Louise Douglas – författare

The Love of My Life by Louise Douglas is a beautiful novel that portrays both the innocence of childhood, and the dynamics of love and loss with deftness and sensitivity. It is, above all, a stunning debut from an author with a unique and natural narrative voice.‘I miss him with every breath and heartbeat. He should have been my happy ending. Instead, he is the sad beginning to my story.’Olivia and Luca Felicone had known each other nearly all their lives, but when they fell in love as teenagers and eloped to London, they broke the hearts of those closest to them. Luca’s parents run Marinella’s restaurant, the colourful hub of life in the otherwise bleak north-eastern seaside town of Watersford, and his mother, Angela, has never forgiven Olivia for causing such a rift in her beloved family.On a freezing January night Olivia’s life is shattered when she learns that Luca has been killed in a car accident on the M1. She is left with nothing, and after suffering from weeks of overwhelming grief, she abandons her job and returns North to where Luca has been buried in Watersford, just to be close to him – even though she knows she will not be welcome at Marinella’s.Olivia’s chance meeting with Luca’s married twin brother, Marc, leads to the realization that he is experiencing a loss almost as painful as her own. Their desolation draws them into an affair which both know has no future, but fills the space where Luca should be. It is a course of action that can only spiral out of control, and when it does, the consequences are both explosive and cruel.

Missing You is a beautifully written tale of family and love, from Louise Douglas, author of The Love of My Life.Fen works in a bookshop and is devoted to her young son, Connor, but she keeps herself to herself. Haunted by guilt and a terrible secret, Fen lives a compromised life, isolated from her family, far from home and too afraid of the past to risk becoming close to anyone. She is constantly looking over her shoulder, knowing that one day the truth will catch up with her.Sean, on the other hand, is enjoying a seemingly perfect life. He has a successful career, lives in his dream home and adores his beautiful wife, Belle, and their six-year-old daughter, Amy. That is until the day Belle announces she has found someone else and wants Sean to move out.Circumstance throws Fen and Sean together. Slowly their quiet friendship turns into something much deeper and the joy they find in one another eventually gives them the confidence to trust and love again. But will the past tear them apart just as they find happiness?

A Richard and Judy recommendation for the 2012 Summer Book Club, this is a brilliant Gothic novel in the vein of Daphne du Maurier.A chance encounter: When Sarah meets dark, brooding Alex, she grasps his offer of a new life miles away from her own. They've both recently escaped broken relationships, and need to start again. Why not do it together?A perfect life: But when Sarah gets to the tiny village of Burrington Stoke, something doesn't add up. Alex's beautiful wife Genevieve was charming, talented, and adored by all who knew her. And apparently, she and Alex had a successful marriage complete with a gorgeous son, Jamie. Why would Genevieve walk out on her perfect life? And why has no one heard from her since she did so?A web of lies: Genevieve's family and all her friends think that Alex knows more about her disappearance than he's letting on. But Sarah's fallen in love with him and just knows he couldn't have anything to hide. Or could he?The captivating, page-turning novel from the bestselling author of The Secret by the Lake and The House by the Sea, winner of The Jackie Collins Romantic Thriller Award.

From Number ONE bestselling, Richard & Judy pick, Louise Douglas.1968, Sicily. Just months after a terrible earthquake has destroyed the mountain town of Gibellina, Enzo and his wife Irene Borgata are making their way back to the family home, Villa Alba, on roads overlooked by the eerie backdrop of the flattened ghost town. When their car breaks down, Enzo leaves his young wife to go and get help, but when he returns there is no trace of Irene. No body, no sign of a struggle, nothing.2003. TV showman and true crime aficionado Milo Conti is Italy’s darling, uncovering and solving historic crimes for his legion of fans. When he turns his attention to the story of the missing Irene Borgata, accusing her husband of her murder, Enzo’s daughter Maddi asks her childhood friend, retired detective April Cobain, for help to prove her father’s innocence. But the tale April discovers is murky: mafia meetings, infidelity, mistaken identity, grief and unshakable love. As the world slowly closes in on the claustrophobic Villa Alba, and the house begins to reveal its secrets, will the Borgata family wish they’d never asked April to investigate? And what did happen to Enzo’s missing wife Irene? Bestselling author Louise Douglas returns with an irresistibly compelling, intriguing and captivating tale of betrayal, love, jealousy and the secrets buried in every family history.Praise for Louise Douglas:'Louise Douglas achieves the impossible and gets better with every book.' Milly Johnson'A brilliantly written, gripping, clever, compelling story, that I struggled to put down. The vivid descriptions, the evocative plot and the intrigue that Louise created, which had me constantly asking questions, made it a highly enjoyable, absolute treasure of a read.' Kim Nash'Another stunning read from the exceptionally talented Louise Douglas! I love the way in which Louise creates such an atmospheric mystery, building the intrigue and suspense brick by brick. Her writing is always beautiful and multi-layered, her characters warm and relatable and the intriguing nature of the mystery makes this unputdownable.’ Nicola Cornick'A tender, heart-breaking, page-turning read' Rachel Hore‘Kept me guessing until the last few pages and the explosive ending took my breath away.' C.L. Taylor‘Beautifully written, chillingly atmospheric and utterly compelling, The Secret by the Lake is Louise Douglas at her brilliant best’ Tammy Cohen‘A master of her craft, Louise Douglas ratchets up the tension in this haunting and exquisitely written tale of buried secrets and past tragedy.’ Amanda Jennings‘A clammy, atmospheric and suspenseful novel, it builds in tension all the way through to the startling final pages.’Sunday Express, S Magazine

THE #2 BESTSELLERDiscover the latest chilling, unputdownable novel, from the Richard and Judy bestseller.A child who does not know her name…In 1903 fishermen find a wrecked boat containing a woman, who has been badly beaten, and a young girl. An ambulance is sent for, and the two survivors are taken to All Hallows, the imposing asylum, hidden deep on Dartmoor. The woman remains in a coma, but the little girl, Harriet, awakens and is taken to an attic room, far away from the noise of the asylum, and is put in the care of Nurse Emma Everdeen.Two motherless boys banished to boarding school…In 1993, All Hallows is now a boarding school. Following his mother’s death and his father’s hasty remarriage, Lewis Tyler is banished to Dartmoor, stripped of his fashionable clothes, shorn of his long hair, and left feeling more alone than ever. There he meets Isak, another lost soul, and whilst refurbishment of the dormitories is taking place, the boys are marooned up in the attic, in an old wing of the school.Cries and calls from the past that can no longer be ignored…All Hallows is a building full of memories, whispers, cries from the past. As Lewis and Isak learn more about the fate of Harriet, and Nurse Emma’s desperate fight to keep the little girl safe, it soon becomes clear there are ghosts who are still restless.Are they ghosts the boys hear at night in the room above, are they the unquiet souls from the asylum still caught between the walls? And can Lewis and Isak bring peace to All Hallows before the past breaks them first…Praise for Louise Douglas:'Louise Douglas achieves the impossible and gets better with every book.' Milly Johnson'A brilliantly written, gripping, clever, compelling story, that I struggled to put down. The vivid descriptions, the evocative plot and the intrigue that Louise created, which had me constantly asking questions, made it a highly enjoyable, absolute treasure of a read.' Kim Nash'Another stunning read from the exceptionally talented Louise Douglas! I love the way in which Louise creates such an atmospheric mystery, building the intrigue and suspense brick by brick. Her writing is always beautiful and multi-layered, her characters warm and relatable and the intriguing nature of the mystery makes this unputdownable.’ Nicola Cornick'A tender, heart-breaking, page-turning read' Rachel Hore‘Kept me guessing until the last few pages and the explosive ending took my breath away.' C.L. Taylor‘Beautifully written, chillingly atmospheric and utterly compelling, The Secret by the Lake is Louise Douglas at her brilliant best’ Tammy Cohen‘A master of her craft, Louise Douglas ratchets up the tension in this haunting and exquisitely written tale of buried secrets and past tragedy.’ Amanda Jennings‘A clammy, atmospheric and suspenseful novel, it builds in tension all the way through to the startling final pages.’Sunday Express, S Magazine

THE #2 BESTSELLERDiscover the latest chilling, unputdownable novel, from the Richard and Judy bestseller.A child who does not know her name…In 1903 fishermen find a wrecked boat containing a woman, who has been badly beaten, and a young girl. An ambulance is sent for, and the two survivors are taken to All Hallows, the imposing asylum, hidden deep on Dartmoor. The woman remains in a coma, but the little girl, Harriet, awakens and is taken to an attic room, far away from the noise of the asylum, and is put in the care of Nurse Emma Everdeen.Two motherless boys banished to boarding school…In 1993, All Hallows is now a boarding school. Following his mother’s death and his father’s hasty remarriage, Lewis Tyler is banished to Dartmoor, stripped of his fashionable clothes, shorn of his long hair, and left feeling more alone than ever. There he meets Isak, another lost soul, and whilst refurbishment of the dormitories is taking place, the boys are marooned up in the attic, in an old wing of the school.Cries and calls from the past that can no longer be ignored…All Hallows is a building full of memories, whispers, cries from the past. As Lewis and Isak learn more about the fate of Harriet, and Nurse Emma’s desperate fight to keep the little girl safe, it soon becomes clear there are ghosts who are still restless.Are they ghosts the boys hear at night in the room above, are they the unquiet souls from the asylum still caught between the walls? And can Lewis and Isak bring peace to All Hallows before the past breaks them first…Praise for Louise Douglas:'Louise Douglas achieves the impossible and gets better with every book.' Milly Johnson'A brilliantly written, gripping, clever, compelling story, that I struggled to put down. The vivid descriptions, the evocative plot and the intrigue that Louise created, which had me constantly asking questions, made it a highly enjoyable, absolute treasure of a read.' Kim Nash'Another stunning read from the exceptionally talented Louise Douglas! I love the way in which Louise creates such an atmospheric mystery, building the intrigue and suspense brick by brick. Her writing is always beautiful and multi-layered, her characters warm and relatable and the intriguing nature of the mystery makes this unputdownable.’ Nicola Cornick'A tender, heart-breaking, page-turning read' Rachel Hore‘Kept me guessing until the last few pages and the explosive ending took my breath away.' C.L. Taylor‘Beautifully written, chillingly atmospheric and utterly compelling, The Secret by the Lake is Louise Douglas at her brilliant best’ Tammy Cohen‘A master of her craft, Louise Douglas ratchets up the tension in this haunting and exquisitely written tale of buried secrets and past tragedy.’ Amanda Jennings‘A clammy, atmospheric and suspenseful novel, it builds in tension all the way through to the startling final pages.’Sunday Express, S Magazine

From Number ONE bestselling, Richard & Judy pick, Louise Douglas.1968, Sicily. Just months after a terrible earthquake has destroyed the mountain town of Gibellina, Enzo and his wife Irene Borgata are making their way back to the family home, Villa Alba, on roads overlooked by the eerie backdrop of the flattened ghost town. When their car breaks down, Enzo leaves his young wife to go and get help, but when he returns there is no trace of Irene. No body, no sign of a struggle, nothing.2003. TV showman and true crime aficionado Milo Conti is Italy’s darling, uncovering and solving historic crimes for his legion of fans. When he turns his attention to the story of the missing Irene Borgata, accusing her husband of her murder, Enzo’s daughter Maddi asks her childhood friend, retired detective April Cobain, for help to prove her father’s innocence. But the tale April discovers is murky: mafia meetings, infidelity, mistaken identity, grief and unshakable love. As the world slowly closes in on the claustrophobic Villa Alba, and the house begins to reveal its secrets, will the Borgata family wish they’d never asked April to investigate? And what did happen to Enzo’s missing wife Irene? Bestselling author Louise Douglas returns with an irresistibly compelling, intriguing and captivating tale of betrayal, love, jealousy and the secrets buried in every family history.Praise for Louise Douglas:'Louise Douglas achieves the impossible and gets better with every book.' Milly Johnson'A brilliantly written, gripping, clever, compelling story, that I struggled to put down. The vivid descriptions, the evocative plot and the intrigue that Louise created, which had me constantly asking questions, made it a highly enjoyable, absolute treasure of a read.' Kim Nash'Another stunning read from the exceptionally talented Louise Douglas! I love the way in which Louise creates such an atmospheric mystery, building the intrigue and suspense brick by brick. Her writing is always beautiful and multi-layered, her characters warm and relatable and the intriguing nature of the mystery makes this unputdownable.’ Nicola Cornick'A tender, heart-breaking, page-turning read' Rachel Hore‘Kept me guessing until the last few pages and the explosive ending took my breath away.' C.L. Taylor‘Beautifully written, chillingly atmospheric and utterly compelling, The Secret by the Lake is Louise Douglas at her brilliant best’ Tammy Cohen‘A master of her craft, Louise Douglas ratchets up the tension in this haunting and exquisitely written tale of buried secrets and past tragedy.’ Amanda Jennings‘A clammy, atmospheric and suspenseful novel, it builds in tension all the way through to the startling final pages.’Sunday Express, S Magazine

From Number ONE bestselling, Richard & Judy pick, Louise Douglas.1968, Sicily. Just months after a terrible earthquake has destroyed the mountain town of Gibellina, Enzo and his wife Irene Borgata are making their way back to the family home, Villa Alba, on roads overlooked by the eerie backdrop of the flattened ghost town. When their car breaks down, Enzo leaves his young wife to go and get help, but when he returns there is no trace of Irene. No body, no sign of a struggle, nothing.2003. TV showman and true crime aficionado Milo Conti is Italy’s darling, uncovering and solving historic crimes for his legion of fans. When he turns his attention to the story of the missing Irene Borgata, accusing her husband of her murder, Enzo’s daughter Maddi asks her childhood friend, retired detective April Cobain, for help to prove her father’s innocence. But the tale April discovers is murky: mafia meetings, infidelity, mistaken identity, grief and unshakable love. As the world slowly closes in on the claustrophobic Villa Alba, and the house begins to reveal its secrets, will the Borgata family wish they’d never asked April to investigate? And what did happen to Enzo’s missing wife Irene? Bestselling author Louise Douglas returns with an irresistibly compelling, intriguing and captivating tale of betrayal, love, jealousy and the secrets buried in every family history.Praise for Louise Douglas:'Louise Douglas achieves the impossible and gets better with every book.' Milly Johnson'A brilliantly written, gripping, clever, compelling story, that I struggled to put down. The vivid descriptions, the evocative plot and the intrigue that Louise created, which had me constantly asking questions, made it a highly enjoyable, absolute treasure of a read.' Kim Nash'Another stunning read from the exceptionally talented Louise Douglas! I love the way in which Louise creates such an atmospheric mystery, building the intrigue and suspense brick by brick. Her writing is always beautiful and multi-layered, her characters warm and relatable and the intriguing nature of the mystery makes this unputdownable.’ Nicola Cornick'A tender, heart-breaking, page-turning read' Rachel Hore‘Kept me guessing until the last few pages and the explosive ending took my breath away.' C.L. Taylor‘Beautifully written, chillingly atmospheric and utterly compelling, The Secret by the Lake is Louise Douglas at her brilliant best’ Tammy Cohen‘A master of her craft, Louise Douglas ratchets up the tension in this haunting and exquisitely written tale of buried secrets and past tragedy.’ Amanda Jennings‘A clammy, atmospheric and suspenseful novel, it builds in tension all the way through to the startling final pages.’Sunday Express, S Magazine

The novel from Number 1 bestselling Richard & Judy author Louise Douglas.As wild fires creep a devastating path towards the idyllic town of Morranez, a vulnerable girl goes missing. But was she taken - or was she escaping...The summer is the hottest yet in the Brittany coastal town of Morranez, but when a new case lands on the desk of the Toussaints detective agency, there can be no time to relax. As wild fires bear down on the town, the alert goes out for a missing girl.Nineteen-year-old Briony Moorcroft has seemingly been taken from her sleepy Welsh village and brought to France. Her parents are baffled and scared – Briony needs her life-saving medicine or this case will become even more sinister, and with the police dragging their heels, the Moorcrofts are relying on Mila Shephard and Carter Jackson’s sleuthing skills.Meanwhile there are mysteries troubling Mila’s life too. Two years after the accident that swept her sister Sophie and brother-in-law Charlie away and left their daughter Ani in Mila’s care, new evidence resurfaces that makes Mila doubt everything.Can Carter and Mila find Briony before it’s too late? And is the truth about Sophie and Charlie finally about to be revealed…Number One bestselling author Louise Douglas is back with a brooding, twisty tale of secrets and lies, love and loyalty. Perfect for fans of Kate Morton and Lucinda Riley.Readers LOVE Louise Douglas:'I love reading Louise Douglas. If I pick it up to read, I need to make sure I have at least an hour of spare time as I just don't want to put it down.''Intelligent, beautifully-written story. So tense I couldn't stop reading, this is one of those books that takes you right out of your head.''A gripping story, so well told and filled with the unexpected, but with real depth and emotion – I really loved it, and would highly recommend it to others.''One of the few books I've recently read when I've not been able to put the book down until the mysteries had been solved.''Great storyline gripping and intriguing. Wonderfully written descriptive and atmospheric the characters are excellent and the plot twists and turns to an exciting and unexpected finale. Great book couldn’t put it down.'Praise for Louise Douglas:'I loved The Lost Notebook so much! From the opening lines, I was drawn in to a gripping story, beautifully written and so cleverly orchestrated. I rooted for the main character, I held my breath at the denouement and as for the climax of the book - just wow. Highly recommended.' Judy Leigh'Louise Douglas achieves the impossible and gets better with every book.' Milly Johnson'A brilliantly written, gripping, clever, compelling story, that I struggled to put down. The vivid descriptions, the evocative plot and the intrigue that Louise created, which had me constantly asking questions, made it a highly enjoyable, absolute treasure of a read.' Kim Nash on The Scarlet Dress'Another stunning read from the exceptionally talented Louise Douglas! I love the way in which Louise creates such an atmospheric mystery, building the intrigue and suspense brick by brick. Her writing is always beautiful and multi-layered, her characters warm and relatable and the intriguing nature of the mystery makes this unputdownable.’ Nicola Cornick on The Scarlet Dress'A tender, heart-breaking, page-turning read' Rachel Hore on The House by the Sea'The perfect combination of page-turning thriller and deeply emotional family story. Superb’ Nicola Cornick on The House by the Sea

The novel from Number 1 bestselling Richard & Judy author Louise Douglas.As wild fires creep a devastating path towards the idyllic town of Morranez, a vulnerable girl goes missing. But was she taken - or was she escaping...The summer is the hottest yet in the Brittany coastal town of Morranez, but when a new case lands on the desk of the Toussaints detective agency, there can be no time to relax. As wild fires bear down on the town, the alert goes out for a missing girl.Nineteen-year-old Briony Moorcroft has seemingly been taken from her sleepy Welsh village and brought to France. Her parents are baffled and scared – Briony needs her life-saving medicine or this case will become even more sinister, and with the police dragging their heels, the Moorcrofts are relying on Mila Shephard and Carter Jackson’s sleuthing skills.Meanwhile there are mysteries troubling Mila’s life too. Two years after the accident that swept her sister Sophie and brother-in-law Charlie away and left their daughter Ani in Mila’s care, new evidence resurfaces that makes Mila doubt everything.Can Carter and Mila find Briony before it’s too late? And is the truth about Sophie and Charlie finally about to be revealed…Number One bestselling author Louise Douglas is back with a brooding, twisty tale of secrets and lies, love and loyalty. Perfect for fans of Kate Morton and Lucinda Riley.Readers LOVE Louise Douglas:'I love reading Louise Douglas. If I pick it up to read, I need to make sure I have at least an hour of spare time as I just don't want to put it down.''Intelligent, beautifully-written story. So tense I couldn't stop reading, this is one of those books that takes you right out of your head.''A gripping story, so well told and filled with the unexpected, but with real depth and emotion – I really loved it, and would highly recommend it to others.''One of the few books I've recently read when I've not been able to put the book down until the mysteries had been solved.''Great storyline gripping and intriguing. Wonderfully written descriptive and atmospheric the characters are excellent and the plot twists and turns to an exciting and unexpected finale. Great book couldn’t put it down.'Praise for Louise Douglas:'I loved The Lost Notebook so much! From the opening lines, I was drawn in to a gripping story, beautifully written and so cleverly orchestrated. I rooted for the main character, I held my breath at the denouement and as for the climax of the book - just wow. Highly recommended.' Judy Leigh'Louise Douglas achieves the impossible and gets better with every book.' Milly Johnson'A brilliantly written, gripping, clever, compelling story, that I struggled to put down. The vivid descriptions, the evocative plot and the intrigue that Louise created, which had me constantly asking questions, made it a highly enjoyable, absolute treasure of a read.' Kim Nash on The Scarlet Dress'Another stunning read from the exceptionally talented Louise Douglas! I love the way in which Louise creates such an atmospheric mystery, building the intrigue and suspense brick by brick. Her writing is always beautiful and multi-layered, her characters warm and relatable and the intriguing nature of the mystery makes this unputdownable.’ Nicola Cornick on The Scarlet Dress'A tender, heart-breaking, page-turning read' Rachel Hore on The House by the Sea'The perfect combination of page-turning thriller and deeply emotional family story. Superb’ Nicola Cornick on The House by the Sea

From NUMBER ONE bestselling author of The Lost Notebook, Louise DouglasAlice Lang was wearing her favourite scarlet dress when she disappeared twenty-five years ago, and her memory still casts a long shadow.In the long, hot summer of 1995, twenty-two-year-old Alice Lang rents a caravan on a holiday park on the outskirts of the lively holiday resort of Severn Sands. She befriends Marnie, a shy, damaged little girl whose father is the park's caretaker and whose mother died a few months earlier. Will, whose mother runs the bar, falls in love with Alice, and is unbearably jealous of anyone else she sees. Tensions rise until one evening Alice disappears from her caravan. She's never seen again, and only her scarlet dress is found washed up on the shore.A quarter of a century later, the town is run down and nobody comes there anymore. Mr and Mrs deVillars, former owners of the holiday park, have passed the failing business onto their son Guy, who promptly sells the land for development. Builders clearing the land to create an expanse of executive homes uncover human bones. It has to be Alice.Will and Marnie’s lives were entirely shaped by what happened that summer, and now Alice has been found, they must struggle to pin down their memories, to escape the secrets of the past, the lies they told and the unbearable guilt they're both carrying.They need to find out what happened to Alice. Who killed her? And why?Praise for Louise Douglas:'Louise Douglas achieves the impossible and gets better with every book.' Milly Johnson'A brilliantly written, gripping, clever, compelling story, that I struggled to put down. The vivid descriptions, the evocative plot and the intrigue that Louise created, which had me constantly asking questions, made it a highly enjoyable, absolute treasure of a read.' Kim Nash'Another stunning read from the exceptionally talented Louise Douglas! I love the way in which Louise creates such an atmospheric mystery, building the intrigue and suspense brick by brick. Her writing is always beautiful and multi-layered, her characters warm and relatable and the intriguing nature of the mystery makes this unputdownable.’ Nicola Cornick'A tender, heart-breaking, page-turning read' Rachel Hore‘Kept me guessing until the last few pages and the explosive ending took my breath away.' C.L. Taylor‘Beautifully written, chillingly atmospheric and utterly compelling, The Secret by the Lake is Louise Douglas at her brilliant best’ Tammy Cohen‘A master of her craft, Louise Douglas ratchets up the tension in this haunting and exquisitely written tale of buried secrets and past tragedy.’ Amanda Jennings‘A clammy, atmospheric and suspenseful novel, it builds in tension all the way through to the startling final pages.’Sunday Express, S Magazine

The chilling and captivating novel from the NUMBER ONE bestselling author of The Lost Notebook When Edie’s mother-in-law, Anna DeLuca, dies, she is relieved.Edie blames Anna for the accident that destroyed her family. So, when her will lures Edie to Sicily and the long-abandoned Villa della Madonna del Mare, she sees through Anna’s games.Suspecting Anna is meddling from beyond the grave to try to reunite her and her ex-husband Joe, Edie is determined to leave Italy as soon as possible. But before she can, the villa starts to shed its mysterious secrets.Who are the girls beside Anna in her childhood photos, and why has one of them been scratched out? Why does someone, or something, want them to leave the past untouched? The villa is a place where old ghosts feel at home, but does their legacy need to be laid to rest before Edie and Joe can move on…Bestselling author Louise Douglas returns with a captivating, chilling and unforgettable tale of betrayal, jealousy and the mysteries hidden in every family history.Praise for Louise Douglas:'Louise Douglas achieves the impossible and gets better with every book.' Milly Johnson'A brilliantly written, gripping, clever, compelling story, that I struggled to put down. The vivid descriptions, the evocative plot and the intrigue that Louise created, which had me constantly asking questions, made it a highly enjoyable, absolute treasure of a read.' Kim Nash'Another stunning read from the exceptionally talented Louise Douglas! I love the way in which Louise creates such an atmospheric mystery, building the intrigue and suspense brick by brick. Her writing is always beautiful and multi-layered, her characters warm and relatable and the intriguing nature of the mystery makes this unputdownable.’ Nicola Cornick'A tender, heart-breaking, page-turning read' Rachel Hore‘Kept me guessing until the last few pages and the explosive ending took my breath away.' C.L. Taylor‘Beautifully written, chillingly atmospheric and utterly compelling, The Secret by the Lake is Louise Douglas at her brilliant best’ Tammy Cohen‘A master of her craft, Louise Douglas ratchets up the tension in this haunting and exquisitely written tale of buried secrets and past tragedy.’ Amanda Jennings‘A clammy, atmospheric and suspenseful novel, it builds in tension all the way through to the startling final pages.’Sunday Express, S Magazine

From NUMBER ONE bestselling author of The Lost Notebook, Louise DouglasAlice Lang was wearing her favourite scarlet dress when she disappeared twenty-five years ago, and her memory still casts a long shadow.In the long, hot summer of 1995, twenty-two-year-old Alice Lang rents a caravan on a holiday park on the outskirts of the lively holiday resort of Severn Sands. She befriends Marnie, a shy, damaged little girl whose father is the park's caretaker and whose mother died a few months earlier. Will, whose mother runs the bar, falls in love with Alice, and is unbearably jealous of anyone else she sees. Tensions rise until one evening Alice disappears from her caravan. She's never seen again, and only her scarlet dress is found washed up on the shore.A quarter of a century later, the town is run down and nobody comes there anymore. Mr and Mrs deVillars, former owners of the holiday park, have passed the failing business onto their son Guy, who promptly sells the land for development. Builders clearing the land to create an expanse of executive homes uncover human bones. It has to be Alice.Will and Marnie’s lives were entirely shaped by what happened that summer, and now Alice has been found, they must struggle to pin down their memories, to escape the secrets of the past, the lies they told and the unbearable guilt they're both carrying.They need to find out what happened to Alice. Who killed her? And why?Praise for Louise Douglas:'Louise Douglas achieves the impossible and gets better with every book.' Milly Johnson'A brilliantly written, gripping, clever, compelling story, that I struggled to put down. The vivid descriptions, the evocative plot and the intrigue that Louise created, which had me constantly asking questions, made it a highly enjoyable, absolute treasure of a read.' Kim Nash'Another stunning read from the exceptionally talented Louise Douglas! I love the way in which Louise creates such an atmospheric mystery, building the intrigue and suspense brick by brick. Her writing is always beautiful and multi-layered, her characters warm and relatable and the intriguing nature of the mystery makes this unputdownable.’ Nicola Cornick'A tender, heart-breaking, page-turning read' Rachel Hore‘Kept me guessing until the last few pages and the explosive ending took my breath away.' C.L. Taylor‘Beautifully written, chillingly atmospheric and utterly compelling, The Secret by the Lake is Louise Douglas at her brilliant best’ Tammy Cohen‘A master of her craft, Louise Douglas ratchets up the tension in this haunting and exquisitely written tale of buried secrets and past tragedy.’ Amanda Jennings‘A clammy, atmospheric and suspenseful novel, it builds in tension all the way through to the startling final pages.’Sunday Express, S Magazine

THE #2 BESTSELLERDiscover the latest chilling, unputdownable novel, from the Richard and Judy bestseller.A child who does not know her name…In 1903 fishermen find a wrecked boat containing a woman, who has been badly beaten, and a young girl. An ambulance is sent for, and the two survivors are taken to All Hallows, the imposing asylum, hidden deep on Dartmoor. The woman remains in a coma, but the little girl, Harriet, awakens and is taken to an attic room, far away from the noise of the asylum, and is put in the care of Nurse Emma Everdeen.Two motherless boys banished to boarding school…In 1993, All Hallows is now a boarding school. Following his mother’s death and his father’s hasty remarriage, Lewis Tyler is banished to Dartmoor, stripped of his fashionable clothes, shorn of his long hair, and left feeling more alone than ever. There he meets Isak, another lost soul, and whilst refurbishment of the dormitories is taking place, the boys are marooned up in the attic, in an old wing of the school.Cries and calls from the past that can no longer be ignored…All Hallows is a building full of memories, whispers, cries from the past. As Lewis and Isak learn more about the fate of Harriet, and Nurse Emma’s desperate fight to keep the little girl safe, it soon becomes clear there are ghosts who are still restless.Are they ghosts the boys hear at night in the room above, are they the unquiet souls from the asylum still caught between the walls? And can Lewis and Isak bring peace to All Hallows before the past breaks them first…Praise for Louise Douglas:'Louise Douglas achieves the impossible and gets better with every book.' Milly Johnson'A brilliantly written, gripping, clever, compelling story, that I struggled to put down. The vivid descriptions, the evocative plot and the intrigue that Louise created, which had me constantly asking questions, made it a highly enjoyable, absolute treasure of a read.' Kim Nash'Another stunning read from the exceptionally talented Louise Douglas! I love the way in which Louise creates such an atmospheric mystery, building the intrigue and suspense brick by brick. Her writing is always beautiful and multi-layered, her characters warm and relatable and the intriguing nature of the mystery makes this unputdownable.’ Nicola Cornick'A tender, heart-breaking, page-turning read' Rachel Hore‘Kept me guessing until the last few pages and the explosive ending took my breath away.' C.L. Taylor‘Beautifully written, chillingly atmospheric and utterly compelling, The Secret by the Lake is Louise Douglas at her brilliant best’ Tammy Cohen‘A master of her craft, Louise Douglas ratchets up the tension in this haunting and exquisitely written tale of buried secrets and past tragedy.’ Amanda Jennings‘A clammy, atmospheric and suspenseful novel, it builds in tension all the way through to the startling final pages.’Sunday Express, S Magazine

Hannah Brown thought she had put the past behind her. But now it's coming to find her…Hannah never dreamed she'd have a best friend like Ellen Brecht. Ellen is everything Hannah wants to be - beautiful, daring, glamorous and poweful. Growing up together in windswept Cornwall, life seems perfect. But their idyllic childhood is shattered by obsession, betrayal and, ultimately, a terrible tragedy.Hannah has tried for twenty years to forget what happened during that life-changing summer. Then, one unremarkable morning at work, she glimpses a woman who looks just like Ellen. Can it really be her? And if so, has Ellen returned to forgive her - or to punish her?Bestselling author Louise Douglas tells a heart-pounding and unforgettable tale of secrets and lies. Perfect for fans of Barbara O’Neal, Lucinda Riley and Rachel Hore.Praise for Louise Douglas:'Louise Douglas achieves the impossible and gets better with every book.' Milly Johnson'A brilliantly written, gripping, clever, compelling story, that I struggled to put down. The vivid descriptions, the evocative plot and the intrigue that Louise created, which had me constantly asking questions, made it a highly enjoyable, absolute treasure of a read.' Kim Nash'Another stunning read from the exceptionally talented Louise Douglas! I love the way in which Louise creates such an atmospheric mystery, building the intrigue and suspense brick by brick. Her writing is always beautiful and multi-layered, her characters warm and relatable and the intriguing nature of the mystery makes this unputdownable.’ Nicola Cornick'A tender, heart-breaking, page-turning read' Rachel Hore‘Kept me guessing until the last few pages and the explosive ending took my breath away.' C.L. Taylor‘Beautifully written, chillingly atmospheric and utterly compelling, The Secret by the Lake is Louise Douglas at her brilliant best’ Tammy Cohen‘A master of her craft, Louise Douglas ratchets up the tension in this haunting and exquisitely written tale of buried secrets and past tragedy.’ Amanda Jennings‘A clammy, atmospheric and suspenseful novel, it builds in tension all the way through to the startling final pages.’Sunday Express, S Magazine

From NUMBER ONE bestseller Louise DouglasWhen a tragedy forces the family Amy works for as a nanny to retreat to a small lakeside cottage, she realises they desperately need her help and support, so she agrees to go with them.But Amy finds the cottage by the lake unsettling, even sinister. The house is where the children’s mother spent her childhood – and the place where her seventeen-year-old sister disappeared mysteriously. Before long, ominous truths begin rising to the surface, and Amy becomes bewitched by the missing sister’s story. Can Amy unlock the secrets of the past before they repeat themselves?Bestselling author of House by the SeaLouise Douglas returns with an enthralling and captivating novel, perfect for fans of Barbara O’Neal, Lucinda Riley and Rachel Hore. Praise for Louise Douglas'Louise Douglas achieves the impossible and gets better with every book.' Milly Johnson'A brilliantly written, gripping, clever, compelling story, that I struggled to put down. The vivid descriptions, the evocative plot and the intrigue that Louise created, which had me constantly asking questions, made it a highly enjoyable, absolute treasure of a read.' Kim Nash on The Scarlet Dress'Another stunning read from the exceptionally talented Louise Douglas! I love the way in which Louise creates such an atmospheric mystery, building the intrigue and suspense brick by brick. Her writing is always beautiful and multi-layered, her characters warm and relatable and the intriguing nature of the mystery makes this unputdownable.’ Nicola Cornick on The Scarlet Dress'A tender, heart-breaking, page-turning read'Rachel Hore on The House by the Sea'The perfect combination of page-turning thriller and deeply emotional family story. Superb’ Nicola Cornick on The House by the Sea‘Kept me guessing until the last few pages and the explosive ending took my breath away.' C.L. Taylor, author of The Accident on Your Beautiful Lies‘Beautifully written, chillingly atmospheric and utterly compelling, The Secret by the Lake is Louise Douglas at her brilliant best’ Tammy Cohen, author of The Broken‘A master of her craft, Louise Douglas ratchets up the tension in this haunting and exquisitely written tale of buried secrets and past tragedy.’ Amanda Jennings, author of Sworn Secret‘A clammy, atmospheric and suspenseful novel, it builds in tension all the way through to the startling final pages.’ Sunday Express, S Magazine'A chilling, unputdownable new novel from the bestselling author of The House By The Sea.'A brilliantly written, gripping, clever, compelling story, that I struggled to put down.'

From the NUMBER ONE bestseller Louise DouglasHaving escaped to the south coast of Sicily to recover from a broken heart, Sarah is immediately drawn to charming and mysterious Alex. He too is looking for a fresh start after the end of his marriage, and Sarah can’t resist Alex’s offer of a new life together.But when Sarah joins Alex in a tiny Somerset village, something doesn't add up. Alex's beautiful wife Genevieve was adored by all who knew her. And by all accounts, she and Alex had a successful marriage complete with a gorgeous son, Jamie. Why would Genevieve walk out on her perfect life? And why has no one heard from her since she did so?Genevieve's family and friends think that Alex knows more about her disappearance than he's letting on. But Sarah's fallen in love and just knows Alex couldn't have anything to hide. Or could he?The unmissable Richard & Judy pick from the bestselling author ofThe House by the Sea. Perfect for fans of Barbara O’Neal, Lucinda Riley and Rachel Hore.Praise for Louise Douglas'Louise Douglas achieves the impossible and gets better with every book.' Milly Johnson'A brilliantly written, gripping, clever, compelling story, that I struggled to put down. The vivid descriptions, the evocative plot and the intrigue that Louise created, which had me constantly asking questions, made it a highly enjoyable, absolute treasure of a read.' Kim Nash on The Scarlet Dress'Another stunning read from the exceptionally talented Louise Douglas! I love the way in which Louise creates such an atmospheric mystery, building the intrigue and suspense brick by brick. Her writing is always beautiful and multi-layered, her characters warm and relatable and the intriguing nature of the mystery makes this unputdownable.’ Nicola Cornick on The Scarlet Dress'A tender, heart-breaking, page-turning read'Rachel Hore on The House by the Sea'The perfect combination of page-turning thriller and deeply emotional family story. Superb’ Nicola Cornick on The House by the Sea‘Kept me guessing until the last few pages and the explosive ending took my breath away.' C.L. Taylor, author of The Accident on Your Beautiful Lies‘Beautifully written, chillingly atmospheric and utterly compelling, The Secret by the Lake is Louise Douglas at her brilliant best’ Tammy Cohen, author of The Broken‘A master of her craft, Louise Douglas ratchets up the tension in this haunting and exquisitely written tale of buried secrets and past tragedy.’ Amanda Jennings, author of Sworn Secret‘A clammy, atmospheric and suspenseful novel, it builds in tension all the way through to the startling final pages.’ Sunday Express, S Magazine'A chilling, unputdownable new novel from the bestselling author of The House By The Sea.'A brilliantly written, gripping, clever, compelling story, that I struggled to put down.'

THE NUMBER ONE BESTSELLERA notebook full of secrets, two untimely deaths – something sinister is stirring in the perfect seaside town of Morannez…It’s summer and holidaymakers are flocking to the idyllic Brittany coast. But when first an old traveller woman dies in suspicious circumstances, and then a campaign of hate seemingly drives another victim to take his own life, events take a very dark turn.Mila Shepherd has come to France to look after her niece, Ani, following the accident in which both Ani’s parents were lost at sea. Mila has moved into their family holiday home, as well as taken her sister Sophie’s place in an agency which specialises in tracking down missing people, until new recruit Carter Jackson starts.It’s clear that malevolent forces are at work in Morannez, but the local police are choosing to look the other way. Only Mila and Carter can uncover the truth about what’s really going on in this beautiful, but mysterious place before anyone else suffers. But someone is desperate to protect a terrible truth, at any cost…Praise for Louise Douglas:'Louise Douglas achieves the impossible and gets better with every book.' Milly Johnson'A brilliantly written, gripping, clever, compelling story, that I struggled to put down. The vivid descriptions, the evocative plot and the intrigue that Louise created, which had me constantly asking questions, made it a highly enjoyable, absolute treasure of a read.' Kim Nash'Another stunning read from the exceptionally talented Louise Douglas! I love the way in which Louise creates such an atmospheric mystery, building the intrigue and suspense brick by brick. Her writing is always beautiful and multi-layered, her characters warm and relatable and the intriguing nature of the mystery makes this unputdownable.’ Nicola Cornick'A tender, heart-breaking, page-turning read' Rachel Hore‘Kept me guessing until the last few pages and the explosive ending took my breath away.' C.L. Taylor‘Beautifully written, chillingly atmospheric and utterly compelling, The Secret by the Lake is Louise Douglas at her brilliant best’ Tammy Cohen‘A master of her craft, Louise Douglas ratchets up the tension in this haunting and exquisitely written tale of buried secrets and past tragedy.’ Amanda Jennings‘A clammy, atmospheric and suspenseful novel, it builds in tension all the way through to the startling final pages.’Sunday Express, S Magazine

THE NUMBER ONE BESTSELLERA notebook full of secrets, two untimely deaths – something sinister is stirring in the perfect seaside town of Morannez…It’s summer and holidaymakers are flocking to the idyllic Brittany coast. But when first an old traveller woman dies in suspicious circumstances, and then a campaign of hate seemingly drives another victim to take his own life, events take a very dark turn.Mila Shepherd has come to France to look after her niece, Ani, following the accident in which both Ani’s parents were lost at sea. Mila has moved into their family holiday home, as well as taken her sister Sophie’s place in an agency which specialises in tracking down missing people, until new recruit Carter Jackson starts.It’s clear that malevolent forces are at work in Morannez, but the local police are choosing to look the other way. Only Mila and Carter can uncover the truth about what’s really going on in this beautiful, but mysterious place before anyone else suffers. But someone is desperate to protect a terrible truth, at any cost…Praise for Louise Douglas:'Louise Douglas achieves the impossible and gets better with every book.' Milly Johnson'A brilliantly written, gripping, clever, compelling story, that I struggled to put down. The vivid descriptions, the evocative plot and the intrigue that Louise created, which had me constantly asking questions, made it a highly enjoyable, absolute treasure of a read.' Kim Nash'Another stunning read from the exceptionally talented Louise Douglas! I love the way in which Louise creates such an atmospheric mystery, building the intrigue and suspense brick by brick. Her writing is always beautiful and multi-layered, her characters warm and relatable and the intriguing nature of the mystery makes this unputdownable.’ Nicola Cornick'A tender, heart-breaking, page-turning read' Rachel Hore‘Kept me guessing until the last few pages and the explosive ending took my breath away.' C.L. Taylor‘Beautifully written, chillingly atmospheric and utterly compelling, The Secret by the Lake is Louise Douglas at her brilliant best’ Tammy Cohen‘A master of her craft, Louise Douglas ratchets up the tension in this haunting and exquisitely written tale of buried secrets and past tragedy.’ Amanda Jennings‘A clammy, atmospheric and suspenseful novel, it builds in tension all the way through to the startling final pages.’Sunday Express, S Magazine

The latest fiendishly twisty mystery from the Richard and Judy NUMBER ONE bestseller Louise Douglas ✨ Perfect for fans of Eve Chase and Lucinda Riley. 📚Twenty-five years ago, two-year-old Evie Albert disappeared without a trace from the Brittany seaside town of Morranez.So, when a stranger called Nicole Stevenson walks into the offices of Touissants Detective Agency declaring herself the missing girl, Mila Shepherd and her colleague Carter Jackson are suspicious. They are inclined to agree with Nicole’s sisters Imogen and Charlotte, that for whatever reason, Nicole is a fantasist looking for attention.But as Mila and Carter reopen the case of the missing toddler, a twisting tale of misdirection, a secret society and a forgotten mother slowly unfolds. Is it possible that Nicole really is Evie and how does the case link with the mysterious death of Mila’s sister Sophie and her husband Charlie?Someone is desperate to protect the truth and as Nicole’s health falters and leads vanish into thin air, Mila faces a dilemma – risk everything or walk away from the case before it’s too late.Louise Douglas is back in the Breton town of Morranez with a masterclass in page-turning plotting and unforgettable characters.Readers love Louise Douglas:⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐ ‘I absolutely loved this book. The characters draw you in and the plot is so clever, you won't be able to put it down. Louise Douglas is such a talented writer, I can't wait for her next book.’⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐ ‘A brilliant combination of mystery, psychology, and family drama and you can't help but be invested in the characters. Can't recommend enough.’⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐ ‘A must-read!! Some of my all-time favourite books have been these. The perfect form of escapism!’⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐ ‘Is anything as it seems. You can feel the fear pulsating throughout the novel. Great characters, great plot. Skilfully written it leaves the reader wanting more. Recommended.’⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐ ‘This is the first mystery that I have read that really kept me guessing. Usually, I get some idea of how the story is going to pan out or who is the villain but not here, great writing.’Praise for Louise Douglas:‘Louise Douglas’ writing envelops you in swirling mist and unseen menace.’ Victoria Scott‘A beautifully crafted and compelling mystery, I was completely hooked. Definitely a five star read!' Clare Marchant‘This atmospheric Victorian mystery pulls you in from the first page right through until the cracking conclusion. A brilliant read!’ Rachel Burton on The Emerald Shawl'I loved The Lost Notebook so much! From the opening lines, I was drawn in to a gripping story, beautifully written and so cleverly orchestrated…I held my breath at the denouement and as for the climax of the book - just wow. Highly recommended.' Judy Leigh'Louise Douglas achieves the impossible and gets better with every book.' Milly Johnson'A brilliantly written, gripping, clever, compelling story, that I struggled to put down… a highly enjoyable, absolute treasure of a read.' Kim Nash on The Scarlet Dress'Another stunning read from the exceptionally talented Louise Douglas! I love the way in which Louise creates such an atmospheric mystery, building the intrigue and suspense brick by brick… unputdownable.’ Nicola Cornick on The Scarlet Dress

The novel from Number 1 bestselling Richard & Judy author Louise Douglas.As wild fires creep a devastating path towards the idyllic town of Morranez, a vulnerable girl goes missing. But was she taken - or was she escaping...The summer is the hottest yet in the Brittany coastal town of Morranez, but when a new case lands on the desk of the Toussaints detective agency, there can be no time to relax. As wild fires bear down on the town, the alert goes out for a missing girl.Nineteen-year-old Briony Moorcroft has seemingly been taken from her sleepy Welsh village and brought to France. Her parents are baffled and scared – Briony needs her life-saving medicine or this case will become even more sinister, and with the police dragging their heels, the Moorcrofts are relying on Mila Shephard and Carter Jackson’s sleuthing skills.Meanwhile there are mysteries troubling Mila’s life too. Two years after the accident that swept her sister Sophie and brother-in-law Charlie away and left their daughter Ani in Mila’s care, new evidence resurfaces that makes Mila doubt everything.Can Carter and Mila find Briony before it’s too late? And is the truth about Sophie and Charlie finally about to be revealed…Number One bestselling author Louise Douglas is back with a brooding, twisty tale of secrets and lies, love and loyalty. Perfect for fans of Kate Morton and Lucinda Riley.Readers LOVE Louise Douglas:'I love reading Louise Douglas. If I pick it up to read, I need to make sure I have at least an hour of spare time as I just don't want to put it down.''Intelligent, beautifully-written story. So tense I couldn't stop reading, this is one of those books that takes you right out of your head.''A gripping story, so well told and filled with the unexpected, but with real depth and emotion – I really loved it, and would highly recommend it to others.''One of the few books I've recently read when I've not been able to put the book down until the mysteries had been solved.''Great storyline gripping and intriguing. Wonderfully written descriptive and atmospheric the characters are excellent and the plot twists and turns to an exciting and unexpected finale. Great book couldn’t put it down.'Praise for Louise Douglas:'I loved The Lost Notebook so much! From the opening lines, I was drawn in to a gripping story, beautifully written and so cleverly orchestrated. I rooted for the main character, I held my breath at the denouement and as for the climax of the book - just wow. Highly recommended.' Judy Leigh'Louise Douglas achieves the impossible and gets better with every book.' Milly Johnson'A brilliantly written, gripping, clever, compelling story, that I struggled to put down. The vivid descriptions, the evocative plot and the intrigue that Louise created, which had me constantly asking questions, made it a highly enjoyable, absolute treasure of a read.' Kim Nash on The Scarlet Dress'Another stunning read from the exceptionally talented Louise Douglas! I love the way in which Louise creates such an atmospheric mystery, building the intrigue and suspense brick by brick. Her writing is always beautiful and multi-layered, her characters warm and relatable and the intriguing nature of the mystery makes this unputdownable.’ Nicola Cornick on The Scarlet Dress'A tender, heart-breaking, page-turning read' Rachel Hore on The House by the Sea'The perfect combination of page-turning thriller and deeply emotional family story. Superb’ Nicola Cornick on The House by the Sea

The latest unforgettable, atmospheric novel from the Richard and Judy NUMBER ONE bestseller Louise Douglas ✨ Perfect for fans of Kate Morton, Eve Chase and Lucinda Riley! 📚A mysterious bequest and the legacy of a tragic love – only one person can unravel the hidden secrets of the past before it’s too late…When Elisabeth Quemener dies she leaves a small parcel with the instructions that it must only be opened by Astrid Oake. The trouble is, no one knows who Astrid Oake is…Elisabeth’s family turn to Touissants detective agency for help but, when Mila Shepherd and Carter Jackson try to track Astrid down, their frustration soon mounts. Their only clue is a photo of two young women holding the hands of a tiny child. The women are smiling but Mila is haunted by the sadness in their eyes. Is this Astrid and Elisabeth and if so, who is the child? And why are there signs everywhere in Elisabeth’s home that the old woman was frightened despite her living a quiet life with no known enemies?As Elisabeth and Astrid’s story slowly unfolds, Mila feels the walls of her home The Sea House closing in. And as the secrets finally begin to reveal themselves, she is ever more determined to carry out Elisabeth’s final wishes. Because what is inside that unprepossessing parcel might just save a life…Louise Douglas is back in the Brittany seaside town of Morranez with a heart-stopping, heart-breaking, brilliantly written and utterly compelling mystery!‘I love the way in which Louise creates such an atmospheric mystery, building the intrigue and suspense brick by brick.’ Nicola CornickReaders love Louise Douglas:‘I love reading Louise Douglas. If I pick it up to read, I need to make sure I have at least an hour of spare time as I just don't want to put it down.’‘A gripping story, so well told and filled with the unexpected, but with real depth and emotion – I really loved it, and would highly recommend it to others.’‘Intelligent, beautifully-written story. So tense I couldn't stop reading, this is one of those books that takes you right out of your head.’‘Douglas's stunning prose lifted this book above others, and the storyline was engaging from the off. Easy to see why this author is a best seller. Loved it.’Praise for Louise Douglas:'I loved The Lost Notebook so much! From the opening lines, I was drawn in to a gripping story, beautifully written and so cleverly orchestrated. I rooted for the main character, I held my breath at the denouement and as for the climax of the book - just wow. Highly recommended.' Judy Leigh'Louise Douglas achieves the impossible and gets better with every book.' Milly Johnson'A brilliantly written, gripping, clever, compelling story, that I struggled to put down. The vivid descriptions, the evocative plot and the intrigue that Louise created, which had me constantly asking questions, made it a highly enjoyable, absolute treasure of a read.' Kim Nash on The Scarlet Dress'Another stunning read from the exceptionally talented Louise Douglas! I love the way in which Louise creates such an atmospheric mystery, building the intrigue and suspense brick by brick. Her writing is always beautiful and multi-layered, her characters warm and relatable and the intriguing nature of the mystery makes this unputdownable.’ Nicola Cornick on The Scarlet Dress'A tender, heart-breaking, page-turning read' Rachel Hore on The House by the Sea'The perfect combination of page-turning thriller and deeply emotional family story. Superb’ Nicola Cornick on The House by the Sea

The latest unforgettable, atmospheric novel from the Richard and Judy NUMBER ONE bestseller Louise Douglas ✨ Perfect for fans of Kate Morton, Eve Chase and Lucinda Riley! 📚A mysterious bequest and the legacy of a tragic love – only one person can unravel the hidden secrets of the past before it’s too late…When Elisabeth Quemener dies she leaves a small parcel with the instructions that it must only be opened by Astrid Oake. The trouble is, no one knows who Astrid Oake is…Elisabeth’s family turn to Touissants detective agency for help but, when Mila Shepherd and Carter Jackson try to track Astrid down, their frustration soon mounts. Their only clue is a photo of two young women holding the hands of a tiny child. The women are smiling but Mila is haunted by the sadness in their eyes. Is this Astrid and Elisabeth and if so, who is the child? And why are there signs everywhere in Elisabeth’s home that the old woman was frightened despite her living a quiet life with no known enemies?As Elisabeth and Astrid’s story slowly unfolds, Mila feels the walls of her home The Sea House closing in. And as the secrets finally begin to reveal themselves, she is ever more determined to carry out Elisabeth’s final wishes. Because what is inside that unprepossessing parcel might just save a life…Louise Douglas is back in the Brittany seaside town of Morranez with a heart-stopping, heart-breaking, brilliantly written and utterly compelling mystery!‘I love the way in which Louise creates such an atmospheric mystery, building the intrigue and suspense brick by brick.’ Nicola CornickReaders love Louise Douglas:‘I love reading Louise Douglas. If I pick it up to read, I need to make sure I have at least an hour of spare time as I just don't want to put it down.’‘A gripping story, so well told and filled with the unexpected, but with real depth and emotion – I really loved it, and would highly recommend it to others.’‘Intelligent, beautifully-written story. So tense I couldn't stop reading, this is one of those books that takes you right out of your head.’‘Douglas's stunning prose lifted this book above others, and the storyline was engaging from the off. Easy to see why this author is a best seller. Loved it.’Praise for Louise Douglas:'I loved The Lost Notebook so much! From the opening lines, I was drawn in to a gripping story, beautifully written and so cleverly orchestrated. I rooted for the main character, I held my breath at the denouement and as for the climax of the book - just wow. Highly recommended.' Judy Leigh'Louise Douglas achieves the impossible and gets better with every book.' Milly Johnson'A brilliantly written, gripping, clever, compelling story, that I struggled to put down. The vivid descriptions, the evocative plot and the intrigue that Louise created, which had me constantly asking questions, made it a highly enjoyable, absolute treasure of a read.' Kim Nash on The Scarlet Dress'Another stunning read from the exceptionally talented Louise Douglas! I love the way in which Louise creates such an atmospheric mystery, building the intrigue and suspense brick by brick. Her writing is always beautiful and multi-layered, her characters warm and relatable and the intriguing nature of the mystery makes this unputdownable.’ Nicola Cornick on The Scarlet Dress'A tender, heart-breaking, page-turning read' Rachel Hore on The House by the Sea'The perfect combination of page-turning thriller and deeply emotional family story. Superb’ Nicola Cornick on The House by the Sea

The latest unforgettable, atmospheric novel from the Richard and Judy NUMBER ONE bestseller Louise Douglas ✨ Perfect for fans of Kate Morton, Eve Chase and Lucinda Riley! 📚A mysterious bequest and the legacy of a tragic love – only one person can unravel the hidden secrets of the past before it’s too late…When Elisabeth Quemener dies she leaves a small parcel with the instructions that it must only be opened by Astrid Oake. The trouble is, no one knows who Astrid Oake is…Elisabeth’s family turn to Touissants detective agency for help but, when Mila Shepherd and Carter Jackson try to track Astrid down, their frustration soon mounts. Their only clue is a photo of two young women holding the hands of a tiny child. The women are smiling but Mila is haunted by the sadness in their eyes. Is this Astrid and Elisabeth and if so, who is the child? And why are there signs everywhere in Elisabeth’s home that the old woman was frightened despite her living a quiet life with no known enemies?As Elisabeth and Astrid’s story slowly unfolds, Mila feels the walls of her home The Sea House closing in. And as the secrets finally begin to reveal themselves, she is ever more determined to carry out Elisabeth’s final wishes. Because what is inside that unprepossessing parcel might just save a life…Louise Douglas is back in the Brittany seaside town of Morranez with a heart-stopping, heart-breaking, brilliantly written and utterly compelling mystery!‘I love the way in which Louise creates such an atmospheric mystery, building the intrigue and suspense brick by brick.’ Nicola CornickReaders love Louise Douglas:‘I love reading Louise Douglas. If I pick it up to read, I need to make sure I have at least an hour of spare time as I just don't want to put it down.’‘A gripping story, so well told and filled with the unexpected, but with real depth and emotion – I really loved it, and would highly recommend it to others.’‘Intelligent, beautifully-written story. So tense I couldn't stop reading, this is one of those books that takes you right out of your head.’‘Douglas's stunning prose lifted this book above others, and the storyline was engaging from the off. Easy to see why this author is a best seller. Loved it.’Praise for Louise Douglas:'I loved The Lost Notebook so much! From the opening lines, I was drawn in to a gripping story, beautifully written and so cleverly orchestrated. I rooted for the main character, I held my breath at the denouement and as for the climax of the book - just wow. Highly recommended.' Judy Leigh'Louise Douglas achieves the impossible and gets better with every book.' Milly Johnson'A brilliantly written, gripping, clever, compelling story, that I struggled to put down. The vivid descriptions, the evocative plot and the intrigue that Louise created, which had me constantly asking questions, made it a highly enjoyable, absolute treasure of a read.' Kim Nash on The Scarlet Dress'Another stunning read from the exceptionally talented Louise Douglas! I love the way in which Louise creates such an atmospheric mystery, building the intrigue and suspense brick by brick. Her writing is always beautiful and multi-layered, her characters warm and relatable and the intriguing nature of the mystery makes this unputdownable.’ Nicola Cornick on The Scarlet Dress'A tender, heart-breaking, page-turning read' Rachel Hore on The House by the Sea'The perfect combination of page-turning thriller and deeply emotional family story. Superb’ Nicola Cornick on The House by the Sea

The BRAND NEW utterly gripping historical novel from NUMBER ONE bestseller Louise Douglas 🗝️📚 Inspired by an incredible true story!Perfect for fans of Fiona Valpy, Lucinda Riley and Jane Eyre ✨1864, Bristol, England The seamstress is found in the darkened docks, floating, silenced. Those who found her are sure it must be a tragic accident, probably the result of too many drinks in a nearby public house. But journalist Nelly Brooks recognises the dead woman immediately – Nelly has her emerald shawl in her bag.Because they had met just one day before, when the seamstress had begged Nelly to investigate the death of the woman who’d given her that same shawl – a wealthy man’s wife. Nelly had tried to insist that her job at the newspaper is only meant to be writing about the best ways to darn a sock or to decorate a drawing room. She’s not meant to actually investigate anything. That’s a job for a man.But the seamstress trusted her, and Nelly knows she must find out the truth. Even though her investigation will bring her up against the great and the good of the city; with connections that go as high as the crown. And she will have nothing but her wits to ensure she does not become a murderous man’s next victim…Bestselling author Louise Douglas returns with darkly gothic historical novel of love, murder, madness and secrets!Readers love The Emerald Shawl:‘This atmospheric Victorian mystery pulls you in from the first page right through until the cracking conclusion. A brilliant read!’ ⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐ Rachel Burton, author‘An evocative, gothic tale of a feisty pioneering journalist taking on both the murky underworld of Victorian Bristol and the era’s restrictions on women's lives. Louise Douglas’ writing envelops you in swirling mist and unseen menace.’ ⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐ Victoria Scott, author‘A beautifully crafted and compelling mystery, I was completely hooked. Definitely a five star read!' Clare Marchant‘Oh my goodness, what a read – such a gripping story, wonderfully told – I honestly loved every moment... If historical and gothic are things that whet your appetite, with a substantial slice of excitement and danger, this is a book you’re going to love… Most definitely one of my books of the year.’ ⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐ Reader Review‘Words cannot describe what I felt for this work of art that this novel is… a brilliant Victorian Era mystery… I was on the edge of my seat many times.’ ⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐ Reader Review‘An absolutely terrific read… I read on long after I should have been in the land of nod and couldn’t wait to continue the next day. A beautiful read, well written with a great cast of characters and a firm storyline. Highly recommended and most definitely meriting all five glowing stars.’ ⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐ Reader Review‘A superb novel full of mystery, suspense and investigative charm… The author’s writing is so atmospheric… A real page-turner… I loved it.’ ⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐ Reader Review‘A great murder mystery that is steeped in danger, drama, and mysticism… Descriptive and intriguing. It captivates from the beginning… Had all my favourite things. Emotions, history, drama, romance, danger… I mean, what more can a reader ask for?’ ⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐ Reader Review

The BRAND NEW utterly gripping historical novel from NUMBER ONE bestseller Louise Douglas 🗝️📚 Inspired by an incredible true story!Perfect for fans of Fiona Valpy, Lucinda Riley and Jane Eyre ✨1864, Bristol, England The seamstress is found in the darkened docks, floating, silenced. Those who found her are sure it must be a tragic accident, probably the result of too many drinks in a nearby public house. But journalist Nelly Brooks recognises the dead woman immediately – Nelly has her emerald shawl in her bag.Because they had met just one day before, when the seamstress had begged Nelly to investigate the death of the woman who’d given her that same shawl – a wealthy man’s wife. Nelly had tried to insist that her job at the newspaper is only meant to be writing about the best ways to darn a sock or to decorate a drawing room. She’s not meant to actually investigate anything. That’s a job for a man.But the seamstress trusted her, and Nelly knows she must find out the truth. Even though her investigation will bring her up against the great and the good of the city; with connections that go as high as the crown. And she will have nothing but her wits to ensure she does not become a murderous man’s next victim…Bestselling author Louise Douglas returns with darkly gothic historical novel of love, murder, madness and secrets!Readers love The Emerald Shawl:‘This atmospheric Victorian mystery pulls you in from the first page right through until the cracking conclusion. A brilliant read!’ ⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐ Rachel Burton, author‘An evocative, gothic tale of a feisty pioneering journalist taking on both the murky underworld of Victorian Bristol and the era’s restrictions on women's lives. Louise Douglas’ writing envelops you in swirling mist and unseen menace.’ ⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐ Victoria Scott, author‘A beautifully crafted and compelling mystery, I was completely hooked. Definitely a five star read!' Clare Marchant‘Oh my goodness, what a read – such a gripping story, wonderfully told – I honestly loved every moment... If historical and gothic are things that whet your appetite, with a substantial slice of excitement and danger, this is a book you’re going to love… Most definitely one of my books of the year.’ ⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐ Reader Review‘Words cannot describe what I felt for this work of art that this novel is… a brilliant Victorian Era mystery… I was on the edge of my seat many times.’ ⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐ Reader Review‘An absolutely terrific read… I read on long after I should have been in the land of nod and couldn’t wait to continue the next day. A beautiful read, well written with a great cast of characters and a firm storyline. Highly recommended and most definitely meriting all five glowing stars.’ ⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐ Reader Review‘A superb novel full of mystery, suspense and investigative charm… The author’s writing is so atmospheric… A real page-turner… I loved it.’ ⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐ Reader Review‘A great murder mystery that is steeped in danger, drama, and mysticism… Descriptive and intriguing. It captivates from the beginning… Had all my favourite things. Emotions, history, drama, romance, danger… I mean, what more can a reader ask for?’ ⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐ Reader Review