The truth is sometimes darker than fiction…
When Caroline walks into the bustling bar of a hotel on a Friday afternoon, no one could have predicted what is about to unfold. With chilling precision, she pulls out a gun and shoots her lover five times in cold blood. The crime, committed in plain sight, leaves no room for doubt—Caroline is guilty. But when questioned, she offers no explanation and refuses to comment.
As the case explodes across media outlets, a popular true-crime podcast begins to dig deeper into Caroline’s life. Soon, her writing becomes the key to understanding her past—and potentially, the dark secrets she has yet to reveal. As her defense attorney scrambles to defend her, one question lingers: What happens when a killer rewrites their own story?
And as her trial approaches, whispers grow about a manuscript she’s writing from prison—one that might reveal far more than anyone expected…
My Review
Charlotte Barnes masterfully blurs the lines between reality and fiction in A Guilty Woman, a riveting psychological thriller that probes the murky depths of guilt, storytelling, and the secrets we carry. From the moment Caroline unapologetically pulls the trigger in a crowded hotel bar, readers are drawn into a taut narrative that is as much about the crime itself as it is about the enigmatic woman at its centre.
Barnes’ decision to structure the novel around Caroline’s evolving narrative—a true-crime podcast, media frenzy, courtroom drama, and the manuscript she pens in prison—creates a layered storytelling approach that keeps readers hooked. The podcast element, in particular, injects a fresh, modern perspective, capturing the voyeuristic fascination society has with crimes and their perpetrators.
Caroline is a complex protagonist. While her actions are undeniably horrific, Barnes carefully unveils her past through her writings and interactions, forcing readers to grapple with empathy and judgment. The ambiguity of her motives, combined with the question of how much her manuscript reveals truth or fabrications, elevates the tension and keeps you guessing.
Barnes’ prose is sharp and evocative, painting vivid scenes of the courtroom, Caroline’s psychological turmoil, and the media frenzy surrounding the case. The pacing is relentless but balanced, giving readers moments to reflect before plunging into another shocking revelation.
The novel’s only drawback is its slightly rushed resolution. While the climax is satisfying, some threads could have been explored further, particularly around the manuscript’s final revelations and the fallout they spark. That said, this minor quibble does not detract significantly from the overall impact of the story.
The Author
Charlotte Barnes is an academic, crime writer, and poet based in Worcester, UK. Her crime writing covers everything from psychological thrillers to good old-fashioned detective work. She is currently working on a new psychological thriller. Connect with Charlotte on Instagram @charleyblogs
The Book
- Title: A Guilty Woman
- Author: Charlotte Barnes
- Publisher: Bloodhound Books
- Publication date: 4 February 2025
- Genre: Psychological Thriller
The Review
I wish to express my sincere thanks to Charlotte Barnes for providing me with a digital advanced reader copy of this novel.
All views expressed are my own. This review, or parts thereof, may also be published on my social medial channels – find me everywhere as momobookdiary – and book websites such as Goodreads, StoryGraph, Google Play, Apple Books, Kobo, and of course Amazon and Waterstones. All links are correct at the time of publication.
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