The Couple’s Secret is another gripping installment in Lisa Regan’s long-running Detective Josie Quinn series. This installment serves as a strong reminder that appearances can be deceiving. Regan transports readers back to Denton, where Josie is called upon to investigate a chilling cold case.

The couple in the photo smile at the camera, arms wrapped around each other, faces alight with happiness. They were two people getting a second chance at love, trying to blend their young families and start a new life together. Until their smiles became frozen for the camera forever as their lives were cut tragically short by a horrifying act of violence…
Seven years ago, Tobias Lachlan and his fiancée Cora Stevens went out for a romantic dinner together. They left the restaurant smiling and holding hands, Cora sent a text message to say they were on the way home… but they were never seen again, leaving their family and friends with broken hearts and unanswered questions.
Detective Josie Quinn is shocked when she’s called to investigate the discovery of their bodies in a submerged car in the river just outside Denton. The medical report soon shows that Tobias and Cora were brutally murdered, sending shockwaves through the community and reopening the case that police thought had long gone cold.
With no obvious clues, and no sightings of the couple after they left the restaurant that night, Josie draws a blank. Tobias and Cora’s children, now grown, can’t imagine who might have wanted their parents dead. The discovery of a tiny old-fashioned key in the remnants of Cora’s purse could unlock the mystery, but no one knows what the key might open, and Josie can’t figure out what it meant to Cora. But secrets don’t stay buried forever, and if Josie knows one thing to be true, it’s someone always knows something. As she digs deeper, Josie finds evidence that this perfect couple might have been keeping secrets. Secrets from their children, and secrets from each other.
But then another body is found—another member of the family, tragically silenced forever. Josie’s investigation has stirred up more than just the river bed, and she knows that the killer is now even more desperate to keep their secrets hidden. Who is trying to rip this family apart, and can Josie find out before it’s too late?

I received this book for free in exchange for an honest review. This does not affect my opinion of the book or the content of my review.

Seven years ago, Tobias Lachlan and his fiancée Cora Stevens vanished without a trace. No evidence, no leads, no explanation. Their disappearance shattered the lives of their children and friends. When a submerged car is discovered in the present day, Josie arrives on the scene only to find Tobias and Cora’s bodies inside. The discovery reopens old wounds and forces Josie to determine not only how they died but also why someone wanted their secrets buried for good.

From the very first page, the story pulls you in. The opening line, “Leave While You Still Can,” sets an ominous tone that carries throughout the story. The suspect pool is relatively small, which adds a layer of complexity to the investigation. While several theories emerge, none fully prepare you for the final reveal. The title proves fitting, as both victims harbored secrets that ultimately led to their demise.

Alongside the investigation, Josie navigates personal challenges. She and her husband Noah are planning a vow renewal, while she also adjusts to her role as guardian to a teenager who has lost both parents. These elements add emotional depth without overshadowing the central mystery.

While the novel leans more toward a methodical mystery than high-octane suspense, the steady pacing and well-executed twists keep the story consistently engaging. Regan once again displays her ability to balance character development with investigative detail.

The Couple’s Secret is a solid addition to the series and one that mystery fans and longtime followers of the series will appreciate.

Story Evaluation
Plot	4.5
Characters	5
World Building	5
Writing Style	4.5
Pacing	4
Cover	4
Enjoyment	4.5
Ending	5
Overall:

 

About Lisa Regan

Lisa Regan is the USA Today and Wall Street Journal bestselling author of the Detective Josie Quinn series. Lisa is a member of Sisters In Crime, International Thriller Writers, and Mystery Writers of America. She has a Bachelor’s Degree in English and Master of Education Degree from Bloomsburg University. She lives near Philadelphia, Pennsylvania in the U.S. with her husband, daughter, and Boston Terrier named Mr. Phillip.

 

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