Affair To Die For: An action packed thriller with a mind-blowing twist

by Wendy Owens

Beneath the pristine exterior of the McAllisters' marriage lies a dark and dangerous game of control, deception, and betrayal. Jason McAllister, a narcissistic tech mogul, seemingly has it all—wealth, power, and a beautiful wife, Victoria. But his world begins to unravel when he catches a glimpse of Victoria with a younger man, Lucas, on their doorbell camera.

What starts as mere suspicion soon morphs into a deadly obsession. After confirming his suspicions, Jason decides that divorce is not an option. Determined to protect his wealth and image, Jason concocts a sinister plan to eliminate both his wife and her lover.

But not everything goes as planned. When Detective Maria Sanchez is called to the crime scene, she quickly realizes this is no ordinary case of jealousy and betrayal. As she delves deeper, the twisted layers of lies and manipulation begin to surface.

In Affair to Die For, power, love, and vengeance intertwine in a high-stakes thriller; perfect for fans of domestic thrillers with shocking twists, this pulse-pounding page-turner will keep you guessing until the very last page.

334 pages, Paperback

Published November 26, 2024

About the author

Wendy Owens is a thriller writer, born in the small college town, Oxford Ohio. After attending Miami University, Wendy went onto a career in the visual arts. After several years of creating and selling her own artwork she gave her first love, writing, a try. It’s become a passion ever since.
When she’s not writing, this dog lover can be found spending time with her tech geek husband, their three amazing kids, and three pups. She loves to cook, watch movies, and play games.

If you want to follow her on social media you can visit:
Twitter: https://twitter.com/WendyLOwens
Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/pages/Wendy-...
Goodreads: http://www.goodreads.com/author/show/...

Reviews

[Keith · Rating 5 out of 5]

This was a phenomenal psychological thriller! Page turning! Wendy did an outstanding job with this book!

You get three povs in this book ….Jason, Maria and Victoria. You are literally left guessing until the very end!
Jason is a complete narcissist who has an enemy around every corner! Which makes trying to figure out what happens even more difficult. Maria is determined to get to the end of this case though even though her partner is annoying while going through issues with her daughter…..The way this story ends, I didn’t see it coming! Mouth literally dropped open when that last chapter!

[J.J. J. Johnson · Rating 4 out of 5]

A who done it that has you guessing till the very end! Ms. Owens keeps you on your toes, that's for sure with this story of love gone so far beyond wrong! Once you think you have it figured out she tears that rug out from under you. Such a great read.

[Chantelle · Rating 5 out of 5]

ARC Review: Affair to Die For by Wendy Owens

Wendy Owens delivers a gripping domestic thriller with Affair to Die For, a pulse-pounding exploration of power, deception, and vengeance. From the very first page, Owens weaves a tale of suspense that keeps readers on the edge of their seats until the jaw-dropping conclusion.

The McAllisters' seemingly perfect life is shattered when Jason, a controlling and deeply flawed tech mogul, discovers his wife Victoria’s infidelity through their doorbell camera. What begins as suspicion spirals into a chilling tale of manipulation and murder. Owens expertly crafts Jason's descent into obsession, making his calculated actions both horrifying and fascinating. Meanwhile, Victoria and her lover Lucas are drawn into a web of danger that feels inescapable.

Detective Maria Sanchez adds depth and intrigue to the story, bringing a sharp and intuitive perspective to the unfolding chaos. Her methodical unraveling of the McAllisters' secrets is a highlight of the book, revealing layers of betrayal and shocking twists that readers won’t see coming.

Owens' writing is taut and engaging, with just the right balance of tension and character development. Fans of domestic thrillers like The Girl on the Train or Big Little Lies will find much to love here. The pacing is relentless, and Owens doesn’t hold back on surprises, making it impossible to put down.

Affair to Die For is a masterclass in suspense, full of morally complex characters and high-stakes drama. Wendy Owens has crafted a story that lingers long after the final page. If you're looking for your next binge-worthy thriller, this one is not to be missed.

Rating: 4.5/5 stars

[Lizz · Rating 3 out of 5]

Synopsis
Underneath the seemingly perfect facade of the McAllisters' marriage lies a treacherous web of manipulation, deceit, and betrayal. Jason McAllister, a self-absorbed tech billionaire, appears to have it all. However, his seemingly flawless life starts to crumble when he spots Victoria with a younger man, Lucas, on their doorbell camera. What begins as a flicker of doubt quickly escalates into a dangerous obsession. After confirming his fears, Jason decides that divorce is off the table. Intent on safeguarding his fortune and reputation, he devises a chilling scheme to eliminate both his wife and her new lover. Yet, things don’t unfold as he envisioned. When Detective Maria Sanchez arrives at the crime scene and as she investigates further, the complex layers of deceit and manipulation begin to emerge.
My Thoughts
I found the start of the book felt a bit slow, but it really gained momentum as I continued reading. The story unfolds through the perspectives of three main characters: Jason, Maria, and Victoria. Jason is quite the narcissist, always believing that everyone is against him. Meanwhile, Maria is determined to solve the case while balancing her responsibilities as a mother. And then there's Victoria, Jason's stunning wife—what secrets might she be keeping? You'll find yourself piecing together the mystery right up until the end! All in all, it was an enjoyable read.

Than You Book Sirens for allowing me to review this book.

[Aivy’s One More Chapter · Rating 5 out of 5]

I received this book in a PR box from the author, Wendy Owens. If you know me, you’ll know that I don’t typically research a book before reading it. Ironic, given that I do book reviews, but that’s beside the point. At first, I struggled to get into the story. I couldn’t stand the MMC, Jason McCallister, and his narcissistic behavior had me feeling triggered. While I enjoy dark romance and thrillers, I’m definitely a ‘girl’s girl,’ so I wasn’t thrilled with his plan. Despite my initial hesitation, I decided to push through and I’m glad I did. I was NOT prepared for the final twist. It wasn’t until I was writing this review that I realized the significance of the champagne glass on the cover. Don’t mind me, I’m still reeling from the ending! In conclusion, this book is incredibly well thought out, it had me questioning everyone, which is exactly what a good thriller should do. I’m really looking forward to read more from Wendy Owens.

[Paige · Rating 3 out of 5]

Super quick thriller, told from multiple POVs. First from Jason McAllister, the CEO of an AI company that is going through an acquisition, then from Detective Maria Sanchez who is investigating a murder.

This book quickly captured my attention, and the pace moved very quickly. The twists were fairly predictable, but that didn't take away from my enjoyment of the book.

There were a few phrases that were repeated throughout the book, mixed with some descriptions that felt a little… too much, maybe?

Overall, I enjoyed this one and look forward to reading more by Wendy Owens.

I received an advance review copy for free, and I am leaving this review voluntarily.

[Victoria Woodwaski · Rating 3 out of 5]

I guessed the ending at the beginning, however, this was still a good and quick popcorn thriller. I don’t think that the names above every chapter is necessary since the perspective is labeled in each part, i.e. (part 1, name; part 2, name; part 3, name) but it was still enjoyable. In order to have gotten 5 stars from me, it would’ve had to have been mind blowing and not predictable. The twists would have had to of been better. In order to not give spoilers, I’m not going to elaborate further on that. Thank you to Wendy Owens for allowing me to be apart of her ARC team.

[Leslie Walbolt · Rating 5 out of 5]

I knew from the moment I read the first page, I was in for a treat. Wendy Owens delivered with this book. It’s my first book that I’ve read from her and it will not be the last.
What sounds like a typical scenario where one spouse finds about the other one’s infidelity, the details in the book make you feel as if it’s happening to you too. This book takes for a wild that you don’t want to end. I couldn’t put the book down. If you love a good affair story with lots of twists and turns, this one is for you. Can’t wait to read more books by this author.

[Steven Chatman · Rating 4 out of 5]

I thoroughly enjoyed the book and the writing style for this psychological thriller. The story was well paced and logical with the right amount of twists and potential suspects.

The pacing slowed a bit in the middle but picked up for the crescendo ending and took me a bit for surprise after second guessing myself halfway through.

I wish the interaction between the detectives was a bit more fleshed out and polished as these seemed less intricately described than the other aspects in the book. Overall this was a fun read

[Nicole · Rating 3 out of 5]

Jason, the narcissist husband, thinks he can outsmart his wife and her unfaithfulness, but how far will he go and how will it all end?
For me, the beginning of the book was a bit slow and felt repetitive. Not a whole lot of character development - the only character I felt that I really knew was the detective.
Overall, the book kept me guessing all the way to the end.
I received an advance review copy for free, and I am leaving this review voluntarily.

[Gabby · Rating 5 out of 5]

I received this book as an ARC.

This book was a nail biter beginning to end. The author perfectly summed up the inner thoughts and feelings of a pure narcissistic psychopath when writing from Jason's POV.

I can't count the amount of gasps I gusped while reading. In fact, once I started, I simply couldn't stop. I had to know what was going to happen. Let me tell you, it was not what I expected in the slightest.

Definite recommend for anyone who loves thrills and a good murder mystery.

[Taylor Brewster · Rating 5 out of 5]

I thoroughly enjoyed this book!! The writing is buttery and smooth and kept me turning the pages. I thought I had the plot twist figured out, but I appreciated what the author did more than what I had anticipated. Truly reminded me of AR Torre or Frieda McFadden in all the best ways. I would be eager to read more!

I received an advance review copy for free, and I am leaving this review voluntarily.

[Tiffany · Rating 5 out of 5]

Affair to Die For was a heck of a ride, start to finish! There was no slow burn or build up. It started off fast and didn't let up until the very end. This book was all over the place and chaotic, in the best way. It is a super fast paced read and I knocked it out in one sitting. Solid 4. 5 stars but I'll round it to 5 because it was definitely worth the read!

I received an advance review copy for free, and I am leaving this review voluntarily.

[Yesenia · Rating 4 out of 5]

This fascinating thriller weaves power, love, and revenge, ensuring an intense journey to the last page. So get ready and plunge into this whirlwind of emotions, folks! Immersed in this book, I was on the edge of my seat, each page revealing another astonishing twist. To put it simply, “Affair to Die For” is a must for thriller fans craving an engaging story that will keep you hooked until the end!

[Claudia · Rating 4 out of 5]

This was a fast paced, suspenseful thriller that grabbed me from the very beginning. The characters were all well developed, each with their own motivations which added to the suspense of the story. This book was full of twists and turns, emotional depth, and shocking revelations making it a book definitely worth picking up!

[Stacy · Rating 2 out of 5]

Part I made me so excited to delve deeper into this book to see where it would go. Part II completely changed from a wicked domestic psychological thriller to a police procedural, which I'm not a fan of, so that was hugely disappointing. The ending wasn't obvious, but it wasn't a shocker either.

I received an advance review copy for free, and I am leaving this review voluntarily.

[Danielle Heptinstall · Rating 5 out of 5]

"Affair To Die For" by Wendy L. Owens keeps you on the edge of your seat. Owens masterfully crafts a suspenseful narrative with complex characters and shocking revelations. If you love high-stakes thrillers with unpredictable endings, this book is a must-read! Once you start reading, you just cannot stop!

[Sammye · Rating 5 out of 5]

This book kept me guessing all the way through. All of the characters were interesting. The plot was intriguing and very entertaining. It held my interest from start to finish. I enjoyed the surprise ending. I didn’t see that one coming! A great read.

[Heather · Rating 4 out of 5]

A great thriller. I was glue to my tablet. I enjoyed the characters. And the story has danger, lies, suspense and chemistry. a good read.


I received an advance review copy for free, and I am leaving this review voluntarily.

[Miracle · Rating 4 out of 5]

Wow.. just wow.
The web of deceit, lies and the way she wove this into an amazing story!

Jason and Victoria. Not the greatest marriage and both have cheated.

Yet, when he finally decided to end it, things took a dramatic twist!
An absolute Must read! !!

[Ashley Miller · Rating 5 out of 5]

10 out of 10 highly recommend Frieda McFadden Fans Verity without the spicy scenes recommend checking this one! Short, sweet, and lots of twists, betrayals, backstabbing, infidelity,y and a narcissist getting what was coming to him lol

[Laura Smith · Rating 5 out of 5]

AFFAIR TO DIE FOR BY WENDY OWENS.
Ohhh I really enjoyed this book.
Talk about an narcissistic man. WOW.
You can't help binge reading this book.
There's different POVs but easy to follow along.
Jaw dropping ending that you don't see coming at all.
5 ✨ ✨ ✨ ✨ ✨s

[Lisa Q · Rating 4 out of 5]

I read this book in just a few days. It was fast paced and kept me guessing until the end. The end was somewhat abrupt but still a great book!

I received an advance review copy for free, and I am leaving this review voluntarily.

[Courtney · Rating 3 out of 5]

Nice twists

Affair to die for felt like a read you can get lost in while trying to figure out the truth. I loved the twists and changes throughout the story. There were times I felt the writing was a little junior but then it picked back up.
Overall I would suggest the read

[Shaz Mcdill · Rating 4 out of 5]

Thank you to BookSirens I'm getting to try out new authors to me I enjoyed this one and didn't expect that ending I would recommend and will be checking out more by her

[Brigitte · Rating 5 out of 5]

This book left me speechless! I loved the characters and seeing how clues were put together to try to find the culprit. The ending will surly surprise you, this is full of twists and turns!

[Heather R · Rating 5 out of 5]

Nice little twist

I can honestly say I called part of it, the twist of accomplice’s was shocking! Was fast page turning read.

[Elaine Stanley · Rating 4 out of 5]

Figured out most of it by the 54th page, small twist at the end. Well written and clicks along at a good pace. One ? Why leave a witness……

[Kearstin Ellis · Rating 5 out of 5]

Such a quick thrilling read

Victoria is extremely strong and cunning


Jason is not a great man and I did not have high hopes for him.

The ending threw me for an absolute loop!

[Melissa Hampton · Rating 5 out of 5]

A classic murder case

With everyone having a motive it is nearly impossible to guess who actually held the smoking gun in this wonderfully written mystery story.