What do you think?
Rate this book
The Fake Wife
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.
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.
336 pages, Kindle Edition
First published May 11, 2026
About the author
Emily Shiner
39 books1,000 followersEmily 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.
Ratings & Reviews
Friends & Following
Create a free account to discover what your friends think of this book!
Community Reviews
Displaying 1 - 30 of 109 reviews
May 19, 2026
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 ☺
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 ☺
May 11, 2026
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.
Review of advance copy received from Publisher
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.
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.
April 30, 2026
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!
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!
May 10, 2026
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
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
May 2, 2026
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.
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.
May 12, 2026
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.
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.
May 8, 2026
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.
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.
April 21, 2026
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.
Review of advance copy received from NetGalley
"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:
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 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!"
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)
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)
Read
May 10, 2026Emily Shiner always knows how to start her books with fantastic prologues, and she did just that with this read! A great intriguing start which pulled the reader in right from the very first page and led to a really great twisty read which deserves no less than 5 stars.
Darren thought he had killed his wife, Britt, so when he wakes up in bed the very next day to a woman who looks like his wife and claims to be his wife, he is horrified beyond belief. However, it soon becomes very clear that even though this woman can’t be Britt, she is determined to take the life Britt had; the husband, the house and the marriage, and she has very cleverly made sure that Darren has no choice but to go along with the ruse or he will be uncovered as a murderer. It becomes a battle of wits over who will ultimately win; the attorney husband who defends criminals for a living who killed his former wife or this stranger, Not-Britt, who wanted Britt’s life so much she took it over with such efficiency and ease?!
Well….what a story this was! I admit the first half was a little slow, scene setting, but once things started moving the story did not let up pace and I was turning pages so quickly just to find out what was going to happen next and which character would best the other. I loved the multiple POV’s and also the chapters from the characters past and had fun trying to guess who the woman who took Britt’s place was. I really disliked Darren; he was a horrible pompous killer of a character but I kind of found myself liking Not Britt- just for the fact that she was so clever at what she did. I couldn’t decide at the start whether she was a genius or a psychopath however once further into the story I definitely labelled her as a psychopath but still, I just couldn’t feel sorry for Darren, feeling he didn’t really deserve any better after killing his wife. Strangely for a psychological thriller I actually felt my heart hurt for one of the characters in chapter 68 however by the next chapter that changed and I didn’t feel sorry for them at all. Great writing from Emily Shiner to elicit such feelings from me especially when reading a psychological thriller, a very unusual response from me. I apologise for the crypticness, but my reviews are spoiler free, so I don’t want to give anything away. I also was blown away by the bombshell in chapter 69, I did not see that coming, which to be honest, was amazing considering how many psychological thrillers I read and sometimes I see the twists coming but this time my mouth was gaping reading it, so what a twist!
Overall, I think the best way to describe this read was like a high stakes game of chess and the reader has no idea who will ultimately win. It was great writing, twisty and shocking and I highly recommend it for any fans of the psychological thriller genre, you will not be disappointed. Very muchly deserved 5 star rating for this one.
Thank you to NetGalley, Emily Shiner and Bookouture for my advanced reading copy. Out 11th May 2026.
Darren thought he had killed his wife, Britt, so when he wakes up in bed the very next day to a woman who looks like his wife and claims to be his wife, he is horrified beyond belief. However, it soon becomes very clear that even though this woman can’t be Britt, she is determined to take the life Britt had; the husband, the house and the marriage, and she has very cleverly made sure that Darren has no choice but to go along with the ruse or he will be uncovered as a murderer. It becomes a battle of wits over who will ultimately win; the attorney husband who defends criminals for a living who killed his former wife or this stranger, Not-Britt, who wanted Britt’s life so much she took it over with such efficiency and ease?!
Well….what a story this was! I admit the first half was a little slow, scene setting, but once things started moving the story did not let up pace and I was turning pages so quickly just to find out what was going to happen next and which character would best the other. I loved the multiple POV’s and also the chapters from the characters past and had fun trying to guess who the woman who took Britt’s place was. I really disliked Darren; he was a horrible pompous killer of a character but I kind of found myself liking Not Britt- just for the fact that she was so clever at what she did. I couldn’t decide at the start whether she was a genius or a psychopath however once further into the story I definitely labelled her as a psychopath but still, I just couldn’t feel sorry for Darren, feeling he didn’t really deserve any better after killing his wife. Strangely for a psychological thriller I actually felt my heart hurt for one of the characters in chapter 68 however by the next chapter that changed and I didn’t feel sorry for them at all. Great writing from Emily Shiner to elicit such feelings from me especially when reading a psychological thriller, a very unusual response from me. I apologise for the crypticness, but my reviews are spoiler free, so I don’t want to give anything away. I also was blown away by the bombshell in chapter 69, I did not see that coming, which to be honest, was amazing considering how many psychological thrillers I read and sometimes I see the twists coming but this time my mouth was gaping reading it, so what a twist!
Overall, I think the best way to describe this read was like a high stakes game of chess and the reader has no idea who will ultimately win. It was great writing, twisty and shocking and I highly recommend it for any fans of the psychological thriller genre, you will not be disappointed. Very muchly deserved 5 star rating for this one.
Thank you to NetGalley, Emily Shiner and Bookouture for my advanced reading copy. Out 11th May 2026.
Review of advance copy received from NetGalley
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.
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.
Review of advance copy received from NetGalley
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!
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!
Review of advance copy received from NetGalley
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
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
Review of advance copy received from NetGalley
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.
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.
Review of advance copy received from Netgalley
The Fake Wife is one of those thrillers that hooks you right from the premise alone. I mean, starting with someone watching a man bury his wife and then deciding to take her place? That’s already wild—and it delivers on that tension, especially in the beginning. The story moves quickly, and I never felt bored. It’s very much a “just one more chapter” kind of read.
One thing I really liked was the use of multiple POVs. It added layers to the story and kept things interesting, especially as secrets started to unravel. You get a clearer picture of the characters, their motives, and all the messy dynamics between them. And yes, there is a twist—and it’s a good one.
That said, if I’m being completely honest, the twist didn’t hit me as hard as I expected. It wasn’t one of those “WHAT?!” or “OMG I didn’t see that coming!” moments. For me, it felt a little lacking in intensity. Like, the buildup was there, but the payoff didn’t fully match the hype in my head. But that’s just my personal take.
I also had moments where the story felt a bit repetitive—like it kept circling around the same tension without really escalating it. I found myself thinking, okay, where is this going next? where’s that extra push? Still, even with that, the plot itself is strong and really well thought out.
Overall, it’s a fast-paced, entertaining thriller with a unique concept and enough suspense to keep you turning pages. It may not have completely blown me away, but I still had a great time reading it—and I’m definitely interested in picking up more from this author.
One thing I really liked was the use of multiple POVs. It added layers to the story and kept things interesting, especially as secrets started to unravel. You get a clearer picture of the characters, their motives, and all the messy dynamics between them. And yes, there is a twist—and it’s a good one.
That said, if I’m being completely honest, the twist didn’t hit me as hard as I expected. It wasn’t one of those “WHAT?!” or “OMG I didn’t see that coming!” moments. For me, it felt a little lacking in intensity. Like, the buildup was there, but the payoff didn’t fully match the hype in my head. But that’s just my personal take.
I also had moments where the story felt a bit repetitive—like it kept circling around the same tension without really escalating it. I found myself thinking, okay, where is this going next? where’s that extra push? Still, even with that, the plot itself is strong and really well thought out.
Overall, it’s a fast-paced, entertaining thriller with a unique concept and enough suspense to keep you turning pages. It may not have completely blown me away, but I still had a great time reading it—and I’m definitely interested in picking up more from this author.
May 12, 2026
Thank you to Bookouture for including me on this tour for The Fake Wife and sending me a copy. Here are my thoughts!
Darren murdered his wife, Britt. What he doesn’t know is that someone saw him and she is going to sneak into his home and take the place of Britt. New Wife blackmails Darren into living her dream life full of riches, beauty and most importantly secrets. Soon Darren and New Wife try to unravel each other’s lives, learning so many juicy tidbits while doing so.
This novel was super entertaining. If you like unlikeable characters, and tons of twists and turns this thriller is for you. The pacing is spot on with a few different character perspectives. You get Britt’s past, leading up to the night Darren murders her, as well as Darren and New Wife in present day. Some more perspectives are revealed once we learn more, but it kept the pace moving and my intrigue at a high.
I read like 60% of this book yesterday and it was easy to do so. It’s hard to put down. Oftentimes I had narrowed down possible scenarios to one or two, and suddenly I would learn a new detail that blew up my theories or added more to the table. It was hard to solve what happened with all of these crazy characters. No one is the good guy in this book, so the outcomes are so deviously entertaining.
Emily has a ton of published books, and this was my first read for this author, but it won’t be the last. Her pacing is that of a thriller genius, and I was invested off the hop. I recommend checking out The Fake Wife asap if you love thrillers!
Darren murdered his wife, Britt. What he doesn’t know is that someone saw him and she is going to sneak into his home and take the place of Britt. New Wife blackmails Darren into living her dream life full of riches, beauty and most importantly secrets. Soon Darren and New Wife try to unravel each other’s lives, learning so many juicy tidbits while doing so.
This novel was super entertaining. If you like unlikeable characters, and tons of twists and turns this thriller is for you. The pacing is spot on with a few different character perspectives. You get Britt’s past, leading up to the night Darren murders her, as well as Darren and New Wife in present day. Some more perspectives are revealed once we learn more, but it kept the pace moving and my intrigue at a high.
I read like 60% of this book yesterday and it was easy to do so. It’s hard to put down. Oftentimes I had narrowed down possible scenarios to one or two, and suddenly I would learn a new detail that blew up my theories or added more to the table. It was hard to solve what happened with all of these crazy characters. No one is the good guy in this book, so the outcomes are so deviously entertaining.
Emily has a ton of published books, and this was my first read for this author, but it won’t be the last. Her pacing is that of a thriller genius, and I was invested off the hop. I recommend checking out The Fake Wife asap if you love thrillers!
Review of advance copy received from NetGalley
The Fake Wife by Emily Shiner was my first introduction to this author, and it definitely will not be my last. This is exactly the kind of domestic thriller I gravitate toward when I want something fast, gripping, and impossible to put down.
The pacing is one of this book’s biggest strengths. The chapters are short and sharp, each one ending in a way that makes it very easy to say “just one more” until suddenly you are at the end. The story kept me guessing the entire time, constantly shifting my suspicions and making me question what I thought I knew.
I especially enjoyed the multiple points of view. Getting perspectives from Darren, the Fake Wife, and Britt in the past added layers to the story and helped build tension effectively. Each POV brought something new, and the way they all came together kept the momentum going.
There were also moments that added a bit of unexpected humor, like Darren’s nickname for the fake wife, “NotBritt,” which genuinely made me laugh. Those small touches helped balance out the tension and made the characters feel more real.
I flew through this book in no time. It was a fun, engaging read and a perfect palate cleanser from heavier, more complex novels. Sometimes you just want a thriller that delivers on twists, pacing, and entertainment, and this one absolutely does.
Thank you to Emily Shiner, Bookouture, and NetGalley for the ARC. I am leaving this review voluntarily.
The pacing is one of this book’s biggest strengths. The chapters are short and sharp, each one ending in a way that makes it very easy to say “just one more” until suddenly you are at the end. The story kept me guessing the entire time, constantly shifting my suspicions and making me question what I thought I knew.
I especially enjoyed the multiple points of view. Getting perspectives from Darren, the Fake Wife, and Britt in the past added layers to the story and helped build tension effectively. Each POV brought something new, and the way they all came together kept the momentum going.
There were also moments that added a bit of unexpected humor, like Darren’s nickname for the fake wife, “NotBritt,” which genuinely made me laugh. Those small touches helped balance out the tension and made the characters feel more real.
I flew through this book in no time. It was a fun, engaging read and a perfect palate cleanser from heavier, more complex novels. Sometimes you just want a thriller that delivers on twists, pacing, and entertainment, and this one absolutely does.
Thank you to Emily Shiner, Bookouture, and NetGalley for the ARC. I am leaving this review voluntarily.
Review of advance copy received from NetGalley
Thank you to NetGalley, Emily Shiner, and Bookouture for a copy of The Fake Wife in exchange for an honest review.
Let’s get one thing straight: Non-Britt? Icon. Legend. Slightly unhinged queen and I loved every second of it. Moving into a stranger’s house and confidently playing “wife” like it’s just another Tuesday errand? The audacity. The commitment. The entertainment value? Off the charts.
And can we talk about that premise? A man wakes up, stretches, rolls over… and boom, there’s a woman claiming to be his wife. Sir, good morning to chaos. I was hooked immediately, tangled up like I grabbed drama instead of fish and honestly didn’t even try to shake free.
The past-to-present jumps? Smooth. Seamless. No whiplash, just a steady drip of “wait… WHAT?” that kept me flipping pages like my life depended on it.
Now… that ending.
Oh, we need to have a conversation about that ending. Because I am still sitting here, arms crossed, giving this book side-eye. Angry? Yes. Impressed? Also yes. Emotionally attacked? Absolutely. It’s the kind of ending that doesn’t just close the door, it slams it and locks you outside to think about everything you just read.
Final Verdict:
5 stars ⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐
Messy, addictive, slightly chaotic in the best way, and guaranteed to get a reaction out of you. Read it when it drops on May 11th. Love it, hate it, yell about it… I truly do not care. Just read it so we can argue about that ending together.
Let’s get one thing straight: Non-Britt? Icon. Legend. Slightly unhinged queen and I loved every second of it. Moving into a stranger’s house and confidently playing “wife” like it’s just another Tuesday errand? The audacity. The commitment. The entertainment value? Off the charts.
And can we talk about that premise? A man wakes up, stretches, rolls over… and boom, there’s a woman claiming to be his wife. Sir, good morning to chaos. I was hooked immediately, tangled up like I grabbed drama instead of fish and honestly didn’t even try to shake free.
The past-to-present jumps? Smooth. Seamless. No whiplash, just a steady drip of “wait… WHAT?” that kept me flipping pages like my life depended on it.
Now… that ending.
Oh, we need to have a conversation about that ending. Because I am still sitting here, arms crossed, giving this book side-eye. Angry? Yes. Impressed? Also yes. Emotionally attacked? Absolutely. It’s the kind of ending that doesn’t just close the door, it slams it and locks you outside to think about everything you just read.
Final Verdict:
5 stars ⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐
Messy, addictive, slightly chaotic in the best way, and guaranteed to get a reaction out of you. Read it when it drops on May 11th. Love it, hate it, yell about it… I truly do not care. Just read it so we can argue about that ending together.
Review of advance copy received from NetGalley
I was caught hook, line and sinker from the first chapter. Darren killed his wife and buried her in the backyard. Imagine his surprise when he wakes up the next morning with a woman in his bed who looks just like his wife. Wow! I was beginning to wonder if we were in zombie territory. Never fear. This is not a zombie book. The woman lying beside him is fake Brittany or fake wife, whichever one suits you. Fake Brittany knows everything he has done, and she has some demands of her own. Otherwise, she will go to the police and tell them everything she knows. She wants to be his new wife and take Brittany's place. She looks hauntingly like her.
It was hard to figure out who was predator and who was prey. This was not a hero vs. villain, but more like villain vs. villain, as both were slimy. This was gaslighting at its finest. These two were experts at mind games.
At first I was baffled as to where this story was headed because I could not figure out what this woman's game was about. But then the author started taking you back in time to a complete horror story that will chill you.
I am still sitting here completely stunned beyond belief. I never would have imagined the twisty ending. Once again this author has played with my brain and my emotions, but I guess that is what a good author who writes captivating psychological thrillers does best.
Thank you to Bookouture and NetGalley for this ARC. I am leaving this review voluntarily.
It was hard to figure out who was predator and who was prey. This was not a hero vs. villain, but more like villain vs. villain, as both were slimy. This was gaslighting at its finest. These two were experts at mind games.
At first I was baffled as to where this story was headed because I could not figure out what this woman's game was about. But then the author started taking you back in time to a complete horror story that will chill you.
I am still sitting here completely stunned beyond belief. I never would have imagined the twisty ending. Once again this author has played with my brain and my emotions, but I guess that is what a good author who writes captivating psychological thrillers does best.
Thank you to Bookouture and NetGalley for this ARC. I am leaving this review voluntarily.
Review of advance copy received from Netgalley
First, I want to thank Emily Shiner, Bookouture and NetGalley for providing me with this book so I can bring you this review.
Sometimes when you start reading a book you just wonder how the author came up with the inspiration for the storyline! In Emily Shiner’s latest psychological thriller The Fake Wife her storyline was written outside of the creative box that you just had to wonder. I mean she has written some twisted stories in the past but this seemed a little more shall we say wicked?!
I thought it was sweet that Emily dedicated this book to her grandparents. It was cute how she thought they would have been delighted-but not surprised that they wrote books. My bet is they would be very proud of the writer she has become.
Starting out at the prologue Emily already has me hooked at the edge of my seat as I feel like a fly on the wall with the intense action unfolding in front of me.
Ohh lets be perfectly clear on one thing I did not care for Darren at all!!! I hated how he only thought about himself and put down Britt in every single way! He was a cold hearted man!
Scary to think that your own husband, the man that you love, is stalking you! Why in the world would he be wanting to stalk you?! Does he want her dead?!
The Fake Wife has so many wicked twists, turns and Intense story lines that will have you glued to your kindle. It is definitely one to put on your TBR list.
Sometimes when you start reading a book you just wonder how the author came up with the inspiration for the storyline! In Emily Shiner’s latest psychological thriller The Fake Wife her storyline was written outside of the creative box that you just had to wonder. I mean she has written some twisted stories in the past but this seemed a little more shall we say wicked?!
I thought it was sweet that Emily dedicated this book to her grandparents. It was cute how she thought they would have been delighted-but not surprised that they wrote books. My bet is they would be very proud of the writer she has become.
Starting out at the prologue Emily already has me hooked at the edge of my seat as I feel like a fly on the wall with the intense action unfolding in front of me.
Ohh lets be perfectly clear on one thing I did not care for Darren at all!!! I hated how he only thought about himself and put down Britt in every single way! He was a cold hearted man!
Scary to think that your own husband, the man that you love, is stalking you! Why in the world would he be wanting to stalk you?! Does he want her dead?!
The Fake Wife has so many wicked twists, turns and Intense story lines that will have you glued to your kindle. It is definitely one to put on your TBR list.
Review of advance copy received from NetGalley
The Fake Wife by Emily Shiner is an engaging, fast-paced domestic thriller that leans heavily into the drama of toxic relationships and unhinged behaviour. This thriller keeps your attention with its messy dynamics, even if you weren't exactly rooting for the people involved!
The premise is immediately intriguing and provides plenty of dark, giggly moments—particularly regarding the absurd situation Darren finds himself in. While the plot is easy to digest and perfect for a quick read, the true draw is the characters' messiness. It is a rare book where literally no one is likeable; instead, you find yourself watching a cast of characters who all seem to be grappling with their own significant issues, moving from friends to foes in a toxic dance of manipulation. There is a special kind of fun in reading a book where you just watch the train wreck happen from a safe distance, even if the characters are driving you up the wall.
While the story loses a bit of its rhythm in the final stretch and the ending feels slightly abrupt, it concludes with a final page twist that is genuinely surprising. This is a solid, entertaining "popcorn thriller" for readers who enjoy exploring the darker, more dysfunctional side of human connection. A solid 4 "manipulative" stars for a book that is as chaotic as it is addictive.
The premise is immediately intriguing and provides plenty of dark, giggly moments—particularly regarding the absurd situation Darren finds himself in. While the plot is easy to digest and perfect for a quick read, the true draw is the characters' messiness. It is a rare book where literally no one is likeable; instead, you find yourself watching a cast of characters who all seem to be grappling with their own significant issues, moving from friends to foes in a toxic dance of manipulation. There is a special kind of fun in reading a book where you just watch the train wreck happen from a safe distance, even if the characters are driving you up the wall.
While the story loses a bit of its rhythm in the final stretch and the ending feels slightly abrupt, it concludes with a final page twist that is genuinely surprising. This is a solid, entertaining "popcorn thriller" for readers who enjoy exploring the darker, more dysfunctional side of human connection. A solid 4 "manipulative" stars for a book that is as chaotic as it is addictive.
Review of advance copy received from Netgalley
The Fake Wife was an intense and addictive psychological thriller that completely pulled me in. The story follows Britt, Darren, and the mysterious “wife,” slowly unraveling a web of obsession, manipulation and hidden truths. What begins as a seemingly simple domestic situation quickly turns into something much darker, where nothing and no one is what they seem.
The pacing is one of the strongest aspects of this book. The short chapters and multiple timelines keep the tension high and I found myself constantly wanting to read “just one more chapter.” As the story progresses, the twists start layering over each other and the psychological tension builds in a way that feels both gripping and unsettling.
What stood out to me most was the theme of obsession and identity. The characters are deeply flawed and their choices are often disturbing, but that’s what makes the story so compelling.
The final act and epilogue were especially striking. Instead of offering a clean resolution, the ending leaves you with an eerie, lingering feeling, emphasizing that the cycle of control and obsession isn’t truly over.
Overall, this was an engaging read that kept me hooked from start to finish. If you enjoy psychological thrillers with multiple twists and morally complex characters, this one is definitely worth picking up.
Rating: 4/5
The pacing is one of the strongest aspects of this book. The short chapters and multiple timelines keep the tension high and I found myself constantly wanting to read “just one more chapter.” As the story progresses, the twists start layering over each other and the psychological tension builds in a way that feels both gripping and unsettling.
What stood out to me most was the theme of obsession and identity. The characters are deeply flawed and their choices are often disturbing, but that’s what makes the story so compelling.
The final act and epilogue were especially striking. Instead of offering a clean resolution, the ending leaves you with an eerie, lingering feeling, emphasizing that the cycle of control and obsession isn’t truly over.
Overall, this was an engaging read that kept me hooked from start to finish. If you enjoy psychological thrillers with multiple twists and morally complex characters, this one is definitely worth picking up.
Rating: 4/5
Review of advance copy received from Netgalley
✦•┈๑⋅⋯ The Fake Wife by Emily Shiner ⋯⋅๑┈•✦
➝ • 4/5 ☆ •
✧ This book has that specific domestic thriller energy where everyone is lying and the house itself feels like it is judging them. The tension creeps in quietly like it paid rent and has every right to be there. Nothing is subtle. Everyone is suspicious. I read the first half with the same expression I use when someone tells me “trust me” for no reason.
What worked for me is the steady drip of wrongness. Every chapter adds another little crack and the cracks start whispering. The secrets stack up like the book is speed running bad decisions. The pacing is quick and the reveals land with that soft thud that makes you rethink the last five chapters. It is messy in a way that feels intentional which I respect.
This is for readers who enjoy domestic spirals, unreliable women, and marriages that feel like a long quiet argument. It is not here to reinvent anything. It is here to cause problems and watch you react. And honestly, it succeeds. ✧
If you like:
✔️ Domestic thrillers
✔️ Unreliable narrators
✔️ Identity swaps
✔️ Obsessive behavior
✔️ Toxic marriages
✔️ Twisty psychological suspense
📅 Pub Day: May 11 2026 📚
💌 ARC gifted via NetGalley from Bookouture. All opinions are my own.
🗣 QOTD: What scares you more: domestic thrillers or supernatural horror?
➝ • 4/5 ☆ •
✧ This book has that specific domestic thriller energy where everyone is lying and the house itself feels like it is judging them. The tension creeps in quietly like it paid rent and has every right to be there. Nothing is subtle. Everyone is suspicious. I read the first half with the same expression I use when someone tells me “trust me” for no reason.
What worked for me is the steady drip of wrongness. Every chapter adds another little crack and the cracks start whispering. The secrets stack up like the book is speed running bad decisions. The pacing is quick and the reveals land with that soft thud that makes you rethink the last five chapters. It is messy in a way that feels intentional which I respect.
This is for readers who enjoy domestic spirals, unreliable women, and marriages that feel like a long quiet argument. It is not here to reinvent anything. It is here to cause problems and watch you react. And honestly, it succeeds. ✧
If you like:
✔️ Domestic thrillers
✔️ Unreliable narrators
✔️ Identity swaps
✔️ Obsessive behavior
✔️ Toxic marriages
✔️ Twisty psychological suspense
📅 Pub Day: May 11 2026 📚
💌 ARC gifted via NetGalley from Bookouture. All opinions are my own.
🗣 QOTD: What scares you more: domestic thrillers or supernatural horror?
Review of advance copy received from Netgalley
A Delightful Mirror Image of Madness! In The Fake Wife, Emily Shiner has crafted a story so tense and twisted that you will find yourself questioning every character's reality.
Shiner surpasses herself with a plot that begins when Darren’s marriage to Britt implodes.
He suddenly wakes to find an almost exact replica of her in his bed, the cold, calculating, and totally unhinged woman that he immediately refers to as 'not-Britt'.
The story is told through a three-way point of view between Darren, the real Britt, and not-Britt, using a dual time perspective that adds incredible complexity, bringing the story gradually together perfectly.
As the layers of each character unpeel to reveal their true motives, the reader is drawn into a world of toxic friendships, selfish obsession, and utter delusion.
Shiner intentionally creates characters that are difficult to like, focusing instead on a deep delve into jealousy and the quest for power.
This claustrophobic thriller culminates in an ending that, while partly expected, still provides a genuine element of surprise. It is a complex yet easy to read in one sitting delight.
My thanks to Netgalley and Bookouture for the ARC. This is my own opinion.
Shiner surpasses herself with a plot that begins when Darren’s marriage to Britt implodes.
He suddenly wakes to find an almost exact replica of her in his bed, the cold, calculating, and totally unhinged woman that he immediately refers to as 'not-Britt'.
The story is told through a three-way point of view between Darren, the real Britt, and not-Britt, using a dual time perspective that adds incredible complexity, bringing the story gradually together perfectly.
As the layers of each character unpeel to reveal their true motives, the reader is drawn into a world of toxic friendships, selfish obsession, and utter delusion.
Shiner intentionally creates characters that are difficult to like, focusing instead on a deep delve into jealousy and the quest for power.
This claustrophobic thriller culminates in an ending that, while partly expected, still provides a genuine element of surprise. It is a complex yet easy to read in one sitting delight.
My thanks to Netgalley and Bookouture for the ARC. This is my own opinion.
Review of advance copy received from NetGalley
The Fake Wife grabs you immediately and refuses to let go. It opens with a chilling moment that sets the tone right away—something is very wrong, and you feel it from the first page 😳
The story follows a woman who steps into another person’s life after a violent act and begins living inside a world built on secrets, lies, and carefully hidden truths. What makes it so compelling is how normal everything looks on the surface while something deeply unsettling simmers underneath.
💡 What I loved about this book
The opening scene is unforgettable and pulls you in instantly
The narrator’s voice is calm, eerie, and incredibly controlled, which makes everything feel even more unsettling 😌🔪
The psychological tension builds slowly but steadily, keeping you second-guessing every motive
The domestic setting feels deceptively ordinary, which makes the darker elements hit even harder 🍷
The constant uncertainty about whether she is seeking revenge or something much more personal kept me hooked the entire time
Darren is the kind of character you cannot fully trust, even when you think you understand him. The dynamic between him and the narrator is tense in a way that feels both intimate and dangerous.
What really stands out is how the book turns everyday life into something suspicious. Simple things like conversations, routines, and relationships start to feel loaded with hidden meaning. It creates that addictive feeling where you keep thinking something big is about to break open at any moment.
Overall, The Fake Wife is a fast, addictive psychological thriller full of tension, obsession, and secrets that never quite stay buried 😈📖
The story follows a woman who steps into another person’s life after a violent act and begins living inside a world built on secrets, lies, and carefully hidden truths. What makes it so compelling is how normal everything looks on the surface while something deeply unsettling simmers underneath.
💡 What I loved about this book
The opening scene is unforgettable and pulls you in instantly
The narrator’s voice is calm, eerie, and incredibly controlled, which makes everything feel even more unsettling 😌🔪
The psychological tension builds slowly but steadily, keeping you second-guessing every motive
The domestic setting feels deceptively ordinary, which makes the darker elements hit even harder 🍷
The constant uncertainty about whether she is seeking revenge or something much more personal kept me hooked the entire time
Darren is the kind of character you cannot fully trust, even when you think you understand him. The dynamic between him and the narrator is tense in a way that feels both intimate and dangerous.
What really stands out is how the book turns everyday life into something suspicious. Simple things like conversations, routines, and relationships start to feel loaded with hidden meaning. It creates that addictive feeling where you keep thinking something big is about to break open at any moment.
Overall, The Fake Wife is a fast, addictive psychological thriller full of tension, obsession, and secrets that never quite stay buried 😈📖
Review of advance copy received from NetGalley
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 with me. When he wakes up, I'm going to tell him that I'm his new wife. I'll keep this beautiful house clean and host the most fabulous 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....
This is a gripping psychological thriller. Someone is watching every move Darren makes. She watches while he buries his wife Britt. She also plans to take her place.
This story is told from Darren, his wife Britt, and the fake wife's perspectives. I was quickly pulled into this story. The pace is perfect, the characters are well-developed and there were plenty of twists. I never saw how this book would end, it's a bit of a jaw-dropper. This is a dark and gripping read.
Published 11th May 2026
I would like to thank #NetGalley #Bookouture and the author #EmilyShiner for my ARC of #TheFakeWife in exchange for an honest review.
The next day, I smile down at Darren in bed with me. When he wakes up, I'm going to tell him that I'm his new wife. I'll keep this beautiful house clean and host the most fabulous 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....
This is a gripping psychological thriller. Someone is watching every move Darren makes. She watches while he buries his wife Britt. She also plans to take her place.
This story is told from Darren, his wife Britt, and the fake wife's perspectives. I was quickly pulled into this story. The pace is perfect, the characters are well-developed and there were plenty of twists. I never saw how this book would end, it's a bit of a jaw-dropper. This is a dark and gripping read.
Published 11th May 2026
I would like to thank #NetGalley #Bookouture and the author #EmilyShiner for my ARC of #TheFakeWife in exchange for an honest review.
May 18, 2026
I was so excited to get approved for this ARC! I LOVE Emily Shiner ever since reading Meet the Parents and this newest book did not disappoint. Where does she get her ideas for these books??
It starts off with the husband, Darren, burying his wife, Britt, in the backyard. THEN it goes into him waking up to find another woman next to him, who looks almost identical to his dead wife, saying that she is there to replace Britt. Darren is stuck playing along because she knows what he did, and she will tell if he doesn't go along with what she wants. This is the start of the downward spiral of Darren's sanity.
It goes without being said that "Non-Britt" is completely UNHINGED and the queen of gaslighting. Immediately hooked, couldn't read it fast enough. The story goes back and forth between past and present and does so seamlessly. There was no one in particular I was rooting for, they all are crazy. The ending I definitely didn't see coming.
This is exactly the kind of book Shiner is known for and I look forward to catching up on the ones I haven't read yet as well as future publications. Thanks to NetGalley and Bookouture for allowing me to review this ARC.
It starts off with the husband, Darren, burying his wife, Britt, in the backyard. THEN it goes into him waking up to find another woman next to him, who looks almost identical to his dead wife, saying that she is there to replace Britt. Darren is stuck playing along because she knows what he did, and she will tell if he doesn't go along with what she wants. This is the start of the downward spiral of Darren's sanity.
It goes without being said that "Non-Britt" is completely UNHINGED and the queen of gaslighting. Immediately hooked, couldn't read it fast enough. The story goes back and forth between past and present and does so seamlessly. There was no one in particular I was rooting for, they all are crazy. The ending I definitely didn't see coming.
This is exactly the kind of book Shiner is known for and I look forward to catching up on the ones I haven't read yet as well as future publications. Thanks to NetGalley and Bookouture for allowing me to review this ARC.
Review of advance copy received from NetGalley
This was a fun and entertaining read! Very addicting! It also had a plot/premise that I felt was unique. I don't want to spoil the story, but just a short summary, a lawyer's wife is murdered by him and then some random woman shows up that looks similar to his wife and becomes an imposter wife but not to the husband's liking. He doesn't know what's going on and he's trying to figure it out while the imposter wife is trying to be the wife but stay ahead of getting hurt by the husband. You don't understand all the motives and how all this came about until closer to the end of the book where there is some backstory to what lead up to it. The story had lies, deceptions, secrets, manipulations, deaths and more. It was written from different character's points of view and I loved how it all tied up in the end. Short, entertaining chapters, twists and turns, kept me guessing to the end how it was all going to play out. Thank you Netgalley and Bookouture for the complimentary copy of the story.
April 22, 2026
NO SPOILERS
The Fake Wife
By Emily Shiner
Pub date May 11, 2026
Rating: 4 1/2 stars out of 5
Emily Shiner is an amazing author. I love her writing style and heart beating stories. If you’re looking for a thriller that keeps you looking over your shoulder, this is it. The story is about a woman who witnesses a crime and, instead of running away, she decides to move in and take over the victim’s life.
The story is a tense, back-and-forth battle between two people who are both hiding huge secrets. It’s less about "whodunnit" and more about "how will they get away with it?" The pacing is great, and it really captures that feeling of being trapped in a house where nobody can be trusted.
If you enjoy domestic suspense with a dark edge, definitely give this one a look.
#TheFakeWife #EmilyShiner #ThrillerReader #BookReview #DomesticSuspense #PsychologicalThriller
Thank you to Bookoutore and NetGalley for the advanced reader’s copy.
The Fake Wife
By Emily Shiner
Pub date May 11, 2026
Rating: 4 1/2 stars out of 5
Emily Shiner is an amazing author. I love her writing style and heart beating stories. If you’re looking for a thriller that keeps you looking over your shoulder, this is it. The story is about a woman who witnesses a crime and, instead of running away, she decides to move in and take over the victim’s life.
The story is a tense, back-and-forth battle between two people who are both hiding huge secrets. It’s less about "whodunnit" and more about "how will they get away with it?" The pacing is great, and it really captures that feeling of being trapped in a house where nobody can be trusted.
If you enjoy domestic suspense with a dark edge, definitely give this one a look.
#TheFakeWife #EmilyShiner #ThrillerReader #BookReview #DomesticSuspense #PsychologicalThriller
Thank you to Bookoutore and NetGalley for the advanced reader’s copy.
Displaying 1 - 30 of 109 reviews