by Samantha Downing
Genres: Thriller
Source: Publisher
Purchase*: Amazon | Audible *affiliate
Dexter meets Mr. and Mrs. Smith in this wildly compulsive debut thriller about a couple whose fifteen-year marriage has finally gotten too interesting...
Our love story is simple. I met a gorgeous woman. We fell in love. We had kids. We moved to the suburbs. We told each other our biggest dreams, and our darkest secrets. And then we got bored.
We look like a normal couple. We're your neighbors, the parents of your kid's friend, the acquaintances you keep meaning to get dinner with.
We all have our secrets to keeping a marriage alive.
Ours just happens to be getting away with murder.
I was in the mood for an unreliable, suspenseful thriller and grabbed My Lovely Wife by Samantha Downing. This twisty tale will grab you! Even if you figure things out along the way, the story will trap you!
Millicent and her husband are your typical suburban couple. Both work, while raising two children in a coveted neighborhood, but they share a deadly secret.
Samantha Downing tells the story from the perspective of Millicent’s husband, a tennis instructor for the local country club. They’ve been married fifteen years, but as he narrates we learn that things are much darker than they seem. The two have some after-hours activities that would be horrify the Jones’.
I really enjoyed the way Downing unfolded this tale. Without spoilers, I will tell you this couple committed murder, but that is just the beginning of the game. Wooziers. As we learn what that’ve done, they also bring us along as they plan another. Throughout the tale the husband shares how they met, we learn things about Millicent’s childhood and how they raise their children. Everything is relevant and the pacing and unfolding just pull you in. I devoured this in two sittings.
They recommend this for fans of Dexter. I think that is a fair assumption. If you enjoyed the book/series, you’ll easily slip into this.
I figured the plots path early on but after reflection I think the author purposefully allowed the reader to grasp the bigger picture. Let us just say the game is afoot. Climatic twists, diabolical discoveries and deceit abound. If you are looking for an addictive thriller, grab My Lovely Wife.
My Lovely Wife by Samantha Downing offered a dark, twisted thriller that will keep you flipping the pages #NewRelease #Thriler #MyLovelyWife Share on X
About Kimberly
Kimberly is a coffee loving book addict who reads and listens to fictional stories in all genres. Whovian, Ravenclaw, Howler and proud Nonna. She owns and manages Caffeinated PR. The coffee is always on and she is ready to chat. BlueSky | Facebook | Instagram
Mary @StackingMyBookShelves!
I have been seeing so/so reviews for this one. I still want to read it. It sounds like I would really like it. I always try to guess who is doing the killing with thrillers and mysteries. Sometimes I get it right. =)
Mary
Olivia Roach
Sometimes when I read thrillers I can predict the endings and what is going to happen, but I still generally enjoy the reading experience because of either the characters or the wonderful pacing!
Debbie Haupt
Okay, holy moly what a premise. Nice review Kim you made me want it.
Lorna
Hmm Not sure about this for me. I like to like my main characters. Murderers wouldn’t be that for me. Unless it’s like The Sana Clarita Diet. That’s so dark and funny and I loved that on Netflix.
Sophia Rose
The Bonnie and Clyde-like stories can grab me, too. I’m curious after reading your thoughts on it.
Anne - Books of My Heart
This sounds twisty and creepy. I would probably like it. Great review.
Lily B
I’m hoping to read this soon 😀 I’ve been on a kick for psychological thrillers
Mary Kirkland
I loved Dexter so this does sound good.
Heidi
I looked this one up when I put it into a Friday Forecast. It sounded interesting, but I don’t think it’s for me. I don’t think I can get behind a couple that commits murder.
Kimberly
LOL, I would hope not.
sjhigbee
Oh my goodness – and what a clever cover! I don’t like Dexter, so I’m guessing I wouldn’t enjoy this one, either. But I’m glad it was such a gripping read, Kimberly:)
kindlemom1
So glad you liked this one! I think I definitely liked it more than you did but glad you did like it. It was a bit twisted and unpredictable and not my norm, which was super nice.
Melliane
It’s intetresting for a chance to follow the killers.
Nadene
This sounds chilling. I don’t mind figuring out the plot points early as long as the story keeps me engaged.
Shelleyrae @ Book’d Out
While I’m not a fan of Dexter, I do like the sound of this.
Thanks for sharing
Lindy@ A Bookish Escape
I love Dexter, and movies and books that are similar. This sounds like it was a pretty good read with the climatic twists and diabolical discoveries, although, I don’t know if I would have liked figuring out the plots path so quickly! Excellent Review Kim!