The Lover

by Mary Watson

Brought to you by Penguin.

You never know what happens behind closed doors.

Rafe seems like your perfect man – intelligent, charming, attractive.

You think you’ve met the one.

You go back to his house one night and fall asleep in his arms.

When you wake, you reach out for him. But something feels cold beside you.

Rafe is dead – murdered in bed as you lay next to him – and everyone is going to think you did it…

Mary Watson 2026 (P) Penguin Audio 2026

400 pages, Paperback

Published June 9, 2026

About the author

Find me on Instagram @marym_watson

Reviews

[Caz (Underlined) · Rating 5 out of 5]

4.5⭐️
The Lover by Mary Watson is a psychological thriller packed with mystery, secrets, obsession, and plenty of twists. From the first chapter, I was hooked because the story starts with Hallie Rausch waking up beside the man she likes, Rafe, only to discover he has been murdered. Most people worry about awkward morning-after conversations; Hallie has a slightly bigger problem.



The plot follows Hallie as she becomes the main suspect and tries to figure out who actually killed Rafe. As the investigation unfolds, more secrets are revealed, and it becomes clear that almost everyone has something to hide. Every time I thought I had solved the mystery, Mary Watson managed to prove me wrong. By the middle of the book, I was suspicious of nearly every character. If someone had told me the murderer was the family dog, I probably would have at least considered it.



Hallie is a strong main character because she feels realistic. She is scared, confused, and under enormous pressure, but she keeps pushing forward to find answers. I found myself rooting for her throughout the novel. Rafe is also an interesting character because even though he dies early on, his presence is felt throughout the story. The more I learned about him, the more I realised that charm and trustworthiness are definitely not the same thing.



What stood out most to me was the atmosphere. There is a constant feeling of tension, and I never felt completely comfortable while reading—which is a compliment in a thriller. Mary Watson creates the kind of suspense where even an innocent text message feels suspicious. I found myself second-guessing everything and everyone.



Mary Watson’s writing style is engaging and easy to follow, but it is also incredibly effective at building suspense. The short chapters kept me reading “just one more chapter” until suddenly I had read five. She reveals information at exactly the right pace, giving enough clues to keep readers interested without making the ending predictable.



Another thing I enjoyed was the theme of appearances versus reality. The novel shows how easy it is to think we know someone when we actually only know the version of themselves that they choose to show us. It made me think about how quickly people can jump to conclusions based on first impressions.



Overall, I really enjoyed The Lover. It is a gripping psychological thriller with interesting characters, an unpredictable plot, and plenty of twists. Mary Watson kept me guessing right until the end, which is exactly what I want from a thriller. I would definitely recommend it to anyone who enjoys mysteries, suspense, and stories that make you question absolutely everyone.



Thank you, NetGalley, Random House UK/Transworld/Bantam, and author Mary Watson for providing me with an advanced copy of this book in exchange for an honest review.



Publishing Date: 18th June 2026

[Ceecee · Rating 4 out of 5]

4- 5 stars

Joseph Rafferty, known as Rafe, is Hallie Rausch’s boss at The Moss Museum in Loughmura, Ireland. He’s charismatic, attractive, intelligent and perhaps the perfect man. One morning, Hallie wakes to find Rafe dead …. clearly murdered during the night and everyone, especially Rafe’s ex-wife Lisa, is going to think she did it. It’s Hallie versus the court of public opinion.

This is a really good psychological thriller, which brims with anxiety, uncertainty, confusion and increasing menace. The tone becomes more ominous as the threat and danger levels rise. It becomes obvious that something is coming – but what? Who will emerge on the other side of it? It keeps me on the edge of my seat trying to get a handle on the central protagonists as the plot becomes as twisty as the Conor Pass in County Kerry.

One of the greatest strengths of the novel is the atmosphere the author creates. Central to this is the museum which affords many opportunities to intensify the creepy vibe of some of the extra – ordinary exhibits and the offkilter dynamics of the staff. There are flashbacks to the past where much of this has its roots and that too, is darkly atmospheric with some chilling images.

Overall, this is a really good read and whilst I foresee a small part of the ending, the rest is a humdinger. This is one I can recommend two fans of the genre.

With thanks to NetGalley and especially to Random House U.K./Transworld/Bantam for the much appreciated early copy in return for an honest review.

[sabrina · Rating 4 out of 5]

✨ Rating: 4⭐️
🫧 Vibes: the unreliable narrator
🎶 Song: killing boys - halsey
📚 Would I recommend? yes!
💬 tldr thoughts: a creepy thriller that I easily devoured

In the package:
📦 psychological thriller
📦 love vs obsession
📦 who is telling the truth

Plot: Rafe, is Hallie's boss and on-and-off again boyfriend at The Moss Museum. One morning, she wakes up with Rafe dead in their bed. He's been murdered in the middle of the night and Hallie is being framed for his death. As she works to clear her name, she discovers everyone is hiding their own secrets.

Thoughts: this book was a wild ride and I had a blast reading it. I support women's rights and wrongs! I did guess the ending but that didn't take away from how great the book was. There was still some really good twists in here and scenes that kept me on the edge of my seat. The author did a great job at making me feel uncomfortable, uneasy with a creepy atmosphere.

Thank you Random House Canada for the gifted physical ARC!

✩⁺₊✩☽⋆ follow me on tiktok and instagram⋆☾✩⁺₊✩

[Karen KTB · Rating 5 out of 5]

Soooo good! Highly recommend! Kept you guessing right to the end!

[Kirsten · Rating 4 out of 5]

A dark, atmospheric thriller.

The Lover by Mary Watson is dark. It sustains a steady sense of unease. From the opening pages, the tension is palpable, drawing the reader into a deeply unsettling situation.

The story centres on the murder of Rafe, a prominent businessman, found dead beside his girlfriend, Hallie. Suspicion quickly settles on her, particularly as bloody evidence begins to surface. The premise is compelling, and Watson maintains a strong sense of claustrophobia, heightened by an undercurrent of surveillance that begins to emerge.

The use of interviews—especially early on—effectively builds intrigue. However, the large cast makes it difficult to form strong connections, leaving several characters feeling somewhat superfluous. Combined with a pace that occasionally slows, this creates a slightly fragmented reading experience.

That said, the novel excels in mood and style. While the plot didn’t fully resonate at every point, the atmosphere it creates is powerful. A well-written, evocative read overall, even if not entirely cohesive. 3.5 stars rounded up to 4.

[Beth · Rating 1 out of 5]

I have to admit, I REALLY didn't like this authors previous book The Cleaner (it was a 1 star read for me) but this one sounded right up my alley and I wanted to give the author another try so I decided to give this one a go and I went into it with an open mind.
Unfortunately I hated this one just as much as the authors other work.
Yet again right from the start I struggled to get into the story. It felt like we were dropped in halfway through and I was left with the feeling of: what is going on? and who are these people?
The first few chapters really didn't grab me but I continued on in the hopes I would get into it, but this never happened.
The whole book felt very muddled to me. I also felt like the plot was all over the place and it certainly didn't flow smoothly.
The writing style really disagreed with me as well. It all felt very surface level, lacking any depth.
The characters also felt very flat to me. I found nothing about them that made me want to read about them, care about them or to find out what happened to them.
I found the whole thing to be dull. The plot wasn't intriguing and it lacked any tension or thrills.
I have to admit that by 50% in I had to DNF. I just didn't care about the story at all. I couldn't read any more.
I really think that this author is not for me and I won't be reading anything else by her.

Thanks to Random House UK for the ARC I received in exchange for an honest review

[Khas Reads · Rating 5 out of 5]

4.5 stars ✨

[Rachael Hadfield · Rating 1 out of 5]

Gave up 38% through. Absolutely crap. Too many confusing characters.

[Christina Wiendels · Rating 4 out of 5]

I would like to thank Penguin Random House Canada for my third ARC Giveaway and the opportunity to write a review for Mary Watson’s thriller, The Lover! Please note that my review is based on uncorrected text.

This title stood out to me for a few reasons: Watson’s YA novels have been nominated for awards and her debut adult novel, The Cleaner, was a Canadian bestseller, so I was very intrigued by this rising author whose books I had not read before; the cover, though not final yet, is (despite everyone’s every effort not to judge a book by its cover) striking, as it features a gold handle dripping with blood against an orange door and bright, bold red lettering for the title; and the novel is a murder-mystery thriller that features a museum as one of its major settings (various characters are employed there), which excited me because museums are traditionally linked to history and both fear and adventure (I am always reminded of the Night at the Museum films featuring Ben Stiller from the early 2000s).

As only Watson’s second adult novel, The Lover is a fast-paced, memorable thriller that keeps the reader guessing until the very end. Except for the prologue and six sections titled “QUIET HISTORIES,” Watson’s novel is told from a first-person perspective. The main character and narrator, Hazel Lee Rausch—“Hallie” for short—works as assistant curator at the Moss Museum in Loughmura, Ireland, with a host of other characters (most notably, the murder victim, Joseph Rafferty, or “Rafe” for short) who are in some way connected to what happened to Rafe, and to what is currently happening to Hallie: her safety feels threatened at every turn. As readers, we make discoveries about the other characters as Hallie does—except for the seven interviews conducted either by Gregory Brennan or the Loughmura Garda Station (Philip Gilroy or Jillian McGovern) regarding the Rausch/Rafferty Grievance. (These interviews occur either at the Moss Museum or at the Loughmura Garda Station and are roughly two pages each in length.) In a three hundred- and seventy-three-page novel with sixty-two chapters, the individual chapters are fairly short—roughly three to seven pages—which contributes to the novel’s quick pace. Also, in addition to the interviews and “QUIET HISTORIES,” which relate important information at appropriate times in the narrative and add to the story’s fast pace, the story itself provides a fun page-turner for the reader. Hallie is found beside a murdered Rafe—who also happens to be her boss at the museum—and is covered in his blood as they lie next to each other in his bed at his cabin called the Haven. Hallie is also getting harassed at work and, later, within her own home. Who killed Rafe—for a long time, Hallie is the prime suspect, and she must try to uncover the true killer—and who is making Hallie feel unsafe not just at work, but now also at home? Why did Rafe only date girls who looked like Hallie, and why did he suddenly divorce his wife Lisa (with whom he had a daughter named Saoirse)? Did anyone—including Rafe’s close friend Jack Kelleher—ever actually know Rafe? What makes this novel engrossing is in part the number of characters involved in the events that take place, as well as the lies that some of these characters tell to avoid getting caught. As Hallie pairs up with Jack, an old mutual friend who manages security, they learn that a number of workers at the museum, including both friends and foes, harbour secrets.

The story’s depiction of the major setting of the museum—an apt backdrop for a story ultimately concerned with the past and how it shapes both present and future—is important throughout the novel. However, I wanted Watson to play up the connection between the setting of the museum and the murder bound up with a historical event a bit more than she did (hence, my rating of four stars rather than five). To be sure, that Hallie becomes trapped in the museum’s holding space (located in the basement) for the whole of Brigid’s Day weekend by an unknown individual is creepy and threatening. As Hallie’s mother observes, Hallie could have died there due to her vomiting migraine. A museum is, of course, also chiefly concerned with history and throughout the novel the reader receives glimpses into Hallie’s past—in particular, glimpses of one specific day containing an event that has led to the present set of circumstances. Watson does a great job unfolding this historical narrative for the reader; however, I wonder if her attention to the other ways in which a museum relates to the characters might distract from the largest one. In the first few pages of the novel, Hallie walks through the mask gallery, “Masquerade and Mayhem,” and observes how unnerving this exhibit is, since the masks watched back. She also makes explicit comparisons between features of a museum, human behaviour, and criminal investigations; for instance, Hallie considers the meanings of the word “exhibit.” The simultaneous attraction and fear that Hallie feels toward Rafe, her lover and boss, is like the mixed feelings she experiences in looking at the masks in the mask gallery. The mask gallery also clearly serves to highlight how no one really knows the true Rafe—he is a sort of “masked figure.” At other points in the novel, Hallie draws connections between the museum, the major topics of the story, and the characters: Hallie associates the museum’s basement with memory and experience, both of which are topics in the novel; Hallie realizes that everyone knows everything about her, so she ought to curate her own private exhibition; and Hallie reflects on the old story of the merrow in the lake, which involves a beautiful woman whose human lovers tried to keep her trapped by stealing her magical red cap (the cap allowed her to live between land and water). Overall, Watson’s use of the museum as a major setting for the novel is both appropriate and purposeful, but I wonder if she underplayed it in some ways and overplayed it in others.

The Lover, in addition to being a story about museums and the past that can come back to haunt us, is also largely about human relationships—familial relationships such as mother-daughter relationships, friendships, and intimate relationships—and the line between (for example) the act of protecting and trapping another person. The novel definitely concerns boundaries: when does a lover’s protectiveness become abusive? When does a friend’s betrayal make him/her/them no longer a friend? The first boundary crossing is explored primarily via Rafe’s relationship to the various women he dates, while the second boundary crossing is explored chiefly through one of Hallie’s close friends (although other close friendships are also called into serious question). The novel also deals with secrets—Rafe, for example, has a secret box full of old photos—and subtly asks the question of when/whether revenge is ever appropriate. In addition to Hallie’s friends and lovers, both past and present, who play a significant role in the novel, the other characters’ family members/relations greatly influence the course of events. Indeed, one of the biggest draws of this novel is how no single character is responsible for the bulk of the events that occur; instead, various characters contribute to events, which results in a tangled web that the reader must examine closely in order to guess who the true murderer is. In real life, human lives are complex because they are closely interwoven—just as the past shapes the present and the future in often unpredictable and easy-to-miss ways—and I think that Watson’s novel wonderfully depicts both the importance of the choices that each and every individual makes and the “messiness” of real life—that is, how one person’s life spills into another’s and then another’s in a domino-like effect.

[BookishDramas · Rating 3 out of 5]

3.5 stars for me but closer to 3 stars.
I read this as an ARC from NetGalley and this review is based on my reading and is an honest reflection about the book.

This book starts with a background about the relations and reactions that Hallie has with people around her creating an image of her from various viewpoints and opens up a gripping premise as she wakes up beside the murdered body of her lover with no memory of what happened. A setup that immediately demands attention and for the most part, Mary succeeds in sustaining the intrigue through this tense and atmospheric psychological thriller.

One of the book's greatest strengths the way Mary creates a constant sense of unease. An uneasy atmosphere where every conversation feels loaded with hidden meaning and every character appears capable of deception. The story's dual timelines while initially frantic are handled effectively, gradually revealing crucial details about the relationships, motivations and secrets at the heart of the mystery. The inclusion of interview transcripts is another standout feature, adding variety to the narrative while providing alternative perspectives that deepen the investigation and keep readers questioning who can be trusted.

The mystery itself is compelling enough to keep the pages turning and Mary does a good job of building suspense through character dynamics rather than relying solely on shocking twists. The emotional undercurrents, particularly surrounding Hallie's complicated relationship with Rafe, add additional layers to the story.

However, the novel doesn't fully capitalize on its excellent premise. The pacing becomes uneven in the middle section, where Hallie's introspection and repeated reflections on past events occasionally slow the momentum of the investigation. While these passages provide useful context, they sometimes dampen the tension that the opening chapters establish so effectively.

Characterization is another mixed aspect. Hallie is realistically flawed, but she can also be frustrating, making it difficult at times to become fully invested in her journey. The supporting cast is fairly large and several characters weaken the impact of some of the emotional and narrative reveals.

The ending delivers multiple twists and important revelations, but many arrive in quick succession. While the conclusion is satisfying overall, it feels somewhat rushed, as though the novel spends considerable time setting up its mysteries before hurrying through the resolution. Some plot developments are also relatively predictable for experienced thriller readers, reducing the surprise factor of certain reveals.

Overall, this is a solid, atmospheric psychological thriller that excels at creating tension, suspicion and emotional complexity. While uneven pacing, underdeveloped secondary characters and a rushed finale prevent it from reaching its full potential, the strong premise, engaging mystery and persistent sense of unease make it an enjoyable and worthwhile read.

Strengths -
Intriguing, attention grabbing premise
Strong atmosphere and sustained sense of unease
Effective use of dual timelines
Clever interview transcript sections that enrich the mystery
Compelling central mystery with good emotional tension
Accessible, engaging writing style

Weaknesses -
Uneven pacing, particularly in the middle chapters
Excessive introspection occasionally slows the story
Large supporting cast leads to underdeveloped characters
Some twists and plot developments feel predictable
Ending feels rushed, with many revelations arriving at once

For me this is a well crafted psychological thriller that keeps readers engaged through atmosphere and mystery, even if it doesn't fully realize the potential of its excellent premise. Fans of slow burn suspense, unreliable characters and layered mysteries will likely find plenty to enjoy.

[jess.readstoomuch · Rating 4 out of 5]

Thank you to Netgalley and Bantam Books UK for the incredible opportunity to read the e-arc for The Lover!

💀 Page Count: 384
❤️‍🩹 Pace: Medium to Fast
🔪 Themes: Unreliable Narrator, Love vs. Obsession, Wrongfully Accused

I had heard great things about Mary Watson's book The Cleaner. I still haven't managed to read it yet but when I saw an e-arc of The Lover on Netgalley I thought why not? However, I can't help feeling like the ending was slightly rushed.

This book follows Hallie, who meets Rafe. Rafe seems like Hallie's perfect man. He's intelligent, charming, attractive and she thinks she's met the one. She goes back to his house one evening and falls asleep in his arms. Then wakes up to a bloody nightmare. Something feels cold beside her… ...Rafe is dead, murdered in bed. And everyone is going to think she did it.

Overall the book was well written, even if it didn't feel entirely cohesive at times, and the atmosphere created was moody and dark. Mary Watson's writing style is quick and easy to read and the chapters aren't too long which I love. There were some tense moments which I really enjoyed and if one thing is now abundantly clear to me is that this author excels on creating atmosphere. It was uneasy and drew you into the story.

I also liked the use of the interviews throughout the book. They added insights from each character, building the case layer by layer. I will say that with so many characters a few of them kind of fade into the background. There are a few characters that are mentioned a few times so I think they're integral to the overall story and then there's just nothing. It made it somewhat difficult to form connections with some of the characters.

The pacing also dipped at times which felt a little disjointed but it wasn't a major issue. That was until the whole plot was wrapped up in the last 30 ish pages of the book? Don't get me wrong, I like a fast-paced thriller but it's got to feel genuine. I partly predicted the ending but there's a lot of twists and turns to get there.

✦

✨️ Publishes June 18th 2026 ✨️

✦

[Ney oh the thrill of it FN · Rating 3 out of 5]

This had the makings of such a good story. The premise was intriguing, but I felt that the onslaught of characters made it feel too overcrowded. It became tricky to keep track of them all as well to remember their relevance to the story. This definitely took me out of the story at times.

Hallie and Rafe work together. He is in a higher postion than her and they used to be an item but split up. Since the split things have gone from bad to worse for Hallie with her career hanging in the balance.

One final dangerous incident solidifies in Hallie's mind the feeling she is being sabotaged and she is sure it is Rafe due to their break up. Evidence materialises, though, that seemingly clears Rafe of any wrongdoing.

The couple decide to get back together. Tve next morning Hallie wakes disorientated and confused, covered in Rafe's blood. He has been murdered and she slept through it.

Hallie as the main character came across a little woe is me. To be honest I might do too if someone was launching a career-destroying vendetta against me lol.

Rafe's character is the classic charming man to all those around him, but there is hidden malice as his character is further explored.

This story has hidden layers. As it unfolds and more pieces are exposed, the bigger picture is an ugly one. The book is steeped in lies, manipulation, coercion, gaslighting, hidden pasts, obsession and secrets. There is a sense of unease running through the pages and you aren't sure who can be fully trusted this ran to the final pages. I liked that there was so much misdirection and red herrings throughout to keep you guessing.

The pace let this book down. It was incredibly slow but rushed through the end. The slower pacing made the story drag and feel even longer than it was. Hallie's introspection felt a little repetitive at times.

Overall it was an ok read. I wasn't blown away by the ending.

Thank you to Mary Watson and Bantam for this complimentary advanced copy via Netgalley. This review is being left voluntarily and all opinions expressed are my own.

[Becky Wallace · Rating 4 out of 5]

Thank you to @what_emreadnext @bantambooksuk for sending me this stunning finished copy of THE LOVER.

My Thoughts:
 
I flew through this book. Once it got going I felt like there was revelation after revelation, making me want to read on.
 
This psychological thriller was engaging, original and filled with secrets, obsession and unreliable characters. A thriller readers dream.
 
The plot of this story was executed perfectly, the pace was on point and I was constantly questioning everybody. Each character was compelling and shady, which I ate up.
 
The story was set in a small town in Ireland, where the small community knows everyone and nothing stays secret for long, making the atmosphere felt deliciously claustrophobic.
I loved the museum environment and felt it added a unique spin to the thriller premise and felt quite dark and unsettling.
 
I always love a novel that includes different writing formats. This one has various interview transcripts and history accounts peppered through the narrative, which added to the story beautifully.
 
A story that constantly had me in suspense and wondering what the hell was going on. And that ending … FABULOUS. I highly recommend.
 
BLURB:
 
Rafe seems likes your perfect man - intelligent, charming, attractive. He also happens to be your boss. Your too swept up to care for office gossip. In Rafe, you have found the one. You go back to his house one evening and fall asleep in his arms. When you wake, you reach out for him. But something feels cold beside you …
Rafe is dead - murdered in bed as you lay next to him - and everyone is going to think you did it.

[Nicola · Rating 3 out of 5]

Hazel works at the Moss Museum. It's her dream job that she's worked hard to get. She's fallen for her charming boss, Rafe, but can't help but think he is behind the problems at work following a messy break up.

Upon digging a little deeper it seems that Hazel is wrong and after meeting for drinks she falls back into Rafe's arms (and bed). The very next morning she is awoken from a deep sleep covered in blood and with a dead lover next to her. But who killed him and why are they setting her up?

This was my first Watson read and I was excited for it. I love a good edge of the seat thriller and had seen great reviews for The Cleaner.

We jump between past and present and the main set of characters feature in both timelines. The main character is presented as somewhat unreliable/untrustworthy and there are lots of red herrings in the book due to this and opinions formed of other characters via her sight.

I also liked the scorned lover vibe and the intrigue surrounding Hazel and Rafe's relationship. It is messy and real and as the book developed becomes more complex, threading in more characters and a much larger narrative.

I think this book didn't hit the mark for me as I disliked the main character, Hazel. I can't put my finger on it exactly and whilst I think it's good that an author can make you feel this way about a fictional character, on the flipside it can create a tension when reading. I did not particularly like any character (Jack was lovely but also came across sketchy at times) and this made it difficult for me to fully enjoy the book.

[Angela Mellor · Rating 4 out of 5]

The Lover is a tightly written thriller that I enjoyed.
Rafe is Hallie’s boss at The Moss Museum in Loughmura, Ireland. Hallie and Rafe were in a relationship but they broke up until last night when Hallie agreed to go for dinner and ended up 8n bed with him after Rafe had proposed. The morning after and Hallie is woken by her friends voice shouting her but when Hallie awakens Rafe is dead in bed bedside her and she is covered in his blood. Who has killed Rafe? The search is on.
This was a decent thriller although the pace was a little off for me, sometimes fairly fast switching to slow it didn’t affect the book too much. The characters were well developed and interlinked a lot so kept the book interesting. There were a lot of red herrings over who the murderer was and caught me out once or twice. The ending was complete and left me with no unanswered questions. I shall look out for this author in the future.
I would like to thank NetGalley and Random House UK, Transworld Publishers for this ARC I received in exchange for an honest review.

[Hannah · Rating 3 out of 5]

Hallie wakes up one morning to find Rafe, who seemed like her perfect man and also her boss, murdered next to her. With all evidence pointing to her being the culprit, she must try to discover the truth.

This was a compelling read, however reading a book with a very similar plot recently, it did not feel fully original. Saying that, it still had its own unique style of writing and red herrings to keep it interesting enough. I did find that although this was a decent enough thriller, I personally found the pacing slow and uneven, likely as there seemed to be a lot of the main characters thoughts, adding excess detail. I also struggled to connect to the characters, as there were a good few to get to know. I did find that I enjoyed that the story was interspersed with interviews, which helped keep it intriguing. Overall, even though this was not fully for me, I appreciate it was still a solid thriller and this is reflected in the great reviews it has already received. Thanks to NetGalley and the publisher for this copy in return for an honest review.

[Michelle Brilz · Rating 4 out of 5]

This one hooked me immediately with the premise alone. Waking up beside a murdered man and knowing everyone is going to think you did it? Instantly stressful in the best way.

The story moved fast and kept the tension high the entire time. I loved how suspicious everyone felt, and every time I thought I had things figured out, something else would happen that made me question everything again.

Rafe was such an interesting character because even before his death there was this underlying feeling that something wasn’t quite right beneath the charm. The story really played into themes of obsession, manipulation, and how little we truly know about people behind closed doors.

Overall, this was a tense, bingeable thriller that kept me guessing and entertained the whole way through. Definitely a great pick if you love twisty psychological suspense with messy relationships and constant suspicion.

Thanks NetGalley, Penguin Random House Canada and Author Mary Watson for the fantastic ARC!!

[Simone Frost · Rating 3 out of 5]

The bright cover of this book caught my eye and the premise seemed intriguing, I’m a fan of thrillers. I have read another book by this author and it wasn’t for me but thought I would give her another go.

Hallie has secured her dream job at the Moss Museum, and until recently was sleeping with her handsome and charming boss. After a messy breakup she thinks he’s deliberately sabotaging her work and trying to force her out of her job. One evening Hallie wakes up to find her boss brutally murdered beside her and she’s suspect number 1.

The chapters in the book are quite short which I liked but for me the pacing felt off somehow. I was never totally gripped and I didn’t care about the characters much either. Hallie is irritating and I’m amazed she has so many people that like her and want to support her. Some parts are predictable and I thought the end was a bit silly.

Overall, this was OK but not quite gripping enough for me.

[Jess Robinson · Rating 5 out of 5]

Read as an ARC from NetGalley in exchange for an honest review


Now THIS is what you call a thriller. This was everything I could’ve asked for and more. Questioning the whole time what was truth and what was false. Whether every part of the information was new. The interviews, the flicks to the past, everything put together became a FANTASTIC thriller.

Although I am a sucker for multiple POV’s this book didn’t need it as I was hooked from the start but where the other POV’s/ interviews were used sporadically? I found it was a great tool in furthering the novel and I thoroughly enjoyed. Is the narrator reliable or not? Who truely was behind the death? Who was going to be blamed? I sat questioning EVERYTHING.

Then, I had to sit in silence for a solid 10 minutes after putting it down. So grateful I got the opportunity to read this early.

[Harriet Pasco · Rating 4 out of 5]

This was such an engaging read and my second book from Mary Watson - safe to say she’s quickly becoming an author I’ll happily keep picking up.

The plot is really intricately woven, with so many connections between the characters that it constantly kept me guessing. There are plenty of red herrings throughout, and just when you think you’ve worked it out… trust me, you haven’t.

The pacing was a little uneven at times, but I was invested throughout, and the final few chapters absolutely flew. I was genuinely holding my breath by the end.

Overall, a really clever, twisty thriller with an ending I didn’t see coming at all - and one I’d definitely recommend if you enjoy suspenseful thrillers full of suspicion and surprises.

[Manju Bhatia · Rating 5 out of 5]

A must read.
How well do you know the man lying next to you? Hallie thought Rafe was the perfect man—intelligent, charming, attractive. He also happens to be her boss at the museum. But, over the past few weeks, things between them have soured, and to make matters worse, someone is harassing Hallie at work, committing sabotage aimed at forcing her out of her job. No matter who is responsible, Hallie believes she will be safe in Rafe’s arms. She goes to sleep thinking that, after tonight, they can finally return to normal. But she wakes to find Rafe dead—murdered in his bed as she slept beside him. All fingers point to Hallie, and, unless she can find his killer, she’ll go to prison for the rest of her life. But maybe that’s where she’d be safest .
I loved it.

[Hannah Symonds · Rating 5 out of 5]

When I saw Mary had a new book out, I was excited to read it. The Cleaner was really well told and had a great atmosphere and this one was as good as. From the outside looking in, you would never expect anything else apart from a good looking guy who basically has everything he wants. What happens when you work for him and go to bed with him at night. When tragedy strikes and you are left holding the pieces who the hell were you going home to each night. I liked the storyline and the level of tension that each page brought, it gets better towards the middle as we uncover some things that shocked me. It was cleverly written and full of thrills and twists. I gasped when I read the ending. Such a great read. I loved it.

[Olga · Rating 3 out of 5]

This was my first book by this author, and I don’t think I’ll be rushing to read another one. The writing style just didn’t work for me – I found it quite repetitive and over-explained, with a lot of detail that didn’t really add much to the story.
There were plenty of twists, which kept the story moving, although some felt more believable than others. I also found the plot a bit far-fetched at times and I would have liked the characters to have more depth.
I did finish the book, but it felt like a bit of a chore in places and I was tempted to give up more than once.
It just wasn’t the right fit for me. Perhaps it will appeal more to people who don’t read many thrillers and those not too fussy about the quality of writing.

[Farah G · Rating 3 out of 5]

What happens when you make up with the boyfriend you broke up with (who also happens to be your boss), but then wake up the morning after to find him lying dead beside you?

This is the situation in which Hallie finds herself, admittedly after having made a few bad decisions in her life. But surely nothing that should have led to the situation like this!

I did not find Hallie a particularly likeable protagonist, and the pacing in the story was occasionally a bit and even, but this was a good read with an excellent hook. It gets 3.5 stars.

I received a free copy of this book from Netgalley in exchange for an honest review

[melissareadshorror · Rating 3 out of 5]

Thanks to Penguin Random House for an ARC of The Lover in exchange for an honest review.

Rating: 3 / 5

I love a thriller and even better when it’s in a fun setting.

Having worked in a museum before it’s always fun to read about books that have the setting or plot involve museums or art gallery type settings in some way so this made for a fun read. I loved the interspersing of the interviews in between the rest of the story. Not sure if it was just the pacing or the length of the story but overall it felt longer than it needed to be.

If you want to sink into a murder mystery with some twists and turns this may be for you.

[Lakinloveslit · Rating 3 out of 5]

Hallie is an assistant curator at the Moss Museum and her boss Rafe is intelligent, charming and attractive. He's also her ex, but he's been trying to win her back. One night, she agrees to go on a date with him, and they end up back at his house where she falls asleep beside him. When she wakes up in the morning though, Rafe is dead - he's been murdered while she slept and Hallie is the number one suspect.

This was jam packed with twists and turns and every interaction raised my suspicions - I was on edge the whole time! I didn't know if I should feel sorry for Hallie or feel scared of her, and I was second guessing every decision she made, as well as suspecting her friends and colleagues were somehow involved in Rafe's murder. This is written from Hallie's perspective, but it's interwoven with Police interviews and flashback scenes from Hallie's teenage years. The chapters are short and sharp which kept me turning the pages. I've lowered my overall rating just because I found it a bit confusing at the start, but once I got into it I was racing through to the end. Definitely one to check out if you're a thriller lover!

[Michelle Godard-Richer · Rating 5 out of 5]

The opening scene in the prologue sets the stage for a slightly complex murder mystery. The tension is ongoing with bizarre occurrences and an air of danger surrounding Hallie’s every move. The odd interview note is interspersed between Hallie’s POV, but events unravel through her eyes as she tries to figure out who murdered Rafe, making her look guilty in the process. This is a great read for fans of psychological and murder mysteries. Thank you, @randomhouseca and @marym_watson, for the gifted paperback ARC

[Sam Seaton · Rating 5 out of 5]

A fast paced psychological thriller that kept me enthralled from start to finish. What starts out as an affair has unimaginable consequences. The continuous twists and turns in this book lead you on a darker and darker path. A fantastic read. Highly recommended.

[L Powers (Bookish_Mum) · Rating 4 out of 5]

Okay but this book had me STRESSED, but I’m not complaining.

Hallie wakes up to find her boss (and ex boyfriend) Rafe dead beside her… and obviously everyone thinks she did it. From there it’s just pure anxiety, secrets, suspicion, and that constant “something bad is coming” feeling the entire time.

The atmosphere in this book was honestly so good. The museum setting made everything feel extra creepy and unsettling, and the staff dynamics were giving which-one-of-you-did-it vibes. The flashbacks added so much to the tension too and really built up the tension.

I was fully trying to figure everyone out the whole time and the twists just kept coming. I guessed a tiny part of the ending but the rest genuinely got me. Definitely one of those thrillers that keeps you glued to the pages because you need to know what’s actually going on.

If you love twisty psychological thrillers with messy characters and an ominous vibe, add this to your TBR immediately.

[Kate Edmondson · Rating 5 out of 5]

I could not put this down!
Hallie is our main character who wakes up next to fiancé dead.
We follow how they get to be in this position with twists and turns that keep you in suspense all the way to the end!
Is there cctv or not! Who killer Joe?
Who is who you think they are!