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Cate Austin #1
The Woman Before Me
They came for me, just like I knew they would. Luke had been dead for just three days.
Rose Wilks' life is shattered when her newborn baby Joel is admitted to intensive care. Emma Hatcher has all that Rose lacks. Beauty. A loving husband. A healthy son. Until tragedy strikes and Rose is the only suspect.
Now, having spent nearly five years in prison in Ipswich, Rose is just weeks away from freedom. Her probation officer Cate must decide whether Rose is remorseful for her crime, or whether she remains a threat to society. As Cate is drawn in, she begins to doubt her own judgement.
Where is the line between love and obsession, can justice be served and, if so... by what means?
Rose Wilks' life is shattered when her newborn baby Joel is admitted to intensive care. Emma Hatcher has all that Rose lacks. Beauty. A loving husband. A healthy son. Until tragedy strikes and Rose is the only suspect.
Now, having spent nearly five years in prison in Ipswich, Rose is just weeks away from freedom. Her probation officer Cate must decide whether Rose is remorseful for her crime, or whether she remains a threat to society. As Cate is drawn in, she begins to doubt her own judgement.
Where is the line between love and obsession, can justice be served and, if so... by what means?
288 pages, Paperback
First published January 1, 2010
182 people are currently reading
6114 people want to read
About the author
Ruth Dugdall
25 books292 followersRuth Dugdall was born in 1971. She holds a BA honours degree in English Literature (Warwick University) and an MA in Social Work (University of East Anglia). She qualified as a probation officer in 1996 and has worked in prison with offenders guilty of serious crimes, including stalking, rape and murder. This has informed her crime writing. Since she started writing, Ruth has won awards in several writing competitions, and has had short stories published in the Winchester Writers' Conference and the Eva Wiggins Award anthologies.
Ruth is also the news presenter on Felixstowe tv: "probably the smallest tv station in the world".
Ruth is also the news presenter on Felixstowe tv: "probably the smallest tv station in the world".
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 374 reviews
September 29, 2024
I first read this novel in 2015 and really loved it so I gave it another read.
Ruth Dugdall blew me away with her novel Humber Boy B so I dived into this one with great gusto. She did not let me down. Ruth has a way of writing that cuts to the very bones of human life and tragedy and moves even the most stoic of us readers. She pulls no punches either.
Ruth builds the story block by block, so that you are eager for the next piece of the picture, just when you think you are all complacent and comfortable she will throw in a new element that challenges where you think the book is going. It's well plotted and really held me to the very end. I was surprised by this book hugely.
They came for me, just like I knew they would. Luke had been dead for just three days.'
Rose Wilks’ life is shattered when her newborn baby Joel is admitted to intensive care. Alongside her is Emma Hatcher, who’s just given birth to Luke. Joel dies and Luke is thriving, until tragedy strikes and Rose is the only suspect.
Now, having spent nearly five years behind bars, Rose is just weeks away from freedom. Her probation officer Cate must decide whether Rose is remorseful for Luke’s death, or whether she remains a threat to society. As Cate is drawn in, she begins to doubt her own judgment.
Should Rose be recommended for parole? Was she responsible for another baby's death? This is what Cate has to dig into and try to work out, but nothing about this case or the book is clear-cut.
The book moves between the mind and thoughts of Rose in prison today and Cate's interactions with her to the past, to where the story leading up to the tragedy begins. You will be hooked once that story starts, you will also think possibly you have this one all figured out a few times over. Stay open-minded dear reader.
The reveals and subtle twists as astonishing.
It's a book that makes you think about morals, right and wrong, I felt different emotions for Rose all through the book from pity, to empathy to sheer disgust, she is a complex and very flawed character. This is one of those books that you just can't predict and the very ending will just take your breath away.
Filled with elements of light and shade, it's so cleverly peeled away to reveal the truth that you doubt yourself a lot of the way. Awesome.
Well written, brilliantly plotted, cleverly paced and just a darn good read. I am a big (new) fan of Ruth's writing, I think I will be reading a lot more of her. 4.5 paw prints from the Booklover Catlady for this brilliant book - if you like a psychological thriller with a strong human element and a touch of crime this is one for you.
::~~~~~~:::::~~~~~:::::~~~~~:::::~~~~~~::
Thanks so much for reading my review!
I hope you enjoyed it, if you did I’d be delighted if you leave me a “like” and I love to read your comments. If you’d like to connect you can follow me or please send me a friend request.
If you are an Author or Publisher and you’d like me to consider reading and reviewing your book(s) please just message me.
Ruth Dugdall blew me away with her novel Humber Boy B so I dived into this one with great gusto. She did not let me down. Ruth has a way of writing that cuts to the very bones of human life and tragedy and moves even the most stoic of us readers. She pulls no punches either.
Ruth builds the story block by block, so that you are eager for the next piece of the picture, just when you think you are all complacent and comfortable she will throw in a new element that challenges where you think the book is going. It's well plotted and really held me to the very end. I was surprised by this book hugely.
They came for me, just like I knew they would. Luke had been dead for just three days.'
Rose Wilks’ life is shattered when her newborn baby Joel is admitted to intensive care. Alongside her is Emma Hatcher, who’s just given birth to Luke. Joel dies and Luke is thriving, until tragedy strikes and Rose is the only suspect.
Now, having spent nearly five years behind bars, Rose is just weeks away from freedom. Her probation officer Cate must decide whether Rose is remorseful for Luke’s death, or whether she remains a threat to society. As Cate is drawn in, she begins to doubt her own judgment.
Should Rose be recommended for parole? Was she responsible for another baby's death? This is what Cate has to dig into and try to work out, but nothing about this case or the book is clear-cut.
The book moves between the mind and thoughts of Rose in prison today and Cate's interactions with her to the past, to where the story leading up to the tragedy begins. You will be hooked once that story starts, you will also think possibly you have this one all figured out a few times over. Stay open-minded dear reader.
The reveals and subtle twists as astonishing.
It's a book that makes you think about morals, right and wrong, I felt different emotions for Rose all through the book from pity, to empathy to sheer disgust, she is a complex and very flawed character. This is one of those books that you just can't predict and the very ending will just take your breath away.
Filled with elements of light and shade, it's so cleverly peeled away to reveal the truth that you doubt yourself a lot of the way. Awesome.
Well written, brilliantly plotted, cleverly paced and just a darn good read. I am a big (new) fan of Ruth's writing, I think I will be reading a lot more of her. 4.5 paw prints from the Booklover Catlady for this brilliant book - if you like a psychological thriller with a strong human element and a touch of crime this is one for you.
::~~~~~~:::::~~~~~:::::~~~~~:::::~~~~~~::
Thanks so much for reading my review!
I hope you enjoyed it, if you did I’d be delighted if you leave me a “like” and I love to read your comments. If you’d like to connect you can follow me or please send me a friend request.
If you are an Author or Publisher and you’d like me to consider reading and reviewing your book(s) please just message me.
November 12, 2016
The Woman Before Me by Ruth Dugdall is a very powerful read that will keep you guessing right to the very end. I loved every minute had me on the edge of my seat as the plot went along it was disturbing & sad I really felt for Rose Wilks her character was well written & handled delicately by Miss Dugdall.
This had every emotion you could want in a story of this calibre loved Cate Austin she was strong without being over the top the twist at the end was heartbreaking I really wished it had ended differently but that's how it goes.
Just a note Rose writes everything in a Black Diary & the plot is told going back & forth I didn't think she could top Humber Boy B but this was a real page turner 4.5 stars
This had every emotion you could want in a story of this calibre loved Cate Austin she was strong without being over the top the twist at the end was heartbreaking I really wished it had ended differently but that's how it goes.
Just a note Rose writes everything in a Black Diary & the plot is told going back & forth I didn't think she could top Humber Boy B but this was a real page turner 4.5 stars
March 10, 2018
4☆ A Chilling Psychological Thriller that you won't be able to put down!
This is my very first book by Ruth Dugdall and it definitely won't be my last.
The Woman Before Me is a gripping Psychological thriller that got under my skin and drew me in.
It was suspenseful, gripping, lots of juicy twists, Emotional, Powerful, kept me guessing, a highly compelling read with some dark sensitive issues.
When new born baby Joel is rushed into hospital and put into intensive care, it is every mothers worst nightmare.
This happened to Rose and Joel is her baby.
It's so hard to write more without giving anything away.
What I will say is.
Rose ends up in jail for 5 years after being accused of an awful tragedy.
After she befriends Emma and her baby Luke. Tragedy strikes!
Now Rose is due to be released.
But is she psychologically ready?
Rose is a complex character with alot of issues. She is manipulative, clever, but has a great sadness about her. Is she to be trusted! Hmmm I'll let you figure that one out!
The story is told by Rose and her diary/Black Book entries as we delve into the dark mind of a someone who is somewhat disturbed and the events leading through her life that potentially damaged her.
It is also told by Cate, who is Rose's probation officer. Who very much holds Rose's future in her hands as she takes a look into Rose's life and her crime.
The Woman Before Me will get under your skin. At times it's not an easy read as some of the subjects in the book are so very real, dark and emotional.
But Ruth creates the perfect thought provoking chilling thriller that will leave you uncomfortable at times.
The perfect amount of Twists and secrets.
It will leave you needing to keep reading.
I Definetly recommend this chilling book. Especially if you enjoy a Thriller that takes hold and won't let go.
Thank you to Legend Press for this copy which I reviewed honestly and voluntarily.
For more info and my review, check out My Blog Website:
https://dashfan81.blogspot.com/2018/0...
This is my very first book by Ruth Dugdall and it definitely won't be my last.
The Woman Before Me is a gripping Psychological thriller that got under my skin and drew me in.
It was suspenseful, gripping, lots of juicy twists, Emotional, Powerful, kept me guessing, a highly compelling read with some dark sensitive issues.
When new born baby Joel is rushed into hospital and put into intensive care, it is every mothers worst nightmare.
This happened to Rose and Joel is her baby.
It's so hard to write more without giving anything away.
What I will say is.
Rose ends up in jail for 5 years after being accused of an awful tragedy.
After she befriends Emma and her baby Luke. Tragedy strikes!
Now Rose is due to be released.
But is she psychologically ready?
Rose is a complex character with alot of issues. She is manipulative, clever, but has a great sadness about her. Is she to be trusted! Hmmm I'll let you figure that one out!
The story is told by Rose and her diary/Black Book entries as we delve into the dark mind of a someone who is somewhat disturbed and the events leading through her life that potentially damaged her.
It is also told by Cate, who is Rose's probation officer. Who very much holds Rose's future in her hands as she takes a look into Rose's life and her crime.
The Woman Before Me will get under your skin. At times it's not an easy read as some of the subjects in the book are so very real, dark and emotional.
But Ruth creates the perfect thought provoking chilling thriller that will leave you uncomfortable at times.
The perfect amount of Twists and secrets.
It will leave you needing to keep reading.
I Definetly recommend this chilling book. Especially if you enjoy a Thriller that takes hold and won't let go.
Thank you to Legend Press for this copy which I reviewed honestly and voluntarily.
For more info and my review, check out My Blog Website:
https://dashfan81.blogspot.com/2018/0...
August 5, 2023
I flew through this book, really engaging.
Based in Ipswich, UK, this focuses on Cate who is a parole office and Rose who is in prison.
Decent three-dimensional characters that drew me in and I couldn't stop reading, wanting to know how it would all pan out.
Pleased it's the first in a series as I will be reading the rest.
Five stars.
Based in Ipswich, UK, this focuses on Cate who is a parole office and Rose who is in prison.
Decent three-dimensional characters that drew me in and I couldn't stop reading, wanting to know how it would all pan out.
Pleased it's the first in a series as I will be reading the rest.
Five stars.
January 18, 2014
This would not be on my typical reading list. Maybe I need to venture into new areas because this was utterly engrossing. I kept looking for hints and foreshadowing but I never saw the very end coming. Much does not usually get by me in a psychological "thriller." I don't like using the thriller genre here because I know that people including myself often fob off books because they are marked as such. This was a thrilling, "I want to keep reading, never end, but I want to know the end" thrilling read. Not every work must be a work of high literature to be wonderful. I dare say that this author could give so called literary fiction writers a run for the accolades deserved.
Highly recommend if you are looking for a book that is pure pleasure but makes you use your mind, leaves you wanting more or saying, "Whoa! I didn't realize how incredibly well painted and with depth the characters and the atmosphere created were until you came up for air for daily necessities or until you finish the final page shaking your head.
Ruth Dugdall is good. Really good.
Highly recommend if you are looking for a book that is pure pleasure but makes you use your mind, leaves you wanting more or saying, "Whoa! I didn't realize how incredibly well painted and with depth the characters and the atmosphere created were until you came up for air for daily necessities or until you finish the final page shaking your head.
Ruth Dugdall is good. Really good.
May 15, 2020
Loved this book. It held me straight away, I guessed who did what so many times and it wasn’t until the end that I actually found out who it was. Sometimes the book made me actually gasp and I couldn’t get enough of this book. I was actually sorry when I finished it.
August 15, 2013
This book won the CWA Debut Dagger Award and I can certainly see why. Rose is such a great, ever changing character, quite astounding, not to say I liked her, but that my feelings for her kept changing throughout the novel. Never quite sure where it was going next. Insidiously creepy, dark and intense. Though I guessed part of the ending, what actually happened blew me away. Would give the movie Fatal Attraction a run for its money. Wonder what this talented author will write next?
December 19, 2015
3.75 stars
April 28, 2018
Rose Wilks has been in prison for four long years. Incarcerated for something she didn't do. Another tragic part of a life filled with tragedy and betrayal. Rose is serving a sentence for manslaughter. She is charged with setting a fire that took a baby's life.
Rose's life has been a lonely one. At an early age her mother commit suicide and she went to live with her Auntie Ruth. Ruth was a spinster with no children of her own. Her parenting skills were sketchy to say the least. She did love Rose, but her failing health prematurely ended their time together.
Shelving her dreams of getting a university education, Rose went to live and work in a local hotel. It is there that she meets and falls in love with Jason, the bartender. Jason, though somewhat attentive to Rose, is still very much in love with his ex-wife, Emma. Where Rose is plain, Emma is beautiful. Fearful of losing Jason, Rose thinks she can make Jason love her. In her effort to do this, she falls pregnant.
"I thought we were going to be a normal family, just like I'd always wanted."
Rose and Jason have an argument and Rose delivers prematurely. Their tiny son, Joel, is barely clinging to life. Jason and Rose are distraught, upset and apprehensive.
Emma Hatcher, Jason's ex-wife is also pregnant. She delivers a son, Luke, and is in the hospital at the same time as Rose. Luke is healthy and thriving - Joel is weak and sickly. Rose rails against the injustice of it, but cannot help but love baby Luke.
"There should be a word for it. If I'd lost a husband, I would be a widow. But what is a woman who loses a baby? There is no word."
Rose befriends Emma, who has no idea of Rose's relationship with Jason, her former husband. Rose frequently babysits for Emma. She bonds with baby Luke. She even goes so far as to breastfeed him, and to sneak into Emma's house while she is asleep, just to fondly gaze upon Luke in his cot. It is after a night when she has done this, that there is a fire in Emma's house and baby Luke is killed. He was just four month old.
Cate Austin is a probation officer. A single mother in her late twenties, Cate has just started working at the Suffolk prison - Rose Wilks is her first case. It is up to Cate to determine if she feels that Rose is a good candidate for early parole.
Cate is struggling, and like all single, working mothers, she is riddled with guilt. Her darling little girl is being looked after by a childminder. The little girl's father is now living with another woman. Everything seems like so much effort, like a juggler with too many balls in the air.
Can Cate be objective with Rose's case? Will her own parental guilt influence her parole report?
Rose Wilks did not start the fire that killed Luke. But just what IS she guilty of?
~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~
Like me, you might think you've got this whodunnit all figured out about halfway through. However... you'd be wrong. This novel holds some plot twists that will shock you.
The characterization in this novel was very well rendered, causing the reader to empathise with all of the central characters. The author employed complicated emotional subterfuge to make the impact of her plot twists more deeply felt.
This novel about three women, is about mothering, about loss, and about parental guilt. Written in a way that is articulate and compelling, this is the second novel by this author that I have read.�� Lucky me. Ruth Dugdall has written several other books including three other titles in the Cate Austin series, so I have lots of great reading ahead. Highly recommended.
Rose's life has been a lonely one. At an early age her mother commit suicide and she went to live with her Auntie Ruth. Ruth was a spinster with no children of her own. Her parenting skills were sketchy to say the least. She did love Rose, but her failing health prematurely ended their time together.
Shelving her dreams of getting a university education, Rose went to live and work in a local hotel. It is there that she meets and falls in love with Jason, the bartender. Jason, though somewhat attentive to Rose, is still very much in love with his ex-wife, Emma. Where Rose is plain, Emma is beautiful. Fearful of losing Jason, Rose thinks she can make Jason love her. In her effort to do this, she falls pregnant.
"I thought we were going to be a normal family, just like I'd always wanted."
Rose and Jason have an argument and Rose delivers prematurely. Their tiny son, Joel, is barely clinging to life. Jason and Rose are distraught, upset and apprehensive.
Emma Hatcher, Jason's ex-wife is also pregnant. She delivers a son, Luke, and is in the hospital at the same time as Rose. Luke is healthy and thriving - Joel is weak and sickly. Rose rails against the injustice of it, but cannot help but love baby Luke.
"There should be a word for it. If I'd lost a husband, I would be a widow. But what is a woman who loses a baby? There is no word."
Rose befriends Emma, who has no idea of Rose's relationship with Jason, her former husband. Rose frequently babysits for Emma. She bonds with baby Luke. She even goes so far as to breastfeed him, and to sneak into Emma's house while she is asleep, just to fondly gaze upon Luke in his cot. It is after a night when she has done this, that there is a fire in Emma's house and baby Luke is killed. He was just four month old.
Cate Austin is a probation officer. A single mother in her late twenties, Cate has just started working at the Suffolk prison - Rose Wilks is her first case. It is up to Cate to determine if she feels that Rose is a good candidate for early parole.
Cate is struggling, and like all single, working mothers, she is riddled with guilt. Her darling little girl is being looked after by a childminder. The little girl's father is now living with another woman. Everything seems like so much effort, like a juggler with too many balls in the air.
Can Cate be objective with Rose's case? Will her own parental guilt influence her parole report?
Rose Wilks did not start the fire that killed Luke. But just what IS she guilty of?
~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~
Like me, you might think you've got this whodunnit all figured out about halfway through. However... you'd be wrong. This novel holds some plot twists that will shock you.
The characterization in this novel was very well rendered, causing the reader to empathise with all of the central characters. The author employed complicated emotional subterfuge to make the impact of her plot twists more deeply felt.
This novel about three women, is about mothering, about loss, and about parental guilt. Written in a way that is articulate and compelling, this is the second novel by this author that I have read.�� Lucky me. Ruth Dugdall has written several other books including three other titles in the Cate Austin series, so I have lots of great reading ahead. Highly recommended.
September 12, 2016
You know you've discovered an enjoyable new author when you finish her first book in less than twenty-four hours! I didn't expect to enjoy this book as much as I did; the cover reminded me of The Woman In Black, therefore I anticipated a ghost story, but this was much more of a dark psychological thrill ride.
Rose has not had an easy life, as a child caught between her unfaithful father and chronically depressed mother, she is markedly different to other children. As she grows into a young woman things do not get any easier for her, that is until she meets Jason. What follows is a complex relationship, disturbingly real and very well told on the authors part.
This book tackles some difficult issues, chiefly the loss of a child which makes some parts challenging and incredibly sad. As a reader, and someone who has experienced the loss of a child (albeit an unborn one, so a little different to this story), it was impressive to see how the author described the sheer loss and the many complex emotions that surround the topic.
Each character in this book is flawed, some by their own doing and others by circumstance. I enjoyed the book and was particularly impressed with the ending. I look forward to reading the next in the series.
Rose has not had an easy life, as a child caught between her unfaithful father and chronically depressed mother, she is markedly different to other children. As she grows into a young woman things do not get any easier for her, that is until she meets Jason. What follows is a complex relationship, disturbingly real and very well told on the authors part.
This book tackles some difficult issues, chiefly the loss of a child which makes some parts challenging and incredibly sad. As a reader, and someone who has experienced the loss of a child (albeit an unborn one, so a little different to this story), it was impressive to see how the author described the sheer loss and the many complex emotions that surround the topic.
Each character in this book is flawed, some by their own doing and others by circumstance. I enjoyed the book and was particularly impressed with the ending. I look forward to reading the next in the series.
April 12, 2018
⭐️ This book deserves All the twisty stars ⭐️
10 ⭐️s!!
Here is why:
The writing is superb and the format is really interesting because it is written in two POVs: Cate in the present and Rose through her Black Diary. I enjoyed this style and the author truly connected me to the characters. We got to know them without added unnecessary “fluff”.
I love a good stalker story and this became one but not in the usual psycho stalker way. I actually felt bad for Rose for about 80% of the book. Her Black Diary written by her, totally pulled at my heart strings which is why this book rocks!
Expect the unexpected and hold on to your hats kids because this book takes you for a ride and messes with your emotions!!!!!
No more because I don’t want to slip and giveaway the good stuff! Trust me, it’s a chilling story and it’s told really well and it is truly shocking. I look forward to hopefully more books in a Cate series.
Thank you #NetGalley, the Publisher and the author Ruth Dugdall for my free ARC in return for my honest review.
My review: 10 ⭐️s!!!!
10 ⭐️s!!
Here is why:
The writing is superb and the format is really interesting because it is written in two POVs: Cate in the present and Rose through her Black Diary. I enjoyed this style and the author truly connected me to the characters. We got to know them without added unnecessary “fluff”.
I love a good stalker story and this became one but not in the usual psycho stalker way. I actually felt bad for Rose for about 80% of the book. Her Black Diary written by her, totally pulled at my heart strings which is why this book rocks!
Expect the unexpected and hold on to your hats kids because this book takes you for a ride and messes with your emotions!!!!!
No more because I don’t want to slip and giveaway the good stuff! Trust me, it’s a chilling story and it’s told really well and it is truly shocking. I look forward to hopefully more books in a Cate series.
Thank you #NetGalley, the Publisher and the author Ruth Dugdall for my free ARC in return for my honest review.
My review: 10 ⭐️s!!!!
January 1, 2020
This book had it all for me. My final read of 2019 and I finished on a high! This novel was as addictive as my previous read by Ruth Dugdall and I found I had to keep on going to discover the truth. Again, quite a hard-hitting, dark subject matter, I felt that Dugdall treated many issues in a sensitive manner, allowing the narrative to flourish in its own right.
So, this book covers the prison system, stalking, mental health, motherhood, depression, death…. I could carry on but, seriously, this should not distract you from reading this book – I promise! Allow me to explain…
Readers are given a true insight into Rose’s mindset, the protagonist of the story. Through a series of journal entries/letters, we discover Rose’s past and how she came to be imprisoned for something she claims to not have done. Throughout the novel, Rose protests her innocence to Cate, her probation officer. Of course, as a reader, we feel that this is an obvious plea in a bid to ensure that Rose is granted the parole that is looming.
However, all is not as it seems. Dugdall effortlessly portrays a very mixed up and unhappy woman who has been shunted and isolated at every aspect of her life. Growing up, Rose is clearly tormented and readers are given an insight into the relationship she held with her mother. Shift forwards to near present day and we, along with Cate, grow to understand how Rose came to be in prison. On the same journey of discovery as Cate, readers learn about Rose’s relationships with others, including her partner, Jason.
The subject matter is very dark and heavy-going in places. I felt rather emotional, particularly during the hospital scenes. Dugdall touches on aspects that many readers could relate to: male or female; husband or wife; father or mother. I think this is what helps make this book (and the series) have such a broad appeal. It is not a typical crime book and the thrilling suspense just leaves you clawing through the pages, desperate to find the truth.
I’m not going to lie – I’m certainly going to follow up this read with something far more light-hearted. However, I can already tell that this story is going to haunt me for many days. I could not help but feel sorry for Rose, despite her background, and wanted there to be some respite for her. She experiences such trauma in her life that it was impossible not to feel sympathy and desire her to find her own happy ending.
Some readers may find this story harrowing because of the delicate issues that are explored. However, this aside, it is a well-crafted narrative that depicts a very troubled woman who has been abandoned by so many around her. It is a powerful story that had me gripped from the very beginning, and I look forward to continue exploring this series in the near future.
I received a copy of this book in exchange for an honest review.
So, this book covers the prison system, stalking, mental health, motherhood, depression, death…. I could carry on but, seriously, this should not distract you from reading this book – I promise! Allow me to explain…
Readers are given a true insight into Rose’s mindset, the protagonist of the story. Through a series of journal entries/letters, we discover Rose’s past and how she came to be imprisoned for something she claims to not have done. Throughout the novel, Rose protests her innocence to Cate, her probation officer. Of course, as a reader, we feel that this is an obvious plea in a bid to ensure that Rose is granted the parole that is looming.
However, all is not as it seems. Dugdall effortlessly portrays a very mixed up and unhappy woman who has been shunted and isolated at every aspect of her life. Growing up, Rose is clearly tormented and readers are given an insight into the relationship she held with her mother. Shift forwards to near present day and we, along with Cate, grow to understand how Rose came to be in prison. On the same journey of discovery as Cate, readers learn about Rose’s relationships with others, including her partner, Jason.
The subject matter is very dark and heavy-going in places. I felt rather emotional, particularly during the hospital scenes. Dugdall touches on aspects that many readers could relate to: male or female; husband or wife; father or mother. I think this is what helps make this book (and the series) have such a broad appeal. It is not a typical crime book and the thrilling suspense just leaves you clawing through the pages, desperate to find the truth.
I’m not going to lie – I’m certainly going to follow up this read with something far more light-hearted. However, I can already tell that this story is going to haunt me for many days. I could not help but feel sorry for Rose, despite her background, and wanted there to be some respite for her. She experiences such trauma in her life that it was impossible not to feel sympathy and desire her to find her own happy ending.
Some readers may find this story harrowing because of the delicate issues that are explored. However, this aside, it is a well-crafted narrative that depicts a very troubled woman who has been abandoned by so many around her. It is a powerful story that had me gripped from the very beginning, and I look forward to continue exploring this series in the near future.
I received a copy of this book in exchange for an honest review.
September 1, 2020
This book is a true psychological thriller in all it’s glory. It’s not perfect, one rarely is, but this is as close as it gets.
At times it was hard to read the words that so beautifully describe a very sensitive matter but that’s exactly what Ruth did, she made me feel.
It’s raw, it’s ugly, it’s harrowing, it’s heartbreaking and it’s beautiful.
None of the characters were likeable but that didn’t bother me one bit. Rose is a quite disturbing character, so pathetic at times it made me clench but i wanted to know more about her, she pulls you in to her world and won’t let you go and believe me you will want to go.
I enjoyed her black book entries and the letter to Jason which lets us into her broken mind and makes us understand her story.
The only issue I had was with Emma’s character, she’s supposed to be this beautiful, attention-grabbing woman but she left no impression on me and I can’t see how she made Jason or Dominic fall madly in love with her with such a simple and plain personality. Other than that, I really enjoyed this read and would definitely recommend to all the mystery lovers out there.
Thanks to NetGalley and Legend Press for sending me a copy of this book in exchange for an honest review
At times it was hard to read the words that so beautifully describe a very sensitive matter but that’s exactly what Ruth did, she made me feel.
It’s raw, it’s ugly, it’s harrowing, it’s heartbreaking and it’s beautiful.
None of the characters were likeable but that didn’t bother me one bit. Rose is a quite disturbing character, so pathetic at times it made me clench but i wanted to know more about her, she pulls you in to her world and won’t let you go and believe me you will want to go.
I enjoyed her black book entries and the letter to Jason which lets us into her broken mind and makes us understand her story.
The only issue I had was with Emma’s character, she’s supposed to be this beautiful, attention-grabbing woman but she left no impression on me and I can’t see how she made Jason or Dominic fall madly in love with her with such a simple and plain personality. Other than that, I really enjoyed this read and would definitely recommend to all the mystery lovers out there.
Thanks to NetGalley and Legend Press for sending me a copy of this book in exchange for an honest review
July 22, 2012
Most thrillers are the literary equivalent of fast food for me, gratifying, quickly devoured and soon forgotten. The Woman Before Me is far more satisfying, combining the tension of the best thrillers with credible characters who linger long after this heartbreaking story is done.
A book you can't put down, nor stop thinking about.
The Woman Before Me is the story of Rose Wilks who is serving a six year sentence for the manslaughter of four month old baby Luke. Luke's mother, Emma, is the ex-wife of Rose's partner Jason. 'The woman you'd had before me,' as Rose puts it.
Rose endears herself to Emma in the maternity hospital where her own baby son, born at the same time as Luke but premature, is in intensive care. Rose's obsession with Emma and Luke makes her the prime suspect when Luke dies in a house fire. A jury finds her guilty of manslaughter, despite Rose's insistence that she loved Luke and would never harm him.
Now Rose is the woman before Cate Austin, a probation officer newly assigned to Bishop's Hill Prison and charged with the task of assessing whether to recommend Rose for parole after four years. Cate's primary concern is to establish whether Rose feels remorse for what she's done. But how can Rose be remorseful for a crime she says she didn't commit?
British author Ruth Dugdall worked for almost a decade in the criminal justice system as a probation officer. Even without reading that The Woman Before Me was 'inspired by a true event', Dugdall's experience clearly informs the novel, not only in her depiction of prison culture, but in her vision of Rose's childhood. Dugdall clearly understands how people's choices and actions are shaped by their past.
As the stuff of crime fiction, stories about the death of a baby or child tap into both primal fears -- a parent's dread of outliving their child -- as well as beliefs we cling to about the moral order, even when we know them to be untrue. Notions about motherhood, for example, and the belief that no woman would willingly harm a child.
Dugdall's novel demonstrates -- as Gabrielle Lord put it in her back cover blurb -- 'the horrifying results of what can happen when an unloved child grows up and becomes a mother.'
I was reminded of an observation Australian author Wendy James made in an interview earlier this year in reference to her latest novel, The Mistake. 'What happens to the maternal instinct if there’s nobody looking after the mother?'
Or as Dugdall puts it, 'How can there ever be justice when a child dies?'
The Woman Before Me won the 2005 Crime Writers' Association Debut Dagger and is published in Australia by Text Publishing.
A book you can't put down, nor stop thinking about.
The Woman Before Me is the story of Rose Wilks who is serving a six year sentence for the manslaughter of four month old baby Luke. Luke's mother, Emma, is the ex-wife of Rose's partner Jason. 'The woman you'd had before me,' as Rose puts it.
Rose endears herself to Emma in the maternity hospital where her own baby son, born at the same time as Luke but premature, is in intensive care. Rose's obsession with Emma and Luke makes her the prime suspect when Luke dies in a house fire. A jury finds her guilty of manslaughter, despite Rose's insistence that she loved Luke and would never harm him.
Now Rose is the woman before Cate Austin, a probation officer newly assigned to Bishop's Hill Prison and charged with the task of assessing whether to recommend Rose for parole after four years. Cate's primary concern is to establish whether Rose feels remorse for what she's done. But how can Rose be remorseful for a crime she says she didn't commit?
British author Ruth Dugdall worked for almost a decade in the criminal justice system as a probation officer. Even without reading that The Woman Before Me was 'inspired by a true event', Dugdall's experience clearly informs the novel, not only in her depiction of prison culture, but in her vision of Rose's childhood. Dugdall clearly understands how people's choices and actions are shaped by their past.
As the stuff of crime fiction, stories about the death of a baby or child tap into both primal fears -- a parent's dread of outliving their child -- as well as beliefs we cling to about the moral order, even when we know them to be untrue. Notions about motherhood, for example, and the belief that no woman would willingly harm a child.
Dugdall's novel demonstrates -- as Gabrielle Lord put it in her back cover blurb -- 'the horrifying results of what can happen when an unloved child grows up and becomes a mother.'
I was reminded of an observation Australian author Wendy James made in an interview earlier this year in reference to her latest novel, The Mistake. 'What happens to the maternal instinct if there’s nobody looking after the mother?'
Or as Dugdall puts it, 'How can there ever be justice when a child dies?'
The Woman Before Me won the 2005 Crime Writers' Association Debut Dagger and is published in Australia by Text Publishing.
February 7, 2018
Although this is the first book in the Cate Austin series,she is essentially just a secondary character.The main protagonist is Rose Wilks who is just weeks away from freedom after spending nearly five years in prison for the murder of her best friend`s baby.As Rose`s probation officer Cate has to decide if Rose is remorseful about baby Luke`s death and wether she remains a threat to society.Despite warnings from her new colleagues Cate finds herself being drawn into Rose`s case and begins to doubt her own judgment.
Through entries written in Rose`s black book journal we learn about her life,from a young girl right through to the night of the fire that killed Luke.Rose obviously has major psychological issues but she is also very clever and manipulative.I felt she just wanted someone to love her which was why one of the twists in this story didn't make sense to me.Rose was such a unreliable character that I was never sure wether she was guilty of Luke`s murder or not.
The author has drawn on her personal experiences as a probation officer in her depictions of prison culture.The sexist banter between the prison officers,their mistreatment and bullying of the prisoners.How easily you can find yourself being ostracized for caring too much about the treatment of prisoners and if they are guilty or innocent.
The story was definitely creepy at times and I did enjoy the story enough that I wanted to finish it but I wouldn't call it a memorable book.To me it was one of those,right I've read that now what's next books but that's just my personal opinion.
Many thanks to Legend Press for a arc of this book via Netgalley in exchange for a honest review
Through entries written in Rose`s black book journal we learn about her life,from a young girl right through to the night of the fire that killed Luke.Rose obviously has major psychological issues but she is also very clever and manipulative.I felt she just wanted someone to love her which was why one of the twists in this story didn't make sense to me.Rose was such a unreliable character that I was never sure wether she was guilty of Luke`s murder or not.
The author has drawn on her personal experiences as a probation officer in her depictions of prison culture.The sexist banter between the prison officers,their mistreatment and bullying of the prisoners.How easily you can find yourself being ostracized for caring too much about the treatment of prisoners and if they are guilty or innocent.
The story was definitely creepy at times and I did enjoy the story enough that I wanted to finish it but I wouldn't call it a memorable book.To me it was one of those,right I've read that now what's next books but that's just my personal opinion.
Many thanks to Legend Press for a arc of this book via Netgalley in exchange for a honest review
October 26, 2024
This is the 1st book in the Cate Austin series by author Ruth Dugdall, a series that I have already read and enjoyed two books of. Not quite sure why I didn't start reading this series from the beginning but I enjoy the writing of this author so I was not surprised that I found this one a very good read.
The novel focuses on Rose Wilks, whose life is destroyed when her newborn baby Joel is admitted to intensive care. At the hospital Rose befriends Emma Hatcher, a woman who has all that Rose lacks. Beauty. A loving husband. A healthy son. Until tragedy strikes and Rose is the only suspect.
Following nearly five years behind bars, Rose is just weeks away from freedom and her probation officer Cate must decide whether Rose is remorseful for the death of Emma's baby Luke or whether she remains a threat to society. As Cate is drawn in, she begins to doubt her own judgement.
This is a tragic story but so well told and I found it totally addictive and struggled to put it down. Great characters, well paced and full of twists and turns. Author Ruth Dugdall writes excellent novels and they are consistently of an hI just wish there were more of them to read.
I would like to thank Net Galley and Legend Press for supplying a copy of this novel in exchange for an honest review.
The novel focuses on Rose Wilks, whose life is destroyed when her newborn baby Joel is admitted to intensive care. At the hospital Rose befriends Emma Hatcher, a woman who has all that Rose lacks. Beauty. A loving husband. A healthy son. Until tragedy strikes and Rose is the only suspect.
Following nearly five years behind bars, Rose is just weeks away from freedom and her probation officer Cate must decide whether Rose is remorseful for the death of Emma's baby Luke or whether she remains a threat to society. As Cate is drawn in, she begins to doubt her own judgement.
This is a tragic story but so well told and I found it totally addictive and struggled to put it down. Great characters, well paced and full of twists and turns. Author Ruth Dugdall writes excellent novels and they are consistently of an hI just wish there were more of them to read.
I would like to thank Net Galley and Legend Press for supplying a copy of this novel in exchange for an honest review.
January 22, 2017
The blurb on this book reminded me of Minette Walters' "The Sculptress" and as I really liked it, I decided to buy this German edition of "The Woman before me". Unfortunately Dugdall's work can't be compared with what Walters so masterfully spun. To not eliminate the suspense that is indeed there (I finished the book in one afternoon) I will try to tell not much about the plot itself.
There is a lot of potential in this book, which made it for me only more disappointing and frustrating to read. What the book could have been is dangled in front of the reader's eyes like a juicy carrot. For example we get very well written and intriguing views in the twisted mind of protagonist Rose. But the possibility that she is an unreliable narrator and not everything has to bee as it is seen from her eyes is not explored. In comparison to Rose it also only strikes that much more that her counterpart Cate, who is assigned to her as a probation worker, stays flat and shallow as a character. This would, again, not have been so bad, if the author hadn't decided to jump in between perspectives throughout the novel, a technique that did the book more harm than good,
We get many deep insights in Rose's thoughts via her diary, which were my favourite parts - but in the end it's this very diary that makes the big reveal in the end weak and unbelievable. When you write a diary you do it to pour out your secrets and not keep them until the end for the benefit of a reader. After the slow building up of the plot (sometimes too slow) the end also felt rushed and bland.
Also, as an avid reader of crime novels and psycho thrillers, I sometimes felt treated like a child by the not very subtle hints that the author keeps throwing around. Take a drink whenever red-blonde hair or the scent of apples is mentioned and you are maybe buzzed enough to not care about the disappointing ending.
Sadly, the book promises more than it can keep. If you want to read a psycho thriller in a very similar setting that keeps up those promises I'd recommend the aforemetioned "The Sculptress" by Minette Walters. For a believable use of flashbacks while still keeping suspense I can recommend Lionel Shrive's "We need to talk about Kevin".
There is a lot of potential in this book, which made it for me only more disappointing and frustrating to read. What the book could have been is dangled in front of the reader's eyes like a juicy carrot. For example we get very well written and intriguing views in the twisted mind of protagonist Rose. But the possibility that she is an unreliable narrator and not everything has to bee as it is seen from her eyes is not explored. In comparison to Rose it also only strikes that much more that her counterpart Cate, who is assigned to her as a probation worker, stays flat and shallow as a character. This would, again, not have been so bad, if the author hadn't decided to jump in between perspectives throughout the novel, a technique that did the book more harm than good,
We get many deep insights in Rose's thoughts via her diary, which were my favourite parts - but in the end it's this very diary that makes the big reveal in the end weak and unbelievable. When you write a diary you do it to pour out your secrets and not keep them until the end for the benefit of a reader. After the slow building up of the plot (sometimes too slow) the end also felt rushed and bland.
Also, as an avid reader of crime novels and psycho thrillers, I sometimes felt treated like a child by the not very subtle hints that the author keeps throwing around. Take a drink whenever red-blonde hair or the scent of apples is mentioned and you are maybe buzzed enough to not care about the disappointing ending.
Sadly, the book promises more than it can keep. If you want to read a psycho thriller in a very similar setting that keeps up those promises I'd recommend the aforemetioned "The Sculptress" by Minette Walters. For a believable use of flashbacks while still keeping suspense I can recommend Lionel Shrive's "We need to talk about Kevin".
February 19, 2018
A good psychological thriller type book... Looking forward to reading the rest in the series! It is very hard for me to write a review- for I fear of giving something away- so all I can say it was a good read!!
February 27, 2018
The Woman Before Me is my favourite novel by Ruth Dugdall. I have read two other books by Ruth, Humber Boy B and Nowhere Girl and I enjoyed them both. The Woman Before Me is being released 1st March 2018 by Legend Press. I can't recommend this creepy psychological thriller enough. Baby sitter Rosemary Wilks is charged with the murder of baby Luke Hatcher. Pleading not guilty to the murder of Luke Hatcher, is Rosemary telling the truth? Rosemary was a friend and a baby sitter but the questions are did Emma Hatcher trust Rosemary her friend with her son? Did anything give Emma reason to believe that Rosemary Wilks would harm little Luke? Furthermore did Emma ever see Rosemary behave in a way that caused Emma some concern? I was hooked into every tiny detail of this creepy story. How did baby Luke Hatcher die? And what will Nurse Hall reveal about Rosemary Wilks ? You will need to read The Woman Before Me to find out.
July 27, 2012
Sometime ago, a local author who worked in the local justice system, albeit in a different capacity to this author, wrote a debut novel which, at the time, read a lot like a spot of personal therapy. THE WOMAN BEFORE ME has a little of that feeling about it, but more importantly, and not just because it is inspired by a true event, it's a memorable and thought-provoking book into the bargain.
The blurb gives you the basics of the story. A baby has died, and there is only one suspect - a woman who befriended the dead child's mother in hospital, a woman whose own baby boy died. As the story progresses the reader learns more about Rose's circumstances, what happened to her before, during and after the birth and natural death of her own son; why she was close enough to Emma to be found guilty of the manslaughter of the dead boy - a child she had become uncomfortably close to.
But Rose is also now up for parole and she's always denied any responsibility for the death. The woman who now must decide Rose's immediate future, probation officer Cate Austin, is new to the prison system, with a child of her own, a failed marriage and breakdown behind her, a fragile, vulnerable person. Swirling around these two women there's a subtle power-play, a sense of menace, and a lot that's not quite as it seems.
The narrative moves backwards and forwards in time through the events leading up to Rose's pregnancy, the birth and death of the child and her present day life in jail. The viewpoint also shifts around mostly between Cate and Rose - which leaves the reader with the classic dilemma - is Rose an unreliable narrator? Is she responsible for baby Luke's death, is she a victim or a master manipulator? The character of Rose, in particular, is absolutely fascinating in this book. The reader is constantly struggling with who Rose really is. She could be a victim or she might just be guilty as charged? There's also the very real possibility that she's a master manipulator and somebody who is actually quite threatening. You are also constantly struck by the nature of happiness and how this woman seems to have made a life for herself within the jail system - how will she cope out in the real world again.
Obviously Dugdall is writing about a world that she knows very well - the depiction of jail culture is stark and very pointed. She's also writing about the circumstances of people that she knows well - how someone's past can affect their present, and how complex the problems of justice and punishment can be.
It's no surprise whatsoever that THE WOMAN BEFORE ME won the 2005 Crime Writers' Association Debut Dagger in the UK, and it's very pleasing that it's finally made it to our shores. Hopefully there's more to come.
http://www.austcrimefiction.org/revie...
The blurb gives you the basics of the story. A baby has died, and there is only one suspect - a woman who befriended the dead child's mother in hospital, a woman whose own baby boy died. As the story progresses the reader learns more about Rose's circumstances, what happened to her before, during and after the birth and natural death of her own son; why she was close enough to Emma to be found guilty of the manslaughter of the dead boy - a child she had become uncomfortably close to.
But Rose is also now up for parole and she's always denied any responsibility for the death. The woman who now must decide Rose's immediate future, probation officer Cate Austin, is new to the prison system, with a child of her own, a failed marriage and breakdown behind her, a fragile, vulnerable person. Swirling around these two women there's a subtle power-play, a sense of menace, and a lot that's not quite as it seems.
The narrative moves backwards and forwards in time through the events leading up to Rose's pregnancy, the birth and death of the child and her present day life in jail. The viewpoint also shifts around mostly between Cate and Rose - which leaves the reader with the classic dilemma - is Rose an unreliable narrator? Is she responsible for baby Luke's death, is she a victim or a master manipulator? The character of Rose, in particular, is absolutely fascinating in this book. The reader is constantly struggling with who Rose really is. She could be a victim or she might just be guilty as charged? There's also the very real possibility that she's a master manipulator and somebody who is actually quite threatening. You are also constantly struck by the nature of happiness and how this woman seems to have made a life for herself within the jail system - how will she cope out in the real world again.
Obviously Dugdall is writing about a world that she knows very well - the depiction of jail culture is stark and very pointed. She's also writing about the circumstances of people that she knows well - how someone's past can affect their present, and how complex the problems of justice and punishment can be.
It's no surprise whatsoever that THE WOMAN BEFORE ME won the 2005 Crime Writers' Association Debut Dagger in the UK, and it's very pleasing that it's finally made it to our shores. Hopefully there's more to come.
http://www.austcrimefiction.org/revie...
August 25, 2018
Rating: 3.5
Chilling and heartbreaking, The Woman Before Me is a story of loss and grief with a hearty dose of misogyny.
Although Cate Austin is the main character in Ruth Dugdall’s series, in this story she kind of takes a back seat to Rose Wilks who is currently serving time in prison for manslaughter after killing her friend’s baby. Allegedly.
Cate is just returning to her parole officer job after a six months absence and is being transferred to the prison where Rose is being held. She’s intrigued by the case and Rose’s insistence on being innocent, but her reluctance to provide further details that could help her getting parole is baffling.
As the author switches between the past and the present, the story is slowly revealed through Rose’s diary entries and we get to know quite a bit of her life. Neglected, orphaned at a young age, uneducated, emotionally unstable, she didn’t have an easy one, and then the loss of her newborn baby sends her spiraling into despair that is described so vividly, you can’t not feel her raw pain. But her boyfriend is standing by her throughout this ordeal. At least she has that going for her, am I right?
In addition to being a solid psychological thriller, The Woman Before Me also gives a great insight into the daily life of inmates in a British prison. It’s not nice, I must say. Don’t go to prison, guys! Lack of privacy, stupid schedules for literally everything and, you know, zero freedom could make the strongest of us go nuts a tiny bit.
With slowly mounting tension The Woman Before Me is a highly enjoyable psychological thriller that packs a real punch with a ‘You did what now?’ twist at the end that ties up the whole story rather neatly.
Chilling and heartbreaking, The Woman Before Me is a story of loss and grief with a hearty dose of misogyny.
Although Cate Austin is the main character in Ruth Dugdall’s series, in this story she kind of takes a back seat to Rose Wilks who is currently serving time in prison for manslaughter after killing her friend’s baby. Allegedly.
Cate is just returning to her parole officer job after a six months absence and is being transferred to the prison where Rose is being held. She’s intrigued by the case and Rose’s insistence on being innocent, but her reluctance to provide further details that could help her getting parole is baffling.
As the author switches between the past and the present, the story is slowly revealed through Rose’s diary entries and we get to know quite a bit of her life. Neglected, orphaned at a young age, uneducated, emotionally unstable, she didn’t have an easy one, and then the loss of her newborn baby sends her spiraling into despair that is described so vividly, you can’t not feel her raw pain. But her boyfriend is standing by her throughout this ordeal. At least she has that going for her, am I right?
In addition to being a solid psychological thriller, The Woman Before Me also gives a great insight into the daily life of inmates in a British prison. It’s not nice, I must say. Don’t go to prison, guys! Lack of privacy, stupid schedules for literally everything and, you know, zero freedom could make the strongest of us go nuts a tiny bit.
With slowly mounting tension The Woman Before Me is a highly enjoyable psychological thriller that packs a real punch with a ‘You did what now?’ twist at the end that ties up the whole story rather neatly.
March 15, 2018
I actually read this book four years ago as I discovered when I checked back on Goodreads. I didn’t leave a review at the time just a rating of 5 stars so I was thrilled to get a copy of the updated version from Legend Press so that I could rectify that-the review not the star rating as that still stands, more now than ever!
I actually picked up a copy of The Woman Before Me the first time around whilst searching on Amazon for books to take with me on the first holiday, just me and my husband, since our kids were born (they are all in their twenties now so this holiday was a big deal to us!) We are both big readers on holiday and The Woman Before Me was the first book I read whilst there and it spoiled me for the rest of my holiday reading pile. I just had the biggest book hangover when I finished it and it stayed with me till I got off the plane in rainy Manchester again. And since then I have become a huge fan of Ruth Dugdall, preordering and then devouring all the Cate Austin books and her others as well.
The Woman Before Me has a complex character at it’s heart who continually confused my emotions throughout. Rose Wilks has had a difficult and upsetting upbringing which made her a prime candidate for mental health problems as an adult, so my sympathies were torn right from the very beginning. Cate Austin comes into contact with Rose when she arrives at the prison to take up a new post and one of her first jobs is to investigate whether or not Rose is now eligible for parole. Does she show any remorse for the murder of her best friends baby? As we flashback to what happened in the lead up to that fateful day, we come to see that things aren’t quite as clear cut as we think.
Although this is the first in the Cate Austin series, she is really only introduced to us in small doses as the main focus is on Rose. But she obviously made a huge impression on readers and her character development continues over the next few books as her journey through life takes her to different places and situations. I always feel that there is a lot of Ruth Dugdall herself in Cate and that personal touch means that Cate is a very relatable, likeable character, unlike Rose who has such hidden depths and personality traits that mean you are never quite sure if she is just a misunderstood young woman desperate for affection or a seriously manipulative sociopath. I never knew whether to be revolted by her or feel sorry for her! And that’s why this book lingered in my mind for much longer than I was expecting it to and that four years later it still managed to bring those emotions out in me even though I already knew the outcome.
I highly recommend The Woman Before Me and I know that once you’ve read it you will want to meet Cate Austin again. And luckily for you, you can!!
January 17, 2014
This is a reissue of a book which was the winner of the Crime Writers Association Debut Dagger, as well as winning the 2009 Luke Bitmead Bursary, being shortlisted and longlisted for other awards and appearing on prestigious book lists. With such good credentials, I feel surprised that I had not previously read it, but the joy of new editions is that you can find authors you may have missed and novels you may like. I am pleased to add both this book and Ruth Dugdall to my list of books and authors that I most certainly do like and I am glad that I discovered both. Ruth Dugdall worked as a Probation Officer for almost a decade and her knowledge with the world she writes about is evident in this intelligent and fast paced thriller.
Rose Wilks is in prison for the manslaughter of a baby, Luke Hatcher, son of her friend Emma. Both women gave birth at the same time – but Rose’s baby son died, while Luke lived. A chance encounter after the women leave hospital, leads to Rose infiltrating Emma’s life and quickly becoming indispensible as a babysitter and confidante. Now Rose is up for parole and Cate Austin, new Probation Officer at the prison, has to decide whether or not to recommend her for release.
Cate is a woman with problems of her own. Her husband has left her for another woman and she is a single mother to daughter, Amelia, working in a male dominated profession in what is, effectively, a demotion. She has to put aside her own maternal feelings about a child killer and look at the case dispassionately. This is not as easy as it sounds in a book which abounds with obsessive love – both romantic and maternal – and looks at the guilt women often feel about their role as a mother.
Gradually, as the novel unfolds, we learn of the life story of Rose; her troubled past and rather manipulative and secretive manner. She is an unreliable narrator and this book has many plot twists and surprises before we reach the truth of what happened on the night that led to the death of baby Luke. This is a really good read, told from the viewpoints of Rose, Cate and also Emma. The author manages to make all the characters sympathetic, so you are really involved in what happened and the build up of events. If you like intelligent and well written thrillers, with realistic and interesting female characters (I may be wrong, but I suspect this book will appeal more to women than men) then you will enjoy this. I will certainly search out the authors backlist and look forward to future books.
I received a copy of this book, from the publisher, for review.
Rose Wilks is in prison for the manslaughter of a baby, Luke Hatcher, son of her friend Emma. Both women gave birth at the same time – but Rose’s baby son died, while Luke lived. A chance encounter after the women leave hospital, leads to Rose infiltrating Emma’s life and quickly becoming indispensible as a babysitter and confidante. Now Rose is up for parole and Cate Austin, new Probation Officer at the prison, has to decide whether or not to recommend her for release.
Cate is a woman with problems of her own. Her husband has left her for another woman and she is a single mother to daughter, Amelia, working in a male dominated profession in what is, effectively, a demotion. She has to put aside her own maternal feelings about a child killer and look at the case dispassionately. This is not as easy as it sounds in a book which abounds with obsessive love – both romantic and maternal – and looks at the guilt women often feel about their role as a mother.
Gradually, as the novel unfolds, we learn of the life story of Rose; her troubled past and rather manipulative and secretive manner. She is an unreliable narrator and this book has many plot twists and surprises before we reach the truth of what happened on the night that led to the death of baby Luke. This is a really good read, told from the viewpoints of Rose, Cate and also Emma. The author manages to make all the characters sympathetic, so you are really involved in what happened and the build up of events. If you like intelligent and well written thrillers, with realistic and interesting female characters (I may be wrong, but I suspect this book will appeal more to women than men) then you will enjoy this. I will certainly search out the authors backlist and look forward to future books.
I received a copy of this book, from the publisher, for review.
August 13, 2014
Gosh, this book was almost too depressing. The whole thing is just so tragically sad, but it's such a well-written, engaging psychological thriller, and with a protagonist that is so incredibly complicated and fascinating to read about, you won't be able to stop turning the pages to find out what happens next, even if a part of you dreads knowing.
I definitely recommend this one---unless, of course, you only like happy stories, than steer clear of this one. It'll bring you nothing but misery. Yet still, I loved it. I'll be reading more from this author in the future.
I definitely recommend this one---unless, of course, you only like happy stories, than steer clear of this one. It'll bring you nothing but misery. Yet still, I loved it. I'll be reading more from this author in the future.
March 11, 2018
This is the first book in a re-released series featuring Cate Austin, a probation officer. Cate really is a get your sleeves rolled up kind of woman who isn’t happy to just go through paper work where others can easily sway her with their decisions. She gets in there and pokes at the past with a big stick. What she decides changes people’s lives and getting it wrong could mean either serving more time in prison for someone or putting lives at risk in the community. Rose Wilks has served 5 years in prison and she is due to be up for parole, Cate is her probation officer, it is in her hands if she is going to be set free.
This is such a tragic story but I just couldn’t stop reading. My heart just bled for Rose from the first few chapters in the story as it jumped from present day to the past. I have never known a day disappear so quickly as I became so involved in wanting to know the truth. The question of was she sorry about the crime she had been found guilty of became secondary. This is one emotional read that just really gets into your mind and won’t go away.
I just love it when a story comes together and this is a beauty. Although this is a series which revolves round Cate, the story centres on Rose as the main character in this book. A chance meeting in hospital with Emma Hatcher, when they have both just given birth to baby boys, sets in motion an unusual friendship with disastrous consequences. Oh boy this is heart wrenching stuff that just comes back and haunts you.
Rose, needs help desperately but everyone seems oblivious. OMG! What was happening made me cringe, made me fearful and made me cry.
As the story unfolds all of these characters layers are peeled away to bear all. This is so very powerful. A belting psychological and thrilling all round must read!
This is such a tragic story but I just couldn’t stop reading. My heart just bled for Rose from the first few chapters in the story as it jumped from present day to the past. I have never known a day disappear so quickly as I became so involved in wanting to know the truth. The question of was she sorry about the crime she had been found guilty of became secondary. This is one emotional read that just really gets into your mind and won’t go away.
I just love it when a story comes together and this is a beauty. Although this is a series which revolves round Cate, the story centres on Rose as the main character in this book. A chance meeting in hospital with Emma Hatcher, when they have both just given birth to baby boys, sets in motion an unusual friendship with disastrous consequences. Oh boy this is heart wrenching stuff that just comes back and haunts you.
Rose, needs help desperately but everyone seems oblivious. OMG! What was happening made me cringe, made me fearful and made me cry.
As the story unfolds all of these characters layers are peeled away to bear all. This is so very powerful. A belting psychological and thrilling all round must read!
March 11, 2018
Thank you Legend Press for sending me this novel through netgalley. ❤️
4.5 stars 🌟 I really enjoyed this novel was different then I expected it to be. The ending brought the star rating up as I thought it was a good twist on the novel.
I thought the characters were all really like-able and I really liked the main characters rose and cate. Character development was great especially seeing rose’s development of where she came from and the reasons as to why she is they way she is.
Would highly recommend to everyone who enjoys psychological thrillers 🙂
4.5 stars 🌟 I really enjoyed this novel was different then I expected it to be. The ending brought the star rating up as I thought it was a good twist on the novel.
I thought the characters were all really like-able and I really liked the main characters rose and cate. Character development was great especially seeing rose’s development of where she came from and the reasons as to why she is they way she is.
Would highly recommend to everyone who enjoys psychological thrillers 🙂
November 4, 2013
The Woman Before Me is a psychological thriller that is hauntingly dark and bleak, there is absolutely nothing pleasant contained within this story, yet it is a compelling and at times, very addictive. It kept me reading until the late hours.
Rose Wilks is serving a prison sentence for the manslaughter of a young baby. The victim, Luke, is the child of a woman that Rose befriended whilst she was in hospital herself, when she gave birth to her own son Joel. Rose had a difficult labour and Joel was very sick when he was born. He didn't survive.
Cate Austen is the mother of a young daughter. She's also Rose's probation officer, and it is her job to determine whether Rose should be released from prison.
As Cate and Rose edge around each other, trying to work each other out, the reader is privy to Rose's 'black book'; her secret diary that explains everything about both the crime, and about how Rose became the woman that she is today.
Manipulation and unreliability could be Rose's middle names, her story appears credible, but always, in the background, there is that nag of doubt about Rose and her story. Whilst I admit that I'd just about worked out the truth behind the story, the double-whammy shock of the truth exposed at the end of the novel was both unexpected and very cleverly done. The belief that the reader has developed over the course of the story is shattered completely.
Ruth Dugdall has drawn on her personal experiences as a probation officer when writing this novel, and this shows. The culture of prison life is starkly told, the institutional sexism, the bullying, the difficulties of being a staff member who cares; all depicted very well, and all adding to the overall tension of the novel.
This is a chilling story, of betrayal, of lies and of obsession. At times uncomfortable due to the nature of the crime, but it's compulsive. I will certainly be looking out for Ruth Dugdall's other novels.
Rose Wilks is serving a prison sentence for the manslaughter of a young baby. The victim, Luke, is the child of a woman that Rose befriended whilst she was in hospital herself, when she gave birth to her own son Joel. Rose had a difficult labour and Joel was very sick when he was born. He didn't survive.
Cate Austen is the mother of a young daughter. She's also Rose's probation officer, and it is her job to determine whether Rose should be released from prison.
As Cate and Rose edge around each other, trying to work each other out, the reader is privy to Rose's 'black book'; her secret diary that explains everything about both the crime, and about how Rose became the woman that she is today.
Manipulation and unreliability could be Rose's middle names, her story appears credible, but always, in the background, there is that nag of doubt about Rose and her story. Whilst I admit that I'd just about worked out the truth behind the story, the double-whammy shock of the truth exposed at the end of the novel was both unexpected and very cleverly done. The belief that the reader has developed over the course of the story is shattered completely.
Ruth Dugdall has drawn on her personal experiences as a probation officer when writing this novel, and this shows. The culture of prison life is starkly told, the institutional sexism, the bullying, the difficulties of being a staff member who cares; all depicted very well, and all adding to the overall tension of the novel.
This is a chilling story, of betrayal, of lies and of obsession. At times uncomfortable due to the nature of the crime, but it's compulsive. I will certainly be looking out for Ruth Dugdall's other novels.
February 7, 2018
Although this is the first book in the Cate Austin series,she is essentially just a secondary character.The main protagonist is Rose Wilks who is just weeks away from freedom after spending nearly five years in prison for the murder of her best friend`s baby.As Rose`s probation officer Cate has to decide if Rose is remorseful about baby Luke`s death and wether she remains a threat to society.Despite warnings from her new colleagues Cate finds herself being drawn into Rose`s case and begins to doubt her own judgment.
Through entries written in Rose`s black book journal we learn about her life,from a young girl right through to the night of the fire that killed Luke.Rose obviously has major psychological issues but she is also very clever and manipulative.I felt she just wanted someone to love her which was why one of the twists in this story didn't make sense to me.Rose was such a unreliable character that I was never sure wether she was guilty of Luke`s murder or not.
The author has drawn on her personal experiences as a probation officer in her depictions of prison culture.The sexist banter between the prison officers,their mistreatment and bullying of the prisoners.How easily you can find yourself being ostracized for caring too much about the treatment of prisoners and if they are guilty or innocent.
The story was definitely creepy at times and I did enjoy the story enough that I wanted to finish it but I wouldn't call it a memorable book.To me it was one of those,right I've read that now what's next books but that's just my personal opinion.
Through entries written in Rose`s black book journal we learn about her life,from a young girl right through to the night of the fire that killed Luke.Rose obviously has major psychological issues but she is also very clever and manipulative.I felt she just wanted someone to love her which was why one of the twists in this story didn't make sense to me.Rose was such a unreliable character that I was never sure wether she was guilty of Luke`s murder or not.
The author has drawn on her personal experiences as a probation officer in her depictions of prison culture.The sexist banter between the prison officers,their mistreatment and bullying of the prisoners.How easily you can find yourself being ostracized for caring too much about the treatment of prisoners and if they are guilty or innocent.
The story was definitely creepy at times and I did enjoy the story enough that I wanted to finish it but I wouldn't call it a memorable book.To me it was one of those,right I've read that now what's next books but that's just my personal opinion.
October 10, 2016
I found this an uncomfortable read. In many ways because it is not easy to read about the death of babies, but also because the main character was so unlikeable. Reminiscent of Gone Girl, The Good Girl and The Girl on the Train, she was just a little too unhinged to ever really feel any interest in her story.
Considering this is meant to the the first book in the "Cate Austin" series, we really learn very little about Cate and I didn't feel her character was well developed.
Add into this a scene where a female gets drunk at a party, goes back to her male colleagues' house to "sleep it off" where he tries to have sex with her despite her repeated drunken attempts to remove him and say "no"... and this was never accepted as attempted rape, but just another funny story about how the new girl in the office was 'easy', led someone on, and embarrassed him. Made me sick actually and the book loses a star for that.
Considering this is meant to the the first book in the "Cate Austin" series, we really learn very little about Cate and I didn't feel her character was well developed.
Add into this a scene where a female gets drunk at a party, goes back to her male colleagues' house to "sleep it off" where he tries to have sex with her despite her repeated drunken attempts to remove him and say "no"... and this was never accepted as attempted rape, but just another funny story about how the new girl in the office was 'easy', led someone on, and embarrassed him. Made me sick actually and the book loses a star for that.
April 5, 2017
A bit of a depressing read but a good book nonetheless.
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