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The Cheated Wife
Everyone thinks Vicky is the victim. They don't know the half of it.
Vicky's perfect life has just imploded. Her husband Tom has cheated—worse, with her oldest friend Claire. But Vicky isn't the type to fall apart. She's the type to stay smiling. Watching. Waiting.
At her local GP surgery, where she works alongside the charming practice manager Jake, Vicky becomes increasingly frustrated with their colleague, Bronagh. And when the Book Club begins to take Miranda under its wing—a nosy neighbour with too much interest in Vicky's affairs—things start to unravel.
Gifts appear at the surgery. Crank calls. Social media attacks. A shadow outside the house. It seems Vicky has a stalker.
But the real danger is much, much closer.
And they will stop at nothing to get what they want.
Dark, twisty and deliciously unsettling, The Cheated Wife is a razor-sharp tale of betrayal, obsession, and revenge. Perfect for fans of Adele Parks, B.A. Paris and Lisa Jewell.
Vicky's perfect life has just imploded. Her husband Tom has cheated—worse, with her oldest friend Claire. But Vicky isn't the type to fall apart. She's the type to stay smiling. Watching. Waiting.
At her local GP surgery, where she works alongside the charming practice manager Jake, Vicky becomes increasingly frustrated with their colleague, Bronagh. And when the Book Club begins to take Miranda under its wing—a nosy neighbour with too much interest in Vicky's affairs—things start to unravel.
Gifts appear at the surgery. Crank calls. Social media attacks. A shadow outside the house. It seems Vicky has a stalker.
But the real danger is much, much closer.
And they will stop at nothing to get what they want.
Dark, twisty and deliciously unsettling, The Cheated Wife is a razor-sharp tale of betrayal, obsession, and revenge. Perfect for fans of Adele Parks, B.A. Paris and Lisa Jewell.
312 pages, Kindle Edition
Published November 24, 2025
118 people are currently reading
40 people want to read
About the author
Alison Irving
5 books43 followersAlison lives in a village outside Belfast with her husband, two children and a very spoiled cat. Casual Cruelties is her first novel. The follow up Her Best Friend's Husband, can be read as a standalone and follows Laura's friend Claire, whose past is having a devastating effect on her present.
The sequel, The Cheated Wife, will be published by Bloodhound Books in November, 2025
The Love We Chase is a standalone women's fiction about love, friendship and betrayal.
The sequel, The Cheated Wife, will be published by Bloodhound Books in November, 2025
The Love We Chase is a standalone women's fiction about love, friendship and betrayal.
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 42 reviews
November 10, 2025
Well, this one grabbed me by the throat from page one. The Cheated Wife is exactly what it says on the tin — a dark, twisty tale of betrayal, obsession, and the sort of revenge that makes you glance over your shoulder before turning the page. Vicky is the kind of woman you root for and slightly fear at the same time — which, let’s be honest, makes for the best kind of heroine.
It’s sharp, unsettling and wickedly entertaining. My only gripe (and the reason it’s four stars, not five) is that it’s absolutely riddled with typos. Distracting enough to pull me out of the story now and again, which is a real shame because the plot deserves better editing. Still, if you like your domestic thrillers served with a side of cold revenge and dark humour, this one’s a great weekend read.
It’s sharp, unsettling and wickedly entertaining. My only gripe (and the reason it’s four stars, not five) is that it’s absolutely riddled with typos. Distracting enough to pull me out of the story now and again, which is a real shame because the plot deserves better editing. Still, if you like your domestic thrillers served with a side of cold revenge and dark humour, this one’s a great weekend read.
October 20, 2025
An interesting read.
Initially I actually felt sorry for Vicky, I thought she had every right to feel bitter however as this story unfolds I found my feelings towards her changed.
Yes her husband had in the past been unfaithful but rather than dealing with him head on Vicky tried to look everywhere else for blame.
By meddling in her friends & colleagues relationships she has only made more problems for herself and everyone she knows.
By the end of the book I didn’t like her much at all and I could almost forgive her husband for his past indiscretions.
I do hope thou that there is a sequel to this book as I feel the story is far from over and I think there’s still uncovered details that need explanation and I would also love to see Jake, Bronagh & Miranda get the last laugh 😂
Thank you Alison & Bloodhound for another great read and I hope work has already started on a sequel 👏👏
Initially I actually felt sorry for Vicky, I thought she had every right to feel bitter however as this story unfolds I found my feelings towards her changed.
Yes her husband had in the past been unfaithful but rather than dealing with him head on Vicky tried to look everywhere else for blame.
By meddling in her friends & colleagues relationships she has only made more problems for herself and everyone she knows.
By the end of the book I didn’t like her much at all and I could almost forgive her husband for his past indiscretions.
I do hope thou that there is a sequel to this book as I feel the story is far from over and I think there’s still uncovered details that need explanation and I would also love to see Jake, Bronagh & Miranda get the last laugh 😂
Thank you Alison & Bloodhound for another great read and I hope work has already started on a sequel 👏👏
November 29, 2025
"The Cheated Wife" by Alison Irving is a gripping exploration of betrayal, resilience, and self-discovery. Irving crafts a narrative that delves deep into the emotional turmoil of a woman scorned, offering readers a raw and intimate look at the complexities of marriage and infidelity.
The characters are well-developed, each with their own flaws and motivations, making them relatable and compelling. The protagonist's journey from victim to survivor is particularly powerful, as she navigates the challenges of rebuilding her life and reclaiming her identity.
Irving's writing is both evocative and insightful, capturing the nuances of human relationships with sensitivity and nuance. "The Cheated Wife" is a thought-provoking read that will resonate with anyone who has experienced heartbreak or struggled with questions of trust and forgiveness.
The characters are well-developed, each with their own flaws and motivations, making them relatable and compelling. The protagonist's journey from victim to survivor is particularly powerful, as she navigates the challenges of rebuilding her life and reclaiming her identity.
Irving's writing is both evocative and insightful, capturing the nuances of human relationships with sensitivity and nuance. "The Cheated Wife" is a thought-provoking read that will resonate with anyone who has experienced heartbreak or struggled with questions of trust and forgiveness.
December 11, 2025
Thank you to LBT for having me in this book review tour and for my gifted copy of the epub.
Umm so I really liked this book at times at other times I was like what is going on ?!
I was gripped from the first chapter when she says she wants to smash his champion flute in his face I was like ok yep solid in and from there we have a book that will keep you on your toes and also make you look over your shoulder. Yep uh huh. Been doing that since reading not gonna lie. lol
I thought I felt sorry for Vicky but then I kept reading and well that changed for me quickly and I really hope we get another book or something cause I think as crazy as this sounds I want more. I need more. Please. This was such a thriller. I couldn’t put it down. I mean I don’t agree with the husband but I did feel for him by the end !! Highly recommend!!
Umm so I really liked this book at times at other times I was like what is going on ?!
I was gripped from the first chapter when she says she wants to smash his champion flute in his face I was like ok yep solid in and from there we have a book that will keep you on your toes and also make you look over your shoulder. Yep uh huh. Been doing that since reading not gonna lie. lol
I thought I felt sorry for Vicky but then I kept reading and well that changed for me quickly and I really hope we get another book or something cause I think as crazy as this sounds I want more. I need more. Please. This was such a thriller. I couldn’t put it down. I mean I don’t agree with the husband but I did feel for him by the end !! Highly recommend!!
December 11, 2025
A nosy neighbor. Gifts randomly appearing. Crank calls. Social media attacks. An odd figure that even the neighbors have seen. The Cheated Wife has a tense setup and a creeping unease. The first half had a slow start that was filled with secrets and doubts that stacked up in a way that felt very real. And then BAM! The twist landed hard and kept me guessing, while the characters stayed raw and believable. I loved being dropped into this messy situation and slowly realizing how twisted things really were! Definitely scratched my psychological thriller itch! Thank you SO much Alison Irving, Bloodhound Books, and Love Books Tours for letting me join in!
October 21, 2025
I loved this dark thriller . A real page turner that follows Vicki whose husband had just confessed to an affair and the fall out of it . The main character is a g p with children trying to hold everything together and not. Good characters and storyline . Well worth a read .
October 30, 2025
This was absolutely captivating & I was disappointed to finish it. Loved the storyline and the characters.
From the beginning it drew me in right up until the last page. Can’t rate this highly enough!
From the beginning it drew me in right up until the last page. Can’t rate this highly enough!
November 30, 2025
Loved this didn’t see the twist although this could be a stand alone there is 2 previous books where you see Toms affair unfold, I would liked of seen her deal with Tom more but obviously she’s occupied with other things, I’m looking forward to other books because I don’t feel the story is over.
October 19, 2025
When I started reading this novel it felt familiar, then I realised it was a follow on from an earlier novel by this author. It follows Vicky after her husband’s affair with her best friend and her life subsequently. The life of a GP, her two teenage children, philandering husband and difficult colleagues. It was a confusing read but entertaining.
October 27, 2025
Review of ‘The Cheated Wife’ by Alison Irving, due to be published on 24 November 2025 by Bloodhound Books.
This is Vicky’s story, following on from Alison’s previous novel ‘Her Best Friend’s Husband’. Torn between forgiving her husband Tom for an affair and sifting through the fractures of her friendship group, Vicky is under stress, her trust shattered and doesn’t know who to turn to and who her real friends are.
I was surprised by the twist to the tale, as I was sure I’d worked out who was playing games, only to be very wrong.
Another engaging read from Alison, and I can’t wait to see what happens next, as this has been left wide open for another instalment in the lives of the friendship group. One thing I am absolutely certain of is that I don’t want a friend like Miranda!
With many personal thanks to Alison for allowing me to be one of her early reviewers, it’s always a pleasure.
This is Vicky’s story, following on from Alison’s previous novel ‘Her Best Friend’s Husband’. Torn between forgiving her husband Tom for an affair and sifting through the fractures of her friendship group, Vicky is under stress, her trust shattered and doesn’t know who to turn to and who her real friends are.
I was surprised by the twist to the tale, as I was sure I’d worked out who was playing games, only to be very wrong.
Another engaging read from Alison, and I can’t wait to see what happens next, as this has been left wide open for another instalment in the lives of the friendship group. One thing I am absolutely certain of is that I don’t want a friend like Miranda!
With many personal thanks to Alison for allowing me to be one of her early reviewers, it’s always a pleasure.
November 23, 2025
Another cracker from Alison Irving. It had me hooked from the first page. And as always a great twist I didn't see coming.
Thanks to Bloodhound Books for the ARC
Thanks to Bloodhound Books for the ARC
November 10, 2025
This was a dark gripping thriller, which was a real page turner
Vickys husband Tom has just confessed to an affair with one of her best friends. This had had huge impacts not only in their marriage but on her friendship book group.
At first Vicky appears to be a victim, but as the book goes on, is she as innocent as she at first appears?
I enjoyed this book, though disliked Vicky more as the book progressed!
A real page turner I would definitely recommend this book.
Thanks to Bloodhound books for sending me an advanced copy to read and review.
Vickys husband Tom has just confessed to an affair with one of her best friends. This had had huge impacts not only in their marriage but on her friendship book group.
At first Vicky appears to be a victim, but as the book goes on, is she as innocent as she at first appears?
I enjoyed this book, though disliked Vicky more as the book progressed!
A real page turner I would definitely recommend this book.
Thanks to Bloodhound books for sending me an advanced copy to read and review.
December 12, 2025
3.5 stars
This is a snappy, tension-laden thriller that delivers exactly what the tagline promises: everyone thinks Vicky is the victim… but nothing is that simple.
Vicky’s life is in tatters after discovering her husband’s affair with her oldest friend, Claire. But instead of collapsing, she leans into a brittle, unsettling composure—smiling, watching, calculating. Irving does a great job capturing that performance of control, and it’s one of the novel’s strongest elements.
The setting at the GP surgery adds an interesting layer, especially as Vicky’s irritation with her colleague Bronagh grows and strange, menacing incidents begin to multiply: mysterious gifts, creepy phone calls, online harassment, even someone lurking outside her home. The slow build of “Is Vicky being targeted—or is something else going on?” keeps the pages turning.
The neighbourhood dynamics and Book Club scenes are entertainingly sharp, especially when Miranda, the nosy neighbour, starts inserting herself where she clearly doesn’t belong. The tension between the public face Vicky presents and the private chaos behind it is handled well.
Where the book stumbles a bit is in pacing—the middle section can feel repetitive—and in a few twists that rely more on shock value than deeper character logic. And I didn’t really like any of the characters but that helped build some of the atmosphere. Still, the final reveals mostly land, and Irving cleverly plays with reader expectations about victimhood, obsession, and control.
Overall, a satisfying, twisty domestic thriller with plenty of simmering distrust and a narrator you’re never quite sure you believe. A solid pick for readers who enjoy psychological tension, messy friendships, and secrets lurking just beneath the surface.
This is a snappy, tension-laden thriller that delivers exactly what the tagline promises: everyone thinks Vicky is the victim… but nothing is that simple.
Vicky’s life is in tatters after discovering her husband’s affair with her oldest friend, Claire. But instead of collapsing, she leans into a brittle, unsettling composure—smiling, watching, calculating. Irving does a great job capturing that performance of control, and it’s one of the novel’s strongest elements.
The setting at the GP surgery adds an interesting layer, especially as Vicky’s irritation with her colleague Bronagh grows and strange, menacing incidents begin to multiply: mysterious gifts, creepy phone calls, online harassment, even someone lurking outside her home. The slow build of “Is Vicky being targeted—or is something else going on?” keeps the pages turning.
The neighbourhood dynamics and Book Club scenes are entertainingly sharp, especially when Miranda, the nosy neighbour, starts inserting herself where she clearly doesn’t belong. The tension between the public face Vicky presents and the private chaos behind it is handled well.
Where the book stumbles a bit is in pacing—the middle section can feel repetitive—and in a few twists that rely more on shock value than deeper character logic. And I didn’t really like any of the characters but that helped build some of the atmosphere. Still, the final reveals mostly land, and Irving cleverly plays with reader expectations about victimhood, obsession, and control.
Overall, a satisfying, twisty domestic thriller with plenty of simmering distrust and a narrator you’re never quite sure you believe. A solid pick for readers who enjoy psychological tension, messy friendships, and secrets lurking just beneath the surface.
December 8, 2025
Vicky was a really intriguing main character throughout as she was a very unreliable narrator. As a reader we knew she was up-to something where it came to her husband but i never suspected her involved in anything sinister. She had her stable job as a GP, her nice house and her family. Vicky was so unhinged by the end I was truly gripped and wanted to unravel the goings on.
Alison has created a great story of built up tension, mystery and one you will struggle to put down. Although in parts I did feel personally Vicky got a little repetitive and boring however I did enjoy her as a character and felt sorry for her with her family situations.
The backdrop of Belfast worked well with busy, vibrant visits to the centre and also the backdrop of country life in the close community. The village became quite eerie in my mind with Vicky especially on her walks and runs.
Also again I loved the inclusion of a book club as I have in other reads and all the mix of women who were in Vicky’s life. As well as her GP job these were fantastic elements.
Tom the husband can I say I did sort of feel sorry for him even though he had done wrong in his marriage. I wish he had the guts to confront his wife more on her actions.
I would like to read more from Alison in the future definitely since I’ve found out this is part of the bookclub series. Overall an easy, tense and good thriller. With many a twist and turn. The ending was brilliant and I hope we maybe get more on Vicky’s story in the future but then maybe it’s best to let my imagination come to its own conclusion of what I think she did next? I really do love a book that leaves me thinking.
Alison has created a great story of built up tension, mystery and one you will struggle to put down. Although in parts I did feel personally Vicky got a little repetitive and boring however I did enjoy her as a character and felt sorry for her with her family situations.
The backdrop of Belfast worked well with busy, vibrant visits to the centre and also the backdrop of country life in the close community. The village became quite eerie in my mind with Vicky especially on her walks and runs.
Also again I loved the inclusion of a book club as I have in other reads and all the mix of women who were in Vicky’s life. As well as her GP job these were fantastic elements.
Tom the husband can I say I did sort of feel sorry for him even though he had done wrong in his marriage. I wish he had the guts to confront his wife more on her actions.
I would like to read more from Alison in the future definitely since I’ve found out this is part of the bookclub series. Overall an easy, tense and good thriller. With many a twist and turn. The ending was brilliant and I hope we maybe get more on Vicky’s story in the future but then maybe it’s best to let my imagination come to its own conclusion of what I think she did next? I really do love a book that leaves me thinking.
November 17, 2025
From the very first page, this book had me hooked—I simply couldn’t put it down. The story revolves around Vicky, a GP at a local practice, whose seemingly stable life is shaken by betrayal. Her husband, a long-distance pilot, has had numerous affairs over the years, but his latest indiscretion cuts deeper than ever—it’s with one of her closest friends and a fellow member of her four-person book club. This revelation sends ripples through her friendships and leaves Vicky determined to make him pay, though she refuses to give up the life she loves by divorcing him.
As the tension builds, Vicky begins to suspect someone is stalking her. She obsessively checks social media for clues, all while confiding in Jake, the practice manager and her trusted confidant. But as the story unfolds, the question lingers: is Vicky truly a victim, or is she skilfully playing the role to gain sympathy?
This gripping tale kept me guessing until the very end—I genuinely had no idea how it would conclude, and that unpredictability made it all the more enjoyable.
I would highly recommend this book to anyone who loves a suspenseful, character-driven story filled with twists and emotional depth.
As the tension builds, Vicky begins to suspect someone is stalking her. She obsessively checks social media for clues, all while confiding in Jake, the practice manager and her trusted confidant. But as the story unfolds, the question lingers: is Vicky truly a victim, or is she skilfully playing the role to gain sympathy?
This gripping tale kept me guessing until the very end—I genuinely had no idea how it would conclude, and that unpredictability made it all the more enjoyable.
I would highly recommend this book to anyone who loves a suspenseful, character-driven story filled with twists and emotional depth.
December 28, 2025
Had me hooked right from the start. The story follows Vicky whose life is shaken when she discovers her husband has been cheating this time with someone far too close to home, one of her best friends. That betrayal doesn’t just affect her marriage, it ripples through her friendships and her book club, leaving her questioning who she can really trust.
What I found most fascinating was how Vicky kept changing as the story went on. The way Alison Irving wrote her made her feel unpredictable, and that kept me turning the pages.
The atmosphere was great too. The mix of busy city life and the eerie quiet of the countryside gave the book a strong sense of place. The book club element added another layer, showing how complicated friendships can become when secrets and lies are involved.
There were plenty of twists, and I never felt sure about where the story was heading. That unpredictability made it even more gripping.
A dark, tense, and addictive read. It’s full of betrayal, suspicion, and shifting loyalties, and it kept me guessing until the very last page. I definitely want to read more from Alison Irving after this.
What I found most fascinating was how Vicky kept changing as the story went on. The way Alison Irving wrote her made her feel unpredictable, and that kept me turning the pages.
The atmosphere was great too. The mix of busy city life and the eerie quiet of the countryside gave the book a strong sense of place. The book club element added another layer, showing how complicated friendships can become when secrets and lies are involved.
There were plenty of twists, and I never felt sure about where the story was heading. That unpredictability made it even more gripping.
A dark, tense, and addictive read. It’s full of betrayal, suspicion, and shifting loyalties, and it kept me guessing until the very last page. I definitely want to read more from Alison Irving after this.
December 11, 2025
This novel is a a sequel to her earlier novel in which Vicky discovers that her husband Tom has been cheating with her best friend. In this follow-up Vicky spends a lot of time brooding about her relationships with Tom and with her friends in her neighbourhood friends group.
Tom is remorseful but Vicky finds it difficult to forgive him. She re-examines her relationships with her neighbourhood friends and wonders whether Tim is cheating again. One of her friends invites a new woman Miranda into their club against Vicky's wishes. And Miranda becomes a thorn in Vicky's side, annoying her to no end.
Overall I found Vicky to be very self-absorbed and not quite as innocent as we are led to think.
While others have given this novel a high ranking I became bored halfway through.
I much preferred the author's previous novel featuring Vicky and Tom and their friends.
If you like Chicklit this novel may be for you.
Thanks to Bloodhound Books for providing me with an Advance Review Copy.
Tom is remorseful but Vicky finds it difficult to forgive him. She re-examines her relationships with her neighbourhood friends and wonders whether Tim is cheating again. One of her friends invites a new woman Miranda into their club against Vicky's wishes. And Miranda becomes a thorn in Vicky's side, annoying her to no end.
Overall I found Vicky to be very self-absorbed and not quite as innocent as we are led to think.
While others have given this novel a high ranking I became bored halfway through.
I much preferred the author's previous novel featuring Vicky and Tom and their friends.
If you like Chicklit this novel may be for you.
Thanks to Bloodhound Books for providing me with an Advance Review Copy.
December 14, 2025
The Cheated Wife is a slow-burning domestic thriller that builds atmosphere and psychological depth rather than big, showy twists. I really enjoyed the gradual build-up of tension and the way secrets are revealed slowly, allowing the unease to simmer beneath the surface.
At times, the middle section felt slightly repetitive and I found myself wanting answers sooner. However, realising after finishing that this is the third book in a series helped put that into perspective. What initially felt unresolved makes far more sense as part of a continuing narrative rather than a standalone story.
The ending genuinely surprised me. Rather than delivering one neat moment where everything clicks into place, this book reads more like a psychological study of obsession, jealousy and what happens behind closed doors in seemingly perfect lives and relationships.
Quietly unsettling and thoughtfully written, this has left me keen to read the earlier books in the series.
At times, the middle section felt slightly repetitive and I found myself wanting answers sooner. However, realising after finishing that this is the third book in a series helped put that into perspective. What initially felt unresolved makes far more sense as part of a continuing narrative rather than a standalone story.
The ending genuinely surprised me. Rather than delivering one neat moment where everything clicks into place, this book reads more like a psychological study of obsession, jealousy and what happens behind closed doors in seemingly perfect lives and relationships.
Quietly unsettling and thoughtfully written, this has left me keen to read the earlier books in the series.
October 23, 2025
A delightfully tense follow-up to Her Best Friend's Husband, this is a wickedly entertaining read.
Vicky is a wronged wife at a crossroads: does she forgive Tom - can she ever trust him again - and can they move on together, or is it time to break free? It's at times like these that a woman needs her friends. But do all those who are close to her really have her best interests at heart?
Alison Irving weaves an engaging narrative peopled with brilliant characters. Danger lurks just off the page as the reader is offered tantalising glimpses into the various disturbing events happening to Vicky. The tension notches up, chapter by chapter, until the mists begin to clear and it becomes obvious that all is not as it seems.
An incredibly enjoyable book from an author who never disappoints.
Vicky is a wronged wife at a crossroads: does she forgive Tom - can she ever trust him again - and can they move on together, or is it time to break free? It's at times like these that a woman needs her friends. But do all those who are close to her really have her best interests at heart?
Alison Irving weaves an engaging narrative peopled with brilliant characters. Danger lurks just off the page as the reader is offered tantalising glimpses into the various disturbing events happening to Vicky. The tension notches up, chapter by chapter, until the mists begin to clear and it becomes obvious that all is not as it seems.
An incredibly enjoyable book from an author who never disappoints.
December 15, 2025
Thank you to Alison Irving and Love Books Tours for the opportunity to read and review this book!
I’m going to start this review by saying that there are two books that come before this one, and you should read those first to truly get the full effect of this book. I did not do that (per usual), but I still really enjoyed this book. I have recently been reading more psychological thrillers in addition to my traditional romance novels, and this book was exactly what I was looking for. I do love a story of a woman scorned, but this one definitely had a twist to it that I didn’t see coming. This book absolutely had me guessing (wrongly) up to the end and looking over my shoulder! Irving’s writing really drew me into this story and kept my attention. I will definitely be picking up more of her books, and I really want to go back and read the previous two attached to this story!
I’m going to start this review by saying that there are two books that come before this one, and you should read those first to truly get the full effect of this book. I did not do that (per usual), but I still really enjoyed this book. I have recently been reading more psychological thrillers in addition to my traditional romance novels, and this book was exactly what I was looking for. I do love a story of a woman scorned, but this one definitely had a twist to it that I didn’t see coming. This book absolutely had me guessing (wrongly) up to the end and looking over my shoulder! Irving’s writing really drew me into this story and kept my attention. I will definitely be picking up more of her books, and I really want to go back and read the previous two attached to this story!
October 27, 2025
I found this odd, like a book of two halves. Vicky's husband has cheated on her with one of her closest friends, but she stays with him because to the outside world, her life and relationship seems perfect. I found it difficult to believe that she would stay with him especially as he is away working a lot and there is lots of suspicion. She works as a GP and starts getting strange things sent, suggesting she has a stalker. Vicky is friends with Jake at the surgery and we get an insight in to their friendship and feelings. Then a twist comes that I did not even remotely see coming and the book gets more fast paced and suspenseful, and characters we thought we knew become completely different. That twist saved the book for me.
November 10, 2025
Vicky’s husband is a serial cheat, but when he betrays her with her own best friend, that is one step too far. Can she ever forgive him and trust him again? However, there is clearly more to it than meets the eye. Vicky herself is hiding secrets and behaving strangely and suspiciously. What secrets is she hiding? Is she stalking or being stalked? At what point does friendship become something more possessive? This is a real page turner. I found myself initially liking Vicky, then wanting to like her, and eventually, struggling to do so. Clearly, she has been a victim of controlling and discouraging attention in the past, but is she now attempting to do the same to somebody else? Well written and compelling reading.
November 23, 2025
Whoever thinks that a book club is boring, then you really need to read this book.
The story follows Vicky her husband Tom and fellow members of the book club.
Vicky is a busy GP and her husband Tom a long distance pilot with two children.
From the outside they have the perfect marriage, but Tom's continuing affairs have put a strain on their marriage and when he confesses to having an affair with one of Vicky's best friends it shocks everyone, especially the other members of the book group.
But is Vicky really the victim in this brilliantly executed psychological thriller or is she hiding something sinister?
A gripping book that kept me guessing throughout and the twists and ending was exceptional.
The story follows Vicky her husband Tom and fellow members of the book club.
Vicky is a busy GP and her husband Tom a long distance pilot with two children.
From the outside they have the perfect marriage, but Tom's continuing affairs have put a strain on their marriage and when he confesses to having an affair with one of Vicky's best friends it shocks everyone, especially the other members of the book group.
But is Vicky really the victim in this brilliantly executed psychological thriller or is she hiding something sinister?
A gripping book that kept me guessing throughout and the twists and ending was exceptional.
December 13, 2025
Vicky’s perfect life is in ruins. Tom cheated with her best friend. But Vicky isn’t falling apart. She’s smiling. Watching. Waiting. Then come the gifts, crank calls, and shadows outside her home. Someone’s stalking her. But the real danger? It’s closer than she ever imagined.
From the outset, I suspected Vicky wasn’t the victim she appeared to be, and that made me eager to see how the layers of this twisty story would unravel. While much of the narrative felt like a one-woman rant at times, I found myself invested in Vicky’s journey, even if she wasn’t a character I particularly liked. In fact, none of the characters were especially likeable, which added to the tense, claustrophobic atmosphere.
The pacing worked well, with short chapters that kept the story flowing and made it easy to say, “just one more.” The twists arrived toward the end, and although I wasn’t shocked I’d picked up on the hints along the way, the revelations were satisfying and tied the story together neatly.
Overall, this is a gripping tale of betrayal, obsession, and toxic friendships. It’s easy to follow, highly readable, and perfect for fans of psychological suspense who enjoy a slow burn with a sinister edge.
From the outset, I suspected Vicky wasn’t the victim she appeared to be, and that made me eager to see how the layers of this twisty story would unravel. While much of the narrative felt like a one-woman rant at times, I found myself invested in Vicky’s journey, even if she wasn’t a character I particularly liked. In fact, none of the characters were especially likeable, which added to the tense, claustrophobic atmosphere.
The pacing worked well, with short chapters that kept the story flowing and made it easy to say, “just one more.” The twists arrived toward the end, and although I wasn’t shocked I’d picked up on the hints along the way, the revelations were satisfying and tied the story together neatly.
Overall, this is a gripping tale of betrayal, obsession, and toxic friendships. It’s easy to follow, highly readable, and perfect for fans of psychological suspense who enjoy a slow burn with a sinister edge.
November 16, 2025
This domestic thriller plunges us into the wreckage of Vicky's marriage following her husband Tom's devastating affair with her close friend.
With trust shattered, Vicky struggles to keep her life together, battling constant intrusion from neighbour Miranda and fracturing relationships at work, the only place she finds solace.
The narrative expertly maps the fragility and insecurity that deepen with age. This is a sharp look at the desperate lengths women go to, twisting perceptions of loyalty and love.
The ending was tied up as neatly as a bottle of prosecco wrapped in a bow and is perfect for fans of novels full of emotion.
I received an advance copy of this book and this is my own view.
With trust shattered, Vicky struggles to keep her life together, battling constant intrusion from neighbour Miranda and fracturing relationships at work, the only place she finds solace.
The narrative expertly maps the fragility and insecurity that deepen with age. This is a sharp look at the desperate lengths women go to, twisting perceptions of loyalty and love.
The ending was tied up as neatly as a bottle of prosecco wrapped in a bow and is perfect for fans of novels full of emotion.
I received an advance copy of this book and this is my own view.
November 24, 2025
The first book I have read by Alison Irving and it didn’t disappoint!!
Vicky’s husband Tim has had an affair with one of her best friends. This is not his first affair but this is different as it is with someone she knows and trusts. What does she do - does she forgive, can she forget and just when she needs her friends the most, can she trust them?
This is a great dark, twisty with some great characters. It will keep you guessing throughout and it is a real page turner. Looking forward to reading more from Alison in the future.
Thank you to Bloodhound Books for a digital copy of this book.
Vicky’s husband Tim has had an affair with one of her best friends. This is not his first affair but this is different as it is with someone she knows and trusts. What does she do - does she forgive, can she forget and just when she needs her friends the most, can she trust them?
This is a great dark, twisty with some great characters. It will keep you guessing throughout and it is a real page turner. Looking forward to reading more from Alison in the future.
Thank you to Bloodhound Books for a digital copy of this book.
December 4, 2025
This is a bizarre tale of revenge with an interesting twist you don't expect.
Vicky's life seems quite sad as she's going through the motions in her marriage. She's trying to forgive the ultimate betrayal but what she considers as the ultimate betrayal is perhaps different from what we, as the readers, may expect. Her marriage isn't great and you feel sad for Vicky at first. She is clearly intelligent through her academia and career but life sees people walk all over her.
You'd want her to get some sort of control but it's not that easy! She's also got some other things on her mind that we learn of as things unwind. Not what you might expect but it makes it a fun and twisty journey!!
Vicky's life seems quite sad as she's going through the motions in her marriage. She's trying to forgive the ultimate betrayal but what she considers as the ultimate betrayal is perhaps different from what we, as the readers, may expect. Her marriage isn't great and you feel sad for Vicky at first. She is clearly intelligent through her academia and career but life sees people walk all over her.
You'd want her to get some sort of control but it's not that easy! She's also got some other things on her mind that we learn of as things unwind. Not what you might expect but it makes it a fun and twisty journey!!
December 12, 2025
The Cheated Wife is a twisty mystery/thriller that makes you think one thing when it’s another. I will admit that I struggled to sympathize with Vicky although I did feel sorry for her. To me, she wasn’t a likable character. However, I did feel sorry for her for the circumstances she found herself in, one being that she seemed to have a stalker…or did she?
Just when you think you have it all figured out, you realize that you don’t, all the way up to the end. The Cheated Wife is a decent mystery that will keep you entertained and turning the pages!
Just when you think you have it all figured out, you realize that you don’t, all the way up to the end. The Cheated Wife is a decent mystery that will keep you entertained and turning the pages!
November 25, 2025
3.5 stars, rounded up.
Short, snappy chapters with the most unreliable of narrators. I loved the Irish village setting of this book, definitely a psychologically based thriller, this book gives off unstable marriage vibes, until it doesn’t. I really felt for Vicky throughout but by the end I couldn’t stand her, the ending felt a little rushed for me and I’ve been left with a lot of questions! Hard to review this without giving too much away..
Short, snappy chapters with the most unreliable of narrators. I loved the Irish village setting of this book, definitely a psychologically based thriller, this book gives off unstable marriage vibes, until it doesn’t. I really felt for Vicky throughout but by the end I couldn’t stand her, the ending felt a little rushed for me and I’ve been left with a lot of questions! Hard to review this without giving too much away..
December 8, 2025
A twisty tale of betrayal and revenge, exactly what the blurb suggests and I love a book that delivers on its promises.
This was a real page turner and I was hooked from the first page. I really enjoy a book that keeps you guessing and I certainly couldn’t see what was going to happen in this story.
A new author for me but I will looking up the previous books that have been written.
Throughly enjoyed this cleverly written psychological thriller
This was a real page turner and I was hooked from the first page. I really enjoy a book that keeps you guessing and I certainly couldn’t see what was going to happen in this story.
A new author for me but I will looking up the previous books that have been written.
Throughly enjoyed this cleverly written psychological thriller
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