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Bigamia: Un thriller psicológico lleno de suspense y giros inesperados
Es el marido perfecto.
Pero tú no eres su única esposa.
«La mujer que contesta al teléfono de mi marido Sam dice que no está disponible. No reconozco su voz, así que le pregunto con educación quién es. Su respuesta, "Soy su mujer", hace que mi mundo se desmorone».
Emma supo que quería casarse con Sam en cuanto lo conoció. Después de perder a su madre de forma repentina, el encantador arquitecto de voz suave y mirada castaña profunda era justo el nuevo comienzo que necesitaba.
Cuando Emma se queda embarazada, no cabe en sí de felicidad. Hace todo lo posible para que su pequeña familia funcione e intenta ignorar los largos viajes de trabajo de Sam, las llamadas que coge en privado y sus excusas sobre por qué el dinero desaparece constantemente de la cuenta bancaria de ella. Pero él no tiene ni idea de lo que Emma ha estado haciendo en su casa mientras él está fuera… ni tampoco cómo consiguió ese dinero en realidad.
Entonces Emma descubre que Sam esconde mucho más de lo que jamás habría imaginado. Porque su marido lleva una doble vida. Está casado con otra mujer.
Pero él no es el único que guarda secretos y no sabe hasta dónde está dispuesta a llegar Emma para protegerse…
---
«Un thriller trepidante que devoré en dos sentadas… El final me dejó sin palabras. ¡Brillante!».
Carla Kovach ⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐
«Uno de mis libros favoritos del año… Esta historia esconde mucho más de lo que parece a simple vista. Tienes que experimentar por ti mismo todos estos giros. Y hay muchos… Un thriller psicológico que se queda contigo mucho después de haber leído la última página».
Fireflies & Free Kicks Fiction Reviews ⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐
«Decir que me sorprendió es quedarse corta… Rona Halsall ofrece una lectura realmente buena y estoy deseando leer su próximo libro».
Robin Loves Reading ⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐
«¡Tantos giros que no dejé de sorprenderme hasta la última frase!… Imprescindible para los amantes de los thrillers psicológicos».
@stamperlady50 ⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐
«Increíble… Fantástico… Me mantuvo en tensión hasta bien entrada la noche porque no podía soltarlo… Perfecto, adictivo, absorbente».
Bookworm86 ⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐
«Completamente imposible dejarlo… Me atrapó desde el prólogo y no pude soltar el Kindle hasta que lo terminé… Madre mía, cuántos giros… Brillante… Le daría más de 5 estrellas si pudiera».
@leona.omahony ⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐
«Me mantuvo despierta toda la noche para poder acabarlo… Cada giro me dejó completamente descolocada… Me encantó</
Pero tú no eres su única esposa.
«La mujer que contesta al teléfono de mi marido Sam dice que no está disponible. No reconozco su voz, así que le pregunto con educación quién es. Su respuesta, "Soy su mujer", hace que mi mundo se desmorone».
Emma supo que quería casarse con Sam en cuanto lo conoció. Después de perder a su madre de forma repentina, el encantador arquitecto de voz suave y mirada castaña profunda era justo el nuevo comienzo que necesitaba.
Cuando Emma se queda embarazada, no cabe en sí de felicidad. Hace todo lo posible para que su pequeña familia funcione e intenta ignorar los largos viajes de trabajo de Sam, las llamadas que coge en privado y sus excusas sobre por qué el dinero desaparece constantemente de la cuenta bancaria de ella. Pero él no tiene ni idea de lo que Emma ha estado haciendo en su casa mientras él está fuera… ni tampoco cómo consiguió ese dinero en realidad.
Entonces Emma descubre que Sam esconde mucho más de lo que jamás habría imaginado. Porque su marido lleva una doble vida. Está casado con otra mujer.
Pero él no es el único que guarda secretos y no sabe hasta dónde está dispuesta a llegar Emma para protegerse…
---
«Un thriller trepidante que devoré en dos sentadas… El final me dejó sin palabras. ¡Brillante!».
Carla Kovach ⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐
«Uno de mis libros favoritos del año… Esta historia esconde mucho más de lo que parece a simple vista. Tienes que experimentar por ti mismo todos estos giros. Y hay muchos… Un thriller psicológico que se queda contigo mucho después de haber leído la última página».
Fireflies & Free Kicks Fiction Reviews ⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐
«Decir que me sorprendió es quedarse corta… Rona Halsall ofrece una lectura realmente buena y estoy deseando leer su próximo libro».
Robin Loves Reading ⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐
«¡Tantos giros que no dejé de sorprenderme hasta la última frase!… Imprescindible para los amantes de los thrillers psicológicos».
@stamperlady50 ⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐
«Increíble… Fantástico… Me mantuvo en tensión hasta bien entrada la noche porque no podía soltarlo… Perfecto, adictivo, absorbente».
Bookworm86 ⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐
«Completamente imposible dejarlo… Me atrapó desde el prólogo y no pude soltar el Kindle hasta que lo terminé… Madre mía, cuántos giros… Brillante… Le daría más de 5 estrellas si pudiera».
@leona.omahony ⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐
«Me mantuvo despierta toda la noche para poder acabarlo… Cada giro me dejó completamente descolocada… Me encantó</
317 pages, Kindle Edition
First published July 5, 2023
2102 people are currently reading
2301 people want to read
About the author
Rona Halsall
20 books529 followersRona is the #1 best selling author of twisty psychological thrillers and loves to create mayhem in her characters' lives to keep her readers guessing. She lives halfway up a mountain in Snowdonia, North Wales with her three dogs - Maid, Evie and Sandy who are the writing support team.
She is an outdoorsy person, who loves nothing better than stomping up a mountain, and wandering round forests and woodlands while she's plotting her next book. Outside is where the ideas are!
The peak of her writing career was being short-listed for the International Thriller Writers Awards 2024, for THE BIGAMIST. The translation was also shortlisted for an award in Holland.
For the latest news and information on all her books you can check out her website: https://ronahalsall.org/
You can also sign up to her newsletter here:
https://bit.ly/RonaHalsallNews
Also...If you follow her Author page on Amazon, you'll get notifications when a new book is out. You can have a look here:
UK - https://tinyurl.com/yfk4ydyt
US - https://tinyurl.com/26cwfkc7
Go on... hit that Follow button!
She is an outdoorsy person, who loves nothing better than stomping up a mountain, and wandering round forests and woodlands while she's plotting her next book. Outside is where the ideas are!
The peak of her writing career was being short-listed for the International Thriller Writers Awards 2024, for THE BIGAMIST. The translation was also shortlisted for an award in Holland.
For the latest news and information on all her books you can check out her website: https://ronahalsall.org/
You can also sign up to her newsletter here:
https://bit.ly/RonaHalsallNews
Also...If you follow her Author page on Amazon, you'll get notifications when a new book is out. You can have a look here:
UK - https://tinyurl.com/yfk4ydyt
US - https://tinyurl.com/26cwfkc7
Go on... hit that Follow button!
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Community Reviews
Displaying 1 - 30 of 558 reviews
June 29, 2023
Red Flag Alert!
This was an entertaining, fast paced and twist filled read. There were several I didn't-see-that-coming parts in this book which kept me on my toes, wanting more and anxious about what was going to happen next!
Emma met Sam at a bereavement group. The attraction was instant. When Emma finds out that she is pregnant, she is over the moon! She has longed to be a mother and looks forward to a life with Sam and their child. Sam works long hours as an architect and has frequent private phone calls and trips out of town, but it is all to build a life (and home) together.
But money begins to disappear from her bank account and then her beloved paintings are gone. Emma is not happy about this nor is she happy when she calls him, and a woman claims to be "his wife? What?!?
Is Sam living a secret life? Is that why all the private phone calls? Is he a bigamist?
Sam may have his secrets, but so does Emma. But who has the biggest secret of all?
This was a lot of fun. I enjoyed the increasing tension as the book progressed. The characters have secrets yet are angry at other characters for keeping secrets. Isn't that how it always is? The pot and the kettle and all that. This kept me on my toes, entertained and wanting more. Just when I thought I knew everything and where this book was heading, Rona Halsall turned the tables on me with another twist and reveal. I enjoyed the fast pacing of this well thought out and well written book.
Thank you to Dreamscape Media, Hachette UK – Bookouture and NetGalley who provided me with a copy of this book in exchange for an honest review. All the thoughts and opinions are my own.
Read more of my reviews at www.openbookposts.com
This was an entertaining, fast paced and twist filled read. There were several I didn't-see-that-coming parts in this book which kept me on my toes, wanting more and anxious about what was going to happen next!
Emma met Sam at a bereavement group. The attraction was instant. When Emma finds out that she is pregnant, she is over the moon! She has longed to be a mother and looks forward to a life with Sam and their child. Sam works long hours as an architect and has frequent private phone calls and trips out of town, but it is all to build a life (and home) together.
But money begins to disappear from her bank account and then her beloved paintings are gone. Emma is not happy about this nor is she happy when she calls him, and a woman claims to be "his wife? What?!?
Is Sam living a secret life? Is that why all the private phone calls? Is he a bigamist?
Sam may have his secrets, but so does Emma. But who has the biggest secret of all?
This was a lot of fun. I enjoyed the increasing tension as the book progressed. The characters have secrets yet are angry at other characters for keeping secrets. Isn't that how it always is? The pot and the kettle and all that. This kept me on my toes, entertained and wanting more. Just when I thought I knew everything and where this book was heading, Rona Halsall turned the tables on me with another twist and reveal. I enjoyed the fast pacing of this well thought out and well written book.
Thank you to Dreamscape Media, Hachette UK – Bookouture and NetGalley who provided me with a copy of this book in exchange for an honest review. All the thoughts and opinions are my own.
Read more of my reviews at www.openbookposts.com
June 30, 2023
Another day, another thriller. Right?! WRONG!
As the certified thriller expert that you are, you may be lulled into thinking you know where this is all going. Perhaps you’ll convince yourself, “easy-peasy!" Well my literary friends, you couldn’t be further off course on this one!
Emma finds love in the most unexpected place. A bereavement support group. OK, I suppose that beats online dating!
Fellow member Sam is an architect grieving the loss of his wife. It’s not long before the two are inseparable.
As one door closes another opens.
Emma now has a fresh start on her newly-found, joyful life. A new marriage, a baby on the way and her husband is building her the home of her dreams! Such a beautiful love story.
Ahh, poor Emma. Don’t you know, life can never be that perfect?
When another woman answers her husband's phone claiming to be his wife, her entire world collapses. Whaaat?😱.
But hold on a minute…is Sam the only one keeping secrets in this marriage?
Buckle up, because this is where everything takes off with delicious twists that are planted like little land mines ready to go off as you make your way through the chapters! I kept having to stop and let my brain fully absorb what I just heard! (audio version💁🏻♀️).
Speaking of which, Sarah Durham did an amazing job with the narration!
Thank you to NetGalley and Dreamscape Media🎧
As the certified thriller expert that you are, you may be lulled into thinking you know where this is all going. Perhaps you’ll convince yourself, “easy-peasy!" Well my literary friends, you couldn’t be further off course on this one!
Emma finds love in the most unexpected place. A bereavement support group. OK, I suppose that beats online dating!
Fellow member Sam is an architect grieving the loss of his wife. It’s not long before the two are inseparable.
As one door closes another opens.
Emma now has a fresh start on her newly-found, joyful life. A new marriage, a baby on the way and her husband is building her the home of her dreams! Such a beautiful love story.
Ahh, poor Emma. Don’t you know, life can never be that perfect?
When another woman answers her husband's phone claiming to be his wife, her entire world collapses. Whaaat?😱.
But hold on a minute…is Sam the only one keeping secrets in this marriage?
Buckle up, because this is where everything takes off with delicious twists that are planted like little land mines ready to go off as you make your way through the chapters! I kept having to stop and let my brain fully absorb what I just heard! (audio version💁🏻♀️).
Speaking of which, Sarah Durham did an amazing job with the narration!
Thank you to NetGalley and Dreamscape Media🎧
July 16, 2023
When Emma attends a group bereavement session, she doesn’t expect to make a new friend or meet the love of her life. But it’s not long before she finds herself in a relationship with Sam, an architect who is dedicated to his work. At first, him spending half the week gone isn’t an issue, but after several unexplainable occurrences, she begins to wonder if Sam is hiding a lover or even a second family. But Sam isn’t the only one keeping secrets, and secrets have a way of coming out.
The author did a great job at creating and building tension throughout the beginning of the read. But backstories started to be incorporated to provide more explanation to the characters and their motives. While this was necessary, it did negate some of the tension and suspense that could have been present and certainly slowed down the pace in the middle of the book. There were a few times when I thought I’d guessed where the book was going – I was right for some of them but completely wrong other times, which was fun. There were certainly some things that were over the top or a little unbelievable, but it was still entertaining.
I did want a bit more from the characters. They were written well enough to not detract too much from the book. But they were one dimensional, reading as if they only existed to play their designated role rather than being real people. This made it so I never connected to them in the way I hoped, which did detract some from my enjoyment of this read.
Overall, this was a solid domestic drama/suspense that I enjoyed. My thanks to NetGalley and Dreamscape Media for allowing me to read this work. All thoughts and opinions expressed in this review are my own.
The author did a great job at creating and building tension throughout the beginning of the read. But backstories started to be incorporated to provide more explanation to the characters and their motives. While this was necessary, it did negate some of the tension and suspense that could have been present and certainly slowed down the pace in the middle of the book. There were a few times when I thought I’d guessed where the book was going – I was right for some of them but completely wrong other times, which was fun. There were certainly some things that were over the top or a little unbelievable, but it was still entertaining.
I did want a bit more from the characters. They were written well enough to not detract too much from the book. But they were one dimensional, reading as if they only existed to play their designated role rather than being real people. This made it so I never connected to them in the way I hoped, which did detract some from my enjoyment of this read.
Overall, this was a solid domestic drama/suspense that I enjoyed. My thanks to NetGalley and Dreamscape Media for allowing me to read this work. All thoughts and opinions expressed in this review are my own.
August 24, 2024
This was a WILD ride of a story.
The Bigamist is a psychological thriller that is full of secrets, deception, and shocking revelations. The story centers around a seemingly perfect marriage that quickly unravels when Emma discovers that her husband, Sam, is living a double life - married to another woman. As she grapples with this earth-shattering betrayal, it becomes clear that Sam isn't the only one hiding dark secrets. Emma herself harbors mysteries that, when revealed, made me go whaaaaaaat?!!
Brisk pacing
Unexpected twists
Shocking conclusion
What makes The Bigamist truly unputdownable is its exploration of the dark underbelly of marriage—the lies we tell ourselves and each other, and the lengths to which we’ll go to preserve our own secrets.
Another amazing recommendation from Dan!
The Bigamist is a psychological thriller that is full of secrets, deception, and shocking revelations. The story centers around a seemingly perfect marriage that quickly unravels when Emma discovers that her husband, Sam, is living a double life - married to another woman. As she grapples with this earth-shattering betrayal, it becomes clear that Sam isn't the only one hiding dark secrets. Emma herself harbors mysteries that, when revealed, made me go whaaaaaaat?!!
Brisk pacing
Unexpected twists
Shocking conclusion
What makes The Bigamist truly unputdownable is its exploration of the dark underbelly of marriage—the lies we tell ourselves and each other, and the lengths to which we’ll go to preserve our own secrets.
Another amazing recommendation from Dan!
October 23, 2024
The twists here are out of this world! Really knocked me sideways.
July 5, 2023
A shock beginning lays the path for this book, an interesting subject and not one I have encountered very often so was keen to see how the story was told and the subject covered
We meet Emma who is attending a group where people who have lost someone close go for help, advice and comfort, here she meets Sam and she feels she has ‘bonded’ over grief, but is Sam all he seems to be?, and that is the theme running through the book with all the characters we meet; is anyone as they appear to be? As the book progresses more comes to light and as things get more complex we find out that they are not…..
A dark, twisted and cleverly written tale with a big bang of an ending…..Ultimately is as always with this author a full on psychological thriller that you never quite know where it is leading or taking you…..needs to be a Netflix 5 parter, superb all round.
We meet Emma who is attending a group where people who have lost someone close go for help, advice and comfort, here she meets Sam and she feels she has ‘bonded’ over grief, but is Sam all he seems to be?, and that is the theme running through the book with all the characters we meet; is anyone as they appear to be? As the book progresses more comes to light and as things get more complex we find out that they are not…..
A dark, twisted and cleverly written tale with a big bang of an ending…..Ultimately is as always with this author a full on psychological thriller that you never quite know where it is leading or taking you…..needs to be a Netflix 5 parter, superb all round.
October 12, 2023
Wow! Saying this thriller is twisty is an understatement. There were so many mind-blowing twists that were constant starting in the middle until the shocking conclusion. Initially, I thought I knew where the plot was going, but I had no idea and was surprised after each of the many jaw-dropping turns. The narration expertly brought the characters to life while adding a layer of intrigue and suspense. This was definitely a fast-paced thrill ride! Thank you, NetGalley and Dreamscape Media for my audiobook.
July 5, 2023
A thrilling story with countless twists and turns!
Emma had recently married Sam, an architect. Everything was going well. Sam is working on a new job. While Emma is at home pregnant. Since they're expecting, she wanted to keep a closer eye on their spending. When the numbers didn't add up, Emma started to become suspicious of her new husband. She noticed how he is away on work trips more often and he would hide phone calls from her.
One day she decided to give him a call. Instead of Sam answering the phone, it was a woman's voice. She even said she was Sam's wife! That's when Emma's world turned upside down. Can she believe anything Sam says anymore? What else is he lying about? Was he just using her?
This novel took me on a wild ride. Nothing went the way I had expected! Highly recommend!
***Thank you to NetGalley, Rona Halsall, and Dreamscape Media for graciously sending me the ARC to review. As always, all thoughts are my own.***
Emma had recently married Sam, an architect. Everything was going well. Sam is working on a new job. While Emma is at home pregnant. Since they're expecting, she wanted to keep a closer eye on their spending. When the numbers didn't add up, Emma started to become suspicious of her new husband. She noticed how he is away on work trips more often and he would hide phone calls from her.
One day she decided to give him a call. Instead of Sam answering the phone, it was a woman's voice. She even said she was Sam's wife! That's when Emma's world turned upside down. Can she believe anything Sam says anymore? What else is he lying about? Was he just using her?
This novel took me on a wild ride. Nothing went the way I had expected! Highly recommend!
***Thank you to NetGalley, Rona Halsall, and Dreamscape Media for graciously sending me the ARC to review. As always, all thoughts are my own.***
October 8, 2024
What a fun, fast paced read!!! So.many.twists.and.turns!! Wow!!!
July 1, 2023
"I'm sorry, Sam's not available," says the woman who answers my husband's phone. I can't place her voice, so I politely ask who she is. Her answer sends my world spinning out of "I'm his wife."
I know I want to marry Sam the moment I meet him, After I lost my beloved mother so suddenly, this charming, softly spoken architect with his deep-brown eyes is just the fresh start I've been looking for. I'm delighted to be expecting out first child before we've even had the chance to plan a honeymoon. I want our family to work so I try to ignore his long work trips. I turn a blind eye to the private calls he takes, and I listen to his excuses about the money that keeps disappearing from my bank account. Then I find out Sam's got more to hide than I ever imagined was possible. Because my husband is leading a double life.
The characters in this book are unreliable and unlikable, but the plotline has been cleverly crafted. It's filled with twists, secrets and the pace is fast. Emma attends a bereavement group and ends up meeting and marrying Sam. Emma believes she has been given a second chance in life and is overjoyed to discover she is pregnant. There's a creeping sense of unease throughout. There're also some farfetched moments. I thought I had it all figured out in just a few chapters, but I was wrong.
I would like to thank #NetGalley #Bookouture and the author #RonaHalsall for my ARC of #TheBigamist in exchange for an honest review.
I know I want to marry Sam the moment I meet him, After I lost my beloved mother so suddenly, this charming, softly spoken architect with his deep-brown eyes is just the fresh start I've been looking for. I'm delighted to be expecting out first child before we've even had the chance to plan a honeymoon. I want our family to work so I try to ignore his long work trips. I turn a blind eye to the private calls he takes, and I listen to his excuses about the money that keeps disappearing from my bank account. Then I find out Sam's got more to hide than I ever imagined was possible. Because my husband is leading a double life.
The characters in this book are unreliable and unlikable, but the plotline has been cleverly crafted. It's filled with twists, secrets and the pace is fast. Emma attends a bereavement group and ends up meeting and marrying Sam. Emma believes she has been given a second chance in life and is overjoyed to discover she is pregnant. There's a creeping sense of unease throughout. There're also some farfetched moments. I thought I had it all figured out in just a few chapters, but I was wrong.
I would like to thank #NetGalley #Bookouture and the author #RonaHalsall for my ARC of #TheBigamist in exchange for an honest review.
July 5, 2023
I never should have said "I Do!" to "The Bigamist".
WHY DID I SAY "I DO!"?
I was seduced by the book's stunning cover and an ultra-compelling publisher's blurb.
Unfortunately, the book cover's teaser was misleading and did not accurately depict the book's storyline.
Overall, I felt that the book's pacing was uneven with many portions of the book being waaay too slow-burn.
I also felt that the book's plotline was contrived and required a HUGE suspension of disbelief.
I listened to the 9-hour audiobook read by Sarah Durham. The narration was good but not great.
The 9-hour audiobook easily could have been a 7-hour audiobook.
Special thanks to NetGalley and the publisher for providing me with an ARC in exchange for an honest review.
2.5 stars.
WHY DID I SAY "I DO!"?
I was seduced by the book's stunning cover and an ultra-compelling publisher's blurb.
Unfortunately, the book cover's teaser was misleading and did not accurately depict the book's storyline.
Overall, I felt that the book's pacing was uneven with many portions of the book being waaay too slow-burn.
I also felt that the book's plotline was contrived and required a HUGE suspension of disbelief.
I listened to the 9-hour audiobook read by Sarah Durham. The narration was good but not great.
The 9-hour audiobook easily could have been a 7-hour audiobook.
Special thanks to NetGalley and the publisher for providing me with an ARC in exchange for an honest review.
2.5 stars.
June 12, 2024
"Ik wist al dat ik met Sam wilde trouwen vanaf onze eerste ontmoeting. Na het plotselinge verlies van mijn moeder was de charmante, welbespraakte architect met donkerbruine ogen precies de frisse start die ik nodig had. Ons eerste kind was al onderweg nog voordat we onze huwelijksreis hadden gepland.
Ik wilde zo graag dat ons gezinnetje zou werken dat ik zijn onverklaarbare gedrag negeerde. De lange zakenreizen, de geheime telefoontjes, en het geld dat steeds van mijn rekening verdween. Maar dan blijkt dat hij meer te verbergen heeft dan ik dacht."
'De bigamist' begint met een interessante proloog die meteen vragen oproept. Vervolgens maak je een sprong terug in de tijd en lees je over de eerste ontmoeting tussen Emma en Sam. Niet veel later wordt duidelijk dat de twee meer voor elkaar voelen en het begin van een relatie ontstaat...
Ze trouwen en Emma raakt in verwachting van hun eerste kind. Maar al gauw merk je dat er bepaalde dingen niet kloppen. Sam vertoont vreemd gedrag en dan is er ook nog opeens die andere vrouw... Zou Sam een ander hebben? Emma besluit op onderzoek uit te gaan en als lezer kom je achter een schokkende ontdekking...
'De bigamist' vond ik best prettig lezen en je leest het vanuit verschillende perspectieven. Na een tijdje merkte ik dat ik geen enkele echte connectie met een van de personages had. Ik vond ze niet altijd even sympathiek en ook de spanning vond ik niet heel erg aanwezig. Als lezer vroeg ik mij wel de hele tijd af hoe het zat tussen Emma en Sam, maar hierdoor zat ik niet op het puntje van mijn stoel.
Op het einde komt er dan nog wel een wending, maar ook dat was allemaal niet heel erg speciaal en verrassend. Heel af en toe was het, voor mij persoonlijk, ook een klein beetje ongeloofwaardig.
'De bigamist' is geen onaardig verhaal én zeker leuk om eens gelezen te hebben, maar ik had er uiteindelijk toch wat meer van verwacht.
Ik wil @lsuitgeverij heel erg bedanken voor het recensie-exemplaar!
Beoordeling: 3,0 ⭐
Ik wilde zo graag dat ons gezinnetje zou werken dat ik zijn onverklaarbare gedrag negeerde. De lange zakenreizen, de geheime telefoontjes, en het geld dat steeds van mijn rekening verdween. Maar dan blijkt dat hij meer te verbergen heeft dan ik dacht."
'De bigamist' begint met een interessante proloog die meteen vragen oproept. Vervolgens maak je een sprong terug in de tijd en lees je over de eerste ontmoeting tussen Emma en Sam. Niet veel later wordt duidelijk dat de twee meer voor elkaar voelen en het begin van een relatie ontstaat...
Ze trouwen en Emma raakt in verwachting van hun eerste kind. Maar al gauw merk je dat er bepaalde dingen niet kloppen. Sam vertoont vreemd gedrag en dan is er ook nog opeens die andere vrouw... Zou Sam een ander hebben? Emma besluit op onderzoek uit te gaan en als lezer kom je achter een schokkende ontdekking...
'De bigamist' vond ik best prettig lezen en je leest het vanuit verschillende perspectieven. Na een tijdje merkte ik dat ik geen enkele echte connectie met een van de personages had. Ik vond ze niet altijd even sympathiek en ook de spanning vond ik niet heel erg aanwezig. Als lezer vroeg ik mij wel de hele tijd af hoe het zat tussen Emma en Sam, maar hierdoor zat ik niet op het puntje van mijn stoel.
Op het einde komt er dan nog wel een wending, maar ook dat was allemaal niet heel erg speciaal en verrassend. Heel af en toe was het, voor mij persoonlijk, ook een klein beetje ongeloofwaardig.
'De bigamist' is geen onaardig verhaal én zeker leuk om eens gelezen te hebben, maar ik had er uiteindelijk toch wat meer van verwacht.
Ik wil @lsuitgeverij heel erg bedanken voor het recensie-exemplaar!
Beoordeling: 3,0 ⭐
July 1, 2023
ARC audiobook provided in exchange for an honest review.
Wowza! I had NO IDEA where this book was headed but it completely made my head spin! The narration was perfect for the characters in the story and it was very easy to listen for hours at a time! There are so many twists, turns, and unreliable narrators, it’s pure psychological chaos! I truly did enjoy this book and would recommend to anyone who loves psychological/domestic thrillers!
Wowza! I had NO IDEA where this book was headed but it completely made my head spin! The narration was perfect for the characters in the story and it was very easy to listen for hours at a time! There are so many twists, turns, and unreliable narrators, it’s pure psychological chaos! I truly did enjoy this book and would recommend to anyone who loves psychological/domestic thrillers!
June 29, 2024
Vergezocht dekt hier de lading niet.
July 9, 2023
As soon as Emma joins a bereavement group, she meets Sam. Sam is the brother of a woman named Faith, who is running the group. Emma and Sam fall in love and not only do they marry, but she soon becomes pregnant with his child. They couldn’t be any happier. Meanwhile, as an architect, Sam talks Emma into building her dream home. He is a very busy man, because not only is he building homes, married to Emma, but his work takes him away from home almost every single weekend.
One day while flipping through a magazine, Emma finds a photo of a painting that belongs to her, and that she thought was in storage, and she is beyond shocked. So she tracked down the now owner of the painting, and when she talks to the woman, the woman says she is Sam’s wife. How could this be, because isn’t Emma his wife? Well Emma wants answers and answers is what Emma plans on getting.
As I was reading as a story where the husband is a bigamist, my interest was definitely piqued. Sam is definitely hiding something from Emma but we soon learn that Emma has her own secrets. To say that I was shocked is an understatement. I am rating this book four stars because I am noticing more and more books are having an open ending which either leaves you speculating, or hoping for a second book. Other than that, this was not a solid read by Rona Halsall and I am looking forward her next book.
Many thanks to Bookouture and to NetGalley for this ARC for review. This is my honest opinion.
One day while flipping through a magazine, Emma finds a photo of a painting that belongs to her, and that she thought was in storage, and she is beyond shocked. So she tracked down the now owner of the painting, and when she talks to the woman, the woman says she is Sam’s wife. How could this be, because isn’t Emma his wife? Well Emma wants answers and answers is what Emma plans on getting.
As I was reading as a story where the husband is a bigamist, my interest was definitely piqued. Sam is definitely hiding something from Emma but we soon learn that Emma has her own secrets. To say that I was shocked is an understatement. I am rating this book four stars because I am noticing more and more books are having an open ending which either leaves you speculating, or hoping for a second book. Other than that, this was not a solid read by Rona Halsall and I am looking forward her next book.
Many thanks to Bookouture and to NetGalley for this ARC for review. This is my honest opinion.
July 30, 2023
I present to you an excerpt from the blurb: "A totally unputdownable, twisty, will-leave-you-gasping story of marriage, guilt and lies. If you love Lisa Jewell, Gillian Flynn and Freida McFadden, you will not be able to sleep until you’ve finished every last page of The Bigamist."
I promise you the entirety of this excerpt is False. Yes, false with a capital F because the book is none of these things. It definitely tries to go for the shock value with its "Her answer sends my world spinning out of control: ‘I’m his wife.’". Oh, but what follows after (and before) this moment is so disappointing that you would need perpetual disbelief to digest any of the weak story lines. None of the characters are relatable, let alone likeable. Years of reading has taught me that when there is no character you want to root for, the plot is generally going to fall flat on its face, as is the case here. On a concluding note, I must admit that I have deducted a star for that absolutely unimaginative ending and rounded down the 2.5/5 rating to 2 GR stars.
I promise you the entirety of this excerpt is False. Yes, false with a capital F because the book is none of these things. It definitely tries to go for the shock value with its "Her answer sends my world spinning out of control: ‘I’m his wife.’". Oh, but what follows after (and before) this moment is so disappointing that you would need perpetual disbelief to digest any of the weak story lines. None of the characters are relatable, let alone likeable. Years of reading has taught me that when there is no character you want to root for, the plot is generally going to fall flat on its face, as is the case here. On a concluding note, I must admit that I have deducted a star for that absolutely unimaginative ending and rounded down the 2.5/5 rating to 2 GR stars.
June 12, 2024
Dit zou zomaar dé thriller van de zomer kunnen worden, als jullie het allemaal gaan lezen! 🤩
Emma is 8 maanden zwanger, haar man is bezig met het bouwen van hun droomhuis, maar dat wil niet zo vlotten. Emma belt Sam en dan neemt er een andere vrouw op. Zij zegt dat zíj met Sam getrouwd is en dat Emma een stalker is. Het hoofd van Emma begint overuren te draaien en ze doet er alles aan om de waarheid te achterhalen.
Na de proloog gaan we een stukje terug in de tijd. We lezen hoe Emma en Sam elkaar hebben ontmoet. Daarna volgen we het grootste gedeelte van het verhaal in chronologische volgorde. Grotendeels is het boek geschreven vanuit het perspectief van Emma, maar in de tweede helft komen er perspectieven bij.
Aan het begin denk je door te hebben hoe dit verhaal gaat lopen, maar dan wordt je verrast door meerdere plotwendingen 🤯. Ik hou echt heel erg van plotwendingen, maar dit was misschien iets te veel van het goed. Alsof het een tenniswedstrijd was, heen en weer geslingerd.
Toch vond ik dat het zeer goed in elkaar zat. Ik denk dat dit boek ideaal is voor een buddy read of leesclub om lekker samen te speculeren over het verloop van het verhaal.
Fan van Frieda McFadden van oa De Hulp? Dan vind je dit zeker goed! 😌
Bedankt voor dit lees exemplaar @lsuitgeverij 📖 Dat ik het boek gekregen heb, heeft mijn mening niet beïnvloed.
Emma is 8 maanden zwanger, haar man is bezig met het bouwen van hun droomhuis, maar dat wil niet zo vlotten. Emma belt Sam en dan neemt er een andere vrouw op. Zij zegt dat zíj met Sam getrouwd is en dat Emma een stalker is. Het hoofd van Emma begint overuren te draaien en ze doet er alles aan om de waarheid te achterhalen.
Na de proloog gaan we een stukje terug in de tijd. We lezen hoe Emma en Sam elkaar hebben ontmoet. Daarna volgen we het grootste gedeelte van het verhaal in chronologische volgorde. Grotendeels is het boek geschreven vanuit het perspectief van Emma, maar in de tweede helft komen er perspectieven bij.
Aan het begin denk je door te hebben hoe dit verhaal gaat lopen, maar dan wordt je verrast door meerdere plotwendingen 🤯. Ik hou echt heel erg van plotwendingen, maar dit was misschien iets te veel van het goed. Alsof het een tenniswedstrijd was, heen en weer geslingerd.
Toch vond ik dat het zeer goed in elkaar zat. Ik denk dat dit boek ideaal is voor een buddy read of leesclub om lekker samen te speculeren over het verloop van het verhaal.
Fan van Frieda McFadden van oa De Hulp? Dan vind je dit zeker goed! 😌
Bedankt voor dit lees exemplaar @lsuitgeverij 📖 Dat ik het boek gekregen heb, heeft mijn mening niet beïnvloed.
July 16, 2023
Reader beware. Nothing is as it seems in this twisty tale of suspense. It is a rollercoaster ride of a story that will keep you guessing until the last gasp worthy page. Another head spinning book by one of my favorite authors that I definitely recommend.
June 29, 2023
Play stupid games, win stupid prizes.
"What's my picture doing on a stranger's wall?"
Seeing an original painting she owns, which should be in storage, on someone else's wall in a magazine in the waiting room has shaken Emma. She calls her husband Sam who must have loaned it to someone for a photo shoot, but gets an even bigger surprise. A woman answers the phone saying SHE is his wife. Well, that's news to Emma, as she leaves her pregnancy checkup.. for his baby.
Then we go back in time (a year or so) and get a back story and context for Emma. She met Sam and his sister Faith in a bereavement support group and they hit it off quickly. Suspiciously quickly, if you ask me. Emma lost a string of people, which she shares.. mostly, but Sam goes a long time without telling her who he lost. He needs time, Faith proclaims.
Red flags aside, this is the best she's felt in a long time. It's nice to laugh again and have a sense of community and friendship. She's so grateful she had the courage to attend the support group.
Supportive as they may be, everyone in it has something to hide. It's just a matter of finding out what and why.. and doing it in time to survive! Then they'll need another support group for the people they lost from the support group.
There is a lot packed into this book! Everyone has secrets and nothing is what it seems. Opinions and sympathies change quickly. I had a few questions left at the end but there was a lot to tie in. It didn't mesh perfectly and it could probably be polished by switching up the narration a bit but any small flaws aside, I had a good time and stayed interested.
Thanks to NetGalley and the publisher for the chance to listen and review. The audio narrator was excellent.
"What's my picture doing on a stranger's wall?"
Seeing an original painting she owns, which should be in storage, on someone else's wall in a magazine in the waiting room has shaken Emma. She calls her husband Sam who must have loaned it to someone for a photo shoot, but gets an even bigger surprise. A woman answers the phone saying SHE is his wife. Well, that's news to Emma, as she leaves her pregnancy checkup.. for his baby.
Then we go back in time (a year or so) and get a back story and context for Emma. She met Sam and his sister Faith in a bereavement support group and they hit it off quickly. Suspiciously quickly, if you ask me. Emma lost a string of people, which she shares.. mostly, but Sam goes a long time without telling her who he lost. He needs time, Faith proclaims.
Red flags aside, this is the best she's felt in a long time. It's nice to laugh again and have a sense of community and friendship. She's so grateful she had the courage to attend the support group.
Supportive as they may be, everyone in it has something to hide. It's just a matter of finding out what and why.. and doing it in time to survive! Then they'll need another support group for the people they lost from the support group.
There is a lot packed into this book! Everyone has secrets and nothing is what it seems. Opinions and sympathies change quickly. I had a few questions left at the end but there was a lot to tie in. It didn't mesh perfectly and it could probably be polished by switching up the narration a bit but any small flaws aside, I had a good time and stayed interested.
Thanks to NetGalley and the publisher for the chance to listen and review. The audio narrator was excellent.
July 3, 2023
Loved the prologue! This book grabs you in the beginning but then just becomes too slow for my liking. It doesn't really get going until around 50% mark of the book. Then the twists start, and they just seem so unbelievable to me, and I am not a fan of unreliable narrators so that didn't help. Having said that, I think if you like domestic drama/thriller, then this book is for you. I myself am so over them. I can totally get why people are liking this book and that is why I am giving it 3 stars.
Thank you Bookouture and NetGalley for the opportunity to listen to an ARC of this book.
Thank you Bookouture and NetGalley for the opportunity to listen to an ARC of this book.
July 5, 2023
Bigamist him or her? Hmmmm
Interesting storyline. Was great buildup to everything happening. Dragged a bit for me on the building part. Great character developments. Definitely had you wondering in parts. Not twist but suspenseful.
Thanks to the author, the publisher and NetGalley for an early release of this book.
Interesting storyline. Was great buildup to everything happening. Dragged a bit for me on the building part. Great character developments. Definitely had you wondering in parts. Not twist but suspenseful.
Thanks to the author, the publisher and NetGalley for an early release of this book.
July 12, 2024
Het was een worsteling. Vervelende hoofdpersonen, best wel wat plottwists die soms geforceerd over kwamen. Gelukkig korte hoofdstukken waardoor het redelijk snel las.
December 8, 2024
This was a very disjointed book and it ended so abruptly that I feel very confused and let down that it’s ended 😂
June 12, 2024
Toen ik deze voorbij zag komen was ik er direct erg benieuwd naar. De vergelijking met Freida McFadden (een favoriet van me) trok uiteraard de aandacht. Ik hou van plottwists en #psychologischethrillers dus ik moest deze lezen.
Maar ik vond 'm wat te veel van het goede. Te veel plots en twists die voor mijn gevoel nergens op sloegen of uit het niets kwamen enzo. Se auteur deed n beetje te veel haar best voor mijn gevoel.
Vond het boek niet slecht maar zeker geen echte thriller. Ik had er te veel van verwacht denk ik.
En een soort van open einde. Of moet je het zelf invullen? Wie zal het zeggen?
De schrijfstijl is wel zeer toegankelijk en makkelijk leesbaar. Voor beginnende thrillerlezers zeker wel een aanrader.
Ik moet mijn verwachtingen gewoon wat bij stellen, want een ander boek van haar wil ik wel lezen. Dus kom maar op met die vertaling.
3.5 sterren
Maar ik vond 'm wat te veel van het goede. Te veel plots en twists die voor mijn gevoel nergens op sloegen of uit het niets kwamen enzo. Se auteur deed n beetje te veel haar best voor mijn gevoel.
Vond het boek niet slecht maar zeker geen echte thriller. Ik had er te veel van verwacht denk ik.
En een soort van open einde. Of moet je het zelf invullen? Wie zal het zeggen?
De schrijfstijl is wel zeer toegankelijk en makkelijk leesbaar. Voor beginnende thrillerlezers zeker wel een aanrader.
Ik moet mijn verwachtingen gewoon wat bij stellen, want een ander boek van haar wil ik wel lezen. Dus kom maar op met die vertaling.
3.5 sterren
dnf
November 6, 2023DNF @ 17%
These characters are so completely undeveloped, I just can't go forward with this. I'm sure the plot has some great twists, but I doubt I would care about any of them because none of these characters seem real.
These characters are so completely undeveloped, I just can't go forward with this. I'm sure the plot has some great twists, but I doubt I would care about any of them because none of these characters seem real.
September 2, 2023
This must be one of the most wicked psychological thrillers I have ever read - at least, it's in the top five !
WOW - just WOW !!!!
I mean...I thought:
"Well, another Bigamist story, let's see if it sounds like all the other Bigamist stories out there"
and I was also wondering, if this would ultimately end up as just another DNF...
But: I was sooooo wrong !
This book, the twists, and the turns will stick with me for quiet a while.
And one of the reasons is most definitely, that I was not able to figure out, how you could possibly explain to the police what happened, if you would have to explain.
By reading the synopsis, it will send you on a totally wrong path and expectations - trust me:
It is soooo unexpected what happens, you won't believe it until you read it yourself.
This was the first book I ever read from this author.
But after this - I am sure, to read more of her work, because this story was completely outstanding and so unexpected !
This book can be easily compared with "Gone Girl" - not the story, but the shocking surprises, twists, and turns.
I can only repeat once again: This book will stick with me for a while !
Would HIGHLY RECOMMEND !!!!
October 27, 2023
Emma goes to her local bereavement counselling session where she meets Faith, the counsellor and her brother, Sam.
Fast forward, Emma and Sam gets married and they're expecting a baby.
Then this happens...
.... ‘I’m sorry, Sam’s not available,’ says the woman who answers my husband’s phone. I can’t place her voice, so I politely ask who she is. Her answer sends my world spinning out of control: ‘I’m his wife.’
No it can't be, because Sam was married to her. (Emma)
Emma discovers Sam’s got more to hide than she has imagined was possible.
Sam is leading a double life. He’s already married to someone else.
But Sam isn't the only person keeping secrets, Emma is too, and he has no idea how far she'll go to protect herself.
But who is keeping the bigger secret?
....
This is indeed an addictive and gripping psychological thriller with so many twists you wouldn't see coming.
The story sucked me in barely an hour after i pressed play ▶️. The twists changed the trajectory of the book. I was blown away and I wanted more.
I loved the changes each character went through.
It would have been great to hear Sam's Pov and though the ending was ok, I felt there was something missing or maybe not 😅.
Thank you NetGalley, Rona Halsall and Dreamscape Media, Hachette UK - Bookouture for this audiobook.
Fast forward, Emma and Sam gets married and they're expecting a baby.
Then this happens...
.... ‘I’m sorry, Sam’s not available,’ says the woman who answers my husband’s phone. I can’t place her voice, so I politely ask who she is. Her answer sends my world spinning out of control: ‘I’m his wife.’
No it can't be, because Sam was married to her. (Emma)
Emma discovers Sam’s got more to hide than she has imagined was possible.
Sam is leading a double life. He’s already married to someone else.
But Sam isn't the only person keeping secrets, Emma is too, and he has no idea how far she'll go to protect herself.
But who is keeping the bigger secret?
....
This is indeed an addictive and gripping psychological thriller with so many twists you wouldn't see coming.
The story sucked me in barely an hour after i pressed play ▶️. The twists changed the trajectory of the book. I was blown away and I wanted more.
I loved the changes each character went through.
It would have been great to hear Sam's Pov and though the ending was ok, I felt there was something missing or maybe not 😅.
Thank you NetGalley, Rona Halsall and Dreamscape Media, Hachette UK - Bookouture for this audiobook.
June 21, 2023
There’s nothing I enjoy more than a book where the reader is left perpetually on edge, anxiously anticipating what shocking event will unfold next. THE BIGAMIST is one of those books! For a psychological thriller to work, I need those delicious ‘OMG’ moments. I need to feel I’ve been played at every turn and Rona Halsall accomplishes this with ease. Emma meets Sam, they marry and then the old saying springs to mind “Marry in haste, and repent at leisure”. And boy does she have lots of time to repent, especially when the evidence points to Sam being a bigamist.
The characters are well depicted. I must admit I ended up hating most of them! But that’s a good thing, as it made the book all the more interesting. The characters are untrustworthy. They tell so many lies and half truths you are constantly second guessing who is actually telling the truth. Every time I thought I knew where the story was headed, the author slyly pulled the rug from under me.
Rona Halsall has an uncanny ability to craft tension throughout the entire duration of THE BIGAMIST, progressively evoking a growing sense of unease and apprehension in the reader as the plot unfolds. The plot twists were perfectly placed and I hold my hands up and admit ‘I never seen them coming’ a rarity in its self. I had one small niggle I wanted more from the ending, but maybe there will be a follow up, well here’s hoping. I really enjoyed this book. It made for an addictive and gripping read with plenty of surprises along the way.
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The characters are well depicted. I must admit I ended up hating most of them! But that’s a good thing, as it made the book all the more interesting. The characters are untrustworthy. They tell so many lies and half truths you are constantly second guessing who is actually telling the truth. Every time I thought I knew where the story was headed, the author slyly pulled the rug from under me.
Rona Halsall has an uncanny ability to craft tension throughout the entire duration of THE BIGAMIST, progressively evoking a growing sense of unease and apprehension in the reader as the plot unfolds. The plot twists were perfectly placed and I hold my hands up and admit ‘I never seen them coming’ a rarity in its self. I had one small niggle I wanted more from the ending, but maybe there will be a follow up, well here’s hoping. I really enjoyed this book. It made for an addictive and gripping read with plenty of surprises along the way.
http://www.twitter.com/@reviewcafe
Or read more of my reviews on my Instagram page at
https://www.instagram.com/thebookrevi...
August 15, 2023
This book was just brilliant. Twists and turns. Loved it
August 25, 2023
August 2023
Kindle edition
I lost any sympathy for Emma at the half way point when it's revealed Zach is in fact alive and putting himself back together for her and she abandoned him. At that point I was whatever happens happens. From the start, Emma got on my nerves, I couldn't believe how naive and believing she was. Sam made her suspicious, Faith backed him up and oh no it must be her. Every single time I wanted to bang my head against the wall for her to open her eyes. How did she miss so many red flags? Gah.
The revelation was surprising about Faith, I thought she was going to be the main main wife. But nope. Possessive killer mother alert. At this point it's getting soapy and I'm really not caring what happens to any of the characters. Zach's chapters were a breath of fresh air. I liked the way he realised what was going on and the support. His accident led to a new much happier life. Now all he needs is an alarm and a call to the cops asap. This would've been a 2.5...but Zach and those poor genuine helpful people deserved better.
Kindle edition
I lost any sympathy for Emma at the half way point when it's revealed Zach is in fact alive and putting himself back together for her and she abandoned him. At that point I was whatever happens happens. From the start, Emma got on my nerves, I couldn't believe how naive and believing she was. Sam made her suspicious, Faith backed him up and oh no it must be her. Every single time I wanted to bang my head against the wall for her to open her eyes. How did she miss so many red flags? Gah.
The revelation was surprising about Faith, I thought she was going to be the main main wife. But nope. Possessive killer mother alert. At this point it's getting soapy and I'm really not caring what happens to any of the characters. Zach's chapters were a breath of fresh air. I liked the way he realised what was going on and the support. His accident led to a new much happier life. Now all he needs is an alarm and a call to the cops asap. This would've been a 2.5...but Zach and those poor genuine helpful people deserved better.
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
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