'I was HOOKED. I read this book in a matter of hours racing to get to the final pages … It’s full on twisty, suspenseful and the ending, just wait till you read that!' ⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐


'I was drawn into the book in the best way… really dug into parts of my soul' ⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐



Love can destroy. Obsession can kill.

Emma Hatcher has all that Rose Wilks lacks. Effortless beauty. A loving husband. A healthy son. Until tragedy strikes, leaving Rose the only suspect – and, ultimately, the only one held responsible.


Now, after nearly five years in prison, Rose is just weeks away from freedom. If she is granted parole.


Probation officer Cate Austin must decide whether Rose is remorseful for the shocking crime that put her behind bars, or whether she remains a threat to society. As Cate is drawn in, she begins to doubt her own judgement.


Where is the line between love and obsession? Can justice be served and, if so … by what means?



The gripping, twisty first book in the Cate Austin Casefiles series and winner of the CWA Debut Dagger Award. Fans of K.L. Slater, Joy Ellis and All Her Fault will devour this gripping psychological thriller.



See what readers are saying about The Woman Before Me:
'I thought I saw the ending coming but I didn’t see it all!' ⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐


'Chaotic, messed up and totally unhinged. My kind of thriller 🤣' ⭐⭐⭐⭐


'Goodness … this gripped me and I wasn’t able to put it down' ⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐


‘Authentic…diverting debut’ Daily Mail


‘Ruth Dugdall’s novels are intelligent and gripping, with a sophisticated psychological sensibility. She is a huge talent.’ Sophie Hannah


'I found this story an irresistible read. It's a psychological crime thriller that seemed to linger'⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐


'A must read this book kept me guessing right until the end. I literally couldn’t put it down'⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐


'Absolutely loved this book and all subsequent Cate Austin novels'⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐