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The Woman From Book Club
Lenght: 10h 19min
A twisty commercial suspense story of deception, manipulation, centred around female friendships.
THE FIRST RULE OF BOOK PROTECT THE SISTERHOOD. THE SECOND RULE OF BOOK NO HUSBANDS. OH, AND THE THIRD RULE OF BOOK 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 Lydia wants it. All..
The wine flows as freely as the secrets, but this is Book Club and Book Club has its rules. But someone is breaking them. And someone is letting her. She wants your life (And your books recs) and she'll do anything to get it.
When Emma gets arrested at Book Club, it leaves everyone around her reeling. The women scramble to protect their friend and restore the peace, and Lydia will do anything it takes. But someone is outmatching and out-scheming at every turn. It's those bloody women from Book Club!
A twisty commercial suspense story of deception, manipulation, centred around female friendships.
THE FIRST RULE OF BOOK PROTECT THE SISTERHOOD. THE SECOND RULE OF BOOK NO HUSBANDS. OH, AND THE THIRD RULE OF BOOK 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 Lydia wants it. All..
The wine flows as freely as the secrets, but this is Book Club and Book Club has its rules. But someone is breaking them. And someone is letting her. She wants your life (And your books recs) and she'll do anything to get it.
When Emma gets arrested at Book Club, it leaves everyone around her reeling. The women scramble to protect their friend and restore the peace, and Lydia will do anything it takes. But someone is outmatching and out-scheming at every turn. It's those bloody women from Book Club!
10 pages, Audible Audio
Published November 6, 2025
86 people are currently reading
208 people want to read
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 126 reviews
November 19, 2025
Outstanding! A super-fun cozy murder mystery that features a dual POV at its best use. The narrators, Kimberly Capero and Nathalie Buscombe, were excellent and brought the whole piece alive. As a character-driven piece, their performances are crucial, and both are experienced and assured in the audio world.
If some reveiws have felt The Woman from Book Club is a lesser light, I would say that might be due to expectations. This is no thriller: I'm not sure why the publisher has listed it as such. It's sits much more firmly in mystery/suspense, I'd say.
And it's farily cozy. More so than spine-tingling or chilling, so enjoy this story for that and for the two MCs and their POVs and voices, and you might find The Woman from Book Club is outstanding.
Especially for free on Audible Plus!
If some reveiws have felt The Woman from Book Club is a lesser light, I would say that might be due to expectations. This is no thriller: I'm not sure why the publisher has listed it as such. It's sits much more firmly in mystery/suspense, I'd say.
And it's farily cozy. More so than spine-tingling or chilling, so enjoy this story for that and for the two MCs and their POVs and voices, and you might find The Woman from Book Club is outstanding.
Especially for free on Audible Plus!
November 17, 2025
I did partially enjoy this one but I already know I most likely won’t remember a thing about it in a month’s time. I feel like this is a plot that I’ve read far too many times now and I found myself not really caring for the characters at all. It definitely could’ve been more engrossing, I usually finish thrillers in just a day or two but this took me almost a week to get through. Perhaps I should’ve DNF’d but I was still hoping for an explosive finish so continued. Maybe this would be better suited to beginners to the thriller genre. 3 stars
September 9, 2025
soooo much fun!!
October 8, 2025
*ebook provided by NetGalley in exchange for an honest review*
A book about a Book Club and a dead man, you don't need to say anything else to convince me to read it. I loved the first chapter, the way the author piques our interest by starting with a scene that will only happen much later on, we are always hooked on the book, waiting to see what happens between where we are in the story and the scene in the first chapter.
The story is told from two points of view, Emma and Lydia, in short chapters that gradually reveal the truth about them and the man who unites them, Elliot. Emma, the woman who has everything and just wants to be happy again; Lydia, the woman who wants everything Emma has.
There is love, heartbreak, sex, intrigue, friendship, sisterhood, but above all a lot of greed and we already know that greed has everything to go wrong.
The writing is simple and easy to read, with elements of humor throughout, as well as dramatic moments. It's not an intense thriller, full of police details, so I recommend it to anyone looking for a cozy thriller.
A book about a Book Club and a dead man, you don't need to say anything else to convince me to read it. I loved the first chapter, the way the author piques our interest by starting with a scene that will only happen much later on, we are always hooked on the book, waiting to see what happens between where we are in the story and the scene in the first chapter.
The story is told from two points of view, Emma and Lydia, in short chapters that gradually reveal the truth about them and the man who unites them, Elliot. Emma, the woman who has everything and just wants to be happy again; Lydia, the woman who wants everything Emma has.
There is love, heartbreak, sex, intrigue, friendship, sisterhood, but above all a lot of greed and we already know that greed has everything to go wrong.
The writing is simple and easy to read, with elements of humor throughout, as well as dramatic moments. It's not an intense thriller, full of police details, so I recommend it to anyone looking for a cozy thriller.
December 23, 2025
The Woman from Bookclub by Carrie Hughes 😱
This book is basically unhinged reality TV, but make it a psychological thriller with murder.
If you love mess, manipulation, and women behaving badly in affluent postcodes, this is absolutely your book. It has big Why Women Kill energy from the jump. You’ve got Emma, the seemingly perfect Surrey wife, and then Lydia, who turns up and immediately chooses psychological warfare.
Lydia is a spectator sport. She is calculated, narcissistic, and so deeply manipulative that I was half horrified and half impressed.🥂
The hook is excellent and immediate. An arrest at a book club meeting is already iconic behaviour, and the structure keeps things moving at a great pace. Short chapters, dual POV, and enough tension to keep you saying “just one more” until it’s suddenly 1am.
What really worked for me was the character work. Lydia is a villain you love to hate, and Emma’s growth over the course of the story is quietly satisfying. It’s sharp, witty, and leans fully into dark humour without losing the thriller edge.
Yes, it’s a little far fetched at times. Honestly? That just made it more fun to read 😅
If you enjoy domestic thrillers with bite, female rage, and humour threaded through the chaos, this is a great time. Fans of Bella Mackie and Freida McFadden should absolutely add this to their TBR.
This book is basically unhinged reality TV, but make it a psychological thriller with murder.
If you love mess, manipulation, and women behaving badly in affluent postcodes, this is absolutely your book. It has big Why Women Kill energy from the jump. You’ve got Emma, the seemingly perfect Surrey wife, and then Lydia, who turns up and immediately chooses psychological warfare.
Lydia is a spectator sport. She is calculated, narcissistic, and so deeply manipulative that I was half horrified and half impressed.🥂
The hook is excellent and immediate. An arrest at a book club meeting is already iconic behaviour, and the structure keeps things moving at a great pace. Short chapters, dual POV, and enough tension to keep you saying “just one more” until it’s suddenly 1am.
What really worked for me was the character work. Lydia is a villain you love to hate, and Emma’s growth over the course of the story is quietly satisfying. It’s sharp, witty, and leans fully into dark humour without losing the thriller edge.
Yes, it’s a little far fetched at times. Honestly? That just made it more fun to read 😅
If you enjoy domestic thrillers with bite, female rage, and humour threaded through the chaos, this is a great time. Fans of Bella Mackie and Freida McFadden should absolutely add this to their TBR.
November 7, 2025
Right from the start, I knew I was in for a fun ride with this one. The story pulled me in instantly, and I absolutely flew through it. The writing and pacing were great — I hit a point where I thought everything was wrapping up, only to realize there was still a quarter of the book left, and I was so curious to see what else could possibly happen!
I loved the alternating POVs, especially Lydia’s chapters — she’s a total nightmare of a person, but her spin on everything was fascinating to read. And Emma... girl, I was rooting for you to finally stand up for yourself!
There’s one “twist” that seasoned thriller readers might see coming, but what I liked was how it was handled — instead of being the big reveal at the end, it’s exposed halfway through, and the story keeps going. That was such a refreshing choice.
And the cozy little shift near the end? Totally unexpected, but I loved it. It gave the book a nice change of tone while keeping the tension simmering.
This one’s part domestic drama, part psychological suspense, and it nails that balance really well. A fast, addictive read that was hard to put down!
I loved the alternating POVs, especially Lydia’s chapters — she’s a total nightmare of a person, but her spin on everything was fascinating to read. And Emma... girl, I was rooting for you to finally stand up for yourself!
There’s one “twist” that seasoned thriller readers might see coming, but what I liked was how it was handled — instead of being the big reveal at the end, it’s exposed halfway through, and the story keeps going. That was such a refreshing choice.
And the cozy little shift near the end? Totally unexpected, but I loved it. It gave the book a nice change of tone while keeping the tension simmering.
This one’s part domestic drama, part psychological suspense, and it nails that balance really well. A fast, addictive read that was hard to put down!
September 8, 2025
3.5 ⭐
ARC Review
I really enjoyed this book, the pace of the story and the characters were fantastic. Was the story a bit close to home at points, yes, but if anything that's what made it better for me.
Watching the story unfold and trying to work out where Emma and Lydia were going to take you was great. I would have loved more on both Emma and Lydia's back story but overall don't think it would have impacted the story overall.
My favourite part were the twins scheming together to get rid of Lydia.
Thank you to Netgalley for the advanced copy.
ARC Review
I really enjoyed this book, the pace of the story and the characters were fantastic. Was the story a bit close to home at points, yes, but if anything that's what made it better for me.
Watching the story unfold and trying to work out where Emma and Lydia were going to take you was great. I would have loved more on both Emma and Lydia's back story but overall don't think it would have impacted the story overall.
My favourite part were the twins scheming together to get rid of Lydia.
Thank you to Netgalley for the advanced copy.
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
January 9, 2026
if Lydia met Amy from Gone Girl, no one would be safe. Lydia is one of my most disliked book characters ever. This was such a cleverly written book using the dual narrative and diary entries. This was a very very easy read. But what I will say is the book was lining up for what could of been such a brilliant ending but I felt the ending just didn't deliver. However still most definitely worth the read!
November 14, 2025
Loved this tale of revenge!
January 2, 2026
It was my first book by this author and I found it quite entertaining.
The protagonist, Emma, was very clever. Lydia was devious.
The epilogue was the best and, just for it, it deserves another star.
The protagonist, Emma, was very clever. Lydia was devious.
The epilogue was the best and, just for it, it deserves another star.
December 8, 2025
really wanted to rate this higher but i HATED the ending, was however fitting that the most insufferable character ended up in Dubai
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
November 19, 2025
This was such a fun read. I’m a total sucker for this type of villain—the unhinged woman who will stop at nothing to get what she wants. It’s fun watching her scheme, but equally satisfying when she finally gets her comeuppance. And the FMC meeting her at a book club adds a quirky, unexpected twist. If you love drama and scheming characters, definitely give this audiobook a listen. Just a heads-up: it’s an Audible production, so you won’t find it in ebook or paperback.
August 15, 2025
Lydia wants it all. The luxurious life and, most importantly, the rich husband who would fund her dream lifestyle. However, this husband she is on the hunt for has to be married. A divorced man is a no-no because she is uninterested in ‘someone else’s cast-off’. According to her, ‘…the right target had to be married…A man worth keeping was a man worth taking.’ So, she joins a book club with rich women as members, hoping get closer to her goal.
Emma is a devoted housewife and mother whose life revolves around her family, except for the occasional book club meeting, which provides her some respite from her duties. She seems content with her life and sometimes gets lost in fictional worlds for distraction.
When Lydia sets her sights on Emma’s husband, Elliot, she believes she has found her dream man. She spreads lies about Emma and swiftly sinks her claws into Elliot, causing Emma to be kicked out of her home. What Lydia doesn’t realise is that there is more to ’subdued Emma who has let herself go,’ and Elliot has other plans.
Things take a chaotic turn, leading to an unexpected murder.
👍🏾
- The portrayal of good female friendships between the women in the book club is one of the novel’s highlight.
- The novel also highlights that some women may not realise they’re being abused, as domestic abuse is often understood to be limited to physical harm
- Although I didn’t like Lydia’s character, there were moments when her level of delusion made me laugh out loud.
- The name-dropping of books was a nice touch and it made me smile every time I recognised something I’ve read.
- A dramatic but straight forward plot.
👎🏾
- Some sections could’ve been more concise.
- The portrayal of Elliot’s character didn’t align with the outcome of certain aspects of the story.
Overall, this one was a mixed bag for me especially because of how it ended.
If you enjoy books featuring unhinged and cunning female characters, then this is worth checking out.
October 17, 2025
Domestic thriller meets book club drama? Totes my cup of tea!
This is psychological suspense that follows Emma and the arrival of Lydia at her book club. What starts as literary discussions quickly spirals into manipulation, obsession, and murder. Told through alternating perspectives, police transcripts, journal entries, and text messages, we watch two women locked in an increasingly dangerous dance.
What made me happy:
The format is engaging and keeps the pace crackling along. Hughes uses police interview transcripts, Emma's journal entries, and text messages to brilliant effect. These different formats add texture and intrigue, making you feel like you're piecing together a puzzle alongside the investigation. Yes, please!
Lydia is magnificently awful. She's so transparently manipulative, self-absorbed, and entitled that you can't help but be fascinated by her audacity. I love a bit of de-lu-lu! Hughes doesn't try to make her likeable or sympathetic – she's a social chameleon who wants the lifestyle, not the person, and that clarity makes her compulsively readable even as you're cringing at her behaviour.
The literary comparisons aren't just window dressing. They foreshadow what's coming and add depth to the character dynamics. The way Emma sticks up for "quiet women" who need defending? That planted seeds for what was to come.
The reveals are brilliantly handled. And the slow drip-feed of information about "the project" kept me turning pages frantically!
Hughes captures some uncomfortable universal truths about relationships, gender, and motherhood. They beautifully grounded the thriller elements in recognisable reality.
What made me grumpy:
Lydia lacks character development or depth. Yes, she's meant to be shallow and self-serving, but by the end I wanted something more from her: a moment of genuine self-awareness, a hint of vulnerability, anything to make her feel three-dimensional rather than a collection of awful traits. I could see how this could’ve been the author’s intent, however.
Some of Lydia's behaviour felt repetitive. The strategic cleavage displays, the constant reminders that she's the "main attraction" – I got it the first few times!
The pacing stumbled a bit in the middle section. We get so much build-up with Lydia's schemes that when the blackmail plot and "the project" suddenly appear, it feels slightly jarring – like there's been loads happening behind the scenes that we're only now discovering. I would’ve loved a little sprinkling of this on the lead-up to give me that dopamine rush of connecting those dots!
The verdict:
This is exactly what a domestic thriller should be: twisty, pacey, and populated with characters you love to hate. Hughes has created a deliciously tense page-turner that kept me second-guessing right up until that final reveal.
Is it subtle? No. It's a cracking good thriller that understands its genre and delivers exactly what it promises. The exploration of female friendship, the power dynamics in marriage, and the way women can be "stronger than they appear" (as Hughes herself notes) elevate this above standard domestic thriller fare.
This one's getting a solid recommendation from me. It's the perfect book for when you want to devour something in one sitting, preferably with a glass of wine and a strong urge to text your book club about how you'd definitely spot a Lydia infiltrating your group. (Would you, though?)
This is psychological suspense that follows Emma and the arrival of Lydia at her book club. What starts as literary discussions quickly spirals into manipulation, obsession, and murder. Told through alternating perspectives, police transcripts, journal entries, and text messages, we watch two women locked in an increasingly dangerous dance.
What made me happy:
The format is engaging and keeps the pace crackling along. Hughes uses police interview transcripts, Emma's journal entries, and text messages to brilliant effect. These different formats add texture and intrigue, making you feel like you're piecing together a puzzle alongside the investigation. Yes, please!
Lydia is magnificently awful. She's so transparently manipulative, self-absorbed, and entitled that you can't help but be fascinated by her audacity. I love a bit of de-lu-lu! Hughes doesn't try to make her likeable or sympathetic – she's a social chameleon who wants the lifestyle, not the person, and that clarity makes her compulsively readable even as you're cringing at her behaviour.
The literary comparisons aren't just window dressing. They foreshadow what's coming and add depth to the character dynamics. The way Emma sticks up for "quiet women" who need defending? That planted seeds for what was to come.
The reveals are brilliantly handled. And the slow drip-feed of information about "the project" kept me turning pages frantically!
Hughes captures some uncomfortable universal truths about relationships, gender, and motherhood. They beautifully grounded the thriller elements in recognisable reality.
What made me grumpy:
Lydia lacks character development or depth. Yes, she's meant to be shallow and self-serving, but by the end I wanted something more from her: a moment of genuine self-awareness, a hint of vulnerability, anything to make her feel three-dimensional rather than a collection of awful traits. I could see how this could’ve been the author’s intent, however.
Some of Lydia's behaviour felt repetitive. The strategic cleavage displays, the constant reminders that she's the "main attraction" – I got it the first few times!
The pacing stumbled a bit in the middle section. We get so much build-up with Lydia's schemes that when the blackmail plot and "the project" suddenly appear, it feels slightly jarring – like there's been loads happening behind the scenes that we're only now discovering. I would’ve loved a little sprinkling of this on the lead-up to give me that dopamine rush of connecting those dots!
The verdict:
This is exactly what a domestic thriller should be: twisty, pacey, and populated with characters you love to hate. Hughes has created a deliciously tense page-turner that kept me second-guessing right up until that final reveal.
Is it subtle? No. It's a cracking good thriller that understands its genre and delivers exactly what it promises. The exploration of female friendship, the power dynamics in marriage, and the way women can be "stronger than they appear" (as Hughes herself notes) elevate this above standard domestic thriller fare.
This one's getting a solid recommendation from me. It's the perfect book for when you want to devour something in one sitting, preferably with a glass of wine and a strong urge to text your book club about how you'd definitely spot a Lydia infiltrating your group. (Would you, though?)
November 12, 2025
Emma, Jules, Rosa, Marianne and Lucy have their own book club. When newcomer Lydia joins things take an unexpected turn.
As soon as I saw the title of this book and the tagline it immediately caught my attention. I was intrigued to see how a book club and murder would pair together. I’ve always wanted to be part of a bookclub club, but maybe not this one.
I loved this book and it was one that I consumed fairly quickly. It was an easy read as soon as I started to read I was transported into the book club and the lives of the main characters. The storyline included drama, intrigue and a jaw dropping plot twist.
One aspect that I really liked is the way the story was told. The story is told in a mixed media format. The narratives of Emma and Lydia are interspersed with Police interview transcripts, journal entries and text messages. This added an extra layer to the story and it was interesting to see both Emma and Lydia’s perspective of what was happening.
Emma is part of an established book club with her sister Jules and their friends. But when Lydia joins she shakes everything up. Emma and Lydia are two very different personalities. Emma is quiet, a little introverted and happy with her close circle of friends and books. Lydia is quite outspoken and I’d describe her as an extrovert. There was something about Lydia that felt a bit off. She seemed more interested in getting to know the members of the book club rather than to read and discuss the book. She observed them all and then played a game of divide and conquer. Things take a strange turn when Emma is arrested for murdering her husband. As the story unfolds the reader is given an insight into Emma’s life. To everyone Emma is the perfect wife, mother and homemaker but the truth is very different.
I won't say too much to avoid spoilers but the story did keep me on my toes and the more I read I started to see the characters in a different light.
If you’re a fan of thrillers then this is definitely one to add to your list.
As soon as I saw the title of this book and the tagline it immediately caught my attention. I was intrigued to see how a book club and murder would pair together. I’ve always wanted to be part of a bookclub club, but maybe not this one.
I loved this book and it was one that I consumed fairly quickly. It was an easy read as soon as I started to read I was transported into the book club and the lives of the main characters. The storyline included drama, intrigue and a jaw dropping plot twist.
One aspect that I really liked is the way the story was told. The story is told in a mixed media format. The narratives of Emma and Lydia are interspersed with Police interview transcripts, journal entries and text messages. This added an extra layer to the story and it was interesting to see both Emma and Lydia’s perspective of what was happening.
Emma is part of an established book club with her sister Jules and their friends. But when Lydia joins she shakes everything up. Emma and Lydia are two very different personalities. Emma is quiet, a little introverted and happy with her close circle of friends and books. Lydia is quite outspoken and I’d describe her as an extrovert. There was something about Lydia that felt a bit off. She seemed more interested in getting to know the members of the book club rather than to read and discuss the book. She observed them all and then played a game of divide and conquer. Things take a strange turn when Emma is arrested for murdering her husband. As the story unfolds the reader is given an insight into Emma’s life. To everyone Emma is the perfect wife, mother and homemaker but the truth is very different.
I won't say too much to avoid spoilers but the story did keep me on my toes and the more I read I started to see the characters in a different light.
If you’re a fan of thrillers then this is definitely one to add to your list.
August 13, 2025
If you’re looking for a fast, binge-worthy read with the same addictive pull as reality TV, The Woman From Book Club by Carrie Hughes absolutely delivers. This is one of those books you pick up "just to see what it's about," and then suddenly it's two days later and you're done, despite working overtime and telling yourself you'd only read one chapter so you can get a full nights sleep.
The writing is simple and incredibly accessible, making it easy to fly through. While it's not the most literary or complex novel out there, that's honestly part of its charm. It knows what it is: a punchy, drama-filled, twisty read that keeps you turning the pages. The plot is straightforward, yet full of dramatic moments that are not just there for pacing, but integrated into the story in a way that feels deliberate, earned and absolutely wild.
That said, the simplicity sometimes works against it as there are moments where the narrative feels a bit repetitive.
The ending also left me slightly disappointed. After watching Emma grow and strengthen throughout the book, it felt frustrating to see her seemingly give in to someone else’s wants at the very end. It undercut the personal journey she’d been on and left me wishing for a conclusion that matched the empowering arc we’d been following. (Although arguably she did also do the right thing for her. I feel this is much more down to personal opinion so I’ll be interested to hear what others think!)
Still, this was a fabulously wild little read: fast, dramatic, and unexpectedly feel-good. It has its flaws, but they’re easy to forgive when the ride is THIS entertaining. Perfect for fans of light thrillers, sisterhood stories, or anyone who just wants a juicy, satisfying page-turner with women at the center of the drama (and ultimately, the power).
Highly recommend for a weekend escape or a mid-week binge.
3.75 stars. Thank you to Netgalley for the ARC!
The writing is simple and incredibly accessible, making it easy to fly through. While it's not the most literary or complex novel out there, that's honestly part of its charm. It knows what it is: a punchy, drama-filled, twisty read that keeps you turning the pages. The plot is straightforward, yet full of dramatic moments that are not just there for pacing, but integrated into the story in a way that feels deliberate, earned and absolutely wild.
That said, the simplicity sometimes works against it as there are moments where the narrative feels a bit repetitive.
The ending also left me slightly disappointed. After watching Emma grow and strengthen throughout the book, it felt frustrating to see her seemingly give in to someone else’s wants at the very end. It undercut the personal journey she’d been on and left me wishing for a conclusion that matched the empowering arc we’d been following. (Although arguably she did also do the right thing for her. I feel this is much more down to personal opinion so I’ll be interested to hear what others think!)
Still, this was a fabulously wild little read: fast, dramatic, and unexpectedly feel-good. It has its flaws, but they’re easy to forgive when the ride is THIS entertaining. Perfect for fans of light thrillers, sisterhood stories, or anyone who just wants a juicy, satisfying page-turner with women at the center of the drama (and ultimately, the power).
Highly recommend for a weekend escape or a mid-week binge.
3.75 stars. Thank you to Netgalley for the ARC!
September 12, 2025
This is unpredictably addictive!
Emma is a married stay at home mother of two twins, her only outlet being the book club she attends with her sister and friends where they share wine and their penchant for fictional men. Her husband Elliott is a high flying divorce solicitor who provides her with her gorgeous house and encourages her to spend her days caring for their two teenage girls and dog. But then, t5ragedy strikes, Emma is arrested at book club and charged with the murder of Elliott, supported by Lidia who is adamant that Emma paid her £250,000 to murder her loving husband. So who is telling the truth?
This book was addictive from the very first page. It appealed to me on netgalley as I myself am in a book club and like the dynamics of other clubs and how they work. I instantly loved Emma and felt for her. while she felt trapped in her marriage at some points her priority was the girls but Elliott still seemed to worship her and appreciate everything she did for them. Lidia on the other hand, was an interesting character. she's unhinged to some point but ambitious and determined. The ease with which she starts to unravel is shocking but so so enthralling.
It kept me guessing all the way through and when I thought I had it, I actually didn't' it's told through flashbacks from both Lidia and Emma's POV and i think this book is testament to the strength and support that friends provide when you need them the most. It's a stark contrast seeing the wealth that Emma has around her with her friends compared to Lidia's life spent by herself.
I really enjoyed this book, more than I expected, even though it was a random choice pick on netgalley I would definitely read this authors work again!
Emma is a married stay at home mother of two twins, her only outlet being the book club she attends with her sister and friends where they share wine and their penchant for fictional men. Her husband Elliott is a high flying divorce solicitor who provides her with her gorgeous house and encourages her to spend her days caring for their two teenage girls and dog. But then, t5ragedy strikes, Emma is arrested at book club and charged with the murder of Elliott, supported by Lidia who is adamant that Emma paid her £250,000 to murder her loving husband. So who is telling the truth?
This book was addictive from the very first page. It appealed to me on netgalley as I myself am in a book club and like the dynamics of other clubs and how they work. I instantly loved Emma and felt for her. while she felt trapped in her marriage at some points her priority was the girls but Elliott still seemed to worship her and appreciate everything she did for them. Lidia on the other hand, was an interesting character. she's unhinged to some point but ambitious and determined. The ease with which she starts to unravel is shocking but so so enthralling.
It kept me guessing all the way through and when I thought I had it, I actually didn't' it's told through flashbacks from both Lidia and Emma's POV and i think this book is testament to the strength and support that friends provide when you need them the most. It's a stark contrast seeing the wealth that Emma has around her with her friends compared to Lidia's life spent by herself.
I really enjoyed this book, more than I expected, even though it was a random choice pick on netgalley I would definitely read this authors work again!
August 9, 2025
This book sucked me in from the first page and I flew through it. The writing style & pacing is fantastic; there was a point when I thought things were about to wrap up but there was still 1/4 of the book left and I was so intrigued with what was still to come!
I liked the alternating POVs, and as much as Lydia was a horrible person, I was always excited to read her spin and thought process.
Do we all want Emma to get a backbone? Of course, but it's also easy to see how she became this version of herself.
I don't think there are meant to be any major twists, but there is one semi-twist that regular readers of domestic suspense novels will expect; I read another book long ago with this plot point, but what this book did differently was expose that halfway through and then continue the story instead of that being a big shocking wrap up - great plot choice.
What was delightfully unexpected was the cozy little setting that pops up towards the end of the book. This book doesn't fit solidly into one genre, which can be tough to do, but the writing and plot were so well done.
Overall, I really enjoyed this book. The only reason this isn't a 5* for me is that there was a bit of repetition/re-explaining at times. Nothing big enough to throw you out of the book, but enough that I wondered if there would be more editing before this hits shelves.
{This ARC was provided by the publisher via Netgalley in exchange for an honest review.}
I liked the alternating POVs, and as much as Lydia was a horrible person, I was always excited to read her spin and thought process.
Do we all want Emma to get a backbone? Of course, but it's also easy to see how she became this version of herself.
I don't think there are meant to be any major twists, but there is one semi-twist that regular readers of domestic suspense novels will expect; I read another book long ago with this plot point, but what this book did differently was expose that halfway through and then continue the story instead of that being a big shocking wrap up - great plot choice.
What was delightfully unexpected was the cozy little setting that pops up towards the end of the book. This book doesn't fit solidly into one genre, which can be tough to do, but the writing and plot were so well done.
Overall, I really enjoyed this book. The only reason this isn't a 5* for me is that there was a bit of repetition/re-explaining at times. Nothing big enough to throw you out of the book, but enough that I wondered if there would be more editing before this hits shelves.
{This ARC was provided by the publisher via Netgalley in exchange for an honest review.}
September 2, 2025
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 the perfect wife Emma gets arrested for the murder of her husband at book club the group is reeling, and the book goes on to tell the story of how it came to be that Emma was arrested and what happened next.
I really loved this book, which was fast paced, and was told from Emma’s & Lydia’s ( who I didn’t like, but shows that the character was written well), points of view. Each chapter alternating between the two. The other women were brought into the story through the chapters, when you learnt more about their characters. The story did not have a major twist, but lots of smaller plot twists throughout. It also cleverly didn’t wrap up the story once the reveal was made but carried on afterwards with further plot twists to come.
This was a cozy thriller to me, well written and kept me engaged from the start. There were elements of humour incorporated throughout. The Plot wasn’t overly complex, and it made it quick to read. Whilst I enjoyed this book it wasn’t quite 5 stars for me, as the end felt a bit conveniently wrapped up and there wasn’t a jaw dropping moment for me. However, I would recommend this book.
4.5 rounded up to 5 stars
Thank you to Net Galley and Canelo for my copy in exchange for an honest review
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 the perfect wife Emma gets arrested for the murder of her husband at book club the group is reeling, and the book goes on to tell the story of how it came to be that Emma was arrested and what happened next.
I really loved this book, which was fast paced, and was told from Emma’s & Lydia’s ( who I didn’t like, but shows that the character was written well), points of view. Each chapter alternating between the two. The other women were brought into the story through the chapters, when you learnt more about their characters. The story did not have a major twist, but lots of smaller plot twists throughout. It also cleverly didn’t wrap up the story once the reveal was made but carried on afterwards with further plot twists to come.
This was a cozy thriller to me, well written and kept me engaged from the start. There were elements of humour incorporated throughout. The Plot wasn’t overly complex, and it made it quick to read. Whilst I enjoyed this book it wasn’t quite 5 stars for me, as the end felt a bit conveniently wrapped up and there wasn’t a jaw dropping moment for me. However, I would recommend this book.
4.5 rounded up to 5 stars
Thank you to Net Galley and Canelo for my copy in exchange for an honest review
August 11, 2025
When Emma is arrested at book club for murdering her husband, the loyalty of book club is really put to the test. A dual-pov that dives into relationships, freedom and twisty mysteries.
From the first page, this book gripped me. I didn’t fully appreciate the importance of this chapter until later on in the story, but it was really impactful.
This story follows Emma (the wife), and Lydia.
Emma’s perspective is told through journal entries and first person. I found personally the writing style for Emma to be much more relatable than Lydia’s, and more reasonable to read too.
At first, I thought that the writing style for Lydia was quite grandiose and nonsensical. But, after finishing the book, it’s interesting to see how this was actually intentional from the author, and I really appreciated the differences in prose for the two characters.
It’s hard to root for a favourite, when all of the characters are quite morally grey. It made me really consider the line between good and bad, and what warrants toeing the line sometimes.
I actually really enjoyed this thriller, I thought it was a quick, fun read. It’s set quite locally to my area, so it was nice to see areas I knew of, mentioned in the book. I would absolutely read other books by this author.
Thank you to NetGalley and Hera Books for a copy of this book in exchange for my honest review. All opinions are my own.
From the first page, this book gripped me. I didn’t fully appreciate the importance of this chapter until later on in the story, but it was really impactful.
This story follows Emma (the wife), and Lydia.
Emma’s perspective is told through journal entries and first person. I found personally the writing style for Emma to be much more relatable than Lydia’s, and more reasonable to read too.
At first, I thought that the writing style for Lydia was quite grandiose and nonsensical. But, after finishing the book, it’s interesting to see how this was actually intentional from the author, and I really appreciated the differences in prose for the two characters.
It’s hard to root for a favourite, when all of the characters are quite morally grey. It made me really consider the line between good and bad, and what warrants toeing the line sometimes.
I actually really enjoyed this thriller, I thought it was a quick, fun read. It’s set quite locally to my area, so it was nice to see areas I knew of, mentioned in the book. I would absolutely read other books by this author.
Thank you to NetGalley and Hera Books for a copy of this book in exchange for my honest review. All opinions are my own.
August 17, 2025
Things I loved about this book: I loved how the story develops through the POV of the two. main characters. I also loved the way the mystery was built up, and as you read more, you find out more about the victim and his relationship with both Emma and Lydia, and I particularly enjoyed how so many of the characters had names that gave a nudge to Jane Austen.
It was fun to see the other members of book club, such as Lucy, Jules, and Marianne, develop their roles in the drama unfolding. The author did a good job of letting the reader think one thing about these characters, when actually, you found out something completely different a few pages later. For most of the book, the characters and plot were well developed. What I didn't love was the way it ended. It seemed to be tied up in too much of a neat bow - you watch Emma develop her strength over the course of the novel, and then she succumbs once more, and you watch Lydia develop as a bad character, and yet it all works out well for her too. The ending felt too pat, as if the author was not sure how to end it and didn't take the time to work it out. The ending is what keeps this book a 4-star review instead of 5 stars. I thank NetGalley and Canelo for this e-arc in exchange for an honest review.
It was fun to see the other members of book club, such as Lucy, Jules, and Marianne, develop their roles in the drama unfolding. The author did a good job of letting the reader think one thing about these characters, when actually, you found out something completely different a few pages later. For most of the book, the characters and plot were well developed. What I didn't love was the way it ended. It seemed to be tied up in too much of a neat bow - you watch Emma develop her strength over the course of the novel, and then she succumbs once more, and you watch Lydia develop as a bad character, and yet it all works out well for her too. The ending felt too pat, as if the author was not sure how to end it and didn't take the time to work it out. The ending is what keeps this book a 4-star review instead of 5 stars. I thank NetGalley and Canelo for this e-arc in exchange for an honest review.
August 19, 2025
The Woman from Book Club by Carrie Hughes - 3.5/5
The Woman From Book Club is a mystery novel in women’s fiction by Carrie Hughes. The book follows Emma, a woman from a wealthy neighbourhood, her sister and her three friends who get together to talk books. Into their lives barges Lydia, who couldn't care less about the books and is determined to get close to rich people (mainly men) to set herself up for a comfortable life.
The story is a fun read with simple and easy to follow writing which makes it an fast read. The plot is full of drama, twists, and emotional tension, and these moments feel natural to the story. I liked the twists introduced in the second half.
Anyway, after seeing Emma grow and gain confidence, it was a little frustrating to see her compromise in ways that didn’t fully match that empowerment. That said, other readers might interpret her choices differently, so just see this as a personal reaction.
Overall, The Woman From Book Club is an entertaining read, perfect for anyone who enjoys stories about friendship and women navigating complex lives.
~Thanking Netgalley and Canelo for the copy in exchange for an honest review.~
The Woman From Book Club is a mystery novel in women’s fiction by Carrie Hughes. The book follows Emma, a woman from a wealthy neighbourhood, her sister and her three friends who get together to talk books. Into their lives barges Lydia, who couldn't care less about the books and is determined to get close to rich people (mainly men) to set herself up for a comfortable life.
The story is a fun read with simple and easy to follow writing which makes it an fast read. The plot is full of drama, twists, and emotional tension, and these moments feel natural to the story. I liked the twists introduced in the second half.
Anyway, after seeing Emma grow and gain confidence, it was a little frustrating to see her compromise in ways that didn’t fully match that empowerment. That said, other readers might interpret her choices differently, so just see this as a personal reaction.
Overall, The Woman From Book Club is an entertaining read, perfect for anyone who enjoys stories about friendship and women navigating complex lives.
~Thanking Netgalley and Canelo for the copy in exchange for an honest review.~
September 15, 2025
***Advance review copy received from NetGalley in return for an honest review***
Emma is part of a close-knit book club among wealthy women. When book club newcomer Lydia enters their world with ambition to climb socially, things quickly spiral—particularly after a murder forces Emma, Lydia, and the club members into a tangled game of secrets, betrayal, and shifting perspectives. Told in alternating POVs (Emma and Lydia), it’s a domestic thriller where loyalties and appearances unravel.
I thought this was a solid read. The premise hooked me, and I liked how the alternating POVs made you constantly question who was in the right—or wrong. The dynamics among the book club women are entertaining, and there are moments of sharp wit. Some plot points felt a little over the top and a few twists stretched credibility, but overall it kept me turning pages.
If you enjoy domestic thrillers with strong female characters and psychological tension, this will appeal to fans of Big Little Lies by Liane Moriarty and The Woman in the Window by A.J. Finn.
Emma is part of a close-knit book club among wealthy women. When book club newcomer Lydia enters their world with ambition to climb socially, things quickly spiral—particularly after a murder forces Emma, Lydia, and the club members into a tangled game of secrets, betrayal, and shifting perspectives. Told in alternating POVs (Emma and Lydia), it’s a domestic thriller where loyalties and appearances unravel.
I thought this was a solid read. The premise hooked me, and I liked how the alternating POVs made you constantly question who was in the right—or wrong. The dynamics among the book club women are entertaining, and there are moments of sharp wit. Some plot points felt a little over the top and a few twists stretched credibility, but overall it kept me turning pages.
If you enjoy domestic thrillers with strong female characters and psychological tension, this will appeal to fans of Big Little Lies by Liane Moriarty and The Woman in the Window by A.J. Finn.
October 26, 2025
Thanks to NetGalley for this advanced copy in exchange for an honest review.
Emma’s seemingly perfect life unravels when she’s arrested for her husband’s murder during her beloved book club meeting. As the women around her begin to question everything they thought they knew, newcomer Lydia’s hidden motives add layers of tension and deceit. Told through multiple perspectives, this twisty domestic thriller explores friendship, jealousy, and the dangerous secrets that hide behind suburban smiles.
2 ⭐️
I gave The Woman from Book Club two stars because while it started with an interesting premise, the story moved far too quickly to build real suspense or depth. The twists came one after another without enough time to connect with the characters or feel the tension that the plot promised. It also felt too familiar, echoing many other domestic thrillers with the same setup of perfect lives hiding dark secrets. By the end, it lacked originality and emotional weight, making it just another forgettable entry in the genre.
Emma’s seemingly perfect life unravels when she’s arrested for her husband’s murder during her beloved book club meeting. As the women around her begin to question everything they thought they knew, newcomer Lydia’s hidden motives add layers of tension and deceit. Told through multiple perspectives, this twisty domestic thriller explores friendship, jealousy, and the dangerous secrets that hide behind suburban smiles.
2 ⭐️
I gave The Woman from Book Club two stars because while it started with an interesting premise, the story moved far too quickly to build real suspense or depth. The twists came one after another without enough time to connect with the characters or feel the tension that the plot promised. It also felt too familiar, echoing many other domestic thrillers with the same setup of perfect lives hiding dark secrets. By the end, it lacked originality and emotional weight, making it just another forgettable entry in the genre.
November 28, 2025
I was tempted to remove a star solely because of the bs ending of lol plot twist, one of the characters is not actually dead but instead became better off, like? The woman was psychotic, and nobody else batted an eye at it. I literally said “WHAT THE F—K” at the end; it shouldn’t have been written that way.
The majority of the story was just bs drama that you can get from any other book or Lifetime movie, a chore to try to get through the book without wanting to shut off my Kindle. A character ignores the red flags staring in front of her and then becomes so deluded that she thinks someone else is the problem. I was literally rooting for the dramatic couple to perish I will give the author that but for a book about a bookclub, the bookclub really played a minor role in the book as you could just replace the bookclub with any other social gathering (i.e. a woman’s club, knitting circle, gardening etc etc) and it would still wouldn’t make a difference.
Thanks again to the publishers and Netgalley for the opportunity to give an honest review of this book.
August 31, 2025
No matter how high the level of drama in your book club, it is unlikely that anyone would expect what transpires in this particular story.
When newcomer Lydia joins a book club largely consisting of well-off people, her aim is to snag herself a wealthy husband. So what if he's currently someone else's husband?
As Emma finds out to her horror, Lydia's approach is a no-holds-barred takeover attempt. And if there is anything worse than losing your husband to another woman, it has to be then being accused of his murder...
The book is an easy enough read, but I found it too for fetched. While I pitied Emma, I did not find her a particularly sympathetic character because she seemed annoyingly naive. Also, it felt as though Emma's husband turned on her too quickly, and Lydia was almost cartoonishly villainous. This one started well, but ended up disappointing.
I received a free copy of this book in exchange for an honest review
When newcomer Lydia joins a book club largely consisting of well-off people, her aim is to snag herself a wealthy husband. So what if he's currently someone else's husband?
As Emma finds out to her horror, Lydia's approach is a no-holds-barred takeover attempt. And if there is anything worse than losing your husband to another woman, it has to be then being accused of his murder...
The book is an easy enough read, but I found it too for fetched. While I pitied Emma, I did not find her a particularly sympathetic character because she seemed annoyingly naive. Also, it felt as though Emma's husband turned on her too quickly, and Lydia was almost cartoonishly villainous. This one started well, but ended up disappointing.
I received a free copy of this book in exchange for an honest review
October 7, 2025
With thanks to Netgalley for the book arc in exchange for an honest review.
For lovers The Last Mrs Parrish and What a Way to Go. This novel will delight book readers with references to book clubs, several popular literary characters and book escapism. Some subtle twists and shifts in points of view. Short chapters quicken the pace and add to the intrigue of whose truth the reader should believe.
Lydia has always coveted a lavish lifestyle - designer clothes, five star holidays, a mansion and a highly flying husband to fund her lifestyle. Joining a book club in an upper class area, Lydia sets her sights on which woman’s husband to target.
Emma is a book lover and devoted mother. She loves the world of books and the escapism they provide. With her twin sister, Jude, she attends the book club to discuss her passion. When Lydia and Emma’s worlds collide, Lydia decides that Emma’s is the perfect life to take… but all is not as it seems.
For lovers The Last Mrs Parrish and What a Way to Go. This novel will delight book readers with references to book clubs, several popular literary characters and book escapism. Some subtle twists and shifts in points of view. Short chapters quicken the pace and add to the intrigue of whose truth the reader should believe.
Lydia has always coveted a lavish lifestyle - designer clothes, five star holidays, a mansion and a highly flying husband to fund her lifestyle. Joining a book club in an upper class area, Lydia sets her sights on which woman’s husband to target.
Emma is a book lover and devoted mother. She loves the world of books and the escapism they provide. With her twin sister, Jude, she attends the book club to discuss her passion. When Lydia and Emma’s worlds collide, Lydia decides that Emma’s is the perfect life to take… but all is not as it seems.
October 22, 2025
4.5⭐️
What a great, fun, domestic thriller.
Emma is a housewife whose only joy in life are her teenage twin daughters and books. She’s married to lawyer, Elliot who does nothing around the house at all and expects her to be the perfect stepford wife. He doesn’t like her socialising except at her book club.
Lydia joins book club but has eyes on bagging a new husband rather than reading books, Emma’s husband to be precise.
Brilliantly written with short chapters and a few surprising twists.
Lydia was an absolute narcissist and a down right awful woman! But that’s what makes it all the more compelling.
I always do a little cheer when my hometown is mentioned in a book and although I live in the town between Basildon and Southend was pleased to see them mentioned in chapter two, even though Lydia was not at all kind about them!
With thanks to NetGalley and Hera publishing for the arc in exchange for an honest review.
What a great, fun, domestic thriller.
Emma is a housewife whose only joy in life are her teenage twin daughters and books. She’s married to lawyer, Elliot who does nothing around the house at all and expects her to be the perfect stepford wife. He doesn’t like her socialising except at her book club.
Lydia joins book club but has eyes on bagging a new husband rather than reading books, Emma’s husband to be precise.
Brilliantly written with short chapters and a few surprising twists.
Lydia was an absolute narcissist and a down right awful woman! But that’s what makes it all the more compelling.
I always do a little cheer when my hometown is mentioned in a book and although I live in the town between Basildon and Southend was pleased to see them mentioned in chapter two, even though Lydia was not at all kind about them!
With thanks to NetGalley and Hera publishing for the arc in exchange for an honest review.
November 4, 2025
Oh I absolutely loved this book!
This starts off as your typical book club story — wine, gossip, and a little harmless competition — until everything takes a dark turn.
The Blurb....
"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?"
The tension in this story builds beautifully, one of the main characters is totally unhinged and delusional, and the final twist? Brilliant!
A sharp, twisty read about friendship, envy, and the lies we tell to keep up appearances. Definitely one to add to your TBR if you love domestic thrillers with a clever edge.
This starts off as your typical book club story — wine, gossip, and a little harmless competition — until everything takes a dark turn.
The Blurb....
"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?"
The tension in this story builds beautifully, one of the main characters is totally unhinged and delusional, and the final twist? Brilliant!
A sharp, twisty read about friendship, envy, and the lies we tell to keep up appearances. Definitely one to add to your TBR if you love domestic thrillers with a clever edge.
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