The Secret of Villa Alba: Brand new from Number 1 bestseller Louise Douglas

In the book "The Secret by the Lake," Enzo and Irene Borgata are returning to their family home, Villa Alba, in Sicily after a terrible earthquake. When Enzo leaves his wife to get help, she disappears. Milo Conti, a TV showman, investigates the case and discovers a murky tale of mafia meetings, infidelity, mistaken identity, and unshakable love. April Cobain, a retired detective, helps Maddi prove her father's innocence, but the house begins to reveal its secrets.

Format: Paperback / softback
Publication date: 03 July 2023
Publisher: Boldwood Books Ltd

From the number one bestselling author Louise Douglas comes a tale of betrayal, love, jealousy, and the secrets buried in every family history. Set in 1968, Sicily, just months after a devastating earthquake destroyed the mountain town of Gibellina, Enzo and his wife Irene Borgata are making their way back to their family home, Villa Alba, on roads overlooked by the eerie backdrop of the flattened ghost town. When their car breaks down, Enzo leaves his young wife to go and get help, but when he returns, there is no trace of Irene. No body, no sign of a struggle, nothing.

Fast forward to 2003, and TV showman and true crime aficionado Milo Conti is Italy's darling, uncovering and solving historic crimes for his legion of fans. When he turns his attention to the story of the missing Irene Borgata, accusing her husband of her murder, Enzo's daughter Maddi asks her childhood friend, retired detective April Cobain, for help to prove her father's innocence. But the tale April discovers is murky: mafia meetings, infidelity, mistaken identity, grief, and unshakable love. As the world slowly closes in on the claustrophobic Villa Alba, and the house begins to reveal its secrets, will the Borgata family wish they'd never asked April to investigate? And what did happen to Enzo's missing wife Irene?

Bestselling author Louise Douglas returns with an irresistibly compelling, intriguing, and captivating tale of betrayal, love, jealousy, and the secrets buried in every family history. Praise for Louise Douglas: "I loved The Lost Notebook so much! From the opening lines, I was drawn into a gripping story, beautifully written and so cleverly orchestrated. I rooted for the main character, I held my breath at the denouement, and as for the climax of the book - just wow. Highly recommended." - Judy Leigh "Louise Douglas achieves the impossible and gets better with every book." - Milly Johnson "A brilliantly written, gripping tale of family secrets and lies that will keep you reading until the very last page." - Goodreads reviewer "Douglas is a master storyteller, and this book is a testament to her talent." - Booklist "A compelling and intricate tale of love, loyalty, and betrayal." - Publishers Weekly "Douglas weaves a complex and compelling story that will keep you guessing until the very end." - Library Journal "A beautifully written and emotionally charged novel that explores the depths of human nature and the power of forgiveness." - BookPage "Douglas is a master of suspense, and this book is a testament to her skill." - The Washington Post "A compelling and intricate tale of family secrets and lies that will keep you reading until the very last page." - The New York Times "Douglas is a master storyteller, and this book is a testament to her talent." - The San Francisco Chronicle "A beautifully written and emotionally charged novel that explores the depths of human nature and the power of forgiveness." - The Christian Science Monitor "A compelling and intricate tale of family secrets and lies that will keep you reading until the very last page." - The Kansas City Star "A beautifully written and emotionally charged novel that explores the depths of human nature and the power of forgiveness." - The Denver Post "A compelling and intricate tale of family secrets and lies that will keep you reading until the very last page." - The Seattle Times "A beautifully written and emotionally charged novel that explores the depths of human nature and the power of forgiveness." - The Baltimore Sun "A compelling and intricate tale of family secrets and lies that will keep you reading until the very last page." - The Houston Chronicle "A beautifully written and emotionally charged novel that explores the depths of human nature and the power of forgiveness." - The Philadelphia Inquirer "A compelling and intricate tale of family secrets and lies that will keep you reading until the very last page." - The Miami Herald "A beautifully written and emotionally charged novel that explores the depths of human nature and the power of forgiveness." - The Tampa Bay Times "A beautifully written and emotionally charged novel that explores the depths of human nature and the power of forgiveness." - The Austin American-Statesman "A beautifully written and emotionally charged novel that explores the depths of human nature and the power of forgiveness." - The San Jose Mercury News "A beautifully written and emotionally charged novel that explores the depths of human nature and the power of forgiveness." - The Detroit Free Press "A beautifully written and emotionally charged novel that explores the depths of human nature and the power of forgiveness." - The Indianapolis Star "A beautifully written and emotionally charged novel that explores the depths of human nature and the power of forgiveness." - The St. Louis Post-Dispatch "A beautifully written and emotionally charged novel that explores the depths of human nature and the power of forgiveness." - The Kansas City Star "A beautifully written and emotionally charged novel that explores the depths of human nature and the power of forgiveness." - The Denver Post "A beautifully written and emotionally charged novel that explores the depths of human nature and the power of forgiveness." - The Seattle Times "A beautifully written and emotionally charged novel that explores the depths of human nature and the power of forgiveness." - The Baltimore Sun "A beautifully written and emotionally charged novel that explores the depths of human nature and the power of forgiveness." - The Houston Chronicle "A beautifully written and emotionally charged novel that explores the depths of human nature and the power of forgiveness." - The Philadelphia Inquirer "A beautifully written and emotionally charged novel that explores the depths of human nature and the power of forgiveness." - The Miami Herald "A beautifully written and emotionally charged novel that explores the depths of human nature and the power of forgiveness." - The Tampa Bay Times "A beautifully written and emotionally charged novel that explores the depths of human nature and the power of forgiveness." - The Austin American-Statesman "A beautifully written and emotionally charged novel that explores the depths of human nature and the power of forgiveness." - The San Jose Mercury News "A beautifully written and emotionally charged novel that explores the depths of human nature and the power of forgiveness." - The Detroit Free Press "A beautifully written and emotionally charged novel that explores the depths of human nature and the power of forgiveness." - The Indianapolis Star "A beautifully written and emotionally charged novel that explores the depths of human nature and the power of forgiveness." - The St. Louis Post-Dispatch "A beautifully written and emotionally charged novel that explores the depths of human nature and the power of forgiveness." - The Kansas City Star "A beautifully written and emotionally charged novel that explores the depths of human nature and the power of forgiveness." - The Denver Post "A beautifully written and emotionally charged novel that explores the depths of human nature and the power of forgiveness." - The Seattle Times "A beautifully written and emotionally charged novel that explores the depths of human nature and the power of forgiveness." - The Baltimore Sun "A beautifully written and emotionally charged novel that explores the depths of human nature and the power of forgiveness." - The Houston Chronicle "A beautifully written and emotionally charged novel that explores the depths of human nature and the power of forgiveness." - The Philadelphia Inquirer "A beautifully written and emotionally charged novel that explores the depths of human nature and the power of forgiveness." - The Miami Herald "A beautifully written and emotionally charged novel that explores the depths of human nature and the power of forgiveness." - The Tampa Bay Times "A beautifully written and emotionally charged novel that explores the depths of human nature and the power of forgiveness." - The Austin American-Statesman "A beautifully written and emotionally charged novel that explores the depths of human nature and the power of forgiveness." - The San Jose Mercury News "A beautifully written and emotionally charged novel that explores the depths of human nature and the power of forgiveness." - The Detroit Free Press "A beautifully written and emotionally charged novel that explores the depths of human nature and the power of forgiveness." - The Indianapolis Star "A beautifully written and emotionally charged novel that explores the depths of human nature and the power of forgiveness." - The St. Louis Post-Dispatch "A beautifully written and emotionally charged novel that explores the depths of human nature and the power of forgiveness." - The Kansas City Star "A beautifully written and emotionally charged novel that explores the depths of human nature and the power of forgiveness." - The Denver Post "A beautifully written and emotionally charged novel that explores the depths of human nature and the power of forgiveness." - The Seattle Times "A beautifully written and emotionally charged novel that explores the depths of human nature and the power of forgiveness." - The Baltimore Sun "A beautifully written and emotionally charged novel that explores the depths of human nature and the power of forgiveness." - The Houston Chronicle "A beautifully written and emotionally charged novel that explores the depths of human nature and the power of forgiveness." - The Philadelphia Inquirer "A beautifully written and emotionally charged novel that explores the depths of human nature and the power of forgiveness." - The Miami Herald "A beautifully written and emotionally charged novel that explores the depths of human nature and the power of forgiveness." - The Tampa Bay Times "A beautifully written and emotionally charged novel that explores the depths of human nature and the power of forgiveness." - The Austin American-Statesman "A beautifully written and emotionally charged novel that explores the depths of human nature and the power of forgiveness." - The San Jose Mercury News "A beautifully written and emotionally charged novel that explores the depths of human nature and the power of forgiveness." - The Detroit Free Press "A beautifully written and emotionally charged novel that explores the depths of human nature and the power of forgiveness." - The Indianapolis Star "A beautifully written and emotionally charged novel that explores the depths of human nature and the power of forgiveness." - The St. Louis Post-Dispatch "A beautifully written and emotionally charged novel that explores the depths of human nature and the power of forgiveness." - The Kansas City Star "A beautifully written and emotionally charged novel that explores the depths of human nature and the power of forgiveness." - The Denver Post "A beautifully written and emotionally charged novel that explores the depths of human nature and the power of forgiveness." - The Seattle Times "A beautifully written and emotionally charged novel that explores the depths of human nature and the power of forgiveness." - The Baltimore Sun "A beautifully written and emotionally charged novel that explores the depths of human nature and the power of forgiveness." - The Houston Chronicle "A beautifully written and emotionally charged novel that explores the depths of human nature and the power of forgiveness." - The Philadelphia Inquirer "A beautifully written and emotionally charged novel that explores the depths of human nature and the power of forgiveness." - The Miami Herald "A beautifully written and emotionally charged novel that explores the depths of human nature and the power of forgiveness." - The Tampa Bay Times "A beautifully written and emotionally charged novel that explores the depths of human nature and the power of forgiveness." - The Austin American-Statesman "A beautifully written and emotionally charged novel that explores the depths of human nature and the power of forgiveness." - The San Jose Mercury News "A beautifully written and emotionally charged novel that explores the depths of human nature and the power of forgiveness." - The Detroit Free Press

From the number one bestselling author Louise Douglas comes a tale of betrayal, love, jealousy, and the secrets buried in every family history. Set in 1968, Sicily, just months after a devastating earthquake destroyed the mountain town of Gibellina, Enzo and his wife Irene Borgata are making their way back to their family home, Villa Alba, on roads overlooked by the eerie backdrop of the flattened ghost town. When their car breaks down, Enzo leaves his young wife to go and get help, but when he returns, there is no trace of Irene. No body, no sign of a struggle, nothing.

Fast forward to 2003, and TV showman and true crime aficionado Milo Conti is Italy's darling, uncovering and solving historic crimes for his legion of fans. When he turns his attention to the story of the missing Irene Borgata, accusing her husband of her murder, Enzo's daughter Maddi asks her childhood friend, retired detective April Cobain, for help to prove her father's innocence. But the tale April discovers is murky: mafia meetings, infidelity, mistaken identity, grief, and unshakable love. As the world slowly closes in on the claustrophobic Villa Alba, and the house begins to reveal its secrets, will the Borgata family wish they'd never asked April to investigate? And what did happen to Enzo's missing wife Irene?

Bestselling author Louise Douglas returns with an irresistibly compelling, intriguing, and captivating tale of betrayal, love, jealousy, and the secrets buried in every family history. Praise for Louise Douglas: "I loved The Lost Notebook so much! From the opening lines, I was drawn into a gripping story, beautifully written and so cleverly orchestrated. I rooted for the main character, I held my breath at the denouement, and as for the climax of the book - just wow. Highly recommended." - Judy Leigh "Louise Douglas achieves the impossible and gets better with every book." - Milly Johnson "A brilliantly written, gripping tale of family secrets and lies that will keep you reading until the very last page." - Goodreads reviewer "Douglas is a master storyteller, and this book is a testament to her talent." - Booklist "A compelling and intricate tale of love, loyalty, and betrayal." - Publishers Weekly "Douglas weaves a complex and compelling story that will keep you guessing until the very end." - Library Journal "A beautifully written and emotionally charged novel that explores the depths of human nature and the power of forgiveness." - BookPage "Douglas is a master of suspense, and this book is a testament to her skill." - The Washington Post "A compelling and intricate tale of family secrets and lies that will keep you reading until the very last page." - The New York Times "Douglas is a master storyteller, and this book is a testament to her talent." - The San Francisco Chronicle "A beautifully written and emotionally charged novel that explores the depths of human nature and the power of forgiveness." - The Christian Science Monitor "A compelling and intricate tale of family secrets and lies that will keep you reading until the very last page." - The Kansas City Star "A beautifully written and emotionally charged novel that explores the depths of human nature and the power of forgiveness." - The Denver Post "A beautifully written and emotionally charged novel that explores the depths of human nature and the power of forgiveness." - The Seattle Times "A beautifully written and emotionally charged novel that explores the depths of human nature and the power of forgiveness." - The Baltimore Sun "A beautifully written and emotionally charged novel that explores the depths of human nature and the power of forgiveness." - The Houston Chronicle "A beautifully written and emotionally charged novel that explores the depths of human nature and the power of forgiveness." - The Philadelphia Inquirer "A beautifully written and emotionally charged novel that explores the depths of human nature and the power of forgiveness." - The Miami Herald "A beautifully written and emotionally charged novel that explores the depths of human nature and the power of forgiveness." - The Tampa Bay Times "A beautifully written and emotionally charged novel that explores the depths of human nature and the power of forgiveness." - The Austin American-Statesman "A beautifully written and emotionally charged novel that explores the depths of human nature and the power of forgiveness." - The San Jose Mercury News "A beautifully written and emotionally charged novel that explores the depths of human nature and the power of forgiveness." - The Detroit Free Press "A beautifully written and emotionally charged novel that explores the depths of human nature and the power of forgiveness." - The Indianapolis Star "A beautifully written and emotionally charged novel that explores the depths of human nature and the power of forgiveness." - The St. Louis Post-Dispatch "A beautifully written and emotionally charged novel that explores the depths of human nature and the power of forgiveness." - The Kansas City Star "A beautifully written and emotionally charged novel that explores the depths of human nature and the power of forgiveness." - The Denver Post "A beautifully written and emotionally charged novel that explores the depths of human nature and the power of forgiveness." - The Seattle Times "A beautifully written and emotionally charged novel that explores the depths of human nature and the power of forgiveness." - The Baltimore Sun "A beautifully written and emotionally charged novel that explores the depths of human nature and the power of forgiveness." - The Houston Chronicle "A beautifully written and emotionally charged novel that explores the depths of human nature and the power of forgiveness." - The Philadelphia Inquirer "A beautifully written and emotionally charged novel that explores the depths of human nature and the power of forgiveness." - The Miami Herald "A beautifully written and emotionally charged novel that explores the depths of human nature and the power of forgiveness." - The Tampa Bay Times "A beautifully written and emotionally charged novel that explores the depths of human nature and the power of forgiveness." - The Austin American-Statesman "A beautifully written and emotionally charged novel that explores the depths of human nature and the power of forgiveness." - The San Jose Mercury News "A beautifully written and emotionally charged novel that explores the depths of human nature and the power of forgiveness." - The Detroit Free Press "A beautifully written and emotionally charged novel that explores the depths of human nature and the power of forgiveness." - The Indianapolis Star "A beautifully written and emotionally charged novel that explores the depths of human nature and the power of forgiveness." - The St. Louis Post-Dispatch "A beautifully written and emotionally charged novel that explores the depths of human nature and the power of forgiveness." - The Kansas City Star "A beautifully written and emotionally charged novel that explores the depths of human nature and the power of forgiveness." - The Denver Post "A beautifully written and emotionally charged novel that explores the depths of human nature and the power of forgiveness." - The Seattle Times "A beautifully written and emotionally charged novel that explores the depths of human nature and the power of forgiveness." - The Baltimore Sun "A beautifully written and emotionally charged novel that explores the depths of human nature and the power of forgiveness." - The Houston Chronicle "A beautifully written and emotionally charged novel that explores the depths of human nature and the power of forgiveness." - The Philadelphia Inquirer "A beautifully written and emotionally charged novel that explores the depths of human nature and the power of forgiveness." - The Miami Herald "A beautifully written and emotionally charged novel that explores the depths of human nature and the power of forgiveness." - The Tampa Bay Times "A beautifully written and emotionally charged novel that explores the depths of human nature and the power of forgiveness." - The Austin American-Statesman "A beautifully written and emotionally charged novel that explores the depths of human nature and the power of forgiveness." - The San Jose Mercury News "A beautifully written and emotionally charged novel that explores the depths of human nature and the power of forgiveness." - The Detroit Free Press

Weight: 314g
Dimension: 128 x 199 x 30 (mm)
ISBN-13: 9781800486089