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The Optician's Wife
Can you ever really know someone?
When Deborah, an unpopular seventeen-year-old, meets the charming and handsome Larry, he sweeps her off her feet. The trouble is Larry has a secret.
Then a series of grisly murders cast a shadow over everything.
As Deborah’s world starts to fall apart she begins to suspect the man she loves of a terrible betrayal. And to keep their marriage alive, sacrifices must be made.
A compelling, psychological thriller that unpicks what goes on behind closed doors and reminds us that sometimes the worst crimes can take place closer to home than you think.
The Optician's Wife is a powerful psychological thriller by the best-selling author of Carrion, The Quiet Ones and Beneath The Watery Moon. If you are a fan of authors like Angela Marsons, Kathryn Croft, Helen Durrant, Barbara Vine or Rachel Abbott you will be gripped by this brilliant and bracing psychological thriller.
When Deborah, an unpopular seventeen-year-old, meets the charming and handsome Larry, he sweeps her off her feet. The trouble is Larry has a secret.
Then a series of grisly murders cast a shadow over everything.
As Deborah’s world starts to fall apart she begins to suspect the man she loves of a terrible betrayal. And to keep their marriage alive, sacrifices must be made.
A compelling, psychological thriller that unpicks what goes on behind closed doors and reminds us that sometimes the worst crimes can take place closer to home than you think.
The Optician's Wife is a powerful psychological thriller by the best-selling author of Carrion, The Quiet Ones and Beneath The Watery Moon. If you are a fan of authors like Angela Marsons, Kathryn Croft, Helen Durrant, Barbara Vine or Rachel Abbott you will be gripped by this brilliant and bracing psychological thriller.
225 pages, Kindle Edition
First published February 1, 2014
444 people are currently reading
1177 people want to read
About the author
Betsy Reavley
24 books270 followersBetsy Freeman Reavley is the author of Beneath the Watery Moon and A Worm in the Bottle. Carrion, her latest psychological thriller will be released in November 2014.
She was born in Hammersmith, London.
As a child she moved around frequently with her family, spending time in London, Provence, Tuscany, Gloucestershire and Cambridgeshire.
She showed a flair for literature and writing from a young age and had a particular interest in poetry, of which she was a prolific consumer and producer.
In her early twenties she moved to Oxford, where she would eventually meet her husband. During her time in Oxford her interests turned from poetry to novels and she began to develop her own unique style of psychological thriller.
Beneath the Watery Moon is Betsy Reavley’s beautifully written first release and tells the macabre story of a young woman battling against mental illness.
Beneath the Watery Moon is published by Not So Noble Books and is available as an eBook from Amazon.
Betsy Reavley's second novel Carrion is a psychological chiller that address the link between grief and mental illness.
Reavley says "I think people are at their most fascinating when they are faced with life's real horrors." This is what I love to write about.
Betsy Reavley currently lives in North London, with her husband 2 children, dog, cat and chickens. You can follow her on Twitter @BetsyReavley
She was born in Hammersmith, London.
As a child she moved around frequently with her family, spending time in London, Provence, Tuscany, Gloucestershire and Cambridgeshire.
She showed a flair for literature and writing from a young age and had a particular interest in poetry, of which she was a prolific consumer and producer.
In her early twenties she moved to Oxford, where she would eventually meet her husband. During her time in Oxford her interests turned from poetry to novels and she began to develop her own unique style of psychological thriller.
Beneath the Watery Moon is Betsy Reavley’s beautifully written first release and tells the macabre story of a young woman battling against mental illness.
Beneath the Watery Moon is published by Not So Noble Books and is available as an eBook from Amazon.
Betsy Reavley's second novel Carrion is a psychological chiller that address the link between grief and mental illness.
Reavley says "I think people are at their most fascinating when they are faced with life's real horrors." This is what I love to write about.
Betsy Reavley currently lives in North London, with her husband 2 children, dog, cat and chickens. You can follow her on Twitter @BetsyReavley
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 354 reviews
October 28, 2016
I have heard so much about Betsy Reavley and 'The Opticians Wife' from fellow book readers and friends I just had to read it for myself....and I was not disappointed!!
From the very first page the emotional tension I was feeling was palpable, drawing me in further and further, you just knew there was a underlying story buried beneath the chapters. The threatening atmosphere had me frustrated and stunned at what goes on behind closed doors.
The Opticians Wife is about quiet, shy, unassuming 17 year old Deborah who is working in Woolworths when she meets Larry an older trainee Optometrist whilst sitting in the park during her lunch hour. A passionate turbulent relationship commences and Deborah soon falls under Larry's controlling spell. They are both unlikeable and very disturbing characters (just what you want in a story like this) in and if you love dark, twisted and gruesome psychological thrillers you will speed through this!
This book will stay with me a very long time and I will certainly be reading more from Betsy.
From the very first page the emotional tension I was feeling was palpable, drawing me in further and further, you just knew there was a underlying story buried beneath the chapters. The threatening atmosphere had me frustrated and stunned at what goes on behind closed doors.
The Opticians Wife is about quiet, shy, unassuming 17 year old Deborah who is working in Woolworths when she meets Larry an older trainee Optometrist whilst sitting in the park during her lunch hour. A passionate turbulent relationship commences and Deborah soon falls under Larry's controlling spell. They are both unlikeable and very disturbing characters (just what you want in a story like this) in and if you love dark, twisted and gruesome psychological thrillers you will speed through this!
This book will stay with me a very long time and I will certainly be reading more from Betsy.
June 18, 2016
OMG! This is one of those books that you finish and then immediately want to shout about it to everyone and discuss with others who have also read it! As I finished whilst in bed during the early hours, I wasn't able to do that straight away although I desperately wanted to shake my husband awake to tell him all about this shockingly realistic psychological thriller that I had just finished. I didn't in the end but I really wish I had as I had an awful nights sleep afterwards with scenes from the book refusing to leave my mind! I think that because it felt so plausible (some parts are in fact based on a true life case) that made the whole story seem even more horrendous! The plot from this book could be happening right now in any village or town around you and you would never guess. It's certainly true what they say, you never know what goes on behind closed doors! And that's what makes this book so scary!
The Opticians Wife is based around Deborah, a 17 year old girl who works in Woolworths in Cambridge during the 1980s. She is a quiet and naive girl always on the outside, not close to her father and sister and with no very close friends. When she meets Larry, who is a trainee Optometrist she falls under his spell very quickly leading to a passionate but rather self absorbed relationship.
I have always been very interested in what happens when two people are drawn together like Dee and Larry. I am intrigued by what attracts us to other people and how sometimes two personalities coming together can be like mixing two relatively stables chemicals to create an explosive reaction that you weren't expecting! Do we actively seek a partner that understands our inner demons or do we unintentionally mould them to become that person? I find it a fascinating subject and here Betsy Reavley has done a brilliant job bringing Dee and Larry to life making their characters frighteningly believable and true to life. I physically gasped out loud at some of the plot twists here and I'm still thinking about it today!
I can't believe this is the first book I have ever read by Betsy Reavley and I have to thank her for my review copy of The Opticians Wife as I'm not sure I would have picked it up otherwise. I became so emotionally involved with the gripping plot and the vile and unlikable characters that I couldn't tear myself away from it. I love discovering new authors especially one who can shock and surprise me like this as it doesn't happen very often!
Highly recommended by me!
The Opticians Wife is based around Deborah, a 17 year old girl who works in Woolworths in Cambridge during the 1980s. She is a quiet and naive girl always on the outside, not close to her father and sister and with no very close friends. When she meets Larry, who is a trainee Optometrist she falls under his spell very quickly leading to a passionate but rather self absorbed relationship.
I have always been very interested in what happens when two people are drawn together like Dee and Larry. I am intrigued by what attracts us to other people and how sometimes two personalities coming together can be like mixing two relatively stables chemicals to create an explosive reaction that you weren't expecting! Do we actively seek a partner that understands our inner demons or do we unintentionally mould them to become that person? I find it a fascinating subject and here Betsy Reavley has done a brilliant job bringing Dee and Larry to life making their characters frighteningly believable and true to life. I physically gasped out loud at some of the plot twists here and I'm still thinking about it today!
I can't believe this is the first book I have ever read by Betsy Reavley and I have to thank her for my review copy of The Opticians Wife as I'm not sure I would have picked it up otherwise. I became so emotionally involved with the gripping plot and the vile and unlikable characters that I couldn't tear myself away from it. I love discovering new authors especially one who can shock and surprise me like this as it doesn't happen very often!
Highly recommended by me!
November 10, 2016
This was my first book ever read by author Betsy Reavley but it is not going to be my last. This was a really interesting psychological thriller with a number of different layers to it. The scene is set very early in the book that something is not adding up right and that underlying wave of suspense is very present. You just know that things are going to take some turns that you might not be expecting.
An engaging plot with a damaged, flawed main character that you will love to hate or hate to love depending on where you are at in the book. The plot is well paced and hold interest from start to finish and you will be eager to keep turning pages to get more and more answers.
The author has explored the dark and dysfunctional side of the human mind, psyche and emotions. Sometimes real life horror is darker than any other especially when you don't know you have it all around you. My opinion fluctuated back and forth on lots of characters in this book which I quite liked, I couldn't quite pin down how I felt about anyone.
There is murder and mutilation, possibly not wise to be eating whilst reading this if you are squeamish and quite obviously someone very disturbed is at work. The question is who? The next question is why? If you like to try to guess early in a book you may very well work it out like I did. This was my reason for not giving it a full five stars, I felt it was a bit too easy to work out some details that could have made for a shocking twist for me. BUT I am sure many will read it and not work it out the same way. It's a good twist regardless.
The book darkens and deepens as it goes along and by end chapters I was hooked on what was going on and eager for a blast of an ending. This was a really intriguing read that I think will appeal to a broad range of readers and it's whetted my thirst for more books from Betsy. I will be on to Carrion next I think.
Thanks for reading my review! For more of my book reviews, plenty of awesome books to win, author interviews and features come over to join me for book fun at: https://www.facebook.com/BookloverCat...
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An engaging plot with a damaged, flawed main character that you will love to hate or hate to love depending on where you are at in the book. The plot is well paced and hold interest from start to finish and you will be eager to keep turning pages to get more and more answers.
The author has explored the dark and dysfunctional side of the human mind, psyche and emotions. Sometimes real life horror is darker than any other especially when you don't know you have it all around you. My opinion fluctuated back and forth on lots of characters in this book which I quite liked, I couldn't quite pin down how I felt about anyone.
There is murder and mutilation, possibly not wise to be eating whilst reading this if you are squeamish and quite obviously someone very disturbed is at work. The question is who? The next question is why? If you like to try to guess early in a book you may very well work it out like I did. This was my reason for not giving it a full five stars, I felt it was a bit too easy to work out some details that could have made for a shocking twist for me. BUT I am sure many will read it and not work it out the same way. It's a good twist regardless.
The book darkens and deepens as it goes along and by end chapters I was hooked on what was going on and eager for a blast of an ending. This was a really intriguing read that I think will appeal to a broad range of readers and it's whetted my thirst for more books from Betsy. I will be on to Carrion next I think.
Thanks for reading my review! For more of my book reviews, plenty of awesome books to win, author interviews and features come over to join me for book fun at: https://www.facebook.com/BookloverCat...
To follow me on Twitter: https://www.twitter.com/promotethatbook
To enquire about joining my reviewers team: http://goo.gl/forms/GWMOvlofZg
Finally to enquire about my book publicity services: http://goo.gl/forms/eVwa2HFKnK
July 9, 2019
I seem to love Bloodhound books. The Optician's Wife is A fully twisted psychological thriller that grabs you from the very first page right up to last page. Buy it for a present for someone and they won't be disappointed. Young seventeen-year-old plain looking Deborah working in Woolworth meets good looking Larry, who works as an Optician and he gives her the nicest compliments. But she doesn't understand what the charming Larry sees in her. Deborah becomes married to the changed controlling, Larry. Horror strikes in their town when young women are being murdered with their eyes cut out. I highly recommend this book to crime fan. Please don't let this book pass you by!
August 4, 2017
A dowdy young woman meets slightly older, fairly good looking guy. Having lost her mother when she was 12, Deborah is forced to look after her younger sister and a drunkard of a father. Lacking style and sophistication her young life has fallen into a rut; working in a store and following the same routine day after day. Larry, an optician in the making, comes along one day and gradually sweeps her off her feet. She is overjoyed that someone as handsome and charismatic as Larry could fall for someone like herself.
They marry soon after and settle into young family life. The Optician's Wife is a psycholigical thriller with too many faults to make it an interesting read. The writing was sloppy, stunted even and dialogue was poor. Supposedly gritty it did read with a down to earth feel and pulled no punches in it's descriptiveness. Perhaps too much for some! The problem was there were too many mistakes grammatically; spelling mistakes; wrong words even! A good proofreader would have been beneficial.
The storyline itself was pedestrian and really obvious. An almost colour my numbers approach. I'm amazed at all the positivity received for this book and that's fair enough. Everyone is entitled to their own opinions. But this was neither original or inspiring. One dimensional characters where nothing was fleshed out and the ending could be seen from a thousand miles away. Seriously, how could anyone not see that coming?!
I don't like being overly critical of a book. I do appreciate that writing can take a long time and as an author you're putting yourself out there so I am respectful of those aspects. But this book seriously didn't work for me on so many levels and I can't ignore that. It has worked for many and this is only my opinion, as always.
They marry soon after and settle into young family life. The Optician's Wife is a psycholigical thriller with too many faults to make it an interesting read. The writing was sloppy, stunted even and dialogue was poor. Supposedly gritty it did read with a down to earth feel and pulled no punches in it's descriptiveness. Perhaps too much for some! The problem was there were too many mistakes grammatically; spelling mistakes; wrong words even! A good proofreader would have been beneficial.
The storyline itself was pedestrian and really obvious. An almost colour my numbers approach. I'm amazed at all the positivity received for this book and that's fair enough. Everyone is entitled to their own opinions. But this was neither original or inspiring. One dimensional characters where nothing was fleshed out and the ending could be seen from a thousand miles away. Seriously, how could anyone not see that coming?!
I don't like being overly critical of a book. I do appreciate that writing can take a long time and as an author you're putting yourself out there so I am respectful of those aspects. But this book seriously didn't work for me on so many levels and I can't ignore that. It has worked for many and this is only my opinion, as always.
June 23, 2017
Wow!!!
Wasn't sure what to expect, when I downloaded this book. Never really heard of the author before. But wow what a story, so many twists right up to the end. Will definitely be looking out for more books by Betty.
Wasn't sure what to expect, when I downloaded this book. Never really heard of the author before. But wow what a story, so many twists right up to the end. Will definitely be looking out for more books by Betty.
August 7, 2016
☆☆☆☆ 4.5 "Windows to the Soul Stars ☆☆☆☆
Deborah has always been a nobody. Her mother died when she was young and she took over the "motherly" duties taking care of her drunken father and the family prize, her sister Dawn. Deborah goes about life meek and quiet, hiding in the shadows to avoid attention.
Then she meets Larry and everything changes.
"I'd met Larry and my whole world changed. I got married, became a mother, and then...Then I started to make money another way."
Larry is Mr. Suave. Handsome, young optician that is controlling and secretive. But the love for his wife is never disputable.....until secrets are revealed.
There life is filled with never having enough money that bites them hard when a loan shark comes a knocking.
To dig themselves out of their debt, the most logical thing is to sell her body and services. Along with prostitution, selling drugs helps and Larry and Deb find this easy and continue their new found lifestyle justifiable.
But on the side, there is an evil darkness that shadows them. A serial killer is on the loose and is too close for comfort for anyone close to this disfunctional husband and wife.
THIS ENDING......BOOM....SMACK IN THE DAMN FACE!!
Miss Reavley......I WAS NOT EXPECTING!!!!
Deborah has always been a nobody. Her mother died when she was young and she took over the "motherly" duties taking care of her drunken father and the family prize, her sister Dawn. Deborah goes about life meek and quiet, hiding in the shadows to avoid attention.
Then she meets Larry and everything changes.
"I'd met Larry and my whole world changed. I got married, became a mother, and then...Then I started to make money another way."
Larry is Mr. Suave. Handsome, young optician that is controlling and secretive. But the love for his wife is never disputable.....until secrets are revealed.
There life is filled with never having enough money that bites them hard when a loan shark comes a knocking.
To dig themselves out of their debt, the most logical thing is to sell her body and services. Along with prostitution, selling drugs helps and Larry and Deb find this easy and continue their new found lifestyle justifiable.
But on the side, there is an evil darkness that shadows them. A serial killer is on the loose and is too close for comfort for anyone close to this disfunctional husband and wife.
THIS ENDING......BOOM....SMACK IN THE DAMN FACE!!
Miss Reavley......I WAS NOT EXPECTING!!!!
November 17, 2023
I only give 5 stars to the books that I carry around with me just in case I get a minute to read and this was one of those books. I devoured this book in two days which is not like me. I may even go back and read the last two chapters again so I can really absorb what the hell just happened. The best $2.99 I have ever spent!
July 14, 2016
This is a quick read at only 225 pages.Seventeen year old Deborah is naïve, quiet and vulnerable when she meets Larry who is everything she isn't, good looking, out going and full of personality. Larry is currently training to be an optician and after a short courtship he and Deborah marry, buy a house and have children. Reavely has written a very dark and suspenseful story that moves along at a fast pace and keeps you turning the pages. Most of the characters are quite unlikeable and I found Deborah's character the hardest to like. As the story moves along she has a total personality transformation and this leads to most of the suspense and tension that occurs in the book, then we go out with a bang with an ending I did not see coming.
August 3, 2016
The progression of this relationship was:
Infatuation...
Awkward dating...
Speed-marriage...
Money/baby stress...
New house...
Behind on new TV payment...
HOLY FUCK!!!
...and anything "normal" just went downhill from there.
Infatuation...
Awkward dating...
Speed-marriage...
Money/baby stress...
New house...
Behind on new TV payment...
HOLY FUCK!!!
...and anything "normal" just went downhill from there.
August 5, 2016
Don’t you just love it when you pick up a book and it blows you away, well Betsy Reavley has managed to do just that with a book that’s absolutely filled with suspense and intrigue. Deborah a gauche and naive seventeen year old meets debonair and charismatic Larry, a trainee Optometrist. Deborah soon falls for Larry’s charm, and so begins a relationship that is both obsessive and dangerous. I have to say that I really didn’t like either of the characters, in fact I found them despicable and disturbing, but that’s not a criticism by any means, I always think an author has done their job well if I have strong feelings either way about a character. As the plot progressed so did my dislike for the characters. The author has created multi dimensional characters with very complex personalities, but despite my intense dislike for the characters, I also found them strangely compelling.
I could say so much about this fabulous book, but in doing so I would give away spoilers, and I strongly feel this is one of those books the less you know the more you will enjoy it. Suffice to say the author portrays a chilling and disturbing picture of the relationship between two people, and the lengths people will go to in the name of love, jealousy, lust and betrayal. This novel has so many twist and turns I found myself turning the pages with trepidation, as I wasn’t really sure where the plot was leading. I have read lots of psychological thrillers this year and what made this book stand out for me was that I never expected the story to pan out the way it did, which certainly added an air of unease and foreboding to this superbly crafted story.
I found myself so engrossed in The Optician’s Wife I read it in one sitting, yes it really was that damn good! Betsy Reavley has written a deliciously dark and shocking psychological thriller. I can wholeheartedly recommend it for someone looking for an original psychological thril
I could say so much about this fabulous book, but in doing so I would give away spoilers, and I strongly feel this is one of those books the less you know the more you will enjoy it. Suffice to say the author portrays a chilling and disturbing picture of the relationship between two people, and the lengths people will go to in the name of love, jealousy, lust and betrayal. This novel has so many twist and turns I found myself turning the pages with trepidation, as I wasn’t really sure where the plot was leading. I have read lots of psychological thrillers this year and what made this book stand out for me was that I never expected the story to pan out the way it did, which certainly added an air of unease and foreboding to this superbly crafted story.
I found myself so engrossed in The Optician’s Wife I read it in one sitting, yes it really was that damn good! Betsy Reavley has written a deliciously dark and shocking psychological thriller. I can wholeheartedly recommend it for someone looking for an original psychological thril
September 9, 2016
Can you ever really know someone?
When Deborah, an unpopular seventeen-year-old, meets the charming and handsome Larry, he sweeps her off her feet. The trouble is Larry has a secret.
Then a series of grisly murders cast a shadow over everything.
As Deborah’s world starts to fall apart she begins to suspect the man she loves of a terrible betrayal. And to keep their marriage alive, sacrifices must be made.
A compelling, psychological thriller that unpicks what goes on behind closed doors and reminds us that sometimes the worst crimes can take place closer to home than you think.
Wow. I best catch my breath first!! I had high anticipation and expectations for this book after numerous recommendations - and my word, it certainly lived up to them!
From the first few chapters, I got a sense of something was going to explode and slowly but surely the story reveals itself. It kept me gripped all the way! The atmosphere and undertones kept me turning the pages and always had me on the edge of my seat. Immensely intriguing and highly electric, this book has all the ingredients of an epic psychological thriller at it's best.
Betsy writes with minimal inhibitions and creates a story to drop anybody's jaw! I was expecting a big crescendo at the end and my, my, it certainly delivered.
A definite 5* and although there are a few grammatical errors, this in no way spoiled the experience of this tense thriller.
A must read of 2016 - One of my favorites!
When Deborah, an unpopular seventeen-year-old, meets the charming and handsome Larry, he sweeps her off her feet. The trouble is Larry has a secret.
Then a series of grisly murders cast a shadow over everything.
As Deborah’s world starts to fall apart she begins to suspect the man she loves of a terrible betrayal. And to keep their marriage alive, sacrifices must be made.
A compelling, psychological thriller that unpicks what goes on behind closed doors and reminds us that sometimes the worst crimes can take place closer to home than you think.
Wow. I best catch my breath first!! I had high anticipation and expectations for this book after numerous recommendations - and my word, it certainly lived up to them!
From the first few chapters, I got a sense of something was going to explode and slowly but surely the story reveals itself. It kept me gripped all the way! The atmosphere and undertones kept me turning the pages and always had me on the edge of my seat. Immensely intriguing and highly electric, this book has all the ingredients of an epic psychological thriller at it's best.
Betsy writes with minimal inhibitions and creates a story to drop anybody's jaw! I was expecting a big crescendo at the end and my, my, it certainly delivered.
A definite 5* and although there are a few grammatical errors, this in no way spoiled the experience of this tense thriller.
A must read of 2016 - One of my favorites!
June 18, 2016
Having read The Quiet Ones not so long ago by the same author, I knew I would be in for a disturbing but enjoyable read and I wasn’t wrong.
Deborah is one of those quiet mousy types of girl that you would probably forget as soon as you met her. When Larry meets her, it isn’t long before he takes her under his wing and turns her into his own creation.
I really liked Deborah to start with but have to admit as the story goes on she becomes quite hardened and even though I felt quite sorry for her at times, I didn’t really like the person that she was becoming.
Larry right from the start I didn’t trust. I didn’t like how he was moulding Deborah and cutting her off from the outside world and becoming his own personally skivvy. He obviously has his own ideas to how a wife should act and he expects Deborah to follow that to the letter. He is very protective of her and in his own way I do think he truly loves her, though why she loves him so much beats me.
It is slightly hard to say much more about the storyline without giving key parts of it away which would spoil it for other readers and I certainly wouldn’t want to spoil the surprises that are awaiting them.
The Optician’s Wife is a dark and disturbing read. The author cleverly reels you in and has you believing what she wants you to believe before grabbing you and twisting you around leaving you dizzy. All I will say is that this is one book that sent a shiver down my spine and had me feeling like someone had walked over my grave!
My thanks to the author for a copy of this book in exchange for an honest review.
Deborah is one of those quiet mousy types of girl that you would probably forget as soon as you met her. When Larry meets her, it isn’t long before he takes her under his wing and turns her into his own creation.
I really liked Deborah to start with but have to admit as the story goes on she becomes quite hardened and even though I felt quite sorry for her at times, I didn’t really like the person that she was becoming.
Larry right from the start I didn’t trust. I didn’t like how he was moulding Deborah and cutting her off from the outside world and becoming his own personally skivvy. He obviously has his own ideas to how a wife should act and he expects Deborah to follow that to the letter. He is very protective of her and in his own way I do think he truly loves her, though why she loves him so much beats me.
It is slightly hard to say much more about the storyline without giving key parts of it away which would spoil it for other readers and I certainly wouldn’t want to spoil the surprises that are awaiting them.
The Optician’s Wife is a dark and disturbing read. The author cleverly reels you in and has you believing what she wants you to believe before grabbing you and twisting you around leaving you dizzy. All I will say is that this is one book that sent a shiver down my spine and had me feeling like someone had walked over my grave!
My thanks to the author for a copy of this book in exchange for an honest review.
September 20, 2016
I almost DNF... But I had to see what happened... At 45% (this book started to piss me the f*ck out) I gave an extra star for the twisted ending (didn't see that coming.) Now, I need to go put my kindle down before I smash it against the frickin wall!
November 26, 2023
I was tempted to give up on this audiobook fairly early on, as it felt completely predictable, and I really didn't warm to any of the characters, but I am not a quitter! I probably should have trusted my instincts... 😒
February 2, 2018
Wow.. that ending! My goodness this is a good book.... I didnt want to stop listening to it, I needed to know what happens next!! Will be looking out for more from this author for sure.
June 22, 2016
I think this is going to be a very difficult review to write. And I don’t mean that in a negative way, there are so many amazing things I could say about this book. It’s more to do with spoilers and wanting YOU to enjoy this book as much as I did. Why don’t you go and buy a copy and then I don’t have to worry about saying something I shouldn’t!
It’s the early 1980’s. Deborah considers herself rather insignificant and unimportant. She lost her mother several years ago and being the eldest daughter ended up taking on her mother’s responsibilities. At the tender age of 17 she is chief cook and bottle washer to her father and younger sister. Not that they show any gratitude. She has a small part time job in Woolies which she doesn’t necessarily enjoy but it gets her out of the house.
One day, whilst at lunch she meets good-looking, charismatic, trainee optician Larry who shows an immediate interest in her. She can’t understand why, but he seems sincere if not a little…controlling? Buying new clothes for her and getting her hair cut, just as he wants it.
Cambridge is rocked when a killer starts a murderous spree in the historic city. Random women are the killer’s target; they have nothing in common but are strangled, their eyes are savagely cut out then their bodies are dumped in the river.
Debbie and Larry’s relationship meanwhile blossoms and before long they are engaged. She should be happy, a glowing bride to be, but things just don’t feel right for Debbie. Surely her knight in shining armour couldn’t be responsible for the horrific murders, could he…?
This is the first time I have read a novel by Betsy Reavley but I can guarantee it won’t be the last. Her style of writing is so absorbing that I was totally entranced by her story and her characters. There aren’t many of the aforementioned characters to like in this novel as they are all deeply flawed in their own way. I did however enjoy how Debbie’s confidence grew over time, even if it wasn’t for the best. I really disliked her at points, particularly when she was interacting with her children. She’s certainly not going to win parent of the year any time soon!
The story is mainly told from Debbie’s perspective so you don’t always get to find out what Larry is thinking or feeling. From his very first introduction he felt like pure evil. Some of the chapters are dedicated to the killer’s thoughts and feelings pre-kill, which I loved. They added to the suspense of the story and are cleverly written by Reavley.
Towards the end of the book I was feeling quite tense. The build up to the conclusion gave me palpitations, so much so that I needed to sit quietly with a cuppa! I adore a book that can do that to you. What’s the point of reading if you don’t feel something?
Would I recommend this book? If you’re looking for a psychological thriller to knock your socks off then yes, most definitely. (I shouldn’t need to recommend it though as you’ve already clicked on the link at the top, right?!)
Five out of five stars.
Many thanks to Betsy Reavley for providing me with a copy of The Optician’s Wife in exchange for an honest review.
It’s the early 1980’s. Deborah considers herself rather insignificant and unimportant. She lost her mother several years ago and being the eldest daughter ended up taking on her mother’s responsibilities. At the tender age of 17 she is chief cook and bottle washer to her father and younger sister. Not that they show any gratitude. She has a small part time job in Woolies which she doesn’t necessarily enjoy but it gets her out of the house.
One day, whilst at lunch she meets good-looking, charismatic, trainee optician Larry who shows an immediate interest in her. She can’t understand why, but he seems sincere if not a little…controlling? Buying new clothes for her and getting her hair cut, just as he wants it.
Cambridge is rocked when a killer starts a murderous spree in the historic city. Random women are the killer’s target; they have nothing in common but are strangled, their eyes are savagely cut out then their bodies are dumped in the river.
Debbie and Larry’s relationship meanwhile blossoms and before long they are engaged. She should be happy, a glowing bride to be, but things just don’t feel right for Debbie. Surely her knight in shining armour couldn’t be responsible for the horrific murders, could he…?
This is the first time I have read a novel by Betsy Reavley but I can guarantee it won’t be the last. Her style of writing is so absorbing that I was totally entranced by her story and her characters. There aren’t many of the aforementioned characters to like in this novel as they are all deeply flawed in their own way. I did however enjoy how Debbie’s confidence grew over time, even if it wasn’t for the best. I really disliked her at points, particularly when she was interacting with her children. She’s certainly not going to win parent of the year any time soon!
The story is mainly told from Debbie’s perspective so you don’t always get to find out what Larry is thinking or feeling. From his very first introduction he felt like pure evil. Some of the chapters are dedicated to the killer’s thoughts and feelings pre-kill, which I loved. They added to the suspense of the story and are cleverly written by Reavley.
Towards the end of the book I was feeling quite tense. The build up to the conclusion gave me palpitations, so much so that I needed to sit quietly with a cuppa! I adore a book that can do that to you. What’s the point of reading if you don’t feel something?
Would I recommend this book? If you’re looking for a psychological thriller to knock your socks off then yes, most definitely. (I shouldn’t need to recommend it though as you’ve already clicked on the link at the top, right?!)
Five out of five stars.
Many thanks to Betsy Reavley for providing me with a copy of The Optician’s Wife in exchange for an honest review.
July 19, 2016
First of all I really do not know where to start with this review. This is actually the moment where I just want to tell the world how good this book is and for everyone to read it. I just loved it. Even after thinking where is this story going what can I stay other than it totally blew me away!
The Story is inspired by true events so straight away I thought this is going to be a good read but when the story takes a surprising turn that I didn't see coming I have to say it is absolutely flipping fantastic.
So the story starts off in April 1983 where we meet unpopular seventeen-year-old Deborah who meets the charming and handsome Larry, he sweeps her off her feet. The trouble is Larry has a secret. A series of grim stomach turning murders take place casting a shadow over everything .As Deborah’s world starts to fall apart she begins to suspect the man she loves of a terrible betrayal. And to keep their marriage alive, sacrifices must be made.
This story takes us on a journey throughout her relationship with Larry told from her point of view. I love books written like this.
Without giving to much away this is one twisted disturbing story that will have you hooked from start to finish. I couldn't simply couldn't put it now! I didn't see the ending coming at all. I loved this book so much I will definitely be reading more books by this author. Betsy is an author not to be missed. This book most certainly is in my best reads for 2016.
If you like gritty psychological thriller I highly recommend it giving it 5 massive stars.
Thank you to Betsy Reavley for a copy in exchange for an honest review.
The Story is inspired by true events so straight away I thought this is going to be a good read but when the story takes a surprising turn that I didn't see coming I have to say it is absolutely flipping fantastic.
So the story starts off in April 1983 where we meet unpopular seventeen-year-old Deborah who meets the charming and handsome Larry, he sweeps her off her feet. The trouble is Larry has a secret. A series of grim stomach turning murders take place casting a shadow over everything .As Deborah’s world starts to fall apart she begins to suspect the man she loves of a terrible betrayal. And to keep their marriage alive, sacrifices must be made.
This story takes us on a journey throughout her relationship with Larry told from her point of view. I love books written like this.
Without giving to much away this is one twisted disturbing story that will have you hooked from start to finish. I couldn't simply couldn't put it now! I didn't see the ending coming at all. I loved this book so much I will definitely be reading more books by this author. Betsy is an author not to be missed. This book most certainly is in my best reads for 2016.
If you like gritty psychological thriller I highly recommend it giving it 5 massive stars.
Thank you to Betsy Reavley for a copy in exchange for an honest review.
August 13, 2016
I had zero expectations for this book. It had passed around the office so I thought I'd give it a shot. I was surprised. I pretty much hated every character in this book at the end. I was told that by a coworker before I started and couldn't understand why until about the middle of the book.
Dee is heavily manipulated and I saw her as a victim for the first half. She started to grate on me, but the power/control aspect of her relationship with her husband was still present at the back of my mind. Towards the end, there was a complete reversal of my opinion on her.
The main thing that bothers me about this book (and what landed it at 3 stars) is this complete reversal in personality. I don't find it very believable. A girl that allows her boyfriend to dictate her hair with zero protest ends up torturing and murdering people who trample all over her? Eh. Not sure about that. There was some evidence that she was evolving, I suppose, but it wasn't enough for me.
It was worth the read, nonetheless. Especially since it was shorter and easy to read. One of my must haves for a good thriller is not seeing it coming. When I thought it was her husband offing people, I thought that she, at the very least, had her OWN suspicions. At the very most, she helped in a "after the fact" sort of way. A lot about her behavior fell into place after we found out the truth.
Dee is heavily manipulated and I saw her as a victim for the first half. She started to grate on me, but the power/control aspect of her relationship with her husband was still present at the back of my mind. Towards the end, there was a complete reversal of my opinion on her.
The main thing that bothers me about this book (and what landed it at 3 stars) is this complete reversal in personality. I don't find it very believable. A girl that allows her boyfriend to dictate her hair with zero protest ends up torturing and murdering people who trample all over her? Eh. Not sure about that. There was some evidence that she was evolving, I suppose, but it wasn't enough for me.
It was worth the read, nonetheless. Especially since it was shorter and easy to read. One of my must haves for a good thriller is not seeing it coming. When I thought it was her husband offing people, I thought that she, at the very least, had her OWN suspicions. At the very most, she helped in a "after the fact" sort of way. A lot about her behavior fell into place after we found out the truth.
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
February 24, 2017
You know how you walk into a room and can feel the tension in the air? Realizing that one false move or word will end up with somethingsomething hitting the fan?
That's what this book is. There is this constant current of tension bubbling away under the surface and you just know something is coming. You may not know what it will be, but you do know it won't be anything good.
Seventeen year old Deborah hasn't had an easy life so far. Her mother died five years ago and since then Deborah has been taking care of the household, her alcoholic father and her younger sister. She has no friends and often feels invisible. But then she meets the charming Larry and her life changes in an instant.
That's all I'm going to say. I feel the less you know when you start reading, the better. Nothing is at it seems and it's up to you to decide if Deborah is a reliable narrator or not. There were times when I felt sorry for her. There were times my head hurt from rolling my eyes so much at her naïveté. Mostly I didn't like her. Or Larry. Or quite frankly, any of the characters. Still, somehow that didn't stop me from wanting to know what happened to them. All in all, a compelling read.
That's what this book is. There is this constant current of tension bubbling away under the surface and you just know something is coming. You may not know what it will be, but you do know it won't be anything good.
Seventeen year old Deborah hasn't had an easy life so far. Her mother died five years ago and since then Deborah has been taking care of the household, her alcoholic father and her younger sister. She has no friends and often feels invisible. But then she meets the charming Larry and her life changes in an instant.
That's all I'm going to say. I feel the less you know when you start reading, the better. Nothing is at it seems and it's up to you to decide if Deborah is a reliable narrator or not. There were times when I felt sorry for her. There were times my head hurt from rolling my eyes so much at her naïveté. Mostly I didn't like her. Or Larry. Or quite frankly, any of the characters. Still, somehow that didn't stop me from wanting to know what happened to them. All in all, a compelling read.
July 19, 2016
The plot-line was interesting, even if a little disjointed. I found the writing quite amateur and numerous typos and grammatical errors spoiled the story for me.
November 27, 2022
Enjoyed this twisty little book.
August 1, 2023
Knizka plna zvratu, jedna z nejlepsich, co jsem cetla.
August 4, 2016
“When Deborah, an unpopular seventeen-year-old, meets the charming and handsome Larry, he sweeps her off her feet. The trouble is Larry has a secret.
Then a series of grisly murders cast a shadow over everything.
As Deborah’s world starts to fall apart she begins to suspect the man she loves of a terrible betrayal. And to keep their marriage alive, sacrifices must be made.”
I was a little apprehensive about reading this, having recently read Invisible and The Widow with similar sounding synopsis’ however any doubts I had quickly dissipated. I was instantly enthralled in the tale of dowdy Deborah and her blooming relationship with Larry, a 1980s Prince Charming. Larry is a 21 year old trainee optician with the world at his feet, and can give Deborah everything she’s ever wanted in life, but is Larry really all that he seems?
Set in Cambridge in the early 1980s, a spree of savage killings hits the city. Women are brutalized and have their eyes gouged out leaving everyone looking over their shoulders and locking their doors at night. All the more reason for Deborah to stay at home safely with Larry and the newly born kids, right?
The novel is written from two perspectives, firstly Dee’s (Larry’s nickname for Deborah) a shy mousy character who changes through the book to become more hardened by life’s events and more detached from her original self, and by the killer’s perspective, an insight into the evil and sadistic world they inhabit. The further into the book the reader travels the more darker and disturbing both perspectives become leaving the reader wondering how poor Dee’s life ended up where it is. Controlled and dominated by Larry, Dee is pushed further and further into herself, isolated from her family and former friends. She has no one to rely on except Larry, and no one to share the darkest secrets of her marriage with.
The story moves at a comfortable pace, exciting but not rushed. There are a few twists and turns along the way, and whilst you make think you have guessed the big reveal at the end, you have only guessed half of it! I was shocked and delighted at the climatic ending that left me gasping for breath. This is one of those rare books that will electrify you and disgust you both at the same time.
A must read and a massive 5 stars from me, I look forward to reading more from this author in the future.
Then a series of grisly murders cast a shadow over everything.
As Deborah’s world starts to fall apart she begins to suspect the man she loves of a terrible betrayal. And to keep their marriage alive, sacrifices must be made.”
I was a little apprehensive about reading this, having recently read Invisible and The Widow with similar sounding synopsis’ however any doubts I had quickly dissipated. I was instantly enthralled in the tale of dowdy Deborah and her blooming relationship with Larry, a 1980s Prince Charming. Larry is a 21 year old trainee optician with the world at his feet, and can give Deborah everything she’s ever wanted in life, but is Larry really all that he seems?
Set in Cambridge in the early 1980s, a spree of savage killings hits the city. Women are brutalized and have their eyes gouged out leaving everyone looking over their shoulders and locking their doors at night. All the more reason for Deborah to stay at home safely with Larry and the newly born kids, right?
The novel is written from two perspectives, firstly Dee’s (Larry’s nickname for Deborah) a shy mousy character who changes through the book to become more hardened by life’s events and more detached from her original self, and by the killer’s perspective, an insight into the evil and sadistic world they inhabit. The further into the book the reader travels the more darker and disturbing both perspectives become leaving the reader wondering how poor Dee’s life ended up where it is. Controlled and dominated by Larry, Dee is pushed further and further into herself, isolated from her family and former friends. She has no one to rely on except Larry, and no one to share the darkest secrets of her marriage with.
The story moves at a comfortable pace, exciting but not rushed. There are a few twists and turns along the way, and whilst you make think you have guessed the big reveal at the end, you have only guessed half of it! I was shocked and delighted at the climatic ending that left me gasping for breath. This is one of those rare books that will electrify you and disgust you both at the same time.
A must read and a massive 5 stars from me, I look forward to reading more from this author in the future.
August 20, 2016
My current obsession with brilliant psychological thrillers continues with The Optician’s Wife, another recommendation from THE Book Club on Facebook.
Deborah is a rather unpopular seventeen year old whose life is going nowhere fast. Her mother died leaving her to bring up her younger sister whilst her father drinks himself into oblivion. But Deborah’s life changes when she meets Larry, a handsome young man several years her senior who, in Deborah’s eyes, is going somewhere.
Larry saves Deborah (or Dee as she becomes to him) from her humdrum life and the pair marry rather quickly.
But Larry isn’t all he seems and when a series of grisly murders which have a particularly nasty calling card start to appear around Cambridge, Dee begins to suspect the answers to the murders may be closer to home.
But if you think that’s all this book is about, think again. There are multiple layers, twists and turns and just when you’re certain you’ve guessed where the story is leading you, there’s another whiplash of a twist. In fact, at around 40% in, something happens which actually had me gasping out loud – I did not see it coming at all.
Although I guessed the overall premise, this didn’t spoil my enjoyment of this book one bit; in fact, for me, it actually enhanced my enjoyment because I felt like I’d been let in on some special secret.
And even then, Betsy Reavley had one more twist up her sleeve at the very end…..genius!
A highly recommended thrilling ride which you won’t be disappointed with if brilliantly crafted psychological thrillers are your thing.
Deborah is a rather unpopular seventeen year old whose life is going nowhere fast. Her mother died leaving her to bring up her younger sister whilst her father drinks himself into oblivion. But Deborah’s life changes when she meets Larry, a handsome young man several years her senior who, in Deborah’s eyes, is going somewhere.
Larry saves Deborah (or Dee as she becomes to him) from her humdrum life and the pair marry rather quickly.
But Larry isn’t all he seems and when a series of grisly murders which have a particularly nasty calling card start to appear around Cambridge, Dee begins to suspect the answers to the murders may be closer to home.
But if you think that’s all this book is about, think again. There are multiple layers, twists and turns and just when you’re certain you’ve guessed where the story is leading you, there’s another whiplash of a twist. In fact, at around 40% in, something happens which actually had me gasping out loud – I did not see it coming at all.
Although I guessed the overall premise, this didn’t spoil my enjoyment of this book one bit; in fact, for me, it actually enhanced my enjoyment because I felt like I’d been let in on some special secret.
And even then, Betsy Reavley had one more twist up her sleeve at the very end…..genius!
A highly recommended thrilling ride which you won’t be disappointed with if brilliantly crafted psychological thrillers are your thing.
December 16, 2016
Betsy Reavley has recently found her way up there on the list of my favourite authors. I finished reading The Optician’s Wife last night in bed, and what an ending it was! Let’s just say I didn’t get to sleep for a while afterward as it built to an unexpected climax that made me keep the bedside light on. As I dislike reviews that give away the endings of books I’ll say no more, save to say the author pulls no punches and succeeded in shocking this reader, in a good way. I want to say far more about the characters and story, but if I did so, I’d have to give away too much and spoil it for future readers.
I enjoyed the switching back and forth between different times in Dee’s troubled past, told in Dee’s own words, as it worked well and didn’t confuse me, as can happen in some books. I can thoroughly recommend The Optician’s Wife if you enjoy honest, well-constructed writing, an easily digested style that bowls along, and well-drawn, credible characters. The Optician’s Wife is an involving book, full of surprises and breathtaking, chilling moments and one I’m sure that’ll stay with me longer than most.
I enjoyed the switching back and forth between different times in Dee’s troubled past, told in Dee’s own words, as it worked well and didn’t confuse me, as can happen in some books. I can thoroughly recommend The Optician’s Wife if you enjoy honest, well-constructed writing, an easily digested style that bowls along, and well-drawn, credible characters. The Optician’s Wife is an involving book, full of surprises and breathtaking, chilling moments and one I’m sure that’ll stay with me longer than most.
August 9, 2016
I rarely get to read a book that I have bought, but I was hearing so much about The Optician's Wife that I really wanted to read it, so when I was on holiday I took a break from reading ARCs.
I do like crime books and I do read a lot of fairly gruesome things, but The Optician's Wife was really very graphic. I didn't have a problem with that, but some might, others will love it!
Deborah is just your normal teenager, she doesn't have many friends and doesn't like living at home. So when she meets Larry who treats her like she's something special Deborah can't quite believe it. Soon they're married and living what appears to be a perfect life together. But of course all is not as it seems.
This book is great, it's full of twists and turns and just when you think you've worked it all out something happens and you realise that you had it all wrong. That happened again and again in The Optician's Wife, right to the very end.
The Optician's Wife is not for the faint hearted but it is a compelling read that will make you question everything. I thoroughly recommend it.
I do like crime books and I do read a lot of fairly gruesome things, but The Optician's Wife was really very graphic. I didn't have a problem with that, but some might, others will love it!
Deborah is just your normal teenager, she doesn't have many friends and doesn't like living at home. So when she meets Larry who treats her like she's something special Deborah can't quite believe it. Soon they're married and living what appears to be a perfect life together. But of course all is not as it seems.
This book is great, it's full of twists and turns and just when you think you've worked it all out something happens and you realise that you had it all wrong. That happened again and again in The Optician's Wife, right to the very end.
The Optician's Wife is not for the faint hearted but it is a compelling read that will make you question everything. I thoroughly recommend it.
June 8, 2016
I was lucky to be able to review a copy of this fantastic book by Betsy Reavley prior to publication. Thank you to TBC for that privilege! I don't want to put any spoilers here so I will just talk about my thoughts of the characters and plot. At the start of the book I really felt for the main character Dee, being shy and introverted...and I was so happy when she met Larry. Throughout the story my feelings towards both key characters changed in several ways. The twists and turns in the plot blew me away...if it had not been for life itself getting in the way I would have devoured this book in a day. It i 'unputdownable.' Never have I been so anxious about a trip to Specsavers- all thanks to the thrill ride provided in 'The Optician's Wife' by Betsy Reavley. I highly recommend this fast paced, clever crime/psychological thriller to all and indeed sundry - anyone who appreciates a fabulous story with gripping plotlines and horrendously addictive characters will love this.
June 6, 2016
A big thank you to Betsy for letting me read and review her book!
The Opticians Wife will be released on June the 18th and I would highly recommend you pre-order or buy it as this is a story you do not want to miss! I awarded five stars as I was hooked throughout and really enjoyed it. I can even imagine this story being turned into a film. There is a MASSIVE twist to this story that even I did not expect, but I will not be giving anything away as I will let you find out for yourself. I could not put this book down and it kept me guessing throughout, until the brilliant ending where all was revealed! The Opticians Wife is an excellent, thrilling story for all readers especially if you love thrillers, mystery, crime, suspense and killer filled stories.
Go pre-order it NOW! I promise you will not be disappointed.
Enjoy, I did.
The Opticians Wife will be released on June the 18th and I would highly recommend you pre-order or buy it as this is a story you do not want to miss! I awarded five stars as I was hooked throughout and really enjoyed it. I can even imagine this story being turned into a film. There is a MASSIVE twist to this story that even I did not expect, but I will not be giving anything away as I will let you find out for yourself. I could not put this book down and it kept me guessing throughout, until the brilliant ending where all was revealed! The Opticians Wife is an excellent, thrilling story for all readers especially if you love thrillers, mystery, crime, suspense and killer filled stories.
Go pre-order it NOW! I promise you will not be disappointed.
Enjoy, I did.
June 2, 2016
Just finished this. An absolutely jaw-dropping book.
Will write a full review when my heart stops going 19 to the dozen!
Now that I've calmed down (although I' still thinking of the ending) , I would like to thank David and the author Betsy Reavley for giving me the opportunity to read this in exchange for an honest and open review.
What a jaw-dropping book! I was grabbed at page one and it didn't let go until the final page.
Be warned! Once you start reading this your life will be put on hold as it's unputdownable.
This book has everything you want in a thriller. It pulls you along at a cracking pace with great dialogue and a plot that has more twists and turns than the world's largest fairground ride.
I can't wait to read more by Betsy Reavley.
Will write a full review when my heart stops going 19 to the dozen!
Now that I've calmed down (although I' still thinking of the ending) , I would like to thank David and the author Betsy Reavley for giving me the opportunity to read this in exchange for an honest and open review.
What a jaw-dropping book! I was grabbed at page one and it didn't let go until the final page.
Be warned! Once you start reading this your life will be put on hold as it's unputdownable.
This book has everything you want in a thriller. It pulls you along at a cracking pace with great dialogue and a plot that has more twists and turns than the world's largest fairground ride.
I can't wait to read more by Betsy Reavley.
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