Game More, Pay Less
Kindle Unlimited
Unlimited reading. Millions of titles. Learn more
Read now
OR
£3.86

Promotions apply when you purchase

These promotions will be applied to this item:

Some promotions may be combined; others are not eligible to be combined with other offers. For details, please see the Terms & Conditions associated with these promotions.

Sold by Amazon Media EU S.à r.l..
Read with our free app
You've subscribed to ! We will pre-order your items within 24 hours of when they become available. When new books are released, we'll charge your default payment method for the lowest price available during the pre-order period.
Update your device or payment method, cancel individual pre-orders or your subscription at
Your Memberships and Subscriptions
Kindle app logo image

Download the free Kindle app and start reading Kindle books instantly on your smartphone, tablet or computer – no Kindle device required.

Read instantly on your browser with Kindle for Web.

Using your mobile phone camera - scan the code below and download the Kindle app.

QR code to download the Kindle App

Follow the author

David Bishop
Follow
Something went wrong. Please try your request again later.

The Woman (Linda Darby Mystery Book 1) Kindle Edition

by David Bishop (Author) Format: Kindle Edition
4.1 out of 5 stars 6,809 ratings
* #1 BEST SELLING MYSTERY AMAZON eBOOK (MARCH 2012)
* MANY MONTHS ON THE AMAZON LIST OF BEST-SELLING MYSTERY SERIES

There are approximately one-hundred-and-sixty million women living in America. This is a story of just one woman. As the story unfolds Linda gradually learns that some people do deserve to die, but that she is not one of those people.
Linda Darby is a seven-year divorcee, living quietly in a small let-the-world-go-by beach town on the coast of Oregon, who day trades for a living. Her only close friend is a widowed elderly woman who manages a small consulting company, which, as is later discovered, never has visitors, sends and receives its business correspondence only by courier, and is not listed in any phone directory. No one in town knows what kind of consulting the company does, but the rumor is that whatever they do is done for the government.
Linda doesn’t date local men. When her celibacy grows intolerable, she visits nearby towns to frequent the watering holes of successful men. Her motto: No relationships. No second dates. No use of her real name during one-night stands.
Then one evening, Linda goes for a walk and nothing for her is ever the same. She is dragged into an alley by two men, but saved by a third, a stranger who disappears as suddenly as he appeared. The next day she finds out the two men in the alley had been killed, the town’s first murders ever. The following day she learns that hours before she had been dragged into the alley, her close friend was tortured and killed. The next night, she awakens several hours after going to bed to find a man sitting in her bedroom, watching her.
In the days that follow, events stretching all the way to the nation’s capital change who Linda is, what she thinks, and how she will live the rest of her life.
Read more
Previous slide of product details
  1. Book 1 of 4
    A Linda Darby Mystery
  2. Print length
    352 pages
  3. Language
    English
  4. Accessibility
    Learn more
  5. Publication date
    19 Nov. 2013
  6. File size
    3.6 MB
  7. Page Flip
    Enabled
  8. Word Wise
    Enabled
  9. Enhanced typesetting
    Enabled
Next slide of product details

Shop this series

 See full series
There are 4 books in this series.

Product details

  • ASIN ‏ : ‎ B005VIR5IQ
  • Accessibility ‏ : ‎ Learn more
  • Publication date ‏ : ‎ 19 Nov. 2013
  • Language ‏ : ‎ English
  • File size ‏ : ‎ 3.6 MB
  • Screen Reader ‏ : ‎ Supported
  • Enhanced typesetting ‏ : ‎ Enabled
  • X-Ray ‏ : ‎ Enabled
  • Word Wise ‏ : ‎ Enabled
  • Print length ‏ : ‎ 352 pages
  • ISBN-13 ‏ : ‎ 978-1937387815
  • Page Flip ‏ : ‎ Enabled
  • Book 1 of 4 ‏ : ‎ A Linda Darby Mystery
  • Customer reviews:
    4.1 out of 5 stars 6,809 ratings

About the author

Follow authors to get new release updates, plus improved recommendations.
David Bishop

David Bishop

Brief content visible, double tap to read full content.
Full content visible, double tap to read brief content.

David Bishop stuck his author nose under the edge of the mystery tent with his first novel in October 2011. Since then his mysteries have maintained a constant presence on Amazon Best Selling Lists in multiple categories of mystery novels. He has also been listed numerous times among the 100 best selling authors of mysteries, including appearances among the top 10. Also numerous lists of Amazon Top-rated mysteries. For the month of May, 2015, David Bishop was an Amazon All-Star Author--one of the bestselling 100 authors in Amazon.

David is currently working on his next novel, the fourth in the Linda Darby / Ryan Testler series as well as a new series, and several novelettes coauthored by David and his fictional author/investigator, Matt Kile. Stop at David's website to subscribe to his free newsletter so you'll get monthly advisories about his new releases and specials on books. davidbishopbooks.com

David writes several series characters:

MATT KILE MYSTERIES (in the order of release): Who Murdered Garson Talmadge, The Original Alibi, Money & Murder, Find My Little Sister, The Maltese Pigeon, Judge Snider's Folly, and his newest release earlier this year, The Year We Had Murder.

MADDIE RICHARDS MYSTERIES (in order of release): The Beholder, and Death of a Bankster.

JACK McCALL MYSTERIES (in order of release): The Third Coincidence, and The Blackmail Club.

The stories within these series are independent, not continuing. They can be read in any order.

Some personal comments from David:

I was born in Washington, D.C. From there my life likely mirrored that of a lot of my readers. We moved around. I got some education. Played some sports, and got some more education. Prior to becoming a novelist, I worked as a financial analyst determining the value of companies. But let's talk about my current and final career, writing mystery novels.

As a writer, I conjure up occurrences designed to quickly bring the story to a roiling boil. Along the way, I invent people. Victims and villains and heroes are needed, as well as a supporting cast. I make these people fun and interesting so you will welcome them and introduce them to your friends. Primary characters need habits and tics and talents, the qualities that bring them to life and make you love them or hate them. You'll want to see them humiliated or hunted down, be sucessful or seduced.

My mysteries offer you the opportunity to be challenged to find the villain from among the suspects. Clues as large as a log or as tiny as a bump thereon are salted throughout the stories. There are distractions in the form of false clues, called red herrings, which point to someone other than the real villain.

Take a journey with me. Laugh. Hold your breath. Cheer. Boo. The characters are rich and the plots are grabbers. I promise that you'll be glad you came along. Some people don't like golf or chocolate or even a hearty laugh. But I'll bet you like some of those things and I'll bet you'll like my mysteries. Yours very truly, David Bishop

Customer reviews

4.1 out of 5 stars
6,809 global ratings

Review this product

Share your thoughts with other customers
Write a customer review

Customers say

Customers find the book well-written with a great story full of twists and turns. They appreciate the character development, with one review noting how the narrative switches between several characters effectively. The pacing receives positive feedback, though some mention it has a slow start.

AI-generated from the text of customer reviews

Select to learn more

88 customers mention ‘Readability’79 positive9 negative

Customers find the book engaging and well-written, with one customer describing it as an entertaining fast-moving novel.

"...This is a brilliant easy to read murder, mystery suspense thriller of a story that is written really well in a fast pace that keeps the reader..." Read more

"...There's plenty of action to keep the interest going. And mystery to keep you guessing." Read more

"I really enjoyed this book. A plausible story well put together although there were some minor errors I spotted...." Read more

"I don't usually like thrillers but this one held my attention. I won't be reading the follow on book as I prefer my romance novels. I will return." Read more

45 customers mention ‘Storyline’41 positive4 negative

Customers enjoy the storyline of the book, which features many twists and turns throughout the unfolding mystery.

"...This is a brilliant easy to read murder, mystery suspense thriller of a story that is written really well in a fast pace that keeps the reader..." Read more

"...There's plenty of action to keep the interest going. And mystery to keep you guessing." Read more

"...There’s good tension right to the end and it was tough to put down. Lots of little offshoots as the story unfolds but all linked to the main story...." Read more

"...enjoyed every bit of it, there was nothing not to like, it was gripping...." Read more

15 customers mention ‘Character development’15 positive0 negative

Customers appreciate the character development in the book, with one customer noting how the story effectively switches between multiple perspectives, and another highlighting the strong female protagonist.

"...Nonetheless I liked the characters, including a killer surprisingly enough...." Read more

"...The characters are well described and there is so much mystery that gradually unfolds and explains what is behind everything with an interesting..." Read more

"...The story was well thought through and the characters were well written. I hope to read more from the same author." Read more

"Would highly recommend this book. Good characters and plot albeit a little unbelievable at times however could not put it down. A good holiday read." Read more

7 customers mention ‘Pacing’7 positive0 negative

Customers have mixed opinions about the pacing of the book, with several noting a slow start, while one customer describes it as great from start to finish.

"...suspense thriller of a story that is written really well in a fast pace that keeps the reader intrigued. It is a real page turner." Read more

"...A fast action plot to keep the reader fully absorbed and three more books in the series to follow the main characters, each volume is complete..." Read more

"This book started out ok but soon became a bit rambling for me. Also the author used the word 'ambient' far too many times...." Read more

"Slow start, good ending" Read more

Top reviews from United Kingdom

  • Nikki Bywater
    5.0 out of 5 stars The Woman by David Bishop
    Reviewed in the United Kingdom on 17 September 2012
    Verified Purchase
    Linda Darby was just an ordinary woman, who lives in Sea Crest, Oregon a nice quiet sleepy town near the ocean. When Linda is attacked by two men a mysterious stranger comes to her rescue and drives her safely home. The stranger warns Linda not to go to the police, that the authorities can not be trusted. Later the taxi turns out to be stolen and it is reported that two men have been found murdered. Could this be the two men who attacked Linda? Just who was Linda's mysterious hero? Did he kill the men?

    Linda has no idea why she was attacked and when her good friend Cynthia disappears and is missing could this be connected to Linda's attack and if so who would want to target her? What follows is a game of cat and mouse and Linda must stay ahead of the game if she is to survive.

    This is a brilliant easy to read murder, mystery suspense thriller of a story that is written really well in a fast pace that keeps the reader intrigued. It is a real page turner.
    18 people found this helpful
    Helpful
     Report
  • Tina
    4.0 out of 5 stars 🤔
    Reviewed in the United Kingdom on 12 March 2023
    Verified Purchase
    This book is better than it actually sounds so I'm glad I have it a shot.
    There's plenty of action to keep the interest going. And mystery to keep you guessing.
    Helpful
     Report
  • Pierrebleu
    5.0 out of 5 stars Excellent
    Reviewed in the United Kingdom on 10 October 2021
    Verified Purchase
    I really enjoyed this book.

    A plausible story well put together although there were some minor errors I spotted.

    Nonetheless I liked the characters, including a killer surprisingly enough. There is a really good twist at the end too that I never saw coming at all.

    There’s good tension right to the end and it was tough to put down. Lots of little offshoots as the story unfolds but all linked to the main story. I liked it.

    I will look for more by this author.
    Helpful
     Report
  • Gina
    3.0 out of 5 stars Good thriller book.
    Reviewed in the United Kingdom on 28 September 2020
    Verified Purchase
    I don't usually like thrillers but this one held my attention. I won't be reading the follow on book as I prefer my romance novels. I will return.
    Helpful
     Report
  • JB
    4.0 out of 5 stars A bit convoluted
    Reviewed in the United Kingdom on 24 November 2018
    Verified Purchase
    I nearly gave up on this book, as in the beginning it has a rather confusing thread making it difficult to determine what the story line is. Whose good, bad or grey in the end after about chapter nine or ten it stops looking like it will be a violence for violence sake book and begins to be a good read with a strong thread of justice running through out. I can see me reading more of these books if they can grab my attention within the first couple of chapters.
    One person found this helpful
    Helpful
     Report
  • Christine Preece
    5.0 out of 5 stars The Woman
    Reviewed in the United Kingdom on 11 May 2015
    Verified Purchase
    I picked this book for two reasons 1 ratings were good and I thought I would read a different type of book to the ones I normally go for. This book was not what I expected at all, it was just brilliant I thoroughly enjoyed every bit of it, there was nothing not to like, it was gripping. The story starts with a woman who lives in a quiet seaside town, living isolated and alone, just as she wanted. she did have 1 friend a older lady whom she became close too, things start to progress and she is fearful for her life when she finds her friend brutally murdered and gets attacked herself, but someone saves her and one thing leads to another and someone wants to kill her because they think her friend has told her something about her work, which involves the man who killed her friend and now wants her dead too. I recommend this book it was brilliant really was.
    12 people found this helpful
    Helpful
     Report
  • picky from yorkshire
    5.0 out of 5 stars Cannot put down - read in two long days!
    Reviewed in the United Kingdom on 29 November 2018
    Verified Purchase
    This is an amazingly thrilling story and very difficult to put down. The characters are well described and there is so much mystery that gradually unfolds and explains what is behind everything with an interesting twist right at the end. The aspect of the corruption in Washington is very believable and the huge waste of money spent on campaigns by would be politicians provided by corrupt million/billionaires seems true to life today.
    2 people found this helpful
    Helpful
     Report
  • Long Life Fun Life
    4.0 out of 5 stars A really good read with nicely contrasting male/female perspectives and a good twist at the end.
    Reviewed in the United Kingdom on 6 July 2016
    Verified Purchase
    I liked the unusual take on the love interest, together with the philosophical musings on relationships, plus it had the lots of spy stuff that was exciting. It's a very good read, a page turner but different from the usual macho spyduggery, although with splotches of that as well - perfect to while away a dull afternoon.
    Helpful
     Report

Top reviews from other countries

  • RJN
    5.0 out of 5 stars One thriller of a book. Lots of action & suspense.
    Reviewed in Canada on 12 July 2016
    Verified Purchase
    I got this book kind of on a whim not realizing I'd already read the second book in this series first. Well - this 1st in the series book is every bit as good and leaves you wanting to move immediately on to the next book. Unfortunately for me, there's no third book - yet. This novel reads exceptionally well and you're into the action early on. There are no dull moments here and the writing is so good you genuinely want to keep reading to see what's just around the corner. Ms. Darby, our femme fatale, starts off somewhat naive, but rapidly grows before your eyes in good detail and logic. You really root for her and she doesn't let you down. She's got some miles on her rather shapely carcass, which, with her maturity gains her high believability in the reader's eyes. Now then, this story line has absolutely one of the greatest finishes I've read in a long, long time and you hope the book just wouldn't end. But end it does leaving you wanting more even though its a complete stand alone novel. I really hope the third in the series effort keeps the principals together, but I guess it's "wait and see". I certainly recommend this book. You'll really enjoy it. It's like a breath of fresh air for the genre.
    Report
  • hancock
    5.0 out of 5 stars good read
    Reviewed in Australia on 20 April 2019
    Verified Purchase
    An excellent tale. Well written with interesting characters. A woman caught up in a situation not of her making. Worth the time to read it all. Recommended read.
    Report
  • Duryodhan Bijewar
    3.0 out of 5 stars Not good but also not bad.
    Reviewed in India on 5 October 2019
    Verified Purchase
    Average mobile phone according to it's price.
    Report
  • Lily billy
    5.0 out of 5 stars good read on cold evenings.
    Reviewed in Germany on 19 November 2013
    Verified Purchase
    I really enjoyed this book. Suspense, drama and a hint of romance. An easy read with likable characters and a good ending. Will certainly check for other books by his author.
    Report
  • Elene
    5.0 out of 5 stars Fabulous Start To New Author Experience
    Reviewed in the United States on 12 August 2012
    Verified Purchase
    Even the title of this fabulous suspense novel is a tad deceptive, but be certain of this: You will not put 'The Woman' down till you've turned the final page.

    Having not read anything in a similar genre since Tom Clancy spy novels in the early 2000's I was not expecting to get hooked on 'The Woman' but I did. The author - who I will read much more from - takes us on a twisted, thrill-filled ride through a very credible world of perverted politics, greed, deception, counter-deception (if there is such a thing) and what we fear the most, the vulnerability of having to trust someone and to believe in some things greater than ourselves. The characters are well-written, accessible and well developed as the movie (yes it reads like one), I mean book, moves forward.

    It was interesting and unusual for a woman to be the protagonist in this kind of story, but it worked well. Female readers will find it easy to suspend their disbelief and step into some of the experiences of 'the woman', steely heroine 'slash' feisty damsel, Linda. However, if you enjoy this book for one reason and one reason only, it will be because of this character: ex Navy Seal turned paid assassin cum reluctant philosopher, Ryan Testler - his real name is 'not important'. He's a man's man and a woman's man too, a bad guy gone good (kinda, maybe) questioning his allegiances and past choices. Perfectly nuanced, Testler jumps off the page. You root for him and Linda throughout.

    I hope to experience Ryan Testler in future novels, a la Jason Bourne, and yes, I've read - not just watched - all the original Bourne novels and this book, though written in a different style for broader appeal, is right up there. An excellent read, currently free on the Kindle.
    Report

Report an issue


Does this item contain inappropriate content?
Report
Do you believe that this item violates a copyright?
Report
Does this item contain quality or formatting issues?
Report