This is a beautifully written book. The story is told over a dual timeline. The characters are likeable and realistic. The story is very intriguing and I enjoyed it.

Due to a sudden, unexpected passing in the family a few years ago and another more recently and my subsequent (mental) health issues stemming from that, I was unable to download this book in time to review it before it was archived as I did not visit this site for several years after the bereavements. This meant I didn't read or venture onto netgalley for years as not only did it remind me of that person as they shared my passion for reading, but I also struggled to maintain interest in anything due to overwhelming depression. I was therefore unable to download this title in time and so I couldn't give a review as it wasn't successfully acquired before it was archived. The second issue that has happened with some of my other books is that I had them downloaded to one particular device and said device is now defunct, so I have no access to those books anymore, sadly.

This means I can't leave an accurate reflection of my feelings towards the book as I am unable to read it now and so I am leaving a message of explanation instead. I am now back to reading and reviewing full time as once considerable time had passed I have found that books have been helping me significantly in terms of my mindset and mental health - this was after having no interest in anything for quite a number of years after the passings. Anything requested and approved will be read and a review written and posted to Amazon (where I am a Hall of Famer & Top Reviewer), Goodreads (where I have several thousand friends and the same amount who follow my reviews) and Waterstones (or Barnes & Noble if the publisher is American based). Thank you for the opportunity and apologies for the inconvenience

The Second Woman is the third novel by Charlotte Philby and I would highly recommend reading all 3 and in order. As I said in a review of the author's previous novel I feel that her writing has moved women to the centre stage in a genre from which they were previously largely absent. Philby writes beautifully and here the novel moves between the present day and the 1980s and 90s. The apparent suicide of Anna in the present day seems to mirror that of Artemis in the 1990s and it's up to National Crime Agency Officer Madeleine Farrow to uncover the secrets and betrayals behind these deaths. As ever I love Philby's characterisation and storytelling ability. Recommended.
Many thanks to NetGalley and the publisher for the opportunity to read and review this digital ARC.

Unsettling at times but a great read!
Two women are found dead. Both had a secret. Both had a choice.
Artemis leaves the remote Greek island she grew up on to start a shiny new life in 1990s London with her British husband, a successful entrepreneur. Finally, she has escaped the ghosts of her past. Until she is found hanging from the stairs of her beautiful family home.

Two decades later, the apparent suicide of an heiress uncannily mirrors Artemis’ mysterious death. And when the ensuing investigation uncovers links to a criminal cartel, National Crime Agency officer Madeleine Farrow begins to pull apart the web of deceit surrounding the two women.

With hindsight, I think I would have been better off reading the first books in this series (Part of the Family and A Double Life) before this one, The Second Woman. I might then have been more clued up with the characters in this tricky tale. The story moves between the ’80s and the present day, following the characters of Artemis and Clive Witherall in Greece who move to London in the '90s. British born Clive is a successful entrepreneur but there are problems with the business and then a series of events result in Artemis hanging from the stairs in their home. In the present day, Anna is found hanging in her home in similar circumstances to Artemis. There is an inquest into Anna's death which leads to National Crime Agency officer Madeleine Farrow delving into a spiders web of deceit.

This story about family, betrayal and love is complex and sometimes bewildering but it's really well written and worth reading. It explores two women's choices how those decisions lead to their decease. There are some terrific twists and manipulation is not in short supply. A delightful, haunting tale.

I received a complimentary copy of this novel at my request from HarperCollins UK via NetGalley. This review is my own unbiased opinion.

Finally finally I understand A double life and The most difficult thing, so if you were thoroughly frustrated by the endings to those two never fear this one makes it all clear. After a lot of twists. An awful awful lot of twists and a pretty devastating last chapter. Why only three stars? There were just a couple of twists too far for me and I struggled to understand how some of the characters namely Artemis and David could be so bloody passive. A very clever trilogy that keeps you on your toes.

Great novel full with lots of suspense and a satisfying end. I have recommended it to everyone I know!

This has been a read filled with tension and suspense and I have been completely hooked. I have adored the way this has been written and fully engaged in this novel.

This was a very unusual book for me to read. It was not my typical genre. I definitely enjoyed it though. The characters were interesting and I was rushing through it to get to the end and discover the plot.

I have always enjoyed dual timeline novels, and this one was exactly up my alley! The storyline was fascinating, and both main characters were well drawn.

This book is an amazing thriller. The characters are diabolical and the plot is insane. I literally was on the edge of my seat waiting to see what happens. I highly recommend this book.

#TheSecondWoman #NetGalley
A must read.
Artemis leaves the remote Greek island she grew up on to start a shiny new life in 1990s London with her British husband, a successful entrepreneur. Finally, she has escaped the ghosts of her past. Until she is found hanging from the stairs of her beautiful family home.Two decades later, the apparent suicide of an heiress uncannily mirrors Artemis’ mysterious death. And when the ensuing investigation uncovers links to a criminal cartel
I loved its characters. Fascinating book.
Thanks to NetGalley and Harper Collins UK Harper Fiction for giving me an advanced copy.