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The Ex-Husband
From international bestselling author Karen Hamilton comes another pulse-pounding domestic thriller set against a lush, tropical backdrop as a woman fleeing her past as a con artist finds herself trapped aboard a cruise ship with someone who not only knows about that past, but will stop at nothing to get revenge.
It’s an offer she can’t refuse…and might not survive.
Charlotte has an unsavory past, but she’s on the straight and narrow these days. She was so young then—she married the wrong man, falling for Sam’s sweet-talking charm and charisma, and got caught up in his con artist games.
If only she’d left him before things went too far.
Now Sam is missing. But before he disappeared, he left urgent, cryptic messages about someone threatening him—someone who has been threatening Charlotte, too.
So Charlotte takes a job as a personal assistant for an engagement party aboard a private luxury cruise ship, the Cleobella , to get far away from anyone who means her harm.
But as the Cleobella sails through its glittering destinations, increasingly sinister events haunt the guests, and the turquoise waves and sun-drenched beaches give way to something darker. Someone knows what Charlotte did. Is it the blushing bride? The seemingly placid mother-in-law? Or the mysterious heiress?
Someone knows, and someone wants revenge—before the ship reaches its final port.
It’s an offer she can’t refuse…and might not survive.
Charlotte has an unsavory past, but she’s on the straight and narrow these days. She was so young then—she married the wrong man, falling for Sam’s sweet-talking charm and charisma, and got caught up in his con artist games.
If only she’d left him before things went too far.
Now Sam is missing. But before he disappeared, he left urgent, cryptic messages about someone threatening him—someone who has been threatening Charlotte, too.
So Charlotte takes a job as a personal assistant for an engagement party aboard a private luxury cruise ship, the Cleobella , to get far away from anyone who means her harm.
But as the Cleobella sails through its glittering destinations, increasingly sinister events haunt the guests, and the turquoise waves and sun-drenched beaches give way to something darker. Someone knows what Charlotte did. Is it the blushing bride? The seemingly placid mother-in-law? Or the mysterious heiress?
Someone knows, and someone wants revenge—before the ship reaches its final port.
336 pages, Hardcover
First published January 18, 2022
307 people are currently reading
8761 people want to read
About the author
Karen Hamilton
6 books711 followersKaren Hamilton caught the travel bug after an early childhood spent abroad (Angola, Malawi, Zimbabwe, Belgium and Italy) and having worked as cabin crew for a major airline.
In 2006, she and her husband put down roots in Hampshire UK and four years ago, she later gave up flying to raise their three sons and concentrate on her writing.
In 2009, she decided to 'become a writer.'
The Perfect Girlfriend is her first novel (released March 2018).
In 2006, she and her husband put down roots in Hampshire UK and four years ago, she later gave up flying to raise their three sons and concentrate on her writing.
In 2009, she decided to 'become a writer.'
The Perfect Girlfriend is her first novel (released March 2018).
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 605 reviews
January 18, 2022
HAPPY PUBLICATION DAY!
A former con-artist stuck on a yacht in the Caribbean, with a storm rolling in...and someone who wants to harm her? COUNT ME IN!
Charlotte and Sam seemed like the perfect couple to everyone they came into contact with, but they had a dangerous secret. While both of them held jobs on cruise ships, they would steal from the passengers. Anything they could get their hands on.
It was all fun and games until Charlotte realized she was in over her head, and almost ended up in dark water.
A few years later, Charlotte has turned her life around. She no longer steals from others, and she is no longer with Sam...although they are technically still married. Then, Sam starts texting her out of the blue, with a warning that danger is near. At the same time, a mysterious person reaches out to her, saying they know what she and Sam did.
When Charlotte gets the opportunity to work a wedding party on a luxury yacht in the Caribbean, she can’t refuse. It’s good, well-earned money. Between the champagne-filled meals and amongst the wealthy passengers, there is someone on board who wants Charlotte to pay for what she and Sam have done...and they will do anything for justice.
I was anchored to this book after a bit of a slow and steady start. It really picks up about 1/3 through, and I cruised through it. It’s suspenseful and atmospheric, with beautiful details of the Caribbean and sea life.
Charlotte is such a fleshed-out character, and I loved getting to know her. The story is told in alternating timelines, and really takes time delving into how Charlotte ended up with Sam and getting over her head in regards to their crimes. Care is also given in showing that she actually has a conscience. Her hubby? Hmmm...maybe not so much.
The present timeline on the yacht was the most riveting as I tried to figure out who, out of an eclectic group of passengers and workers, had it out for Charlotte. It all leads to a suspenseful, and maybe just a tiny bit OTT finale...with an entertaining and delicious last few pages to devour.
This is one trip you will want to embark on when it sets sail in the U.S. on: 1/18/22.
Thank you to Wildfire and NetGalley UK for an ARC in exchange for an honest review.
Review also posted at: https://bonkersforthebooks.wordpress.com
A former con-artist stuck on a yacht in the Caribbean, with a storm rolling in...and someone who wants to harm her? COUNT ME IN!
Charlotte and Sam seemed like the perfect couple to everyone they came into contact with, but they had a dangerous secret. While both of them held jobs on cruise ships, they would steal from the passengers. Anything they could get their hands on.
It was all fun and games until Charlotte realized she was in over her head, and almost ended up in dark water.
A few years later, Charlotte has turned her life around. She no longer steals from others, and she is no longer with Sam...although they are technically still married. Then, Sam starts texting her out of the blue, with a warning that danger is near. At the same time, a mysterious person reaches out to her, saying they know what she and Sam did.
When Charlotte gets the opportunity to work a wedding party on a luxury yacht in the Caribbean, she can’t refuse. It’s good, well-earned money. Between the champagne-filled meals and amongst the wealthy passengers, there is someone on board who wants Charlotte to pay for what she and Sam have done...and they will do anything for justice.
I was anchored to this book after a bit of a slow and steady start. It really picks up about 1/3 through, and I cruised through it. It’s suspenseful and atmospheric, with beautiful details of the Caribbean and sea life.
Charlotte is such a fleshed-out character, and I loved getting to know her. The story is told in alternating timelines, and really takes time delving into how Charlotte ended up with Sam and getting over her head in regards to their crimes. Care is also given in showing that she actually has a conscience. Her hubby? Hmmm...maybe not so much.
The present timeline on the yacht was the most riveting as I tried to figure out who, out of an eclectic group of passengers and workers, had it out for Charlotte. It all leads to a suspenseful, and maybe just a tiny bit OTT finale...with an entertaining and delicious last few pages to devour.
This is one trip you will want to embark on when it sets sail in the U.S. on: 1/18/22.
Thank you to Wildfire and NetGalley UK for an ARC in exchange for an honest review.
Review also posted at: https://bonkersforthebooks.wordpress.com
January 7, 2022
2.5*
What happens when the tables are turned on a con artist?
Charlotte thought she’d met the perfect man. Someone to sail off into the sunset with. (literally). The two begin their high seas adventure working on cruise ships. Taking advantage of everyone possible and in any and every situation possible.
But when Sam vanishes, Charlotte is left holding the bag….and someone wants revenge!
Told in two timelines. Past and present. I must say I much preferred the present timeline over her past. (But that’s just me).💁♀️
This book was a struggle to get through and I kept setting it aside. Every time I thought of DNF I’d peruse reviews from my trusted friends who all enjoyed this one. So…on I kept plodding, hoping at some point I will too.
I’ve read one other book by this author and loved it – The Perfect Girlfriend. So, I’m thinking this was just a one off for me with this author. I will be reaching for her next.🤞
Posted to: https://books-are-a-girls-best-friend...
Thank you to NetGalley and Harlequin Trade Publishing Graydon House
What happens when the tables are turned on a con artist?
Charlotte thought she’d met the perfect man. Someone to sail off into the sunset with. (literally). The two begin their high seas adventure working on cruise ships. Taking advantage of everyone possible and in any and every situation possible.
But when Sam vanishes, Charlotte is left holding the bag….and someone wants revenge!
Told in two timelines. Past and present. I must say I much preferred the present timeline over her past. (But that’s just me).💁♀️
This book was a struggle to get through and I kept setting it aside. Every time I thought of DNF I’d peruse reviews from my trusted friends who all enjoyed this one. So…on I kept plodding, hoping at some point I will too.
I’ve read one other book by this author and loved it – The Perfect Girlfriend. So, I’m thinking this was just a one off for me with this author. I will be reaching for her next.🤞
Posted to: https://books-are-a-girls-best-friend...
Thank you to NetGalley and Harlequin Trade Publishing Graydon House
January 18, 2022
Happy Release Day!
Despite a kind of clunky beginning, this is a fun suspenseful thriller set on the seas of the Caribbean. The perfect setting when everything is snowed in where I live.
The book starts with Charlotte and her husband Sam departing from a cruise ship, he goes back to the ship for something and she is by herself, customs searches her luggage and finds a valuable necklace that doesn't belong to her. Sam is nowhere to be found--he has set her up.
Fast forward to the present day and Charlotte is trying to live on the straight-and-narrow, is in the process of trying to divorce Sam, if she can find him. She is trying to leave their past as con artists behind. She receives some frightening messages from Sam and some other messages telling her she needs to come up with a million pounds of "blood money." Charlotte takes the opportunity to act as a personal assistant on a luxury yacht cruise in the Caribbean. Yet from the beginning, she discovers that her troubles have followed her to sea. Everyone aboard is a suspect, who is behind the messages?
I found this book to be a fun, slightly sinister journey. The setting was awesome and totally took me away from my cold winter to imagine warm and sandy locales. The mystery isn't incredibly difficult to figure out, but the motivations behind everything isn't clear until the (slightly over the top) ending. I did love how everything came together and felt very satisfied at the conclusion.
The book moves back and forth between the past and the present, showing the reader how Charlotte and Sam came together, the shady things they pulled off, and the situations that directed her path to the present day. The beginning was strong, and then it took me a while after that to figure out exactly what had taken place and what was going on in the present. Once I did, I was rooting for Charlotte throughout, I thought she was a strong character who made some pretty poor choices.
If you're looking for pure escapist enjoyment, this suspense thriller will definitely provide enjoyment.
I voluntarily reviewed a complimentary copy of this book, all opinions are my own.
Despite a kind of clunky beginning, this is a fun suspenseful thriller set on the seas of the Caribbean. The perfect setting when everything is snowed in where I live.
The book starts with Charlotte and her husband Sam departing from a cruise ship, he goes back to the ship for something and she is by herself, customs searches her luggage and finds a valuable necklace that doesn't belong to her. Sam is nowhere to be found--he has set her up.
Fast forward to the present day and Charlotte is trying to live on the straight-and-narrow, is in the process of trying to divorce Sam, if she can find him. She is trying to leave their past as con artists behind. She receives some frightening messages from Sam and some other messages telling her she needs to come up with a million pounds of "blood money." Charlotte takes the opportunity to act as a personal assistant on a luxury yacht cruise in the Caribbean. Yet from the beginning, she discovers that her troubles have followed her to sea. Everyone aboard is a suspect, who is behind the messages?
I found this book to be a fun, slightly sinister journey. The setting was awesome and totally took me away from my cold winter to imagine warm and sandy locales. The mystery isn't incredibly difficult to figure out, but the motivations behind everything isn't clear until the (slightly over the top) ending. I did love how everything came together and felt very satisfied at the conclusion.
The book moves back and forth between the past and the present, showing the reader how Charlotte and Sam came together, the shady things they pulled off, and the situations that directed her path to the present day. The beginning was strong, and then it took me a while after that to figure out exactly what had taken place and what was going on in the present. Once I did, I was rooting for Charlotte throughout, I thought she was a strong character who made some pretty poor choices.
If you're looking for pure escapist enjoyment, this suspense thriller will definitely provide enjoyment.
I voluntarily reviewed a complimentary copy of this book, all opinions are my own.
January 21, 2022
Charlotte Wilson owns and operates a travel services company now, on the straight and narrow for the last eighteen months. But, she hasn’t always been that way. For years, she and her estranged husband Sam Young worked as a team on cruise ships, duping and bilking wealthy travelers of jewelry and cash with extraordinary expertise using charm and subterfuge. Charlotte left that world when Sam bailed on her, leaving her in a lurch where she barely avoided prison. Now he’s reaching out to her for help with ominous messages, asserting someone was blackmailing him. She’s also beginning to receive the same threats and when she accepts an assignment on a private yacht excursion, those same threats follow her onto the ship. Is it Sam or someone else?
The story is told from Charlotte’s point of view, transitioning between the past and present to define who she was, now is and her relationship with Sam. It was always clear that someone was threatening her but was she being harassed or hunted? If so, was it by supposedly missing Sam or one of their marks from the past? I wasn’t even sure how I felt about Charlotte. At times, I was sympathetic, at others maybe she deserved what was happening to her. But she most certainly had changed her ways so maybe she deserved redemption because she was just as talented in her second life as she was in her first.
This was a long, slow smolder of a psychological thriller that kept me on my heels almost until the very end. When Charlotte took that yacht assignment, it became like a locked room mystery with no shortage of suspects. Even though I pinpointed the probable suspect early on, it was still highly enjoyable because I didn’t quite figure out everything. The locales along the way are exotic, adding a lot of flavor to the story. I listened to the book and the narrator was simply wonderful. Her interpretation of Charlotte further complicated my feelings about her because she gave her so many dimensions. And, she had me distrusting everyone through Charlotte’s eyes. Settle in for a fascinating journey because it was worth that ending.
Posted on Blue Mood Café
(Thanks to Harlequin Audio for my complimentary copy. All opinions are my own.)
The story is told from Charlotte’s point of view, transitioning between the past and present to define who she was, now is and her relationship with Sam. It was always clear that someone was threatening her but was she being harassed or hunted? If so, was it by supposedly missing Sam or one of their marks from the past? I wasn’t even sure how I felt about Charlotte. At times, I was sympathetic, at others maybe she deserved what was happening to her. But she most certainly had changed her ways so maybe she deserved redemption because she was just as talented in her second life as she was in her first.
This was a long, slow smolder of a psychological thriller that kept me on my heels almost until the very end. When Charlotte took that yacht assignment, it became like a locked room mystery with no shortage of suspects. Even though I pinpointed the probable suspect early on, it was still highly enjoyable because I didn’t quite figure out everything. The locales along the way are exotic, adding a lot of flavor to the story. I listened to the book and the narrator was simply wonderful. Her interpretation of Charlotte further complicated my feelings about her because she gave her so many dimensions. And, she had me distrusting everyone through Charlotte’s eyes. Settle in for a fascinating journey because it was worth that ending.
Posted on Blue Mood Café
(Thanks to Harlequin Audio for my complimentary copy. All opinions are my own.)
January 16, 2022
Cruise ship setting, unlikeable characters, and a slow burn.
The Ex-Husband is told from Charlotte's point of view in a dual timeline. Charlotte's ex-husband who is a con artist is now missing.
I really struggled with this one.... I know I know I'm a picky reader. I definitely wasn't a fan of Charlotte at all..... talked about self centered. I almost was wanting someone to push her overboard so I didn't have to read about her character anymore.
It was SO SLOW... and I mean SLOW. It did get a little better but I can't say that I was ever invested in this plot.
It's gotten a lot of wonderful reviews... so maybe I'm in the minority again.
Overall, 2.5/5 stars.
Thank you to Harper Collins for my copy in exchange for an honest review.
Pub date: 1/18/22
The Ex-Husband is told from Charlotte's point of view in a dual timeline. Charlotte's ex-husband who is a con artist is now missing.
I really struggled with this one.... I know I know I'm a picky reader. I definitely wasn't a fan of Charlotte at all..... talked about self centered. I almost was wanting someone to push her overboard so I didn't have to read about her character anymore.
It was SO SLOW... and I mean SLOW. It did get a little better but I can't say that I was ever invested in this plot.
It's gotten a lot of wonderful reviews... so maybe I'm in the minority again.
Overall, 2.5/5 stars.
Thank you to Harper Collins for my copy in exchange for an honest review.
Pub date: 1/18/22
January 5, 2022
The Ex-Husband by Karen Hamilton is a thriller novel. The story in this book is told by flashing back to the past to piece together what happened in the years before that led to the current timeline.
Charlotte has been taking time to get her life back together after separating from her husband, Sam. The life that Charlotte led with Sam is not one that she is proud of and now plans to stay on the straight and narrow path.
The past with Sam seems to be coming back to haunt Charlotte however and she’s determined to put it all behind her once and for all. When Sam disappears though Charlotte is just taking a new job aboard a luxury yacht and doesn’t want to think the worst.
The Ex-Husband by Karen Hamilton was a slow building thriller story with slowly releasing the details on how the main character’s story came about. I wouldn’t necessarily say that I liked Charlotte but I was curious as to her story and questioning all the while what the outcome would be. I’m not always a fan of a slow pace but this story came together nicely making me enjoy it overall. In the end I would give this one three and half stars and be interested in this author’s work again in the future.
I received an advance copy from the publisher via NetGalley.
For more reviews please visit https://carriesbookreviews.com/
Charlotte has been taking time to get her life back together after separating from her husband, Sam. The life that Charlotte led with Sam is not one that she is proud of and now plans to stay on the straight and narrow path.
The past with Sam seems to be coming back to haunt Charlotte however and she’s determined to put it all behind her once and for all. When Sam disappears though Charlotte is just taking a new job aboard a luxury yacht and doesn’t want to think the worst.
The Ex-Husband by Karen Hamilton was a slow building thriller story with slowly releasing the details on how the main character’s story came about. I wouldn’t necessarily say that I liked Charlotte but I was curious as to her story and questioning all the while what the outcome would be. I’m not always a fan of a slow pace but this story came together nicely making me enjoy it overall. In the end I would give this one three and half stars and be interested in this author’s work again in the future.
I received an advance copy from the publisher via NetGalley.
For more reviews please visit https://carriesbookreviews.com/
February 21, 2022
I thought this book was so boring. It is definitely a slow burn thriller but it dragged so much for me it got to a point where I struggled to finish it. I listened to the audiobook and the narrator was ok but didn’t help with how I ultimately felt about the book.
January 24, 2022
Review to come 🛳
August 20, 2021
Karen Hamilton, author of ‘The Perfect Girlfriend’ and ‘The Last Wife’ has written her hotly anticipated third novel - “The Ex-Husband” a cruise based psychological crime thriller.
* He’s missing. Presumed dead. But she still can’t escape ‘The Ex-Husband’ *
• A con-artist finds the roles are reversed when her former victim seeks revenge...While working on a luxury cruise ship Charlotte finds there is nowhere left to run when someone onboard threatens to expose the terrible secrets of her past…
This is a perfect beach/summer read and I personally flew through it in a couple of sittings. The deception and sinister intrigue kept me turning the pages at speed and with exotic, sun drenched locations set onboard a beautiful and luxurious yacht, you genuinely feel you’re transported to the Caribbean yourself. I loved the layout of the story, told in both past and present in intermittent chapters. We see how Charlotte meets her husband Sam and the cons they played on their (wealthy) victims, and the present day, as Charlotte rebuilds her new life as a high class events planner.
Excellently well crafted characters made everyone a suspect and it was very enjoyable trying to predict the culprit, much like an Agatha Christie mystery. A very satisfying denouement had this locked-in (at sea) thriller pitched perfect for a possible follow up, for which I would most definitely read.
A tense, fun read with plenty of escapism, I’d happily recommend “The Ex-Husband’, especially if you’re after a pleasurable and exciting read.
4 stars
* He’s missing. Presumed dead. But she still can’t escape ‘The Ex-Husband’ *
• A con-artist finds the roles are reversed when her former victim seeks revenge...While working on a luxury cruise ship Charlotte finds there is nowhere left to run when someone onboard threatens to expose the terrible secrets of her past…
This is a perfect beach/summer read and I personally flew through it in a couple of sittings. The deception and sinister intrigue kept me turning the pages at speed and with exotic, sun drenched locations set onboard a beautiful and luxurious yacht, you genuinely feel you’re transported to the Caribbean yourself. I loved the layout of the story, told in both past and present in intermittent chapters. We see how Charlotte meets her husband Sam and the cons they played on their (wealthy) victims, and the present day, as Charlotte rebuilds her new life as a high class events planner.
Excellently well crafted characters made everyone a suspect and it was very enjoyable trying to predict the culprit, much like an Agatha Christie mystery. A very satisfying denouement had this locked-in (at sea) thriller pitched perfect for a possible follow up, for which I would most definitely read.
A tense, fun read with plenty of escapism, I’d happily recommend “The Ex-Husband’, especially if you’re after a pleasurable and exciting read.
4 stars
May 3, 2023
Where is Sam? He was always there with Charlotte making some deal or conning someone but now he is missing.
Charlotte met Sam on a cruise, he proposed on an airplane, and he taught her the tricks of his trade….conning rich folks on cruises to give money to a cause or to steal their jewels.
We move from THEN and NOW.
THEN was when Charlotte and Sam were on cruises and NOW is when we see Charlotte on her own but receiving threats and having the police ask her if she knows Sam is missing, and if she knows where he is.
When Charlotte gets anonymous e-mails demanding money and warnings about complying with what the anonymous person asks, she starts to get nervous.
She again is left cleaning up the mess Sam made and now with people seeking revenge. Where can he be?
She then gets a job on a cruise line, but someone knows about her past.
Who could it be?
Who is threatening her to pay a million pounds?
Who thinks she has that kind of money?
Is Sam alive and behind it?
Charlotte gets worried when a bracelet Sam took from her appears on her pillow with a note that time is ticking for her to come up with the million pounds.
THE EX-HUSBAND takes us on cruise ships and has an undertone of menace as we wonder how Charlotte and Sam got away with what they did and how we follow Charlotte and her fears about what is going on.
If you enjoy Karen Hamilton’s books and her always-great endings, you won’t want to miss her newest. 4/5
This book was given to me by the publisher via NetGalley for an honest review.
Charlotte met Sam on a cruise, he proposed on an airplane, and he taught her the tricks of his trade….conning rich folks on cruises to give money to a cause or to steal their jewels.
We move from THEN and NOW.
THEN was when Charlotte and Sam were on cruises and NOW is when we see Charlotte on her own but receiving threats and having the police ask her if she knows Sam is missing, and if she knows where he is.
When Charlotte gets anonymous e-mails demanding money and warnings about complying with what the anonymous person asks, she starts to get nervous.
She again is left cleaning up the mess Sam made and now with people seeking revenge. Where can he be?
She then gets a job on a cruise line, but someone knows about her past.
Who could it be?
Who is threatening her to pay a million pounds?
Who thinks she has that kind of money?
Is Sam alive and behind it?
Charlotte gets worried when a bracelet Sam took from her appears on her pillow with a note that time is ticking for her to come up with the million pounds.
THE EX-HUSBAND takes us on cruise ships and has an undertone of menace as we wonder how Charlotte and Sam got away with what they did and how we follow Charlotte and her fears about what is going on.
If you enjoy Karen Hamilton’s books and her always-great endings, you won’t want to miss her newest. 4/5
This book was given to me by the publisher via NetGalley for an honest review.
December 29, 2021
From my other GR friends' reviews, I am definitely an outlier here, so take this review for what it's worth, but I didn't love this book. In all fairness, Hamilton's previous book, "The Last Wife" was a DNF for me, so it may just be that this author and I are not a good fit.
Charlotte and Sam are married con artists, swindling cruise ship guests out of money, jewelry, and even identities. They both love the thrill of the chase - more than they even loved each other - but then things went too far, and Charlotte finds herself alone, trying to put her past behind her. She soon learns that Sam is missing, but she believes he is still out there somewhere, pulling the ultimate con, as she starts receiving messages and gifts that have an ominous link to Sam. The lies and destruction soon catch up with Charlotte, and she realizes that although she may have left her past behind, someone is determined to ruin her future.
I did like the Caribbean cruise ship setting, and the premise of scammers becoming the scammed; but that's pretty much where my "likes" ended. This is definitely a slow-burn thriller - especially the "then" sections where there is a never-ending rehashing of Sam and Charlotte's backstory. I didn't find their cons overly believable, and just a few "then" chapters would have sufficed. But even in the "now" sections, I never connected with Charlotte's character - she may have been trying to live life on the straight and narrow, but she seemed to have little remorse for her past actions and victims, which made her just too unlikable for me. I also found the tension to be lackluster at best. I never felt myself on the edge of my seat wondering what was coming next. The secondary characters on the yacht were also impossible to keep straight - they were all rather boring and one-dimensional, and because of that I never really suspected any of them of nefarious dealings. I pretty quickly surmised who was behind everything, so I was disappointed to get to the end and find out I was right. Oh, and the Alexandra storyline was just weird and over-the-top. And there you have my summary in a nutshell.
Overall, maybe I had too high expectations going in, but I needed more. It was just a flat, middle-of-the-pack read for me. 3 stars.
Charlotte and Sam are married con artists, swindling cruise ship guests out of money, jewelry, and even identities. They both love the thrill of the chase - more than they even loved each other - but then things went too far, and Charlotte finds herself alone, trying to put her past behind her. She soon learns that Sam is missing, but she believes he is still out there somewhere, pulling the ultimate con, as she starts receiving messages and gifts that have an ominous link to Sam. The lies and destruction soon catch up with Charlotte, and she realizes that although she may have left her past behind, someone is determined to ruin her future.
I did like the Caribbean cruise ship setting, and the premise of scammers becoming the scammed; but that's pretty much where my "likes" ended. This is definitely a slow-burn thriller - especially the "then" sections where there is a never-ending rehashing of Sam and Charlotte's backstory. I didn't find their cons overly believable, and just a few "then" chapters would have sufficed. But even in the "now" sections, I never connected with Charlotte's character - she may have been trying to live life on the straight and narrow, but she seemed to have little remorse for her past actions and victims, which made her just too unlikable for me. I also found the tension to be lackluster at best. I never felt myself on the edge of my seat wondering what was coming next. The secondary characters on the yacht were also impossible to keep straight - they were all rather boring and one-dimensional, and because of that I never really suspected any of them of nefarious dealings. I pretty quickly surmised who was behind everything, so I was disappointed to get to the end and find out I was right. Oh, and the Alexandra storyline was just weird and over-the-top. And there you have my summary in a nutshell.
Overall, maybe I had too high expectations going in, but I needed more. It was just a flat, middle-of-the-pack read for me. 3 stars.
January 27, 2022
I can't say I cared about the lead character Charlotte but I enjoyed the exotic locations and crime sprees when I started the book. I was into the story until about half way in when there were just too many characters and none of them were developed enough for me to have suspicions about their motivations so it didn't take long until I had a problem remembering who was who. By the end I just wanted to finish the book and move on. Despite the descriptive island settings none of this story is going to stay with me.
July 10, 2021
There is no doubt that this is a slow burn but in my opinion, slow burns only work when you are rewarded with some epic twists, which I personally didn't get from this book. While I really liked the setting and it was really unique using a boat as the location for 90% of the plot, the characters felt really flat - they needed a lot of work and most were pretty unlikeable. I had absolutely no idea who was who from 'the party', I couldn't tell any of them apart from Harrison and even that seemed like a random little subplot that went nowhere. As other readers have said, it was pretty obvious who the villain was (I mean c'mon...) when the plot got going so even that didn't add much excitement. I also found the Alexandra storyline really bizarre and far fetched. Sadly, this book was a real disappointment for me, especially as I loved The Perfect Girlfriend.
July 25, 2022
While departing a cruise ship 18 months ago, customs agents searched Charlotte's baggage and found an emerald necklace. She swore it was planted in her bag. Ah, husband Sam threw her under the bus. Of course, they are splitsville now but Sam has been calling her recently, saying he's being threatened. He goes missing. What con is he pulling now? Does that have anything to do with the texts she is receiving that say I know what you have both done and referencing blood money?
Much of the story takes place on cruise ships and yachts and I had flashes of interest in this part of the story. Since I've never been on either one, I would have been interested in more details.
This is the second book in a row that I've read dealing with con artists and since it's only been 3 days, I couldn't help but compare the stories. Frankly, I liked the other one better, I think mainly because this story moved slowly. I really enjoyed the first book I've read by this author, The Perfect Girlfriend.
Much of the story takes place on cruise ships and yachts and I had flashes of interest in this part of the story. Since I've never been on either one, I would have been interested in more details.
This is the second book in a row that I've read dealing with con artists and since it's only been 3 days, I couldn't help but compare the stories. Frankly, I liked the other one better, I think mainly because this story moved slowly. I really enjoyed the first book I've read by this author, The Perfect Girlfriend.
August 21, 2021
As a cruise lover, I love a book with a cruise theme, especially if there is crime involved, and this was one I definitely wanted to read having read Karen Hamilton’s two previous books The Perfect Girlfriend and The Last Wife.
In chapters alternating between Then and Now, the story is told in the first person voice of Charlotte. Sam and Charlotte once seemed the perfect couple, he a professional croupier and con-man and she taking jobs on ships wherever they could be together. They honed their craft, raked in the money – conditions were not always perfect, long hours, sharing cramped crew quarters but the luxurious lifestyle and connections they made offshore kind of made up for that – all funded by scamming wealthy cruise passengers. But it all went sour and now Charlotte is on her own working as an events planner. However it seems you can’t escape your past after all. Sam is missing and someone is after her.
This was one pacy read that kept the suspense up all the way through. Sam and Charlotte tried to justify their scamming by only picking people who could afford it but even so they were both pretty awful people although she did have a bit more of a conscience than him. Their actions harmed so many people that any one could be out for revenge and Charlotte had her work cut out in trying to find out who was targeting her. I do enjoy books with that “locked room” vibe, especially on a boat, where there is no escape, other than to take a long swim!
I really didn’t have any clues as to the ‘Whoever It Is’ until someway through the book and then a throwaway line made me suspicious. There was something a bit off about most of her fellow passengers and more than one had secrets of their own they were hiding. It’s probably a bit evil of me but I actually quite enjoyed seeing Charlotte being tormented and under pressure – karma! Although having read 3 of this author’s books now, she has mastered the art of creating unlikeable characters that you can’t help but feel some sympathy for.
The setting of the luxurious yacht and the vividly described Caribbean settings made me yearn for a holiday – well at the moment, an armchair holiday is the next best thing. I raced through this intriguing twisty read and thoroughly enjoyed it.
In chapters alternating between Then and Now, the story is told in the first person voice of Charlotte. Sam and Charlotte once seemed the perfect couple, he a professional croupier and con-man and she taking jobs on ships wherever they could be together. They honed their craft, raked in the money – conditions were not always perfect, long hours, sharing cramped crew quarters but the luxurious lifestyle and connections they made offshore kind of made up for that – all funded by scamming wealthy cruise passengers. But it all went sour and now Charlotte is on her own working as an events planner. However it seems you can’t escape your past after all. Sam is missing and someone is after her.
This was one pacy read that kept the suspense up all the way through. Sam and Charlotte tried to justify their scamming by only picking people who could afford it but even so they were both pretty awful people although she did have a bit more of a conscience than him. Their actions harmed so many people that any one could be out for revenge and Charlotte had her work cut out in trying to find out who was targeting her. I do enjoy books with that “locked room” vibe, especially on a boat, where there is no escape, other than to take a long swim!
I really didn’t have any clues as to the ‘Whoever It Is’ until someway through the book and then a throwaway line made me suspicious. There was something a bit off about most of her fellow passengers and more than one had secrets of their own they were hiding. It’s probably a bit evil of me but I actually quite enjoyed seeing Charlotte being tormented and under pressure – karma! Although having read 3 of this author’s books now, she has mastered the art of creating unlikeable characters that you can’t help but feel some sympathy for.
The setting of the luxurious yacht and the vividly described Caribbean settings made me yearn for a holiday – well at the moment, an armchair holiday is the next best thing. I raced through this intriguing twisty read and thoroughly enjoyed it.
December 25, 2021
This book was like “Dirty Rotten Scoundrels” meets “Below Deck” - quite the combo! If you’re in the mood for a fun, trashy thriller, then this is your book.
Charlotte and Sam met and began working on cruise ships together (later graduating to private yachts). Sam pulls Charlotte into his lifestyle, which is stealing from the rich to give to the poor (sometimes charities, but mostly himself). Charlotte starts to enjoy this lifestyle too … it’s not like they’re taking anything that can’t be replaced with enough money, and their victims seem to have more than enough.
One day, Sam disappears, leaving Charlotte with a lot of questions, hardly any money, and one more thing - people who want their money back. People out for revenge. Charlotte takes a job on another private yacht, and plans to sail to Barbados to find Sam, however the people she ends up with soon make her paranoid. What if these people are also wanting revenge?
The writing in this is super basic, but that makes for a quick read. It was what I’d consider a trashy thriller, but sometimes that’s what I’m in the mood for. It did get more serious towards the end, which was done pretty well. I didn’t guess it, and that’s a bonus! Four stars for this fun book that will take you to the Caribbean, and beyond.
(Thank you to Harlequin Trade Publishing, Karen Hamilton, and NetGalley for the ARC in exchange for my review.)
Charlotte and Sam met and began working on cruise ships together (later graduating to private yachts). Sam pulls Charlotte into his lifestyle, which is stealing from the rich to give to the poor (sometimes charities, but mostly himself). Charlotte starts to enjoy this lifestyle too … it’s not like they’re taking anything that can’t be replaced with enough money, and their victims seem to have more than enough.
One day, Sam disappears, leaving Charlotte with a lot of questions, hardly any money, and one more thing - people who want their money back. People out for revenge. Charlotte takes a job on another private yacht, and plans to sail to Barbados to find Sam, however the people she ends up with soon make her paranoid. What if these people are also wanting revenge?
The writing in this is super basic, but that makes for a quick read. It was what I’d consider a trashy thriller, but sometimes that’s what I’m in the mood for. It did get more serious towards the end, which was done pretty well. I didn’t guess it, and that’s a bonus! Four stars for this fun book that will take you to the Caribbean, and beyond.
(Thank you to Harlequin Trade Publishing, Karen Hamilton, and NetGalley for the ARC in exchange for my review.)
August 3, 2021
Charlotte Wilson didn't choose a life of crime. It chose her. Once introduced to the world of wealthy clients and easy money by her ex-husband on board cruise ships, Charlotte was hooked. However, complacency and greed lead to a slip-up with devastating consequence.
Charlotte and her ex-husband Sam work on cruise ships but they are also con-artists who stole from the passengers. But now it's their turn to be hunted down by someone who knows what they've done. Charlotte is desperate to leave her past behind but will will her past catch up with her?
Charlotte is quite an unlikable protagonist. The story has a dual timeline and it's told in the past and present day. The pace is steady is this thoroughly engaging read. I did prefer the part on the yacht that's told in the present day. There were a diverse bunch of passengers who were out to get Charlotte. This is a most enjoyable read.
I would like to thank #NetGalley #Headline and the author #KarenHamilton for my ARC of #TheExHusband in exchange for an honest review.
Charlotte and her ex-husband Sam work on cruise ships but they are also con-artists who stole from the passengers. But now it's their turn to be hunted down by someone who knows what they've done. Charlotte is desperate to leave her past behind but will will her past catch up with her?
Charlotte is quite an unlikable protagonist. The story has a dual timeline and it's told in the past and present day. The pace is steady is this thoroughly engaging read. I did prefer the part on the yacht that's told in the present day. There were a diverse bunch of passengers who were out to get Charlotte. This is a most enjoyable read.
I would like to thank #NetGalley #Headline and the author #KarenHamilton for my ARC of #TheExHusband in exchange for an honest review.
June 14, 2021
Quite a different story. Past having repercussions in present with threatening notes.
With many twists, I found myself reading faster as the story moved on. The prose seemed smooth and felt to be entertaining. Fun.
With many twists, I found myself reading faster as the story moved on. The prose seemed smooth and felt to be entertaining. Fun.
August 26, 2021
I beseech - IMPLORE - publishers to start calling these types of books something like "suspense". The word "thriller" sets up certain expectations - if my heart isn't racing and my skin crawling, I'm going to feel let down, and maybe that's not really fair on the book or the author.
Charlotte is a self-centred and unlikeable character who together with ex-husband Sam, made a career of conning rich people out of their money while working on cruise ships. Now she's trying to get on the straight and narrow, and Sam is missing presumed dead - but she's getting threatening notes. She takes a job on a superyacht to escape... only the notes keep coming. Someone on the intimate boat is threatening her - but who? And how can she escape?
This certainly SOUNDS like the set up for an exciting locked room thriller - unfortunately, I felt it didn't deliver. The first two thirds of the book are told in an alternating "now" and "then" fashion to set up the backstory of Charlotte and Sam. It's a fine art to use the flashback method of storytelling in a suspense novel and have it ADD to the tension rather than INTERRUPT it. In this case, it felt more like the latter.
Once the full backstory has been revealed, we move to forward action for the rest of the story and I thought finally the tension would kick in... but it just didn't. There was a fairly large cast of characters that were minimally described, such that I had no idea how old anyone was and kept forgetting who they all were, as I had no real mental picture of them as individuals. Charlotte was so unlikeable that far from fearing for her safety, I was mostly just wishing someone would push her overboard and be done with her. I never felt the "I'm trapped on a ship with a killer" type of tension that I was expecting.
The ending is one of those unlikeable MC endings that will be divisive. I personally wasn't a fan, as it just made me feel like I'd read a whole book about crappy people I didn't care about.
The thing I did enjoy about this book was the cruise ship setting. I enjoyed the feeling of getting "behind the scenes" on a cruise ship, and of spending so much time mentally travelling the seas and basking on islands. The setting itself was really well done, and if you're sick of our limited way of living currently and long for some armchair travel, I'd honestly recommend it for that alone.
It's really not a bad book, I just didn't feel super excited by it either, so it's a 3.5/5 for me.
Charlotte is a self-centred and unlikeable character who together with ex-husband Sam, made a career of conning rich people out of their money while working on cruise ships. Now she's trying to get on the straight and narrow, and Sam is missing presumed dead - but she's getting threatening notes. She takes a job on a superyacht to escape... only the notes keep coming. Someone on the intimate boat is threatening her - but who? And how can she escape?
This certainly SOUNDS like the set up for an exciting locked room thriller - unfortunately, I felt it didn't deliver. The first two thirds of the book are told in an alternating "now" and "then" fashion to set up the backstory of Charlotte and Sam. It's a fine art to use the flashback method of storytelling in a suspense novel and have it ADD to the tension rather than INTERRUPT it. In this case, it felt more like the latter.
Once the full backstory has been revealed, we move to forward action for the rest of the story and I thought finally the tension would kick in... but it just didn't. There was a fairly large cast of characters that were minimally described, such that I had no idea how old anyone was and kept forgetting who they all were, as I had no real mental picture of them as individuals. Charlotte was so unlikeable that far from fearing for her safety, I was mostly just wishing someone would push her overboard and be done with her. I never felt the "I'm trapped on a ship with a killer" type of tension that I was expecting.
The ending is one of those unlikeable MC endings that will be divisive. I personally wasn't a fan, as it just made me feel like I'd read a whole book about crappy people I didn't care about.
The thing I did enjoy about this book was the cruise ship setting. I enjoyed the feeling of getting "behind the scenes" on a cruise ship, and of spending so much time mentally travelling the seas and basking on islands. The setting itself was really well done, and if you're sick of our limited way of living currently and long for some armchair travel, I'd honestly recommend it for that alone.
It's really not a bad book, I just didn't feel super excited by it either, so it's a 3.5/5 for me.
July 5, 2021
I seem to be in the minority but this book just didn't do it for me I'm afraid. I really liked the concept as I enjoy thrillers set in exotic locations but I was left disappointed unfortunately.
For the first third of the book I was just plain bored, and considered DNFing until I saw how many 5 star reviews the book has received, and I thought it might be worth persevering. It did get a little better from that point, but I can't say I ever felt truly absorbed in the plot. There weren't many surprises, to me it was fairly obvious who the 'bad guy' would turn out to be.
I felt that the characters were a bit thin - I couldn't picture the main character and I don't think we got to know her or any of the other main players in any depth. I also found the locations lacklustre - with the cruise setting I was hoping to feel immersed in descriptions of beautiful places, but that didn't happen.
Overall I personally can't recommend this book, but it has lots of favourable reviews so I wouldn't want to put anyone else off giving it a shot.
For the first third of the book I was just plain bored, and considered DNFing until I saw how many 5 star reviews the book has received, and I thought it might be worth persevering. It did get a little better from that point, but I can't say I ever felt truly absorbed in the plot. There weren't many surprises, to me it was fairly obvious who the 'bad guy' would turn out to be.
I felt that the characters were a bit thin - I couldn't picture the main character and I don't think we got to know her or any of the other main players in any depth. I also found the locations lacklustre - with the cruise setting I was hoping to feel immersed in descriptions of beautiful places, but that didn't happen.
Overall I personally can't recommend this book, but it has lots of favourable reviews so I wouldn't want to put anyone else off giving it a shot.
January 9, 2022
A cruise ship setting, unlikeable characters, dual timelines, and a slow burn ...
The Ex-Husband is told from Charlotte's point of view in a dual timeline setting. Charlotte has a questionable past but has worked hard to turn her life around, attempting to leave the past in the past. But that's easier said than done now that her con artist, ex-husband Sam is missing. Now, someone is out to get Charlotte ...
I enjoyed this book much more than Hamilton's backlist. I did have one of the twists figured out early on but was still surprised by one of the others so bonus points for that! Overall it's an entertaining read. I would nudge this one more towards suspense, not so much a thriller.
Thanks to Harper Collins Canada for sending this one my way!
The Ex-Husband is told from Charlotte's point of view in a dual timeline setting. Charlotte has a questionable past but has worked hard to turn her life around, attempting to leave the past in the past. But that's easier said than done now that her con artist, ex-husband Sam is missing. Now, someone is out to get Charlotte ...
I enjoyed this book much more than Hamilton's backlist. I did have one of the twists figured out early on but was still surprised by one of the others so bonus points for that! Overall it's an entertaining read. I would nudge this one more towards suspense, not so much a thriller.
Thanks to Harper Collins Canada for sending this one my way!
February 26, 2022
3.5☆
This was a fun mystery. Breadcrumbs were left for the reader along with some Agatha Christy references to throw more doubt on who was behind the threats. I guessed, correctly, who the culprit was halfway through but still enjoyed reading to the end. I would recommend it for a beach read or pure escapism.
I liked how the author used two timelines to tell us this story of a couple who con wealthy people while working on cruises. We start with "Now" as Charlotte lives a humble life, trying to make amends for the past, before we are taken back to "Then" chapters to learn more about Charlotte and her estranged husband’s scams. Now, Charlotte is being threatened by texts from an unknown number that may, or may not, be from her missing husband about their misdeeds and her need to make reparations for it. We quickly learn that there is no honor among thieves and I enjoyed how the double-cross, maybe triple-cross, theme played out as we wonder who the real villain is in this tale of revenge.
There's lots to discuss for bookclubs about morality (is it wrong to steal from the corrupt or vile, what constitutes infidelity, do ends justify the means, et al), how caste systems exist in all societies, and the price of vengeance.
So why only 3 stars? I couldn't connect to the main character, our anti-heroine Charlotte. Something about her accepting personal responsibility, buuut not really. Charlotte never seemed able to convince herself that she wasn’t a bad character. Me either, and not feeling it for Charlotte made me less willing to go with the over-the-top action/thriller sequences. There's falling off cliffs, being dragged by horses, concussions with hospital stays, being shot up with drugs, being held hostage with pointy objects, and always being able to bounce back immediately. Or soon thereafter with a shower. James Bond was mentioned a few times but seriously? I think if I showed up with cuts on my face and a drastically different hairstyle a few hours later, despite the urgency of the moment - there would be questions. A lot of them. Especially given the crazy story Charlotte told The Party about what happened. Something?! Nope. Silence from the uber rich. Maybe they didn't care but this reader was left with too much that didn't make sense for a higher rating.
I smell a sequel as the story ends with a reconciliation and another vengeance born . . .
(thanks go out to publishers and/or their affiliates for providing a copy for an honest review)
This was a fun mystery. Breadcrumbs were left for the reader along with some Agatha Christy references to throw more doubt on who was behind the threats. I guessed, correctly, who the culprit was halfway through but still enjoyed reading to the end. I would recommend it for a beach read or pure escapism.
I liked how the author used two timelines to tell us this story of a couple who con wealthy people while working on cruises. We start with "Now" as Charlotte lives a humble life, trying to make amends for the past, before we are taken back to "Then" chapters to learn more about Charlotte and her estranged husband’s scams. Now, Charlotte is being threatened by texts from an unknown number that may, or may not, be from her missing husband about their misdeeds and her need to make reparations for it. We quickly learn that there is no honor among thieves and I enjoyed how the double-cross, maybe triple-cross, theme played out as we wonder who the real villain is in this tale of revenge.
There's lots to discuss for bookclubs about morality (is it wrong to steal from the corrupt or vile, what constitutes infidelity, do ends justify the means, et al), how caste systems exist in all societies, and the price of vengeance.
So why only 3 stars? I couldn't connect to the main character, our anti-heroine Charlotte. Something about her accepting personal responsibility, buuut not really. Charlotte never seemed able to convince herself that she wasn’t a bad character. Me either, and not feeling it for Charlotte made me less willing to go with the over-the-top action/thriller sequences. There's falling off cliffs, being dragged by horses, concussions with hospital stays, being shot up with drugs, being held hostage with pointy objects, and always being able to bounce back immediately. Or soon thereafter with a shower. James Bond was mentioned a few times but seriously? I think if I showed up with cuts on my face and a drastically different hairstyle a few hours later, despite the urgency of the moment - there would be questions. A lot of them. Especially given the crazy story Charlotte told The Party about what happened. Something?! Nope. Silence from the uber rich. Maybe they didn't care but this reader was left with too much that didn't make sense for a higher rating.
I smell a sequel as the story ends with a reconciliation and another vengeance born . . .
(thanks go out to publishers and/or their affiliates for providing a copy for an honest review)
February 6, 2022
I know Karen Hamilton's The Ex-Husband was not set up as a series but after reading it I kind of hope there will be a follow up. I think it's a combination of Karen Hamilton's engaging writing style and my nostalgia for exotic locales that made immersing myself into this book so easy.
Charlotte's con-artist ex-husband Sam is missing and someone is sending her threatening messages. In order to figure out who is after her and why, Charlotte accepts a job on a luxury yacht helping support an engagement party trip for a group of wealthy clients. In flashback segments we are introduced to the backstory of Charlotte's past with Sam and how the choices they made in the past could be tied to their current situation.
This was such a fun, entertaining read that helped me escape reality in a way most book lovers long to. I miss travel, beaches and sunshine and the backdrop of this psychological thriller made it all the more enjoyable for me. I do not expect or require the characters I'm reading about to be likeable or even relatable and though Charlotte's character was neither, I still found myself rooting for her. This is such a perfect beach read (oh how I wish I got to read it on a beach) but works equally as well as a mind escape winter read.
Extremely grateful to Killer Crime Club (check them out on Facebook), Harper Collins Canada, Harlequin Trade Publishing and NetGalley for a chance to read an ARC of The Ex-Husband.
Charlotte's con-artist ex-husband Sam is missing and someone is sending her threatening messages. In order to figure out who is after her and why, Charlotte accepts a job on a luxury yacht helping support an engagement party trip for a group of wealthy clients. In flashback segments we are introduced to the backstory of Charlotte's past with Sam and how the choices they made in the past could be tied to their current situation.
This was such a fun, entertaining read that helped me escape reality in a way most book lovers long to. I miss travel, beaches and sunshine and the backdrop of this psychological thriller made it all the more enjoyable for me. I do not expect or require the characters I'm reading about to be likeable or even relatable and though Charlotte's character was neither, I still found myself rooting for her. This is such a perfect beach read (oh how I wish I got to read it on a beach) but works equally as well as a mind escape winter read.
Extremely grateful to Killer Crime Club (check them out on Facebook), Harper Collins Canada, Harlequin Trade Publishing and NetGalley for a chance to read an ARC of The Ex-Husband.
June 6, 2025
This was quite the captivating read! I was curious as to who was behind all the goings on, if the husband was actually dead etc....twists included. There was a lot of extravagance described with some of the character's lifestyles which wasn't relatable but insightful regardless! Owning luxury yachts and having personal assistants etc, I would like for a maid now and then..baha...... But, for many being that rich certainly didn't lead to any happiness nor contentment;...for the con artist and scammers there was always the insatiable desire for more wealth, never being satisfied really for it it won't. As we know in this life that such desire for more often is achieved through dishonest and corrupt ways with devastating impacts on the victims regardless of their financial status....The crime wasn't worth it...for it's the love of money that is the root of all evil as per the Bible and true enough.
There were some off color words , using the name of Jesus as a curse words and language used unfortunately.
Anyway; my sentiments aside this was an engrossing and impressive book indeed. My first time by this author but I wouldn't mind reading another by her perhaps.
There were some off color words , using the name of Jesus as a curse words and language used unfortunately.
Anyway; my sentiments aside this was an engrossing and impressive book indeed. My first time by this author but I wouldn't mind reading another by her perhaps.
August 1, 2021
In THE EX-HUSBAND, Karen Hamilton takes her readers on a wild ride, all the way from Cornwall’s sandy beaches to a sun-kissed Caribbean cruise…but not everything is as beautiful and serene as it seems. Someone has more than a few axes to grind, and they’re out for revenge no matter what. As tensions rise and secrets are uncovered, it’s anybody’s guess who will survive. Fast-moving and twisted, this suspenseful story set against an idyllic backdrop may very well make you reconsider those travel plans! Sure to be another smash-hit.
Read
January 25, 2022No.
Just. No.
#thatsall
Just. No.
#thatsall
July 2, 2021
Wow. What a read! I was so pleased to get my hands on this. The Ex-Husband is a crime thriller set on a cruise liner. It was the perfect form of escapism during what has been a very long covid-related year. I love cruise ships but I wouldn't want to be on this one! However I really enjoyed this book. The setting makes for a very unique concept, particularly when you discover that couple Charlotte and Sam are no strangers to breaking the law. But what happens when the past catches up with them? Past and present merge in this fast moving thriller, making for an intense and addictive read. If you enjoy twists and turns then you will love The Ex-Husband. An engaging, well written book.
July 21, 2021
Not QUITE sure why precisely but I adored this one and devoured it over the course of two sittings.
It is a perfect summer psychological thriller, if you like your Summer to have a murderous bite...featuring exotic locations, an intriguing and intimately drawn main protagonist and enough twists and turns to make it HUGELY satisfying without over egging the pudding.
Come along on a cruise through a minefield of lies and manipulations...you won't regret it
Very much recommended.
It is a perfect summer psychological thriller, if you like your Summer to have a murderous bite...featuring exotic locations, an intriguing and intimately drawn main protagonist and enough twists and turns to make it HUGELY satisfying without over egging the pudding.
Come along on a cruise through a minefield of lies and manipulations...you won't regret it
Very much recommended.
October 28, 2021
In The Ex-Husband by Karen Hamilton, married couple Charlotte and Sam work together on cruise ships to befriend rich guests and con them out of their money. They only target those who can afford it, and spin elaborate tales of woe to convince their targets to donate to fundraising pages. These 'worthy' causes are entirely fiction, and the pair line their own pockets as they aspire to lead the lifestyles of their wealthy targets.
Unfolding in dual timelines (then and now), Charlotte has broken up with Sam and is trying to live a good life when she starts receiving threats. She learns Sam is missing, but can't help wondering if this is just another one of his scams. Is he the one behind the threats or has a victim of their fraud tracked her down, looking for justice?
I thoroughly enjoyed reading The Perfect Girlfriend by Karen Hamilton back in March 2018 and have been keeping my out out for Hamilton's books since then. There are some similarities between Juliette (of The Perfect Girlfriend) and Charlotte in The Ex-Husband. They're both slightly dysfunctional main characters who regularly overstep the boundaries of what we would call acceptable, however in this case, Charlotte is a con-woman and a criminal. Charlotte's complicity and avarice made her a less enjoyable protagonist than Juliette, but I was still caught up in trying to solve the mystery before Charlotte did or it was too late.
The Ex-Husband is a thrilling mystery and I enjoyed uncovering the full scope of Sam and Charlotte's deceptions while trying to work out who was behind the increasingly dangerous threats. The Ex-Husband is recommended for thriller readers and those who miss being on the high seas.
* Copy courtesy of Hachette Australia *
Unfolding in dual timelines (then and now), Charlotte has broken up with Sam and is trying to live a good life when she starts receiving threats. She learns Sam is missing, but can't help wondering if this is just another one of his scams. Is he the one behind the threats or has a victim of their fraud tracked her down, looking for justice?
I thoroughly enjoyed reading The Perfect Girlfriend by Karen Hamilton back in March 2018 and have been keeping my out out for Hamilton's books since then. There are some similarities between Juliette (of The Perfect Girlfriend) and Charlotte in The Ex-Husband. They're both slightly dysfunctional main characters who regularly overstep the boundaries of what we would call acceptable, however in this case, Charlotte is a con-woman and a criminal. Charlotte's complicity and avarice made her a less enjoyable protagonist than Juliette, but I was still caught up in trying to solve the mystery before Charlotte did or it was too late.
The Ex-Husband is a thrilling mystery and I enjoyed uncovering the full scope of Sam and Charlotte's deceptions while trying to work out who was behind the increasingly dangerous threats. The Ex-Husband is recommended for thriller readers and those who miss being on the high seas.
* Copy courtesy of Hachette Australia *
January 16, 2022
3.5 Stars: The Ex-Husband by Karen Hamilton is a thriller but I was hoping for more twists. It was more suspense or mystery to me. The story opens with Charlotte getting messages/threats and with her trying to get a hold of her ex-husband Sam. The story is set in the present, but with flashbacks to the time when Sam and Charlotte met and their relationship and adventures up until Sam takes off with their money. All this leads us to why Charlotte is getting threats in the present. It has taken Charlotte time to rebuild her life after her and Sam separated. She is trying to go straight and stay away from the cons and crimes she and Sam committed in the past. She didn't really know some of the things he did, but it appears she is going to pay anyway. Charlotte has just taken a job aboard a luxury yacht, but it appears someone on the yacht is involved in whatever is going on. Can she figure out what is happening before something serious happens? Can she find Sam and sort this all out?
The Ex-Husband by Karen Hamilton is a slow building suspense/thriller story. The author slowly releases information and tidbits about Charlotte's life with Sam and what they were doing. There were times I liked Charlotte and times she really frustrated me. She closed her eyes to things and then didn't want to take responsibility. At times I thought she could have been a victim of Stockholm Syndrome due to her feelings for Sam. I became very curious about her life and how she ended up where she was. As I said, it was a slow moving story until we got near the end. The storyline on the yacht was the most riveting. I tried to figure out who was leaving Charlotte messages out of the variety of passengers and employees. There was a thrilling ending and one where I had to suspend belief just a bit, but it fit the story well. I enjoyed the ending and how Karen Hamilton tied everything up. If you enjoy a slow building story, with a well developed lead character with suspense and a couple of twists, then pick this one up. I did a read/listen for The Ex-Husband and enjoyed the narration very much. Nathalie Buscombe was the narrator and her voice was perfect. Using tone, she added suspense and her voices were all well done. I definitely enjoyed listening to this one and it added to my enjoyment of the story. The publisher generously provided me with a copy of the book/audiobook upon request. The rating and opinions shared were my own.
The Ex-Husband by Karen Hamilton is a slow building suspense/thriller story. The author slowly releases information and tidbits about Charlotte's life with Sam and what they were doing. There were times I liked Charlotte and times she really frustrated me. She closed her eyes to things and then didn't want to take responsibility. At times I thought she could have been a victim of Stockholm Syndrome due to her feelings for Sam. I became very curious about her life and how she ended up where she was. As I said, it was a slow moving story until we got near the end. The storyline on the yacht was the most riveting. I tried to figure out who was leaving Charlotte messages out of the variety of passengers and employees. There was a thrilling ending and one where I had to suspend belief just a bit, but it fit the story well. I enjoyed the ending and how Karen Hamilton tied everything up. If you enjoy a slow building story, with a well developed lead character with suspense and a couple of twists, then pick this one up. I did a read/listen for The Ex-Husband and enjoyed the narration very much. Nathalie Buscombe was the narrator and her voice was perfect. Using tone, she added suspense and her voices were all well done. I definitely enjoyed listening to this one and it added to my enjoyment of the story. The publisher generously provided me with a copy of the book/audiobook upon request. The rating and opinions shared were my own.
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