The Other Mrs Collins

by Michelle Morgan

First, she lost her son. Then she lost her trust. Now she's about to lose control.

Ten years ago, bestselling author Olivia Collins's life shattered when her teenage son collapsed and died. Her marriage survived the grief. Her career did not.

Now, just as she starts to rebuild, Olivia stumbles on something she wasn't meant to a hotel key card, a woman's name, and a lie that began the day her son died.

What starts as quiet suspicion soon spirals into obsession. As Olivia investigates her husband's past, she uncovers a chain of betrayal, deceit—and a devastating secret tied to the worst moment of her life.

When tragedy strikes again, Olivia must decide whether to forgive, walk away… or get even. Because in a house built on lies, someone always pays the price—and she has nothing left to lose…

Twisting, chilling, and compulsively readable, The Other Mrs Collins is a psychological thriller about marriage, motherhood, and the quiet fury that turns grief into revenge.

331 pages, Kindle Edition

Published December 15, 2025

About the author

Michelle Morgan is the author of The Ice Cream Blonde, The Mammoth Book of Hollywood Scandals, Marilyn's Addresses, and Marilyn Monroe: Private and Undisclosed. She has been interviewed on dozens of radio stations and featured on many television programs, including the BBC National News.

Reviews

[Jayne · Rating 1 out of 5]

A tedious, slow-moving melodrama.
😭😭😭😭

Not the sharp, clever revenge thriller promised in the publisher's blurb.

The "Is There Another Mrs Collins?" plot barely moved, and the "revenge" promised in the premise felt like an afterthought lost in endless, circular internal monologues.

Repetitive text was plentiful.

The same grievances and observations were rehashed chapter after chapter.

TW: Death of a teen boy.

A massive portion of the dialogue is fixated on the tragic death of the protagonist's teenage son from a heart attack in gym class.

Had I been aware of this subplot, I never would have selected this title.

I listened to the audiobook, expertly narrated by Julia Anthony.

This 11-hour audiobook easily could have been a 6-hour audiobook.

[Diane Elizabeth Taylor · Rating 5 out of 5]

​What an excellent and deeply moving read that takes you on a journey of loss and resilience!
We meet Olivia, a successful author, wife and mother whose happy life is shattered by the devastating loss of her son, Charlie.
​Just as Olivia finds her footing, her world dramatically implodes.
I was rooting for her the entire time, her depth of character, flaws, empathy, quiet fury and fierce determination are truly admirable. I was racing through the pages as the pace ramped up, illustrating a perfect picture of despair, hopelessness and one devastating event after another.
Olivia's resilience shines through every disaster she navigates.
A truly remarkable book with an ending tied up as neatly as a beautiful vase with a gold rim in a box tied up in a bow.
I received an advance copy of this book and this is my own opinion.

[Carole Gourlay · Rating 5 out of 5]

I have to say I thoroughly enjoyed this book, albeit that it is not my usual genre, in the sense that I usually read crime. However, this is a book about revenge, and certainly in this case, it is a dish best eaten cold!

I loved the main character, Olivia and could feel for her, because her husband of many years she believed was having an affair.

She becomes absolutely obsessed and can think of nothing else. You could actually feel the conflict of emotions especially as her husband was being a little economical with the truth. As further lies unfold, it appears her husband is not whom she thought he was. She begins with her own investigations and I would have been gobsmacked at the revelations.

What follows is absolutely brilliant and keeps the reader glued to the pages. I read this in one day, as I couldn’t wait to see what unfolded. I’m not going to spoil it for potential readers, but would just say, it’s one of the best non crime books I’ve ever read. Olivia was pedantic in her planning at getting to the truth.

My thanks to Bloodhound Books and the author for the ARC.

[Lesley · Rating 4 out of 5]

Our main character Olivia has lost her son, her career and also her trust in her husband, as she discovers evidence that he has been unfaithful more recently than she thought.

Even her new job is under threat, thanks to mysterious messages to her clients, supposedly sent by her.

Desperate to gain control of her life, Olivia begins investigating what her husband has been up to - and finds much more than she bargained for.

I thought the way the characters were written was very engaging - it really made me want to read on to find out what would become of them.

It was an emotional story, dealing as it does with bereavement and marital problems, but there is also strength and resilience, so it's not a depressing read. I really enjoyed it!

Thanks to the author and Bloodhound Books, for the eARC of this book.

[Jacqueline Moxon · Rating 4 out of 5]

This is a great story with surprises along the way. It describes a family tragedy and the impact it has on the survivors. At the same time it is about the importance of trust in a marriage, and how irretrievably it can break down when one partner betrays it. Olivia never really got over the brief fling that her then fiancé had before their marriage. If he did it once, will he do it again? As it turns out, the answer is yes, and when she finds out she cannot bring herself to forgive him. What form will her revenge take? She is not a devious or unkind person, and she is certainly not violent, but where will her anger take her? The reader is kept guessing until the final paragraphs. A good read.

[Helen · Rating 5 out of 5]

I was unable to put this book down once I started it; I read it over two days as I couldn’t keep my eyes open and had no choice but to put it down.
The book opens with Oliva who is an author just about to publish her new book, and we share a moment of love between her and her son. Then the unthinkable happens and her son dies whilst at school which brings her entire world crashing down around her.
Throughout the book we see Olivia picking herself up and dusting herself down whilst dealing with life. The book manages the rollercoaster of emotions with sensitivity, and I found myself in placing feeling like I was on the roller coaster with Olivia.
A brilliant book I would definitely recommend it

[Jillian Cole · Rating 5 out of 5]

What an absolutely fantastic book by Michelle Morgan.
I was lucky enough to receive an early release of this book from Bloodhound and if I could I would have devoured it in a day.
Olivia somehow managed to survive loosing her only child but unfortunately this didn’t stop her disgraceful husband from continuing to deceive and betray her.
It’s 10 years after the tragic death of her son and it’s about time that Olivia rebuilds a new life for herself revives her career and kicks her husband where it hurts the most.
Absolutely brilliant

[Diana Money · Rating 5 out of 5]

Oh Boy!

I thought I'd read stories of some really horrible husbands but this one is the best. MFC turned out to be really strong . Her long time nemises turned out as they always do, a bit sad really. Difficult to say too much without giving it all away but a really fun read towards the end. A bit over wordy in the first half and took too long to get the the point but after that it really took off

[Eleanor Jordan O'Farrell]

I loved this book from Michelle Morgan. It isn’t just a thriller; it’s a dissection of marriage, motherhood, and that quiet, simmering fury that grief leaves behind when it cools. Olivia isn’t a saint — she’s messy and raw and wonderfully human. You’re absolutely with her, even when she’s making the sort of decisions you’d normally shout at characters for.

[Yvette Salmon · Rating 5 out of 5]

A great story that deals with family tragedy and revenge. I loved it a great gripping story that you don’t want to put down. Lots of twists and each time a twist appears it takes you in a different direction. I would recommend this book and this author .
I normally like crime books and this the best non crime book I’ve read in a long time.

[Bev · Rating 4 out of 5]

I’m pretty sure I wouldn’t be so forgiving toward my husband. Nope, I know I wouldn’t. I understand it’s not the little boy’s fault that his father is a lying jerk, but the way Olivia handled it still has me shaking my head. I’m not convinced this is really a story about revenge—at least not the kind I have in mind. I voluntarily reviewed a copy of this book.

[Lauren Speringo · Rating 1 out of 5]

This started off promising but by the 40 percent mark I wish I had stoped reading.

A lot of telling and not a lot of showing. Too much internal monologue that read more like “dear diary.” This was a domestic drama and not a thriller. No big twists. All very straight forward. And way too longgggg. Even when everything was “revealed” and sorted out, it just kept going on and on.

[Cathy]

Olivia was a successful author until her teenage son died unexpectedly but when she discovers some of her husband’s secrets her life starts to unravel completely. A really great novel, couldn’t put it down.

[Anita Skinner · Rating 5 out of 5]

This was a really good read. Maybe a little unrealistic but edge of the seat reading nevertheless. My only criticism is that it was a little dragged out at the end. Loved the characters and totally understood the feelings and emotions portrayed.

[Clare · Rating 5 out of 5]

Gripping from start to finish! This is not my usual preferred genre but I loved it. It was one of those books that you just want to keep on reading to see where it will go next. Full of twists & surprises, this is well worth a read.

[Kristen · Rating 4 out of 5]

A story full of secrets, gaslighting, and revenge that is filled with well written characters. It is a medium paced story that makes you want to know what happened so you keep turning the pages and before you know it you are done. I voluntarily reviewed an advance readers copy of this book.

[Fizzie Heseltine · Rating 5 out of 5]

This was literally unputdownable! It’s a brilliant book, and each twist took a different turn. It’s a must read

[Shaz Mcdill · Rating 4 out of 5]

an enjoyable enough read

[Anna Green · Rating 5 out of 5]

A great read, this book deals with a mixture of emotions, heartache and revenge. Be prepared for a roller coaster ride.

[Rock Chick Fee · Rating 4 out of 5]

A very good read indeed.

I enjoyed this book very much indeed, fast paced and action packed from beginning to end.

I received a FREE ARC & I m leaving my review voluntarily.

[Jill Stewart · Rating 5 out of 5]

4.5 stars, rounded up.

[BJ White · Rating 4 out of 5]

Compelling

My first time reading this author & I really enjoyed all the twists and turns. I read on Kindle but often buy a paper back as a gift, this will go on that list.