Jump to ratings and reviews
Rate this book

The Woman From Bookclub

Rate this book
THE FIRST RULE OF BOOK CLUB: PROTECT THE SISTERHOOD.

THE SECOND RULE OF BOOK CLUB: NO HUSBANDS.

OH, AND THE THIRD RULE OF BOOK CLUB: NO MURDERS.

Welcome to Book Club.

Emma has it all. Jules knows it all. Rosa's seen it all. Marianne's done it all. Lucy watches it all. And newcomer Lydia wants it. All.

When perfect wife Emma gets arrested for the murder of her husband at Book Club, the group is reeling.

But as the women turn from the murder mystery on the pages to the hidden secrets in the group, will they discover a killer plot twist that none of them saw coming?

Perfect for fans of Bella Mackie, author of How To Kill Your Family and Katy Brent, author of How To Kill Men and Get Away With it.

384 pages, Paperback

Published November 6, 2025

16 people are currently reading
124 people want to read

About the author

Carrie Hughes

7 books8 followers

Ratings & Reviews

What do you think?
Rate this book

Friends & Following

Create a free account to discover what your friends think of this book!

Community Reviews

5 stars
33 (14%)
4 stars
94 (41%)
3 stars
81 (36%)
2 stars
14 (6%)
1 star
2 (<1%)
Displaying 1 - 30 of 83 reviews
Profile Image for Erin.
3,903 reviews466 followers
December 8, 2025
Audiobook narrated by Kimberley Capero &Nathalie Buscombe 10hrs 19 minutes

3.5 stars

What an absolute wild ride! A dual pov where one woman finds herself arrested for murder, but it is clear that another woman may be just as guilty. Emma(the wife) and Lydia( the girlfriend) take hold of the narrative and keep me in a chokehold. I cannot say that I was a fan of either character, but my hat's off to the two narrators for making each woman's voice stand out.

My ARC was archived before I could review it, so I have used an Audible credit to listen and review the title.




TheWomanFromBookclub #NetGalley
Publication Date 06/11/25
Goodreads Review 07/12/25
Profile Image for Evelyn Bella (there WILL be spoilers) .
862 reviews174 followers
November 20, 2025
'Any man worth having was one worth taking.'. Famous last words from Lydia. Wonderful to watch her plot and scheme and take the man, only to realize why his wife was apathetic about it all.

Love when someone gets everything they ever wanted only to go, 'Wait. Why the fuck did I ever want this?'

Unconventional plot, although the writing was a bit ridiculous at times.

Genuinely loved that by the middle there, it really could have been either one that did it.
Profile Image for mo • lesmotsdemo.
593 reviews18 followers
August 14, 2025
It was an interesting reading experience, for sure. And not at all what I was expecting: a cosy mystery — for some reason, maybe the vibe of the cover. We mainly focus on two perspectives of the same event happening, and the perspectives are vastly different. Quite early on, I kinda picked up a side. Because from the start, I absolutely hated Lydia — and I believe she was meant to be this unlikeable, downright hateable actually. Or at least I hope so. She was a manipulative, delusional and nasty character, she played the victim when she’s clearly not that. And I’m not saying that Emma, the other perspective, is flawless because she isn’t. But she’s been wronged at the beginning so it was easier for me to understand her.
I would encourage thriller readers to pick this one up. It is full of deceptions and the author gives you two deep versions of the same story. It’s up to you to believe in one, in the other, or in none…

Thank you to Netgalley for an e-ARC in exchange for a honest review.
201 reviews17 followers
September 15, 2025
This was a quick and easy read. It was a bit slow in the beginning but gained my attention more and more as the story developed, especially towards the end.

It had a lot of twists and turns which was the most enjoyable part about the book.
Profile Image for Beth.
545 reviews19 followers
December 2, 2025
Let me start this review by saying that in no way did I hate this book, but I didn't exactly love it.
And I think the main reason I didn't really love this book was the characters.
Apart from our FMC's Emma and Lydia and to some extent Elliott they were all very flat and lacked any personality, they blended into the background like they weren't worth paying attention to as they had no bearing on the plot.
I also couldn't cheer on Emma or Lydia and I never really cared about what would happen to them.
Now onto Elliot. He has to be one of the most unlikeable, self-centred, idiotic, infuriating characters I've read in a long time. I know this was on purpose but it did spoil my enjoyment of the book.
I wasn't immediately drawn into the plot, but I have to say that the more I read the more I got into it.
The plot was unbelievable at times but it was a very easy, quick read that I did fly through in one day.
Going into this I was expecting there to be some humour, and unfortunately this lacked any. I do think the cover is very misleading as it gave me the impression I was in for a thriller packed with dark humour. This is definitely much more like a domestic suspense/thriller in my opinion.
I think the cover is following the current trend at the minute for books like these to have a colourful cartoon like cover and it just doesn't work for me.
There were some parts I did enjoy though and I was engaged in the book throughout and the writing style was good, so it wasn't a terrible read, but I also didn't love it. If this book had totally different characters it might have been more up my street!

Thanks to Hera Books and Netgalley for the ARC I receieved in exchange for an honest review



Profile Image for Sam Ridge .
23 reviews2 followers
September 2, 2025
A huge thank you to NetGalley, Hera Books and author Carrie Hughes for providing me with the eARC of “The Woman from Book Club”, in exchange for my honest review.

Publication date: 6th November 2025

Emma, the one the seemingly perfect wife, is arrested at book club for the death of her husband. However, there is a lot more to the story than a simple revenge murder.

Written from dual perspectives, the wife, Emma, and the mistress, Lydia, are two unreliable narrators who have you guessing whose story is true.

This book had me hooked from the first line, and I could not put it down. Easy to read, and with the dual perspectives, I kept turning the page and starting the next chapter as I needed to know what the other perspective had to say about what had happened. This was cleverly written, making you both equally love, hate and question each character throughout the book.

Lydia was vicious enough that you could not help but dislike her, despite her motives for her chooses, and Emma was relatable, especially as a Mom, that you did want to root for her throughout the novel.

I love a book club setting, and this was a pure example of how woman can band together when they believe that one of their own has been wronged.

This was a fun read and one I would definitely recommend if you love a woman lead, entertaining read.
Profile Image for Navile Ponton.
263 reviews3 followers
December 28, 2025
This novel was not at all what I was expecting it to be but would make for great discussion at book club (no puns intended) if one were to select it for that.

I wouldn't label this novel cozy. It reminded me a lot of The Last Mrs. Parrish, told in two POVs during the same timeline. We have Emma, wife and mother, sister, friend and suspected murderer of her husband getting arrested at book club for said alleged crime. And we have Lydia, harlot, husband-stealer, looking for an easy, comfortable life while doing the bare minimum of doing it for herself. I absolutely hated Lydia, her POV is absolutely unreliable narrator and there were times when I was tempted to skip her chapter because it got repetitive and I just couldn't stand her. I didn't skip the chapters. Emma's chapters were smoother and I was much more invested in her side of the story and events. I loved her and her sister and their plotting.

I picked a side early on and even though I wasn't entirely sure how this one was going to end, I wasn't surprised by the reveal and actually felt it was a justifiable act.

It's a fairly quick read and would be enjoyed by thriller lovers.

Thank you NetGalley for an e-arc copy in exchange for an honest review.
Profile Image for Auds.
153 reviews3 followers
September 3, 2025
This book was so entertaining!!!

This story starts with a little chaos when a beloved book club member gets arrested... during book club. You then follow Emma, a trad housewife in a seemingly perfect marriage to Elliott, avid reader and book clubber, and Lydia, a downright insufferable gold digger looking to find a place in this world... or, you know, find a rich husband so she can live lavishly.

You get 3 perspectives throughout the story, Lydia's pov, Emma's pov, and another pov of what "really" happened leading up to the arrest in the first chapter. It's full of twists, turns and deceptions. Carrie Hughes gives you two versions of the same story and it’s up to you what to believe as the truth...

To reiterate what I texted Lillian, "I'm not sure if this is necessarily a ~good~ book, but my god, am I entertained." I'd recommend this to anyone looking for a chaotic, messy, high-speed thriller with plenty of twists.

4/5 stars
Profile Image for Hannah Lee.
189 reviews2 followers
August 21, 2025
I really enjoyed this thriller style, dual POV story and it had me intrigued from pretty early on. I liked that it was set fairly local to me and that the author is from an area close to my home town.

There weren't really any shocking moments for me personally, no huge twist I didn't see coming but it still had me entertained until then end. I did feel like the end was a little rushed, but it was a very quick read for me, all done in two sittings.

Without giving too much away, I kind of wished that Emma was the bad guy and it all totally flipped at the end, and although she wasn't blameless, I think it would have been more exciting for her to have driven Lydia crazy in the shadows.

Overall, this was a fun, quick read, a little out of my usual comfort zone, and although it probably won't rate well with die-hard thriller fans, it will be an interesting read for those new to the genre.
Profile Image for Kez Marie.
1,210 reviews74 followers
November 9, 2025
This was a fabulous crime thriller split into 3 parts, and covers Emma and Lydia's narratives. It shows the lengths people will go to for freedom or greed, and never to underestimate women.
I loved that it explored both women's motivations, emotions and scheming, and had some creative twists and drama.
It looks at the different types of abuse and isolation, masked personalities, and how sometimes life looks perfect from the outside.
It's a gripping thriller following Lydia seducing Emma's husband and convincing him of his wife's affair while worming her way into Emma's life. It has that Femme Fatale theme, and some truly unhinged moments, as we see Lydia's manipulation and seduction, and twisted acting.
Emma's narrative was fascinating too, and flips between victim, dedicated wife, secretive schemer, and spurned lover.
This book will give you drama, a murder mystery, unreliable narrators, unhinged characters, and motivated women.
Profile Image for Ida.
79 reviews1 follower
October 11, 2025
Thank you to Netgalley, Hera Books and author Carrie Hughes for the advanced e-copy for The Woman from Bookclub.

Stepping into this world was exciting and interesting. From the get go, you meet them all. Emma, Lydia, Jules and the rest of the bookclub, including the hot husband Elliot. Let’s not forget the cute pupper Barney.

Taking a deep dive into the minds of the two women, I am impressed by their differences, but also their similarities and their motivations behind their twisted actions.

The dual POV throughout the book, gave an understanding of what happened, and what really happened. I found myself drifting back to my kindle to continue the read.

I recommend this book to any thriller enthusiasts out there! I also believe this would be a great audiobook if created with different actors for the two fmc’s!
Profile Image for Aimee Kenmuir.
2 reviews
September 15, 2025
ARC REVIEW : An interesting read, unlike any other mystery thriller I’ve read. I liked that the story alternatives between the two perspectives of the main characters with their perspective of what’s happening. It took me a little time to adjust to the shifting viewpoints. Especially with a couple of twists that came into play made me question what was the truth or their version, but it added a fun dynamic overall.
Profile Image for Kimberley Lewis.
186 reviews8 followers
November 10, 2025
3.5 rounded up to 4. I liked this more than I thought I would. It didn't go the way I expected
Profile Image for Kaitlyn.
44 reviews
November 8, 2025
What a fun, juicy read. The beginning was a bit boring but it got better after that.

A man is murdered and the two suspects….his wife and his mistress. Told between the pov of Emma (wife) Lydia (mistress).

Lydia is psychotic but , I was waiting for her pov’s. Team Emma all the way but she was also little unhinged!

Ultimately I had a fun time reading this!!

Thank you NetGalley and Hera books publishing for the e-arc in exchange for my honest review
Profile Image for meg *ੈ✩‧₊˚ (semi ia).
170 reviews133 followers
September 1, 2025
Thank you to NetGalley and the publishers for an eARC in exchange for an honest review.

This was honestly an interesting read and I recommend to anyone looking for a decent thriller. It's especially cool with the dual POV and having to choose which girl you want to believe....
1,044 reviews40 followers
October 11, 2025
3.5 stars

Thanks to NetGalley and Hera for the advanced copy of this title in return for an honest review

This grabbed my attention instantly!

I was concerned that I might be a bit confused as there's a lot of characters introduced quite early on, but we only really get the POV of two of them - Emma and Lydia. And so it was manageable. By having the two POVs, it means we get two sides of a story - two very opposing sides - and it's up to you to figure out who you believe. Having said that, the two POVs are so wildly opposite of eac other that it doesn't really add that much tension.

It was surprisingly funny, thrilling, flirty, and fun.

Lydia is an appalling character, and written very well. She is very much a pantomime villain but I mean that in the best of ways. Emma can be a bit of a wet weekend, but I was still on her side as she felt so familiar.

I don't mind things being unrealistic in a novel, because, well, it's fictional, it's not meant to be real. But there were some bits that felt just a wee bit too unreal to believe it would happen - especially in a novel that isn't portraying itself as fantasy. And the pacing was a bit off. The start was slow, but it did soon ick up, however some things happened far too quickly to really get invested in, so that was a bit up and down.

I did think it was going to be more of a cosy thriller, something not too heavy, perhaps because of the bright cover that lured me in. But it's not cosy. It's not all blood and guts, don't get me wrong, but it's heavier and more involved than what I was expecting.

It's not overly full of thrills and twists and whatnot. There are twists but none that came as a huge shock to me, but that's not necessarily a bad thing. I have no problem seeing twists coming because, for me, it's about the story and how it gets there rather than what the actual twist is.

It is quick to read - it took me just over a day - and it's fun and enjoyable, but it probably won't linger with me like some thrillers do.
352 reviews1 follower
August 28, 2025
Two women, one man, one murder. Two wildly differing views on how it happened. It should have been a fast, entertaining read.

The problem arises with the fact that one of the characters is honestly so unlikable and a complete fantasist that she instantly switches from 'unreliably narrator' to a sociopath. Except not the fun, fictional ones you want to read about. Not even the ones you love to hate, yes I couldn't wait for her to get her comeuppance but reading her constantly trying to portray herself as a victim was just frustrating. I did however enjoy the fact that she thought she was clever and had people wrapped around her finger, only for the reader to learn that everyone had seen through her, almost instantly. I enjoyed that little bit of a twist.

The book is divided into three parts, and part one is the hardest because of some of the ridiculous choices and the sheer speed of how things happen. Once you hit part two however, the author seems to grow more confident and things take a turn for the better. I was much more invested in the plot for part two and enjoyed Emma's moments. She was an interesting character, a very skilfully crafted example of what non physical abuse can do to someone. I wanted her to come out on top and cheered for her to find a piece of happiness. Only for it to be taken away from her again.

The thing that kept me reading was trying to work out if the twins had inherited their father's behaviours and were abusers in the making or if they were simply teenagers with all their selfish flaws.

Then came the ending, which pushed it down to a two star read. I honestly thought that last scene with Lydia was all in her head or something but no, it was just a deeply unsatisfying ending that left the whole experience of reading it feeling as if I'd eaten something sour and the taste was lingering.

~Thank you to NetGalley for the ARC in return for an honest review~
Profile Image for Jessica’s Bookshelf.
71 reviews4 followers
November 11, 2025
Title: The Woman From Bookclub
Author: Carrie Hughes
Pages: 384 Pages
Publisher: Canelo
Publication Date: 6th November 2025

Firstly I would like to say a big thankyou to Lovebooktours, Carrie Hughes and Canelo for including me on the booktour of The Woman From Bookclub. From the moment I first saw the title and graphics for this book I knew it would be one that I would need to read.

The story throws the reader straight in at the deep end with Emma been arrested for murder at the latest bookclub meeting which would usually be mid to the end of the book. However its really clever how Carrie has then developed the rest of the story taking us back to six weeks before this event. I really enjoyed this aspect of the book as it made me absolutey consumed by this book as I needed to know all the answers. Each chapter was written from either Emma or Lydia’s perspective our two main characters within the bookclub circle of friends. The chapters were short, sharp and wonderfully written always ending on you wanting to consume the next and not stop until the whole book was finished. Carrie also uses text messages and journal entries to keep the story moving which were fantastic elements that I also really enjoyed.

I loved the whole situation of the women been a bookclub and the various references to books and book characters sprinkled throughout. It was exciting also getting to know all the different personalities within the bookclub. Carries writing style made sure as a reader you got to know every single member fully and no one was leftout on the sidelines.

Personally I felt hate towards Lydia to begin with for how she was behaving towards everyone. However as the story developed and the more Carrie dived into her past I did actually feel sorry her that she just wanted to be seen and loved. Carrie had a real way of creating this empathy to quite a vile character with all Lydia’s wicked ways.

I couldn’t believe this was only Carrie’s debut novel as its so well written, addictive, fast paced and will have you hooked till the very last sentance. I personally can’t wait to see what Carrie comes up with next.

Jessica’sbookshelf___ Rating: ⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️
Profile Image for Prit.
10 reviews
September 5, 2025
Review - The Woman From Book Club by Carrie Hughes

Rating - 3.5/5 ⭐️

The Woman from BookClub by Carrie Hughes is a gripping, fast-paced thriller that dives into the seemingly ordinary lives of five women in a book club—until a newcomer arrives and shatters their balance. I was hooked from the very first page and ended up finishing it in a single sitting.

The story is told from two points of view, which kept it interesting. Emma appears to have the perfect life—a wealthy, handsome husband, two lovely daughters, and a beautiful home. But when Lydia, the newcomer, steps in, she becomes obsessed with Emma’s life and will stop at nothing to take it for herself. Things take a darker turn when Emma’s husband is murdered, and suddenly both women are suspected.

The twists were sharp and entertaining, though I found the ending a bit underwhelming compared to the build-up. What I loved most was how the author kept readers torn—sometimes I liked Emma and felt sorry for her, while at other times I found her choices frustrating. Lydia, on the other hand, was both clever and terrifying, making her a character you can’t look away from even when you dislike her.

I also appreciated the way book references were tied into the story—it kept the book club theme alive throughout. Overall, I’d rate this a solid 3.5 stars. It’s a strong and exciting debut that thriller fans will definitely enjoy.

This book is extra special for me as it was the first ARC I ever received, and I’m grateful to Netgalley and Carrie Hughes for the opportunity. Wishing the author all the best for the release on November 6, 2025—If you’re a fan of domestic thrillers with a bookish twist, this one won’t disappoint.
Profile Image for Clare | ce.readsss.
103 reviews24 followers
August 29, 2025
I was instantly drawn to The Woman From Bookclub – a book with rules, secrets, and a murder at the centre of a women’s circle is exactly the kind of premise I love. Carrie Hughes sets it up brilliantly: Emma, the perfect wife with the glossy exterior, and Lydia, the newcomer with a hunger for more than friendship. The dual perspectives worked well for me, and I liked how the voices of Emma and Lydia felt distinct, even when you did not necessarily want to root for either of them.

The pacing is sharp, and I flew through it in just a couple of sittings. What stood out most was the way Hughes captured the tension of female friendships when envy, performance, and power creep in. There’s something deliciously voyeuristic about being inside both Emma’s carefully constructed life and Lydia’s scheming point of view. It gave the book a slightly unhinged energy that made me want to keep reading, even when I was frustrated by their choices.

There is a twist that, personally, I did not fully see coming – and while it was not the kind of jaw-drop I hoped for, it still added momentum to the story and kept me engaged through to the end. I will say the conclusion felt a little rushed for me, but that did not take away from the fact that this was a compulsive and entertaining read overall.

Even though parts of it did not land perfectly for me, I am so glad I picked it up and I cannot wait to read more from Hughes. Her writing has the kind of pace and bite that makes you want to reach for her next book straight away.

Thank you to NetGalley and the publisher for the ARC.
Profile Image for Chrissy.
248 reviews3 followers
September 1, 2025
Actual rating: 3.5

Summary:
At their elegant Book Club gathering, life takes a shocking turn when Emma—the seemingly perfect wife—is arrested for the murder of her husband. The close-knit group is stunned. Enter Lydia, the ambitious newcomer whose arrival sparks tension and reveals cracks beneath the polished surface of friendship. Told through both Emma’s journal entries and Lydia’s perspective, this sharp, darkly comic domestic thriller peels back layers of loyalty, rivalry, and hidden secrets.

Review:
Thank you to NetGalley for sending me an e-ARC of this book in exchange for an honest review!

I was in a bit of a reading slump when I remembered I had this one waiting, and it turned out to be exactly what I needed. I picked it up and finished it in just a few days, which says a lot.

The writing pulled me in right away. Carrie Hughes knows how to stir up emotions, and she did it well here. The insufferable characters? They definitely did their jobs. I found myself frustrated, angry, and shaking my head more than once.

While it wasn’t a mind-blowing read, The Woman from Book Club was still an engaging one. It’s a good choice if you’re looking for something to help break a slump or if you want to dip your toes into mystery without diving into anything too dark.

At its heart, this book also shows how our choices, and sometimes our stubbornness, can ripple out and hurt others in ways we don’t expect. That little reminder lingered with me even after I finished the story.
Profile Image for Narelle Richards.
286 reviews6 followers
August 16, 2025
This was a really clever thriller involving a murder told across three parts from two different point of views - those of two very different women. Lydia, a manipulative grafter, has decided that Chloe's husband will be the perfect meal ticket - she just has to make sure she finds her way into every part of Chloe's life and where else to start but with the book club Chloe's sister Jules has established. Chloe, wife and stay at home mother of twin teenage girls appears on the surface to have it all. She is married to the man of her dreams, Elliot, a super successful divorce lawyer. No wonder Lydia wants to take her man but you have to be careful what you covet. I was really intrigued and horrified in equal parts at various points in the story. There were a couple of times when past and present collided for a moment and drew me out of the story - however this did not prevent the book from being a well told thriller. The characters were interesting and you certainly wanted to see how it was all going to unfold and be explained as from the outset you knew there had been a murder - just what really happened and who would pay the price was not quite clear. There are plenty of twists and turns to keep you turning the pages and wondering who is going to pay for this death. Thanks to NetGalley and the publisher for the arc in return for my honest opinion. A book worth indulging in - highly recommend.
Profile Image for Agi.
1,677 reviews105 followers
August 17, 2025
Ah. So this book. It was like a roller - coaster ride. Either you were very, very high or very, very low.
The first part was very annoying. Because of the characters and the way they acted and behaved and I couldn't believe my eyes how stupid and naive or manipulative some of them are. But I kept reading-
Then Part 2 started and everything changed. It was this high part of roller - coaster ride. This was probably the best part of the book, the twist was there and took me completely by surprise. Completely. This part was quick, run forwards, so much happened there.
And then came the end. And I mean, I expected something totally different. I was disappointed. It felt as if the author has chosen the easiest way out. Until then it was a solid 4 stars read for me. After that, unsolid and unsatisfying 3.

Novertheless, I was deep into the story, it kept me sucked, I wanted to know what has happened and why. The switch between the different POVs was really well done, the writing was engaging and while some situations felt forced, overdone and very convenient I still enjoyed it enough to read it deep into the nights. I have a mixed feelings about this book, the characters, the ending, however it you're into unhing and cunning characters and books exploring complicated relationships, just try it.
Profile Image for Renel.
449 reviews1 follower
September 18, 2025
Thank you to Netgalley and Canelo for the proof copy.

Contains spoilers

I cant say much else than this book is kinda insane.

First things first: when you read the synopsis, you probably wont expect the way this story will turn out. I personally expected some sort of whodunit, but its completely different. And that completely threw me off at the beginning but it ended very strong.

The story is about Emma, her book club, her (now dead) husband and his lover who also infiltrated Emma's book club, Lydia. I expected the book to start with the murder, and then a story to uncover the murder. Thats not true, the first HALF of the book are the weeks leading up to the murder and we see how Lydia infiltrates these lives and gets with the husband. But the story is told in 3 narratives: the story as told by Emma, Lydia's point of view and Emmas 'diary'.

This part really drags on in my opinion and almost made me want to DNF because its so different from whats described in the synopis. But I pushed through, and over halfway through the book the actual murder happens and ANOTHER narrative gets added, Emmas 'real story'. Which adds another layer to the story and tells yet another perspective and this is where it gets interesting. I SPED through the last 40ish percent of the book and this was really good. So the second half really saved the story for me.
Profile Image for Shilpa.
32 reviews3 followers
August 30, 2025
Thank you for letting me read this book! I’m not entirely sure which genre it falls into (thriller or general fiction), but I thoroughly enjoyed it. I loved how the author begins with a book club, then introduces a murder, and takes us on a journey through friendship, abuse, murder, and conspiracy. The book club friendships really helped the protagonist come out of an abusive marriage, using ideas and inspiration they drew from the different books they read. At one point, I genuinely believed Marienne had turned against Emma, but I was glad to see the group stand together to help Emma break free from her marriage.

I also applaud the author for addressing serious topics like financial and mental abuse in marriages, and for showing how important it is for women to gain freedom.

I laughed throughout the book and couldn’t stop reading as it became more and more engaging. Lydia’s character was amazing, and I never expected the conspiracy within the book club.

Towards the end, I was a little unhappy with how the case was wrapped up—I was expecting a bit more drama. I also would have loved to see a deeper connection with Will, if possible.

All in all, this was a fantastic read and definitely the kind of book that gets you out of a reading slump!
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
95 reviews3 followers
November 12, 2025
The minute I saw the book for the first time, I knew id love to be involved in it. ‘No husbands. No spoilers. No murders’ is such a great tagline. It gives ‘Why Women Kill’ vibes and I am here for it.

Emma has it all. Lydia wants it all. Lydia sets up to replace Emma in every way, her husband, her kids, her house, the book club.

Told from both Lydia’s and Emma’s POV, we start with both of them being arrested for the murder of Elliott, Emma’s husband. We then flashback to when Lydia starts interfering in Emma’s life, six weeks before the murder. I love a dual POV, I feel it’s the best way to understand everything that’s happening.

I enjoyed this book, it was a bit slow to start with but once we got into it, I found myself very quickly saying “just one more chapter”. The chapters were a little bit longer than I would have liked but I do feel it needed to be that way so we could get both Emma & Lydia’s POV.
I really feel for Emma, how devious and selfish Lydia is we feel like Emma is going to be cast aside. I was not expecting the twist, it makes sense but I wasn’t expecting it.
I feel like the friendship built from the book club, is exactly what you would expect to happen in a book club/bookstagram community and it was nice to see that reflected in a novel
@carriehughesbooks has really wrote a good book, you’re gripped, you feel sorry for characters, you feel disdain for other characters. It really is such a journey 💁🏻‍♀️
Profile Image for Chai Book aur Charcha.
225 reviews3 followers
November 24, 2025
THE WOMAN FROM THE BOOK CLUB
-Carrie Hughes


Thank you @netgalley for this book.

A book club where five friends Emma, her twin sister Jules, Rosa, Marianne and Lucy hosts meets at their houses each taking turns every month.
Then joins in Lydia a very aspirational woman who wants all things luxurious and who better than a husband to take it from. So now she is looking for a young, successful, rich husband who can give her everything, no matter if she has to steal him form someone. And that someone happens to be Emma- a simple, docile housewife who Lydia thinks is too basic and boring for someone like Elliot Morland- a sharp, successful lawyer.

This book is not as simple as the plot sounds but so much more exciting.The twist was not something you can guess and the portrayal of female friendships was beautiful. The way things turn chaotic when the truth starts to unfold was thrilling to read.

But what didn't align was Elliott's character. He trust Lydia way too easily despite being such sharp and popular divorce lawyer. It was as if he was waiting for a chance to get rid of her which was not the case. And the way he behaved with girls was also not sitting well, so that was a big confusing.


Other than that a its a good book. So enjoy yourself....



Toodles 💕
Profile Image for Hafezah.
202 reviews3 followers
dnf
November 3, 2025
DNF @ 31%. I usually like books that have some kind of build-up, whether it’s in the characters’ relationships or the plot. And I don’t mean pages of unnecessary detail, just enough to make things feel believable. Unfortunately, this one didn’t work for me. Given my preference for a good build-up, I found it really hard to wrap my head around, for example, the husband instantly believing a total stranger who claims his wife was cheating on him, and right after being told that, kicking her out right away without any real proof. That felt completely unreal to me.

I’m definitely open to fun, messy, and even unhinged stories (I mean, I loved the chaos in Magnolia Parks and enjoy books that don’t always have likable or neat characters!). But what I can’t get past is when characters act without any sense or logic, and unfortunately, that’s how everyone felt here.

I really wanted to love this book. The cover art is gorgeous, the synopsis intrigued me, and I loved the book club premise with all the book and character references. But the characters’ thought processes just *really* didn’t work for me.
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
Profile Image for Paloma.
502 reviews5 followers
November 5, 2025
The Woman From Bookclub had many women, lots of drama, secrets and sisterhood. I loved every bit of it! ⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️

Emma, Rosa, Jules, and Marianne are part of a small intimate book club and they want it to stay that way. But Jules decides to bring in a new woman to the group, Lydia. Lydia doesn't make a great impression and most of the members want her out. Lydia is there to catch herself a rich husband off of one of the ladies of the group. She eventually lies her way into Emma's life and her husband Elliot. Both Emma and Lydia find themselves ina triangle where none of them seem to have won. After Elliot is found dead, the suspects are Emma and Lydia and they both claim to be innocent.

This book was so much fun to read. It starts off with Emma being arrested for her husband's murder, and that is always a great way to start a book. My favorite character was Marianne and she did not disappoint. Jules is a great sister, which I loved. And Rosa and Lucy did their due diligence and helped Emma's case a lot by doing their own research. I read it in one sitting!
Thank you Netgalley and Hera Books/Canelo for this eARC. All opinions are entirely my own.
255 reviews6 followers
November 9, 2025

Welcome to book club, where nobody and nothing is as it seems! Imagine your ideal book club, several girl friends all meeting up, drinks, nibbles and books, could anything be more perfect? However this group of women aren’t really all that friendly and most are hiding a secret of two, but just who can you trust??

The author cleverly weaves together all the book club members stories, in a way that has you trusting no one and suspecting everyone!
I can’t say I particularly liked anyone to start with, as I just didn’t know where my trust lay, but I must say I loved Barney, everyone will fall for him. Also I did like Emma’s sister.

We know from the blurb and the very start of the book that a murder has occurred and an arrest has been made. I must admit I think the book would have worked equally as well without divulging this at the start and may have had more of an impact occurring in the book as it did in real time.

This is quite a quick read that will have you wanting to read ‘just one more chapter’ until you reach the end and if you attend a book club yourself, it may just get you looking at the members in a different way……!
Displaying 1 - 30 of 83 reviews

Can't find what you're looking for?

Get help and learn more about the design.