The Unknown Woman

Aria Brandt #1

by Rylie Dark

In the shadowed halls of a luxurious Hamptons estate, art restorer Aria Brandt is tasked with revealing the truth concealed under layers of paint in a 17th-century portrait.

When she stumbles upon a deadly clue that could affect the present day Aria doubts herself, and her grip on reality begins to fray.

She must wonder: is someone in this cursed estate mirroring her every move?

Why was she invited here?

And who will be the next target?

THE UNKNOWN WOMAN is the first book in a new psychological suspense series by #1 bestselling and critically acclaimed mystery and suspense author Rylie Dark, whose books have received over 2,000 five-star reviews and ratings.

Genres: Mystery, Thriller, Ebooks, Audiobook, Mystery Thriller, Fiction, Suspense

165 pages, Kindle Edition

Published July 26, 2024

About the author

Rylie Dark is author of the SADIE PRICE FBI SUSPENSE THRILLER series, comprising six books (and counting); of the CARLY SEE FBI SUSPENSE THRILLER series, comprising six books (and counting); of the MIA NORTH FBI SUSPENSE THRILLER series, comprising six books (and counting); of the MORGAN STARK FBI SUSPENSE THRILLER series, comprising five books (and counting); of the HAILEY ROCK FBI SUSPENSE THRILLER series, comprising five books (and counting),of the TARA STRONG MYSTERY series, comprising five books (and counting); and of the ALEX QUINN SUSPENSE THRILLER series, comprising five books (and counting).

Rylie loves to hear from you, so please feel free to visit www.ryliedark.com to receive free ebooks, hear the latest news, and stay in touch.

BOOKS BY RYLIE DARK

ALEX QUINN SUSPENSE THRILLER

FIRST, MURDER (Book #1)

SECOND, DEATH (Book #2)

THIRD, ENVY (Book #3)

FOURTH, LUST (Book #4)

FIFTH, WRATH (Book #5)

HAILEY ROCK FBI SUSPENSE THRILLER

BEHIND YOU (Book #1)

BESIDE YOU (Book #2)

AFTER YOU (Book #3)

WATCHING YOU (Book #4)

JUDGING YOU (Book #5)

TARA STRONG MYSTERY

GIRL WITHOUT A CHANCE (Book #1)

GIRL WITHOUT A HOME (Book #2)

GIRL WITHOUT A TRACE (Book #3)

GIRL WITHOUT A NAME (Book #4)

GIRL WITHOUT A PRAYER (Book #5)

SADIE PRICE FBI SUSPENSE THRILLER

ONLY MURDER (Book #1)

ONLY RAGE (Book #2)

ONLY HIS (Book #3)

ONLY ONCE (Book #4)

ONLY SPITE (Book #5)

ONLY MADNESS (Book #6)

MIA NORTH FBI SUSPENSE THRILLER

SEE HER RUN (Book #1)

SEE HER HIDE (Book #2)

SEE HER SCREAM (Book #3)

SEE HER VANISH (Book #4)

SEE HER GONE (Book #5)

SEE HER DEAD (Book #6)

CARLY SEE FBI SUSPENSE THRILLER

NO WAY OUT (Book #1)

NO WAY BACK (Book #2)

NO WAY HOME (Book #3)

NO WAY LEFT (Book #4)

NO WAY UP (Book #5)

NO WAY TO DIE (Book #6)

MORGAN STARK FBI SUSPENSE THRILLER

TOO LATE (Book #1)

TOO CLOSE (Book #2)

TOO FAR GONE (Book #3)

TOO LOST (Book #4)

TOO BROKEN (Book #5)

Reviews

[Анастасія ꒰⁠⑅⁠ᵕ⁠༚⁠ᵕ⁠꒱⁠˖⁠♡ · Rating 3 out of 5]

Головна героїня Арія Брандт, і вона реставраторка яка приїхала до замку через картину. І одразу вирішує, а чому б і таємниці маєтку не відкопати, ну а що? Робити нема чого, а тут колись ще і служниця зникла, то ж треба побути детективом аматором. Що мене дуже сильно дратувало, так це те, що Арія вирішила, що їй Ліліана повинна казати правду, бо вона ж стороння, «бо навіщо їй брехати сторонній людині?». Ще цікавий момент для мене, Арія підозрювала виключно родину, яка живе в замку, але дружину Чарльза щось і не думала вона підозрювати, і якщо я не помиляюсь, то і доньку чи хто вона сестра? ще одна дівчина там(там 2 дівчини, але одну вона підозрювала). Ще момент, коли вона вирішила допитати? розпросити? як раз таки дружину Чарльза, то вона щось сильно на себе взяла, бо відчуття що вона має якесь право допитувати, і як так, що їй нічого не кажуть.

[Maryann Hornbaker · Rating 2 out of 5]

So Unrealistic !

I’ve read a lot of books… but this one is absolutely the most unrealistic books I have ever read.

Aria is a restorer of costly damaged paintings. So she goes to the owners expensive homes and mansions to perform her artistry. It is usually only for a few days and it’s quite extensive work. But somehow she finds time to snoop around the house and ask everyone personal questions.

These people are rich and connected and have lots of help. She uses the help to snoop and ask questions.

It seems one of the help disappeared 7 years ago and no one knows why or where she went. So Aria decides she’ll solve the mystery. She asks everyone all sorts of personal questions including the family she’s working for.

The more questions she asks the more puzzling it gets. But she continues sneaking into rooms and rooting thru personal papers and desks. I found her unbelievable. Or pushy! Or both!

The story line is good. If only the time line were reasonably extended, it might be ok.

[Meg Fowler · Rating 3 out of 5]

Lots of annoying flowery language. Sometimes saying something simply moves a plot along more smoothly.

[Sarah Jensen]

Book Review: The Unknown Woman (Aria Brandt #1) by Rylie Dark
Overview

The Unknown Woman, the first installment in Rylie Dark’s Aria Brandt series, is a gripping psychological thriller that combines art restoration with a haunting mystery. Set against the backdrop of a luxurious Hamptons estate, this novel takes readers on a suspenseful journey filled with deception, secrets, and the search for truth.

Plot Summary

The story centers around Aria Brandt, a skilled art restorer who is called upon to uncover the hidden truths concealed beneath layers of paint in a long-forgotten masterpiece. As Aria delves deeper into her task, she stumbles upon unexpected connections between the artwork and a series of unsettling events linked to a woman who mysteriously vanished years ago. The narrative weaves together elements of art history, personal discovery, and psychological intrigue, leaving readers eager to unravel the layers of both the painting and the characters involved.

As Aria navigates the complexities of her work, she finds herself entangled in a web of lies and betrayal. The tension escalates as she discovers dark secrets that threaten not only the integrity of the art but also her own safety. With each revelation, the stakes grow higher, leading to a chilling climax that keeps readers on the edge of their seats.

Key Themes

Identity and Transformation: The novel explores themes of identity, particularly through Aria’s journey as she uncovers not just the history of the painting but also her own past and the layers of her identity.

The Power of Art: Art serves as a central motif, symbolizing the complexities of truth and deception. It also reflects the emotional and psychological states of the characters.

Trust and Betrayal: As Aria navigates her relationships, the novel delves into how trust can be manipulated and the devastating effects of betrayal.

Resilience and Survival: Aria’s character embodies resilience as she faces external threats and internal struggles, illustrating the strength required to confront one’s fears and pursue truth.

Writing Style

Rylie Dark’s writing is sharp and evocative, painting vivid imagery that brings the opulence of the Hamptons and the intricacies of art to life. The pacing is brisk, with well-timed twists and suspenseful moments that keep readers engaged. Dark’s ability to create multi-dimensional characters adds depth to the narrative, allowing readers to connect with Aria’s plight on a personal level.

Conclusion

The Unknown Woman is a compelling start to the Aria Brandt series, combining rich storytelling with psychological depth and intrigue. Rylie Dark masterfully crafts a tale that is both entertaining and thought-provoking, appealing to fans of thrillers and art alike.

This novel is highly recommended for readers who enjoy suspenseful narratives with strong female protagonists and intricate plots. With its captivating premise and skillful execution, The Unknown Woman sets the stage for what promises to be an engaging series that will leave readers eagerly anticipating Aria’s next adventures.

[Tiffany A · Rating 3 out of 5]

Rylie Dark’s The Unknown Woman introduces Aria Brandt, an art restorer who finds herself unraveling a decades-old mystery in a grand Hamptons estate. The premise is intriguing: Aria discovers a hidden clue beneath layers of paint in a 17th-century portrait, leading her to investigate the disappearance of a young maid years earlier. The setting—a luxurious mansion with secret passages and a cast of enigmatic characters—provides a solid foundation for a psychological thriller.

However, the execution leaves much to be desired. Aria's transition from a professional restorer to an amateur sleuth feels abrupt and somewhat implausible. Her relentless probing into the family's affairs, often without regard for boundaries, strains credibility. While some readers may appreciate her determination, others might find her actions overbearing and unrealistic. The narrative pacing is uneven.

At times, the story drags with repetitive descriptions and introspective musings that detract from the suspense. Conversely, the climax delivers a satisfying twist that catches even the most attentive readers off guard. This balance between slow buildup and a compelling conclusion is a hallmark of Dark's writing style.

Character development is another area where the book falters. While Aria is portrayed as complex, her interactions with other characters often lack depth, making it challenging for readers to form strong connections. The supporting cast, though intriguing, remains underdeveloped, leaving their motivations and backgrounds somewhat ambiguous.

In conclusion, The Unknown Woman offers a promising premise and a gripping finale but is hindered by pacing issues and character underdevelopment. It's a decent read for fans of psychological thrillers, though it may not leave a lasting impression.

[Cidney · Rating 4 out of 5]

Aria Brandt is an art restorer with a troubled family background. She has been called to The Hamptons, to stay at a luxurious old mansion to restore a painting of the Duke of Wellington which the family think may be genuine, however after a few days of removing paint, laqueur and general detritus stuck to the painting, she reaches her conclusion.

She is rather a strange girl in that the minute she gets there she begins sleuthing into the disappearance of a pregnant maid 7yrs before, and she feels that everyone of the family have a lot to hide. How she manages to hold down looking into the mysterious death of a young woman she has never met and restore an ancient painting is beyond me. Which is she, a reknown young art restorer or an amateur sleuth which is only going to be trouble for her, you can see it closing in on her, there is a murderer around in this household and will it get her before she gets it? Notice I'm not giving away genders here!

I did like the story but the reality of it beggars belief. And, and I was suprised to discover just who the murdering person was, and how close Aria came to losing her own life. I really didn't see that ending coming. Which is actually what I would prefer, not to know who it was early on in the book, but leave enough clues for me to try and figure it out only to discover that I'm totally wrong at the end!!

I've just looked at the blurb, this author certainly writes a lot of books, and it looks as if there's another 4 in the series, so clearly Aria does continue carry on with her day job of a paint restorer and the rest of the day and night job of being an amateur sleuth. Actually I think she should just ditch the day job and join the police force, she's much more cut out for sleuthing!

[Jayda]

A story about an art restorer who steps into a mansion full of secrets, one being about a maid that mysteriously disappeared seven years ago....A story that was so bland.

It couldn't hold me for more than a couple pages at a time. The main character was dull and one note, the side characters were very forgettable, they barely had a purpose for being there besides maybe Sophia. The thing that bothered me the most was the writing. It wasn't that it was bad, it was that it was so over dramatic, so angsty and dramatic and overdone and also repetitive. It would have fit better in a very dramatic romance from the 1890s maybe. Everything was analogy-like or described as being way more of a spectacle than an actually was. I believe some people would use the word Flowery. It was very flowery.

I know Aria has a very curious nature and her having unresolved answers about her mom makes her want to be an amateur detective, I wish she had more of a reasoning for being so involved. It would have been better if she was, say, a liason to the police from the beginning played a fake role to get into the mansion (because there was barely any art restoring anyway). Aria would blatantly ask questions about Rebecca and openly accuse the people in the house like okay you want answers but what gives you the right. Then, more annoyingly, they would break and give her answers or start to shiver and shake. From this random girl just questioning. I mean she's not even intimidating.

A lot of the mystery is predictable. The ending reveal of the why isn't really but the who is and I would have actually liked to explore the why a bit more than we did because that could have actually been interesting.

[Cheryl Williams · Rating 5 out of 5]

The Unknown Woman is a great mix of psychological thriller and cozy mystery. I enjoyed the main character Aria, very much. She is an art restorer who has been tasked with restoring an old painting at a grand old mansion in the Hamptons. She soon realizes that a woman disappeared there years before and starts to piece together what happened. The mystery is unpredictable, which I enjoyed. What stood out most for me were the relationships between Aria and the staff who work at the estate. There was a camaraderie that made me want to be there. There are plenty of times where Aria feels in great danger, too. The suspense writing at the end was top notch. All in, I enjoyed this far more than I thought I would. Wonderful. I look forward to the other books in the series.

[Marit Westerop · Rating 3 out of 5]

The book has an interesting plot and story, but the storytelling and narrative is very repetitive.
The amount of times the writer used cobwebs, lifeline and breadcrumbs as metaphors is beyond me. The main character also murmers and muses a lot, which I find to be annoying. I would say the main character is fine. She isn't particularly memorable, but she isn't bad either.
It's also a bit unbelievable that the main character has time to investigate a murder while she's supposed to restore a painting, but I can get behind that as it is a work of fiction.
So, all in all, nothing too special, a few eye rolls here and there, but other than that it's a fine book. It's also quite short so it's a quick read.

[Kandice · Rating 2 out of 5]

I bought the first two books in this series and will not be reading the second one. The writing was so overly dramatic. Every sentence was overblown with suspense and angst ridden commentary. Added to that was the fact the main character was there to restore a painting, and yet all she did was run around playing detective. Even when it did mention her working, it was mostly just for a few moments before she ran off to investigate again. And even though she was only there for a few weeks, somehow people who had kept secrets for years were suddenly sharing them with her, a virtual stranger. This was so unrealistic there’s just no way I could read another, and this is a shame as the premise was actually interesting.

[Helen · Rating 4 out of 5]

I think this story was a little farfetched but that said I did enjoy it. Like many other books that are being written lately, there seems to be a lot of characters that are feeling the "weight" of something. i.e their responsibilities etc. The word weight is then repeated relatively frequently throughout the books. Since I have noticed this, I cannot seem to unnotice it and am predisposed for it to irk me every time it occurs.
I didn't realise who the guilty party was until it was revealed and so that was nice. However, you.could guess the pre-ending outcome for Aria.

All in all, worth a read

[Sam Fry · Rating 5 out of 5]

This book starts off at a quick pace with Aria digging deep as soon as she senses something isn't quite what it seems. Hidden passages, wary staff & unusual findings keep you guessing all through the story. I thought it was a bit like an Agatha Christie whodunnit, but with more intense moments & great characters. I particularly liked the chauffeur, in the background, who popped up when needed with a great sense of humour. I usually read more descriptive Murder Mysteries with more in your face gore, but this was an easy, pleasant read.

[Avid · Rating 2 out of 5]

Great potential, but there were too many times I found myself wanting and bored even though times like the ending were fantastic. The audio narration was also something I struggled with. It was definitely AI generated, or else someone only reads phonetically. (i.e., the suffix -ed can have 3 endings sound: 't', 'd', & 'ed'. In the story, the suffix 'ed' is used for every word.)

As for the storyline itself, I thought it was pretty good. If it had been given a bit more time it, it would likely have been a good book.

📚📚

[Ankita · Rating 2 out of 5]

Aria Brandt was an art restorer and NOT a detective. The author played her like a true detective. Disliked it for its poor storyline and very difficult to understand the plot because of its overuse of jargons and this line "send a chill down my spine" almost in every page, good god. There was one scene totally unnecessary to the plot but now when I think there were more. However I like some of the quotes from this books:
"Life is seldom dull for those who seek excitement"
"...understanding where we have been helps us where we are going"
thats all.

[Charity Hlatshwayo · Rating 3 out of 5]

She's the kind of brave that is stupid. Why would you approach someone you think is a murderer and basically accuse him to his face, in his house no less. Honestly she irritated me.

The author makes a big deal about the house being creepy. Floor boards creaking, a sudden cold breeze, feeling as though there are eyes following you around, a presence in your bedroom,etc. We don't experience a single ghost, not even the victim's.

[B(h)ookie Baby · Rating 3 out of 5]

The writing was way too flowery and poetic. Not everything needs to be aided by a simile or analogy. The plot was okay. Started off well but got somewhat…rushed and unrealistic towards the end. There also seemed to be some loose ends that never really seemed to get tied up. I feel like Sophie was totally wasted. I don’t even get why she was a character actually. Oliver was…incomplete somehow? The whole thing felt pretty half-baked and poorly planned. Okay for a one time read I suppose.

[Laura Poppenwimer · Rating 4 out of 5]

An interesting mystery with an art restorer solving a mystery. The story is well crafted and the characters are believable. The plot unfolds in a way that doesn't give up the killer until the very end. I never once suspected who it was. This book kept you on the edge of your seat and was a refreshing read.

[Lillian Cummings · Rating 3 out of 5]

Looking for trouble

Aria is here to do a job but she gets involved in solving a case. A young woman who worked for the family disappeared and she knows that there is more to the story. But who can she trust? She finds out more than she bargains for and it almost ends badly for her. A good read

[Kassidy McLellan · Rating 2 out of 5]

The writing style was not for me. It felt as though the author was attempting to sound scholarly and poetic. However, the flourishes used were often repetitive, which made it seem like a facade. It got old by the 3rd chapter. There were some beautifully written lines throughout, though. I just wish they hadn't been overshadowed.

[R.L. · Rating 5 out of 5]

A great premise. Art restorer turned sleuth (although she has been hired to be one). She goes to the lovely home of a wealthy couple only to find that the art she is to restore isn't what she thought it would be, and is puzzled at the odd reactions of the couple. There is a murder, and there is art fakery to be revealed. Good read.

[FultonPress · Rating 3 out of 5]

Rylie Dark’s The Unknown Woman offers a solid dose of intrigue with a mystery that kept me turning pages, though the pacing sometimes felt uneven. The world-building adds texture but occasionally leans on familiar tropes rather than fresh detail. Still, the plot twists are engaging enough to hold attention. A decent read overall—entertaining, if not especially groundbreaking. ★★★☆☆

[Vicki Brown · Rating 4 out of 5]

Fascinating Story

This was a very interesting book with a lot of twists and turns that kept me guessing to the very end. The only drawback was some profanity sprinkled throughout the book. So I won't be getting the next book.

[Alice M Thaler · Rating 5 out of 5]

Curiosity almost kills the sleuth

Stepping outside her assigned task to explore the secrets of her rich employers, Rachel fails to identify the murderer. The author provides several clues, but like Rachel, the reader is surprised by the ending.

[Glo · Rating 4 out of 5]

Surprise who done it

The write kept me guessing. So many potential murderers, only to find out in the end…. Write did a good job of introducing the characters without overwhelming the reader.
Enjoyed the book.

[Cynthia A · Rating 4 out of 5]

Is the painting real?

Aria Brandt is hired by a very wealthy family to restore an old painting but she finds herself caught up in a mystery of a woman’s disappearance. The story moves quickly and even at the last chapters the killer is not known.

[Chase Leavell]

i lied, the descriptions were too much. over describing what she saw or her appreciation for art, did not make up for the storyline. it didn't really fit together as it should have. it started out strong up until she started to investigate things

[Stephanie · Rating 2 out of 5]

Forced myself through it quickly because I wasn’t enjoying it. So unrealistic and jumped all over the place. Like hun you’re doing a job to restore a painting, why are you prying and being a detective? Just do your job and leave.

[Rebecca Lewis · Rating 4 out of 5]

The Unknown Woman by Rylie Dark is a real page-turner that keeps you hooked from start to finish. The story centers on Art Restorer Aria Brandt, a character who’s as complex as she is determined. She’s haunted by her past, which adds a lot of depth to her relentless drive to solve the case of a woman who’s disappeared without a trace.

Rylie Dark has a knack for building tension, and each chapter ramps things up in a way that keeps you on edge. The mystery itself is fascinating — this woman just vanishes, and as Aria digs deeper, things get eerie and unsettling. The writing is sharp and vivid, pulling you right into the story, whether it's the creepy crime scenes or the quieter, more reflective moments.

What makes this book stand out, though, is the character development. Aria is flawed but relatable, and you can’t help but root for her. Her interactions with others those who might be involved in the disappearance, add a lot of layers to the story. Everyone seems to have secrets, which keeps you guessing.

The pacing is spot on — there are plenty of twists to keep things interesting, but it never feels over the top. Dark isn’t afraid to dive into some pretty dark and complex themes, and there are some parts that might make you uncomfortable, but it all feels necessary for the story.

If I had to nitpick, I’d say some of the plot points might feel a bit predictable if you’re a hardcore thriller fan. But the writing and character work are so strong that it doesn’t matter.

The Unknown Woman is a solid psychological thriller with a compelling storyline and characters you can get invested in. If you’re into suspenseful mysteries with some emotional depth, this one’s worth picking up.

[Nina Acosta · Rating 5 out of 5]

Took a little to get into, not my normal kinda read but good none the less.

[SM · Rating 4 out of 5]

Didn't think I would like this, so I was pleasantly surprised!