Closer by K.L. Slater

Closer by K.L. Slater

 Publishing: October 24, 2018 by Bookouture

 

Closer by K.L. Slater is a psychological thriller.

First, let me thank NetGalley, the publisher Bookouture, and of course the author, for providing me with a copy of this book in exchange for an honest review. All opinions are my own.

My Synopsis:
Emma and Shaun are separated, but living in the same house so that their 10-year old daughter Maisie has some stability. With rules in place as to chores and babysitting, everything has been going fine. That is, of course, until Shaun starts dating. That may have been okay, but when he dates Emma’s boss Joanne, that is bad. The fact that Joanne’s daughter Piper and Maisie do not get along, makes it worse. The fact that Shaun does not see the problems that Maisie is having is just ridiculous.

Emma, however, knows her daughter. She sees the weight loss. She sees the look on Maisie’s face every time she comes home from spending time with her dad’s new family, or from dance class, where Piper seems to have taken all her friends. She sees her daughter slowly dying inside.

Emma thinks Joanne is hiding something, and she is going to dig until she discovers the secret. On the other hand, Emma has her own secret, which seems to be coming back to haunt her.

My Opinions:
I love Slater’s books. This one, however, seemed slow to me. I’m not sure what made it that way, since it was a fast read. I also wasn’t real keen on most of the characters. I couldn’t relate to either Emma’s constant outbursts, or Joanne’s uppity attitude. Shaun was just weak. Piper was a spoiled brat. I did, however, like Maisie.  I loved the mother/daughter bond theme but found it a little lacking.  But generally, when I can only cheer for one character, and that is a child, it isn’t the book for me.

I did like how the chapters alternated between different perspectives, including Maisie’s. I think the author really nailed the mind of a 10-year old.  I thought the plot and pace was good, and I really loved the twist at the end.

Overall, it was a good read.

 

Read: October, 2018

Favorite Quote from Closer:

You always promise God things when you need Him the most, but once your punishment is over, you nearly always forget to follow through.

 

 About the Author:  Kim Slater went back to school at the age of 40 where she studied for an English & Creative Writing degree followed by an MA in Creative Writing.  She is now a best-selling author of both psychological thrillers and YA Fiction.  She lives in England with her husband Mac

Cross Justice by James Patterson (#23 Alex Cross)

Cross Justice by James Patterson

 Published: November, 2015

 

Previous Book in the Series: #22 – Hope to Die

Cross Justice by James Patterson is the 23rd in the Alex Cross Series:

Series Background (Warning – May contain spoilers from previous books):
Alex Cross is a former FBI agent, and now a Detective working in Washington DC. He is also a psychologist. He gets involved in most high-profile cases. His family, which are usually an integral part of the books, include: Nana Mama (his 90-something Grandmother who raised him); Damon (his eldest son, away at College); Jannie (his daughter, in high school); Ali (his youngest son (just starting school); Bree (his second wife, we don’t count Christine, who was his fiancé and Ali’s mother), John Samson (his best friend since they were 10, and a fellow police officer), and Ava, a young street person who they wanted to adopt. Alex is very involved with his family, and when not working, he is active with them, or volunteering at St. Anthony’s Soup Kitchen.

My Synopsis:
Since Alex and Bree are on leave after the horrific case that almost cost Alex his entire family, he quickly says yes to helping his niece try to figure out what really happened, and why his cousin is in danger of getting the death penalty. His cousin Stefan has been charged with drug trafficking, the rape and murder of one of the young boys he teaches, and the rape of a girl in his class. There is so much evidence against Stefan, that even Alex doubts his innocence. But if he is innocent, then the only way to set him free is to find the real culprit.

So Alex and his family return to his hometown of Starksville, NC. Nana Mama had fled Starksville with Alex and his brothers after the death of his parents. But the horrors that Alex had buried as a child are coming back to haunt him now, and some of what he thought he knew appears to have been wrong. Although the family welcomes them with open arms, there are others who would rather see Alex and his family dead.

When Alex’s investigations start to put him and therefore his family in jeopardy, he decides to get away for a bit and follow a personal lead to Florida. There he meets two detectives named Johnson and Drummond, and gets involved in helping them with a case involving the deaths of socialites.

My Opinions:
Okay, this is the second book in a row in this series that I have truly enjoyed. For a while I wanted to give up on this series, but now I’m a fan again.

I loved how we finally found out more about Alex’s family history. That was really interesting.

As always, the short chapters made it a fast read, and the action was non-stop. There were a number of twists in this one. Even though I had a good idea as to the involvement of one character, a number of the other twists were unexpected, and everything came together in the end.

Overall, this was a good book, and a return to the original James Patterson type of writing. Loved it!

Read: September, 2018

 

About the Author:  James Patterson is one of the bestselling writers of all time, with more than 350 million books sold worldwide.  His lifelong passion for books and reading led him to launch a website, ReadKiddoRead.com, which helps parents, grandparents, teachers, and librarians find the very best children’s books for their kids.  Each year, The Patterson Family Foundation awards scholarships to students at over 20 different colleges and universities around the country.

 

Question: Is anyone else still reading this series, or is it only me?  (Kat)

Fatal Promise by Angela Marsons (#9 Kim Stone)

Fatal Promise by Angela Marsons

 Publishing: October 19, 2018 by Bookouture

 

Previous Book in the Series: #8 – Dying Truth

 

Fatal Promise by Angela Marsons is the 9th in the Detective Kim Stone series.

First, let me thank NetGalley, the publisher Bookouture, and of course the author, for providing me with a copy of this book in exchange for an honest review. All opinions are my own.

Series Background (Warning – May contain spoilers from previous books):
Detective Kim Stone is tough. She has had to be. Her mother is responsible for Kim’s horrendous childhood, and as a result, currently resides in a psychiatric facility. But Kim has survived, and although her social skills are lacking, her heart is in the right place. Right now, her team consists of two detectives: Bryant, her right hand man, and the person who voices her concerns in a much more diplomatic way than Kim would every think of, and Stacey, who can find required information in a seemingly bottomless computer system. Her third detective, Kevin Dawson, was recently killed in the line of duty.

My Synopsis:
Kim is returning to duty after breaking her leg in the same case where the team lost Dawson. Each member of the team is feeling his loss, and no one is handling it well, except maybe Bryant. When a new member is assigned, no one is pleased. They are already acquainted with Sergeant Austin Penn, and no one thinks he’s a good fit.  Of course, no one would be a good fit.

When a body is found in the park, the team feels Dawson’s loss even more. The victim is Dr. Cordell, who performed the illegal abortion on the girl at Heathcrest, where Dawson lost his life. Cordell is not a saint. The team wonders if his murder has to do with his membership in The Spades, a secret society within Heathcrest. Even after you leave school, your membership follows you. However, things start to lead them in a very different direction, and when others lose their lives, the team has very little time to solve this before even more bodies turn up.

Meanwhile, Stacey is investigating a missing 15-year old girl who is in need of drugs to keep her alive. But the girls’ best friend Emma is keeping a secret, and so is Emma’s mother…and they aren’t the only ones.

Before these cases are solved, another of the team will put themselves at risk.

My Opinions:
I absolutely love this series. The characters come to life, and with each book we learn more about them. We care more about them. They become like family, and when one is gone, it is hard to replace that person. Marsons did an excellent job of showing how the death of a “family” member impacts everyone. She then explored how a new member can be (or can’t be) accepted.

Marsons also explored the impact of having to make a hard decision. How that can weigh on a person’s mind, especially when the choice you finally make appears to be the wrong one. It was really an interesting read.

What more can I say… the writing and dialogue was great, the story-line strong, and the mystery a little twisted. Although I was sure of the outcome of Stacey’s investigation, I didn’t have a clue about the main story-line. That was great…one of the few times I like surprises.

Definitely recommend this series, and while this could be read as a stand-alone novel, I think you would miss too much,  you should really read these books as a series, and in order.

Read: October, 2018

 

Favorite Quotes from Fatal Promise:

“As is normally the case in these situations, one person’s bravery inspires others to come forward with their story.”

“Apparently dog walking is a very sociable activity. Helps you make new friends?’ he said, posing it as a question.
‘He’s a dog not a bloody miracle worker,”

 

About the Author:  Angela Marsons (1968 – ) is a British author who discovered writing in Primary School when a short piece on the rocks and the sea gained her the only merit point she ever got.   Her books have now sold over 2 million copies worldwide.   She still lives in England with her partner, a Labrador and a “potty-mouthed” grey parrot.

The Crying Season by D.K. Hood (#4 Kane & Alton)

The Crying Season by D.K. Hood

 Publishing: October 18, 2018 by Bookouture

 

Previous Book in the Series: #3 Follow Me Home

The Crying Season by D.K. Hood is the 4th in the Sheriff Alton and Deputy Kane series.

First, let me thank NetGalley, the publisher Bookouture, and of course the author, for providing me with a copy of this book in exchange for an honest review. All opinions are my own.

Series Background (Warning – May contain spoilers from previous books):
Sheriff Jenna Alton is the Sheriff in Black Rock Falls, Montana. She is new to being Jenna Alton. She has a new name, and a new ID, because her past is still out there. She’s former DEA. Deputy David Kane also has a new name and new ID. Similar reasons. He’s a former Special Forces sharpshooter with exceptional profiling skills. Forensic Scientist Shane Wolf is not only a Medical Examiner with amazing computer skills, he used to be Kane’s handler. So, with a few other deputies, Jenna has a good team to handle crime in the small Black Rock Falls town, which seems to have more murders than a small town should.

My Synopsis:
It is hunting season in Black Rock Falls, and the surrounding forest trails and mountainous regions are filled with wildlife, and hunters. But there is one hunter out there that isn’t hunting wildlife. When hikers find a human skull, Jenna thinks it may have been from the local reservation, but that thought is quickly dismissed when another body is found, tied to a tree and shot multiple times.

More bodies turn up, and it looks like the hunter is killing the male, and hunting the female for sport. He may be video-taping his kills.

The only way to catch this guy may be to go undercover. Jenna looks a lot like his preferred prey.

My Opinions:
I am really enjoying this series as the author continues to add depth to her characters. Jenna finally showed real guts without Kane overshadowing her.

I also liked the way the story alternated between the killer and the police, as both tried to meet their goals. In this way, we got into the killers head a little, without any clues as to who he was.

These books have great plots, and are fast reads, always with a lot of action and plenty of suspects.

Once again, D.K. Hood kept me entertained!

 

Read: October, 2018

 

Favorite Quotes from The Crying Season:

“Remind me to check the billboards next time we leave town. I’m starting to believe we have one saying ‘Psychopaths are welcome in Black Rock Falls’ posted along the road somewhere.”

 

 

About the Author:  D.K. Hood was born in London England, but now lives in Australia.  She is a member of the International Thriller Writers, but for 20 years she was an All Breeds International Cat Judge.  She now writes full-time.

 

 

 

Lost Creed by Alex Kava (#4 Ryder Creed)

Lost Creed by Alex Kava

 Published: May, 2018

 

Previous Book in the Series: #3 – Reckless Creed

Lost Creed by Alex Kava is the 4th in the Ryder Creed Series.

Series Background (Warning – May contain spoilers from previous books):
When Ryder was 14, his 11-year old sister was kidnapped from an interstate rest area. He still hopes to find her. Ryder Creed is a war veteran. As a Marine, he was in Afghanistan, working with his dog Rufus, when his world exploded, literally. Back in the U.S. he formed K9 Crimescents, where he trains dogs to locate missing persons, human remains, drugs and viruses. He is based in the Florida Panhandle, but works where he is needed. His friend and partner, Hannah, runs the business end of things. Jason, an army vet, is his new dog handler. Ryder and FBI Profiler Maggie O’Dell (who has her own series by Alex Kava), have worked a number of cases together, and there seems to be some romantic interest.

My Synopsis:
Maggie is working a case of Human Trafficking in Nebraska. When she spots a picture on the suspect’s wall of two kids, she does a double-take. The names on the bottom of the Polaroid are Ryder and Brodie. Against her better judgement, she calls Ryder.

Ryder is stunned. He immediately contacts his estranged mother, and asks for a DNA sample, and asks her to send him the box that she has kept containing Brodie’s hairbrush, her baby teeth, and other items that could be used to identify her remains if they are found. Then he heads to Nebraska with his best scent dog, a Jack Russell named Grace. Uninvited, Maggie questions his judgement, but allows him to stay.

Olivia, Ryder’s Mom, heads to K9 Crimescents, also uninvited, to deliver the box in person. There she meets Hannah and Jason.

Jason and his dog Scout, are out on their first missing person’s case, alone. Ryder assures him that he is ready, but Jason is nervous. He will have to overcome his fears, and trust his dog.

My Opinions:
This was another great book in the series. An easy, fast read, with a good plot, and interesting characters. I like that Kava is bringing two individuals from different series together. They make a good match, and keep both series alive and current.

Kava researches every book, and the Afterward in this one deals with Human Trafficking. This statement floored me. “According to a study funded by the Women’s Fund of Omaha, there are 900 people for sale online every month in Nebraska.” Just scary.

Anyway, as always, I enjoyed the book, and am enjoying the series. I’m not sure you have to read all the books, as most things are explained within this one, but I’d recommend them all.

 

Read: September 2018

Favorite Quote from Lost Creed:

“A liar knows the truth but attempts to hide it. A bullshitter doesn’t necessarily know what’s true and really doesn’t care what’s true. That makes it almost impossible to find out what the hell the truth is.”

 

About the Author:  Alex Kava  (June 1960 –  ) is the NY Times best-selling author of this Maggie O’Dell Series.  She  has also written a new Ryder Creed series, as well as stand-alone novels.  Before devoting her time to writing, she held a variety of jobs, mostly in marketing and advertising.  She started her own graphic design company, designing food packages and logos for various national companies.   Kava currently divides her time between Omaha, Nebraska and Pensacola, Florida.  She has a pack of Westies (or more likely, they have her.)

The Warning by Kathryn Croft

The Warning by Kathryn Croft

 Publishing: October 12, 2018 by Bookouture

 

 

The Warning by Kathryn Croft is a psychological thriller.

First, let me thank NetGalley, the publisher Bookouture, and of course the author, for providing me with a copy of this book in exchange for an honest review. All opinions are my own.

My Synopsis:
Zoe and Jake’s marriage has been shaky since the accidental drowning death of their 14-year old son Ethan and his friend Josh. Even their older son Harley has taken it hard. It’s been three years, and although they moved and are trying to start fresh, Ethan’s death hangs over them. When Zoe gets a text message that suggests Ethan’s death may not have been accidental, the whole event comes crashing back. Zoe will not let this go, and she is determined to find answers, especially when more texts arrive. Jake doesn’t believe the texts, and is sure that they are just a sick prank. Even the police don’t seem interested.

Zoe shows the text to Josh’s mom Roberta, but Roberta hasn’t received any texts, and she and her husband Adrian just want Zoe to leave them alone. Is it because they have moved on? Or do they know something about Ethan and Josh that could help Zoe?

As Zoe continues to question friends and family, she finds that her closest friend, and even her husband has been hiding something. She is about to find out that everyone has secrets, and those secrets are going to put someone’s life in danger.
My Opinions:
Kathryn Croft amazes me. I’ve enjoyed every book I’ve read so far, and I know I’ve missed a couple that I’m going to have catch up on.

This author brings it all to the table. Her plots are fascinating, her characters deep, and her twists always a surprise. This book threw in a lot of red herrings, and a lot of side stories, all of which added to the overall suspense and mystery of the tale. Croft’s writing is crisp, clear, and straightforward. Even though she told the story from many points of view, including a mystery narrator, nothing got confused. That last twist had me shocked, and it takes a lot to do that. It was great!

Again, can’t recommend this book enough. Be warned, it is hard to put down!

Read: October, 2018

 

About the Author:  Kathryn Croft has a BA Honours Degree in Media Arts with English Literature.  According to her website, she lives in England with her husband, son, and baby daughter (and 2 crazy cats).  This is her 7th psychological thriller, and has sold over a million copies of her books.

 

Has anybody out there read this yet?  Did you love it as much as I did?

 

 

Our Little Lies by Sue Watson

 Our Little Lies by Sue Watson

 Publishing: October 11, 2018

 

 

Our Little Lies by Sue Watson is a psychological thriller.

First, let me thank NetGalley, the publisher Bookouture, and of course the author, for providing me with a copy of this book in exchange for an honest review. All opinions are my own.

My Synopsis:
Marianne should be happy, or so she thinks. Her husband is the man that every woman wants. Simon is a handsome man, a talented surgeon, a good provider who gave her the house of her dreams, and a wonderful father to their three children. He is perfect. So why is she jealous of this new woman he works with? Why is she always jealous for no real reason? Why does she always make him so angry? Why is she such a terrible mother? Why can’t she just keep her mouth shut, her house clean, her children healthy and happy, and be a good cook, with dinner ready whenever he wants it? Why is she such a screw-up?

Marianne didn’t used to be so bad. When she was single, she had a great life, a lot of friends, a promising career, and she was happy. But when she met and married Simon, she became someone else, and every time she tries to get back to the carefree wonderful woman she was, Simon reminds her that she is mentally ill, just like her mother, and it isn’t really her fault that she’s hopeless. He is so understanding.

Marianne struggles to make the perfect life for herself and her children, and the husband who she truly loves. She is sure that if this new colleague of Simon’s would just go away, she would have her life back. She has a plan. How far will she go to protect her family?

 
My Opinions:
This was a really emotional read about domestic abuse. Simon is a nightmare. Marianne is a victim, but one that I wanted to shake until she came to her senses. I really disliked Marianne the first half of the book, to the point where I just wanted to give up. Glad I didn’t. Marianne found her strength to fight for her children.

This was an interesting read. Part of it I disliked immensely, but it was mainly because it was uncomfortable reading about someone who allowed herself to be abused physically and emotionally, and always blamed herself. Even when she finally starts standing up, she doubts herself. It is only when she realizes that she has to protect her children, that she becomes the person she was always meant to be.

I found the writing to be a little heavy in details, particularly the first half, where Marianne berated herself again, and again, and again…but you just have to hang on. It gets better.

The author took us on a journey through one woman’s hell, and brought us out the other side with a wonderful twist at the end. I honestly did not see that coming. Overall, it was a dark subject, but worth the read.

This is the first psychological thriller by the author, and she did well. Sue Watson generally writes romantic humor, which does not appeal to me. However, if she continues to write thrillers, I will continue to read her books.

 

Read: October, 2018

 

Favorite Quotes from Our Little Lies:

“Every joy, every reward, every stinging slight I probably feel even more keenly than they do. I soak up my family like a sponge. I wouldn’t have it any other way.”

“I try to hide the difficult moments – our little lies, the tension, the bickering, the fights – but we all live together and kids see a lot.”

“Simon always said he was attracted to the way I lived my life, the way I’d dance easily, laugh loudly, fill a room with colour; but instead of sitting back and enjoying the butterfly, he caught it. He framed me like a butterfly, pinning me into his frame, but the pins that hold the butterfly in place are not easily visible, and no one can see I’m being held down.”

 

 About the Author: Sue Watson is a British author, previously a journalist, and then a TV Producer at the BBC until she wrote her first book and was hooked.   She has written a dozen “chick-lit” novels, mainly around cake.  Our Little Lies is her first psychological thriller.

Lily White Lie by Connie Chappell (#3 Wrenn Grayson)

Lily White Lie by Connie Chappell

 Publishing: October 11, 2018 by Black Rose Writing

 

Previous Book in the Series: #2 – Designs on Ivy’s Locket

 Lily White Lie by Connie Chappel is the 3rd in the Wrenn Grayson Mystery series.

First, let me thank NetGalley, the publisher Black Rose Writing, and of course the author, for providing me with a copy of this book in exchange for an honest review. All opinions are my own.

Series Background (Warning – May contain spoilers from previous books):
Wrenn Grayson is a busy lady, holding down three jobs in the small town of Havens, Ohio. She works for Mayor KC Tallmadge part-time. She also writes historical articles for the newspaper. Usually, the main thing that keeps her busy is being a Historian-for-hire. She tends to stick her nose into everybody’s business, so she often finds herself in some rather strange predicaments. Wrenn lives in a small cottage with her partner Gideon, who is a History Professor at the local university.

My Synopsis:
Wrenn is on her own while Gideon is hunting for a week. When an old buddy of his stops in with news about Gideon’s fugitive father, he decides to stay until Gideon’s return. He decides to stay with Wrenn, in her small cottage, and without her actual approval. Brett is going to be a pain.

A new councilman is stirring up issues for the Mayor, and it looks like the Mayor may be on his way out in the next election, which means Wrenn may lose her job as well. She isn’t sure she would mind, as she is not happy with the political shenanigans happening in Haven. This may leave her more time to devote to her passion, which is research and writing. Fortunately, she has been given an old watch to research so that the owner’s descendants could be re-united with this family heirloom. She hopes to find out who the original owner is, and then write a feel-good story for the newspaper.

Meanwhile, Wrenn is receiving flowers and strange notes. She would like to brush these aside, but Brett is convinced that she is in danger.

My Opinions:
I almost stopped reading this one. I hate bullies, and I hate women who will not stand up for themselves. Connie Chappel created both these characters (quite well), and the respect I had for Wrenn in the first couple books has diminished – drastically. In this book, every time I think she’s going to grow a pair, Brett sweet talks her out of it. Hated that part of the book.

However, I am glad I continued reading, because Brett ended up having some redeeming qualities, just not quite enough to make me like him. Also on the good side was the plot, and as always, the writing was clear. Chappel writes straight-forward mysteries. Although I suspected early on who the culprit was, the motive behind everything was a twist I didn’t see coming.

 

Read: September, 2018

 

About the Author: Connie Chappell is a bestselling author of both literary fiction and the Wrenn Grayson Mysteries series. Her website is interesting, with detailed maps of her fictional town of Havens.  Now retired, when she isn’t writing, Connie spends her times out-doors whenever possible, gardening, golfing, walking, bicycling.

The Walls by Hollie Overton

The Walls by Hollie Overton

  Published: August, 2017

 

 

The Walls by Hollie Overton is a psychological thriller.

My Synopsis:  Kristy Tucker has worked on death row as a public relations officer for many years. It was supposed to be a stepping stone, but she never left. She makes good money, and is raising her teenage son Ryan alone, while looking after her father whose health is poor. She works closely with the media and the inmates who want to tell their story before execution.

Kristy’s son is a bit of a nerd, who decides to take Judo lessons to build his confidence. His instructor, Lance Dobson becomes part of the family. He is loving and kind, and will do anything for Kristy and her family. When Kristy and Lance marry, things change.

Meanwhile, Kristy has been dealing with one of her death row inmates, who has just received his execution date. Clifton Harris has always proclaimed his innocence. He swears he was not the one to start the fire which killed his two young children. The jury saw differently. Kristy knows she cannot change the laws, but she does become Clifton’s friend, and he hers. Clifton is the only one who sees the changes in Kristy, and correctly interprets the cause.

How far will Kristy go to protect herself and her family? Is she strong enough and smart enough to commit the perfect crime?

My Opinions:
Although I enjoyed this book, at a couple of points I just wanted to stop reading. Kristy and Lance’s relationship built up rather slow (although really quickly in time), and I was more interested in the Death Row side of things. I’m also not a romance reader. When Lance turned into an abuser, it just got depressing. The whole idea of the abuse that some women suffer at the hands of their husbands was disheartening. I know it happens, and the overall tone of the book made it realistic, but I know if it had been me, I probably would have been gone after the first punch. Since the author made Kristy such a strong independent woman, her staying in the situation rang a little false until the blackmail part was added. Lance’s character actually was believable (slimeball).

Perhaps I didn’t realize so much of the book would be about an abused woman. The title and the fact that Kristy worked inside a Death Row Prison in Texas gave me the impression it would be more about that, so I guess I’m a little disappointed.

The book was good, the writing fine, the characters (other than Kristy) seemed real, so overall it’s probably a 4 or 5 star book. I’m giving it a 3.5, because it just wasn’t for me, and I really think that strong, independent Kristy, who works for the prison system, would not have stayed in an abusive relationship.

 

Read: August 2018

 

 About the Author:  Hollie Overton and her twin sister, were born in Chicago, but raised in Texas. Hollie is a TV writer and producer. She has written for Shadowhunters, Cold Case, and The Client List. Hollie’s debut thriller, BABY DOLL was an international bestseller and was published in eleven countries. 

 

 

The Wife’s Secret by Kerry Wilkinson

The Wife’s Secret by Kerry Wilkinson

 Publishing: October 10, 2018 by Bookouture

 

 

The Wife’s Secret by Kerry Wilkinson is a psychological thriller.

First, let me thank NetGalley, the publisher Bookouture, and of course the author, for providing me with a copy of this book in exchange for an honest review. All opinions are my own.

My Synopsis:
Seth Chambers marries the love of his life. At his wedding reception, his new wife disappears. Although they had known each other for a few years, Seth discovers he doesn’t know her very well. Yes, he knows her tragic past involves the murder of her parents when Charley was only 13 years old, and that she was raised by her sister Martha. He knows that she doesn’t get along with her brother. He knows that her parents had been celebrities, and that their murderer has never been caught. He knows that Charley gave away most of her inheritance. Other than that, he knows he loves her, and can’t quite figure out if she left him willingly, or has been abducted. Either way, why?

My Opinions:
Although this is a fairly fast read, I found the story moved slowly.

I did like the way the author told the story through different points of view and different timelines, which made it interesting, and kept you motivated to get to the next chapter. In this way we learned about Charley’s life from childhood to adulthood, and about her family. We felt the anguish Seth was feeling as he worried about his missing wife. That being said, however, I felt his reactions were lifeless. I would have expected a little more anxiousness, maybe anger at the police (who we didn’t really hear much from), maybe some outrageous act like going out to look for her himself….. Instead, he sat at home and waited. It didn’t feel right.

I did like the ending, and overall the book was good, the plot interesting, and the twist well-placed. For me, It just lacked a little excitement.

This is the first book I have read by this author, although I know he is a fairly prolific writer. I guess I have some catching up to do.

Read: September 2018

Favorite Quotes from The Wife’s Secret:

‘Books are my downfall,’ Annie confesses. ‘I know I live by less is more – but that’s not the case with books. You have to have one indulgence.’

“I saw what happened, but even I’m not sure. It’s almost as if my left eye saw one thing and my right eye saw another. Both versions are equally true and equally false.”

 

 About the Author:  Kerry Wilkinson (Nov 4, 1980 –  ) is a British author who has had No.1 bestsellers in the UK, Canada, South Africa and Singapore, as well as top-five books in Australia. He has also written two top-20 thrillers in the United States. In addition to stand-alone novels, he has written both the Jessica Daniels series, and the YA Silver Blackthorn series.