The Other Couple captivated me from the description alone and maintained its grip throughout. It was full of unexpected twists and turns, making it impossible to put down.
I highly recommend it.

Thank you to NetGalley and Bookouture for my ARC.

Right away I could get a feel from the writing of just where the setting of this twisty story is...the wilds of Ireland, a quirky lighthouse dwelling, bleating sheep nearby, the cold swells of the ocean down below. This is my first by Walsh and I thought she did an excellent job of building this scenery and developing the characters. It was clear from the beginning that there were lots of secrets brewing among the guests of the lighthouse, and I thought I had many of them figured out. Turns out there really were twists and surprises clear to the end as pasts are revealed, and collide with the present. I was riveted throughout and could definitely see this being made into a movie. I was actually rooting for people...a rarity at times in these thrillers. Definitely recommend!
Thanks to NetGalley and Bookouture for this ARC! All opinions are mine.

An interesting thriller had that me on the edge of my seat as I flipped through the pages. Imaging going on vacation and another couple shows up? How weird and awkward for sure. Definitely a must read.

This is first time I've read a book about this author. And I can safely say I will definitely be reading more. This is one of those books that you cannot put down because you just got to know what's going to happen next. I'm a mama of two young children one of them is a 7 month old. And I read this book in about a day and a half because it was just that good.. You literally cannot put it down because you don't know what's going to happen.

As someone who loves a good psychological thriller, this one missed the mark for me. I found myself rather uninterested and I was able to catch on to the twists before they happened. But when they did happen it didn’t feel very climactic.

*The Other Couple* by Triona Walsh is an intriguing and emotionally charged psychological thriller that explores the complexities of marriage, trust, and secrets. Walsh deftly weaves a story full of tension, suspense, and unexpected twists, keeping the reader hooked from start to finish. With relatable characters and a sharply observed narrative, *The Other Couple* offers a fresh take on the domestic thriller genre.

### Plot Overview:
The story centers around **Ava** and **Matthew**, a married couple living in a seemingly picture-perfect life. They’ve recently moved into a new home, excited to begin this next chapter together. However, things take a dark turn when they meet their neighbors, **Lydia** and **Julian**, a couple who appear to be the perfect, glamorous pair—seemingly flawless in every way.

As the relationships between the two couples develop, small, subtle cracks begin to show in the seemingly idyllic lives of both Ava and Matthew and Lydia and Julian. The story takes a darker turn as secrets about both couples begin to unravel, leading to the discovery that things are not as they appear. Themes of infidelity, power dynamics, jealousy, and manipulation play out in surprising ways, as the characters are forced to confront their own desires, fears, and flaws.

The title *The Other Couple* is a subtle, yet telling, reference to the way relationships can be mirrored or distorted when viewed from the outside. The central question becomes: how well do we truly know the people we share our lives with, and what happens when everything we thought we understood about someone is called into question?

### Character Development:
The strength of Walsh’s writing lies in her ability to craft multidimensional, relatable characters. **Ava** is the protagonist, and her perspective guides much of the story. She’s a complex woman caught between a longing for normalcy and a growing sense that something is terribly wrong in her marriage. Her feelings of insecurity and self-doubt are brought to life with raw honesty, making her a character readers can empathize with—even as she makes questionable decisions. As the story unfolds, Ava’s internal battle intensifies, and the reader is left wondering how far she will go to protect herself and those she loves.

**Matthew**, her husband, is equally well-drawn. Initially, he appears to be the stable, dependable partner, but as the narrative progresses, layers of his character are peeled back, revealing unsettling aspects of his personality and motivations. The tension between Ava and Matthew is palpable, as the couple’s marriage is tested in ways they never anticipated.

**Lydia and Julian**, the “other couple,” are the catalysts for much of the drama, though they remain enigmatic figures throughout the novel. While they seem perfect on the surface, their veneer of charm hides darker, more manipulative tendencies. Walsh expertly plays with the concept of appearances versus reality, and the readers are left questioning who is the most trustworthy person in this tangled web of relationships.

### Writing Style:
Triona Walsh’s writing is sharp and immersive. The pacing of *The Other Couple* is well-balanced, building suspense gradually and keeping the reader engaged as secrets slowly unfold. Walsh is skilled at creating an atmosphere of unease, using subtle hints and foreshadowing to keep the reader on edge. The dialogue is realistic and often cutting, offering insight into the characters’ psychological states. The narrative alternates between different perspectives, which enhances the tension and gives the story a dynamic feel.

While the book delves into dark psychological territory, it is not devoid of lighter moments. Walsh’s wit shines through in some of the character interactions, balancing the heavier themes with occasional humor and moments of warmth, which adds depth to the characters and their relationships.

### Themes and Symbolism:
At its core, *The Other Couple* is an exploration of **trust and betrayal**. The book examines how relationships are often built on illusions, and how the truth can sometimes shatter everything we thought we knew. The contrasting dynamics between the two couples raise important questions about how well we know those closest to us, and whether it’s possible to truly understand the motivations and desires of others.

The concept of **appearance versus reality** is central to the narrative. Both couples are living with masks—whether it’s Ava and Matthew’s seemingly perfect life or Lydia and Julian’s perfect image as a couple. The book explores the consequences of these facades, and the painful process of peeling them back to reveal hidden truths.

**Jealousy**, **manipulation**, and **infidelity** are also significant themes in the novel. Walsh delves into the darker aspects of human nature, showing how these emotions can slowly erode relationships and lead to devastating consequences. The characters’ internal struggles and moral dilemmas give the novel a psychological depth that is both thought-provoking and thrilling.

### Emotional Impact:
*The Other Couple* is a gripping psychological thriller that keeps the reader on edge. As the story progresses, the tension builds and the stakes rise, making it difficult to put the book down. The emotional impact comes from the characters’ struggles with guilt, jealousy, and betrayal, as well as their attempts to navigate the increasingly tangled web of lies and secrets.

The novel also offers an exploration of the emotional costs of keeping secrets—how the weight of unspoken truths can destroy relationships and even lead to self-destruction. The psychological depth of the characters ensures that the emotional impact isn’t just about the plot twists, but also about understanding the motivations and inner turmoil of the people involved.

### Final Thoughts:
*The Other Couple* is a dark, suspenseful, and thought-provoking thriller that will keep readers guessing until the very end. Triona Walsh delivers a compelling narrative about love, secrets, and the complex dynamics of human relationships. The characters are flawed and multifaceted, making their emotional journeys both relatable and heartbreaking.

If you enjoy psychological thrillers that dig deep into human emotions and relationships, *The Other Couple* is a highly recommended read. With its well-drawn characters, suspenseful pacing, and layered storytelling, it’s a novel that will linger in your mind long after you’ve finished it.

Unfortunately, there was nothing thrilling about The Other Couple. I tried again and again, but I just couldn't get into it. Every 'reveal' felt so minimal, and yet Alice overreacted to every minuscule piece of information she got. It's not often I say this, but I genuinely don't care what these people were up to.

Very fun and thrilling read that keeps you hooked, especially at the end……..jaw drop!!!!!!!!!!

Great read, great characters and lots of twists.

It definitely keeps you guessing and I didn’t predict the ending which makes it even more fun.

Thank you NetGalley for the copy

Looking forward to finding more from this author

The quick pace and short chapters made this a tough one to put down! The author created an eerie atmosphere with characters that had me side-eyeing everyone 👀 Just when I thought I had it all figured out, another twist would catch me by surprise. I definitely recommend adding this to your tbr!

This was such a thrilling read. Loved it so much. Very highly recommend it. A brilliantly plotted, amazing book. Do read this one.

I had a really hard time getting into this book. It started off so slow but sinister. I finally started it all over a second time to see what details I'd missed that maybe should have hooked me into the story, but unfortunately there wasn't any. I won't go as far as to say this book was terrible, but it certainly won't be winning any NYT bestseller either. The plot was inconceivable at best. The twisty turns were very awkward rather than smooth and revealing, like the author may have pieced the details together. This book very much read like a Scooby Doo mystery. Not very realistic or interesting. But I have read worse, so 2 stars for this one.

I received an ARC of this book in exchange for my honest review.

I thoroughly enjoyed this book! There were unpredictable twists on what felt like every other page, keeping me engaged and excited from front to back. This is exactly what I want out of a suspense/thriller novel.

A good story but unfortunately it is far too slow paced to completely reel me in. There are a few good twists that revive the story in the second half so just stick with it.

Typical kindle unlimited type of thriller/mystery. It was good to read in one sitting. Each character kind of blended in with each other. I think if you’re snowed in during the weekend you can definitely finish this in the afternoon and enjoy it enough but you probably won’t ever think about it again.

This was a good book but I found it to be too predictable. The first half was very slow but the ending was good. At times I felt the plot was over the top and I found myself eye rolling quite a bit.

My first read by this author and I loved it. I couldn’t put it down. It’s full of twists and surprises.
Thank you to netgalley and the publisher for the opportunity to read this ARC in exchange for my honest opinion

Stealing away for a romantic break with her boss Finn..Alice is looking forward to roaring fires and cosy nights in the remote lighthouse they are staying but a knock on the door threatens to ruin all that. Faced with another couple who state they have also booked the lighthouse for the same weekend Alice and Finn have no option but to allow them in

But what these two couples don't know is one of them is not who they seem

I loved this story! I thought it was slightly too "grabby" in the beginning with every single chapter being a cliffhanger and what seemed like constant mystery on every side, but it ended up working really well together! I could've done with a little less "remember these people have secrets", referencing things the reader didn't know, but overall it was a good, quick win!

good mystery about a couple and staying in a house and the other couple there. kept me on my toes . good mystery and figuring stuff out.

This book started slowly but then the twists began . So many twists that had my head spinning trying to keep up. It developed into a gripping story .Well worth a read
Many thanks to Netgalley for the opportunity to read the ARC in return for an honest review