The Couples Secret is book 23 in the Josie Quinn series.. I have read them all so far and it’s a brilliant series. Tobias and Cora disappeared after going out to dinner. Seven years later they are found in a submerged car and it’s up to Josie and her crew to solve the mystery. Loved this story, it was extremely engaging and twisty and kept me guessing. That ending left me wanting more! Bring out the next book soon! Highly recommend, totally deserves 5 stars.

As water levels in a river near Denton, PA drop as the drought worsened, a submerged car appears. Inside the car are the bodies of Cora Stevens and Tobias Lachlan who were reported missing seven years before. They had been engaged to marry, intending to blend their two families together, but instead left their families wondering what became of them. Now Josie must try to pick up old leads to investigate those close to the couple to uncover their secrets and the reason for their murder.

Detective Josie Quinn is shocked when the medical examiner reports that the couple were murdered and that she must now solve a cold case murder. She must dig deep to solve this case so it’s just as well she is relentless and doesn’t give up easily.

It was good to see Josie paired up with Rachel in tackling a different type of case. They make a good team together. Josie is also suffering problems at home with her detective husband, Noah still suffering PTSD from their previous case and refusing to talk to a counsellor. She is also trying to bond with Wren, the teenage girl who Noah and Josie have guardianship of. And on top of that she and Noah are supposed to be organising a ceremony to renew their vows since they never had much of a wedding celebration.

Although not my favourite of this series so far, this is a good solid mystery. There were quite a few suspects to investigate, but I was still surprised by the revelation of the killer’s identity and their motive. Catching up with the ongoing events in the characters’ personal lives is very much part of the enjoyment of this series and keeps me coming back for more.

Lisa Regan does such a good job of writing and keeps me wondering at every turn! I had no idea who the murderer was until almost the very end of the book when Josie Quinn started putting it together herself. Seven years ago an engaged couple disappeared and no one had any idea what happened to them. Fast forward to a time of less moisture and their car is discovered in a lake. Their children and his business partner have moved forward, always wondering what happened to them. Josie Quinn is on the scene when the car is lifted from the lake and part of the team processing items in the car before the mud bakes on, making them useless for an investigation. In the meantime, Josie and Noah have a new person in their home. Wren is a teenager whose father was a friend of Josie. He died and now Wren has been dropped on their doorstep, so to speak. They are trying to maneuver being new parents while continuing to work at their jobs. Josie and Gretchen pursue all possible leads and talk to many people but come up empty. Suddenly things start to fall into place, and it isn’t a likely suspect. In her usual interrogation method Josie is able to get a confession. This book is part of a series and I always have a hard time waiting for the next episode in Josie’s life. I received a copy of this book and I am leaving this review voluntarily.

This was my first encounter with Detective Josie Quinn. How I've missed the previous 22 books is another mystery, in fact a crime itself!

I feel it would have helped to have read the previous books, Quinn's personal life was like many crime series takes an important part in these books however it didn't take away how much I enjoyed it and will now be seeking out the previous- think I'm going to be busy!

Back to book 23. Seven years ago Tobias and Cora vanished. An apparent happy couple who had just enjoyed a lovely meal together get into their car and are found 7 years later and 3 hours away from home at the bottom of a river. It quickly becomes apparent they were murdered and Quinn is desperate to solve this case. The media scrutiny doesn't help and with Cora's violent ex husband and other family friends all with motives, proving who did it and why will be difficult. With both Tobias and Cora not as perfect as they appear, another close family member dying again with suspicious circumstances, Quinn will have her work cut out. Obviously she will get the baddie (or baddies???) in the end. Read and enjoy.

A couple disappears without leaving a trace—until suddenly, seven years later, their bodies are discovered. This case lands on the desk of Josie Quinn and her team.

With full dedication, she dives—both literally and figuratively—into the investigation. She’s determined to unravel this mystery too and give the grieving family and friends the answers they need to find closure and try to move on.

Knowing Josie, she leaves nothing to chance, and giving up is simply not in her vocabulary. She knows that a breakthrough will come if she just keeps digging.

When she finally figures out how everything fits together, I was shocked. This was truly an ending I never saw coming. It’s proof that the author has once again portrayed Josie and her team brilliantly.

But beyond Josie the detective, there’s also Josie the wife and the guardian. In her personal life too, there are still some issues that need to be resolved—and although it’s not all fixed overnight, there’s definitely progress.

The story is built up beautifully, becoming more complex and tense as it unfolds. The emotions are portrayed masterfully—you feel them deep within yourself.

The author paints a striking picture of how you think you know people, until you see what happens behind closed doors—and then realize you didn’t know them at all.

I’m more than ready for book 24 ;) I simply have to give this story 5 stars.

Thank you.

In The Couple’s Secret, Lisa Regan once again proves why she’s a master of the modern crime thriller. This 23rd instalment in the Detective Josie Quinn series is both gripping and deeply human, weaving a tale of love, loss, and the devastating consequences of secrets kept too long.

When the bodies of Tobias Lachlan and Cora Stevens are discovered in a submerged car seven years after their disappearance, Josie Quinn is pulled into a case that’s as emotionally charged as it is baffling. What begins as a tragic cold case quickly spirals into something far more sinister, as Josie uncovers layers of deception that fracture the image of a seemingly perfect couple.

Regan’s writing is taut and evocative, balancing the procedural precision of a seasoned detective with the raw emotional undercurrents of a family torn apart. The discovery of a mysterious key, the silence of grown children, and the sudden appearance of another body all build toward a climax that is both shocking and heartbreakingly inevitable.

What sets this novel apart is its emotional depth. Josie’s empathy and determination shine through, making her not just a detective, but a deeply relatable protagonist. The pacing is brisk, the twists are smart, and the tension never lets up.

The Couple’s Secret is a standout in an already stellar series—perfect for anyone who loves a mystery that lingers long after the final page.

With thanks to Lisa Regan, NetGalley and the Publisher for the ARC of this book in return for my honest review.

Tobias and Cora disappeared after going out to dinner. Seven years later they are found in a submerged car and it’s up to Josie and her crew to solve the mystery. Also they have just become guardians to Wren who seems to hate them. I enjoyed catching up with Josie and all of the other characters. Something happened towards the end of the book that has me anxious to read more. I highly recommend this series and this book.

Josie is tasked with figuring out what happened to the couple found in a submerged vehicle who have not only been missing for years but are from a distant town. As she interviews the children the couple left behind, she becomes more convinced that there are secrets and lies to be uncovered. It has so many twists and turns that just when you think you've figured it out, something else comes into play. Adding to the difficulty of this cold case, Josie and Noah are trying to find a way to connect with Wren, the teenager they took guardianship of when she lost her parents. This is a roller coaster of a read with all the hope for a relationship with Wren as well as the tragedies that unfold as clues are found. I did not even come close to figuring it out and that's my definition of a perfect mystery book.

When a seemingly perfect couple, Tobias and Cora, vanish after a dinner and their bodies are found years later,
Josie Quinn reopens a long-cold case filled with emotional complexity and buried secrets. A tiny antique key found in Cora’s purse becomes the chilling keystone to what unfolds — exposing hidden truths, distraught families, and a killer desperate to stay silent
Another great read by Lisa Reagan. The Josie Quinn series is one that you won’t be disappointed in.

Thank you to NetGalley and the publisher for an advanced copy for an honest review.

This latest Josie Quinn thriller was amazing. Josie and her team take on a case of bodies found submerged in a river, who turn out to have disappeared years ago from a town hours away. But they didn't drown - they were murdered before disappearing into the water. Who would want this couple dead, and why were they found so far from their home? The more she investigates, the more questions Josie has. And the more she realizes that even families that appear perfect can have plenty to hide.

The story was so enthralling, and the mysteries so layered, with many family members entangled in the secrets of the couple's past. They are the type of people who project one image to society, leaving their true selves exposed only to those closest to them. Josie and her team really have to dig into this family and get them to push past their loyalties to reveal their darkest secrets. It's the only way they will get justice for the victims. They may not be totally innocent, but they still deserve justice, and Josie always fights for that. It's why her character has such a high level of integrity. And once those involved start to spill, you won't believe how depraved some people can be!

I loved this book and recommend it to everyone. This is an awesome series that never disappoints.

The Couple’s Secret is another great book by Lisa Regan. This is book 23 in the Josie Quinn series and it just keeps getting better. You can read this as a standalone but I suggest going back and start with the first book, either way this is an amazing series. I highly recommend it, you won’t be disappointed. Thanks to Netgalley and Bookouture for this arc.

The Couple's Secret by Lisa Regan is full of mysteries, deep family secrets, and deceit. The Couple's Secret is part of Detective Josie Quinn book series. If you don't know Josie, you should. She is a strong female character that runs towards danger to protect the innocent. The Couple's Secret plot surrounds one thrown together family and the secrets that they all keep. The book takes you on twists and turns until the truth is finally uncovered but also leaves you feeling a little unsatisfied because you don't get all the answers about crimes that were committed 20 plus years ago. This book also shares a new side of Josie Quinn because she became a legal guardian along with her partner and co worker Noah. Josie knows how to be a detective but trying to "parent" a teenager has her stumped. I love this book series for a variety of reasons but if you are a fan of mystery/thrillers, you will enjoy this series. I also think these books can be read as a stand alone as well. Publication date is September 1st, 2025.


Thank you Lisa Regan, Bookouture, and NetGalley for the Opportunity to read and review this book.

The Couple’s Secret is another masterpiece by Lisa Regan.
You have a little romance, a lot of suspense and of course non-stop action.

Josie Quinn is probably one of my favorite series of all time.
This book has you believing one thing then at the end you find out what really is going on. Such a good read!
I stumbled upon Lisa Regan while looking for something to read and I was so excited to have found her.
Her writing is amazing and she doesn’t disappoint.

If you’ve never read Lisa Regan you are truly missing out.

Lisa Regan retains the streak of 5 Star Ratings in the 23rd Josie Quinn installment!

The Couple’s Secret delivers everything I have come to expect from this series.

Great mystery as Josie and team try to find answers to a cold case after the bodies of a couple, Tobias and Cora who vanished 7yrs ago are discovered in a submerged car in a river near Denton. There were no clues found in the initial investigation. The detective on the case now retired, only one key suspect was pursued over the 7 years. As the case progresses, there are questions relating to other women involved with Tobias and known to the prime suspect, could they all be linked in some way? Then, after the funeral, the daughter of Cora goes missing and is found dead at the spot where the car was found. What caused her death and was it by her own hands and a bottle of vodka or was she murdered, and if so, why? This investigation will have you hooked!

Add in our main characters and all that is going on in their lives. Josie and Noah are adapting to life post the aftermath of their last case, the fears the nightmares as well as new home dynamics as they welcome newcomers into their life (do not want to say too much or it could spoil things for those who are not up to this book yet). On the work front, Turner, closed off to the team when it comes to anything personal about himself of his life outside of work, he manages to provide some insightful contribution towards the case and Josie and Noah’s home life. We also find out a little more about him.

Above all, there is a beautiful, joyful ending that will have a smile on your face.

Tobias and Cora go out to dinner only to never be seen again. Now, seven years later the bodies are found in a submerged car. Their children were left behind and were devastated by the loss and had been looking for answers. Detective Josie Quinn gets called to the scene and sets out to determine what happened as somebody must know something.

Josie is also struggling as she is a guardian to Wren who she swears hates her. She has known loss in her life as is trying to connect with Wren and help her. Noah is still struggling with PTSD and they have planned a vow renewal so she is juggling many things at once. Josie is one of my favorite characters as she has gone through so much tragedy and keeps on pushing forward.

She digs into Tobias past and realizes he wasn't the saint everyone made him out to be. I loved all the side characters, family drama and how she slowly reveals the truth of what happened years ago. This would work as a stand alone but you appreciate more if you read the series.

Absolutely loved this book! Lisa Regan is a master storyteller! Mystery, intrigue, suspense all rolled into the story making it hard to put down! You won’t be disappointed!

I absolutely loved this story! This one focuses on a couple who had been been missing for 7 years before they were found murdered 3 hours from where they were last seen. This story had a lot less characters/suspects to keep track of than the last book, therefore making it easier to follow, (for me, anyway) and because of that, it made it a lot more interesting as far as trying to figure out who the guilty party was. And as always, getting more from the personal lives of Josie and all the reoccurring characters was the perfect balance to the investigation. I like that the author includes little reminders of who everyone is and how they came to be a part of the ongoing storyline, because without those, after 23 books in the series, I would struggle to keep track until they appear in more books. I really enjoy the interactions the detectives have with the newest member. There were several of them that made me laugh out loud. I can only hope we learn more about him in the next book since the ending left off with an oh shit moment about him.

Lisa Regan never misses - she pushes her characters more and more with each book - and it's absolutely fabulous to read. Josie and Noah are struggling with a new addition to their family, in addition to currently being on separate shifts. This book, Josie is paired with Gretchen, and it's fantastic to read their interactions and work on this case together. They are called do an old boat dock by the river where a car has been submerged for years - upon retrieving it, they find two bodies inside... and the case begins. After the couple is identified, the case takes many twists (in true Lisa Regan fashion) until it starts to unravel. Lisa Regan's Josie Quinn Series is one that cannot be missed - it's one of the absolutel best! Thank you to NetGalley and Bookouture for an advance reader copy of this book; the opinions expressed are my own.

This is #23 in the Detective Josie Quinn series but can easily be read as a standalone.

There’s enough of Josie’s personal life to be interesting without taking away from the main story. Josie and Noah have just become temporary guardians to Wren, a teenager, and are trying to navigate their way around this new situation.

When the water level of a lake lowers, the remains of a car are revealed. Inside are two skeletons who turn out to be an engaged couple – Cora and Tobias – who went missing seven years ago, leaving their blended family of three teenagers behind. It appears that they were shot, so Josie has to investigate a cold case murder, and it’s not easy.

Thank you to NetGalley and Bookouture for an advance reader copy in return for an honest review.

As always, Lisa Regan DELIVERS! Not only a plot that has you chasing your own tail, own thoughts, and then second guessing them bit then delivers the biggest bomb of a conclusion... boom!

I must be honest, because that’s what we’re here for! This is the first one of the whole series that actually took me a little while to fully immerse myself in. It didn’t feel like the previous installments. It wasn’t as full on, BUT once I was sucked in, I was completely in!

A car has been found, submerged in a river in Denton. A river that is usually flowing high, but due to the first drought they’ve had in years, has now been discovered. Josie, being Josie, takes it upon herself to dive in and recovers the number plate, which leads back to a missing persons case from seven years previously. When the car is recovered, remains are found, both with bullet holes in the skulls.

Among the debris in the car, Cora’s purse is also recovered. Inside is a tiny skeleton key. But what did it fit and why did Cora carry it with her?

Seven years ago, engaged couple Cora and Tobias disappeared after a night out, leaving three teenagers, Cora’s daughter Riley and Tobias’s sons Jackson and Zane, without their parents. The children have lived the past few years in limbo, hoping with a small thread that one day they’ll return, and now that hope has been crushed.

Can Josie, Noah, Gretchen, and Turner get the results they need to get justice for this couple, or has too much time passed?

On a more personal level, Noah is still struggling with PTSD (book 22), and Josie is desperate for him to get help. With them now guardians to Wren, they have a lot to live up to.

I’m really hoping that we’ll soon find out more about Turner, he wasn’t a huge part of this story, apart from the sprinklings of ‘douchebag’ 🤣 but an added surprise at the end makes me think we’ll finally start learning some more. Lisa is a master at character development, as we’ve seen with Josie from the very beginning,  I just need a little patience.

This was a real rollercoaster read with plenty of red herrings, twists, suspense, and a lot of emotion thrown in. And for once, I didn’t have the slightest clue how it would end!

Huge thanks to Netgalley and Bookouture the ARC.