Not The Woman You Think

by Hazel Calder

Money buys freedom. Unless someone finds out where it came from.

On her fortieth birthday, Harriet realizes something terrifying: her life isn't actually hers. Her partner Dean has assets. Her friends have safety nets. Harriet has… nothing.

So she writes and sells an anonymous manuscript. It's a quiet confession, a calculated move. When it explodes into a bestseller, the money changes everything. Freedom. Leverage. Options.

Until people start asking questions: A colleague watches too closely. A partner notices every purchase. A city built on image and gossip begins its online investigations.

If anyone connects Harriet to the book, she could lose her job, her relationship - everything.

And Harriet doesn’t lose. She plans. She controls. And she’s willing to go further than anyone thinks to protect her secret.

Step into the dazzling world of Dubai with Not The Woman You Think, where one woman’s secret bestseller unravels her curated life. A razor-sharp exploration of ambition, autonomy, and the hidden costs of modern relationships.

Kindle Edition

Expected publication March 16, 2026

About the author

Hazel Calder writes contemporary women’s fiction with a psychological edge, exploring themes of identity, ambition, and the hidden costs of success. Her work blends emotional depth with commercial pacing and morally complex characters.

She writes under a pen name and keeps her private life separate from her fiction.

Reviews

[Lu thrillskillsandchills · Rating 5 out of 5]

This is one of those books that feels uncomfortably close to real life — not because of big, dramatic plot twists, but because of the thinking behind the choices being made.

This is not a thriller. It sits much more firmly in psychological women’s fiction, and I think going in with that expectation is important. The tension here is internal, social, and relational rather than action-driven. It’s about power, security, perception, and survival — and how those things quietly shape the lives we build.

What really stood out to me was how real Harriet felt as a character. She isn’t written to be universally likeable, but she is deeply understandable. She’s observant, strategic, self-aware, and constantly calculating risk versus reward — emotionally, socially, and financially. She reads like someone you could genuinely meet, which honestly made parts of this story feel even sharper.

This story isn’t just character-driven — it’s belief-system driven.

Money = safety
Equality ≠ equity
Image = armour
Control = survival
Anonymity = protection

These ideas thread through the entire story. Yes, they’re reinforced — but because so much of the story sits inside Harriet’s internal monologue, it reads as layering rather than repetition. It builds a really clear picture of how she justifies her world and the choices she makes inside it.

I did notice some thematic repetition, but for me it felt intentional rather than filler. Harriet’s voice is very reflective and analytical, and the reinforcement of these ideas felt like psychological layering — showing how deeply those beliefs are wired into her worldview.

There were also lines in this book that really stuck with me, particularly:

“Power doesn’t always look like power — sometimes it looks like control.”

“Security and independence are not always the same thing.”

If you go into this expecting a fast-paced thriller, this might not land the way you expect. But if you enjoy character-driven psychological fiction that explores modern relationships, financial dynamics, and quiet power structures — this one is absolutely worth reading.

4.5⭐️

[Francesca · Rating 5 out of 5]

This debut novel turned out to be far more moving than I expected. I’ll admit the early reviews gave me pause, but once I started reading, it pulled me in completely, even though it’s not the kind of story I usually reach for. Being in my mid‑40s myself, many of the themes around aging, image, and the search for independence hit surprisingly close to home.

The book tackles these subjects with a raw honesty that’s sometimes uncomfortable but always deeply human. It’s a sharp, thought‑provoking look at modern relationships, the tension between who we are and who we present to the world, and the pressure society places on women as they grow older. I couldn’t put it down, and I’m genuinely curious to see where Harriet’s journey goes next. A stunning debut!

Thank you NetGalley for letting me read this.

[Elaine Rysavy · Rating 5 out of 5]

Wow! Reading the first couple of pages, I was concerned that I wouldn't like this as much as I was anticipating. Not the the case at all, I got sucked in and lost track of the time. The thoughts and internal struggles, and the writing style itself made for a compelling story. Not my usual genre, but so glad I decided to try it! I will definitely watch for more books from this author.

[Britt King · Rating 4 out of 5]

I was rooting for Harriet the whole book to just find her inner strength, embrace her success, and leave Dean and their terrible relationship once and for all! Everything she has is all surface level so not sure why she wants to hold onto it so much?!

[Sue - Recos and Reads · Rating 4 out of 5]

Many thanks to the author for reaching out and sending me an ARC of her upcoming novel. The premise immediately caught my attention, so I couldn’t wait to get started.

📘 INSIDE THE PAGES

By forty, Harriet has quite the sobering moment. Her finances aren’t going to magically sort themselves out. She’s done hoping it will all fall into place. Instead, she makes a bold, highly calculated move to regain control. The decision carries serious consequences, but Harriet is meticulous by nature. She plans for every angle and will push boundaries to make sure her secret stays buried.

🌟 MY THOUGHTS

This book is set in Dubai with the expat community as its backdrop. Having been a part of that world myself, I can totally relate to many of the observations that Calder makes in this story. The superficial relationships, living life in a rich playground, and questions about how your future will play-out are all intriguing topics to explore.

I went through a slew of emotions while reading this story. At first, I felt genuine sympathy for Harriet, stuck with a less than likeable boyfriend. But as the story unfolded, that sympathy shifted. She makes one bold move, and instead of moving forward, she doubles down. More than once, I wanted to sit her down and ask what on earth she was thinking.

The writing style felt different for me too. The sentences were short, sharp, sometimes deliberately repetitive. That clipped rhythm reinforced the atmosphere perfectly with everything appearing controlled and orderly on the surface, but deeply broken underneath.

The ending of the book does leave me with many questions, one being, is there going to be a sequel?

[Lisa Maria · Rating 5 out of 5]

This book really stayed with me more than I expected.

At the beginning, I thought I understood Harriet. She seemed like someone living a comfortable, even enviable life, supported by the people around her—especially her partner, Dean. But as the story unfolded, I realized how much I had underestimated her.

What I found most interesting was the dynamic between Harriet and Dean. There’s a quiet but very real sense that he prefers her smaller, less independent, almost contained. It’s not always obvious, but it’s there. And it made me think about how easily someone can start to fit into a role without even realizing it.

Harriet, though, is much more aware than she first appears.

The shift in her is subtle, which I actually loved. She doesn’t make dramatic or impulsive choices—she plans. She observes. She calculates. As her situation changes, especially once money and independence come into play, you start to see just how intelligent and strategic she really is.

By the end, I saw her in a completely different light. She’s not reacting to her life—she’s controlling it in ways that aren’t obvious until you really look closely. And she’s willing to go further than anyone expects to protect what she’s built.

For me, this wasn’t just a story about a secret or a relationship. It felt like an exploration of power, autonomy, and what happens when someone decides they’re no longer going to stay small.

It was captivating, a little unsettling at times, and definitely made me think. Excellent read and I can’t wait to see what comes next from this up-and-coming author.

[Dori Gray · Rating 2 out of 5]

Reading about Harriet was so exhausting, I can’t imagine how painful it would be to be someone like her. Are people in real life actually like this? I sure hope not. She is a miserable person surrounded by miserable people.

The premise intrigued me - a woman publishes a book anonymously and it becomes a huge bestseller and everyone is trying to figure out who wrote it. The people around her seem to be closing in.

Unfortunately the execution fell flat for me. The writing was repetitive (can we get a word count for “dangerous” over here? Or “alignment” being used in ways that make no sense?) and the constant calculating by Harriet about every single word and expression from her and everyone around her was exhausting (yes I repeated that word on purpose).

Here is an actual line, and it is representative of many: “I wait for the room to empty before I leave, because leaving last reads as control, and control reads as innocence.” What? I highlighted so many lines like this.

I don’t want to knock down a new author. This wasn’t terrible, but it really needs some good editing and maybe like, something redeeming about someone? Anyone? A book about a bad person and bad people and everyone is bad.

Thanks NetGalley and the author for this early copy. I do wish her success, I think there is promise here.

[Katie · Rating 4 out of 5]

My Review No Spoilers Promise

I feel very grateful to have had the opportunity to read this before publication, and I am really glad I did because this was such a refreshing change from my usual thriller and whodunnit reads.

Not the Woman You Think is a lighter, easy to follow story that still keeps you interested from start to finish. Sometimes it is nice to step away from dark twists and shocking reveals and read something that feels a bit more relaxed while still being engaging, and this book was exactly that for me.

The pacing felt smooth and comfortable, making it a very easy book to settle into and keep turning the pages. Hazel does a great job of keeping the reader curious and invested in what is happening without it ever feeling heavy or complicated.

This felt like a really enjoyable palate cleanser between thrillers and it is definitely one I would recommend when you want something engaging but a little lighter in tone.

Final verdict
A lovely, easy read that kept me interested throughout and one I would happily recommend. Keep an eye out for this when it releases on 16 March 2026.

[Angelica · Rating 4 out of 5]

The story is about an expat woman and her self discovery of controlling her narrative at last with money and power that she comes into. Harriet has always outwardly shown what she chooses to, simply just to fit the image in Dubai that keeps her off the radar from her boyfriend, friends, and coworkers. She does just enough to be relevant and fit in, but never too little or too much.

As you dive further into her story, you discover Harriet’s secret that could implode in her face at any moment. This secret could forever change the trajectory of her life and her intimate and professional relationships surrounding her. One observes and calculates, another watches closely and collects information to be used later, and others simply question in hopes for truthful answers. As Harriet’s perfectly curated world starts closing in on her, will she choose the path to freedom and suffer the consequences it may hold, or will she continue on the exhausting minuscule path she’s on, a path where she isn’t living to be feel alive but simply to survive? The ending of the book gives the feel there’s more left to Harriet’s story, as if this is just the beginning for her. Will there be a second book on the path that Harriet decided to choose or did Hazel, the author, end it for readers to build their own ending?

Hazel had me sitting at the edge of my seat wondering if Harriet’s secret will be discovered, what moves will she make next, and will this make or break her? Will Harriet get the freedom she craves after years of curating the perfect image that everyone else wants and sees of her?

Overall, a refreshing read from my usual genres. The way Hazel has written this book has your gears turning.

***ARC Review***

[Leanne · Rating 4 out of 5]

Not the Woman You Think is a sleek, unsettling exploration of ambition and identity set against the shimmering façade of Dubai. Harriet’s transformation—from overlooked partner to bestselling author with everything to lose—is handled with a deft, elegant touch. The suspense doesn’t come from big twists but from the slow tightening of her world as people begin to suspect the truth.

The novel excels at capturing the subtle power dynamics of modern relationships: who holds the money, who holds the leverage, who gets to decide the shape of a shared life. As Harriet becomes more strategic, more guarded, and more willing to protect her secret at any cost, the story takes on a deliciously tense edge.

Stylish, smart, and quietly provocative, it’s a compelling look at what reinvention really costs—and who gets to claim it.

With thanks to Hazel Calder, the publisher and netgalley for the ARC

[MGreads · Rating 4 out of 5]

This book grabs you by the throat and doesn't let you go again. You feel unease the whole way through ; it grips you, makes you uncomfortable, and makes you think about every relationship in your life, both romantic and platonic. It does all of this in the best way possible -in a way that is addictive. It makes you feel so trapped, like you have been put under the microscope and dissected until every part of you is laid bare ; ultimately , it liberates you. You feel like you're reading a dystopian book, simply because the thought that this is reality is so uncomfortable it leaves you shivering in all the right ways.

[Irina Sandoval-Hickson · Rating 4 out of 5]

Arc Review ⭐⭐⭐⭐

This was my first time reading this author, and I’m already interested in picking up more.

Set in the opulent expat scene of Dubai, the novel centers on Harriet as she makes a deliberate choice to reclaim control of her future — but instead of stopping there, she continues down an increasingly risky path. I initially felt compassion for her situation, but as her actions escalated, my perspective began to change.
The prose is sharp and purposeful, with crisp, concise sentences that mirror the glossy exterior of her world and the cracks forming beneath it. Gripping, uncomfortable at times, and layered with depth. Four stars.

[Veronica · Rating 5 out of 5]

This is the first time I read a novel from an indie author and I really enjoyed the story, especially the fact that it is based in Dubai. Although Harriet is rather morally grey and not your typical ‘heroine’, I rooted for her the whole way through the book. I also connected with the themes of image and power dynamics in modern relationships and I loved the brutally honest take on it. Probably a very polarizing book, but thumbs up from me - and I can’t wait to see if/when and how Harriet’s story might continue!

[Eileen Murphy-Schmehl · Rating 4 out of 5]

Harriet lives in Dubai with her partner, Dean. She is nearing her fortieth birthday, and she feels like she has nothing. She wants to be confident and in control.

Her life changes when she writes a book. She’s successful, but she can’t tell anyone about the book. Not Yet. She wants to be in charge of her future. If she remains anonymous she will always call the shots.

A well written and well paced novel. A great read, for sure.

I received an advance copy for free, and am leaving this review voluntarily.

[Anne · Rating 5 out of 5]

Wow! I absolutely devoured this book! Harriet and Dean have an unusual relationship. They live together in a gorgeous mansion and split everything equally but don't care about marriage. But when she writes the novel, Confessions of a Woman and it goes viral, but she has always wanted to be anonymous so no one knows she's the author.. The tension between them is palpable and left me gasping at the end!
Thanks to NetGalley for this ARC!

[Bex’s reading corner · Rating 5 out of 5]

Another first time author read for me! This book gives me Confessions of a Shopaholic Vibes with a tinge of the adult lives in the upper east side I picture Lilly and Bart!! I devoured this in one sitting. I could not put it down. And now I’m fuming because my frenemy cliffy has left me hanging by one finger . I need to know. There’s so many what-ifs.

[Korinne Kellie · Rating 3 out of 5]

This book was promoted as a thriller and I struggled to find the thrill in it. While it was written well it wasn’t the page turner I hoped for.

[Larz · Rating 5 out of 5]

A real easy to read book.
This was an ARC copy.

Interesting to read about other people's lives and to see the different perspectives.
It makes you think about how you would act.