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The Woman Who Wasn't There: The fast-paced, twisting and turning psychological thriller
Not yet published
Expected 23 Jul 26Bestselling crime author Marian Lane is surrounded by adoring readers when she learns that her husband Dane is dead.
Marian returns home in shock to discover a stranger on her doorstep. A woman who not only claims she's Marian's biggest fan but says that she comforted Dane in his final moments.
At first, this woman, Mary, is a source of comfort. Until she admits Dane confessed a secret. One she can't quite remember; one Marian is desperate to learn.
But Mary is a storyteller too. And though Marian knows every twist in the genre, she won't see this one coming . . .
Marian returns home in shock to discover a stranger on her doorstep. A woman who not only claims she's Marian's biggest fan but says that she comforted Dane in his final moments.
At first, this woman, Mary, is a source of comfort. Until she admits Dane confessed a secret. One she can't quite remember; one Marian is desperate to learn.
But Mary is a storyteller too. And though Marian knows every twist in the genre, she won't see this one coming . . .
Audible Audio
Expected publication July 23, 2026
About the author
William Hussey
18 books234 followersWilliam Hussey is the award-winning author of over a dozen novels, spanning almost every genre of fiction — from Young Adult thrillers to gripping whodunnits. His critically acclaimed books include the Crime Fest award-nominated Hideous Beauty, The Outrage, and Broken Hearts & Zombie Parts. Born the son of a travelling showman, he has spent a lifetime absorbing the history, folklore and culture of fairground people, knowledge he has put to work in his Scott Jericho thrillers.
With over a decade of experience in schools, William is passionate about reading and creative writing, regularly running events and workshops for young people.
William lives in the seaside town of Skegness with his dog Bucky and a vivid imagination.
With over a decade of experience in schools, William is passionate about reading and creative writing, regularly running events and workshops for young people.
William lives in the seaside town of Skegness with his dog Bucky and a vivid imagination.
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 47 reviews
July 1, 2026
Another cracking read from William Hussey. He’s cracked YA fiction, and he’s definitely cracked writing thrillers. Infused throughout with Easter eggs for crime fans, a serious of twists and turns and deception right until the very end!
March 30, 2026
4.25 stars rounded down. Ideal for those who love mysteries with twists and turns, where you spend all your time guessing who is good or bad, what they’re hiding, and how everything ties in together. Hussey has a talent for creating a good mystery here, and I think it would appeal to those who like to keep guessing - it certainly means you read this quickly. I didn’t find any of the characters particularly likeable, but I think this helped to keep me suspecting everyone!
I received a free ARC copy of this via NetGalley and the publishers in return for an unbiased review.
I received a free ARC copy of this via NetGalley and the publishers in return for an unbiased review.
Review of advance copy received from NetGalley
Thank you to NetGalley and Bonnier Books for providing me with an ARC of The Woman Who Wasn’t There.
A dead husband, a woman in pearls, and a mystery that refuses to stay buried.
I’m going to be completely honest: it took me a little while to fully settle into the story at first. The switching between timelines, POVs, and the slow unravelling of the mystery had me easing into it rather than being instantly hooked. But once it got its claws into me, I was absolutely gripped. From that point on, I genuinely could not put it down.
The Premise.
Marian Lane is at the top of her game as the bestselling author of the Maddie Malone "dinner lady detective" series. While greeting fans at the Danesgate Crime Writing Festival, her world is shattered by news of her husband, Dane’s, death in a tragic house fire.
The tragedy quickly turns bizarre when Mary Anne Hannigan appears at Marian’s door. Adorned in pearls and bearing a striking resemblance to a young Miss Marple, Mary claims she was with Dane in his final moments. While she quickly becomes an indispensable source of comfort for Marian, it’s clear that Mary, and perhaps Marian herself, is harboring secrets that stretch back decades.
What Makes This a Standout Read.
A "Slow-Burn" Magic: I’ll be honest: it took a little while for the shifting POVs and time jumps to fully click for me. But once they did? I was gripped. I ended up flying through the final of the book in a single day. Stick with it, the payoff is immense.
The "Agatha Christie" Romp: This feels like a cozy crime thriller on a "thrilling roller coaster." There are numerous nods to the Queen of Crime, and Hussey captures that classic Christie essence with a clever, briskly-paced plot and a "whiplash" inducing series of twists.
Atmospheric & Local Flair: Being from the area, I loved the sections set in Skegness! Seeing familiar landmarks I grew up with added such a personal, exciting layer to the reading experience. Hussey’s ability to build a sense of place is, as always, top-notch.
Characters with Facades: Every character feels fleshed out and real, though many are "wolves in sheep's clothing." The dynamic between Marian and the mysterious Mary Anne Hannigan is a highlight. I spent the entire book asking myself what Mary’s "game" was.
The Twists & The Ending
William Hussey has always had a knack for keeping me guessing, but the ending of this one... wow. I actually dropped my Kindle in shock. Just when you think you’ve sieved through the clues and found the heart of the mystery, the story takes an unpredictable turn. It is an incredibly satisfying, well-wrapped-up conclusion that still leaves you wanting to go back to the beginning to find all the hidden breadcrumbs you missed.
Quick Breakdown.
Vibe: A "cozy-ish" psychological thriller with a Miss Marple twist.
Tropes: Secrets from the past, unreliable narrators, and a "story-within-a-story" feel.
Perfect for: Fans of classic mysteries who want a modern, twisty edge.
Final Verdict: The ending was so satisfying, too. Everything was wrapped up in a way that felt clever, shocking, and genuinely well thought out, with no loose ends left hanging. This is absolutely the kind of book I’d reread just to catch all the clues I missed the first time around, and for me, that’s always a sign of a truly great read.
If you love twisty cosy crime thrillers, layered characters, and endings that leave you staring at your Kindle in shock, this one is definitely for you. An absolute pleasure to read early. It’s atmospheric, clever, and features one of the best "jaw-drop" endings I’ve encountered this year. William Hussey has another bestseller on his hands!
A dead husband, a woman in pearls, and a mystery that refuses to stay buried.
I’m going to be completely honest: it took me a little while to fully settle into the story at first. The switching between timelines, POVs, and the slow unravelling of the mystery had me easing into it rather than being instantly hooked. But once it got its claws into me, I was absolutely gripped. From that point on, I genuinely could not put it down.
The Premise.
Marian Lane is at the top of her game as the bestselling author of the Maddie Malone "dinner lady detective" series. While greeting fans at the Danesgate Crime Writing Festival, her world is shattered by news of her husband, Dane’s, death in a tragic house fire.
The tragedy quickly turns bizarre when Mary Anne Hannigan appears at Marian’s door. Adorned in pearls and bearing a striking resemblance to a young Miss Marple, Mary claims she was with Dane in his final moments. While she quickly becomes an indispensable source of comfort for Marian, it’s clear that Mary, and perhaps Marian herself, is harboring secrets that stretch back decades.
What Makes This a Standout Read.
A "Slow-Burn" Magic: I’ll be honest: it took a little while for the shifting POVs and time jumps to fully click for me. But once they did? I was gripped. I ended up flying through the final of the book in a single day. Stick with it, the payoff is immense.
The "Agatha Christie" Romp: This feels like a cozy crime thriller on a "thrilling roller coaster." There are numerous nods to the Queen of Crime, and Hussey captures that classic Christie essence with a clever, briskly-paced plot and a "whiplash" inducing series of twists.
Atmospheric & Local Flair: Being from the area, I loved the sections set in Skegness! Seeing familiar landmarks I grew up with added such a personal, exciting layer to the reading experience. Hussey’s ability to build a sense of place is, as always, top-notch.
Characters with Facades: Every character feels fleshed out and real, though many are "wolves in sheep's clothing." The dynamic between Marian and the mysterious Mary Anne Hannigan is a highlight. I spent the entire book asking myself what Mary’s "game" was.
The Twists & The Ending
William Hussey has always had a knack for keeping me guessing, but the ending of this one... wow. I actually dropped my Kindle in shock. Just when you think you’ve sieved through the clues and found the heart of the mystery, the story takes an unpredictable turn. It is an incredibly satisfying, well-wrapped-up conclusion that still leaves you wanting to go back to the beginning to find all the hidden breadcrumbs you missed.
Quick Breakdown.
Vibe: A "cozy-ish" psychological thriller with a Miss Marple twist.
Tropes: Secrets from the past, unreliable narrators, and a "story-within-a-story" feel.
Perfect for: Fans of classic mysteries who want a modern, twisty edge.
Final Verdict: The ending was so satisfying, too. Everything was wrapped up in a way that felt clever, shocking, and genuinely well thought out, with no loose ends left hanging. This is absolutely the kind of book I’d reread just to catch all the clues I missed the first time around, and for me, that’s always a sign of a truly great read.
If you love twisty cosy crime thrillers, layered characters, and endings that leave you staring at your Kindle in shock, this one is definitely for you. An absolute pleasure to read early. It’s atmospheric, clever, and features one of the best "jaw-drop" endings I’ve encountered this year. William Hussey has another bestseller on his hands!
Review of advance copy received from Netgalley
Thanks to NetGalley and Zaffre for the advanced copy of this title in return for an honest review.
I love William's books - I've read four, this makes five, and I own two others - and I was intrigued by this one as it felt like a real departure from his Jericho crime series.
I loved the nods to the Harrogate Crime Festival and the mentions of some of my favourite authors. It instantly catapulted me into this recognisable scene.
I love books about authors. I know it's fiction, but it almost feels like we're getting a sneak peak into an author's writing habits and thought processes.
It's mostly set in the present time, but we do get flashbacks of Marian's childhood, teenage years, and early adulthood. And we also get a mysterious second narrator and she adds the mystery element. This could have been confusing, but it works really well. It's enough for you to get excited about the story without it being overwhelming.
I was expecting something more full-on, more obviously thriller-y but this isn't that. That is not a negative by the way. It's different, it's quieter, more calculated, you're not sure who to trust, looking over your shoulder, holding your breath kind of thriller, rather than in-your-face scares and violence you might think of when you imagine a thriller.
There are a number of subplots going on and whilst there may be readers who struggle, I personally didn't think there were too many. They all had decent page time, you could see how they all linked, and they all helped ramp up the tension.
I can't say I found any of the characters likeable, but I don't think that really matters in terms of my overall enjoyment. If anything, they helped add a layer of suspicion over them all.
Someone asked me if it was as good as his Jericho books and I can't answer that. They might both be crime/thrillers at their heart, but they are so different that to compare them would do them both a disservice. They're both as enjoyable as each other.
I'm generally terrible at working out thrillers and whodunnits so I don't even try anymore. But I was determined to get this one so I spent the whole time with these clues in my head and I was so happy when I got it. Except...I'd managed to give myself a major plot hole and so had to accept that I wouldn't get it.
I read a review that said the reveal comes out of nowhere and it didn't feel like it worked with the whole story. I couldn't disagree more. Well no, that's not true. I agree that it does come out of nowhere and it does really surprise you, but I believe it was an epic twist that 100% worked and I could never have seen it coming.
It's very different to what I'm used to with his Jericho series but I think it's good for him to branch out (as fantastic as that series was and I'm still holding out hope for more). It shows his deft touch at writing interesting and thoughtful thrillers and ability to hold a reader's attention. He was already a standout author in my eyes and this has just cemented that and I look forward to the next one (and maybe another Jericho...?)
I love William's books - I've read four, this makes five, and I own two others - and I was intrigued by this one as it felt like a real departure from his Jericho crime series.
I loved the nods to the Harrogate Crime Festival and the mentions of some of my favourite authors. It instantly catapulted me into this recognisable scene.
I love books about authors. I know it's fiction, but it almost feels like we're getting a sneak peak into an author's writing habits and thought processes.
It's mostly set in the present time, but we do get flashbacks of Marian's childhood, teenage years, and early adulthood. And we also get a mysterious second narrator and she adds the mystery element. This could have been confusing, but it works really well. It's enough for you to get excited about the story without it being overwhelming.
I was expecting something more full-on, more obviously thriller-y but this isn't that. That is not a negative by the way. It's different, it's quieter, more calculated, you're not sure who to trust, looking over your shoulder, holding your breath kind of thriller, rather than in-your-face scares and violence you might think of when you imagine a thriller.
There are a number of subplots going on and whilst there may be readers who struggle, I personally didn't think there were too many. They all had decent page time, you could see how they all linked, and they all helped ramp up the tension.
I can't say I found any of the characters likeable, but I don't think that really matters in terms of my overall enjoyment. If anything, they helped add a layer of suspicion over them all.
Someone asked me if it was as good as his Jericho books and I can't answer that. They might both be crime/thrillers at their heart, but they are so different that to compare them would do them both a disservice. They're both as enjoyable as each other.
I'm generally terrible at working out thrillers and whodunnits so I don't even try anymore. But I was determined to get this one so I spent the whole time with these clues in my head and I was so happy when I got it. Except...I'd managed to give myself a major plot hole and so had to accept that I wouldn't get it.
I read a review that said the reveal comes out of nowhere and it didn't feel like it worked with the whole story. I couldn't disagree more. Well no, that's not true. I agree that it does come out of nowhere and it does really surprise you, but I believe it was an epic twist that 100% worked and I could never have seen it coming.
It's very different to what I'm used to with his Jericho series but I think it's good for him to branch out (as fantastic as that series was and I'm still holding out hope for more). It shows his deft touch at writing interesting and thoughtful thrillers and ability to hold a reader's attention. He was already a standout author in my eyes and this has just cemented that and I look forward to the next one (and maybe another Jericho...?)
Review of advance copy received from Netgalley
Marian Lane is a best selling crime author of the critically acclaimed Maddie Malone series, starring the dinner lady detective. Marian is currently meeting her fans at the Danesgate Crime Writing Festival (a thinly disguised Harrogate!) when she gets the terrible news of the death of her husband Dane in a house fire. His death becomes increasingly mysterious and could possibly link to incidents in their past. However, it gets a whole lot stranger when Mary Anne Hannigan turns up at her door, who, it has to be said, bears are passing resemblance to a young Miss Marple, pearls and all. Not only does Mary claim to be a big fan of Marian but she also says she comforts Dane as he lay dying. Initially, Marian finds solace in this strange stranger who becomes indispensable. However, Mary is withholding something from Marian, but is she the only one harbourIng secrets?
This novel doesn’t initially fully grab me but then it seems to work some sort of magic and I find myself immersed. I guess you could describe this as a cozy crime thriller as it’s an Agatha Christie style romp and so it’s very appealing. There are numerous references to the Queen of the cosy crime genre and just like her books, this has a clever plot which is full of twisty twists which keep on coming until the well thought out and unpredictable end. There’s tension, the pace is brisk and I enjoy how it goes back-and-forth in time, allowing the truth to peak through.
The characters are very well drawn, they have connected lives, most are not what they seem, in fact, there are a few wolves garbed in sheep’s clothing. Many have facades and it’s fun trying to sift out the clues to get to the heart of the real them. Mary Anne Hannigan is a real pearl of a mystery and many, many times I ask myself what her game is. The dynamics between characters are good, particularly those between Mary and Marian.
Overall, William Hussey is a very good writer, I like his Jericho series and I like this. As with those books, he creates a really good atmosphere throughout the novel. I hope he has another best seller on his hands.
With thanks to NetGalley and especially to Bonnier Books for the much appreciated early copy in return for an honest review.
This novel doesn’t initially fully grab me but then it seems to work some sort of magic and I find myself immersed. I guess you could describe this as a cozy crime thriller as it’s an Agatha Christie style romp and so it’s very appealing. There are numerous references to the Queen of the cosy crime genre and just like her books, this has a clever plot which is full of twisty twists which keep on coming until the well thought out and unpredictable end. There’s tension, the pace is brisk and I enjoy how it goes back-and-forth in time, allowing the truth to peak through.
The characters are very well drawn, they have connected lives, most are not what they seem, in fact, there are a few wolves garbed in sheep’s clothing. Many have facades and it’s fun trying to sift out the clues to get to the heart of the real them. Mary Anne Hannigan is a real pearl of a mystery and many, many times I ask myself what her game is. The dynamics between characters are good, particularly those between Mary and Marian.
Overall, William Hussey is a very good writer, I like his Jericho series and I like this. As with those books, he creates a really good atmosphere throughout the novel. I hope he has another best seller on his hands.
With thanks to NetGalley and especially to Bonnier Books for the much appreciated early copy in return for an honest review.
Review of advance copy received from NetGalley
3.5 stars
I've always been disappointed that William Hussey's books seem to fly under the radar. I've enjoyed several but I never hear anyone talking about them. So I was really excited to see a new book from him with such a marketable bookish angle to it: a tragic event from cozy crime writer Marion Lane's university days becomes headline news again when the perpetrator is released from prison.
Unfortunately, THE WOMAN WHO WASN'T THERE didn't click for me like Hussey's previous work. It over-relied on each of the POV characters withholding big 'secrets' from the reader. Secrets that would ruin them. Secrets that can never be found out. Secrets that they referenced constantly but never explained. To give credit, the final chapter was stacked with at least ten shocking twists, some of which I didn't see coming. By that point, though, I was so over the forced mystery that I wasn't particularly invested either way in what happened.
What rubbed salt in the wound is that because of all those cryptic reasons the characters can't talk about a lot of their actions didn't make sense. A large portion of this story read like a pair of muppets kicking the idiot ball about. In retrospect, some of their actions were more comprehensible but knowing why after I closed the book didn't make reading people acting like dummies anymore interesting at the time.
This format for a thriller is one of my least favourite. I don't want to be too hard on Hussey. His work shouldn't have to bear the brunt of my built up frustration with this type of narrative choice that builds artificial tension, but I wish he'd written this plot a different way. THE WOMAN WHO WASN'T THERE had some great characters and some clever twists, I just didn't enjoy how they were told.
I've always been disappointed that William Hussey's books seem to fly under the radar. I've enjoyed several but I never hear anyone talking about them. So I was really excited to see a new book from him with such a marketable bookish angle to it: a tragic event from cozy crime writer Marion Lane's university days becomes headline news again when the perpetrator is released from prison.
Unfortunately, THE WOMAN WHO WASN'T THERE didn't click for me like Hussey's previous work. It over-relied on each of the POV characters withholding big 'secrets' from the reader. Secrets that would ruin them. Secrets that can never be found out. Secrets that they referenced constantly but never explained. To give credit, the final chapter was stacked with at least ten shocking twists, some of which I didn't see coming. By that point, though, I was so over the forced mystery that I wasn't particularly invested either way in what happened.
What rubbed salt in the wound is that because of all those cryptic reasons the characters can't talk about a lot of their actions didn't make sense. A large portion of this story read like a pair of muppets kicking the idiot ball about. In retrospect, some of their actions were more comprehensible but knowing why after I closed the book didn't make reading people acting like dummies anymore interesting at the time.
This format for a thriller is one of my least favourite. I don't want to be too hard on Hussey. His work shouldn't have to bear the brunt of my built up frustration with this type of narrative choice that builds artificial tension, but I wish he'd written this plot a different way. THE WOMAN WHO WASN'T THERE had some great characters and some clever twists, I just didn't enjoy how they were told.
Review of advance copy received from NetGalley
Marian Lane is a best selling crime author of the Maddie Malone ‘dinner lady detective’ series.
Whilst on stage speaking at the Danesgate Writing Festival, Marian finds out her husband is dead.
His death becomes increasingly mysterious and could possibly be linked to incidents in the couple’s, and their friends’ past.
Things quickly escalate when Mary Anne Hannigan, a neighbour and big fan of Marian’s turns up at her door…
Mary has a coloured past of her own and ingratiates herself with the mystery surrounding Dane’s death and the twists and turns begin, and continue right throughout to the end of the book.
Each of the books characters are well developed and are all interesting in their own right and you get to know the backstories of these characters and you never know who you can trust!
When I thought the story was going one way, it would go another. I never knew what would happen next.
I was hooked from early on, and could not stop reading until I’d finished. I NEEDED to know how all the twists and turns came together.
There were points during the book where I had so many questions and was getting so confused but all become clear as I read on.
The ending did not disappoint and I did not see it coming!!
As a big fan of Hussey’s Jericho series, I was very excited to read this.
If you love twist crime thrillers, this is the book for you!
Thank you to NetGalley and Bonnier Books for the ARC in return for an honest review.
February 21, 2026
I've been a huge fan of Wills since day one, devouring everything since the days of his debut YA book, WITCHFINDER: DAWN OF THE DEMONTIDE. I have thoroughly loved watching him go from strength to strength. From WITCHFINDER to HIDEOUS BEAUTY, to THE OUTRAGE, to JERICHO and now with THE WOMAN WHO WASN'T THERE I can confidently say he has well and truly done it again.
Right from the off I was hooked by the premise and desperate to find out what was actually going on. The fact that the book had sections set in Skegness (a mere 30-45 mins from my home) made it all the more exciting. There were landmarks I recognised, ones I have grown up on and I just loved the little details.
As for the twists, my god, the twists. Will has always had this knack with his crime novels of keeping me guessing to the very end and this one is no different. I didn't see the ending coming at all, so much so that when I read it I actually dropped my Kindle in shock before I grabbed it back up and had to check that I had actually just read what I thought I had.
It was an absolute pleasure to be able to read this so early ahead of publication and I cannot wait to see what Mr. Hussey has up his sleeve next. I just don't know how he does it!
Thank you to Netgalley and Bonnier books for my e-arc!
Right from the off I was hooked by the premise and desperate to find out what was actually going on. The fact that the book had sections set in Skegness (a mere 30-45 mins from my home) made it all the more exciting. There were landmarks I recognised, ones I have grown up on and I just loved the little details.
As for the twists, my god, the twists. Will has always had this knack with his crime novels of keeping me guessing to the very end and this one is no different. I didn't see the ending coming at all, so much so that when I read it I actually dropped my Kindle in shock before I grabbed it back up and had to check that I had actually just read what I thought I had.
It was an absolute pleasure to be able to read this so early ahead of publication and I cannot wait to see what Mr. Hussey has up his sleeve next. I just don't know how he does it!
Thank you to Netgalley and Bonnier books for my e-arc!
February 27, 2026
Review of ‘The Woman Who Wasn’t There’ by William Hussey, due to be published on 23 July 2026 by Bonnier Books UK, Zaffre.
Bestselling author Marian Lane is taking part in a presentation at a literary festival with her best friend Iris and niece Ari, when she receives the shocking news that her husband Dane has been found dead.
Marian is approached a few days later by a local, Mary Hannigan, who says that she was with Dane when he took his last breath, speaking to him through the door - she hasn’t told the police as she has her own reasons for wishing to stay anonymous, giving reasons that are accepted by Marian. But just what did happened, who has secrets they are wishing to protect and how far will they go to keep them hidden.
The characters are well written and developed giving you a tantalising glimpse across the pages of who they may, or may not, be. The storyline is both engaging and immersive.
Wow! What a rollercoaster ride this book is. It’s dark, it’s tense, it has you spinning with all the twists and turns it delivers and holds you in its claws until the last word on the very last page. The final explosive twist was exquisite. An exceptional psychological thriller.
Bestselling author Marian Lane is taking part in a presentation at a literary festival with her best friend Iris and niece Ari, when she receives the shocking news that her husband Dane has been found dead.
Marian is approached a few days later by a local, Mary Hannigan, who says that she was with Dane when he took his last breath, speaking to him through the door - she hasn’t told the police as she has her own reasons for wishing to stay anonymous, giving reasons that are accepted by Marian. But just what did happened, who has secrets they are wishing to protect and how far will they go to keep them hidden.
The characters are well written and developed giving you a tantalising glimpse across the pages of who they may, or may not, be. The storyline is both engaging and immersive.
Wow! What a rollercoaster ride this book is. It’s dark, it’s tense, it has you spinning with all the twists and turns it delivers and holds you in its claws until the last word on the very last page. The final explosive twist was exquisite. An exceptional psychological thriller.
Review of advance copy received from Netgalley
This was my first time reading anything by William Hussey, and it definitely won’t be my last. The Woman Who Wasn’t There completely pulled me in from the start. It’s packed with twists and turns that keep you on your toes throughout. I always enjoy trying to guess where a story is heading, but this one caught me out more than once. The characters are well written and really engaging, especially Marian. I loved the way the story moves backwards and forwards through her life, from her early years to her university days, slowly revealing pieces of the puzzle. It added an extra layer of intrigue and kept the tension building as the story unfolded. There are also little touches of humour peppered throughout, which give the story a nice balance and make the characters feel even more real. Just when I thought I might have worked things out, the ending completely surprised me. I really, really didn’t see it coming — William Hussey absolutely knocked it out of the park with that final twist. A gripping, twist-filled read with great characters, a clever plot, and an ending that will stay with you. I thoroughly enjoyed it and would definitely recommend it.
Review of advance copy received from NetGalley
Marian Lane is the best of the best. She is a beloved writer of a top selling mystery series that also has a successful tv series based on her novels. And on this day, she is surrounded by adoring fans. What could go wrong? Oh, yeah. While there, she receives word that her husband, Dane, has surprisingly died.
In short time, Marian meets a young lady by the name of Mary. Mary has a strange claim. She states that she was there when Dane died. And she knows his last words. That is if you believe her. Was she really there? If so, what did he say. Or is she just making things up so she can get closer to Marian.
I have to say, I misread the cover, blurb, and title of this book. I thought it was going to be this intense psychological thriller. I wasn’t prepared for the quirkiness and how funny moments in this book. Don’t get me wrong, this is not a laugh out loud book. But it does have some funny moments to it. And the twists, oh boy. This novel delivers! Down to the last word in the book.
I absolutely loved this novel and will definitely check out future books by this author.
I received this ARC from NetGalley and the publisher in exchange for an unbiased review.
In short time, Marian meets a young lady by the name of Mary. Mary has a strange claim. She states that she was there when Dane died. And she knows his last words. That is if you believe her. Was she really there? If so, what did he say. Or is she just making things up so she can get closer to Marian.
I have to say, I misread the cover, blurb, and title of this book. I thought it was going to be this intense psychological thriller. I wasn’t prepared for the quirkiness and how funny moments in this book. Don’t get me wrong, this is not a laugh out loud book. But it does have some funny moments to it. And the twists, oh boy. This novel delivers! Down to the last word in the book.
I absolutely loved this novel and will definitely check out future books by this author.
I received this ARC from NetGalley and the publisher in exchange for an unbiased review.
June 21, 2026
The Woman Who Wasn’t There by William Hussey was an absolute delight from beginning to end.
This isn’t a fast-paced, edge-of-your-seat thriller. Instead, it’s a deliciously cosy whodunnit that gradually draws you in and keeps you guessing right until the final pages. The Agatha Christie comparisons mentioned within the book felt incredibly fitting, as it has that same classic mystery feel where everyone seems to be hiding something and no one can be entirely trusted.
Interestingly, none of the characters were particularly likeable, yet that somehow made the story even more compelling. I found myself constantly questioning motives, changing my mind about suspects and trying to work out who was telling the truth.
Just when I thought I had it figured out, another twist came along. The final part of the book was especially exciting, with revelation after revelation keeping me turning the pages.
Clever and wonderfully entertaining, this is a mystery that will appeal to anyone who enjoys classic whodunnits with plenty of twists and surprises. I thoroughly enjoyed every minute of it and wouldn’t hesitate to recommend it
Review of advance copy received from Netgalley
I'm in the minority with my feedback for this book I'm afraid.
I felt that I couldn't identify with any of the characters and there were huge plot holes in the story.
After reading the synopsis, I was expecting something different, so maybe my expectations were wrong.
Towards the end, Marion, who hasn't driven in a long time, jumps into her dead husband's powerful BMW, still in the clothes she wore for his funeral, with an injured foot, and no mention of taking anything with her. After rescuing Mary, they spend a couple of days driving around the country, buying fuel and food, but no mention of clothes (though Marion does have an eyebrow pencil!) eventually ending up at the posh home of Iris and Gile, surely rather bedraggled.
This part was so far fetched that I almost gave up reading, and I really didn't care about the final twists when they came.
Sorry, but this book just wasn't for me I'm afraid.
With thanks to the author, publisher and NetGalley for an ARC in exchange for an honest review.
I felt that I couldn't identify with any of the characters and there were huge plot holes in the story.
After reading the synopsis, I was expecting something different, so maybe my expectations were wrong.
Towards the end, Marion, who hasn't driven in a long time, jumps into her dead husband's powerful BMW, still in the clothes she wore for his funeral, with an injured foot, and no mention of taking anything with her. After rescuing Mary, they spend a couple of days driving around the country, buying fuel and food, but no mention of clothes (though Marion does have an eyebrow pencil!) eventually ending up at the posh home of Iris and Gile, surely rather bedraggled.
This part was so far fetched that I almost gave up reading, and I really didn't care about the final twists when they came.
Sorry, but this book just wasn't for me I'm afraid.
With thanks to the author, publisher and NetGalley for an ARC in exchange for an honest review.
Review of advance copy received from Netgalley
*I received an ARC via Netgalley*
The Woman Who Wasn't There is an addictive story that had me guessing until the very end.
Starting with the death of her husband, the story follows Marian as she and Mary, the woman claiming to have spoken to her husband just before he died, find themselves mixed up in multiple secrets and lies.
It took me a little while to become really invested in the story. I liked the multiple pov but struggled at first with the changing of timelines. I also found the first half of the story to be quite slow which made me a little impatient to get to the part when things came together. The second half, particularly the last 25% was brilliant. At one point I was fairly confident that I had figured one of the secrets out but I was completely wrong. The reveals at the end of this story completely took me by surprise. The plot and the twists are incredibly clever and the ending blew me away. Readers looking for a book with slower pacing and a lot of mystery will love this.
The Woman Who Wasn't There is an addictive story that had me guessing until the very end.
Starting with the death of her husband, the story follows Marian as she and Mary, the woman claiming to have spoken to her husband just before he died, find themselves mixed up in multiple secrets and lies.
It took me a little while to become really invested in the story. I liked the multiple pov but struggled at first with the changing of timelines. I also found the first half of the story to be quite slow which made me a little impatient to get to the part when things came together. The second half, particularly the last 25% was brilliant. At one point I was fairly confident that I had figured one of the secrets out but I was completely wrong. The reveals at the end of this story completely took me by surprise. The plot and the twists are incredibly clever and the ending blew me away. Readers looking for a book with slower pacing and a lot of mystery will love this.
Review of advance copy received from Netgalley
S
Marian Lane is a very successful author and speaking at a Literary Festival when she gets news that her husband Dane has been killed in a fire at their home. As she tries to come to terms with his death she is approached by a local woman, Mary Ann, who tells her that she spoke to Dane on the night he died and he'd given her a message to pass on to Marian. Unsure of whether to believe her especially as Mary Ann says she has memory problems and can't remember everything Dane said, Marian nevertheless befriends her and they try to discover who could have a grudge against Dane and who may have set the fire, As the story progresses we learn about Marian and her sister Grace's childhood and her time as a student when she first meets Dane. There's also a tragedy when one of her fellow students is murdered. This was an enjoyable read with many twists and turns, some of which I anticipated but the final twist was unexpected to say the least. Thanks to NetGalley and the publisher for the opportunity of reading an ARC of this book.
Marian Lane is a very successful author and speaking at a Literary Festival when she gets news that her husband Dane has been killed in a fire at their home. As she tries to come to terms with his death she is approached by a local woman, Mary Ann, who tells her that she spoke to Dane on the night he died and he'd given her a message to pass on to Marian. Unsure of whether to believe her especially as Mary Ann says she has memory problems and can't remember everything Dane said, Marian nevertheless befriends her and they try to discover who could have a grudge against Dane and who may have set the fire, As the story progresses we learn about Marian and her sister Grace's childhood and her time as a student when she first meets Dane. There's also a tragedy when one of her fellow students is murdered. This was an enjoyable read with many twists and turns, some of which I anticipated but the final twist was unexpected to say the least. Thanks to NetGalley and the publisher for the opportunity of reading an ARC of this book.
April 12, 2026
Thank you so much to Netgalley for giving me this free advance copy, and I’m writing this review honestly and without bias.
I went into this book totally blind and although it wasn't quite what I was expecting it was a really enjoyable story. I normally avoid the cozy mystery genre as they are mostly a copy and paste of Agatha Christie. If you are going to do Christie then do it well and go it with originality and William Hussey has achieved both in abundance. It did take me a while to get into the book, but once in it became an addictive read. None of the characters are what they seem in true Christie style and it's hard to work out everyone's end game which adds to the suspense. Sadie was a revelation and provides some quite sublime funny moments. The plot is cleverly throughout with an absolutely knock out ending. Well worth sticking with the first few chapters as the pay off is brilliant.
Review of advance copy received from NetGalley
Marian Lane is a bestselling Crime writer and currently attending the Danesgate Crime writing festival. Her adoring fans of her bestselling series is all around her. When she suddenly hears bad news that there was a fire at her house and her husband is dead.
A few days later she meets Mary who lives opposite her. She claims that she seen the fire and talked to her husband Dane before his death. But she claims she cannot remember what. Mary suddenly worms her way into Marions life/ Marions hoping that Mary will tell her what Dane’s last words were.
I thank you Bonnier for William Hussey’s latest novel. I was looking forward to reading this as I have read others reviews and has a positive rating. I also found the blurb intriguing.
For me though personally though I was at first intrigued by the storyline but as I read on, I found it to be too slow. I didn’t really care about the characters and what was going on with Mary that I started losing interest. 3 stars from me.
A few days later she meets Mary who lives opposite her. She claims that she seen the fire and talked to her husband Dane before his death. But she claims she cannot remember what. Mary suddenly worms her way into Marions life/ Marions hoping that Mary will tell her what Dane’s last words were.
I thank you Bonnier for William Hussey’s latest novel. I was looking forward to reading this as I have read others reviews and has a positive rating. I also found the blurb intriguing.
For me though personally though I was at first intrigued by the storyline but as I read on, I found it to be too slow. I didn’t really care about the characters and what was going on with Mary that I started losing interest. 3 stars from me.
Review of advance copy received from NetGalley
2.5 stars rounded up.
Argh, I loved the sound of this, and the reviews were all so good, I had really high hopes! But this wasn’t for me.
I felt like I couldn’t pin down the 2 main characters, Marian and Mary. I never felt like I knew them. I don’t mind if I feel like I know a character and then they turn out to be something else, but here I just felt like I never clicked with them. And all of the other characters, except Ari (who didn’t even really get to say anything) and Beddoes the dog, were painfully dreadful.
And then the plot.. it didn’t get moving until the last 10%. We kept going over the list of things that needed answers, and I got bored! And then the last 10% crammed in all the twists, but they didn’t really surprise me. I hoped that last part would flip it for me but I just felt ‘meh’! And the reasoning behind some of it was a bit absent.
Argh, I loved the sound of this, and the reviews were all so good, I had really high hopes! But this wasn’t for me.
I felt like I couldn’t pin down the 2 main characters, Marian and Mary. I never felt like I knew them. I don’t mind if I feel like I know a character and then they turn out to be something else, but here I just felt like I never clicked with them. And all of the other characters, except Ari (who didn’t even really get to say anything) and Beddoes the dog, were painfully dreadful.
And then the plot.. it didn’t get moving until the last 10%. We kept going over the list of things that needed answers, and I got bored! And then the last 10% crammed in all the twists, but they didn’t really surprise me. I hoped that last part would flip it for me but I just felt ‘meh’! And the reasoning behind some of it was a bit absent.
June 12, 2026
I really enjoyed this book. It contained plenty of twists and turns and lots of different plots all running alongside each other and all connected in some way - although not obviously at first.
Marian Lane was the author of the Maddie Malone series of books. They were know as ‘the dinner lady mysteries’ and loosely based on Marian’s mum and sister Grace who were both dinner ladies.
Marian’s husband Dr Dane Prentice was a psychologist and she had known him since her university days. After she got the news of Dane’s death Marian found some things that just didn’t add up. With the help of an eccentric neighbour she tried to establish what had happened.
This was a mystery that had lots of characters and the suspect list started very small but things slowly started to unfurl and get more and more convoluted. A very good read and one I would definitely recommend.
Marian Lane was the author of the Maddie Malone series of books. They were know as ‘the dinner lady mysteries’ and loosely based on Marian’s mum and sister Grace who were both dinner ladies.
Marian’s husband Dr Dane Prentice was a psychologist and she had known him since her university days. After she got the news of Dane’s death Marian found some things that just didn’t add up. With the help of an eccentric neighbour she tried to establish what had happened.
This was a mystery that had lots of characters and the suspect list started very small but things slowly started to unfurl and get more and more convoluted. A very good read and one I would definitely recommend.
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
Review of advance copy received from Netgalley
Thank you to NetGalley and Bonnier Books for this ARC.
I was very excited to get approved for this book, I absolutely love the Jericho series by William Hussey and couldn’t wait to read this.
Marian Lane is a celebrated crime writer whose husband dies while she is away and she is quickly befriended by the strange Mary who claims she was with him when he died. How much can Marian trust what she says?
It took me a little while to get into the story, as we switch between the present day and flashbacks to Marian’s childhood in Skegness, but once I did I raced through this. It was well written with lots of twists and turns leading to a satisfying ending, I’m sure this will soon be a big hit as a perfect summer read.
I was very excited to get approved for this book, I absolutely love the Jericho series by William Hussey and couldn’t wait to read this.
Marian Lane is a celebrated crime writer whose husband dies while she is away and she is quickly befriended by the strange Mary who claims she was with him when he died. How much can Marian trust what she says?
It took me a little while to get into the story, as we switch between the present day and flashbacks to Marian’s childhood in Skegness, but once I did I raced through this. It was well written with lots of twists and turns leading to a satisfying ending, I’m sure this will soon be a big hit as a perfect summer read.
Review of advance copy received from Netgalley
This meta-thriller lands with an uncomfortable weight in an era of parasocial obsession and curated identities. Marian Lane, a crime writer who loses her husband only to find a "super-fan" on her doorstep claiming to hold his final secrets, is a protagonist who actually carries weight. She isn't a trope; she is sharp, grieving, and entirely suspicious. Her skepticism is a professional hazard, a trait forged in the business of building mysteries, which leaves her uniquely vulnerable when a real one refuses to follow a three-act structure.
Hussey plays a deliberate game here. He knows we recognize the mechanics of the genre, so he pivots to the art of storytelling itself. The stranger, Mary, acts as a distorted mirror to Marian. Both are architects of fiction, but Mary’s "truth" is a moving target that never quite settles. The pacing is relentless but avoids the breathless, manufactured urgency common in domestic noir. Instead, the tension comes from a slow-burning psychological invasion; a realization that the walls between a private life and a public persona have become dangerously thin.
The narrative explores a specific modern anxiety: the gap between the people we love and the versions of them we project. Hussey’s prose has an intellectual sharpness that avoids the usual genre padding. He explores the transactional nature of trauma, the way we package personal loss for an audience until the persona eventually cannibalizes the individual. Marian’s struggle isn't just with an intruder; it’s with the possibility that her marriage was just as much of a construction as her novels.
There is a cynical, lean quality to how this book examines the stories we tell to survive, and the ones that eventually become our cages. Hussey moves past the "unreliable narrator" cliché, offering instead a grounded study of how perspective is manipulated by those who know exactly how to pull the strings. It is a reminder that in a culture of constant self-curation, the truth is often the first thing edited out to serve the hook. We have all become curators, yet we rarely calculate the cost of the collection.
In the end, Hussey suggests that the most dangerous fictions aren't the ones we read, but the ones we live in to avoid the silence of an empty house.
Hussey plays a deliberate game here. He knows we recognize the mechanics of the genre, so he pivots to the art of storytelling itself. The stranger, Mary, acts as a distorted mirror to Marian. Both are architects of fiction, but Mary’s "truth" is a moving target that never quite settles. The pacing is relentless but avoids the breathless, manufactured urgency common in domestic noir. Instead, the tension comes from a slow-burning psychological invasion; a realization that the walls between a private life and a public persona have become dangerously thin.
The narrative explores a specific modern anxiety: the gap between the people we love and the versions of them we project. Hussey’s prose has an intellectual sharpness that avoids the usual genre padding. He explores the transactional nature of trauma, the way we package personal loss for an audience until the persona eventually cannibalizes the individual. Marian’s struggle isn't just with an intruder; it’s with the possibility that her marriage was just as much of a construction as her novels.
There is a cynical, lean quality to how this book examines the stories we tell to survive, and the ones that eventually become our cages. Hussey moves past the "unreliable narrator" cliché, offering instead a grounded study of how perspective is manipulated by those who know exactly how to pull the strings. It is a reminder that in a culture of constant self-curation, the truth is often the first thing edited out to serve the hook. We have all become curators, yet we rarely calculate the cost of the collection.
In the end, Hussey suggests that the most dangerous fictions aren't the ones we read, but the ones we live in to avoid the silence of an empty house.
April 2, 2026
This pulled me in straight away, it’s such an intriguing idea. Marian, a crime writer, is grieving her husband when a woman she’s never met turns up claiming she was with him when he died. At first it feels like she might have answers, but it doesn’t take long before things start to feel off.
I liked how the tension builds quite quietly. You’re never completely sure what’s going on or who to believe, and that sense of unease runs all the way through. The fact Marian is a writer herself adds an extra layer as she understands how stories work in theory!
A solid psychological thriller, unsettling, a bit different, and one that kept me guessing.
Thanks to NetGalley and the publisher for the ARC.
I liked how the tension builds quite quietly. You’re never completely sure what’s going on or who to believe, and that sense of unease runs all the way through. The fact Marian is a writer herself adds an extra layer as she understands how stories work in theory!
A solid psychological thriller, unsettling, a bit different, and one that kept me guessing.
Thanks to NetGalley and the publisher for the ARC.
Review of advance copy received from NetGalley
This is the first novel I’ve read by William Hussey and I understand this is a departure for the author from his usual style of writing. It’s an easy read thriller, the main character is Marian Lane, a best selling cosy crime writer who discovers her husband Dane is dead while she is speaking at a literary festival. I liked the beginning of the novel where the reader gets a hint that Dane’s death may be connected to the murder of their friend while they were at university. However, for me the novel lost pace around the middle section and I lost interest in both the story and the characters and it felt that the ending was tied up too quickly.
Many thanks to NetGalley and the publisher for the opportunity to read and review this digital ARC.
Many thanks to NetGalley and the publisher for the opportunity to read and review this digital ARC.
Review of advance copy received from NetGalley
Born into poverty with a worthless father and an industrious mother, Morion rose to be an author who writes cozy mysteries Her books are well-received and her publisher and her readers are eagerly awaiting the 6th and final book of the series. While she is on a book tour, she gets the shocking news that her husband, who is a psychiatrist, has been murdered. This event is intertwined with a murder that occurred when the author and her husband were university students.
There is a cast of eclectic characters, including an ambitious politician, his overbearing wife, an eccentric neighbor, a brooding teenager, and a vain actress who is starring in the adaptation of the books.
This novel is very tense and the final reveal is worth every minute of reading. I highly recommend this book.
Review of advance copy received from Netgalley
An absolute joy from start to finish, in what I thought was maybe going to be a wonderful Christie pastiche combined with a modern take on book festivals.... And while yes, it's a bit of both (and some wonderful Easter eggs for those familiar with the latter!), William Hussey embarks on a murderously fun tail of Marian Lane, cosy crime best-selling author, who is suddenly faced with a death rather too close to home. While everyone around her seems to behave outrageously (I adored Sadie, in particular, and better not say who she reminded me of), Marian manages to remain just Marian. Oh, apart from the stalker who wants to be her best friend and whom, bizarrely, Marian lets in, and leads us thus to see a quite different side to the much-loved crime writer.... The challenge here was to decide who was using whom!
Very different from the author's series of Jericho novels, don't be fooled by the more lighthearted take on criminality; while I could tell how much fun William Hussey had writing this, and also how much fun I had looking for clues along the way, there's also a not so little pathos amongst the humour.
Very different from the author's series of Jericho novels, don't be fooled by the more lighthearted take on criminality; while I could tell how much fun William Hussey had writing this, and also how much fun I had looking for clues along the way, there's also a not so little pathos amongst the humour.
Review of advance copy received from NetGalley
When a crime author's husband dies unexpectedly while she is at an event, the last thing she expects is to return home to find an unknown woman waiting for her on her doorstep. Even stranger is the fact that this woman tells Marian that she witnessed her husband Dane's last moments.
This creates an odd sense of intimacy between the two of them, but is the story that Mary tells Marian and accurate account of what has taken place? Or is Mary the one telling stories to a professional storyteller?
This is a gripping story, and one that will keep the reader guessing throughout. Worth checking out.
I received a free copy of this book from Netgalley in exchange for an honest review
This creates an odd sense of intimacy between the two of them, but is the story that Mary tells Marian and accurate account of what has taken place? Or is Mary the one telling stories to a professional storyteller?
This is a gripping story, and one that will keep the reader guessing throughout. Worth checking out.
I received a free copy of this book from Netgalley in exchange for an honest review
Review of advance copy received from Publisher
I am a fan of all of William Hussey’s previous books, but with this new one being a change of writing style for him (being a classic whodunnit) I wondered if I would enjoy it ….of course I should have realised that my enjoyment was a foregone conclusion! It reads as an expertly crafted homage to Agatha Christie’s oeuvre and I’m sure Ms Christie would have enjoyed this twisty, suspenseful story, feeling the admiration for her own books that is apparent throughout. I just loved the Easter egg mention of my favourite of Hussey’s previous characters, Scott Jericho and I didn’t guess any of the shocking secrets revealed at the end. Bravo indeed, another winner!
Review of advance copy received from NetGalley
When best selling crime author Marian Lane is away on a book tour she is dealt the devastating news that her husband has been found dead at home. As she tries to deal with what happened her memories of her time at university and the tragic events of that time are brought to the forefront when she is convinced she keeps seeing one of her old friends. When a strange young woman turns up at her door claiming she was the last person her husband ever spoke to she starts to question everything. Are people lying to her or are there darker things going on between old friends and the truth is even stranger than anyone could imagine. A great read with and ending that had me spinning.
July 2, 2026
I thought this was so cleverly written with major twists and turns.
This book is written across several timelines and multiple POVs,which all converge into one epic ending. It did take me a few chapters to get use to the changes but honestly everything in this book is done for a reason, and all the timelines and POVs are necessary.
The author has such a great way of keeping me guessing and honestly I didn’t see the ending coming. The ending was honestly perfect as well, it wrapped up all my questions and left no loose ends.
If you are looking for a good closed door mystery thriller this is the book for you!
This book is written across several timelines and multiple POVs,which all converge into one epic ending. It did take me a few chapters to get use to the changes but honestly everything in this book is done for a reason, and all the timelines and POVs are necessary.
The author has such a great way of keeping me guessing and honestly I didn’t see the ending coming. The ending was honestly perfect as well, it wrapped up all my questions and left no loose ends.
If you are looking for a good closed door mystery thriller this is the book for you!
Review of advance copy received from NetGalley
This was my first book by this author and it didn’t disappoint! This one kept me questioning a lot, I thought I had it figured out multiple times and I in fact did NOT! The plot twists toward the end, I didn’t see them coming! You start off following Marian the “author” of the bestselling book and you read about her present and sad past. You then get introduced to another character who takes a big impact on the story! You read on about her life and how she became what she is today but along the way you find out twisted details about a past crime of their university classmate and it makes you wonder, do you ever truly know someone?
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