Cover Image: The Woman Inside

The Woman Inside

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Member Reviews

Ominous, spellbinding, and utterly disturbing, “The Woman Inside” sucks you in from the very first page and keeps you submerged until the very end when you resurface, shocked and out of breath from the deadly twist. Although it’s the fourth book in the Detective Dan Riley series, it can easily be read as a standalone.

After Daisey Garrett barely survives an attack from a serial killer, amnesia prevents her from recalling the horrific event. The last thing she remembers was being with her cheating ex-fiancé the morning before, a detail she hides from the police at his request. Her mind broken and her body scarred, she starts drinking more to cope with her forever-changed life. Luckily, her new flat mate Iris is there for her, offering friendship and a sense of security, especially when fragmented memories of the attack start to come back. She can’t shake the feeling that she’s somehow familiar with her attacker, even if she can’t recall his face.

Detective Dan Riley has no clues to the identity of the killer. Daisey regaining her memory is the best chance he has to stop whoever it is before he strikes again. He hopes hypnotherapy will help Daisey, as well as the case. But it may be too late. Another girl is dead. Daisey is missing. It’s a tense, breathless last couple of chapters that bring the story to a close.

“The Woman Inside” is an engrossing, hard-to-put-down psychological thriller that sneaks up on you. It reads more like crime fiction for most of the novel. Although Daisey has amnesia, her mental state does little to drive the plot as is expected in the genre. Instead, it’s Detective Riley’s hunt for the killer. But never fear… unless you’re Daisey. The killer lurks in the shadows of the pages, his creepy, ominous vibe growing the more you read. Just as he does with Daisey, he’ll feel familiar to you, like you’ve met him in one of the secondary storylines. You’ll be blown away when you realize who he is and how this character’s mental state helped drive the plot all along — without you realizing it.

“The Woman Inside” wasn’t what I was expecting before I read it or even after a few chapters in. It was better. Much better. Now, I’m going back to read the other books in this series!

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I absolutely adore this author's books and I can honestly say that this might be my new favourite yet. The cover has enticed me, the blurb made me desperate to get stuck in and the plot itself has completely gripped me.
Wow what a read this has been! I haven't been able or wanted to put this one down at all. I have been completely pulled in and devoured this book in just one sitting.
This book has literally given me chills, it is such a great read and one that I absolutely recommend. Daisy is a great main character, she is likeable and real with a unique personality. I have been suspicious of those around her and constantly trying to guess where the author was taking this book.
I definitely haven't been disappointed, the author had completely pulled me in and I have been tense and on the edge of my seat reading this one. I absolutely loved this one. This is definitely the best book yet by this author. I cannot wait to read more. This is a definite five star read.

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Y’all I absolutely loved this one! The main character was really intriguing and definitely made the story a fantastic one. Great suspense novel!

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The Woman inside by Ann-Lou Weatherley is the 4th book Detective Dan Reilly series. I wasn’t aware of this until halfway through the book. But this is such a good book that I was hooked from the first page and you can read it as a standalone.
Daisey is persuaded to attend the Warwick’s seasonal works party. Even though she still getting over her spilt with her partner Luke. When she is chatted up by Tommy and he persuades her to take her home as Daisey is too drunk to argue. When she gets home, she says that she is not over her ex to put Tommy off and he leaves. When there is a ring at the door a little bit later, she thinks it is Tommy only when she answers the door she is bludgeoned with a hammer and everything goes black.
When the police are called Detective Dan Reilly, is called, and finds out Daisey is still alive. But when she wakes up in hospital, she cannot remember anything of that fatal time. When other bodies turn up with the same M.O. Dan has got his work cut out to find the killer before they strike again.
Wow I loved The woman inside from the very first page. This book is thrilling, well thought out book, with great characters and I liked how the author got into the killer’s mind and dealt with the mental health issues. What made then do what he did and why? I can’t wait to seek out the other books in this series.

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Daisey Garret was bludgeoned, slashed and left for dead in her home. She survived miraculously, but suffered ‘traumatic amnesia’ that causes her to forget what happened on the night of the attack. Daisey broke up with her ex Luke after he cheated on her. Her colleague Iris moves into her flat. Would she help Daisey in getting her memory back. Felt sorry for Daisy where everyone tried to manipulate her using her lapses in memory as an excuse, thus making her feel she is losing the plot.

Detective Dan Riley, with his team is on the hunt for the killer before he/she strikes again. The team doesn’t have any leads as their one and only witness lost memory.

WOW, this one of the best Intricately plotted serial killer thrillers I’ve read off-late. I’ve a theory running in my mind but I am glad to say I was wrong all along and even in my wildest imagination I couldn’t have guessed the motives and real identity of the killer.

Kudos to Weatherley for coming up with this believable psychological tale which kept me on my toes throughout. Weatherly kept the cards close to her heart and deftly revealed at the appropriate moments, made my jaw drop at many places.

The characters seem very real with their insecurities, struggles, paranoia, and behavioral issues.

At first, I didn’t get how the title fits this story. At the end, it’s the perfect title and suits the story. It has grabbed my attention from the first page and made me furiously flick the pages and wouldn’t let me go until I reached the last.

ABSOLUTELY RECOMMEND this gripping, riveting, engrossing and fast paced story for thriller lovers.

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BOOK REVIEW:
- Genre: Thriller
- Synopsis: Daisey is struggling with a breakup from her fiancé when she is brutally attacked. Her memory is completely obliterated. Can Daisey figure out what happened to her?
- My Thoughts: I loved this twisting thriller and I definitely recommend it to anyone who loves a good “Who done it!” My only thought is that it could’ve been a little shorter.
4/5

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The story was just okay with a predictable plot and nothing big in the way of twists. After reading the first few chapters I went back to read the blurb, which doesn’t exactly describe the book. The main character Daisey is so unstable and dependent and doesn’t have any of the grits that survivors develop. I felt the psychological illness was being confused with the physical illness. The difference in the modus of the killings, the triggers for the illness , the basis of the mother’s reaction to the child since birth are not dealt adequately. 2.5 stars

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First. I must say this book was predictable from the start. As soon as Iris walked into the picture I knew what was up

Here are the reasons for my bad review

Who gets there throat slashed and wants to go back and live in the same house the were attacked in!?
Who would go back to normal ?
Who wouldn’t be a mess ; there was no time lapse between her leaving the hospital and going home - she just seemed ok

That doesn’t happen in real life. It just does not.

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I love the Detective Dan Reilly series and The woman Inside continued that love. These books are so addictive, with that one more chapter thing happening at the end of every chapter. I stayed up way past my bedtime to find out what was going to happen in this one. Although this book features a reoccurring character, they can easily be read as a stand alone. But all the books are fantastic and you will want to read them all.

There has been a number of gruesome murders of late and Detective Dan Reilly is perplexed. Daisey is a survivor of the same predator but when she wakes in the hospital she has no memory of them attack. Together they try to work out who tried to kill her and why before they strike again.

While I sort of guessed the who, the why and how had me stumped. It is a very clever twist that will keep you guessing until the end.

Thanks to Bookouture and NetGalley for my advanced copy of this book to read.

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*thank you to Netgalley, Anna-Lou Weatherley and Bookouture for an ARC of this book in exchange for an honest review*


3 stars.

While I did enjoy this, while it did keep me engaged, it was an average story. I liked it, for sure, but it didn't have that wow factor and when the plot twist was discovered, I wasn't that surprised. It was definitely a part that this book needed. Without it, I'm not sure it would have held up much at all.

I did like the characters. I felt connected to them which is, in my opinion, quite important because that can make or break a story. It was well written and well told. Maybe it was just missing that little extra something or maybe it's just me. I am glad to have read this but I can't see myself re-reading it.

Would I recommend it? Well, no, but if you come across it and it sounds like something you would enjoy, especially if you like detective and amnesia based stories, then yeah, chances are you will enjoy this.

I will give a thumbs up to that cover. That's what originally grabbed my attention.

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Publishers - yall have got to stop labeling EVERY THRILLER as "uputdownable, twist you won't see coming!!!" etc. It's tiring, and it increases expectations. With such high expectations, I am only disappointed. I thought this was an interesting mystery, but I did, in fact, see the twist coming.

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Daisey attends a work party. Yet, she only half-heartedly attends. Her husband to be (Luke) has left her for another woman - "flawless" Charlotte.

During the party a co-worker (womanizer?), Tommy, has Daisey in his sights, She manages to leave the party to walk outside just to catch her breath. While outside a strange, short, man engages her in conversation. Upon leaving he says, ",,,get home safe". Jarred by this, Daisey agrees with Tommy to share an Uber to her home. Eventually, she finally gets Tommy to leave. But as Daisey is once in bed she remembers the buzz at the party about a woman who had her throat slashed a few weeks ago.

Detective Riley is on the scene at Daisey's place. Daisey had also been assaulted in a similar way as the woman before. However, one big difference - Daisey is still alive...

A superb read in context and characterization by Anna-Lou Weatherley. HIGHLY RECOMMEND!

Many Thanks to Bookouture and NetGalley for yet another winner!

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Daisey Garrett wakes up in a hospital bed. She remembers her boyfriend has left her for another woman but she doesn’t remember what happened to her. The night she was attacked in her own home.

From page one i was hooked! The book was gripping and thrilling with a shocking twist that you won't see coming. Really enjoyed reading about the characters! So much fun!

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This book is part of the Dan Reilly series. It can however, easily be read as a standalone book. I have read the other books featuring Reilly and the thing I love about these is books is that whilst we get to see the personal life of Reilly, it doesn’t overshadow the crime and investigation part of the storyline at all – it’s an excellent balance!!

I loved this book!! It focusses on Daisey Garrett who is seriously injured in a horrific attack. Thankfully she survives her attack and Detective Dan Reilly is on the case to find who her attacker is. She’s isn’t the only one who’s been attacked and a pattern soon emerges. I loved Daisey’s character, and despite going through a horrendous experience on the surface she comes across as such a strong woman. It’s a gripping storyline, although be warned it can be a bit gruesome in parts!! The plot is completely original and whilst I won’t be giving away any spoilers, it takes you on a rollercoaster of a ride without giving you any clues as to where the story is going…not until it gets to the reveal!

I love Dan Reilly’s character and whilst I would normally prefer ‘more investigation, less personal life’, I really would like to see a little more of what makes Dan tick!! I think his character is great and I love the relationship he has with his colleague, Lucy Davis. As I’ve been following his story from the beginning, it’s heart-warming to finally see him slowly rebuilding his life after the tragedy he suffered. As a detective, he’s gritty, determined and not afraid to take a risk, but he also shows a much needed caring and sensitive side, particularly with the victims.

The plot of the story was fast paced, addictive and once I started it, it kept me hooked until the very end. The story was thrilling and nerve-wracking, and I read some parts with baited breath in anticipation of what would happen next! I loved the reveal and everything which followed after, and whilst I would normally have tried to work it all out by this point, I seriously had no idea how it would end!

I cannot wait until the next book in the series, and hopefully we’ll get to see more of Dan Reilly to continue with his story! Gripping, gruesome and shocking!! – what more could you want!! Highly recommended!

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I couldn't get into this one even though I really wanted to. I couldn't connect with the main character and didn't feel that interested in the story even though the original synopsis sounded good.

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Thank you, Netgalley and Bookouture for this digital review copy.

The book is an easy page turner that puts you right in the action from the beginning, the author doesn’t waste time with anything heavily scripted.

The storytelling is casual, like you are hearing the narration from a person you know. Like your best friend came to your house and started talking. Actually, make that 5-7 friends because the book abounds in characters right from the start. A bit confusing at first but it gets better.

There are the same usual expressions you will find in a crime novel or TV show, like: “the media are having a field day, people are scared” from the new boss of the precinct or “I will find him and I will make him pay” kind of attitude from the detective, which can make the novel feel a bit of a cliche in terms of writing.

Besides these small familiar details, there are jumping and suspenseful moments in the story. This is mostly due to the short chapters and their fluidity, the action flows effortlessly.

The investigation scenes are narrated by the detective, which for me, personally, is not ideal in a crime novel. It makes the whole theme a bit superficial, there are scenes where he tries to “criminal minds” the suspect with his partner but it isn’t genuine at all. Thus, I think this kind of dialogue could’ve been enriched, showcasing a more psychological approach.

The writing wasn’t bad at all but I think it has a lot of potential that could be explored beyond the usual characters. I wouldn’t necessarily categorize this as an impactful psychological thriller but it was pretty good for a suspense novel with a clear direction for a plot.

#TheWomanInside #NetGalley

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Anna-Lou Weatherley's writing style just develops with each book. In this latest one 'The woman Inside' she has developed some brilliant characters. I am loving the way the Detective Dan Riley is evolving and I can wait for the next instalment.
In this book. Daisey has returned from a night out with work colleagues a little worse for wear. The door goes and thinking its the person who took her home she answers the door. The next day she is found with a serious head injury and a slit throat. A single rose placed on her chest. Astonishingly, she's still alive but has no memory of her attack. The others her attacker claimed did not survive.
Daisey needs to get her memories back to keep her safe.
Many thanks to the publisher , author and Netgalley for the opportunity to read this ARC

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This started out so well but I quickly lost myself as well. It wasn't a bad book just I found that it wasn't what I was wanting.

The story was good and it seemed to have a lot of potential the main characters seemed good as well with a wealth of knowledge and experience

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I have read and enjoyed all three instalments of the Dan Riley series and was therefore really looking forward to this one. I'm pleased to report that I loved it!

These books can be read as standalones as whilst the police procedural elements definitely add to the story, they do take a backseat to the main plot. I think it's a very good balance. I was instantly drawn into the story, I really enjoy serial killer novels and couldn't read it fast enough.

My one reservation is that I think that the author gave the game away to the reader a bit too early on, it would have been nice if we were just as blind as the police were whilst we follow their investigation. It was also a little far-fetched but I can let that go in this instance because it really was a cracking story.

I would definitely recommend this one. Personally I would start with Black Heart (the first in the series) because that was an excellent book and it's nice to have the background on Detective Riley but as I've said, this is just fine as a standalone.

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“The missing pieces of that fateful summer night are beginning to surface…”
Two women have been killed. The perpetrator leaves a rose and scattered petals over their naked bodies. When he strikes for the third time the victim, Daisey fortunately survives but has no memory of the attack. The morning before she was attacked her ex-fiance Luke arrived and one thing led to another. He is still paying half on the mortgage of the flat Daisey lives in and now is short of money telling her she is now on her own.When she finds a potential person
to share things could be looking up as well as someone with her.
The police have little to go on- they have three lots of DNA but nothing to match it to. One victim and Daisey both worked at a large store however with the turnover of employees this would mean interviewing thousands of men.
A very cleverly crafted most unusual plot- with complex characters and mental health issues addressed very well. I won’t say too much so as not to give anything away. A brilliant concept, well written and good characters that I took to- Dan especially. One I
(rest of links as part of blog tour)

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