Have you ever read blurbs that have compelled you to read the book? I have, many many times. And in my experience I’ve found that more often than not, these books have a hard time living up to their great blurbs.
But then there are wonderful exceptions like The Wife Between Us, which not only delivers everything that the blurb promises (or in this case, warns), but goes above and beyond, and proves to be a really thrilling ride.
A novel of suspense that explores the complexities of marriage and the dangerous truths we ignore in the name of love.
When you read this book, you will make many assumptions.
You will assume you are reading about a jealous wife and her obsession with her replacement.
You will assume you are reading about a woman about to enter a new marriage with the man she loves.
You will assume the first wife was a disaster and that the husband was well rid of her.
You will assume you know the motives, the history, the anatomy of the relationships.
Assume nothing.
The blurb urged the readers to assume nothing, and that’s exactly what I did – at-least in the beginning. I tried to keep an open mind, and not make assumptions. I even dismissed the things that seemed really really obvious.
However, as the story progressed, the traps (so cleverly laid out by the authors) became almost impossible to avoid. The clues that should have led me to the answers raised even more questions, and the puzzle got more complex than ever!
I also remember that as I read the book, my opinions were constantly changing. I just couldn’t make up my mind whether I should pity, fear, or admire the protagonist, as I was never 100% sure if she was just truly depressed or really devious, or even whether she was the victim or the culprit, or a little bit of both.
However, the one thing that stayed the same all through the book was that, no matter what was going on, I was constantly and helplessly intrigued, and couldn’t stop turning the pages in the hope of getting more clarity. Which is basically exactly what you want from a mystery/thriller, isn’t it?
Having said that, I do have one small grouse with this book. I know that in the grand scheme of things it is not that big a deal, but I felt like the final confrontation lacked the intensity that the build up promised, and I couldn’t shake off the feeling of it being too little too late.
But don’t get me wrong, the big reveal, and the final confrontation was still very good. I guess I just expected better, because well, by that point I was completely obsessed, and expected miracles!
Which is why, don’t let this deter you from picking up this book, because if you are a fan of this genre of psychological suspense, this is one book you absolutely should not miss!
The Wife Between Us is a brilliantly crafted suspense/thriller, with really clever twists and very well timed reveals, most of which, trust me, you will not see coming. And this is even if your detective skills are top-notch. You will be outwitted and bamboozled, and not to forget.. thoroughly entertained through it all.
GET THIS BOOK HERE:
Amazon One Link: Paperback | Kindle | Audiobook
Amazon India: Hardcover | Kindle | Audiobook
Disclaimer: I received an Advance Reader Copy (ARC) of this book from Net Galley, in exchange of an honest review, but the opinions, as always, are completely my own.
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You had me at psychological thriller. Your review makes me want to read this immediately. But since I have way too many unread books on my shelf, I’m adding this to my TBR for now.
Thank you for the spoiler-free review, Shantala.
Soumya recently posted…Always, Choose Kind
You are very welcome Soumya. I am sure you will enjoy it. 🙂
Shanaya Tales recently posted…My Quarterly Goals for the First Quarter of 2018 #ChattyBlogs January Linky
I so want this book! I haven’t read a psychological mystery in quite some time..I know how edge-of-the-seat intriguing they can be. And, from your review, it does look like it will keep me hooked till the very end.
Thank you, Shan, will definitely look for this one!
Shilpa Gupte recently posted…The English Teacher – Book Review.
I am sure you will enjoy it, Shilpa. Happy reading. 🙂
Shanaya Tales recently posted…My Quarterly Goals for the First Quarter of 2018 #ChattyBlogs January Linky
Oh, so want to read it! This is one of my favorite genres. So sad it is already been archived on NetGalley 🙁
I love the way they’ve crafted the blurb. So intriguing. Thanks for the review, Shantala–very well presented.
Vidya Sury recently posted…How heavy is this glass of water? #WednesdayWisdom
Right? I loved the blurb. Once I read it, I simply couldn’t put it out of my mind. I hope you are able to get to this book soon. I am sure you will enjoy it. 🙂
Shanaya Tales recently posted…My Quarterly Goals for the First Quarter of 2018 #ChattyBlogs January Linky
Wowza this sounds like an intriguing read Shantala. Do you I want to add it to my TBR? Well that list is pretty endless currently so will have to see.
https://natashamusing.com/2018/01/nurturing-mondaymusings-woty/
Hehehe, I know. The case of the overflowing TBR..
Shanaya Tales recently posted…My Quarterly Goals for the First Quarter of 2018 #ChattyBlogs January Linky
It does seem like an interesting read. I’ve added it to my TBR. Enjoyed your review as always.
Thank you, Rachna. I hope you enjoy it as much as I did.
Shanaya Tales recently posted…My Quarterly Goals for the First Quarter of 2018 #ChattyBlogs January Linky
I love books that keep me guessing where it’s going. And this sounds like one of those. Thanks for the honest review, Shantala!
You are very welcome. I am glad you liked it, Vinodini. 🙂
Shanaya Tales recently posted…My Quarterly Goals for the First Quarter of 2018 #ChattyBlogs January Linky
oooh, this sounds fascinating, Shantala. Coming from you, it must be good. I admire writers who can create such mysterious characters.
lisa thomson recently posted…2018, Here I Am
Thank you Lisa. This was a really interesting one. You could consider picking it up when you are looking for a mystery/thriller. 🙂
Shanaya Tales recently posted…My Quarterly Goals for the First Quarter of 2018 #ChattyBlogs January Linky
Why you adding to my TBR, Shantala, why?
*looks at TBR and cries*
CookieCrumbs Inc. recently posted…Dream Diary
Sorry not sorry. 😛
Shanaya Tales recently posted…My Quarterly Goals for the First Quarter of 2018 #ChattyBlogs January Linky
Aah.. it is slightly pricy. I will probably buy the Kindle version at a later point in the year.
I had read the sample version of ‘girl on train ‘ and kept delaying it till I came across it’s review again on your blog today (as a suggestion to read) So finally purchased the Kindle version today.
Oooo I should have clicked the clicked the affiliated links for the Kindle read.. how did i forget that! Sorry, I simply searched and purchased it.
Kyatobhi recently posted…Why and When I missed the bus
No problem. I hope you enjoy the read, and get to pick this up as well. I am sure you will enjoy both books. Happy reading. 🙂
Shanaya Tales recently posted…My Quarterly Goals for the First Quarter of 2018 #ChattyBlogs January Linky
Woah!! a book with a mix of emotions portrayed. Its been quite a while since I have throughly enjoyed a suspense thriller.. This sounds like my kind of book!
Ramya Abhinand recently posted…Fisher Queen’s Dynasty by Kavita Kane
Yeah it’s been quite a while since I read a thriller too. I hope you enjoy this as much as I did. 🙂
Shanaya Tales recently posted…My Quarterly Goals for the First Quarter of 2018 #ChattyBlogs January Linky
I have marked this on my wishlist and will pick it up soon. Your review has piqued my interest!
Nabanita Dhar recently posted…#FeministMondays | Everyday Sexism
I am so glad. I hope you enjoy it, Naba. 🙂
Shanaya Tales recently posted…My Quarterly Goals for the First Quarter of 2018 #ChattyBlogs January Linky
This sounds like a promising page turner Shantala. I can empathise with you on the climax not matching the buildup and feel thats the case with most of these novels. Maybe we get so good at guessing the end that the surprise factor dissipates and we are left feeling cheated as we were expecting bigger things!
SHALINI BAISIWALA recently posted…Postcards from the city of love – Paris
Yeah true. Though on the other end are novels that drag in the middle but have explosive ends – like The Girl on The Train. With such novels, people might give up before they reach the end. But with books like The Wife Between Us, that’s not even an option, it keeps you on your toes throughout.
Shanaya Tales recently posted…My Quarterly Goals for the First Quarter of 2018 #ChattyBlogs January Linky