Cover Image: The Innocent Wife (Detective Josie Quinn Book 16)

The Innocent Wife (Detective Josie Quinn Book 16)

Pub Date:   |   Archive Date:

Member Reviews

The 16th Josie Quinn book finds her investigating after the wife of a celebrity therapy couple winds up murdered on the day of their anniversary. As Josie and crew start to investigate the mysterious circumstances, more bodies show up. Josie must race against the clock to stop the murderer before more people die.

Another great Josie Quinn mystery! If you enjoyed the previous ones, you will enjoy this one! If you haven't read any of the others and like mysteries, then definitely start reading this series.

I received my copy from Netgalley in exchange for an honest review.

Was this review helpful?

I thought this book was little slow at the beginning. But it was a thrilling book. The way the author twists and turns in this book were substantial.

I live Lisa's book. Very easy to read and a great thriller.

Was this review helpful?

Book Title: The Innocent Wife
Series: Josie Quinn Book #16
Author: Lisa Regan
Publisher: Bookouture
Genre: Mystery Thriller
Pub Date: February 12, 2022
My Rating: 4+ Stars

I boarded the Lisa Regan/Josie Quinn train late with book # 10 but I call myself a fan!

Claudia and Beau Collins, famed authors and beloved television presenters, were the perfect couple. Weren’t they?
When Claudia is found murdered. Detective Josie Quin, and husband Noah Fraley, who is a police lieutenant are called in to investigate. The devastating scene in the Collin’s remote hideaway has her asking what dark secrets lurk beneath the surface of this seemingly flawless marriage.
There is certainly a lot going on here ~Claudia seems like a saint and Beau certainly is a jerk.
But did Beau murder her? I doubted he did but he certainly has a bunch of secrets.

The last part of this story had my head spinning -a lot of action as well as other interesting things including reintroducing Luke. . There will be many Luke fans who will be excited to see him return! He and his partner Blue are a big help. Will we see them in Book #17? Either way I certainly am looking forward to Josie's next adventure!

I always enjoy the Author Notes and/or Acknowledgements. In this case, Lisa has “A Letter from Lisa”.
Lisa Regan does NOT disappoint!!

Want to thank NetGalley and Bookouture for the pleasure of reading this early eGalley.
Publishing Release Date scheduled for December 12, 2022

Was this review helpful?

Excellent book, well written and with a great plot and characters. There's an action scene that's one of the best I've read; messy like in the real world. Very good entertainment.

Was this review helpful?

With this been the 16th book in the series you would expect the story to start been repeating itself but no such problem. Lisa gives just enough info of past happenings for the new readers or a bit of a refresher for everybody else so that nobody is left in the dark or confused. I feel with each new book the story gets better and better and never fails to have an emotional impact on me.
It’s great to see Josie come to terms with some of her past nightmares with a lot of understanding, support and love from Noah her husband. Having Luke return made it an interesting combination.
I think everybody will immensely dislike Beau Collins. For somebody who just lost his wife he isn’t very helpful with the police to help them find the murderer. I will not give the story away. Get the book and plan to get lost to the world until finished.

Was this review helpful?

It's no secret that the Detective Josie Quinn series is one of my favorites and it's one that I've been following from the very beginning. I do a little happy dance every time a new sequel becomes available, because this series hasn't failed me yet... The Innocent Wife is already book number sixteen and the feeling of having a shiny new Josie Quinn hanging out on my kindle never gets old. And to make things ever better: of course this sequel once again turned out to be detective thriller dynamite!

Before I continue, a little warning is in place because this is a series that focuses a lot on the personal development of the characters as well as the investigations. It's important to read the books in order both to understand what is in play and to avoid spoilers. The Innocent Wife can technically be read as a stand-alone with the case itself not hitting on a personal level this time around, but you will be missing out on important background information as well as properly understanding the dynamics between the different characters. Plus, the whole series is excellent and well worth your time in the first place!

The case in The Innocent Wife once again hits less hard on a personal level, which is a relief after some of the previous sequels... This doesn't mean that the case itself is less intense though, and there is plenty of danger and action to be found around every corner. As always, the story had me hooked from the very first chapter, and there is just something about the writing style and plot development that makes it impossible to stop reading once you are past the first couple of chapters. Unputdownable indeed! The Innocent Wife moves fast and there are plenty of secrets, lies and twists to unravel along the way. The plot itself is intense, with a race against the clock and a very unlikeable victim slash suspect who seems to be hiding a LOT. And while I did guess part of the big twist, I never saw the full truth coming until it was finally presented to us.

In short, The Innocent Wife turned out to be yet another highly addictive and extremely engaging detective thriller sequel of a series I consider to be one of my absolute favorites. Things can be said about the credibility of the plot, but I personally don't mind as this series is well worth the read for its entertainment level alone! Especially if you like your detective thrillers on the fast and intense side.

Was this review helpful?

Wow! Another knockout hit for Lisa Regan and the magic she weaves with words to create an amazing story for her readers. Book 16 The Innocent Wife i really think had the most lies in it. Every lead they ran down bam! More lies, they just kept coming and i was just like ahh gosh tell the truth! It was such an intricate story and the plot was woven so well together that you genuinely could not predict the end of this book or all the drama that goes on. The police work is always such an amazing thing to read in Lisa’s books because she does everything she can to get it spot on and as realistic as possible which for a reader just immerses you in the story more. Seeing my favourite characters like Josie, Noah, Harris, Gretchen and Mettner are always such a pleasure to read about and Blue and the other person who shows up i actually loved reading about them and hope we see more! Lisa Regan is a magician with words and i cannot tell you how grateful i feel to read her books.

Was this review helpful?

When your life is under the spotlight 24/7 even the most private of occasions becomes Internet fodder. Detective Josie Quinn knows a little bit about that type of lifestyle but local celebrities Beau and Claudia Collins took it to a whole new level. As the day of their fifteenth wedding anniversary arrives their celebrations are about to filmed for their daytime tv programme, instead everyone in the tight knit group has to face a devastating loss while the finger of suspicion points right at them.

With very little to go on Josie and her husband and partner, Lieutenant Noah Fraley, begin their investigation but before they've got very far another body is found and the urgencyincreases. As the perfect life the Collins' have shared so willingly seems about to crash and burn a shattering discovery is made which changes everything.

As crazy as it seems this is the sixteenth book about Detective Josie Quinn and is just as excellent as fans of this series have come to expect. The twists and turns were surprising and everything you think you've worked out is nowhere as clear-cut as it first appeared. Once again the teamwork was well expressed but for me at least a few more glimpses of their home life would have been welcome.

I was able to read an advanced copy of this thanks to NetGalley and the publishers but the opinions expressed are my own. I thoroughly enjoyed this book which was far more involved than it first appeared.  Highly recommended.

Was this review helpful?

When it comes to books, everyone has their favorite genre. Some like romance novels, and others like psychological books. Some people prefer poetry. Some prefer to read classics, while others would rather enjoy modern bestsellers. In any case, the literary offer is so diverse and rich that there is something for everyone.

All those who read my reviews already know that I am a romantic at heart. I simply enjoy heart-warming love stories, filled with swoon-worthy and funny moments. Reading them relaxes me and brings warmth to my soul. But now and then, I decide to put on my ‘big girl’s pants ',  get out of my comfort zone, and read a ‘real’ book (my best friend's words). This time I chose The Innocent Wife – a real book.

And that real book kept me awake and made me want to join the investigation and follow the clues. I was trying to solve the riddles and expose the culprit.  The culprit that destroyed the idyllic image of eternal love, support, and understanding. What was supposed to be a grand celebration of love turned into the biggest nightmare... The greatest pain was felt by our main character Beau after the brutal murder of his beloved wife Claudia. The pain tears him apart. And the words stuck on the border between the possible and the impossible reveal truths that increasingly confuse the investigators - Josie and her team. The truth is hidden between the pieces of the puzzle they are trying to solve. And each new piece reveals horrendous secrets and truths that cause even more pain. They discover piece by piece, unveil hidden truths while bodies pile up, and no suspect in light.  How many people have to die for the game to be completed? Who dictates the rules in this monstrous game?

The interesting title immediately attracted me. This book was part of a series, but I honestly had no problem following the story, even though I haven't read the previous parts. In the end, I regretted not having read them. The characters are so well-developed, you just feel like you know them. What amazed me is that there were no pompous descriptions of the characters' physiques, but rather subtle ones, to allow the reader to create their images.

The storyline is intriguing and exciting. "The Innocent Wife" begins very interestingly and from the very prologue, the author manages to intrigue you and draw you into the story. Through the pages, we get to know the police investigation of a serial killer, whose target are the people close to the main character Beau. In places, it seemed to me that there were too many descriptions and details. After devouring the book,  I realized that they were not unnecessary, but at times they bothered me because I wanted to find out as soon as possible what will happen next. The more you read, the more you get into this mysterious, twisted, and utterly riveting story and you get a sense of desperation to find out what happens next as soon as possible. The author masterfully guides the readers through the story at breakneck speed, and just when you think you finally have everything clear, suddenly a dizzying turn... Uncertainty until the very end...

This is a book that has all the qualities of a fabulous crime thriller: an interesting story and characters, mystery, a sense of suspense, intrigue, tension, and an interesting realistic writing style. The story is about a serial killer and the murders are very detailed and partly explained, so it may not be everyone’s cup of tea.

And the romantic in me can't help but mention those few romantic scenes and some sentences between Josiah and Noah. An incredible connection and sizzling chemistry just dripped from the pages where these characters were alone in their world. A world of honesty, support, and love that adorns their everyday lives.

If you are familiar with this series, I am sure that you would not have missed the latest incredible installment of the Josie Quinn series. "The Innocent Wife" is a luxury for the soul of all lovers of crime dramas/thrillers, but also in general for all readers who are eager for a great piece of literature full of suspense until the last sentence. My most sincere and warmest recommendation!

Was this review helpful?

This book grabbed me from the very beginning! Many twists and turns to keep you guessing who was the innocent wife. With the action non-stop, it was hard to put down for any length of time and I found myself racing on through the book! It is a great read if you like crime-thriller mysteries. I highly recommend this book!

Was this review helpful?

The Innocent Wife is book 16 in the Josie Quinn series by Lisa Regan. I want to thank Lisa for this wonderful Series each one is better then the one before. Josie her husband Noah and the rest of the team are investigating a couple of murders that are connected and the murderer is leaving clues at each scene . There are so many twists that kept me guessing to the last page. If you haven’t read this series I highly recommend you read all sixteen books in this series, you won’t be disappointed. Thank you Bookouture and Netgalley for this Arc. I loved it!

Was this review helpful?

Lisa Regan delivers again in her 16th instalment in the Detective Josie Quinn series! In this latest release, Claudia and Beau Collins appear to be the perfect couple. They were to celebrate their 15th wedding anniversary with a group of close friends and their TV show production team. But upon arrival at the Collins' residence, Beau and Claudia's assistant, Eve, find Claudia dead. The scene is gruesome, and it's up to Detective Josie Quinn and her team to solve the murder. Who would kill Claudia? But that's not all! As the police open the investigation into Claudia's murder, there's another woman found dead in Denton. Could there be a connection to Claudia? There's a lot of twists and turns in this novel, and just when you think you've figured out who the killer is, Regan gives you another twist! This book is full of suspense and will have you on the edge of your seat, much like the other books in the Josie Quinn series.

I absolutely loved this book! Lisa Regan is phenomenal and continues to produce thrilling novels. Sixteen novels in and each one still keeps you intrigued and interested in Detective Josie Quinn and her team solving murders all over Denton. I HIGHLY recommend the Josie Quinn series and following along on all of the adventures in Denton, Pennsylvania.

Was this review helpful?

Wow! seriously good reading!

Being a fan of a series can be a good and a bad thing for an author, the pressure to keep delivering that quality plot each time, along with the character development, book 16 and I was riveted.

First up, Harris is 7! Gosh, he is growing up fast and love when he makes an appearance in the books. Also make a return in book 16 is Luke, Josie's ex-fiancé, to avoid adding in any spoilers, you will have to read the book to find out how he is received, what brings him back into the story.

This is another book full of twists and turns, I don't think you will see them all coming. Grieving husband Beau, looking self-preservation as those he loves are murdered, all part of a sick game, with one purpose, to ruin his life, but is all as it really seems. With the main couple Beau and Caludia making their living through relationship counseling, in person with couples, a book, tv show and pod cast, the story really brings out how well-suited Josie and Noah are for each other, what they value in the other, the bond they have.

Thanks to NetGalley for the ARC!

Was this review helpful?

Lisa Regan sure can hook a reader! With the sixteenth book in her beloved Detective Josie Quinn series, Regan continues to craft a mind boggling mystery filled with danger around every corner, lies upon lies from even the most trusted and more drama than we know what to do with. I can't get enough of Josie Quinn!

A mysterious death opens the door to secrets and lies that will surprise the town as one of their most revered couples is thrust into the spotlight.

I highly recommend this book as well as the entire series to anyone that enjoys a thriller set in a small town with a familiar cast of characters trying to solve crime after crime as we follow along in the drama that marks their own lives.

Was this review helpful?

Oh my goodness, Lisa outdid herself with The Innocent Wife.
Josie is on the hunt for a killer, dead bodies keep popping up. Old flames are also popping up. Will Josie and Noah survive it all?
This one is so good. It gets personal in places and the suspense is nonstop.
Loved every second of this one.
Many thanks to Netgalley for the opportunity to read and review this one. Also many thanks to Lisa for being an awesome writer.

Was this review helpful?

Josie Quinn + a new case = clearing everything I have on my to do list for that moment, because the book not only needs, but deserves my full attention.

It's weird isn't it, how you can relate to fictional people. Because the author gives us information about their private life, it feels like they come to life. You see them as a real people, friends even and your heart goes out to them. With every smile, you smile with them. With every tear, you cry with them. With every downfall, you want to have their back and with every good thing that happens, you are cheering them on. 

The author creates new characters, good ones as bad ones in every story, but sometimes a ghost from the past turns up again which can lead to painful memories being brought to the surface again.

But no matter what, when or how, Josie Quinn pushes forward. Lies and deceit? She sees through them and will put the liars and cheaters in their place, while she is a detective in shining armor. Sometimes her life is being threatened, but she does not give up. She fights and fights back. No baddie who can bring her down.


In my opinion this case was a very complicated for the police to figure out and this of course adds to the reading pleasure. So, yes, my conclusion has to be the same once again when reviewing a Josie Quinn book. It was simply excellent and drove me mad trying to figure out the outcome all by myself. Thank God for Josie who is always there to lend me a helping hand. :)  5 stars

Thank you

Was this review helpful?

Thanks to NetGalley, Bookouture and Lisa Regan for the opportunity to read THE INNOCENT WIFE, a Detective Josie Quinn Book 16, to be published December12, 2022. Lisa Regan always delivers and this novel is no exception! Lies, murder, revenge, affairs - all of it occurs within the first few chapters, then it gets really exciting as the Detective Josie Quinn police procedural continues to entertain, suspend, and wreak havoc within the Denton PD. Josie’s character is one to love, respect and emulate. She has got it going on! I really enjoyed this fast-paced thriller and was hooked from the beginning and it held my focus and attention until the end.

Was this review helpful?

Lisa Regan does it every time. It was so hard to put this book down after the first chapter. The story is full of twists and there are lots of suspects. Once again Josie, Noah and their team work together to solve a complex mystery involving a prominent TV couple who give marital advice and may not be so happy together in their life outside TV. I like the way the author makes all the situations and characters real. This is the 16th installment in this series and this book is every bit as good as the first one. Many say this can be read as a stand-alone book, and it probably can as there are a lot of references to past incidents. However, my suggestion is to read the series from the beginning and experience all the backstory as well as the cases Josie solves.I’m anxiously waiting for #17! I received an arc of this book from NetGalley and the publisher. All opinions expressed are my own.

Was this review helpful?

The Innocent Wife is Book #16 in a series by Lisa Regan. I have not read the other 15 before it and had no trouble reading this one as a stand alone. She does a great job telling the story. Secrets, lies and murder all make this book pretty good. It grabbed me from the first page until the end. Thanks to NetGalley and the publisher for this early release in exchange for my honest review. To be published December 2022.

Was this review helpful?

I absolutely loved this book! Another amazing story full of twists and turns that keep the reader guessing until the last page. I think my favorite part of these stories though, are the moments between Josie and Noah. I think this book really showed the depth of their relationship and connection. While investigating several murders and trying to figure out who done it, Noah is Josie's rock.

This story started with the murder of a woman who is a local celebrity and marriage counselor. Her husband is distraught. However, it doesn't end there and another woman who is connected to the husband is also murdered. With each crime, the suspect leaves behind a clue and a message, and the investigators have to figure it out before someone else is killed. When the chief hires Josie's ex-fiance Luke as a K-9 consultant, things are a bit awkward, but I was happy to see him return and get a bit of redemption. He played a pretty big role in this story and I loved it. I hope we see more of him in upcoming books. Anyway, this was a fast paced, well written and easy to follow story that I read in one sitting and I really didn't know the who, what,or why until the reveal. I say this with every book, but I think this might be my favorite! If you're a fan of this series, you will not be disappointed.

Bookstagrambrielle

Was this review helpful?