The instant New York Times Bestseller (January 2018)! “A fiendishly smart cat-and-mouse thriller” —New York Times Book Review“Buckle up, because you won’t be able to put this one down.” —Glamour “Jaw dropping. Unforgettable. Shocking.” —Publishers Weekly (starred review)“The best domestic suspense novel since Gone Girl.” —In Touch WeeklyWhen you read this book, you will make many assumptions.You … review)
“The best domestic suspense novel since Gone Girl.” —In Touch Weekly
When you read this book, you will make many assumptions.
You will assume you are reading about a jealous ex-wife.
You will assume she is obsessed with her replacement – a beautiful, younger woman who is about to marry the man they both love.
You will assume you know the anatomy of this tangled love triangle.
Assume nothing.
Twisted and deliciously chilling, Greer Hendricks and Sarah Pekkanen’s The Wife Between Us exposes the secret complexities of an enviable marriage – and the dangerous truths we ignore in the name of love.
Read between the lies.
A 2018 Indie Next Pick | One of Glamour Magazine’s Best Books of 2018 | One of Hello Giggles’ 19 Books We Can’t Wait to Read in 2018
Praise for The Wife Between Us:
“Fiendishly clever…in the vein of Gone Girl and The Girl on the Train. This one will keep you guessing.” —Anita Shreve, New York Times bestselling author of The Stars are Fire
“A clever thriller with masterful twists.” – Karin Slaughter, New York Times bestselling author of The Kept Woman
“The Wife Between Us delivers a whip smart, twisty plot in a taut, pacy narrative. It’s terrific and troubling. This is one scary love triangle where you won’t know who to trust. I loved it.” –Gilly Macmillan, New York Times bestselling author of What She Knew
“A twisty, mind-bending novel about marriage and betrayal. A gripping plot and fascinating characters; this book will keep you turning the pages and guessing until the very end. A must-read!” –Lauren Weisberger, New York Times bestselling author of The Devil Wears Prada
“This amazing story gallops along at breakneck speed, with an ending that smacks you between the eyes and takes your breath away. These authors are destined to become trail blazers in the field of psychological suspense books that explode in your hands!” —Nancy Simpson-Brice, Book Vault
“Like a house of mirrors, The Wife Between Us kept me guessing around every corner, delving into the complexities of marriage, friendship, and obsession.” —Javier Ramirez, The Book Table
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Contrary to other reviewers, I actually enjoyed how the book was vaguely laid out. I know it left a lot of reviewers confused, and I think that’s what I enjoyed most about it. Alternating between past and present, it told the story of an ex-wife, Nellie, who was in the process of telling her story while talking about her replacement.
The author purposefully kept the reader in the dark until close to the very end of the book, and I liked that we weren’t entirely sure where our main character was going with her reasoning. The only thing that didn’t make total sense was the note she left for her new replacement, it was impossibly vague, I would have tossed it too. You have to play the long game to find out what happens and I enjoy how Nellie comes to do what she must do for her survival. Very well done.
Crazy Twist!
A real page turner! You think you know the characters and then Boom! Surprise. Couldn’t put it down.
The tags “assume nothing” and “read between the lies” are quite accurate. You should assume nothing while reading this book. Put aside all pre-conceived notions and ideas as to who the players are in this book, as well as who is who, and who is controlling the situation.
There are three truths to this marriage:
** Hers
** His
** Actual
CAUTION: THIS REVIEW MAY CONTAIN SPOILERS.
I received this as an advanced reader copy in late 2018. I was not compensated at all for this review and these are my own thoughts after reading the novel.
It took me two thorough readings to really understand it and process it. It can be, if you like the genre, an addictive read. The second time I went through the book in two days and enjoyed it more on the second round than the first.
It is engaging and keeps you guessing, at least it did me. The last two chapters are very important to this story and reveal a lot of truths the reader will have no idea existed. They also explain the flashbacks and other characters being mentioned as well as their relevance to the story. They are, I feel, the most important chapters of the book.
Before I continue, it should be noted there might be some subject “triggers” for people:
** Excessive Drinking/Alcoholism references
** Death (at least 3-4 character deaths are discussed/mentioned)
** Mental Illness
** Spousal Abuse
** Infidelity
** Stalking
These subjects are also carefully woven in the story of the players as well as play huge roles in the plot. If these subjects are bothersome to the reader – please avoid the novel.
With that said …
Within the first few chapters, there was a HEAVY presence of brand names mentioned, four (4) on one page alone. In about ten (10) pages, there were eleven (11) brands names dropped which made it feel like it was either an advertisement or a sponsored book. Thankfully the issue resolved itself as the book progressed. I know the authors have a second book out, so I’m hoping this isn’t a recurring theme in their books.
The story is written in three parts. Part one (1) seems to bounce back and forth between Vanessa and Nellie’s stories. They’re told in first (Vanessa) and third (Nellie) person views. It is only at the end of part one (1), that we learn the truth about them.
As the book begins, young Nellie is looking forward to marrying Richard and older Vanessa is remembering her marriage to Richard. Is Vanessa a scorned ex-wife or is she trying to protect her replacement and keep her from making a huge mistake as she did? We know that Vanessa won’t have peace until it is over. Who is stalking Nellie? Why did Richard leave Vanessa? All will be revealed deeper into the novel.
We do know that one of Richard’s wives “wasn’t who he thought she was”. We learn more about her identity towards the end of the novel. She is briefly mentioned (not by name) in the beginning and not brought up again.
From the beginning, Nellie is plagued with strange calls and even an issue with a wedding photographer (which in the end we learn the truth about). We learn that even Nellie has two personas: a teacher and waitress. Each one is different, but suits her.
The tale of Vanessa is a shattered woman (in her mid/late 30’s) living with her aunt post-divorce, and Nellie is a buoyant 27 year old young woman who is embarking on what she thinks is a perfect future with the man of her dreams.
At the end of part one, a truth is revealed about Vanessa and Nellie.
Part Two (2) is far more stable and stays with Vanessa’s side of the story – which is now in first person story mode.
The name of her replacement? Emma. In this part, the reader learns that death and anxiety has plagued Vanessa from her youth – even in her college days, particularly a young girl she was responsible for. And, the reader learns one of the reasons behind her failed attempts at getting pregnant stemming from a college incident.
As Vanessa tries to keep Emma from marrying Richard, the reader is thrust into why Vanessa and Richard divorced, and why she is desperate to stop Emma – Richard. Richard offers more money for Vanessa to get help. As always, he’s trying to manipulate the situation – or is he? Is Vanessa really obsessed or does she have a right to be concerned?
In an attempt to save Emma, Vanessa relives a terrifying college ordeal which contributed to some of her present-day problems surfaces. But, while one girl couldn’t be saved, she is desperate to save another.
As the book progresses, it becomes evident Vanessa carefully constructs the events surrounding the end of the marriage, and her reasons as to why it went the way it did – again, Richard. The breakup plays out – carefully orchestrated in detail – the beginning to the end.
Vanessa’s own college affair with a married man, the same thing that has now happened to her, is revealed.
As the reader gets deeper into the story, they start seeing a different side to Richard – an abusive, manipulative person. The reader will either see Vanessa as an unstable woman or one who is trying to get to the truth of everything that has happened from the beginning of the marriage as well as the end.
Vanessa is also wondering who was really stalking her in the beginning: the brother of the dead girl (from college) or the dark haired wife before her. Vanessa reveals she’s been talking with a therapist but doesn’t say who. It is here that we learn when Richard’s affair with Emma began, and we learn why Vanessa didn’t mind. We also learn why she didn’t leave.
Part Three (3) begins (again in first person mode) with Vanessa reconsidering what she has set into motion. She learns more about what Richard is about: abuse and using fear to dominate. She is desperate to stop it thinking it wouldn’t have gotten as far as it did.
She also realizes it isn’t enough to stop Emma from marrying Richard, but he also must be stopped – he’ll only move on. She doesn’t want him back at all – she just wants him stopped.
Emma isn’t convinced that Vanessa is stable – even with evidence as to Richard’s own deception. Vanessa recalls her secret diary that Richard found – and the readers soon learn that Richard isn’t the man we think he is. Emma soon learns he isn’t who she thought he was either. That is a recurring theme here in the book – someone not being who they were thought to be.
As the book rushes to the end (compared to how it started off slow) – the reader learns how Richard tracked Vanessa’s movements in the beginning of their relationship and how he now tracks Emma. Vanessa reveals her part in the entire affair which infuriates Emma.
Emma agrees to stop the wedding – but on her terms, not Vanessa’s. Emma wavers a bit – why though? Does she not really believe Vanessa? Was it an act? And, what about the woman before Vanessa? Who is she? What happened to her? Where is she?
Vanessa finally confronts Richard – and he isn’t too happy with her newfound confidence. In his final act of dominance, Richard shows the reader, Emma, and even his sister (Maureen) what he is truly like – what lies beneath his exterior. Maureen acts as if he is the victim. But, she is satisfied with what has happened.
After seeing Richard one final time – Vanessa is able to put the marriage behind her, leaving behind all remnants of it. Maureen tells Vanessa the truth about their parents’ accident and her father’s violent past. She also still thinks it is Vanessa who is holding on to the marriage and not her brother.
Vanessa goes to her therapist one last time. And, the reader learns who Kate really is and her connection to Vanessa.
But, that isn’t the only surprise the reader is treated to. Vanessa reconnects with an old friend and is going to be teaching again, as she did before marrying Richard.
In the Epilogue we learn about Emma (which is told from her point of view) and her role in the affair (along with her reasons) – she is also connected to Vanessa. But, Emma’s connection to Vanessa goes back to Florida when Emma was 12 and Vanessa was in college. Vanessa adds that they were both wrong. They weren’t who they thought the other was.
The title is a bit confusing as I didn’t learn who the “wife between us” really was or what the title alluded to. I have noticed that other reviewers had the same issue.
Other than the potential triggers, the weird pace of part one (1), and the confusion about the title, I think I would find myself re-reading this down the road. I did enjoy the book and it is different from the usual genres I read. The style is very different as well.
I would recommend reading it at least twice before reviewing it – and take notes as I did.
This book is not for everyone. If you do not like complicated twists – I don’t recommend it. If you are confused by multiple points of view – I do not recommend it. If you are looking for a quick/fast read – I do not recommend it.
I found it a solid read. I was also sent their second book – “An Anonymous Girl” to review.
The Wife Between Us by Greer Hendricks & Sarah Pekkanen is a psychological thriller. I fell absolutely in love with and couldn’t put it down. They did an amazing job and I can’t wait to read more from these authors.
The best way to describe the book is to use the description they use:
“When you read this book, you will make many assumptions.
You will assume you are reading about a jealous ex-wife.
You will assume she is obsessed with her replacement – a beautiful, younger woman who is about to marry the man they both love.
You will assume you know the anatomy of this tangled love triangle.
Assume nothing. “
The Wife Between Us by Greer Hendricks And Sarah Pekkanen
Pub date: Jan 2018
St Martin’s Press
Fiction, library loan, bookclub,mystery
Rating: 4/5
A convoluted story of jealousy and deception beyond imagination. It draws you in with its artfully scripted plot which eventually begins to twist and turn. You can’t put the book down lest you miss the next secret revealed and it’s impact on the conclusion.
Nothing is what it seems in this story which makes everyone an unreliable character. Consequently, your opinions shift from who to like and not like. Who can you trust becomes the question.
For Richard, there seems to be way too many women involved in his life. This is the tip of the iceberg of his problems!
The story begins with Nellie, a preschool teacher at the Learning Ladder with her roommate, Samantha, also a teacher in New York City. When Nellie announces her engagement to Richard, a wealthy hedge fund manager, it seems to good to be true.
Then, the focus turns to Vanessa who moves in with her Aunt Charlotte after her divorce from Richard. She is not pleased with the recent engagement announcement and desperately tries to intervene.
The story alternates from different women’s point of view and their relationship with Richard. There’s Emma who carries around guilt from her sorority days when her pledge drowns unexpectedly. She carries the secret of her past which has constantly looking over her shoulder.
It’s difficult to describe the story without releasing spoilers because it is twisted making this review as confusing as the story until the truths are revealed. Don’t take anything for granted and just enjoy the journey!
Read this on Kindle for my Book Club. The ladies either liked a lot or not at all. It was very slow getting into it and characters were confusing. But, as everyone said, you’ll love it once you get to 39% of the book, and we did. So don’t give up on it and you will be surprised and like the ending.
I’ve spent the last three days feeling like I have an addiction: When can I get my next The Wife Between Us fix?!?
It’s rare for me to come across a book I simply cannot get enough of. When I do, the obsession with finding a spare few minutes here and there to dig back in is such a rush.
I won’t give away any details, because every revelation and twist is so delectable, I want these thrills to come to you as surprisingly and forcefully as they did for me. If you love thrillers, I’ll bet you’ll find yourself as engrossed as I was in The Wife Between Us.
*whew* I need to breeeaaathe. I feel like I’ve been holding my breath for days!
A little confusing at times
“The Wife Between Us” is a suspenseful thriller about a husband and wife at the end of their marriage, they are divorced and he is ready to remarry but their lives are still very much entwined. The Thompson’s are a wealthy couple who on the outside had it all but below the surface their marriage was wrought with deception, manipulation and violence. So, why after the divorce is finalized is the “crazy” wife stalking the new fiancee? I do not want to give away much of the plot away, since this story is loaded with twist and turns and (mostly) unexpected reveals. The beginning is a little confusing at first but will unfold as you continue reading. I saw a few of the plot points coming but a couple I did not, my favorite being the second to last. Enjoy this thriller and expect the unexpected.
Original and unpredictable. I recommend
Really love the unexpected twist that happens halfway through the book, then it lags a little bit and doesn’t quite get it’s feet back under it.
So very twisted, a page tuner you won’t want to put down. How one women can be entangled into the lives and not know until the end. Just a great storyline. Vanessa aka Nellie trying to live a life hidden in the shadows of unhappiness and disparity because of a bad relationship. Who knew that her choice of a husband would let her not be the first to be carrying guilt! Needing to be free from the bad marriage and brutal spouse! Saving another from expediting the same fate as Vanessa and Kate did. A sick sister covering and letting a brother get by with such evil things! This book gave me chills!!
I loved this book
Definitely a page-turner
Awesome story line and characters!!!
Way too much details about spousal abuse. Same scenario on and on and on. Tragic situation but don’t need to get the picture more than ten times, thank you very much.
Very good book.
I did have some unanswered questions and would have preferred a bit more character build up for a few of the characters.
This book is divided into 3 books. I guessed the twist of book one between chapter 4 & 5, the rest of the book I didn’t guess and was quite surprised with the twist in book 2.
overall good book and would recommend for a weekend read!
THE LAST MRS. PARRISH on steroids.
Don’t understand why an ex-wife of a controlling psycho get involved with getting involved with her ex husbands fiance., it was way too unrealistic, even I know its only fiction.