THE WIFE BETWEEN US by GREER HENDRICKS and SARAH PEKKANEN

THE WIFE BETWEEN US by GREER HENDRICKS and SARAH PEKKANEN
PUBLICATION DATE: January 9, 2018

 

Synopsis:

 

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.

Discover the next blockbuster novel of suspense, and get ready for the read of your life.

THE WIFE BETWEEN US is the debut novel of co-authors Greer Hendricks and Sarah Pekkanen. Hendricks, a former book editor with a major New York publishing house, lives in Manhattan with her family. Pekkanen, the author of seven bestselling solo novels, lives in Maryland with her three sons. THE WIFE BETWEEN US has been sold in 30 countries and optioned for film by Steven Spielberg’s Amblin Partners. It is a Book of the Month Club Pick, an Amazon Best Book of the Month, and an Indie Next Pick. Hendricks and Pekkanen are currently at work on their next novel, also a psychological thriller.

 

My Review:

 

WHOA!!! Smart and twisty and thoroughly entertaining! Lots of surprises.

“She is everything Richard desires. Everything I used to be.”

Sounds heartbreaking, no? Well, everything I assumed about this book went right out the window as I read this story. The synopsis is intentionally vague, as it should be! This thriller is tightly-crafted and well-written and was an absolute joy to read.

The most I will say about this book is that it is narrated by Vanessa, the seemingly-jealous former wife of Richard. She lived a life of comfortable luxury while married, which appears to have been snatched from under her when she divorced. From the Upper East Side to working girl, she seems to have taken quite a fall, both socially and mentally. Vanessa is now reduced to stalking her ex-husband’s youthful and vibrant fiancé Emma, and from there the story quietly and emphatically builds to a stunning conclusion.

Vanessa’s former married life with Richard is skillfully told through a series of flashbacks. Vanessa questions her own sanity and certainly seems to be hanging on by a thread at some points.

“Maybe this is how my mother felt when she had her lights-out days. I wish I’d understood better back then; I felt abandoned, but now I know some pain is too fierce to battle. You can only duck for cover and hope the sandstorm passes. It’s too late for me to tell her, though. Both of my parents are gone.”

Vanessa was once exuberant and full of life, as Emma appears to be. But married life took a toll on her and her independence and spontaneity. Vanessa kept many secrets from her husband and so it seems almost predestined that their marriage, although once loving and perfect, would fail.

“That wasn’t the first time I’d betrayed Richard, and it wouldn’t be the last. Nor would it be the worst—not even close.”

I love a domestic thriller and ‘The Wife Between Us’ is one of the best. Even the title is fantastic and so promising! My heart was pounding as Vanessa began to get closer and closer to the naive and unsuspecting Emma.

“Richard cannot marry again. I begin to make preparations. The next time I see her, I will be ready.”

Greer Hendricks and Sarah Pekkanen have a stellar career ahead of them as a writing duo. I adored this book and the New York City setting. There is nothing more satisfying to me as a reader as when the authors know their settings and get it JUST right. You will feel as if you are right in the middle of the city when reading this addictive thriller! Filled with unexpected twists and turns, this intelligent and very moving story will satisfy every fan of psychological thrillers. Highly recommend!!

“You need to remember that even when I’m not there, I’m always with you.”

Reviewed from an ARC provided by the publisher.