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An Inconvenient Wife
This astonishing crime novel—inspired by the Tudor era—takes the reader into the world of Kate Parker, who has just married billionaire Hank Tudor when a headless body is discovered near their summer home . . .
Kate Parker knows what she’s getting into when she marries billionaire businessman Hank Tudor—she’s his sixth wife, after all, and was by his side (as his assistant) when his fifth marriage to actress Caitlyn Howard fell apart.
But honeymoon plans go awry when a headless body is discovered near Hank’s summer home, forcing Kate to contend with two more of his exes: Catherine Alvarez—the first—who lives as a shut-in with her computers, carefully following Tudor Enterprises; and Anna Klein—the fourth—who runs a bed-and-breakfast where she and her wife keep a steady eye on things—particularly Hank’s children, Lizzie and Teddy.
In this clever and suspenseful reimagining of Tudor era betrayals, these three women become entwined in a deadly game of cat and mouse—with each other, Hank, and Hank’s brilliant fixer, Tom Cromwell—as Kate seeks to solve the puzzle of who the murdered woman is, who killed her, and whether her death has any connection to the other headless body from eight years ago.
Kate Parker knows what she’s getting into when she marries billionaire businessman Hank Tudor—she’s his sixth wife, after all, and was by his side (as his assistant) when his fifth marriage to actress Caitlyn Howard fell apart.
But honeymoon plans go awry when a headless body is discovered near Hank’s summer home, forcing Kate to contend with two more of his exes: Catherine Alvarez—the first—who lives as a shut-in with her computers, carefully following Tudor Enterprises; and Anna Klein—the fourth—who runs a bed-and-breakfast where she and her wife keep a steady eye on things—particularly Hank’s children, Lizzie and Teddy.
In this clever and suspenseful reimagining of Tudor era betrayals, these three women become entwined in a deadly game of cat and mouse—with each other, Hank, and Hank’s brilliant fixer, Tom Cromwell—as Kate seeks to solve the puzzle of who the murdered woman is, who killed her, and whether her death has any connection to the other headless body from eight years ago.
320 pages, Hardcover
First published April 2, 2024
51 people are currently reading
1065 people want to read
About the author
Karen E. Olson
18 books294 followersI am the author of the Black Hat Thrillers and the Annie Seymour and Tattoo Shop mystery series. My new book AN INCONVENIENT WIFE, a Modern Tudor Mystery, is a modern retelling of Henry VIII and his wives as a crime novel. The sequel, A DEFIANT WOMAN, will be published in March 2026.
My first book, SACRED COWS, won the Sara Ann Freed Award for best first mystery and my fourth book, SHOT GIRL, was shortlisted for a Shamus Award.
My first book, SACRED COWS, won the Sara Ann Freed Award for best first mystery and my fourth book, SHOT GIRL, was shortlisted for a Shamus Award.
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 242 reviews
May 18, 2024
I liked it until I got to the end. Very disappointed in how it ended. No closure... lots of loose ends. No explanation of anything.
May 9, 2024
I really could have used some more catharsis in this book. When I finished I literally said “what?”
September 17, 2024
4.25/5
I didn't have Karen E. Olson on my radar until I started seeing An Inconvenient Wife everywhere, but if she writes more books like this I am in! It was a 1-day read for me and once I started, I just couldn't put it down. Through various viewpoints, we get lots of twists and turns as well as some fantastic suspense. I had no idea until after I was done that this is a retelling of Henry VIII and his many wives set in the present-day as a rich businessman instead of royalty. After reading about him further I could see so many similarities, and I loved how Olson brought him and all that craziness into life in a crime novel.
One of the ways I was able to turn An Inconvenient Wife into a one-sitting read was thanks to the audiobook, and while a full cast would have been helpful for all of the different POVs, Nikki Thomas still knocked it out of the park. I thought she did a great job changing her voice up for the various characters and she was a delight to listen to. While the reader finds out rather early on part of what is going on, there is still much to discover and lies to unravel. The ending gave me actual chills, and I sure love it when an author can do that.
I didn't have Karen E. Olson on my radar until I started seeing An Inconvenient Wife everywhere, but if she writes more books like this I am in! It was a 1-day read for me and once I started, I just couldn't put it down. Through various viewpoints, we get lots of twists and turns as well as some fantastic suspense. I had no idea until after I was done that this is a retelling of Henry VIII and his many wives set in the present-day as a rich businessman instead of royalty. After reading about him further I could see so many similarities, and I loved how Olson brought him and all that craziness into life in a crime novel.
One of the ways I was able to turn An Inconvenient Wife into a one-sitting read was thanks to the audiobook, and while a full cast would have been helpful for all of the different POVs, Nikki Thomas still knocked it out of the park. I thought she did a great job changing her voice up for the various characters and she was a delight to listen to. While the reader finds out rather early on part of what is going on, there is still much to discover and lies to unravel. The ending gave me actual chills, and I sure love it when an author can do that.
April 5, 2024
4 solid stars!
This was a cozy mystery-esque modern retelling of King Henry VIII of England and his 6 wives.
If the reader is unfamiliar with the history and the players, expect a cozy mystery style set-up. Now, this definitely has reveals and surprises, but the focus of the story is understandably more on the players than the mystery.
This also works as a domestic thriller, though less successfully, as the overall tone is creepy, but light.
I'm well versed in Tudor history and found the cast of characters delightfully fun. Tbis works rather successfully.
This was a cozy mystery-esque modern retelling of King Henry VIII of England and his 6 wives.
If the reader is unfamiliar with the history and the players, expect a cozy mystery style set-up. Now, this definitely has reveals and surprises, but the focus of the story is understandably more on the players than the mystery.
This also works as a domestic thriller, though less successfully, as the overall tone is creepy, but light.
I'm well versed in Tudor history and found the cast of characters delightfully fun. Tbis works rather successfully.
May 17, 2024
This was okay. There were too many similar names, and so much going on, it was hard to keep up sometimes. Also why was that ending?! I’m confused. Meh.
May 19, 2024
3.5⭐️. I really enjoyed the book but the ending was not great. It seemed to setting up a follow-up book instead of just wrapping up this one
July 24, 2024
THE GOOD:
A super-fun retelling of the Henry VIII story in a modern setting with divorced wives, step-children, and suburban settings. If you're a fan of the Tudor era novels, and would enjoy a light-hearted take, then this is for you!
You'll have great fun matching up the modern-day and modern-named characters to their 21st Century counterparts.
Overall, the women in this tale pull together and support one another, in a surprising and lovely way.
THE BAD:
Those unfamiliar with Henry VIII and his six wives may be a little lost, as a this books is chock full of "in" jokes.
The Anne of Cleves character transfers to Anna Klein who lives with her lesbian partner. Normally I would find this annoying, but it was a clever play on the wife that Henry supposedly set aside and supported like a sister.
A cliff-hanger ending, but there is definitely room here to tell more of (or the rest of) the tale!
CONCLUSION:
Recommended. Historical fiction lovers familiar with the Tudor royals will get a kick out of this!
A super-fun retelling of the Henry VIII story in a modern setting with divorced wives, step-children, and suburban settings. If you're a fan of the Tudor era novels, and would enjoy a light-hearted take, then this is for you!
You'll have great fun matching up the modern-day and modern-named characters to their 21st Century counterparts.
Overall, the women in this tale pull together and support one another, in a surprising and lovely way.
THE BAD:
Those unfamiliar with Henry VIII and his six wives may be a little lost, as a this books is chock full of "in" jokes.
The Anne of Cleves character transfers to Anna Klein who lives with her lesbian partner. Normally I would find this annoying, but it was a clever play on the wife that Henry supposedly set aside and supported like a sister.
A cliff-hanger ending, but there is definitely room here to tell more of (or the rest of) the tale!
CONCLUSION:
Recommended. Historical fiction lovers familiar with the Tudor royals will get a kick out of this!
April 5, 2024
I don't know how to feel about the book, I love Anne Boleyn, she's one of my favorite historical figures so I was ready to love this, and I did like the majority of the book, but in the end it left me with even more doubts in a way that I didn't like.
December 22, 2024
3.5 stars
April 2, 2024
When I was in my twenties, I devoured all sorts of fiction and nonfiction about Tudor England-- including the book mentioned by the author in her Afterward. I could not resist An Inconvenient Wife, Olson's modern retelling of Henry VIII and his six wives. (Are you familiar with "Divorced, beheaded, died, divorced, beheaded, survived" as a way to keep those six women's fates straight?)
Don't worry. If you're unfamiliar with Henry and his wives, you'll still enjoy this book. The machinations of several characters are well worth the price of admission all by themselves. However, if you are familiar with that particular period of history, that knowledge will add some zest-- and some smiles-- to Olson's story. Not only that but there will be surprises, too, because this modern retelling is not a slavish imitation of the past.
An Inconvenient Wife is one of those books in which you can't say much about the story or its characters without giving something inadvertently away, so I am going to resist temptation and merely say that I enjoyed this book and the surprises I found along the way. Give it a try.
(Review copy courtesy of the publisher)
Don't worry. If you're unfamiliar with Henry and his wives, you'll still enjoy this book. The machinations of several characters are well worth the price of admission all by themselves. However, if you are familiar with that particular period of history, that knowledge will add some zest-- and some smiles-- to Olson's story. Not only that but there will be surprises, too, because this modern retelling is not a slavish imitation of the past.
An Inconvenient Wife is one of those books in which you can't say much about the story or its characters without giving something inadvertently away, so I am going to resist temptation and merely say that I enjoyed this book and the surprises I found along the way. Give it a try.
(Review copy courtesy of the publisher)
April 4, 2024
Modern Tudor Romp
The saga of Henry VIII and his six wives lends itself perfectly to this reimagining as a modern mystery. As a longtime reader of historical fiction about the Tudor court, I particularly enjoyed Olson's clever update and her choices of characters to portray HENRY'S harem. Add one twisty plot and you've got a fascinating read.
The saga of Henry VIII and his six wives lends itself perfectly to this reimagining as a modern mystery. As a longtime reader of historical fiction about the Tudor court, I particularly enjoyed Olson's clever update and her choices of characters to portray HENRY'S harem. Add one twisty plot and you've got a fascinating read.
May 4, 2024
2.5 stars for me
I liked the premise and was intrigued by the characters. I have recently seen Six and was interested in another sort of retelling. The story held my interest at first, but as the story went on it dragged a little for me. The ending was not as resolved as I prefer. I do like things to be wrapped up a little more, at least for the reader.
I liked the premise and was intrigued by the characters. I have recently seen Six and was interested in another sort of retelling. The story held my interest at first, but as the story went on it dragged a little for me. The ending was not as resolved as I prefer. I do like things to be wrapped up a little more, at least for the reader.
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
May 29, 2024
3.5 ending was meh
April 22, 2024
Inspired by the Tudor era, this is a modern retelling of King Henry VIII and his six wives.
Recently married to Hank Tudor, Kate Parker thinks she knows what she's getting into when she becomes his 6th wife. But just a few weeks later, a headless body is discovered near their summer home, a case which is eerily similar to the first headless body found eight years prior. Kate seeks to solve the puzzle of who the murdered women was, who killed her, and what the connection was between her new husband and the victims. But when her investigation includes two of Hank's previous wives, a secret journal and Hank's right hand man, Tom Cromwell, things prove to be a challenge.
Having very little background knowledge about the Tudor era, I found this book to be such a fun, twisty mystery that kept me continuously guessing. The story was extremely engaging and I found myself shocked several times throughout. But... What the frog was that ending?!?! It left way more questions than answers and left me confused and disappointed. Perhaps a sequel is coming? Otherwise, I'm completely at a loss for words. 🤷🏼♀️
Recently married to Hank Tudor, Kate Parker thinks she knows what she's getting into when she becomes his 6th wife. But just a few weeks later, a headless body is discovered near their summer home, a case which is eerily similar to the first headless body found eight years prior. Kate seeks to solve the puzzle of who the murdered women was, who killed her, and what the connection was between her new husband and the victims. But when her investigation includes two of Hank's previous wives, a secret journal and Hank's right hand man, Tom Cromwell, things prove to be a challenge.
Having very little background knowledge about the Tudor era, I found this book to be such a fun, twisty mystery that kept me continuously guessing. The story was extremely engaging and I found myself shocked several times throughout. But... What the frog was that ending?!?! It left way more questions than answers and left me confused and disappointed. Perhaps a sequel is coming? Otherwise, I'm completely at a loss for words. 🤷🏼♀️
July 8, 2024
I was completely invested in this book. I liked several of the characters and was interested in finding out their story lines. Then the book ended leaving all the questions unanswered. It was not done in a good way at all. I felt completely let down. It seemed like the author didn’t know how to end the story so she just didn’t end it. Would not recommend at all. I’m giving it a 2 star rating since the writing was done well, the character development was done well but the author just ended it abruptly. I would not read another book by this author because I would be afraid she ends all of her books like this. I can’t believe a publisher would allow a book to be published with that kind of ending. Waste of time.
May 31, 2024
Very confusing, hard to follow with all the characters. Ending didn't make sense. So Joan was in on it? Working for Catherine? Now spying on Nan? Not a big suprise or exciting etc that kate is pregnant . Didn't like the writing style either. Repeated herself alot (didn't startle the character, they expected them)
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
February 4, 2025
An easy read-
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
January 8, 2025
A clever modern "retelling" of King Henry VIII and his many wives. Modern day Hank Tudor is a billionaire businessman who loves to be married but has trouble staying true to one wife. The story starts as he marries his sixth wife where his new marriage gets off to a rocky start when a headless body is found near one of his homes. Who is this victim? Who murdered them? What happened to his second wife who disappeared years ago?
Not being overly conversant in the wives of Henry VIII, I found and printed a one page "cheat sheet" (a UK teacher resource!) as I started reading this. I took notes on it (the names of the modern day wives and children are slightly different). So helpful! Not necessary for enjoyment of the book but it helped me keep track of who was who early on.
This is a fun and entertaining mystery. I'm looking forward to my bookgroup meeting this week where we'll get to hear the author's take on her story.
Not being overly conversant in the wives of Henry VIII, I found and printed a one page "cheat sheet" (a UK teacher resource!) as I started reading this. I took notes on it (the names of the modern day wives and children are slightly different). So helpful! Not necessary for enjoyment of the book but it helped me keep track of who was who early on.
This is a fun and entertaining mystery. I'm looking forward to my bookgroup meeting this week where we'll get to hear the author's take on her story.
August 17, 2024
2.5
The story is messy, and the motive for the murders is weak. Failing to build enough tension. The villain is weak; I couldn't love or hate the villain.
Entertaining enough to finish the story.
The story is messy, and the motive for the murders is weak. Failing to build enough tension. The villain is weak; I couldn't love or hate the villain.
Entertaining enough to finish the story.
May 7, 2024
I would raise to 3 1/2 ⭐️
This book was the book of the month for my Once Upon a Book book club I recently joined. This has just recently been published and it was cute. A modern retelling about Henry VIII, which is clever. But it could have been so much better, in my opinion. The premise was super cool, I was just expecting more. I liked the few twists and turns, for sure, but I wish Hank, the modernized Henry, was a stronger character throughout. And the lawyer needed to either be a villain or not, too wishy washy for me. Overall, a quick and easy read, but not a “who done it” because you know from the start…you just don’t know who else is involved along the way…and in what capacity.
This book was the book of the month for my Once Upon a Book book club I recently joined. This has just recently been published and it was cute. A modern retelling about Henry VIII, which is clever. But it could have been so much better, in my opinion. The premise was super cool, I was just expecting more. I liked the few twists and turns, for sure, but I wish Hank, the modernized Henry, was a stronger character throughout. And the lawyer needed to either be a villain or not, too wishy washy for me. Overall, a quick and easy read, but not a “who done it” because you know from the start…you just don’t know who else is involved along the way…and in what capacity.
June 6, 2024
I was ready to give this 4.5 stars rounded up to 5 up until the very last chapter and Epilogue. Such a bummer of an ending.
I stayed up a few late nights reading this book because I was so into it. My eyes wouldn't read fast enough!
The half a star was taken away because there are SOOOO many character names to keep track of in this story. Too many in my opinion. I was well past the middle of the book and still had to be like "wait, who is that person again?" However, I do believe the author recognizes that she had a lot of names in this story and made a point to include last names throughout the whole book, as well as little blurbs of things that person had done previously in the story. It definitely helped in keeping track of who is who. So I appreciated this.
That ending, though, was a total letdown for me. Good story, but zero closure on everything and everyone that happened in the book! So many questions. No answers. That ending had me convinced there was a second book to this one or something because there's just no way a book would end with nothing answered, right?! Nope. No second book. It just....ended...seemingly in an unfinished story. Darn.
I stayed up a few late nights reading this book because I was so into it. My eyes wouldn't read fast enough!
The half a star was taken away because there are SOOOO many character names to keep track of in this story. Too many in my opinion. I was well past the middle of the book and still had to be like "wait, who is that person again?" However, I do believe the author recognizes that she had a lot of names in this story and made a point to include last names throughout the whole book, as well as little blurbs of things that person had done previously in the story. It definitely helped in keeping track of who is who. So I appreciated this.
That ending, though, was a total letdown for me. Good story, but zero closure on everything and everyone that happened in the book! So many questions. No answers. That ending had me convinced there was a second book to this one or something because there's just no way a book would end with nothing answered, right?! Nope. No second book. It just....ended...seemingly in an unfinished story. Darn.
June 10, 2024
I wanted to throw this book in the lake. I hate that it ended on such a cliffhanger and left so many lines untied. Clearly setting up for a sequel, but in a way that made me feel unsatisfied and manipulated as a consumer. I didn't feel that bite of relief at the end of a suspenseful book.
Nevertheless, It was very clever with a nice mix of morally questionable characters. There were enough twists and turns to keep you on your toes, at the same time enough evidence to piece together what was happening. I really love to hate those Tudors and their jacked up story. I love how the author brought their lives into the modern age with enough tweaks to keep is on our toes. I enjoyed reading this book, and would have rated it higher, save for the unsatisfying ending. Overall still a fun, quick and easy read.
Nevertheless, It was very clever with a nice mix of morally questionable characters. There were enough twists and turns to keep you on your toes, at the same time enough evidence to piece together what was happening. I really love to hate those Tudors and their jacked up story. I love how the author brought their lives into the modern age with enough tweaks to keep is on our toes. I enjoyed reading this book, and would have rated it higher, save for the unsatisfying ending. Overall still a fun, quick and easy read.
May 7, 2024
Very interesting read. I enjoyed the book all the way until the end, I just felt that things were left unfinished. I did enjoy the twist, but wished that everything had been tied up so there was no wondering.
May 2, 2024
I enjoyed most of the book and had fun connecting the characters to their historical counterparts. That ending though was a let down.
May 6, 2024
An enjoyable read that I couldn't put down. Unfortunately the end seems full of plot holes and left me with more questions than answers...
April 9, 2025
An Inconvenient Wife
By Karen E. Olson
⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️
…really, this would be like a 3.8. I liked it more than the other 3.5s on my list but less than 4 star books. Idk what to do with that…
This is a modern spin on 16th Century English monarch Henry VIII, and his 6 wives.
I picked up this book because (1) I’m trying to read books about wives and weddings this month and (2) I LOVE 15-16th Century English history.
I have read SO MANY books about Henry VIII, the Plantagenets and the Tudors, the War of Roses, etc..
This book was really fun.
If you are not familiar with Henry VIII or all of his wives, some of the nuance of the story may be lost on you. I think it would be entertaining, but the cast of characters may get hard to follow unless you have a flow chart or a background in history.
The ending was so great. Slightly different than what I expected based on history but great nonetheless.
Read if: you are looking for a mystery, or if you love the Tudors.
By Karen E. Olson
⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️
…really, this would be like a 3.8. I liked it more than the other 3.5s on my list but less than 4 star books. Idk what to do with that…
This is a modern spin on 16th Century English monarch Henry VIII, and his 6 wives.
I picked up this book because (1) I’m trying to read books about wives and weddings this month and (2) I LOVE 15-16th Century English history.
I have read SO MANY books about Henry VIII, the Plantagenets and the Tudors, the War of Roses, etc..
This book was really fun.
If you are not familiar with Henry VIII or all of his wives, some of the nuance of the story may be lost on you. I think it would be entertaining, but the cast of characters may get hard to follow unless you have a flow chart or a background in history.
The ending was so great. Slightly different than what I expected based on history but great nonetheless.
Read if: you are looking for a mystery, or if you love the Tudors.
June 20, 2024
Great modern day twist and murder mystery book. I really enjoyed it more than the some of the reviews I read prior to starting this book.
About 1/2 to 2/3 of the way through it got so suspenseful that I was scared reading it in the middle of the night, so I had to set it down and didn’t know if I could finish the book. For me it’s the sign of a great book when a reader can develop real emotions by the creative writing skills of the author. I found it to be an easy read & loved the modern day characters.
About 1/2 to 2/3 of the way through it got so suspenseful that I was scared reading it in the middle of the night, so I had to set it down and didn’t know if I could finish the book. For me it’s the sign of a great book when a reader can develop real emotions by the creative writing skills of the author. I found it to be an easy read & loved the modern day characters.
October 22, 2024
Overall, I liked this book until the ending. I was left confused and it seems everyone else was too, as the ending can’t be explained by anyone. Is this meant to have a sequel? If not, can someone tell us (say, the author) how it makes sense??? Too many missing pieces for an ending like this to make any sense.
What I especially didn’t like is that the similarity between names made it entirely too confusing to know who was talking (Kate vs Catherine vs Caitlin), which could all be shortened to the name Kate…poor choices on the authors part; I didn’t care for that at all.
What I especially didn’t like is that the similarity between names made it entirely too confusing to know who was talking (Kate vs Catherine vs Caitlin), which could all be shortened to the name Kate…poor choices on the authors part; I didn’t care for that at all.
June 14, 2024
This was a fun, easy read and not one I ever would have come across had it not been in a book box. I liked that it was a retelling of the wives of Henry VIII in modern day, while also a gripping mystery. I’m assuming a significant amount of research went into the characters.
September 17, 2025
Wow! Didn’t see that ending coming…and I don’t mean the killer! This book keeps you guessing at whodunit even though you’re pretty confident somewhere in the middle. But is it really? Who’s working with who? Who’s loyal to who? You will be guessing, and second-guessing, until the very end!
Displaying 1 - 30 of 242 reviews