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I Love You More
One man, three wives, the perfect murder. A scintillating novel of betrayal and conspiracy.
Picasso Lane is twelve years old when her father, Oliver, is murdered at their summer beach house. Her mother, Diana, is the primary suspect—until the police discover his second wife, and then his third. The women say they have never met—but Picasso knows otherwise. Picasso remembers the morning beautiful Jewels showed up at their house, carrying the same purse as her mother, and a family portrait featuring her father with two strange boys. Picasso remembers lifting the phone, listening to late night calls with Bert, a woman heavily pregnant with Oliver's fourth child. As the police circle and a detective named Kyle Kennedy becomes a regular fixture in their home, Picasso tries to make sense of her father's death, the depth of his deceit, and the secrets that bind these three women. Cunningly paced and plotted, I Love You More is a riveting novel of misplaced loyalty, jealousy, and revenge.
Picasso Lane is twelve years old when her father, Oliver, is murdered at their summer beach house. Her mother, Diana, is the primary suspect—until the police discover his second wife, and then his third. The women say they have never met—but Picasso knows otherwise. Picasso remembers the morning beautiful Jewels showed up at their house, carrying the same purse as her mother, and a family portrait featuring her father with two strange boys. Picasso remembers lifting the phone, listening to late night calls with Bert, a woman heavily pregnant with Oliver's fourth child. As the police circle and a detective named Kyle Kennedy becomes a regular fixture in their home, Picasso tries to make sense of her father's death, the depth of his deceit, and the secrets that bind these three women. Cunningly paced and plotted, I Love You More is a riveting novel of misplaced loyalty, jealousy, and revenge.
304 pages, Hardcover
First published January 1, 2014
86 people are currently reading
6348 people want to read
About the author
Jennifer Murphy
3 books128 followersJennifer Murphy holds a Master of Fine Arts in Creative Writing from the University of Washington and a Master of Fine Arts in Painting from the University of Denver. She is the recipient of the 2013 Loren D. Milliman Scholarship, and was a general contributor at the Bread Loaf Writers' Conference from 2008 through 2012. In 2015, her debut novel, I LOVE YOU MORE (Doubleday, 2014) won the prestigious Nancy Pearl Award for fiction. Her novel SCARLET IN BLUE was released by Dutton Penguin Random House on March 8, 2022. She hales from a small beachfront town in Michigan and has lived in Denver, Charlotte, Seattle, Charleston, and Houston. She currently resides in Alexanria, VA.
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 434 reviews
June 26, 2017
Very enjoyable book. The circumstances that brought the wives together were not ideal, yet I liked the camaraderie the women shared. And to me, at least, the ending was a total surprise.
June 2, 2014
I Love You More
By
Jennifer Murphy
My " in a nutshell" summary...
Oh my! Three blonde wives...four children and one dead husband...the question is...who murdered Oliver?
My thoughts after reading this book...
This book was so deliciously good! A steamy day at the beach...Oliver is shot and killed...and one very clever policeman keeps finding out about all of these wives and asking questions. He was like Columbo...he never stopped! The way this book is written...we know what is happening but we don't exactly know who pulled the trigger. How much does clever Picasso know...Oliver's bright young daughter...what is her involvement in all of this? Were all of the wives involved?
Every wife swears she knew nothing about the other wives...every wife has a detailed alibi...so...again...who killed Oliver? Ah...I wish I could tell you more but this book is just too good. I picked it up and read 100 pages before I could put it down. I didn't want to stop reading it. Ok...you have to know that the ending...well...the ending is amazing! I loved it but was sad by it, too.
What I loved about this book...
I totally loved Picasso. I loved the North Carolina setting. I loved thinking about those hot summers and that lovely sweet minty iced tea. I love when an author gets a book just right. I loved her writing, her style her knowledge of this area. I loved Detective Kennedy with his slightly off center nose and his infinite questions. Have I said this enough? I loved this book...it has movie written all over it...Gwyneth, Reese or the Don Draper's blonde ex wife on Mad Men...I have this cast already. Picasso...hmmm...doesn't Dakota Fanning have little sisters?
Final thoughts...
This book was excellent! Well plotted...fun...and always that little shivery edge running through it. It reminded me of Gone Girl, That Night, Headmaster's Wife, and Circle Of Wives. I loved this book. Readers of clever mysteries with a twist...should love this book! Picasso...smart, clever, lover of words...Picasso was my favorite part of this book!
March 6, 2016
Well, this was a weird little book. I'm more than a little surprised that so many people liked this. I didn't care for the characters, the storyline or the writing. There were so many things that just didn't work to make the story or the characters plausible. The skinny-dipping, the Barbie-dolls, the spying child, the "way she would ensure her scent and his lust blinded him". There was a bit of an eww factor to some of this story and the rest wasn't much better.
August 11, 2014
One man, three wives, the perfect murder. A scintillating novel of betrayal and conspiracy.
Picasso Lane is twelve years old when her father, Oliver, is murdered at their summer beach house. Her mother, Diana, is the primary suspect—until the police discover his second wife, and then his third. The women say they have never met—but Picasso knows otherwise. Picasso remembers the morning beautiful Jewels showed up at their house, carrying the same purse as her mother, and a family portrait featuring her father with two strange boys. Picasso remembers lifting the phone, listening to late night calls with Bert, a woman heavily pregnant with Oliver's fourth child. As the police circle and a detective named Kyle Kennedy becomes a regular fixture in their home, Picasso tries to make sense of her father's death, the depth of his deceit, and the secrets that bind these three women. Cunningly paced and plotted, I Love You More is a riveting novel of misplaced loyalty, jealousy, and revenge.
An unscrupulous husband’s murder produces many suspects in what is an absorbing debut. Revolving around the murder of lawyer Oliver Lane, who is found shot dead at his beach house on North Carolina’s Outer Banks. The victim's wife seems the likely suspect until two other women come forward claiming to be married to him, and that in turn makes the investigation go off in many unusual twists. It is up to Detective Kyle Kennedy to try and unravel the mystery of who killed Oliver. This is something that is made quite difficult due to lady's giving nothing away and the lack of evidence.
Aside from there similar haircuts and, in total support of each others innocence, they resolutely deny prior knowledge of the others’ existence, the three women are absolutely different. The first wife Diana is artistic, beautiful and is the typical Southern Lady. Jewels, a respected architect, is athletic, brusque, and clearly enjoys fine living with her modern downtown condo with original fine art and expensive furnishings. Bookstore manager Bert, the third wife is spiritual and nurturing. She is a staunch supporter of various human rights groups. Told from multiple viewpoints it is the voice of Diana's precocious, dictionary-reading 12 year-old daughter Picasso that is the most interesting. She knows more than what she will admit and just like all the suspects keeps her cards well to her chest as she tries to make sense of what's happening while worrying about her future.
Many reviewers are comparing it to Gillian Flynn's Gone Girl and while I can say that I don't think it really it anything like it comparing it plot-wise, I do see a comparison on the psychological side and the potential to be a major best seller! The chapter told from Oliver's viewpoint gave the reader some interesting information that for me made me truly dislike him to my core. It gave absolute reasoning to the wives conclusions that he was a true sociopath. It was the most psychologically twisted chapter of the book that it made my stomach turn. When I read it, it made me think back to all of the various women's, including Picasso, different descriptions of various negative experience's with Oliver with a new light. And the light was an ugly light. As a reader it that reader definitely cast a firm sociopathic light on Oliver that was previously missing or more vague. It was at this point in the book that my opinion of the murder changed into a much more empathic feeling and even a feeling that Oliver almost deserved what he got.
I didn't find the wives very likable nor were they fully drawn out but I don't find that to be a major drawback because I think the book is ultimately about Picasso. I can already see this as a movie which I really hope is picked up! This is one of the best books of 2014 in my opinion and a definite must read. If this is Jennifer Murphy's debut then I can't wait to see what she does next because I can't imagine what she does as she gets better! Definitely read this book! 5 stars!
Picasso Lane is twelve years old when her father, Oliver, is murdered at their summer beach house. Her mother, Diana, is the primary suspect—until the police discover his second wife, and then his third. The women say they have never met—but Picasso knows otherwise. Picasso remembers the morning beautiful Jewels showed up at their house, carrying the same purse as her mother, and a family portrait featuring her father with two strange boys. Picasso remembers lifting the phone, listening to late night calls with Bert, a woman heavily pregnant with Oliver's fourth child. As the police circle and a detective named Kyle Kennedy becomes a regular fixture in their home, Picasso tries to make sense of her father's death, the depth of his deceit, and the secrets that bind these three women. Cunningly paced and plotted, I Love You More is a riveting novel of misplaced loyalty, jealousy, and revenge.
An unscrupulous husband’s murder produces many suspects in what is an absorbing debut. Revolving around the murder of lawyer Oliver Lane, who is found shot dead at his beach house on North Carolina’s Outer Banks. The victim's wife seems the likely suspect until two other women come forward claiming to be married to him, and that in turn makes the investigation go off in many unusual twists. It is up to Detective Kyle Kennedy to try and unravel the mystery of who killed Oliver. This is something that is made quite difficult due to lady's giving nothing away and the lack of evidence.
Aside from there similar haircuts and, in total support of each others innocence, they resolutely deny prior knowledge of the others’ existence, the three women are absolutely different. The first wife Diana is artistic, beautiful and is the typical Southern Lady. Jewels, a respected architect, is athletic, brusque, and clearly enjoys fine living with her modern downtown condo with original fine art and expensive furnishings. Bookstore manager Bert, the third wife is spiritual and nurturing. She is a staunch supporter of various human rights groups. Told from multiple viewpoints it is the voice of Diana's precocious, dictionary-reading 12 year-old daughter Picasso that is the most interesting. She knows more than what she will admit and just like all the suspects keeps her cards well to her chest as she tries to make sense of what's happening while worrying about her future.
Many reviewers are comparing it to Gillian Flynn's Gone Girl and while I can say that I don't think it really it anything like it comparing it plot-wise, I do see a comparison on the psychological side and the potential to be a major best seller! The chapter told from Oliver's viewpoint gave the reader some interesting information that for me made me truly dislike him to my core. It gave absolute reasoning to the wives conclusions that he was a true sociopath. It was the most psychologically twisted chapter of the book that it made my stomach turn. When I read it, it made me think back to all of the various women's, including Picasso, different descriptions of various negative experience's with Oliver with a new light. And the light was an ugly light. As a reader it that reader definitely cast a firm sociopathic light on Oliver that was previously missing or more vague. It was at this point in the book that my opinion of the murder changed into a much more empathic feeling and even a feeling that Oliver almost deserved what he got.
I didn't find the wives very likable nor were they fully drawn out but I don't find that to be a major drawback because I think the book is ultimately about Picasso. I can already see this as a movie which I really hope is picked up! This is one of the best books of 2014 in my opinion and a definite must read. If this is Jennifer Murphy's debut then I can't wait to see what she does next because I can't imagine what she does as she gets better! Definitely read this book! 5 stars!
June 18, 2017
Picasso Lane is a ten year old little girl who is the regional spelling bee champion. She is the smartest kid in her class and is often picked on by the "AllThatGirls" click. She eventual wins them over and finds herself with a boyfriend, Ryan Anderson. This is the second story line in the book.
The first story line in the book is her mother, Diane Lane, planning to murder her father with his other two wives, Jewel Lane and Roberta Miles. Oliver Lane tells each one the same lie of "I love you more than life itself." Each woman has similar hair (blonde) , body type (tall), and facial appearance (deep blue eyes). All three fit into his character of some need he has to manifest or control. When he is murdered and Detective Kennedy and Jones start to investigate, his first wife, Diane Lane, is a prime suspect. As the investigation continues secrets are revealed, lies are uncovered, and the real killer will surprise everyone. A must read.
Quote:
A lie told often enough becomes the truth. Lenin
Art is a lie that makes us realize truth. Pablo Picasso
Beautiful, lucky, sorry, gun, motive, liar, dumb ass, wives, guilty as sin, rendezvous.
The first story line in the book is her mother, Diane Lane, planning to murder her father with his other two wives, Jewel Lane and Roberta Miles. Oliver Lane tells each one the same lie of "I love you more than life itself." Each woman has similar hair (blonde) , body type (tall), and facial appearance (deep blue eyes). All three fit into his character of some need he has to manifest or control. When he is murdered and Detective Kennedy and Jones start to investigate, his first wife, Diane Lane, is a prime suspect. As the investigation continues secrets are revealed, lies are uncovered, and the real killer will surprise everyone. A must read.
Quote:
A lie told often enough becomes the truth. Lenin
Art is a lie that makes us realize truth. Pablo Picasso
Beautiful, lucky, sorry, gun, motive, liar, dumb ass, wives, guilty as sin, rendezvous.
September 24, 2014
Thank you Doubleday and GR giveaways for a copy of the book.
3.7 stars
This story has an interesting premise… a man, Oliver, is murdered and his 3 wives are suspect, but the wives supposedly have never met. Oliver has children with each of these wives and 3 separate lives he tries to navigate. The book starts off with police arriving at the scene of the crime and then the author works her way backwards to explain all that happened. The chapters narratives switch from 3 different perspectives, a daughter of one of the wives (Picasso), “The Wives” and a police investigator named Kyle. “The Wives” chapters are interesting in a sense because they aren’t written from one particular wife’s point of view, but as a sort of collective 3rd person point of view. There were a few scenes that seemed silly to me and far-fetched, but the book did it’s job and kept me entertained the whole way through. Right from the start we see the investigating officer fall in love with Picasso’s mom and this throws an interesting wrench in the whole investigation. Picasso is an interesting character because she is smart for a 12 year old and is also doing some investigating of her own. This book is not perfect, but it’s an easy read. Don’t be fooled, it is not Gone Girl as many are comparing it to that. It is it’s own interesting mystery with it’s own sociopaths told mostly through the eyes of a 12 year old.
3.7 stars
This story has an interesting premise… a man, Oliver, is murdered and his 3 wives are suspect, but the wives supposedly have never met. Oliver has children with each of these wives and 3 separate lives he tries to navigate. The book starts off with police arriving at the scene of the crime and then the author works her way backwards to explain all that happened. The chapters narratives switch from 3 different perspectives, a daughter of one of the wives (Picasso), “The Wives” and a police investigator named Kyle. “The Wives” chapters are interesting in a sense because they aren’t written from one particular wife’s point of view, but as a sort of collective 3rd person point of view. There were a few scenes that seemed silly to me and far-fetched, but the book did it’s job and kept me entertained the whole way through. Right from the start we see the investigating officer fall in love with Picasso’s mom and this throws an interesting wrench in the whole investigation. Picasso is an interesting character because she is smart for a 12 year old and is also doing some investigating of her own. This book is not perfect, but it’s an easy read. Don’t be fooled, it is not Gone Girl as many are comparing it to that. It is it’s own interesting mystery with it’s own sociopaths told mostly through the eyes of a 12 year old.
October 23, 2016
WARNING: SPOILER ALERT! All sorts of spoilers and an epic rant ahead!
What the f*** did I just read?! It has been a while since I have read anything this dumb! I honestly don't understand how so many people like this book. This book is a nauseating combination of unbelievable and predictable. I realize that you have to suspend your belief to a certain extent whenever you read a story, but this pushes that to the absolute limit. For anyone who is reading this book thinking that it will be a police procedural, whoddunnit sort of mystery, it is not exactly that. It is the New Age Guide to Murder. Seriously, if the Sisterhood of the Travelling pants decided to murder a man, it would probably go similar to the plot of this story. I have A LOT of issues with this book. This is a rant-view. You have been warned.
1. The Names: The main character's name is Picasso. Seriously? I feel like this was done mainly to work in Picasso's quote about art and truth (there's a lot of philosophy shoved into this book, but more on that later). If so that's a bit of a stretch. Also, there is another character named Audubon, after the ornithologist.
2. First Meeting: This is the moment when this review dropped down to 1 star and completely ruined any chance of me taking this book seriously. After discovering that their husband had three wives all together, the wives come together to meet for the first time. These complete strangers commemorate the occasion by skinny-dipping in the lake, napping besides each other and toasting each other with wine.
WHAT?!
No, really? What the f***?! Watch any episode of Maury/Jerry Springer involving a love triangle and you will now that this wouldn't happen! Screaming? Yes! Crying? Yes! Emotional outbursts and blaming? YES! Forming a sisterhood and swimming naked together?! NO!! I just found this whole part of the story weird and so ridiculous I almost stopped reading.
3. Lucy Baxter: Talk about a Mary Sue character. I was a preteen girl and I can pretty much guarantee that when a group of girls humiliate you and make you cry more than once, you stop trying to be friends. Also how was this girl able to get the money to pay for the books that she gave Picasso?
4. Picasso and her father: So... you just found out that your mom is plotting to kill your dad. You have several months before the event. Assuming that you love your father dearly (which seems to be the case in this story), wouldn't you make some sort of real effort to save him? Have more than one vague conversation with your mother? Give Dad a heads up? Run away the night before so you miss your flight to the vacation destination? Picasso made so little effort to give her dad a chance.
5. The Thought of Murder: As much as the wives hate Oliver, they all have children and at least three of these kids are old enough to show that they really and genuinely love their father. Wouldn't that factor into your decision to want him dead? At least a little bit? Picasso practically begged her mother not to do it. If for no other reason, Oliver did appear to be a good father. One would think that hitting him with a brutal divorce settlement would come to your thoughts before murdering him?
6. The Order of the Wives: These women hang out with each other for months after discovering his infidelities. None of them storm out of the marriage, they just kind of go with the flow. Not a single woman confronts him about it. The average would immediately go home and rip his head off. Why do none of these women have normal reactions?!
7. Bert's "psychic" abilities and Jules' Barbies: There are so many "weird" character traits in this book. Once again, really difficult to take this book seriously when there are so many unbelievable moments.
8. Reincarnation: Weird. Just... weird. I thought this would somehow he would be reborn as Diana's baby so Diana could love him completely (honestly, I might have liked this book a tiny bit more if it did. It would have been pretty clever), but that was never brought up.
9. The Outer Banks: The outer banks are probably my favorite place in the world. There is no Cooper's Island in case you're curious (Ocracoke and Bodie Island are real and Kitty Hawk, where the Wright brothers worked is actually a part of the Outer Banks). Also, swimming miles away from shore in this particular area is a REALLY BAD IDEA! Especially if you're swimming alone. Dangerous rip currents can occur in these areas, plus I know from personal experience, one massive wave can come along and drag you across the ocean floor (Trust me it's a painful experience).
10. The Ending: OF COURSE PICASSO DID IT! There weren't any other suspects. It can't be one of the wives that would be too obvious! Plus, the author spends so much time hinting that Picasso picked up many of her father's sociopathic tendencies, she seemed the obvious choice.
11. Flowery language/Excessive philosophical musings: the author goes on and on and on using "sensual" and "new age" language and ideas (lots of swimming naked, soothing baths in flower petals, healing chanting, etc.) I just don't believe that the average person thinks the way these people do. Also, there are massive chunks of philosophical internal monologues that drag the story to a halt.
Overall, I just found this book utterly ridiculous. It was laughable how weird this book gets and I was really just hoping for a descent mystery with normal characters. This book was extremely disappointing. I'm just glad it was short.
What the f*** did I just read?! It has been a while since I have read anything this dumb! I honestly don't understand how so many people like this book. This book is a nauseating combination of unbelievable and predictable. I realize that you have to suspend your belief to a certain extent whenever you read a story, but this pushes that to the absolute limit. For anyone who is reading this book thinking that it will be a police procedural, whoddunnit sort of mystery, it is not exactly that. It is the New Age Guide to Murder. Seriously, if the Sisterhood of the Travelling pants decided to murder a man, it would probably go similar to the plot of this story. I have A LOT of issues with this book. This is a rant-view. You have been warned.
1. The Names: The main character's name is Picasso. Seriously? I feel like this was done mainly to work in Picasso's quote about art and truth (there's a lot of philosophy shoved into this book, but more on that later). If so that's a bit of a stretch. Also, there is another character named Audubon, after the ornithologist.
2. First Meeting: This is the moment when this review dropped down to 1 star and completely ruined any chance of me taking this book seriously. After discovering that their husband had three wives all together, the wives come together to meet for the first time. These complete strangers commemorate the occasion by skinny-dipping in the lake, napping besides each other and toasting each other with wine.
WHAT?!
No, really? What the f***?! Watch any episode of Maury/Jerry Springer involving a love triangle and you will now that this wouldn't happen! Screaming? Yes! Crying? Yes! Emotional outbursts and blaming? YES! Forming a sisterhood and swimming naked together?! NO!! I just found this whole part of the story weird and so ridiculous I almost stopped reading.
3. Lucy Baxter: Talk about a Mary Sue character. I was a preteen girl and I can pretty much guarantee that when a group of girls humiliate you and make you cry more than once, you stop trying to be friends. Also how was this girl able to get the money to pay for the books that she gave Picasso?
4. Picasso and her father: So... you just found out that your mom is plotting to kill your dad. You have several months before the event. Assuming that you love your father dearly (which seems to be the case in this story), wouldn't you make some sort of real effort to save him? Have more than one vague conversation with your mother? Give Dad a heads up? Run away the night before so you miss your flight to the vacation destination? Picasso made so little effort to give her dad a chance.
5. The Thought of Murder: As much as the wives hate Oliver, they all have children and at least three of these kids are old enough to show that they really and genuinely love their father. Wouldn't that factor into your decision to want him dead? At least a little bit? Picasso practically begged her mother not to do it. If for no other reason, Oliver did appear to be a good father. One would think that hitting him with a brutal divorce settlement would come to your thoughts before murdering him?
6. The Order of the Wives: These women hang out with each other for months after discovering his infidelities. None of them storm out of the marriage, they just kind of go with the flow. Not a single woman confronts him about it. The average would immediately go home and rip his head off. Why do none of these women have normal reactions?!
7. Bert's "psychic" abilities and Jules' Barbies: There are so many "weird" character traits in this book. Once again, really difficult to take this book seriously when there are so many unbelievable moments.
8. Reincarnation: Weird. Just... weird. I thought this would somehow he would be reborn as Diana's baby so Diana could love him completely (honestly, I might have liked this book a tiny bit more if it did. It would have been pretty clever), but that was never brought up.
9. The Outer Banks: The outer banks are probably my favorite place in the world. There is no Cooper's Island in case you're curious (Ocracoke and Bodie Island are real and Kitty Hawk, where the Wright brothers worked is actually a part of the Outer Banks). Also, swimming miles away from shore in this particular area is a REALLY BAD IDEA! Especially if you're swimming alone. Dangerous rip currents can occur in these areas, plus I know from personal experience, one massive wave can come along and drag you across the ocean floor (Trust me it's a painful experience).
10. The Ending: OF COURSE PICASSO DID IT! There weren't any other suspects. It can't be one of the wives that would be too obvious! Plus, the author spends so much time hinting that Picasso picked up many of her father's sociopathic tendencies, she seemed the obvious choice.
11. Flowery language/Excessive philosophical musings: the author goes on and on and on using "sensual" and "new age" language and ideas (lots of swimming naked, soothing baths in flower petals, healing chanting, etc.) I just don't believe that the average person thinks the way these people do. Also, there are massive chunks of philosophical internal monologues that drag the story to a halt.
Overall, I just found this book utterly ridiculous. It was laughable how weird this book gets and I was really just hoping for a descent mystery with normal characters. This book was extremely disappointing. I'm just glad it was short.
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
August 30, 2016
This book was trying too many gimmicks at once: a child narrator wise beyond her years, the obsession with definitions, the beat cop...it was too much for me.
January 23, 2016
I honestly picked up this book intrigued by the premise...."Plural" wives and a young daughter beyond her years. My, my! Who did in the scoundrel of a husband, pray tell? After reading the first few pages, the voice and perspective of this young Picasso was way off. Even if she were gifted and a prodigy, the dialog was forced and tilted as an adult trying desperately to pull off a young girl's mindset. Yes, maybe this would be entertaining for a beach read, but the majority of us saw the ending coming on page 2. Out of nowhere surprise at the conclusion? Not hardly!
August 5, 2015
Picasso,a very smart teen, is our narrator. She recounts the events as her father is murdered and her mother and her father two other wives becomes the center of the investigation for the murder. I really liked Picasso as our main narrator and I liked the mystery. I was very surprised at the end. Really good smart mystery.
September 9, 2014
This is a story of one man with three wives who plans his perfect murder. Oliver Kane is a womanizer who has made a reputation in pretending that he is the ideal mate. While he is married to the beautiful Diana, she is not the only on on his radar. Although his vulnerable daughter Picasso refuses to believes what is said about her loving Daddy, she is outnumbered by the three wives that wants his blood. As the innocent eleven year old, Picasso will like to believe that her Father is the perfect Daddy who secretly treats her with treats, outside her mother's knowledge. Not only that but he helps her with her self esteem, vowing that she is the only thing valuable to him next to his wife.
When Oliver Kane is found murdered, there is only a few suspects. Yet the evidence proves that Oliver had more enemies than he had friends. Picasso will stop at nothing to prove that her Daddy did not deserve to die in cold blood. Distraught to find out about other wives, Diana refuses to believe that her husband is unfaithful. Yet one by one she meets different woman who confesses of their affair with her deceased husband. There is far too many evidence that points to the demise of Oliver Kane but who is the culprit? Picasso has a few secrets of her own, secrets that solves her Father's murder but is she willing to tell?
Wickedly delicious, intriguing, thrilling and a hell of a rollercoaster! Now this is what I am talking about, it had perfect pace, great characterization, twists & turns and it written like a real murder investigation. Picasso was one twisted sociopath, but man she had so much redemptive qualities.
Want a perfect mystery? Read this! One of the rare novels when the book cover is just amazing as the content.
HIGHLY HIGHLY HIGHLY recommended!
When Oliver Kane is found murdered, there is only a few suspects. Yet the evidence proves that Oliver had more enemies than he had friends. Picasso will stop at nothing to prove that her Daddy did not deserve to die in cold blood. Distraught to find out about other wives, Diana refuses to believe that her husband is unfaithful. Yet one by one she meets different woman who confesses of their affair with her deceased husband. There is far too many evidence that points to the demise of Oliver Kane but who is the culprit? Picasso has a few secrets of her own, secrets that solves her Father's murder but is she willing to tell?
Wickedly delicious, intriguing, thrilling and a hell of a rollercoaster! Now this is what I am talking about, it had perfect pace, great characterization, twists & turns and it written like a real murder investigation. Picasso was one twisted sociopath, but man she had so much redemptive qualities.
Want a perfect mystery? Read this! One of the rare novels when the book cover is just amazing as the content.
HIGHLY HIGHLY HIGHLY recommended!
May 23, 2016
Three wives and one husband.
Then a murdered husband
I came across this book through my library. It was a blind date book. The three words describing the book were Betrayal, Love Triangles, Murder.
It was definitely too good to pass up and I'm very thankful that it's the one I picked. Through out the book the writing is set-up in the format of the characters as the chapters. Which for me I didn't mind one bit. It made the book more interesting and you could really get into the characters thoughts. The book was full of suspense.
The story is based on a man who is living a triple life you could say. He had three wives and four children but Picasso was the main child in the book. She was one of the characters in the chapters. Could Mr. Lane pull off his triple life forever? I think not. So, then there was the perfect murder at the beach house. His demise. He wanted way too much and it evidently took his life. I wanted to keep knowing more and to see what would come of it. But at the end of the book I was so caught off guard it certainly was surprising!
I would absolutely recommend this book to anyone who loves suspenseful books and a big twist at the end.
September 8, 2015
I liked this book a lot more than I thought I would, and I ending up reading it in a day. It's definitely a fun read with better prose and perhaps better pacing than some of the others I've read in this genre lately. The book cover synopsis seemed to really lay out the the ins and outs of the crime, but there were several big surprises that really subverted my expectations.
I was, however, really turned off by the one chapter voiced by Oliver. I found it to be really strange and distracting -- and probably not very necessary. Other than those random few pages, I really enjoyed this book and would recommend it to anybody looking for a little light reading.
I was, however, really turned off by the one chapter voiced by Oliver. I found it to be really strange and distracting -- and probably not very necessary. Other than those random few pages, I really enjoyed this book and would recommend it to anybody looking for a little light reading.
March 25, 2022
“ I Love You More” by Jennifer Murphy opens with Diana Lane opening her door to a woman standing on her doorstep who tells her they are married to the same man and there is a third wife as well. The three women begin meeting once a month in an out of the way location in a nearby park where they establish a ritual that leads to confidences and ultimately a solution. Picasso is Dianas’ daughter, a very bright girl with a love of vocabulary, spelling and her daddy. She also has a habit of eavesdropping on her mother and learns of her plans and is desperate to save her family.
Kyle is the detective who tries to solve the murder but he finds himself falling in love with the lead suspect.
This was a suggested read from my local library while I was looking through the catalog and the cover grabbed my attention right away and the blurb was intriguing. This is fast paced and you are drawn in from the very beginning. I found each of the wives a distinct and interesting character. Some of the plot twists are unrealistic but I enjoyed the story. I saw the ending coming but not as soon as more astute readers may. I currently have the authors’ recently released “ Scarlet In Blue” next in my library queue, I’m looking forward to it!
Kyle is the detective who tries to solve the murder but he finds himself falling in love with the lead suspect.
This was a suggested read from my local library while I was looking through the catalog and the cover grabbed my attention right away and the blurb was intriguing. This is fast paced and you are drawn in from the very beginning. I found each of the wives a distinct and interesting character. Some of the plot twists are unrealistic but I enjoyed the story. I saw the ending coming but not as soon as more astute readers may. I currently have the authors’ recently released “ Scarlet In Blue” next in my library queue, I’m looking forward to it!
June 14, 2014
I received a copy of I LOVE YOU MORE through the Goodreads First Reads Giveaway.
Three wives, three homes, three offices, three entirely different lives. This is the unbelievable secret that Oliver Lane has been keeping for years. When Oliver is murdered during a beach vacation with one of his wives, there is no lack of suspects. The story is told from different points of view, beginning with Oliver’s 12 year old daughter Picasso. Picasso knows that her mother has been acting very strangely and when she does some detective work of her own she figures out that her father has two other families. The story also shifts to the point of view of the lead detective on the case. Kyle used to work in Detroit but has now moved to the quieter environment of North Carolina where they are not used to high profile murders. And, of course, we are treated to the point of view of each of the three wives, Diana, Jewels and Bert. At one point towards the end of the novel we also hear from Oliver himself. Oliver’s part of the tale was the most interesting and most chilling.
The theme of lies and how we perceive our own realities is deftly intertwined throughout the novel. Picasso’s very name is a nod to the artist whose famous quote is often brought up in the dialogue: “Art is a lie that makes us realize truth.” Picasso tells us about her life at school and how she is learning to deal with boys and the popular girls who relentlessly tease her. She is smart and easily figures out the lies that the adults in her life are telling. She becomes very adept at lying herself. This book made me think a lot about the fact that children are more aware of their surroundings than adults might think and everything adults do has an effect on them.
Jennifer Murphy is an expert at crafting comprehensive characters. In addition to Picasso, we also get the traits, physical characteristics and quirks of the three different wives. It is interesting that Oliver picked such different women. They meet, they plot and they discuss Oliver. They stick to their story and they keep Kyle, the lead detective, guessing for months. Detective Kyle’s story is also laid out and he is an appealing character as well. I have seen many reviews that compare this book to Gone Girl. But I LOVE YOU MORE is a much better mystery due to the simple fact that the characters are better developed.
I LOVE YOU MORE is a mystery and psychological study of a sociopath that is most definitely a page turner. I recommend this to everyone who loves a good mystery and an unexpected outcome. I am eager to see what Jennifer Murphy comes up with next!
Three wives, three homes, three offices, three entirely different lives. This is the unbelievable secret that Oliver Lane has been keeping for years. When Oliver is murdered during a beach vacation with one of his wives, there is no lack of suspects. The story is told from different points of view, beginning with Oliver’s 12 year old daughter Picasso. Picasso knows that her mother has been acting very strangely and when she does some detective work of her own she figures out that her father has two other families. The story also shifts to the point of view of the lead detective on the case. Kyle used to work in Detroit but has now moved to the quieter environment of North Carolina where they are not used to high profile murders. And, of course, we are treated to the point of view of each of the three wives, Diana, Jewels and Bert. At one point towards the end of the novel we also hear from Oliver himself. Oliver’s part of the tale was the most interesting and most chilling.
The theme of lies and how we perceive our own realities is deftly intertwined throughout the novel. Picasso’s very name is a nod to the artist whose famous quote is often brought up in the dialogue: “Art is a lie that makes us realize truth.” Picasso tells us about her life at school and how she is learning to deal with boys and the popular girls who relentlessly tease her. She is smart and easily figures out the lies that the adults in her life are telling. She becomes very adept at lying herself. This book made me think a lot about the fact that children are more aware of their surroundings than adults might think and everything adults do has an effect on them.
Jennifer Murphy is an expert at crafting comprehensive characters. In addition to Picasso, we also get the traits, physical characteristics and quirks of the three different wives. It is interesting that Oliver picked such different women. They meet, they plot and they discuss Oliver. They stick to their story and they keep Kyle, the lead detective, guessing for months. Detective Kyle’s story is also laid out and he is an appealing character as well. I have seen many reviews that compare this book to Gone Girl. But I LOVE YOU MORE is a much better mystery due to the simple fact that the characters are better developed.
I LOVE YOU MORE is a mystery and psychological study of a sociopath that is most definitely a page turner. I recommend this to everyone who loves a good mystery and an unexpected outcome. I am eager to see what Jennifer Murphy comes up with next!
June 30, 2017
5 Stars!
Definitely worth reading!
First of all, I would like to say that I was very happy to receive a free copy from the publisher from the First Reads program on Goodreads.com.
"I Love You More" by Jennifer Murphy had me completely immersed into the book. I fell in love with the character of 12-year-old Picasso Lane. She reminded me of my younger self: intelligent, bullied, at first a little chubby, but she rose above. She became "Super Picasso", as she said in the novel. Like Picasso, I also used to study the dictionary and try to get a special boy to like me. Also like Picasso, I too saw my father die when I was very young. All of these things made me want to root for her.
I found that the switching of perspectives in the novel helped to enrich the story and to try and see the story from all the different sides. That being said, I think that the novel had a very interesting story line and perfect timing. It was so exciting hoping that Diana, Picasso's mother, wouldn't get caught for her daughter's sake but at the same time wanting to root for Detective Kyle. I would've liked to get a chapter from Diana's point of view to help me understand that character better. The only semi-bad thing I have to say about this novel is that the wives weren't very likeable but that's not extremely important since the story is more about Picasso, who I adore.
An added little bonus near the end was a chapter from Oliver, the victim husband of the three wives. I was glad to see that in the book. It helped to explain why he was murdered. I must say that the ending completely shocked me and the truth broke my heart. This will not be a story that I forget about anytime soon and I predict it will become a best-seller.
Bravo, Jennifer Murphey, Bravo!
Definitely worth reading!
First of all, I would like to say that I was very happy to receive a free copy from the publisher from the First Reads program on Goodreads.com.
"I Love You More" by Jennifer Murphy had me completely immersed into the book. I fell in love with the character of 12-year-old Picasso Lane. She reminded me of my younger self: intelligent, bullied, at first a little chubby, but she rose above. She became "Super Picasso", as she said in the novel. Like Picasso, I also used to study the dictionary and try to get a special boy to like me. Also like Picasso, I too saw my father die when I was very young. All of these things made me want to root for her.
I found that the switching of perspectives in the novel helped to enrich the story and to try and see the story from all the different sides. That being said, I think that the novel had a very interesting story line and perfect timing. It was so exciting hoping that Diana, Picasso's mother, wouldn't get caught for her daughter's sake but at the same time wanting to root for Detective Kyle. I would've liked to get a chapter from Diana's point of view to help me understand that character better. The only semi-bad thing I have to say about this novel is that the wives weren't very likeable but that's not extremely important since the story is more about Picasso, who I adore.
An added little bonus near the end was a chapter from Oliver, the victim husband of the three wives. I was glad to see that in the book. It helped to explain why he was murdered. I must say that the ending completely shocked me and the truth broke my heart. This will not be a story that I forget about anytime soon and I predict it will become a best-seller.
Bravo, Jennifer Murphey, Bravo!
January 15, 2015
In a word this book is brilliant! It's so well written and is one of those books that is so good that you don't want it to end. I don't want to give away anything about the plot but I just want to say you won't be sorry if you read this one!
February 19, 2018
Never in a million years would the name of the book describe the storyline so completely. To be in love and have someone abuse the love you have for them is enough to make you want to kill him or her. Three women, married to the same man decides they’re going to kill the man who hurt them.
Diana Lane, Julia Lane and Bert Miller are married to the same man. They finally come to the realization that Oliver Lane, their husband, is a sociopath. They decide to murder him and then wait one year later and meet up at their regular location.
Oliver Lane has truly taken control of these women. Even in death, he’s manipulating the entire situation. This story is amazing and full of manipulation. He’s almost every woman’s dream; successful, strong, take charge, sensitive, courteous, responsible and on the other hand he’s not worth the head on a buffalo nickel.
A very good read with a surprise at the end.
Diana Lane, Julia Lane and Bert Miller are married to the same man. They finally come to the realization that Oliver Lane, their husband, is a sociopath. They decide to murder him and then wait one year later and meet up at their regular location.
Oliver Lane has truly taken control of these women. Even in death, he’s manipulating the entire situation. This story is amazing and full of manipulation. He’s almost every woman’s dream; successful, strong, take charge, sensitive, courteous, responsible and on the other hand he’s not worth the head on a buffalo nickel.
A very good read with a surprise at the end.
August 7, 2022
Undeva pe copertă scrie că o voi recomanda tuturor prietenilor mei. Nu este cazul, dar vreau totuși să vă spun impresia generală.
Da, cartea are suspans și am citit-o foarte repede. Chiar am trecut prin ea cu interes și nu am avut în niciun moment intenția de a o abandona. Este relaxantă, clar.
Daar dacă mă apuc să mă gândesc la găurile din ea, la faptul că cea mai mare parte este povestită de un copil de 11 ani care pur și simplu nu are cum să aibă o asemenea gândire, la zecile de detalii adăugate ca să fie, la faptul că morții pot avea și ei o părere doar ca să nu lipsească nimic, la structură (și lista poate continua), are de la mine un “nu”.
Nu pot spune că a fost o dezamăgire fiindcă nu am plecat cu nicio așteptare. Nu e plauzibil absolut nimic din cartea asta. Părerea mea, bineînțeles.
Da, cartea are suspans și am citit-o foarte repede. Chiar am trecut prin ea cu interes și nu am avut în niciun moment intenția de a o abandona. Este relaxantă, clar.
Daar dacă mă apuc să mă gândesc la găurile din ea, la faptul că cea mai mare parte este povestită de un copil de 11 ani care pur și simplu nu are cum să aibă o asemenea gândire, la zecile de detalii adăugate ca să fie, la faptul că morții pot avea și ei o părere doar ca să nu lipsească nimic, la structură (și lista poate continua), are de la mine un “nu”.
Nu pot spune că a fost o dezamăgire fiindcă nu am plecat cu nicio așteptare. Nu e plauzibil absolut nimic din cartea asta. Părerea mea, bineînțeles.
January 14, 2019
”He told each of us that he loved us more than anyone and anything in the world, and, as if he were slicing the palm of his hand with a knife and commingling our blood, he pledged his undying love with the same, now haunting words: I love you more than life itself."
My favorite cop show of all time- as well as my favorite show of all time, period- is In the Heat of the Night. It’s based off the movie of the same name and follows police force in the fictional town of Sparta, Georgia. It’s one of the few exceptions of the remake being better than the original, and it’s still relevant and important.
One of my favorite episodes involves a pastor who was found murdered in his parish. The police soon discover that he has not one, not two, but three grieving widows. How ironic for a pastor to be practicing bigamy, eh? Needless to say, the ladies were in shock that their god-fearing husband could do something like that to them. Over the course of the episode, though, they become friends and proceed to supply the police force with enough food to last them through the apocalypse. Instead of taking the easy way and hating each others’ guts, they formed a friendship, in a weird, comrade sort of way.
As you can see, that episode stuck with me. Because of that, it was probably no wonder that I read the plot synopsis of the book and immediately added it to my TBR. The basic concept is still there (a man is married to more than one woman), but the more interesting element of it was that once they knew of each other’s existence, they took their bond a bit further: they were going to kill that bastard.
This was my first read of this year, and book legend states that the very first book you read will predict the entire year for you. If that’s the case, then I’m in for a confusing but strangely satisfying year. The book wasn’t bad, per se; it just went in a lot of directions that left me entirely perplexed.
I felt I never really got to know Oliver as a character. I was told right away by both the synopsis and the wives that he was a psychotic, emotionally manipulative bastard, so I think that one-note character judgment made it hard for me to truly understand him. He did narrate one little section of the story, but that didn’t do anything to change my opinion. If a writer wants to create emotionally complex characters, they need to do that from the very beginning so our judgment won’t get clouded.
For those readers who don’t like kid narrators, I would avoid this book. Picasso Lane is the twelve-year-old daughter of Diana Lane (Wife No. 1). Her narration was a bit choppy in the beginning, but towards the middle she really came into her own, and I ended up enjoying her storyline. Something of an outcast with a sky0high IQ, she’s the perfect balance of being wise beyond her years and still having that childlike innocence. Adults severely underestimate children most of the time, and I think both the readers and every single adult character in this book did the same thing.
Each of the wives were fleshed out, but I do think the author characterized them as thinking they were smarter than they thought they were. Instead of the smug satisfaction that the reader should get when they hear about their diabolical plot, it’s more of a head scratching sensation and pity that they probably won’t be able to carry out their plan.
The ending is a bit hurried together, but I feel that it will satisfy those readers who enjoy having the rug pulled out from them in the final reveal. This book is compulsively readable, but at the same time it’s a bit confusing in ways that can’t fully be described.
My favorite cop show of all time- as well as my favorite show of all time, period- is In the Heat of the Night. It’s based off the movie of the same name and follows police force in the fictional town of Sparta, Georgia. It’s one of the few exceptions of the remake being better than the original, and it’s still relevant and important.
One of my favorite episodes involves a pastor who was found murdered in his parish. The police soon discover that he has not one, not two, but three grieving widows. How ironic for a pastor to be practicing bigamy, eh? Needless to say, the ladies were in shock that their god-fearing husband could do something like that to them. Over the course of the episode, though, they become friends and proceed to supply the police force with enough food to last them through the apocalypse. Instead of taking the easy way and hating each others’ guts, they formed a friendship, in a weird, comrade sort of way.
As you can see, that episode stuck with me. Because of that, it was probably no wonder that I read the plot synopsis of the book and immediately added it to my TBR. The basic concept is still there (a man is married to more than one woman), but the more interesting element of it was that once they knew of each other’s existence, they took their bond a bit further: they were going to kill that bastard.
This was my first read of this year, and book legend states that the very first book you read will predict the entire year for you. If that’s the case, then I’m in for a confusing but strangely satisfying year. The book wasn’t bad, per se; it just went in a lot of directions that left me entirely perplexed.
I felt I never really got to know Oliver as a character. I was told right away by both the synopsis and the wives that he was a psychotic, emotionally manipulative bastard, so I think that one-note character judgment made it hard for me to truly understand him. He did narrate one little section of the story, but that didn’t do anything to change my opinion. If a writer wants to create emotionally complex characters, they need to do that from the very beginning so our judgment won’t get clouded.
For those readers who don’t like kid narrators, I would avoid this book. Picasso Lane is the twelve-year-old daughter of Diana Lane (Wife No. 1). Her narration was a bit choppy in the beginning, but towards the middle she really came into her own, and I ended up enjoying her storyline. Something of an outcast with a sky0high IQ, she’s the perfect balance of being wise beyond her years and still having that childlike innocence. Adults severely underestimate children most of the time, and I think both the readers and every single adult character in this book did the same thing.
Each of the wives were fleshed out, but I do think the author characterized them as thinking they were smarter than they thought they were. Instead of the smug satisfaction that the reader should get when they hear about their diabolical plot, it’s more of a head scratching sensation and pity that they probably won’t be able to carry out their plan.
The ending is a bit hurried together, but I feel that it will satisfy those readers who enjoy having the rug pulled out from them in the final reveal. This book is compulsively readable, but at the same time it’s a bit confusing in ways that can’t fully be described.
March 5, 2025
I Love You More
- A Beach Read That's Actually Worth Your Time
Do you know those books that sound amazing in the description but end up being total letdowns? This isn't one of them. I first spotted I Love You More by Jennifer Murphy back in October 2013, and something about it just wouldn't let go of my brain. I sat on my advance copy for a while, which turned out to be pure torture - but also genius. By the time I finally cracked it open, I couldn't shut up about it to anyone who'd listen.
Here's the thing about this book: it completely blindsided me, in the best possible way. Sure, on paper, it's a whodunit, but that's like saying chocolate lava cake is just dessert. Murphy takes all those tired old tropes about love and cheating and throws them out the window. From page one, I was hooked like a fish who didn't even see the bait coming.
The real magic? These characters feel like people you might actually know - you know, if your friends happened to be caught up in a seriously messed-up situation. Murphy digs deep into what makes us human, especially when everything we thought we knew comes crashing down around us. Reading this, you can't help but play the "what would I do?" game. Though fair warning: whatever you're thinking, these characters will prove you wrong.
Listen, if you're looking for the perfect beach read this summer, this is it. But don't blame me if your ice cream melts while you're lost in its pages. This isn't just another mindless summer novel - it's the kind of book that grabs you by the collar and doesn't let go until the very last page. And trust me, that ending? You won't see it coming.
Do you know those books that sound amazing in the description but end up being total letdowns? This isn't one of them. I first spotted I Love You More by Jennifer Murphy back in October 2013, and something about it just wouldn't let go of my brain. I sat on my advance copy for a while, which turned out to be pure torture - but also genius. By the time I finally cracked it open, I couldn't shut up about it to anyone who'd listen.
Here's the thing about this book: it completely blindsided me, in the best possible way. Sure, on paper, it's a whodunit, but that's like saying chocolate lava cake is just dessert. Murphy takes all those tired old tropes about love and cheating and throws them out the window. From page one, I was hooked like a fish who didn't even see the bait coming.
The real magic? These characters feel like people you might actually know - you know, if your friends happened to be caught up in a seriously messed-up situation. Murphy digs deep into what makes us human, especially when everything we thought we knew comes crashing down around us. Reading this, you can't help but play the "what would I do?" game. Though fair warning: whatever you're thinking, these characters will prove you wrong.
Listen, if you're looking for the perfect beach read this summer, this is it. But don't blame me if your ice cream melts while you're lost in its pages. This isn't just another mindless summer novel - it's the kind of book that grabs you by the collar and doesn't let go until the very last page. And trust me, that ending? You won't see it coming.
February 20, 2015
I read a LOT of mysteries and was excited when a librarian recommended it. And the premise sounded interesting. AS others have mentioned, one man with three wives, ends up dead. The story is told through various voices, one of his children, a precocious tween named Picasso, the wives (one of the niftiest conceits), the detective and, eventually, the murdered man. Sadly, however, the book didn't work for me. It all came down to the characters not feeling true (which I find inexcusable - she said archly). Probably the most egregious was the detective. Likeable enough guy but about as three-dimensional as a gingerbread man.
As an aside, in looking at the Goodreads reviews (and since I read so many mysteries I usually take the overall score into account when deciding what to read, especially with authors that are new to me), I couldn't help noticing that a lot of the 5 stars reviews were from folks who got advance copies. Caveat emptor: I clearly should have looked at the individual reviews before I decided to give it a try, but seems like it would be nice to more methodically flag those or find out a way to factor that into the overall score. And I'm sure that GR encourages those folks to review honestly but I'm sure there's research out there showing that that's likely not going to happen, even with the best of intentions. And it's not that this is horrible, at all. But no way is it deserving of 3.75 stars. Anyway, just my two cents.
As an aside, in looking at the Goodreads reviews (and since I read so many mysteries I usually take the overall score into account when deciding what to read, especially with authors that are new to me), I couldn't help noticing that a lot of the 5 stars reviews were from folks who got advance copies. Caveat emptor: I clearly should have looked at the individual reviews before I decided to give it a try, but seems like it would be nice to more methodically flag those or find out a way to factor that into the overall score. And I'm sure that GR encourages those folks to review honestly but I'm sure there's research out there showing that that's likely not going to happen, even with the best of intentions. And it's not that this is horrible, at all. But no way is it deserving of 3.75 stars. Anyway, just my two cents.
July 1, 2017
I received this book for free through Goodreads First Reads.
This book sucked me in from the start, and I felt that I had to keep reading to find out what happened and how it happened. I hope to never meet any of these people in real life, but they were compelling characters. A few of the situations and characters seemed a little implausible, but that didn't take away from my overall enjoyment of the book.
This book sucked me in from the start, and I felt that I had to keep reading to find out what happened and how it happened. I hope to never meet any of these people in real life, but they were compelling characters. A few of the situations and characters seemed a little implausible, but that didn't take away from my overall enjoyment of the book.
August 16, 2014
Not only does this book have a great cover, but it has a compelling storyline to go with it. I loved the idea of three women married to the same man refusing to be victimized. Only in fiction can a murder plot sound so appealing! I devoured this book within days. I highly recommend it.
December 17, 2023
3.5 stars
Picasso is 11 or 12 years old when her father is murdered. It seems that her mother (along with her father’s other two wives!!!) planned it. The detective investigating the case falls for Picasso’s mother, Diana.
I listened to the audio and it took a little while for me to get interested, but it did get better. There were a couple of twists near/at the end that brought my rating up from “ok” to “good”. However, I didn’t think was believable. The audio is done by a few different narrators. I’m not sure I noticed if each of the wives had their own perspectives or not; Diana definitely did, but I’m not sure about the others. I do know I had a bit of trouble telling whose perspective we were listening to with the women’s voice(s). We followed perspectives from Picasso, Diana, and the detective – and at least one more.
Picasso is 11 or 12 years old when her father is murdered. It seems that her mother (along with her father’s other two wives!!!) planned it. The detective investigating the case falls for Picasso’s mother, Diana.
I listened to the audio and it took a little while for me to get interested, but it did get better. There were a couple of twists near/at the end that brought my rating up from “ok” to “good”. However, I didn’t think was believable. The audio is done by a few different narrators. I’m not sure I noticed if each of the wives had their own perspectives or not; Diana definitely did, but I’m not sure about the others. I do know I had a bit of trouble telling whose perspective we were listening to with the women’s voice(s). We followed perspectives from Picasso, Diana, and the detective – and at least one more.
May 21, 2023
A backlist title by the author of one of my favorite reads this year, Scarlet in Blue. Great concept. Three wives discover each other's existence and plot to murder their husband. Loved the alternating narratives of the wives, the detective, and Picasso, the young daughter of the only legal wife.
Picasso loves words and collects dictionaries. The way the author weaves that into the story is terrific. With that said, the book tended to drag in parts. It is very likely my mood and not the fault of the writing.
Picasso loves words and collects dictionaries. The way the author weaves that into the story is terrific. With that said, the book tended to drag in parts. It is very likely my mood and not the fault of the writing.
March 6, 2025
The story is told by Picasso, the daughter.
Oliver, a man with three wives, one legally and two not legal.
There was a murder, Oliver was dead. the wives said they didn't kill him. They did know each other and it would be a great idea. No gun was found.
What had the detectives missed?
Oliver, a man with three wives, one legally and two not legal.
There was a murder, Oliver was dead. the wives said they didn't kill him. They did know each other and it would be a great idea. No gun was found.
What had the detectives missed?
July 20, 2016
4.0 out of 5 stars -- One man, three "wives", and a mystery -- who killed their husband?
This was a deliciously unputdownable novel that kept me turning the pages well into the night! The story unfolds with different points of view and moving back and forth in time. How did these women end up in this situation -- Diana, Jewels, and Bert...and why does each of them think that Oliver Lane loves her "more than life itself?" Once the women find out about each other, they meet and forumlate a plan. But, little ears hear every word as Diana's daughter, Picasso, follows them, listens to their scheme, and tries to separate truth from all the lies. Meanwhile, a very persistent pair of detectives is determined to find out just what happened on that sunny morning in the beach house.
The setting, the atmosphere, the characters, and the unfolding details are brilliantly laid before the reader in tantalizing chapters that reveal the thoughts and motivations behind the decisions and actions of each player in this drama. The writing style really gave the tale depth as the author uses Picasso's love of words and their meanings to enhance her perspective and develop her unique point of view of the situation. The conclusion is quite a revelation and I believe that book clubs and everyone who reads this book will form a special relationship with Picasso and close the book with a sigh of satisfaction.
I recommend it to those who like family drama with a unique twist and those who like a slowly unfolding mystery that's solved in a manner that begs discussion. The cover gives it a sort of noir touch and sets a mood.
Thank you to NetGalley and Doubleday Books for the e-book ARC to review.
This was a deliciously unputdownable novel that kept me turning the pages well into the night! The story unfolds with different points of view and moving back and forth in time. How did these women end up in this situation -- Diana, Jewels, and Bert...and why does each of them think that Oliver Lane loves her "more than life itself?" Once the women find out about each other, they meet and forumlate a plan. But, little ears hear every word as Diana's daughter, Picasso, follows them, listens to their scheme, and tries to separate truth from all the lies. Meanwhile, a very persistent pair of detectives is determined to find out just what happened on that sunny morning in the beach house.
The setting, the atmosphere, the characters, and the unfolding details are brilliantly laid before the reader in tantalizing chapters that reveal the thoughts and motivations behind the decisions and actions of each player in this drama. The writing style really gave the tale depth as the author uses Picasso's love of words and their meanings to enhance her perspective and develop her unique point of view of the situation. The conclusion is quite a revelation and I believe that book clubs and everyone who reads this book will form a special relationship with Picasso and close the book with a sigh of satisfaction.
I recommend it to those who like family drama with a unique twist and those who like a slowly unfolding mystery that's solved in a manner that begs discussion. The cover gives it a sort of noir touch and sets a mood.
Thank you to NetGalley and Doubleday Books for the e-book ARC to review.
July 2, 2015
What could be a better read for Valentine's Day than a book about love, more love, and murder? Initially, I resisted reading I Love You More because it was not the first book where the premise involved one man having multiple wives without their knowledge, but I soon realized the writing made this vastly different from A Circle of Wives. In I Love You More, the women banded together to take down their lying spouse, which created a web of lies worth reading! I appreciate books where the author makes a villain a sympathetic character I don't feel guilty about liking, and this book was packed with an array of those characters.
The book was told in alternating perspectives: The wives of Oliver; Picasso, the oldest daughter of Oliver; and Kyle, the detective investigating Oliver's murder. Picasso was the highlight of the book for me. She was spunky, smart, and deceptive, which made her seem older that the youngster she was. There was a lot going on with the plot, but the smooth writing told the story in an easy way. This wasn't a book about good versus evil, instead it pitted kind of evil against more evil against very evil. There were constant twists that kept me very entertained. At the end of the book, the author had me examining my own morals as it related to how I differentiate between right and wrong. I'm still deciding which characters were villains.
This book earned a place on my top books so far this year! If you are in need of a devilish read, then this is for you!
Please read more of my reviews on my blog: http://fastpageturner.wordpress.com
or follow me on twitter at @dana_heyde
The book was told in alternating perspectives: The wives of Oliver; Picasso, the oldest daughter of Oliver; and Kyle, the detective investigating Oliver's murder. Picasso was the highlight of the book for me. She was spunky, smart, and deceptive, which made her seem older that the youngster she was. There was a lot going on with the plot, but the smooth writing told the story in an easy way. This wasn't a book about good versus evil, instead it pitted kind of evil against more evil against very evil. There were constant twists that kept me very entertained. At the end of the book, the author had me examining my own morals as it related to how I differentiate between right and wrong. I'm still deciding which characters were villains.
This book earned a place on my top books so far this year! If you are in need of a devilish read, then this is for you!
Please read more of my reviews on my blog: http://fastpageturner.wordpress.com
or follow me on twitter at @dana_heyde
August 11, 2016
2013 was the year of the dysfunctional marriage novel (see: Gone Girl, The Silent Wife, Where’d You Go Bernadette), and it looks like 2014 is shaping up to be the year of the polygamous/polyamorous marriage plot. I just finished Jennifer Murphy’s, “I Love You More," and am eagerly awaiting Alice LaPlante's "Circle of Wives."
Told for the most part from the perspective of twelve year old Picasso Lane (can we talk about how fabulous that name is for a second?), daughter of the recently deceased Oliver Lane, "I Love You More" slowly unravels the mystery of how Oliver managed to amass a trio of wives and separate families. Oh, and don't forget of course, who is responsible for his recent murder. One of the most charming protagonists/junior detective characters I’ve run across, Picasso is wise beyond her years but in a way that is believable and charming.
While not quite a thriller, this mystery moves at a steady pace and its resolution left me feeling satisfied. The plot can feel predictable in some places, but twists and turns in ways that keep the story fresh. For a novel of many characters, I felt Murphy did a good job of giving them each their own individual traits and voices (despite an interesting narrative choice—you’ll see). The only person who I wish I had better understood was Oliver, but perhaps that’s the issue at the heart of the book anyway…
A solid 3.5 out of 5 stars.
Disclaimer: I received an advance copy of this novel for review courtesy of the publisher.
Told for the most part from the perspective of twelve year old Picasso Lane (can we talk about how fabulous that name is for a second?), daughter of the recently deceased Oliver Lane, "I Love You More" slowly unravels the mystery of how Oliver managed to amass a trio of wives and separate families. Oh, and don't forget of course, who is responsible for his recent murder. One of the most charming protagonists/junior detective characters I’ve run across, Picasso is wise beyond her years but in a way that is believable and charming.
While not quite a thriller, this mystery moves at a steady pace and its resolution left me feeling satisfied. The plot can feel predictable in some places, but twists and turns in ways that keep the story fresh. For a novel of many characters, I felt Murphy did a good job of giving them each their own individual traits and voices (despite an interesting narrative choice—you’ll see). The only person who I wish I had better understood was Oliver, but perhaps that’s the issue at the heart of the book anyway…
A solid 3.5 out of 5 stars.
Disclaimer: I received an advance copy of this novel for review courtesy of the publisher.
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