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The Expatriate Mysteries #1
The Expat Wife
" The Expat Wife delivers. It’s like a Switzerland vacation on the page. This riveting journey took us to Lucerne and had us glued to the page." —Addison McKnight, author of An Imperfect Plan.
Welcome to Switzerland in Snow upon snow, everywhere to disappear, nowhere to hide...
From the #1 bestselling author of London Bridge is Down comes an atmospheric, twisty and suspenseful mystery set in one of the most beautiful places in the world.
When newlyweds Rose and Wesley Blackwood move from New York City to Lucerne, Switzerland for his new job, they quickly take to expatriate life. What's not to love about this safe, cozy country known for chocolate, cheese, and scenery to die for?
But when Rose's new friend Jacqueline disappears, Rose begins to see an ugly side to this beautiful country-and to her new husband.
Muddled by jetlag and with no one to trust as her marriage deteriorates in an unfamiliar country where she doesn't speak the language, Rose, who was an investigative journalist back in New York, sets out to solve the mystery-and discovers nothing in this bucolic town is what it seems as she uncovers a cascade of terrifying secrets leading to a twist that will leave readers chilled to the bone.
Welcome to Switzerland in Snow upon snow, everywhere to disappear, nowhere to hide...
From the #1 bestselling author of London Bridge is Down comes an atmospheric, twisty and suspenseful mystery set in one of the most beautiful places in the world.
When newlyweds Rose and Wesley Blackwood move from New York City to Lucerne, Switzerland for his new job, they quickly take to expatriate life. What's not to love about this safe, cozy country known for chocolate, cheese, and scenery to die for?
But when Rose's new friend Jacqueline disappears, Rose begins to see an ugly side to this beautiful country-and to her new husband.
Muddled by jetlag and with no one to trust as her marriage deteriorates in an unfamiliar country where she doesn't speak the language, Rose, who was an investigative journalist back in New York, sets out to solve the mystery-and discovers nothing in this bucolic town is what it seems as she uncovers a cascade of terrifying secrets leading to a twist that will leave readers chilled to the bone.
373 pages, Kindle Edition
First published July 11, 2023
9 people are currently reading
105 people want to read
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 48 reviews
April 13, 2023
After a whirlwind romance Rose marries Wes and they move to Switzerland for his job. Rose is a bit reluctant about the move, she loves New York and her job as a journalist, but she’s trying to look at it as an adventure. Unfortunately, the adventure is hard, what with the jet lag and the language barrier, and Rose’s only friend, Jacqueline has disappeared and why does no one seem to care? This was an enjoyable and well written mystery with a beautiful setting!
I received an advance review copy for free, and I am leaving this review voluntarily.
I received an advance review copy for free, and I am leaving this review voluntarily.
April 17, 2023
Talk about a book of twists, this will be the most twisted for 2023!.
It’s fast paced, exciting and even scary.
Rose meets and marries Wesley in 3 short months.
Wesley gets a job that relocates them to Switzerland.
Jacqueline, Rose’s new friend goes missing and she must find out what happened.
The suspense is enchanting about Wesley’s new employer. Filled with Occult vibes, mysterious disappearances, Swiss folklore and so much more that will have your heart pounding through each moment.
This will be extremely hard to forget! Movie please.
It’s fast paced, exciting and even scary.
Rose meets and marries Wesley in 3 short months.
Wesley gets a job that relocates them to Switzerland.
Jacqueline, Rose’s new friend goes missing and she must find out what happened.
The suspense is enchanting about Wesley’s new employer. Filled with Occult vibes, mysterious disappearances, Swiss folklore and so much more that will have your heart pounding through each moment.
This will be extremely hard to forget! Movie please.
July 11, 2023
Beautiful, scenic Lucerne, Switzerland is an idyllic place to live. Newlyweds Wesley and Rose Blackwood have moved there from New York City for Wesley’s new high-paying job; they are happy with the other expats they have met through the company, TIG, and enthralled with the land of chocolate, cheeses, safety, and gorgeous scenery. Rose is very happy to have met Jacqueline, one of the wives of Wesley’s co-workers, because it seems they have connected and are on the way to becoming fast friends. When Jacqueline disappeares, Rose begins to see the underbelly of the company, its employees, the expat wives, and her husband himself. It appears Rose has no one to trust and nowhere to turn as her marriage begins to fail in this foreign town of mystic folklore and frightening imagery where she barely speaks the language. Though she had to give up her job as an investigative reporter when the couple moved and she is unable to work because her permit does not allow it, Rose begins to piece together all of the circumstances surrounding her using her skills; and when she does, she discovers no one and nothing are as they seem.
This psychological thrill ride takes the reader from the bloom of young newlywed love to the ugliness found under the surface of a psychotic personality. Everything Rose believed about her husband Wesley was false, though on paper and by reputation, he is perfect. The reader is as confused as Rose is while piecing together snippets of information that seem harrowing but have logical explanations, or seem innocent and are truly evil. Included are issues of (warning) gaslighting, emotional abuse, murder, depression, and a host of other triggers that build suspense, eeriness, and outright fear as the novel progresses through to its stunning conclusion. The story is nerve-wracking, exciting, all-consuming, and it was impossible to put down. Unpredictably written with a keen eye and deft hand by author Courtney Hargrove, we are masterfully taken along through the twists and turns of this wild ride to its shocking climax and conclusion. I highly recommend “The Expat Wife” to all readers of psychological thrillers except those who might be triggered by any of the previously mentioned mental illness issues.
I’d like to thank BookSirens, Courtney Hargrove, and One Moment Books Dark for the opportunity to read and review this ARC.
This psychological thrill ride takes the reader from the bloom of young newlywed love to the ugliness found under the surface of a psychotic personality. Everything Rose believed about her husband Wesley was false, though on paper and by reputation, he is perfect. The reader is as confused as Rose is while piecing together snippets of information that seem harrowing but have logical explanations, or seem innocent and are truly evil. Included are issues of (warning) gaslighting, emotional abuse, murder, depression, and a host of other triggers that build suspense, eeriness, and outright fear as the novel progresses through to its stunning conclusion. The story is nerve-wracking, exciting, all-consuming, and it was impossible to put down. Unpredictably written with a keen eye and deft hand by author Courtney Hargrove, we are masterfully taken along through the twists and turns of this wild ride to its shocking climax and conclusion. I highly recommend “The Expat Wife” to all readers of psychological thrillers except those who might be triggered by any of the previously mentioned mental illness issues.
I’d like to thank BookSirens, Courtney Hargrove, and One Moment Books Dark for the opportunity to read and review this ARC.
April 11, 2023
✨A R C • R E V I E W✨
Thanks to the very lovely @courtneyhwriter for gifting me this copy; I leave this review voluntarily.
Available July 11, 2023
4.5/5⭐️
Desperate housewives meets the Stepford wives in this group of expat members. When Rose meets and marries Wesley, she thinks her life is finally complete. Moving to Switzerland for Wesley’s new job comes with its own set of issues - but as Rose settles into her new life, she can’t help but feel that things aren’t as they appear to be.
An unputdownable psychological thriller that’ll have you reading long into the night. I loved this book - the dynamics between the characters makes this an addictive read. There are also many laugh-out-loud moments.
This book kept me guessing until the very end. I couldn’t figure out what was going on. The secretive job Wesley has at TIG added another layer of mystery. Along with “The Group” who hold more secrets than the FBI and CIA combined.
My favorite character was Grandma Mixie (flashbacks and not an actual character) because I love the life advice she gave Rose.
I’m glad my high school German classes came in handy here. I loved the atmospheric feel to this book.
A must read for anyone who loves a good domestic psychological thriller.
#bookstagram #TheExpatWife #CourtneyHargrove #psychologicalthriller #loves2read #arcreview
Thanks to the very lovely @courtneyhwriter for gifting me this copy; I leave this review voluntarily.
Available July 11, 2023
4.5/5⭐️
Desperate housewives meets the Stepford wives in this group of expat members. When Rose meets and marries Wesley, she thinks her life is finally complete. Moving to Switzerland for Wesley’s new job comes with its own set of issues - but as Rose settles into her new life, she can’t help but feel that things aren’t as they appear to be.
An unputdownable psychological thriller that’ll have you reading long into the night. I loved this book - the dynamics between the characters makes this an addictive read. There are also many laugh-out-loud moments.
This book kept me guessing until the very end. I couldn’t figure out what was going on. The secretive job Wesley has at TIG added another layer of mystery. Along with “The Group” who hold more secrets than the FBI and CIA combined.
My favorite character was Grandma Mixie (flashbacks and not an actual character) because I love the life advice she gave Rose.
I’m glad my high school German classes came in handy here. I loved the atmospheric feel to this book.
A must read for anyone who loves a good domestic psychological thriller.
#bookstagram #TheExpatWife #CourtneyHargrove #psychologicalthriller #loves2read #arcreview
April 10, 2023
This novel follows the story of tough New Yorker, Rose, who meets a handsome guy, Wesley, marries him, and agrees to giving up her job and independence to be kept by him as an expat in Lucerne, Switzerland.
Arguably a recipe for a degree of distrust and paranoia, where all of a sudden there is a significant loss of autonomy, along with dealing with an alien culture without any compass. The story begins with Rose watching the house of one of her husband's rich colleagues because she is sure he has murdered his wife.
The Expat wives are controlling in ways that seem more than a little sinister to Rose. The reputation of their husbands' job is paramount they tell her, so there are rumours about what she is allowed to share in social media. However, they are sure that Lucerne is safe, and nothing bad ever happens….
Rose continues to feel out of sorts, with jetlag that never seems to go away. Now, this detective story takes on a gothic dimension, with neighbours mysteriously planting runes on her doorstep, and whispers of local witchcraft. Then, when two effigies are burnt at the next expat party……
Luckily, Rose has kept her friends in New York, and zoom think tanks help Rose get more of a sense of how much real danger there may be, and how much she is imagining it.
This novel is excellent at keeping up the suspense, so that the reader has to second-guess a lot. It is so evocative in describing Rose's state her mind, with her conviction that evil is stirring around her, ready to ensnare her, if she does not get to the bottom of what is going on. The story comes to a satisfying end and denouement, though in one or two respects, while well paced, the plot in retrospect seems just a little far-fetched. The character of Rose in itself questions credibility, as it is hard to imagine why anyone as feisty as she would want to have placed herself in such a disempowering situation in the first place. Still overall, this all makes for a highly engrossing read.
I received an advance review copy for free, and I am leaving this review voluntarily.
Arguably a recipe for a degree of distrust and paranoia, where all of a sudden there is a significant loss of autonomy, along with dealing with an alien culture without any compass. The story begins with Rose watching the house of one of her husband's rich colleagues because she is sure he has murdered his wife.
The Expat wives are controlling in ways that seem more than a little sinister to Rose. The reputation of their husbands' job is paramount they tell her, so there are rumours about what she is allowed to share in social media. However, they are sure that Lucerne is safe, and nothing bad ever happens….
Rose continues to feel out of sorts, with jetlag that never seems to go away. Now, this detective story takes on a gothic dimension, with neighbours mysteriously planting runes on her doorstep, and whispers of local witchcraft. Then, when two effigies are burnt at the next expat party……
Luckily, Rose has kept her friends in New York, and zoom think tanks help Rose get more of a sense of how much real danger there may be, and how much she is imagining it.
This novel is excellent at keeping up the suspense, so that the reader has to second-guess a lot. It is so evocative in describing Rose's state her mind, with her conviction that evil is stirring around her, ready to ensnare her, if she does not get to the bottom of what is going on. The story comes to a satisfying end and denouement, though in one or two respects, while well paced, the plot in retrospect seems just a little far-fetched. The character of Rose in itself questions credibility, as it is hard to imagine why anyone as feisty as she would want to have placed herself in such a disempowering situation in the first place. Still overall, this all makes for a highly engrossing read.
I received an advance review copy for free, and I am leaving this review voluntarily.
April 1, 2023
The journey took us to Lucerne and had me glued to the page. We were equally scared and guessing all the way up to the story’s heart stopping exhilarating ending.
April 10, 2023
This is one of those “trust no one” books! The Switzerland setting was great. There’s an interesting cast of characters, but Violet was my favorite.
Advanced reader copy courtesy of BookSirens.
Advanced reader copy courtesy of BookSirens.
July 8, 2023
The main character in this book, Rose, marries and moves to Lucerne, Switzerland with her husband after a whirlwind courtship. Rose had worked in New York City as a reporter, but isn't able to legally work in Switzerland. She doesn't really understand what it is her husband Wesley does, but he is well compensated. However, the company has high expectations of their employees and their families even outside the office. Rose seems to be the only one of the "expat wives" who is upset when Jacqueline, the queen bee of the group disappears.
The Expat Wife is such a unique book! If The Firm, The Stepford Wives, and a gothic thriller were put together, you might have something that comes close to this book. The company Wesley works for has so much control over its employees and in most cases their wives, since most of the high-ranking employees are men, seem to blindly follow these restrictions. Rose has a harder time fitting in and not questioning things like limiting your social media presence or reporting crimes to the local police.
Rose uses her investigative skills, with assistance from her old friends in New York, to try to find out what happened to Jacqueline. There are a lot of unlikable characters in this book, but I love both Rose and her best friend, Violet. They've been friends since childhood and Violet is there for Rose, even from thousands of miles away. Everyone wants Rose to just drop her search for Jacqueline, and her persistence puts her in grave danger. The suspense builds as the story continues and I didn't want to put the book down until I found out how the book ended. I enjoyed the unexpected twist at the end and I look forward to reading more by this author.
I received an advance copy of this ebook from the author, but my review is voluntary and unbiased.
The Expat Wife is such a unique book! If The Firm, The Stepford Wives, and a gothic thriller were put together, you might have something that comes close to this book. The company Wesley works for has so much control over its employees and in most cases their wives, since most of the high-ranking employees are men, seem to blindly follow these restrictions. Rose has a harder time fitting in and not questioning things like limiting your social media presence or reporting crimes to the local police.
Rose uses her investigative skills, with assistance from her old friends in New York, to try to find out what happened to Jacqueline. There are a lot of unlikable characters in this book, but I love both Rose and her best friend, Violet. They've been friends since childhood and Violet is there for Rose, even from thousands of miles away. Everyone wants Rose to just drop her search for Jacqueline, and her persistence puts her in grave danger. The suspense builds as the story continues and I didn't want to put the book down until I found out how the book ended. I enjoyed the unexpected twist at the end and I look forward to reading more by this author.
I received an advance copy of this ebook from the author, but my review is voluntary and unbiased.
March 25, 2023
I definitely enjoyed this book! After a whirlwind romance, Rose Blackwood moves to Lucerne, Switzerland with her new husband after he gets a new job with a mysterious corporation. While she tries to fit in with her fellow expats, there are strange goings on that make her wonder what she's gotten herself into.
The author did a good job of drawing out the suspense and making the reader wonder who could be trusted. And I loved the descriptions of Lucerne as well as the information about Swiss folklore and traditions that set the book apart from the standard domestic thriller.
Thanks to BookSirens and the publisher for the ARC!
The author did a good job of drawing out the suspense and making the reader wonder who could be trusted. And I loved the descriptions of Lucerne as well as the information about Swiss folklore and traditions that set the book apart from the standard domestic thriller.
Thanks to BookSirens and the publisher for the ARC!
May 27, 2023
WOW! The wives reminded me of “stepford wives. They were to enjoy being stay at home without a job and be barefoot and pregnant and don’t ask questions. That worked for the secret “think tank” type job in Switzerland where jobs are super hush hush and nothing is shared about work except to party with. Lot of secrets that a gal from nyc has troubles accepting and wants her questions answered. There’s people disappearing and who to trust is a big issue. I couldn’t put down! *I was fortunate to have been given an advanced reader copy via BookSirens and am voluntarily giving my honest review.
March 23, 2023
A thrilling well-written story, with an intriguing beginning and the past is nicely intertwined with the present. It has a slow pace, but never gets boring. A kind of tension is built up, the reader feels the confusion of protagonist Rose, but the story can go everywhere for a long time and it's only towards the end that you see the direction it's going. I find myself towards the end that I don't find everything clarified, keep looking for the "why" and "what if", because I don't find everything logical either, but the plot is well done.
Newlywed couple Rose and Wesley leave for Switzerland, where Wesley got a job. Adjusting to life there is difficult for the independent Rose, she is dependent on Wesley, cannot work, does not speak the language and is not used to the luxury life that the other expat wives lead. It causes friction in the marriage, especially when one of the expat wives just disappears. Rose finds it strange that no one is bothered by this and wants to know where the missing wife is.
Her past as an investigative journalist comes in handy now, as she discovers more and more strange things.
I received a free copy of this book and I am voluntarily writing this review
Newlywed couple Rose and Wesley leave for Switzerland, where Wesley got a job. Adjusting to life there is difficult for the independent Rose, she is dependent on Wesley, cannot work, does not speak the language and is not used to the luxury life that the other expat wives lead. It causes friction in the marriage, especially when one of the expat wives just disappears. Rose finds it strange that no one is bothered by this and wants to know where the missing wife is.
Her past as an investigative journalist comes in handy now, as she discovers more and more strange things.
I received a free copy of this book and I am voluntarily writing this review
May 19, 2023
Excellent story that will keep you spell bound,. The veneer starts to come off after a hasty marriage and move to Lucerne. The wife, a former investigator report know within day of arrival that things don't add up. As she investigates and uncovers more riddles she contacts old friends for help. The ending is really catching
I received an advance review copy for free, and I am leaving this review voluntarily.
I received an advance review copy for free, and I am leaving this review voluntarily.
April 5, 2023
Lucerne, Switzerland, what a beautiful cultural setting for a atmospheric creepy mystery. I’ve never read anything quite like this plot. The supernatural, witchcraft and the occult is not a genre I care for. However, I read about the runes, myths, monsters, festivals, symbols, etc. as a cultural learning experience about the Swiss folklore, traditions and history. There’s German somewhere in my ancestry so I had fun translating the scattering of Swiss German words. Besides being an intriguing mystery, the entire story included a wealth of knowledge about a country I know so little about. There is a list of content warnings included in the book – brilliant! I wish all books did this. Nothing bothered me but, I read lots of crime/psychological murder mysteries. I simply loved the setting and plot.
Wesley swept Rose off her feet and the marriage was very quick. (Red flag) The business opportunity Wesley springs on Rose is faster. (another red flag) The Group in an international company, extremely difficult to get into, they have to invite you. They’ve recruited Wesley and the move will be immediate, Rose won’t be able to work on her Visa. (Red flags everywhere!)
These newlyweds are thrust into culture shock until the Expat Social Club reaches out to help them acclimate. None of the wives work, lots of socializing and wine. One in the group, Jacqueline, makes an immediate impression on Rose and then goes missing.
Rose just can’t let it go, she’s determined to find out what happened to Jacqueline. She doesn’t believe the wives explanations, she doesn’t heed the strange warnings from the creepy neighbor lady, she sneaks around Wesley. Is Jacqueline alive, did Peter the cheating husband murder her, or did she leave of her own accord? The answer will make you gasp, the tension and drama is palpable, the concept is expertly plotted and I highly recommend.
I’d like to express thanks to BookSirens for providing a digital advance reader copy of “The Expat Wife” by Courtney Hargrove, published by One Moment Books. Theses are all my own honest personal thoughts and opinions expressed without compensation.
Wesley swept Rose off her feet and the marriage was very quick. (Red flag) The business opportunity Wesley springs on Rose is faster. (another red flag) The Group in an international company, extremely difficult to get into, they have to invite you. They’ve recruited Wesley and the move will be immediate, Rose won’t be able to work on her Visa. (Red flags everywhere!)
These newlyweds are thrust into culture shock until the Expat Social Club reaches out to help them acclimate. None of the wives work, lots of socializing and wine. One in the group, Jacqueline, makes an immediate impression on Rose and then goes missing.
Rose just can’t let it go, she’s determined to find out what happened to Jacqueline. She doesn’t believe the wives explanations, she doesn’t heed the strange warnings from the creepy neighbor lady, she sneaks around Wesley. Is Jacqueline alive, did Peter the cheating husband murder her, or did she leave of her own accord? The answer will make you gasp, the tension and drama is palpable, the concept is expertly plotted and I highly recommend.
I’d like to express thanks to BookSirens for providing a digital advance reader copy of “The Expat Wife” by Courtney Hargrove, published by One Moment Books. Theses are all my own honest personal thoughts and opinions expressed without compensation.
July 15, 2023
The Expat Wife by Courtney Hargrove (pen name of a British royal journalist) had me hooked from the start. I’m a big fan of red flags.
The narrator is Rose, a streetwise struggling NY city journalist, who after 6 weeks of dating moves in with Wesley. Another 6 weeks and they marry so that Wesley can accept a job with The Group (aka TIG) and relocate to Lucerne, Switzerland.
Remember when your mother told you to beware of things that are too good to true. Rose didn’t pay quite enough attention to that one, but she is a bit leery. She notes that Switzerland is a fairytale, just not sure whether it’s Mother Goose or Grimm. She’s ready to settle into a normal newlywed life, but finds herself in an environment that is anything but her expectation of normal.
Just a few things seem to be unsettling like the creepy Swiss folk customs, the robotic household help furnished by TIG, the social expectations of the other expat wives, the prevailing Stepford attitude. and the fact that she doesn’t know anything about her husband’s job or what TIG does other than make connections, manage capital and insist upon discretion.
The acute cause of Rose’s discomfort is the disappearance of Jacqueline, another expat wife, along with the fact that no one is concerned or doing anything to find out what happened. So there is an undercurrent of a potential crime.
The writing style was the best thing about this book. It’s sharp, witty, and keeps the reader in the moment. The pace is good, not too fast but never bogs down for a moment. The setting is critical to the storyline giving the reader insight into Swiss culture and a bit of armchair travel. The characters seem clear and unambiguous. You know who to like and dislike almost immediately, but there is a bit more to the story.
Thank you to the author, the publisher One Moment Books, and BookSirens for the opportunity to read and review an ARC.
The narrator is Rose, a streetwise struggling NY city journalist, who after 6 weeks of dating moves in with Wesley. Another 6 weeks and they marry so that Wesley can accept a job with The Group (aka TIG) and relocate to Lucerne, Switzerland.
Remember when your mother told you to beware of things that are too good to true. Rose didn’t pay quite enough attention to that one, but she is a bit leery. She notes that Switzerland is a fairytale, just not sure whether it’s Mother Goose or Grimm. She’s ready to settle into a normal newlywed life, but finds herself in an environment that is anything but her expectation of normal.
Just a few things seem to be unsettling like the creepy Swiss folk customs, the robotic household help furnished by TIG, the social expectations of the other expat wives, the prevailing Stepford attitude. and the fact that she doesn’t know anything about her husband’s job or what TIG does other than make connections, manage capital and insist upon discretion.
The acute cause of Rose’s discomfort is the disappearance of Jacqueline, another expat wife, along with the fact that no one is concerned or doing anything to find out what happened. So there is an undercurrent of a potential crime.
The writing style was the best thing about this book. It’s sharp, witty, and keeps the reader in the moment. The pace is good, not too fast but never bogs down for a moment. The setting is critical to the storyline giving the reader insight into Swiss culture and a bit of armchair travel. The characters seem clear and unambiguous. You know who to like and dislike almost immediately, but there is a bit more to the story.
Thank you to the author, the publisher One Moment Books, and BookSirens for the opportunity to read and review an ARC.
July 18, 2023
This was a fun and eerie book. I was so captivated by the expat life- especially since I have dreams (okay, fantasies) of moving abroad some day. Ah, that Swiss life sounds amazing. Chocolate? Mehhh. Cheese? Say no more. 🤌🏼
The setting of this book was fascinating. You had the actual physical setting of Lucerne with it’s culture, history, and folklore. Then you also had The Group composed of expats and their own stepfordy, culty-cult, culture. That environment felt like a whole other setting! I was pulled into both and I wish the author explored deeper into either as both were so unique.
There were a lot of different ways this book could have gone (so many theories and red-herrings), but the ending really wasn’t one I saw coming! I wish the book would have kept going though! I felt like it wrapped too quickly and I wanted to see more of the aftermath.
Thank you to the author for my copy in exchange for an honest review!
3.5
The setting of this book was fascinating. You had the actual physical setting of Lucerne with it’s culture, history, and folklore. Then you also had The Group composed of expats and their own stepfordy, culty-cult, culture. That environment felt like a whole other setting! I was pulled into both and I wish the author explored deeper into either as both were so unique.
There were a lot of different ways this book could have gone (so many theories and red-herrings), but the ending really wasn’t one I saw coming! I wish the book would have kept going though! I felt like it wrapped too quickly and I wanted to see more of the aftermath.
Thank you to the author for my copy in exchange for an honest review!
3.5
July 3, 2023
This was my first 5-star book of July, and probably my favorite book of the year! This is a thriller done right!
First of all, can we talk about the backdrop for this book? The setting is the beautiful area of Lucerne in Switzerland. The house is up many, many steps, but with glass windows looking out over Mount Pilatus. Throw in a few German/Swiss words, folklore, festivals with monsters, ogres, and witches, some wiccan experiences, a few runes showing up at the door, and you have all the ingredients for a great book to curl up with.
Only the most privileged people get to work for the TIG group, because there are limited Swiss work visas, and even tighter restrictions to work for the company. Can you say "morally gray"?
Our first red flag is the speed with which the main characters, Rose and Wesley, get married. Rose gives up her job believing Wes when he tells her she will want for nothing. Except she has nothing. Her furniture hasn't arrived, she has no Swiss credit card, and she is not allowed to work. She's totally jet-lagged. And her first and best friend, Jacqueline has gone missing and no one seems to care. Using her skills as an investigative reporter, Rose is on the hunt to find out why, and the warnings are coming left and right.
Every chapter brought new surprises, and sometimes I had to "let out a breath I didn't know I was holding". It's obvious the author did her research and knew her material. She has also provided trigger warnings although there was nothing that offended me in this book.
Thank you to BookSirens for introducing me to this new-to-me author, Courtney Hargrove.
First of all, can we talk about the backdrop for this book? The setting is the beautiful area of Lucerne in Switzerland. The house is up many, many steps, but with glass windows looking out over Mount Pilatus. Throw in a few German/Swiss words, folklore, festivals with monsters, ogres, and witches, some wiccan experiences, a few runes showing up at the door, and you have all the ingredients for a great book to curl up with.
Only the most privileged people get to work for the TIG group, because there are limited Swiss work visas, and even tighter restrictions to work for the company. Can you say "morally gray"?
Our first red flag is the speed with which the main characters, Rose and Wesley, get married. Rose gives up her job believing Wes when he tells her she will want for nothing. Except she has nothing. Her furniture hasn't arrived, she has no Swiss credit card, and she is not allowed to work. She's totally jet-lagged. And her first and best friend, Jacqueline has gone missing and no one seems to care. Using her skills as an investigative reporter, Rose is on the hunt to find out why, and the warnings are coming left and right.
Every chapter brought new surprises, and sometimes I had to "let out a breath I didn't know I was holding". It's obvious the author did her research and knew her material. She has also provided trigger warnings although there was nothing that offended me in this book.
Thank you to BookSirens for introducing me to this new-to-me author, Courtney Hargrove.
April 4, 2023
3.5 ⭐️
This book was good. It was a little slow with the build up but I get it. It had me guessing the whole time as it’s one of those you can’t trust anyone type of thing. Rose is a New Yorker who marries and rich guy after only a few months and moves to Switzerland for his job. A lot of interesting things happen with members of the group. I enjoyed reading this one with the different country and the culture there.
Thank you to the author for my free ARC for an honest review.
This book was good. It was a little slow with the build up but I get it. It had me guessing the whole time as it’s one of those you can’t trust anyone type of thing. Rose is a New Yorker who marries and rich guy after only a few months and moves to Switzerland for his job. A lot of interesting things happen with members of the group. I enjoyed reading this one with the different country and the culture there.
Thank you to the author for my free ARC for an honest review.
July 26, 2023
4.5/5 stars
Thank you Courtney Hargrove for the gifted advanced reading copy!
Newlyweds Wesley and Rose Blackwood have just upended their lives in New York City and moved to Lucerne, Switzerland after Wes was given the unique opportunity to work for The Group. No one really knows what The Group does, but they do know that there's a lot of money and mystery in it. As Rose is settling down into the Expat Social Club, her newest friend, Jaqueline, disappears, leaving behind a suspicious-acting husband and a ton of unanswered questions. When no one seems to be doing anything , former investigative journalist, Rose, decides to take matters into her own hands. Between their mysterious neighbor, the unending jet lag, and excessive reassurance that Lucerne is a safe town, Rose isn't sure what -- or who -- she can trust.
Wow, what an unexpectedly delectable thriller! Courtney Hargrove can paint a picture and, with an atmospheric setting like Lucerne, what a great picture it was. I could not put this one down from the moment I picked it up; there was so much uncertainty from the very first page. I love a winter-set thriller and, even in the summer, this was a great setting and backdrop for the chaos that ensued. The twists were surprising and well-executed, leaving me totally blindsided on a few occasions. Overall, this was a suspenseful, shocking and fun-to-read thriller and I highly recommend!
Thank you Courtney Hargrove for the gifted advanced reading copy!
Newlyweds Wesley and Rose Blackwood have just upended their lives in New York City and moved to Lucerne, Switzerland after Wes was given the unique opportunity to work for The Group. No one really knows what The Group does, but they do know that there's a lot of money and mystery in it. As Rose is settling down into the Expat Social Club, her newest friend, Jaqueline, disappears, leaving behind a suspicious-acting husband and a ton of unanswered questions. When no one seems to be doing anything , former investigative journalist, Rose, decides to take matters into her own hands. Between their mysterious neighbor, the unending jet lag, and excessive reassurance that Lucerne is a safe town, Rose isn't sure what -- or who -- she can trust.
Wow, what an unexpectedly delectable thriller! Courtney Hargrove can paint a picture and, with an atmospheric setting like Lucerne, what a great picture it was. I could not put this one down from the moment I picked it up; there was so much uncertainty from the very first page. I love a winter-set thriller and, even in the summer, this was a great setting and backdrop for the chaos that ensued. The twists were surprising and well-executed, leaving me totally blindsided on a few occasions. Overall, this was a suspenseful, shocking and fun-to-read thriller and I highly recommend!
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June 15, 2023Set in Switzerland, it was all brand-new to me. The descriptions, the textures, colours and characters were well-written. A love-at-first-sight, too good to be true couple, whisked away to live what appears to be a glamorous life in the Alps. Glam it is, including trips to London and Madrid - an ex-pat clique with which to hang and spend hubby's money, group getaways - couldn't be much better. But what happened to one of the wives? Do we just get over her sudden absence or create a mystery? Something just doesn't jive and a world goes sideways.
I love travel, I loved Heidi so Switzerland just felt like another world, one of inexplicable beauty. Of ice and snow and strange local people. What goes on behind the facade of the upper-luxe expats? It is a story that doesn't disappoint. I enjoyed it immensely.
I received an advance review copy for free and I am volunteering my review.
I love travel, I loved Heidi so Switzerland just felt like another world, one of inexplicable beauty. Of ice and snow and strange local people. What goes on behind the facade of the upper-luxe expats? It is a story that doesn't disappoint. I enjoyed it immensely.
I received an advance review copy for free and I am volunteering my review.
August 6, 2023
Thank you to the author, #partner, for the advanced copy of The Expat Wife in exchange for my honest review.
I am always thrilled when authors reach out to me with books that I just know will be a good fit and that is exactly how I felt when Courtney Hargrove asked if I was interested in reading and reviewing her latest book, The Expat Wife. I mean an atmospheric, twisty and mystery – that just screams my type of book and I loved every second of this one and was thrilled to see that it is the start of a new series!
There is nothing I love more than an atmospheric mystery and this one really kept me on edge all the way through. With the addition of the cult-like vibes and Swiss folklore, I was addicted to the story. I found myself not knowing who to trust, even wondering if our narrator, Rose, was unreliable a time or two. I’ve never read anything about the expat life and so that was quite an education, though I have a feeling the group we meet isn’t quite like your typical expats. These were more like a mix between The Stepford Wives and Desperate Housewives, which at times made it really hard to find anything redeeming about any of them!
While it starts off on the slow side, it does pick up pace and I totally appreciated this set-up. It was so crucial to the overall mystery, and ultimately the reveal, which let me just say totally took me by surprise! The twists and turns this one took really kept me guessing. I felt like there were many surprises throughout and that just kept me flipping the pages because I really needed to see how it was all going to play out. The suspense builds throughout and as I said, I really was quite shocked at the ending, which I loved! As someone who reads a ton of mysteries and thrillers, I love when I am completely surprised at the end.
I thoroughly enjoyed this one and am looking forward to reading more from this author!
Fun fact…did you know that Courtney writes under a pen name? Ever wonder why authors do that? Join Courtney and I on Thursday, July 20th on Instagram as we go LIVE to discuss this, the book, and a host of other things.
You can see all my reviews at: https://www.alwayswithabook.com/
I am always thrilled when authors reach out to me with books that I just know will be a good fit and that is exactly how I felt when Courtney Hargrove asked if I was interested in reading and reviewing her latest book, The Expat Wife. I mean an atmospheric, twisty and mystery – that just screams my type of book and I loved every second of this one and was thrilled to see that it is the start of a new series!
There is nothing I love more than an atmospheric mystery and this one really kept me on edge all the way through. With the addition of the cult-like vibes and Swiss folklore, I was addicted to the story. I found myself not knowing who to trust, even wondering if our narrator, Rose, was unreliable a time or two. I’ve never read anything about the expat life and so that was quite an education, though I have a feeling the group we meet isn’t quite like your typical expats. These were more like a mix between The Stepford Wives and Desperate Housewives, which at times made it really hard to find anything redeeming about any of them!
While it starts off on the slow side, it does pick up pace and I totally appreciated this set-up. It was so crucial to the overall mystery, and ultimately the reveal, which let me just say totally took me by surprise! The twists and turns this one took really kept me guessing. I felt like there were many surprises throughout and that just kept me flipping the pages because I really needed to see how it was all going to play out. The suspense builds throughout and as I said, I really was quite shocked at the ending, which I loved! As someone who reads a ton of mysteries and thrillers, I love when I am completely surprised at the end.
I thoroughly enjoyed this one and am looking forward to reading more from this author!
Fun fact…did you know that Courtney writes under a pen name? Ever wonder why authors do that? Join Courtney and I on Thursday, July 20th on Instagram as we go LIVE to discuss this, the book, and a host of other things.
You can see all my reviews at: https://www.alwayswithabook.com/
March 25, 2023
Thank you to the publisher and BookSirens for an advance copy of this book in return for an honest review.
Welcome to Switzerland in winter: snow upon snow, everywhere to disappear, nowhere to hide. After a whirlwind romance, newlyweds Wesley and Rose leave NYC and head to Lucerne, Switzerland. Wesley will be working for The Group, a firm that does who knows what for the ultra-wealthy. They do control every aspect of their employees’ lives though, from housing, cars, furniture, household staff and social events.
Living out in the country, Rose’s only means of forming friendships is through the The Expat Social Club, consisting of The Group’s employees, spouses and families. Not only does Rose have to contend with living in a country where she doesn’t speak the language, she has known Wesley for only a few months. Jacqueline is the first to befriend Rose, and when Jacqueline disappears Rose’s investigative journalism background kicks into high gear.
As much as I wanted to like this book, the plot was undistinguished and the pace was slow. I won’t get into spoilers, but it was pretty much what I expected, a murder mystery with no intrigue. What I did find more interesting were the physical descriptions of Switzerland as well as their customs and folklore. As for the characters, the book is told by Rose in first person. Unfortunately, I never seemed to warm up to her as I found her to be totally wrapped up in herself. While the other characters may not be likable, they are well-developed.
Another aspect of the book that was off-putting are the numerous social themes. We have gaslighting, spousal emotional abuse, drug use/addiction, fertility, human trafficking, infidelity, race, cosplaying, oligarchs, despots, billionaires, cultural appropriation, wealthy white supremacy and I’m sure that I missed some. None of the issues are germane to the story so they are gratuitous additions, for what reason? Sometimes I’d just like to read a book and escape the woes of the real world.
https://candysplanet.wordpress.com/
Welcome to Switzerland in winter: snow upon snow, everywhere to disappear, nowhere to hide. After a whirlwind romance, newlyweds Wesley and Rose leave NYC and head to Lucerne, Switzerland. Wesley will be working for The Group, a firm that does who knows what for the ultra-wealthy. They do control every aspect of their employees’ lives though, from housing, cars, furniture, household staff and social events.
Living out in the country, Rose’s only means of forming friendships is through the The Expat Social Club, consisting of The Group’s employees, spouses and families. Not only does Rose have to contend with living in a country where she doesn’t speak the language, she has known Wesley for only a few months. Jacqueline is the first to befriend Rose, and when Jacqueline disappears Rose’s investigative journalism background kicks into high gear.
As much as I wanted to like this book, the plot was undistinguished and the pace was slow. I won’t get into spoilers, but it was pretty much what I expected, a murder mystery with no intrigue. What I did find more interesting were the physical descriptions of Switzerland as well as their customs and folklore. As for the characters, the book is told by Rose in first person. Unfortunately, I never seemed to warm up to her as I found her to be totally wrapped up in herself. While the other characters may not be likable, they are well-developed.
Another aspect of the book that was off-putting are the numerous social themes. We have gaslighting, spousal emotional abuse, drug use/addiction, fertility, human trafficking, infidelity, race, cosplaying, oligarchs, despots, billionaires, cultural appropriation, wealthy white supremacy and I’m sure that I missed some. None of the issues are germane to the story so they are gratuitous additions, for what reason? Sometimes I’d just like to read a book and escape the woes of the real world.
https://candysplanet.wordpress.com/
June 7, 2023
The enticing cover of The Expat Wife grabbed me immediately as I am an expat with experience living amongst different cultures, foreign languages, social mores, suspicious stares and so on. I wouldn't trade it for anything! However, some expats do not mesh with this particular life change including main character Rose who leaves New York City with her new husband Wesley to start a different life in impossibly beautiful Lucerne, Switzerland. She gives up her job (and therefore part of her self) and finds herself out of sorts from jetlag in a partially-furnished house in a strange town. But she tries to convince herself Switzerland is an adventure and she may as well try to enjoy it.
Wesley's new job with The Group comes complete with rigid almost cultish rules he doesn't question. A group of the company's wives are consequently thrown together and it doesn't take long for Rose to realize things are not what they seem. When her best friend Jacqueline goes missing, she knows in her heart something terrible has happened but the topic is shushed. She feels alone and frustrated. The situation grows from bad to worse as she seeks answers but just encounters dead ends.
This snappy novel is full of delicious chills, anxiety-inducing suspense and tension which could be sliced with a knife. The pacing is quick and the expat premise brilliant. I flew through it in two sittings and was dying to get to the end yet didn't want it to to be over. Further expat challenges would add even more realism to the mysterious layers. But then capturing that would be next to impossible! Though most of the characters are unlikeable, it is not necessary for me to be in love with them to thoroughly enjoy a book. The premise and plot held their own… and then some.
Author Courtney Hargrove based her novel on her own experience as an expat. I like that.
My sincere thank you for the free advance review copy. I am leaving this review voluntarily.
Wesley's new job with The Group comes complete with rigid almost cultish rules he doesn't question. A group of the company's wives are consequently thrown together and it doesn't take long for Rose to realize things are not what they seem. When her best friend Jacqueline goes missing, she knows in her heart something terrible has happened but the topic is shushed. She feels alone and frustrated. The situation grows from bad to worse as she seeks answers but just encounters dead ends.
This snappy novel is full of delicious chills, anxiety-inducing suspense and tension which could be sliced with a knife. The pacing is quick and the expat premise brilliant. I flew through it in two sittings and was dying to get to the end yet didn't want it to to be over. Further expat challenges would add even more realism to the mysterious layers. But then capturing that would be next to impossible! Though most of the characters are unlikeable, it is not necessary for me to be in love with them to thoroughly enjoy a book. The premise and plot held their own… and then some.
Author Courtney Hargrove based her novel on her own experience as an expat. I like that.
My sincere thank you for the free advance review copy. I am leaving this review voluntarily.
August 13, 2023
This review was originally posted at https://bit.ly/3KCQ4ts.
After a whirlwind romance Rose moves with her new husband Wesley to his new job in Switzerland where things quickly begin to sour. As she is on a spouse visa she is unable to work in the country, making her give up her journalism career and be a stay at home wife. While she knew this going in, she was under the assumption that finances would be split without her having to basically beg to make any purchases. Although there is this minor bump in their relationship which is not unheard of with newlyweds their relationship is mostly perfect. Then one of the woman in her new circle of friends goes missing. No one else seems concerned, but it is like an itch she just can't scratch, and must keep looking. Can she find out what happened to Jacqueline or will she be next?
I received a copy of this book from the author in exchange for an honest review. I genuinely loved this book. From start to finish. It has action, adventure, new scenery, and plenty of mystery to go around. Is Jacqueline dead or did she just go home? If she is dead who did it? Why does no one talk about the others that have left The Company in the past? The further Rose digs the more questions you will have. Can you figure out who is behind everything? Or is it all just Rose's sleep deprived brain making connections where there are none?
The scenery depicted is wonderful. The characters are great, even my least favorite character. I can't say who he is because it will give things away. But you shall see what I mean. Just the sheer amount of manipulation. It is so hard to believe that the other girls within the group simply didn't care that their friend was gone, but with pictures it's hard to dispute.
Join Rose as she battles herself and others to discover what is happening in Lucerne, Switzerland.
After a whirlwind romance Rose moves with her new husband Wesley to his new job in Switzerland where things quickly begin to sour. As she is on a spouse visa she is unable to work in the country, making her give up her journalism career and be a stay at home wife. While she knew this going in, she was under the assumption that finances would be split without her having to basically beg to make any purchases. Although there is this minor bump in their relationship which is not unheard of with newlyweds their relationship is mostly perfect. Then one of the woman in her new circle of friends goes missing. No one else seems concerned, but it is like an itch she just can't scratch, and must keep looking. Can she find out what happened to Jacqueline or will she be next?
I received a copy of this book from the author in exchange for an honest review. I genuinely loved this book. From start to finish. It has action, adventure, new scenery, and plenty of mystery to go around. Is Jacqueline dead or did she just go home? If she is dead who did it? Why does no one talk about the others that have left The Company in the past? The further Rose digs the more questions you will have. Can you figure out who is behind everything? Or is it all just Rose's sleep deprived brain making connections where there are none?
The scenery depicted is wonderful. The characters are great, even my least favorite character. I can't say who he is because it will give things away. But you shall see what I mean. Just the sheer amount of manipulation. It is so hard to believe that the other girls within the group simply didn't care that their friend was gone, but with pictures it's hard to dispute.
Join Rose as she battles herself and others to discover what is happening in Lucerne, Switzerland.
April 15, 2023
This was my first book from this author and it did not disappoint! I really enjoyed reading this domestic thriller. I liked the way Hargrove gave the story so much life by the details that went into describing the setting. I could picture myself as an expat in Switzerland because of the way she wrote this story. I felt immersed in the culture of Lucerne and in the community of being an expat. I would consider this more of a slow burn thriller as each chapter took its time to detail what was going on in Rose’s life and the dangerous situation she found herself in. I enjoyed the character development of each of the other expats and the expat wives gave the book a creepy cult vibe that drew me in. I would have liked to get more into the dirty secrets of TIG and the Group but that would have been a whole other book in itself! The chapters in this book weren’t too long and the mystery kept me wanting to keep reading. Although I had my suspicions about Wesley I liked how this book kept me guessing until the very end! I would have loved an epilogue to find out what was happening with Rose 6-12 months post being an expat but over all I enjoyed this book and felt Hargrove did a great job having it end with all the closure a reader needs!
My favorite character in the book was Violet and I loved the best friends will go to the end of the earth vibes her and Rose shared. I also loved all the wisdom from Grandma Mixie and wish I had her as my grandmother! The only thing I would change about this book was to give ending more time. Although I didn’t feel it was rushed as I was reading it I could have done with less of the middle details to make the ending more drawn out and dramatic! Overall I really enjoyed this book and I definitely recommend it to any thriller lovers out there when it hits shelves everywhere 7.11.23! Preorder is now available as well! Happy reading everyone!
My favorite character in the book was Violet and I loved the best friends will go to the end of the earth vibes her and Rose shared. I also loved all the wisdom from Grandma Mixie and wish I had her as my grandmother! The only thing I would change about this book was to give ending more time. Although I didn’t feel it was rushed as I was reading it I could have done with less of the middle details to make the ending more drawn out and dramatic! Overall I really enjoyed this book and I definitely recommend it to any thriller lovers out there when it hits shelves everywhere 7.11.23! Preorder is now available as well! Happy reading everyone!
July 12, 2023
My Rating: 3.5
When newlyweds Rose and Wesley Blackwood move from New York City to Switzerland for his new job, they quickly take to expatriate life. But when Rose's new friend Jacqueline disappears, Rose begins to see an ugly side to this beautiful country and her new husband. Muddled by jetlag and with no one to trust as her marriage deteriorates, Rose, an investigative journalist back in New York, sets out to solve the mystery and discovers nothing in this town is what it seems.
THE EXPAT WIFE is a slow-burn whodunnit mystery with an exceptionally detailed atmospheric depiction of life as an outsider in Switzerland. Courtney Hargrove captured Switzerland's beauty while introducing Rose and her husband, Wesley, as they settled into their new living situation. Rose is an intellectual character with a keen sense of danger. When her friend, Jacqueline, goes missing, her journalistic skills take over. The wives in the expat social club are part of the husband's "workgroup" that employs Rose's husband. There was a strange, secretive energy around these secondary characters. I instantly compared it to my favorite storyline of The Stepford Wives!
Although the story was slow-moving, it was worth the wait in the end! I did not see that twist at all. It threw me for a loop! Ultimately, I enjoyed getting to know Rose and uncovering the truth behind the abnormal occurrences around her. I wish she had focused more on her well-being, but I understand her fixation on finding her friend. The Swiss folklore also added a nice touch by displaying Courtney's hard-earned research. I'm not a huge fan of sluggish-paced thrillers, but all things considered, THE EXPAT WIFE came full circle with love-to-hate characters and a shocking finale.
When newlyweds Rose and Wesley Blackwood move from New York City to Switzerland for his new job, they quickly take to expatriate life. But when Rose's new friend Jacqueline disappears, Rose begins to see an ugly side to this beautiful country and her new husband. Muddled by jetlag and with no one to trust as her marriage deteriorates, Rose, an investigative journalist back in New York, sets out to solve the mystery and discovers nothing in this town is what it seems.
THE EXPAT WIFE is a slow-burn whodunnit mystery with an exceptionally detailed atmospheric depiction of life as an outsider in Switzerland. Courtney Hargrove captured Switzerland's beauty while introducing Rose and her husband, Wesley, as they settled into their new living situation. Rose is an intellectual character with a keen sense of danger. When her friend, Jacqueline, goes missing, her journalistic skills take over. The wives in the expat social club are part of the husband's "workgroup" that employs Rose's husband. There was a strange, secretive energy around these secondary characters. I instantly compared it to my favorite storyline of The Stepford Wives!
Although the story was slow-moving, it was worth the wait in the end! I did not see that twist at all. It threw me for a loop! Ultimately, I enjoyed getting to know Rose and uncovering the truth behind the abnormal occurrences around her. I wish she had focused more on her well-being, but I understand her fixation on finding her friend. The Swiss folklore also added a nice touch by displaying Courtney's hard-earned research. I'm not a huge fan of sluggish-paced thrillers, but all things considered, THE EXPAT WIFE came full circle with love-to-hate characters and a shocking finale.
April 10, 2023
This book is set in Switzerland and the setting sounds amazing. Rose, an American investigative journalist meets and has a whirlwind romance with Wesley, a very wealthy, very handsome man. Before she knows it, he’s proposed, they have a quickie wedding, she’s given up her job and her new husband has an amazing new job which takes them to Switzerland where she lives as a kept Expat wife.
She’s no sooner there when one of the wives confides that she is scared and promptly disappears overnight. Then it turns out several others have also disappeared and RoseI have mixed feelings about this book. Part of me enjoyed it, another part of me thought it was ridiculously far fetched. I struggled with this intelligent main character simply accepting jet lag that went on for the whole book and not doing anything about it. Venturing out in the night when she hears noises outside, finding her passport is missing and not asking her husband where it is. Accepting severe limitations on her freedom and spending. Of course it’s gaslighting and victims do often accept the unusual because of the clever manipulation of those doing the gaslighting.
I didn’t see the twist at the end coming and I did keep page turning, keen to find out exactly what was going on, so from that point of view, the book did what it was supposed to do. I just never got as invested as I could have done.
My thanks go to the author, the publishers and to Book Sirens for an advanced e.reader copy of this book. The opinions expressed in the review are entirely my own.
She’s no sooner there when one of the wives confides that she is scared and promptly disappears overnight. Then it turns out several others have also disappeared and RoseI have mixed feelings about this book. Part of me enjoyed it, another part of me thought it was ridiculously far fetched. I struggled with this intelligent main character simply accepting jet lag that went on for the whole book and not doing anything about it. Venturing out in the night when she hears noises outside, finding her passport is missing and not asking her husband where it is. Accepting severe limitations on her freedom and spending. Of course it’s gaslighting and victims do often accept the unusual because of the clever manipulation of those doing the gaslighting.
I didn’t see the twist at the end coming and I did keep page turning, keen to find out exactly what was going on, so from that point of view, the book did what it was supposed to do. I just never got as invested as I could have done.
My thanks go to the author, the publishers and to Book Sirens for an advanced e.reader copy of this book. The opinions expressed in the review are entirely my own.
July 7, 2023
A new life, new marriage, new country, new language, new job- but right from the start things appear a little strange. The company rules apply to employees, their wives, their children, their lives. What is going on?
Rose and Wesley marry after only two short blissful months together. But when he proposed, it slips it's a stipulation of his new job in Switzerland. (Curious?) Once they arrive and start to become accumulated with their new surroundings and friends connected to the company, they find more restraint have been placed on them.
Suddenly, Roses friend goes missing. The clues she picked up using her skills from her previous job as an investigative journalist prove shady. She digs deeper. She discovers terrifying secrets about this new town, job and husband that she wishes she never knew.
Overall, the characteristics of the genres of General Adult Fiction and Mystery/Thriller we're met. The story definitely took you on a ride in which the turns were dark and unexpected. I had feelings of confusion, concern for Rose, and puzzlement as to where I was being led; until the ending began to wrap together all the folds and questions I had been pondering. There are so many triggers, too many to list.
The audience for this book is adult only.
I enjoyed the thrill ride and look forward to checking out more books by Courtney Hargrove.
Thank you to BookSirens, One Moment Books Dark publishers, and Courtney Hargrove for this digital copy to review. All opinions are my own!
Rose and Wesley marry after only two short blissful months together. But when he proposed, it slips it's a stipulation of his new job in Switzerland. (Curious?) Once they arrive and start to become accumulated with their new surroundings and friends connected to the company, they find more restraint have been placed on them.
Suddenly, Roses friend goes missing. The clues she picked up using her skills from her previous job as an investigative journalist prove shady. She digs deeper. She discovers terrifying secrets about this new town, job and husband that she wishes she never knew.
Overall, the characteristics of the genres of General Adult Fiction and Mystery/Thriller we're met. The story definitely took you on a ride in which the turns were dark and unexpected. I had feelings of confusion, concern for Rose, and puzzlement as to where I was being led; until the ending began to wrap together all the folds and questions I had been pondering. There are so many triggers, too many to list.
The audience for this book is adult only.
I enjoyed the thrill ride and look forward to checking out more books by Courtney Hargrove.
Thank you to BookSirens, One Moment Books Dark publishers, and Courtney Hargrove for this digital copy to review. All opinions are my own!
July 11, 2023
3.5 stars
If you’re looking for a book with crazy twists which will keep you guessing and guessing and losing your mind — then this is it. Wow! 😱🫣🤯
This story takes place in Lucerne, Switzerland, and it follows Rose and Wesley, who move there because Wesley gets a job offer he simply can’t refuse.
It’s not easy to adjust to the new life. Rose doesn’t speak the language, cannot work, doesn’t know anyone and she’s definitely not used to not being independent and live in the luxury the wives of Wesley’s work colleagues are used to.
Things seem to get better when Rose meets Jacqueline — one of the wives of Wesley’s co-workers, and they seem to connect instantly. But then the strangest thing happens: Jacqueline disappears, and nobody seems to be worried about it, at all.
Despite everyone telling Rose that Jacqueline just left, because this expat life wasn’t for her, Rose has this feeling in her gut telling her that something’s very wrong. And so she does all in her power to discover the truth.
I found some moments of this book somewhat repetitive and slow paced, and I felt it didn’t keep me fully engaged throughout, but I did enjoy the descriptions about Switzerland and folklore — this was both interesting and “scary”.
I admire Rose’s investigative skills and the fact she trusted her gut, and this book definitely kept me guessing and suspect of practically everyone.
Thank you so much Courtney Hargrove and BookSirens for the ARC of this book! 💖
If you’re looking for a book with crazy twists which will keep you guessing and guessing and losing your mind — then this is it. Wow! 😱🫣🤯
This story takes place in Lucerne, Switzerland, and it follows Rose and Wesley, who move there because Wesley gets a job offer he simply can’t refuse.
It’s not easy to adjust to the new life. Rose doesn’t speak the language, cannot work, doesn’t know anyone and she’s definitely not used to not being independent and live in the luxury the wives of Wesley’s work colleagues are used to.
Things seem to get better when Rose meets Jacqueline — one of the wives of Wesley’s co-workers, and they seem to connect instantly. But then the strangest thing happens: Jacqueline disappears, and nobody seems to be worried about it, at all.
Despite everyone telling Rose that Jacqueline just left, because this expat life wasn’t for her, Rose has this feeling in her gut telling her that something’s very wrong. And so she does all in her power to discover the truth.
I found some moments of this book somewhat repetitive and slow paced, and I felt it didn’t keep me fully engaged throughout, but I did enjoy the descriptions about Switzerland and folklore — this was both interesting and “scary”.
I admire Rose’s investigative skills and the fact she trusted her gut, and this book definitely kept me guessing and suspect of practically everyone.
Thank you so much Courtney Hargrove and BookSirens for the ARC of this book! 💖
April 6, 2023
This book is set in Switzerland and tells the story of Rose and her new husband, Wesley Blackwood, who has just taken a job with The Group in Lucerne.
It starts off well and the characters seem interesting and full of promise, however I found myself disliking Rose more and more as the book went on. She’s an investigative journalist from NYC, who married a rich guy after only having known him for a few short months and yet is surprised to find she barely knows him at all!
The elements of the story that describe Swiss customs and folklore are interesting, but didn’t really tie in to the story with much relevance.
The other expat wives are inconsistent, weak and again, don’t seem relevant to the plot, with the exception of Jacqueline, whom Rose is keen to find after her mysterious disappearance. A scene between Rose and Jacqueline’s husband, Peter, also doesn’t seem to be relevant and I do feel the author could make this book a lot more believable by involving more of the characters in the final scenes, so that their whole existence in the story isn’t completely irrelevant to the outcome.
The pace is slow and I did struggle to keep going, until the whole “whodunnit” is wrapped up in a few pages right at the end. I feel like I could have read the first couple of chapters and then skipped to the last chapter and not missed anything.
2.5 stars, rounded up to 3.
Thank you to Booksirens and the author. I received an advance review copy for free, and I am leaving this review voluntarily.
It starts off well and the characters seem interesting and full of promise, however I found myself disliking Rose more and more as the book went on. She’s an investigative journalist from NYC, who married a rich guy after only having known him for a few short months and yet is surprised to find she barely knows him at all!
The elements of the story that describe Swiss customs and folklore are interesting, but didn’t really tie in to the story with much relevance.
The other expat wives are inconsistent, weak and again, don’t seem relevant to the plot, with the exception of Jacqueline, whom Rose is keen to find after her mysterious disappearance. A scene between Rose and Jacqueline’s husband, Peter, also doesn’t seem to be relevant and I do feel the author could make this book a lot more believable by involving more of the characters in the final scenes, so that their whole existence in the story isn’t completely irrelevant to the outcome.
The pace is slow and I did struggle to keep going, until the whole “whodunnit” is wrapped up in a few pages right at the end. I feel like I could have read the first couple of chapters and then skipped to the last chapter and not missed anything.
2.5 stars, rounded up to 3.
Thank you to Booksirens and the author. I received an advance review copy for free, and I am leaving this review voluntarily.
July 12, 2023
I really liked this book! It is a good psychological thriller for a change, it kind of reminds me of the Stepford Wives. Big Corporations expect certain behavior from their employees and their spouses, in this case, wives are nice to look at, hopefully don't work, after all he makes enough money for both of them, and of course any children. Rose has only been dating handsome, wealthy Wesley three months when he asks her to leave her job as a reporter, marry him, and move to Switzerland, Lucerne, which is an incredibly beautiful setting, and the author uses it's scenery like it's a character in the book. When they arrive, the first friend Rose makes is Jacqueline, who comes to her with a problem, but won't go into enough detail for Rose to truly help her, then she goes missing, and the strange thing is, no one thinks it is strange! No one except Rose, who of course begins investigating her disappearance. I did enjoy this more than most psychological thrillers, there is more action, still it takes forever to get to the twisted truth. I appreciate this Arc from #BookSirens. My opinions are always my own.
I highly recommend it. Thank you.
carolintallahassee
I highly recommend it. Thank you.
carolintallahassee
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