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The Woman in the Villa
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A holiday to Italy with my husband and his family should be a dream trip. Spending two weeks in the scorching sun, relaxing by the pool, sipping on local wine...
Two weeks of trying to hide what I've done.
When I meet Carmen, the woman staying in the villa next to us, I'm immediately drawn to her, thankful to have some normalcy against the intensity of my in laws. I didn't expect to tell her my biggest secret, one that could tear my whole life apart.
But when I return the next day to beg Carmen not to tell a soul, the house is completely empty, and she is nowhere to be found.
Who was the woman in the villa? Why was she there? Who have I told my darkest secret to...
Praise for Helen
'Dark and twisty with a shocking conclusion' Nicole Trope
'Another masterfully constructed novel from the queen of psychological thrillers' Sarah Bonner
'Gripping and unputdownable. There are secrets, mystery, betrayal and twists. The characters were mysterious... The plot was clever and I didn't see the twists coming. The twists were jaw dropping' Reader review ⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐
'Twists and turns a plenty... A gripping read for your sunlounger this summer' Reader review ⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐
'I was gripped by this beautifully, written, intricately plotted, tangle of secrets and lies' Louise Jensen
'An extraordinary read, filled with unforeseen twists that kept me flipping through the pages rapidly. I absolutely adored it' Reader review ⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐
'Full of family secrets and betrayal. I was invested from the start and thought the relationships were all written and developed brilliantly. I really enjoyed this and was left thinking about it for days afterwards' Reader review ⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐
'A brilliant read that had me gripped all the way through' Reader review ⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐
A holiday to Italy with my husband and his family should be a dream trip. Spending two weeks in the scorching sun, relaxing by the pool, sipping on local wine...
Two weeks of trying to hide what I've done.
When I meet Carmen, the woman staying in the villa next to us, I'm immediately drawn to her, thankful to have some normalcy against the intensity of my in laws. I didn't expect to tell her my biggest secret, one that could tear my whole life apart.
But when I return the next day to beg Carmen not to tell a soul, the house is completely empty, and she is nowhere to be found.
Who was the woman in the villa? Why was she there? Who have I told my darkest secret to...
Praise for Helen
'Dark and twisty with a shocking conclusion' Nicole Trope
'Another masterfully constructed novel from the queen of psychological thrillers' Sarah Bonner
'Gripping and unputdownable. There are secrets, mystery, betrayal and twists. The characters were mysterious... The plot was clever and I didn't see the twists coming. The twists were jaw dropping' Reader review ⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐
'Twists and turns a plenty... A gripping read for your sunlounger this summer' Reader review ⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐
'I was gripped by this beautifully, written, intricately plotted, tangle of secrets and lies' Louise Jensen
'An extraordinary read, filled with unforeseen twists that kept me flipping through the pages rapidly. I absolutely adored it' Reader review ⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐
'Full of family secrets and betrayal. I was invested from the start and thought the relationships were all written and developed brilliantly. I really enjoyed this and was left thinking about it for days afterwards' Reader review ⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐
'A brilliant read that had me gripped all the way through' Reader review ⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐
- GenresThriller
341 pages, Kindle Edition
Published June 25, 2026
About the author
Helen Cooper
5 books335 followersHelen Cooper is a writer of psychological thrillers living in Leicester, UK. She has a MA in Creative Writing and a background in teaching English and Academic Writing. As well as novels, she has short fiction published in Mslexia, Woman, Writers’ Forum, and others; she was shortlisted in the Bath Short Story Prize in 2014, and came third in the Leicester Writes Short Story Prize in 2018.
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 39 reviews
Review of advance copy received from NetGalley
So we have an over-privileged dysfunctional and entitled family (the Belmonts), Lola, married into the family yet feels like an outsider, having an affair with her husband’s brother Michael, and about to confess to her husband, Tom. But first she has to live through the two weeks of a family holiday in an isolated Italian villa, celebrating her in-laws’ George and Rosaline’s golden wedding anniversary. We also have assorted other siblings of Tom and Michael and their spouses.
The story unfolds in the first person, through the eyes of Lola. An irritating character if ever there was one. She is forever going weak kneed, fainting, or over reacting somehow, through the guilt of keeping her affair secret and terrified she’ll be found out before she is ready to confess, which is her intention after the holiday. This however turns out to be the least of her troubles when a woman calling herself Carmen, who occupies the neighbouring villa, goes missing then turns up dead. Lola, having met her, and having spent a night drinking herself into oblivion with her is the first to be under suspicion.
I’m afraid I could not find a single character who I found likeable in this whole sorry saga. Lola was the most ‘likeable’ and she is a liar and a cheat! Maybe this is why I felt so impatient with the whole story. The plot twists were sort of predictable, and not really surprising and I couldn’t bring myself to care about any of them.
To be more positive, the book is very well written and the unfolding of the plot is skilful. I think maybe my dislike of the protagonist Lola, coloured my view of the whole, so I’d say to readers don’t let this review put you off!
Thanks to NetGalley for the ARC for my kindle. This is my honest review after a full read of the book.
The story unfolds in the first person, through the eyes of Lola. An irritating character if ever there was one. She is forever going weak kneed, fainting, or over reacting somehow, through the guilt of keeping her affair secret and terrified she’ll be found out before she is ready to confess, which is her intention after the holiday. This however turns out to be the least of her troubles when a woman calling herself Carmen, who occupies the neighbouring villa, goes missing then turns up dead. Lola, having met her, and having spent a night drinking herself into oblivion with her is the first to be under suspicion.
I’m afraid I could not find a single character who I found likeable in this whole sorry saga. Lola was the most ‘likeable’ and she is a liar and a cheat! Maybe this is why I felt so impatient with the whole story. The plot twists were sort of predictable, and not really surprising and I couldn’t bring myself to care about any of them.
To be more positive, the book is very well written and the unfolding of the plot is skilful. I think maybe my dislike of the protagonist Lola, coloured my view of the whole, so I’d say to readers don’t let this review put you off!
Thanks to NetGalley for the ARC for my kindle. This is my honest review after a full read of the book.
June 29, 2026
★★★½☆
I found myself feeling quite conflicted after finishing this one, especially since it is my first time reading Helen Cooper. I think my main issue is that the story tries to straddle two very specific, highly saturated subgenres—the 'destination thriller' and the 'wealthy people behaving badly' trope—and unfortunately, it didn't quite manage to do something exceptional with either of them.
The premise follows a woman on a holiday to Italy with her husband and his intense family. It should be a dream trip spent relaxing by the pool in the scorching sun, but she is actually spending the two weeks desperately trying to hide a massive secret. When she meets Carmen, a woman staying in the next villa, she finds a brief moment of normalcy and immediately opens up about what she has done. But when she returns the next day to beg Carmen to stay silent, the villa is completely empty and Carmen has vanished without a trace.
The book is undeniably well written, and the plot unfolds at a good rhythm, but the actual setting was a major letdown for me. When I pick up a destination thriller, I want the location to stand out and feel like a character itself, but this lacked that vivid, transportive atmosphere to Italy.
It also leans heavily into the trope of rich people doing terrible things and expecting to get away with it, but because the market is so flooded with these types of characters, they need to be highly compelling to work. I struggled heavily with the characterisation of Lola, who I found incredibly annoying. She sees herself and Michael as morally superior to the rest of the family, which felt completely ridiculous and hypocritical given they are the ones carrying on a multi-year affair behind her husband Tom's back. I did feel there were attempts to frame Tom as the bad guy to justify things, but aside from his workaholic tendencies and some reckless driving, his supposed villainy never really translated on the page.
Because I couldn't connect with the characters or their motivations, the plot twists felt predictable. I stayed up late hoping for a killer final reveal that would tie the two themes together uniquely, but I ultimately found the ending a bit standard. It is a readable mystery, but it just lacked the distinct edge needed to elevate it above the crowd.
Thank you to the author, publisher, and NetGalley for the ARC.
I found myself feeling quite conflicted after finishing this one, especially since it is my first time reading Helen Cooper. I think my main issue is that the story tries to straddle two very specific, highly saturated subgenres—the 'destination thriller' and the 'wealthy people behaving badly' trope—and unfortunately, it didn't quite manage to do something exceptional with either of them.
The premise follows a woman on a holiday to Italy with her husband and his intense family. It should be a dream trip spent relaxing by the pool in the scorching sun, but she is actually spending the two weeks desperately trying to hide a massive secret. When she meets Carmen, a woman staying in the next villa, she finds a brief moment of normalcy and immediately opens up about what she has done. But when she returns the next day to beg Carmen to stay silent, the villa is completely empty and Carmen has vanished without a trace.
The book is undeniably well written, and the plot unfolds at a good rhythm, but the actual setting was a major letdown for me. When I pick up a destination thriller, I want the location to stand out and feel like a character itself, but this lacked that vivid, transportive atmosphere to Italy.
It also leans heavily into the trope of rich people doing terrible things and expecting to get away with it, but because the market is so flooded with these types of characters, they need to be highly compelling to work. I struggled heavily with the characterisation of Lola, who I found incredibly annoying. She sees herself and Michael as morally superior to the rest of the family, which felt completely ridiculous and hypocritical given they are the ones carrying on a multi-year affair behind her husband Tom's back. I did feel there were attempts to frame Tom as the bad guy to justify things, but aside from his workaholic tendencies and some reckless driving, his supposed villainy never really translated on the page.
Because I couldn't connect with the characters or their motivations, the plot twists felt predictable. I stayed up late hoping for a killer final reveal that would tie the two themes together uniquely, but I ultimately found the ending a bit standard. It is a readable mystery, but it just lacked the distinct edge needed to elevate it above the crowd.
Thank you to the author, publisher, and NetGalley for the ARC.
Review of advance copy received from Netgalley
‘I can do this. Two weeks of smiling, surviving. Two weeks of pushing my secrets deep down inside’.
Lola Belmont should be beyond excited. She has just arrived in Italy with her husband and his entire family for a dream trip. Two weeks of scorching sun, local wine, spectacular food and the most incredible villa. But it is also two weeks hiding what she has done …
When Lola disappears from the first night of celebrations, looking for a break from the chaos and intensity of the Belmont family, she meets Carmen. She is staying in the villa next door; the one that is supposed to be empty. However, Lola is immediately drawn to her and her normalcy so much so that she drinks far too much wine and shares her deepest secret. A secret that could tear her whole world apart. When she returns the next morning to beg Carmen to promise not to tell a soul, the villa is completely empty and she is no where to be found.
As she begins to look into Carmen in more depth, Lola realises that she isn’t who she says she is. Who was the woman in the villa? Who did she really talk to? And where is she now? How can the perfect escape go so horribly wrong!?
Overall, this was bingeworthy; perfect pacing, lots of unease, short chapters and the contrasting claustrophobic atmosphere despite the idyllic setting. Each discovery is another layer to the already complex family scenario which is the perfect amount of drama, shifting loyalties and betrayal. The questionable characters were so well portrayed and each had the capability to harm an ‘outsider’ for their own gain, to protect the family as well as their business and finances. I suspected them all at one point or another!
A perfect summer read for on your sun lounger ☀️
With thanks to NetGalley, Hodder & Stoughton and Helen Cooper for the ARC in return for an honest review.
Lola Belmont should be beyond excited. She has just arrived in Italy with her husband and his entire family for a dream trip. Two weeks of scorching sun, local wine, spectacular food and the most incredible villa. But it is also two weeks hiding what she has done …
When Lola disappears from the first night of celebrations, looking for a break from the chaos and intensity of the Belmont family, she meets Carmen. She is staying in the villa next door; the one that is supposed to be empty. However, Lola is immediately drawn to her and her normalcy so much so that she drinks far too much wine and shares her deepest secret. A secret that could tear her whole world apart. When she returns the next morning to beg Carmen to promise not to tell a soul, the villa is completely empty and she is no where to be found.
As she begins to look into Carmen in more depth, Lola realises that she isn’t who she says she is. Who was the woman in the villa? Who did she really talk to? And where is she now? How can the perfect escape go so horribly wrong!?
Overall, this was bingeworthy; perfect pacing, lots of unease, short chapters and the contrasting claustrophobic atmosphere despite the idyllic setting. Each discovery is another layer to the already complex family scenario which is the perfect amount of drama, shifting loyalties and betrayal. The questionable characters were so well portrayed and each had the capability to harm an ‘outsider’ for their own gain, to protect the family as well as their business and finances. I suspected them all at one point or another!
A perfect summer read for on your sun lounger ☀️
With thanks to NetGalley, Hodder & Stoughton and Helen Cooper for the ARC in return for an honest review.
June 8, 2026
Helen Cooper does it again with The Woman in the Villa — a tense, atmospheric thriller that kept me hooked from the very first page. As a fan of Cooper’s previous books, I was excited to dive into this one, and it absolutely delivered the addictive suspense and layered secrets I’ve come to expect from her writing.
The Italian villa setting was beautifully done and added so much to the story’s uneasy atmosphere. What should have been a dreamy family holiday quickly turns claustrophobic and unsettling, especially with the tension surrounding the protagonist’s in-laws and the secret she’s desperately trying to keep buried. The contrast between the gorgeous setting and the growing sense of dread worked incredibly well.
I especially enjoyed the mystery surrounding Carmen. The premise alone — confessing your darkest secret to a stranger who then vanishes without a trace — instantly pulled me in, and I loved how the story slowly unraveled from there. Cooper does a great job building suspense chapter by chapter, constantly making you question who can be trusted.
The pacing was strong throughout, though there were a few moments in the middle that felt slightly slower than the rest, which is why this lands at 4 stars instead of 5 for me. Still, the twists were satisfying, and I found myself racing through the final chapters to see how everything would come together.
If you enjoy domestic thrillers filled with secrets, psychological tension, family drama, and a richly atmospheric setting, this is definitely one to add to your TBR. Another solid and gripping read from Helen Cooper!
The Italian villa setting was beautifully done and added so much to the story’s uneasy atmosphere. What should have been a dreamy family holiday quickly turns claustrophobic and unsettling, especially with the tension surrounding the protagonist’s in-laws and the secret she’s desperately trying to keep buried. The contrast between the gorgeous setting and the growing sense of dread worked incredibly well.
I especially enjoyed the mystery surrounding Carmen. The premise alone — confessing your darkest secret to a stranger who then vanishes without a trace — instantly pulled me in, and I loved how the story slowly unraveled from there. Cooper does a great job building suspense chapter by chapter, constantly making you question who can be trusted.
The pacing was strong throughout, though there were a few moments in the middle that felt slightly slower than the rest, which is why this lands at 4 stars instead of 5 for me. Still, the twists were satisfying, and I found myself racing through the final chapters to see how everything would come together.
If you enjoy domestic thrillers filled with secrets, psychological tension, family drama, and a richly atmospheric setting, this is definitely one to add to your TBR. Another solid and gripping read from Helen Cooper!
June 25, 2026
The Woman In The Villa is a twisty, psychological thriller set in idyllic surroundings in Italy, the location is atmospheric and it had me hooked from the very start.
The story focuses on Lola and Tom Belmont who arrive in Umbria, at a beautiful vineyard to celebrate Tom’s parent’s golden wedding anniversary, but Lola’s not looking forward to spending two weeks with her in-laws, trying to hide what she’s done. On their first night Lola meets a woman called Carmen who’s staying in the next villa and after too many wines she reveals her biggest secret. The following day Lola discovers that the villa is empty and there’s no trace of Carmen ever having been there.
Who was the woman in the villa? Why was she there? Who has Lola told her darkest secret to?
From the outset there’s an unsettling, eerie vibe that pulls you in and keeps you guessing and with family secrets, a host of suspects to choose from, deception and mounting tension I really did keep turning the pages, desperate to discover who the culprit was. As for the twists, I found them a little predictable but that didn’t spoil my overall enjoyment of the book. I loved that the characters were hiding so many secrets from each other that I trusted no one.
This book is a very enjoyable read, it’s well written and I would happily recommend it to anyone who enjoys domestic tension, questionable morals and flawed characters. 3.5 🌟 rounded up.
Many thanks to @netgalley and Hodder & Stoughton publishers for the ARC.
The story focuses on Lola and Tom Belmont who arrive in Umbria, at a beautiful vineyard to celebrate Tom’s parent’s golden wedding anniversary, but Lola’s not looking forward to spending two weeks with her in-laws, trying to hide what she’s done. On their first night Lola meets a woman called Carmen who’s staying in the next villa and after too many wines she reveals her biggest secret. The following day Lola discovers that the villa is empty and there’s no trace of Carmen ever having been there.
Who was the woman in the villa? Why was she there? Who has Lola told her darkest secret to?
From the outset there’s an unsettling, eerie vibe that pulls you in and keeps you guessing and with family secrets, a host of suspects to choose from, deception and mounting tension I really did keep turning the pages, desperate to discover who the culprit was. As for the twists, I found them a little predictable but that didn’t spoil my overall enjoyment of the book. I loved that the characters were hiding so many secrets from each other that I trusted no one.
This book is a very enjoyable read, it’s well written and I would happily recommend it to anyone who enjoys domestic tension, questionable morals and flawed characters. 3.5 🌟 rounded up.
Many thanks to @netgalley and Hodder & Stoughton publishers for the ARC.
Review of advance copy received from NetGalley
This book is the ultimate escapism. Absolutely perfect as a beach read or a lazy weekend evening entertainment. I devoured it in one sitting.
Helen Cooper has done an amazing job finding an eerie setup within the otherwise scenic and idyllic Italian vineyard scenery. As someone who's lived in Italy and traveled all over the beautiful country, I didn't think it was possible. But it worked!
I'd say if you binge-watched The Perfect Couple on Netflix or read the book by Elin Hilderbrand, you will love this. Some of the more shady characters and dysfunctional rich family vibes definitely echo, while the main plot is twisty and super engaging.
The Woman in the Villa is all about the woman in the nearby villa and the sudden chain of events that unravel after her mysterious disappearance. But the book also paints a powerful picture of the darkness that looms behind some of the most common traits of the modern lifestyle and the dire consequences that can follow these traits.
Thank you to Netgalley and Hodder & Stoughton for the ARC. This story will certainly linger in my mind for a long time. And I can't wait to read more from this fabulous author.
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Helen Cooper has done an amazing job finding an eerie setup within the otherwise scenic and idyllic Italian vineyard scenery. As someone who's lived in Italy and traveled all over the beautiful country, I didn't think it was possible. But it worked!
I'd say if you binge-watched The Perfect Couple on Netflix or read the book by Elin Hilderbrand, you will love this. Some of the more shady characters and dysfunctional rich family vibes definitely echo, while the main plot is twisty and super engaging.
The Woman in the Villa is all about the woman in the nearby villa and the sudden chain of events that unravel after her mysterious disappearance. But the book also paints a powerful picture of the darkness that looms behind some of the most common traits of the modern lifestyle and the dire consequences that can follow these traits.
Thank you to Netgalley and Hodder & Stoughton for the ARC. This story will certainly linger in my mind for a long time. And I can't wait to read more from this fabulous author.
----------
Follow for more of my reviews:
TikTok
Review of advance copy received from NetGalley
The Woman in the Villa is a wonderfully twisty, sun‑soaked thriller that takes the familiar promise of an Italian holiday and slowly turns it into something far more unsettling. What should be two blissful weeks of heat, wine, and family becomes a pressure cooker for secrets, guilt, and the kind of fear that settles in your bones.
The narrator’s voice is instantly compelling—sharp, vulnerable, and carrying the weight of something she’s desperate to hide. Her connection with Carmen, the woman in the neighbouring villa, feels like a lifeline at first: a moment of normality amid the intensity of her in‑laws. But the decision to confess her darkest secret to a stranger sets the whole story alight. And when Carmen vanishes without a trace, the tension spikes beautifully.
Helen Cooper plays with paranoia in such a clever way. Every empty room, every unanswered question, every shift in the family’s behaviour feels loaded. You’re never quite sure who to trust, or whether the narrator has trusted the wrong person entirely. The Italian setting adds a gorgeous contrast—sunshine, sea, and simmering dread.
Taut, atmospheric, and full of delicious unease, The Woman in the Villa is a gripping holiday thriller that reminds you how dangerous it can be to let the wrong person in.
With thanks to Helen Cooper, the publisher and netgalley for the ARC
The narrator’s voice is instantly compelling—sharp, vulnerable, and carrying the weight of something she’s desperate to hide. Her connection with Carmen, the woman in the neighbouring villa, feels like a lifeline at first: a moment of normality amid the intensity of her in‑laws. But the decision to confess her darkest secret to a stranger sets the whole story alight. And when Carmen vanishes without a trace, the tension spikes beautifully.
Helen Cooper plays with paranoia in such a clever way. Every empty room, every unanswered question, every shift in the family’s behaviour feels loaded. You’re never quite sure who to trust, or whether the narrator has trusted the wrong person entirely. The Italian setting adds a gorgeous contrast—sunshine, sea, and simmering dread.
Taut, atmospheric, and full of delicious unease, The Woman in the Villa is a gripping holiday thriller that reminds you how dangerous it can be to let the wrong person in.
With thanks to Helen Cooper, the publisher and netgalley for the ARC
June 30, 2026
I thought this was a fun read- I am a sucker for rich people behaving badly on vacation retreats! The story centers on Lola, who is vacationing in Italy with her husband Tom and his family when she meets a stranger named Carmen and opens up to her. The next day, Carmen is missing and Lola is sweating the fact that she said so many things she should not have shared. She gets heavily involved in trying to figure out what happened to her, much to the chagrin of her in-laws.
No one in this book made many smart decisions, as far as I can see. I felt that Lola was particularly flaky and there is no way she would have made it so long with that family acting the way she did. I also thought the dynamics between the rest of the family seemed unrealistic. That being said, I did enjoy the mystery surrounding Fern and thought that the author did a good job at providing a whole cast of characters who might be guilty. There were a couple good twists throughout- none of them that necessarily put me on Lola's side, but they were still good surprises. I thought the ending of the book was well done and I wasn't entirely sure what really happened until the author told me.
Overall, fun read, though not with any characters with whom I connected. I enjoyed the storyline. Thanks to Netgalley for providing me with a copy of this book in exchange for an honest review.
No one in this book made many smart decisions, as far as I can see. I felt that Lola was particularly flaky and there is no way she would have made it so long with that family acting the way she did. I also thought the dynamics between the rest of the family seemed unrealistic. That being said, I did enjoy the mystery surrounding Fern and thought that the author did a good job at providing a whole cast of characters who might be guilty. There were a couple good twists throughout- none of them that necessarily put me on Lola's side, but they were still good surprises. I thought the ending of the book was well done and I wasn't entirely sure what really happened until the author told me.
Overall, fun read, though not with any characters with whom I connected. I enjoyed the storyline. Thanks to Netgalley for providing me with a copy of this book in exchange for an honest review.
July 16, 2026
Lola is spending two weeks in Italy with her husband Tom and his family celebrating her in-law's anniversary. Already on her first night there, Lola is sick of everyone and their drama, particularly her husband. When she decides to go to for a long walk, she stumbles across a neighboring villa where she meets Carmen, a friendly, single woman on a much-needed vacation. The two hit it off and spend the rest of the night drinking wine and gossiping. Lola is so relaxed she even reveals her deepest, darkest secret. The next morning Lola wake up hungover to a very angry Tom and an absolutely empty next-door villa. There are no signs of Carmen or her belongings. It's as if Lola imagined the entire night. Then, Carmen's body is discovered and foul play is suspected. As truths are revealed, it becomes apparent that Carmen was both at that villa for a very specific purpose and that she has dark connections to Tom and his family.
Overall, The Woman in the Villa wasn't really a book for me. The characters were all quite unlikable. I didn't really care for the affair plotline, and a lot of the twists were pretty predictable, especially the ending. I also found the pacing to be off - the middle was extremely slow and definitely dragged. With that all said, I did enjoy the mystery behind Carmen and her disappearance, and I was curious on how she was connected to various family members.
Overall, The Woman in the Villa wasn't really a book for me. The characters were all quite unlikable. I didn't really care for the affair plotline, and a lot of the twists were pretty predictable, especially the ending. I also found the pacing to be off - the middle was extremely slow and definitely dragged. With that all said, I did enjoy the mystery behind Carmen and her disappearance, and I was curious on how she was connected to various family members.
Review of advance copy received from NetGalley
The Woman in the Villa delivers a sun‑drenched setting wrapped in a steadily tightening sense of dread. What should be a blissful Italian getaway becomes anything but for Lola, who is already struggling with a marriage she no longer wants and in‑laws who drain every ounce of her patience. Her chance meeting with Carmen, the mysterious woman next door, feels like a lifeline, until their late night confession session turns into a disappearance that leaves Lola questioning what she said, who heard it, and whether she’s trusted the wrong person entirely. The tension builds quickly, making this a fast, addictive read.
As the story unfolds, shifting loyalties, buried secrets, and a cast of deeply flawed characters keep the atmosphere prickling with unease. Even the smallest interactions feel loaded, and the emotional undercurrents hit surprisingly hard, especially as the truth begins to surface. With its blend of family drama, psychological suspense, and a narrator who may or may not be seeing things clearly, this novel keeps you turning pages long past bedtime. It’s a brisk, gripping thriller that many readers will tear through in a single sitting.
Thank you to Netgalley and the publisher for an advanced copy of the book, all opinions expressed are my own.
As the story unfolds, shifting loyalties, buried secrets, and a cast of deeply flawed characters keep the atmosphere prickling with unease. Even the smallest interactions feel loaded, and the emotional undercurrents hit surprisingly hard, especially as the truth begins to surface. With its blend of family drama, psychological suspense, and a narrator who may or may not be seeing things clearly, this novel keeps you turning pages long past bedtime. It’s a brisk, gripping thriller that many readers will tear through in a single sitting.
Thank you to Netgalley and the publisher for an advanced copy of the book, all opinions expressed are my own.
May 30, 2026
Never tell your secrets to a stranger on holiday 😳
A family holiday in Italy should be the perfect escape. But when a woman confides her darkest secret to a stranger in the villa next door, she returns the next day to find the woman has vanished without a trace. Why was she there and where has she gone?
This was a well-paced thriller packed with family drama, buried secrets, and plenty of twists. The story unfolds gradually, revealing layer after layer and constantly making you question who can be trusted. I was suspicious of pretty much everyone at one point or another!
I enjoyed the complex family dynamics. You get to know all characters, flaws and all, and by the end I felt like I knew each family member and their quirks, even if I didn't necessarily like them. This is very much a story about secrets, questionable morals, and the idea that sooner or later the truth comes out.
It kept me turning the pages and was exactly the kind of thriller I would enjoy taking on holiday. In fact, this is the perfect airport-bookshop purchase — best read poolside somewhere warm with a cocktail in hand 🍹☀️
Thank you to NetGalley and Hodder & Stoughton for the ARC. Out 25 June 2026.
⭐️⭐️⭐️✨ 3.5 stars actual rating
A family holiday in Italy should be the perfect escape. But when a woman confides her darkest secret to a stranger in the villa next door, she returns the next day to find the woman has vanished without a trace. Why was she there and where has she gone?
This was a well-paced thriller packed with family drama, buried secrets, and plenty of twists. The story unfolds gradually, revealing layer after layer and constantly making you question who can be trusted. I was suspicious of pretty much everyone at one point or another!
I enjoyed the complex family dynamics. You get to know all characters, flaws and all, and by the end I felt like I knew each family member and their quirks, even if I didn't necessarily like them. This is very much a story about secrets, questionable morals, and the idea that sooner or later the truth comes out.
It kept me turning the pages and was exactly the kind of thriller I would enjoy taking on holiday. In fact, this is the perfect airport-bookshop purchase — best read poolside somewhere warm with a cocktail in hand 🍹☀️
Thank you to NetGalley and Hodder & Stoughton for the ARC. Out 25 June 2026.
⭐️⭐️⭐️✨ 3.5 stars actual rating
June 29, 2026
The Woman in the Villa by Helen Cooper is one of those rare books that completely consumes you. From the very first page, Cooper’s crisp, effortless writing pulled me in and refused to let go. The dialogue is layered with subtext, revealing just enough while keeping you constantly questioning everyone’s motives.
The story is packed with twists and turns, each one sending me in a different direction. I kept telling myself I’d read just one more chapter, only to find myself staying up well past bedtime because I couldn’t stop reading.
What really made this novel stand out was Lola. She’s a protagonist worth rooting for—flawed, complicated, and deeply human. She’s made mistakes, finds herself trapped in a difficult marriage, and must navigate a family full of secrets and dysfunction. The family dynamics are brilliantly portrayed and add so much depth to the story.
The ending was surprising yet felt completely inevitable, the kind of conclusion that makes you immediately want to go back and see all the clues you missed along the way. It’s a satisfying, expertly crafted thriller that has lingered in my mind long after I turned the final page.
A definite five-star read. I can’t stop thinking about it.
July 13, 2026
I ate this book up. It was so difficult to put down. It starts with the drama right from the beginning and constantly builds the tension throughout, right up to the final page. My heart was pounding as I read it. There are mainly short chapters in the book, which I love in books like this. It's beautifully paced so that you always want to read just one more chapter.
In this book, we meet Lola, who is spending two weeks in Italy with her husband Tom and her in-laws for a big family celebration. But not all is as it seems. Lola is hiding a huge secret, one that will change her life and her husband's forever.
Things take a turn when Lola meets Carmen, the woman staying in the villa next to Lola and her family. The two women hit it off, until the next day when Carmen disappears. What could have happened? Where is Carmen? Can Lola stop her secret from getting out? What secrets are being hidden by Lola's in-laws?
This book has all the twists and turns you could possibly want with a mystery thriller. I thought I knew where the story was going, and then we took a hard left.
If you love thrillers that are impossible to put down, with all the twists of a rollercoaster, you are going to love this book. Highly recommend.
In this book, we meet Lola, who is spending two weeks in Italy with her husband Tom and her in-laws for a big family celebration. But not all is as it seems. Lola is hiding a huge secret, one that will change her life and her husband's forever.
Things take a turn when Lola meets Carmen, the woman staying in the villa next to Lola and her family. The two women hit it off, until the next day when Carmen disappears. What could have happened? Where is Carmen? Can Lola stop her secret from getting out? What secrets are being hidden by Lola's in-laws?
This book has all the twists and turns you could possibly want with a mystery thriller. I thought I knew where the story was going, and then we took a hard left.
If you love thrillers that are impossible to put down, with all the twists of a rollercoaster, you are going to love this book. Highly recommend.
Review of advance copy received from NetGalley
The Woman in the Villa by Helen Cooper had an intriguing premise and a beautifully layered mystery, but unfortunately, it wasn't the right fit for me.
Lola should be enjoying a dream vacation in Italy with her husband's family. Instead, she's carrying a secret that could destroy her entire life. After one too many drinks, she confides in Carmen, the mysterious woman staying in the villa's guest house. But when Lola returns the next day to beg her to keep quiet, Carmen has vanished without a trace.
Helen Cooper unfolds the story with skill, slowly revealing new pieces of the puzzle and maintaining a steady sense of suspense throughout. However, the central storyline revolving around infidelity made it difficult for me to fully invest in the characters or their choices, which kept me from becoming emotionally engaged with the story.
While this one was a miss for me personally, readers who enjoy slow-burn domestic suspense, family secrets, and morally complex characters may have a very different experience.
Thank you to NetGalley and Hodder & Stoughton for the ARC in exchange for an honest review!
Lola should be enjoying a dream vacation in Italy with her husband's family. Instead, she's carrying a secret that could destroy her entire life. After one too many drinks, she confides in Carmen, the mysterious woman staying in the villa's guest house. But when Lola returns the next day to beg her to keep quiet, Carmen has vanished without a trace.
Helen Cooper unfolds the story with skill, slowly revealing new pieces of the puzzle and maintaining a steady sense of suspense throughout. However, the central storyline revolving around infidelity made it difficult for me to fully invest in the characters or their choices, which kept me from becoming emotionally engaged with the story.
While this one was a miss for me personally, readers who enjoy slow-burn domestic suspense, family secrets, and morally complex characters may have a very different experience.
Thank you to NetGalley and Hodder & Stoughton for the ARC in exchange for an honest review!
Review of advance copy received from NetGalley
I received a ARC copy of The Woman In The Villa by Helen Cooper from NetGalley, and I’m rating this one 3.5 stars rounded up to 4.
This was such a bingeable and addictive thriller set in a stunning Italian villa destination. The story follows Lola, who is unhappy in her marriage and carrying around a heavy sense of dread and guilt while trying to survive a vacation with her husband and his entire family.
When Lola meets Carmen, the mysterious woman staying in the villa next door, she instantly feels comfortable with her. After a night of wine and vulnerable confessions, Lola reveals her darkest secret… and from that moment on, everything begins to spiral out of control. Lola doesn’t know who she can trust, and neither do you as the reader.
I really enjoyed the contrast between the beautiful vacation setting and the growing sense of unease throughout the story. The Italian villa atmosphere made everything feel cinematic, while the tension kept building each chapter. This was the kind of thriller that’s easy to lose yourself in on a summer beach day.
This was such a bingeable and addictive thriller set in a stunning Italian villa destination. The story follows Lola, who is unhappy in her marriage and carrying around a heavy sense of dread and guilt while trying to survive a vacation with her husband and his entire family.
When Lola meets Carmen, the mysterious woman staying in the villa next door, she instantly feels comfortable with her. After a night of wine and vulnerable confessions, Lola reveals her darkest secret… and from that moment on, everything begins to spiral out of control. Lola doesn’t know who she can trust, and neither do you as the reader.
I really enjoyed the contrast between the beautiful vacation setting and the growing sense of unease throughout the story. The Italian villa atmosphere made everything feel cinematic, while the tension kept building each chapter. This was the kind of thriller that’s easy to lose yourself in on a summer beach day.
Review of advance copy received from NetGalley
Thank you Netgalley and Hodder & Stoughton for this ARC:
Cheating? Ummm…
This book was okay; don’t think there’s more to say. Will I recommend this book to my friends who are looking for a thriller? No. Will I remember anything from this story after I read it? No. Was it the worst book I’ve ever read? Also no. I got through it despite the cheating/affair plotline.
I want to say that all the books I’ve given 5 stars (or even 4 stars) to, gave off the feeling as though the author took their time with the book and/or researched something then put all of their newfound knowledge into their stories. This author is going the Freida McFadden route and trying to write a surface level, easy to digest, popcorn ‘thriller’. No shame because people like Freida’s popcorn thrillers but Freida also writes books where the mystery/thriller is the main plotline; this book felt like the affair was the main plotline (I felt that the author was trying to justify the affair during the whole book).
I should mention the twists…there, I mentioned them.
Cheating? Ummm…
This book was okay; don’t think there’s more to say. Will I recommend this book to my friends who are looking for a thriller? No. Will I remember anything from this story after I read it? No. Was it the worst book I’ve ever read? Also no. I got through it despite the cheating/affair plotline.
I want to say that all the books I’ve given 5 stars (or even 4 stars) to, gave off the feeling as though the author took their time with the book and/or researched something then put all of their newfound knowledge into their stories. This author is going the Freida McFadden route and trying to write a surface level, easy to digest, popcorn ‘thriller’. No shame because people like Freida’s popcorn thrillers but Freida also writes books where the mystery/thriller is the main plotline; this book felt like the affair was the main plotline (I felt that the author was trying to justify the affair during the whole book).
I should mention the twists…there, I mentioned them.
Review of advance copy received from NetGalley
Stella is on her way to a beautiful vineyard to celebrate her in law’s anniversary, however Stella is dreading all of it and you can see why too. Instead of being diminished and ignored she slips away for a walk.
Somewhat unwisely, she stumbles in to the next villa and finds herself talking to Carmen, a fun, gossipy, breath of fresh air that is nothing like her miserable family holiday.But hours later she wakes, Carmen is gone and she has told her secrets that will rip the family apart.
Cooper paces this book perfectly, I spent a whole night reading because I wanted to know how everyone was involved. Even the police officers in this book come off the page, no small feat.
I find it hard to imagine anyone who wouldn’t enjoy this slick thriller, but if you enjoy last minute twists and no stone left unturned you will adore it.
I’m absolutely adding Helen Cooper to my buy list.
Thank you to Netgalley and the publishers for this e-arc in exchange for an honest review, which this is.
Somewhat unwisely, she stumbles in to the next villa and finds herself talking to Carmen, a fun, gossipy, breath of fresh air that is nothing like her miserable family holiday.But hours later she wakes, Carmen is gone and she has told her secrets that will rip the family apart.
Cooper paces this book perfectly, I spent a whole night reading because I wanted to know how everyone was involved. Even the police officers in this book come off the page, no small feat.
I find it hard to imagine anyone who wouldn’t enjoy this slick thriller, but if you enjoy last minute twists and no stone left unturned you will adore it.
I’m absolutely adding Helen Cooper to my buy list.
Thank you to Netgalley and the publishers for this e-arc in exchange for an honest review, which this is.
Review of advance copy received from NetGalley
The Woman In The Villa is the third book by Helen Cooper reviewed by Bayside Book Reviews and another entertaining read. The author writes well, the pacing is spot on, and the plotline logically unfolds. The story is a cautionary tale about the pitfalls of having and hiding a secret life. Lola, the central character, confides her secrets to a stranger during a night of heavy drinking, and the fallout goes nuclear. Each reader can decide whether or not that fallout is deserved.
Lola seemingly has the ideal life with a devoted, wealthy, and successful husband, a beautiful home, and the freedom to live her life the way she wants. Her secret life is at the heart of this novel.
Many thanks to NetGalley and Hodder and Stoughton for providing an advance copy of the book to read and review. This review will post to Bayside Book Reviews.com at https://baysidebookreviews.com and its Instagram page on release day. Follow us! *NetGalley Top Reviewer*
Lola seemingly has the ideal life with a devoted, wealthy, and successful husband, a beautiful home, and the freedom to live her life the way she wants. Her secret life is at the heart of this novel.
Many thanks to NetGalley and Hodder and Stoughton for providing an advance copy of the book to read and review. This review will post to Bayside Book Reviews.com at https://baysidebookreviews.com and its Instagram page on release day. Follow us! *NetGalley Top Reviewer*
July 6, 2026
Book Review ⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️
The Woman In The Villa by Helen Cooper
So I received this as an ARC via NetGalley and so grateful that I got to read this.
This book hooked me from the start!! A family holiday to Italy on a vineyard. The Belmonts are a rich family who run their own wine business. Lola and Tom have been married for a long time and this family holiday is with his family… she’s got a secret.
On the first night she slips away from the family photos and finds herself at the neighbouring villa and meets Carmen. They enjoy too much wine and Lola passes out. She leaves in the dead of the night and finds Tom who is very annoyed. He sleeps downstairs.
During the night, Lola gets up and looks out the window and thinks she sees Tom with Carmen next door. But does she?!
Carmen is now missing…
Hidden secrets. Affairs. A nephew with a trolling habit. The dark web.
This is a gripping thriller with a fantastic twist!! Out now, published on the 25th June.
It’s a ⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️ from me! Xx
#bookreview #bookrecommendations #bookworm #thrillerbook #books
The Woman In The Villa by Helen Cooper
So I received this as an ARC via NetGalley and so grateful that I got to read this.
This book hooked me from the start!! A family holiday to Italy on a vineyard. The Belmonts are a rich family who run their own wine business. Lola and Tom have been married for a long time and this family holiday is with his family… she’s got a secret.
On the first night she slips away from the family photos and finds herself at the neighbouring villa and meets Carmen. They enjoy too much wine and Lola passes out. She leaves in the dead of the night and finds Tom who is very annoyed. He sleeps downstairs.
During the night, Lola gets up and looks out the window and thinks she sees Tom with Carmen next door. But does she?!
Carmen is now missing…
Hidden secrets. Affairs. A nephew with a trolling habit. The dark web.
This is a gripping thriller with a fantastic twist!! Out now, published on the 25th June.
It’s a ⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️ from me! Xx
#bookreview #bookrecommendations #bookworm #thrillerbook #books
Review of advance copy received from NetGalley
Thank you to Netgalley and Hodder & Stoughton for the advance copy. Oooooh, this was a fun one! The Woman in the Villa starts off with Lola preparing for her vacation to an Italian villa. While this may a dream vacation for many, Lola is going with her husband, who she no longer wants to be with, and all of her in-laws. Lola's situation is keeping a big secret and just wants to get through this vacation. Her in-laws are an unlikable bunch and this prompts Lola to make herself scarce the first night and explore the villa grounds. After Lola meets a guest, in another villa. They spend the evening in Carmen's villa indulging in wine and sharing secrets. After Lola makes her way back to her room in her own villa, things spiral out of control. Lola doesn't know what secrets have been told and who she can trust. This was a fun and easy read.
Review of advance copy received from NetGalley
If you are looking for a book full of wild twists, then you need to pick up this book. There were times while reading this book that I thought I had some of it figured out. Everything surrounding Fern is so mysterious. Nobody knows anything substantial about her, but suddenly she is missing. The family members are quick to place blame on one another. While reading this book, I kept coming up with my own conclusions. Then I would read more and be absolutely shocked with the direction the story took. I could never have guessed the ending of this book. It left me speechless. About the last 20% of the book, the intensity is turned up. Secrets are spilled. The momentum towards the truth is building quickly. The family can no longer hide from the truth and some family bonds may soon come to a breaking point.
Review of advance copy received from NetGalley
On a family holiday to Italy - with all its charms and potential tensions - Lola is tightly wound as she attempts to keep a rather important secret from the others, including her fairly devoted husband and her high maintenance in-laws.
Unfortunately, in a moment of weakness, she ends up confiding in Carmen, a woman from a neighbouring villa. Or is she in fact staying there at all? Because when Lola goes back to find her, there is no sign of Carmen...
This is an entertaining story with plenty of twists. Worth checking out.
I received a free copy of this book from Netgalley in exchange for an honest review
Unfortunately, in a moment of weakness, she ends up confiding in Carmen, a woman from a neighbouring villa. Or is she in fact staying there at all? Because when Lola goes back to find her, there is no sign of Carmen...
This is an entertaining story with plenty of twists. Worth checking out.
I received a free copy of this book from Netgalley in exchange for an honest review
June 22, 2026
NetGalley review: ✨
I’m not usually a big thriller/mystery girlie. I just don’t typically gravitate toward the genre, but this book had me completely captivated from the very first chapter. I had such a hard time putting it down and was constantly anxious to see what would happen next.
I can usually clock the ending pretty early on, and while this wasn’t the most jaw-dropping twist I’ve ever read, it definitely kept me guessing and delivered plenty of twisty moments along the way. The pacing was great, the suspense kept me hooked, and I flew through it.
Fully recommend this one and it absolutely gets my summer stamp of approval. ☀️😎
I’m not usually a big thriller/mystery girlie. I just don’t typically gravitate toward the genre, but this book had me completely captivated from the very first chapter. I had such a hard time putting it down and was constantly anxious to see what would happen next.
I can usually clock the ending pretty early on, and while this wasn’t the most jaw-dropping twist I’ve ever read, it definitely kept me guessing and delivered plenty of twisty moments along the way. The pacing was great, the suspense kept me hooked, and I flew through it.
Fully recommend this one and it absolutely gets my summer stamp of approval. ☀️😎
Read
May 17, 2026I really enjoyed this book. Lola is staying at a luxury villa in Italy with her husband and his family, who run a successful wine business. There are clearly tensions in the family and Lola has a big secret. When she meets Carmen, a young woman staying at a neighbouring villa, they get very drunk together and Lola feels sure she gave away her secrets. The next day, when she returns to talk to Carmen, the villa is empty. Then the police come knocking..... This is a real page turner that will keep you guessing right to the end.
Thanks to NetGalley for a preview copy.
Thanks to NetGalley for a preview copy.
Review of advance copy received from NetGalley
I received an ARC of this book from Holder & Stoughton via NetGalley in exchange for my honest feedback. This was a pretty solid thriller. I loved all the descriptions of Italy and the villas. I also think the author did a good job detailing the various family members. Everyone had their own personality, their own issues, their own specific relationships with their relatives. It was quite realistic; families can be messy and dramatic!
I did not guess the villain or the motive, which is always a plus for me.
I did not guess the villain or the motive, which is always a plus for me.
Review of advance copy received from NetGalley
Thank you NetGalley and Hodder & Stoughton for an early copy of The Woman in the Villa. This was FANTASTIC!!! What a GREAT family drama, lots of emotions, I actually cried towards the end. So many different stories going on and when they came together, it was WOW!! I was always rooting for Lola. A really good story, I don’t want to give too much away, but the cast of characters were awesome. Just a really really, really, really good book.
June 29, 2026
Lola is a sympathetic character despite her complicated circumstances, and her narration pulls you into the mystery of the woman she meets in the villa next door.
Lola being trapped on a family holiday with her less than lovely in-laws creates a claustrophobic backdrop, despite the beautiful Italian surroundings. while the book keeps you hooked with all the emotional and plot twists and turns.
Highly recommended. I started it one evening and finished it the next day.
Lola being trapped on a family holiday with her less than lovely in-laws creates a claustrophobic backdrop, despite the beautiful Italian surroundings. while the book keeps you hooked with all the emotional and plot twists and turns.
Highly recommended. I started it one evening and finished it the next day.
July 7, 2026
I received a copy of the ebook for review from netgalley. This book is a family drama mystery thriller. it was an enjoyable read and I found it quite interesting in the beginning and wanted to keep reading. I found the middle a bit boring and slow and for a period of time not much excitement happens, mainly just conversations and interactions between different family members. The ending picks up the pace and overall it was an enjoyable read.
June 23, 2026
A solid 4.5 stars from me.
My favourite Cooper book to date.
So much mystery with a healthy dollop of betrayal. The Belmont family have excelled themselves with this tangled web of lies.
If you like a good old fashioned who done it with plenty of twists and turns this book is for you. Really enjoyed it.
My favourite Cooper book to date.
So much mystery with a healthy dollop of betrayal. The Belmont family have excelled themselves with this tangled web of lies.
If you like a good old fashioned who done it with plenty of twists and turns this book is for you. Really enjoyed it.
June 25, 2026
This was a really enjoyable read, and pretty hard to put down.
The characters were well written - and all flawed, so that felt pretty realistic! There were some really fun twists, and the landscape of the area was nicely portrayed. As were the foibles of the rich family!
With lovely twists revealing where the guilt lay, this is definitely an author to watch out for.
The characters were well written - and all flawed, so that felt pretty realistic! There were some really fun twists, and the landscape of the area was nicely portrayed. As were the foibles of the rich family!
With lovely twists revealing where the guilt lay, this is definitely an author to watch out for.
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