Cate Austin

4 books in series
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The Woman Before Me Book 1 Summary

'I was drawn into the book in the best way. It was way more than a thriller and really dug into parts of my soul' Reader review ⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐ 'An ending that took my breath away and left my mind reeling!' Reader review ⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐ Love can destroy. Obsession can kill.

Rose Wilks' life is shattered when her newborn baby is admitted to intensive care.

Emma Hatcher has all that Rose lacks. Effortless beauty. A loving husband. A healthy son. Until tragedy strikes and Rose is the only suspect.

Now, after nearly five years in prison, Rose is just weeks away from freedom. Her probation officer Cate Austin must decide whether Rose is remorseful for her crime, or whether she remains a threat to society. As Cate is drawn in, she begins to doubt her own judgement.

Where is the line between love and obsession? Can justice be served and, if so… by what means?

The first book in the award-winning Cate Austin Casefiles series, The Woman Before Me will keep you glued to the pages. Fans of K.L. Slater, Claire Douglas and TM Logan will devour this gripping psychological thriller.

The Woman Before Me won the CWA DEBUT DAGGER Award.

See what readers are saying about The Woman Before Me:

'I thought I saw the ending coming but I didn’t see it all!' ⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐

'Chaotic, messed up and totally unhinged. My kind of thriller 🤣' ⭐⭐⭐⭐

'Goodness … this gripped me and I wasn’t able to put it down' ⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐

‘Authentic…diverting debut’ Daily Mail

‘Ruth Dugdall’s novels are intelligent and gripping, with a sophisticated psychological sensibility. She is a huge talent.’ Sophie Hannah

'I found this story an irresistible read. It's a psychological crime thriller that seemed to linger'⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐

'A must read this book kept me guessing right until the end. I literally couldn’t put it down'⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐

'Absolutely loved this book and all subsequent Cate Austin novels'⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐

©2026 Ruth Dugdall
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Product list

  • Book 1

    The Woman Before Me Book 1 cover art

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  • Book 2

    The Sacrificial Man Book 2 cover art

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  • Book 3

    Boy B Book 3 cover art

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  • Book 4

    Nowhere Girl Book 4 cover art

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