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The Divorce
What is a happily ever after really worth?
Naomi was living the quintessential love story. Boy meets girl. They fall in love, get married, buy a dream house, start a family . . . Then—he kicks her out, hires the city’s best divorce lawyers, drains their accounts, and takes up with a 20-something. It’s a brutal end to the story. Naomi should accept move into a dingy apartment, get back into the workforce, and piece together the shattered remains of her life. Except, why should she?
Instead, Naomi fixates on her husband’s new girlfriend. What begins as cynical curiosity soon twists into obsession—and then into something far darker. As Naomi uncovers secrets she never imagined, she realizes her own life may be in danger.
But if it keeps her perfect family intact, isn’t it worth it?
In The Divorce, #1 New York Times and internationally bestselling author Freida McFadden delivers a razor-sharp, subversive thriller where love curdles into vengeance, and survival becomes the most dangerous game of all.
Naomi was living the quintessential love story. Boy meets girl. They fall in love, get married, buy a dream house, start a family . . . Then—he kicks her out, hires the city’s best divorce lawyers, drains their accounts, and takes up with a 20-something. It’s a brutal end to the story. Naomi should accept move into a dingy apartment, get back into the workforce, and piece together the shattered remains of her life. Except, why should she?
Instead, Naomi fixates on her husband’s new girlfriend. What begins as cynical curiosity soon twists into obsession—and then into something far darker. As Naomi uncovers secrets she never imagined, she realizes her own life may be in danger.
But if it keeps her perfect family intact, isn’t it worth it?
In The Divorce, #1 New York Times and internationally bestselling author Freida McFadden delivers a razor-sharp, subversive thriller where love curdles into vengeance, and survival becomes the most dangerous game of all.
Audible Audio
First published May 26, 2026
About the author
Freida McFadden
66 books274k followers#1 New York Times, USA Today, Wall Street Journal, Publisher's Weekly, and Amazon Charts bestselling author Freida McFadden is a practicing physician specializing in brain injury who has penned multiple Kindle bestselling psychological thrillers and medical humor novels. She lives with her family and possessed cat in a centuries-old three-story home overlooking the ocean, with staircases that creak and moan with each step, and nobody could hear you if you scream. Unless you scream really loudly, maybe.
Note that I am maxed out on friends, so I apologize in advance that I can't friend anyone back!
Note that I am maxed out on friends, so I apologize in advance that I can't friend anyone back!
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 1,440 reviews
May 28, 2026
FREIDA I’M GONNA HOLD YOUR HAND WHEN I SAY THIS…
YOU NEED A WELL DESERVED BREAK!
Freida ‘I’m convinced someone is holding her by pen and paper point’ McFadden is back with her third release of the year (yes I know its May) with The Divorce.
In this book we are following Naomi who is blindsided when her husband asks for a divorce. Refusing to let him go and trying to keep her family together, she finds herself in legal psychological trouble trying to outsmart her wicked husband.
*takes a deep breath* I am still trying to process what was the reasoning for this book. At first I was intrigued by the woes of Naomi and her having to deal with a gaslit prick of a husband but after a while the sympathy started wearing off and I was asking myself...
IS THE THRILLER IN THE ROOM WITH US?
I have no issues with contemporary thrillers, but this wasn’t thrilling. It was for the majority reading about a woman being gaslighted by her narcissist husband and her for some God forsaken reason still wanting him. I don’t particularly care to read about that and if I do I don’t want Freida narrating it.
The characters are so dull, one dimensional and nonsensical (not in the fun entertaining way). It indeed does make a fast easy read, but I got nothing else from them. I didn’t connect, I wasn’t interested and if they all got zapped by an alien invasion I wouldn’t have blinked twice.
The way the story was told at times felt like it was written by a man not attuned with reality. The behaviors and reaction from the characters was honestly comical and dumb.
The Twist… Give me a break
The Ending… Cut me some slack
The Epilogue… Stop doing those Freida!
It’s a shame because I have enjoyed her last two releases, but this one just fell flat unfortunately and was not a memorable read at all. But credit due, it was a one sit listen and I was able to get on with my daily chores with this read playing in the background.
Freida… I’ll see you in ‘The Witch’ 😅😅
--------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
pre read
At this point Freida just carry on as you are!
We will all sleep on your behalf!
Lets get this show on the road!
💜🤍♥️💜
YOU NEED A WELL DESERVED BREAK!
Freida ‘I’m convinced someone is holding her by pen and paper point’ McFadden is back with her third release of the year (yes I know its May) with The Divorce.
In this book we are following Naomi who is blindsided when her husband asks for a divorce. Refusing to let him go and trying to keep her family together, she finds herself in legal psychological trouble trying to outsmart her wicked husband.
*takes a deep breath* I am still trying to process what was the reasoning for this book. At first I was intrigued by the woes of Naomi and her having to deal with a gaslit prick of a husband but after a while the sympathy started wearing off and I was asking myself...
IS THE THRILLER IN THE ROOM WITH US?
I have no issues with contemporary thrillers, but this wasn’t thrilling. It was for the majority reading about a woman being gaslighted by her narcissist husband and her for some God forsaken reason still wanting him. I don’t particularly care to read about that and if I do I don’t want Freida narrating it.
The characters are so dull, one dimensional and nonsensical (not in the fun entertaining way). It indeed does make a fast easy read, but I got nothing else from them. I didn’t connect, I wasn’t interested and if they all got zapped by an alien invasion I wouldn’t have blinked twice.
The way the story was told at times felt like it was written by a man not attuned with reality. The behaviors and reaction from the characters was honestly comical and dumb.
The Twist… Give me a break
The Ending… Cut me some slack
The Epilogue… Stop doing those Freida!
It’s a shame because I have enjoyed her last two releases, but this one just fell flat unfortunately and was not a memorable read at all. But credit due, it was a one sit listen and I was able to get on with my daily chores with this read playing in the background.
Freida… I’ll see you in ‘The Witch’ 😅😅
--------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
pre read
At this point Freida just carry on as you are!
We will all sleep on your behalf!
Lets get this show on the road!
💜🤍♥️💜
Read
May 28, 2026I’m convinced she writes with her feet when her hands get too tired
- no no no no no i need you to imagine it somehow, frieda striking some pose like that to type from her toes.
Pre read
-okayyy your boy got the arc 😛😛 starting it rn.
- no no no no no i need you to imagine it somehow, frieda striking some pose like that to type from her toes.
Pre read
-okayyy your boy got the arc 😛😛 starting it rn.
![Profile Image for Salma [inactive].](https://i.gr-assets.com/images/S/compressed.photo.goodreads.com/users/1762154839i/63142765._UX200_CR0,77,200,200_.jpg)
Want to Read
January 29, 2026Freida, girl, I'm exhausted for you...
Currently Reading
January 29, 2026If publishing had fast fashion, it would be Freida McFadden. The books drop nonstop, and I’m trapped in a toxic relationship I have no intention of escaping. She knows… - Obvs added in my never ending TBR 🛍️📚💀
Want to Read
May 26, 2026someone needs to check on Freida to make sure she is not being forced to write 100,000 words every day or something lol
May 26, 2026
Ok FREIDA. Did I eat this up in 24h, yes. Did I see the twist coming, yes. Will I continue to recommend this author forever, also yes.
It's hard to rate books from this author fairly as if you are entering the thriller world these would easily be 5 stars, they're fast paced, short, keep you guessing and ultimately simple to read.
HOWEVER, as someone who's read more than 400 thrillers, they are becoming dare I say, repetitive. This is more of a comment on the author's backlist as opposed to this book specifically.
It's hard to rate books from this author fairly as if you are entering the thriller world these would easily be 5 stars, they're fast paced, short, keep you guessing and ultimately simple to read.
HOWEVER, as someone who's read more than 400 thrillers, they are becoming dare I say, repetitive. This is more of a comment on the author's backlist as opposed to this book specifically.
Want to Read
February 1, 2026Someone needs to book Freida a vacation, she’s popping these books out every 4 months.
Want to Read
January 29, 2026Freida could release 200 more novels with the exact same formula and unfortunately I’d eat it up every single time.
Want to Read
March 14, 2026SHE NEEDS A BREAK LMFAO
May 27, 2026
The book is about a divorce just like the title that gets very messy and even violent.
I was enjoying the first half of this book, even though it was quite predictable. Then, the twist came and I absolutely hated that. I didn’t really enjoy the book after that. This is not the first time this author has created a twist that actually made me like the book less.
This book felt like a jumble of 2 other extremely popular books from recent times too, so it didn’t feel original to me. Not my favorite by this author, but still readable.
————————
Pre-read: Another one already?! Can’t wait! 🩷
I was enjoying the first half of this book, even though it was quite predictable. Then, the twist came and I absolutely hated that. I didn’t really enjoy the book after that. This is not the first time this author has created a twist that actually made me like the book less.
This book felt like a jumble of 2 other extremely popular books from recent times too, so it didn’t feel original to me. Not my favorite by this author, but still readable.
————————
Pre-read: Another one already?! Can’t wait! 🩷
Want to Read
February 11, 2026Sometimes I wonder if she’s chained to a desk and being forced to write 5 books a year
Want to Read
February 1, 2026You know what….good for her lol
Review of advance copy received from Publisher
One sitting.
That is all it took.
I started this book at 3:00 PM and finished it at 11:00 PM because putting it down simply was not an option.
Freida McFadden has done it again. Without question, this has become one of my favorite books from her.
The twists keep coming, but what stood out to me most was how often this story made me question myself as a reader. You find yourself wanting justice. Then suddenly, you are questioning what justice even looks like. Who are you rooting for? Should you be rooting for them? And Ezra... oh, Ezra.
Without giving too much away, expect exactly what thriller readers want: sharp pacing, constant tension, twists that force you to rethink everything, and that classic Freida ability to convince you that one more chapter is a reasonable life choice.
The Divorce delivers drama, emotional weight, complicated family dynamics, school drama, difficult choices, and enough suspense to make canceling your plans feel like an excellent decision.
This is the kind of thriller that grabs your attention immediately and refuses to let go.
Highly recommend with absolutely no reservations.
Just one warning: clear your schedule first.
Thank you, NetGalley, Freida McFadden, and Sourcebooks for the ARC. All comments and opinions are my own.
That is all it took.
I started this book at 3:00 PM and finished it at 11:00 PM because putting it down simply was not an option.
Freida McFadden has done it again. Without question, this has become one of my favorite books from her.
The twists keep coming, but what stood out to me most was how often this story made me question myself as a reader. You find yourself wanting justice. Then suddenly, you are questioning what justice even looks like. Who are you rooting for? Should you be rooting for them? And Ezra... oh, Ezra.
Without giving too much away, expect exactly what thriller readers want: sharp pacing, constant tension, twists that force you to rethink everything, and that classic Freida ability to convince you that one more chapter is a reasonable life choice.
The Divorce delivers drama, emotional weight, complicated family dynamics, school drama, difficult choices, and enough suspense to make canceling your plans feel like an excellent decision.
This is the kind of thriller that grabs your attention immediately and refuses to let go.
Highly recommend with absolutely no reservations.
Just one warning: clear your schedule first.
Thank you, NetGalley, Freida McFadden, and Sourcebooks for the ARC. All comments and opinions are my own.
Want to Read
February 9, 2026Thank You @Poisoned Press!! #arc
Want to Read
January 29, 2026WHAT THE HELL...another book? Freida McFadden is outpacing AI...she drops books the way plot twists drop: unexpected and immediate...at this point, she's is a genre of her own.
Want to Read
January 31, 2026I’m convinced freida mcfadden’s workplace is like greys anatomy because how does she have the time
Read
January 29, 2026one fateful day, freida mcfadden listened to “Work Bitch” by Britney Spears and said “Hell yeah, I know that’s right.”
Currently Reading
May 27, 2026it's timeeee..🫣
...
↓
i just finished the last one and now this???
respectfully: please stop. disrespectfully: i will absolutely still read it ofc.
*adds to tbr immediately*
...
↓
i just finished the last one and now this???
respectfully: please stop. disrespectfully: i will absolutely still read it ofc.
*adds to tbr immediately*
May 26, 2026
when is "The Retirement" coming out, Freida?? Please please please take a break from writing 😔😔
May 26, 2026
3.5/5
Boooo, I really wanted to like this one more, but I was a little disappointed.
At first, following Naiomi was super infuriating. She was making some dumb decisions that didn't add up at all. I found myself wanting to scream at the book. Then when we get the switch, I was pleasantly surprised with the new direction. I genuinely didn't see some of it coming and was intrigued with how things were reframed.
Getting back to the situation at hand tho felt so rushed. And the epilogue just opened up more questions instead of wrapping up the loose ends. Honestly that dropped the rating for me a bit.
This book also felt super mean spirited at times.
Listen, I get it. Most people laugh in the face of crystals.
But it was mentioned SO much and used to discredit Naiomi so many times, it was wild. Like there are plenty of people and cultures that do use them. Are they the end all, be all? No. But damn.
-----------------------------
Like Hamilton, Freida also writes like she's running out of time 💀
Boooo, I really wanted to like this one more, but I was a little disappointed.
At first, following Naiomi was super infuriating. She was making some dumb decisions that didn't add up at all. I found myself wanting to scream at the book. Then when we get the switch, I was pleasantly surprised with the new direction. I genuinely didn't see some of it coming and was intrigued with how things were reframed.
Getting back to the situation at hand tho felt so rushed. And the epilogue just opened up more questions instead of wrapping up the loose ends. Honestly that dropped the rating for me a bit.
This book also felt super mean spirited at times.
Listen, I get it. Most people laugh in the face of crystals.
But it was mentioned SO much and used to discredit Naiomi so many times, it was wild. Like there are plenty of people and cultures that do use them. Are they the end all, be all? No. But damn.
-----------------------------
Like Hamilton, Freida also writes like she's running out of time 💀
Want to Read
February 1, 2026Grab that cash girl lol
Can't wait for thisss💃🏼 hope it's as good as her last one
My Bookstagram
Can't wait for thisss💃🏼 hope it's as good as her last one
My Bookstagram
Want to Read
February 1, 2026where is she getting these 😭😭
May 26, 2026
A dizzying, rapid-fire domestic noir! "A breathless psychological thriller where a scorned wife's clinical tracking of her ex's new lover triggers a dangerous game of survival."
The Dark Obsession
TILL DEATH DO US PART.
A perfect marriage. A brutal betrayal. An unhinged game of revenge
In THE DIVORCE, #1 New York Times bestselling author Freida McFadden delivers a deeply atmospheric, tension-soaked contemporary psychological thriller mystery. The story hinges on a blindsided mother facing immense legal and psychological hurdles to protect her child and outsmart a ruthless ex-husband. Defrauded wife vs. a high-stakes legal conspiracy.
A "wickedly sharp" thriller about a divorce gone wrong—or perhaps, gone exactly as planned.
Elevator Pitch
A glamorous New York housewife's fairytale life shatters when her ruthless husband locks her out of their mansion, drains their money, and flaunts a young new girlfriend—sparking a dark, obsessive game of psychological warfare where nobody is who they seem.
Setting
The story oscillates between the wealthy, elite, and deeply judgmental suburban neighborhoods of New York and a cramped, depressing, dingy apartment on the wrong side of town where the main character is forced to hide her shame.
Vibe
Tense, addictive, and deeply paranoid. It perfectly pairs the explosive, fast-paced marital warfare of a domestic nightmare with the signature, jaw-dropping twist velocity of a classic Freida McFadden plot.
Genre
Psychological Thriller / Domestic Suspense / Legal Crime Noir.
Themes
~The Illusion of Happily Ever After
~The Anatomy of Obsession
~Weaponized Privilege
~Maternal Survival
Turning absolute domestic betrayal into a calculated, high-stakes counter-investigation.
Standout Characters
~Naomi: A stay-at-home suburban mom who is entirely devoted to her five-year-old son, Teddy. Her life is turned upside down when her wealthy husband abruptly locks her out of the house and demands a divorce. The fierce protagonist, a woman left with nothing who refuses to play the victim, seeks the leverage she needs.
~The Husband: A charming, calculating professional whose smooth exterior masks a cold, premeditated plan to strip Naomi of her life and legacy.
~Veronica, the pristine 28-year-old new girlfriend, harbors a shocking history of her own.
"What begins as cynical curiosity soon twists into obsession—and then into something far darker."
Standout Feature
The "jaw-dropping" Freida Twist. Since I've read them all, you know to expect the unexpected, and this one still manages to "pull the rug out."
Author Writing Standout
McFadden’s trademark gift for writing high-velocity, binge-worthy domestic suspense shines through her sharp, immersive plotting. She avoids dry text, focusing heavily on continuous action, rapid-fire chapter pacing, and the striking, tactile realism of a woman managing maternal panic while executing a complex psychological chess match.
The Climax and Trademark Twists
~Unresolved Power Struggle
~The McFadden Twist
~The Epilogue Reveal
Takeaway
A perfect marriage can instantly morph into a lethal trap; when someone tries to rewrite your history, matching them secret for secret is the only way to survive.
Title Significance
The Divorce acts as a direct, clinical definition of the conflict and a dark psychological double entendre. It represents the literal legal dismantling of Naomi's marriage, while simultaneously signaling the total, violent breaking down of her reality as she steps into the most dangerous game of her life.
Metaphor
The dream house locks serve as the central metaphor of the novel. They represent the sudden, definitive barrier between Naomi's past identity and her current exile—a physical manifestation of domestic betrayal that she must systematically circumvent to expose the truth.
Why You Should Read
Read this if you are a fan of quick, highly addictive psychological suspense like The Housemaid, or if you want a propulsive, twist-heavy cat-and-mouse thriller that brilliantly explores the darkest, most cutthroat corners of domestic endings.
My Thoughts
"Popcorn thriller perfection." It’s "snarky, fast-paced," and filled with the "unreliable narrators" Freida is famous for.
The Divorce is an absolute triumph in popcorn fiction and a return to peak form for McFadden. It manages to stretch the boundaries of the traditional "cheating husband" trope until it snaps into something wholly unpredictable. A masterfully executed, explosive climax.
This is McFadden at her most viciously entertaining. While the setup feels familiar to domestic thriller fans initially, the transition from Naomi's sad desperation to unhinged obsession is spectacular, making it one of her most cohesive and gripping standalones yet.
Verdict 5 / 5 Stars ⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐
"A breathless, masterfully executed domestic thriller that pairs an iconic psychological chess match with a genuinely chilling marital war."
Recs
If you love razor-sharp pacing, jaw-dropping epilogue twists, and books that you can easily devour in a single sitting without ever wanting to put them down.
~The Housemaid by Freida McFadden (for the author's signature, #1 bestselling blueprint of intense female manipulation and shocking twists)
~The Wife Between Us by Greer Hendricks and Sarah Pekkanen (for another exceptional, high-tension look at marital deceptions and secret identities)
~Perfect for fans of Gone Girl by Gillian Flynn or The Last Mrs. Parrish by Liv Constantine.
Audio Standout 🎧
A powerhouse trio (LaVoy, Ballerini, and Ireland).
Having this level of talent for a single book is "audiobook royalty"—they make the "toxic chemistry" practically leap out of your headphones. The digital audiobook edition is expertly narrated by a powerhouse stellar multi-cast team, including January LaVoy, Edoardo Ballerini, and Marin Ireland (favorites)—An absolute standout, whose distinct voices bring the toxic inner monologues of the characters to life flawlessly, transforming this rapid-fire domestic thriller into an incredibly immersive, intensely addictive listening experience.
Blog review posted @
JudithDCollins.com
@JudithDCollins | #JDCMustReadBooks
My Rating: 5 Stars
Pub Date: May 26, 2026
May Newsletter
May 2026 Must-Read Books
The Dark Obsession
TILL DEATH DO US PART.
A perfect marriage. A brutal betrayal. An unhinged game of revenge
In THE DIVORCE, #1 New York Times bestselling author Freida McFadden delivers a deeply atmospheric, tension-soaked contemporary psychological thriller mystery. The story hinges on a blindsided mother facing immense legal and psychological hurdles to protect her child and outsmart a ruthless ex-husband. Defrauded wife vs. a high-stakes legal conspiracy.
A "wickedly sharp" thriller about a divorce gone wrong—or perhaps, gone exactly as planned.
Elevator Pitch
A glamorous New York housewife's fairytale life shatters when her ruthless husband locks her out of their mansion, drains their money, and flaunts a young new girlfriend—sparking a dark, obsessive game of psychological warfare where nobody is who they seem.
Setting
The story oscillates between the wealthy, elite, and deeply judgmental suburban neighborhoods of New York and a cramped, depressing, dingy apartment on the wrong side of town where the main character is forced to hide her shame.
Vibe
Tense, addictive, and deeply paranoid. It perfectly pairs the explosive, fast-paced marital warfare of a domestic nightmare with the signature, jaw-dropping twist velocity of a classic Freida McFadden plot.
Genre
Psychological Thriller / Domestic Suspense / Legal Crime Noir.
Themes
~The Illusion of Happily Ever After
~The Anatomy of Obsession
~Weaponized Privilege
~Maternal Survival
Turning absolute domestic betrayal into a calculated, high-stakes counter-investigation.
Standout Characters
~Naomi: A stay-at-home suburban mom who is entirely devoted to her five-year-old son, Teddy. Her life is turned upside down when her wealthy husband abruptly locks her out of the house and demands a divorce. The fierce protagonist, a woman left with nothing who refuses to play the victim, seeks the leverage she needs.
~The Husband: A charming, calculating professional whose smooth exterior masks a cold, premeditated plan to strip Naomi of her life and legacy.
~Veronica, the pristine 28-year-old new girlfriend, harbors a shocking history of her own.
"What begins as cynical curiosity soon twists into obsession—and then into something far darker."
Standout Feature
The "jaw-dropping" Freida Twist. Since I've read them all, you know to expect the unexpected, and this one still manages to "pull the rug out."
Author Writing Standout
McFadden’s trademark gift for writing high-velocity, binge-worthy domestic suspense shines through her sharp, immersive plotting. She avoids dry text, focusing heavily on continuous action, rapid-fire chapter pacing, and the striking, tactile realism of a woman managing maternal panic while executing a complex psychological chess match.
The Climax and Trademark Twists
~Unresolved Power Struggle
~The McFadden Twist
~The Epilogue Reveal
Takeaway
A perfect marriage can instantly morph into a lethal trap; when someone tries to rewrite your history, matching them secret for secret is the only way to survive.
Title Significance
The Divorce acts as a direct, clinical definition of the conflict and a dark psychological double entendre. It represents the literal legal dismantling of Naomi's marriage, while simultaneously signaling the total, violent breaking down of her reality as she steps into the most dangerous game of her life.
Metaphor
The dream house locks serve as the central metaphor of the novel. They represent the sudden, definitive barrier between Naomi's past identity and her current exile—a physical manifestation of domestic betrayal that she must systematically circumvent to expose the truth.
Why You Should Read
Read this if you are a fan of quick, highly addictive psychological suspense like The Housemaid, or if you want a propulsive, twist-heavy cat-and-mouse thriller that brilliantly explores the darkest, most cutthroat corners of domestic endings.
My Thoughts
"Popcorn thriller perfection." It’s "snarky, fast-paced," and filled with the "unreliable narrators" Freida is famous for.
The Divorce is an absolute triumph in popcorn fiction and a return to peak form for McFadden. It manages to stretch the boundaries of the traditional "cheating husband" trope until it snaps into something wholly unpredictable. A masterfully executed, explosive climax.
This is McFadden at her most viciously entertaining. While the setup feels familiar to domestic thriller fans initially, the transition from Naomi's sad desperation to unhinged obsession is spectacular, making it one of her most cohesive and gripping standalones yet.
Verdict 5 / 5 Stars ⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐
"A breathless, masterfully executed domestic thriller that pairs an iconic psychological chess match with a genuinely chilling marital war."
Recs
If you love razor-sharp pacing, jaw-dropping epilogue twists, and books that you can easily devour in a single sitting without ever wanting to put them down.
~The Housemaid by Freida McFadden (for the author's signature, #1 bestselling blueprint of intense female manipulation and shocking twists)
~The Wife Between Us by Greer Hendricks and Sarah Pekkanen (for another exceptional, high-tension look at marital deceptions and secret identities)
~Perfect for fans of Gone Girl by Gillian Flynn or The Last Mrs. Parrish by Liv Constantine.
Audio Standout 🎧
A powerhouse trio (LaVoy, Ballerini, and Ireland).
Having this level of talent for a single book is "audiobook royalty"—they make the "toxic chemistry" practically leap out of your headphones. The digital audiobook edition is expertly narrated by a powerhouse stellar multi-cast team, including January LaVoy, Edoardo Ballerini, and Marin Ireland (favorites)—An absolute standout, whose distinct voices bring the toxic inner monologues of the characters to life flawlessly, transforming this rapid-fire domestic thriller into an incredibly immersive, intensely addictive listening experience.
Blog review posted @
JudithDCollins.com
@JudithDCollins | #JDCMustReadBooks
My Rating: 5 Stars
Pub Date: May 26, 2026
May Newsletter
May 2026 Must-Read Books
May 26, 2026
My review ⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️: The Divorce was a 4 star book for me. It was a super quick, easy read that I flew through in one day.
This was definitely one of those addictive books that keeps you listening because something always feels slightly “off,” even when the story starts out feeling pretty realistic and straightforward. I’m not sure I would call it thriller territory, but more fast paced storytelling.
Around 65% in, the POV shift completely changed the feel of the book for me. Even though I started figuring out part of the twist toward the last quarter of the book, the epilogue still managed to shock me more than some of the actual reveals did.
This book was definitely more entertaining than deep, and by the end it leaned pretty far into over-the-top territory and became a little unbelievable at times, but honestly that’s part of what made it such a fun binge read. It was fast-paced, intriguing, slightly unsettling, and constantly had me questioning who to trust.
[This is a super hard book to review without giving spoilers so in truth it’s pretty vague.]
Goodreads: Kristina Pauls (ARC Reviewer)
This was definitely one of those addictive books that keeps you listening because something always feels slightly “off,” even when the story starts out feeling pretty realistic and straightforward. I’m not sure I would call it thriller territory, but more fast paced storytelling.
Around 65% in, the POV shift completely changed the feel of the book for me. Even though I started figuring out part of the twist toward the last quarter of the book, the epilogue still managed to shock me more than some of the actual reveals did.
This book was definitely more entertaining than deep, and by the end it leaned pretty far into over-the-top territory and became a little unbelievable at times, but honestly that’s part of what made it such a fun binge read. It was fast-paced, intriguing, slightly unsettling, and constantly had me questioning who to trust.
[This is a super hard book to review without giving spoilers so in truth it’s pretty vague.]
Goodreads: Kristina Pauls (ARC Reviewer)
May 26, 2026
2.5/5
I think Freida needs to slow her roll, or do I? The quality seems to decline in correlation to the frequency with which she turns them out, but does it? The outcome of this one feels formulaic and was rather predictable, but is it? Prepare for a narrative style that hits you over the head at each chapter’s end as tho it’s not dreadfully obvious something ain’t right here, or is it? I mean, Freida wouldn’t dare give us an unreliable narrator, would she?
I think Freida needs to slow her roll, or do I? The quality seems to decline in correlation to the frequency with which she turns them out, but does it? The outcome of this one feels formulaic and was rather predictable, but is it? Prepare for a narrative style that hits you over the head at each chapter’s end as tho it’s not dreadfully obvious something ain’t right here, or is it? I mean, Freida wouldn’t dare give us an unreliable narrator, would she?
Want to Read
January 29, 2026how much time does she have?😭 i will be eating this up nonetheless though
April 29, 2026
A strong 4.75!
I thoroughly enjoyed this one! There was a great prologue and I loved the opening line. As you’d expect from Freida, the writing was brilliantly fast-paced, addictive, and the short chapters ending in cliffhangers made this book impossible to put down! Whilst her twists weren’t the most jaw-dropping for me, they were still really good and there was plenty of red herrings to make you think one thing, or make you question what you think is true!
I was left with lots of questions in my brain whilst reading the book - the main one being ‘why does Jeremy want a divorce?’. There were others but I won’t go into spoilers! The book really had me gripped though with wanting to find out the truth - it had me in a chokehold the whole way through! There’s plenty of characters you’ll love to hate too!
Like some of her previous books, I loved that the book was split up into multiple parts. It made it easy to follow and I loved the twists at these sections. There were some that totally blindsided me!
On a side note, I loved the recurring theme of motherhood and how far a mother will go to keep her child safe. It gave me similar vibes to some of the emotive writing in The Crash.
There was a heart stopping and cinematic ending, that had me glued to the pages, and of course in true Freida fashion there was one final curveball that you don’t see coming!
Overall, this was another unputdownable read from Freida, and I highly recommend this one! It’s definitely up there as one of my favourites.
A huge thank you to the publisher for the advanced physical proof. All opinions in this review are my own.
I thoroughly enjoyed this one! There was a great prologue and I loved the opening line. As you’d expect from Freida, the writing was brilliantly fast-paced, addictive, and the short chapters ending in cliffhangers made this book impossible to put down! Whilst her twists weren’t the most jaw-dropping for me, they were still really good and there was plenty of red herrings to make you think one thing, or make you question what you think is true!
I was left with lots of questions in my brain whilst reading the book - the main one being ‘why does Jeremy want a divorce?’. There were others but I won’t go into spoilers! The book really had me gripped though with wanting to find out the truth - it had me in a chokehold the whole way through! There’s plenty of characters you’ll love to hate too!
Like some of her previous books, I loved that the book was split up into multiple parts. It made it easy to follow and I loved the twists at these sections. There were some that totally blindsided me!
On a side note, I loved the recurring theme of motherhood and how far a mother will go to keep her child safe. It gave me similar vibes to some of the emotive writing in The Crash.
There was a heart stopping and cinematic ending, that had me glued to the pages, and of course in true Freida fashion there was one final curveball that you don’t see coming!
Overall, this was another unputdownable read from Freida, and I highly recommend this one! It’s definitely up there as one of my favourites.
A huge thank you to the publisher for the advanced physical proof. All opinions in this review are my own.
May 28, 2026
3.5 stars. This was fun!! Was it anything absolutely revolutionary or jaw-dropping?? No. But I had fun with it and I definitely would recommend it!! A classic Freida format, and a fun read for domestic thriller lovers!
May 27, 2026
Wow, you did it again, girl.
After all, it’s not like I did any of this for myself. I did it all for him.
I was patiently waiting for this book to be released because I'm a huge fan of Freida (or should I say, Sarah? Anyway.) and she's a master of storytelling, even when the overall result is a little weaker.
I read this between midnight and starting work today. Is it a page-turner? YEAH, BABY.
The story follows Naomi, a devoted wife who is suddenly dumped by her wealthy husband, Jeremy, for a younger woman. Driven to obsession, Naomi begins stalking her ex’s new girlfriend, only to uncover shocking secrets that put her own life in danger.
I didn't put this book down, except to get some sleep and during my working day. Is this her best novel by far? No. But the fast pace (as always in her books) doesn't let you catch your breath. The plot twist is MASSIVE and leaves your jaw on the floor. The characters are very relatable yet ominous, and when you think they can't get any more twisted, they show you they really can.
I fell in love with one character in particular: Ezra. I love you, man—really. I think he is one of the nicest and most comforting people in Freida’s books, especially because the male characters in her stories are often mean.
Obviously, when you read a book with so much passion, some things can't be completely perfect. There are a few loose ends, but the brilliance of the narration completely overshadows them.
So, grab this book—you'll only want to put it down to sleep, shower, or do other everyday tasks!
After all, it’s not like I did any of this for myself. I did it all for him.
I was patiently waiting for this book to be released because I'm a huge fan of Freida (or should I say, Sarah? Anyway.) and she's a master of storytelling, even when the overall result is a little weaker.
I read this between midnight and starting work today. Is it a page-turner? YEAH, BABY.
The story follows Naomi, a devoted wife who is suddenly dumped by her wealthy husband, Jeremy, for a younger woman. Driven to obsession, Naomi begins stalking her ex’s new girlfriend, only to uncover shocking secrets that put her own life in danger.
I didn't put this book down, except to get some sleep and during my working day. Is this her best novel by far? No. But the fast pace (as always in her books) doesn't let you catch your breath. The plot twist is MASSIVE and leaves your jaw on the floor. The characters are very relatable yet ominous, and when you think they can't get any more twisted, they show you they really can.
I fell in love with one character in particular: Ezra. I love you, man—really. I think he is one of the nicest and most comforting people in Freida’s books, especially because the male characters in her stories are often mean.
Obviously, when you read a book with so much passion, some things can't be completely perfect. There are a few loose ends, but the brilliance of the narration completely overshadows them.
So, grab this book—you'll only want to put it down to sleep, shower, or do other everyday tasks!
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