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Družinska prijateljica
Skrivnost je odnesla v grob.
Nekdo pa misli, da ste vi tisti, ki jo poznate.
Ko Imogen povedo, da je podedovala podeželsko hišo blizu Batha, je prepričana, da gre za pomoto. Lastnico hiše, samotarsko umetnico Dorotheo Roe, je nazadnje videla pred šestnajstimi leti, med tragičnim poletjem, ki ji je za vedno spremenilo življenje.
Zdaj je ta dediščina zanjo in za partnerja Josha priložnost za nov začetek.
Toda ko v Dorothejini delovni sobi odkrije staro škatlo s svojim imenom, pomisli, da ji je Dorothea zapustila skrivno sporočilo.
Nato se začnejo širiti govorice, da je bila Dorothea umorjena, Imogen pa se vse bolj zdi, da ta dediščina morda ni rešilna bilka, kakor je mislila.
Kdo bi hotel ubiti Dorotheo?
Ali bi lahko bilo vse skupaj povezano s temno preteklostjo Imogenine družine?
In kaj, če je zdaj v nevarnosti prav Imogen?
Nekdo pa misli, da ste vi tisti, ki jo poznate.
Ko Imogen povedo, da je podedovala podeželsko hišo blizu Batha, je prepričana, da gre za pomoto. Lastnico hiše, samotarsko umetnico Dorotheo Roe, je nazadnje videla pred šestnajstimi leti, med tragičnim poletjem, ki ji je za vedno spremenilo življenje.
Zdaj je ta dediščina zanjo in za partnerja Josha priložnost za nov začetek.
Toda ko v Dorothejini delovni sobi odkrije staro škatlo s svojim imenom, pomisli, da ji je Dorothea zapustila skrivno sporočilo.
Nato se začnejo širiti govorice, da je bila Dorothea umorjena, Imogen pa se vse bolj zdi, da ta dediščina morda ni rešilna bilka, kakor je mislila.
Kdo bi hotel ubiti Dorotheo?
Ali bi lahko bilo vse skupaj povezano s temno preteklostjo Imogenine družine?
In kaj, če je zdaj v nevarnosti prav Imogen?
320 pages, Hardcover
First published March 12, 2026
About the author
Claire Douglas
32 books7,332 followersClaire Douglas always wanted to write novels and, after many years of trying to get published, her dream came true when she won the Marie Claire Debut Novel Award in 2013 with THE SISTERS.
Her second and third novels, LOCAL GIRL MISSING and LAST SEEN ALIVE (Penguin), are Sunday Times bestsellers.
Her second and third novels, LOCAL GIRL MISSING and LAST SEEN ALIVE (Penguin), are Sunday Times bestsellers.
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 773 reviews
July 30, 2026
A great Story from Claire Douglas. I’ve read a few of hers before that I’ve throughly enjoyed.
A young lady Is given a house in a will from a elderly lady that was a Artist, this young lady is surprised that this house and Wealth has been given her as the only time she remembers this woman is when she was 14 and stayed at this ladies house with her mother when her mum was hiding from her dad and from his domestic abuse towards her mum.. a safe house.
Dorothea Roe she finds out was murdered in this house, she brings it on herself to find her murderer and how the death of her mother fits in with the sculpture that has been hidden. Book contains, domestic Abuse, murder.
A young lady Is given a house in a will from a elderly lady that was a Artist, this young lady is surprised that this house and Wealth has been given her as the only time she remembers this woman is when she was 14 and stayed at this ladies house with her mother when her mum was hiding from her dad and from his domestic abuse towards her mum.. a safe house.
Dorothea Roe she finds out was murdered in this house, she brings it on herself to find her murderer and how the death of her mother fits in with the sculpture that has been hidden. Book contains, domestic Abuse, murder.
April 2, 2026
3.5 Stars
Love this author but couldn't get into this book.
Imogen unexpectedly inherits a villa from a family friend Dorothea whom her mother used to clean for.
Imogen discovers all kinds of secrets about Dorothea and her own family.
Imogens mother was murdered by her father who is now serving a lifetime in jail.
Imogens sister Alison isn't sure her father did it.
The story goes back forty years to Dorothea and Imogen in the present.
Lots of twists and well written but I really couldn't engage myself in the story.
Love this author but couldn't get into this book.
Imogen unexpectedly inherits a villa from a family friend Dorothea whom her mother used to clean for.
Imogen discovers all kinds of secrets about Dorothea and her own family.
Imogens mother was murdered by her father who is now serving a lifetime in jail.
Imogens sister Alison isn't sure her father did it.
The story goes back forty years to Dorothea and Imogen in the present.
Lots of twists and well written but I really couldn't engage myself in the story.
May 10, 2026
This book started so fast and gripped me from the start, I was completely hooked. It was perfectly eerie and suspenseful but it felt like the book slowed down from about halfway for me and I started to lose interest a little.. still a very good Claire Douglas, not my favourite by her but would absolutely recommend as it picked up at the end with a satisfying finale.
March 23, 2026
dual timelines packed
with commentary about
abusive relationships and
sorority: deep, compelling
and full of plot twists. ♡
with commentary about
abusive relationships and
sorority: deep, compelling
and full of plot twists. ♡
March 26, 2026
2 stars
Far too long, things that bear too little relevance were explored in too much depth and the ending felt rushed and unrealistic.
Far too long, things that bear too little relevance were explored in too much depth and the ending felt rushed and unrealistic.
April 15, 2026
Bang average. I want a thriller to knock my socks off and this just wasn’t it. Back to the historical fiction I go x
March 17, 2026
The book was okay. I think it was a solid 3,5⭐️ I didn’t guess the plot twist but it didn’t shock me nor did it annoy me
May 2, 2026
One day, Imogen cannot believe it when she inherits a country house—and enough money to run it—from Dorothea, an old family friend she hadn't seen in years. However, she discovers an old box with her name on it and believes Dorothea is trying to send her a message.
Claire Douglas is an auto-read author for me; I find I can rely on her books for a great read.
I liked the plot of this story and found the characters entertaining. It was mostly a fast-paced read and easy to follow. It did get a little slow towards the end, but apart from that, it was an enjoyable read.
Claire Douglas is an auto-read author for me; I find I can rely on her books for a great read.
I liked the plot of this story and found the characters entertaining. It was mostly a fast-paced read and easy to follow. It did get a little slow towards the end, but apart from that, it was an enjoyable read.
June 20, 2026
I didn't enjoy this book as much as the author's other works.
I found it long, dense and boring even though the chapters were short. There were too many characters, all of them important to the story. There were too many time jumps and too many plot twists.
And the ending felt unreal. Everything happened in just a few chapters.
I found it long, dense and boring even though the chapters were short. There were too many characters, all of them important to the story. There were too many time jumps and too many plot twists.
And the ending felt unreal. Everything happened in just a few chapters.
March 22, 2026
⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️💫 Brilliant as always from one of my fav authors. A superb blend of creepiness mixed with underlying tension.
January 19, 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 do love a Claire Douglas novel as you know you're in for a cracking read. And what a cracker this was! An intriguing and well plotted mystery that oozes in suspense with a somewhat eerie feel to it. There are some great well developed characters in this story spearheaded by Imogen as she tries to unravel the clues left by Dorothea. Told in the present and with chapters from Dorothea going back in time gives the story an edge. A dark and twisty read with a surprising culprit gives the very talented Ms Douglas another sure fire best seller. Loved this one and it gets all the stars
February 12, 2026
How Claire Douglas writes a truly flawless, unique, unguessable thriller YEARLY is beyond my comprehension
May 2, 2026
2.5 / 5.0
Honestly I think every-time I read a book from Douglas she’s always trying to do a two plot story, one dated far back and one concurrent and always thinks that she can pull off the timeframe trick. At one point, we are going 49 years before time. The constant change in time frame, mixed in with different POVs made the book harder to understand and click. I don’t know why adding or introducing this confusion within a book makes author believes it’s going to be a banger - it isnt. The constant change in POV then going back in time stalled and slowed down a great plot building. The confusion, built in with multiple POVs took away from the story naturally telling itself. Things kinda felt forced to develop, things occurring in the plot just felt ‘well timed’. I also think Douglas is a fan of creating some of the most unlikable characters, because I just didn’t vibe with the characters. Overall it’s a mid tier book, not a banger.
The story centres around Imogen and who has inherited a country house near Bath. She immediately thinks it’s a mistake, as the last time she saw it’s owner - a reclusive artist Dorothea Roe was sixteen years ago during a tragic summer where her Mother had passed. She’s with her partner Josh and it’s a chance for a fresh start. But the minute they both move into their house, Imogen discovers a box with her name in Dorothea’s old story and she starts to believe that the women was trying to send her a secret message. Then rumours begin to swirl that Dorothea was murdered and suspects the gift might not be the life line she thought it was.
Overall, it’s an ok book but very bland and typical Douglas fashion of confusing timelines and introduction of time frames within their POVs. Credit to Douglas’ marketing team for selling this book well.
Honestly I think every-time I read a book from Douglas she’s always trying to do a two plot story, one dated far back and one concurrent and always thinks that she can pull off the timeframe trick. At one point, we are going 49 years before time. The constant change in time frame, mixed in with different POVs made the book harder to understand and click. I don’t know why adding or introducing this confusion within a book makes author believes it’s going to be a banger - it isnt. The constant change in POV then going back in time stalled and slowed down a great plot building. The confusion, built in with multiple POVs took away from the story naturally telling itself. Things kinda felt forced to develop, things occurring in the plot just felt ‘well timed’. I also think Douglas is a fan of creating some of the most unlikable characters, because I just didn’t vibe with the characters. Overall it’s a mid tier book, not a banger.
The story centres around Imogen and who has inherited a country house near Bath. She immediately thinks it’s a mistake, as the last time she saw it’s owner - a reclusive artist Dorothea Roe was sixteen years ago during a tragic summer where her Mother had passed. She’s with her partner Josh and it’s a chance for a fresh start. But the minute they both move into their house, Imogen discovers a box with her name in Dorothea’s old story and she starts to believe that the women was trying to send her a secret message. Then rumours begin to swirl that Dorothea was murdered and suspects the gift might not be the life line she thought it was.
Overall, it’s an ok book but very bland and typical Douglas fashion of confusing timelines and introduction of time frames within their POVs. Credit to Douglas’ marketing team for selling this book well.
March 24, 2026
I love Claire Douglas as an author, I’ve even attended her launch events and I’ve read all of her books over the past couple of years. I usually preorder a signed copy, as i did with her latest release, so it makes me a bit sad to say that this one just didn’t work for me.
From quite early on, I found myself having to force myself to keep picking this up. It felt slow and, at times, a little dull, which is not something I’ve experienced with her previous novels. By about a third of the way through, I had already guessed the plot, which took away some of the suspense I usually enjoy so much in her writing.
I just didn’t find it engaging at all. Dorothy’s POV, in particular, didn’t hold my interest, and while Imogen’s chapters were slightly more engaging, they still didn’t quite pull me in the way I’d hoped.
That said, this is very much down to personal preference. Claire Douglas has written many five-star reads for me, and I know I’ll still be picking up whatever she writes next. This one just wasn’t for me—but if you’re a fan of slower-burn thrillers, you might have a completely different experience.
From quite early on, I found myself having to force myself to keep picking this up. It felt slow and, at times, a little dull, which is not something I’ve experienced with her previous novels. By about a third of the way through, I had already guessed the plot, which took away some of the suspense I usually enjoy so much in her writing.
I just didn’t find it engaging at all. Dorothy’s POV, in particular, didn’t hold my interest, and while Imogen’s chapters were slightly more engaging, they still didn’t quite pull me in the way I’d hoped.
That said, this is very much down to personal preference. Claire Douglas has written many five-star reads for me, and I know I’ll still be picking up whatever she writes next. This one just wasn’t for me—but if you’re a fan of slower-burn thrillers, you might have a completely different experience.
March 17, 2026
Whilst I enjoyed reading this one, it wasn't my favourite Claire Douglas book that I have read so far. I found it a little far fetched and as more and more secrets were revealed this became more and more apparent. The boyfriend was a really unlikable character and I just wanted Imogen to tell him where to go. And to be honest despite inheriting the big house I was screaming internally at Imogen to get the heck out of there! All in all its a real suspenseful read and I would recommend it but its just not up there with my favourites from this author.
January 29, 2026
Imogen finds out she’s been left a house in a will, from Dorothea- someone she’s not seen for 16 years- but who had somewhat of an impact on her life at the time. She moves in with her boyfriend Josh, and then starts to think that there’s a reason she was left the house, and it’s to do with how Dorothea died.
I loved the premise of this book- although no-one wants people to die, the idea of being left a house in a will is exciting! And a bit of a twisty turny mystery in there too- with Imogen realising more about her own life, as well as that of Dorothea. It was a real page turner and finished it in a couple of days.
Having previously read and enjoyed several Claire Douglas books, I might see if there are any others I’ve not yet read!
I was given an advance copy of this book from NetGalley in return for my honest review.
I loved the premise of this book- although no-one wants people to die, the idea of being left a house in a will is exciting! And a bit of a twisty turny mystery in there too- with Imogen realising more about her own life, as well as that of Dorothea. It was a real page turner and finished it in a couple of days.
Having previously read and enjoyed several Claire Douglas books, I might see if there are any others I’ve not yet read!
I was given an advance copy of this book from NetGalley in return for my honest review.
July 6, 2026
The Family Friend - 3.5⭐️
The FMC inherits a huge country house from
someone whom she’s not close with at all
(like zero contact) and it looks like someone might have unalived them.
Written in dual timelines, I did enjoy the parallels in both past and present, the dynamics of relationships then and now AND I wished the FMC had a bigger backbone (present)
I also genuinely don’t get the lady’s determination to solve the mystery which put herself in danger, that was kinda frustrating to read.
Also, i think the book would have been a higher rating if the pacing was tight and the book trimmed to remove all the unnecessary circle backs.
The FMC inherits a huge country house from
someone whom she’s not close with at all
(like zero contact) and it looks like someone might have unalived them.
Written in dual timelines, I did enjoy the parallels in both past and present, the dynamics of relationships then and now AND I wished the FMC had a bigger backbone (present)
I also genuinely don’t get the lady’s determination to solve the mystery which put herself in danger, that was kinda frustrating to read.
Also, i think the book would have been a higher rating if the pacing was tight and the book trimmed to remove all the unnecessary circle backs.
March 12, 2026
After a difficult day, Imogen receives a letter that changes everything. A friend of her late mother has left her an unexpected inheritance: a sprawling mansion near Bath along with a generous sum of money. But the circumstances surrounding the inheritance are troubling, and the gift feels less like good fortune and more like the beginning of a mystery. Determined to uncover the truth, Imogen sets out to learn what really happened to the house’s former owner. Why was the estate left to her? What secrets does the mansion hold? And who might be connected to the crime at the heart of it all? This is a well-written, modern whodunit with a steady pace that keeps the intrigue building throughout.
July 3, 2026
This was my first Claire Douglas, and based on this alone, it definitely won’t be my last.
I was immediately hooked by the mystery of why Imogen had inherited Dorothea’s home and loved trying to work out the truth as the story unfolded. As more pieces of the puzzle fell into place, it became clear that Dorothea had left behind more than just an inheritance. I also really enjoyed Dorothea’s chapters being told in reverse chronological order, which made the gradual unveiling of the past even more compelling.
Josh was an absolutely terrible boyfriend, and his controlling behaviour towards Imogen was completely OTT. I spent most of the book wanting her to get as far away from him as possible. I also found parts of the Dominic storyline a little far-fetched, though this was only a minor criticism in an otherwise really enjoyable read.
One of my favourite aspects of the novel was watching Imogen’s personal strength develop throughout the story. She begins believing that Josh is all she has after sharing twelve years of her life with him, only to gradually realise that her support network and chosen family are much larger than she’d ever allowed herself to believe.
I really enjoyed Claire Douglas’ writing style, and I can absolutely see why she has such a loyal readership. I’m very glad I already have a few more of her books sitting on my shelves, because I’ll definitely be picking up another one soon.
4⭐️
I was immediately hooked by the mystery of why Imogen had inherited Dorothea’s home and loved trying to work out the truth as the story unfolded. As more pieces of the puzzle fell into place, it became clear that Dorothea had left behind more than just an inheritance. I also really enjoyed Dorothea’s chapters being told in reverse chronological order, which made the gradual unveiling of the past even more compelling.
Josh was an absolutely terrible boyfriend, and his controlling behaviour towards Imogen was completely OTT. I spent most of the book wanting her to get as far away from him as possible. I also found parts of the Dominic storyline a little far-fetched, though this was only a minor criticism in an otherwise really enjoyable read.
One of my favourite aspects of the novel was watching Imogen’s personal strength develop throughout the story. She begins believing that Josh is all she has after sharing twelve years of her life with him, only to gradually realise that her support network and chosen family are much larger than she’d ever allowed herself to believe.
I really enjoyed Claire Douglas’ writing style, and I can absolutely see why she has such a loyal readership. I’m very glad I already have a few more of her books sitting on my shelves, because I’ll definitely be picking up another one soon.
4⭐️
August 30, 2026
Fantastic read. Got me hooked from the start! A real twist too!
May 1, 2026
Another great book from Claire Douglas ! Just goes to show you can’t always trust those closest to you ! Would definitely recommend
May 11, 2026
Really enjoyed this book. Great story. Well written. Plenty of intrigue to keep the reader guessing but never quite getting there until the end.
August 13, 2026
This was brilliant and the perfect mystery. Douglas writes like no other!
July 11, 2026
It was ok
August 18, 2026
A good read with lots of twists to keep you guessing right to the end!
January 23, 2026
Claire Douglas is one of my favourite authors and this one did not disappoint!
The characters so well written some were definitely testing my patience!! I felt all the emotions!!
The twists they just kept coming !!
I was on edge the last couple of chapters literally couldn’t believe what I was reading it was sooooo good!!
I truly loved it and can’t wait to see what she writes next
The characters so well written some were definitely testing my patience!! I felt all the emotions!!
The twists they just kept coming !!
I was on edge the last couple of chapters literally couldn’t believe what I was reading it was sooooo good!!
I truly loved it and can’t wait to see what she writes next
March 22, 2026
The three months of waiting for this book to come out, was worth EVERY SECOND!!!
March 28, 2026
Disappointing book from one of my favourite authors. Doesn’t even seem like Claire Douglas wrote this book.
Review of advance copy received from Publisher
Time taken to read - 1 day
Pages - 400
Publisher - Michael Joseph books
Source - ARC
Blurb from Goodreads
When Imogen is told she’s inherited a country house near Bath, she thinks it must be a mistake. She last saw its owner, reclusive artist Dorothea Roe, sixteen years ago, during a tragic summer which changed her life for ever.
Now, with partner Josh in tow, it’s a chance for a fresh start.
But after discovering an old box with her name on it in Dorothea’s abandoned study, Imogen starts to believe the woman was trying to send her a secret message.
And when rumours begin to swirl that Dorothea was murdered, she starts to suspect that this gift might not be the life-line she thought it was.
Who would want to kill Dorothea?
Could it be tangled up in Imogen’s own dark family history?
And what if Imogen is now the one in danger?
My Review
The book flips between two characters, Dorothea, initially the incident that kicks everything off and then when we go to her chapters back through the years. And Imogen, Imogen met Dorothea years ago when her and her mum escaped DV from her father. Dorothea is an artist, eccentric, famous, rich and has more than a few secrets. Imogen's mum was a cleaner for Dorothea but they became friends and when they needed help, Dorothea offered her home. For four months a young Imogen flourishes and blooms but then her mum goes back to her dad and everything goes to pot. That was years ago, now Imogen has been left with everything and Dorothea's passing is looking like foul play. Is Imogen in danger and who is hanging around Dorothea's, well now Imogen's home.
There is so so much going on in this book! Like an onion, layers are revealed as we plough through, Dorothea has secrets, Imogen has a lot in her past and is off work pending investigation. Now out of the blue everything is changing, her journalist inquisitiveness is kicking off and Imogen thinks maybe that is why Dorothea done what she has done, she knew what Imogen would be like. So whilst Imogen is digging and exploring the house she has such fond memories of as a kid her boyfriend is along for the journey. The boyfriend!!!!! I didn't like him very quickly and as the book goes on oh my God I HATED him, he is such a tool and his behaviour and attitude I absolutely wanted Imogen to go full throtto on him. You know me I LOVE karma and people getting their comeuppance.
My last book before this I enjoyed but took me I think a week as I had a bit of readers block, this I read in less than 24 hours! Douglas has a way of drawing you in, one I am nosey so I wanted to know exactly what was going on, what happened, what was Dorothea hiding, what things does Imogine not like about her boyfriend, oh who is that, oh why did that happen, like there was so many twists and things thrown up! Hooked, absolutely hooked and more mysteries or secrets were coming and I love when a book does that. Sometimes when there is a fair few characters or a lot going on and or different timelines it can be really distracting especially when you have readers block but I was completely tuned in. That is always a testament to the authors writing, I have read this author before in the past but I absolutely need to check out her back catalogue. Thanks so much to the publisher for sending me an arc, helping me over my reading blip and reminding me how much I enjoy this authors writing, 4.5/5 for me. The book is out on the 12th of March but you can pre order now, its a belter!
Pages - 400
Publisher - Michael Joseph books
Source - ARC
Blurb from Goodreads
When Imogen is told she’s inherited a country house near Bath, she thinks it must be a mistake. She last saw its owner, reclusive artist Dorothea Roe, sixteen years ago, during a tragic summer which changed her life for ever.
Now, with partner Josh in tow, it’s a chance for a fresh start.
But after discovering an old box with her name on it in Dorothea’s abandoned study, Imogen starts to believe the woman was trying to send her a secret message.
And when rumours begin to swirl that Dorothea was murdered, she starts to suspect that this gift might not be the life-line she thought it was.
Who would want to kill Dorothea?
Could it be tangled up in Imogen’s own dark family history?
And what if Imogen is now the one in danger?
My Review
The book flips between two characters, Dorothea, initially the incident that kicks everything off and then when we go to her chapters back through the years. And Imogen, Imogen met Dorothea years ago when her and her mum escaped DV from her father. Dorothea is an artist, eccentric, famous, rich and has more than a few secrets. Imogen's mum was a cleaner for Dorothea but they became friends and when they needed help, Dorothea offered her home. For four months a young Imogen flourishes and blooms but then her mum goes back to her dad and everything goes to pot. That was years ago, now Imogen has been left with everything and Dorothea's passing is looking like foul play. Is Imogen in danger and who is hanging around Dorothea's, well now Imogen's home.
There is so so much going on in this book! Like an onion, layers are revealed as we plough through, Dorothea has secrets, Imogen has a lot in her past and is off work pending investigation. Now out of the blue everything is changing, her journalist inquisitiveness is kicking off and Imogen thinks maybe that is why Dorothea done what she has done, she knew what Imogen would be like. So whilst Imogen is digging and exploring the house she has such fond memories of as a kid her boyfriend is along for the journey. The boyfriend!!!!! I didn't like him very quickly and as the book goes on oh my God I HATED him, he is such a tool and his behaviour and attitude I absolutely wanted Imogen to go full throtto on him. You know me I LOVE karma and people getting their comeuppance.
My last book before this I enjoyed but took me I think a week as I had a bit of readers block, this I read in less than 24 hours! Douglas has a way of drawing you in, one I am nosey so I wanted to know exactly what was going on, what happened, what was Dorothea hiding, what things does Imogine not like about her boyfriend, oh who is that, oh why did that happen, like there was so many twists and things thrown up! Hooked, absolutely hooked and more mysteries or secrets were coming and I love when a book does that. Sometimes when there is a fair few characters or a lot going on and or different timelines it can be really distracting especially when you have readers block but I was completely tuned in. That is always a testament to the authors writing, I have read this author before in the past but I absolutely need to check out her back catalogue. Thanks so much to the publisher for sending me an arc, helping me over my reading blip and reminding me how much I enjoy this authors writing, 4.5/5 for me. The book is out on the 12th of March but you can pre order now, its a belter!
Displaying 1 - 30 of 773 reviews