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The Guilty Wife
Two newlywed couples. A tropical island resort. And a honeymoon to die for…
Arne is a successful businessman. He has plenty of friends. And plenty of enemies.
Nikki is effortlessly serene and beautiful. But the quiet ones always have the biggest secrets.
Daniel is finally settling down. Can he escape a terrible mistake he made sixteen years ago?
Tansy lives her life online. Has she married for love, or to boost her profile?
On the surface, they seem to have it all. But behind the filtered photos and fake smiles is the truth…
And before the honeymoon is over, their artificial happiness will be shattered.
Because one of them is going to die.
Everyone had something to hide.
But who had the most to lose?
Previously titled Happily Ever After.
Arne is a successful businessman. He has plenty of friends. And plenty of enemies.
Nikki is effortlessly serene and beautiful. But the quiet ones always have the biggest secrets.
Daniel is finally settling down. Can he escape a terrible mistake he made sixteen years ago?
Tansy lives her life online. Has she married for love, or to boost her profile?
On the surface, they seem to have it all. But behind the filtered photos and fake smiles is the truth…
And before the honeymoon is over, their artificial happiness will be shattered.
Because one of them is going to die.
Everyone had something to hide.
But who had the most to lose?
Previously titled Happily Ever After.
312 pages, Kindle Edition
First published June 22, 2021
764 people are currently reading
1241 people want to read
About the author
Alison James
10 books350 followersI was born in the Cotswolds but spent most of my formative years abroad. I studied languages at Oxford, then became a journalist and author, returning to university after my two children to take a law degree. After a three-year stint as a criminal paralegal, I worked as a commercial copywriter and then a TV storyliner, before coming full circle to write fiction again.
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 113 reviews
August 7, 2021
Lights, Camera, Action!
This book has quite the cast of characters and several exotic locations giving it major motion picture potential.
As a reading experience, it’s fun and a bit like a vacation without leaving your house.
Six people meet at a couples resort and one of them dies. The death was ruled an accident by the local police but there is more than meets the eye and the ensuing investigation involves all participants in various ways.
Each protagonist is worth mentioning, but debased social media magnate Tansy was the one I loved to hate. Deliciously vile while remaining (slightly) inbounds of the law, an indubitable wish for her comeuppance took hold from the beginning of the book through the entirety. Will karma intercede to deliver her just deserts?
Her spineless husband Daniel wasn’t much improved with his own problems as a shifty real estate developer - what a pair they made!
It’s always a treat when a book exceeds expectations. I had forgotten that I’d read another of the author’s books, The Man She Married and loved it. My reading tastes seem to match up with Allison James so I’ll make more of an effort to be on the lookout for her books.
Thank you to NetGalley UK, Bookouture, and author Allison James for my advance electronic copy set to publish June 22 2021.
This book has quite the cast of characters and several exotic locations giving it major motion picture potential.
As a reading experience, it’s fun and a bit like a vacation without leaving your house.
Six people meet at a couples resort and one of them dies. The death was ruled an accident by the local police but there is more than meets the eye and the ensuing investigation involves all participants in various ways.
Each protagonist is worth mentioning, but debased social media magnate Tansy was the one I loved to hate. Deliciously vile while remaining (slightly) inbounds of the law, an indubitable wish for her comeuppance took hold from the beginning of the book through the entirety. Will karma intercede to deliver her just deserts?
Her spineless husband Daniel wasn’t much improved with his own problems as a shifty real estate developer - what a pair they made!
It’s always a treat when a book exceeds expectations. I had forgotten that I’d read another of the author’s books, The Man She Married and loved it. My reading tastes seem to match up with Allison James so I’ll make more of an effort to be on the lookout for her books.
Thank you to NetGalley UK, Bookouture, and author Allison James for my advance electronic copy set to publish June 22 2021.
June 26, 2021
EXCERPT: 'Welcome to paradise!'
The newly weds are each handed a drink by a smiling member of the reception team: a blush-coloured glass of fruit punch, adorned with a flower. 'By choosing to stay with us, you have made the perfect choice for your honeymoon.'
This remark is addressed to another attractive, well-heeled couple who have also just arrived and been greeted with a drink. So they're not the only honeymoon couple staying at the resort. Which isn't surprising, given the place really is as close to paradise as you're likely to find. Swaying coconut palms, azure sea, shimmering white sand. Discreet villas with their own private gardens and pools. Perfect for an intimate, romantic holiday alone with your loved one. Perfect in every way, in fact, offering everything you could want.
Unless you wished your spouse was dead.
ABOUT 'THE GUILTY WIFE': At a luxury resort in the Maldives, two newlywed couples are on honeymoon. On the surface, they seem to have it all. But behind the filtered photos and fake smiles is the truth…
Tansy isn’t really in love.
Daniel is trying to escape the biggest mistake of his life.
Nikki’s past is catching up with her.
Arne’s heart is about to be broken.
They all have secrets. And before the honeymoon is over, their happiness will be shattered.
Because one of them is going to die…
MY THOUGHTS: Despite the fact that I didn't find The Guilty Wife particularly dark, I enjoyed this quick, easy and engaging read.
I loved the characters! - even the ones I loved to hate. Alison James has created some spectacular characters, particularly in Pippa - who isn't afraid to pull out of her marriage at the last moment when she knows that she is about to make a huge mistake, and Jim Cardle, a not very self-aware P.I. Tansy is an absolute nightmare, but the sort of person who, unfortunately, is becoming more common and more revered. Despite all his faults and stupidity, I felt sorry for Daniel; as I did for Nikki and Arne, whose marital bliss is short-lived.
I enjoyed the developing relationship between Jim and Pippa - It's reminiscent of Cormoran Strike and Robin, and I hope that this partnership is going to continue on in a series.
Pippa is a strong and determined character and really, although he tries hard, Jim is no match for her.
The plot moves from love and romance to murder, financial fraud on several fronts, blackmail and PTSD. The settings are gorgeous - who doesn't want to be holidaying in Mauritius? - except for Daniel. This is a wonderful book for armchair travellers as it flits between Mauritius, London, Australia, and Thailand....
While I would have liked a little more suspense, I really did enjoy this read. I have enjoyed this author in the past, and The Guilty Wife certainly didn't disappoint.
The Guilty Wife was previously titled Happily Ever After.
⭐⭐⭐⭐
#TheGuiltyWife #NetGalley
I: #alisonjames @bookouture
T: @AlisonJbooks @Bookouture
#contemporaryfiction #crime #murdermystery
THE AUTHOR: I was born in the Cotswolds but spent most of my formative years abroad. I studied languages at Oxford, then became a journalist and author, returning to university after my two children to take a law degree. After a three-year stint as a criminal paralegal, I worked as a commercial copywriter and then a TV storyliner, before coming full circle to write fiction again.
DISCLOSURE: Thank you to Bookouture via Netgalley for providing a digital ARC of The Guilty Wife by Alison James for review. All opinions expressed in this review are entirely my own personal opinions.
For an explanation of my rating system please refer to my Goodreads.com profile page or the about page on sandysbookaday.wordpress.com
This review and others are also published on Twitter, Amazon, Instagram and my webpage https://sandysbookaday.wordpress.com/...
The newly weds are each handed a drink by a smiling member of the reception team: a blush-coloured glass of fruit punch, adorned with a flower. 'By choosing to stay with us, you have made the perfect choice for your honeymoon.'
This remark is addressed to another attractive, well-heeled couple who have also just arrived and been greeted with a drink. So they're not the only honeymoon couple staying at the resort. Which isn't surprising, given the place really is as close to paradise as you're likely to find. Swaying coconut palms, azure sea, shimmering white sand. Discreet villas with their own private gardens and pools. Perfect for an intimate, romantic holiday alone with your loved one. Perfect in every way, in fact, offering everything you could want.
Unless you wished your spouse was dead.
ABOUT 'THE GUILTY WIFE': At a luxury resort in the Maldives, two newlywed couples are on honeymoon. On the surface, they seem to have it all. But behind the filtered photos and fake smiles is the truth…
Tansy isn’t really in love.
Daniel is trying to escape the biggest mistake of his life.
Nikki’s past is catching up with her.
Arne’s heart is about to be broken.
They all have secrets. And before the honeymoon is over, their happiness will be shattered.
Because one of them is going to die…
MY THOUGHTS: Despite the fact that I didn't find The Guilty Wife particularly dark, I enjoyed this quick, easy and engaging read.
I loved the characters! - even the ones I loved to hate. Alison James has created some spectacular characters, particularly in Pippa - who isn't afraid to pull out of her marriage at the last moment when she knows that she is about to make a huge mistake, and Jim Cardle, a not very self-aware P.I. Tansy is an absolute nightmare, but the sort of person who, unfortunately, is becoming more common and more revered. Despite all his faults and stupidity, I felt sorry for Daniel; as I did for Nikki and Arne, whose marital bliss is short-lived.
I enjoyed the developing relationship between Jim and Pippa - It's reminiscent of Cormoran Strike and Robin, and I hope that this partnership is going to continue on in a series.
Pippa is a strong and determined character and really, although he tries hard, Jim is no match for her.
The plot moves from love and romance to murder, financial fraud on several fronts, blackmail and PTSD. The settings are gorgeous - who doesn't want to be holidaying in Mauritius? - except for Daniel. This is a wonderful book for armchair travellers as it flits between Mauritius, London, Australia, and Thailand....
While I would have liked a little more suspense, I really did enjoy this read. I have enjoyed this author in the past, and The Guilty Wife certainly didn't disappoint.
The Guilty Wife was previously titled Happily Ever After.
⭐⭐⭐⭐
#TheGuiltyWife #NetGalley
I: #alisonjames @bookouture
T: @AlisonJbooks @Bookouture
#contemporaryfiction #crime #murdermystery
THE AUTHOR: I was born in the Cotswolds but spent most of my formative years abroad. I studied languages at Oxford, then became a journalist and author, returning to university after my two children to take a law degree. After a three-year stint as a criminal paralegal, I worked as a commercial copywriter and then a TV storyliner, before coming full circle to write fiction again.
DISCLOSURE: Thank you to Bookouture via Netgalley for providing a digital ARC of The Guilty Wife by Alison James for review. All opinions expressed in this review are entirely my own personal opinions.
For an explanation of my rating system please refer to my Goodreads.com profile page or the about page on sandysbookaday.wordpress.com
This review and others are also published on Twitter, Amazon, Instagram and my webpage https://sandysbookaday.wordpress.com/...
May 15, 2021
‘It’s a nice day for a white wedding’ or maybe it’s ‘Since you’ve been gone all that’s left is a band of gold’ or even ‘there maybe be trouble [in paradise] ahead’. Two honeymoon couples are in a luxury resort in Mauritius. There’s Insta influencer Tansy and husband Daniel who doesn’t look like he’s enjoying wedded bliss and Arne and Nikki Lindgren who are definitely loved up. Looking on are singles Pippa who should have been enjoying her honeymoon at the resort but she called the nuptials to Alistair off less than an hour before the ceremony and James Cardle. Why is he there??? Tragedy strikes for one couple but is the answer what the local police force assume?
First of all can I thank the author for the vicarious jet setting as we board planes from Mauritius to Australia to London and onto Thailand! The settings for the novel are great and are well described. At the start of the book my thoughts run along the lines of here we go again, another predictable one! How wrong can you be? Once this gets ‘warmed up’ the plotting becomes complex, clever and very compelling. There’s a rich tapestry of elements from finance on two fronts, blackmail, suicide, murder and grief to name but a few. There are some really good twists and turns that are unexpected and a lot of zipping about the planet for Pippa and James who join forces to try to uncover where the truth lies. The characters are good, some are very likeable and one who is most definitely not, being a duplicitous manipulative fake in more ways than one. The ending is good though I’m not entirely sure what to make of it as it’s a bit enigmatic but I’m optimistically hoping it means we’ll read more about Pippa and Jim!!!!
Overall, this mystery thriller quickly becomes a gripping read, it’s well written and the pace is good. I’m going to try to catch up on other books by Alison James as I’m now intrigued by what else she’s written!
With thanks to NetGalley and especially to Bookouture for the much appreciated arc in return for an honest review.
First of all can I thank the author for the vicarious jet setting as we board planes from Mauritius to Australia to London and onto Thailand! The settings for the novel are great and are well described. At the start of the book my thoughts run along the lines of here we go again, another predictable one! How wrong can you be? Once this gets ‘warmed up’ the plotting becomes complex, clever and very compelling. There’s a rich tapestry of elements from finance on two fronts, blackmail, suicide, murder and grief to name but a few. There are some really good twists and turns that are unexpected and a lot of zipping about the planet for Pippa and James who join forces to try to uncover where the truth lies. The characters are good, some are very likeable and one who is most definitely not, being a duplicitous manipulative fake in more ways than one. The ending is good though I’m not entirely sure what to make of it as it’s a bit enigmatic but I’m optimistically hoping it means we’ll read more about Pippa and Jim!!!!
Overall, this mystery thriller quickly becomes a gripping read, it’s well written and the pace is good. I’m going to try to catch up on other books by Alison James as I’m now intrigued by what else she’s written!
With thanks to NetGalley and especially to Bookouture for the much appreciated arc in return for an honest review.
June 2, 2021
4-5 stars
Although it sits in a crowded genre, this book was so well done that it stands out. Pippa Bryant abandons her wedding to Alastair 2 hours before they are due to tie the knot. She realises that, while they are comfortable together, she is no longer in love with him. Since her parents paid for their honeymoon on Mauritius, and the fee is non-refundable, she goes on the trip solo. It doesn’t take long for Pippa to realise that being solo at a honeymoon hotspot is not as much as fun as she thought it would be. There are loved up couples everywhere. She meets the Swede Arne Lindgren and English bride Nikki. She also meets Daniel Halligan and Tansy Dimaano - Tansy is an exotic beauty from Australia who is a social media influence. She spends most of her time creating new ‘content’ and ignoring her new husband. This couple doesn’t seem very loving!
Pippa notices a man who seems to be on his own, James (Jim) Cardle. She tries to befriend him but he is not initially receptive. After a bit of web surfing she learns that Cardle is a private investigator from London. Hmmm, she wonders who or what he is investigating on Mauritius. Eventually he softens a bit and they share a couple of drinks. One night, they are on his deck and hear a couple of screams, then people are running towards one of the beach huts. Pippa and Cardle run over as well to see what is happening....and find....I can’t tell you that but it sure wasn’t what it seemed!
It turns out Cardle is investigating Tansy. Soon he and Pippa are working together and the story gets very interesting indeed. I read this so quickly as I couldn’t put it down. The pace was excellent and you just kept getting new tidbits of information which changed the complexion of the story. Your loyalties tilted one way and then another. The strength of this story lies in the excellent character development. My goodness Tansy was a piece of work - willing to trample over anybody and everybody to get what she wants. When people were no longer useful to her they were discarded like a used tissue. Such self-absorption is a rare thing but it was so well depicted. Daniel Halligan was a harder nut to crack. It took a lot longer to get a handle on what made him tick and in the end I couldn’t help feeling sorry for him. Yet everyone had a part to play in this delicious drama.
The pacing of the story was excellent and it never really let up. You were always waiting for the other shoe to drop or some other new revelation. I thoroughly enjoyed the story. It will appeal to anyone who likes thrillers or psychological thrillers and I am grateful to Netgalley for my gifted copy. I am leaving this review voluntarily.
Although it sits in a crowded genre, this book was so well done that it stands out. Pippa Bryant abandons her wedding to Alastair 2 hours before they are due to tie the knot. She realises that, while they are comfortable together, she is no longer in love with him. Since her parents paid for their honeymoon on Mauritius, and the fee is non-refundable, she goes on the trip solo. It doesn’t take long for Pippa to realise that being solo at a honeymoon hotspot is not as much as fun as she thought it would be. There are loved up couples everywhere. She meets the Swede Arne Lindgren and English bride Nikki. She also meets Daniel Halligan and Tansy Dimaano - Tansy is an exotic beauty from Australia who is a social media influence. She spends most of her time creating new ‘content’ and ignoring her new husband. This couple doesn’t seem very loving!
Pippa notices a man who seems to be on his own, James (Jim) Cardle. She tries to befriend him but he is not initially receptive. After a bit of web surfing she learns that Cardle is a private investigator from London. Hmmm, she wonders who or what he is investigating on Mauritius. Eventually he softens a bit and they share a couple of drinks. One night, they are on his deck and hear a couple of screams, then people are running towards one of the beach huts. Pippa and Cardle run over as well to see what is happening....and find....I can’t tell you that but it sure wasn’t what it seemed!
It turns out Cardle is investigating Tansy. Soon he and Pippa are working together and the story gets very interesting indeed. I read this so quickly as I couldn’t put it down. The pace was excellent and you just kept getting new tidbits of information which changed the complexion of the story. Your loyalties tilted one way and then another. The strength of this story lies in the excellent character development. My goodness Tansy was a piece of work - willing to trample over anybody and everybody to get what she wants. When people were no longer useful to her they were discarded like a used tissue. Such self-absorption is a rare thing but it was so well depicted. Daniel Halligan was a harder nut to crack. It took a lot longer to get a handle on what made him tick and in the end I couldn’t help feeling sorry for him. Yet everyone had a part to play in this delicious drama.
The pacing of the story was excellent and it never really let up. You were always waiting for the other shoe to drop or some other new revelation. I thoroughly enjoyed the story. It will appeal to anyone who likes thrillers or psychological thrillers and I am grateful to Netgalley for my gifted copy. I am leaving this review voluntarily.
June 6, 2021
Have you ever read a book and found that small details in it completely changed your overall opinion of it? Happily Ever After by Alison James is a perfect case of that happening for me as I thought this thriller was one that I was completely going to love but instead found myself struggling to decide how to rate it in the end over a few minor details.
The book begins by introducing readers to Pippa who was just about to walk down the aisle when she had a moment of clarity that everything was just all wrong. Pippa had been with her soon to be husband for several years but had never really thought about marriage until friends pushed them into a wedding. Knowing that everything felt wrong Pippa called off the ceremony and then decided to take her already pre-paid honeymoon by herself to give herself a chance to think.
After arriving at the luxury resort in Mauritius Pippa feels out of place as she notices all the couples around her that seem to be doing the celebrating she had once thought she was going to be doing. At dinner Pippa notices two couples seated together, Arne and Nikki who seem very much and love and then Tansy and Daniel who seem to only appear happy when they know others are watching. Pippa soon meets another single man at the resort, James Cardle, and strikes up a friendship with the standoffish vacationer but one night Pippa and James come across a frantic scene as Nikki is found dead in Daniel and Tansy’s villa.
Now I honestly could toss out all the typical thriller descriptives of gripping and page turning etc as this book really did completely entrance me as I read. I absolutely loved Pippa and her sort of awkwardness being alone but finding herself as it went along. However, I came across some things towards the end that I just don’t know what the author was thinking writing it in this way. Without spoilers I will just say I did not agree with how Pippa went from a seemingly strong lead to not being one so much in my mind with a simple little addition that didn’t really make sense with how it ended. Anyway, I settled on three stars as I enjoyed most of this I just would have changed a few things I didn’t really care for at all.
I received an advance copy from the publisher via NetGalley.
For more reviews please visit https://carriesbookreviews.com/
The book begins by introducing readers to Pippa who was just about to walk down the aisle when she had a moment of clarity that everything was just all wrong. Pippa had been with her soon to be husband for several years but had never really thought about marriage until friends pushed them into a wedding. Knowing that everything felt wrong Pippa called off the ceremony and then decided to take her already pre-paid honeymoon by herself to give herself a chance to think.
After arriving at the luxury resort in Mauritius Pippa feels out of place as she notices all the couples around her that seem to be doing the celebrating she had once thought she was going to be doing. At dinner Pippa notices two couples seated together, Arne and Nikki who seem very much and love and then Tansy and Daniel who seem to only appear happy when they know others are watching. Pippa soon meets another single man at the resort, James Cardle, and strikes up a friendship with the standoffish vacationer but one night Pippa and James come across a frantic scene as Nikki is found dead in Daniel and Tansy’s villa.
Now I honestly could toss out all the typical thriller descriptives of gripping and page turning etc as this book really did completely entrance me as I read. I absolutely loved Pippa and her sort of awkwardness being alone but finding herself as it went along. However, I came across some things towards the end that I just don’t know what the author was thinking writing it in this way. Without spoilers I will just say I did not agree with how Pippa went from a seemingly strong lead to not being one so much in my mind with a simple little addition that didn’t really make sense with how it ended. Anyway, I settled on three stars as I enjoyed most of this I just would have changed a few things I didn’t really care for at all.
I received an advance copy from the publisher via NetGalley.
For more reviews please visit https://carriesbookreviews.com/
June 13, 2021
Two couples on a luxury honeymoon at a Maldives resort. Everything is wonderful but is it really? Pippa Bryant, cancelling her wedding at the last moment, is on her honeymoon alone. She has been watching the couples and thinks things may not be as they seem. James Cardle, a man out of place in resort full of couples, is watching them all.
This is the setting for a complicated psychological thriller that takes the reader on a whirlwind ride across continents from England, the Maldives, Australia and Thailand. I felt jet-lagged just reading the book!
While still at the Mauritius resort, one of the four honeymooners is found dead. Pippa had been making friends with James the mysterious lone man at the time. They both run to see what is going on. It turns out James is a private investigator, and he has been investigating one of the four honeymooners.
After giving her statement as to what she knows, Pippa flies home to London and later purposely runs into James there. She has a proposition for him; she will work for free and help him on the case. From there the story really gets intense.
The plot is original and complex, the story full of exciting twists and turns. Every time I thought I had it figured out I was dead wrong. The only thing that left me a little put off was the ending. I was like, “wait, what, that’s it?” I’m truly hoping with the way it ended there will be a second book with Poppi and James working together again. I thank NetGalley and Bookouture for the ARC in return for my honest review. I gave it three and one-half stars rounded up to four.
This is the setting for a complicated psychological thriller that takes the reader on a whirlwind ride across continents from England, the Maldives, Australia and Thailand. I felt jet-lagged just reading the book!
While still at the Mauritius resort, one of the four honeymooners is found dead. Pippa had been making friends with James the mysterious lone man at the time. They both run to see what is going on. It turns out James is a private investigator, and he has been investigating one of the four honeymooners.
After giving her statement as to what she knows, Pippa flies home to London and later purposely runs into James there. She has a proposition for him; she will work for free and help him on the case. From there the story really gets intense.
The plot is original and complex, the story full of exciting twists and turns. Every time I thought I had it figured out I was dead wrong. The only thing that left me a little put off was the ending. I was like, “wait, what, that’s it?” I’m truly hoping with the way it ended there will be a second book with Poppi and James working together again. I thank NetGalley and Bookouture for the ARC in return for my honest review. I gave it three and one-half stars rounded up to four.
December 2, 2025
DNF Unfortunately bad book. Reading this made me wish I was reading something else. Would not recommend.
June 16, 2021
3.5 stars rounded up to 4
At a luxury resort in the Maldives, two newlywed couples are on their honeymoon. On the surface, they seem to have it all. But behind the filtered photos and fake smiles is the truth. Tansy isn't really in love. Daniel is trying to escape the biggest mistake of his life. Nikki's past is catching up with her. Arne heart is about to be broken. They all have secrets. And before the honeymoon is over, their happiness will be shattered.
Pippa had called off her wedding but decided to go on her honeymoon to Mauritius, alone. But she was bored, until someone was murdered. Another guest, Jim Cardl, is a private investigator, and Pippa helps him to investigate the murder.
The story is told from multiple points of view. The characters are a mixed bunch, some likeable, others not so much. They all had secrets. It's told in flashbacks with multiple locations. Filled with twists, a good plotline and a steady pace, this book kept me turning the pages. Another good read by the author.
I would like to thank #NetGalley #Bookouture and the author #AlisonJames for my ARC in exchange for an honest review.
At a luxury resort in the Maldives, two newlywed couples are on their honeymoon. On the surface, they seem to have it all. But behind the filtered photos and fake smiles is the truth. Tansy isn't really in love. Daniel is trying to escape the biggest mistake of his life. Nikki's past is catching up with her. Arne heart is about to be broken. They all have secrets. And before the honeymoon is over, their happiness will be shattered.
Pippa had called off her wedding but decided to go on her honeymoon to Mauritius, alone. But she was bored, until someone was murdered. Another guest, Jim Cardl, is a private investigator, and Pippa helps him to investigate the murder.
The story is told from multiple points of view. The characters are a mixed bunch, some likeable, others not so much. They all had secrets. It's told in flashbacks with multiple locations. Filled with twists, a good plotline and a steady pace, this book kept me turning the pages. Another good read by the author.
I would like to thank #NetGalley #Bookouture and the author #AlisonJames for my ARC in exchange for an honest review.
May 27, 2021
3.5 ⭐
This book started out amazing, at a dream destination, with an interesting plot and intriguing characters. It was one of those light thrillers (nothing too dark or disturbing), so it was fun and relaxing to go through it. I also loved the writing style, as it was very simple and easy to follow.
Unfortunately, there were a few inconsistencies as well as a couple of things that felt a bit too convenient. They kept pulling me out of the story.
So, my general feeling about this book was – so so. Not bad, but in a need of a cleanup. But, there was a lot of potential there and I did enjoy most of the book. I definitely plan to check out the author’s other books.
You can find my full review on my book blog NovelOnMyMind.
Thank you to the #NetGalley and to the author and publisher for providing me with an ARC of Happily Ever After by Alison James in exchange for an honest review.
❤️️ ❤️️ ❤️️
This book started out amazing, at a dream destination, with an interesting plot and intriguing characters. It was one of those light thrillers (nothing too dark or disturbing), so it was fun and relaxing to go through it. I also loved the writing style, as it was very simple and easy to follow.
Unfortunately, there were a few inconsistencies as well as a couple of things that felt a bit too convenient. They kept pulling me out of the story.
So, my general feeling about this book was – so so. Not bad, but in a need of a cleanup. But, there was a lot of potential there and I did enjoy most of the book. I definitely plan to check out the author’s other books.
You can find my full review on my book blog NovelOnMyMind.
Thank you to the #NetGalley and to the author and publisher for providing me with an ARC of Happily Ever After by Alison James in exchange for an honest review.
❤️️ ❤️️ ❤️️
June 15, 2021
I am excited to be taking part in the #BooksOnTour #BlogTour for Alison James' latest psychological thriller THE GUILTY WIFE (previously titled
"Happily Ever After"
).
First of all, the luxury resort was not in The Maldives (which is off the coast of India) but Mauritius (which is off the coast of South Africa) - the only similarity being that they are both in the Indian Ocean. I was kind of disappointed that it wasn't in The Maldives, as the premise promised, as I've always wanted to go there so it would have been nice to visit via a book. Sometimes one has to wonder if whoever writes these premises has actually read the book, some of them are so way off base.
But that aside THE GUILTY WIFE, which I believe was better of titled with it's original "Happily Ever After" , turned out to be not what I expected. Particularly as the setting for this rather complicated psychological thriller takes the reader on a whirlwind ride across continents from England, Mauritius, Australia and Thailand. I felt jet-lagged just reading the book!
Two hours before she is due to marry Alistair, Pippa Bryant turns up to the registry office already crowded with their guests clad in jeans and a t-shirt to call off their wedding. Realising that while they are comfortable together, they aren't actually in love anymore. So since her parents paid for their luxury honeymoon to Mauritius, which was non-refundable, Pippa decides to enjoy the holiday on her own. But she soon discovers that being alone in a resprt rife with honeymooners is not quite as much fun as she had anticipated.
Surrounded by loved-up couples, Pippa hones in on the only other vacationer who appears to be on their own - a seemingly grumpy middle-aged man who rebuffs her attempts at conversation. She tries to befriend him but he isn't receptive though he does introduce himself as James Cardle. After a bit of web-surfing she discovers that Cardle is a private investigator from London. So what is he doing on Mauritius? Or rather, who is he investigating here? Determined not to spend her entire holiday alone and armed with a bottle of wine one evening, Pippa turns up at Cardle's hut to share a couple of drinks together. As they enjoy a playful banter, they hear a couple of screams followed by the appearance of one of the honeymooners, a look of shock on his face. Pippa and Cardle follow the direction in which the man, Daniel Halligan, was pointing and are shocked by their discovery.
We have two honeymooning couples who are hiding their own secrets...but is it enough to have one of them killed? So who of the players do we have that could be involved?
Tansy - wealthy and beautiful Australian/Filipino and social media influencer who makes a living out of sponsors gifting her their products for her to sprout them to the world via social media. Her honeymoon was a gift from one of her sponsors and she is there, not to enjoy the first forays of wedded bliss, but to document her entire honeymoon with live coverage for her fans. As with anything Tansy, the honeymoon is fake, as she arrives with her hair stylist and makeup artist to ensure she looks her best for her fans. Back home in Australia, she is a the founder and proprietor of Hiraya Shakes, a green health food shake she promotes as having cured her of lupus while recruiting "angels" to sell for her therefore making money off them.
Daniel - Tansy's new-suffering husband, who left Britain some years before to backpack around Australia before settling in Sydney. He is escaping his second worst nightmare, an ill-fated property venture that has all but bankrupted him and from which his new wife had rescued him. He spends their honeymoon sipping drinks by the pool and going on catamaran trips to see dolphins. Alone.
Nikki - a thirty-something young woman from Britain who has arrived in Mauritius with her husband Arne to enjoy their first days of wedded bliss. She compliments Tansy on a designer dress she is wearing one evening, pouring over its beauty, when Tansy proclaims she will have it cleaned and sent to her to keep, as she has plenty of items by this designer anyway. Nikki is thrilled and gushing her thanks. But Nikki has a secret from her past that is about to catch up with her.
Arne - Swedish and the oldest of the couples, he is a wealthy and successful with possibly a lot to lose. But he loves Nikki and the couple are most definitely loved-up honouring their vows "till death to us part". They are the only couple intent on living the dream of wedded bliss on their honeymoon. Until it all goes wrong...
After the incident, police are called and everyone gives their statements. And then, everyone goes their separate ways. The Halligans flee back to Australia, the Lindgrens to Sweden whilst Pippa returns to England and her mundane job in insurance. She also has to deal with moving out of the flat she and Alistair had shared for nearly six years. But nothing would prepare her for what she discovers the day after she returns...and all at once the late nights, the no sex and the withdrawal of affection makes perfect sense. Alistair had been seeing someone else. And now she is moving in and taking Pippa's place.
Life couldn't get any worse, that is until Pippa finds herself out of a job as well as homeless. But she soon finds a flat above an old coach house and a sometimes companion for an independent elderly lady, and though the rent is cheap, Pippa knows she needs to find herself a job. So she looks up Jim Cardle and heads over to his office offering her services to keep some sort of order to his incredibly messy office and filing system. And soon the pair are jet-setting off to Australia to investigate claims of Tansy's fraud and the possibility of Daniel Halligan's guilt over what happened in Mauritius, given that they fled soon after. Their investigations take them all over Australia to Sydney, Melbourne, Gold Coast, Brisbane, Canberra and Perth with the only capitals not visited being Hobart, Adelaide and Darwin. But their travels didn't stop there...and I got jet-lagged just reading it!
THE GUILTY WIFE begins at a steady pace, I wouldn't say slow, but just a relaxed pace as the couple settle into their honeymoon with Pippa people-watching. You think it will be another predictable run of the mill thriller but that's where you're wrong. Once this tale gets warmed up, the plotting becomes very complex indeed, very clever and very compelling. With a tapestry of circumstances cleverly woven together, we are confronted with blackmail, murder, suicide, fraud and grief to name a few...not to mention vanity, self-absorption and the fakeness portrayed to highlight that things are not always what they seem. And this book is definitely one of them!
There are twists that are unexpected and a lot of jet-setting for Pippa who's teamed up with James to help solve the underlying mysteries. They certainly make a good team as they travel the globe to uncover the truth amidst the lies. There is most definitely a chemistry between them that is hard to ignore and at times becomes intense.
The characters are all well developed with some likeable and one most definitely not so likeable. Throughout the book, we are given glimpses into their stories and what lead them to where they are now and more importantly, to Mauritius. The story unfolds through the eyes and narratives of Pippa and Daniel, but through them we get to know the other players just as well. The book itself is divided into five parts as the story begins with Pippa and Daniel respectively on Mauritius but then goes back a year to Daniel's story in Australia and what lead him to where he now finds himself before moving back to the present day and the underlying investigation. Don't be fooled into thinking it's confusing, because it's not. It is incredibly well thought out and cleverly written.
My only complaints, firstly the fact that there was a discrepancy with the name of a church, in which a couple had been married citing it being the same church that one of them was then buried, was actually two different names - St Nicholas as the first and the second St Peters and yet it was stated as being the same church. I found it just a small error but within the space of the same chapter it should have been picked up.
My biggest issue with the book is the ending. I felt the Epilogue was practically a non-event and didn't see why it was even included as there was no real finality to it. As it ended at the bottom of the page, I flicked it over expecting there to be more...and there wasn't. I was a little disappointed given how things had developed to have left it there. While other reviewers are hoping for a second book to pick up where this one left off, I'm fully aware that that's not how these thrillers pan out. They are not a series so therefore there will not be a sequel. And that's why the ending is somewhat disappointing.
I also think the original title "Happily Ever After" is far more fitting than THE GUILTY WIFE, which I don't believe fits, because in the end...no one is happy ever after.
But that aside, THE GUILTY WIFE is a delicious drama that is most definitely a riveting read. The pace begins steadily but picks up to the rate of knots which will have you turning the pages to find out what happens next. Though it's not her best book, I still thoroughly enjoyed it and have no hesitation in recommending it to those who enjoy complex psychological thrillers.
I would like to thank #AlisonJames, #NetGalley and #Bookouture for an ARC of #TheGuiltyWife in exchange for an honest review.
This review appears on my blog at https://stinathebookaholic.blogspot.com/.
First of all, the luxury resort was not in The Maldives (which is off the coast of India) but Mauritius (which is off the coast of South Africa) - the only similarity being that they are both in the Indian Ocean. I was kind of disappointed that it wasn't in The Maldives, as the premise promised, as I've always wanted to go there so it would have been nice to visit via a book. Sometimes one has to wonder if whoever writes these premises has actually read the book, some of them are so way off base.
But that aside THE GUILTY WIFE, which I believe was better of titled with it's original "Happily Ever After" , turned out to be not what I expected. Particularly as the setting for this rather complicated psychological thriller takes the reader on a whirlwind ride across continents from England, Mauritius, Australia and Thailand. I felt jet-lagged just reading the book!
Two hours before she is due to marry Alistair, Pippa Bryant turns up to the registry office already crowded with their guests clad in jeans and a t-shirt to call off their wedding. Realising that while they are comfortable together, they aren't actually in love anymore. So since her parents paid for their luxury honeymoon to Mauritius, which was non-refundable, Pippa decides to enjoy the holiday on her own. But she soon discovers that being alone in a resprt rife with honeymooners is not quite as much fun as she had anticipated.
Surrounded by loved-up couples, Pippa hones in on the only other vacationer who appears to be on their own - a seemingly grumpy middle-aged man who rebuffs her attempts at conversation. She tries to befriend him but he isn't receptive though he does introduce himself as James Cardle. After a bit of web-surfing she discovers that Cardle is a private investigator from London. So what is he doing on Mauritius? Or rather, who is he investigating here? Determined not to spend her entire holiday alone and armed with a bottle of wine one evening, Pippa turns up at Cardle's hut to share a couple of drinks together. As they enjoy a playful banter, they hear a couple of screams followed by the appearance of one of the honeymooners, a look of shock on his face. Pippa and Cardle follow the direction in which the man, Daniel Halligan, was pointing and are shocked by their discovery.
We have two honeymooning couples who are hiding their own secrets...but is it enough to have one of them killed? So who of the players do we have that could be involved?
Tansy - wealthy and beautiful Australian/Filipino and social media influencer who makes a living out of sponsors gifting her their products for her to sprout them to the world via social media. Her honeymoon was a gift from one of her sponsors and she is there, not to enjoy the first forays of wedded bliss, but to document her entire honeymoon with live coverage for her fans. As with anything Tansy, the honeymoon is fake, as she arrives with her hair stylist and makeup artist to ensure she looks her best for her fans. Back home in Australia, she is a the founder and proprietor of Hiraya Shakes, a green health food shake she promotes as having cured her of lupus while recruiting "angels" to sell for her therefore making money off them.
Daniel - Tansy's new-suffering husband, who left Britain some years before to backpack around Australia before settling in Sydney. He is escaping his second worst nightmare, an ill-fated property venture that has all but bankrupted him and from which his new wife had rescued him. He spends their honeymoon sipping drinks by the pool and going on catamaran trips to see dolphins. Alone.
Nikki - a thirty-something young woman from Britain who has arrived in Mauritius with her husband Arne to enjoy their first days of wedded bliss. She compliments Tansy on a designer dress she is wearing one evening, pouring over its beauty, when Tansy proclaims she will have it cleaned and sent to her to keep, as she has plenty of items by this designer anyway. Nikki is thrilled and gushing her thanks. But Nikki has a secret from her past that is about to catch up with her.
Arne - Swedish and the oldest of the couples, he is a wealthy and successful with possibly a lot to lose. But he loves Nikki and the couple are most definitely loved-up honouring their vows "till death to us part". They are the only couple intent on living the dream of wedded bliss on their honeymoon. Until it all goes wrong...
After the incident, police are called and everyone gives their statements. And then, everyone goes their separate ways. The Halligans flee back to Australia, the Lindgrens to Sweden whilst Pippa returns to England and her mundane job in insurance. She also has to deal with moving out of the flat she and Alistair had shared for nearly six years. But nothing would prepare her for what she discovers the day after she returns...and all at once the late nights, the no sex and the withdrawal of affection makes perfect sense. Alistair had been seeing someone else. And now she is moving in and taking Pippa's place.
Life couldn't get any worse, that is until Pippa finds herself out of a job as well as homeless. But she soon finds a flat above an old coach house and a sometimes companion for an independent elderly lady, and though the rent is cheap, Pippa knows she needs to find herself a job. So she looks up Jim Cardle and heads over to his office offering her services to keep some sort of order to his incredibly messy office and filing system. And soon the pair are jet-setting off to Australia to investigate claims of Tansy's fraud and the possibility of Daniel Halligan's guilt over what happened in Mauritius, given that they fled soon after. Their investigations take them all over Australia to Sydney, Melbourne, Gold Coast, Brisbane, Canberra and Perth with the only capitals not visited being Hobart, Adelaide and Darwin. But their travels didn't stop there...and I got jet-lagged just reading it!
THE GUILTY WIFE begins at a steady pace, I wouldn't say slow, but just a relaxed pace as the couple settle into their honeymoon with Pippa people-watching. You think it will be another predictable run of the mill thriller but that's where you're wrong. Once this tale gets warmed up, the plotting becomes very complex indeed, very clever and very compelling. With a tapestry of circumstances cleverly woven together, we are confronted with blackmail, murder, suicide, fraud and grief to name a few...not to mention vanity, self-absorption and the fakeness portrayed to highlight that things are not always what they seem. And this book is definitely one of them!
There are twists that are unexpected and a lot of jet-setting for Pippa who's teamed up with James to help solve the underlying mysteries. They certainly make a good team as they travel the globe to uncover the truth amidst the lies. There is most definitely a chemistry between them that is hard to ignore and at times becomes intense.
The characters are all well developed with some likeable and one most definitely not so likeable. Throughout the book, we are given glimpses into their stories and what lead them to where they are now and more importantly, to Mauritius. The story unfolds through the eyes and narratives of Pippa and Daniel, but through them we get to know the other players just as well. The book itself is divided into five parts as the story begins with Pippa and Daniel respectively on Mauritius but then goes back a year to Daniel's story in Australia and what lead him to where he now finds himself before moving back to the present day and the underlying investigation. Don't be fooled into thinking it's confusing, because it's not. It is incredibly well thought out and cleverly written.
My only complaints, firstly the fact that there was a discrepancy with the name of a church, in which a couple had been married citing it being the same church that one of them was then buried, was actually two different names - St Nicholas as the first and the second St Peters and yet it was stated as being the same church. I found it just a small error but within the space of the same chapter it should have been picked up.
My biggest issue with the book is the ending. I felt the Epilogue was practically a non-event and didn't see why it was even included as there was no real finality to it. As it ended at the bottom of the page, I flicked it over expecting there to be more...and there wasn't. I was a little disappointed given how things had developed to have left it there. While other reviewers are hoping for a second book to pick up where this one left off, I'm fully aware that that's not how these thrillers pan out. They are not a series so therefore there will not be a sequel. And that's why the ending is somewhat disappointing.
I also think the original title "Happily Ever After" is far more fitting than THE GUILTY WIFE, which I don't believe fits, because in the end...no one is happy ever after.
But that aside, THE GUILTY WIFE is a delicious drama that is most definitely a riveting read. The pace begins steadily but picks up to the rate of knots which will have you turning the pages to find out what happens next. Though it's not her best book, I still thoroughly enjoyed it and have no hesitation in recommending it to those who enjoy complex psychological thrillers.
I would like to thank #AlisonJames, #NetGalley and #Bookouture for an ARC of #TheGuiltyWife in exchange for an honest review.
This review appears on my blog at https://stinathebookaholic.blogspot.com/.
June 11, 2025
Very weird book - felt like it was just filled with random words and loads of flights to make up a story
September 28, 2023
This is a book about Pippa, who calls off her wedding at the last minute and decides to go on her honeymoon by herself. She meets 2 couples with alot of secrets and problems in their lives. I loved the location of Maldives in the this book. You can just picture it. Told by multiple POV , I couldnt get enough of this book. Another author to add to the tbr.
June 19, 2021
I loved this book.
It’s a great mystery thriller which starts off in a honeymoon location with two couples plus Pippa, who ends up on her honeymoon alone.
It soon turns nasty as a body is found and whilst it’s deemed to be an accident, a few people disagree.
Back in the UK Pippa deals with her ex fiancé and starts the hunt for somewhere to live.
She then tracks down a man she met in Mauritius as she knows he’s a private detective, and asks if she can help.
Pippa and Cardle start to look into the death in Mauritius on behalf of the widow and more and more comes to light about these two couples on their honeymoon.
I loved the way the investigation was carried out and also the chemistry between Pippa and Cardle.
A great read.
Thanks to Bookouture and NetGalley for the opportunity to read this book.
It’s a great mystery thriller which starts off in a honeymoon location with two couples plus Pippa, who ends up on her honeymoon alone.
It soon turns nasty as a body is found and whilst it’s deemed to be an accident, a few people disagree.
Back in the UK Pippa deals with her ex fiancé and starts the hunt for somewhere to live.
She then tracks down a man she met in Mauritius as she knows he’s a private detective, and asks if she can help.
Pippa and Cardle start to look into the death in Mauritius on behalf of the widow and more and more comes to light about these two couples on their honeymoon.
I loved the way the investigation was carried out and also the chemistry between Pippa and Cardle.
A great read.
Thanks to Bookouture and NetGalley for the opportunity to read this book.
May 30, 2021
Oh, I have to tell the truth. I expected a completely different story from the description. Yes, a honeymoon, two couples ... one dies unhappily. It's all true. But in the end, no one was happy. Anyway I enjoyed the book a lot. It was so interesting to discover secrets after secrets. I loved the main character Pippa, who got the lead role in it, and I would love to read the next book of what all she could discover. I look forward to reading more about this author.
Thanks to Netgalley.com and Bookouture.com for a free copy in exchange for an honest opinion.
Thanks to Netgalley.com and Bookouture.com for a free copy in exchange for an honest opinion.
June 12, 2021
Pippa finds herself calling off her impending wedding on the wedding day. She decides to go ahead on their honeymoon as planned, but without her former fiancé, Alastair. At the honeymoon resort, Pippa meets a private investigator named James Cardle. She becomes entangled in a murder that occurred on the island and somehow becomes James’ impromptu assistant on the case.
I have read a few Alison James books at this point and she always delivers a compelling story line! THE GUILTY WIFE is no different! I liked the use of flashbacks which keeps the setting changing and keeps things very interesting. I would recommend this book.
Many thanks to NetGalley and Bookouture for my ARC in exchange for my honest review.
This review will be posted to my Instagram Blog (@coffee.break.book.reviews) on June 22, 2021.
I have read a few Alison James books at this point and she always delivers a compelling story line! THE GUILTY WIFE is no different! I liked the use of flashbacks which keeps the setting changing and keeps things very interesting. I would recommend this book.
Many thanks to NetGalley and Bookouture for my ARC in exchange for my honest review.
This review will be posted to my Instagram Blog (@coffee.break.book.reviews) on June 22, 2021.
June 25, 2021
Well..... I have a new favourite book of the year. This story was utterly brilliant.
On the day of her marriage Pippa suddenly gets cold feet and calls the whole thing off but there's still the matter of a very expensive, already paid for honeymoon to consider in Mauritius. So she decides to go on it anyway on her own and enjoy a little rest and relaxation. When she arrives many of the guests are hiding secrets and when one gets murdered she ends up teaming me with the other single man at the resort who happens to be a private investigator to find out who killed the guest and more importantly why.
I absolutely loved this book right from the start. The setting at the beginning in Mauritius was really descriptive and I could completely imagine exactly what I was reading. I really liked Pippa and was very invested in her and I really disliked Tansy and Daniel, especially Tansy, what an awful woman! I also really enjoyed that the story went from place to place, Mauritius, London, Thailand, with the descriptions I felt I was right there with the characters. It took me a week to read this book because I actually found myself reading slower near the end and not wanting it to end at all. There were definitely a few moments where I was surprised at what was happening and the ultimate twist was really great and I did not see it coming.
I highly recommend this book for anyone who likes thrillers or psychological thrillers and I'm really looking forward to reading more books by Alison James. First class!
Thank you to NetGalley, Bookouture and Alison James for my advanced reading copy. Due out 22nd June 2021.
On the day of her marriage Pippa suddenly gets cold feet and calls the whole thing off but there's still the matter of a very expensive, already paid for honeymoon to consider in Mauritius. So she decides to go on it anyway on her own and enjoy a little rest and relaxation. When she arrives many of the guests are hiding secrets and when one gets murdered she ends up teaming me with the other single man at the resort who happens to be a private investigator to find out who killed the guest and more importantly why.
I absolutely loved this book right from the start. The setting at the beginning in Mauritius was really descriptive and I could completely imagine exactly what I was reading. I really liked Pippa and was very invested in her and I really disliked Tansy and Daniel, especially Tansy, what an awful woman! I also really enjoyed that the story went from place to place, Mauritius, London, Thailand, with the descriptions I felt I was right there with the characters. It took me a week to read this book because I actually found myself reading slower near the end and not wanting it to end at all. There were definitely a few moments where I was surprised at what was happening and the ultimate twist was really great and I did not see it coming.
I highly recommend this book for anyone who likes thrillers or psychological thrillers and I'm really looking forward to reading more books by Alison James. First class!
Thank you to NetGalley, Bookouture and Alison James for my advanced reading copy. Due out 22nd June 2021.
May 24, 2021
Pippa has second thoughts the day of her wedding and calls it all off. Her fiancée didn’t seem completely heartbroken and Pippa finds out why-he’s been seeing someone else behind her back. Pippa decides to go on her honeymoon without him to get away and clear her head. When she gets there, she meets 2 other couples at the luxury resort-Tansy, a social media influencer and her husband Daniel, who doesn’t seem altogether happy to be there, and Nikki and Arne, who are very much in love. Pippa is alone until she meets another man who is also alone and she chats him up only to find out he’s there investigating a case involving one of the couples. He recruits Pippa to help him work undercover and things quickly spiral.
There was a lot to this book-fraud, murders, social media and how it plays a part in our everyday lives now and how money doesn’t alway equal happiness. Quite compelling.
Thanks to Bookouture and Netgalley for this Arc in exchange for my review.
There was a lot to this book-fraud, murders, social media and how it plays a part in our everyday lives now and how money doesn’t alway equal happiness. Quite compelling.
Thanks to Bookouture and Netgalley for this Arc in exchange for my review.
May 14, 2021
Throughout our childhood, fairy tales taught us one thing: that once you get married, you ride off into the sunset with your prince charming and live happily ever after. James examines two couples on their honeymoon and explores the idea that keeping secrets and bringing baggage to a marriage shatters the happily ever after. In fact, before the honeymoon is over for these couples, their happiness is shattered.
Tansy and Daniel. Nikki and Arne. Their lives seem perfect. They have it all; beauty, money and love….and an enviable honeymoon at a luxurious resort in Mauritius. James shows us that behind the filtered photos and fake smiles, the truth isn’t so glamourous.
James’ characterization is amazing. She’s included a sampling of personalities and fully developed them on the far end of the spectrum. The protagonist is a strong female who takes charge of her life by walking away from her wedding 20 minutes before taking her vows. She heads off on her honeymoon alone and has no reservations about standing up for herself in the workplace, even if it comes at a costly price. If an opportunity doesn’t open up for her, she makes it happen. The social media influencer will drive you nuts and you’ll want to remind her that she’s on her honeymoon. The wannabe follows the social media influencer everywhere, just waiting for crumbs. It’s so annoying. James has captured the very essence of these stereotypes…it’s laughable. And soooo good.
The plot is well paced with flashbacks. The multiple settings helps keep things fresh. The mystery will keep you reading and you’ll be cheering for the protagonist as she works for and claims what she wants.
I think Sir Walter Scott said it best when he claimed, “Oh, what a wicked web we weave when first we practice to deceive.”
Publishes June 22, 2021
I was gifted this advance copy by Alison James, Bookouture and NetGalley and was under no obligation to provide a review.
Tansy and Daniel. Nikki and Arne. Their lives seem perfect. They have it all; beauty, money and love….and an enviable honeymoon at a luxurious resort in Mauritius. James shows us that behind the filtered photos and fake smiles, the truth isn’t so glamourous.
James’ characterization is amazing. She’s included a sampling of personalities and fully developed them on the far end of the spectrum. The protagonist is a strong female who takes charge of her life by walking away from her wedding 20 minutes before taking her vows. She heads off on her honeymoon alone and has no reservations about standing up for herself in the workplace, even if it comes at a costly price. If an opportunity doesn’t open up for her, she makes it happen. The social media influencer will drive you nuts and you’ll want to remind her that she’s on her honeymoon. The wannabe follows the social media influencer everywhere, just waiting for crumbs. It’s so annoying. James has captured the very essence of these stereotypes…it’s laughable. And soooo good.
The plot is well paced with flashbacks. The multiple settings helps keep things fresh. The mystery will keep you reading and you’ll be cheering for the protagonist as she works for and claims what she wants.
I think Sir Walter Scott said it best when he claimed, “Oh, what a wicked web we weave when first we practice to deceive.”
Publishes June 22, 2021
I was gifted this advance copy by Alison James, Bookouture and NetGalley and was under no obligation to provide a review.
May 14, 2021
One of my favourite authors, a slightly different read to her previous book but oh my goodness what a fantastic thriller read this is.
I can thoroughly recommend this book, you will not be disappointed.
I can thoroughly recommend this book, you will not be disappointed.
May 11, 2021
This was a great read.
Pippa finds herself in Mauritius on what should've been her honeymoon by herself, but amongst other loved up honeymoon couples, although behind the honeymoon suite doors all may not be as it seems...
All is not well in paradise and there's been a murder which Pippa ends up trying to solve with a PI, it sees her travelling across the world as the PI's assistant trying to uncover what happened that night on the island.
There are some really dislikeable characters in this book, Tansy taking the crown on that one with Alistair a close second. This is balanced out by a fabulous lead character in Pippa and a slightly rough round the edges Jim. As for Daniel, I did end up feeling a bit sorry for him towards the end of the book, he'd been through a lot.
Here's the thing about this book, it started off with a real 'Death in Paradise,' vibe especially with Pippa and Jim trying to uncover the truth, it was quite humorous in places. Then there was Tansy which felt a bit 'Real Housewives of Sydney,' but then when the truth is revealed and the flashback, which is written beautifully just took this book into a whole other angle.
Great read, thanks to Netgalley for the opportunity to review this book, this is my honest opinion.
Pippa finds herself in Mauritius on what should've been her honeymoon by herself, but amongst other loved up honeymoon couples, although behind the honeymoon suite doors all may not be as it seems...
All is not well in paradise and there's been a murder which Pippa ends up trying to solve with a PI, it sees her travelling across the world as the PI's assistant trying to uncover what happened that night on the island.
There are some really dislikeable characters in this book, Tansy taking the crown on that one with Alistair a close second. This is balanced out by a fabulous lead character in Pippa and a slightly rough round the edges Jim. As for Daniel, I did end up feeling a bit sorry for him towards the end of the book, he'd been through a lot.
Here's the thing about this book, it started off with a real 'Death in Paradise,' vibe especially with Pippa and Jim trying to uncover the truth, it was quite humorous in places. Then there was Tansy which felt a bit 'Real Housewives of Sydney,' but then when the truth is revealed and the flashback, which is written beautifully just took this book into a whole other angle.
Great read, thanks to Netgalley for the opportunity to review this book, this is my honest opinion.
May 11, 2021
Once I saw this was available, i requested it immediately, I have only read one other book by Alison James and this one kept my attention right to the end and I loved the relationship that Pippa and Cardle had. The story ends on a semi cliffhanger so perhaps it’s not the last time we meet them. I would like to thank the publishers and Netgalley for letting me have the Arc to read and the opinions expressed are entirely my own views and are completely unbiased.
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
May 10, 2021
a love this authors books this one was a little bit different but very much enjoyed never disappoint s / its the day of Pippa s wedding day to Alastair but she does not want to marry him so she goes to the register office to tell him and sees him with Amy deep in conversation she calls it of and decides to go on the honeymoon resort Mauritius , where Daniel and Tansey and another couple Arne and Nikki who also on honeymoon Pippa meets private investigator James cardle someone dies and how this story unfolds is just so good and Pippa starts working for James will say no more but it is so good
June 18, 2021
I loveddd this book! It had suspense, fame, fortune, a love story and such lovable characters! I read it so quickly because I couldn’t put it down. It was a perfect beach read and I’m currently looking up all the authors other books because I enjoyed it so much! Thank you to Netgalley and the publisher for the pre-release in exchange for my honest review.
May 18, 2021
Till death do us part, sadly for one couple celebrating their honeymoon in a luxury resort in Mauritius this comes much too soon. Tansy and Daniel are newlyweds who appear to have it all, looks money and a :celebrity " lifestyle. But already cracks are starting to appear. Is their marriage a sham. On the other end if the scale are Nikki and Arne who are really loved up. Pippa has gone to the resort for her honeymoon despite not getting married. When she is caught up in a tragedy she joins forces with Jim, a PI, who is at the resort investigating one of the couples.
This thriller has it all, beautiful resort, likeable characters, and a whodunit vibe. Very good novel
Many thanks to Netgalley and publishers for the advanced copy in exchange for an honest review. My opinions are my own
This thriller has it all, beautiful resort, likeable characters, and a whodunit vibe. Very good novel
Many thanks to Netgalley and publishers for the advanced copy in exchange for an honest review. My opinions are my own
June 20, 2021
Thank you to NetGalley and Bookouture for the opportunity to read and review an ARC of The Guilty Wife by Alison James.
Pippa calls off her wedding to Alistair just hours before they were due at the Registry Office, and not wanting to face the music, she goes on their honeymoon to Mauritius, on her own, just to escape. She realises that there is another person on their own and she makes the acquaintance of Jim Cardle. Meanwhile, Tansy and Dan and Nikki and Arne are also on their honeymoon at the same resort, and over the next few days, their lives become mysteriously intertwined.
Alison James takes the reader all around the world, travelling from London to Australia, Mauritius and Thailand, describing all these locations in such great detail that I almost believed I was there. The story briefly covers the Tsunami in Thailand on Boxing Day 2004 and, knowing someone that was caught up in the disaster (but thankfully survived), it was quite harrowing to read those parts.
I found the story fairly slow, to begin with, although not off-putting, as James introduces the characters and explains their back-stories. Most of them were easy to connect with and only one was actually a pain in the proverbial and I just wanted to throw her off a cliff!
There were lots of twists and turns in the plot. Whilst at one point I was convinced I knew what was coming, the story moved in a completely different direction and kept me guessing until the end. The story includes murder, bereavement, grief, greed and just a little bit of love and made for a great read. I would recommend The Guilty Wife to anyone who enjoys a mysterious thriller with no gory bits!
Pippa calls off her wedding to Alistair just hours before they were due at the Registry Office, and not wanting to face the music, she goes on their honeymoon to Mauritius, on her own, just to escape. She realises that there is another person on their own and she makes the acquaintance of Jim Cardle. Meanwhile, Tansy and Dan and Nikki and Arne are also on their honeymoon at the same resort, and over the next few days, their lives become mysteriously intertwined.
Alison James takes the reader all around the world, travelling from London to Australia, Mauritius and Thailand, describing all these locations in such great detail that I almost believed I was there. The story briefly covers the Tsunami in Thailand on Boxing Day 2004 and, knowing someone that was caught up in the disaster (but thankfully survived), it was quite harrowing to read those parts.
I found the story fairly slow, to begin with, although not off-putting, as James introduces the characters and explains their back-stories. Most of them were easy to connect with and only one was actually a pain in the proverbial and I just wanted to throw her off a cliff!
There were lots of twists and turns in the plot. Whilst at one point I was convinced I knew what was coming, the story moved in a completely different direction and kept me guessing until the end. The story includes murder, bereavement, grief, greed and just a little bit of love and made for a great read. I would recommend The Guilty Wife to anyone who enjoys a mysterious thriller with no gory bits!
June 23, 2021
4.5 stars
Who wouldn’t want to get away from her now ex fiancee after he declares he was unfaithful?
Pippa takes advantage of the already paid honeymoon vacation and ends up in Mauritius. Taking time just to wind off and to think about her future. While on the island, she meets up with other people that are more or less in the same situation as her.
What follows is a story full of twists and reality checks combined with murder, suspense and turns that really made me stop and think about it all. How social media influencer live their life and to remember that not everything that shines is gold.
I loved this story. It was my first by the author but it won’t be the last for sure.
Writing style wise was very good and everything went so smoothly from page to page that I finished it in one sitting. It was fast-paced and for me the ending was too rushed or even let me think that maybe there will be a sequel, but overall it’s a great story that I recommend to any suspense lovers.
Who wouldn’t want to get away from her now ex fiancee after he declares he was unfaithful?
Pippa takes advantage of the already paid honeymoon vacation and ends up in Mauritius. Taking time just to wind off and to think about her future. While on the island, she meets up with other people that are more or less in the same situation as her.
What follows is a story full of twists and reality checks combined with murder, suspense and turns that really made me stop and think about it all. How social media influencer live their life and to remember that not everything that shines is gold.
I loved this story. It was my first by the author but it won’t be the last for sure.
Writing style wise was very good and everything went so smoothly from page to page that I finished it in one sitting. It was fast-paced and for me the ending was too rushed or even let me think that maybe there will be a sequel, but overall it’s a great story that I recommend to any suspense lovers.
June 15, 2021
5 massive stars. I absolutely loved this book and read it in one day. It was gripping from the very beginning. There were lots of twists and turns throughout which the author managed to tie together perfectly at the end.
August 3, 2021
Two just married couples are honeymooning in a luxury resort in Mauritius. Instagram influencer Tansy is taking the opportunity for a photoshoot and her husband Daniel Halligan doesn’t seem to be enjoying wedded bliss. Swedish Arne and Londoner, Nikki Lindgren are in the bar who are very much in love. Pippa Bryant, who should have been enjoying her honeymoon at the resort but she called the wedding to Alastair at Islington Register Office off just minutes before the ceremony, is also there. So is James Cardle. Tragedy strikes for one couple...
I loved the exciting plotline and the pacing moved along at a fair rate of knots. Full of thrills, red herrings and totally addictive, it held my attention from the very first chapter. I thought the characterisation really befitted this story, with relatable and believable characters. This brilliant read was a domestic-based mystery-thriller that told the tale of love and loss, relationships and breakups, deceit and dishonesty. It was masterfully executed by the author, Alison James whose vivid and suspenseful writing style continued to wow me.
I shall be looking out for more by Alison James who has great talent and I intend to read her 'Detective Rachel Prince' series. I recommend The Guilty Wife as a hugely worthwhile and excellent read.
I received a complimentary copy of this novel at my request from Bookouture via NetGalley. This review is my own unbiased opinion.
I loved the exciting plotline and the pacing moved along at a fair rate of knots. Full of thrills, red herrings and totally addictive, it held my attention from the very first chapter. I thought the characterisation really befitted this story, with relatable and believable characters. This brilliant read was a domestic-based mystery-thriller that told the tale of love and loss, relationships and breakups, deceit and dishonesty. It was masterfully executed by the author, Alison James whose vivid and suspenseful writing style continued to wow me.
I shall be looking out for more by Alison James who has great talent and I intend to read her 'Detective Rachel Prince' series. I recommend The Guilty Wife as a hugely worthwhile and excellent read.
I received a complimentary copy of this novel at my request from Bookouture via NetGalley. This review is my own unbiased opinion.
May 17, 2021
Happily Ever After by Alison James. Far, far and away from a happy ending. Secrets, clever and compelling plot, some likeable and some thoroughly horrid characters, a maze of twists make for a fast paced dark mystery thriller. Pippa and James are an unlikely pair but work well together in uncovering the lies and solving the crime. Tansy is the unparalleled media darling, vain, self absorbed and vile. An interesting and enjoyable read.
Thank you to the publisher, author, and NetGalley for the opportunity to preview the book.
Thank you to the publisher, author, and NetGalley for the opportunity to preview the book.
June 22, 2021
Alison James has another hit on her hands. With Happily Ever After she has earned at least five ***** from me! A fascinating domestic thriller with plenty of twists and turns. This would be a wonderful beginning to a series! I would love to see Pippa and Cardle back again.
Many thanks to NetGalley and Bookouture for this ARC!
Many thanks to NetGalley and Bookouture for this ARC!
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