The Next Wife: An absolutely gripping psychological thriller with a killer twist

Liz Lawler

Nov 2020 · Bookouture

About this ebook

She watched the man help her out of the car. How could he bring this woman here and not change a thing? She wondered if his new wife was going to be safe in this house.

Daniel is everything I ever dreamed of. A handsome, successful doctor who truly swept me off my feet. I can’t wait to get back from our honeymoon and begin our new lives together.

Except, rather than taking us back to our flat, Daniel announces we are moving to a new house in a different city. And when we arrive, the house is fully furnished, with plates in the cupboard, pictures on the walls and new clothes in my closet. It’s like someone already lives here. It seems a bit strange. But I know Daniel is just trying to make sure our new life is perfect, right from the start.

And it is perfect. He’s perfect.

Until one day, Daniel makes a mistake. One that has terrible consequences. And he blames me.

I suddenly don’t recognise the kind, selfless man I fell in love with.

And soon after, an elderly lady I’ve often seen on our street knocks on the door. She tells me that I need to be careful, that I can’t trust my husband.

That I should ask him what happened to his first wife.

Liz Lawler, the true master of psychological suspense, is back with a heart-stopping, dark and twisted story of what really goes on behind closed doors. Fans of Samantha Downing, B A Paris and JP Delaney will be totally enthralled by this completely addictive read.

Readers are gripped by Liz Lawler’s thrillers:

‘This book is a-ma-zing! It grabbed me from the first page and I could barely put it down. Even when I wasn't reading it, I was thinking about it… Thrilling, compelling and pretty terrifying.’ Goodreads Reviewer, ⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐

‘OMG, this book was bloody fantastic… I was awake half the night reading… A brilliant dark psychological thriller. If I could give it more than five stars I would it was that good.’ Goodreads Reviewer, ⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐

‘The plot was brilliant. Wicked smart… Maybe the best thriller I’ve read all year. So. Damn. Good. Read this book.’ Goodreads Reviewer, ⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐

‘Suspense fans, this one’s for you! The mystery begins on page one and doesn’t let up until the very last chapter. I was so hooked.’ Goodreads Reviewer, ⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐

‘OMG absolutely fantastic read with brilliant characters. Very cleverly written. Had no idea who it was until Liz wanted you to know… This is a must read and I would highly recommend this book. Definitely worth more than 5*.’ Goodreads Reviewer, ⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐

‘Devoured this book in a day. I thought that it was gripping, fascinating, slightly terrifying… A great psychological thriller.’ Goodreads Reviewer, ⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐

‘An addictive read… A fantastic novel that will hook you right in and leave you suspecting every single character…Five stars!’ Goodreads Reviewer, ⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐

‘A thriller that you will not be able to put down… I could not read fast enough… Top-notch!’ Goodreads Reviewer, ⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐

‘Outstanding… Genuinely kept me guessing right up to the big reveal. A 5* book that is highly recommended.’ Goodreads Reviewer, ⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐

‘Absolute must read… It's a cracking page turner.’ Goodreads Reviewer, ⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐

‘Keeps you on the edge of your seat. Once I started I had to keep going to find out what happened… It kept me guessing and turning the pages.’ Goodreads Reviewer, ⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐

Ratings and reviews

I really enjoyed this story. It was a little slow at the beginning but once I got into the story I couldn't put it down. I liked most of the characters, especially Martha and Jim. There were several twists that shocked me and had me tearing up. I loved the ending of the book. I highly recommend this book. I received an advanced copy of this book from Netgalley and Bookouture in return for my honest review. Thank you for the opportunity.

Tess thought she was the luckiest girl in the world, meeting such a charming, handsome surgeon. After a whirlwind courtship, the happy couple moved from London to Bath. Then her charming husband started to show his true colors. A book with domestic violence is always a touchy subject and I always take on a little of the mood of the book I’m reading. If I could only be content to read lighthearted, happy books, but I love a good psychological thriller and this one delivered.There was a sense of suspense as you wondered if Tess’ life was in danger and if her husband murdered his first wife. I’ve always wondered why you would stay with someone that makes you so unhappy, but I guess you need to walk a mile in their shoes to understand their choices. By the end of the book, I was on the edge of my seat. The book is one part drama, one part mystery and an overall thriller

A domestic thriller about a seemingly perfect marriage that will leave you wondering what you really know about the people you love. This book starts off with a bang in a gripping and terrifying scene. Certainly puts you on the edge of your seat from the get go. I am a huge fan of domestic thrillers with exciting twists, and this one was definitely just that. A pleasant bonus was the medical/hospital part...made me feel like I was watching an exciting medical drama (which I also love) in a few parts. The story was wrapped up nicely and left me feeling satisfied. However, the middle of it got a little slow for me. Also, the main character was a little lacking in depth and gall that I wanted her to have. Jim and Martha were wonderful characters, though. I would recommend this book to anyone who enjoys domestic suspense thrillers. Perfect read for an October fall evening. Thank you to NetGalley, Bookouture, and Liz Lawler for the opportunity to read this book.