REVIEW: My Husband's Wife by Carla Kovach

My Husband's Wife by Carla Kovach

Genre: Psychological thriller, Domestic thriller

Read: 10th September 2025

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Published: 8th September

★★★★★ 4.5 stars (rounded up)

DESCRIPTION:

Five years ago I buried my husband. Today I saw him with his new wife.

‘Thank you for agreeing to be our wedding planner. Theo is on his way,’ Madison says as we meet to plan her dream wedding. The moment her fiancé enters the room, a newborn baby in his arms, my whole world shifts and I grab hold of my desk to stop myself from falling.

Theo shakes my hand as he introduces himself, but I already know who he is. He’s my husband. The man I thought had died five years ago.

‘Lovely to meet you, Eva,’ he says, carefully avoiding my frozen stare. I’d recognise his smooth voice anywhere.

I want to scream, ask him why he’s doing this to me. But I know just how good a liar my husband is. And he knows my darkest secret. I can’t risk him destroying everything I’ve worked so hard for.

At the end of the meeting, I watch the happy little family walk away, and I don’t miss Theo’s eyes staring at me just a second too long. He knows I’m onto him. But only I know what I’m going to do next…

Readers who loved The Housemaid, The Perfect Marriage and Gone Girl will love the jaw-dropping twist in this absolutely gripping psychological thriller.

MY THOUGHTS:

Five years ago I buried my husband...today I saw him with his new wife...

Well, that tagline drew me in instantly. While not entirely realistic, it was wholly entertaining and kept me glued to each page swiping them to uncover the truth of what was really happening. It was a little slow on the starting point but once it got going, I couldn't put it down until I discovered the truth.

Eva and her young son Caiden are packing up their life in Malvern (I think is around Worcestershire) and moving to picturesque coastal Devon and a place that held many happy memories before her husband Hugo died five years ago. Now Eva is married to Zach and realising it is a time for a fresh start, they have purchased a gorgeous home with stunning views over the ocean in Combe Martin where Zach has been busily decorating and getting the house ready for their imminent arrival. Eva and Caiden say a tearful goodbye to Hugo and their memories of him before they set off for their new start.

Caiden settles into school and meets Aaron and the two become inseparable. Eva befriends his mother Nicole but it isn't long before she starts questioning just how well she really knows her new friend when a few slips are made and nuances alluded to which give her pause to think. But she hasn't got time to second guess herself - she has a new job as a wedding planner at the Sea Horse Hotel to look forward to. A job she truly loves and thrives in.

Then in her first week in her new job of meeting new couples planning their big day, in walks Madison and her fiance Theo with baby Emily. Eva is shocked and speechless. Theo is the image of Hugo. But it can't be. Hugo's dead. Suddenly, a job she knows so well leaves her forgetting what to do. Eva muddles her way through the rest of the appointment before Madison and Theo leave with their daughter. And her name - Emily. It can't be. Can it? But he moves like Hugo, speaks like Hugo, acts like Hugo and the name Emily is special to them both. He's Hugo...isn't he? But he can't be. Hugo's dead. How can this be?

A couple of weeks later, Eva learns that Madison and Theo have cancelled their wedding with them and have taken an early cancellation at another hotel. So Eva makes it her mission to find out all she can about Theo. Her first move is to have her hair cut at Madison's salon to see if she can wrangle any information out of her about Theo. Her suspicions are only confirmed when Madison confides that they are moving to Loch Ness after the wedding - a place that Hugo always wanted to move to. Between Combe Martin and Loch Ness, both places that were special to them says it all - doesn't it? Theo has to be Hugo, doesn't he? But his death five years ago. DNA doesn't lie, does it? 

But the more Eva digs, the deeper the hole she is making herself. She cannot confide in anyone. Her mum will only think she is having another breakdown and seeing things that aren't there. Zach has enough worry and Hugo is a topic they rarely touch on. She doesn't know Nicole well enough to talk with her about it. The only person she can count on is herself...and even then she is beginning to doubt her sanity and trusting what she thinks she knows or sees. Maybe she has imagined it all along...

This is one twisty tale and I dare you to unravel the threads that link it all together. I pieced some of it together while others left me bewildered until revealed. It will leave you guessing and second guessing everything and what's true and what isn't. And the locale of coastal Devon was as atmospheric as the windswept cliffs of Cornwall - neighbouring counties and all.

As the reader, you really will question what's real and what's not. Kovach does a stellar job of gaslighting us throughout, making it all the more brilliant. This is not a thriller that you can unravel easily but it is one that you can properly binge on until that final twist that will leave you still questioning our character's sanity. Normally I don't like books to end with a quesiton mark (I like them all tied up neatly) but the ending here was perfectly sublime. Totally satisfactory as well as a touch insane.

My only complaint is the prologue. I have no idea who the couple were in it - Eva and Hugo or Madison and Theo? It wasn't made obvious in the reveal so I kind of felt it was a tad pointless. But that aside - this book is uputdownable, addictive and totally bingeworthy until the very last page. Kovach is really making her mark as a domestic/psychological thriller author away from her Gina Harte series. A solid 4.5 stars.

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

MEET THE AUTHOR:

Carla Kovach was born in Birmingham, UK and now resides in Redditch, Worcestershire. She started writing more seriously ten years ago after having flirted with musical theatre and occasional writing in her youth.

Since then she has written & produced several stage plays, has four self-published books, has acted in several independent films and is currently in the final stages of production of her feature horror film, Penny for the Guy.

She now writes full time as well as co-owning a film, photography & video production company located in the heart of Redditch town centre. 

Social Media links:

Website | Twitter | Facebook | Instagram | Goodreads

PUBLISHER:

Stay up to date with upcoming releases from Bookouture by following them on these social media accounts.

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REVIEW: Her Last Goodbye by Carla Kovach

Her Last Goodbye (DI Gina Harte #15) by Carla Kovach

Genre: Crime thriller, Crime fiction

Read: 17th May 2024

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Published: 17th May 2024

★★★★ 4 stars

DESCRIPTION:

Her small hands tremble and tears run down her cheeks. Shivering in the dark, damp storeroom, the little girl clutches her favourite toy dog. She cries out for help, but nobody answers. Her mother went missing last night and, as dawn breaks, there is still no sign of her.

Four-year-old Cleo shakes with fear as she tells the police that her mother, Darcie, was taken by a man on their way home last night. Darcie told Cleo to run and hide, and the last thing she saw was Darcie being pushed into the back of a car.

When police look into Darcie’s life, they discover a drunken argument with her best friend hours before she went missing, a dark figure seen loitering near where Cleo was found, and a recent assault allegation against a customer at Darcie’s work.

It seems like everyone around the young mother was keeping secrets, but Darcie had a dark secret of her own – one she hasn’t dared tell a soul.

Did Darcie’s deadly past finally catch up with her? And will she find the strength to fight for her life and keep her promise to return for her beloved daughter?

If you enjoy reading Angela Marsons, J M Dalgliesh and Mark Edwards then you’ll absolutely love this addictive page-turner.

MY THOUGHTS:

She thought she was safe...she was wrong...

Gina's back. This time with missing mother Darcie kidnapped in front of her four year old daughter Cleo. The little girl is able to describe in fairly good detail what happened but is scared the "bogeyman" will return for her. Then when a finger is found, Gina is resigned to the fact that this means there is another missing woman out there too.

Within a few days, soon after questioning her, Darcie's friend Shannon is abducted from outside her place of work with yet another finger to be found. And then an emaciated woman nearing death is found...and Gina is left wondering is this the other missing woman?

Nothing about this case makes sense to Gina and her team though they work tirelessly investigating the past and the present surrounding each of their victims and wondering how they are all linked. Can Gina find the person behind these abductions before they take another...or before someone dies?

Another great crime thriller from Carla Kovach in the Gina Harte series. I can't believe this is book 15! Where did that time go?

A multilayered story with great characters and a riveting plot. I had no idea who the villain was or how the prologue fitted into the present day crime. But this was another pageturner, to be sure.

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

MEET THE AUTHOR:

Carla Kovach was born in Birmingham, UK and now resides in Redditch, Worcestershire. She started writing more seriously ten years ago after having flirted with musical theatre and occasional writing in her youth.

Since then she has written & produced several stage plays, has four self-published books, has acted in several independent films and is currently in the final stages of production of her feature horror film, Penny for the Guy.

She now writes full time as well as co-owning a film, photography & video production company located in the heart of Redditch town centre. 

Social Media links:

Website | Twitter | Facebook | Instagram | Goodreads

PUBLISHER:

Stay up to date with upcoming releases from Bookouture by following them on these social media accounts.

Twitter | Facebook | Instagram

REVIEW: On A Quiet Street by Carla Kovach

On a Quiet Street by Carla Kovach

Genre: Psychological thriller, Domestic thriller

Read: 8th January 2024

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Published: 15th January 2024

★★★★★ 5 stars

DESCRIPTION:

Every family has its secrets. Some are more deadly than others…

I live on a quiet tree-lined street with my perfect husband Cain. But when 18-year-old Charlotte knocks on the front door, what she says has me questioning just how well I really know my husband.

‘I was adopted as a baby and I’m looking for my biological parents. I was told they live here.’

My heart races as I fear Cain has been keeping a huge secret from me. Does he have a child he never told me about? And has he been lying all these years?

I can’t trust anything Cain says. Desperate for answers, I agree to meet Charlotte in secret. But it’s Charlotte who is full of questions: about our lives, our relationship. It’s only when she lets slip the name of the road I used to live on, that I realise how much she knows about me, too…

Cold fear floods through my body. My husband may not have told the truth, but his lies are nothing compared to mine. If Charlotte knows my darkest secret, my whole life could fall apart. How far will I have to go to keep the truth hidden?

If you loved The Housemaid, The Perfect Marriage and Gone Girl you will be absolutely gripped by this heart-stopping psychological thriller.

MY THOUGHTS:

Everyone has its secrets...Some are more deadly than others...

What a delightful, and creepy, little gem this is! ON A QUIET STREET is a domestic thriller with all the psychological chills that lend a sinister and eerie air to the tale. Packed full of lies upon lies and a wealth of secrets, deceit and unlikeable characters, it was really hard to know who to trust.

Leah and her husband Cain live a quiet life on a quiet street in a quiet village. But with Cain's late night meetings and hidden text messages, Leah is suspicious of his behaviour. And she has reason to for many years before Cain had a six month fling with their then neighbour who, upon discovery, upped and left disposing her house in a quick sale. 

So now, is it any wonder that Leah is suspicious of his behaviour which bears a striking resemblance to when he was cheating on her. She smells the strange perfume on him and his continual cancellation of plans they've made for another "late meeting", Leah is sure Cain is at it again. The question is, with who?

And then one day a stranger knocks on their door searching for her biological parents and Leah immediately suspects that Cain had fathered a child with their neighbour during their fling and this 18 year old woman had now come in search for answers. But when the woman, Charlotte, reveals that it's Leah she's looking for, the tables are turned and she wonders whether the secrets that she's been hiding for the past two decades are about to come to the surface threatening her now comfortable life.

I love this author's Gina Harte series and have enjoyed one or two of her standalones. But this one is one of her best, despite its slow start and rather unlikeable characters. It is hard to connect with anyone as they really are unlikeable. Leah is irritating for the most part with her constant suspicions and sniping at Cain. And Cain? Well, anyone could see right through his lies as she tried to weasel his way out of every lie Leah caught him in. Her mother was horrible, the neighbour was just as horrible, the three teenage girls were sneaky.

But what made this story work so well was the way Kovach delivered it. First, from Leah's perspective, then "the girl's" as she slowly revealed every plot twist until it all fell into place. And then that final page was just a perfect ending.

This was a most enjoyable read that addictive from the very first and I couldn't put it down until I got to the very end, devouring the book in one sitting.

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

MEET THE AUTHOR:

Carla Kovach was born in Birmingham, UK and now resides in Redditch, Worcestershire. She started writing more seriously ten years ago after having flirted with musical theatre and occasional writing in her youth.

Since then she has written & produced several stage plays, has four self-published books, has acted in several independent films and is currently in the final stages of production of her feature horror film, Penny for the Guy.

She now writes full time as well as co-owning a film, photography & video production company located in the heart of Redditch town centre. 

Social Media links:

Website | Twitter | Facebook | Instagram | Goodreads

PUBLISHER:

Stay up to date with upcoming releases from Bookouture by following them on these social media accounts.

Twitter | Facebook | Instagram

REVIEW: Her Hidden Shadow by Carla Kovach

Her Hidden Shadow (DI Gina Harte #14) by Carla Kovach

Genre: Crime fiction, Crime thriller

Read: 17th September 2023

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Published: 20th September 2023

★★★★ 4 stars

DESCRIPTION:

Her perfect night out just became her worst nightmare…

Lauren returns home from celebrating her engagement with friends and stumbles as she gets out of the taxi. So what if her best friend Sienna didn’t show up? Lauren had a good night anyway. As she walks towards the small house she shares with her fiancé, Robbie, she’s surprised to see every window in total darkness. And when she calls his name, the house remains silent. Where is Robbie?

Kicking off her red heels, Lauren heads towards her bedroom, feeling more nervous with every step. And when she opens the door, she immediately knows something is very wrong. The sickly metallic smell sobers her up instantly. And there is someone in her bed…

Moving closer, her heart races in her chest. Instead of her fiancé, in the bed lies the lifeless body of a young woman, and although long dark hair covers her face, Lauren can already see who it is… her best friend, Sienna.

As Lauren’s scream breaks the silence, someone stands outside the bedroom, tracking her every move. Did Lauren’s perfect little home just become the most dangerous place she could be?

Perfect for fans of Angela Marsons, Cara Hunter and Clare Mackintosh, Her Hidden Shadow will have you hooked from the very first page.

MY THOUGHTS:

Her perfect night out just became her worst nightmare…

Lauren is on a night out with her friends to celebrate her engagement. She returns home, kicks off her shoes and climbs into bed sidling up to her sleeping fiance. She finds his leg is stone cold and there's a sticky patch by her head. When she turns on the lamp she is shocked to discover not Robbie in bed beside her but her best friend Sienna...and she's dead! Lauren screams and calls 999 in hysterics. 

DI Gina Harte is called to the scene in the early hours and is shocked by the appearance of her DS, Jacob Driscoll. He looks like he'd eaten a bad kebab and upon stepping into the crime scene, he had to be excused before being sick. Something was amiss with her DS but she'd speak to him later. For now her focus was on the murder of Sienna and the hysterical Lauren in the back of the ambulance. She'd been out celebrating her engagement with friends. So why wasn't Sienna amongst them if she was her best friend. And if she thought she was climbing into bed with her fiance, where was the said fiance now?

It isn't long before the team discover that Sienna had been stalked by a visiting colleague. They had lived together for a short time but she left when he became too controlling. Their focus were on him and that of Lauren's missing fiance Robbie.

And then in questioning one of Lauren's friends who was also supposed to be with them that night but called off sick, it seemed that there is a link between Sienna's murder and an historical attack on friend Tiffany four years before. 

Then just as the team are gathering information to question their lead suspect, new information comes to light that throws everything they thought they knew out the window. And two new members join them from Hereford to oversee the investigation. A Detective Superintendent Sullivan, who had been a thorn in Gina's side when she was a trainee DC, and a DI Collier. Gina was no longer running this investigation and Sullivan was out to bring her down with relish. But can Gina solve the murders before it's too late?

This 14th outing with Gina Harte and her team is just as thrilling as all the previous ones. Though it is a series, it can easily be read as a standalone as you don't really miss anything otherwise, except for maybe character development and their backstories. I admit to forgetting what happened to Jennifer with the hit and run from a previous book and I still can't recall it. But she is a minor character that we don't really see and is only mentioned from time to time.

I did easily work out half of the twist but I must say I was surprised by the other half of it. Hats off to you Ms Kovach for pulling that one off.

The tension is ramped up a notch in this installment but it comes at a cost...and one I hate to see in series and is often why I don't read many series. The in-house politics and discord amongst the ranks is something I loathe. That's why I love this series so much because Gina's team all work well together without that angst. But bringing in two outsiders who want nothing but to set a cat amongst the pigeons and watch the fallout just makes my skin crawl. The inclusion of Sullivan and Collier didn't have to be so horrible but it was, and I felt it ruined what would otherwise have been a 5 star read. The rest of the story itself was second to none and I loved it.

Overall, a compelling read that is edge of your seat and page turning and another outstanding addition to the series. I can't wait to see what's next for Gina and her team.

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

MEET THE AUTHOR:

Carla Kovach was born in Birmingham, UK and now resides in Redditch, Worcestershire. She started writing more seriously ten years ago after having flirted with musical theatre and occasional writing in her youth.

Since then she has written & produced several stage plays, has four self-published books, has acted in several independent films and is currently in the final stages of production of her feature horror film, Penny for the Guy.

She now writes full time as well as co-owning a film, photography & video production company located in the heart of Redditch town centre. 

Social Media links:

Website | Twitter | Facebook | Instagram | Goodreads

PUBLISHER:

Stay up to date with upcoming releases from Bookouture by following them on these social media accounts.

Twitter | Facebook | Instagram

REVIEW: Their Cold Hearts by Carla Kovach

Their Cold Hearts (Detective Gina Harte #13) by Carla Kovach

Genre: Crime thriller, Crime fiction, Police procedural

Read: 22nd April 2023

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Published: 19th April 2023

★★★★ 4 stars

DESCRIPTION:

She shuts the door behind her, relieved to be in the safety of her own home. But tonight her house is the most dangerous place she could be. Someone has been waiting for her, and they know she’s home alone…

Sasha loves her job finding accommodation for homeless people, and she’s proud of the small but cosy apartment she rents on the good side of town. She’s worked hard to leave her dark past behind her and make amends for the accident that still haunts her memories. She knows she was innocent, though she’s still careful about who and what she tells of her old life. But not all secrets stay hidden forever…

When her phone rings loudly in the middle of the night, Sasha fears what she’ll hear when she picks up – a deathly silence. It’s happened every night for weeks. Is it a childish prank, or a chilling warning that someone has uncovered her secret?

But the news of a body found at a local shelter means her worst nightmare has come true. It can’t be a coincidence that evidence related to the victim has been found at the same location where the most devastating moment of Sasha’s life took place.

Days later, a second body is found and Sasha’s heart pounds wildly as she takes in the victim’s unforgettable green eyes. She hasn’t seen her in a long time, but she’d know her old friend anywhere. She was the only other person who knew Sasha’s secret, so how can Sasha prove her innocence now?

Sasha doesn’t know who’s coming for her, but she’s certain of one thing: she’s next on the list…

Fans of Angela Marsons, Cara Hunter and Clare Mackintosh will love Their Cold Hearts – a totally thrilling and addictive crime thriller that will have you up all night!

MY THOUGHTS:

"Someone is watching you...they know your secret..."

We're back with DI Gina Harte who is very much looking forward to spending time with her granddaughter Gracie while her daughter Hannah is taking a much-needed holiday in Paris with her partner. However, as luck would have it, in the midst of building a den with Gracie she receives a call to brutal murder scene...despite being booked on holiday leave. Gina is torn. She knows this will cause yet more friction between her and Hannah, after finally gaining her trust back, and yet she cannot let a murderer remain loose on the streets of Cleevesford. So she accepts the case and leaves Gracie in the capable hands of her boss and on-and-off-again lover DCI Chris Briggs, who later informs Gina that Gracie has had the the best time having dressed up in an oversized stab vest sporting a police had and arresting half of the relief. But none of that will wash with Hannah, Gina knows, but resolves to face that later. Right now, she has a killer to catch.

The body of a homeless man, Wesley Reid, has been found in the hostel in which he has been staying by one of the other residents and soon everyone staying in the Cleevesford Cleaver want to be relocated - NOW! But there is little anyone can do with no space available, which is what Sasha Kennedy faces daily in trying to find suitable premises for those who need it. Sadly, there are never enough rooms or flats available and the homeless community is endless. But Sasha does her best with what little resources she has...sometimes even paying for a hotel room for the odd one on occasion out of her own pocket. She just wishes there was more that she could do.

When Sasha recognises the murdered man she begins to wonder if the past is coming back to haunt her. Particularly as she has been targeted by a youth on an electric scooter outside her own flat with the odd flat tyre, messages pushed through her mailslot and more recently a written message in graffiti in one of the older buildings set to be reopened for community housing.

"I will make you pay."

Meanwhile, 18 year Macie Perrin is a true-crime YouTuber wanting her own fifteen minutes of fame. She gets herself caught up in the mystery and finds herself talking directly with the killer. She is so excited that this will mean big things for her! But is she getting in over her head?

And then there is Gina. When a second victim is discovered, her team are busy trying to find the common thread linking them with so few clues. A one pound coin and the smell of burning sage. 

"When is a pound not a pound or a herb not a herb?"

Added to all this is her dilemma with Gracie. She is meant to be looking after her and, despite the whale of a time Gracie is having with her colleague's wife Mrs O, her greatest fears are realised when her ex-mother-in-law sees her working when she should be looking after Gracie...and is on hand to swoop in and take over when Hannah gets wind of it all.

This series has always been one of my favourites and I've always loved the camaraderie between Gina and her team. There is a hint of what went on before between her and Briggs, their on-and-off relationship once again seemingly lingering in the background, though Gina is far from forgiving of Brigg's past behaviour and to be honest I can't say that I blame her in this instance. And then there is Hannah. That girl got on my nerves in the early part of the series and finally I thought we were past all that. But no. One wrong move and she is quick to judge her mother once again, forgetting all the sacrifices "she" made as a single mother for her laying all the blame squarely at Gina's feet. And still, after placing Gracie in Hetty's care she STILL blames Gina for what happened! Yet Hetty was the one who supposedly had care of the child! That really annoyed me and I'm so peeved at Hannah who really cannot give her mother a break. Ever. And Gina? She knew how Hannah would react so why did she take the case? She was on leave. She was entitled to that leave so why just say "thanks but no thanks"? Because Gina must single-handedly bring down all of Cleevesford's killers, no matter what. Sorry Gina, but family come first...always.

Although I thoroughly enjoy this series, I admit to being completely frustrated by the behaviour of some of those once again...for reasons I state above. That aside, this is one of the best series out there and I can't wait to see what's in store for Gina next. I hope she gets her personal life sorted between Briggs and Hannah's bad attitude.

Overall, a good solid thriller and addition to the series but it is recommended, if coming in late to the party, to start from the beginning to appreciate the characters and the series in full...complete with the underlying backstories.

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

MEET THE AUTHOR:

Carla Kovach was born in Birmingham, UK and now resides in Redditch, Worcestershire. She started writing more seriously ten years ago after having flirted with musical theatre and occasional writing in her youth.

Since then she has written & produced several stage plays, has four self-published books, has acted in several independent films and is currently in the final stages of production of her feature horror film, Penny for the Guy.

She now writes full time as well as co-owning a film, photography & video production company located in the heart of Redditch town centre. 

Social Media links:

Website | Twitter | Facebook | Instagram | Goodreads

PUBLISHER:

Stay up to date with upcoming releases from Bookouture by following them on these social media accounts.

Twitter | Facebook | Instagram

 

REVIEW: Her Deadly Promise by Carla Kovach

Her Deadly Promise (DI Gina Harte #12) by Carla Kovach

Genre: Crime thriller, Domestic thriller, Suspense, Police procedural

Read: 5th December 2022

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Published: 2nd December 2022

★★★★★ 4.5 stars (rounded up)

DESCRIPTION:

Four-year-old Kayden has been sitting alone on the little patch of tired grass outside his house for hours. His cheeks are wet with tears as he waits for his mother’s warm embrace. But she’ll never arrive to pick up her darling boy. She’ll never be seen again…

Church Road is a quiet corner of suburbia where happy families play in the local park and neighbours smile as they pass in the street. But behind the bright red door of number 8 lies the body of Billie Reeves, a young mum who just took her last breath.

Serena is Billie’s sister. When she found out her boyfriend had been obsessively calling Billie, she’d all but cut her from her life. But not before vowing she would make Billie pay for ruining her relationship…

Shaun is Billie’s ex-boyfriend. He left her the moment she fell pregnant. When he turned up at Billie’s door, demanding to see Kayden, she refused to take the risk of him hurting her precious son. He’ll do whatever it takes to get his little boy back…

Nadia is Billie’s best friend. Their kids attended the same school and Billie often opened up to Nadia about her struggles as a single mother. She knows Billie’s deepest, darkest secret. She promised never to tell, but that was before the argument…

When police investigate the quiet little street, they discover everyone was whispering about Billie’s late-night callers. What was going on behind the closed door of Billie’s small home? And if someone was prepared to kill her, what do they know, and who will be next?

Fans of Angela Marsons, Cara Hunter and Clare Mackintosh, will love Her Deadly Promise – a completely gripping crime thriller that will have you hooked from the very first page!

MY THOUGHTS:

Honestly, just when the last in this series was the best thus far along comes the next case for Gina Harte. And this one HER DEADLY PROMISE is one of the best yet. Instead of serial killers or a local nutter on the loose, this one is filled with all the usual domestic suspense tropes such as secrets, lies, deception, betrayal...you name it, this has it! And one of the reasons this is one of my favourite series is that it is not all filled with the procedural side bogging the reader down with facts, statistics and the holy trinity of murder cases. Instead we hear other voices added to the mix as we try to unravel the truth.

Admittedly, I have tired of a lot of procedurals as I find them too samey and a but too textbook...I have but a bare minimum of crime thriller series that feature procedurals that I still read. And this is one of them.

This story begins with a secret. And secrets are something we can share our closest friends, someone we can confide in or have a shoulder to cry on. At least, that's what friends Billie, Nadia, Meera and Candice thought...until one of their secrets gets out and is soon the hot topic of gossip amongst others at the school gates with fingers pointed and careless whispers spread. And then one of them is found murdered in a pool of blood on her kitchen floor while her 5 year old son sat outside on the step waiting for his mother to call him in. A mother he will never see again.

Enter DI Gina Harte.

As menopause rears its ugly head whilst the country is in the grip of a stifling heatwave, Gina finds herself struggling with her the flurry of flushes at the most inconvenient of times as well as the breakdown of her budding relationship with Briggs. She's finding it hard to move on but as she arrives at the scene and is confronted with the sight of the tearful young boy, Gina puts her problems aside and focuses on the case at hand, determined to find a young mother's killer.

As the investigation progresses, the suspects are in abundance. And Billie, the murdered woman, had many secrets...but would someone kill her for them? But she isn't the only one with secrets as more and more of them come bubbling to the surface in the form of husbands and supposed friends. But would one of them kill to keep their own secret from coming to light?

As the plot thickens, will there be another victim in an attempt to keep the secrets and lies from surfacing? Will Gina find the killer before it's too late? And will she be able to move past the Briggs-shaped elephant-in-the-room in her heart and her head?

HER DEADLY PROMISE is such an intricate tale of secrets, lies, deception and betrayal that is a complex web so intriguing to read you won't be able to put it down! Gina used to frustrate me no end in the earlier books but she has grown along the way as did her relationship with Briggs. But now she finds herself alone with her only confidante in someone else's arms. Briggs, who knows all her foibles, flaws and secrets. And now she has menopause to deal with on top of that and a flipping heatwave!

I read this book in one day as it was so engrossing I was completely immersed within the story. I admit to figuring out Billie's secret almost from the beginning as well as the identity of the killer, despite the numerous red herrings Kovach put in our way to mislead us. And I must admit to wanting Gina to find another face on the hook-up sight she was perusing...I won't say who, but oh how I wish!!

My only complaint is the cliffhanger ending. NOOOOO! How could you do that to us? I want to know what happens now! But I guess I'll have to wait till Book 13.

Overall, a spectacular addition to one of my most favourite series.

I would like to thank #CarlaKovach, #NetGalley and #Bookouture for an ARC of #HerDeadlyPromise in exchange for an honest review.

MEET THE AUTHOR:

Carla Kovach was born in Birmingham, UK and now resides in Redditch, Worcestershire. She started writing more seriously ten years ago after having flirted with musical theatre and occasional writing in her youth.

Since then she has written & produced several stage plays, has four self-published books, has acted in several independent films and is currently in the final stages of production of her feature horror film, Penny for the Guy.

She now writes full time as well as co-owning a film, photography & video production company located in the heart of Redditch town centre. 

Social Media links:

Website | Twitter | Facebook | Instagram | Goodreads

PUBLISHER:

Stay up to date with upcoming releases from Bookouture by following them on these social media accounts.

Twitter | Facebook | Instagram

REVIEW: The Houseshare by Carla Kovach

 

The Houseshare by Carla Kovach

Genre: Psychological thriller, Suspense

Read: 15th August 2022

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Apple

Google

Kobo

Published: 16th August 2022

★★★ 3.5 stars

DESCRIPTION:

Behind closed doors is a secret someone is willing to kill for.

I walk into the bright, open living room of my new apartment, and I know this is the fresh start I’ve been dreaming about. As I double lock my pretty red door each night, I feel like I can finally be happy. I can finally be safe.

But when I’m woken one night by the sound of my neighbours arguing through the wall. I swear I hear one of them saying my name. Why would they be talking about me?

Michaela and Kirsty seem so nice, always stopping to chat when we pass in the hallway, and inviting me round for a glass of wine after work.

I know I’m being paranoid, but then my favourite hair clip goes missing and I start to feel like someone’s watching me.

Nobody was meant to know where I am. And I was careful. I did everything right. But I can’t help but fear my past has caught up with me and this time, I might not escape…

If you love gripping psychological thrillers like Gone Girl and Mark Edwards’s Here to Stay, you’ll be blown away by The Houseshare. Addictive, tense and with an ending you won’t see coming, you’ll be up all night turning pages.

The Houseshare is a rework of To Let, which was previously published by the same author.

MY THOUGHTS:

A new beginning...a new nightmare...

After leaving her controlling and abusive boyfriend, Libby is ready for a fresh start by fleeing in the night and renting a flat in Canal House near the centre of Birmingham that her sister Olly has found for her. It is affordable and she can easily walk to work. She soon meets her landlord and neighbours who are all friendly and welcoming. Even her cat Einstein is happy with the move and the landlord has bought some furniture, given she has arrived with nothing, to which she adds her own personal touches to make it more like a home.

But she has barely settled when the threatening texts from her ex, Gary, begin to arrive in a flurry going from demanding and abusive to remorseful and pleading. Libby is well versed in the familiar cycle and has no intention of backing down or returning to him and as per her sister's advice, she deletes every text as they arrive. He tries calling but she ignores him. And then she starts to feel as if someone is watching her, especially when she sees shadows of movement in the backyard and hears strange noises coming from the downstairs flat. And then things begin to go missing while others appear out of nowhere. And where has Einstein gotten to? Then when she learns that the girl who lived in the flat before her suddenly disappeared, she starts wondering just how safe is her new home...her fresh start.

The story initially opens twenty years previous with the heartbreaking scenes of someone being bullied and my heart just went out to them. The scene took me back to my own school days and reminded me just why I hated those times that were supposed to be the best years of my life. Kids can be so cruel. But more to the point, the teachers knew what was happening and did nothing. 

As the story unfolds, the mystery of the murder of a teenage girl is entwined with the strange goings on that Libby faces in her new home. She confides in her landlord as to what happened back in the place where she grew up and he shows a level of compassion that she never knew with Gary, and she soon finds herself attracted to Tim. Even her fellow tenants, Michaela and Kirsty tease her about it. But Libby isn't ready for another relationship and is adamant that Tim is just a friend.

But poor Libby can't seem to catch a break. If it's not Gary with his incessant hot-and-cold texts, it's a client from work who has become abusive when he misses out on a work placement, believing Libby to have held out on him. He vows to make her pay.

So who is it that's stalking her? Gary, who won't accept that their relationship is over? Or Trevor, who feels she has wronged him?

And then Libby receives news so devastating it shakes the very foundations of her world. And she wonders...is she even safe anymore?

I was suspicious of just about everyone and their motives however the villain was fairly easy to figure out as they all but had a neon sign announcing their involvement throughout. But that never interferes with my enjoyment of a good thriller. There are always other aspects that I consider and if it holds my attention, it's generally a winner. But if it's slow or veers off somewhere, then my attention has wandered with it.

THE HOUSESHARE is a fairly entertaining read that I did enjoy, though not as much as some of the author's other offerings. For those who are fans of the Gina Harte series, don't expect this to be anything like those because it is entirely different as are all her standalone thrillers. It has a more claustrophobic feel to it and is incredibly tense at times but I do feel it is lacking something. What that is, I'm not sure. All I know is that it didn't quite have the bite or intensity and I came away feeling there had been something missing. It was a bit a slow burn initially but it still held my interest and I was quite enjoying things...until the end. And the end came about 15% before the actual end of the book. That is to say, there was the reveal and then the whole ending became dragged out a bit too long I felt. And that bogged down the whole story I think, because until I arrived at that point, I was enjoying it immensely.

However...there is one factor that totally blindsided me just before the end...and for that I give an extra half star because I never saw it coming. But then that kind of dwindled away that it ended up losing its shock value.

THE HOUSESHARE is an intriguing psychological thriller and perfect for newbie fans but those who frequent this genre might find it a bit lacklustre. I didn't hate it and it is a good read but not a great one.

This title was previously published as "To Let".

I would like to thank #CarlaKovach, #NetGalley and #Bookouture for an ARC of #TheHouseshare in exchange for an honest review.

MEET THE AUTHOR:

Carla Kovach was born in Birmingham, UK and now resides in Redditch, Worcestershire. She started writing more seriously ten years ago after having flirted with musical theatre and occasional writing in her youth.

Since then she has written & produced several stage plays, has four self-published books, has acted in several independent films and is currently in the final stages of production of her feature horror film, Penny for the Guy.

She now writes full time as well as co-owning a film, photography & video production company located in the heart of Redditch town centre. 

Social Media links:

Website | Twitter | Facebook | Instagram | Goodreads

PUBLISHER:

Stay up to date with upcoming releases from Bookouture by following them on these social media accounts.

Twitter | Facebook | Instagram

SPOTLIGHT: The Houseshare by Carla Kovach

 

The Houseshare by Carla Kovach
Genre: Psychological thriller, Suspense
Read: 15th August 2022
Goodreads
Amazon
Apple
Google
Kobo
Published: 16th August 2022

DESCRIPTION:

Behind closed doors is a secret someone is willing to kill for.

I walk into the bright, open living room of my new apartment, and I know this is the fresh start I’ve been dreaming about. As I double lock my pretty red door each night, I feel like I can finally be happy. I can finally be safe.

But when I’m woken one night by the sound of my neighbours arguing through the wall. I swear I hear one of them saying my name. Why would they be talking about me?

Michaela and Kirsty seem so nice, always stopping to chat when we pass in the hallway, and inviting me round for a glass of wine after work.

I know I’m being paranoid, but then my favourite hair clip goes missing and I start to feel like someone’s watching me.

Nobody was meant to know where I am. And I was careful. I did everything right. But I can’t help but fear my past has caught up with me and this time, I might not escape…

If you love gripping psychological thrillers like Gone Girl and Mark Edwards’s Here to Stay, you’ll be blown away by The Houseshare. Addictive, tense and with an ending you won’t see coming, you’ll be up all night turning pages.

The Houseshare is a rework of To Let, which was previously published by the same author.

SPOTLIGHT:

I am excited to be taking part in the #BooksOnTour #BlogTour for Carla Kovach's tense psychological thriller THE HOUSESHARE (previously published as "To Let").

A new beginning...a new nightmare...

After leaving her controlling and abusive boyfriend, Libby is ready for a fresh start by fleeing in the night and renting a flat in Canal House near the centre of Birmingham that her sister Olly has found for her.

As the story unfolds, the mystery of the murder of a teenage girl is entwined with the strange goings on that Libby faces in her new home. She confides in her landlord as to what happened back in the place where she grew up and he shows a level of compassion that she never knew with Gary, and she soon finds herself attracted to Tim. Even her fellow tenants, Michaela and Kirsty tease her about it. But Libby isn't ready for another relationship and is adamant that Tim is just a friend.

Who is it that's stalking her?

And then Libby receives news so devastating it shakes the very foundations of her world. And she wonders...is she even safe anymore?

I was suspicious of just about everyone and their motives however the villain was fairly easy to figure out as they all but had a neon sign announcing their involvement throughout. But that never interferes with my enjoyment of a good thriller.

THE HOUSESHARE is a fairly entertaining read that I did enjoy. For those who are fans of the Gina Harte series, don't expect this to be anything like those because it is entirely different as are all her standalone thrillers. It has a more claustrophobic feel to it and is incredibly tense at times.

There is one factor that totally blindsided me just before the end...and I never saw it coming. 

THE HOUSESHARE is an intriguing psychological thriller.

This title was previously published as "To Let".

I would like to thank #CarlaKovach, #NetGalley and #Bookouture for an ARC of #TheHouseshare.

MEET THE AUTHOR:

Carla Kovach was born in Birmingham, UK and now resides in Redditch, Worcestershire. She started writing more seriously ten years ago after having flirted with musical theatre and occasional writing in her youth.

Since then she has written & produced several stage plays, has four self-published books, has acted in several independent films and is currently in the final stages of production of her feature horror film, Penny for the Guy.

She now writes full time as well as co-owning a film, photography & video production company located in the heart of Redditch town centre. 

Social Media links:

Website | Twitter | Facebook | Instagram | Goodreads

PUBLISHER:

Stay up to date with upcoming releases from Bookouture by following them on these social media accounts.

Twitter | Facebook | Instagram