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Becky K. (Chicagoland)
A Killer Couple
This is definitely an entertaining book. It's a domestic drama about a married couple and their two children, with the hook being that mom and dad are serial killers. An unexpected twist near the end amped up the drama and action. I wish the characters were a bit more well-rounded, and an understanding of the husband's background would have been nice. The children, Rory and Jenna, are both multifaceted and interesting.
Joanne V. (Towanda, PA)
A really creepy story
Whoa, who are these people? I kept thinking about that as I raced through this book - of course, thinking I knew the ending - not so! I am not so sure I would recommend this for a book club, it is disturbing and the characters totally unlikable. Usually this would put me off, but I enjoyed Samantha Downing's writing and character development - she does a great job. Thanks for the chance to review this, I might not have read it otherwise.
Vicki C. (Franklin, TN)
My Lovely Wife
If you are a big fan of mysteries/thrillers like I am, you really should take the time to read 'My Lovely Wife' by Samantha Downing. After reading so many mysteries over the years I frequently find myself fairly certain of the outcome of the book and can sometimes even anticipate the various twists and turns that I'm sure will happen. Well, 'My Lovely Wife' kept me guessing the whole time and shocked and surprised me throughout.
The family involved seems like a fairly typical one to all around them but when alowed to peek inside we see two confused children and a husband and wife team unlike any you have ever
…more encountered in fiction. The couple slowly transform in the eyes of the reader from loving couple and attentive parents to cold killers.
Read it! You will be glad you did. (less)
Carol T. (Ankeny, IA)
Drew me in
My Lovely Wife started slowly. In fact, I found the first third quiet slow and fairly predictable, but then it drew me in and I raced to the end. Rainy day read.
Mary H. (Ocala, FL)
Wild Ride
This is a compelling psychological thriller about an upscale suburban couple who present an outward picture of family stability and normalcy. They are involved with their children's activities, spend family time together and socialize with their neighbors and friends. But all is not as it seems and this story shows that darkness can lurk in even the best neighborhoods and nicest families.
I don't think it's possible to give an overview of the novel without giving too much away but suffice it to say it is an engrossing read and a fresh take on the psychological thriller genre. There are twists and turns coming
…more from all directions throughout the story but when I got to the last third of the book, I literally could not put it down. While I think the novel is well crafted, some parts are very disturbing. Not a read for the faint of heart. (less)Well written, fascinating and complex plot, especially from a debut author. Terror and torture abound. Certainly not my usual reading but I'm glad I persevered. The ending was very unexpected. I would recommend this book If you're not prone to having nightmares.
Deb T. (Belpre, OH)
Dexter It Ain't
It is a reversal of the Dexter series but quite a bit darker, not a lot of humor, and an end twist......those things being said, I couldn't put it down. Give it a try!
Julia A. (New York, NY)
My Not-so-Lovely Wife
"My Lovely Wife" is a page-turner. Almost from the beginning we know what the couple is doing; we gradually learn the why and the how. Along the way, we learn about the children, the friends, the acquaintances, the everyday life in the affluent area in which the family lives, and the victims, but not too much about the narrator, husband of Millicent, the "lovely wife" of the title. I went back over the novel a few times to see if the reader actually knows the narrator's real name. We know it's not Tobias, and most probably not Quentin, these being personas he adopts for the "extracurricular activities," in which
…more he and his wife participate, seemingly as partners. As the novel unwinds, the reader, or at least this reader, is surprised by a brilliant plot twist toward the end of the saga, and a horrific denouement that is perhaps not so unexpected if we've been paying attention. As I read this novel, I found myself mentally casting the movie in my head, because there is a cinematic quality to the book that cannot be overlooked. "My Lovely Wife" could easily be 2019's 'Girl on the Train.' (less)
