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Two Wives
Two wives. One husband. A deadly secret…
My daughter’s latest drawing lies on the kitchen island and I smile as I see the three stick figures under the words My family. My husband Oliver left for work early, so it’s just me and my precious daughter at home. Until I hear the sound of a removals van pulling up to the house next door.
Sneaking a peek through the blinds, my heart catches in my throat as I come face to face with my new neighbour – the one person I wished to never see again. Oliver’s ex-wife, Carla, stares back at me, and the slight curl of her lip proves that she isn’t here to make friends.
Oliver owns the house next door, so why did he let her move so close to us? And why didn’t he tell me? What other secrets has he been keeping from me?
When I try to talk to Oliver that evening, he quickly shuts me down, telling me I’m worrying over nothing. But I know him well enough to see the worried look on his face as he gazes towards Carla’s house…
Oliver is up to something. And so is Carla. But they don’t know I have secrets of my own, and I’m prepared to do whatever it takes to keep them.
And, days later, when police race to our house one evening, you might think you know what’s happened, but you’d be wrong. After all, nothing is what it seems behind closed doors…
An absolutely pulse-pounding psychological thriller, which is perfect for fans of The Housemaid, The Perfect Marriage and You, Me, Her.
What readers are saying about Two Wives:
‘Addictive, fast-paced and drama-filled rollercoaster ride! WOW!! Never in a million years did I see that twist coming, it literally blew my socks off!… I was reading on the edge of my seat, it was truly amazing!… From the minute I picked it up, I struggled to pull myself away, I was hooked!… My heart was pounding throughout! Absolutely FANTASTIC!!!,’ NetGalley reviewer, ⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐
‘A gripping thriller packed with so much tension, it set my teeth on edge… I flipped the pages at a frantic pace to see how this was going to end,’ Goodreads reviewer, ⭐⭐⭐⭐
‘Gave me chill bumps.’ Goodreads reviewer, ⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐
‘Will keep you on the edge of your seat, eagerly turning pages until the very end!’… If you’re looking for a book that will keep you guessing until the very end, look no further!’ Sapphirenst9one, ⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐
‘Super fast paced and kept me gripped throughout… Oh too good. Loved this,’ Narin reads, ⭐⭐⭐⭐
‘You won’t be able to turn the pages fast enough,’ Danielle167912, ⭐⭐⭐⭐
‘A real page-turner, full of twists,’ NetGalley reviewer, ⭐⭐⭐⭐
What readers are saying about Helen H.
My daughter’s latest drawing lies on the kitchen island and I smile as I see the three stick figures under the words My family. My husband Oliver left for work early, so it’s just me and my precious daughter at home. Until I hear the sound of a removals van pulling up to the house next door.
Sneaking a peek through the blinds, my heart catches in my throat as I come face to face with my new neighbour – the one person I wished to never see again. Oliver’s ex-wife, Carla, stares back at me, and the slight curl of her lip proves that she isn’t here to make friends.
Oliver owns the house next door, so why did he let her move so close to us? And why didn’t he tell me? What other secrets has he been keeping from me?
When I try to talk to Oliver that evening, he quickly shuts me down, telling me I’m worrying over nothing. But I know him well enough to see the worried look on his face as he gazes towards Carla’s house…
Oliver is up to something. And so is Carla. But they don’t know I have secrets of my own, and I’m prepared to do whatever it takes to keep them.
And, days later, when police race to our house one evening, you might think you know what’s happened, but you’d be wrong. After all, nothing is what it seems behind closed doors…
An absolutely pulse-pounding psychological thriller, which is perfect for fans of The Housemaid, The Perfect Marriage and You, Me, Her.
What readers are saying about Two Wives:
‘Addictive, fast-paced and drama-filled rollercoaster ride! WOW!! Never in a million years did I see that twist coming, it literally blew my socks off!… I was reading on the edge of my seat, it was truly amazing!… From the minute I picked it up, I struggled to pull myself away, I was hooked!… My heart was pounding throughout! Absolutely FANTASTIC!!!,’ NetGalley reviewer, ⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐
‘A gripping thriller packed with so much tension, it set my teeth on edge… I flipped the pages at a frantic pace to see how this was going to end,’ Goodreads reviewer, ⭐⭐⭐⭐
‘Gave me chill bumps.’ Goodreads reviewer, ⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐
‘Will keep you on the edge of your seat, eagerly turning pages until the very end!’… If you’re looking for a book that will keep you guessing until the very end, look no further!’ Sapphirenst9one, ⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐
‘Super fast paced and kept me gripped throughout… Oh too good. Loved this,’ Narin reads, ⭐⭐⭐⭐
‘You won’t be able to turn the pages fast enough,’ Danielle167912, ⭐⭐⭐⭐
‘A real page-turner, full of twists,’ NetGalley reviewer, ⭐⭐⭐⭐
What readers are saying about Helen H.
284 pages, Kindle Edition
Published January 21, 2026
68 people are currently reading
152 people want to read
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 122 reviews
Review of advance copy received from Netgalley
TWO COMMENTS ON "TWO WIVES":
1️⃣ I was not the right listener/reader for this audiobook.
😭😭😭😭
WHY?
* The audiobook was read by one of my least favorite narrators (Imogen Church) and favorite narrators (Tamsin Kennard).
Unfortunately, Imogen Church narrated 90% of the book.
Although Imogen Church boasts a huge fan base, I find her over-the-top voice with unnatural pauses and nagging pitch emphasis to be grating and irritating.
In addition, I do not enjoy books showcasing abusive men with drug habits.
Had I known that an abusive man with drug habits played a key role in the storyline, I never would have requested this ARC.
2️⃣ The publisher's blurb was inaccurate.
The book's primary protagonist was the nanny, who entered the home under false pretenses.
There was no mention of the nanny in the publisher's blurb. (Huh?)
Because it was revealed early on that the male protagonist husband/physician was the "bad guy," much of the mystery was stripped away before it really began.
Overall, this high-octane drama lacked the "wow" factor I was seeking and expecting from talented author Helen H. Durrant.
Any audiobook lover will tell you that an audiobook narrator can make or break a book.
Even though I am not a fan of books that showcase abusive men with drug habits, I would have enjoyed this book much more had Tamsin Kennard been the primary narrator.
Special thanks to NetGalley and the publisher for providing an ARC in exchange for an honest review.
January 23, 2026
This story kept me engaged throughout. I enjoyed how the story was told from different perspectives and was intrigued by the direction the plot was taking. Numerous twists and turns kept me guessing. The narration by Tamsin Kennard and Imogen Church masterfully brought the story to life adding a layer of suspense and emotion. This thriller is unpredictable, absorbing, and entertaining. Thank you NetGalley and Bookouture Audio for my audiobook.
Review of advance copy received from Netgalley
my rating for this book is 3.5 rounded to 4... I do like to read Helen Durrant's books, especially her crime reads.. This is a psychological read.Oliver is a surgeon not well liked by his staff... and his wife, he has a child Maisie...his ex-wife moves in next door that Oliver owns...why? his wife hires a nanny to help with Maisie she has secrets she's hiding, .. I wanted more twists and turns to make this read more exciting, slow in parts... a fantastic author looking forward to reading more of her books...
January 17, 2026
This was a solid domestic thriller that kept me engaged from start to finish. I was intrigued by Eve, Jane, and Carla from the very beginning, and I found myself curious about how all their stories would unfold.
The audiobook narration was strong, particularly when voicing Maisie. Narrating a child’s voice convincingly isn’t easy, but it was done very well here and added emotional depth to the story. There were definitely twists I didn’t see coming, which always earns points for me in thrillers.
As for Oliver… he was absolutely terrible, and I can honestly say I cared nothing about his fate. Overall, this was a good domestic thriller with strong narration, interesting characters, and enough surprises to keep me interested. Would recommend! Thank you NetGalley, Bookouture Audio, & Bookouture for an advanced reader & listening copy. All opinions are my own.
Publication 🗓️ : 01.21.26
The audiobook narration was strong, particularly when voicing Maisie. Narrating a child’s voice convincingly isn’t easy, but it was done very well here and added emotional depth to the story. There were definitely twists I didn’t see coming, which always earns points for me in thrillers.
As for Oliver… he was absolutely terrible, and I can honestly say I cared nothing about his fate. Overall, this was a good domestic thriller with strong narration, interesting characters, and enough surprises to keep me interested. Would recommend! Thank you NetGalley, Bookouture Audio, & Bookouture for an advanced reader & listening copy. All opinions are my own.
Publication 🗓️ : 01.21.26
January 23, 2026
TWO WIVES is an addictive and completely unputdownable psychological thriller, by bestselling author Helen H. Durrant. This is a story of betrayal, obsession and control.
Her Standalone Novels include:
The Funeral (2025)
Two Wives (2026)
The story centers around three main characters: Eve, the devoted wife, Oliver, her famous Cardiac Surgeon and Carla, the ex-wife, as well as Jane the live-in nanny that looks after their 4-year-old daughter, Maisie.
Eve is the devoted supportive wife, and loving mother that is trying to be the wife Oliver wants. But her patience grows thin, when Oliver’s ex-wife, Carla, moves in next door. Carla’s presence is a constant reminder of a past Eve would rather forget, and wishes that Carla would just vanish from their lives.
Carla, the bitter ex-wife is convinced that Oliver poses a serious danger to his new family. Carla is set on exposing the truth behind their marriage breakdown.
And then there is Oliver, a man responsible for saving lives, but has a dark and deadly secret.
The alternating viewpoints elevate the suspense level. Every chapter adds another layer of intrigue and deception, leading to the final shocking ending.
This totally addictive psychological thriller will have you glued to your seat. Information and clues are released on a knew-to-know basis. I will not comment anymore on the plot for risk of spoilers, but I must say I really enjoyed this novel from beginning to end.
Many thanks to the author, Bookouture and Netgalley for my digital copy.
Her Standalone Novels include:
The Funeral (2025)
Two Wives (2026)
The story centers around three main characters: Eve, the devoted wife, Oliver, her famous Cardiac Surgeon and Carla, the ex-wife, as well as Jane the live-in nanny that looks after their 4-year-old daughter, Maisie.
Eve is the devoted supportive wife, and loving mother that is trying to be the wife Oliver wants. But her patience grows thin, when Oliver’s ex-wife, Carla, moves in next door. Carla’s presence is a constant reminder of a past Eve would rather forget, and wishes that Carla would just vanish from their lives.
Carla, the bitter ex-wife is convinced that Oliver poses a serious danger to his new family. Carla is set on exposing the truth behind their marriage breakdown.
And then there is Oliver, a man responsible for saving lives, but has a dark and deadly secret.
The alternating viewpoints elevate the suspense level. Every chapter adds another layer of intrigue and deception, leading to the final shocking ending.
This totally addictive psychological thriller will have you glued to your seat. Information and clues are released on a knew-to-know basis. I will not comment anymore on the plot for risk of spoilers, but I must say I really enjoyed this novel from beginning to end.
Many thanks to the author, Bookouture and Netgalley for my digital copy.
January 21, 2026
Oliver Haddon is a top heart surgeon, and is an altogether nasty piece of work. Many people would like to see him dead, so when he goes missing, there is no love lost, especially from Eve (current wife), Carla (ex-wife), and Jane (nanny to four year old Maisie), whom all have secrets of their own.
This is the second book which I have read from the author, and I love her writing style, and look forward to reading many more of her books. This is a good psychological thriller, which keeps you guessing throughout, with a nice little twist, at the end.
Thanks to Helen H. Durrant, Bookouture, and NetGalley, for providing me with this free ARC, with which I leave a voluntary review.
4 ⭐️
Available: 21/01/26
This is the second book which I have read from the author, and I love her writing style, and look forward to reading many more of her books. This is a good psychological thriller, which keeps you guessing throughout, with a nice little twist, at the end.
Thanks to Helen H. Durrant, Bookouture, and NetGalley, for providing me with this free ARC, with which I leave a voluntary review.
4 ⭐️
Available: 21/01/26
January 6, 2026
Two Wives by Helen H Durant, the book should’ve been called two wives and a nanny because that’s the main characters current wife Eve, ex-wife Carla and nanny Jane. Jane has an ulterior motive when she joins eaves family as the nanny in a shock to learn about Carla the ex-wife living next-door. Soon she learned she isn’t the only one who dislikes Oliver a renowned surgeon who everyone believes is a kind doctor and good family man but she is still shocked at the real hymn. he is abusive to Eve neglectful to their daughter and has done his damage to poor Carla but when he goes missing and thought dead their’re all confused as to who killed him? This was such a great book except for the ending and although the ending was really good there was just one part of it I didn’t like and I won’t say why but just know that should’ve totally been vice versa but I digress I still thoroughly enjoyed this book highly recommended if you love twisty great reads and I mean twisty then you’ll definitely love this book. I was a fan of hers after reading the funeral and although that book had a few issues I found this one to be much much better. #NetGalley, #TheBlindReviewer, #MyHonestReview,
January 17, 2026
3.5⭐️
I listened to Two Wives as an audiobook, and while it didn’t completely blow me away, it definitely kept me engaged from start to finish.
The premise is instantly unsettling — your husband’s ex-wife suddenly moves in next door, and no one seems keen to explain why. From there, the tension simmers nicely, with that constant feeling that something isn’t quite right and everyone is holding back pieces of the truth.
I enjoyed the dual perspectives and the way suspicion shifts between characters. It’s one of those stories where you’re never fully sure who to trust, which is always a plus for me in a domestic thriller. That said, some of the twists felt a little familiar, and I found myself predicting a few beats before they landed.
The audiobook narration was solid and easy to follow, which definitely helped keep the pacing tight and made it an enjoyable listen overall — especially for a story built so heavily on atmosphere and unease.
Not a standout favourite, but a solid, entertaining psychological thriller that’s well worth picking up if you enjoy messy marriages, buried secrets, and neighbourhood tensions that spiral fast.
I listened to Two Wives as an audiobook, and while it didn’t completely blow me away, it definitely kept me engaged from start to finish.
The premise is instantly unsettling — your husband’s ex-wife suddenly moves in next door, and no one seems keen to explain why. From there, the tension simmers nicely, with that constant feeling that something isn’t quite right and everyone is holding back pieces of the truth.
I enjoyed the dual perspectives and the way suspicion shifts between characters. It’s one of those stories where you’re never fully sure who to trust, which is always a plus for me in a domestic thriller. That said, some of the twists felt a little familiar, and I found myself predicting a few beats before they landed.
The audiobook narration was solid and easy to follow, which definitely helped keep the pacing tight and made it an enjoyable listen overall — especially for a story built so heavily on atmosphere and unease.
Not a standout favourite, but a solid, entertaining psychological thriller that’s well worth picking up if you enjoy messy marriages, buried secrets, and neighbourhood tensions that spiral fast.
January 14, 2026
thank you NetGalley & Bookouture Audio for the Advanced audio of this book in exchange for an honest review!
Normally I love a cozy British domestic mystery thriller in a quaint English countryside village and these typical set ups usually do not disappoint. Unfortunately I could not connect with the characters OR the story this time. There are plot points that never tie up by the end and the main tension of the story wasn't intriguing enough to keep my attention. Overall I do not have a lot of positive feedback for this book. In audio form the narrators did a good job with the material!
Normally I love a cozy British domestic mystery thriller in a quaint English countryside village and these typical set ups usually do not disappoint. Unfortunately I could not connect with the characters OR the story this time. There are plot points that never tie up by the end and the main tension of the story wasn't intriguing enough to keep my attention. Overall I do not have a lot of positive feedback for this book. In audio form the narrators did a good job with the material!
December 24, 2025
This Thrilling Mystery Novel had me hooked from the start. Why has her husband’s ex-wife moved into the apartment next door? What has Oliver done to become the centre of everyone’s attention.
I continuously thought I had worked the ending out and then NOPE plot twist. The attention to detail and building the relationships between different characters was done so well. I loved the character developments throughout.
I love when someone gets exactly what they deserve out of life even if it means wrecking someone else’s.
Thank you to Bookouture and NetGalley for the advanced copy of this book on return for my honest review.
I continuously thought I had worked the ending out and then NOPE plot twist. The attention to detail and building the relationships between different characters was done so well. I loved the character developments throughout.
I love when someone gets exactly what they deserve out of life even if it means wrecking someone else’s.
Thank you to Bookouture and NetGalley for the advanced copy of this book on return for my honest review.
Review of advance copy received from Netgalley
Strap in—this one is all about the ride.
This is a multi-POV, multi-twist domestic thriller that kept me engaged throughout and genuinely eager to see how it would end.
Were there a few speed bumps? Yes—but I liked the story enough to let them pass. My biggest stumbling block was the four-year-old character, who didn’t sound her age at all; the language used felt far too advanced. There were also some plausibility issues, but overall I was able to suspend my disbelief.
I consumed this via audiobook, narrated by Imogen Church and Tamsin Kennard—both frequent choices for Bookouture thrillers. They did a great job with the voice acting and have a natural chemistry that helps pull you into the story. That said, the 1x playback speed was incredibly slow. I genuinely thought I’d accidentally changed it to a lower speed. You can speed it up, but doing so impacts their inflection and vocal delivery—the cozy British charm that makes their performances shine. Even though I could easily listen at 2x, it was disappointing not to get the full impact of their comforting vocals.
As for the story itself, the characters aren’t particularly likable—but that didn’t matter to me in the least. Watching everything click into place and seeing who ultimately came out on top was immensely satisfying.
Bottom line: flawed, twisty, and thoroughly entertaining—sometimes the destination matters less than enjoying the ride.
I was fortunate to receive a complimentary ALC from Bookouture Audio via NetGalley, which gave me the opportunity to share my voluntary thoughts.
This is a multi-POV, multi-twist domestic thriller that kept me engaged throughout and genuinely eager to see how it would end.
Were there a few speed bumps? Yes—but I liked the story enough to let them pass. My biggest stumbling block was the four-year-old character, who didn’t sound her age at all; the language used felt far too advanced. There were also some plausibility issues, but overall I was able to suspend my disbelief.
I consumed this via audiobook, narrated by Imogen Church and Tamsin Kennard—both frequent choices for Bookouture thrillers. They did a great job with the voice acting and have a natural chemistry that helps pull you into the story. That said, the 1x playback speed was incredibly slow. I genuinely thought I’d accidentally changed it to a lower speed. You can speed it up, but doing so impacts their inflection and vocal delivery—the cozy British charm that makes their performances shine. Even though I could easily listen at 2x, it was disappointing not to get the full impact of their comforting vocals.
As for the story itself, the characters aren’t particularly likable—but that didn’t matter to me in the least. Watching everything click into place and seeing who ultimately came out on top was immensely satisfying.
Bottom line: flawed, twisty, and thoroughly entertaining—sometimes the destination matters less than enjoying the ride.
I was fortunate to receive a complimentary ALC from Bookouture Audio via NetGalley, which gave me the opportunity to share my voluntary thoughts.
January 18, 2026
This audiobook was a four-star listen for me until the very last chapter - I won’t say why for fear of spoilers, though I will feed back to the publishers, to whom I am really grateful for a pre-release copy in return for an honest opinion. I also wouldn’t want anyone else to be put off reading / listening because they may well not notice the potential consequence of the decision made by one of the protagonists at the end.
This is my first novel by Hellen Durrant, but it won’t be my last - this was a brilliant accompaniment to admin this week.
I particularly liked the first of the three narrators we meet, Jane. She co-hosts a podcast with her best friend and applies to be a nanny in the house of the surgeon responsible for the operation in which her mother died. She hopes to discover and expose malpractice on his part, but WOAH! No way could she have predicted the dysfunctional home life she is walking into.
As promised by the title, we meet the surgeon, Oliver’s wife and ex-wife as well as his little girl, cook and gardener. It’s AMAZING that anyone has married the man, let alone the two wives we meet and who provide some first person narratives so we don’t just have to take Jane’s word for everything.
Is it OTT? Yes, but in that delightful way that made me think WTAF? while still being able to suspend my disbelief enough to enjoy the crazy as all hell happenings as the author ramps up the suspense.
Definitely recommend this novel. Though if I could have my own listen all over again I would simply stop one chapter early.
This is my first novel by Hellen Durrant, but it won’t be my last - this was a brilliant accompaniment to admin this week.
I particularly liked the first of the three narrators we meet, Jane. She co-hosts a podcast with her best friend and applies to be a nanny in the house of the surgeon responsible for the operation in which her mother died. She hopes to discover and expose malpractice on his part, but WOAH! No way could she have predicted the dysfunctional home life she is walking into.
As promised by the title, we meet the surgeon, Oliver’s wife and ex-wife as well as his little girl, cook and gardener. It’s AMAZING that anyone has married the man, let alone the two wives we meet and who provide some first person narratives so we don’t just have to take Jane’s word for everything.
Is it OTT? Yes, but in that delightful way that made me think WTAF? while still being able to suspend my disbelief enough to enjoy the crazy as all hell happenings as the author ramps up the suspense.
Definitely recommend this novel. Though if I could have my own listen all over again I would simply stop one chapter early.
Review of advance copy received from Netgalley
Oliver is a hugely successful surgeon. Now he’s dead.
Despite his professional success, plenty of people had reason to want him gone; none more so than his wife Eve, his ex-wife Carla, and the new nanny, Jane. But which of them did it?
3.5* rounded up
This is another domestic thriller packed with thoroughly unlikeable characters: a powerful but abusive man with a drug habit, a nanny hiding a secret, a wife barely holding herself together after years of abuse, and a scorned ex-wife who seems to take pleasure in antagonising the current one. While they weren’t particularly likeable, they were interesting, and I enjoyed learning more about each of them. Well, except Oliver. He can suck it.
The story was slow in places, and at times I found myself bored. The pace did improve as it went on, though not as much as I would have liked. Overall, it was a fairly enjoyable read, but I couldn’t help feeling frustrated by the familiar tropes that are so common in this genre.
Despite his professional success, plenty of people had reason to want him gone; none more so than his wife Eve, his ex-wife Carla, and the new nanny, Jane. But which of them did it?
3.5* rounded up
This is another domestic thriller packed with thoroughly unlikeable characters: a powerful but abusive man with a drug habit, a nanny hiding a secret, a wife barely holding herself together after years of abuse, and a scorned ex-wife who seems to take pleasure in antagonising the current one. While they weren’t particularly likeable, they were interesting, and I enjoyed learning more about each of them. Well, except Oliver. He can suck it.
The story was slow in places, and at times I found myself bored. The pace did improve as it went on, though not as much as I would have liked. Overall, it was a fairly enjoyable read, but I couldn’t help feeling frustrated by the familiar tropes that are so common in this genre.
January 11, 2026
3.75 rounding up
This was great; I had absolutely no idea what happened to the husband, if he was dead, and if he was, who killed him. I loved the surprise reveals and guessed them just moments before it was revealed.
My complaint is I would have liked an epilogue to wrap up the story about the nanny and what happened to her.
Thanks netgalley
SUMMARY: podcaster takes nanny job to go under cover and get details on a heart surgeon who has been killing people when he operates under the influence.
While on the job she realizes he is also abusive to his wife who seems like she might crack any second. Things get worse when he moves his ex wife in next door (he also owns that property).
The ex wife also torments the mother, even taking her child from nursery so the mother thinks she’s kidnapped.
Then the husband (surgeon) goes missing and every situation is revealed to be more than meets the eye with each woman wondering if the others got rid of him—they all have motive!
By the end the reader finds out what happened to the surgeon and gets endings to most of the stories about the women
As always the incredible Imogene church brought a lot to this story with her performance as narrator
This was great; I had absolutely no idea what happened to the husband, if he was dead, and if he was, who killed him. I loved the surprise reveals and guessed them just moments before it was revealed.
My complaint is I would have liked an epilogue to wrap up the story about the nanny and what happened to her.
Thanks netgalley
SUMMARY: podcaster takes nanny job to go under cover and get details on a heart surgeon who has been killing people when he operates under the influence.
While on the job she realizes he is also abusive to his wife who seems like she might crack any second. Things get worse when he moves his ex wife in next door (he also owns that property).
The ex wife also torments the mother, even taking her child from nursery so the mother thinks she’s kidnapped.
Then the husband (surgeon) goes missing and every situation is revealed to be more than meets the eye with each woman wondering if the others got rid of him—they all have motive!
By the end the reader finds out what happened to the surgeon and gets endings to most of the stories about the women
As always the incredible Imogene church brought a lot to this story with her performance as narrator
January 13, 2026
Two Wives by Helen Durrant is a gripping thriller that weaves together a rotten husband, a podcaster digging for the truth, drugs, an ex-wife, and an innocent child caught in the middle. The story is layered and suspenseful, with plenty of twists that keep you invested in how everything connects.
The audiobook was especially well done as it has an engaging narration that added tension and made it hard to stop listening. While some elements felt familiar to the genre, the execution kept the story compelling throughout.
Overall, this was an entertaining and solid thriller that held my attention from start to finish.
The audiobook was especially well done as it has an engaging narration that added tension and made it hard to stop listening. While some elements felt familiar to the genre, the execution kept the story compelling throughout.
Overall, this was an entertaining and solid thriller that held my attention from start to finish.
Review of advance copy received from Publisher
This had so many twists that I did not see coming!
Jane gets a job as a nanny for Eve and Oliver's daughter but she has an ulterior motive. Oliver is a top surgeon with a drug addiction and he is putting patients at risk. Jane wants to expose him on her podcast.
Eve is not brave enough to stand up to Oliver, and when his ex-wife Carla moves in next door, there is more trouble.
Everyone is after revenge on Oliver, but when he disappears, nobody seems to know where he is.
At first I did find the book a bit frustrating and couldn't understand why everyone was letting Oliver get away with what he was doing. But as the story went on it explains why everyone is scared to confront or report Oliver. He was a complete narcissist and I hated him!
I loved the way different perspectives were used for the chapters and how each of the women thought the others were responsible for certain things.
The story was a bit far-fetched in places, but still a great read.
Recommend this for anyone who loves twisty domestic thrillers.
TW: drugs and domestic abuse.
Jane gets a job as a nanny for Eve and Oliver's daughter but she has an ulterior motive. Oliver is a top surgeon with a drug addiction and he is putting patients at risk. Jane wants to expose him on her podcast.
Eve is not brave enough to stand up to Oliver, and when his ex-wife Carla moves in next door, there is more trouble.
Everyone is after revenge on Oliver, but when he disappears, nobody seems to know where he is.
At first I did find the book a bit frustrating and couldn't understand why everyone was letting Oliver get away with what he was doing. But as the story went on it explains why everyone is scared to confront or report Oliver. He was a complete narcissist and I hated him!
I loved the way different perspectives were used for the chapters and how each of the women thought the others were responsible for certain things.
The story was a bit far-fetched in places, but still a great read.
Recommend this for anyone who loves twisty domestic thrillers.
TW: drugs and domestic abuse.
January 21, 2026
**** Happy Publication Day*****
First, I want to start off by saying I am a sucker for a domestic thriller, so my opinion of this book is based on my weird obsession/desire to read domestic thrillers, and always wanting and hoping for people to make good decisions. Alas, people making wise decisions in domestic thrillers will always be lacking- the search continues. But I enjoy the search.
Ok, that out of the way. This was a decent domestic thriller, that was a definite out of the ordinary, which is always a bonus in my opinion.
Each wive has their own back story, secrets, and desires. And along with the two wives in this story, there are others who long for truth and justice. And everyone's idea of justice is a little different in this story.
If you are looking for a wild ride with a bit of what is actually going on, this is one that will keep you on the edge of your seat.
Big thank you to Netgalley and Bookouture Audio for the advanced audio copy of this book. All my opinions are my own.
First, I want to start off by saying I am a sucker for a domestic thriller, so my opinion of this book is based on my weird obsession/desire to read domestic thrillers, and always wanting and hoping for people to make good decisions. Alas, people making wise decisions in domestic thrillers will always be lacking- the search continues. But I enjoy the search.
Ok, that out of the way. This was a decent domestic thriller, that was a definite out of the ordinary, which is always a bonus in my opinion.
Each wive has their own back story, secrets, and desires. And along with the two wives in this story, there are others who long for truth and justice. And everyone's idea of justice is a little different in this story.
If you are looking for a wild ride with a bit of what is actually going on, this is one that will keep you on the edge of your seat.
Big thank you to Netgalley and Bookouture Audio for the advanced audio copy of this book. All my opinions are my own.
Review of advance copy received from Netgalley
*3.75 Stars*
This book is a multi-POV domestic thriller following a wife, an ex-wife and a nanny with ulterior motives. Each woman shares the common dislike of the husband. This book was captivating, engaging and an overall decent thriller. I didn't love all the characters, and wish the wives took more of a front row seat, however, it was an enjoyable read and that narration was well done.
This book is a multi-POV domestic thriller following a wife, an ex-wife and a nanny with ulterior motives. Each woman shares the common dislike of the husband. This book was captivating, engaging and an overall decent thriller. I didn't love all the characters, and wish the wives took more of a front row seat, however, it was an enjoyable read and that narration was well done.
January 15, 2026
⭐️⭐️⭐️ Thank you to NetGalley and the publisher. Review to follow
January 14, 2026
*ARC review*
Two Wives is an addictive, twisty, tense page turner in the psychological thriller genre. This is a slow burn book that is great for suspense lovers!
Two Wives is an addictive, twisty, tense page turner in the psychological thriller genre. This is a slow burn book that is great for suspense lovers!
Review of advance copy received from Netgalley
People can be incredibly charming until they get what they want, and then even the most charming princes turn into the ugliest frogs imaginable. Unfortunately, for some people it’s already too late by then, and they find themselves trapped in a hopeless situation they desperately want to escape from—but it’s not that simple. They see only one way out, and it is often the most drastic one.
These manipulative individuals usually have sky-high egos as well and see themselves as some kind of godlike beings, while innocent people become their victims—without shedding a single tear over it. Backing people into a corner and playing them off against one another is one of their favorite games, and they lose no sleep over it whatsoever.
As the saying goes, the pitcher goes to the well until it breaks, and everyone eventually gets what they deserve. You can’t keep pulling people’s strings without consequences—there comes a moment when their patience boils over.
This book revolves around three women, each of whom has a score to settle with the same man. But who will crack under the pressure and take action? Is it the ex-wife, the current wife, or the nanny? Or perhaps they work together—or is there still another piece on the chessboard?
The author keeps her cards close to her chest until the very end, when everything is finally revealed to the reader. Feuds, alliances, and backstabbing—it’s all there. There’s more than enough to keep your attention throughout.
Interesting characters—some far more likable than others—a strong storyline, and a surprising plot make this a very enjoyable book. I would have liked Oliver to have had a slightly bigger role so we could get to know him better.
That’s why I’m happy to give this book 4.5 stars.
Thank you
These manipulative individuals usually have sky-high egos as well and see themselves as some kind of godlike beings, while innocent people become their victims—without shedding a single tear over it. Backing people into a corner and playing them off against one another is one of their favorite games, and they lose no sleep over it whatsoever.
As the saying goes, the pitcher goes to the well until it breaks, and everyone eventually gets what they deserve. You can’t keep pulling people’s strings without consequences—there comes a moment when their patience boils over.
This book revolves around three women, each of whom has a score to settle with the same man. But who will crack under the pressure and take action? Is it the ex-wife, the current wife, or the nanny? Or perhaps they work together—or is there still another piece on the chessboard?
The author keeps her cards close to her chest until the very end, when everything is finally revealed to the reader. Feuds, alliances, and backstabbing—it’s all there. There’s more than enough to keep your attention throughout.
Interesting characters—some far more likable than others—a strong storyline, and a surprising plot make this a very enjoyable book. I would have liked Oliver to have had a slightly bigger role so we could get to know him better.
That’s why I’m happy to give this book 4.5 stars.
Thank you
January 17, 2026
This was an ARC from NetGalley. I had to DNF halfway thru this one. Even though there are three points of view, the women all use the exact same language to describe Oliver. The only likable character in the book is the four year old. And even she doesn’t speak as a four year old would. As the English say, this one should have been tossed in the rubbish bin!
Review of advance copy received from Netgalley
Thank you to NetGalley and Bookouture for the opportunity to read and review Two Wives by Helen H. Durrant. I appreciated the chance to read this advance copy and share my honest thoughts. Thank you for continuing to make early access to new titles available to readers and reviewers.🙏
Two Wives follows Jane, a nanny who joins the household of Eve and Oliver to care for their young daughter, Maisie. From my perspective, the red flags around Oliver appeared almost immediately. Despite being a well-respected surgeon, he is emotionally absent, neglectful toward his daughter, and openly aggressive toward Eve. Things take a sharper turn when he secretly allows his ex-wife, Carla, to move into the apartment next door, a decision that sets off rising tension, buried secrets, and conflicting motives.
The story is told through the viewpoints of Eve, Carla, and Jane, which I appreciated, as it helped build a fuller picture of what was really going on behind closed doors. As Jane settles into the family, it becomes clear she has her own reasons for being there, and I found it interesting to slowly realise that she isn’t the only one who sees through Oliver’s carefully maintained public image. When Oliver goes missing, I was genuinely curious to see how the truth would unravel and who might be responsible.
That said, while the premise was strong and had real potential, the book didn’t fully work for me. I struggled to connect with the characters, as I found most of them unlikeable, which made it harder to feel invested in their outcomes. I also found several of the twists predictable. I guessed major reveals well before they happened, which took away much of the suspense I was hoping for.
The pacing felt slow at times, and although there were plenty of secrets and layered dynamics, the tension never quite pulled me in. I kept waiting for that gripping psychological edge, but it didn’t fully land for me.
However, I did still enjoy aspects of the story. The way abuse and manipulation were hidden behind status and reputation was handled well, and the multiple perspectives added depth. I also thought the ending was largely effective, though there was one part I didn’t love; it felt like it should have gone the other way. Even so, it didn’t completely ruin the book for me.
Overall, while Two Wives wasn’t a standout read for me, it is a solid domestic thriller. Readers who enjoy slower-paced, twist-driven stories with morally complex characters will likely enjoy this more than I did.
Two Wives follows Jane, a nanny who joins the household of Eve and Oliver to care for their young daughter, Maisie. From my perspective, the red flags around Oliver appeared almost immediately. Despite being a well-respected surgeon, he is emotionally absent, neglectful toward his daughter, and openly aggressive toward Eve. Things take a sharper turn when he secretly allows his ex-wife, Carla, to move into the apartment next door, a decision that sets off rising tension, buried secrets, and conflicting motives.
The story is told through the viewpoints of Eve, Carla, and Jane, which I appreciated, as it helped build a fuller picture of what was really going on behind closed doors. As Jane settles into the family, it becomes clear she has her own reasons for being there, and I found it interesting to slowly realise that she isn’t the only one who sees through Oliver’s carefully maintained public image. When Oliver goes missing, I was genuinely curious to see how the truth would unravel and who might be responsible.
That said, while the premise was strong and had real potential, the book didn’t fully work for me. I struggled to connect with the characters, as I found most of them unlikeable, which made it harder to feel invested in their outcomes. I also found several of the twists predictable. I guessed major reveals well before they happened, which took away much of the suspense I was hoping for.
The pacing felt slow at times, and although there were plenty of secrets and layered dynamics, the tension never quite pulled me in. I kept waiting for that gripping psychological edge, but it didn’t fully land for me.
However, I did still enjoy aspects of the story. The way abuse and manipulation were hidden behind status and reputation was handled well, and the multiple perspectives added depth. I also thought the ending was largely effective, though there was one part I didn’t love; it felt like it should have gone the other way. Even so, it didn’t completely ruin the book for me.
Overall, while Two Wives wasn’t a standout read for me, it is a solid domestic thriller. Readers who enjoy slower-paced, twist-driven stories with morally complex characters will likely enjoy this more than I did.
Review of advance copy received from Netgalley
I am a big admirer of Helen Durrant’s novels and feel she does not get the recognition she deserves. Often, the novels are fast paced, cleverly written and totally addictive.
Two Wives is a tense and addictive psychological thriller that peels back the polished veneer of a seemingly perfect marriage to reveal the danger lurking beneath. Told through shifting perspectives, the novel cleverly invites the reader to question every character’s motives, and to reconsider who the real threat truly is.
Eve is the devoted wife, meticulously maintaining the image of domestic perfection alongside her famous surgeon husband, Oliver. As a supportive partner and loving mother, she has crafted the life she always wanted. But the illusion begins to fracture when Oliver’s ex-wife, Carla, moves in next door. Carla’s presence is a constant reminder of a past Eve would rather erase, and her wish for Carla to disappear entirely carries an unsettling edge.
Carla, however, is far more than the bitter ex-wife Eve imagines. Bound by a promise to stay away, she is driven back by fear and guilt, convinced that Oliver poses a serious danger to his new family. Determined to expose the truth behind their marriage breakdown, Carla becomes a formidable force, one who refuses to stay silent any longer.
At the centre of it all is Oliver, a man revered for saving lives, yet harbouring a dark and deadly secret. As the narrative unfolds, Durrant expertly dismantles his public persona, revealing a chilling willingness to do whatever it takes to protect himself.
The alternating viewpoints heighten the suspense, constantly shifting the reader’s allegiance and keeping the tension razor-sharp. Every chapter adds another layer of deception, building toward a shocking and explosive climax that redefines everything that came before.
Two Wives is a compelling exploration of obsession, manipulation, and betrayal, proving that the most dangerous secrets are often hidden in plain sight. Fast paced and addictive.
I would like to thank both Netgalley and Bookouture for supplying a copy of this novel in exchange for an honest review.
Two Wives is a tense and addictive psychological thriller that peels back the polished veneer of a seemingly perfect marriage to reveal the danger lurking beneath. Told through shifting perspectives, the novel cleverly invites the reader to question every character’s motives, and to reconsider who the real threat truly is.
Eve is the devoted wife, meticulously maintaining the image of domestic perfection alongside her famous surgeon husband, Oliver. As a supportive partner and loving mother, she has crafted the life she always wanted. But the illusion begins to fracture when Oliver’s ex-wife, Carla, moves in next door. Carla’s presence is a constant reminder of a past Eve would rather erase, and her wish for Carla to disappear entirely carries an unsettling edge.
Carla, however, is far more than the bitter ex-wife Eve imagines. Bound by a promise to stay away, she is driven back by fear and guilt, convinced that Oliver poses a serious danger to his new family. Determined to expose the truth behind their marriage breakdown, Carla becomes a formidable force, one who refuses to stay silent any longer.
At the centre of it all is Oliver, a man revered for saving lives, yet harbouring a dark and deadly secret. As the narrative unfolds, Durrant expertly dismantles his public persona, revealing a chilling willingness to do whatever it takes to protect himself.
The alternating viewpoints heighten the suspense, constantly shifting the reader’s allegiance and keeping the tension razor-sharp. Every chapter adds another layer of deception, building toward a shocking and explosive climax that redefines everything that came before.
Two Wives is a compelling exploration of obsession, manipulation, and betrayal, proving that the most dangerous secrets are often hidden in plain sight. Fast paced and addictive.
I would like to thank both Netgalley and Bookouture for supplying a copy of this novel in exchange for an honest review.
Review of advance copy received from Netgalley
Title: Two Wives
Author: Helen Durrant
Format: 🎧
Narrators: Imogene Church and Tamsin Kennard
Publisher: Bookouiture Audio
Genre: Psychological Thriller
Audiobook Pub Date: January 21, 2026
My Rating: 4 crazy Stars!!
Pages: 284
Your husband’s ex-wife just moved in next door. Is she there to save you or destroy you?
Eve is the current wife:
She is the perfect wife- dotes on her husband Oliver, is beautiful, a loving mother to four year-old Maize. Life is as Eve planned - except for one thing–Oliver’s ex-wife, Carla, has just moved in next door.
Carla is the ex-wife:
She has promised Oliver that she will stay away from his new family; nobody knows the truth as to why they broke up. So why did she move next door?
When we fitrst meet Carla we find her unlikeable. Little Maize loves her and calls her Auntie Carla and things as she is fun. Carla takes Maize from the Nursery School playground with the promise of ice cream. Only she failed to tell anyone.
Dr. Oliver Haddon is the husband:
He is a successful surgeon and spends his days saving lives.
However, we learn he is not the person everyone thinks he is.
He has been keeping secrets from not only Eve and Carla but everyone!!
And what about Jane - the new nanny; who has no nanny experience?
Is she an investigator or someone who has a loved one who was harmed by Dr. Haddon??
I love a good audiobook and when I saw one of the narrators is Imogene Church I wasn’t sure about requesting - I am sure I am probably the only audiobook fan who isn’t a fan of Ms. Church- however her performance in this story changed my mind. She was perfect!!
I have always like Tamsin Kennard and she, of course, was great!
Story is slow at time but these two wives plus Jane the Nanny kept me reading and guessing.
We all are in agreement that Oliver is a terrible person.
Want to thank NetGalley and Bookouture Audio for granting me this audiobook.
Publishing Release Date scheduled for January 21, 2026.
Author: Helen Durrant
Format: 🎧
Narrators: Imogene Church and Tamsin Kennard
Publisher: Bookouiture Audio
Genre: Psychological Thriller
Audiobook Pub Date: January 21, 2026
My Rating: 4 crazy Stars!!
Pages: 284
Your husband’s ex-wife just moved in next door. Is she there to save you or destroy you?
Eve is the current wife:
She is the perfect wife- dotes on her husband Oliver, is beautiful, a loving mother to four year-old Maize. Life is as Eve planned - except for one thing–Oliver’s ex-wife, Carla, has just moved in next door.
Carla is the ex-wife:
She has promised Oliver that she will stay away from his new family; nobody knows the truth as to why they broke up. So why did she move next door?
When we fitrst meet Carla we find her unlikeable. Little Maize loves her and calls her Auntie Carla and things as she is fun. Carla takes Maize from the Nursery School playground with the promise of ice cream. Only she failed to tell anyone.
Dr. Oliver Haddon is the husband:
He is a successful surgeon and spends his days saving lives.
However, we learn he is not the person everyone thinks he is.
He has been keeping secrets from not only Eve and Carla but everyone!!
And what about Jane - the new nanny; who has no nanny experience?
Is she an investigator or someone who has a loved one who was harmed by Dr. Haddon??
I love a good audiobook and when I saw one of the narrators is Imogene Church I wasn’t sure about requesting - I am sure I am probably the only audiobook fan who isn’t a fan of Ms. Church- however her performance in this story changed my mind. She was perfect!!
I have always like Tamsin Kennard and she, of course, was great!
Story is slow at time but these two wives plus Jane the Nanny kept me reading and guessing.
We all are in agreement that Oliver is a terrible person.
Want to thank NetGalley and Bookouture Audio for granting me this audiobook.
Publishing Release Date scheduled for January 21, 2026.
Review of advance copy received from Netgalley
At the heart of this novel are three women whose lives are all entangled with the same man, each carrying her own grievances and hidden agenda. The narrative thrives on the uncertainty of who will act first—the former wife with lingering resentment, the current spouse desperate to protect her carefully curated life, or the nanny who knows far more than she lets on. As the story unfolds, the possibility of shifting alliances, unexpected betrayals, and unseen players lurking in the background keeps the reader constantly questioning where the danger truly lies.
The author builds tension with precision, layering secrets and rivalries into a plot that refuses to let go of your attention. Every character is drawn with complexity, some evoke sympathy, others suspicion and their interactions create a web of intrigue that grows tighter with each chapter. While Oliver himself remains somewhat in the shadows, the focus on the women’s perspectives and the secrets they guard makes the story even more compelling. The suspense is relentless, moving between moments of quiet unease and bursts of shocking revelation.
What makes this thriller so addictive is its ability to blur the lines between loyalty and deception, trust and manipulation. The atmosphere grows darker as hidden truths surface, and the reader is pulled into a world where no one is entirely innocent. With its blend of psychological tension, family drama, and unexpected twists, the novel delivers a gripping exploration of fractured relationships, and the lengths people will go to protect themselves.
Thank you to NetGalley and the publisher for the advance copy, niews expressed are entirely my own
The author builds tension with precision, layering secrets and rivalries into a plot that refuses to let go of your attention. Every character is drawn with complexity, some evoke sympathy, others suspicion and their interactions create a web of intrigue that grows tighter with each chapter. While Oliver himself remains somewhat in the shadows, the focus on the women’s perspectives and the secrets they guard makes the story even more compelling. The suspense is relentless, moving between moments of quiet unease and bursts of shocking revelation.
What makes this thriller so addictive is its ability to blur the lines between loyalty and deception, trust and manipulation. The atmosphere grows darker as hidden truths surface, and the reader is pulled into a world where no one is entirely innocent. With its blend of psychological tension, family drama, and unexpected twists, the novel delivers a gripping exploration of fractured relationships, and the lengths people will go to protect themselves.
Thank you to NetGalley and the publisher for the advance copy, niews expressed are entirely my own
Review of advance copy received from Netgalley
This was a very standard suspense novel, a good fast read, but little more than that. The premise is that there is a wife and an ex wife who are or have been married to a thoroughly unpleasant man. Actually, he is dreadful, and therein lies the first problem. Other than the fact that he is a doctor, there is no reason for any woman to want to be near him, no less legally connected at him. This is my first big caveat. Anyone that is triggered by abuse, mental or physical will want to steer clear of this book.
The second wife is a mother to a young child. The first wife moves next door (how likely is that, really?). The two women mix like oil and water. What they should do is get along because they both know that he is wretched. But they don’t. The story is largely narrated by the nanny who begins to see what is going on, though she has her own agenda and knows how unsavory he is.
First, the narration is problematic. In some senses, this is a story that should be shared between all three women. However, it is almost all told by the nanny. There is the very occasional chapter from the perspective of each wife. It is rather odd that it is only one or two chapters related by each wife. Typically, a book is either narrated by one voice or by a few. It doesn’t “dabble” in the other characters like this.
Second, none of the characters are particularly likeable. If the husband is such a bad person, we, or at least I, need to like someone. All of the women, to the extent they are developed, are cliché and annoying. They also sound like one another. Except for the fact that the chapter was labeled, I would not have been able to distinguish between them. They had the same intonations and way of speaking. They are not otherwise developed, except perhaps for the nanny. And I couldn’t stand her. Aside from this, there was not much that stood out about the setting or the story. There were a few twists; I will say that. However, there was not enough to really make it worth a reader’s time.
Thanks to NetGalley and to Bookouture for providing me with an advanced copy of this novel. All of the opinions expressed herein are my own. Two and a half stars, rounded to three.
The second wife is a mother to a young child. The first wife moves next door (how likely is that, really?). The two women mix like oil and water. What they should do is get along because they both know that he is wretched. But they don’t. The story is largely narrated by the nanny who begins to see what is going on, though she has her own agenda and knows how unsavory he is.
First, the narration is problematic. In some senses, this is a story that should be shared between all three women. However, it is almost all told by the nanny. There is the very occasional chapter from the perspective of each wife. It is rather odd that it is only one or two chapters related by each wife. Typically, a book is either narrated by one voice or by a few. It doesn’t “dabble” in the other characters like this.
Second, none of the characters are particularly likeable. If the husband is such a bad person, we, or at least I, need to like someone. All of the women, to the extent they are developed, are cliché and annoying. They also sound like one another. Except for the fact that the chapter was labeled, I would not have been able to distinguish between them. They had the same intonations and way of speaking. They are not otherwise developed, except perhaps for the nanny. And I couldn’t stand her. Aside from this, there was not much that stood out about the setting or the story. There were a few twists; I will say that. However, there was not enough to really make it worth a reader’s time.
Thanks to NetGalley and to Bookouture for providing me with an advanced copy of this novel. All of the opinions expressed herein are my own. Two and a half stars, rounded to three.
Review of advance copy received from Netgalley
3.75 ⭐️
I went into this expecting a familiar domestic-thriller setup, but a husband caught between two women added just enough tension to keep me turning pages.
Two Wives pulled me in right away with its classic domestic-thriller setup: a perfect-looking marriage, a husband with secrets, and an ex-wife who suddenly lives way too close for comfort. The tension between Eve and Carla is where this story really shines—I loved not knowing who to trust and constantly second-guessing everyone’s motives.
Helen H. Durrant’s writing is easy to settle into, with short chapters and multiple perspectives that keep things moving quickly. This was my first read by this author, and I really enjoyed her writing style—it reminded me of Nicola Sanders and K.L. Slater with its fast pace, accessible prose, and focus on relationship-driven suspense.
The pacing is steady and bingeable, and while a few twists felt familiar for the genre, there were also a handful that surprised me and helped this story stand out—especially once Oliver’s darker side started to surface.
Overall, this is an entertaining, fast-paced psychological thriller that delivers plenty of suspicion, secrets, and messy relationship drama. If you enjoy domestic suspense with unreliable characters and a “nothing is what it seems” vibe, this one is a solid, engaging read.
So much thanks to Bookouture and NetGalley for an advance copy in return for my feedback. I truly appreciate the opportunity to have read this book early.
I went into this expecting a familiar domestic-thriller setup, but a husband caught between two women added just enough tension to keep me turning pages.
Two Wives pulled me in right away with its classic domestic-thriller setup: a perfect-looking marriage, a husband with secrets, and an ex-wife who suddenly lives way too close for comfort. The tension between Eve and Carla is where this story really shines—I loved not knowing who to trust and constantly second-guessing everyone’s motives.
Helen H. Durrant’s writing is easy to settle into, with short chapters and multiple perspectives that keep things moving quickly. This was my first read by this author, and I really enjoyed her writing style—it reminded me of Nicola Sanders and K.L. Slater with its fast pace, accessible prose, and focus on relationship-driven suspense.
The pacing is steady and bingeable, and while a few twists felt familiar for the genre, there were also a handful that surprised me and helped this story stand out—especially once Oliver’s darker side started to surface.
Overall, this is an entertaining, fast-paced psychological thriller that delivers plenty of suspicion, secrets, and messy relationship drama. If you enjoy domestic suspense with unreliable characters and a “nothing is what it seems” vibe, this one is a solid, engaging read.
So much thanks to Bookouture and NetGalley for an advance copy in return for my feedback. I truly appreciate the opportunity to have read this book early.
Review of advance copy received from Netgalley
Two Wives by Helen H. Durrant answers the question nobody asked: what if your husband’s ex-wife moved in next door and instead of calling a therapist, everyone chose chaos? The result is a gloriously messy psychological thriller that thrives on bad decisions and simmering resentment.
This book moves fast and has zero patience for emotional maturity. Secrets are hoarded, conversations are avoided, and everyone is convinced they are the smartest person in the room. Spoiler: they are not. Chapters fly by, tension escalates, and suddenly you are too invested to stop, even while judging everyone involved.
The two wives are exactly as dramatic as the title promises. Neither is particularly likable, both are suspicious, and watching them circle each other feels like emotional cage fighting with wine glasses. If you enjoy characters who make questionable choices while insisting they are completely justified, this book delivers in bulk.
Is it subtle? No. Is it realistic? Sometimes. Is it entertaining? Extremely. A few twists feel less “clever mastermind” and more “sure, why not,” but by that point you are strapped in and along for the ride anyway.
Two Wives is a binge-read thriller that prioritizes drama over dignity and tension over logic. It is the literary equivalent of overhearing your neighbors’ scandal through a thin wall and pretending you are not listening. Four stars for the audacity alone.
This book moves fast and has zero patience for emotional maturity. Secrets are hoarded, conversations are avoided, and everyone is convinced they are the smartest person in the room. Spoiler: they are not. Chapters fly by, tension escalates, and suddenly you are too invested to stop, even while judging everyone involved.
The two wives are exactly as dramatic as the title promises. Neither is particularly likable, both are suspicious, and watching them circle each other feels like emotional cage fighting with wine glasses. If you enjoy characters who make questionable choices while insisting they are completely justified, this book delivers in bulk.
Is it subtle? No. Is it realistic? Sometimes. Is it entertaining? Extremely. A few twists feel less “clever mastermind” and more “sure, why not,” but by that point you are strapped in and along for the ride anyway.
Two Wives is a binge-read thriller that prioritizes drama over dignity and tension over logic. It is the literary equivalent of overhearing your neighbors’ scandal through a thin wall and pretending you are not listening. Four stars for the audacity alone.
Review of advance copy received from Netgalley
This was SO fun I really wanted to rate it five stars, but ultimately I had to take a star off because the plot doesn't make a lick of sense.😅
Premise - Eve is the younger, better, more maternal second wife of renowned surgeon Oliver. She seems to have it all -- until Oliver moves his ex-wife, Carla, in next door. Now she's sure Oliver and Carla are up to something and she starts floundering. Desperate for help, she hires a nanny, Jane, but Jane has her own motives and they have precious little to do with caring for Maisie...
This was such a fun, juicy premise and Durrant's voice is delightfully gossipy and just the right amount of soap opera. Pick this up for a light, fun, twisty read full of all the domestic drama you could ever wish for.
That said, Oliver's actions (one in particular) make approximately zero sense and as fun as all the ensuing drama is, it doesn't quite make up for the plot hole of that decision. What man in what world would ever --??? Still worth the read though.
For readers of:
🧹 The Housemaid by Freida McFadden
💎 The Last Mrs. Parrish by Liv Constantine
💄 The New Wife by Sue Watson
I listened to the audiobook, narrated by Tamsin Kennard and Imogen Church. Tamsin Kennard is an amazing reader (Kennard and Julia Whelan are the GOATs) and she carried the audiobook, but Church did a solid job do. It's just hard singing a duet with Mariah!
Thanks, NetGalley and Bookouture Audio, for the audio ARC in exchange for an honest review.
Premise - Eve is the younger, better, more maternal second wife of renowned surgeon Oliver. She seems to have it all -- until Oliver moves his ex-wife, Carla, in next door. Now she's sure Oliver and Carla are up to something and she starts floundering. Desperate for help, she hires a nanny, Jane, but Jane has her own motives and they have precious little to do with caring for Maisie...
This was such a fun, juicy premise and Durrant's voice is delightfully gossipy and just the right amount of soap opera. Pick this up for a light, fun, twisty read full of all the domestic drama you could ever wish for.
That said, Oliver's actions (one in particular) make approximately zero sense and as fun as all the ensuing drama is, it doesn't quite make up for the plot hole of that decision. What man in what world would ever --??? Still worth the read though.
For readers of:
🧹 The Housemaid by Freida McFadden
💎 The Last Mrs. Parrish by Liv Constantine
💄 The New Wife by Sue Watson
I listened to the audiobook, narrated by Tamsin Kennard and Imogen Church. Tamsin Kennard is an amazing reader (Kennard and Julia Whelan are the GOATs) and she carried the audiobook, but Church did a solid job do. It's just hard singing a duet with Mariah!
Thanks, NetGalley and Bookouture Audio, for the audio ARC in exchange for an honest review.
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