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The Housewife
Not yet published
Expected 30 Jun 26From bestselling indie thriller writer Natalie Barelli comes a new deliciously dark novel about a woman who married the man of her dreams, only for him to become her worst nightmare.
Jodie always dreamed of being a housewife. And after a whirlwind romance, she marries renowned psychologist Dr. Roy Davies and moves into his perfect Beverly Hills home. But the fairy tale fades fast. Roy is distant, his friends view her as a gold-digger, and the house still reveres his late wife, Deborah, whose presence still looms over everyone and everything.
When Jodie learns Deborah became a recluse before death, she begins to suspect Roy was behind it. And the deeper she digs, the darker Roy's past appears―obsessive, controlling, unfaithful. Increasingly convinced he had something to do with Deborah's death, Jodie knows she should go to the police, but that would require revealing her own secret. A secret that could destroy her.
But Jodie won't be silenced. Because the truth about Roy is worse than she imagined―and now, trapped in a house built on lies, she must find a way out before she becomes the next perfect wife to vanish.
Jodie always dreamed of being a housewife. And after a whirlwind romance, she marries renowned psychologist Dr. Roy Davies and moves into his perfect Beverly Hills home. But the fairy tale fades fast. Roy is distant, his friends view her as a gold-digger, and the house still reveres his late wife, Deborah, whose presence still looms over everyone and everything.
When Jodie learns Deborah became a recluse before death, she begins to suspect Roy was behind it. And the deeper she digs, the darker Roy's past appears―obsessive, controlling, unfaithful. Increasingly convinced he had something to do with Deborah's death, Jodie knows she should go to the police, but that would require revealing her own secret. A secret that could destroy her.
But Jodie won't be silenced. Because the truth about Roy is worse than she imagined―and now, trapped in a house built on lies, she must find a way out before she becomes the next perfect wife to vanish.
368 pages, Paperback
Expected publication June 30, 2026
66 people are currently reading
24247 people want to read
About the author
Natalie Barelli
13 books2,559 followersNatalie Barelli lives in Australia with her family where she is forever thinking up ways of killing people and getting away with it.
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 449 reviews
February 13, 2026
Well, this book hooked me from the very first page with its sarcastic tone and its anti-heroine Jodie, who has a mission any reader can support and easily resonate with—despite her peculiar and complex behavior. Some parts of the storyline reminded me of The Housemaid, but honestly, who can resist a fast-paced, twisty, McFadden-style page-turner? That alone was a huge selling point for me.
Especially the first half of the book was brilliantly executed—unputdownable, clever, and full of tension. I kept guessing what would happen next: Will Jodie prove that the evil husband killed his first wife? Will she get caught by the maid who keeps sniffing around her? I was this close to giving it five stars—maybe even ten. At certain moments I literally laughed out loud at Jodie’s word-diarrhea in front of people, her strange yet oddly ultra-logical way of thinking, and the way she navigates social situations. I also absolutely hated the rich, snobbish women who gave her the cold shoulder—we were clearly meant to root for our girl.
However, in the second half, the pace became a bit repetitive, and many of the twists—especially the identity of the real perpetrator—felt too foreseeable. I didn’t fully enjoy how everything was resolved, because some of it felt a little far-fetched, particularly the legal-thriller elements that were added into the mix. The ending itself was good, but I think everything could have been wrapped up more smoothly. It felt like the author had perfectly executed the entire plot, but near the end she became a bit unsure about how to reveal all the facts and deliver justice to the characters.
That said, I still truly enjoyed this dark-comedy-meets-mystery-thriller and especially Jodie—our sarcastic, possibly on-the-spectrum, “perfect wife” with impeccable cleaning skills and incredible cooking and baking talents. I would absolutely want to be friends with her… as long as she doesn’t serve me anything in Steuben glass. 😅
Quick Plot Summary
The story opens with Jodie sitting in an interrogation room, covered in blood, casually giving the police cleaning tips about their desk while mentally planning her return to what is now a crime scene. From there, the story jumps back in time so we can learn more about her.
Jodie, in her early thirties, is married to the famous and well-published psychologist Roy, who is at least ten years older than her. Their whirlwind marriage raises eyebrows because Roy’s previous wife, Deborah, died by suicide only six months earlier—and now he’s married to Jodie, who looks eerily like a younger version of her.
Jodie isn’t just a brilliant cook and an obsessive cleaner—she’s also very good at keeping secrets. One of those secrets? She spent five years in prison, and she has no problem going back if it means avenging her sister… who just happens to be Deborah. Yes, she is married to her dead sister’s husband, and she strongly suspects he murdered her. She’s determined to prove it, even though everyone in their social circle sees Roy as a saint—and his devoted maid, Marie, watches Jodie like a hawk, just waiting for her to slip up.
Overall
I’m rounding my 3.5 stars up to a 4, even though I didn’t enjoy the second half as much as the first. It’s still an addictive page-turner with a sharp sense of dark humor and a satisfying dose of vigilante justice.
Many thanks to NetGalley and Poisoned Pen Press for sharing this unputdownable mystery’s digital reviewer copy with me in exchange for my honest thoughts.
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Especially the first half of the book was brilliantly executed—unputdownable, clever, and full of tension. I kept guessing what would happen next: Will Jodie prove that the evil husband killed his first wife? Will she get caught by the maid who keeps sniffing around her? I was this close to giving it five stars—maybe even ten. At certain moments I literally laughed out loud at Jodie’s word-diarrhea in front of people, her strange yet oddly ultra-logical way of thinking, and the way she navigates social situations. I also absolutely hated the rich, snobbish women who gave her the cold shoulder—we were clearly meant to root for our girl.
However, in the second half, the pace became a bit repetitive, and many of the twists—especially the identity of the real perpetrator—felt too foreseeable. I didn’t fully enjoy how everything was resolved, because some of it felt a little far-fetched, particularly the legal-thriller elements that were added into the mix. The ending itself was good, but I think everything could have been wrapped up more smoothly. It felt like the author had perfectly executed the entire plot, but near the end she became a bit unsure about how to reveal all the facts and deliver justice to the characters.
That said, I still truly enjoyed this dark-comedy-meets-mystery-thriller and especially Jodie—our sarcastic, possibly on-the-spectrum, “perfect wife” with impeccable cleaning skills and incredible cooking and baking talents. I would absolutely want to be friends with her… as long as she doesn’t serve me anything in Steuben glass. 😅
Quick Plot Summary
The story opens with Jodie sitting in an interrogation room, covered in blood, casually giving the police cleaning tips about their desk while mentally planning her return to what is now a crime scene. From there, the story jumps back in time so we can learn more about her.
Jodie, in her early thirties, is married to the famous and well-published psychologist Roy, who is at least ten years older than her. Their whirlwind marriage raises eyebrows because Roy’s previous wife, Deborah, died by suicide only six months earlier—and now he’s married to Jodie, who looks eerily like a younger version of her.
Jodie isn’t just a brilliant cook and an obsessive cleaner—she’s also very good at keeping secrets. One of those secrets? She spent five years in prison, and she has no problem going back if it means avenging her sister… who just happens to be Deborah. Yes, she is married to her dead sister’s husband, and she strongly suspects he murdered her. She’s determined to prove it, even though everyone in their social circle sees Roy as a saint—and his devoted maid, Marie, watches Jodie like a hawk, just waiting for her to slip up.
Overall
I’m rounding my 3.5 stars up to a 4, even though I didn’t enjoy the second half as much as the first. It’s still an addictive page-turner with a sharp sense of dark humor and a satisfying dose of vigilante justice.
Many thanks to NetGalley and Poisoned Pen Press for sharing this unputdownable mystery’s digital reviewer copy with me in exchange for my honest thoughts.
Follow me on medium.com to read my articles about books, movies, streaming series, astrology:
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Review of advance copy received from Netgalley
Such a fun read from beginning to end! I couldn't put it down until I finished it.
Jodie, our main character, showed such determination to get what she wanted. Though she was infuriating at times and kept me on edge, I have to applaud the author for writing her character the way she did.
#TheHousewife #NetGalley
Jodie, our main character, showed such determination to get what she wanted. Though she was infuriating at times and kept me on edge, I have to applaud the author for writing her character the way she did.
#TheHousewife #NetGalley
January 26, 2026
A psychological thriller that includes some dark, snarky humor is one of my favorite things. When the main character gets tired of everyone at the party saying how happy her husband’s dead wife was and she blurts out, “Then why did she shoot herself in the face?” I knew I was in for a treat. Jodie is such a great character. The plot is terrific and it’s a hard one to put down. I loved everything about it!
My only request for the publishing industry is please, please, please stop making all book titles similar to The Housewife, The Housemaid and My Husband’s Wife. I think I’ve read 9,008,003 of those this year and it’s only January. This is such a clever book that deserves a more unique title. Like, maybe, “Why’d Ya Shoot Yourself In The Damn Face, Deborah?”
My only request for the publishing industry is please, please, please stop making all book titles similar to The Housewife, The Housemaid and My Husband’s Wife. I think I’ve read 9,008,003 of those this year and it’s only January. This is such a clever book that deserves a more unique title. Like, maybe, “Why’d Ya Shoot Yourself In The Damn Face, Deborah?”
Review of advance copy received from Netgalley
Thank you to Natalie Barelli, Poisoned Pen Press, and NetGalley for providing me with an eARC of this book!
#TheHousewife #NetGalley
This is definitely a 5 star read. it hooked me from the very first page. I loved that the whole book had lots of twists and it was an exciting read. If you are also a fan of Freida McFadden I think you will enjoy this book!!!
Pub Date; June 30, 2026!
#TheHousewife #NetGalley
This is definitely a 5 star read. it hooked me from the very first page. I loved that the whole book had lots of twists and it was an exciting read. If you are also a fan of Freida McFadden I think you will enjoy this book!!!
Pub Date; June 30, 2026!
Review of advance copy received from Netgalley
This book is so much fun. Well, for a thriller with murder 🤣. It is fast paced with short chapters.
Jodie has married a wealthy doctor. They married very quickly and shortly after his first wife's death. Jodie wants to know what happened to the first Mrs. Davies and she is conducting her own personal investigation. Her husband may have something to hide but then, doesn't everybody?
There are so many twists and turns. Just when I thought I had things figured out, a new twist would pop up and I would be wrong.
Thank you NetGalley for the advanced copy of this book for an honest review.
Jodie has married a wealthy doctor. They married very quickly and shortly after his first wife's death. Jodie wants to know what happened to the first Mrs. Davies and she is conducting her own personal investigation. Her husband may have something to hide but then, doesn't everybody?
There are so many twists and turns. Just when I thought I had things figured out, a new twist would pop up and I would be wrong.
Thank you NetGalley for the advanced copy of this book for an honest review.
January 20, 2026
4.5 🌟 I had the best time reading this book! So many little twists here and there. I thought I was smart and had it figured out and then everything was turned upside down. The writing was great and the pacing was perfect. I didn’t want to stop reading it and now I’m sad that I finished.
Thank you to NetGalley for this great arc!
Thank you to NetGalley for this great arc!
January 18, 2026
My first 5 star read of 2026 — and what a way to kick things off.
This book had me in a chokehold from the opening chapters. I read it in three sittings because once I started, I genuinely didn’t want to stop. Did I struggle to put it down? Yes. Did I guess the twists? Not even close.
Natalie Barelli takes a familiar domestic setup — a whirlwind marriage, wealth, power, and a glamorous new life, and turns it into something deeply unsettling. As Jodie steps into the role she’s always wanted, it becomes clear that nothing about her marriage is as perfect as it appears. The presence of Roy’s late first wife hangs over everything, and the slow drip of revelations keeps the tension ratcheting higher with every chapter.
The twists are sharp, well-timed, and completely pulled the rug out from under me. This is the kind of thriller where you think you’re ahead of the story… until you very much aren’t.
This is my second Natalie Barelli book after Finder’s Keepers, and once again it’s a solid 5 stars. I’m officially at the point where I’ll read whatever she writes next. She’s fast becoming an auto-read author for me, and definitely deserves more noise about her writing.
This book had me in a chokehold from the opening chapters. I read it in three sittings because once I started, I genuinely didn’t want to stop. Did I struggle to put it down? Yes. Did I guess the twists? Not even close.
Natalie Barelli takes a familiar domestic setup — a whirlwind marriage, wealth, power, and a glamorous new life, and turns it into something deeply unsettling. As Jodie steps into the role she’s always wanted, it becomes clear that nothing about her marriage is as perfect as it appears. The presence of Roy’s late first wife hangs over everything, and the slow drip of revelations keeps the tension ratcheting higher with every chapter.
The twists are sharp, well-timed, and completely pulled the rug out from under me. This is the kind of thriller where you think you’re ahead of the story… until you very much aren’t.
This is my second Natalie Barelli book after Finder’s Keepers, and once again it’s a solid 5 stars. I’m officially at the point where I’ll read whatever she writes next. She’s fast becoming an auto-read author for me, and definitely deserves more noise about her writing.
March 5, 2026
⭐️3.0 This was a fun read, thank you to Net galley and the publisher for allowing me to read this.
The first part of the book had me hooked immediately, loved seeing the tension build page by page. However the middle section was a little bit longer than was necessary. The mc had me internally screaming and 😦 by some of the questionable things she got up to.
Overall it was a pretty good story. I know many people will eat this up!
The first part of the book had me hooked immediately, loved seeing the tension build page by page. However the middle section was a little bit longer than was necessary. The mc had me internally screaming and 😦 by some of the questionable things she got up to.
Overall it was a pretty good story. I know many people will eat this up!
February 11, 2026
Talk about plot twistss!!! WHAT
Messy secrets, sharp twists, and plenty of jaw-dropping moments.
The story kept me HOOKED from beginning to end.
The characters were compelling, the tension was perfectly built, and the ending was sooo incredibly satisfying.
Highly recommend✨
Messy secrets, sharp twists, and plenty of jaw-dropping moments.
The story kept me HOOKED from beginning to end.
The characters were compelling, the tension was perfectly built, and the ending was sooo incredibly satisfying.
Highly recommend✨
February 26, 2026
I’m a huge fan of Natalie Barelli, but The Housewife wasn’t my favorite of hers. I’m not sure why it took me 4 days to get through it, but the first half felt very slow and it took me a while to really get into the story. While it didn’t completely hook me like her previous thrillers have, I still enjoy her writing style and suspenseful concepts. I’ll definitely be keeping an eye out for her next thriller.
Review of advance copy received from Netgalley
For fans of Freida McFadden & Sally Hepworth, this one's for you! From the very first page, I was hooked. Snarky Jodie had me rooting for her from the get-go! The pacing was exactly like a Freida McFadden book & the quirk reminded me of Sally Hepworth. The chapters flew by, and I was half-way through the book before I knew it. Jodie is married to a renowned psychologist, but this is not his first marriage. His first wife, Deb, allegedly committed suicide; however, the presence of Deb continues to loom largely over the house. Deb is all any of their friends talk about. When her husband starts to become distant, she starts questioning about what happened to Deb. And when she can't get the answers she wants, she does her own investigation. And from here, twists & turns abound. I totally was gripped by this book.
Many thanks to NetGalley & Poisoned Pen press for the opportunity to read an eARC of this book in exchange for my honest opinions.
Many thanks to NetGalley & Poisoned Pen press for the opportunity to read an eARC of this book in exchange for my honest opinions.
Review of advance copy received from Netgalley
"𝐈𝐟 𝐬𝐡𝐞 𝐰𝐚𝐬 𝐬𝐨 𝐛𝐞𝐚𝐮𝐭𝐢𝐟𝐮𝐥 𝐚𝐧𝐝 𝐭𝐚𝐥𝐞𝐧𝐭𝐞𝐝 𝐚𝐧𝐝 𝐭𝐡𝐞 𝐥𝐢𝐟𝐞 𝐨𝐟 𝐭𝐡𝐞 𝐩𝐚𝐫𝐭𝐲 𝐚𝐧𝐝 𝐬𝐡𝐞 𝐡𝐚𝐝 𝐭𝐡𝐢𝐬 𝐚𝐦𝐚𝐳𝐢𝐧𝐠 𝐥𝐢𝐟𝐞 𝐚𝐧𝐝 𝐚 𝐦𝐢𝐥𝐥𝐢𝐨𝐧 𝐚𝐝𝐨𝐫𝐢𝐧𝐠 𝐟𝐫𝐢𝐞𝐧𝐝𝐬 𝐚𝐧𝐝 𝐲𝐨𝐮 𝐭𝐰𝐨 𝐰𝐞𝐫𝐞 𝐬𝐨 𝐢𝐧 𝐥𝐨𝐯𝐞, 𝐰𝐡𝐲 𝐝𝐢𝐝 𝐬𝐡𝐞 𝐬𝐡𝐨𝐨𝐭 𝐡𝐞𝐫𝐬𝐞𝐥𝐟 𝐢𝐧 𝐭𝐡𝐞 𝐟𝐚𝐜𝐞?"
I'm a long-time fan of this author, and I was thrilled to see this upcoming release that pulled me in immediately. Jodie marries Dr. Roy Davies after a whirlwind romance and steps straight into what should be a dream life in Beverly Hills, only to realize the fantasy has teeth. Roy is often cold and distant, his friends treat her like an interloper, and the house itself feels haunted by the presence of his late wife, Deborah. As Jodie settles in, it becomes clear that Deborah did not simply fade away, and the more Jodie learns about her reclusive final years, the more uneasy I became about what really happened inside that perfect home.
What really got under my skin was watching Jodie start to question everything around her while also doubting herself. I could feel the pressure building as she uncovered more about Roy’s controlling behavior and disturbing past, all while knowing she was trapped by her own secrets. The psychological tension is relentless, and I found myself constantly second guessing what I thought I knew. The house, the marriage, and even Jodie’s role as the “perfect” wife all start to feel like a carefully constructed house of cards.
The tension builds until it's uncomfortable, and when things fly off the rails, it's in the best possible ways. This book is deliciously dark, completely addictive, and emotionally charged enough that I lost track of time and kept reading with that awful, dreadful knot curled tightly in my stomach. I was rooting for Jodie while feeling genuine dread about whether she would get out in one piece. If you love domestic thrillers that slowly tighten the screws and leave you breathless by the end, this one delivers in a big way. So many thanks to Poisoned Pen Press for the early copy. This one will publish June 30, 2026.
I'm a long-time fan of this author, and I was thrilled to see this upcoming release that pulled me in immediately. Jodie marries Dr. Roy Davies after a whirlwind romance and steps straight into what should be a dream life in Beverly Hills, only to realize the fantasy has teeth. Roy is often cold and distant, his friends treat her like an interloper, and the house itself feels haunted by the presence of his late wife, Deborah. As Jodie settles in, it becomes clear that Deborah did not simply fade away, and the more Jodie learns about her reclusive final years, the more uneasy I became about what really happened inside that perfect home.
What really got under my skin was watching Jodie start to question everything around her while also doubting herself. I could feel the pressure building as she uncovered more about Roy’s controlling behavior and disturbing past, all while knowing she was trapped by her own secrets. The psychological tension is relentless, and I found myself constantly second guessing what I thought I knew. The house, the marriage, and even Jodie’s role as the “perfect” wife all start to feel like a carefully constructed house of cards.
The tension builds until it's uncomfortable, and when things fly off the rails, it's in the best possible ways. This book is deliciously dark, completely addictive, and emotionally charged enough that I lost track of time and kept reading with that awful, dreadful knot curled tightly in my stomach. I was rooting for Jodie while feeling genuine dread about whether she would get out in one piece. If you love domestic thrillers that slowly tighten the screws and leave you breathless by the end, this one delivers in a big way. So many thanks to Poisoned Pen Press for the early copy. This one will publish June 30, 2026.
January 25, 2026
The cover pulled me in, the story had me immediately hooked, and the twists left my mouth on the floor! This was fast paced non-stop fun!
Jodie and her renowned psychologist husband had a whirlwind romance and married quickly. His friends aren’t nice to her and there’s pictures of his dead ex -wife everywhere. Something strange definitely happened and Jodie is going to figure it out!
Go in blind, don’t read any spoilers and enjoy what’s sure to be one of my favorite books of the year! Thank you NetGalley for the ARC!
Jodie and her renowned psychologist husband had a whirlwind romance and married quickly. His friends aren’t nice to her and there’s pictures of his dead ex -wife everywhere. Something strange definitely happened and Jodie is going to figure it out!
Go in blind, don’t read any spoilers and enjoy what’s sure to be one of my favorite books of the year! Thank you NetGalley for the ARC!
February 3, 2026
Thank you Poisoned Pen Press and NetGalley for the opportunity to read this ARC!
This was fast paced and hooked me from the beginning - I didn’t want to put it down. I liked that the twists were sprinkled in throughout the book instead of all thrown in at the end. Bonus: I also really love the cover!
This was fast paced and hooked me from the beginning - I didn’t want to put it down. I liked that the twists were sprinkled in throughout the book instead of all thrown in at the end. Bonus: I also really love the cover!
February 25, 2026
Absolutely brilliant!!! Could not put it down. It kept me gripped throughout! Twists and turns and a likeable but unhinged main character.. I will definitely read more from this author! Thank you @netgalley for the ARC 🙏
Review of advance copy received from Netgalley
5 STARS ⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️
Vibe check: Unhinged, Twisty Secrets
full review ⬇️
I went into The Housewife on one of my usual book blind dates and within a few chapters I realised this was going to be one of those twisty domestic thrillers where absolutely nothing is what it seems. It was a great time!
The story follows a seemingly perfect suburban housewife in her seemingly perfect suburban life which of course meant things start unraveling pretty quickly.
Secrets were piling up, the tension built and the ‘just one more chapter’ feeling kicked in hard early on.
This is the kind of thriller that leans into the drama and suspense of domestic life including marriages, friendships, appearances and the pressure of looking like everything is perfect on the outside.
What I really enjoyed was the pacing. This book gave me similar popcorn thriller vibes to Freida McFadden. It moved quickly and kept dropping little pieces of information that made me rethink everything I thought I knew. Every time I felt confident about where it was going, something shifted.
The main character Jodie was perfectly unreliable. I was constantly wondering to myself ‘do I trust you?’, ‘should I trust you?’ and ‘why do I feel like I absolutely should not trust you?’ 😅 I’m not sure what it says about me but unhinged female leads are possibly my favourite characters ever.
If you love fast paced psychological thrillers packed with secrets, messy relationships and wild unhinged moments (think Dear Debbie / Mad Mabel vibes) this one is a very entertaining ride.
A big thank you to Poisioned Pen Press and NetGalley for the sneak peek.
Vibe check: Unhinged, Twisty Secrets
full review ⬇️
I went into The Housewife on one of my usual book blind dates and within a few chapters I realised this was going to be one of those twisty domestic thrillers where absolutely nothing is what it seems. It was a great time!
The story follows a seemingly perfect suburban housewife in her seemingly perfect suburban life which of course meant things start unraveling pretty quickly.
Secrets were piling up, the tension built and the ‘just one more chapter’ feeling kicked in hard early on.
This is the kind of thriller that leans into the drama and suspense of domestic life including marriages, friendships, appearances and the pressure of looking like everything is perfect on the outside.
What I really enjoyed was the pacing. This book gave me similar popcorn thriller vibes to Freida McFadden. It moved quickly and kept dropping little pieces of information that made me rethink everything I thought I knew. Every time I felt confident about where it was going, something shifted.
The main character Jodie was perfectly unreliable. I was constantly wondering to myself ‘do I trust you?’, ‘should I trust you?’ and ‘why do I feel like I absolutely should not trust you?’ 😅 I’m not sure what it says about me but unhinged female leads are possibly my favourite characters ever.
If you love fast paced psychological thrillers packed with secrets, messy relationships and wild unhinged moments (think Dear Debbie / Mad Mabel vibes) this one is a very entertaining ride.
A big thank you to Poisioned Pen Press and NetGalley for the sneak peek.
March 5, 2026
⭐️3.5 ⭐️
Thank you to NetGalley and Poisoned Pen Press for the ARC of The Housewife! I really liked our FMC, Jodie an unapologetic anti‑hero who lets us live inside her chaotic, feral inner thoughts. I loved every second of it. I can’t even blame her for the mess she gets herself into.
Some moments were predictable, but others genuinely caught me off guard. Overall, it was an enjoyable, fast read, and I’ll definitely be picking up more from this author.
Pub Date: Jun 30 2026
Thank you to NetGalley and Poisoned Pen Press for the ARC of The Housewife! I really liked our FMC, Jodie an unapologetic anti‑hero who lets us live inside her chaotic, feral inner thoughts. I loved every second of it. I can’t even blame her for the mess she gets herself into.
Some moments were predictable, but others genuinely caught me off guard. Overall, it was an enjoyable, fast read, and I’ll definitely be picking up more from this author.
Pub Date: Jun 30 2026
January 31, 2026
I’d like to send a thank you to Poisoned Pen Press and NetGalley for this ARC.
This had me hooked from the prologue, I devoured this book in two sittings. The twists kept me on the edge of my seat, proving nothing is as it seems. A real page-turner that’s both exciting and entertaining from start to finish.
Publish date: June 30th, 2026.
January 22, 2026
This was such a fun one! Such a page turner and the synopsis gives nothing away at all. I was quite surprised by what was actually going on and couldn’t wait to see the outcome.
It’s been a while since Natalie Barelli has come out with a new one and this is a fun one you don’t want to miss!
It’s been a while since Natalie Barelli has come out with a new one and this is a fun one you don’t want to miss!
February 10, 2026
thank you netgalley for the arc!
wow!!! what a ride this was - super engaging and quick read. i loved Jo & her storytelling. i could not wait to learn what had happened. the suspense & hints of humor made the book so enjoyable!
4.25⭐️
wow!!! what a ride this was - super engaging and quick read. i loved Jo & her storytelling. i could not wait to learn what had happened. the suspense & hints of humor made the book so enjoyable!
4.25⭐️
January 30, 2026
4.5. It was a great ARC and kept me guessing until
The end.
The end.
Review of advance copy received from Netgalley
✨️ ARC Review ✨️
3.5 stars rounded up to 4. loved the pacing. loved the twists. didnt fully love the FMC. Jodie was all over the place and the decisions she kept making were odd at best. however, I really liked the story over all and definitely want to read more by this author.
3.5 stars rounded up to 4. loved the pacing. loved the twists. didnt fully love the FMC. Jodie was all over the place and the decisions she kept making were odd at best. however, I really liked the story over all and definitely want to read more by this author.
February 11, 2026
thank you to net galley for letting me read this book in exchange for my honest review. this is my first book from this author and it did not disappoint. it immediately got my attention and I did not want to put it down once I started. pieces of information were brought to light over the course of the book that made it even MORE gripping. some of the details I knew were going to be brought to light eventually, but I never figured out the logistics and was very surprised when they came up. overall I enjoyed this quick and thrilling read!
February 14, 2026
Got this ARC from NetGalley.
I devoured this book in 2 days; I wanted to keep reading. The vibes are very much Freida McFadden, Ruth Ware, and Shari Lapena, very much a mysterious psychological thriller.
Jo quickly marries her husband after a whirlwind romance and must contend with her husband's dead wife's memory however... as it turns out, Jo has a vested interest in what exactly happened to her husband's ex-wife and is hell bent on figuring out what exactly happened.
You've got a great morally gray protagonist you can't help but root for, a domestic thriller with twists and turns, and a master class of what NOT to do. Highly recommend.
I devoured this book in 2 days; I wanted to keep reading. The vibes are very much Freida McFadden, Ruth Ware, and Shari Lapena, very much a mysterious psychological thriller.
Jo quickly marries her husband after a whirlwind romance and must contend with her husband's dead wife's memory however... as it turns out, Jo has a vested interest in what exactly happened to her husband's ex-wife and is hell bent on figuring out what exactly happened.
You've got a great morally gray protagonist you can't help but root for, a domestic thriller with twists and turns, and a master class of what NOT to do. Highly recommend.
January 25, 2026
This book immediately wrapped me in that quiet, creeping unease I love in a psychological thriller. It starts off polished and controlled, but there’s an undercurrent of tension from the very beginning. By the time I finished, I felt unsettled in the best way; like I’d been holding my breath without realizing it.
Natalie Barelli absolutely nails the slow-burn psychological suspense. Jodie’s perspective is intimate and unsettling, pulling you right into her head as she tries to make sense of her new life, and her new husband. The house itself feels like a character, heavy with secrets and the lingering presence of the past. I loved how the story plays with trust, perception, and the idea of the “perfect” life hiding something far darker beneath the surface. The pacing steadily tightens, and once the twists start coming, I couldn’t put it down.
I’d recommend The Housewife to anyone who loves domestic thrillers with unreliable narrators, tense atmospheres, and that constant feeling that something just isn’t right. If you enjoy stories that get under your skin and make you question everything, this one is absolutely for you.
Dark, addictive, and deeply unsettling, The Housewife is one of those thrillers that lingers after the final page. A beautifully twisted reminder that perfection is often just a carefully crafted illusion.
A huge thank you to NetGalley, Natalie Barelli, and Poisoned Pen Press for the opportunity to read and review an ARC of The Housewife. It was truly an honor and a privilege to step into this story early and share my thoughts. I’m so grateful for the chance to support this incredible book and its talented author.
Most definitely a 5 star read! ⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️
Until next time,
Happy Reading! 📖✨♥️
March 9, 2026
Huge thank you to the publisher and netgalley for the earc!
This book was phenomenal, I seriously couldn’t put it down. My second one by the author this year and I need more.
I was hooked by the first sentence. The character development, the plot, the twists, all chef’s kiss.
Jo has just gotten out of jail with one thing on her mind: to avenge her sister’s murder. The press (and everyone else) calls her sis Deb’s death a suicide but Jo knows better. Deb was as strong as they come and loyal to a fault, so she knows down to the day when things started to take a turn. Now she just needs to prove it. If only she can get inside the husband Roy’s house.
After careful planning (and a bit of luck) Jo is the new Mrs. Davies and plans to be the perfect housewife. Except her search of the house keeps getting interrupted by Marie the housekeeper, Roy’s back and forth schedule, and the constant issue of everyone comparing Jo to the late Deb.
Jo is ever determined to find out what really happened to her sister but as tempers start to flair and strange things start appear she is wondering if she is the next target.
Grab this book, you won’t be disappointed! Just make sure you clear your schedule for plenty of reading time!
This book was phenomenal, I seriously couldn’t put it down. My second one by the author this year and I need more.
I was hooked by the first sentence. The character development, the plot, the twists, all chef’s kiss.
Jo has just gotten out of jail with one thing on her mind: to avenge her sister’s murder. The press (and everyone else) calls her sis Deb’s death a suicide but Jo knows better. Deb was as strong as they come and loyal to a fault, so she knows down to the day when things started to take a turn. Now she just needs to prove it. If only she can get inside the husband Roy’s house.
After careful planning (and a bit of luck) Jo is the new Mrs. Davies and plans to be the perfect housewife. Except her search of the house keeps getting interrupted by Marie the housekeeper, Roy’s back and forth schedule, and the constant issue of everyone comparing Jo to the late Deb.
Jo is ever determined to find out what really happened to her sister but as tempers start to flair and strange things start appear she is wondering if she is the next target.
Grab this book, you won’t be disappointed! Just make sure you clear your schedule for plenty of reading time!
March 10, 2026
The Housewife by Natalie Barelli is the kind of psychological thriller that quietly pulls you in and then refuses to let go. What begins as a seemingly ordinary domestic story quickly spirals into a tense and addictive game of secrets, manipulation, and obsession.
Barelli masterfully builds suspense through unreliable perspectives and carefully planted clues. Just when I thought I had everything figured out, another twist would completely upend my assumptions. The pacing is sharp, the tension simmering, and the characters are so well crafted that you’re constantly questioning their motives.
The protagonist is fascinatingly complex — flawed, emotional, and impossible to fully trust — which makes the psychological unraveling even more compelling. The story explores themes of jealousy, identity, and the dark side of domestic life in a way that feels both unsettling and gripping.
If you enjoy twisty domestic thrillers with morally grey characters and unpredictable turns, The Housewife will absolutely keep you hooked. A chilling, addictive read that I flew through in no time.
PS - This is an honest review in exchange of a digital ARC provided by the publisher and Netgalley.
Barelli masterfully builds suspense through unreliable perspectives and carefully planted clues. Just when I thought I had everything figured out, another twist would completely upend my assumptions. The pacing is sharp, the tension simmering, and the characters are so well crafted that you’re constantly questioning their motives.
The protagonist is fascinatingly complex — flawed, emotional, and impossible to fully trust — which makes the psychological unraveling even more compelling. The story explores themes of jealousy, identity, and the dark side of domestic life in a way that feels both unsettling and gripping.
If you enjoy twisty domestic thrillers with morally grey characters and unpredictable turns, The Housewife will absolutely keep you hooked. A chilling, addictive read that I flew through in no time.
PS - This is an honest review in exchange of a digital ARC provided by the publisher and Netgalley.
February 16, 2026
Thank you to NetGalley, author Natalie Barelli, and Poisoned Pen Press for the ARC and the opportunity to review this novel.
Natalie Barelli delivers an engaging and polished entry into the domestic thriller genre, offering readers a compelling glimpse into the complexities of wealth, privilege, and hidden secrets. Set against the backdrop of affluent society, the story explores the darker undercurrents that can lie beneath a seemingly perfect exterior.
While the characters may not always be traditionally likeable, they are convincingly drawn and feel authentic within their privileged world. Their flaws and motivations add depth to the narrative, making their actions believable and, at times, surprisingly relatable.
The plot unfolds at a steady pace, with several well executed twists that keep the tension simmering and encourage readers to question appearances. Overall, this is a solid and entertaining domestic thriller that will appeal to fans of character-driven suspense and stories that examine the complexities of life behind closed doors.
4⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️
Natalie Barelli delivers an engaging and polished entry into the domestic thriller genre, offering readers a compelling glimpse into the complexities of wealth, privilege, and hidden secrets. Set against the backdrop of affluent society, the story explores the darker undercurrents that can lie beneath a seemingly perfect exterior.
While the characters may not always be traditionally likeable, they are convincingly drawn and feel authentic within their privileged world. Their flaws and motivations add depth to the narrative, making their actions believable and, at times, surprisingly relatable.
The plot unfolds at a steady pace, with several well executed twists that keep the tension simmering and encourage readers to question appearances. Overall, this is a solid and entertaining domestic thriller that will appeal to fans of character-driven suspense and stories that examine the complexities of life behind closed doors.
4⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️
February 28, 2026
“The Housewife” ended up being a really entertaining, fast read for me. It’s like a cozy mystery (with the MFC’s love for cooking, baking and that domestic lifestyle) with popcorn thriller energy that makes you want to keep turning the pages.
The main character is quirky and at times unintentionally funny in a dark humor kind of way, which I enjoyed. She was not completely unlikable, but there were definitely moments where I was side eyeing some of her thoughts and decisions. Even so, I was invested and curious about what would happen next.
There are a few twists throughout. They were not jaw dropping and some things were a bit predictable, but I was still entertained and flew through this one pretty quickly.
If you are in the mood for a lighter mystery thriller that mixes cozy domestic vibes with an easy, bingeable feel, this is a solid pick.
Thank you to NetGalley and the publisher for the ARC in exchange for an honest review.
The main character is quirky and at times unintentionally funny in a dark humor kind of way, which I enjoyed. She was not completely unlikable, but there were definitely moments where I was side eyeing some of her thoughts and decisions. Even so, I was invested and curious about what would happen next.
There are a few twists throughout. They were not jaw dropping and some things were a bit predictable, but I was still entertained and flew through this one pretty quickly.
If you are in the mood for a lighter mystery thriller that mixes cozy domestic vibes with an easy, bingeable feel, this is a solid pick.
Thank you to NetGalley and the publisher for the ARC in exchange for an honest review.
Review of advance copy received from Netgalley
Blurb:
Jodie marries Dr. Roy Davies and becomes the housewife of her dreams. The fairytale soon disappears as Roy becomes distant and Jodie begins to suspect him of murdering his late wife, Deborah. She digs into his past to learn the truth about what happened, and she works to find a way out.
Thoughts:
In terms of thrillers, this book was rather interesting and engaging from the start! Although it isn’t twisty and it is semi predictable, it was an entertaining story of a woman seeking justice. I definitely recommend this if you are a fan of thrillers and mysteries.
I really couldn’t put this book down, and will definitely read more from this author! The humor mixed into the story really made it stand out from other thrillers.
Thank you NetGalley and to the publisher for this e-arc!
Jodie marries Dr. Roy Davies and becomes the housewife of her dreams. The fairytale soon disappears as Roy becomes distant and Jodie begins to suspect him of murdering his late wife, Deborah. She digs into his past to learn the truth about what happened, and she works to find a way out.
Thoughts:
In terms of thrillers, this book was rather interesting and engaging from the start! Although it isn’t twisty and it is semi predictable, it was an entertaining story of a woman seeking justice. I definitely recommend this if you are a fan of thrillers and mysteries.
I really couldn’t put this book down, and will definitely read more from this author! The humor mixed into the story really made it stand out from other thrillers.
Thank you NetGalley and to the publisher for this e-arc!
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