Another enjoyable mystery in this series. Lisa Regan is very consistent in character development and presents well researched and plotted mysteries.

What a beautifully told psychological mystery.

A perplexing murder discovered by chance. It was impossible to figure out who or even why for most of the book.

But as the answers started to flow there was twist after twist as the full extent of the story unfolded.

An emotional rollercoaster which turned into an exciting page turner which I only just managed to fight so I could get some sleep!

And the beat thing is it’s book 23 in a series so I have 22 books to catch up on. I can’t wait to read them all!

Thank you NetGalley and Bookouture for the ARC to review!

3.5 stars – The Couple’s Secret is book 23 in the Josie Quinn series, and I’ll be honest—I went in completely cold, never having read the first 22. While the mystery itself is intriguing and Lisa Regan knows how to keep the tension simmering, I definitely felt like I’d crashed a party where everyone else already knew each other. There’s a lot of backstory, relationships, and character history that long-time fans will probably love, but as a newcomer, I was playing catch-up for a good chunk of the book. The case is well-plotted, and Josie is a strong lead, but I think the emotional beats and character dynamics would have landed harder if I’d read the earlier books. For series fans, this will likely be a solid, satisfying installment; for newbies like me, it’s still enjoyable, just not the easiest jumping-in point.

Thoroughly enjoyed this book featuring Detective Josie Quinn and would recommend it to anyone who loves a good mystery thriller.

The Couple’s Secret
Lisa Regan
September 01, 2025

While out and about on a case, Josie and Gretchen receive a call from the station. A woman near the river’s boat dock reported that she saw a car in the water. Due to the drought, the river is low but they felt seeing a car in the dregs of the bottom would be tough. They accepted the call and met the woman. The detectives stood on the dock where they could see what looked like something large clustered with muck and mildew. Just in case, Josie strips off her boots, socks and heavy clothing. Being a good swimmer she drives in and soon discovers it is an older model car with possible bodies in the front seat. She was able to get part of the plate as well as the make to report it. She hopes to get the name of the owner.
Thus begins the study of a cold case that brings the deceased family answers.
The Couple’s Secret will be published by Bookouture on September 01, 2025. I was able to read Regan’s latest adventure via NetGalley. Another excellent case for Detective Josie Quinn. With each new episode I am amazed at Lisa Regan’s talent for giving her readers police cases the detectives of Denton PA need to solve. Led by Quinn, the small department works diligently to resolve the inquiry. Don’t miss # 23.

The Couple's Secret, Detective Josie Quinn book 23, by Lisa Regan

This series continues to get better and better with each installment and is one of my all time favorites.

Josie and Noah are working through some significant changes in their lives that came about in book 22. Turner continues to grow on me and we learn a little more about him. And, the murder mystery that takes place is filled with lots of engaging twists and turns. I couldn't put this one down. Ten stars out of five. Loved it.

#bookreview #2025 #crimethriller #josiequinn #fivestars #netgalley #coldcase

I love this series so much!! Josie Quinn and her Denton entourage keep growing in size and have a special place in my heart. The new characters and police procedural facts make me excited to keep reading a beloved series.

I went into this book expecting a thrilling standalone, but quickly learned it’s actually part of a larger series. While it can be read on its own, I struggled to keep track of the many characters and their connections to the plot. Certain references—like Erica’s role—left me feeling lost and disconnected. It was clear the author assumed readers would already know key backstory from earlier installments, although she would attempt to make superficial connections to past events. My advice? Read the series in order to fully appreciate the relationships and history woven into the narrative.

Because I lacked that context, I never felt as invested in the characters as I wanted to be. Moments that were clearly meant to land with emotional weight didn’t hit as hard (like the sudden appearance of Wren), simply because I didn’t have the background to understand the full significance.

One bright spot was Detective Turner—not because I liked him, but because the author did such a great job writing him as a jerk. Just as Josie calls out in the story, his gruff, often abrasive personality adds tension to the scenes he’s in, and it worked well in that regard.

While the premise had promise, my reading experience was hindered by the missing context from earlier books. If you’re new to the series, start from the beginning—you’ll likely have a much more satisfying and engaging time with the story.

I always enjoy Josie's series. Lisa Regan has a way of pulling you in from the first page. Finished this book within a few days (and only cause I had to work). I didn't want to stop reading. So so good

Lisa Regan nails it again in this twisty mystery involving the murder of a married couple who disappeared a decade earlier. Regan balances the continuing drama of Josie and her personal life (aftermath of Noah's kidnapping, new teen living with her) with the new plot, and both are interesting and intriguing. There's a lot of backstory with 23 books, and it works as a standalone, but probably more fun for a hard core series reader. Well done and highly recommended!

This is another well written, thrilling read in the Josie Quinn series, which is one of the best in the genre. I really like the developing characterisation, especially Turner and Wren, and I look forward to reading more of them in the future. The plotting is full of secrets, family lies and mystery and it had me hooked right from the start. Full of twists, thrills and suspense, it's another easy 5* read from me and one I highly recommend. Thanks to Net Galley for my ARC.

Book 23 and still going strong—how does Lisa Regan keep doing it? This installment was sharp, emotional, and full of surprises. Josie’s personal and professional worlds collide in a way that hits hard, and the twists didn’t disappoint.

Long-time fans will love the character depth, but it’s strong enough to hook new readers too.

Good read, kept me on the edge trying to guess who it was till the very end, great twists as always
Very well written, easy to follow

The Couple’s secret is book 23 of the Josie Quinn series and just like the other books in the series was an amazing read! I found it to be a page turner and with a lot of twists that i didn’t see coming. The plot was great, the story flowed beautifully and the suspense and mystery was intricately woven into the story. I loved seeing Josie and Noah, who are total couple goals! Even when going through the hardest of times and facing more bad news Josie continuously attempts to pick up the pieces of her life, to be better than she ever has been, she never gives up. Josie continually impress me with how she thinks and how the puzzle comes together for her. I love reading this step by step and experiencing it like you’re standing next to Josie as everything is happening. That’s how good Lisa’s writing is you legitimately feel like you’re right there whilst the events are happening. Wren is such a great addition to the cast and i loved seeing the emotional upheaval that Josie, Noah and Wren are all on together. Seeing those little triumphs and how much happiness is in those little moments especially when Wren’s had such a tragic life, she reminds me a lot of Josie and Dex knew how good an influence she’d be for Wren. I loved Dex’s letter it was such an emotional read and had me so emotional. Seeing how intertwined Josie’s thought process was with both her case and Wren was interesting because she’s always been so focused on work, it was a different experience but not a bad one and it didn’t make her any less good at her job it just had a more emotional impact on her. I can’t wait to see more of Wren and her life moving forward with Josie and Noah. I loved the vow renewal scene and how much happiness just radiated from the event. The love and devotion Josie and Noah have for one another is unmatched and how they enfold Wren and the rest of the people they love into it is amazing. I loved seeing my favourite secondary characters- Noah, Gretchen, Chief Chitwood, Trinity, Drake, Patrick, Shannon, Christian, Misty, Harris, Erica and who doesn’t love Trout! We saw a different side to Turner in this book and i can definitely tell we’re going to learn more about him at some point. Him acting normal helped Josie and we saw that even with his faults he is a solid detective. I’m a Josie Quinn series fanatic and i don’t see myself ever missing a book by Lisa Regan because her work continuously impresses me! Bring on book 24!

Another gripping page-turner from Lisa Regan! The Couple’s Secret had me hooked from the very beginning. The twists just kept coming, and every time I thought I had it figured out, the story shifted in a whole new direction. Josie Quinn is such a strong and layered character—you can’t help but root for her. The emotional depth, the suspense, and the final reveal were all spot-on. If you love crime thrillers with heart and intensity, this one’s a must-read! LOVE LOVE LOVE!!!!!!! Thank you to NetGalley for allowing me to preview this book.

I am definitely a Detective Josie Quinn addict. Whenever an installment comes out- I am ready to go. I love how the characters have developed over this series and am thrilled with the addition of Josey and Noah's adopted daughter Wren. The mystery that enfolds surrounds the discovery of the boddies of an engaged couple that had been missing for years. Their children seem heartbroken that their parents are truly dead and there seems to be no lack of possible suspects. I have to say that the character of Detective Turner has turned into a real mystery for me. I know that one of these days we are going to get his back story and I can't wait!

Unfortunately, I did not realize this book was part of a series, one that I have not read. With so many books in my queue, I opted to not read this title. Thank you for this opportunity, I look forward to continuing to read and review.

Thank you to Netgalley, the author and the publisher for the advance copy to read.

Lisa Regan can do no wrong in my eyes as an author. I love the Josie Quinn series and this book did not disappoint. I love the character development in this story and seeing how Josie has grown as a person especially now she is taking care of a child.

The story line flows really well, the investigative procedures are believable and the character dynamics are brilliant as always. IT is a shame you don't get to see much of Josie's family in this story but it still works great. The ending was really lovely to read, especially after everything Josie and Noah have been through.

Reading a book from this series always feels like coming home, returning to your favourite place with your favourite people.

I highly recommend for any fans of the series and anyone who loves a good crime mystery.

The Couple's Secret by Lisa Regan.. Detective Josie Quinn Book 23 is a slower paced investigation into a cold case with Gretchen and Josie leading the inquiries. Throughout the story Josie is preoccupied with new family member, Wren and with Noah's mental health. More insight into the characters and their lives and not as much case work. As always looking forward to the next book in the series.

Thank you to the author, Bookouture, and NetGalley for the opportunity to preview the book.

Wow another great Josie Quinn read. 23 books and still so much happening keeping me glued to the page