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The Exes
Who hasn’t wanted to murder an ex—figuratively, at least? In this explosive debut thriller, a woman’s seemingly perfect romantic life is on the verge of collapse as she uncovers a hidden history surfacing dark secrets that have deadly consequences.
Natalie has only ever wanted to find “the one.” The perfect man, the happy family she never had. But each time she thinks she is finally getting somewhere, she’s bitterly disappointed. Another red line through a list of exes. And that was before the night of the Big Fallout that left her even more alone.
Then along comes James—wonderful, handsome James—and Natalie thinks her luck has finally turned. Maybe he’s the one for her. Maybe he’s the one she’s been waiting for all along. Maybe he won’t wind up dead.
But the harder Natalie tries to be a “normal” wife, the more world-upending truths are brought to her door, leaving her unsure of who she really is, and much less what she’ll do . . . leaving her to question whether there is a monster within her or whether there is a villain toying with her from the outside.
What’s the secret story behind Natalie’s dead exes? Will she and James survive their marriage? And do either of them deserve to?
Natalie has only ever wanted to find “the one.” The perfect man, the happy family she never had. But each time she thinks she is finally getting somewhere, she’s bitterly disappointed. Another red line through a list of exes. And that was before the night of the Big Fallout that left her even more alone.
Then along comes James—wonderful, handsome James—and Natalie thinks her luck has finally turned. Maybe he’s the one for her. Maybe he’s the one she’s been waiting for all along. Maybe he won’t wind up dead.
But the harder Natalie tries to be a “normal” wife, the more world-upending truths are brought to her door, leaving her unsure of who she really is, and much less what she’ll do . . . leaving her to question whether there is a monster within her or whether there is a villain toying with her from the outside.
What’s the secret story behind Natalie’s dead exes? Will she and James survive their marriage? And do either of them deserve to?
384 pages, Hardcover
Published February 3, 2026
1103 people are currently reading
29522 people want to read
About the author
Leodora Darlington
1 book192 followersLeodora Darlington is a writer from London with Ghanaian heritage. She received a distinction for her Masters in Creative Writing from Brunel University, where she studied under authors like Benjamin Zepheniah. A Bookseller Rising Star in 2021, Leodora also enjoyed working as a bookseller at Harrods, and several years as an editor publishing a range of bestselling fiction. The Exes is her debut novel.
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 1,052 reviews
February 4, 2026
There’s something deliciously unsettling about a book that keeps you second-guessing not only its characters but your own instincts. The Exes is exactly that kind of wild, stormy ride — one that begins as a love story and quietly morphs into something darker, stranger, and far more unpredictable.
Natalie is a woman who wants nothing more than a normal life — the kind filled with warmth, affection, and Sunday breakfasts with someone who actually stays. But every attempt seems to leave behind heartbreak… and a trail of bodies. When James, her seemingly perfect partner, enters her life, she dares to believe she’s finally found safety. What follows is a psychological tug-of-war between trust and paranoia, guilt and gaslighting — and it’s impossible to look away.
The author does a fantastic job of pulling readers into Natalie’s fragile mind. You’re never sure if she’s being hunted or if she’s unknowingly the hunter — and that moral ambiguity is what gives this story its pulse. The writing is sharp and emotional, switching between tenderness and tension with ease. Some scenes hit like a punch in the gut; others ache quietly, lingering long after you’ve turned the page.
I’ll admit, I went back and forth between 3 and 3.5 stars — a few over-the-top twists made me blink twice, and certain moments stretched believability — but the final chapters sealed it for me. They carried a tragic beauty I didn’t expect from a thriller, and that alone pushed me to round my rating up.
If you enjoy dark domestic suspense that explores trauma, identity, and the blurry line between love and control, The Exes will keep you reading deep into the night. It’s a debut that proves the author isn’t afraid to dig into the messy corners of the human heart.
A huge thank-you to NetGalley and Dutton for providing me with a digital reviewer copy of this twisty thriller in exchange for my honest thoughts — which I truly appreciated.
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Natalie is a woman who wants nothing more than a normal life — the kind filled with warmth, affection, and Sunday breakfasts with someone who actually stays. But every attempt seems to leave behind heartbreak… and a trail of bodies. When James, her seemingly perfect partner, enters her life, she dares to believe she’s finally found safety. What follows is a psychological tug-of-war between trust and paranoia, guilt and gaslighting — and it’s impossible to look away.
The author does a fantastic job of pulling readers into Natalie’s fragile mind. You’re never sure if she’s being hunted or if she’s unknowingly the hunter — and that moral ambiguity is what gives this story its pulse. The writing is sharp and emotional, switching between tenderness and tension with ease. Some scenes hit like a punch in the gut; others ache quietly, lingering long after you’ve turned the page.
I’ll admit, I went back and forth between 3 and 3.5 stars — a few over-the-top twists made me blink twice, and certain moments stretched believability — but the final chapters sealed it for me. They carried a tragic beauty I didn’t expect from a thriller, and that alone pushed me to round my rating up.
If you enjoy dark domestic suspense that explores trauma, identity, and the blurry line between love and control, The Exes will keep you reading deep into the night. It’s a debut that proves the author isn’t afraid to dig into the messy corners of the human heart.
A huge thank-you to NetGalley and Dutton for providing me with a digital reviewer copy of this twisty thriller in exchange for my honest thoughts — which I truly appreciated.
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February 21, 2026
An unpredictable ride exploring love, identity, trauma, and family, The Exes had me tied up in knots from the very first page. You see, from the morally gray characters to the script-flipping twists, there was no telling where this story was headed until the truth behind the layers of secrets was laid at my feet. Complex, twisty, and clever, not only was the web of lies everything I love, but the interplay between trust and paranoia—which extended to my feelings towards Natalie as well—was a masterful move by this new talented author. After all, not only did this dark, twisted tale of domestic suspense have me second guessing my instincts at every turn, but I was easily pulled into the narrator’s seemingly fragile mind. Combined with the fact that she also managed to stop bad men from getting away with a thing, and I couldn’t help but cheer her on from the sidelines.
All said and done, between the deeply flawed characters, well-plotted storyline, and jaw-dropping twists, I quickly became an avid fan of this brand-spanking-new author. With a deft hand, she spun an addictive tale filled with dysfunctional families, rage-fueled women, and a few moral dilemmas. Even better? It included a delicious gasp-inducing “WTF?!” twist. And while there were a few revelations I managed to see through, they only made me even more overjoyed when I was shocked into silence. I mean, between the dual timelines, multiple flashbacks, and onion-like plotting, it was a blast just sitting back and waiting for every well-timed reveal. So if you love thought-provoking stories with a sinister feel, unreliable narrators, or revenge-fueled fantasies, grab this book now. It was a one-sitting read that I couldn’t put down. Rating of 4.5 stars.
SYNOPSIS:
Natalie has only ever wanted to find “the one.” The perfect man, the happy family she never had. But each time she thinks she is finally getting somewhere, she’s bitterly disappointed. Another red line through a list of exes. And that was before the night of the Big Fallout that left her even more alone.
Then along comes James—wonderful, handsome James—and Natalie thinks her luck has finally turned. Maybe he’s the one for her. Maybe he’s the one she’s been waiting for all along. Maybe he won’t wind up dead.
But the harder Natalie tries to be a “normal” wife, the more world-upending truths are brought to her door, leaving her unsure of who she really is, and much less what she’ll do…leaving her to question whether there is a monster within her or whether there is a villain toying with her from the outside.
What’s the secret story behind Natalie’s dead exes? Will she and James survive their marriage? And do either of them deserve to?
Thank you Leodora Darlington and Dutton Books for my complimentary copy. All opinions are my own.
PUB DATE: February 3, 2026
Content warning: alcohol abuse, alcoholism, racism, domestic abuse, infertility, drugging, sexual assault, death, violence, stalking, gaslighting, blackmail, mention of: suicide
All said and done, between the deeply flawed characters, well-plotted storyline, and jaw-dropping twists, I quickly became an avid fan of this brand-spanking-new author. With a deft hand, she spun an addictive tale filled with dysfunctional families, rage-fueled women, and a few moral dilemmas. Even better? It included a delicious gasp-inducing “WTF?!” twist. And while there were a few revelations I managed to see through, they only made me even more overjoyed when I was shocked into silence. I mean, between the dual timelines, multiple flashbacks, and onion-like plotting, it was a blast just sitting back and waiting for every well-timed reveal. So if you love thought-provoking stories with a sinister feel, unreliable narrators, or revenge-fueled fantasies, grab this book now. It was a one-sitting read that I couldn’t put down. Rating of 4.5 stars.
SYNOPSIS:
Natalie has only ever wanted to find “the one.” The perfect man, the happy family she never had. But each time she thinks she is finally getting somewhere, she’s bitterly disappointed. Another red line through a list of exes. And that was before the night of the Big Fallout that left her even more alone.
Then along comes James—wonderful, handsome James—and Natalie thinks her luck has finally turned. Maybe he’s the one for her. Maybe he’s the one she’s been waiting for all along. Maybe he won’t wind up dead.
But the harder Natalie tries to be a “normal” wife, the more world-upending truths are brought to her door, leaving her unsure of who she really is, and much less what she’ll do…leaving her to question whether there is a monster within her or whether there is a villain toying with her from the outside.
What’s the secret story behind Natalie’s dead exes? Will she and James survive their marriage? And do either of them deserve to?
Thank you Leodora Darlington and Dutton Books for my complimentary copy. All opinions are my own.
PUB DATE: February 3, 2026
Content warning: alcohol abuse, alcoholism, racism, domestic abuse, infertility, drugging, sexual assault, death, violence, stalking, gaslighting, blackmail, mention of: suicide
February 8, 2026
This debut had a unique plot line and some fun twists, but I struggled hard with the pacing and seemed to hit a wall around 25%. I think part of the reason for that is that the book felt very long and would have benefited from a tighter, more concise storyline (there was a little bit of meandering and excess writing). That said, given the way the first part gripped me so quickly, I think this author has potential for a great career ahead and I’d be interested to read her follow-up.
🎧 The audio for this was well done and the narrator very easy to listen to. There is quite a bit of information in the first part of the book, and I think audio alone might make it hard to follow, but it is the preferable format choice.
Thank you Dutton Books and PRH Audio for the gifted copies.
🎧 The audio for this was well done and the narrator very easy to listen to. There is quite a bit of information in the first part of the book, and I think audio alone might make it hard to follow, but it is the preferable format choice.
Thank you Dutton Books and PRH Audio for the gifted copies.
February 23, 2026
Here’s a book with a very sad story,it’s well written and full of surprises and will tug on your heart strings.Natalie is a woman with psychological issues with her upbringing and her life choices.She is drawn to the worst of men which creates the worst possible scenarios and problems ,I won’t give to much away but say her exes don’t fair to well.
March 7, 2026
4.5 ⭐️- What a stand out debut! This was a twisted deep dive into complicated/neglectful/abusive romantic and familial relationships. It was a true psychological thriller through and through. Trauma lined its pages. The characters were incredibly detailed people who felt so real and the character development was off the charts. It kicked off with a few twists that pulled me in right away and then the story unraveled in the best way. I felt like I was watching this character untangle her past in real time. I was right there alongside her trying to make sense of everything. The only tiny thing I could have asked for with this one was a slightly twistier wrap up. I was almost waiting for one last twist at the very end and instead it was wrapped up perfectly with a bow. Other than that I absolutely LOVED this one.
October 13, 2025
What on earth have I just read? 😂 I saw this book getting a lot of screen time on Instagram and when I read the premise I was immediately intrigued.
The first 20-25% of the story was gripping and I couldn't put the book down. The different stories worked well in giving both background information and updates on current situations, and also provided that air of mystery and tension.
I was still hooked at 60% but then my interest started to fade a little. The story became so ridiculously unbelievable that I just wanted it to be over. Some of the twists were good, but others were unnecessary and felt like the writer was forced to include them.
I could not relate to any of the characters, nor did I like them. I honestly didn't care about a single one of them because they were so screwed up beyond belief.
The idea was great, but the execution didn't quite work for me. However, if you like completely unhinged stories then I'm sure you'll love this!
Thank you Netgalley for the ARC!
The first 20-25% of the story was gripping and I couldn't put the book down. The different stories worked well in giving both background information and updates on current situations, and also provided that air of mystery and tension.
I was still hooked at 60% but then my interest started to fade a little. The story became so ridiculously unbelievable that I just wanted it to be over. Some of the twists were good, but others were unnecessary and felt like the writer was forced to include them.
I could not relate to any of the characters, nor did I like them. I honestly didn't care about a single one of them because they were so screwed up beyond belief.
The idea was great, but the execution didn't quite work for me. However, if you like completely unhinged stories then I'm sure you'll love this!
Thank you Netgalley for the ARC!
December 1, 2025
Oh boy. The twists. The roller coaster rides. The unreliable narrators. The thrill. The chills. The mystery, the suspense. Really, this was such an amazing, keep you guessing on the edge of your seat kind of read and I loved every single twisted page of it. So much happens. So much revealed. Just. So. Much.
If you want a book that will keep you on your toes and turning the pages, this is a must. I just had so much fun with it. It never got dull, it was never boring, and just when I thought I knew it all, something else popped up that threw me for a loop.
*ARC provided by the publisher in exchange for an honest review.*
If you want a book that will keep you on your toes and turning the pages, this is a must. I just had so much fun with it. It never got dull, it was never boring, and just when I thought I knew it all, something else popped up that threw me for a loop.
*ARC provided by the publisher in exchange for an honest review.*
September 15, 2025
“....If there’s anything these past few weeks have taught me, it’s that we all have a little monster in us. Some people are just better at hiding it than others. To be human is to be complicated, to live in the dark and the light”.
3.75 ⭐️ rounded up to 4.
Natalie, our main character has a complicated life, along with her sister Claire, their childhood was littered with witnessing the domestic abuse their Mum suffered under the hands of their Dad. It wasn’t the best start to life by any means.
Her love life is also complicated, the untimely deaths of three of her ex boyfriends haven’t been easy, and as the bodies pile up, her relationship with her sister Claire, and best friend Emily start to show the strain.
Natalie, now married to her boss, is also finding married life complicated (I told you her life is complicated!!). Things aren’t going completely to plan, and her husband James isn’t quite the person she thought he was.
What really happened to her exes all those years ago, is she a cold blooded killer or is there something else afoot? Of course I’m not going to tell you that!
This thriller is relentless, it grabs hold of you and doesn’t let you breathe until the very end. The twists and turns come thick and fast, and at times my mouth was agape. Sure there were some eye rolling moments, there were a few twists and turns that defy belief, but this is a solid debut thriller, and I promise you that you won’t see some of those twists coming.
Many thanks to NetGalley and Penguin Random House for an ARC in exchange for an honest review.
3.75 ⭐️ rounded up to 4.
Natalie, our main character has a complicated life, along with her sister Claire, their childhood was littered with witnessing the domestic abuse their Mum suffered under the hands of their Dad. It wasn’t the best start to life by any means.
Her love life is also complicated, the untimely deaths of three of her ex boyfriends haven’t been easy, and as the bodies pile up, her relationship with her sister Claire, and best friend Emily start to show the strain.
Natalie, now married to her boss, is also finding married life complicated (I told you her life is complicated!!). Things aren’t going completely to plan, and her husband James isn’t quite the person she thought he was.
What really happened to her exes all those years ago, is she a cold blooded killer or is there something else afoot? Of course I’m not going to tell you that!
This thriller is relentless, it grabs hold of you and doesn’t let you breathe until the very end. The twists and turns come thick and fast, and at times my mouth was agape. Sure there were some eye rolling moments, there were a few twists and turns that defy belief, but this is a solid debut thriller, and I promise you that you won’t see some of those twists coming.
Many thanks to NetGalley and Penguin Random House for an ARC in exchange for an honest review.
September 7, 2025
So many 5 star reviews for this but I just don’t get it. It’s all over the place and feels like a really silly read.
Natalie is married to James but she has secrets, big ones. All her exes have died.
I don’t know, I didn’t click with it. It’s certainly no thriller
Natalie is married to James but she has secrets, big ones. All her exes have died.
I don’t know, I didn’t click with it. It’s certainly no thriller
February 2, 2026
hmmm cool but a bit boring
Did not finish
December 2, 2025DNF @ 22%
This thriller ain't thrilling. There wasn't really enough buildup for me to be invested in the FMC's life.
Thank you to Dutton and NetGalley for this arc.
This thriller ain't thrilling. There wasn't really enough buildup for me to be invested in the FMC's life.
Thank you to Dutton and NetGalley for this arc.
February 13, 2026
3.5 ⭐️ | Suspicious from the start! I mean Natalie.. Girl… how many d e a d exes can you have? I enjoyed the alternating timelines, the now & then really added to the suspense of what was happening with these mysterious events that occurred surrounding all these exes! It was obvious that Natalie was a black widow, but to what degree? There’s definitely something quite odd when coincidences keep occurring. This dark domestic thriller was enjoyable and kept me wondering what was truly happening. It definitely had a twist worth waiting for. Thank you NetGalley & Dutton for an advanced reader copy.
Publication 🗓️ : 02.03.26
Publication 🗓️ : 02.03.26
Review of advance copy received from Netgalley
Natalie has dealt with her fair share of dysfunction and heartbreak but perhaps her marriage to James can be different. She certainly hopes it won't end the same way her other relationships have. Therapy seems to be helping but when James brother, Will, begins to cause problems she can only hope that delving into her past gives her the answer to her current heartache.
For me The Exes started out really well - young woman desperate to escape her violent upbringing while trying to stay in contact with a sister who seems to have disowned her and an increasingly difficult marriage.
However, at some point, it tips over into complete farce. One troubled person was believable but two, then three, then four was really pushing it into the realms of total disbelief.
Natalie's character was quite sympathetic but even she couldn't carry an increasingly ludicrous plot.
Not for me.
Thankyou to Netgalley and Michael Joseph, Penguin Random House for the advance review copy.
For me The Exes started out really well - young woman desperate to escape her violent upbringing while trying to stay in contact with a sister who seems to have disowned her and an increasingly difficult marriage.
However, at some point, it tips over into complete farce. One troubled person was believable but two, then three, then four was really pushing it into the realms of total disbelief.
Natalie's character was quite sympathetic but even she couldn't carry an increasingly ludicrous plot.
Not for me.
Thankyou to Netgalley and Michael Joseph, Penguin Random House for the advance review copy.
March 7, 2026
3.5/5 ⭐️Very entertaining thriller that honestly made my jaw drop. Although I was getting to a point where the story began to fall flat, I became pleasantly surprised by the twists that Darlington throws at us. Not knowing who to trust and digesting the sheer insanity of it all was totally worth it. A very sad, intense, and twisted novel about love, loss, grief, and family in the midst of power struggle and immorality
February 2, 2026
I don’t get the 5 star reviews….this read like a bad lifetime movie
August 11, 2025
Firstly, a huge thank you to the guys at Michael Joseph for my early copy of this absolute masterpiece.
Before we get started - let it be known that this is the easiest 5-star review I think I’ve ever written.
I’m writing this seconds after finishing because my brain is still spinning and my pulse has only just returned to normal. I am in total awe of Leodora Darlington – the fact this is her debut novel is wild to me. I feel like I’m reading a book from her extensive back catalogue. I have read so many thrillers and I have never ever read anything like this. Her storytelling is razor-sharp, her characters deliciously complex, her pacing… exquisite. Filled with twists and turns you will never see coming. I feel emotionally tormented and traumatised in equal measure – and honestly? I’d do it all again.
Leodora isn’t just entering the thriller arena – she’s kicking the door clean off its hinges. Thriller royalty, take note: she’s coming for the crown.
Before we get started - let it be known that this is the easiest 5-star review I think I’ve ever written.
I’m writing this seconds after finishing because my brain is still spinning and my pulse has only just returned to normal. I am in total awe of Leodora Darlington – the fact this is her debut novel is wild to me. I feel like I’m reading a book from her extensive back catalogue. I have read so many thrillers and I have never ever read anything like this. Her storytelling is razor-sharp, her characters deliciously complex, her pacing… exquisite. Filled with twists and turns you will never see coming. I feel emotionally tormented and traumatised in equal measure – and honestly? I’d do it all again.
Leodora isn’t just entering the thriller arena – she’s kicking the door clean off its hinges. Thriller royalty, take note: she’s coming for the crown.
February 3, 2026
This book is about so much more than exes. It dives into trauma, family ties, and the darkness people carry. Our main character, Natalie, definitely takes the award for having the worst exes and much of the trauma she carries from those relationships is deeply tied to her experiences as a Black woman and the preconceived notions and biases of the men she dated. She also has a complicated relationship with her mother and sister and I really appreciated getting to explore that dynamic. Their shared history is fraught and at times it was genuinely sad to see what Natalie and her sister endured growing up.
Story-wise, there are a lot of reveals. One of them I saw coming, but many others genuinely shocked me. At first, I wasn’t sure how her sister, therapist, and husband would all connect, but it eventually came together in a way that made sense. That said, nearly every character in this book is dealing with intense family trauma, which felt a bit overwhelming at times. Still, I really enjoyed this book overall. It’s far more than a run-of-the-mill thriller. Rather than relying solely on twists, it focuses on the emotional fallout of trauma and the long-lasting effects of strained relationships. It tackles a lot, but ultimately manages to pull everything together in a satisfying way by the end.
Story-wise, there are a lot of reveals. One of them I saw coming, but many others genuinely shocked me. At first, I wasn’t sure how her sister, therapist, and husband would all connect, but it eventually came together in a way that made sense. That said, nearly every character in this book is dealing with intense family trauma, which felt a bit overwhelming at times. Still, I really enjoyed this book overall. It’s far more than a run-of-the-mill thriller. Rather than relying solely on twists, it focuses on the emotional fallout of trauma and the long-lasting effects of strained relationships. It tackles a lot, but ultimately manages to pull everything together in a satisfying way by the end.
October 17, 2025
I loved the premise of the book, but never got completely engaged in the characters or the story. The writing didn’t draw me in, and it took too long for the story to unfold. The ending was a surprise, though, so if you love endings that come as a shock you will love this book!
February 7, 2026
’I don't think there was ever really the possibility of a happy ending’
The Exes is Leodora Darlington’s exciting, twisty, and utterly engaging thriller debut novel. It follows Natalie and her husband James as they navigate Natalie’s sordid past and the plethora of dead exes she has left in her wake. However not all is as it seems, and maybe Natalie isn’t the only one with a past that haunts her.
While this might seem like any-old domestic thriller on the surface, it is nothing of the sort. Darlington has created something incredibly unique with this book, with a mystery that will keep you guessing from beginning to end. Every time you think that you have experienced the final reveal, there is another, and then another, and then another, and I finished this book blown away by just how wrong I was with my first theory as to what this story’s final twist would be. With short chapters and a snappy pace, this book is sure to keep you on your toes.
I loved Natalie’s character, and just how nuanced she was. I thought the focus on her mental health and guilt were very well written, and her growth over the story was rewarding to watch. The commentary on generational trauma was powerful, and I loved that despite being a story about relationships, family was the central theme to everything that happened in the narrative. I also enjoyed the discussions on interracial relationships, and Natalie’s thoughts on being a black woman dating white men. It isn’t something you see much of in English thriller novels, and I think it is critical to have stories like this in a time where prejudice seems to be on the rise.
Overall, The Exes gets 4/5 stars. There is very little I can say about this book without it being a spoiler, so I urge you to check this one out for yourself!
thank you to Netgalley and the publisher for an e-arc in exchange for an honest review! <3
The Exes is Leodora Darlington’s exciting, twisty, and utterly engaging thriller debut novel. It follows Natalie and her husband James as they navigate Natalie’s sordid past and the plethora of dead exes she has left in her wake. However not all is as it seems, and maybe Natalie isn’t the only one with a past that haunts her.
While this might seem like any-old domestic thriller on the surface, it is nothing of the sort. Darlington has created something incredibly unique with this book, with a mystery that will keep you guessing from beginning to end. Every time you think that you have experienced the final reveal, there is another, and then another, and then another, and I finished this book blown away by just how wrong I was with my first theory as to what this story’s final twist would be. With short chapters and a snappy pace, this book is sure to keep you on your toes.
I loved Natalie’s character, and just how nuanced she was. I thought the focus on her mental health and guilt were very well written, and her growth over the story was rewarding to watch. The commentary on generational trauma was powerful, and I loved that despite being a story about relationships, family was the central theme to everything that happened in the narrative. I also enjoyed the discussions on interracial relationships, and Natalie’s thoughts on being a black woman dating white men. It isn’t something you see much of in English thriller novels, and I think it is critical to have stories like this in a time where prejudice seems to be on the rise.
Overall, The Exes gets 4/5 stars. There is very little I can say about this book without it being a spoiler, so I urge you to check this one out for yourself!
thank you to Netgalley and the publisher for an e-arc in exchange for an honest review! <3
March 7, 2026
Natalie has had three serious boyfriends. All three are dead. Officially, their deaths were accidents. Unofficially, that’s a lot of coincidence for one woman’s dating history. Now she’s married and determined to finally get it right. New husband, clean slate, no drama. Except the past has a way of creeping back in, especially when your memories are fuzzy in all the worst places. As her marriage starts to wobble, Natalie finds herself revisiting those old relationships and asking the question everyone else is probably thinking. Was she unlucky? Was she manipulated? Or has she been telling herself a version of events that leaves out something important? The story follows Natalie as she tries to sort through what really happened and whether the biggest mystery in her life is the men she dated or herself.
The plot is enticing at the start, and the whole book is not terrible, but it never rises above meh. I kept waiting for it to grip me, to shock me, unsettle me, do something bold and it just sort of hovered. The pacing is uneven in a frustrating way. Long stretches of circling the same emotions, then sudden bursts where everything happens at once. It doesn’t build tension; it stalls then rushes. And at this length, that imbalance feels amplified.
And the twists were more just slight plot turns, some that I fully anticipated, and the one’s I didn’t, weren’t too impactful. For something positioned as a psychological thriller, that’s a problem. If you’re going to lean on suspense, you need either genuine unpredictability or razor sharp psychological intensity. This has neither. What it really reads like is a detached character analysis of morally murky, emotionally unstable people. Almost documentary like. Clinical and observational. You’re watching strange behavior unfold from a distance rather than being pulled into it. That distance flattens everything.
It’s not twisted enough to be a thriller. Not suspenseful enough to be suspense. Not emotionally deep enough to be a profound character study. It exists in this odd in between space that left me more puzzled than impressed. Strangest book I’ve read in a while, not because it blew my mind, but because I kept waiting for it to.
2.5 stars 🌟
The plot is enticing at the start, and the whole book is not terrible, but it never rises above meh. I kept waiting for it to grip me, to shock me, unsettle me, do something bold and it just sort of hovered. The pacing is uneven in a frustrating way. Long stretches of circling the same emotions, then sudden bursts where everything happens at once. It doesn’t build tension; it stalls then rushes. And at this length, that imbalance feels amplified.
And the twists were more just slight plot turns, some that I fully anticipated, and the one’s I didn’t, weren’t too impactful. For something positioned as a psychological thriller, that’s a problem. If you’re going to lean on suspense, you need either genuine unpredictability or razor sharp psychological intensity. This has neither. What it really reads like is a detached character analysis of morally murky, emotionally unstable people. Almost documentary like. Clinical and observational. You’re watching strange behavior unfold from a distance rather than being pulled into it. That distance flattens everything.
It’s not twisted enough to be a thriller. Not suspenseful enough to be suspense. Not emotionally deep enough to be a profound character study. It exists in this odd in between space that left me more puzzled than impressed. Strangest book I’ve read in a while, not because it blew my mind, but because I kept waiting for it to.
2.5 stars 🌟
February 28, 2026
This one took a minute to get going. The first 100 pages were slow but then it flipped a switch and turned into the wildest ride.
Every single character in this book is completely bonkers. Just when I thought I understood what was happening, another layer of chaos would enter stage right. The escalations had me constantly recalibrating.
Natalie is the kind of main character that really intrigues me. I kept questioning what she was capable of. Was she simply unlucky? Unreliable? Or something much darker?
If you love domestic thrillers with messy relationships, secrets that refuse to stay buried, and "wait … what just happened?" moments, this one is worth picking up.
Every single character in this book is completely bonkers. Just when I thought I understood what was happening, another layer of chaos would enter stage right. The escalations had me constantly recalibrating.
Natalie is the kind of main character that really intrigues me. I kept questioning what she was capable of. Was she simply unlucky? Unreliable? Or something much darker?
If you love domestic thrillers with messy relationships, secrets that refuse to stay buried, and "wait … what just happened?" moments, this one is worth picking up.
February 7, 2026
My head is spinning with these reveals and plot twists. It’s a mystery with the drama level of a soap opera.
Natalie is married to James and their marriage is at a breaking point. Three of her exes have ended up dead. They both have big lives and secrets. I’m not going to go further into the plot, it’s best to go in blind.
I really enjoyed this even though it was over the top. It’s a thriller to get lost in. I couldn’t put it down!
Three words to describe the main character: Troubled, guilty, lonely
Hollywood cast-
Natalie- Gabrielle Union
James- Joseph Gordon Levitt
Claire- Taraji P Henson
Dimple- Zoe Kravitz
Will- Jake Gyllenhall
Recommended? Absolutely.
Natalie is married to James and their marriage is at a breaking point. Three of her exes have ended up dead. They both have big lives and secrets. I’m not going to go further into the plot, it’s best to go in blind.
I really enjoyed this even though it was over the top. It’s a thriller to get lost in. I couldn’t put it down!
Three words to describe the main character: Troubled, guilty, lonely
Hollywood cast-
Natalie- Gabrielle Union
James- Joseph Gordon Levitt
Claire- Taraji P Henson
Dimple- Zoe Kravitz
Will- Jake Gyllenhall
Recommended? Absolutely.
February 8, 2026
Natalie’s ex-boyfriends have all died. She wants to start a family with her husband, James, but his brother becomes suspicious of the secrets Natalie’s hiding…or has he? In order to take back control of her life and future, she needs to her everyone back into place.
There was SO much tension and build up that was perfectly paced. If you read close enough, you can see the *main* twist coming, but the other ones (yes, multiple) will take you by surprise. Everyone in this book is painted as an unreliable narrator and you’re constantly questioning who’s telling the truth.
There was SO much tension and build up that was perfectly paced. If you read close enough, you can see the *main* twist coming, but the other ones (yes, multiple) will take you by surprise. Everyone in this book is painted as an unreliable narrator and you’re constantly questioning who’s telling the truth.
February 11, 2026
DNF at 20%
I went into The Exes really excited — especially as a February 2026 Book of the Month pick and seeing it featured in multiple Goodreads challenges. Unfortunately, it just didn’t land for me.
The writing style felt choppy and heavily punctuated in a way that disrupted the flow. When I tried reading passages aloud, the rhythm didn’t quite work, which made it harder to stay immersed in the story. By around the 50-page mark, I realized I was pushing myself to read a chapter at a time instead of feeling genuinely pulled in.
I also struggled to connect with the characters. At this point, none of them felt fully developed or compelling enough to anchor the narrative. And while twists can certainly evolve, I found myself predicting the major reveal very early on, which lessened the suspense for me.
I’m genuinely surprised this one came so highly recommended, which makes me wonder if it just missed me entirely. Unfortunately, I wasn’t intrigued enough to stick around and find out.
I went into The Exes really excited — especially as a February 2026 Book of the Month pick and seeing it featured in multiple Goodreads challenges. Unfortunately, it just didn’t land for me.
The writing style felt choppy and heavily punctuated in a way that disrupted the flow. When I tried reading passages aloud, the rhythm didn’t quite work, which made it harder to stay immersed in the story. By around the 50-page mark, I realized I was pushing myself to read a chapter at a time instead of feeling genuinely pulled in.
I also struggled to connect with the characters. At this point, none of them felt fully developed or compelling enough to anchor the narrative. And while twists can certainly evolve, I found myself predicting the major reveal very early on, which lessened the suspense for me.
I’m genuinely surprised this one came so highly recommended, which makes me wonder if it just missed me entirely. Unfortunately, I wasn’t intrigued enough to stick around and find out.
November 15, 2025
This was a good story but the execution fell a bit flat for me. The book centers on Natalie, who thinks she has found “the one” in James, but has a rather interesting history of other exes dying suspiciously. It’s told primarily from her POV, though there were chapters from others, and the timeline jumped around a bit between current and multiple precious timelines.
I thought the twists in this book were pretty good and I was surprised by a couple of the major reveals. That being said, the writing style dulled them down a lot for me- I can’t really put my finger on it but I felt like I was looking in from the outside versus really getting in Natalie’s head. I didn’t like the chapters between Natalie and her therapist at all and found them sometimes confusing and other times just not that interesting, though I do think they helped explain other aspects of the story. I did like the end and felt that I walked away with loose ends tied up.
Overall, I liked the story more than the writing but thought it was a decent read. Thanks to NetGalley for providing me with a copy of this book in exchange for an honest review.
I thought the twists in this book were pretty good and I was surprised by a couple of the major reveals. That being said, the writing style dulled them down a lot for me- I can’t really put my finger on it but I felt like I was looking in from the outside versus really getting in Natalie’s head. I didn’t like the chapters between Natalie and her therapist at all and found them sometimes confusing and other times just not that interesting, though I do think they helped explain other aspects of the story. I did like the end and felt that I walked away with loose ends tied up.
Overall, I liked the story more than the writing but thought it was a decent read. Thanks to NetGalley for providing me with a copy of this book in exchange for an honest review.
November 24, 2025
The Exes is a solid debut. The author shows a lot of promise and creativity.
There were a lot of very good twists, some were pretty predictable, while others were surprising, although not all entirely plausible.
I will definitely read more by her.
3.5 stars
There were a lot of very good twists, some were pretty predictable, while others were surprising, although not all entirely plausible.
I will definitely read more by her.
3.5 stars
March 5, 2026
This is author Leodora Darlington's debut novel and after having finished it, I have to say I was really impressed by this.
The story hooked me in right away and it held my attention throughout.
I was surprised that this was a debut novel, as I found the writing to be very enjoyable and polished.
The pacing worked well for me too, despite the book being too long in my opinion, just as things were starting to get a bit flat, a twist would happen which really did liven it up again.
I liked our main character Natalie, I thought she was an interesting character to see the book through (for the most part) however I did feel slightly distanced from her, and I did feel like I didn't really know her or connect with her that well.
This is definitely a very twisty book that leans more to psychological/domestic thriller than anything else.
I really did enjoy this book and I will definitely be checking out this authors next work.
thanks to Penguin Michael Joseph for the ARC I received in exchange for an honest review
The story hooked me in right away and it held my attention throughout.
I was surprised that this was a debut novel, as I found the writing to be very enjoyable and polished.
The pacing worked well for me too, despite the book being too long in my opinion, just as things were starting to get a bit flat, a twist would happen which really did liven it up again.
I liked our main character Natalie, I thought she was an interesting character to see the book through (for the most part) however I did feel slightly distanced from her, and I did feel like I didn't really know her or connect with her that well.
This is definitely a very twisty book that leans more to psychological/domestic thriller than anything else.
I really did enjoy this book and I will definitely be checking out this authors next work.
thanks to Penguin Michael Joseph for the ARC I received in exchange for an honest review
February 15, 2026
3.5 ⭐️
“To be human is to be complicated, to live in the dark and the light.”
The Exes is a psychological thriller that follows Natalie and the stories of her past boyfriends. Natalie suffers from strange blackouts that inevitably occur when something traumatic has happened to her boyfriend at that current time, and the story takes you through past and present to figure out how these things occurred.
I was torn on my rating for this book, however as a debut novel this was such a gripping and unique storyline, with both believable and shocking plot twists.
The first 20% of this book I wasn’t sure how it was going to sit with me, it felt slow and confusing throughout learning all the different characters, and was very centred around race which I thought fell off as the storyline proceeded.
The rest of the story had me gripped, however some moments I felt did drag on and made me start to lose interest, especially around the 80% mark.
All in all, for a debut this novel is worth reading, especially if you’re wanting a thriller that really keeps you guessing!
Thank you Netgalley and Penguin for this ARC.
“To be human is to be complicated, to live in the dark and the light.”
The Exes is a psychological thriller that follows Natalie and the stories of her past boyfriends. Natalie suffers from strange blackouts that inevitably occur when something traumatic has happened to her boyfriend at that current time, and the story takes you through past and present to figure out how these things occurred.
I was torn on my rating for this book, however as a debut novel this was such a gripping and unique storyline, with both believable and shocking plot twists.
The first 20% of this book I wasn’t sure how it was going to sit with me, it felt slow and confusing throughout learning all the different characters, and was very centred around race which I thought fell off as the storyline proceeded.
The rest of the story had me gripped, however some moments I felt did drag on and made me start to lose interest, especially around the 80% mark.
All in all, for a debut this novel is worth reading, especially if you’re wanting a thriller that really keeps you guessing!
Thank you Netgalley and Penguin for this ARC.
December 31, 2025
This was like being on a rollercoaster with all the twists and turns. Completely unreliable characters. I really liked the Now, Then and dead ex chapters of the book. It was paced really well and just made you keep turning the pages!!
Thank you to NetGalley for this arc!
Thank you to NetGalley for this arc!
March 2, 2026
Liked it, didn't love it. Storyline reminded me of My Sister, the Serial Killer, which I read earlier this month, but this was (imo) significantly longer and had more unnecessary twists. Would recommend for fans of slower-paced thriller murder mysteries with the unreliable narrator trope though.
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