readwritesing
48 Followers
5.0
Clarire Douglas ist einfach spitze: super spannend wie jedes Buch von ihr!
Mar 25, 2026
5.0
Clarire Douglas ist einfach spitze: super spannend wie jedes Buch von ihr!
Mar 25, 2026
Look inside
About the book
DISCOVER THE NAIL-BITING NEW THRILLER FROM THE NUMBER ONE SUNDAY TIMES BESTSELLER
'Claire Douglas is a class act - she never, ever disappoints' LISA JEWELL
When Imogen is told she's inherited a country house near Bath, she thinks it must be a mistake. She last saw its owner, reclusive artist Dorothea Roe, sixteen years ago, during a tragic summer which changed her life for ever.
Now, with partner Josh in tow, it's a chance for a fresh start.
But after discovering an old box with her name on it in Dorothea's abandoned study, Imogen starts to believe the woman was trying to send her a secret message.
And when rumours begin to swirl that Dorothea was murdered, she starts to suspect that this gift might not be the life-line she thought it was.
Who would want to kill Dorothea?
Could it be tangled up in Imogen's own dark family history?
And what if Imogen is now the one in danger?
READERS ARE OBSESSED WITH THE FAMILY FRIEND
'This book had me absolutely gripped from the first chapter and I could just not put it down until I was finished.' 5* READER REVIEW
'A dark, twisty and atmospheric story. Highly recommended' 5* READER REVIEW
'Another amazing book by Claire Douglas' 5* READER REVIEW
'Wow wow wow. I love Claire Douglas and this certainly did not disappoint.' 5* READER REVIEW
'Ok readers, buckle up-because you will read this book in one sitting' 5* READER REVIEW
PRAISE FOR CLAIRE DOUGLAS
'Douglas is a master storyteller' JANICE HALLETT
'Douglas is the queen of the unexpected twist' GILLIAN MCALLISTER
'Claire Douglas is the Queen of Gripping Pageturners' CL TAYLOR
'Claire Douglas is a class act - she never, ever disappoints' LISA JEWELL
When Imogen is told she's inherited a country house near Bath, she thinks it must be a mistake. She last saw its owner, reclusive artist Dorothea Roe, sixteen years ago, during a tragic summer which changed her life for ever.
Now, with partner Josh in tow, it's a chance for a fresh start.
But after discovering an old box with her name on it in Dorothea's abandoned study, Imogen starts to believe the woman was trying to send her a secret message.
And when rumours begin to swirl that Dorothea was murdered, she starts to suspect that this gift might not be the life-line she thought it was.
Who would want to kill Dorothea?
Could it be tangled up in Imogen's own dark family history?
And what if Imogen is now the one in danger?
READERS ARE OBSESSED WITH THE FAMILY FRIEND
'This book had me absolutely gripped from the first chapter and I could just not put it down until I was finished.' 5* READER REVIEW
'A dark, twisty and atmospheric story. Highly recommended' 5* READER REVIEW
'Another amazing book by Claire Douglas' 5* READER REVIEW
'Wow wow wow. I love Claire Douglas and this certainly did not disappoint.' 5* READER REVIEW
'Ok readers, buckle up-because you will read this book in one sitting' 5* READER REVIEW
PRAISE FOR CLAIRE DOUGLAS
'Douglas is a master storyteller' JANICE HALLETT
'Douglas is the queen of the unexpected twist' GILLIAN MCALLISTER
'Claire Douglas is the Queen of Gripping Pageturners' CL TAYLOR
Editions (2)
ISBN9780241764299
PublisherPenguin Books Ltd (UK)
Publication Date03/12/26
Pages400
Main GenreCrime
Sub GenreFemale Detective
FormatSoftcover
LanguageEnglish
Price20.50 €
Reviews & Ratings
7 ratings
3 reviews
3.6
3.6
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nyegrinch5 Followers
2.0Story idea not bad, but everything else falls short
I have read two books from Claire Douglas before, one I liked very much, one that I didn't enjoy. Unfortunately the third is not a winner either. The basic story about abusive and toxic relationships, either romantic or platonic, is a good topic, but it all felt rushed and only the obvious signs were described. Also the main character actions were sometimes (very) dumb just for the story. I also have my problems with the writing. Some dialogues felt stilted, unnatural as well as the inner monologue. *spoiler ahead * THE dumbest action for plot continuity : If my boyfriend had installed cameras all over the house + had Spyware on my phone I would pick the house apart to find the cameras and switch my phone. Not just keep wondering "is he still watching". This has only been done because the end needed it. Toxic friendships: I would have liked to read more about the general friendship of Dorothea and Anette in the flashbacks so it would be more understandable that it was toxic indeed. But I think the author did not trust herself not to reveal the end and just tried to make the explanation in a few short chapters in the end.
9 hours ago
2.0Story idea not bad, but everything else falls short
I have read two books from Claire Douglas before, one I liked very much, one that I didn't enjoy. Unfortunately the third is not a winner either. The basic story about abusive and toxic relationships, either romantic or platonic, is a good topic, but it all felt rushed and only the obvious signs were described. Also the main character actions were sometimes (very) dumb just for the story. I also have my problems with the writing. Some dialogues felt stilted, unnatural as well as the inner monologue. *spoiler ahead * THE dumbest action for plot continuity : If my boyfriend had installed cameras all over the house + had Spyware on my phone I would pick the house apart to find the cameras and switch my phone. Not just keep wondering "is he still watching". This has only been done because the end needed it. Toxic friendships: I would have liked to read more about the general friendship of Dorothea and Anette in the flashbacks so it would be more understandable that it was toxic indeed. But I think the author did not trust herself not to reveal the end and just tried to make the explanation in a few short chapters in the end.
9 hours ago
corinne3 Followers
3.0Ein gutes Buch, aber sie hat bessere geschrieben.
4 days ago
3.0Ein gutes Buch, aber sie hat bessere geschrieben.
4 days ago
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