Another excellent read in this series. Right from the very start I was hooked and found it difficult to put this book down. Part crime and part psychological thriller which is a perfect combination.

The Housewife's Secret was a quick and easy read. Being the first book I've read by this author, I found it a 4 star read at least. This story had my attention from the beginning by dangling a carrot up front making me play detective until the end. Motives, suspicions, twists, characters you want to love and those you want to hate.
Chapters bounce between the perspectives of Darcie and DCI Daniel Riley. The story is based in the present with chapters flashing back to Darcie's past. It was a good read that left me wanting more by this author.
Thank you for the ARC through NetGalley. This is my personal opinion. I received no compensation for my review.

This is my first read from this author, but will certainly not be my last!
I did not want to put this one down, what a fantastic, twisty, mystery thriller this was. Just when I thought I knew what was going on, TWIST, nope I was wrong (and I loved it). I do not want to give anything away, the synopsis of the story is just the tip of the iceberg.
“Someone knows I’m not just a housewife. And the lies I’ve told will be all that’s left when I disappear…”

This book is a fast read and page turner! Dan Riley, DCI, is about to go on a much-needed vacation with his family, when a local woman goes missing and he is determined to find her. This is the first book of the series that I’ve read, and it can easily be read as a stand-alone. But I will go back to read the other books in this series and look forward to the next. Recommended!

I'm so enjoying the Detective Dan Riley series and the latest installment is no exception! A rollercoaster ride that will keep you guessing and trying to figure it out! Lots of interesting characters, twists and turns, and one heckuva story!

Many thanks to NetGalley and Bookouture for this ARC!

It is no secret to those who know me that I absolutely love detective novels, and this writer did not disappoint me. Though it wasn’t as thrilling as I might have first expected, it did have some light scenes and several instances where I had to think ‘So who is the killer?’ 

Overall, this book is worth the read! If you are looking for something light and fun yet filled with mystery, you should totally check this book out!

I've loved all the previous Detective Dan Riley books so I was super excited to get my hands on an eARC of The Housewife's Secret!

I started this book late one afternoon and finished it the next day! From the first page I was a slave to the words in it. I so love Anna-Lou's writing style; always suspenseful and always keeping me wondering and guessing. This story was gripping and had me sleuthing until its explosive end.

Would recommend

4 stars

This is my first book in Detective Dan Riley books. Its well written and makes me curious to read the rest of the series.

I want to first thank Netgalley for allowing me to read the ARC of this book in exchange for an honest review. I would rate this book a 3.75. This book is a standalone within the Detective Dan Riley series, I have not read any of the other books and had no issue following along with the characters. In this book we get Darcie's POV from the past and the present as well as Detective Dan's POV as he tries to bring Darcie home to safety. The Housewife's Secret was very fast paced and gripping!

When I tell you I read this book in a day I honestly did! I was gripped! It reminded me of a story in the news last year which I followed so instantly I knew this was right up my street and I'd literally have to keep reading until I found out what happened. And my god did I not see that coming! The twists and turns are unbelievable you will be so shocked! My heart was pounding throughout this book. I was frightened. I desperately wanted Darcie to be safe and return home to her loving husband.
Will definitely be recommending this book!

Dan Riley is one of the good ones. He’s instinctive and like a bloodhound in that he will keep sniffing until he finds his game.
I was invested in this story after the first chapter. The flipping back in time format helps readers fill in the gaps in Darcie’s background.
Aside from Dan, Gave was my other favorite character since he told the authorities what for.
I figured out a key piece before Dan did, but then I wasn’t as stressed out as he was.
Personally, Riley’;s supervisor needed to go away and she really irritated me the way she expected him to conjure up,clues in a nanosecond. Real detective work takes times and effort. I’m glad Dan disregarded her, the battle ax.
It’s a great read.

First I just want to say that this is my first read from this author but it won’t be my last.i was in a reading slump and this book got me out it was amazing and the twist in this book was so good didn’t see that coming this book was overall amazing get you a copy that’s all I will say

Wow! This is my first Anna-lou Weatherley book but definitely not my last. This one had lots of tension and twists as well as crazy reveals. The characters were fantastic. Big on the creep factor.
Thank you NetGalley, Anno-lou Weatherley and Bookouture for the opportunity to read and review this book.

Read this if you like:
detective series
workaholic MC’s
posh/wealthy environments
dual POVs & timelines
secrets
mental health themed books

The Housewife's Secret is the 7th book in the Detective Dan Riley series, yet it didn't pose any issues in following the storyline, even without having read the previous books.
It presents a thrilling narrative that delves into the lives of various characters, although at times, it's inundated with a lot of names to remember. Initially, the book starts off strong, capturing the reader's attention with an intriguing premise but transitions into a slow burn before the momentum picks up. However, as the action intensifies, the story becomes more captivating, and I found myself increasingly invested in the plot. Weatherley weaves a tale with a solid storyline, blending suspense and mystery skillfully throughout the narrative. Despite the slow moments, the book eventually builds to deliver a satisfying and engaging read that keeps you guessing until the very end.

This is a second book in the Dan Riley series that I’ve read and I really enjoyed it. It is a fast paced book that’s hard to put down. The author is able to get your interest right from the beginning and have you guessing until the last chapter.
Detective Dan Riley is slowly becoming one of my favorite fictional characters. I am adding the other books in this series to my TBR list.

Thank you NetGalley, Bookouture and the author for an ARC in exchange for my honest review.

I really liked this book. It wasn't what I expected, thinking it would be about a housewife dealing with an abusive husband. Those kinds of stories are common, so I was happily surprised to find a different plot. The way the story played out kept me hooked, and I didn't want to stop reading. The unexpected twists added to the excitement. I enjoyed the characters, especially the main detective. He was well-written, and I couldn't help but root for him. I highly recommend this book.

Shocking, gripping, and hard to put down, The Housewife's Secret is a great addition to the Detective Dan Riley series. Another plus of this book is that it can easily be read as a stand-alone book! Gotta love that! The author, Anna-Lou Weatherley, kept me on my toes and turning the pages as I was fully invested in this book from the very beginning. Just when I thought I had this book, figured out, there was another twist thrown into the mix! I love it when that happens.


Darcie is happily married to her handsome and charming husband, Dr. Gabe Bonneville. She loves making their home inviting and throws delicious and delightful dinner parties with their friends. But Darcie is keeping a secret about her past and mother and it’s a whopper! She hopes Gage never finds out about her past or the therapist she is seeing.

But someone knows!!!

During one of their dinner parties, Darcie receives a letter letting her know that she has been found! The next morning, she takes her dog for a walk and disappears. Detective Dan Riley will soon be on the case!

I loved how the book was told through the current time and the time in the past. I also enjoyed the therapy sessions as well. Very nice touch. As the book progresses, readers get a clearer picture of Darcie and her past life. Secrets are the name of the game in this book. Many characters in this book have them. As Dan begins to investigate, it becomes crystal clear that even those close to Darcie know next to nothing about her life. Finding her might be near to impossible!

I loved the many mysteries in this book. Who was Darcie? Why did someone leave her a note letting her know that she had been found? Was she kidnapped? Did she plan her disappearance? Who would want to take her? Will she be found in time?

While this book isn't long in length, it does pack quite the punch. I found The Housewife's Secret to be a well thought out and well written book. With the investigation underway, there is never any down time in this book. I could feel the questions swirling through Detective Dan's mind as he conducted his investigation. I could feel the fear and worry seeping from the pores of Darcie's husband, Gabe. I felt myself being worried for Darcie as well as more was revealed about her.

This proved to be a suspenseful fast paced read for me. I am already looking forward to the next book in the series. Again, if you have not read the other books in the series, this works brilliantly as a stand-alone.

Gripping, shocking, suspenseful, and well thought out!

A gripping mystery filled with twists that keep you turning pages. The pacing is great as secrets get uncovered across several timelines. There's lots of intrigue that will keep you guessing!

The characters are complex and well-drawn creating a great atmosphere and keeping you engaged.

I've downloaded the other books from this series!

Thank you to Bookouture & NetGalley, for approving me to read this ARC.

4.5 rounding up!

"Memories are simply interpretations of what one believes they have seen and experienced. Sometimes, like old paint, it's not always best to stir them."

This immersive and well-written nature of the story has truly hooked me. Despite being the seventh book in the series, it can be enjoyed as a standalone. After this intense experience, I am eager to go back and read the first six books.

Are people born bad or mad, or do they become that way through the things they see and hear, through their life experiences? Do we all have predilections towards certain things, certain behaviors and traits when we're hone that we can't foresee - no options or choices? IS what we are and what we become in our DNA simply preordained no matter what?

The use of multiple points of view and timelines created a suspenseful atmosphere that kept me on the edge of my seat until the very end. Full of unexpected twists and turns, this book held my attention and I couldn't put it down until I discovered how it would all unfold.

I adored this book and the intrigue and mysterious atmosphere it created. I highly recommend it to anyone who enjoys thrilling narratives filled with surprises.

I would like to express my gratitude to Bookouture & NetGalley for granting me access to this advanced reading copy and allowing me to share my thoughts

The perfect woman...the deadliest past...

I just love the Dan Riley series! Although I have yet to read the first couple of books, I've read every other since and have loved them all. I love Anna-Lou's style of incorporating the investigation with the rest of the story so that we're not all bogged down with procedural. She keeps that nice balance of both that keeps you coming back for more. And in doing so, each book can then be read as a standalone.

The reader is drawn in from the very beginning in the prologue leaving us wondering how it factors into the bigger picture...when it fact it is just a small part of the greater tapestry that it is to become.

Darcie Bonneville has the perfect life married to the perfect man, cardiac consultant Dr Gabe Bonneville, and they live in a beautiful and illustrious apartment in an affluent part of London. One morning she takes her dog for a walk and never returns home. The dog, however, does. And her husband arrives home to find the dog alone on the step but no sign of his wife.

DCI Dan Riley is on leave. Or about to go on leave. His wife Fiona has their bags all packed and the children ready...all they are waiting on is Dan to come home and they can leave for their holiday by the seaside. But then Dan's superior calls him in and alerts him to a missing woman whilst assuring him that they have it all under control. To go, enjoy his holiday and come back refreshed. But something niggles at Dan...and he knows he can't ignore his instinct. That being said, Dan has seven days to solve this case or his wife holds the threat of divorce over him.

Digging deeper into Darcie's life, Dan wonders whether her recent notoriety in saving a toddler's life has something to do with her disappearance now. But the deeper he digs, the more he discovers that no one really knows a lot about Darcie Bonneville...not even her husband. The woman has seemingly no past, no social media presence, no digital footprint. So what secrets does this housewife have that she doesn't want her husband to find out? And what secrets are they to have brought danger to otherwise perfect life?

This thrilling mystery keeps the reader enthralled from the very first page, immersing you in Darcie's life and what lead to her disappearance. Told in alternating chapters between the past and the present, Darcie's story gradually unfolds and leaves you questioning everything you thought you knew.

I wasn't overly surprised by the direction it took or the outcome because I must have had Dan's instinct telling me something was up from the get-go. But although I had it figured out, even down to the climatic twist that Dan unravelled, it didn't ruin my enjoyment of it at all. Half the fun is figuring it out and spotting the clues. And I kept my eyes peeled throughout.

I absolutely loved this book and devoured it in one sitting. Can't wait to see what's in store next for Riley and his team. Although, I do love that this is a psychological thriller first and police procedural second. My favourite kind.

I would like to thank #AnnaLouWeatherley, #Netgalley and #Bookouture for an ARC of #TheHousesSecret in exchange for an honest review.

This review appears on my blog at https://stinathebookaholic.blogspot.com/.