loved the Holiday mystery after a woman's body was found washed upon the shore.
A couple vacationing, Beth and Vince, trying to patch their marriage after her suspicion of his infidelity find themselves front and center on the investigation. Vince is arrested and Beth's story changes numerous times conflicting both of their alibis. This is not his first stint with the law and a dead body. When all the lies and discovery comes to light, you will wish there was more to this vacation mystery...not wanting it to end.
Friends and influencers Joel and Corrina add to the mystery of Vince, creating more distrust among Beth. Then there is Alison and Tom vacationing before the birth of their baby, become involved in the investigation. Tom knows not to tell Alison to back away because she is head strong. Not interfering with the police procedures, but actually make leeway with evidence and finding what the police did not see. Intriguing procedurals and unreliable characters or witnesses makes this a fun crime investigation.
Fabulous job on the Audiobook by Claire McGowan, narrated by Rachael Beresford.
I loved the Holiday mystery after a woman's body was found washed upon the shore.
A couple vacationing, Beth and Vince, trying to patch their marriage after her suspicion of his infidelity find themselves front and center on the investigation. Vince is arrested and Beth's story changes numerous times conflicting both of their alibis. This is not his first stint with the law and a dead body. When all the lies and discovery comes to light, you will wish there was more to this vacation mystery...not wanting it to end.
Friends and influencers Joel and Corrina add to the mystery of Vince, creating more distrust among Beth. Then there is Alison and Tom vacationing before the birth of their baby, become involved in the investigation. Tom knows not to tell Alison to back away because she is head strong. Not interfering with the police procedures, but actually make leeway with evidence and finding what the police did not see. Intriguing procedurals and unreliable characters or witnesses makes this a fun crime investigation.
Fabulous job on the Audiobook by Claire McGowan, narrated by Rachael Beresford.
Review of advance copy received from Netgalley
I enjoyed this book but didn"t love it.
Plot:
Three UK couples go to Tenerife on vacation:
Beth and Vince are a couple whose relationship has has hit a rough patch. Theyre hoping this vacation helps reignite their passion.
Corinna and Joel are influencers staying at the hotel in exchange for reviewing it.
Alison and Tom are detectives who are expecting their first child. Alison loves her job and isn't sure she'll be able to cope when she's on maternity leave with no crimes to solve. Fortunately, before long the singer who works at the resort is murdered and Alison has a crime to investigate.
Vince, who found the body, is a prime suspect, especially after it is revealed that he was a suspect in a similar crime in his youth.
The book is narrated by Alison and Beth who flip back and forth between past and present. I found it quite repetitive.
The second half of the book is definitely more interesting but the book, at 10 hours was really too long. I found my mind wandering and having to replay segments--which made it seem longer, obviously.
This is the first book Ive read by Claire McGowan and I liked her writing. I would try another book by the author.
Plot:
Three UK couples go to Tenerife on vacation:
Beth and Vince are a couple whose relationship has has hit a rough patch. Theyre hoping this vacation helps reignite their passion.
Corinna and Joel are influencers staying at the hotel in exchange for reviewing it.
Alison and Tom are detectives who are expecting their first child. Alison loves her job and isn't sure she'll be able to cope when she's on maternity leave with no crimes to solve. Fortunately, before long the singer who works at the resort is murdered and Alison has a crime to investigate.
Vince, who found the body, is a prime suspect, especially after it is revealed that he was a suspect in a similar crime in his youth.
The book is narrated by Alison and Beth who flip back and forth between past and present. I found it quite repetitive.
The second half of the book is definitely more interesting but the book, at 10 hours was really too long. I found my mind wandering and having to replay segments--which made it seem longer, obviously.
This is the first book Ive read by Claire McGowan and I liked her writing. I would try another book by the author.
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