The Fake Wife

by Emily Shiner

As I watch Darren bury his wife’s body in the backyard, I know I need to act fast. I’m going to be her replacement. He’ll never know what’s coming…

The next day, I smile down at Darren in bed next to me. When he wakes up, I’m going to tell him I’m his new wife. I’ll keep this beautiful house clean and host the most fabulous dinner parties.

He’ll wonder what’s going on. He’ll wonder how I got into his house. We both know I’m not really his wife. But he will never be able to get rid of me.

Before she died, I watched Britt and Darren for longer than I care to admit. I knew her favorite white wine. I know Darren’s weekly tee time. I also know about the cheating. And the lies they told each other on their wedding day…

You might think I’m a woman in love, obsessed with someone else’s husband.

Or you might think I’m here to avenge Britt’s death.

All I know is, handsome and powerful men like Darren think they can get away with anything.

But he’s so, so wrong…

A totally gripping psychological thriller that will keep you up all night! The Fake Wife is perfect for fans of The Perfect Marriage , John Marrs and Freida McFadden.

Readers love The Fake Wife :

“Just WOW! A crazy great read… Captivating from start to finish… A real rollercoaster of a ride that left me with whiplash and not knowing who to trust. Big 5 stars. Highly recommend.” NetGalley reviewer, ⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐

“Had me hooked on page 1! You will be wowed from beginning to end. Bravo Emily Shiner… amazing!” nikki_carmouche, ⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐

“A delicious jam-packed novel full of twists… had my head spinning. A rollercoaster plot… just plain fun… will have you turning the pages late at night.” stamperlady50, ⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐

“I am a colossal fan… gripping, perfectly paced, and absolutely amazing… a must-read… incredible… grabbed my attention and held me captive until the final sentence… filled with unsuspecting twists and turns that kept me guessing—and second-guessing… perfect… left me absolutely stunned. A true "jaw-drop" moment… unforgettable.” britreadsbooks83, ⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐

“A whirlwind which hooked me from the word go! The twists and turns have you on the edge of your seat! Emily Shiner hit it out of the park with this one! Jaw-dropping… grabs you from the first page.

Genres: Thriller, Audiobook, Mystery Thriller, Suspense, Fiction, Mystery, Psychological Thriller

318 pages, Kindle Edition

First published May 11, 2026

About the author

Emily lives in the mountains of North Carolina and loves hiking with her dogs--only when she's not thinking up twisted tales, that is. She loves books that keep you up long after you should be in bed.

Reviews

[Laura Smith]

THE FAKE WIFE BY EMILY SHINER.
5 ✨ ✨ ✨ ✨ ✨s
Did this book grip me from the very first page? Absolutely it did.
Did it keep me hooked until the very end? Hell yes it did.
Love myself a bit of Emily Shiner she's amazing
Bring on the next one ☺

[bella ✯]

⭐⭐⭐⭐☆
The Fake Wife by Emily Shiner kept me hooked from the very first page. It was a quick addictive thriller with plenty of twists and surprises. Highly recommend if you love psychological thrillers ❤︎⁠

[Pav S. (pav_sanborn_bookworm)]

If I say this story is complicated, I'm putting it mildly! Bookouture invited me to participate in my very first blog tour, so buckle up and welcome aboard the Pav's tour bus!

As a stranger watches Darren bury his wife, Britt, she plans to take her place, revealing a dark obsession. The next day, she intends to introduce herself as Darren's new wife, hinting at a calculated deception. The stranger is aware of Britt’s preferences and the couple's marital issues, suggesting an ulterior motive that intertwines love and revenge.

The prologue jumps right in, setting the stage for a wild ride. The narrative unfolds through several points of view, including Darren, the wife, and flashbacks from Britt's perspective, which add depth to the story. Now, you might be wondering, who is 'the wife,' since Britt is actually Darren’s wife? Well, you'll have to read to unpack that mystery. It’s a real twist of fate!

We get a glimpse into Britt's distant past when things took a complicated turn concerning her husband, Darren. With only a few friends and one incredibly handsome guy in the mix, you can imagine the rivalry and revenge brewing beneath the surface.

This book is packed with twists and emotional turns, culminating in the big reveal of the wife’s perspective. I have to admit, the ending was both sad and unexpected, and it became clear that the friendship between Britt, Cora, and Astrid was toxic. These girls were "bad to the bone" on a whole new level, dare I say unhinged? While the suspense kept me on my toes, the story maintained a steady pace, and I managed to binge the whole thing in just one day.

If you enjoy stories that shift from friends to foes, explore toxic friendships, and feature unhinged characters who give off the vibe of "touch my man, and you'll regret it," this book is for you. Expect the unexpected! It really encapsulates why I prefer to keep my friend circle small. Friends can sometimes lead to trouble! If the friendship pool isn’t properly mixed, you might end up in hot water! Get ready to piece together the puzzle of how this plot became so complicated and why. Make sure you add this to your TBR. I’d love to hear your thoughts! And now, if you’ll excuse me, I need to check my backyard. I noticed the floodlights were on last night. Ha!

Thank you, Bookouture, for having me on this fun tour and for the gifted DRC copy. I am leaving this review voluntarily.

[Sherri Thacker]

I’m a huge fan of thriller writer Emily Shiner and this is book #8 for me. She hooked me from the very first paragraph of the first page! The ending left me speechless and confused so for that reason, I’m giving it 3 stars. Thanks to NetGalley and the publisher for this early release.

[Georgie]

This was a good read. I really enjoyed the fact that the chapters were the perfect length.

I didn’t expect this story line but I liked it. Was slightly weird as some parts wouldn’t happen and accepted by others in real life.

There was quite a few twists going on to the point your like WOW really to make you read more for the need to know.

I liked that there was a bigger story to just a fake wife.. it was an on going plan!

[Daniella]

Emily Shiner knows exactly how to write the kind of thriller that makes you say “just one more chapter” until suddenly it’s 1:13 a.m. and your Kindle battery is fighting for its life.

The Fake Wife opens with a killer premise and wastes absolutely no time diving into obsession, manipulation, buried secrets, and identity theft. The pacing is incredibly fast, just like I expect from this author and the perfectly short chapters fly by. This is one of those books where everyone is lying, everyone is unstable, and every relationship feels like it’s being held together with gasoline and a lit match.

What worked best for me was the central obsession at the heart of the story. The idea of wanting to become someone else completely, not just take their husband or their house, but their identity, was genuinely unsettling and gave the book some of its strongest moments.

That said, this was ultimately a mixed reading experience for me. As entertaining as it was, the story started to lose me as the twists piled higher and higher. I can absolutely go along with outlandish thriller setups if the emotional reactions feel believable, but there were several moments where the characters reacted so casually to completely insane situations that it weakened the immersion for me. By the end, the sheer number of twists and escalating reveals became a little too chaotic and underdeveloped to fully land emotionally. Also, the reactions and behaviors just didn’t match with how the characters were previously developed.

Still, even with my issues, I flew through this book. Emily Shiner has a talent for writing compulsively readable thrillers packed with toxic relationships, obsession, secrets, and nonstop drama. If you enjoy fast paced popcorn thrillers filled with morally messy characters and wild turns, this one will definitely keep you entertained.

Thank you to the publisher and NetGalley for the advanced copy in exchange for an honest review

[Susan Belman]

Okay but imagine this:
You kill your wife.
You bury her.
You wake up the next morning… and she’s in bed next to you.
Alive.
Tell me that’s not an opening that hooks you immediately 😏
This book definitely grabbed my attention right from the start. You’re instantly questioning everything, Is this a mental break? A nightmare? Something supernatural?? And while you do get answers fairly quickly on the “what,” the real story becomes the slow unraveling of the who and why.
That’s where the book settles in.
I enjoyed the psychological thriller aspect, and once the layers start peeling back, the motivations and reveals do come together in a way that makes sense. It’s one of those stories where, by the end, you can see how all the pieces fit. That said, I do wish it had a little more intensity. It had all the ingredients to be really tense and twisty, but it stayed just a notch below that edge for me.
The pacing also isn’t super fast—it’s more of a steady burn than a “one more chapter at 2am” kind of read. And while I liked it, it’s not one I see myself thinking about long after finishing.
The ending? Solid. Not shocking, not mind-blowing—but it works.

[Kenny [the.idlereader] ⋆˚✿˖° 𐙚 ₊ ⊹ ♡]

2.5 ⭐️

i can’t believe i spent an entire week reading this book just to feel like i was getting absolutely nowhere. 😭

the plot started with so much potential, but somewhere along the way, it completely lost me. the biggest issue for me was the repetition, ohhh boyyyyy, so much of the book felt like we were going in circles, revisiting the same things without the story actually moving forward.

there was also a particular character who played a massive role in the story, and i really wanted to understand her motivations. but instead of giving us the depth and context needed to make her actions feel meaningful, we got zero insight into the why. and honestly, that frustrated me.

at some point, i was reading purely out of commitment because surely, after investing this much time, the book had to go somewhere. unfortunately, it just fell flat for me. a promising premise, but the execution left me wanting so much more.

[Lesley]

These kind of stories are not going any literary wonder to read but it is fun to escape in this for a few hours!

[Kearstin]

I loved the premise of the book, but it was very poorly written.

[Caitlin]

Many thanks to Bookouture, NetGalley and Emily Shriner for the opportunity to read this ARC.

**3.5 stars** – A suspenseful thriller that certainly leaves you wondering what you would do if you woke up to find an imposter in your bed claiming to be your significant other.

The story is told primarily through the perspectives of The (Fake) Wife, Darren (the husband), and Britt (the real wife), whose chapters gradually help to set the scene and build the mystery. I particularly enjoyed the multiple viewpoints, as they allowed me to get inside the characters' minds, understand their emotions, and see events unfold from different angles.

My favourite perspective was that of The (Fake) Wife. I was eager to uncover her motives and understand the reasoning behind her actions, which kept me invested throughout much of the story.

The novel is an easy read, with short, fast-paced chapters that made it comfortable to pick up and progress through steadily. The writing flows well, and the central premise is intriguing enough to keep you turning the pages.

That said, I felt it took quite a long time before any real clues emerged about the fake wife's identity, while the climax itself felt rather rushed and abrupt. Although the story kept me guessing, the resolution wasn't particularly original, and I was left wishing for a more impactful or thrilling ending.

Overall, while it didn't deliver the big twist or adrenaline rush I was hoping for, it was still an enjoyable read. If you're looking for a classic domestic thriller packed with mystery, suspicion, and plenty of questions to ponder until the final pages, this is a solid choice.

[Ney oh the thrill of it FN]

Thank you to Emily Shiner, Bookouture and netgalley, for this complimentary advanced copy. This review is being left voluntarily and all opinions are my own. 

Time and time again Emily Shiner proves she knows how to write a psych thriller and a really good one at that! 

I really enjoy her writing style -it draws you in, makes you question everything and eveyone, and always leaving you wanting more!

The Fake Wife begins with Darren waking with the fake wife, aka Not Brit, in his bed. She is claiming to be his wife...but that's not possible as he killed and buried his wife. So who is this woman in his bed and what does she want?

The twist and turns in this one were wild. Just as you thought you'd figured things out Emily would throw in a little curveball to make you rethink. 

The pacing was mostly fast. To build the story it was dual pov and timeline so some of the past chapters were slower, but they helped build tension and provide context. 

There was so much to that ending and although I mostly enjoyed it I'm nosey and just needed to know what happened with the characters at the end. Room for a sequel...? Haha.

[Tina Sparkly Floyd]

Started off so well...
Kill wife
Bury her
Go to bed
Wake up and she's beside you!

For me that was the best bit, after that I kept waiting for something to happen.
The plot got a little confusing and a main character didn't have her role explained (or I didn't understand it).

1st one of Emily's that I've read and feel like I need to try another as there'a definitely something there and I love a psychological thriller.

[Mia Sgroi]

There wasn’t a single chapter that didn’t have me on the edge of my seat trying to make it all make sense, I thought I called the ending but nope I was wrong, highly recommend I did not want it to end!

[Jayne Burnett]

A fast paced psychological thriller, filled with drama!
A triangle, Darren, Brit, his wife and fake Brit! Fake Brit looks identical to his wife and is behaving just like her, no one but him would know she is an imposter!
Darren is a lawyer and likes to be in control both at work and at home, but the tables have turned, fake Brit is definitely in control, Darren is beginning to question his own sanity, she is making him look incompetent & a little unstable in front of his friends. He really wants to out her, but doing so would raise questions, where is the real Brit, he cannot confess she is buried in the back garden, he murdered her, then woke up the next morning to fake Brit in his bed!
This is a wild read with lots of twists, and a fabulous twisted ending.
Many thanks to NetGalley and Bookouture for an ARC of this book in exchange for a review.

[Jini Sam]

Thank you to Netgalley and Bookouture for providing me with this ARC in exchange for an honest review.

I gave this 3.5 stars overall.

I really enjoyed this psychological thriller; it was gripping, suspenseful, and incredibly easy to binge. The writing style made it a quick, engaging read that kept me turning the pages. While I did find some of the twists a bit predictable, they were still executed in a way that made me look forward to them. The author built enough tension that even expected reveals felt satisfying.

There were a few grammatical errors throughout, but they didn’t detract too much from the overall experience or the suspense of the story.
Interestingly, I didn’t find myself rooting for any particular character. However, this may have been intentional, as each one seemed to be hiding secrets of their own, adding to the overall intrigue.

Overall, this is an entertaining psychological thriller that keeps you hooked. Fans of Freida McFadden’s work will likely find this especially enjoyable.

[Shauntelle (shauntellereads)]

Emily Shiner, you did it again.

At this point, I've accepted that whenever I pick up one of her books, my plans for the day are officially canceled. I don't read Emily Shiner books...I inhale them.

The premise alone had me hooked. Imagine watching a man bury his wife, only for him to wake up the next morning with another woman lying beside him claiming to be his wife. I needed answers immediately, and Emily Shiner wasted absolutely no time throwing me into the chaos.

The pacing was exactly what I've come to expect from her; short chapters, constant twists, and just enough breadcrumbs to keep me thinking I had everything figured out. Spoiler alert: I didn't.

Every time I thought I knew where the story was headed, another reveal made me question everything I'd just read. That's one of my favorite things about Emily Shiner's writing. She doesn't just give you twists, she makes you doubt your own theories every few chapters.

I also loved that every character felt suspicious. Nobody was completely trustworthy, and that constant uncertainty kept the tension high from beginning to end.

Was it believable? Maybe not every second.

Was I completely entertained? Absolutely.

Emily Shiner continues to prove why she's one of my automatic-read authors.

[Anna Johnston]

This booked dragged on for so long and it was a terrible ending, it took me two weeks to finish. Don’t bother

[Jennifer Bendel]

I absolutely love the main plot of this book. You kill your wife but then you wake up and a woman is in your bed saying she’s your wife. You can’t go to the police because she knows what you did. The possibilities for this book were endless! I was dying to know which way it was going to go. The flashbacks quickly gave me some answers but Emily had me frantically flipping pages to know more. An absolute must read.

[Gigi]

Sorry but what! First time I read a book by this author and probably my last time. Ugh!

It was interesting at first because it was showing three different perspectives from the start, but the whole Story line and ending was very dumb. I honestly didn’t find it creative. So much detail was missing. It took forever to get to the point and all for a stupid reason. I didn’t find clarity towards the end.

I’m kind of annoyed because the character Darren would know who the Fake wife is and would have been nice if he discovered it in the book but they didn’t leave a chance for that.. even tho there were hints throughout that he was close to knowing who she was yet he never knew. Why?!

Dumb book.

[Judy Collins]

"Gaslighting at its finest—pure popcorn thriller perfection!"

The Fake Wife by Emily Shiner is a dazzling psychological thriller revolving around a woman who witnesses Darren bury his wife, Britt, and then moves in to replace her. The twisty plot involves the stalker taking over the dead wife's life, Darren's realization of the situation, and the reveal of deep-seated lies regarding the cheating and murders. 

Core triangle —Darren, the Real Britt, and the Fake Britt

If you’re looking for a book that you can devour in a single afternoon without needing to take notes or overthink the plot, "The Fake Wife is your next read." It’s a classic popcorn thriller: high on drama, low on complexity, and perfectly entertaining for a rainy weekend!

The🍿Lowdown:

~Vibe: Dark, Messy, & High-Octane
~Trope: The Gaslit Killer / The Replacement Wife
~Mood: Claustrophobic & Unpredictable
~Read Style: One-Sitting Binge Popcorn thriller
~Pacing: Fast and relentless
~The Twist: She still knows how to pull the rug out from under you!

My thoughts...

"The Gaslighter getting Gaslit." It’s that dark, karmic justice that makes Shiner’s "morally gray" setups so bingeable.

In The Fake Wife, gaslighting is the primary engine of the plot, but with a brilliant "villain vs. villain" twist that makes it a perfect popcorn thriller. Being a devoted fan having read all her books, Emily Shiner loves to flip the script on power.

~The Ultimate Uno Reverse:  Usually, the "husband" in domestic noir is the one gaslighting the wife. Here, Shiner turns the tables. Darren (a successful lawyer who should be in control) is the one being psychologically dismantled in his own home.

~Weaponizing Intimacy: The "Fake Britt" gaslights Darren by performing his wife’s most private habits—making Darren question his own sanity (and his own crime).

~Public vs. Private Gaslighting:  The most effective gaslighting happens in front of people like Astrid and Cora. Darren looks like the "unstable" one if he tries to deny her identity to their friends.

~The "Secret" Leverage:  The most delicious part of the gaslighting is that Darren can’t call it out. To expose her as an imposter, he’d have to admit why he knows she isn't Britt—by confessing to the murder.

The twisty cat-and-mouse game and wicked secrets will keep readers guessing whether the fake wife is truly obsessed with Darren or is there to avenge Britt's death. Darren, who was previously in total control of his life, becomes a prisoner in his own home and secret.

The author delivers a masterclass in domestic suspense that challenges the concept of "till death do us part." It’s a psychological chess match where one player has a knife, and the other has a secret.

What I Loved:
~The Hook: A killer being gaslit by a stranger? Sign me up.
~Speed: I flew through this in an afternoon.
~The Ending: It definitely delivers on the "jaw-dropping" promise Shiner is known for. 

It’s the literary equivalent of a 2:00 AM true-crime binge: you know it’s over-the-top, you know it’s messy, but you absolutely cannot look away until the final rug-pull.

"Emily Shiner’s The Fake Wife is a 5-star roller-coaster! 
From the moment Darren buries his wife to the second a stranger takes her place, the tension never lets up. It’s dark, deliciously messy, and features a final twist that will leave your jaw on the floor. If you love fast-paced thrillers where no one is who they seem, add this to your TBR immediately!" 

~"Classic Shiner": 
High-concept hook with a relentless pace.

~"Comfort Thriller": 
You know the formula, you love the formula, and she delivers it again.

~"The Shiner Signature": 
Short chapters, unlikable leads, and a "gotcha" final page.

~"Consistency is Key": 
Like The Secret Wife or The Second Wife, it hits all the familiar beats.

Best for: People who want a reliable, twisty thriller that doesn't require a detective board to follow.

Takeaway:
"Having read her entire catalog and being a fan, my main takeaway is that Shiner remains the "queen of the domestic hook."  No matter how much power you think you have (like Darren), it can be dismantled by someone who knows your secrets. Your home is only a sanctuary until someone else holds the keys to your cage.

Join me on my blog for a fun Blog Tour Stop on pub day, May 11!

Recs...

THE FAKE WIFE is for Shiner's fans and those who enjoyed her The Wife in the Photo or The Secret Wife. Also for fans of My Husband's Wife by Alice Feeney, Freida McFadden, Kim Slater, and Jeneva Rose.

Special thanks to Bookouture and NetGalley for graciously sharing an advanced reading copy in exchange for my honest thoughts.

Blog review posted @
JudithDCollins.com
@JudithDCollins | #JDCMustReadBooks
Pub Date: May 11, 2026
My Rating: 5 Stars
May Newsletter
Blog Tour Stop (5/11)

[Maddey Jamison]

It was ok.... Not terrible gripping or surprising. It was annoying at points because I felt like I was just reading the same chapter over and over again. The same lines of "oh no, did they figure out my secret?!" Just over and over and over again. Like people, we get it that your both terrible friends that can't keep it together (but not even in an entertaining way).

It was very slow moving, predictable and 100 pages longer than it should have been.

An ok time filler while I wait on my next library book to come in...

[Jane Edwards]

I found this book quite boring, I kept waiting for something good to happen but it never did. It just seemed to end abruptly and there was no wow factor. Very disappointing.

[Tammy Bush]

This was an almost DNF book for me sooooo many times but I persevered. It could not keep my attention. Was so hard to keep reading. It was just blah to me . I think this is the 1 book I’ve ever rated 2 stars . Sorry . Didn’t love it but it might be for you 🤷‍♀️

[Kristen Pastuf]

That was…..painful

[Barbara Schultz]

Title: The Fake Wife
Author: Emily Shiner
Publisher: Bookouture
Genre: Mystery Thriller
Pub Date: May 11, 2026
My Rating: 4 Stars
Pages: 336

Story it told from the POV of husband and wife Darren and Britt as well a third person the ‘Fake Wife’. Told Present Day ad well as then as far back as when Brill was in college. There she met Darren and was roommates with high school friend Astrid and knew her sister Cora who was three years younger. They do pop up later in Brill’s life.

Story starts with Darren Reid who has everything: a great job, cars, country club membership, beautiful home, as well as a beautiful, devoted wife Britt. He is happy until he suspects Britt of cheating. He is very controlling so when Brill has a friend he doesn’t know he assumes she is being unfaithful. He kills her in a fit of rage and buries her in their backyard.
He is a powerful and successful defense attorney who keeps criminals out of prison for doing exactly what he just did.

He packs her things and takes them to the airport; so if friends ask he can say she went on a little vacation. Things are working out fine for him until one morning when there is a woman who looks exactly like Britt in bed next to him.
She has Britt’s clothes as well as the suitcases he packed.

Non-Britt has me very curious as to her motive. She has been following Britt so that she is familiar with her routine, but she seems not to0 know her.

We know Brill had concerns about being followed. She had recently met up with college friend Astrid who was always jealous of Britt. Astrid took delight is seeing she was a mess and acted concerned about Darren’s behavior and offered a stay for a few nights. Darren finds out, is furious as he assumes the friend she wants to stay with is a guy.

There is so much going on in this story I had to stop reading to take notes!
Having a hard time determining who gets the prize for the ‘Most Evil’!!

This is my fourth Emily Shine. As always, I enjoyed reading her “A letter from Emily’ as well as her Acknowledgements.

I want to thank NetGalley and Bookouture for this eGalley.
Publishing Release Date scheduled for May 11, 2026.

[Ember]

Alright, so this review's gonna be a little bit of a rollercoaster, so, buckle your seatbelts or whatever!

If you've been on my account for a while, you probably know two things:-
1. I can't get myself to read ebooks because of the strain on my eyes.
2. I love Emily Shiner's thrillers.

Ever since I read The Nanny Share by her, I've always been a little disheartened every time I didn't get the chance to read those ARCs (cuz paperbacks are costly, and ebooks hurt my dear eyes...). I still keep going against my self-imposed ARC request bans just to get her books because no matter what, those thrillers always keep me HOOKED for sure. And well, she didn't deter from delivering that this time either. I stayed up quite late just to finish reading the book and find out what happens at the end, because Epilogues are NEVER boring when written by Emily Shiner! Did I have a raging headache and dry eyes by the time I put my phone back on the nightstand and turned in for the night? Yes. Do I regret it? Nope, not a bit. I'd do it all again if I have to.... but bless my poor head and eyes, they're already weeping again.

However, I'm nothing if not an honest critic. While I was hooked until the last word because of all the twists and turns, I was able to guess what was going to happen pretty easily this time, which robbed me of the "staring at the wall for a few minutes" move after finishing the book (a classic whenever I read books by her usually.)

Another thing I really love about her books, which is probably what makes me finish them so quickly is the way most of her characters have more than a few loose screws in their heads.... everyone suffers (some more than the others.... pretty realistic mostly {Squinting at the ending of The Nanny Share because I'm still not over that.}).

Anyways, so yeah... overall review: Fast-paced and gripping.

And of course, since I know there are readers here who don't have enough time or the attention span for reading the entire review (NO JUDGEMENT, I PROMISE. As someone who's often overwhelmed by social media, I'll NEVER judge you for not reading my entire caption. But I WILL certainly appreciate you a little extra if you read every word I write!), I'll list a few points summarizing what you can expect.
💍Twisted and unlikable characters
💍Fast-paced
💍Gripping till the last line
💍Dual-POVs
💍Strong female characters (albeit, maybe a little insane..... not all.... or are they? Read to find out. And don't worry, I mean it when I say no one's spared, the male character is...... not gonna tell you Hah! Read to find out!)

[Britney Ireland]

Emily, Emily, Emily!!!! You have truly done it again. As a self-proclaimed connoisseur of psychological thrillers, I must state right upfront that I am a colossal fan of the #EmilyShiner books! Her storytelling is consistently gripping, perfectly paced, and absolutely amazing, solidifying her as a must-read author in the genre.

When I first spotted this particular title on #NetGalley, I didn't hesitate for a second. I immediately submitted my request for the Advanced Reader Copy (ARC). A huge thank you to the publisher and to Ms. Shiner for allowing me the privilege of reading and reviewing this incredible story before its official release.

It's a genuine pleasure to say that I am never disappointed in any of Emily's stories, and this new release is no exception. She possesses a rare talent for crafting narratives that completely immerse the reader.

From the very first page, this novel grabbed my attention and held me captive until the final, shocking sentence. The entire experience was a masterclass in suspense, filled with unsuspecting twists and turns that kept me guessing—and second-guessing—every theory I formulated along the way. The plot was expertly woven, the pacing was flawless, and the overarching storyline was, quite simply, perfect.

Beyond the ingenious plot, the characters were brilliantly developed. Each one felt complex, authentic, and essential to the unfolding drama, making their motivations and eventual roles in the story all the more compelling.

The conclusion of this book left me absolutely stunned. It was a true "jaw-drop" moment that cemented the novel's brilliance and proved Emily Shiner’s mastery of the shocking reveal.

In short, I wholeheartedly and unequivocally recommend this book—along with her entire back catalog—to everyone looking for an unforgettable, high-stakes thriller. Do yourself a favor and pick up an #EmilyShiner book today!

[Leanne]

The Fake Wife is one of those psychological thrillers that hooks you from the very first line and keeps tightening its grip with every chapter. There’s something deliciously unsettling about stepping into the mind of a woman who watches a marriage implode from the shadows and then calmly decides she’s ready to take the wife’s place. The confidence, the calculation, the eerie domestic fantasy she builds—it all creates a tension that hums beneath the surface.

What makes the story so addictive is the narrator’s voice: cool, observant, and disturbingly certain she belongs in Darren’s life more than his actual wife ever did. The way she studies their routines, their secrets, their lies—it’s intimate in a way that feels both fascinating and deeply wrong. And yet you can’t look away.

Darren, for his part, is the perfect foil: powerful, polished, and absolutely convinced he can outmanoeuvre anyone. Watching the dynamic shift between them—two people who both believe they’re the one in control—gives the book its sharpest edge. The tension becomes a kind of psychological tug‑of‑war, each chapter revealing another layer of deceit, obsession, or long‑buried truth.

The pacing is brisk, the twists well‑timed, and the atmosphere thick with dread. There’s a clever ambiguity running through the story too—are we watching a woman in love, a woman unravelling, or a woman seeking justice in her own warped way? The book never hands you an easy answer, and that’s part of its charm.

Dark, compulsive, and wonderfully unhinged, The Fake Wife is a gripping descent into obsession and revenge. Fans of Freida McFadden and John Marrs will devour it in a single sitting, heart racing all the way to the final page.

With thanks to Emily Shiner, the publisher and netgalley for the ARC

[Taylor]

Review of advance copy received from NetGalley

I’d give The Fake Wife by Emily Shiner 4 stars. This gripping thriller keeps you guessing from start to finish.

The story opens with a mysterious woman watching Darren—a highly successful lawyer—as he buries his wife, Britt, in their backyard after murdering her. The very next day, that same woman appears in his bed, calmly claiming to be his new wife. She looks strikingly similar to Britt, runs a popular Instagram account under Britt’s name, has possession of Britt’s suitcases that Darren discarded, and is even wearing Britt’s wedding rings—the same ones she was buried with.

Naturally, questions pile up: Who is this woman? How did she pull this off? Is she obsessed with Darren, or is she seeking revenge for Britt?

Darren finds himself trapped. Reporting her would expose his own crime, so he’s forced into a dangerous, high-stakes game. The story unfolds with a Mr. and Mrs. Smith-style tension, as the balance of power constantly shifts. Just when it seems the fake wife has the upper hand, Darren counters with his own manipulations, turning their relationship into a relentless game of cat and mouse.

Alongside the present-day conflict, we get glimpses into Britt’s past—filled with accusations of infidelity as well as claims that she’s being stalked—which adds depth and context to her tragic fate.

I rated this book 4 stars because I was able to piece together the ending about halfway through. That said, the story still managed to make me second-guess myself at times, which kept it engaging. Overall, it’s packed with twists, secrets, and intrigue right up to the final pages.

I’m definitely looking forward to reading more from Emily Shiner.