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The Wife Swap
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 61 reviews
December 15, 2025
The wife swap by Lisa hall has all the ingredients for a brilliant psychological thriller. Buried secrets, suspicious characters and a plot thrumming with tension. I love how hall manages to keep the reader guessing throughout the book, not feeling sure about anything. I honestly suspected all the characters and had to read on and follow the clues as they slowly were revealed. Hayley was the perfect nosy character, and the plot was carefully crafted. This is one of those books where I also went back to read things again after the twist was revealed and realized you could interpret things differently when you knew more.
Thank you NetGalley and the publisher for the arc in exchange for my honest opinion.
Thank you NetGalley and the publisher for the arc in exchange for my honest opinion.
December 31, 2025
I read Between Me and You a few years ago and it remains one of my favourite thrillers — memorable and gripping. I was thrilled to see this new release.
Just like her previous book, I was hooked within the first few chapters. I love how this author writes: the pacing, the tension, and the big reveals.
In this one we follow Hayley, an Office Manager whose husband works away during the week. When a new couple move in next door, Hayley finds the first opportunity to introduce herself in the hope they will all become firm friends, but life gets far more exciting than she could ever imagine.
I was on the edge of my seat at times reading this with no idea where the story was going.
Five stars — I loved it.
Just like her previous book, I was hooked within the first few chapters. I love how this author writes: the pacing, the tension, and the big reveals.
In this one we follow Hayley, an Office Manager whose husband works away during the week. When a new couple move in next door, Hayley finds the first opportunity to introduce herself in the hope they will all become firm friends, but life gets far more exciting than she could ever imagine.
I was on the edge of my seat at times reading this with no idea where the story was going.
Five stars — I loved it.
December 4, 2025
3.5⭐ Thriller with so many twists and turns, page turner but also desperately needs finessing with the smaller details. I wish everyone had softer edges to their characters which would make them more believable instead of all the red flags flying around. The story and where it takes us is quite fun, but Nate comes off as super toxic, so toning down his character would make him seem more ambiguous and more questionably saint or sinner. Hayley is certifiable, with her peeking through knots in the fence and breaking in to the neighbors house. I think everyone needed to be toned down and events needed to be consistently less crazy to pull everything off perfectly. Loved the direction of the plot, but execution needs work.
Thank you to Netgalley and the publisher for the opportunity to read and review this novel.
Thank you to Netgalley and the publisher for the opportunity to read and review this novel.
November 25, 2025
Loved!!!!! That was such a twisty ride especially that OMG of an ending. I was like WOW!!!!! I couldn’t believe it. I had to read it twice just to make sure I was reading it right. So I’ve read this author before and she never disappoints. You’re in for a real when you pick up one of her books. This book was no different to her others. It was a fantastic read that I just couldn’t put down. The characters all had something to hide. I didn’t know who or what to believe. The plot was definitely interesting but I will say it was so much more than swapping partners. That was only a small part of it. Now let’s talk about that ending. It was shocking and twisted. I would highly recommend this book. It was my favorite so far by this author. I can’t wait for her next one.
December 27, 2025
The Wife Swap follows Hayley, whose marriage to Nate has grown stale and distant. When a glamorous new couple, Tasmin and Seb, move in next door, Hayley is quickly drawn to their confidence and the excitement they bring to her otherwise routine life.
Things take a disturbing turn when Tasmin proposes a “partner swap.” Despite Hayley's shock, Nate agrees. The following morning, Hayley wakes to a nightmare: Nate and Tasmin have disappeared without a trace. Left alone with Seb, Hayley begins to question whether this was a consensual affair gone wrong or something far more sinister at play.
💭 My Thoughts 💭
Lisa Hall excels at creating an atmosphere of tension and unease. From the moment the swap is proposed, there is a constant sense that something is not quite right. This slow-building dread is one of the novel's strongest elements, keeping the reader engaged despite the controversial premise.
What makes The Wife Swap particularly compelling is that it is not simply a story about infidelity. The mystery surrounding the disappearance and its motivations adds depth and keeps readers guessing. The characters, though placed in extreme circumstances, feel realistic and emotionally grounded, making it easier to stay invested in their choices and consequences.
That said, the pacing is uneven. While the opening chapters and the final act are gripping, the middle section drags and occasionally stalls the momentum. Some scenes feel repetitive, causing the tension to dip before the plot regains its footing. Additionally, the theme of partner swapping may be uncomfortable or off-putting for some readers, though the suspense and mystery help balance this discomfort.
Overall, this book is a solid 3.5 ★ domestic thriller that rewards patient readers with a strong and surprising final twist. Although it suffers from a slower middle section, the atmospheric tension, character dynamics, and impactful ending make it a worthwhile read for fans of domestic suspense.
If you enjoy slow-burning thrillers centered on marriage, secrets, and shocking revelations, and don't mind pushing through a few slower chapters, this book is worth picking up.
Publication Date: January 20, 2026.
📸 : I read eARC I received from NetGalley and edited the book cover in this photo:)
Thank you, Netgalley, for the review copy :)
Things take a disturbing turn when Tasmin proposes a “partner swap.” Despite Hayley's shock, Nate agrees. The following morning, Hayley wakes to a nightmare: Nate and Tasmin have disappeared without a trace. Left alone with Seb, Hayley begins to question whether this was a consensual affair gone wrong or something far more sinister at play.
💭 My Thoughts 💭
Lisa Hall excels at creating an atmosphere of tension and unease. From the moment the swap is proposed, there is a constant sense that something is not quite right. This slow-building dread is one of the novel's strongest elements, keeping the reader engaged despite the controversial premise.
What makes The Wife Swap particularly compelling is that it is not simply a story about infidelity. The mystery surrounding the disappearance and its motivations adds depth and keeps readers guessing. The characters, though placed in extreme circumstances, feel realistic and emotionally grounded, making it easier to stay invested in their choices and consequences.
That said, the pacing is uneven. While the opening chapters and the final act are gripping, the middle section drags and occasionally stalls the momentum. Some scenes feel repetitive, causing the tension to dip before the plot regains its footing. Additionally, the theme of partner swapping may be uncomfortable or off-putting for some readers, though the suspense and mystery help balance this discomfort.
Overall, this book is a solid 3.5 ★ domestic thriller that rewards patient readers with a strong and surprising final twist. Although it suffers from a slower middle section, the atmospheric tension, character dynamics, and impactful ending make it a worthwhile read for fans of domestic suspense.
If you enjoy slow-burning thrillers centered on marriage, secrets, and shocking revelations, and don't mind pushing through a few slower chapters, this book is worth picking up.
Publication Date: January 20, 2026.
📸 : I read eARC I received from NetGalley and edited the book cover in this photo:)
Thank you, Netgalley, for the review copy :)
December 5, 2025
After reading the plot of this story I was drawn in quickly it grabbed my attention quickly because I do enjoy domestic drama thrillers. This was to be a married couples swap for the night but turned out to be much much more. There is so many twists and turns from the past to future that will keep you wanting more. The ending was good but the execution needed help so I gave it 3.5 stars.
December 3, 2025
The blurb of The Wife Swap drew me in right away, especially as a fan of domestic thrillers.
The opening reminded me a lot of The Couple Next Door, which initially set a promising tone.
There’s a steady undercurrent of tension, secrets, and unease that keeps the atmosphere interesting.
The story flows quite smoothly at first, making it easy to settle into.
I liked the constant doubt about who could be trusted, though the plot didn’t bring anything particularly new to the genre.
As the chapters went on, however, the pacing began to feel repetitive and somewhat drawn-out.
I also found the main character hard to warm up to, which made it tougher to stay fully engaged.
With its small cast and limited events, the book sometimes felt a bit too closed-off for my taste.
The ending left me slightly disappointed as it wrapped things up far more abruptly than expected.
Overall, it’s a domestic thriller with a strong setup, but one that ultimately didn’t reach its full potential for me.
Thanks to Joffe Books for this ARC.
The opening reminded me a lot of The Couple Next Door, which initially set a promising tone.
There’s a steady undercurrent of tension, secrets, and unease that keeps the atmosphere interesting.
The story flows quite smoothly at first, making it easy to settle into.
I liked the constant doubt about who could be trusted, though the plot didn’t bring anything particularly new to the genre.
As the chapters went on, however, the pacing began to feel repetitive and somewhat drawn-out.
I also found the main character hard to warm up to, which made it tougher to stay fully engaged.
With its small cast and limited events, the book sometimes felt a bit too closed-off for my taste.
The ending left me slightly disappointed as it wrapped things up far more abruptly than expected.
Overall, it’s a domestic thriller with a strong setup, but one that ultimately didn’t reach its full potential for me.
Thanks to Joffe Books for this ARC.
December 15, 2025
Having listened to four of Lisa Hall’s audios previously. I was looking forward to reading her new novel. The synopsis grabbed my attention and it did not disappoint!
The story revolves around married couple Hayley and Nate and their new neighbours Tamsin and Seb. As the title implies, as the neighbours get friendly, the couples decide to swap partners one drunken night and a complete nightmare unfolds in the aftermath.
This was a gripping story full of suspense. I couldn’t get enough of it, and read it in 24 hours! This was a brilliant page turner that kept me guessing until the very last chapters.
The story is told through Hayley’s perspective and was such an engaging read, which I’d recommend to any psychological thriller reader.
I’m excited to read more from her back catalogue!
Thank you to Joffe Books and NetGalley who provided me with an advanced readers copy of this book in exchange for an honest review.
The story revolves around married couple Hayley and Nate and their new neighbours Tamsin and Seb. As the title implies, as the neighbours get friendly, the couples decide to swap partners one drunken night and a complete nightmare unfolds in the aftermath.
This was a gripping story full of suspense. I couldn’t get enough of it, and read it in 24 hours! This was a brilliant page turner that kept me guessing until the very last chapters.
The story is told through Hayley’s perspective and was such an engaging read, which I’d recommend to any psychological thriller reader.
I’m excited to read more from her back catalogue!
Thank you to Joffe Books and NetGalley who provided me with an advanced readers copy of this book in exchange for an honest review.
December 17, 2025
Wow! This is a brilliant psychological thriller! You think it's just a wife swap, but it is SO MUCH MORE! The depth of the plot was crazy good and I was gripped throughout, I devoured it and the twists took my breath away!
Hayley is shocked when, after a drunken evening with the neighbours, they suggest a one night wife swap. She is reluctant but everyone else seems up for it and so she feels she has to go along with it. In the morning, everything has changed, in more ways than I was expecting and I was so completely immersed in the characters, their lives and their secrets. The twists had me floored and I raced to the end, loving the ride!
5 ⭐️ Thanks to Netgalley, Lisa hall and Joffe for an ARC of this book.
Hayley is shocked when, after a drunken evening with the neighbours, they suggest a one night wife swap. She is reluctant but everyone else seems up for it and so she feels she has to go along with it. In the morning, everything has changed, in more ways than I was expecting and I was so completely immersed in the characters, their lives and their secrets. The twists had me floored and I raced to the end, loving the ride!
5 ⭐️ Thanks to Netgalley, Lisa hall and Joffe for an ARC of this book.
January 3, 2026
This dark, twisty psychological thriller totally sucked me in. The premise is instantly intriguing, and Lisa Hall does a great job building that uneasy, “this is a bad idea” feeling from the start. The tension ramps up quickly, and I flew through the pages wanting to know how far things would spiral. I really enjoyed the messy relationships and the constant sense that no one was being completely honest.
That said, a couple of moments felt a bit over-the-top, and I wished some characters were explored a little more deeply. Still, it’s gripping, binge-worthy, and perfect if you love domestic thrillers with secrets, temptation, and consequences. Definitely worth a read!
Many thanks to NetGalley and Joffe Books for the ARC in exchange for my honest review.
That said, a couple of moments felt a bit over-the-top, and I wished some characters were explored a little more deeply. Still, it’s gripping, binge-worthy, and perfect if you love domestic thrillers with secrets, temptation, and consequences. Definitely worth a read!
Many thanks to NetGalley and Joffe Books for the ARC in exchange for my honest review.
December 30, 2025
This story follows Hayley and her husband Nate and their newly moved in next door neighbours Tamsin and Seb. What starts out like a normal friendship between the two couples ends up an absolute nightmare when one night a line is crossed and things get very odd indeed.
This is a tense and twisty, suspenseful psychological thriller that had me guessing all the way through. It really made me feel a sense of unease whilst anticipating whatever was going to happen. The main protagonist Hayley was such an unreliable narrator I couldn’t be sure who to trust and I was left guessing trying to work it all out until the very end.
Overall, I found this to be mysterious and entertaining. I thoroughly enjoyed it.
This is a tense and twisty, suspenseful psychological thriller that had me guessing all the way through. It really made me feel a sense of unease whilst anticipating whatever was going to happen. The main protagonist Hayley was such an unreliable narrator I couldn’t be sure who to trust and I was left guessing trying to work it all out until the very end.
Overall, I found this to be mysterious and entertaining. I thoroughly enjoyed it.
December 29, 2025
Originally posted on Dreaming With Open Eyes
((rating: 3.75))
An addictive psychological thriller with seductive tension and dark twists.
🌫️ Dark domestic drama | 🔥 Seductive psychological suspense | 🏡 New neighbors with secrets | 🔄 One decision changes everything | 🧠 Who can you trust? | 🇬🇧 Southeast London
When I first saw the cover of The Wife Swap and read the description on NetGalley, I was instantly intrigued. I was thrilled when my request was approved. Although I’ve known Lisa Hall as an author for quite some time, this was actually my first book by her—and overall, it left a strong impression.
The story follows Hayley, whose marriage to Nate has quietly withered. Nate is away most of the week for his job as a pharmaceutical rep, and when he is home, he’s distant and distracted. Hayley feels invisible, lonely, and stuck in a life that no longer excites her.
Everything changes when Seb and Tamsin, their glamorous and effortlessly charming new neighbors, move in next door. They represent everything Hayley and Nate are not: confident, passionate, intoxicating. What starts as friendly lunches, shopping trips, and relaxed BBQ evenings slowly shifts into something far more dangerous. When Tamsin casually suggests swapping partners, Hayley is horrified—but to her shock, Nate agrees.
The next morning, Hayley wakes up to a nightmare: Nate and Tamsin are gone—without a trace. Left alone with Seb, Hayley spirals into fear and doubt. Was this a consensual arrangement that went horribly wrong, or has she stepped into something far more sinister?
This book hooked me immediately. I flew through it in just two days. Lisa Hall’s writing style is sharp and accessible, making it easy to slip straight into the story. The short, punchy chapters are a major strength—they keep the tension high and make it incredibly difficult to stop reading “just one more.”
What I enjoyed most was the constant sense of unease. There’s a lingering tension throughout, paired with a nagging uncertainty about who can be trusted. The atmosphere is seductive but unsettling, and that combination worked extremely well for me. I was fully invested and completely glued to the pages until around the 70% mark, when the twists start to surface and the bigger picture begins to emerge.
That said, while the reveals were engaging, some of them didn’t hit as hard as I expected. A few moments that were clearly meant to shock felt slightly flat for me, and the tension dipped as a result.
The pacing was also a bit uneven. The beginning is strong and compelling, but the middle section slowed down and felt as though it dragged a little longer than necessary before picking up again.
The Wife Swap delivers gripping psychological suspense, with the “morning after” twist sending the plot down a darker, more unpredictable path. The characters feel imperfect and human, and Lisa Hall effectively maintains a tense, uneasy atmosphere that encourages constant doubt and suspicion.
However, I’ll admit that I may be in the minority here: the ending didn’t fully work for me. Not only did the ending not work for me, I simply did not understand it. This makes no sense to me at all. I’ve already seen other ARC readers high praise it, but personally, I found it confusing. Without giving spoilers, I struggled to understand why a certain character was involved at all, given what they already seemed to know. For me, that choice undermined the impact of the finale.
Despite that, this was still a compelling, fast-paced psychological thriller that kept me engaged from start to finish. This book is well worth picking up.
I kindly received this book via NetGalley in exchange for an honest review. Thank you so much Joffe Books.
((rating: 3.75))
An addictive psychological thriller with seductive tension and dark twists.
🌫️ Dark domestic drama | 🔥 Seductive psychological suspense | 🏡 New neighbors with secrets | 🔄 One decision changes everything | 🧠 Who can you trust? | 🇬🇧 Southeast London
When I first saw the cover of The Wife Swap and read the description on NetGalley, I was instantly intrigued. I was thrilled when my request was approved. Although I’ve known Lisa Hall as an author for quite some time, this was actually my first book by her—and overall, it left a strong impression.
The story follows Hayley, whose marriage to Nate has quietly withered. Nate is away most of the week for his job as a pharmaceutical rep, and when he is home, he’s distant and distracted. Hayley feels invisible, lonely, and stuck in a life that no longer excites her.
Everything changes when Seb and Tamsin, their glamorous and effortlessly charming new neighbors, move in next door. They represent everything Hayley and Nate are not: confident, passionate, intoxicating. What starts as friendly lunches, shopping trips, and relaxed BBQ evenings slowly shifts into something far more dangerous. When Tamsin casually suggests swapping partners, Hayley is horrified—but to her shock, Nate agrees.
The next morning, Hayley wakes up to a nightmare: Nate and Tamsin are gone—without a trace. Left alone with Seb, Hayley spirals into fear and doubt. Was this a consensual arrangement that went horribly wrong, or has she stepped into something far more sinister?
This book hooked me immediately. I flew through it in just two days. Lisa Hall’s writing style is sharp and accessible, making it easy to slip straight into the story. The short, punchy chapters are a major strength—they keep the tension high and make it incredibly difficult to stop reading “just one more.”
What I enjoyed most was the constant sense of unease. There’s a lingering tension throughout, paired with a nagging uncertainty about who can be trusted. The atmosphere is seductive but unsettling, and that combination worked extremely well for me. I was fully invested and completely glued to the pages until around the 70% mark, when the twists start to surface and the bigger picture begins to emerge.
That said, while the reveals were engaging, some of them didn’t hit as hard as I expected. A few moments that were clearly meant to shock felt slightly flat for me, and the tension dipped as a result.
The pacing was also a bit uneven. The beginning is strong and compelling, but the middle section slowed down and felt as though it dragged a little longer than necessary before picking up again.
The Wife Swap delivers gripping psychological suspense, with the “morning after” twist sending the plot down a darker, more unpredictable path. The characters feel imperfect and human, and Lisa Hall effectively maintains a tense, uneasy atmosphere that encourages constant doubt and suspicion.
However, I’ll admit that I may be in the minority here: the ending didn’t fully work for me. Not only did the ending not work for me, I simply did not understand it. This makes no sense to me at all. I’ve already seen other ARC readers high praise it, but personally, I found it confusing. Without giving spoilers, I struggled to understand why a certain character was involved at all, given what they already seemed to know. For me, that choice undermined the impact of the finale.
Despite that, this was still a compelling, fast-paced psychological thriller that kept me engaged from start to finish. This book is well worth picking up.
I kindly received this book via NetGalley in exchange for an honest review. Thank you so much Joffe Books.
December 19, 2025
Lisa Hall is now firmly cemented on my "don't even have to read the blurb watch list" for both her standalones, like this, and also her wonderful Hotel Hollywood series which is well worth a look if you haven't already.
So... back to this one... In it we meet Hayley and Nate who are looking forward to finding out who their new neighbours will be and are delighted, well Hayley is, with what they get. Tamsin and Seb appear to be exactly their people. Hayley hits it off with Tamsin from the get-go and the two of them appear to bond. Nate accepts Seb as someone to have a beer with!
All goes swimmingly until one night Tamsin suggests they "swap partners"... What could possibly go wrong...? Well, I'll leave you to find all that out! Suffice to say, it's popcorn munching, car crash watching, compulsive with secrets and lies aplenty and quite a healthy dollop of dysfunctional behaviour thrown in for good measure. And with all the twists, turns and obfuscation, this is definitely one book I will revisit (on audio) once it's released to see what I missed!
The characters were all pretty unlikable but notsomuch as to render them as unworthy of my caring. Maybe the author could have written them a wee bit softer to draw the reader in a bit more and, as such, make the reveals a tad more impactful but it's a moot point.
And that ending... wowsers... there's so much I can say - but I can't... Well, I can say that it blew me away and I didn't see THAT coming... twisty turny right up to the wholly satisfying ending...
Finally, a wee nod to one of the more minor characters, let's have a round of applause for the wonderful Wendy!
All in all a cracking addition to an already well impressive back catalogue which includes one of my all time favourite books - her fantastic debut Between You and Me - if you have't already read it, what are you doing? But go in as blind as you can...
My thanks go to the Publisher and Netgalley for the chance to read this book.
So... back to this one... In it we meet Hayley and Nate who are looking forward to finding out who their new neighbours will be and are delighted, well Hayley is, with what they get. Tamsin and Seb appear to be exactly their people. Hayley hits it off with Tamsin from the get-go and the two of them appear to bond. Nate accepts Seb as someone to have a beer with!
All goes swimmingly until one night Tamsin suggests they "swap partners"... What could possibly go wrong...? Well, I'll leave you to find all that out! Suffice to say, it's popcorn munching, car crash watching, compulsive with secrets and lies aplenty and quite a healthy dollop of dysfunctional behaviour thrown in for good measure. And with all the twists, turns and obfuscation, this is definitely one book I will revisit (on audio) once it's released to see what I missed!
The characters were all pretty unlikable but notsomuch as to render them as unworthy of my caring. Maybe the author could have written them a wee bit softer to draw the reader in a bit more and, as such, make the reveals a tad more impactful but it's a moot point.
And that ending... wowsers... there's so much I can say - but I can't... Well, I can say that it blew me away and I didn't see THAT coming... twisty turny right up to the wholly satisfying ending...
Finally, a wee nod to one of the more minor characters, let's have a round of applause for the wonderful Wendy!
All in all a cracking addition to an already well impressive back catalogue which includes one of my all time favourite books - her fantastic debut Between You and Me - if you have't already read it, what are you doing? But go in as blind as you can...
My thanks go to the Publisher and Netgalley for the chance to read this book.
December 29, 2025
Hayley Turner and her husband Nate have new next door neighbours called Tamsin and Seb Cooper. A friendship forms and they agree upon a wife swap. Oh dear, I wonder how the four of them will get on?
I found The Wife Swap to be an OUTSTANDING 5 star read. I have not read any of Lisa Hall’s books before and am impressed by the quality of her writing and her skill of story telling. The plot is brilliant and keeps the reader guessing to the very last page. Character development is steady as this story unfolds. If you were looking for a gritty sexy tale of wife-swapping with lots of sex then you would be disappointed. Yes, Hayley and Seb do share a bed for just the one night but that is mentioned briefly and is not a graphic did the earth move for you moment. This story is NOT soft porn easy reading.
The Wife Swap is a British psychological thriller with a difference. The whole story is a first person narrative from Hayley’s point of view. Doubts are raised on every page and Hayley plus the reader are trying to join the dots. I loved the linear time frame and the pacing of the story after that one night when Tamsin and Nate simply disappeared. The clues are there but can you or Hayley spot the lies from the truth? So many lies have been told along the way that it is a struggle for Hayley and the reader to discern the truth, especially as the best lies have an element of truth. Can Nate, Seb or Tamsin be trusted or are they all as bad as each other? I found The Wife Swap to be a thrilling read that would make an excellent television drama series. Lisa Hall has the skills needed to write very good psychological thrillers and I will gladly read another book from her in the future.
Thanks to NetGalley and the publisher Joffe Books for passing me an ARC on the understanding that I post a review.
I found The Wife Swap to be an OUTSTANDING 5 star read. I have not read any of Lisa Hall’s books before and am impressed by the quality of her writing and her skill of story telling. The plot is brilliant and keeps the reader guessing to the very last page. Character development is steady as this story unfolds. If you were looking for a gritty sexy tale of wife-swapping with lots of sex then you would be disappointed. Yes, Hayley and Seb do share a bed for just the one night but that is mentioned briefly and is not a graphic did the earth move for you moment. This story is NOT soft porn easy reading.
The Wife Swap is a British psychological thriller with a difference. The whole story is a first person narrative from Hayley’s point of view. Doubts are raised on every page and Hayley plus the reader are trying to join the dots. I loved the linear time frame and the pacing of the story after that one night when Tamsin and Nate simply disappeared. The clues are there but can you or Hayley spot the lies from the truth? So many lies have been told along the way that it is a struggle for Hayley and the reader to discern the truth, especially as the best lies have an element of truth. Can Nate, Seb or Tamsin be trusted or are they all as bad as each other? I found The Wife Swap to be a thrilling read that would make an excellent television drama series. Lisa Hall has the skills needed to write very good psychological thrillers and I will gladly read another book from her in the future.
Thanks to NetGalley and the publisher Joffe Books for passing me an ARC on the understanding that I post a review.
December 1, 2025
Lisa Hall has once again delivered a psychological thriller that grips from the very first page. The Wife Swap takes a seemingly playful idea—one night of swapping partners—and twists it into a dark, spiraling nightmare where desire, guilt, and danger collide.
From the moment Seb and Tamsin move in next door, the tension simmers. They’re glamorous, magnetic, impossible to resist, and their presence unsettles the quiet rhythm of Nate and his wife’s life. What begins with shared meals and laughter quickly escalates into temptation, and then into a decision that cannot be undone. The fallout is immediate, shocking, and utterly consuming.
Hall’s writing is sharp and addictive, blending domestic drama with nail-biting suspense. The characters feel vividly real—flawed, vulnerable, and driven by impulses that make the story both relatable and terrifying. The pacing is relentless, each chapter pulling you deeper into a web of secrets and betrayals until the final twist leaves you breathless.
This is not just a thriller; it’s a story about the fragility of trust, the danger of envy, and the devastating consequences of crossing boundaries. Fans of Freida McFadden, Lisa Jewell, and Shari Lapena will find themselves hooked, but Hall’s voice is distinctly her own—taut, daring, and impossible to put down.
With thanks to Lisa Hall, the publisher and netgalley for the ARC
From the moment Seb and Tamsin move in next door, the tension simmers. They’re glamorous, magnetic, impossible to resist, and their presence unsettles the quiet rhythm of Nate and his wife’s life. What begins with shared meals and laughter quickly escalates into temptation, and then into a decision that cannot be undone. The fallout is immediate, shocking, and utterly consuming.
Hall’s writing is sharp and addictive, blending domestic drama with nail-biting suspense. The characters feel vividly real—flawed, vulnerable, and driven by impulses that make the story both relatable and terrifying. The pacing is relentless, each chapter pulling you deeper into a web of secrets and betrayals until the final twist leaves you breathless.
This is not just a thriller; it’s a story about the fragility of trust, the danger of envy, and the devastating consequences of crossing boundaries. Fans of Freida McFadden, Lisa Jewell, and Shari Lapena will find themselves hooked, but Hall’s voice is distinctly her own—taut, daring, and impossible to put down.
With thanks to Lisa Hall, the publisher and netgalley for the ARC
December 22, 2025
Hayley is delighted when new neighbours Tamsin and Seb move in next door and they quickly become good friends. But one night when Tamsin suggests a partner swap, Hayley reluctantly agrees. The next morning, full of guilt, Hayley returns home and walks into something much worse.
As soon as I saw the premise for this one I knew I wanted to read it, as it sounded like it would be a really fun, twisty mystery and that’s exactly what it was. I was hooked to the storyline almost immediately and fully invested in finding out the outcome. The author does a great job at misdirection, I never knew who to fully trust and changed my mind multiple times.
The characters are well written and I could easily picture them, however occasionally they were frustrating with their actions (mainly Hayley) and some things seemed to fall into place a bit too easily, with parts being slightly unbelievable. Even so, the story moves at a fast pace and there are plenty of secrets to discover and suspense, as well as a lot of twists!
This was a solid domestic thriller overall and great for those looking for a fun, easy read to get lost in. Having reqd a few by this author before, this ended up my favourite of the bunch and I will certainly be looking at reading the rest now. Thanks to NetGalley and the publisher for this copy in return for an honest review.
As soon as I saw the premise for this one I knew I wanted to read it, as it sounded like it would be a really fun, twisty mystery and that’s exactly what it was. I was hooked to the storyline almost immediately and fully invested in finding out the outcome. The author does a great job at misdirection, I never knew who to fully trust and changed my mind multiple times.
The characters are well written and I could easily picture them, however occasionally they were frustrating with their actions (mainly Hayley) and some things seemed to fall into place a bit too easily, with parts being slightly unbelievable. Even so, the story moves at a fast pace and there are plenty of secrets to discover and suspense, as well as a lot of twists!
This was a solid domestic thriller overall and great for those looking for a fun, easy read to get lost in. Having reqd a few by this author before, this ended up my favourite of the bunch and I will certainly be looking at reading the rest now. Thanks to NetGalley and the publisher for this copy in return for an honest review.
January 4, 2026
A huge thank you to Zoe at Zooloo Book Tours for giving me a space on this tour in exchange for an honest review. I would also like to thank the team at Joffe Books for giving me an e-arc to read on netgalley.
I will start this review by saying I have previously read Lisa Hall's work and devoured it and I felt exactly the same way about this masterpiece. This book has everything that a thriller girly could possibly desire - deceit, dysfunctional relationships and a whole load of wtf moments that kept me guessing and guessing until I read the last word.
We are introduced to Nate and Hayley, a couple who just don't gel as you'd expect them too. When a new couple move in next door, Hayley is desperate to befriend them. However, nothing is ever as it seems.
Honestly, the way these characters were written was nothing short of genius. Their interactions, experiences and dynamics made for fantastic reading and I just did not know what to expect. Just when I thought the narrative was drawing to a close, with a nice neat bow, something else came out of nowhere and shocked me to my core.
I think Hall does a fantastic job at writing stories that feel real, and this one panned out like it could be a documentary on Netflix. It felt raw, chaotic and thriller through and through.
I will start this review by saying I have previously read Lisa Hall's work and devoured it and I felt exactly the same way about this masterpiece. This book has everything that a thriller girly could possibly desire - deceit, dysfunctional relationships and a whole load of wtf moments that kept me guessing and guessing until I read the last word.
We are introduced to Nate and Hayley, a couple who just don't gel as you'd expect them too. When a new couple move in next door, Hayley is desperate to befriend them. However, nothing is ever as it seems.
Honestly, the way these characters were written was nothing short of genius. Their interactions, experiences and dynamics made for fantastic reading and I just did not know what to expect. Just when I thought the narrative was drawing to a close, with a nice neat bow, something else came out of nowhere and shocked me to my core.
I think Hall does a fantastic job at writing stories that feel real, and this one panned out like it could be a documentary on Netflix. It felt raw, chaotic and thriller through and through.
December 3, 2025
This was a tense and fast-paced read, and I enjoyed it for the most part. It centers on Hayley, who lives with her husband Nate in a nice neighborhood after inheriting her grandmother's house. When new neighbors move next door, they seem exciting and glamorous and Hayley is keen to make friends with them. However, once she spends more and more time next door, there are some things that don't add up, culminating in an ill-advised decision to swap partners just for one night.
The premise of this book was interesting and unique and I felt like Hayley mostly made reasonable decisions. I did have to suspend my disbelief at how easily both went along with the idea of a swap without having any other private conversation about it first. I can assure you that this is not how it would work in my own life! That being said, I think that the mystery behind all the things that happen after is sound, and the author did a good job in tying up the loose ends so the various pieces of the storyline fit together well. The big twist at the end absolutely caught me by surprise.
Overall, this was a fun read that stood out in a crowded genre. Thanks to Netgalley for providing me with a copy of this book in exchange for an honest review.
The premise of this book was interesting and unique and I felt like Hayley mostly made reasonable decisions. I did have to suspend my disbelief at how easily both went along with the idea of a swap without having any other private conversation about it first. I can assure you that this is not how it would work in my own life! That being said, I think that the mystery behind all the things that happen after is sound, and the author did a good job in tying up the loose ends so the various pieces of the storyline fit together well. The big twist at the end absolutely caught me by surprise.
Overall, this was a fun read that stood out in a crowded genre. Thanks to Netgalley for providing me with a copy of this book in exchange for an honest review.
December 21, 2025
Hayley is lonely and left at home during the week while her husband Nate works away. Her life takes an interesting turn when Seb and Tamsin move in to the house next door. The couple are everything Hayley wishes her and Nate were; charismatic and intoxicating, even finishing each other’s sentences. Hayley and Tamsin soon become firm friends, spending time together and Hayley is very keen to preserve the friendship of the couple next door, they fill avoid while Nate is working away.
Nate tolerates his next-door neighbours and has to be cajoled into spending time with them at the weekend. He would rather be watching football or spending time with his mates, leaving Hayley to wonder where the Nate she married has gone. The tension in the plot ramps up and during one of their weekend get togethers where the couples decide to cross a line that will change their lives forever, revealing shocking secrets from the past.
The Wife Swap by Lisa Hall is a gripping psychological thriller that demonstrates the destructiveness caused by two couples who make one decision. Although there were occasions when I felt the plot was a little unrealistic and the actions of Hayley were somewhat lacking. Overall, I did enjoy this book and the final twist was exceptional.
Nate tolerates his next-door neighbours and has to be cajoled into spending time with them at the weekend. He would rather be watching football or spending time with his mates, leaving Hayley to wonder where the Nate she married has gone. The tension in the plot ramps up and during one of their weekend get togethers where the couples decide to cross a line that will change their lives forever, revealing shocking secrets from the past.
The Wife Swap by Lisa Hall is a gripping psychological thriller that demonstrates the destructiveness caused by two couples who make one decision. Although there were occasions when I felt the plot was a little unrealistic and the actions of Hayley were somewhat lacking. Overall, I did enjoy this book and the final twist was exceptional.
December 7, 2025
Wow! A real roller-coaster, Lisa Hall at her best.
This is a brilliant psychological thriller. With so many twists and turns, highs and lows, I had to read it twice!
Hayley and Nat are happy but stuck in a rut. She feels she's at a dead end in her career, and Nat is working away from home all week and wants to just play squash or visit the pub with his mates.
All this changes when the Coopers move in next door. Seb is a handsome TV producer, and Tamsin is a voice-over actor. Hayley is intrigued by the pair and is quickly drawn into their flash circle of friends. Nat is more reticent but goes along with invites to parties and dinners.
Things turn spicy at the end of a dinner party, and after plenty of drinks, someone suggests a wife swap - just for the night! Things turn bad when Nat and Tamsin disappear overnight , and a whole twisty chain of events reveals the dark side of each of the characters and the deadly history linking them.
None of the main characters are endearing, and with each chapter, the story swings so that the blame shifts from one to another. This is very clever and skilful writing with an earthquake of a grand finale.
This is a brilliant psychological thriller. With so many twists and turns, highs and lows, I had to read it twice!
Hayley and Nat are happy but stuck in a rut. She feels she's at a dead end in her career, and Nat is working away from home all week and wants to just play squash or visit the pub with his mates.
All this changes when the Coopers move in next door. Seb is a handsome TV producer, and Tamsin is a voice-over actor. Hayley is intrigued by the pair and is quickly drawn into their flash circle of friends. Nat is more reticent but goes along with invites to parties and dinners.
Things turn spicy at the end of a dinner party, and after plenty of drinks, someone suggests a wife swap - just for the night! Things turn bad when Nat and Tamsin disappear overnight , and a whole twisty chain of events reveals the dark side of each of the characters and the deadly history linking them.
None of the main characters are endearing, and with each chapter, the story swings so that the blame shifts from one to another. This is very clever and skilful writing with an earthquake of a grand finale.
December 25, 2025
The blurb on the book “A brand-new totally addictive psychological thriller with a shocking twist” is a perfect description.
It grabbed my attention instantly and never let go. What starts as a seemingly straightforward setup quickly unravels into a clever, compulsive mystery read packed with surprises. It’s definitely a page-turner where the tension builds steadily and the author masterfully keeps you guessing. I was constantly second-guessing every character and my own theories.
Hayley’s life looks picture-perfect on the outside, but beneath the surface it’s quietly unraveling. When new neighbors arrive, curiosity turns into connection—and then into something far more unsettling. One single night flips everything Hayley believes on its head, leaving her questioning the people around her and the truths she’s been holding onto.
This is one of those books where every chapter pulls you deeper, each twist more unexpected than the last. Just when I thought I understood where it was going, it proved me wrong. The ending is bold, shocking, and incredibly satisfying. A truly addictive, twist-heavy read that delivers right to the final page. I could not put it down.
Thank you @LisaHall, @Joffe and @NetGalley for a free e-ARC. The opinions are mine alone and not biased in any way.
It grabbed my attention instantly and never let go. What starts as a seemingly straightforward setup quickly unravels into a clever, compulsive mystery read packed with surprises. It’s definitely a page-turner where the tension builds steadily and the author masterfully keeps you guessing. I was constantly second-guessing every character and my own theories.
Hayley’s life looks picture-perfect on the outside, but beneath the surface it’s quietly unraveling. When new neighbors arrive, curiosity turns into connection—and then into something far more unsettling. One single night flips everything Hayley believes on its head, leaving her questioning the people around her and the truths she’s been holding onto.
This is one of those books where every chapter pulls you deeper, each twist more unexpected than the last. Just when I thought I understood where it was going, it proved me wrong. The ending is bold, shocking, and incredibly satisfying. A truly addictive, twist-heavy read that delivers right to the final page. I could not put it down.
Thank you @LisaHall, @Joffe and @NetGalley for a free e-ARC. The opinions are mine alone and not biased in any way.
December 5, 2025
Thanks to the author and publisher for an ARC in exchange for an honest review: What a brilliant story! Hayley and Nate find themselves drawn into the world of their new neighbours, Tamsin and Seb. Hayley relishes the idea of her new friendship with Tamsin especially as Nate’s job keeps him on the road and she finds herself at a loose end regularly. But when Seb seems to focus his attentions on Hayley, she finds herself conflicted. Then one drunken evening, after a party, Tamsin suggests they swap for the night. But the next day, Tamsin and Nate are missing. In the meantime Hayley is trying to piece together clues based on things Tamsin has said to her. What happened to Tamsins Sister in university & Why is Seb denying she existed .? As Hayley dives further, is she putting herself in danger? Who is the person lurking in her back garden at night? A brilliant twisty story read in one sitting. Recommend
December 29, 2025
The story begins when Seb and Tamsin moved in next door to Nate and Hayley. They got to know each other through drinks in the garden, shared meals, easy laughter. Then comes the night that crosses a line. They swap partners just for the night, they thought they could handle it. They were wrong.
This was my first time reading this author and the synopsis of this book drew me in, and it didn’t disappoint. It was a fast-paced, page turning, twisty thriller, the characters development was good, and the plot was not overcomplicated by lots of minor characters.
The Story was told from Hayleys point of view and written in a way that you did not know who to trust throughout, and the plot twist and turned. The ending was jaw dropping I didn’t see it coming at all. I would recommend. I will be reading more of this author’s back list
Thank you to Joffe Books and NetGalley who provided me with an advanced readers copy of this book
This was my first time reading this author and the synopsis of this book drew me in, and it didn’t disappoint. It was a fast-paced, page turning, twisty thriller, the characters development was good, and the plot was not overcomplicated by lots of minor characters.
The Story was told from Hayleys point of view and written in a way that you did not know who to trust throughout, and the plot twist and turned. The ending was jaw dropping I didn’t see it coming at all. I would recommend. I will be reading more of this author’s back list
Thank you to Joffe Books and NetGalley who provided me with an advanced readers copy of this book
December 31, 2025
3.5 Stars
Hayley is happily married to Nate, a man she adores, though lately she’s been feeling increasingly neglected. When a glamorous couple, Tasmin and Seb, move in next door, the two couples quickly strike up a friendship. That friendship takes a shocking turn one drunken evening when Tasmin suggests a partner swap. The next morning, Hayley returns home to find that Nate and Tasmin have vanished.
What follows is a fast-paced, twist-filled search for Hayley’s missing husband. As secrets unravel and suspicions grow, the question becomes: who can she really trust?
I enjoyed this book and found it hard to put down. While some elements felt a bit far-fetched, the final reveal tied everything together in a way that made much of the story click into place. Overall, it’s a compelling psychological thriller with plenty of surprises along the way.
Thank you to NetGalley and the publisher for the ARC in exchange for my honest review.
Hayley is happily married to Nate, a man she adores, though lately she’s been feeling increasingly neglected. When a glamorous couple, Tasmin and Seb, move in next door, the two couples quickly strike up a friendship. That friendship takes a shocking turn one drunken evening when Tasmin suggests a partner swap. The next morning, Hayley returns home to find that Nate and Tasmin have vanished.
What follows is a fast-paced, twist-filled search for Hayley’s missing husband. As secrets unravel and suspicions grow, the question becomes: who can she really trust?
I enjoyed this book and found it hard to put down. While some elements felt a bit far-fetched, the final reveal tied everything together in a way that made much of the story click into place. Overall, it’s a compelling psychological thriller with plenty of surprises along the way.
Thank you to NetGalley and the publisher for the ARC in exchange for my honest review.
January 6, 2026
I had never read a novel by Lisa Hall before now, I loved the storyline of The Wife Swap, so thought I'd give this book a go- and it did not disappoint.
The characters themselves are all likeable, even when they aren't supposed to be! One or 2 you can probably guess what is going to happen with their storyline, you may be right or you may be wrong.....
The first half of the book is well written and feels like the main story in itself, until the plot completely changes out of no where! I was not expecting this!.
I felt the ending possibly didn't need to end the way it did, it was trying to add an extra level of shock, but did not really make sense to end it that way, especially when you think back with the storyline actions throughout, it made me question, if in real life why it would be so drawn out, it just would not!!
Other than that, after around 8 chapters in, I was hooked and read The Wife Swap obsessively!! I would recommend and definitely read another book by this author!!
The characters themselves are all likeable, even when they aren't supposed to be! One or 2 you can probably guess what is going to happen with their storyline, you may be right or you may be wrong.....
The first half of the book is well written and feels like the main story in itself, until the plot completely changes out of no where! I was not expecting this!.
I felt the ending possibly didn't need to end the way it did, it was trying to add an extra level of shock, but did not really make sense to end it that way, especially when you think back with the storyline actions throughout, it made me question, if in real life why it would be so drawn out, it just would not!!
Other than that, after around 8 chapters in, I was hooked and read The Wife Swap obsessively!! I would recommend and definitely read another book by this author!!
November 29, 2025
Hayley and Nate have new neighbours, the glam ‘devil may care’ Tamsin and robust fit Seb…..Hayley wants to be besties and have shopping trips and BBQ’s, Nate reluctantly can cope with a beer and the occasional chat….
Tamsin has other ideas however and wants a ‘partner swop’ and she’s not afraid to suggest it, no gold pineapples or dishes with keys here just a full on ‘lets swap partners’
When the deed is done things will never be the same, Hayley just doesn’t realise what those changes will be and how this risque night of swapped lust will change their lives forever
Lisa Hall writes a mean psychological thriller with great characters ( loved Wendy! ) and a zinger of a twist that falls onto more twists so you never quite know who is who and why is why
Tantalising, surprising and shocking with a shade of darkness….a book that bites and keeps its grip
Fab
Tamsin has other ideas however and wants a ‘partner swop’ and she’s not afraid to suggest it, no gold pineapples or dishes with keys here just a full on ‘lets swap partners’
When the deed is done things will never be the same, Hayley just doesn’t realise what those changes will be and how this risque night of swapped lust will change their lives forever
Lisa Hall writes a mean psychological thriller with great characters ( loved Wendy! ) and a zinger of a twist that falls onto more twists so you never quite know who is who and why is why
Tantalising, surprising and shocking with a shade of darkness….a book that bites and keeps its grip
Fab
December 8, 2025
A roller coaster of a story with multiple twists and turns.
Yes there is a wife swap, but what really makes this story is what leads up to it, after it, and the multople denouments at the end and even in the epilogue.
Hayley is an office manager, but dreams of commercialising her flair for interior design. Her husband, Nate travels all week for a pharmaceutical company, and of late he has been spending much of his time at weekends with his male friends rather than with Hayley. Another couple move in next door and there is an immediate friendship formed between the two women, but the men are more distant with one another.
The pace of this book is unrelenting, and when the tension starts it just builds and builds. The surprises keep coming, so readers should ensure they get to the very last page. This is another very well written book from Lisa Hall and i thoroughly recommend it.
tw
Yes there is a wife swap, but what really makes this story is what leads up to it, after it, and the multople denouments at the end and even in the epilogue.
Hayley is an office manager, but dreams of commercialising her flair for interior design. Her husband, Nate travels all week for a pharmaceutical company, and of late he has been spending much of his time at weekends with his male friends rather than with Hayley. Another couple move in next door and there is an immediate friendship formed between the two women, but the men are more distant with one another.
The pace of this book is unrelenting, and when the tension starts it just builds and builds. The surprises keep coming, so readers should ensure they get to the very last page. This is another very well written book from Lisa Hall and i thoroughly recommend it.
tw
December 10, 2025
10 second review: The Wife Swap by Lisa Hall. This book was utterly bingeable, I demolished it in a day. I’d describe it as a domestic popcorn thriller. Hayley and Nate have some new neighbours, Tamsin and Seb. Gorgeous, successful and stylish, these new neighbours have got it going on. Hayley becomes quite smitten with them, and they start hanging out a lot as a foursome. After a boozy night, one thing leads to another and bizarrely they have a wife swap situation . Hayley wakes up in Seb’s bed, full of regret, when she gets home she realises something is terribly wrong.
Lots of weird vibes, mystery, tension and intrigue, you never knew who to trust.
Loved it! Absolutely kept me hooked the whole way.
Thankyou to NetGalley, Lisa Hall and Joffe Books for the advanced ebook in exchange for my honest review ☺️
4/5
Lots of weird vibes, mystery, tension and intrigue, you never knew who to trust.
Loved it! Absolutely kept me hooked the whole way.
Thankyou to NetGalley, Lisa Hall and Joffe Books for the advanced ebook in exchange for my honest review ☺️
4/5
December 23, 2025
Nate and the narrator have a quiet, predictable life—until glamorous neighbors Seb and Tamsin move in. What starts as late-night drinks and shared dinners quickly spirals when a one-night partner swap turns thrilling fun into guilt, obsession, and deadly consequences. Lies, manipulation, and toxic desires collide, and someone won’t make it out alive.
This book delivers addictive psychological suspense. The seductive, tense atmosphere pulled me in immediately, and the “morning after” twist sent the story into dark, unpredictable territory. The pacing is tight, the characters are messy and believable, and the final twists will leave you questioning everything. Perfect for fans of domestic thrillers with morally messy characters and escalating tension.
Favorite Quote:
“The truth is, we’re all just pretending to be happy. Everyone’s just doing their best to keep up appearances.”
This book delivers addictive psychological suspense. The seductive, tense atmosphere pulled me in immediately, and the “morning after” twist sent the story into dark, unpredictable territory. The pacing is tight, the characters are messy and believable, and the final twists will leave you questioning everything. Perfect for fans of domestic thrillers with morally messy characters and escalating tension.
Favorite Quote:
“The truth is, we’re all just pretending to be happy. Everyone’s just doing their best to keep up appearances.”
December 30, 2025
A tense psychological thriller that will keep you turning pages until the very last chapter.
Hayley is intrigued when her new neighbours, Tamsin and Seb, move in. They’re confident, daring, and seem to have everything she and her husband Nate don’t.
After a party, Tamsin casually suggests they swap partners for the night. Though hesitant, Hayley ends up spending the night at Seb’s house while Tamsin and Nate head back to hers. By morning, nothing is as it seemed. Filled with regret, Hayley sneaks back home—only to find something that changes everything.
The story is thrilling and well-paced. Each twist surprised me, and I never felt like I could predict what would happen next.
The characters aren’t exactly likeable, but that adds to the suspense and keeps the tension high.
This book will make you second-guess just how well you know the people living next door.
Hayley is intrigued when her new neighbours, Tamsin and Seb, move in. They’re confident, daring, and seem to have everything she and her husband Nate don’t.
After a party, Tamsin casually suggests they swap partners for the night. Though hesitant, Hayley ends up spending the night at Seb’s house while Tamsin and Nate head back to hers. By morning, nothing is as it seemed. Filled with regret, Hayley sneaks back home—only to find something that changes everything.
The story is thrilling and well-paced. Each twist surprised me, and I never felt like I could predict what would happen next.
The characters aren’t exactly likeable, but that adds to the suspense and keeps the tension high.
This book will make you second-guess just how well you know the people living next door.
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