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The Couple in The Photograph
An innocent anniversary gift may lead to the end of a marriage--and the end of a life--in this suspenseful tale by the author of The Perfect Life.
On their anniversary, Keri and Nathan Metcalfe's children surprise them by having a honeymoon photo blown up to poster size and displayed around the city, captioned "Twenty-five years of marital bliss." Nathan is thrilled--but Keri is worried that the man she'd been having an affair with will see it . . .
He does. And he doesn't take it well. When he says she'll regret it, Keri grows concerned. A funeral wreath is delivered to their home--and then an employee at Keri and Nathan's company is murdered.
Now Keri is faced with some pressing Is her ex-lover responsible or is someone else behind the threats? Can her marriage survive? And is it always right to tell the truth?
Discover an unmissable new psychological thriller by the bestselling author of The Three Women , The Perfect Life and The Little Lies .
On their anniversary, Keri and Nathan Metcalfe's children surprise them by having a honeymoon photo blown up to poster size and displayed around the city, captioned "Twenty-five years of marital bliss." Nathan is thrilled--but Keri is worried that the man she'd been having an affair with will see it . . .
He does. And he doesn't take it well. When he says she'll regret it, Keri grows concerned. A funeral wreath is delivered to their home--and then an employee at Keri and Nathan's company is murdered.
Now Keri is faced with some pressing Is her ex-lover responsible or is someone else behind the threats? Can her marriage survive? And is it always right to tell the truth?
Discover an unmissable new psychological thriller by the bestselling author of The Three Women , The Perfect Life and The Little Lies .
292 pages, Kindle Edition
First published October 4, 2021
387 people are currently reading
991 people want to read
About the author
Valerie Keogh
43 books841 followersValerie started to write several years ago. She self-published eight crime novels and one psychological thriller before signing a two book contract with Bookouture in March 2018. The first of these, Secrets Between Us, is available now and the second is due in Feb 2019. She is a registered nurse with a degree in English and a Masters in American Literature. Recently she has given up nursing to concentrate on her writing career.
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 120 reviews
September 15, 2021
THE COUPLE IN THE PHOTOGRAPH is a psychological suspense novel by Valerie Keogh.
While Keri and Nathan Metcalfe were on the train platform in Italy on their honeymoon…so much in love a strange photographer captured this magic moment and told them he would send them the picture. Nathan provided him their address and when they arrived home, received the photo.
To mark their twenty-five-year anniversary, Keri and Nathan Metcalfe’s twins (Abbie and Daniel) surprise them by having a honeymoon photo blown up to poster size and displayed around with city with the tagline, ‘twenty-five years of marital bliss’. Nathan is amused, but Keri is worried that the man she’d been having an affair with will see it.
Keri and Nathan have a beautiful home and a successful restoration company in North London. They have it all and their twins are studying at the local university. But what Nathan or anyone else doesn't know is that Keri has been having an affair for the last month. Now Keri is panicking that her lover, Barry, has seen the billboard.
It turns out that Barry has seen it and doesn’t take it well. When Barry insists on seeing Keri that evening, and she says she can’t as it is the anniversary dinner with the family, Barry tells her, she will regret it, and don’t call again.
Then strange things start to happen…A wreath is delivered to their home saying R.I.P, then things take a disturbing turn when an employee at Keri and Nathan’s company is murdered.
Is her ex-lover responsible for this? Is he out for revenge?
To comment anymore on the plot would risk spoiling the enjoyment for future readers. Just read this book as it is that good!
The Couple in The Photograph is a gripping novel, a tale of truth and lies, with enticing plot full of twists and turns complimented with well-developed and relatable characters. A very enjoyable read.
“Every picture tells a story. Does this one tell a lie?”
Many thanks to the author and Bloodhound Books for my digital copy.
While Keri and Nathan Metcalfe were on the train platform in Italy on their honeymoon…so much in love a strange photographer captured this magic moment and told them he would send them the picture. Nathan provided him their address and when they arrived home, received the photo.
To mark their twenty-five-year anniversary, Keri and Nathan Metcalfe’s twins (Abbie and Daniel) surprise them by having a honeymoon photo blown up to poster size and displayed around with city with the tagline, ‘twenty-five years of marital bliss’. Nathan is amused, but Keri is worried that the man she’d been having an affair with will see it.
Keri and Nathan have a beautiful home and a successful restoration company in North London. They have it all and their twins are studying at the local university. But what Nathan or anyone else doesn't know is that Keri has been having an affair for the last month. Now Keri is panicking that her lover, Barry, has seen the billboard.
It turns out that Barry has seen it and doesn’t take it well. When Barry insists on seeing Keri that evening, and she says she can’t as it is the anniversary dinner with the family, Barry tells her, she will regret it, and don’t call again.
Then strange things start to happen…A wreath is delivered to their home saying R.I.P, then things take a disturbing turn when an employee at Keri and Nathan’s company is murdered.
Is her ex-lover responsible for this? Is he out for revenge?
To comment anymore on the plot would risk spoiling the enjoyment for future readers. Just read this book as it is that good!
The Couple in The Photograph is a gripping novel, a tale of truth and lies, with enticing plot full of twists and turns complimented with well-developed and relatable characters. A very enjoyable read.
“Every picture tells a story. Does this one tell a lie?”
Many thanks to the author and Bloodhound Books for my digital copy.
October 5, 2021
I have read many of Keogh’s books now and I know that there is a decent story hidden behind the covers. This novel did not fail to disappoint, although I think I would have preferred some structural alterations to make it a more engaging plot.
Whilst Keri and Nathan’s children are helping to celebrate their parents’ wedding anniversary, Keri has hidden guilt. Realising that the affair she is having does not fulfil her and she should try harder at her marriage to Nathan, Keri ends the relationship. Yet, soon after, threats start to appear on the family doorstep and Keri cannot help but suspect her spurned lover. Still trying to keep the façade of a happy marriage, Keri begins to notice that even her husband is acting differently. Does Nathan know about her infidelities? Working in business together, Nathan manages to avoid having any decent conversation with his wife, fuelling Keri’s paranoia and conscience even further.
I liked the story because domestic thrillers are appealing to my reading tastes at the moment. Keogh expertly portrays a web of lies from Keri as she desperately intends to keep her affair hidden from the rest of her family. At the same time, whilst readers are looking one way at an obvious suspect, a new plot twist begins to emerge in the pages. As a result, I could not foresee how the story would develop and was really surprised by the answers that are gradually revealed.
However, structurally, I do not feel that this book had enough suspense and tension. Consequently, I struggled to connect with either Keri nor Nathan, finding it difficult to believe that they have had a lengthy, happy marriage. After all, the relationship is introduced when Keri has already been unfaithful, so I did not get a sense of true love that she claims to have for her husband. Furthermore, this was quite a short book (around 250 pages) and the chapters were infuriatingly brief. A couple of pages in and the chapter ends so suddenly… only to continue on almost immediately with the plot. Personally, this significantly lessened the tension of the story and I grew disgruntled with the rapid breaks in the narrative. I think the plot would have been far more powerful if the chapters had been longer and more developed.
Despite this criticism, I have enjoyed this latest book from Keogh. It is not my favourite because I don’t think I was blown away by how the story finally progressed. Yet, I wanted to know how Keri would be able to continue to hide her affair when the threats towards her and her family intensify. Therefore, I think Keogh is most successful here in causing the reader to question whether Keri deserves this secrecy or if her honesty would lead to more of a happy ever after.
With thanks to Bloodhound books for providing me with a copy of this book in exchange for an honest review.
Whilst Keri and Nathan’s children are helping to celebrate their parents’ wedding anniversary, Keri has hidden guilt. Realising that the affair she is having does not fulfil her and she should try harder at her marriage to Nathan, Keri ends the relationship. Yet, soon after, threats start to appear on the family doorstep and Keri cannot help but suspect her spurned lover. Still trying to keep the façade of a happy marriage, Keri begins to notice that even her husband is acting differently. Does Nathan know about her infidelities? Working in business together, Nathan manages to avoid having any decent conversation with his wife, fuelling Keri’s paranoia and conscience even further.
I liked the story because domestic thrillers are appealing to my reading tastes at the moment. Keogh expertly portrays a web of lies from Keri as she desperately intends to keep her affair hidden from the rest of her family. At the same time, whilst readers are looking one way at an obvious suspect, a new plot twist begins to emerge in the pages. As a result, I could not foresee how the story would develop and was really surprised by the answers that are gradually revealed.
However, structurally, I do not feel that this book had enough suspense and tension. Consequently, I struggled to connect with either Keri nor Nathan, finding it difficult to believe that they have had a lengthy, happy marriage. After all, the relationship is introduced when Keri has already been unfaithful, so I did not get a sense of true love that she claims to have for her husband. Furthermore, this was quite a short book (around 250 pages) and the chapters were infuriatingly brief. A couple of pages in and the chapter ends so suddenly… only to continue on almost immediately with the plot. Personally, this significantly lessened the tension of the story and I grew disgruntled with the rapid breaks in the narrative. I think the plot would have been far more powerful if the chapters had been longer and more developed.
Despite this criticism, I have enjoyed this latest book from Keogh. It is not my favourite because I don’t think I was blown away by how the story finally progressed. Yet, I wanted to know how Keri would be able to continue to hide her affair when the threats towards her and her family intensify. Therefore, I think Keogh is most successful here in causing the reader to question whether Keri deserves this secrecy or if her honesty would lead to more of a happy ever after.
With thanks to Bloodhound books for providing me with a copy of this book in exchange for an honest review.
November 27, 2021
This was an entertaining thriller. It had its moments where it veered off into tangents that didn't seem to serve the plot or were repeating something we already knew, but for the most part it was a great story. Lots and lots of explosive twists that spun and swirled the plot. Great characters, especially our lead POV characters. Keogh did well with this novel and I look forward to more from her.
October 8, 2021
I cannot recommend this book enough! Usually when I'm waiting for treatment in hospital, I can't concentrate to read as I suffer severe anxiety. Not so with this latest brilliant book from Valerie Keogh! I couldn't have felt more relaxed as this marvellous story drew me in.
Keri and Nathan Metcalfe have been happily married for just coming up to 25 years.
They adore their twins, Daniel and Abbie, and work well together within their own Restoration Company.
I really liked the main characters and also Roy their receptionist and after 18 years in their employment, a good friend.
I honestly don't think that the author could have fitted any more twists into this story! It was jam packed full!
I really felt for Keri, the fixer of everything that needed fixing, but someone is doing their utmost to destroy everything that her and Nathan have - who and why are they doing this? Keri has an idea but is she right and will she be able to fix this? Things become more disastrous and why is Nathan behaving oddly when he and Keri have always been close and held no secrets.
How can things have gone so wrong for this loved-up couple, a close-knit family, just seemingly from a photograph taken on their Honeymoon?!
This cleverly plotted, twisty story had me feeling scared, frustrated, cringing and even crying at one point, I enjoyed every bit of it and I loved the ending which was totally unexpected. An absolute pleasure to read and definitely worth 5 stars!
Keri and Nathan Metcalfe have been happily married for just coming up to 25 years.
They adore their twins, Daniel and Abbie, and work well together within their own Restoration Company.
I really liked the main characters and also Roy their receptionist and after 18 years in their employment, a good friend.
I honestly don't think that the author could have fitted any more twists into this story! It was jam packed full!
I really felt for Keri, the fixer of everything that needed fixing, but someone is doing their utmost to destroy everything that her and Nathan have - who and why are they doing this? Keri has an idea but is she right and will she be able to fix this? Things become more disastrous and why is Nathan behaving oddly when he and Keri have always been close and held no secrets.
How can things have gone so wrong for this loved-up couple, a close-knit family, just seemingly from a photograph taken on their Honeymoon?!
This cleverly plotted, twisty story had me feeling scared, frustrated, cringing and even crying at one point, I enjoyed every bit of it and I loved the ending which was totally unexpected. An absolute pleasure to read and definitely worth 5 stars!
January 21, 2022
What started off as an interesting thriller that captured my attention, unfortunately I became bored during most of the middle. The storyline does capture all the usual secrets , lies , twists and turns of a usual thriller but for me it was just mediocre.
Keri & Nathan are well established business people celebrating their 25th wedding anniversary when their twin children surprise them by having a photo blown up on display in the city. Keri is petrified the man she has been having an affair with brian will see it. When she calls off the affair Brian starts making threats and things begin to happen in the office and at home to show that someone really does have it in for the couple.
With cracks showing in the marriage and the couple are evidently lying to one another is it really brian to blame for the goings on or is there something deeper that they must solve? How long can secrets remain hidden?
Keri & Nathan are well established business people celebrating their 25th wedding anniversary when their twin children surprise them by having a photo blown up on display in the city. Keri is petrified the man she has been having an affair with brian will see it. When she calls off the affair Brian starts making threats and things begin to happen in the office and at home to show that someone really does have it in for the couple.
With cracks showing in the marriage and the couple are evidently lying to one another is it really brian to blame for the goings on or is there something deeper that they must solve? How long can secrets remain hidden?
November 23, 2022
Keri and Nathan's children blow up their honeymoon photo and put posters around town to celebrate still being blissfully in love on their 25th wedding anniverary. Keri is worries that her secret lover will see it. He does and sends Keri a threatening text saying she will be sorry. Then the couple are plunged into a sinister nightmare. A absoultely brilliant thriller full of unexpected twists.
September 28, 2024
Keri and Nathan's children have a photo blown up and put on a huge poster for everyone to see that they've had '25 years of marital bliss...' Except the man who Keri has been having an affair with sees it and really isn't happen. Strange gifts then start turning up at the house and then one of their employees is killed. Is he after revenge?
This has been on my kindle a while and I'm so glad I've now read it - although questioned myself as to why I hadn't read it earlier than now.
There is a lot of suspense in this story and a huge secret revealed that I don't think anybody would be able to see coming. For being in married bliss, this couple held a lot of things from each other and unfortunately came out to bite them in the worst way possible. I loved their kids and think they were more level headed and straight talking than Keri and Nathan were.
This has been on my kindle a while and I'm so glad I've now read it - although questioned myself as to why I hadn't read it earlier than now.
There is a lot of suspense in this story and a huge secret revealed that I don't think anybody would be able to see coming. For being in married bliss, this couple held a lot of things from each other and unfortunately came out to bite them in the worst way possible. I loved their kids and think they were more level headed and straight talking than Keri and Nathan were.
October 4, 2021
I enjoyed this suspenseful story. This is an author that I have enjoyed from the first book I have picked up of hers. This is among my favorites yet by her and they keep getting better with every book she writes. I enjoyed being pulled into the story from the beginning and kept engaged to the end. This is a fast paced story where the characters not only bring the story to life but they are connectable. A well written story that has twists and turns that left me on the edge of my seat just waiting to see what is going to happen next. This is a great story that I would highly recommend. The growth of the plot is great as well as what the characters bring to the story. Worth the pick up.
September 28, 2021
Well that was a great book. Easy to read, great twists and turns and I didn’t have a clue about whodunnit until the author revealed it. A fabulous storyline - love and hate, truth and lies, deceit and honesty and of course there are murders!
Briefly, Nathan and Keri Metcalfe have been married 25 years, building a successful business, enjoying a good lifestyles with their twins, until Keri has an affair. When their children put posters up of them, on their anniversary, Keri’s lover sees it and his reaction scares her. When a funeral wreath, and then a dead rat are left on their doorstep Keri assumes it was her estranged lover but then the receptionist at their offices is killed. Would her lover be capable of murder? Who is next?
Full of suspense this is a real page turner with some fabulous characters. Like most people they had their weaknesses, but as a family the Metcalfe’s stuck together. Fast paced with a brilliant climax. My only complaint; it was over too quickly. A ⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️ read.
Briefly, Nathan and Keri Metcalfe have been married 25 years, building a successful business, enjoying a good lifestyles with their twins, until Keri has an affair. When their children put posters up of them, on their anniversary, Keri’s lover sees it and his reaction scares her. When a funeral wreath, and then a dead rat are left on their doorstep Keri assumes it was her estranged lover but then the receptionist at their offices is killed. Would her lover be capable of murder? Who is next?
Full of suspense this is a real page turner with some fabulous characters. Like most people they had their weaknesses, but as a family the Metcalfe’s stuck together. Fast paced with a brilliant climax. My only complaint; it was over too quickly. A ⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️ read.
September 16, 2021
Meet the Metcalfe's , Nathan and Keri..They own a conservation and restoration company , that took years of blood, sweat and tears to build up..They live in a beautiful home, have two beautiful and bright children, Abbie and Daniel, both at University..On their 25th Anniversary, their children surprise them with with a photo captured in a moment in time in Italy on giant billboards on display ..But soon after , when an unexpected delivery arrives on their doorstep...their lives turn a different corner ..They find themselves not knowing what to do ..they have no inkling of what is next to come ...The Couple in the Photograph is a story of the secrets we keep , the lies we hide ..and the things we sometimes push to the darkest corners of our mind ...Reels you in ..A Really good Phychological thriller..And once again ..Le"amh thar cionn eile ..Ms .Keogh ...Another Brilliant read ...
September 11, 2021
i so very much enjoyed this story very twisty and very gripping this author always gives us a good one , Keri and Nathen Metcalfe are coming up to there 25th wedding Anniversary . they have two twin children a boy and a girl they are there world . Keri and Nathan have built up there business through sweat exhaustion going without and a 7 day week conservation and restoration company and now they are reaping it in . but Keri has got lonely and has an affair with Barry and on the way home with Nathen they have a big surprise there photograph that a stranger captured is on the under ground billboard a surprise from the twins and Keri starts to remember the happy time s and it hits home she realize s everything she could lose and this photograph strings a chain of events that is out of Keri s control can she fix it , it is so dam good
January 2, 2022
What an absolute pleasure to read The Couple in the Photograph.
My 5* review
What is the saying 'keep your friends close but your enemies closer'?
But what if you don't know who your enemies are?
Keri and Nathan Metcalfe have the perfect marriage and after twenty five years they must be doing something right.
They have their own business which they built up from nothing and two wonderful twins Abbie and Daniel both of whom are studying at the local university.
Abbie and Daniel have a very big surprise for Keri and Nathan's twenty fifth wedding anniversary!
As Keri and Nathan leave their office on the evening of the anniversary to go home they are suddenly taken back twenty five years to their honeymoon.
A giant billboard with their faces smiling up at each other lovingly with a caption saying 'twenty five years and still in love' is written across in big bold letter's.
Keri was in shock not just because of the billboard but who might see it.
Nathan is thrilled with it and asks Keri to say that she loves it to the twins when they arrive home.
But what Nathan or anyone else doesn't know is that Keri for the past month has been having an affair.
When her lover Brian sees the billboard he is furious and insists on seeing Keri straight away but when she refuses things turn nasty and Brian tells her that she will regret it.
Keri tries to put the threat out of her mind but then strange things start to happen, the Sunday after their anniversary a wreath with R.I.P was delivered to the family home and before Nathan could see it she quickly phoned the florist to have someone remover it. Next there was a mutilated rat on their front doorstep.
Keri knew she had to stop Brian before things went to far but his phone is not connected anymore and the only way to have a chat with him is to go to his work place and confront him which is all well and good but it is the building right next door to their company!
After putting on a brave face is enters the office and is greeted by the receptionist after explaining who she has come to see the receptionist informs her that a person of that name doesn't work there!
Things start going slowly from bad to worse especially when Nathan starts acting very strangely and he starts lying about where he is going.
This book has some fantastic twists and turns and will definitely keep your heart beating fast with every turn of the page.
My 5* review
What is the saying 'keep your friends close but your enemies closer'?
But what if you don't know who your enemies are?
Keri and Nathan Metcalfe have the perfect marriage and after twenty five years they must be doing something right.
They have their own business which they built up from nothing and two wonderful twins Abbie and Daniel both of whom are studying at the local university.
Abbie and Daniel have a very big surprise for Keri and Nathan's twenty fifth wedding anniversary!
As Keri and Nathan leave their office on the evening of the anniversary to go home they are suddenly taken back twenty five years to their honeymoon.
A giant billboard with their faces smiling up at each other lovingly with a caption saying 'twenty five years and still in love' is written across in big bold letter's.
Keri was in shock not just because of the billboard but who might see it.
Nathan is thrilled with it and asks Keri to say that she loves it to the twins when they arrive home.
But what Nathan or anyone else doesn't know is that Keri for the past month has been having an affair.
When her lover Brian sees the billboard he is furious and insists on seeing Keri straight away but when she refuses things turn nasty and Brian tells her that she will regret it.
Keri tries to put the threat out of her mind but then strange things start to happen, the Sunday after their anniversary a wreath with R.I.P was delivered to the family home and before Nathan could see it she quickly phoned the florist to have someone remover it. Next there was a mutilated rat on their front doorstep.
Keri knew she had to stop Brian before things went to far but his phone is not connected anymore and the only way to have a chat with him is to go to his work place and confront him which is all well and good but it is the building right next door to their company!
After putting on a brave face is enters the office and is greeted by the receptionist after explaining who she has come to see the receptionist informs her that a person of that name doesn't work there!
Things start going slowly from bad to worse especially when Nathan starts acting very strangely and he starts lying about where he is going.
This book has some fantastic twists and turns and will definitely keep your heart beating fast with every turn of the page.
December 27, 2021
Predictable
It was good enough in the beginning for me to continue, but got crazy and ridiculous by the middle…pregnant? Come on.
It was good enough in the beginning for me to continue, but got crazy and ridiculous by the middle…pregnant? Come on.
October 8, 2021
As well as her excellent Dublin mystery series, Valerie Keogh mines a rich seam of upper middle class couples in London. They are the sort of people who present a shiny surface to the world, brittle smiles hiding secrets they would be horrified to share. Attractive, rich Keri and Nathan are in each other's pockets 24-7. As well as bringing up children who are now at university, they have built a successful business together. They are clearly in love. Yet they are both hiding explosive secrets from each other. When brutal murders strike at the heart of their lives, neither wants to come clean to the cops - until it's too late.
Valerie Keogh keeps the adrenaline flowing until the last page. This is an engaging story and a great read.
Valerie Keogh keeps the adrenaline flowing until the last page. This is an engaging story and a great read.
September 14, 2024
Picked it up on a whim while browsing through recommendations from Storytel.
Thr beginning and ending were very contrived, the rest of the story was good.
It was chilly enough and engaging enough.
Wish the start and finish too were as well conceptualized as the middle part of the book.
Thr beginning and ending were very contrived, the rest of the story was good.
It was chilly enough and engaging enough.
Wish the start and finish too were as well conceptualized as the middle part of the book.
February 7, 2024
3.5 ⭐️ || The novel went a totally different route than I expected in the beginning; an entertaining suspense thriller that kept me guessing until the very last page.
December 10, 2024
Just meh
July 31, 2024
3.5/5
Very sweet way of opening the story. The story very quickly goes from lovely to cringy to horrifying.
I did like all of the characters. They were well developed and likable.
My problem was that the story had too many red herrings and should have just stuck with the “real” storyline and been a little more focused.
Am I glad I read it? Yeah.
Would I recommend it? No
Very sweet way of opening the story. The story very quickly goes from lovely to cringy to horrifying.
I did like all of the characters. They were well developed and likable.
My problem was that the story had too many red herrings and should have just stuck with the “real” storyline and been a little more focused.
Am I glad I read it? Yeah.
Would I recommend it? No
September 28, 2021
Keri and Nathan have worked hard to make their business a success. Their tenacity has afforded them a comfortable life in a beautiful home with two wonderful children.
Celebrating their 25th wedding anniversary should have been a monumental time in their life, but secrets are threatening to tear them apart. If Nathan found out about Keri’s infidelity could he forgive her? Or does his secret put them on a level playing field of deceitfulness?
One thing for certain is that they could be putting their whole family in danger if they continue to deceive each other.
Wow, Valerie Keough has done it again! I wasn’t sure how this story was going to unfold, and I had some preconceived storylines in my head, but this was so much more. This is a fantastic mystery thriller with a touch of some real feelings. Highly recommend.
Celebrating their 25th wedding anniversary should have been a monumental time in their life, but secrets are threatening to tear them apart. If Nathan found out about Keri’s infidelity could he forgive her? Or does his secret put them on a level playing field of deceitfulness?
One thing for certain is that they could be putting their whole family in danger if they continue to deceive each other.
Wow, Valerie Keough has done it again! I wasn’t sure how this story was going to unfold, and I had some preconceived storylines in my head, but this was so much more. This is a fantastic mystery thriller with a touch of some real feelings. Highly recommend.
February 13, 2023
A fast neat thriller.
I liked the theme and I kept guessing all through the book.
Well descriped characters and a satisfying ending.
I liked the theme and I kept guessing all through the book.
Well descriped characters and a satisfying ending.
January 18, 2023
Conflicted between giving it 1 or 2 stars
Good for the first 20%, gradually became more and more unrealistic. It quickly started reading like some teenager’s wattpad fanfic.
I’ve read a previous book from this author and loved it. I’m honestly surprised at much I disliked this book. The style of writing didn’t work for me - maybe it would’ve been better if it was written in first person? But even then, the events that happened were so unrealistic / fanfic-like that it wasn’t even riveting or enjoyable.
I skimmed the climax and basically skipped over the last 10% (just read some key lines), which is usually the most exciting and suspenseful part of a thriller.
Overall disappointing.
Good for the first 20%, gradually became more and more unrealistic. It quickly started reading like some teenager’s wattpad fanfic.
I’ve read a previous book from this author and loved it. I’m honestly surprised at much I disliked this book. The style of writing didn’t work for me - maybe it would’ve been better if it was written in first person? But even then, the events that happened were so unrealistic / fanfic-like that it wasn’t even riveting or enjoyable.
I skimmed the climax and basically skipped over the last 10% (just read some key lines), which is usually the most exciting and suspenseful part of a thriller.
Overall disappointing.
September 28, 2021
Another fantastic book by Valerie.
It had me totally gripped from the beginning and kept me reading into the early hours with lots of twists and turns.
A brilliant book which I would highly recommend.
It had me totally gripped from the beginning and kept me reading into the early hours with lots of twists and turns.
A brilliant book which I would highly recommend.
November 25, 2021
This is a fast-paced story where the shocks just keep on coming! The speed I read this was helped by the very short and sharp chapters; they kept me turning the page as I was able to say, ‘oh, go on, then I’ll just read another chapter.’
We start off getting to know Keri and Nathan on their 25th wedding anniversary. We get a brief background of how they have built their business and their lives over that time. When we think we are reading a soppy love story, the first shock comes relatively early on.
I liked that Keri was quite a strong woman. Yes, she had her tears when they were necessary, but she wasn’t portrayed as a woman losing her mind and having no one to turn to, which would have been easy to do. She managed to stay strong throughout and make many good decisions, including involving the police when needed. I think the only frustrating thing was her phone running out of battery and what seemed like just one charging lead all the way down in the dining room. Who doesn’t have chargers all over the house these days, especially in the bedroom!
Overall, it was an exciting read, and I would often think I knew where it was going and then it would completely shock me. A five-star read.
Thanks for reading! If you want to see more of my reviews visit www.pinkanddizzy.com
We start off getting to know Keri and Nathan on their 25th wedding anniversary. We get a brief background of how they have built their business and their lives over that time. When we think we are reading a soppy love story, the first shock comes relatively early on.
I liked that Keri was quite a strong woman. Yes, she had her tears when they were necessary, but she wasn’t portrayed as a woman losing her mind and having no one to turn to, which would have been easy to do. She managed to stay strong throughout and make many good decisions, including involving the police when needed. I think the only frustrating thing was her phone running out of battery and what seemed like just one charging lead all the way down in the dining room. Who doesn’t have chargers all over the house these days, especially in the bedroom!
Overall, it was an exciting read, and I would often think I knew where it was going and then it would completely shock me. A five-star read.
Thanks for reading! If you want to see more of my reviews visit www.pinkanddizzy.com
October 30, 2021
This starts out with a bang. I liked it right away. It is the story of Keri and her husband of 25 years, Nathan. They have 2 kids Abbie and Daniel. They have their own business and a very loyal employee Roy. It is told from Keri’s point of view. She has been having an affair with Barry. She tells all about that. Then she decides she is going to break it off and be with her husband. I liked the first ½ of the story a lot.
Then a lot of stuff happens. Barry is upset that Keri broke if off. But upset enough to do some very odd things, I don’t think so. The whole part with Roy’s past, I think was unnecessary. I don’t know what that brought to the story. There was a whole part about a young guy Nathan worked with over 20 years ago. There was a lot about another company that Keri and Nathan did business with who were not so honest. I thought that whole part got confusing, and a bit boring.
It takes a very long time to finally find out what happened. I thought the second ½ of the story dragged.
Then a lot of stuff happens. Barry is upset that Keri broke if off. But upset enough to do some very odd things, I don’t think so. The whole part with Roy’s past, I think was unnecessary. I don’t know what that brought to the story. There was a whole part about a young guy Nathan worked with over 20 years ago. There was a lot about another company that Keri and Nathan did business with who were not so honest. I thought that whole part got confusing, and a bit boring.
It takes a very long time to finally find out what happened. I thought the second ½ of the story dragged.
June 23, 2025
It takes a lot of effort and hard work from both to make a marriage work for 25 years. What an amazing milestone for Keri and Nathan! One of the things that can add longevity to a marriage is having an outside interest, but what will it mean for them if Keri’s secret “interest” is revealed after the beautiful gesture of having the image of her marriage spread across the city.
Valerie Keogh’s talent for writing twisty and thrilling tales is once again clearly evident with this absolutely gripping and addictive latest offering. A belter of a read, The Couple in the Photograph is now my new favourite book from her!
I loved everything about this book. The plot is strong, its characters are real and it had me flicking the pages furiously! It was definitely a case of wanting to savour it, but I just had to know as soon as possible how it would all unfold!
The Couple in the Photograph will take over and just consume you, so be prepared. A highly entertaining read from start to finish, you need to get this book immediately!
Valerie Keogh’s talent for writing twisty and thrilling tales is once again clearly evident with this absolutely gripping and addictive latest offering. A belter of a read, The Couple in the Photograph is now my new favourite book from her!
I loved everything about this book. The plot is strong, its characters are real and it had me flicking the pages furiously! It was definitely a case of wanting to savour it, but I just had to know as soon as possible how it would all unfold!
The Couple in the Photograph will take over and just consume you, so be prepared. A highly entertaining read from start to finish, you need to get this book immediately!
October 19, 2025
The Couple in the Photograph by Valerie Keogh
Blurb
On their anniversary, Keri and Nathan Metcalfe's children surprise them by having a honeymoon photo blown up to poster size and displayed around the city, captioned "Twenty-five years of marital bliss." Nathan is thrilled--but Keri is worried that the man she'd been having an affair with will see it . . .
He does. And he doesn't take it well. When he says she'll regret it, Keri grows concerned. A funeral wreath is delivered to their home--and then an employee at Keri and Nathan's company is murdered.
Now Keri is faced with some pressing Is her ex-lover responsible or is someone else behind the threats? Can her marriage survive? And is it always right to tell the truth?
My Opinion
I listened to The Couple in the Photograph in one sitting. A gripping novel with short chapters and some great characters. An entertaining psychological thriller.
Rating 4/5
Blurb
On their anniversary, Keri and Nathan Metcalfe's children surprise them by having a honeymoon photo blown up to poster size and displayed around the city, captioned "Twenty-five years of marital bliss." Nathan is thrilled--but Keri is worried that the man she'd been having an affair with will see it . . .
He does. And he doesn't take it well. When he says she'll regret it, Keri grows concerned. A funeral wreath is delivered to their home--and then an employee at Keri and Nathan's company is murdered.
Now Keri is faced with some pressing Is her ex-lover responsible or is someone else behind the threats? Can her marriage survive? And is it always right to tell the truth?
My Opinion
I listened to The Couple in the Photograph in one sitting. A gripping novel with short chapters and some great characters. An entertaining psychological thriller.
Rating 4/5
September 25, 2021
One of my favourite authors has done it AGAIN!
Nathan and Keri have been together since they were both young, and on their 25th wedding anniversary, a loving gesture of having a photograph of them posted all around London by their twins Daniel and Abbie, starts a series of events that will change their lives forever.
Because something in one of their pasts is going to cause them and everyone around them untold loss.
This was a storyline that had me feeling like I was wearing Keri's Shoes.
It is thrilling, gripping, and you will not want to put it down from the first chapter. In fact I read this in a day!
Valerie Keogh very quickly became one of my favourite authors and I know I will never be disappointed when I open each of her books.
Nathan and Keri have been together since they were both young, and on their 25th wedding anniversary, a loving gesture of having a photograph of them posted all around London by their twins Daniel and Abbie, starts a series of events that will change their lives forever.
Because something in one of their pasts is going to cause them and everyone around them untold loss.
This was a storyline that had me feeling like I was wearing Keri's Shoes.
It is thrilling, gripping, and you will not want to put it down from the first chapter. In fact I read this in a day!
Valerie Keogh very quickly became one of my favourite authors and I know I will never be disappointed when I open each of her books.
September 25, 2021
This was an excellent standalone murder story which gripped me from the first page.
Keri and Nathan have built up a successful business and, maybe, a solid marriage. But there are certain things Nathan doesn’t know, which cause Keri considerable guilt, and when nasty things start to happen, she blames herself.
Her guilt is compounded by a series of “what ifs”, as the body count rises. Gradually, we learn why the murders are happening, but not who, until the final nail-biting pages where we meet the villain and there is a tense finale.
The characters good, the plot intriguing, the action fast-paced. Nothing was dragged out, nothing became tedious. It was an exciting and good read from start to finish.
Thank you to the author for all her hard work in creating this book.
Keri and Nathan have built up a successful business and, maybe, a solid marriage. But there are certain things Nathan doesn’t know, which cause Keri considerable guilt, and when nasty things start to happen, she blames herself.
Her guilt is compounded by a series of “what ifs”, as the body count rises. Gradually, we learn why the murders are happening, but not who, until the final nail-biting pages where we meet the villain and there is a tense finale.
The characters good, the plot intriguing, the action fast-paced. Nothing was dragged out, nothing became tedious. It was an exciting and good read from start to finish.
Thank you to the author for all her hard work in creating this book.
October 3, 2021
This is another excellent book from Valerie Keogh. This psychological thriller keeps you in suspense from the outset You really don't know which way things are going to go from page to page.
A seemingly innocent honeymoon photograph blown up to poster size and displayed in bus stops and the underground by Keri and Nathan Metcalfe's children to celebrate their twenty fifth wedding anniversary was the catalyst to their lives getting thrown into turmoil. Keri and Nathan appeared very happily married however both had secrets ultimately ruining their lives.
As is normal with this author there were twists and turns and one in particular you definitely didn't see coming. This is a really intriguing and enjoyable read.
Thanks to Bloodhound Books for the ARC which I've reviewed voluntarily
A seemingly innocent honeymoon photograph blown up to poster size and displayed in bus stops and the underground by Keri and Nathan Metcalfe's children to celebrate their twenty fifth wedding anniversary was the catalyst to their lives getting thrown into turmoil. Keri and Nathan appeared very happily married however both had secrets ultimately ruining their lives.
As is normal with this author there were twists and turns and one in particular you definitely didn't see coming. This is a really intriguing and enjoyable read.
Thanks to Bloodhound Books for the ARC which I've reviewed voluntarily
October 7, 2021
Wow what a bumpy ride. This is a psychological thriller you don’t want to miss.
Keri & Nathan are celebrating their 25th wedding anniversary and their children have blown up a picture of them and put it on a billboard outside their work. But the man Keri has been having an affair with sees the poster and the affair comes to an abrupt end.
Suddenly a wreath is delivered to their door and Keri thinks this is revenge for the affair ending but then an employee, at Keri & Nathan’s company, ends up dead. Could this all be connected to her affair or is there more going on ? Should she confess all ? Will her marriage survive ?
This is a great psychological thriller with plenty of twists and turns. I absolutely loved Keri and was routing for her from the very start. A complex web of lies and secrets. Definitely one to read !!
Thank you to Bloodhound Books for a digital copy of this book.
Keri & Nathan are celebrating their 25th wedding anniversary and their children have blown up a picture of them and put it on a billboard outside their work. But the man Keri has been having an affair with sees the poster and the affair comes to an abrupt end.
Suddenly a wreath is delivered to their door and Keri thinks this is revenge for the affair ending but then an employee, at Keri & Nathan’s company, ends up dead. Could this all be connected to her affair or is there more going on ? Should she confess all ? Will her marriage survive ?
This is a great psychological thriller with plenty of twists and turns. I absolutely loved Keri and was routing for her from the very start. A complex web of lies and secrets. Definitely one to read !!
Thank you to Bloodhound Books for a digital copy of this book.
Displaying 1 - 30 of 120 reviews