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The Cold Case Mysteries #1
The Woman Behind Her
A woman alone. Watched. But by whom, and why?
When schoolteacher Jackie Winter inherits her beloved aunt’s house, she discovers that her close relative had been keeping a terrible secret.
As Jackie is drawn into her aunt’s past, all that was certain begins to fray. But she is destined to not experience this alone. Someone is watching her every move.
Then, there is a murder near the house. A cruel killing. Suddenly Jackie finds herself in the frame.
Trying to keep one step ahead of the police, Jackie turns her attention once more to the past, now certain there’s a link between her aunt’s secrets and the shadowy figure that plagues not only her days but also her nightmares.
THE WOMAN BEHIND HER is a spellbinding psychological thriller that will keep you up all night.
When schoolteacher Jackie Winter inherits her beloved aunt’s house, she discovers that her close relative had been keeping a terrible secret.
As Jackie is drawn into her aunt’s past, all that was certain begins to fray. But she is destined to not experience this alone. Someone is watching her every move.
Then, there is a murder near the house. A cruel killing. Suddenly Jackie finds herself in the frame.
Trying to keep one step ahead of the police, Jackie turns her attention once more to the past, now certain there’s a link between her aunt’s secrets and the shadowy figure that plagues not only her days but also her nightmares.
THE WOMAN BEHIND HER is a spellbinding psychological thriller that will keep you up all night.
262 pages, Kindle Edition
First published August 8, 2019
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Displaying 1 - 27 of 27 reviews
November 4, 2019
After the death of her beloved Aunt Helen, schoolteacher Jackie Winter returned to her teaching job still grieving only to be faced daily with an obnoxious parent complaining about her child's treatment. When the parent turns up dead after an argument with Jackie in the street near her home, she finds herself suspected of the murder.
Like her Aunt Helen who was a journalist who travelled widely and put her career ahead of marriage, Jackie is a spinster but unlike her Aunt she feels she has become bland and afraid of the world. She is convinced that someone is watching her and even stalking her when she leaves the house. Sorting through her Aunt's possessions after her death, she learns a lot about her Aunt, including that she had a tragic secret in her past. It's interesting to see Jackie grow from her Aunt's experiences and reach out to people for help, becoming more outgoing again in the process. This is an engaging, well written thriller, which takes a while for the plot to evolve and for the police and the reader to work out the identity of the killer and their motive.
Like her Aunt Helen who was a journalist who travelled widely and put her career ahead of marriage, Jackie is a spinster but unlike her Aunt she feels she has become bland and afraid of the world. She is convinced that someone is watching her and even stalking her when she leaves the house. Sorting through her Aunt's possessions after her death, she learns a lot about her Aunt, including that she had a tragic secret in her past. It's interesting to see Jackie grow from her Aunt's experiences and reach out to people for help, becoming more outgoing again in the process. This is an engaging, well written thriller, which takes a while for the plot to evolve and for the police and the reader to work out the identity of the killer and their motive.
March 26, 2020
Jackie Winter is most upset when her beloved aunt Helen passes away not long after her passing Jackie is informed she has inherited her aunt's home. Her aunt's house holds fond memories from when she was a young girl it was a spot she loved.
When Jackie discovers her aunt had been keeping a secret she wants to find out more, but just when you think you have this story figured out, think again as it suddenly it takes a turn you won’t see coming.
Having never read anything by this author I wasn’t certain what to expect, but I must admit I didn’t expect it to be as good as it was. Highly recommended.
When Jackie discovers her aunt had been keeping a secret she wants to find out more, but just when you think you have this story figured out, think again as it suddenly it takes a turn you won’t see coming.
Having never read anything by this author I wasn’t certain what to expect, but I must admit I didn’t expect it to be as good as it was. Highly recommended.
November 22, 2019
Jackie Winter realized that she would never hear her beloved Aunt Helen’s voice again. Her passing hadn’t been unexpected, but it was still a great loss. And when Jackie was informed by the solicitor that she had inherited Aunt Helen’s house, among other things, Jackie knew she wanted to remain in the house she’d loved since she was a girl. Perhaps it would keep Aunt Helen close.
Jackie returned to her teaching position after the weeks she’d had off to care for her aunt. But she was unsettled – the job didn’t hold the attraction it once had. And one of the parents of her class was harassing her in an overbearing, stalking manner. She didn’t know how much longer she could keep going. But it was when a murder happened in the vicinity of Jackie’s house and she became a suspect, that her confusion and a sense of her life unravelling accelerated. What was she to do? And why did she feel compelled to lie about things that had happened?
The Woman Behind Her is a gritty psychological thriller by Aussie author Anna Willett and I thoroughly enjoyed it. Jackie wasn’t a particularly likeable person; she played her part well. The chapters which went back to Helen’s past in 1986 added to the story; Detective Veronika Pope was a strong and well fleshed out character. I’ve only recently discovered this author’s work, and I’m glad I did. This is my third and I’ll be looking for more. Highly recommended.
Jackie returned to her teaching position after the weeks she’d had off to care for her aunt. But she was unsettled – the job didn’t hold the attraction it once had. And one of the parents of her class was harassing her in an overbearing, stalking manner. She didn’t know how much longer she could keep going. But it was when a murder happened in the vicinity of Jackie’s house and she became a suspect, that her confusion and a sense of her life unravelling accelerated. What was she to do? And why did she feel compelled to lie about things that had happened?
The Woman Behind Her is a gritty psychological thriller by Aussie author Anna Willett and I thoroughly enjoyed it. Jackie wasn’t a particularly likeable person; she played her part well. The chapters which went back to Helen’s past in 1986 added to the story; Detective Veronika Pope was a strong and well fleshed out character. I’ve only recently discovered this author’s work, and I’m glad I did. This is my third and I’ll be looking for more. Highly recommended.
September 19, 2019
Another suspenseful story from Anna Willett. Loved it!
February 19, 2023
Author: Anna Willett
Page Count: 264 pages
Published Date: 30th December 2022
Genre: Thriller
Rating: ⭐⭐⭐⭐
SYNOPSIS:
A woman alone. Watched. But by whom, and why? When schoolteacher Jackie Winter inherits her beloved aunt’s house, she discovers that her close relative had been keeping a terrible secret. As Jackie is drawn into her aunt’s past, all that was certain begins to fray. But she is destined to not experience this alone. Someone is watching her every move.
Then, there is a murder near the house. A cruel killing. Suddenly Jackie finds herself in the frame. Trying to keep one step ahead of the police, Jackie turns her attention once more to the past, now certain there’s a link between her aunt’s secrets and the shadowy figure that plagues not only her days but also her nightmares. THE WOMAN BEHIND HER is a spellbinding psychological thriller that will keep you up all night.
MY THOUGHTS:
This book had a slow start for me but I enjoyed it and after a while it gets you thinking of who the killer is and all the suspects alibis and I also didn't expect the ending of this book. I also liked how it went back in time and told us about her aunt helens life but then you realise why it tells us this closer to the ending. I have rated this book 4 out of 5 stars.
Page Count: 264 pages
Published Date: 30th December 2022
Genre: Thriller
Rating: ⭐⭐⭐⭐
SYNOPSIS:
A woman alone. Watched. But by whom, and why? When schoolteacher Jackie Winter inherits her beloved aunt’s house, she discovers that her close relative had been keeping a terrible secret. As Jackie is drawn into her aunt’s past, all that was certain begins to fray. But she is destined to not experience this alone. Someone is watching her every move.
Then, there is a murder near the house. A cruel killing. Suddenly Jackie finds herself in the frame. Trying to keep one step ahead of the police, Jackie turns her attention once more to the past, now certain there’s a link between her aunt’s secrets and the shadowy figure that plagues not only her days but also her nightmares. THE WOMAN BEHIND HER is a spellbinding psychological thriller that will keep you up all night.
MY THOUGHTS:
This book had a slow start for me but I enjoyed it and after a while it gets you thinking of who the killer is and all the suspects alibis and I also didn't expect the ending of this book. I also liked how it went back in time and told us about her aunt helens life but then you realise why it tells us this closer to the ending. I have rated this book 4 out of 5 stars.
January 18, 2023
Jackie inherits her aunts house and fortune when she passes away. The day Jackie returns to work, as a teacher, she has issues with a problem parent. This parent harasses Jackie and she ends up quitting her job. She doesn’t need to work anymore. Then the parent ends up dead. Detective Pope is sent to investigate. All clues point to Jackie. As the investigation unravels, Detective Pope goes missing, and again Jackie is questioned. During this time Jackie finds out about details of her aunts past that she kept hidden, and those details turn into clues on who killed the parent and who kidnapped the detective. The book was a slow thriller that stemmed predictable until the end gave a twist you don’t see coming. I give this book 3.5 stars.
April 4, 2020
This was an enjoyable book. A lot of thrillers I pick up, I can spot the ending, but I couldn't in this one. There are actually two mysteries going on in this book. One that involves a current murder of a parent who has been harassing the main character of which she is now a suspect and the mystery of her aunt's past, whose house she has inherited and is now living in. Watching both mysteries unravel was amazing to read because a lot of it, I didn't see coming
February 16, 2020
A mild-mannered schoolteacher is drawn into a strange web of past tragedy and ongoing danger. Is someone stalking her? Why do the police think she murdered someone? What is causing her world to spin out of control?
Question follows question in this fast-paced tale of suspense. The characters are well-drawn. The story unfolds with flashbacks and portions from an unpublished manuscript adding depth to the main character’s thoughts, action, and updates from the police investigation.
By the end, all the pieces do complete the puzzle, and the startling ending is justified by the clues sprinkled along the way.
A thrilling and suspenseful read.
Question follows question in this fast-paced tale of suspense. The characters are well-drawn. The story unfolds with flashbacks and portions from an unpublished manuscript adding depth to the main character’s thoughts, action, and updates from the police investigation.
By the end, all the pieces do complete the puzzle, and the startling ending is justified by the clues sprinkled along the way.
A thrilling and suspenseful read.
September 11, 2019
Anna Willett writes dark and threatening very well indeed.
There are many threads that come together beautifully as we watch a timid and insecure woman having to face real horror. The characters are very vivid and the drip feed of truth is intriguing and keeps you turning the pages well into the night.
The past comes back to haunt the present and in the present nothing is quite what it seems. Another great book Ms Willett.
There are many threads that come together beautifully as we watch a timid and insecure woman having to face real horror. The characters are very vivid and the drip feed of truth is intriguing and keeps you turning the pages well into the night.
The past comes back to haunt the present and in the present nothing is quite what it seems. Another great book Ms Willett.
February 1, 2020
This was a surprise. Most thrillers I pick up these days follow such a similar formula that I can predict them from the start, but not The Woman Behind Her. The twists got me every time and Jackie is such a great character. This is the first book I’ve read from Willett, but I look forward to checking out more. Well done.
September 7, 2019
What a fabulous story from one of my favourite thriller writers! This one kept me totally engaged from the start. As the book progresses, the reader develops an affinity with the main characters, and the culprit remains obscure to the very end. Beautifully written.
October 27, 2022
Backhand Winner
The tale of Jackie and her Aunt Anne is a disturbing story which eventually resolves itself. Along the way a number of deaths are explained and the killer finally identifies. Despite the book being a good thriller I didn't enjoy it, I think that the way Jackie's character is defined in the early stages of the book made me inclined not yo like the character and after I came to that conclusion I simply did not enjoy reading more. Shame as I think it is a well crafted thriller.
The tale of Jackie and her Aunt Anne is a disturbing story which eventually resolves itself. Along the way a number of deaths are explained and the killer finally identifies. Despite the book being a good thriller I didn't enjoy it, I think that the way Jackie's character is defined in the early stages of the book made me inclined not yo like the character and after I came to that conclusion I simply did not enjoy reading more. Shame as I think it is a well crafted thriller.
January 21, 2023
Definitely not what I was expecting when I clicked on this book. I loved how we got to hear the side of Jackie as well as see the investigation go on. This book was well written and the plot was really good. I will definitely have to read the next book in the series as soon as possible because I want more.
April 21, 2020
This book was just ok. With an unoriginal plot, a predictable ending, and a very unlikable main character that is super hard to root for, I do not recommend this book. I found the main character to be just so terrible and so ‘ugh’. It’s not horrible, but it’s just not noteworthy.
November 14, 2022
Currently reading, 50% of the way through and I'm struggling with it. I'm not finding it engaging, and it's rather slow paced. I will stick with it and update)add a further review when the book is finished.
April 2, 2020
Up all night read
Really kept you guessing. Edge if your seat until the end. Read a few if this authors books and not been disappointed. Her characters are so very relatable.
Really kept you guessing. Edge if your seat until the end. Read a few if this authors books and not been disappointed. Her characters are so very relatable.
April 10, 2020
Good read but I am wondering how she went from an insecure, frumpy, fashionless, friendless spinster to a beautiful and too thin man magnet in a matter of weeks.
February 2, 2022
So incredibly slow. Seven chapters in and the main character has not done a damn thing except regret her life as a spinster, grieve for her aunt, and drink tea. I couldn’t finish.
August 23, 2019
The Woman Behind Her, by Anna Willett, is a haunting story of guilt, resolve, and facing one’s fears. I was reminded of Edgar Allan Poe's classic The Tell-tale Heart. Jackie, a mousey, timid school teacher, faces the building terror of being investigated by the police after an abusive parent is found dead. Jackie is the last person to see her alive. Jackie’s tension and dread is palpable as she spirals into a state of fear and near-madness. It is a wonderfully written tale.
Then, the story takes a series of turns as the detectives investigating the case continue to search for the truth, as the situation becomes more complicated and more perilous. There is a bit of a false alley along the way, but the story moves along at a fast pace toward a satisfying conclusion. The book is exquisitely edited and while I have a few minor issues with the emphasis toward the end, and with the flashback sequences that seem unnecessary and perhaps give away a bit too much of the mystery, in the end this is a very satisfying and enjoyable read.
Willet is a skilled storyteller and this book is another well-crafted bit of psychological terror. Get a cup of tea and a warm blanket and be sure to leave the lights on.
Then, the story takes a series of turns as the detectives investigating the case continue to search for the truth, as the situation becomes more complicated and more perilous. There is a bit of a false alley along the way, but the story moves along at a fast pace toward a satisfying conclusion. The book is exquisitely edited and while I have a few minor issues with the emphasis toward the end, and with the flashback sequences that seem unnecessary and perhaps give away a bit too much of the mystery, in the end this is a very satisfying and enjoyable read.
Willet is a skilled storyteller and this book is another well-crafted bit of psychological terror. Get a cup of tea and a warm blanket and be sure to leave the lights on.
August 14, 2019
Anna Willett does it again with a creepy thriller in which the tension mounts on every page. Jackie Winter is a tough cookie - as a teacher, she has to be - but when her aunt dies and she moves into her house, her world changes quickly. Beginning to doubt herself, she finds herself in deep water. Accused of a terrible crime, she has to cover her tracks, and only a secret buried far in the past will help her.
October 9, 2019
I have read all of Anna Willetts books and I am never disappointed and this book is no exception. The Woman Behind Her is such a brilliant story. I couldn't put this book down, it had me engaged from the very first page until the very last page. Beautifully written, I highly recommended this book.
If you think you have this story figured out...think again!
If you think you have this story figured out...think again!
August 14, 2019
I read this book in two sittings!
After the death of her aunt, Jackie starts to discover a secret past, but just when you think you know which way this story is going, think again. Things get scary and the twists keep coming.
An excellent thriller for lovers of this genre.
After the death of her aunt, Jackie starts to discover a secret past, but just when you think you know which way this story is going, think again. Things get scary and the twists keep coming.
An excellent thriller for lovers of this genre.
August 28, 2019
A well written story
Loved this book, each and every person and situation was well presented. The horrors which occurred were poignant even in their psychotic existential nausea!
Loved this book, each and every person and situation was well presented. The horrors which occurred were poignant even in their psychotic existential nausea!
August 30, 2019
very good story. I was surprised with who the culprit was.
September 24, 2019
Pretty good book...woman's aunt passes away and she thinks she fell and hurt herself. The plot twists and turns from there. Well written with a great twist in the story.
October 10, 2019
I absolutely loved it! I literally couldn't put it down. Very well written and the surprises just kept coming.
November 28, 2019
Awesome
Awesome book. I will be looking for more from this author . Love her writing style.she kept me wanting to know more
Awesome book. I will be looking for more from this author . Love her writing style.she kept me wanting to know more
Displaying 1 - 27 of 27 reviews