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The Missing Wife
1933. Hannah Snow is fleeing her unhappy marriage to an MP when she finds herself in a small hotel on the banks of Loch Ness. But when a monster is spotted in the depths of the waters, the press descends – and Hannah finds her hiding place is discovered. Someone has been looking for Hannah, and when they find her events will take a devastating turn…
Present day. True crime podcaster Scarlett finds herself intrigued by the mystery of Hannah Snow, wife of a promising government minister who disappeared in 1933 – just months before her husband also went missing, presumed dead. As Scarlett works to uncover the truth, she discovers a tragic family secret, and a story as murky as the depths of the loch where Hannah and her husband were last seen…
Present day. True crime podcaster Scarlett finds herself intrigued by the mystery of Hannah Snow, wife of a promising government minister who disappeared in 1933 – just months before her husband also went missing, presumed dead. As Scarlett works to uncover the truth, she discovers a tragic family secret, and a story as murky as the depths of the loch where Hannah and her husband were last seen…
343 pages, Kindle Edition
First published December 8, 2022
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284 people want to read
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 59 reviews
December 1, 2022
1933: Hannah Snow is fleeing her unhappy marriage to an MP when she finds herself in a small hotel on the banks of Loch Ness. But when a monster is spotted in the depths of the waters, the press descends - and Hannah finds her hiding place is discovered. Someone has been looking for Hannah, and when they find her, events will take a devastating turn.
Present Day: True Crime podcaster, Scarlett finds herself intrigued by the mystery of Hannah Snow, wife of a prominent government minister who disappeared in 1933 - just months before her husband also went missing, presumed dead. As Scarlett works to uncover the truth, she discovers a tragic family secret, and a story as murky as the depths of the loch where Hannah and her husband were last seen.
This story has a dual timeline, the past - 1933 and the present day. Scarlett travelled to the banks of Loch Ness, Scotland, to make a podcast about the mysterious disappearance of Hannah Snow. The story is told from Hannah and Scarlett's perspectives. the characters are well developed, likeable, and their characters develop throughout the story. The pace is steady. I liked that the story set in 1933 was set in the lovely small town of Drumnadrochit and coincides with the first sighting of the Loch Ness Monster (Nessie). I thoroughly enjoyed this well written story.
I would like to thank #NetGalley #HQDigital and the author #KerryBarrett for my ARC of #TheMissingWife in exchanfe for an honest review.
Present Day: True Crime podcaster, Scarlett finds herself intrigued by the mystery of Hannah Snow, wife of a prominent government minister who disappeared in 1933 - just months before her husband also went missing, presumed dead. As Scarlett works to uncover the truth, she discovers a tragic family secret, and a story as murky as the depths of the loch where Hannah and her husband were last seen.
This story has a dual timeline, the past - 1933 and the present day. Scarlett travelled to the banks of Loch Ness, Scotland, to make a podcast about the mysterious disappearance of Hannah Snow. The story is told from Hannah and Scarlett's perspectives. the characters are well developed, likeable, and their characters develop throughout the story. The pace is steady. I liked that the story set in 1933 was set in the lovely small town of Drumnadrochit and coincides with the first sighting of the Loch Ness Monster (Nessie). I thoroughly enjoyed this well written story.
I would like to thank #NetGalley #HQDigital and the author #KerryBarrett for my ARC of #TheMissingWife in exchanfe for an honest review.
December 6, 2022
Although this started off slowly I hoped it would build up and it certainly did. It was a clever story with a dual time-line which I enjoy. This book didn’t disappoint which was a plus. My thanks to Netgalley and the publishers for giving me the opportunity to read this book in return for an honest review.
December 12, 2022
I really enjoyed this immersive mystery from Barrett and could not put it down. I particularly liked the combination of mystery with history, with the backdrop of the Loch Ness monster legend gaining momentum.
At first I was not sure I was going to like this book because it felt quite dry with Hannah’s wedding day and the politicians that she interacts with at the party. This was quite surprising, as I have enjoyed a couple of books from Barrett in the past. Yet, this political element barely features and the story really gathered pace at Hannah’s wedding night.
Finding herself on the run, Hannah gets as far away from London as she possibly can – taking the sleeper train to Inverness and then onto the shores of Lake Loch. Under the disguise of a maid, Hannah finds work in a hostel and witnesses how this sleepy shoreline soon becomes a hive of activity. Journalists and ‘monster hunters’ book out the hostel in the bid to catch a sighting of this rumoured monster. It’s great news for Hannah’s hostel but she soon realises that with the press sniffing for a story, that story might include Hannah – missing from her marriage.
Switching to present day, readers follow podcaster Scarlett, who is investigating the circumstances around Hannah’s apparent disappearance. I loved how the two timelines ran in parallel: discoveries or plot developments in either time period were then reflected in the other. It created a synergy between the different periods and I felt like they were often one and the same. Scarlett uncovers more truths about why Hannah was force to hide in Scotland – truths that Hannah had managed to keep hidden from her husband. With the help of the newspaper archive, Scarlett realises that even the lake and the Loch Ness monster have entwined into Hannah’s story.
This famous legend is presented in an unbiased way by Barrett. The author does not seem to support or trash the mystery of the lake and I liked seeing how the fascination with this area became rampant. It seemed like a tactical, business-focussed decision to start rumours of monster sightings, but on the other hand, I was keen to see how this was the birth of the attraction that exists today. The descriptions of the lake are quite atmospheric and I could believe how sightings were considered as fact rather than speculation.
I enjoyed this book from Barrett and how the past mystery informed the present. Hannah’s story was immersive and I found myself rooting for Scarlett to discover the truth and clear Hannah’s name. Another great read from Barrett.
With thanks to HQ Digital and NetGalley for providing me with a copy of this book in exchange for an honest review.
At first I was not sure I was going to like this book because it felt quite dry with Hannah’s wedding day and the politicians that she interacts with at the party. This was quite surprising, as I have enjoyed a couple of books from Barrett in the past. Yet, this political element barely features and the story really gathered pace at Hannah’s wedding night.
Finding herself on the run, Hannah gets as far away from London as she possibly can – taking the sleeper train to Inverness and then onto the shores of Lake Loch. Under the disguise of a maid, Hannah finds work in a hostel and witnesses how this sleepy shoreline soon becomes a hive of activity. Journalists and ‘monster hunters’ book out the hostel in the bid to catch a sighting of this rumoured monster. It’s great news for Hannah’s hostel but she soon realises that with the press sniffing for a story, that story might include Hannah – missing from her marriage.
Switching to present day, readers follow podcaster Scarlett, who is investigating the circumstances around Hannah’s apparent disappearance. I loved how the two timelines ran in parallel: discoveries or plot developments in either time period were then reflected in the other. It created a synergy between the different periods and I felt like they were often one and the same. Scarlett uncovers more truths about why Hannah was force to hide in Scotland – truths that Hannah had managed to keep hidden from her husband. With the help of the newspaper archive, Scarlett realises that even the lake and the Loch Ness monster have entwined into Hannah’s story.
This famous legend is presented in an unbiased way by Barrett. The author does not seem to support or trash the mystery of the lake and I liked seeing how the fascination with this area became rampant. It seemed like a tactical, business-focussed decision to start rumours of monster sightings, but on the other hand, I was keen to see how this was the birth of the attraction that exists today. The descriptions of the lake are quite atmospheric and I could believe how sightings were considered as fact rather than speculation.
I enjoyed this book from Barrett and how the past mystery informed the present. Hannah’s story was immersive and I found myself rooting for Scarlett to discover the truth and clear Hannah’s name. Another great read from Barrett.
With thanks to HQ Digital and NetGalley for providing me with a copy of this book in exchange for an honest review.
December 28, 2022
Wow. Just wow. This is my first read by Kerry Barrett and if all her books are as engaging and as intriguing as this one, then I just have to add her to TBR list! THE MISSING WIFE is just phenomenal! I loved every minute, every page, everything about it! Every. Minute. Detail. Everything! And did I say I loved it?
Going into this story, I really had no idea what to expect but I just love dual timelines and it was set around the beautiful Loch Ness in Scotland. It was just perfect. I just had to delve into this story and boy, was I immersed?! From start to finish. It is undoubtedly one of those "just one more chapter" types of books. It is one of those books that you just never want to end whilst wanting it to see how it all ended. And now that I've turned the last page, I am still sitting here just thinking about it...reliving every moment and how it made me feel.
London, 1933: Nineteen year old Hannah Snow has just married Lawrence Wetherby with great expectations for her marriage, though she doesn't love him and is quite sure he doesn't love her. But she is fond of him and is willing to make the best of things, after all his inheritance will save her own family from ruin. Lawrie is sixteen years her senior and his reasons for marriage are rather more private that not even Hannah is privy. Aside from the fact that there was a clause in his father's will stipulating that if Lawrie doesn't marry by his 35th birthday his younger brother Simon will inherit. And Simon was all for that...until Lawrie married Hannah.
But on their wedding night, Hannah walks into the bridal suite expecting her new husband but instead walks in something far more shocking. Armed with the camera Lawrie had earlier gifted her, Hannah snapped several shots before her presence was clocked and in the furore a sudden accident causes Hannah to flee. Believing her husband to be dead, Hannah boards a sleeper train to Inverness in Scotland where a new life awaits her...and her past remains a secret.
Present day: True crime podcaster Scarlett Simpson, who is also a broadcast assistant with radio station Britain Live, has just won an award for one of the podcasts in which she exhonerated a woman previously believed to have defrauded her employers some 40 years ago. Her ex Charlie, with whom she podcasts, steps up to receive the award without giving Scarlett a thank you or even a mention...considering it was all her work. To make it up to her, Charlie has a proposition for her made to him by an MP who wants Scarlett and Charlie to investigate a missing persons case from 1933. He will pay them £10,000 upfront with another £50,000 upon a satisfactory result. But there is a stipulation.
Refusing to comply, Scarlett walks out of the meeting and decides, with the prompting of her producer friend Robyn, to head up to Loch Ness herself to see if she can solve the mystery herself. Before Charlie gets wind of it or begins his investigations.
Can Scarlett find out what really happened to Hannah Snow and her husband Lawrence, who apparently went missing around the same time she did? Did she kill him and flee? Or did he kill her and disappear? Either way, the family now wants answers as they believe Hannah made off with the inheritance that should have passed to the younger brother as well as stealing some precious treasure. Can Scarlett uncover the truth before Charlie hightails it to Scotland to steal her thunder?
What a wonderful enthralling story from start to finish! Not only was it an intriguing mystery, but it was also set against the backdrop of the first recorded sightings of "Nessie", the Loch Ness monster. And I love how Barrett incorporated this into her story. Not only was the Scotland setting exquisitely beautiful but the whole Loch Ness mystery added an atmosphere to it that was evocative and wholly absorbing.
I love the dual timeline and found myself captivated by both when usually it is one or the other that intrigues me more. In this case, both timelines were compelling and I loved both Hannah and Scarlett from the past and the present respectively. The transition between the timelines were seamless and woven together with ease. I loved how the transcripts Scarlett wrote were incorporated into the story but tailed off before revealing too much to the reader just yet. And the same with Hannah's columns, penned under the name Ann O'Shawn, which were also included gave the credence to the already compelling tale Barrett was weaving us with.
I have read many dual timeline tales over the years but this has to be hands down one of my favourites, of which there have been many but there is just something enthralling about this one. I loved every minute of it and found myself wanting to stay there - be it in 1933 with Hannah or the present day with Scarlett. Either way, I didn't want the story to end. By far, one of my most favourite dual timelines and one of my favourite reads this year. I've given many 5 star reviews this year but there is just something unforgettable about THE MISSING WIFE. I just hope Barrett's other works are as good but then, admittedly, this one will be a tough one to beat. However, I look forward to checking out some of her others in the future.
An easy 5 star read, I just loved everything about this book that ticked all the boxes for me. A perfect read that will remain a favourite for a long time to come.
Overall, THE MISSING WIFE is an intriguing mystery and a wonderful story that readers of historical fiction and dual timelines alike will not want to miss. If you love Lorna Cook and Kathleen McGurl, you will love THE MISSING WIFE!
I would like to thank #KerryBarrett, #NetGalley and #HQStories for an ARC of #TheMissingWife in exchange for an honest review.
This review appears on my blog at https://stinathebookaholic.blogspot.com/.
Going into this story, I really had no idea what to expect but I just love dual timelines and it was set around the beautiful Loch Ness in Scotland. It was just perfect. I just had to delve into this story and boy, was I immersed?! From start to finish. It is undoubtedly one of those "just one more chapter" types of books. It is one of those books that you just never want to end whilst wanting it to see how it all ended. And now that I've turned the last page, I am still sitting here just thinking about it...reliving every moment and how it made me feel.
London, 1933: Nineteen year old Hannah Snow has just married Lawrence Wetherby with great expectations for her marriage, though she doesn't love him and is quite sure he doesn't love her. But she is fond of him and is willing to make the best of things, after all his inheritance will save her own family from ruin. Lawrie is sixteen years her senior and his reasons for marriage are rather more private that not even Hannah is privy. Aside from the fact that there was a clause in his father's will stipulating that if Lawrie doesn't marry by his 35th birthday his younger brother Simon will inherit. And Simon was all for that...until Lawrie married Hannah.
But on their wedding night, Hannah walks into the bridal suite expecting her new husband but instead walks in something far more shocking. Armed with the camera Lawrie had earlier gifted her, Hannah snapped several shots before her presence was clocked and in the furore a sudden accident causes Hannah to flee. Believing her husband to be dead, Hannah boards a sleeper train to Inverness in Scotland where a new life awaits her...and her past remains a secret.
Present day: True crime podcaster Scarlett Simpson, who is also a broadcast assistant with radio station Britain Live, has just won an award for one of the podcasts in which she exhonerated a woman previously believed to have defrauded her employers some 40 years ago. Her ex Charlie, with whom she podcasts, steps up to receive the award without giving Scarlett a thank you or even a mention...considering it was all her work. To make it up to her, Charlie has a proposition for her made to him by an MP who wants Scarlett and Charlie to investigate a missing persons case from 1933. He will pay them £10,000 upfront with another £50,000 upon a satisfactory result. But there is a stipulation.
Refusing to comply, Scarlett walks out of the meeting and decides, with the prompting of her producer friend Robyn, to head up to Loch Ness herself to see if she can solve the mystery herself. Before Charlie gets wind of it or begins his investigations.
Can Scarlett find out what really happened to Hannah Snow and her husband Lawrence, who apparently went missing around the same time she did? Did she kill him and flee? Or did he kill her and disappear? Either way, the family now wants answers as they believe Hannah made off with the inheritance that should have passed to the younger brother as well as stealing some precious treasure. Can Scarlett uncover the truth before Charlie hightails it to Scotland to steal her thunder?
What a wonderful enthralling story from start to finish! Not only was it an intriguing mystery, but it was also set against the backdrop of the first recorded sightings of "Nessie", the Loch Ness monster. And I love how Barrett incorporated this into her story. Not only was the Scotland setting exquisitely beautiful but the whole Loch Ness mystery added an atmosphere to it that was evocative and wholly absorbing.
I love the dual timeline and found myself captivated by both when usually it is one or the other that intrigues me more. In this case, both timelines were compelling and I loved both Hannah and Scarlett from the past and the present respectively. The transition between the timelines were seamless and woven together with ease. I loved how the transcripts Scarlett wrote were incorporated into the story but tailed off before revealing too much to the reader just yet. And the same with Hannah's columns, penned under the name Ann O'Shawn, which were also included gave the credence to the already compelling tale Barrett was weaving us with.
I have read many dual timeline tales over the years but this has to be hands down one of my favourites, of which there have been many but there is just something enthralling about this one. I loved every minute of it and found myself wanting to stay there - be it in 1933 with Hannah or the present day with Scarlett. Either way, I didn't want the story to end. By far, one of my most favourite dual timelines and one of my favourite reads this year. I've given many 5 star reviews this year but there is just something unforgettable about THE MISSING WIFE. I just hope Barrett's other works are as good but then, admittedly, this one will be a tough one to beat. However, I look forward to checking out some of her others in the future.
An easy 5 star read, I just loved everything about this book that ticked all the boxes for me. A perfect read that will remain a favourite for a long time to come.
Overall, THE MISSING WIFE is an intriguing mystery and a wonderful story that readers of historical fiction and dual timelines alike will not want to miss. If you love Lorna Cook and Kathleen McGurl, you will love THE MISSING WIFE!
I would like to thank #KerryBarrett, #NetGalley and #HQStories for an ARC of #TheMissingWife in exchange for an honest review.
This review appears on my blog at https://stinathebookaholic.blogspot.com/.
August 26, 2025
Un-put-downable. I was moving through the pages too fast to update my progress, but every spare moment I spent flying through 30 pages at a time. The premise was solid and while a few questions remained, the ending completed the story. A quick, lovely read
January 27, 2023
I love a good historical fiction novel and I’m sure anyone else who does, will really enjoy The Missing Wife.
Following dual timelines of Hannah in 1933 and Scarlett in the modern day, we travel from London to Loch Ness.
Hannah, in 1933, flees her marriage to an MP, and finds herself at Loch Ness, hoping to stay hidden in the quiet region. However not long after, a monster is spotted in the loch and all the press descend.
In the present day, we follow Scarlett, a true crime podcaster, who finds herself intrigued and drawn in by Hannah’s story.
I was definitely gripped by the story and read the book over two sittings. I could not put it down. Great writing and an author who I will have to look out for.
Thank you to the author, publisher and Netgalley for this ARC.
Following dual timelines of Hannah in 1933 and Scarlett in the modern day, we travel from London to Loch Ness.
Hannah, in 1933, flees her marriage to an MP, and finds herself at Loch Ness, hoping to stay hidden in the quiet region. However not long after, a monster is spotted in the loch and all the press descend.
In the present day, we follow Scarlett, a true crime podcaster, who finds herself intrigued and drawn in by Hannah’s story.
I was definitely gripped by the story and read the book over two sittings. I could not put it down. Great writing and an author who I will have to look out for.
Thank you to the author, publisher and Netgalley for this ARC.
May 20, 2024
I wanted to love this story more. The plot was really good but needed to be flushed out, and the characters needed better development to create a more believable story.
November 19, 2025
This story follows a dual timeline, each chapter reflects whether it is 1933 or the present day, and is super easy to follow, even if you aren't a fan of this type of storytelling. It also made a very pleasant and refreshing change to read something with a dual timeline that isn't set in WW2.
The story is mainly set in Scotland in a small town called Drumnadrochit (which is real and definitely worth a visit) on the shores of Loch Ness. I requested to review this because it is historical fiction set in Scotland, and I am so glad I did. The timing of the story coincides with the first sighting of Nessie in May 1933. This ignited the newspaper world and had reporters (and monster hunters) gathering in large numbers on the shores of Loch Ness. The staff of The Drum Hotel are witnesses to these unfolding events, but one member of the hotel staff is hoping her own secret isn't revealed to the world's press.
I am glad to see Kerry Barrett has authored more books, as I will certainly be reading more of her books. This was my first taste of her work, and I found the style a pleasure to read and incredibly engaging, with both the plot and characters being captivating. A few times I had to remind myself it was fiction and resist hitting the internet to see if I could unravel some of Hannah Snow's history, as I found Hannah's character and the account of her life so believable. I really enjoyed the way the story developed from different points of view, i.e. the present day with the podcaster researching the mystery and living the story through Hannah in 1933, along with the twists as the story expanded, I found the whole novel enthralling from start to finish.
This is undoubtedly a "just one more chapter" type of book. If you love a decent historical novel with a mystery and a little romance, I am certain you will love this. I loved it so much I tweeted the author immediately after I finished just to say how much I enjoyed it. This is quite possibly my most favourite book of 2022, I have recommended this book to so many friends, and if it isn't on your Christmas list already it should be, or why not make this your "Christmas treat-to-self".
Thank you to NetGalley and HQ (an imprint of Harper Collins) for this review copy. All opinions and thoughts are my own.
Merged review:
This story follows a dual timeline, each chapter reflects whether it is 1933 or the present day, and is super easy to follow, even if you aren't a fan of this type of storytelling. It also made a very pleasant and refreshing change to read something with a dual timeline that isn't set in WW2.
The story is mainly set in Scotland in a small town called Drumnadrochit (which is real and definitely worth a visit) on the shores of Loch Ness. I requested to review this because it is historical fiction set in Scotland, and I am so glad I did. The timing of the story coincides with the first sighting of Nessie in May 1933. This ignited the newspaper world and had reporters (and monster hunters) gathering in large numbers on the shores of Loch Ness. The staff of The Drum Hotel are witnesses to these unfolding events, but one member of the hotel staff is hoping her own secret isn't revealed to the world's press.
I am glad to see Kerry Barrett has authored more books, as I will certainly be reading more of her books. This was my first taste of her work, and I found the style a pleasure to read and incredibly engaging, with both the plot and characters being captivating. A few times I had to remind myself it was fiction and resist hitting the internet to see if I could unravel some of Hannah Snow's history, as I found Hannah's character and the account of her life so believable. I really enjoyed the way the story developed from different points of view, i.e. the present day with the podcaster researching the mystery and living the story through Hannah in 1933, along with the twists as the story expanded, I found the whole novel enthralling from start to finish.
This is undoubtedly a "just one more chapter" type of book. If you love a decent historical novel with a mystery and a little romance, I am certain you will love this. I loved it so much I tweeted the author immediately after I finished just to say how much I enjoyed it. This is quite possibly my most favourite book of 2022, I have recommended this book to so many friends, and if it isn't on your Christmas list already it should be, or why not make this your "Christmas treat-to-self".
Thank you to NetGalley and HQ (an imprint of Harper Collins) for this review copy. All opinions and thoughts are my own.
The story is mainly set in Scotland in a small town called Drumnadrochit (which is real and definitely worth a visit) on the shores of Loch Ness. I requested to review this because it is historical fiction set in Scotland, and I am so glad I did. The timing of the story coincides with the first sighting of Nessie in May 1933. This ignited the newspaper world and had reporters (and monster hunters) gathering in large numbers on the shores of Loch Ness. The staff of The Drum Hotel are witnesses to these unfolding events, but one member of the hotel staff is hoping her own secret isn't revealed to the world's press.
I am glad to see Kerry Barrett has authored more books, as I will certainly be reading more of her books. This was my first taste of her work, and I found the style a pleasure to read and incredibly engaging, with both the plot and characters being captivating. A few times I had to remind myself it was fiction and resist hitting the internet to see if I could unravel some of Hannah Snow's history, as I found Hannah's character and the account of her life so believable. I really enjoyed the way the story developed from different points of view, i.e. the present day with the podcaster researching the mystery and living the story through Hannah in 1933, along with the twists as the story expanded, I found the whole novel enthralling from start to finish.
This is undoubtedly a "just one more chapter" type of book. If you love a decent historical novel with a mystery and a little romance, I am certain you will love this. I loved it so much I tweeted the author immediately after I finished just to say how much I enjoyed it. This is quite possibly my most favourite book of 2022, I have recommended this book to so many friends, and if it isn't on your Christmas list already it should be, or why not make this your "Christmas treat-to-self".
Thank you to NetGalley and HQ (an imprint of Harper Collins) for this review copy. All opinions and thoughts are my own.
Merged review:
This story follows a dual timeline, each chapter reflects whether it is 1933 or the present day, and is super easy to follow, even if you aren't a fan of this type of storytelling. It also made a very pleasant and refreshing change to read something with a dual timeline that isn't set in WW2.
The story is mainly set in Scotland in a small town called Drumnadrochit (which is real and definitely worth a visit) on the shores of Loch Ness. I requested to review this because it is historical fiction set in Scotland, and I am so glad I did. The timing of the story coincides with the first sighting of Nessie in May 1933. This ignited the newspaper world and had reporters (and monster hunters) gathering in large numbers on the shores of Loch Ness. The staff of The Drum Hotel are witnesses to these unfolding events, but one member of the hotel staff is hoping her own secret isn't revealed to the world's press.
I am glad to see Kerry Barrett has authored more books, as I will certainly be reading more of her books. This was my first taste of her work, and I found the style a pleasure to read and incredibly engaging, with both the plot and characters being captivating. A few times I had to remind myself it was fiction and resist hitting the internet to see if I could unravel some of Hannah Snow's history, as I found Hannah's character and the account of her life so believable. I really enjoyed the way the story developed from different points of view, i.e. the present day with the podcaster researching the mystery and living the story through Hannah in 1933, along with the twists as the story expanded, I found the whole novel enthralling from start to finish.
This is undoubtedly a "just one more chapter" type of book. If you love a decent historical novel with a mystery and a little romance, I am certain you will love this. I loved it so much I tweeted the author immediately after I finished just to say how much I enjoyed it. This is quite possibly my most favourite book of 2022, I have recommended this book to so many friends, and if it isn't on your Christmas list already it should be, or why not make this your "Christmas treat-to-self".
Thank you to NetGalley and HQ (an imprint of Harper Collins) for this review copy. All opinions and thoughts are my own.
November 15, 2024
3.5 stars
I read The Garden of Lost Secrets by the same author earlier this year and thoroughly enjoyed it, but I struggled with this novel at the start. I was finding it dry, slow and tedious, and at the halfway mark, I was ready to pack it in but decided to read one more chapter.
I am so glad I did because suddenly The Missing Wife became extremely interesting as people scurried to Scotland in the hopes of seeing the Loch Ness Monster and with Scarlet arriving at the same location years later as she researches the disappearance of Hannah Snow for her new podcast. Compared to the first half, I flew through the second half of this novel.
I grew to like both Hannah and modern-day Scarlet but of the two, I preferred Scarlet's story. There were some interesting characters helping her unravel the mystery that occurred in 1933 and discover what really happened to Hannah and her husband, Lawrence. Also, transcripts from the podcasts and consequent comments from listeners gave Scarlet's story a very modern edge.
Hannah's newspaper articles about the Loch Ness Monster and how it affected the locals and reporters who flocked to the hotel where she was working were interesting. Both Hannah and Scarlet were strong women fighting against the limitations that society and men, in particular, put on them.
The Missing Wife ended up being a great read but you definitely need patience to get through the first half. I liked the historical detail and wonderful descriptions of the Scottish village of Drumnadrochit, and I was happy that both women found their happily-ever-afters.
I read The Garden of Lost Secrets by the same author earlier this year and thoroughly enjoyed it, but I struggled with this novel at the start. I was finding it dry, slow and tedious, and at the halfway mark, I was ready to pack it in but decided to read one more chapter.
I am so glad I did because suddenly The Missing Wife became extremely interesting as people scurried to Scotland in the hopes of seeing the Loch Ness Monster and with Scarlet arriving at the same location years later as she researches the disappearance of Hannah Snow for her new podcast. Compared to the first half, I flew through the second half of this novel.
I grew to like both Hannah and modern-day Scarlet but of the two, I preferred Scarlet's story. There were some interesting characters helping her unravel the mystery that occurred in 1933 and discover what really happened to Hannah and her husband, Lawrence. Also, transcripts from the podcasts and consequent comments from listeners gave Scarlet's story a very modern edge.
Hannah's newspaper articles about the Loch Ness Monster and how it affected the locals and reporters who flocked to the hotel where she was working were interesting. Both Hannah and Scarlet were strong women fighting against the limitations that society and men, in particular, put on them.
The Missing Wife ended up being a great read but you definitely need patience to get through the first half. I liked the historical detail and wonderful descriptions of the Scottish village of Drumnadrochit, and I was happy that both women found their happily-ever-afters.
February 15, 2024
It’s 1933 and Hannah and Lawrie have just married. After a devastating shock she flees and finds herself in Scotland, at Loch Ness. In the present day Scarlett is a podcaster and latches onto the previous couple’s mystery. Their stories have a few similarities. I enjoyed this very much despite being told the events twice, as it happened and as Scarlett does her research but in this case it didn’t really matter. Thankfully times have changed since the 30’s and what might have been a problem then certainly wouldn’t be now. I liked the way it was written, it was easy to get into and most of the main characters were likeable. Of course there were one or two who were there just for the reader to dislike, but that’s ok! After this I’m looking forward to reading something else by this author. I was given this ARC by the publisher and Netgalley in exchange for an honest review.
March 20, 2024
Thanks to Netgalley and the publisher for an ARC of this book. I have chosen to write this honest review voluntarily and it reflects my personal opinion.
This dual timeline novel is about 2 strong women, separated by time, with difficulties in their current relationships. There is a mystery surrounding Hannah, and Scarlett begins using modern methods of investigation to discover the truth. The story involves several interesting and well-developed characters and is tied in to the first reports of sightings of the Loch Ness monster. I found the story captivating and well-written, I loved the romantic elements, and enjoyed every page.
This dual timeline novel is about 2 strong women, separated by time, with difficulties in their current relationships. There is a mystery surrounding Hannah, and Scarlett begins using modern methods of investigation to discover the truth. The story involves several interesting and well-developed characters and is tied in to the first reports of sightings of the Loch Ness monster. I found the story captivating and well-written, I loved the romantic elements, and enjoyed every page.
December 27, 2023
Another timeslip page-turner from Kerry Barrett, unravelling a mystery from the past through storylines set in 1933 and the present day. It follows 19-year-old Hannah who, in 1933, flees London for Scotland after discovering her new husband Lawrie in the arms of his male lover. Hiding out in Loch Ness, she gets caught up in the start of the Loch Ness Monster craze as her secret threatens her new life. In the present day, podcaster Scarlett overcomes obstacles to uncover the mystery of what happened to Lawrie and Hannah.
March 10, 2023
This book has something for everyone. It's partly set in 1933 and also modern day. In fact, there's even mention of Brexit, the pandemic and Ukraine all in the same sentence. The heart of the book is the mysterious disappearance of an MP and his wife. I'll definitely be looking for more from this author.
February 5, 2023
Read it!!
From the beginning to the end of this book surprises just kept popping up in both time eras! Once I got used to both eras I loved this book ... Different kind of story you will love!!
From the beginning to the end of this book surprises just kept popping up in both time eras! Once I got used to both eras I loved this book ... Different kind of story you will love!!
February 9, 2024
The Missing Wife
Scarlett researching about what happened to Hannah Snow in 1933
was she alive or died and what happened to her husband who also disappeared in 1933.
Kerry Barrett is a fantastic writer.
Scarlett researching about what happened to Hannah Snow in 1933
was she alive or died and what happened to her husband who also disappeared in 1933.
Kerry Barrett is a fantastic writer.
June 5, 2024
I started the book and had to put it down then really had no desire to pick it back up. After a few days, I picked up and read 3 pages of chapter 2—starting a story “in the loo” didn’t capture my interest. I thought my time is more valuable than this. I returned it.
Read
October 17, 2025This is a hard one to rank.
I want to rank it a 3 or 4 star but than again I want to rank it a 1 star.
It had its parts it was good but the book had iparts of being boring dull.
I wasn't really vibing with the characters.
I want to rank it a 3 or 4 star but than again I want to rank it a 1 star.
It had its parts it was good but the book had iparts of being boring dull.
I wasn't really vibing with the characters.
April 8, 2023
Very enjoyable characters and plot.
April 17, 2023
loved it.
Great book. Did not expect it to be so good. Kept me turning the pages. Read it. You will enjoy
Great book. Did not expect it to be so good. Kept me turning the pages. Read it. You will enjoy
June 25, 2023
My second book by Kerry Barrett
Loved it
Loved it
February 24, 2024
I always enjoy Kerry Barrett’s books and this was another gem. Characters I rooted for, great plot and I never quite knew what was coming nexr… you won’t b3 disappointed .
May 14, 2024
Another gripping journey through time by Kerry Barrett! Thoroughly enjoyed following Scarlett's search for missing Hannah. Didn't want to put it down!
July 25, 2024
Nice. I enjoyed it.
July 31, 2024
Fabulous
I just couldn't put it down . This is a fabulous read just like all kerrys books. I'm always sorry when I've finished!
I just couldn't put it down . This is a fabulous read just like all kerrys books. I'm always sorry when I've finished!
September 1, 2025
AUDIOBOOK ~
Great narrators and great story! Would recommend this to anyone and gave even bought more audiobooks by this author.
Great narrators and great story! Would recommend this to anyone and gave even bought more audiobooks by this author.
February 18, 2025
Historisch, atmosphärisch, durchweg gelungen
**** Worum geht es? ****
Die Jahre 1933 und 2022 werden durch ein kleines Hotel am Ufer des Loch Ness miteinander verbunden. Hannah hat ein Geheimnis und fürchtet um ihre Sicherheit. 99 Jahre später sucht die Podcasterin Scarlett nach ihren Spuren. Der Wunsch nach Selbstbestimmung scheint beide an denselben Ort zu führen – und in Schwierigkeiten zu bringen…
**** Mein Eindruck ****
Barrett ist es hier gelungen, zwei Zeitebenen wunderbar miteinander zu verknüpfen und dabei beide gleichermaßen interessant zu halten. Die Themen Journalismus, True Crime, Podcasts und die Stellung der Frau in der Gesellschaft werden authentisch und aussagekräftig durch die weiblichen Hauptfiguren vermittelt. Warmherzige, starke und mitreißende Persönlichkeiten, die die Geschichte bis zum Schluss spannend und lebendig machten. Die Erzählung konnte mich durchweg fesseln. Das Zuhören war ein wahres Vergnügen und die Geschichte vielschichtig und zeitgemäß.
**** Empfehlung? ****
Als Fan von historischen Romanen und Schottland konnte ich mir dieses Buch nicht entgehen lassen. Ich habe das Hörbuch in vollen Zügen genossen und kann es daher mit ganzem Herzen an eine vergleichbare Leserschaft empfehlen.
**** Worum geht es? ****
Die Jahre 1933 und 2022 werden durch ein kleines Hotel am Ufer des Loch Ness miteinander verbunden. Hannah hat ein Geheimnis und fürchtet um ihre Sicherheit. 99 Jahre später sucht die Podcasterin Scarlett nach ihren Spuren. Der Wunsch nach Selbstbestimmung scheint beide an denselben Ort zu führen – und in Schwierigkeiten zu bringen…
**** Mein Eindruck ****
Barrett ist es hier gelungen, zwei Zeitebenen wunderbar miteinander zu verknüpfen und dabei beide gleichermaßen interessant zu halten. Die Themen Journalismus, True Crime, Podcasts und die Stellung der Frau in der Gesellschaft werden authentisch und aussagekräftig durch die weiblichen Hauptfiguren vermittelt. Warmherzige, starke und mitreißende Persönlichkeiten, die die Geschichte bis zum Schluss spannend und lebendig machten. Die Erzählung konnte mich durchweg fesseln. Das Zuhören war ein wahres Vergnügen und die Geschichte vielschichtig und zeitgemäß.
**** Empfehlung? ****
Als Fan von historischen Romanen und Schottland konnte ich mir dieses Buch nicht entgehen lassen. Ich habe das Hörbuch in vollen Zügen genossen und kann es daher mit ganzem Herzen an eine vergleichbare Leserschaft empfehlen.
December 5, 2022
Hannah Snow is to marry Lawrence, an up and coming MP. It is a business arrangement, the Snow family has no money to speak of, and Lawrence is due to come into an inheritance upon his marriage. However, sexual morals of the 1930’s mean that an MP can marry to conceal forbidden sexual preferences of the day, and when Hannah finds out the truth of her marriage, she runs away due to sheer humiliation and embarrassment.
She runs away to Scotland, and finds employment at The Royal Hotel on the banks of Loch Ness. She likes her job and earning her own money, and decides to stay.
Many years later, Scarlett Simpson, a journalist and podcaster, hears this intriguing story about the disappearance of the newly wed bride, and the murder of the husband, and decides to investigate the scandal and find out the real turn of events.
A wonderful story. Dual time lines are beautifully developed. Full of pathos and the story really gets under one’s skin.
1930’s and present day collide, the truth is complicated, but it all makes perfect sense at the end.
Loch Ness and Scotland, were my two reasons for requesting this novel, a place I hold deep in my heart. For the same reasons, I read the first book The Secrets of Thistle Cottage, and instantly fell in love with the authors style of writing, it’s such a gripping read!
Purists may say the ending is too well telegraphed, but, I do so love a happy ending, life is too short for misery!
A great mystery, I throughly recommend this story.
My thanks to Netgalley and HQ books for my advance digital copy in exchange for my unbiased opinion. A five star read.
She runs away to Scotland, and finds employment at The Royal Hotel on the banks of Loch Ness. She likes her job and earning her own money, and decides to stay.
Many years later, Scarlett Simpson, a journalist and podcaster, hears this intriguing story about the disappearance of the newly wed bride, and the murder of the husband, and decides to investigate the scandal and find out the real turn of events.
A wonderful story. Dual time lines are beautifully developed. Full of pathos and the story really gets under one’s skin.
1930’s and present day collide, the truth is complicated, but it all makes perfect sense at the end.
Loch Ness and Scotland, were my two reasons for requesting this novel, a place I hold deep in my heart. For the same reasons, I read the first book The Secrets of Thistle Cottage, and instantly fell in love with the authors style of writing, it’s such a gripping read!
Purists may say the ending is too well telegraphed, but, I do so love a happy ending, life is too short for misery!
A great mystery, I throughly recommend this story.
My thanks to Netgalley and HQ books for my advance digital copy in exchange for my unbiased opinion. A five star read.
December 8, 2022
Kerry had me completely hooked with the story of Hannah Snow.
Such a compelling story and such wonderful characters.
It's 1933 and young 19 year old old Hannah is going to marry Lawrence an up an coming MP that has the ears of the most esteemed members of parliament, including Chamberlain himself!
Hannah wants to become a journalist and at the time Lawrence encourages her to do so until after they are married. But Lawrence still gives her a camera to help her on her way.
Little did he know what that gift would turn into.
A guest at the wedding Freddie approaches Hannah to say that Lawie is not all what he seems but she discounts him.
But the wedding night is not what Hannah expected and after having an argument Hannah threw a glass at her husband, not knowing what was to become.
Hannah leaves the wedding suite but to return later to apologise but gets the shock of her life..
Everyone believes that Lawrence is dead and Hannah is to blame.
She runs of to Drumnaďrochit in the highlands of Scotland for peace and quiet and as a chambermaid she has this until the discovery of the famous Lockness monster comes along!
Forward to the present day and Scarlett has a podcast with her ex partner and have recently solved a long lost mystery and when she and Scott are approached by the family to find out what happened to Lawrence and Hannah as they believe that she stole not only their inheritance but also some family treasure.
The story is from the past to the present and it is written wonderfully.
I loved the history behind the book so much that I had to look into the mystery of the Lockness monster myself.
Such a compelling story and such wonderful characters.
It's 1933 and young 19 year old old Hannah is going to marry Lawrence an up an coming MP that has the ears of the most esteemed members of parliament, including Chamberlain himself!
Hannah wants to become a journalist and at the time Lawrence encourages her to do so until after they are married. But Lawrence still gives her a camera to help her on her way.
Little did he know what that gift would turn into.
A guest at the wedding Freddie approaches Hannah to say that Lawie is not all what he seems but she discounts him.
But the wedding night is not what Hannah expected and after having an argument Hannah threw a glass at her husband, not knowing what was to become.
Hannah leaves the wedding suite but to return later to apologise but gets the shock of her life..
Everyone believes that Lawrence is dead and Hannah is to blame.
She runs of to Drumnaďrochit in the highlands of Scotland for peace and quiet and as a chambermaid she has this until the discovery of the famous Lockness monster comes along!
Forward to the present day and Scarlett has a podcast with her ex partner and have recently solved a long lost mystery and when she and Scott are approached by the family to find out what happened to Lawrence and Hannah as they believe that she stole not only their inheritance but also some family treasure.
The story is from the past to the present and it is written wonderfully.
I loved the history behind the book so much that I had to look into the mystery of the Lockness monster myself.
November 30, 2022
An enjoyable read that I couldn't put down, just trying to squeeze in one more chapter before bed.
The story follows two timelines:
Present day: Scarlett a broadcast assistant at Radio Staion Britain Live also has her own cold cases podcast with her ex, Charlie. An episode of the podcast proved the innocence of a lady accused of stealing from her company and is up for an award. This brings her to the attention of an MP who wants Scarlett and Charlie to investigate a missing person case from 1933 from his family history.
1933: Hannah, 19, is marrying 34 year old MP Lawrie. She has dreams of becoming a journalist. But something happens and, on her wedding day, she runs away as far as she can go, to Drumnadrochit, a village in the Highlands of Scotland. When a monster is spotted emerging from the Loch, it draws attention to the hotel in which Hannah works. Will her secret be revealed?
There are some nicely researched facts and I learned things about Nessie that I didn't previously know. The characters are likeable and well described, though I was surprised at how fast Hannah went from being a somewhat helpless victim of circumstance to being in charge of her own destiny. I also found her naive in the way she related to Davina and Simon. The pacing was good and I found the way the story flipped between the timelines held my interest well. I'd be keen to read more books by Kerry Barrett.
With thanks to Netgalley and Harper Collins for the advanced reader copy.
The story follows two timelines:
Present day: Scarlett a broadcast assistant at Radio Staion Britain Live also has her own cold cases podcast with her ex, Charlie. An episode of the podcast proved the innocence of a lady accused of stealing from her company and is up for an award. This brings her to the attention of an MP who wants Scarlett and Charlie to investigate a missing person case from 1933 from his family history.
1933: Hannah, 19, is marrying 34 year old MP Lawrie. She has dreams of becoming a journalist. But something happens and, on her wedding day, she runs away as far as she can go, to Drumnadrochit, a village in the Highlands of Scotland. When a monster is spotted emerging from the Loch, it draws attention to the hotel in which Hannah works. Will her secret be revealed?
There are some nicely researched facts and I learned things about Nessie that I didn't previously know. The characters are likeable and well described, though I was surprised at how fast Hannah went from being a somewhat helpless victim of circumstance to being in charge of her own destiny. I also found her naive in the way she related to Davina and Simon. The pacing was good and I found the way the story flipped between the timelines held my interest well. I'd be keen to read more books by Kerry Barrett.
With thanks to Netgalley and Harper Collins for the advanced reader copy.
December 10, 2022
I received this ARC from the publisher via Netgalley in exchange for an honest review.
I’ve never read a book by the author before and I was intrigued by the cover and I love historical fiction so I couldn’t wait to get stuck in.
This is a dual timeline story set in 1933 with Hannah and the present day with Scarlett.
1933~Hannah is forced to marry a man she knows doesn’t love her because it was all arranged between her Aunt and her soon to be husband because both sides would benefit from this marriage but Hannah wouldn’t.
I could tell something wasn’t quite right when a stranger started telling Hannah a few things about her husband at the wedding reception from that point it just got so much worse.
Present Day~Scarlett has a podcast with her ex boyfriend Charlie who’s a detective with the Met but Scarlett is the one who does all the real work for the podcast. Charlie just likes the limelight. They meet a mysterious man who has a case for them but with stipulations, should they take it or not ?.
I’m adored the parallel’s between Hannah and Scarlett like both of them taking the Sleeper Train and both of them staying in the Attic Room
This book was a page turner! It kept me hooked all the way through to the beautiful ending, I guessed a few things along the way but was still shocked by all the things I didn’t guess!.
My final words are that This books is everything! And you all need to read it asap.
I’ve never read a book by the author before and I was intrigued by the cover and I love historical fiction so I couldn’t wait to get stuck in.
This is a dual timeline story set in 1933 with Hannah and the present day with Scarlett.
1933~Hannah is forced to marry a man she knows doesn’t love her because it was all arranged between her Aunt and her soon to be husband because both sides would benefit from this marriage but Hannah wouldn’t.
I could tell something wasn’t quite right when a stranger started telling Hannah a few things about her husband at the wedding reception from that point it just got so much worse.
Present Day~Scarlett has a podcast with her ex boyfriend Charlie who’s a detective with the Met but Scarlett is the one who does all the real work for the podcast. Charlie just likes the limelight. They meet a mysterious man who has a case for them but with stipulations, should they take it or not ?.
I’m adored the parallel’s between Hannah and Scarlett like both of them taking the Sleeper Train and both of them staying in the Attic Room
This book was a page turner! It kept me hooked all the way through to the beautiful ending, I guessed a few things along the way but was still shocked by all the things I didn’t guess!.
My final words are that This books is everything! And you all need to read it asap.
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