The Cate Austin Casefiles

5 books in series
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The Woman Before Me Publisher's 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.

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

After nearly five years in prison, Rose is just weeks away from freedom. If she is granted parole.

Probation officer Cate Austin must decide whether Rose is remorseful for the shocking crime that put her behind bars, 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 gripping, twisty first book in the Cate Austin Casefiles series and winner of the CWA Debut Dagger Award. Fans of K.L. Slater, Joy Ellis and All Her Fault will devour this gripping psychological thriller.

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 (P)2026 HarperCollins Publishers
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  • Book 1

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    The Sacrificial Man Audiobook By Ruth Dugdall cover art

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    Boy B Audiobook By Ruth Dugdall cover art

    • Boy B

    • The Cate Austin Casefiles, Book 3
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    • Length: 11 hrs and 31 mins
    • Release date: 07-16-26
    • Language: English
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    • The Cate Austin Casefiles, Book 4
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    • Mother Missing

    • The Cate Austin Casefiles, Book 5
    • By: Ruth Dugdall
    • Length: 8 hrs and 6 mins
    • Release date: 09-24-26
    • Language: English
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