What do you think?
Rate this book
The Good Wife: A Gripping, Page-Turning Thriller from the Queen of Urban Crime and Co-Author of No Regret by Martina Cole
Jacqui Rose - who is now collaborating with Martina Cole - stuns with The Good Wife, a heart-pounding thriller perfect for fans of urban crime.
Psychologist Ava Barclay wants to be a good wife.
Ava keeps a lot of her clients’ secrets, but no-one, especially her cop husband, Tony, has any idea how many secrets of her own she is hiding. Fuelled by past trauma, she is on a path to drinking too much, making bad choices, and numbing her pain with one-night stands.
When her father, Billy, is attacked and left for dead, Ava discovers that her problems are about to get a lot worse. She must head into the dark streets of Soho and into a seedy world of fear and mistrust if she is to find the truth about her family.
All Ava ever wanted was to be a good wife, but she may be about to learn that being bad is in her genes . . .
Praise for Jacqui
'A cracking good read' – Jessie Keane
'Gritty and gripping' – Kimberley Chambers
'One of my favourite authors' – Mel Sherratt
'Thrilling and gripping' – Roberta Kray
Psychologist Ava Barclay wants to be a good wife.
Ava keeps a lot of her clients’ secrets, but no-one, especially her cop husband, Tony, has any idea how many secrets of her own she is hiding. Fuelled by past trauma, she is on a path to drinking too much, making bad choices, and numbing her pain with one-night stands.
When her father, Billy, is attacked and left for dead, Ava discovers that her problems are about to get a lot worse. She must head into the dark streets of Soho and into a seedy world of fear and mistrust if she is to find the truth about her family.
All Ava ever wanted was to be a good wife, but she may be about to learn that being bad is in her genes . . .
Praise for Jacqui
'A cracking good read' – Jessie Keane
'Gritty and gripping' – Kimberley Chambers
'One of my favourite authors' – Mel Sherratt
'Thrilling and gripping' – Roberta Kray
305 pages, Kindle Edition
Published January 2, 2025
50 people are currently reading
59 people want to read
About the author
Jacqui Rose
33 books174 followersJacqui Rose is a novelist who hails from Manchester and South Yorkshire, though she now lives in the South East in the countryside, surrounded by her horses and lots of animals. Jacqui first came to appreciate the power of the written word when as a child she charged her classmates a packet of sherbet dips to write their essays for them. Adopted at a young age and always a daydreamer, she felt isolated growing up in a small mining village in South Yorkshire and it was her writing which kept her company.
Jacqui has written a variety of things including
stand-up comedy, radio drams and screenplays.
She is published by HarperCollins and Pan Macmillan and has written over 16 bestselling novels. She is also collaborating with Martina Cole on Martina's new novel, Loyalty.
Jacqui Rose also writes under the name of
J P Rose (not to be confused with the American author!) and has written, The Haunting of Tyrese Walker her first teen/YA novel.
Ratings & Reviews
Friends & Following
Create a free account to discover what your friends think of this book!
Community Reviews
Displaying 1 - 27 of 27 reviews
July 15, 2025
I was literally on the verge of dnfing multiple times but pushed myself to finish it just because I find it hard to dnf a thriller.
The writing was.. not good. The book was written in third person but it didn’t work. Mid page the pov would switch and it was too confusing with it being in third person. The actual writing style was confusing and strange. There were many inconsistencies like Ben was introduced as a “shaven headed man” then was later written to have run his fingers through his hair. And every single character kept thinking they out smarting everyone else and constantly the “well two can play at that game” thing was used.
The characters were all absolutely insufferable. Ava was a selfish person who kept trying justifying her actions by saying that she had a bad life therefore, she has a right to act like that. It was mentioned at least once every two pages that she was a good wife, when she clearly wasn’t. Why was it also constantly mentioned that she was a psychologist? It was mentioned in random sentences, not even matching the context. For example: “It was ridiculous, she was a grown woman – a trained psychologist – yet she still didn’t know how to cut him off, to wash her hands of him.” Exactly WHAT did that add to the sentence? Ben was actually creepy and weird. Why did he keep winking at Ava and referring to her as “babe” then, while being friends with her father and similarly aged, get with her. Tony was actually such a hypocritical, disgusting person. He goes to physically assualt a man with no reason to the point that he murders him then covers it. He then continues to assault his wife and rape her. After all this he expresses no remorse and says that “they deserved it”.
It felt like the plot just kept getting more and more for no reason and getting way too overly dramatic. The whole thing was resolved way too quickly and easily resolved and somehow two people were murdered and hid so casually. I’m just gonna end this by saying that if you ever feel like reading this book, don’t.
The writing was.. not good. The book was written in third person but it didn’t work. Mid page the pov would switch and it was too confusing with it being in third person. The actual writing style was confusing and strange. There were many inconsistencies like Ben was introduced as a “shaven headed man” then was later written to have run his fingers through his hair. And every single character kept thinking they out smarting everyone else and constantly the “well two can play at that game” thing was used.
The characters were all absolutely insufferable. Ava was a selfish person who kept trying justifying her actions by saying that she had a bad life therefore, she has a right to act like that. It was mentioned at least once every two pages that she was a good wife, when she clearly wasn’t. Why was it also constantly mentioned that she was a psychologist? It was mentioned in random sentences, not even matching the context. For example: “It was ridiculous, she was a grown woman – a trained psychologist – yet she still didn’t know how to cut him off, to wash her hands of him.” Exactly WHAT did that add to the sentence? Ben was actually creepy and weird. Why did he keep winking at Ava and referring to her as “babe” then, while being friends with her father and similarly aged, get with her. Tony was actually such a hypocritical, disgusting person. He goes to physically assualt a man with no reason to the point that he murders him then covers it. He then continues to assault his wife and rape her. After all this he expresses no remorse and says that “they deserved it”.
It felt like the plot just kept getting more and more for no reason and getting way too overly dramatic. The whole thing was resolved way too quickly and easily resolved and somehow two people were murdered and hid so casually. I’m just gonna end this by saying that if you ever feel like reading this book, don’t.
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
November 18, 2024
The Good Wife by Jacqui Rose delivers a dark and gripping tale of secrets, betrayal, and gangland drama. This is a gritty thriller that plunges readers into the underbelly of London’s Soho and the dangerous worlds that intersect there.
The story follows Ava Barclay, a psychologist with a turbulent past and a talent for making destructive choices. Her life takes a harrowing turn when her father, Billy, is brutally attacked, leaving Ava to uncover unsettling truths about his hidden identity. As she ventures deeper into the seedy Soho underworld to unravel the mystery, her double life—full of lies, infidelity, and questionable decisions—threatens to tear her world apart.
Jacqui Rose masterfully portrays the harsh realities of the gangland setting, painting vivid images of both its glamour and its violence. Ava is a flawed and complex character; while she isn’t particularly likable, her journey is undeniably compelling. The story is packed with tension and drama, keeping readers hooked as the layers of Ava’s past and present unravel.
While comparisons to authors like Kimberley Chambers are inevitable, Rose brings her unique style to the genre, delivering a plot full of twists and moments of raw emotion. However, some readers may find the characters less memorable or relatable than in similar novels. Ava’s self-destructive tendencies can make her difficult to root for, but this also adds to the authenticity of her struggles.
Overall, The Good Wife is an intense, fast-paced read perfect for fans of gritty crime thrillers. Jacqui Rose doesn’t shy away from the dark and depraved, creating a story that leaves you unsettled and eager to see what happens next.
Thank you to NetGalley and Pan Macmillan for providing an ARC in exchange for an honest review
The story follows Ava Barclay, a psychologist with a turbulent past and a talent for making destructive choices. Her life takes a harrowing turn when her father, Billy, is brutally attacked, leaving Ava to uncover unsettling truths about his hidden identity. As she ventures deeper into the seedy Soho underworld to unravel the mystery, her double life—full of lies, infidelity, and questionable decisions—threatens to tear her world apart.
Jacqui Rose masterfully portrays the harsh realities of the gangland setting, painting vivid images of both its glamour and its violence. Ava is a flawed and complex character; while she isn’t particularly likable, her journey is undeniably compelling. The story is packed with tension and drama, keeping readers hooked as the layers of Ava’s past and present unravel.
While comparisons to authors like Kimberley Chambers are inevitable, Rose brings her unique style to the genre, delivering a plot full of twists and moments of raw emotion. However, some readers may find the characters less memorable or relatable than in similar novels. Ava’s self-destructive tendencies can make her difficult to root for, but this also adds to the authenticity of her struggles.
Overall, The Good Wife is an intense, fast-paced read perfect for fans of gritty crime thrillers. Jacqui Rose doesn’t shy away from the dark and depraved, creating a story that leaves you unsettled and eager to see what happens next.
Thank you to NetGalley and Pan Macmillan for providing an ARC in exchange for an honest review
November 10, 2024
One of my favourite reads is gritty gang land thriller so I had high hopes for The Good Wife. The story revolves around Ava Barclay who is on a slippery path of self-destruction, a psychologist she maybe but she’s a character with HUGE issues.
As for Ava being a “good wife” to her cop husband Tony that’s highly debatable, she prefers to lie, cheat and makes bad choices throughout her marriage. When her father, Billy, is attacked and left for dead, Ava learns that her problems are about to get a lot worse when she find out her dad isn’t who he says he is. To find out the truth Ava must head into the dark, seedy world of Soho.
Jacqui Rose’s writing has been compared to my old time favourite author Kimberley Chambers although there are similarities I felt Roses characters weren’t particularly memorable. Ava isn’t a likeable character so I found I didn’t really care what happened to her! The plot though is fascinating, gritty and packs a real punch so definitely worth a read if you’re a fan of gangland thrillers.
As for Ava being a “good wife” to her cop husband Tony that’s highly debatable, she prefers to lie, cheat and makes bad choices throughout her marriage. When her father, Billy, is attacked and left for dead, Ava learns that her problems are about to get a lot worse when she find out her dad isn’t who he says he is. To find out the truth Ava must head into the dark, seedy world of Soho.
Jacqui Rose’s writing has been compared to my old time favourite author Kimberley Chambers although there are similarities I felt Roses characters weren’t particularly memorable. Ava isn’t a likeable character so I found I didn’t really care what happened to her! The plot though is fascinating, gritty and packs a real punch so definitely worth a read if you’re a fan of gangland thrillers.
December 16, 2024
Ava Barclay is a practising psychologist, married to policeman Tony. Every Friday night Ava isn’t with clients as she tells Tony. She is out drinking too much, taking drugs and having one-night stands, all of which she hopes will blot out her very difficult childhood.
Ava also has a tempestuous relationship with her father Billy Fields. Following an attack, Billy is hospitalised and Ava starts investigating her childhood, working her way through her father’s property to look for her mother who disappeared when she was a child. Ava soon learns the truth about her father, which leaves her reeling. She discovers more about Billy’s past than she can stomach including the gang members whom he previously double-crossed and are now out for revenge.
I have thoroughly enjoyed this authors previous books, but I didn’t find this one to have the hallmark gripping story which I have come to expect. There wasn’t a compelling plot until about three-quarters of the way through and then it came full force and gripped me to keep me reading until the end.
Ava also has a tempestuous relationship with her father Billy Fields. Following an attack, Billy is hospitalised and Ava starts investigating her childhood, working her way through her father’s property to look for her mother who disappeared when she was a child. Ava soon learns the truth about her father, which leaves her reeling. She discovers more about Billy’s past than she can stomach including the gang members whom he previously double-crossed and are now out for revenge.
I have thoroughly enjoyed this authors previous books, but I didn’t find this one to have the hallmark gripping story which I have come to expect. There wasn’t a compelling plot until about three-quarters of the way through and then it came full force and gripped me to keep me reading until the end.
December 23, 2024
This is a good, ok read but it didn't wow me. I struggled to like Ava, the 'good wife' who has her own secrets. Her world is turned upside down when she finds out her father is not who she thinks he is. The story is full of secrets, lies, deceit, hints of historic gangland crime and child abuse/trafficking and focuses on Ava trying to find out what her father is hiding and why. I didn't take to any of the characters who all have their own agendas and secrets. The book is a slow burner initially and does gain pace although it didn't become the page turner I hoped for ... I would have liked more thrills, suspense and wow moments in the story. I've always enjoyed this authors books and haven't read any in a while and to be honest I felt underwhelmed when I reached the end. Ultimately I couldn't connect or relate to the characters here which affected how much I liked this book. Others may like this more than I did, I think I'd recommend it and just feel I wasn't the right reader.
3 stars
3 stars
December 29, 2024
What would you do if you discovered your father is not the man you thought he was, to the extent that you are no longer sure what his name actually is?
Well Ava decided to investigate and that takes her to a dark seedy world, where violence seems second nature to many of the characters she encounters.
Plus there are multiple layers of secrets going back many years and you are never really sure who to trust.
And I was definitely surprised by many of the revelations, as they finally came out.
Not completely convinced there was a likeable character within the book, although some definitely had more redeeming features than others.
A gritty, fairly compulsive story that I was intrigued by.
Thank you to Macmillan and Netgalley for this copy which I have reviewed honestly and voluntarily.
Well Ava decided to investigate and that takes her to a dark seedy world, where violence seems second nature to many of the characters she encounters.
Plus there are multiple layers of secrets going back many years and you are never really sure who to trust.
And I was definitely surprised by many of the revelations, as they finally came out.
Not completely convinced there was a likeable character within the book, although some definitely had more redeeming features than others.
A gritty, fairly compulsive story that I was intrigued by.
Thank you to Macmillan and Netgalley for this copy which I have reviewed honestly and voluntarily.
January 21, 2025
Jacqui Rose always packs a punch with her books and this one is no different!
If you love Martina Cole and Kimberley Chambers you have to try Jacqui Rose's books too!
'The good wife' is an expectation that Ava seems to live up to on the surface but scratch through that thin veneer and it is easy to see that she is anything but. A psychologist by day and a risk taking, adulterous, boozing drug taker by night, Ava has a lot of skeletons in her closet and discovers that she has more than even she reckoned with when she starts to question her parentage as well as her marriage.
This is a great page turner showing Rose's work at her best and a definite 5 star read, I can't wait for her next book!
Thank you to NetGalley for providing me with a copy of this book.
If you love Martina Cole and Kimberley Chambers you have to try Jacqui Rose's books too!
'The good wife' is an expectation that Ava seems to live up to on the surface but scratch through that thin veneer and it is easy to see that she is anything but. A psychologist by day and a risk taking, adulterous, boozing drug taker by night, Ava has a lot of skeletons in her closet and discovers that she has more than even she reckoned with when she starts to question her parentage as well as her marriage.
This is a great page turner showing Rose's work at her best and a definite 5 star read, I can't wait for her next book!
Thank you to NetGalley for providing me with a copy of this book.
December 27, 2024
This is a great thriller.
Ava is struggling to cope with her day to day life and finds her escape in drink, drugs and one night stands.
Her husband Tony is oblivious to what she gets up to but when her Dad is attacked, he starts to become suspicious when she’s around even less.
Ava’s Dad is hiding things from her and when an old friend of his offers to help Ava find some answers, they head off together.
There’s a few different strands to this story and I liked the way it all came together. I didn’t really connect with Ava at first but as the story progresses, I grew to like her.
Thanks to Pan Macmillan for the opportunity to read this book.
Ava is struggling to cope with her day to day life and finds her escape in drink, drugs and one night stands.
Her husband Tony is oblivious to what she gets up to but when her Dad is attacked, he starts to become suspicious when she’s around even less.
Ava’s Dad is hiding things from her and when an old friend of his offers to help Ava find some answers, they head off together.
There’s a few different strands to this story and I liked the way it all came together. I didn’t really connect with Ava at first but as the story progresses, I grew to like her.
Thanks to Pan Macmillan for the opportunity to read this book.
September 28, 2024
This is a dark and intense read that covers the harsh realities of the world she writes about so well, making this another solid read from Jacqui Rose.
The main character Ava has a secret side that leads her into dangerous situations that she mostly remembers nothing about and when she delves deeper into her past things come to light that shake her to her core and who can she really believe while trying to get to the truth?
The author is definitely at the top of her game.
RECOMMENDED
Thanks to Netgalley and Pan Macmillian for the ARC.
The main character Ava has a secret side that leads her into dangerous situations that she mostly remembers nothing about and when she delves deeper into her past things come to light that shake her to her core and who can she really believe while trying to get to the truth?
The author is definitely at the top of her game.
RECOMMENDED
Thanks to Netgalley and Pan Macmillian for the ARC.
October 24, 2024
Nottingham and London.
Dr Ava Barclay psychologist wants to be a good wife to her copper husband Tony. No more drugs no more been unfaithful she has to stop.
She's now on a path of distruction, she's taking down a path by her father Billy Fields.
Who really is this man claiming to be her father?
Oh Wow Oh Gosh this is one fast pace read from start to finish. Mind-blowing chapters, the author is back delivering to her readers once again.
Absolutely loved this read right up to the ending. It's a cracker.
Dr Ava Barclay psychologist wants to be a good wife to her copper husband Tony. No more drugs no more been unfaithful she has to stop.
She's now on a path of distruction, she's taking down a path by her father Billy Fields.
Who really is this man claiming to be her father?
Oh Wow Oh Gosh this is one fast pace read from start to finish. Mind-blowing chapters, the author is back delivering to her readers once again.
Absolutely loved this read right up to the ending. It's a cracker.
December 17, 2024
This is a fabulous read. I couldn't turn the pages quickly enough it had me gripped!
Ava is a psychologist who is married to wealthy Tony. Whilst Tony is away, Ava comes out to play, drinks herself into oblivion, and wakes up not knowing where she is.
Her dad, Billy Fields, is a criminal, and they dont have a great relationship. When Billy gets shot and ends up in a coma, gangsters come out of the woodwork, but why? What has he done? As Ava looks into her dad's life, handsome Ben comes into the picture, a friend of Billy's. But does Ben have an agenda???
I was hooked.
Ava is a psychologist who is married to wealthy Tony. Whilst Tony is away, Ava comes out to play, drinks herself into oblivion, and wakes up not knowing where she is.
Her dad, Billy Fields, is a criminal, and they dont have a great relationship. When Billy gets shot and ends up in a coma, gangsters come out of the woodwork, but why? What has he done? As Ava looks into her dad's life, handsome Ben comes into the picture, a friend of Billy's. But does Ben have an agenda???
I was hooked.
December 18, 2024
I have read all of Jacqui Rose’s books to date. I have enjoyed all of them, this was an ok read but my least favourite of her books to date.
It was nice to read a book based in Nottingham, and even in. My own village of Woodborough.
The storyline is slow, but picked up mid book, overall the story was not really believable. The Good Wife is a thriller but I wouldn’t call it gangland.
I also did not like Ava at all, she is not a likeable person. In fact, I’d say she has no redeemable qualities.
It was nice to read a book based in Nottingham, and even in. My own village of Woodborough.
The storyline is slow, but picked up mid book, overall the story was not really believable. The Good Wife is a thriller but I wouldn’t call it gangland.
I also did not like Ava at all, she is not a likeable person. In fact, I’d say she has no redeemable qualities.
October 26, 2024
I love this Authors books and this did not disappoint. Ava has it all she has her own business as a psychologist and a loving husband who is in the police force. And she likes to be the good wife, but Ava leads a double life she has a very complicated r with her father, and it is going to get worse. when something happens to her and her father. Ava has to go on a journey to get the answers to find out exactly what her father is hiding a very addictive read so recommend
January 17, 2025
The Good Wife by Jacqui Rose was an excellent gripping book full of secrets, betrayal, and a great gangland drama, with brilliant characters. I just love the way Jacqui writes all her books. The Good Wife was a fast-paced, which was filled with unexpected twists and turns throughout. Especially as it draws you in from the very beginning to the last page.
It’s another fantastic gangland crime thriller from Jacqui, and I highly recommend this latest book. Another superb read,
It’s another fantastic gangland crime thriller from Jacqui, and I highly recommend this latest book. Another superb read,
December 24, 2024
A gripping thriller that kept me guessing on what the characters were hiding and their motivations. A slow burn but it does pick up and is quite a good and interesting read. It has a mix of suspicious characters and themes. Overall an enjoyable thriller for the holiday season.
Thank you Pan Macmillan and NetGalley for this e-arc in exchange of my unbiased review.
Thank you Pan Macmillan and NetGalley for this e-arc in exchange of my unbiased review.
January 5, 2025
Brilliant
Great book. Could not put it down. First book read of the new year, and I hope they all are as good as this one.
Great book. Could not put it down. First book read of the new year, and I hope they all are as good as this one.
January 25, 2025
great book
Started off a little slow but then the pace picked up and l could not put it down. Was dying to get to the answers and was not disappointed when l did.
Started off a little slow but then the pace picked up and l could not put it down. Was dying to get to the answers and was not disappointed when l did.
March 1, 2025
You need a strong drink while you read this one!
Damn baby this one hits hard!!! Addicting, twisty with great one-liners and charicters that you instantly love!!
Damn baby this one hits hard!!! Addicting, twisty with great one-liners and charicters that you instantly love!!
March 4, 2025
Good read.
4 stars not bad .
The first few chapters was a bit slow but once you got passed that it was a good read .
4 stars not bad .
The first few chapters was a bit slow but once you got passed that it was a good read .
March 6, 2025
Enjoyed this book a good read
Read
May 12, 2025DNT
June 5, 2025
Poorly written, main character completely unrealistic.
July 22, 2025
Love all Jacqui’s books but think this is her best book yet, so many secrets and lies, and so much drama. Absolutely loved it ❤️
August 26, 2025
Had me gripped from start to finish and had me guessing the storyline the whole way through. Very good read.
September 6, 2025
It was an ok read , the plot was a bit far fetched but I suppose you can do that when u are a writer not as good as Martina Coles early books but worth a read
October 6, 2025
Hmmm a bit rushed and boring
September 29, 2024
An absolutely outstanding author. I'm a huge fan of Jacqui Rose and have read all her books.
I was eager to start this one.
Read in no time, once started it's one of those you just can not put down.
Ava is full of secrets, she has been leading a double life that even her husband isn't aware of. This double life is going to cause trouble and not only for Ava.
it's an intense and gripping read and for all those Jacqui Rose fans out there this is a must read.
It good to have Jacqui back and writing the books we have missed.
I was eager to start this one.
Read in no time, once started it's one of those you just can not put down.
Ava is full of secrets, she has been leading a double life that even her husband isn't aware of. This double life is going to cause trouble and not only for Ava.
it's an intense and gripping read and for all those Jacqui Rose fans out there this is a must read.
It good to have Jacqui back and writing the books we have missed.
Displaying 1 - 27 of 27 reviews