My thanks to Rachel of Rachel’s Random Resources for the tour invite and the publisher for a copy of the book via Netgalley. The Sea House is published by Boldwood Books (5 November 2024) and available in ebook (including Kindle Unlimited), audiobook and paperback. I’ve read so many of Louise’s books over the years, with a few being reviewed here on the blog – The Secret by the Lake, The Room in the Attic and The Secret of Villa Alba. Louise is such a trusted author, I don’t even need to read the blurb to know that I want to read the book.

The Sea House is the third book in the Toussaints Detective Agency series (the previous ones being The Lost Notebook and The Summer of Lies). I haven’t yet read either of these but it didn’t matter at all. In fact I wasn’t aware that there were previous books until I had finished this one so it works perfectly well as a standalone.

Mainly set in Brittany, the main characters are Ceci and Mila. Ceci is Mila’s stepmother and together with a colleague Carter, they both run an agency specialising in looking for missing people. Following the death of a client, they are tasked with quite a challenge with fulfilling her last wishes. They are given a parcel with strict instructions that it is only to be given in person to a certain Astrid Oake. The client, Elizabeth Quemener, lived an unassuming life in a heavily protected house. She had clearly been afraid, but of what or who? The intriguing prologue didn’t give much away.

Tracking down Astrid is no easy task, no-one knows who or where she is and Mila struggles to know where to begin. There is also a separate strand of a family tragedy which is causing heartache and leaving Mila conflicted in her loyalties.

I’m never disappointed in a book by Louise Douglas and I was completely engrossed in this. Mila was a great character; compassionate and caring, she was treading unchartered waters and emotions with difficult family dynamics. She had her own complicated love affair to deal with as well as a challenging relationship with her mother Lydia after her husband left to be with Ceci.

The hunt for Astrid brings Mila to the UK but someone doesn’t want her to succeed. The receipt of threatening messages are just the prelude to events that ultimately lead to a suspenseful and tension filled conclusion that kept me on tenterhooks wondering how it would end. There were times when I thought Mila was crazy to take the actions she did but then it would have been a much shorter book!

This is a great read, cleverly plotted and definitely one to recommend. There is a fantastic sense of place with vivid imagery of both the seaside town of Morranez and the wintry desolation of Yorkshire. The twists and turns of the investigation, together with the ongoing mystery of another strand with its emotional turmoil make for a dramatic and intriguing read.

The Sea House is another gripping, twisty and thoroughly enjoyable book in the fantastic series featuring the Toussaints Detective Agency. It’s going to be a hard book to review as I really don’t want to give anything away.

I was immediately drawn into the book with the dramatic opening and soon found it very difficult to put the book down. This book starts pretty soon after the end of the last book and follows Mila who has taken over the detective agency after her step sister Louise was possibly lost at sea. She is quickly thrown into a mystery involving the delivery of a mysterious parcel to someone called Astrid who seems to have disappeared.

I really enjoyed following Mila as she tries to solve the mystery surrounding Astrid and Elizabeth’s past. As the investigation continues it becomes obvious that there is more to Astrid’s disappearance than anyone expected and that Elizabeth was obviously very scared of something before her death. There were multiple mysteries unravelling alongside each other which made the book very absorbing and I loved seeing them all come together in a very clever, intriguing way. This book took me on a real journey alongside the characters as there were some very tense moments that made me fear for the character’s safety and others that made me cry but it all comes together to make an absolutely fabulous read.

The ending was brilliant and I’m now very excited to read more in the series. This is actually the fourth book in the series and while it might be better to read the books in order I think it could be read as a standalone as anything that you need to know is explained.

Huge thanks to Rachel from Rachel’s random resources for inviting me onto the blog tour and to Boldwood for my copy of this book.

This was a great mix of mystery and thriller with themes of family and friendship, loss, and grief. I really enjoyed reading about Mila, her family, and the mysterious quest to track down a missing beneficiary. Set in France and Yorkshire, it's a compelling read with the tension ramping up as the story progresses. There are some good twists (and intriguing details, but you also have to suspend disbelief with some of the less likely scenarios. Overall, I real page turner, especially in the second half of the book, and some good character development. I would definitely be keen to read the next book.

There’s another job for the Touissants Detective Agency, and this time Mila Shepherd is searching for a missing woman called Astrid. A local woman has died and left a parcel for Astrid, but no one knows where she is. She has to fulfill Elizabeth ‘s dying wish. All Mila has to go on is a photo of two young girls holding hands. She believes that Astrid is on the photo with Elizabeth.
She does her usual searches, and has the help of her friend Carter who lives close to their beautiful seaside setting. There is some more news for herself, her niece Ani, and her step mother. Ceci. This revolves around her sister’s husband. Mila’s sister Sophie drowned while out on a boat with her husband Charlie in a bad storm. He has been missing since.
It’s an entertaining story with Mila doing her detective work, but it does turn a little dark and I was more intrigued! Poor Mila is still trying to figure out how to keep her long distance relationship working too. A very interesting story with lots of surprises along the way!!!
Many thanks to Boldwood Books for the opportunity to read this arc copy via Netgalley. My opinion is my own.
#Netgalley, #TheBoldBookVlub, #LouiseDouglas3.

The Sea House is the third in Douglas's Toussaints Detective Agency series, of which I'm yet to read book two.

Atmospheric with air of mystery from beginning to end, the story set in a small town in Brittany is both compelling and addictive.

Characters throughout are believable and as with all good series has a cast of recurring characters.

An enjoyable, twisty read. Here's to book four!

I have adored Louise's books since I read her first one. She has honed her talent and continues to grow and succeed with each new novel.
I can remember my first book of hers and i dont know whether it was part of the causation or just casual correlation that meant it was a time,the time that books really grabbed me in to their world. But i loved my first Louise Douglas. I can remember exactly what i was going through at the time and so perhaps how it ended up meaning and comforting me so much more. But anyway, she has and continues to be a mainstay in my go-to author favourites.
I was already too sad and with circling trepidation towards the start of this story. Louise writes well enough, that I cared enough already. And I wondered how Mila was going to navigate the next steps. And how her little formed yet broken family would recover. I almost didn't want to go on to hear how she would or even might not share the early devastating news to her neice. That is how good Louise's writing is.
The books grabs you from the first chapter and keeps you hooked all the way through and you end up wanting answers as much as MIla!
Brillaint.

My first Louise Douglas novel and 100% not my last! I was hooked on her writing right from the start.

If a sub-type of romance can be called slow burn, I would call this a slow-thrill type of mystery. We get beautiful little nuggets of clues dotted throughout the entire story that keep you really pulled in page after page ,while we follow our main character Mila on her journey through two different mysteries. She's got one in her personal life, and one through the Toussaints Detective Agency that she works for. I need to read the first two in this collection ASAP!

I really liked that the story kept me guessing through the different twists and turns, which is exactly what I was hoping for. I guessed at maybe one or two things, but the rest remained an actual surprised which was perfection on thee author's part. Sometimes when you read a mystery book from the perspective of the detective, there is an element of shock value that is missing when it comes to piecing together the clues, and I did not find that to be the case here. I was kept on my toes the whole time.

This was a great psychological thriller set in France. I loved the characters and their stories and there were plenty of twists and turns to keep me turning the pages. It was emotional at times but the storytelling was fluid and I thoroughly enjoyed it. The Prologue captured my attention and the story kept my attention right to the end.

This book is the third in the series featuring the Toussaints Detective Agency and although I haven't read the others (I am going back to read them), it didn't matter. In this book the agency is looking to locate Astrid Oake to deliver a mysterious package. The story is definitely gripping and I look forward reading the next in the series.

The Sea House by Louise Douglas is a captivating psychological thriller, set in the fictional town of Morranez in Brittany.
The Sea House is the third book in the Toussaints Detective Agency series. I have read the first book (The Lost Notebook), which introduces Mila Shepherd, the main protagonis, and tells the story of how she ended up in Morranez.
Themes of love and loss, bereavement and coping with grief, continue running through the book. These topics are dealt with sympathetically and sensitively.

The Sea House is a gripping story, full of twists and turns, emotionally-charged and deeply sad at times.

When I see Louise Douglas's name on the book cover, I know it will be a tense psychological read, moving and immersive, and incredibly evocative.

This is a series I really love – the characters, the settings, the relationships, the mysteries at the centre of each book, the running background story, the tension, the many shocks and surprises, just wonderful. The tense prologue to this latest book immediately hooked me in – a mother and child fleeing from a sinister and unknown threat – before the story kicked in with Mila in an off-season Morranez, taking on a new and intriguing case for the Toussaints Detective Agency. Elisabeth Quemener has left a bequest, a small package to be opened only by its intended recipient, Astrid Oake – and, with scant information, they need to track her down. And, while looking for leads, it appears that Elisabeth had secrets of her own – a life lived in fear, an unusual degree of security in her home, and a number of unanswered questions.

As always, the whole investigation is totally engrossing – taking Mila back to the UK, building steadily in tension and suspense before a stunning climax with a particularly unexpected (and ingenious) outcome, edge-of-the-seat writing at its very best. But alongside, we have the unfolding story of her own life – the investigation into the death of her sister and her husband taking a wholly unexpected turn, as she continues to care for their teenage daughter Ani. Their relationship is just so beautifully drawn – Mila has put her own life on hold, driven by her love for her niece and need to be there for her, always questioning whether what she’s doing is right or enough. Ani herself is living the life of a typical teenager, particularly challenging at times – but needing Mila’s fierce protection as uncomfortable truths begin to emerge about her family. And, through it all, Mila is still trying to sustain a relationship with fiancé Luke at home in Bristol – and to keep an eye on her mother, bitter after the end of her marriage, and often struggling.

The different threads of the story are so perfectly entwined – the mounting suspense of the investigation as it steadily unfolds, the emotional impact of some of the discoveries, set against the minutiae of everyday lives – with that wonderfully drawn wintery Breton backdrop, but also moving into more unfamiliar and chilling territory. The storytelling is just superb – left field twists and turns, developments that were disturbing and distinctly uncomfortable at times, but with moments of laughter and lightness too and the perfect emotional touch, everything so perfectly balanced.

Don’t be put off if you haven’t read any of the earlier books – there’s enough background to allow you to hit the ground running, and I do hope you’ll want to read more of this wonderful series. While the mystery of the bequest reaches a wholly satisfying end, I especially liked the fact that a few of the ongoing issues were left open – and I can’t wait to see those storylines developed further. A superb and entirely compelling read, and one I really couldn’t recommend more highly.

The Sea House is the third in a series set in Brittany in the seaside town of Morranez, featuring the Toussaints detective agency. I haven’t read the first two but it didn’t stop me enjoying this book immensely. I now want to go back and read the others to find out more about Mila and Carter, two of the main characters.

The scene was set for a compelling read right from the prologue where a mother is packing quickly to take her child away from danger. We don’t know who these two are although have a good idea as to the danger they are in. Fast forward several years and Mila is trying to track down the recipient of a very unusual bequest. A package must be delivered in person to Astrid Oake and if that is not possible then the package must never be opened.

There are three mysteries in this book really but I don’t want to risk any spoilers by mentioning much detail. Obviously there is the fascinating hunt for Astrid but in the course of that investigation, Mila uncovers more secrets related to Elizabeth, who left the package and curious instructions. There is also a lot going on in Mila’s personal life where it seems that someone very close to her was also keeping a very big secret which comes to light in a tragic way.

I was so gripped by the story that I just flew through the pages. The Sea House is a brilliantly crafted story of family secrets full of suspense. The blurb says it is ‘perfect for fans of Kate Morton, Eve Chase and Lucinda Riley’ and I would absolutely agree. It combines elements of family drama with the tension of a thriller and with an emotional touch that will keep your interest from the beginning to the end. And talking of the end (no of course I won’t give it away!) not every mystery us resolved so I’ll be eagerly awaiting the next in the series!

This book is the third in a series, and I do feel it helps to read them in order. This is a very enjoyable tale about secrets and the search for a woman who hasn’t been seen in a very long time. I loved the main character and her love for Ani!

A page turning thriller/detective mystery that kept me reading. Had I read the previous 2 books in the series, I would have had a better I understanding of the characters in the book but it can be read as a standalone book.

A wonderfully immersive read from Louise Douglas!

When Elisabeth Quemener dies, she leaves a bequest to be handed only to the beneficiary Astrid Oake; the issue is that no-one knows who Astrid Oake is. When Elisabeth's family turn to the Toussaints Detective Agency for help, it's a case that really burrows it's way under Mila's skin and she is absolutely determined to do everything she can to find the missing woman. But at what cost?

I realised very quickly that I had previously read another in this series, and was very happy to catch up. This time around, Mila is finding it hard to spread herself between her niece in France and her fiance in the UK. She feels as if nothing she does is ever enough and finds relief by burying herself in her work. It's not an easy case, and revelations kept me glued all the way to the end. A fabulous read, and one I'm very happy to recommend. 5*.

My thanks to the publisher for my copy via NetGalley; this is - as always - my honest, original and unbiased review.

Thank you NetGalley and Boldwood Books for this eCopy to review

I just finished reading The Sea House by Louise Douglas, and it was an absolutely spellbinding experience! From the very beginning, I was drawn into the mysterious and atmospheric world that Douglas so masterfully creates.

The story follows Mila Shepherd, a detective at the Toussaints Detective Agency, as she tries to unravel the secrets behind a mysterious bequest left by Elisabeth Quemener. The intrigue starts with a small parcel meant for someone named Astrid Oake, a person no one seems to know. The only clue is an old photograph of two women and a child, which sets Mila on a path filled with twists and turns.

I was completely captivated by Mila’s determination and the way she navigated through the dark and eerie settings. The tension and suspense were palpable, making it hard to put the book down. The characters were richly developed, and I felt deeply connected to their stories and struggles. The way Douglas weaves together the past and present, revealing secrets bit by bit, was brilliantly done.

The Sea House itself, with its haunting presence, added an extra layer of mystery and emotion to the story. The themes of love, loss, and the impact of the past on the present were explored with great depth and sensitivity. I found myself experiencing a range of emotions, from fear and sadness to hope and joy.

Overall, The Sea House is a beautifully written, atmospheric mystery that kept me guessing until the very end.

I did not realise until I finished this story that it’s the third in the Toussaints Detective Agency series. There’s a family mystery arc across all three books so far, & it’s ongoing. The disappearance of Sophie and Charlie has brought Mila to France to care for their daughter Ani, Mila’s niece. The Agency’s particular mystery for this book is to find Astrid Oake, and her connection to their recently deceased villager, Elisabeth. Her bequest takes Mila to England. There’s a lot of unravelling to be done. The story is suspenseful and complex. It’s confusing and disturbing in places. The ending was interesting, on both counts! A fourth book is on its way.

This was another entertaining read in this series. I had read the previous book but all matters are dealt with in such a way that this book could be read as a stand-alone. Mila is still in Brittany, looking after her niece, Ani, and sometimes struggling to care for a teenager in the best way. She works for a type of detective agency and is looking for a person to pass on a bequest. This led to a number of mysteries to solve, that involves time in England as well as in France. There is also the domestic scene involving Mila and her family, as well as her fiancé, Luke. Although, the main mystery is solved, there are others that are ongoing. The main characters are all very likeable and it was interesting to read about a different culture as well. I received a copy and have voluntarily reviewed it. All thoughts and opinions are my own.

I really enjoyed The Lost Notebook and The Summer of Lies and didn’t think the stories could get any better … but oh my! The Sea House is the BEST yet. Maybe it’s because I’m so totally invested in the characters giving the story an added depth but maybe, it’s because of Mila’s investigations and her experiences solo cut to the bone. Or even a blend of them both 🙂

I just want to add here that you don’t need to have read the first two stories, each is a stand-alone. However, if you want to enrich your reading experience, definitely go back and read them if you can.

It was lovely to experience Morranez in a different season with different rituals and a slower pace of life. I thought it was the perfect offset to Mila’s experiences in the UK! Despite the isolation of Mila and Ani’s home in Morannez, the investigation leads Mila into a setting that’s not only isolated but full of darkness and depravity. The total opposite of Mila’s home which is often full of laughing teenagers and always love!

I said before that Mila was a fab role model for Ani and the questions that arise as Ani is growing into a young woman and Mila’s response prove that she is. Another event that comes to light causes a dilemma for Mila and Ceci too. I agreed 100% with Mila’s reasoning. And although Mila feels uncomfortable, she sees it through.

The intrigue of the case started for me in the prologue. Trying to find Astrid Oake leads Mila and Carter to dead ends but Mila doesn’t give up. There are scenes that made me feel very uncomfortable and tense. I thought Mila was crazy going solo knowing what we did about the excessive security. And how it made me feel, well, it made me afraid and scared, I needed a resolution as soon as possible! How it all weaves together is brilliantly creative.

We have some answers in this story BUT as before, it leads to more questions (I thought the same as Mila). I wanted more from the last scene. Louise Douglas, how could you leave the story in that situation? 🙂 Can’t wait to see what happens next.

Louise Douglas gets right inside the mind of her characters. Whether it’s abuse of power or the effects of experiencing that, each story’s injustice is dealt with sensitively and with reality. She writes about loss with feeling and depth.

The Sea House is an intriguing mystery that will have you experiencing all the emotions.

An easy 5 stars from me.

I didn't realize this was book 3 in the series. I read book 1 The Lost Notebook and loved it and this book was no different. It reads as a standalone for the most part and I didn't feel like I missed anything by not reading book 2 first, although I probably will go back and read it now. The beautiful setting of the book adds to the moody and mysterious vibe. The story is so full of twists and turns and I was thinking about the book even when I couldn't be reading. I love the characters Mila and Carter and I look forward to reading the next book in the series.
I voluntarily read and reviewed an advance copy of this book. All thoughts and opinions are my own.

I absolutely love this series; set mostly in France and sometimes in the UK, and featuring a range of excellent characters, the books feature a common background thread as well as a new plotline in each one.
Louise Douglas is an excellent writer and I hope this series continues... I was pleased to see that she left the door open at the end so I look forward to reading book 4!
With grateful thanks to NetGalley and Louise Douglas for my advance ebook in exchange for an honest review.