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The Anchorman's Wife

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Shay appears to have the perfect marriage to Gideon Wells, Boston’s most popular news anchor. But their lives are ripped apart when she is attacked outside the soup kitchen where she volunteers. Depressed and struggling to remember who assaulted her, Shay hires a new maid to help her around the house while she recovers from her injuries. But this new maid is not what she seems and things go from bad to worse, causing Shay to revisit a painful childhood past that she’s been desperately trying to forget.

391 pages, Kindle Edition

First published October 24, 2023

23 people are currently reading
1743 people want to read

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Joseph Souza

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5 stars
31 (28%)
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44 (41%)
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24 (22%)
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 64 reviews
Profile Image for Liezel Hewitt.
61 reviews7 followers
October 14, 2023
3 ⭐️

Thank you to BookSirens for giving me the opportunity to review this ARC.

This book started off really well but fizzled out half way through.

I feel that the main plot twist was revealed way to soon and made this book really predictable.

Some parts was way too far fetched and made me feel like this story was not thought threw.

I was hoping for a great ending but was really disappointed because nothing happened.
Profile Image for Sherri Thacker.
1,691 reviews379 followers
September 4, 2023
Shay’s night changes in an instant when she is attacked on her way home from volunteering at a homeless shelter. She has no recollection of what happens so she struggles with her memory. I enjoyed the story even though her husband, Gideon was a jerk! There was a huge twist in part 2 that I did not see coming and that kept me on the edge of my seat! So many twists and turns along the way in parts 2 and 3, they just blew me away! You’ll have to read it to find out what happens. Thanks to NetGalley and the publisher for this early release in exchange for my honest review. Highly recommend this one! I went into this book with 0 expectations and I was pleasantly surprised!!!
Profile Image for *JEN the booknerd*.
244 reviews52 followers
October 17, 2023
3.5 stars

This was entertaining and I did enjoy it. I figured out what was going on pretty early on but it was still worth reading. I feel like the ending left things a little open, there could possibly be a sequel.

Thanks to Netgalley and the publisher for this ARC.
Profile Image for Karen’s Library.
1,304 reviews209 followers
November 20, 2023
I was excited to read this book when I found out it was a thriller in the world of newscasters. For whatever reason, I just knew I’d find it fascinating and I was right. Joseph Souza did not disappoint!

Shay, the wife of Boston’s most popular evening news anchorman, is brutally attacked after leaving a soup kitchen where she regularly volunteers.

4 months later, Shay has still not recovered from her attack and finds herself with severe memory loss. Some days she can’t even remember what she did the day before, including firing her part-time maid and hiring a new full time maid to help her care for herself and her blind young daughter.

The story goes back and forth between the POVs of Shay and Gideon, her husband. (Gideon is pretty much a slime ball.)

I thought the story Shay and Gideon were telling was interesting enough, but then at about a third way into the book, the biggest twist I’ve seen in a long time hits and my mind was blown. And then…. The twists just keep on coming. For me, I love twisty stories and can’t get enough!

I read this book every chance I could get and couldn’t wait to get back to it when I had to go deal with real life.

*Thanks so much to the author and to Suzy’s Approved Book Tours for the gifted ARC and for including me on the book tour!*
Profile Image for Nicole Young.
174 reviews15 followers
August 21, 2024
First and foremost, I would like to thank Mr. Souza and Booksirens for giving me the opportunity to read and review an ARC of this book.


This is my voluntary, unbiased, and honest review.

TRIGGER WARNING: INFIDELITY

⭐️⭐️⭐️
3 Stars= It was an enjoyable read.

This book was a fun read. The first 50% was enjoyable, but once the big twist (which happened in a matter of two pages) was revealed, the last 50% of the story fell flat and was fairly predictable.

Once the twist was shared with us, things just happened too quickly. The main character seemed to figure things out almost instantly, and there was very little buildup to her trying to piece together the tragic event that had happened to her and who had caused it. She somehow figured out the who, when, where, why, and how when she had very little information to go on.

Things quickly became over the top and almost unbelievable as well. While in the beginning a few things here and there seemed far-fetched, , they were doable.

The conclusion to the story was also too neat. The main character formulated this plan to set her life straight and pulled it off flawlessly and without any hiccups. The problem was solved with very little action. The solution was given to us in the form of a present wrapped in a neat little bow.

The story also didn't share anything about what happened to the main character after the situation got sorted out. It was just like this, this, and this happened to her, and life went on.

Overall, while the story was enjoyable and entertaining, it could have used a bit more substance. More buildup and suspense could have been added in certain places. But what we got wasn't too bad either.

I will be checking out other books by this author in the future.
Profile Image for Pamela.
92 reviews253 followers
October 30, 2023
I would like to thank NetGalley, Joseph Souza and Level Best Books for an ARC copy of this book in exchange for my honest review.

3⭐ - Shay is married to Boston's most popular news anchorman and not so fateful Gideon Wells.

One night after volunteering at the local soup kitchen, Shay gets attacked - leaving her for dead.

After the attack she struggles to remember who attacked her and is accused of doing several things she doesn't remember, like harming a dog. Something she would never dream of doing before her attack however there is video footage of her doing this. So how could she deny it?

With a husband who's constantly busy with his job and a blind daughter Quinn, on top of Shay's own head injury. She decides to hire a new maid, Tatyana to help around the house. But can the new maid be trusted, is the maid really who she says she is?

Overall this was a good book, I particularly enjoyed the first half of the book - I kept reading because I wanted to know if the maid was who she said she was. The second half of the book felt too predictable and I felt like the ending wasn't really a fitting ending for this book.
Profile Image for Gwynn M.
103 reviews1 follower
September 19, 2023
Thank you to NetGalley, author and publisher for an ARC of this book.

Shay Wells...wife of popular news anchor Gideon Wells, and mother to Quinn, has been brutally attacked after leaving the soup kitchen where she volunteers. Trying her best to recover from her injury, her mind is muddled, causing her to commit actions she never would have otherwise. Her perfect marriage is strained by this violent attack, and worst of all, Shay can't remember who assaulted her.

To assist in her recovery, Shay hires a new maid to help around the house but this new maid is not what she seems and things go from bad to worse, causing Shay to revist her painful childhood.

This book was slow moving in the beginning. A lot of repetion regarding how people are feeling. That seems to be a pet peeve of mine lately while reading. However, I was pleasantly surprised as the story picked up pace and didn't stop until the very end. Great character development, lots of twists and turns, and an all around great read.
Profile Image for Debbie Rozier.
1,362 reviews90 followers
November 29, 2023
This was a twisty domestic suspense that had me glued to my seat from the first page through the last.

The thriler is told in three parts and has multiple points of view. Each part of the book builds perfectly to keep the plot moving.

I love the range of characters in this one. We have points of view from a variety of ages and at every direction in the moral compass.

I don’t want to give any part of the plot away so I’ll keep the summary short. Shay Wells is attacked leaving her volunteer shift at the soup kitchen. The injury to her brain has made her memory fuzzy.

Shay is devastated that she can’t do as much for her twelve year old daughter, Quinn, as she did before the accident.

Shay is married to Gideon Wells, one of the top Boston news broadcasters. Gideon struggles to stay faithful to his marriage vows and his main focus is becoming the number 1 newscaster around.

With Shay’s memory blips, her philandering husband, and a new housekeeper that has taken an invested interest in Shay’s family, nothing is as it seems.
Profile Image for Dr. Raye of Sunshine.
309 reviews4 followers
September 24, 2023
This is actually a pretty good book. I enjoyed the story and kept reading to find out what was going to end up happening to Shay.

Shay ends up being attacked after volunteering at a soup kitchen and has a pretty substantial brain injury. She begins to behave erratically and do things that just don't seem in character with who she is. From here, the story picks up and the reader is left wondering what is happening; could someone's behavior really change that much from this kind of injury.

I was not in the least surprised by the twist, mostly because if you pay attention, a huge hint is given very early on. However, once the twist is actually revealed, it gets a little ridiculous at times. There are situations where Shay goes from having no clue as to what's happening to figuring everything out just thinking about it. It's unrealistic at best, especially from someone who has a brain injury and has been foggy-brained for awhile.

Other than those things, the story itself is quite good. I enjoyed it quite a lot.

Solid 4 stars.

I received an advance review copy for free, and I am leaving this review voluntarily.
Profile Image for Megan Pardoe.
136 reviews6 followers
October 1, 2023
Shay, wife of Boston anchor Gideon, is volunteering at a soup kitchen and has a strnage enounter with a visitor. As she is leaving, Shay is attacked and left with no memory of the incident. While Shay struggles to recover from her attack, they hire a maid to help around the house. Once the maid arrives, things quickly take a turn and awaken the past.

I thought the beginning of this book pulled me in and then was a bit slow. Although I didn't see the twists coming, I felt the reveals were a little short and I wished I was given more information. Overall, it was good read and story, but felt I had some unanswered questions at the end.

Thank you so much to the publisher Level Best Books and the Author for a copy of this ARC via Netgalley in exchange for an honest review.
Profile Image for Sarah W.
1,014 reviews34 followers
October 31, 2023
I loved the multiple POVs with two of them being unlikeable characters which really helped the pace moving after a twist was revealed a little early one. I hadn’t had it completely figured out by the time it was revealed but it made sense. I felt for Shay and really enjoyed her POV especially after part II. I wanted a couple people to get what was coming to them. There was. small plot hole that one character did mention towards the end, but with knowing the characters personality I can see why they missed the details. It didn’t take away anything from the story for me just a question that popped up a couple times while I was reading. While it was left a little open-ended I liked where the characters ended up. It was an entertaining and fast read.
Profile Image for Bev.
3,273 reviews98 followers
October 9, 2023
Shay Williams was attacked after she left a soup kitchen where she volunteered. She is the wife of Gideon Wells, a newscaster. They have a daughter, and everything was great until the attack. Now Shay's memory is faulty, and she does things that are out of character for her. But who attacked her and why? I wasn't prepared for the answer to those questions. I received an advance review copy for free, and I am leaving this review voluntarily.
24 reviews2 followers
October 28, 2023
I was able to read this as an ARC. Souza is a new author for me and this book makes sure I will read of his work.
Who is the Anchor man's wife? What really happened to her? A twisty mystery with surprising turns that keep you reading too late into the night!
The plot: convoluted and crazy good. The characters: multiple changes in all of them keep you guessing...
I recommend this book for a dark, stormy night and you will be amazed!
Profile Image for LeeAnn.
1,831 reviews2 followers
September 23, 2023
This book is a master class in the unreliable narrator and red herring distractions.

I love a good twisty thriller with likable but untrustworthy characters.

Add in PTSD, depression, and trauma, as well as narcissistic and empathic characters. Oh, and mean girls & twin identities, just for fun. This book is a wild ride.

Fame is a tricky thing. And being upper middle class has its own privileges - and downfalls.

The perfect romantic thriller romance for autumn.
Profile Image for Ann.
452 reviews131 followers
October 4, 2023
The Anchorman’s Wife

This book was a slow burn at first. Shay, the wife of Gideon (who is a well-known news anchor in Boston), is volunteering at a soup kitchen and is attacked as she’s getting in her car to go home. She suffers a traumatic brain injury and goes through a long recovery, followed by some abrupt personality changes and bizarre behaviors. Shay and Gideon have one daughter who has been left blind after retinoblastoma in early childhood.

This sets up the story, and from there are many twists and turns. Shay has a tough time, and so does her husband and daughter for different reasons.

What happens to Shay and her family after this is all set up encompasses the rest of the book, and it’s a lot of stuff! No one is spared, including the daughter.

The idea for the plot was interesting. I thought it could have been told in a smoother fashion with fewer holes in the plot line. This is my first exposure to the author for the, and I’ll definitely read his work again.

My thanks to BookSirens for the ARC. My review is given voluntarily.
710 reviews8 followers
November 9, 2023
Cheering and worried about Shay, as she recovers from an assault outside a soup kitchen. This was a fast paced, interesting book, but I was disappointed at the ending. No one likes waiting for a conclusion, unless they know ahead that that is what they are reading.
Profile Image for Jessica.
6 reviews
April 4, 2024
I received this book in a giveaway and I enjoyed reading it. I didn't guess the twist when it happened. It was fun to read and I would recommend it to anyone who likes crime/thriller types of books.
71 reviews8 followers
September 26, 2023
Very interesting plot- I would have liked more of the back story. I hope there is a sequel!
Profile Image for Holly Sheridan.
25 reviews2 followers
November 3, 2023
I absolutely loved this book! Wow!! It kept me up reading in the middle of the night. I love a good twin twist. I can’t wait to read another book by this author!
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
Profile Image for Carol Ball.
131 reviews2 followers
September 26, 2023
Spoiler alert

This is quite a good story and was fairly easy to read. The storyline had some bits that were a bit to far fetched and for me (a nurse) I thought it was too much to believe that a housekeeper would be able to take blood. Also that Shay just allowed it and a hospital just accepted the samples !!!

I did like the twist in the story but the general story lacked some real body. It needed a bit more meat on the bones - for example

How did Shay suddenly work out who was behind all the issues. There were no real direction or clues for her.

How did George (& partner in crime) know how much food & alcohol they would need. Or how long he would survive with his cancer to be able to continue the abduction - it’s a bit to far fetched and assumes the reader will not notice.

However, I did enjoy the plot, there were lots of really cleverly written parts that I liked. I wasn’t bored at any time and I didn’t skip bits (usually speed read or skip bits if it’s too wordy or descriptive). I liked all the characters and found they were well chosen for the storyline. I didn’t like the “it all ends well” bit at the end. It needed to be better……

Didn’t actual really confirm that Shannon was dead, maybe leaving it open for a second book????

To get five stars I would want it to be more snappy, no guess work and clear funnelling of how, who and why. I don’t want to be spoon fed the ending but I don’t want there to be too many gaps either.

I received an advance review copy for free, and I am leaving this review voluntarily.
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
Profile Image for Sarah.
273 reviews25 followers
October 4, 2023
Thank you to BookSirens for the ARC. I write this review voluntarily. I would rate this about a 3 1/2. The author wrote a clear clue on the night of the attack so I was just waiting to figure out how that would finally evolve. It seemed to take awhile. I didn’t find it surprising in a plot twist kinda way. However, it was an enjoyable and quick read. The end seemed to be written in a rush to tie up loose ends rather than teasing it out a bit longer.
I would recommend it. Probably a 3 1/2 rating.
Profile Image for Diane Lynch.
255 reviews12 followers
September 6, 2023
I was stunned by all the twists and turns in this intense psychological thriller. The Anchotmsn’s Wife is Shay. The well-developed characters revolve around Shay.
The plot is original and delivered by the characters in alternating chapters.

Shay, a dedicated mom and wife, is attacked, resulting in head trauma. The first half of this book is all about Shay and what is going on with her. The second part takes the reader on a journey into Shay’s life. Shocking and complex events that affect Shay and everyone around her have been set in motion. It’s a living nightmare for Shay.

The author makes this complex thriller easy to follow. The characters tell their part of the story in alternating chapters. The book starts with Shay. A few chapters later, the anchorman, Shay’s husband Gideon, takes over. And so on.

This is the first book I've read by Joseph Souza, whom I would like to thank for my advanced copy of The Anchorman’s Wife. My head is spinning from this book. I will be reading more of his books. I enjoy this style. Each character tells their own story. I got to know and care about these characters.
My best description is I feel this book is one I got to dig my teeth into. It’s more than a page-turner.
1 review
September 13, 2023
I loved this book - the plot moves along briskly and Souza does a great job of keeping readers on their toes. There were multiple twists that I couldn’t see coming but didn’t feel forced and worked perfectly. The characters all felt real and nuanced, which is refreshing for a book in this genre. Definitely recommend this for anyone who loves thrillers.
Profile Image for Eileen.
177 reviews3 followers
September 3, 2023
The premise of this book really intrigued me and the book starts off very strongly. I would say the first 40% was really good - you got to know a number of characters, not too many that they run together and the plot line kept picking up steam. Once the “twist” was revealed I was surprised, not what I expected but then as that twist developed it became incredibly exaggerated. Without giving away spoilers the weather differences in places hours apart was something you needed to just try and overlook. Unfortunately as someone who has spent a good number of years in the Boston area during winter I had a hard time overlooking. Parts of the books were very good especially the Gideon and Shay chapters and the different ways they saw the same things. I did not think having Quinn be blind added to the storyline, it made the book slightly more intriguing but felt unnecessary. Overall I would recommend this book but you need to suspend reality for some parts.
Profile Image for Carol Perreault.
1,591 reviews25 followers
September 27, 2023
Crazy good story of a woman married to a TV anchorman is attacked while leaving her volunteer job. She hires a maid to help while she recovers, but then the real story begins.
190 reviews7 followers
December 12, 2024
This is the first book I have read by this author but it will not be the last. It was an easy to read and comprehendible, but at the same time had so much mystery it definitely kept me on my toes and wanting more! My first thought as I read was that Gideon, Shay’s newscaster husband was self centered and egotistical. But as you read further, you understand why the author created his character as so. This book creates a scenario based on childhood trauma and how it can affect persons. Readers may experience many emotions and recognize why some people may feel the need for power and acceptance. A huge twist in the second half blew me away…. I never saw it coming at all! I loved the cliffhanger at the end involving Shannon. But that is all I will say…. You will have to read the book to find out what I am referring to!

Thank you Joseph Souza for the advanced reader copy. All opinions expressed here are my own.
Profile Image for Ivanka Fear.
Author 6 books69 followers
October 17, 2023
A gripping new thriller from award-winning author Joseph Souza! This book grabbed me from the beginning and kept me hooked through to the last page. I was immediately drawn into Shay Well’s life as she navigates her new reality following a physical assault that caused traumatic brain injury. Not only can Shay not recall who attacked her four months ago on the way home from the soup kitchen where she volunteered, she also continues to suffer from memory fog, fatigue, and anxiety.

Adding to Shay’s long recovery from the brain injury is her concern for her blind daughter. The one thing Shay does recall is her attacker’s threat to harm 11-year old Quinn. Then there’s Shay’s successful anchorman husband, Gideon, who seems to be more concerned about his career status and extramarital affairs than he is about his family. Shay hires a full-time housekeeper to take some of the strain off her as she recuperates, but her condition doesn’t improve, and Shay finds herself doing things that are completely out of character for her. Has she lost her mind? Or does someone want her to think that’s the case?

It’s as though the brain trauma has resulted in a split personality. Now the police, who have been unable to find out who nearly killed Shay, are investigating reports that she has attacked a neighbor’s dog and is threatening children. Worried how this will affect a possible promotion, Gideon agrees that a family vacation on a ranch will help his wife heal.

It does more than that. The sudden turn of events resulting from family secrets that emerge during this retreat had me sitting up straight and shouting out “What??” One plot twist follows another as Shay’s life as she knew it comes completely undone. Why is this happening to her?

Author Joseph Souza does an amazing job of story-telling using multiple and varied points of view and different tenses. He puts the reader directly into the scene as it’s happening for optimum effect, and provides deep insight into each character’s personality and thoughts.

The Anchorman’s Wife will keep you riveted as the truth about Shay’s past is unravelled. Twists and turns abound in this story of a woman whose life is turned upside down. With each new revelation, you’ll be racing to get to the shocking conclusion. A great domestic thriller you won’t want to miss!
I received an advance review copy for free, and I am leaving this review voluntarily.
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