The Sister Wife: A totally addictive psychological thriller with a shocking twist

Gray West Mystery #1

by Anya Mora

I’m a cult survivor and a single mother.
At thirty, I’m trying to piece my life together.
Now that I’m finally settled in a place of my own, with my two youngest children, I’m determined to make a life for myself. I’ve even started my own home business.
Things are looking up … until I find my friend murdered.
I know my ex-husband did this to get back at me. He’s been looking for me since I fled Garden Temple.
He wants control — over me and our children.
For the last year I’ve been acting the part of a suburban mom, hiding from my past. But it’s catching up to me.
I have no choice.
I was the sweet sister wife long enough. Now it’s time to be the woman who fights back.

The Sister Wife’s Secret is the first book in a new suspense series.

Genres: Audiobook, Romance, Mystery, Fiction, Thriller, Mystery Thriller, Ebooks

188 pages, Paperback

Published February 28, 2024

About the author

Anya Mora relies on her experience as a wife and mother to form her creative expression. Her novels, while leaning toward the dark, ultimately reflect light, courage, and her innate belief that love rewards the brave.

You can discover more about the author at https://anyamora.com

Reviews

[Destiny Rhodes · Rating 4 out of 5]

Enjoyed the store line but there were a LOT of grammatical errors that really just frustrated me.

[Wendy'sThoughts · Rating 4 out of 5]

3.5 Guilty Pleasure Stars
* * * 1/2
I admit it, I love a "Guilty Pleasure" and this was free, so it really touched on all of those bases. There was also something else that drew me to this book, too. I remembered an author that writes a specific type of romance mentioned she was branching out and by my researching the profiles of both pen names, Bingo, it was that author.

The Sister Wife's Secret (Gray West Mystery, #1) by Anya Mora worked for me on many levels. It fed my "Sister Wife" addiction and also gave me other things to focus on. It touched on the very current scandals of MLM companies and how they are skating the lines of Ponzi schemes, misrepresentations of products, and the bankruptcy they cause to their participants.

It is structured to have you wanting more and follow this series to the next entry but at the same time, you can read this all on its own...as it is the start of the series.

The Sister Wife's Secret (Gray West Mystery, #1)
https://www.goodreads.com/review/show...
The Sister Wife's Daughter (Gray West Mystery, #2)
The Sister Wife's Husband (Gray West Mystery, #3)
The Sister Wife's Search (Gray West Mystery, #4)

For more Reviews, Free E-books and Giveaways

[Elaine - Elaine · Rating 2 out of 5]

The Sister Wife's Secret has a good concept, but the plot and characters fell short and I could not get past some of the juvenile dialogue used by the characters in the story. I really don't think that people talk like that. The book is a quick read and the mystery is enough to keep most readers interested, but I really didn't enjoy this book.

[Kelly · Rating 2 out of 5]

Oh this book is so bad, but I kind of liked it anyway. The writing is really poorly executed, and on audiobook, the reader made it 100x worse. There was too much plot line and the characters were really flat. If I werent a sucker for a good polygamist cult story, I would have never made it through.

[Debby Houdek · Rating 1 out of 5]

Oh my. So bad. I was intrigued by the whole sister wife/cult premise but the writing was just so bad. The author really really likes the word “smirk.” Almost every page had someone saying something with a smirk. And the main character?? She knows someone has been in her house and stalking her but doesn’t go to the police? She has 2 young daughters at home and isn’t worried about them? Even leaves them home several times with a babysitter. I can’t believe there are sequels to this!

[Bev · Rating 4 out of 5]

Gray and her two daughters escape The Garden Temple. She has been hiding from an abusive husband and control freak. She works at the local library and has just started working another job working from home. Things are looking up until her friend is murdered. There are clues that her ex-husband knows where she and the girls are...did he kill her friend? Also, there is something going on with the business she just started but what is it? Things get pretty intense in this story. Can Gray and the girls really survive from the Garden Temple? I voluntarily reviewed an ARC of this book.

[Brenda Scott · Rating 4 out of 5]

I really enjoyed this story. It was well written and the characters were likable. I went immediately to book 2 after finishing this one.

[Zulma · Rating 4 out of 5]

A woman escapes a religious cult that had her married off by age 14 to an older man whom also married other young girls and had children with him. She restarts a new life but unknowingly gets involved in a pyramid scheme to make extra money.
There was suspense and murder, so now I'm curious if she's going to get into a romantic relationship with the police officer she met. Will the sicko, brainwashed ex-husband find her? The 2nd book is also on YouTube.

[joan morris · Rating 4 out of 5]

Easy read. Not too taxing for my brain😊😊
Don't know if I will read any more of her books

[Courtney Griffiths · Rating 4 out of 5]

Super easy read! I really loved this book. It was a super easy read, and very quickly pulled me in. I can’t wait to read the rest of the series.

[Molly Kate · Rating 1 out of 5]

The narrator/main character is so consistently stupid. This book could have been an email if she’d just had the sense to send it.

[Deborah Longman Author · Rating 3 out of 5]

The story was good, and the premise was great. However, there were too many inconsistencies in the story which I found incredibly distracting. At first the lead character says that she married at 15 and her husband was 10 years older, then it was 8 years, later it was 15 years older and she got married at 14. Her son was 16 which would have made her at least 31, but she says at several points she’s under 30. Then her sons friend is due to marry her ex and he is described as three times older, which would make him 48 when previous descriptions would have him at anything between 40 and 46 depending on which age and age difference you went by.
I found myself consistently getting annoyed by the maths! Basic plotting errors to distract from a decent story with an excellent premise. If the consistency was there I’d probably have rated this 4 or 5 stars and would probably have bought the rest in the series.

[Lorraine READ · Rating 3 out of 5]

Solid 3.5

This book does draw you in to Grays life, who, bless her, has seemingly jumped from the frying pan into the fire..... I enjoyed the storyline, it was pacy with a couple of twists but there were also some loop holes. And i must admit to one or 2 eye rolls....... why had Patrick and Anna no other friends or family?? What actual age IS Gray? Why did someone slam on the "breaks" and not the brakes, Grrrrr. Anyway, overall, an easy read, nothing too taxing. I enjoyed it and I'll probably read the next one too

[Erik Sapp · Rating 2 out of 5]

The idea behind this book was good. The actual telling needs help. The MC is kind of stupid. She knows what she has to do, but it takes forever for her to actually do it. The suspense with her ex-husband never really took off. The reader knows all along (because the author tells us) that it isn’t him. The killer comes out of nowhere without any real clues as to their identity.

[Iantha · Rating 4 out of 5]

Not Bad

I really enjoyed the storyline. There were some holes with description and character placement in certain scenes though. For example, one moment they're on the bed, and the next, they're in the car. How'd they get there? A little more detail is necessary at times. But, a good read.

[Gillian · Rating 4 out of 5]

Wasn't sure if this was a three or four star for me, but I went with 4 because it was an easy and enjoyable read. It also left me wanting to read book two which is a good sign. Nothing to dramatic in the twists and turns of the book, but still decent none the less. Probably isn't a full four star book, but maybe I'm feeling generous today.

[CATastrophe · Rating 4 out of 5]

Listened to the audiobook 🎧


I enjoyed it.
The only flaws I have towards it:
⚠️ Spoilers⚠️
The love interest kind of has an out of no where confession about their feelings, and that just didn’t seem to flow with the build up of the story

[Meagan Henry · Rating 4 out of 5]

Not too long of a book, so it didn't drag. It did feel like the ending was a bit weak and rushed. The last 20 pages or so passed very quickly and blurred together. It was an interesting read, but I didn't feel connected to the thriller aspect of it very much. Maybe book 2 will bring that?

[Anastasia · Rating 2 out of 5]

I listened to the audiobook.
The book was a good distraction, which is why I picked it. It is not interesting enough to keep reading the series.

[Sandi Robbins · Rating 2 out of 5]

I love to read and gave this a try. It was ok- that’s all I can say.

[Kristy Strickland · Rating 1 out of 5]

The stupidity of the characters. Let’s have some common sense!

[Beth · Rating 5 out of 5]

Suspenseful

A little girl, in the car with her parents, when they're in a bad accident that kills them in front of her. Orphaned, she finds out that her aunt and uncle, who are members of a cult, are, by her parents' will, her legal guardians. She is taken to live with the cult, and her inheritance is stolen and given to the cult.
At age 14, she is married to the cult leader. She believes she loves him, but that soon dies when he becomes physically abusive. Her son is born less than a year after their marriage. She has 3 more children, but the one who would have been the 2nd oldest dies when she is just a few days old. After than, she has 2 more girls. In addition, the cult leader has married 3 other women. Moatly, they get along. They all have several kids and were all married to him as young teens. Her son is into the cult, and she knows he won't let jer n go, he wouod find a way to turn them in. The cult leader had plans for marrying off his older daughter to someone nearly 4 times her age. This makes up her mind for her: she will run, assume a new identity, and keep her girls safe...get them a real education...let them celebrate holidays, have friends, learn. She gets bith if them into a STEM school, signs them up for science club, and watches them bloom. Ofncourse, the girls are used to a houseful of wives, siblings, half-siblings, andntheir friends and the community. Sometimes, the older girl esp seems to miss that life, butnshe is adapting.
Unaware of things like multi-level marketing, she ends up involved in a natural products company that sells "wellness" items. It started when a young woman came into the library where Gray works, asking for a book on how to make Kombucha, which Gray already knows how to do well. The cult didn't use western medicine; they had a huge herb garden and everyone learned how to make and use herbal remedies. She believes in the company, which she sees as an extension of what she used to do to heal people in the cult. While she didn't like the cult, she vakued many of the skills she learned there.
Patrick and his sister Anna are both very involved. Elle, who owns the company, is unwilling to sell although they, esp Anna, wantnto buy Elle out. Patrick has been a help to Gray, paying her extra to make deliveries for him. He pays money towards the younger daughter's ballet lessons, and he and Gray often go on walks or just chat about whatever is on their minds. He has invited her to walk with him the next day, but when 9 am rolls around, and she knocks on the door, there's no answer, but hs8 car is by his condo. She goes around back to check to see if he's OK, and she finds him murdered. She calls 911 right away.
The ensuing investigation is complicated by an intruder, a rumpled detective who takes a bit of a personal intrest in her. She finds out something about the man's aide, then there is another murder, the man's sister, and Gray is concerned about something very worrisome she accidentally discovers about some of the vitamins (and even more comes to light afterwards). She still has one person inthe cult to whom she can talk if she's desperate, a sister wife in the cult, and she needs to ask her to verify where their shared spouse has been. She also finds out that the girl her son is sweet on, with whom he has been friends since they were babies, has been stolen by his dad, a girl at the age of 15. Everyone knew the 2, Bethamy & their son Abel, were likely to marry, so this treachery against the teens has her upset. She isn't willing to go back and watch her young daughters be married off as young as 14, so she is always on the lookout for her husband. She has seen evidence that he's been in the house. Boone, the detective on the case, lokew jer and is interested in getting to know her better, but she isn't ready and he is willing to wait.
Therenis atnleast one sequel to this book.

[Marsha Rafalski · Rating 4 out of 5]

(3.5 rounded to 4.0).

This is the first book of a new series titled “Grey West Series” (currently 4 books).

Grey (aka “Grace”) West is a survivor of life spent mostly in a cult. She determined to escape when her husband, the cult leader, decides to give her 14 year old daughter to one of the church elders as a bride. Taking both of her daughters, but leaving her son who is being groomed as his father’s successor, she makes it to a different state and begins to reinvent herself. It is now one year later and Grey is making progress toward a good life. She has a job in a library, she has a tiny apartment and the girls are slowly shaking off some of the beliefs and restrictions of the cult. Her friend, Patrick, has recently gotten her a second job with a company marketing natural supplements and products and she is looking forward to having some additional income.

But are things what they really seem to be? She is starting to have doubts about about the company and its products. The girls admit to some adjustment problems at school. And it appears that someone with her husband’s taste in soft drinks is spending time in her apartment when she is not there and watching the house at night. Then Patrick is murdered and Grey has to figure out by whom in order to protect herself and her daughters.

This is the first book by this author I have read but I intend to read more in. The series. The premise is intriguing, the characters developed well enough to advance the story and it promises to have potential as. A unique series. Recommend to readers of mystery, thriller fiction with unusual protagonists.

[Poonguzhali A · Rating 5 out of 5]

The Sister Wife's Secret by Anya Mora is a powerful, gripping story about a woman who is still trying to find her own after being isolated from the real world for 15 years. The trials and tribulations she has in navigating the world is the main crux of the story. This is set in the backdrop of a murder of a person whom she considers her friend.

I loved the way the story was written. But what I really liked was the way the psyche and mind of a person who has been brainwashed and doctrine d, has been described in the story. It is done in a realistic way. I also liked the pacing of the story - it was racy enough. And I also didn't want to stop reading the book; I just had to continue reading non-stop. It was also crisp and on point most of the time.

I have already read 'Secrets Mothers Keep ' by this author and I had loved it. But this book is no less. The psychological concept of this story is more fleshed out and mature than the previous one. As always, can't wait to read more of Ms.Morya's work.

I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.

[Cate · Rating 3 out of 5]

This was a total mind-candy read, and felt like a slightly more polished version of a Blake Pierce book (which isn't really saying that much). Not anything I'm running out to recommend people read, but it was interesting and kept my attention at least, and was a pretty quick read. I did get tired of hearing how young ("not even 30", despite the book's description saying she's 30...) and small the MC was, but... those are "important" traits in the characters in these sorts of books, I guess... (I hope you can hear the sarcasm in my writing there). I think because it was an audiobook (at almost double speed for me), I didn't pick up on as many grammatical errors as I might have otherwise. I don't know if the quality of the book was there, but it was interesting enough.

[Lindatugby81 · Rating 5 out of 5]

When I found out my eldest daughter had been promised to one of the church elders , I knew it was time . We had to make a run for it - even if it got us all killed .

I left behind my other two sisters wives and I escaped with my children . I left behind the abuse and the punishments -hitting us didn’t count as a vice, apparently -and I built a new life for us, far away .

We’re still learning to live in the real world when we get the nite in the mailbox. You won’t get away with this . And someone’s been in the house, ripping up photographs .

It’s him . He knows where I am. He knows that I’m hiding even worse secrets .And he’s come back to get me.

I’m a single mother and a survivor .And I didn’t risk everything just for him to find us again ..

[Hunter · Rating 4 out of 5]

I thought it was really good! It’s the first time I have finished a book in two days in a long time. The mystery of it was good, and you were constantly unaware of the guilty party. It also helped me to have all the chapters come from the same perspective.


There were, however, some minor drawbacks. I found a few typos. There were probably less than five, but still it was noticeable. Also, there was an instance where the character names got mixed up. The author accidentally mentions a person that is dead as the one currently eating. It’s clear this was a mistake. Maybe this was the reason I got it for free. Whatever the case, I still enjoyed the book and would read more in the series.

[Becca · Rating 3 out of 5]

Used to wonder if I could ever fall under the influence of a cult, because anyone can, right? After reading this and getting to know the main character's personality/naiveness, answer is no, I definitely could not lol. Like come on, how can you fall for a pyramid scheme and STILL be naive enough to not even believe or realize it was a scheme after multiple people tell you, AND you aren't making enough money off the gig because you still have to work another job? Ah. I guess someone who was involved in a brain washing cult but unfortunately used the only amount of sense they had to GTFO of it. I'll probably continue with the series 🤣

[Jacqueline · Rating 5 out of 5]

Anya Mora's The Sister Wife took me by surprise in the best way! It was incredibly engaging, despite a few typos scattered throughout. The narrative is truly addictive and packs a punch.

There is a hint of a potential romance which adds depth, capturing the vulnerability we all feel when allowing someone into our lives. This book draws you in up until the very end where it tugs at your heartstrings in a way that can only be reminiscent of a mother's love, melting your heart.

I'm so excited to continue this series, especially since there are three more books to explore. I'm overjoyed to have discovered Mora and her talent!

[Kristina Boulter · Rating 2 out of 5]

This book had me by the title. I even read the synopsis and was like ok this book is going to be good. Overall it had a good plot line but it the main character is so dry and she lacks emotion. I listen to the audiobook and that just enhanced the dryness. They bring up MLM businesses and scandal which would makes for a good plot line but then the main character would go to her past and it was like that was more important then what was going on. The main character also brings up everyone’s lack of empathy but she herself lacks it as well. Also the secret relates to noting going on in the story so I don’t know why they make it a big deal.