Thank you NetGalley and Boldwood Books for access to the ARC in exchange for an honest review.

Wow! What a read and such an improvement in Louise Douglas’s writing since the earlier novel of hers that I had read, which was good, but not even close to the caliber of this book.

This was the third in the Toussaints Detective Agency series, I had not read the first two and this did not matter, however, I will now be looking to read both of these and the next book in the series to follow.

Mila is now working for the Toussaints Detective Agency. They receive a bequest from Elizabeth Quemener, that on her death to place a parcel into the hands of Astrid Oake, or if unable to locate her, bury it unopened in her own grave. Here starts the mystery of who is Astrid Oake and makes you wonder, where on earth could she be?

Whilst the investigation is ongoing, other mysteries are afoot as her sister’s partner is found deceased and it would appear not by natural causes. Mila is trying to look after her niece, Ani, after her sister and her partner’s demise, and coming to terms with a new lifestyle in France, albeit her fiancé is back in the UK and wanting her to return.

The story explores the lives of the family and friends, the detective work investigation with the unravelling of many different threads, then a sinister turn as Mila and Ani’s safety are suddenly under threat.

This story just kept giving, and there was so much to absorb and keep you interested that the pages just kept turning until everything comes to a head, no spoilers given but wow, you will be gripped! Very clever writing for you to live in the story, rather than to just read the words.

If you want all the ends tied up then this isn’t for you, most are, but we are left with baited breath for the next in the series. I would thoroughly recommend this book and a 4 star read from me.

Very much looking forward to the next one. Thank you Louise Douglas!

Mila is still in Brittany looking after her niece Ani, putting her life with her fiancé, Luke and her job in England on hold, following the events ar sea that claimed the life of her step-sister Sophie, and possibly also Charlie. She has also taken over Sophie’s role in the Touissants detective agency.

Touissants is tasked by the lawyer representing the estate of Elisabeth Quemener who has left instructions in her will for a small parcel with the instructions that it must only be opened by Astrid Oake. The only problem is that nobody knows who she is. There is just one clue, a picture of the two women, when younger, with Elisabeth’s daughter as a young child..

Following a search of Elisabeth’s house, all Mila finds is proof of how scared she was.. the more Mila tries to look into finding Astrid, the less she finds.
A very well written book and as good as, if not better than the first two books in the series. I could hardly put it down, there is so much going on.

The Toussaint detective agency receive a strange request, a lady has died and left instructions for a mysterious package to be delivered to an Astrid Oakes. The search takes Mila around the UK and delving into the deep dark past of both women and their families. We also discover more around the puzzling deaths of her Stepsister Sophie and her husband Charlie.
I didn't realise this was the 3rd book in a series but it didn't alter my enjoyment of the book. I had read the first installment The Lost Notebook so I already knew the characters.
Louise Douglas is a go to author for me, her characters and their lives are relatable. I love the French village and descriptions of the relaxed lifestyle.

I have read all of Louise Douglas work. She is the master of simple yet engaging stories. I loved the setting of this novel and the characters were really engaging. I love the air of mystery that seems to be a common theme. Very well written and I look forward to her next story.

Thank you to the author, publishers Boldwood Books, and NetGalley for the eARC of this excellent book.

This is the third book in the Mila Shepherd series. Mila has left London and is currently living in a small village in Brittany. Her halfsister and her brother-in-law have recently died in a boating accident. Mila has taken over raising their daughter and has joined her stepmother's detective agency. The agency has been approached by a local lawyer to find Astrid Oakes. She's been left a small bequest but the lawyer's office has been unable to trace her. All that seems to exist of her is a photograph of her and the deceased in their teens. In the midst of that search new details are discovered about her half sister's accident.

This is an excellent, well crafted book. Eventhough I had not read the previous works in this series, I was able to follow along just fine. I will be definitely reading the early two books. 4 out of 5 stars.

Thank you to Net Galley and Boldwood Books for the chance to read and review this book. All opinions are my own.
When Elisabeth Quemener dies, she leaves a mysterious parcel. There is one stipulation-it can only be delivered to Astrid Oake. The problem is no one knows who Astrid is. Mila Shepherd of Touissants Detective Agency is hired to find her. This mystery has a lot of twists and turns, and the ending was a surprise to me. I recommend it to all mystery lovers!

Very, very good read! I couldn't put it down! Definitely kept me guessing until the big reveal. I can not wait for the next book.

This is a story within a story within a story. The Touisssants Agency is back with another investigation, Mila Shepherd, Carter Jackson and Mila’s stepmother Ceci are tracking down Astrid Oake on behalf of Elisabeth Quemener who has passed. At the same time, Mila and Ceci are dealing with a tragedy of their own. Ceci’s daughter and Mila’s stepsister Sophie died in a horrible storm and Sophie’s husband, Charlie is also missing. Mila has been looking after Ani, her niece, making sure her needs are met. The story of Elizabeth and subsequent story of Astrid intertwine with Mila in ways that have grave consequences.

I found the story to be so gripping. The back story of both Elisabeth and Astrid are sad yet you see hope and love in them. Louise Douglas does an amazing job of weaving the stories together and as you move from the past to the present from one storyline to the next, it all flows together so seamlessly. The twist at the end, I didn’t guess until right before it happened as I was so engrossed in finding out how the stories were going to end. Well written, the story builds suspense and makes you want to continue reading, the storylines are wonderful on their own but together add to the plot. I very much enjoyed this story and you will too!

Part of a series that can easily be read alone I think as I haven't read the previous ones. A woman dies and leaves a parcel and a name of the person that it has to be opened by. Her family find a private detective to find this person and lots of secrets and surprises are discovered. Very easy read

The Sea House is another instalment of the Touissants detective agency series. Following the death of Elisabeth Quemener , Mila Shepherd and Carter Jackson are hired to find Astrid Oake and deliver a parcel to her. The only clue being an old photo.
The book is set in some really beautiful locations such as Brittany and Paris, and the descriptions are so vivid that you feel like you’re there. The mystery unfolds slowly but the story is engaging, I am enjoying the series and look forward to reading more about Mila soon!

Mila is in Brittany looking after her step-sister when she is tasked with tracing Astrid Oake who has been left a parcel by Elisabeth Quemener. No-one knows who Astrid is and the search takes Mila to Paris and the UK. Long-buried secrets are eventually revealed. This is a beautifully written story with great descriptions of characters and place. The book club questions at the end of the book are a useful addition.
Thanks to NetGalley and the publisher for an arc in exchange for an honest review.

Beautifully written novel by Louise Douglas. A well crafted storyline, along with descriptions of the scenery that make you feel like you are there, equal a great read.

Wonderful book that had me engaged from the opeing sentence through to the ednd. Characters are beautifully written and descriptions of the locale transport you right into the novel.

Thank you to NetGalley and the publisher for this ARC in excahnge for an honest review.

When Elisabeth dies she leaves a small parcel with the instructions that it must only be opened by Astrid. The problem is no one has seen Astrid in years and it seems like she has disappeared completely. Elizabeth's family gets help from a detective agency and hire Mila and Carter to track Astrid down. What they find out is full of twists and surprises.

I was hooked from the beginning. I have not read any of Louise Douglas' books before but now I am going to start reading them from the beginning. This was a great book and hope to see more of Mila because I do feel like some questions were left unanswered. Overall, I think it was a great book and would recommend.

Louise Douglas’ new novel is a real page turner that kept me engaged throughout. The characters were interesting and there is clearly more to know about all of them as the series continues. The story flowed well throughout and was a perfect mix of the personal and working life of the main character. I am looking forward to the story continuing in the next book and would definitely recommend this one.

Mila has been tasked to find someone.. Her friend has died and has left a package to be delivered to an unknwn person.

This puzzling drama is such a good read. It is intriguing and with a twist or two kept me gripped. I really emjoy this authors books and this latest one is just divine.

It is superbly told and well written. It flows beautifully and with the descriptive prose and wonderful setting it is a book that helps you escape for a while.

Wonderfully written drama by Louise Douglas.
Fabulously and well crafted storyline along with descriptive scenery made for a great read.
Overall this is a must read.
Many thanks to netgalley and the publisher for my advanced copy.

The Sea House captures your attention from the first chapter and does not let go.

Mila is guardian to teenager Ani in France after the death of her mother and her father is missing.

If that is not challenging enough she is tasked to deliver a package as part of her friend's last will.

What happened to the the third person in the photograph and how will they ever track her down after all these years.

Twists and turns will take Mila down a path that will have you turning the pages quickly.

Louise Douglas writes beautifully with believable characters and descriptive scenery that makes you feel you are right there with Mila searching.

I hope we see Mila again soon .

Thanks to NetGalley and Boldwood Books for the privilege of reading and reviewing The Sea House.

Thank you NetGalley and Boldwood Books for the eARC.
Wow, Louise Douglas knocks it out of the park again, what a great book!
Mila is still looking after Ani in France and is also searching for the woman who's been left a parcel by her
recently deceased friend. It's going to be an almost deadly quest for Mila!
I love Mila and all the other usual characters, but I have to say that I feel sorry for Luke by the way Mila has been neglecting him after 13 years of being so close to each other. I'm surprised he hasn't left for greener pastures!
However, I loved this book so much and can't wait for the next chapter in Milas life...

Such a great book! This mystery in the mail has the main character struggling trying to piece together this puzzle. I liked the thrilling pace and the intrigue that the writing brought forth. It was well written and the characters were enjoyable to read about. thank you to NetGalley, author, and publisher for the arc in exchange for my honest review!!!