The Stranger’s Wife is a marketed as a thriller novel, though I found it to be more of a mystery as the main “twist” simply explained a crime that the reader already knew about. It is told from multiple character viewpoints, namely two women- Cath and Beth- and Dan, a police officer. Beth is a wealthy mother going through a divorce from her husband Evan while also having an affair with a landscaper. Cath is poor, living in a disheveled apartment with her abusive addict partner. Dan, meanwhile, is hard at work trying to unravel a case that he believes is tied to one of the women.

The case being investigated and the link the two women share all comes together of the course of the novel. The Stranger’s Wife is fast-paced, layering multiple stories and viewpoints within each chapter and jumping back-and-forth over the course of a couple of years, although I found the story to be mostly focused on Beth and not enough character depth was given to Cath. Furthermore, the history of Beth and Evan as people and as a couple is barely explored; the reader only learns more about Evan’s past as the novel wraps up. There wasn’t much build-up in the story, but rather a crime occurs and the question is “why did it happen and who did it?” Thus, I didn’t find this book to be particularly thrilling, as the reader knows the big event early on in the story. Instead of anticipating a big event, the reader is learning what Dan, the police officer, thinks of the crime and how the investigation will unfold.

Additionally, this book had several supporting characters who did not play significant roles in the story, but continued to be mentioned throughout, making the story dense at times. Though the main characters could have had more background information or details in lieu of the many supporting characters to follow, the plot was very well done and the “twist” (though I would use that loosely in this book) was very original. I gave this book 3 stars because it was depicted as a psychological thriller, yet it lacked any anticipation or real suspense to me. Though not a typical thriller novel, I enjoyed reading this book and recommend it for its unique storyline that made me eager to finish it.

*Thank you NetGalley for my advanced reader’s copy of this book in exchange for an honest, unbiased review!*

Two women in 2 social classes make their own justice after the law has failed them. Detective Dan Riley knows that they've both done what they're accused of, but he doesn't know how.

Beth is stuck in an unhappy and loveless marriage. She's having an affair and is ready to leave Evan and take their daughter with her. When their nanny/housekeeper goes missing, Beth decides the time is right to get her daughter out of their loveless house. It's a day she'll live with the rest of her life.

Cath is the wife of Saul. We can't call Saul literal garbage because that is an offense to garbage. He is sexually, physically, and mentally abusive to Cath. Even when she tries to escape he finds her. After the latest and worst beating of her life, she finally attempts and escape.

When these two women meet, their lives will be forever changed.

The Stranger's wife is the third in the Detective Dan Riley series. I've read the second one (The Couple on Cedar Close) and quite enjoyed it. I'll be checking out the first soon too.

It's hard to talk about this one without giving away the plot, but I will say I thoroughly enjoyed it. There were some quite difficult moments during reading it. There is definitely a trigger warning to be discussed. But, despite that, Dan Riley is a good detective and I hope to see more books in this series.

TW: domestic abuse mentioned (sexual, physical, mental;) death of an infant as a result of mentioned abuse

The Strangers wife # Netgalley
Wow. I had a couple of weeks off reading during the Christmas period. I then tried two different novels to get back into my reading however none of them where encouraging. Then I thought I would see what this one was like. Wow wow brilliant. For saying I was only going to read for a hour, next thing I know I had finished the book and stayed awake all nigh to do so. Absolutely brilliant storyline with twist and turns through out the book. Once you start it you really will struggle to put it down. It’s one of those books that grabs you from the word go. Awesome. I highly recommend you read this book. Good characters. Strong and believable. I felt I was part of the book. You have to feel that from any book to really absorb yourself into the storyline. Fantastic. Faaaaaasntasic

This is the third book in a series starring Detective Dan Riley and I haven't read the previous novels but don’t feel this stopped me enjoying this novel.
It follows two women both in bad relationships with no way to get out. Cath is being abused by her husband and Cath is being controlled by hers. A chance encounter between the two women on a train could change it all. Dan is investigating the fall out that occurs from the chance meeting.
This was an enjoyable read and I’d like to read the previous novels.
Thanks to Bookouture and NetGalley for an ARC in exchange for an honest review.
#TheStrangersWife #NetGalley

I read the blurb on Goodreads after I finished the book but it doesn’t really give you a true idea of the story. I didn’t realize this the third in the Detective Dan Riley series but I don’t think it affected the story as this seems to be a standalone.

The story begins with Beth returning home and her nanny is nowhere to be found. Her young child was left alone, door open and she’s frantic as she knows Marta would not have left Lily. She contacts the police and then her husband, Evan, but nothing comes of the investigation and Beth is left to wonder what happened.

Without spoiling the story, there are changes in relationships, terrible charges made, which puts Beth, her mother and daughter all in various states of emotional distress. Beth’s life seems to be spinning out of control. This psychological thriller kept me wondering how much worse things could get for Beth.

As Beth takes a train ride, she meets Cath. This was such a unique meeting but gave me a hint of what might be planned to avenge some abusive and controlling men. No matter if you are wealthy or poor, educated or not, many times there is an inequity between men who seem to have all the power and the women are stuck in sad situations.

While the story was intriguing, it seemed to pickup speed in the last third as more and more details came to light. I had skimmed a bit in the first half but still felt like I had a good idea of the characters and the storyline. I had a feeling about Evan from the beginning as he just acted too odd. As more details are found out about him, I was horrified for Beth and Lily and others.

Dan and his partner Fiona are expecting a baby and was an interesting small part of the story. Dan had suffered loss and I don’t think he was certain about having a baby. But once anyone holds their baby, they fall in love and would do anything to protect them. I like the character of Dan Riley with his certainly in following the rules and believing in justice.

This story was told from the viewpoint of Beth, Dan and Cath and I enjoy that story format which helps me understand the characters more fully. The majority of the story was back and forth between 2018 and 2019 and threw me off at times.

I’ve read several books with British phrases and slang but this story had quite a few words and phrases I had never heard before.

There were plenty of twists and turns, lies, secrets, and deceit with vengeance on Evan’s part and almost a sense of futility for Beth and Cath as they struggled with their situations. The ending, while still sad in many ways, also seemed to be somewhat positive.

Thanks to the author, publisher and Netgalley for allowing me to read this new work.

Thanks to Netgalley and Bookouture for providing this ARC in exchange for an honest review.

Beth's husband, Evan, is emotionally unavailable and she is having an affair with Nick. Cath's partner has been abusing her for years. Their paths cross on a train and things will never be the same.

This was a quick 1 day read. It started with the nanny going missing and I thought that was what the book was going to be about but that was the tip of the iceberg. There were so many twists and turns. New info was being turned up constantly. I couldn't put it down. This book jumped around on about a 1.5 year timeline and was told from various perspectives, which could have been confusing, but it was very well done by the author and I found it flowed well and was easy to follow. This was the third book in the Detective Dan Reilly series and I look forward to picking up the previous 2 installments, because I thoroughly enjoyed this one.

Thank you NetGalley for an advanced copy of The Stranger’s Wife.

This book is the definition of psychological thriller. The story is about two women who couldn’t be more different from each other; Beth who is married to Evan, materialistically has everything she could want or need with a little six year old daughter, Lily and Cath who has been stuck in a domestically violent relationship for years with Saul. What these women do have in common is that they’re both victims of domestic abuse, either emotional or physical. It was heartbreaking reading what both of these women went through and the lengths they had to go to to try and live a happy life.

Skip this next sentence as it MAY be considered a small spoiler but it needs to be said... while I found the book to be a fast read and unputdownable, this is pretty much a modern take on Strangers on a train. Once I realized where this book was headed, it’s all I could think about which kind of made of ending anticlimactic for me.

This is a great read that had me hooked throughout.
I loved the way we got to know Beth and Cath through chapters a year apart and how this all came to a head.
Beth leaves her husband as their marriage has become stale but Evan doesn’t take it well. He makes her life a misery and pushes her too far.
Cath is in an abusive relationship and after a really nasty attack she loses her baby and her partner has no sympathy. All he cares about are drugs and she reaches her limit.
The two women meet on a train and feel a connection straight away and then both their lives change forever.
This is a gripping psychological thriller that will have you hooked until the last page and is a great read.
Thanks to Bookouture and NetGalley for the opportunity to read this book.

I am gong this book 3.5 stars, I really feel that this book is so much like serval other books smooshed together. I was hooked from the beginning and wanted to know what was really going one, However, I feel that questions were left unanswered, making the ending not as satisfying. I spent the first half trying to figure out of the two woman knew each other and that really caused me to lose attention to the main plot-line.

Once you are told, it is clear what would happen next, as it is a trope from a popular book. I have so much to say but they are all spoilers. The main character's child is written like an infant when she is actually ages 4-6 throughout the book. Having a 4 and a 6 year old daughter, I know what they would act like and it is nothing like Lily's character. Does anyone else see this? It was so distracting to me.

So, let's put aside the things that drove me nuts and you get a pretty decent psychological thriller/detective thriller. I had no idea that this was actual part of a story but I think I would pass on the rest of the books in the series as the more I think about this book the more I decide that maybe I don't really like it all that much and need to keep it as a solid 3.

I am very much in the minority here, but unfortunately this one just wasn't for me. It has potential, and it might be that if I'd read the first two I might have enjoyed it more, but I just really struggled to get into it and I never really fully engaged with it - it was more a case of reading it to say I'd finished it.

Thank you to NetGalley and Bookoutre for the chance to read this book.
Two women meet on a train and discover they are more alike than anyone would believe. This psychological thriller had me up way past my bedtime to see what would happen next. I did not see the twist coming but when I read it, it was perfect. Think Girl on a Train and Strangers on a Train. Run, don't walk to your nearest bookstore and get this book!

A complex,complicated story full of tragedies. Two women in bad relationships need each other. An interesting story.

Good writing and suspenseful but got a bit gruesome as far as descriptions of the domestic violence.

This was a very good story. Beth leaves her husband and ends up in a hellish situation. A chance meeting with Cath offers a way out for both of them. You really feel the frustration and horror of both Cath and Beths situation and you get so involved in their story that you want them to get away Scott-free. I was happy with the ending and the incorruptible Dan, I look forward to the next book from Anna-Lou.

This is the third book featuring DI Dan Riley and it doesn’t disappoint.

Beth and Cath come from two totally different backgrounds and are both going through a torrid time. When they meet on a train to Bristol, there is an instant connection between them and their lives will take a completely unexpected turn. DI Riley is investigating a murder and he thinks Beth is somehow involved but she has an alibi. As he digs deeper he finds the connection between Beth and Cath, but can he join the dots between them and solve his case?

A suspenseful well written book with a clever plot which will keep you reading well into the night.

Horrible premise, 2 utterly vile men and the abuse they perpetrate on their supposed 'loved ones'. Both trapped and abandoned by the system both women feel a sense of frustration. A chance meeting reveals an opportunity to find a way out.
It seems to work except......
The challenging part of this is how accurately both the abuse and the abandonment are described and the hopelessness that causes.
The other part that challenged me was the sanctimoniousness of the police detective. Not an ok person at all.
Overall, an ok story, although it is clear who I was rooting for.

I was given this book by NetGalley for an honest review -
Grab this book for an exciting read!!!
Beth is unhappy and begins an affair. She asks hubby for a divorce and he warned her things will get a whole lot worse.
Cath is in abusive relationship and can't seem to find a way out.
The two women meet on a train and are shocked how similar they look- can they use this to solve their problem?
How far will the men go to keep their women?
Are you ready for the shocking story of these womens trials?

**Thank you Net Galley and Bookouture for the advanced copy of this book in exchange for an honest review.

This is the first book that I have read by this author and definitely will not be the last. I was not aware that it was part of a series, although it would do fine to stand on its own.

The Stranger's Wife tells a story of two women in abusive relationships. Beth, married to a rich man who will stop at nothing to get what he wants. Cath has been with her abusive partner for years. He is a drug addict and criminal. When they meet by chance, they realize they might be able to help each other get away.

The Stranger's Wife is a psychological/mystery thriller with lots of twist and turns. It’s the typical crime committed and detective, Dan Riley, trying to solve the case. The story is told in three different perspectives/characters which is kind of neat. I felt that the timelines were difficult to follow at times but it also worked well with the story at the same time.

This was an on the edge of your seat thriller and I look forward to reading more by this author.

The Stranger’s Wife by Anna-Lou Weatherley is the third book in the Detective Dan Riley series. Even though this is part of a series, it can still be read as a standalone. To be honest, I never even knew it was part of a series until AFTER finishing the book. Now, I am going to have to pick up the first two books as this story was AMAZING!

I do admit the synopsis of the book really doesn’t say much and kind of leaves you in the dark for the most part. Needless to say, I was rather intrigued and had to dip my little fingers into this story. Weatherly takes a police procedural and spins it more into a psychological thriller where it's not ALL about the policing. Normally, with a story like this, Dan Riley would have taken center stage as he investigates a crime, but here he shares the spotlight with Beth Lawler and Catherine “Cath” Patterson.

Beth and Cath are two very different women and yet share one thing in common. They are both in relationships with men that they wish to get out of. Beth is the wife of a very wealthy and influential man, but there is no love lost in their marriage and Beth has finally had enough and wants to leave. Cath has been with her boyfriend since they were teenagers, but he is extremely violent and she is too scared to leave. What happens on the 3:15pm train from London to Bristol changes the lives of both women.

Weatherley creates a story that will instantly have you hooked! I knew once I started reading the first chapter, I was not going to be able to put this book down. Yes, I stayed up way later than usual just so I could finish. I love when a story just grabs you right from the beginning and doesn’t let go right up until the very end. I had so many questions needing answers while I tried to figure out what was going on and how these two women tie in together.

Beth and Cath are fleshed out three dimensional characters and while their backgrounds might be totally different, they share a lot of the same things in common, such as, vulnerability, a loveless relationship, heartache and sadness. Weatherley really hits you with all of the feels for these two women and makes you feel like they need to be protected, but don’t get it wrong even though they have both suffered through trauma and loss, Both Beth and Cath are stronger in ways they never thought possible. I really loved Dan Riley as well and he is going through his own personal turmoil and since the death of his wife is coming to terms with a new relationship and a new baby on the way. He is great at his job and believes in justice no matter if the crime is right or wrong. Riley really shows what a standup guy he is in both his personal and professional life.

There are some trigger warnings to be aware of such as domestic abuse both physically and mentally and the loss of a child. While most of the physical domestic violence is done off scene it is still very hard to read through.

The Stranger’s Wife is emotionally gripping, intricately layered, and seriously twisted. Quite frankly, it packs an emotional punch that will leave you completely stunned. I can highly recommend this book as it is a fantastic read!

This is the 3rd book in a series but I read it as a standalone book and it didn't detract from enjoying the book.

I really enjoyed this. It has a good plot and I would recommend this book.