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The Liar's Wife

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Palmer Lewis married a liar.

But just how deadly are his lies?

Shortly after marrying her soulmate and the birth of their son, the lies begin.

First, it's the phone calls, always held in secret, always deleted from his phone.

Then it's his odd disappearances and the little nagging voice in her head Something is not right.

When Palmer follows her gut - and her husband - she catches him with an unfamiliar woman in the park and in his biggest lie thus far. Learning from her past, she hatches a plan to protect herself and their child. But when her husband and son disappear one afternoon and don't return, Palmer must retrace her steps and dig deep to discover the truth before it's too late.

Who is the mysterious woman her husband lied about meeting? Who knows what happened to her family? Who's lying?

In this twisted psychological thriller, the better question is, who isn't?

Audible Audio

First published July 16, 2020

5875 people are currently reading
22469 people want to read

About the author

Kiersten Modglin

57 books14.3k followers
KIERSTEN MODGLIN is a #1 bestselling author of psychological thrillers. Her books have sold over two million copies and been translated into multiple languages. Kiersten is a member of International Thriller Writers, Novelists, Inc., and the Alliance of Independent Authors. She is a KDP Select All-Star and a recipient of ThrillerFix's Best Psychological Thriller Award, Suspense Magazine's Best Book of 2021 Award, a 2022 Silver Falchion for Best Suspense, and a 2022 Silver Falchion for Best Overall Book of 2021. Kiersten grew up in rural western Kentucky and later relocated to Nashville, Tennessee, where she now lives with her family. Kiersten's readers across the world lovingly refer to her as "KMod." A binge-watching expert, psychology fanatic, and indoor enthusiast, Kiersten enjoys rainy days spent with her favorite people and evenings with her nose in a book.

CONNECT WITH KIERSTEN:

➜ WEBSITE: kierstenmodglinauthor.com
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Kiersten Modglin may be coming to a city near you! Check out her “events” tab to see all the signings she’s attending in the near future:

kierstenmodglinauthor.com/events

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5 stars
6,298 (27%)
4 stars
9,826 (42%)
3 stars
5,682 (24%)
2 stars
1,200 (5%)
1 star
287 (1%)
Displaying 1 - 30 of 1,673 reviews
Profile Image for Denise.
509 reviews429 followers
January 27, 2021
I cannot believe this book has so many 4 and 5 star reviews - I feel like I read an entirely different book than those reviewers, as it was just not good at all.

I should have known from the first few chapters when the local hair salon was named "Sassy Snips" and the diner "Dilly Darlings" that this was going to be a nonsensical read. Entry-level writing style, super unlikeable characters, overdone plot, and a ridiculous ending pretty much says it all. For positives, I guess I can say that I didn't see the ending coming, but who would? It was so bizarrely over-the-top that it was borderline comical.

If you're in the mood for a well-rounded psychological thriller that keeps you on the edge of your seat, do yourself a favor and skip this one. 2 stars.
Profile Image for Amy.
2,642 reviews2,023 followers
September 27, 2020
4.5/5

What’s the last book you read in one sitting? This one was it for me, it’s a super fast paced and addictive read that I couldn’t put down until I got to the end.

This follows Palmer shortly after she has her first child and she realizes her husband is keeping secrets. Shady phone calls, lies about where he is, your average husband is up to no good type of behavior. However, this book is anything but typical and took me on a pretty crazy ride. The twists weren’t super predictable which was so refreshing for a change. I know it’s kinda odd to call a thriller fun, but this one totally was. It was compulsive, slick and kept me guessing until the end. I liked it so much I actually immediately started another one of her books after I finished
Profile Image for Dem.
1,263 reviews1,434 followers
February 6, 2022
I read it, finished it and it was an ok read at the time. Having said that a week later I can’t for the life of me remember the gist of the story, the characters names and therefore am unable to properly review it. 🤷‍♀️🤷‍♀️🤷‍♀️🤷‍♀️🤷‍♀️🤷‍♀️🤷‍♀️.
264 reviews2 followers
February 12, 2021
This is, by FAR, one of the dumbest books I’ve ever read. Palmer has zero common sense. Ben is just dumb. And Kat is absolutely ridiculous.

How could a woman like Palmer, who has gone so far in her career, be so naive? A strong, independent woman gets screwed over by a loser? Yes. Ok. It happens. Umm.. within months she’s shacking up with some guy, not using protection, falling in love, having a baby, and WILLINGLY getting married? No. Also going back to work 2 weeks postpartum from a CESAREAN even though you have enough money in the bank that you don’t want to split it in the divorce? I don’t believe it for a second.

Ben is clearly not that smart, but he made so many avoidable mistakes, even AFTER being WARNED, that there’s no way he’s not just a glutton for punishment. No way would he know this woman, understand how she ticks, understand that she’s got issues, and still let her see his child that he had within a year of leaving her? NO!!! Also no way would he know Palmer, understand how she ticks, understand she’s got trust issues, and lie to her.. about his past, about finances, about his whereabouts. No way.

Kat? How has she not been forcibly institutionalized? So many people knew she was off her rocker and needed professional help that they just looked the other way and let her fall off the deep end while living RIGHT NEXT DOOR? Naw dawg. I don’t buy it.

And the ending? Way to drive the nail in the coffin of a horrible book. Ben wouldn’t risk his entire life for this moment of triumph. It doesn’t make sense. None of it makes sense.

There’s suspension of disbelief, then there’s enjoying this book. I usually don’t have this strong of a reaction to a bad book, but I *really* wanted to like it. I read it willingly from the first word to the very last hoping something would turn the whole thing around. I thought the reviving Ben from the dead was that moment, but then he went and did what he did. And here we are.
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
Profile Image for Holly.
195 reviews23 followers
November 13, 2020
Hmm I don't know how anyone gave this a good rating, especially 4-5 stars? I've read some exceptional books deserving of 4/5 stars & there is zero comparison in every way. This book had a lot of potential as far as the storyline but it just seemed very entry-level as far as the writing (the way the characters talked just sounded immature/adolescent), something I might expect from a debut novel or a young writer. To be frank the writing was awful.

The very beginning of the story had promise. Palmer & her (seemingly sweet) husband bring home their newborn baby & quickly sh%$ hits the fan. Palmers character is ridiculous & completely unlikable so that didn't help the story since almost the entire story is her POV. I will say I didn't expect the story to go where it went so I'll give the author points for that but otherwise I wouldn't waste your time on this one. I also don't really appreciate how the author threw some liberal agendas in towards the end, example her coworker/friend we went the entire book not even knowing what ethnicity they (her & husband) are & then towards the end Modglin randomly throws in some blip about how African Americans have it in the world. Whether I agree or disagree isn't the point, and I don't really care that that was in the book but it was out of place & just written into the story strangely.

2 stars because of potential & it kept my interest (I wasn't necessarily bored). And I hate not finishing a book so I wanted to know the ending because I was invested haha. Also because I didn't guess where the book was headed. Otherwise this book is a hard PASS.
Profile Image for Tish.
1,532 reviews5 followers
July 16, 2020
Wow! Wow! Wow! I'm not even sure where to begin with this review. I'm completely blown away. I was hook almost immediately and found it impossible to put down. This book had so many twists and turns that it had me second guessing my theories frequently. And OMG! I never saw that ending coming! Left me with my jaw on the floor.
Profile Image for Katie T.
1,316 reviews261 followers
April 16, 2021
That's a generous 3 stars, this was really pretty average but I have to say I liked the ridiculous ending. 🔪🔪🔪
Profile Image for Emerald.
Author 36 books625 followers
July 1, 2020
I just read my favourite book beginning of Kiersten Modglin's...EVER!
An intense and addictive novel, The Liar's Wife is a story that hits close to home for so many people when wife and new mother, Palmer, suspects her husband of an affair.
As each layer of Palmer's story is peeled back, dark lies and secrets are discovered. The author's signature twists will keep readers guessing, as always, at the edge of their seats, and make you question everything you thought you knew.
Fans of Modglin will LOVE The Liar's Wife, and like me, will be left eagerly anticipating whatever she releases next!
Profile Image for Patty.
1,942 reviews5 followers
December 20, 2020
This is, without a doubt, one of the worst, dumbest books I have ever read. The main character is crazy and who goes back to work less than 3 weeks after a C-section?? The rest of them are just ridiculous. I am So Glad that this was a short book or I would have felt ever more idiotic than I do for finishing it. And an amendment here...I checked my "Unfavorite Author List" (I have one) and guess who was on it??? K. Modglin. That is on me.
81 reviews1 follower
December 30, 2020
What a poorly written book. Does this author have an editor? Apparently not. The storyline was a mess, the characters totally unbelievable. Timelines were distorted, descriptions of the baby were inaccurate (and the baby was central to the story). I don’t know how an author can write such junk and actually be able to sell it. Just awful.
Profile Image for Zizi.
306 reviews205 followers
May 1, 2025
I probably won’t remember all the details of this book, but it was fun to read while it lasted.
I honestly thought this book was going to go differently when I found out she knew what was happening with her husband and that woman, but it was an interesting twist.
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
Profile Image for Love_booksforlife Jen.
1,137 reviews60 followers
May 11, 2025
New mom Palmer starts seeing the cracks in her young marriage when she returns to work and her husband becomes a stay at home dad.

Modglin is such a queen of modern day thrillers. Her stories are always filled with so many twists you don't see coming. This one is no exception. I loved how this story played out. I was sitting on the edge of my seat and looking for time to listen to it. The audio was fantastic! I def recommend it!
Profile Image for Danielle.
822 reviews283 followers
January 9, 2023
A quick and exciting read!! It starts out with someone digging themselves out of their own grave so you know it's going to be wild.

Palmer and Ben are new parents. Since Palmer makes more money, they agree that Ben should stay home with the baby. 2 weeks seems pretty early to go back to work after birth though. Anyway, no one asked me.

Some of what Ben is saying he's doing with his day isn't adding up so Palmer does some sleuthing of her own and, long story short, catches him in a few lies. When he goes missing with their baby, she's left to wonder if he ever loved her at all or if she even knows this man. Will she ever see her baby again?

Things get crazy and it's a short book I finished on a Sunday evening. I did think Palmer was a dunce at times. Lurking when she should be throwing hands. Also, there was a BLM struggle session clumsily thrown in and it just didn't fit. When someone's child is missing, it's not exactly time to ask them to check their privilege and do the work. I really hate that this kind of thing is permeating fiction now, like some sort of Afterschool special. I can't not mention it.

Other than that though, it was really good and I loved the ending!
Profile Image for Nina (ninjasbooks).
1,590 reviews1,664 followers
August 18, 2021
Was not sure if I wanted to give the book five stars since the police work described was so sloppy and there was some developments I didn’t find credible, but the ending really surprised me, therefore Modglin deserves another five star rating from me
1 review2 followers
August 12, 2020
Horribly written. I laughed at so many of the "plot twists".
For me to enjoy a book I have to think that what I'm reading could possible really happen. I wouldn't recommend this to anyone.
Profile Image for Jodie | GeauxGetLit.
755 reviews111 followers
July 22, 2022
4.5 stars! Kirsten Modglin never disappoints when I am in desperate need of an escape from my own personal hell of reality. It’s so relaxing to know I’m going to read a completely crazy cast of characters that will end with a holy cow twisted ending!!

Thank you KMod for providing me sheer entertainment in this riveting read and a heck of a twist.
Profile Image for Donna Weber ( Recuperating from Surgery).
502 reviews207 followers
July 27, 2022
2 1/2 Stars. An interesting premise, Kiersten Modglin’s, The Liars Wife was a very fast paced book. Although it held my attention, many of the far fetched scenarios and implausible actions of the supposedly bright and successful protagonist missed the mark. That said, prior to reading this, I had read up to 30% on several books I was really looking forward to and ended up dnf, so the fact I whipped through this was a plus. If you're looking for a light, quick read that grabs your attention immediately... but doesn't have much character development, and OK with some implausibility, you may enjoy this.
Profile Image for blondethrillerbooklover.
216 reviews196 followers
October 28, 2020
⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️💫 4.5
.
This book is literally like jumping in the car and pedal to the metal all the way to the end! There’s no lull, no lah-dee-dah. It is full throttle from page one. I read it in one sitting and I’m sure you will too✨
_______________________________________
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Palmer married Ben 6 months ago and they have just had a baby. Ben starts acting suspiciously- secret phone calls, deleted texts. Palmer has been cheated on before, so she doesn’t know if she is overreacting because of her insecurities or if Ben is up to something. He has always been so loving and supportive of her. Can she trust him?
.
When she returns home from work one day, Ben and the baby are gone without a trace. Ben won’t answer her phone calls. She is completely shattered....
Where is her son?
_______________________________________________________
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I highly recommend this one! It left my jaw hanging open several times. I actually screamed out loud at Palmer. Such an entertaining read!
Profile Image for Tippy.
129 reviews1 follower
December 24, 2021
Lame Ending!!
The start of the book was promising but then there were just some parts that didn't make sense. Palmer is a strong woman but won't consider divorce if she has to split her earnings. Still, I read on. Things were going ok until chapter 27, when out of the blue, the author has to do a white privilege/apology act with a character who is black. There was no build up to it and nothing mentioned after it. It was just put there to show a little woke-ism (Hmmm... woke diatribe on the black perspective written by a white woman.....)
Then, there was the climax and it was just lame. I thought the Nathan part at the end was overkill, so to speak. Time I can't get back.....
Profile Image for chantalsbookstuff.
1,048 reviews1,055 followers
April 22, 2022
Classic Kiersten move with that ending. I liked this book, a very quick and suspenseful read.
Profile Image for Bev.
3,271 reviews98 followers
July 9, 2020
When I first started reading this story, I thought I knew who the beginning character was. The more I read, I was sure I was right...then WHAM! Kiersten did her magic that sent me cowering with a red face!!! What a powerful and emotional story!!! I read it in just a few hours, I was so involved in the storyline. I was so off the mark on this story! Thank you for the ARC that I devoured in record time and am gladly reviewing. Another hit for sure!
Profile Image for Tiffany.
772 reviews83 followers
June 6, 2024
I personally enjoy Kiersten Modglin’s writing style so right off the bat I had pretty high hopes for this book. The first chapter of the book reeled me right in and what a fun twisty ride this story was. I love the level of suspense throughout and how each chapter added some depth to the plot. This twist really had me for a second and I love being wrong!!!! The best books to me are the ones that lead the reader in one direction and then throw you for a complete loop! ➰ I wouldn’t say this is the best book ever but was certainly engaging and binge worthy! An easy four stars! ✨ If you like thrillers, add this one to your TBR!!
45 reviews
August 17, 2020
Fun Quick Read

I would have given a higher rating, but I don’t need the social liberal agenda brought into my pleasure reading. I read to get away from the social issues going on.
Profile Image for jess ♡☾.
101 reviews24 followers
December 19, 2025
“Obviously she wasn’t in the mood to share hairdressers. It was fine. I wasn’t in the mood to share husbands” best words of the book🤣
Profile Image for Izzy.
209 reviews
October 1, 2020
Super fast, read it in one sitting after lunch. I don’t want to spoil it since it is all about the suspence.

I recommend this thriller!

Quick review— The h (Palmer) suspects her husband (Ben) is cheating on her with another woman shortly after the birth of their baby boy (Gray).
She follows him and messages him just to realise he lies each time.
It gets worse when one day after following them to the other woman’s house, they (Ben & baby Gray) leave the other woman’s house only to go missing.

The writing was great and actually made me feel for Palmer and her distress, Ben sounded like any husband, doing husbandly things but then hiding things as well. He was not an alpha but a bit more beta in this instance but you’ll see the change in his character as you read on.


Palmer reaches home to realise her husband left her with their 2 weeks old son. Her panic set in and you could really feel it.

Palmer informs the police and her best friend arrives. Palmer doesn’t leave things to the police as they have certain protocols to follow. Palmer then realises that Ben took out money from their bank account, a lot of money. She tracked down the trail of money and flight tickets and then things take a change.

Now I won’t spoil it further, but trust me when I say, it was definitely a thrilling read, my pulse was racing as I read and I couldn’t put it down.

Good thing its a short novel.

Wish it had a good epilogue though.

Its a fastpaced read, no sexy scenes. There is violence.
Profile Image for Linda - on 2 week hiatus!.
362 reviews51 followers
September 22, 2025
Wow. Just… wow. The storyline had potential, but the execution? Yikes. Repetitive, sloppy, and painful to listen to in audio form—the narrator deserves better. Imagine a young mom trying to figure out if her husband is cheating, only for everyone—including the baby—to go missing. I’m all for drama, but this was a hard pass.
Profile Image for Natalia Farnham.
317 reviews13 followers
February 19, 2025
Love it when a book comes full circle! This was a really fun read that kept me reading to figure out what the heck was going on. As always her books always entertain me and have somewhat of a twist.
Profile Image for Gwendolyn.
1,340 reviews147 followers
June 3, 2022
So many regrets for not reading this sooner! Thanks to the author for sending me a copy to review 2 years ago. Sheesh I suck!

Palmer and Ben are overjoyed with their newborn son, Gray. Palmer is not so excited about returning to work, but they agreed she would work and Ben would be a stay-at-home dad. She made more money, her company offered insurance, she liked her job, it only made sense. But almost immediately there’s a nagging feeling in the back of Palmer’s head telling her something isn’t right. Why is Ben suddenly asking strange? Why is he taking phone calls in the bathroom? Why isn’t he home when she gets home? Why is he taking a two-week old baby to the park? Who is the woman he seems overjoyed to see when he thinks his wife is away at work? That’s right Palmer followed that gut feeling and her husband. She finds him with an unfamiliar woman and when he gives Ben every opportunity to come clean, he doesn’t. Now she needs to catch him in the act, obtain evidence of the affair so she can protect herself and baby Gray, but just as she starts coming up with a plan Ben and the baby disappear. It’s a race against the clock to find them both before it’s too late.

At only 223 pages you’d be silly not to give this fast-paced short thriller a chance. I can’t wait to read more by Kiersten Modglin.
Displaying 1 - 30 of 1,673 reviews

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