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The Dead Ex
'I wish he'd just DIE.'
>
He said in sickness and in health. But after Vicki was attacked at work and left suffering with epilepsy, her husband Daniel left her for his mistress.
He said in sickness and in health. But after Vicki was attacked at work and left suffering with epilepsy, her husband Daniel left her for his mistress.
So when Vicki gets a call one day to say that he's gone missing, her first thought is 'good riddance'. But then the police find evidence suggesting that Daniel is dead. And they think Vicki had something to do with it.
What really happened on the night of Daniel's disappearance?
And how can Vicki prove her innocence, when she's not even sure of it herself?
422 pages, Paperback
First published June 21, 2018
443 people are currently reading
12219 people want to read
About the author
Jane Corry
16 books1,703 followersJane Corry is a Sunday Times and Washington Post best-seller. After working as a journalist for many years, she took a job as a writer in residence of a high-security male prison out of financial necessity. But she became hooked.
Novels include MY HUSBAND'S WIFE, BLOOD SISTERS, THE DEAD EX, I MADE A MISTAKE, I LOOKED AWAY, THE LIES WE TELL, WE ALL HAVE OUR SECRETS,COMING TO FIND YOU and I DIED ON A TUESDAY. Her next novel come out in June 2025. Title to be announced soon!
She is published by Penguin in the UK and Doubleday in Canada and the US.
You can find Jane on Twitter, Instagram, Tik Tok, Threads and Facebook . Also on www.janecorryauthor.com
Novels include MY HUSBAND'S WIFE, BLOOD SISTERS, THE DEAD EX, I MADE A MISTAKE, I LOOKED AWAY, THE LIES WE TELL, WE ALL HAVE OUR SECRETS,COMING TO FIND YOU and I DIED ON A TUESDAY. Her next novel come out in June 2025. Title to be announced soon!
She is published by Penguin in the UK and Doubleday in Canada and the US.
You can find Jane on Twitter, Instagram, Tik Tok, Threads and Facebook . Also on www.janecorryauthor.com
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 965 reviews
February 10, 2019
4.5*
Ooh!! What a deliciously twisty thriller this was!
Vicki is trying to piece together her shattered life. She’s burdened with debilitating health issues that limit what she’s able to do and where she can go. But she’s a fighter. She started her own aromatherapy business and is doing her best to move forward.
Although Vicki’s been divorced from David for years, she still finds it heart-wrenching to move on. Hoping against hope that someday he will come back to her. That wish is snuffed-out when 2 police detectives show up on her doorstep informing her that her beloved David is missing!
Scarlet is growing up fast the hard way. Her mother doing time in prison, Scarlet is continually shuffled from one foster home to another. Her only wish is to be reunited with her mother.
Jane Corry has delivered a truly ingenious thriller that will have you scratching your head as you attempt to put all the pieces of the puzzle together! This is one of my favorite kinds of thrillers. Story-lines on a collision course that will leave you speechless!
The second book I’ve read by Jane Corry and as much as I loved Blood Sisters this book was even that much better! Can’t wait for her next release!
So don your favorite detective caps! You’ll need them here! This one kept me guessing right to the end! Loved it!
A fabulous buddy read with Susanne!
Thank you to Kasey and Pamela Dorman Books/Viking for my advance copy to read and review.
Ooh!! What a deliciously twisty thriller this was!
Vicki is trying to piece together her shattered life. She’s burdened with debilitating health issues that limit what she’s able to do and where she can go. But she’s a fighter. She started her own aromatherapy business and is doing her best to move forward.
Although Vicki’s been divorced from David for years, she still finds it heart-wrenching to move on. Hoping against hope that someday he will come back to her. That wish is snuffed-out when 2 police detectives show up on her doorstep informing her that her beloved David is missing!
Scarlet is growing up fast the hard way. Her mother doing time in prison, Scarlet is continually shuffled from one foster home to another. Her only wish is to be reunited with her mother.
Jane Corry has delivered a truly ingenious thriller that will have you scratching your head as you attempt to put all the pieces of the puzzle together! This is one of my favorite kinds of thrillers. Story-lines on a collision course that will leave you speechless!
The second book I’ve read by Jane Corry and as much as I loved Blood Sisters this book was even that much better! Can’t wait for her next release!
So don your favorite detective caps! You’ll need them here! This one kept me guessing right to the end! Loved it!
A fabulous buddy read with Susanne!
Thank you to Kasey and Pamela Dorman Books/Viking for my advance copy to read and review.
February 22, 2019
The Dead Ex by Jane Corry is a 2019 Pamela Dorman Books publication.
A deeply engrossing mystery-
Vicki suffers from a debilitating disorder, however, she’s opened her own aromatherapy business and is taking things one day at a time, until she is informed that her ex-husband has gone missing, and she becomes a prime suspect.
Scarlet is a child who has been kicked around by life. Her mother has been incarcerated and Scarlet finds herself shuffled from one bad situation to another in the foster care system.
Then there is Tanya, David’s current wife, who is the one who reported him missing.
These women are so far removed from one another, moving in totally different circles, living entirely different lifestyles. So how are they connected and what, if anything, do they know about David’s disappearance?
The novel's atmosphere held my attention with an unshakable feeling of foreboding. The various narratives were so strikingly divergent I couldn’t for the life of me figure out how Scarlet and Vicki’s lives could possibly intersect.
However, my main concern for anyone considering this book is the author’s method of connecting the dots. Corry takes the long way home, so to speak, as the pacing is far from brisk. I admit that as absorbing as the story was, there were times I felt myself becoming a little impatient.
However, because the plot is so cleverly complex, a slow burn technique is almost necessary. Perhaps it was best not to rush things, because if the momentum had been quicker, the emotional punches and truly stunning surprises might not have had the same impact. Either way, I promise, your patience will be rewarded with some very shocking revelations and well timed twists!!
After thinking on this one for a little while, I feel the author really did so a terrific job of putting all the puzzle pieces in order, at just the right time and place. In my opinion, this is a smart, understated thriller. It challenged me, kept me guessing to the bitter end and had me mulling over the plot’s complexities long after I turned the final page.
*Thanks to Pamela Dorman Books for sending me a copy of this book in exchange for an honest review.
A deeply engrossing mystery-
Vicki suffers from a debilitating disorder, however, she’s opened her own aromatherapy business and is taking things one day at a time, until she is informed that her ex-husband has gone missing, and she becomes a prime suspect.
Scarlet is a child who has been kicked around by life. Her mother has been incarcerated and Scarlet finds herself shuffled from one bad situation to another in the foster care system.
Then there is Tanya, David’s current wife, who is the one who reported him missing.
These women are so far removed from one another, moving in totally different circles, living entirely different lifestyles. So how are they connected and what, if anything, do they know about David’s disappearance?
The novel's atmosphere held my attention with an unshakable feeling of foreboding. The various narratives were so strikingly divergent I couldn’t for the life of me figure out how Scarlet and Vicki’s lives could possibly intersect.
However, my main concern for anyone considering this book is the author’s method of connecting the dots. Corry takes the long way home, so to speak, as the pacing is far from brisk. I admit that as absorbing as the story was, there were times I felt myself becoming a little impatient.
However, because the plot is so cleverly complex, a slow burn technique is almost necessary. Perhaps it was best not to rush things, because if the momentum had been quicker, the emotional punches and truly stunning surprises might not have had the same impact. Either way, I promise, your patience will be rewarded with some very shocking revelations and well timed twists!!
After thinking on this one for a little while, I feel the author really did so a terrific job of putting all the puzzle pieces in order, at just the right time and place. In my opinion, this is a smart, understated thriller. It challenged me, kept me guessing to the bitter end and had me mulling over the plot’s complexities long after I turned the final page.
*Thanks to Pamela Dorman Books for sending me a copy of this book in exchange for an honest review.
May 27, 2023
He cheated. He lied. He died. Haha... loved that strapline! This is an absorbing read with three nicely crafted plotlines - the book is centred around a forty-ish epileptic aromatherapist woman formerly married to the Ex; her story crosses over with the story of a child (now a young woman) placed in care because of her mother being in prison; and both their stories run along that of a young photographer pursuing the self-same Ex. Through these three characters Jane Corry provides an interesting tale of living with epilepsy, the Criminal Justice System, fostering and of course... murder! Really enjoyed this! So getting an 8 out of 12 on my scale gets this a well deserved four stars.
2018 read
2018 read
April 11, 2020
Deception
I was totally enthralled from the first page to the last by this intricate and devious mystery. In a genre where it is difficult to stand out, The Dead Ex conjures up a captivating plot with plenty of suspense and surprises.
Vicki is one of 3 women narrating the story, her ex-husband David has gone missing and there is growing evidence that she may be involved in the disappearance. Vicki remains in love with David, even though he has remarried, to Tanya, and those feelings get in the way of logic and rational decision making. She was also an ex-prison warden (and guvnor) so she is well trained in self-defence, and quite knowledgeable of prisoners and their capacity for crime. Mix in epilepsy and we have a very strong cocktail of plausibility, motive and capability. Vicki is developed as a great character with her flaws and abilities that don’t feel contrived for the sake of the story.
Ten years earlier we hear from Scarlet, as her story is told alternately with Vicki’s. Scarlet is eight and with her manipulative and selfish mother, is unscrupulously and carelessly played into serving the mother's purposes to the detriment of her own well-being. Scarlet’s story paints a sad and damaged upbringing especially when her mother is sentenced to prison and she is sent into foster care. Jane Corry tells a captivating story that is heartbreaking with many anxious moments. How damaging can an abusive childhood be on the mental outlook and stability of a person? Scarlet, I wanted to see protected and kept safe but she carries out some immature and destructive actions that leave you discouraged. Just what a great character should do - keep your emotions churning.
The third woman, Helen, joins the story halfway through the book and just before David disappears. She has an interest in seducing David and uses here looks and guile to get close to him. Needless to say, David doesn’t consider loyalty and his marriage vow of the slightest importance and it doesn’t take much for him and Helen to get together.
These 3 storylines all come together in the final unravelling of the mystery. You may guess the twist early on but you will never be quite sure. Regardless, the story is brought to a climactic end. One little issue I have, but I believe this to be personal taste, is that I don’t like the last chapter jumping forward multiple years to give me a conclusive end – just let me create their own conclusions.
Many thanks to Penguin Books (UK) Publishing Limited and NetGalley, for an ARC version of the book in return for an honest review.
I was totally enthralled from the first page to the last by this intricate and devious mystery. In a genre where it is difficult to stand out, The Dead Ex conjures up a captivating plot with plenty of suspense and surprises.
Vicki is one of 3 women narrating the story, her ex-husband David has gone missing and there is growing evidence that she may be involved in the disappearance. Vicki remains in love with David, even though he has remarried, to Tanya, and those feelings get in the way of logic and rational decision making. She was also an ex-prison warden (and guvnor) so she is well trained in self-defence, and quite knowledgeable of prisoners and their capacity for crime. Mix in epilepsy and we have a very strong cocktail of plausibility, motive and capability. Vicki is developed as a great character with her flaws and abilities that don’t feel contrived for the sake of the story.
Ten years earlier we hear from Scarlet, as her story is told alternately with Vicki’s. Scarlet is eight and with her manipulative and selfish mother, is unscrupulously and carelessly played into serving the mother's purposes to the detriment of her own well-being. Scarlet’s story paints a sad and damaged upbringing especially when her mother is sentenced to prison and she is sent into foster care. Jane Corry tells a captivating story that is heartbreaking with many anxious moments. How damaging can an abusive childhood be on the mental outlook and stability of a person? Scarlet, I wanted to see protected and kept safe but she carries out some immature and destructive actions that leave you discouraged. Just what a great character should do - keep your emotions churning.
The third woman, Helen, joins the story halfway through the book and just before David disappears. She has an interest in seducing David and uses here looks and guile to get close to him. Needless to say, David doesn’t consider loyalty and his marriage vow of the slightest importance and it doesn’t take much for him and Helen to get together.
These 3 storylines all come together in the final unravelling of the mystery. You may guess the twist early on but you will never be quite sure. Regardless, the story is brought to a climactic end. One little issue I have, but I believe this to be personal taste, is that I don’t like the last chapter jumping forward multiple years to give me a conclusive end – just let me create their own conclusions.
Many thanks to Penguin Books (UK) Publishing Limited and NetGalley, for an ARC version of the book in return for an honest review.
January 25, 2019
The Dead Ex is a psychological thriller told from various viewpoints. Vicki is David's ex-wife who falls under suspicion when David goes missing. She has contacted him numerous times over the years to let him know where she is hoping that just maybe he will come to his senses and want her back. Scarlet is a young girl who ends up in foster care after her mother is arrested during a drug bust. Helen is a young woman who is hired by David to take Photos and enters a torrid affair with him. What is their connection? What do all of the characters have in common?
I was intrigued and trying to figure out who all the players were and what their connection might be the first half of the book. During the second half of the book, I was able to put some things together and the pieces fell into place.... but not all of them. The Author still has a few tricks up her sleeve! Even with the tricks and twists and turns, I found my attention wandering while reading this book. While I found this book to be enjoyable, it did not fully grab me or my attention. The novel is well written with several twists, turns and reveals along the way and yet, I was still left slightly underwhelmed.
Thank you to the publisher and Edelweiss who provided me with a copy of this book in exchange for an honest review. The thoughts and opinions expressed in this review are my own.
I was intrigued and trying to figure out who all the players were and what their connection might be the first half of the book. During the second half of the book, I was able to put some things together and the pieces fell into place.... but not all of them. The Author still has a few tricks up her sleeve! Even with the tricks and twists and turns, I found my attention wandering while reading this book. While I found this book to be enjoyable, it did not fully grab me or my attention. The novel is well written with several twists, turns and reveals along the way and yet, I was still left slightly underwhelmed.
Thank you to the publisher and Edelweiss who provided me with a copy of this book in exchange for an honest review. The thoughts and opinions expressed in this review are my own.
February 4, 2019
3.75 Stars!
One Twisty Thriller that keeps you guessing till the very end!
When the police show up at Vicki’s door she is taken by complete surprise. Turns out her ex-husband, David has gone missing and she is their prime suspect. Trouble is Vicki is unreliable and can’t be trusted to save her own life. The problem is of course, that if Vicki doesn’t do something fast, she just might have to.
Eight year old Scarlet has had a very tough life. Throughout her young life her mother taught her to play some very unconventional games – ones that I’m guessing most of us, haven’t played. How will this impact young Scarlet’s life? Wait and see my friends.
“The Dead Ex” by Jane Corry is a compelling, twisty, turny thriller that left me gasping! Though I found the beginning to be a little confusing, the storyline quickly turned around for me at the midpoint and I ended up truly enjoying this highly entertaining and tension-filled mystery.
This is a suspense with multiple storylines. How are on earth are they intertwined? Give it a go to see if you can figure it out for yourself!
This was a buddy read with Kaceey which both of us had a lot of fun with.
Thank you to Edelweiss, Penguin Publishing Group – Pamela Dorman Books and Jane Corry for an arc of this novel in exchange for an honest review.
Published on Edelweiss and Goodreads on 2.4.19.
One Twisty Thriller that keeps you guessing till the very end!
When the police show up at Vicki’s door she is taken by complete surprise. Turns out her ex-husband, David has gone missing and she is their prime suspect. Trouble is Vicki is unreliable and can’t be trusted to save her own life. The problem is of course, that if Vicki doesn’t do something fast, she just might have to.
Eight year old Scarlet has had a very tough life. Throughout her young life her mother taught her to play some very unconventional games – ones that I’m guessing most of us, haven’t played. How will this impact young Scarlet’s life? Wait and see my friends.
“The Dead Ex” by Jane Corry is a compelling, twisty, turny thriller that left me gasping! Though I found the beginning to be a little confusing, the storyline quickly turned around for me at the midpoint and I ended up truly enjoying this highly entertaining and tension-filled mystery.
This is a suspense with multiple storylines. How are on earth are they intertwined? Give it a go to see if you can figure it out for yourself!
This was a buddy read with Kaceey which both of us had a lot of fun with.
Thank you to Edelweiss, Penguin Publishing Group – Pamela Dorman Books and Jane Corry for an arc of this novel in exchange for an honest review.
Published on Edelweiss and Goodreads on 2.4.19.
March 4, 2019
"A court can dissolve a marriage. But it can't do the same to the heart."
Jane Corry has knocked it out of the park once again! If you've not picked up one of her thrillers I strongly encourage you to do so, they are so clever and unexpected and full of flawed characters.
I've read Blood Sisters and My Husband's Wife and now The Dead Ex and I've given all three of them 4 stars! They are similar thematically as they will all connect to prison life in one way or another - this is due to Corry's background working in a prison. They all also depict strong women as their protagonists - in particular women who have gone through trauma or a similar ordeal.
The Dead Ex begins with 2 POVs. We have Vicki, an aromatherapist living in Cornwall after a messy divorce from her ex. When David goes missing and the police come knocking, they think that Vicki knows more than she is telling them. Vicki also suffers from epilepsy (not a spoiler - we learn this very early on) so she struggles with memory lapses and blackouts which doesn't help her case.
The second POV is from Scarlet. A young girl now going through the fostering system after her mother is imprisoned for taking and selling drugs. The 2 POVs seem to have no connection so it is interesting to flick between them.
Part 2 and we are still following Vicki, and the police are closing in. When someone is killed (I won't say who) things go from bad to worse.
In part 2 we lose Scarlet's POV and we gain Helen. Who is this Helen and how does she tie in?
Overall I loved seeing how everything came together at the end. Full of surprises and evil plans, I was hooked until the very last page!
Jane Corry has knocked it out of the park once again! If you've not picked up one of her thrillers I strongly encourage you to do so, they are so clever and unexpected and full of flawed characters.
I've read Blood Sisters and My Husband's Wife and now The Dead Ex and I've given all three of them 4 stars! They are similar thematically as they will all connect to prison life in one way or another - this is due to Corry's background working in a prison. They all also depict strong women as their protagonists - in particular women who have gone through trauma or a similar ordeal.
The Dead Ex begins with 2 POVs. We have Vicki, an aromatherapist living in Cornwall after a messy divorce from her ex. When David goes missing and the police come knocking, they think that Vicki knows more than she is telling them. Vicki also suffers from epilepsy (not a spoiler - we learn this very early on) so she struggles with memory lapses and blackouts which doesn't help her case.
The second POV is from Scarlet. A young girl now going through the fostering system after her mother is imprisoned for taking and selling drugs. The 2 POVs seem to have no connection so it is interesting to flick between them.
Part 2 and we are still following Vicki, and the police are closing in. When someone is killed (I won't say who) things go from bad to worse.
In part 2 we lose Scarlet's POV and we gain Helen. Who is this Helen and how does she tie in?
Overall I loved seeing how everything came together at the end. Full of surprises and evil plans, I was hooked until the very last page!
January 25, 2019
I struggled to rate this novel. The first quarter was five stars, by halfway it was four stars but overall I’ve got it as a 3.5 after much thought.
The plot starts out really interesting and I was really hooked in but then I felt it plateaued and really dipped my interest levels by the end. Rather than building up to a grand finale. I was disappointed as it was seeming to be a super read. I really felt the ending was rushed and a superb twisty reveal ending to blow you away was possible.
The title of the novel doesn’t line up with the book at all, I think it builds expectations and throws the reader off.
So, this is not a bad read by any means. I did enjoy the read but wish momentum had upped the game. The timeline moves around and we hear from various character perspectives. By the end this all meets up so you understand the connections. However, before this it gets muddled, confusing and somewhat hard to follow - losing the plot comes to mind.
Overall an okay read but as I’ve said, by the end I felt it watered down considerably. 3.5 stars. Some I think will really love this book, others may agree with my middle of the road rating. This had so much potential!
Many thanks to the publisher for my review copy via NetGalley. All opinions are my own and totally unbiased.
The plot starts out really interesting and I was really hooked in but then I felt it plateaued and really dipped my interest levels by the end. Rather than building up to a grand finale. I was disappointed as it was seeming to be a super read. I really felt the ending was rushed and a superb twisty reveal ending to blow you away was possible.
The title of the novel doesn’t line up with the book at all, I think it builds expectations and throws the reader off.
So, this is not a bad read by any means. I did enjoy the read but wish momentum had upped the game. The timeline moves around and we hear from various character perspectives. By the end this all meets up so you understand the connections. However, before this it gets muddled, confusing and somewhat hard to follow - losing the plot comes to mind.
Overall an okay read but as I’ve said, by the end I felt it watered down considerably. 3.5 stars. Some I think will really love this book, others may agree with my middle of the road rating. This had so much potential!
Many thanks to the publisher for my review copy via NetGalley. All opinions are my own and totally unbiased.
October 29, 2018
This review seems difficult to write. I enjoyed the book but it was very convoluted. At first I had severe doubts about the main character of Vicki. When the book begins, she is an aroma therapist, dealing with epilepsy and the problems that her epilepsy medicines cause, while always wondering when her next seizure will happen. We know things have happened in her past that are important to the present time but these things are revealed slowly and later in the book. We know that Vicki is still obsessed with her former husband David and mourns a child named Patrick.
With what we know towards the beginning of the book, I don’t trust Vicki or her memory of events. There is mention of prison and memory losses due to her seizures and the side effects of the medicines that she takes. She lives her life afraid that people will find out about her epilepsy and not want to use her as an aroma therapist and she is afraid of the dangers of having a seizure while alone or in public.
We also meet an eight year old girl named Scarlet, whose timeline starts in 2006. Scarlet is used by her drug and alcohol abusing mother, in order to help her mother commit crimes for money and anything else her mother wants. Scarlet thinks what she and her mother do are games and doesn’t realize that her mother is using her to pursue her life of crime. Eventually Scarlet’s mom is arrested and Scarlet is sent to live in foster homes, the first one horrible, the second one very good, but all Scarlet can think of is that she has been taken away from her mother and that she wants to be with her mother again.
The story is told from alternating views of Vicki in present time and Scarlet from 2006 and going forward and then eventually from the views of Vicki and Helen. None of the narrators are very reliable, Vicki because she doesn’t want to face certain things, reveal certain things, and can’t remember certain things and Scarlet because she’s young and has been raised horribly by a criminal of a mother and because she’s so traumatized by her life that she has no grasp of what is really happening in it and to her. And then there is Helen, who we know is looking for something by taking up with Vicki’s ex-husband David, but we don’t know what she wants from him or why she wants it.
Further into the book I began to really like Vicki because we learn she was an educated, hard worker, who picked her career (before her second career of being an aroma therapist) based on wanting to help others and we are allowed to understand things that happened in Vicki’s life that led her to her present day problems and worries. Scarlet is a sympathetic character too, especially because she is so young, has been used and abused by her criminal mother, because she had no one to show her what a normal, healthy life should be like. At the same time, Scarlet’s thinking is so damaged by what has been done to her by her mom and others that it’s hard to feel hope for her.
Even though I had some idea where things were going at times, there was a lot of information withheld, so that we have no way of figuring out what was going to happen next. While enjoying the roller coaster ride, which mostly kept going down, down, down, for Vicki, the book often felt very manipulative and frustrating to me. I do think I’ll be pondering on it for a while because it’ll take some time to unravel all that we learned, some of which became clear only very close to the end of the book.
Thank you to Pamela Dorman Books, Penguin Publishing Group, and Edelweiss for this digital Advanced Review Copy.
With what we know towards the beginning of the book, I don’t trust Vicki or her memory of events. There is mention of prison and memory losses due to her seizures and the side effects of the medicines that she takes. She lives her life afraid that people will find out about her epilepsy and not want to use her as an aroma therapist and she is afraid of the dangers of having a seizure while alone or in public.
We also meet an eight year old girl named Scarlet, whose timeline starts in 2006. Scarlet is used by her drug and alcohol abusing mother, in order to help her mother commit crimes for money and anything else her mother wants. Scarlet thinks what she and her mother do are games and doesn’t realize that her mother is using her to pursue her life of crime. Eventually Scarlet’s mom is arrested and Scarlet is sent to live in foster homes, the first one horrible, the second one very good, but all Scarlet can think of is that she has been taken away from her mother and that she wants to be with her mother again.
The story is told from alternating views of Vicki in present time and Scarlet from 2006 and going forward and then eventually from the views of Vicki and Helen. None of the narrators are very reliable, Vicki because she doesn’t want to face certain things, reveal certain things, and can’t remember certain things and Scarlet because she’s young and has been raised horribly by a criminal of a mother and because she’s so traumatized by her life that she has no grasp of what is really happening in it and to her. And then there is Helen, who we know is looking for something by taking up with Vicki’s ex-husband David, but we don’t know what she wants from him or why she wants it.
Further into the book I began to really like Vicki because we learn she was an educated, hard worker, who picked her career (before her second career of being an aroma therapist) based on wanting to help others and we are allowed to understand things that happened in Vicki’s life that led her to her present day problems and worries. Scarlet is a sympathetic character too, especially because she is so young, has been used and abused by her criminal mother, because she had no one to show her what a normal, healthy life should be like. At the same time, Scarlet’s thinking is so damaged by what has been done to her by her mom and others that it’s hard to feel hope for her.
Even though I had some idea where things were going at times, there was a lot of information withheld, so that we have no way of figuring out what was going to happen next. While enjoying the roller coaster ride, which mostly kept going down, down, down, for Vicki, the book often felt very manipulative and frustrating to me. I do think I’ll be pondering on it for a while because it’ll take some time to unravel all that we learned, some of which became clear only very close to the end of the book.
Thank you to Pamela Dorman Books, Penguin Publishing Group, and Edelweiss for this digital Advanced Review Copy.
February 4, 2019
3.5 stars
The Dead Ex has some intriguing elements here to make for an easy lighter entertaining, drama-packed thriller. It has unreliable interesting characters with unknown connections and a lying, cheating Ex who creates some chaos and disappears leaving questions as to what happened to him.
Jane Corry does a great job here interweaving the characters and their past allowing us to question their connection to each other. We were intrigued right from the start. The pace did change a bit for us in the second half of the story and the drama really started to spike after that final twist came in. None of us saw that twist coming and that did get us talking. I started to get a bit worried that some things were getting caught up in the weeds but in the end, I thought Jane Corry pulled free of the weeds and left nothing tangled. No worries about being left in the weeds with this one. Is that a good thing or not, well that is up to you to decide but don’t forget to come back and let us know. We recommend for readers who like things easy and light yet interesting and suspenseful with some drama.
Thank you to the publisher and Edelweiss who provided me with a copy of this book to read and review.
The Dead Ex has some intriguing elements here to make for an easy lighter entertaining, drama-packed thriller. It has unreliable interesting characters with unknown connections and a lying, cheating Ex who creates some chaos and disappears leaving questions as to what happened to him.
Jane Corry does a great job here interweaving the characters and their past allowing us to question their connection to each other. We were intrigued right from the start. The pace did change a bit for us in the second half of the story and the drama really started to spike after that final twist came in. None of us saw that twist coming and that did get us talking. I started to get a bit worried that some things were getting caught up in the weeds but in the end, I thought Jane Corry pulled free of the weeds and left nothing tangled. No worries about being left in the weeds with this one. Is that a good thing or not, well that is up to you to decide but don’t forget to come back and let us know. We recommend for readers who like things easy and light yet interesting and suspenseful with some drama.
Thank you to the publisher and Edelweiss who provided me with a copy of this book to read and review.
January 21, 2019
A really smart psychological thriller told through three perspectives, the quick jumping narrative really makes this book so addictive.
With each jump slowly revealing more of the ties between the people, I kept wanting to find out how they were connected.
After a brutal attack that has left Vicki suffering from epilepsy, her former husband Daniel has left her for his mistress.
Vicki is shocked by a visit from the police as they find evidence suggesting that Daniel is dead, one of the side affects from her condition is memory loss.
Will she be able to prove her innocence, even if she is unsure herself.
Vicki was such an interesting complex character, the memory loss added such an interesting dimension to the story. Could she be an unreliable narrator?
As the story waves between the various characters, her storyline was the most fascinating.
Especially as we learn the catalyst of her attack.
I’ve not read a Jane Corry novel before, I really enjoyed the quick paced dialogue and the other characters in the story.
She’s another author who I’d certainly be reading more from in the future.
With each jump slowly revealing more of the ties between the people, I kept wanting to find out how they were connected.
After a brutal attack that has left Vicki suffering from epilepsy, her former husband Daniel has left her for his mistress.
Vicki is shocked by a visit from the police as they find evidence suggesting that Daniel is dead, one of the side affects from her condition is memory loss.
Will she be able to prove her innocence, even if she is unsure herself.
Vicki was such an interesting complex character, the memory loss added such an interesting dimension to the story. Could she be an unreliable narrator?
As the story waves between the various characters, her storyline was the most fascinating.
Especially as we learn the catalyst of her attack.
I’ve not read a Jane Corry novel before, I really enjoyed the quick paced dialogue and the other characters in the story.
She’s another author who I’d certainly be reading more from in the future.
January 26, 2019
This book falls into my “tale of two halves” category.
The book starts out a bit confusing with a snippet of a newspaper article-informing us that a body has been found, followed by a page in italics (which I later surmised must have been one of Vicki’s diary entries) and then the alternating perspectives of Vicki and Scarlett, told 11 years apart.
Vicki is David’s ex wife. An aromatherapist who David divorced after she developed epilepsy. Nice guy.
He has now gone missng, and although no body has been found, the police have one suspect-Vicki.
After all, she still calls his cell phone all the time to hear his voice, and has clearly, not let go. They use her medical condition against her, as she doesnt always remember everything, after she has suffered a seizure.
Scarlett is a child who was exploited by her drug addicted Mom. She is now growing up in the foster care system.
For the first 50% of the book, the narratives alternate leaving the reader in suspense as to how they will intersect.
And, I WAS engaged till this point.
And, then the second half begins.
At 51%, Helen is introduced. She was an intern at David’s firm, around the time he went missing. I figured out “who” she was, but not “why” she wanted a job at the firm.
I thought the story would really focus on both of David’s wives, but Tanya, David’s current wife, is not well developed at all. So, I WILL give the author credit for going in a completely unexpected direction.
However, after a long build-up, this tale of “revenge” became far fetched to me.
Helen’s involvement-maybe...But what was hard to believe was that David would ever marry Vicki- and the last reveal was even more of a stretch for me!!! (Final newspaper snippet/letter)
I need an ending that surprises me, while simultaneously being believable-not a twist just for the sake of having a twist-not a twist that comes out of nowhere.
So, despite a strong start, this became MY least favorite of author’s three books by the end.
I enjoyed reading and discussing this with the Traveling Sisters group!
It was a book I won on Goodreads, (thank you!) and though candid reviews are not required from winners, they are appreciated!
The book starts out a bit confusing with a snippet of a newspaper article-informing us that a body has been found, followed by a page in italics (which I later surmised must have been one of Vicki’s diary entries) and then the alternating perspectives of Vicki and Scarlett, told 11 years apart.
Vicki is David’s ex wife. An aromatherapist who David divorced after she developed epilepsy. Nice guy.
He has now gone missng, and although no body has been found, the police have one suspect-Vicki.
After all, she still calls his cell phone all the time to hear his voice, and has clearly, not let go. They use her medical condition against her, as she doesnt always remember everything, after she has suffered a seizure.
Scarlett is a child who was exploited by her drug addicted Mom. She is now growing up in the foster care system.
For the first 50% of the book, the narratives alternate leaving the reader in suspense as to how they will intersect.
And, I WAS engaged till this point.
And, then the second half begins.
At 51%, Helen is introduced. She was an intern at David’s firm, around the time he went missing. I figured out “who” she was, but not “why” she wanted a job at the firm.
I thought the story would really focus on both of David’s wives, but Tanya, David’s current wife, is not well developed at all. So, I WILL give the author credit for going in a completely unexpected direction.
However, after a long build-up, this tale of “revenge” became far fetched to me.
Helen’s involvement-maybe...But what was hard to believe was that David would ever marry Vicki- and the last reveal was even more of a stretch for me!!! (Final newspaper snippet/letter)
I need an ending that surprises me, while simultaneously being believable-not a twist just for the sake of having a twist-not a twist that comes out of nowhere.
So, despite a strong start, this became MY least favorite of author’s three books by the end.
I enjoyed reading and discussing this with the Traveling Sisters group!
It was a book I won on Goodreads, (thank you!) and though candid reviews are not required from winners, they are appreciated!
August 9, 2025
This Jayne loved this Jane/Jayne audiobook.
Penned by Jane Corry and narrated by Jayne Entwistle, this Jayne was absolutely, positively transfixed from start to finish.
When an aromatherapist's ex-husband is reported missing and the ex-husband's wife is found dead, the ex-wife is a suspect.
The ex-wife suffers from epilepsy and memory lapses.
Is she guilty, or was she being set up?????
Unfolding from multiple POVs and timelines, portions of this intricately plotted book were fragmented and confusing.
The chapter about child abuse in the foster care system was deeply troubling.
Some of the prison scenes were unsettling.
Yet, the book's character development was stellar, and when I crossed the finish line and the final twist was revealed, I was waving a "WOW!" flag.
This is my second Jane Corry book, and I eagerly await her future releases.
This 2019 release was one of my besties of 2025.
All the stars!
⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐
February 4, 2019
I have yet to meet a Jane Corry book I did not like. This was no exception. This was released last year in the UK and it has been driving me mad trying to figure out how to get my hands on a copy. So you can imagine how excited I was when Viking Books offered me a copy before the release here in the U.S. I was over the top excited. I may have jumped up and down a bit. To further add to the excitement my fellow Traveling Sisters decided to read this as a group. Score!! I was so excited! Please pop over to Two Sisters Lost in a Coulee to hear their thoughts!
The Dead Ex is a story that drew me in right from the start. Vicki is divorced and has not seen her ex husband David for five years, or so this is what she tells the detectives. Vicki receives a knock on the door when her ex David goes missing. His new wife Tanya has reported him missing and Vicki is on the list of people to question. You might ask why Vicki is on the list? Well while Vicki claims her and David were over and she has not seen him...there is proof that Vicki saw him right before he went missing! Ekkk Vicki what are you hiding?!
Instantly I am wondering if Vicki and David are in on something together and devised a plot for him to disappear but Vicki hates him right? Or is that what really happened, did Vicki get rid of her cheating ex husband once and for all? I had all kinds of theories but alas as usual they weren't correct. Where the heck is David? Why is Vicki lying? Or has she had some lapse in memory due to health conditions? I had so many questions......my head was spinning. I couldn't even decide if David was dead or alive!
Then in alternating chapters we have yet another story unfolding. A disturbing story of a mother and daughter. The mother Zelda is a drug dealer and has chosen to bring her young daughter into the world of drugs and other crimes by having her tag along and assist her. I kept wondering how these two very different stories were going to tie in but they did! I must admit I gasped at the ending as it really took a turn I did not expect.
Thank you so much to Jane Corry and Viking Books for this ARC.
The Dead Ex is a story that drew me in right from the start. Vicki is divorced and has not seen her ex husband David for five years, or so this is what she tells the detectives. Vicki receives a knock on the door when her ex David goes missing. His new wife Tanya has reported him missing and Vicki is on the list of people to question. You might ask why Vicki is on the list? Well while Vicki claims her and David were over and she has not seen him...there is proof that Vicki saw him right before he went missing! Ekkk Vicki what are you hiding?!
Instantly I am wondering if Vicki and David are in on something together and devised a plot for him to disappear but Vicki hates him right? Or is that what really happened, did Vicki get rid of her cheating ex husband once and for all? I had all kinds of theories but alas as usual they weren't correct. Where the heck is David? Why is Vicki lying? Or has she had some lapse in memory due to health conditions? I had so many questions......my head was spinning. I couldn't even decide if David was dead or alive!
Then in alternating chapters we have yet another story unfolding. A disturbing story of a mother and daughter. The mother Zelda is a drug dealer and has chosen to bring her young daughter into the world of drugs and other crimes by having her tag along and assist her. I kept wondering how these two very different stories were going to tie in but they did! I must admit I gasped at the ending as it really took a turn I did not expect.
Thank you so much to Jane Corry and Viking Books for this ARC.
July 2, 2018
Having read “ Blood sisters” I was pleased that netgalley gave me a copy in exchange for a review.
The chapters alternate between Vicki whose ex husband David has gone missing and Scarlet a child exploited by her mother. The police suspect Vicki of harming David, but not remembering because of memory loss due to epilepsy. When Scarlet’s Mother is sent to prison her story becomes a depressing circle of foster homes and not knowing who to trust.
As the story develops we uncover the link between Vicki and Scarlet and new character Helen who is desperate to get close to David. There are many twists with a dramatic ending which won’t disappoint.
The chapters alternate between Vicki whose ex husband David has gone missing and Scarlet a child exploited by her mother. The police suspect Vicki of harming David, but not remembering because of memory loss due to epilepsy. When Scarlet’s Mother is sent to prison her story becomes a depressing circle of foster homes and not knowing who to trust.
As the story develops we uncover the link between Vicki and Scarlet and new character Helen who is desperate to get close to David. There are many twists with a dramatic ending which won’t disappoint.
January 30, 2019
The Dead Ex by Jane Corry is a thriller read that is told from multiple points of view. It’s also the type of book that feels very much like you picked up more than one book and keep switching back and forth until the author finally weaves the stories into one.
Vicki is now single having gone through a divorce and is living on her own working as an aromatherapist. Just as Vicki is finishing up with a new client she hopes to have return the police arrive on her doorstep with questions about Vicki’s ex-husband, it seems that his new wife has reported David missing.
Scarlet is an eight year old that is being raised by her single mother, Zelda. Zelda and Scarlet are very close and Zelda has taught her daughter how to play many “games” between them. One of these games eventually have the police catching Scarlet and Zelda sending Zelda off to prison and Scarlet into foster care.
Jane Corry is another author I have read before and was expecting great things from when picking up The Dead Ex. This one really did start off with a bang really pulling me into the book and making me very curious how everything would play out. However, I do think somewhere there in the middle the book got a little flat for me and just didn’t keep up the same spark. After an ending I wouldn’t have guessed though I do think it was still worth the read giving it 3.5 stars and will come back to this author again in the future.
I received an advance copy from the publisher via NetGalley.
For more reviews please visit https://carriesbookreviews.com/
Vicki is now single having gone through a divorce and is living on her own working as an aromatherapist. Just as Vicki is finishing up with a new client she hopes to have return the police arrive on her doorstep with questions about Vicki’s ex-husband, it seems that his new wife has reported David missing.
Scarlet is an eight year old that is being raised by her single mother, Zelda. Zelda and Scarlet are very close and Zelda has taught her daughter how to play many “games” between them. One of these games eventually have the police catching Scarlet and Zelda sending Zelda off to prison and Scarlet into foster care.
Jane Corry is another author I have read before and was expecting great things from when picking up The Dead Ex. This one really did start off with a bang really pulling me into the book and making me very curious how everything would play out. However, I do think somewhere there in the middle the book got a little flat for me and just didn’t keep up the same spark. After an ending I wouldn’t have guessed though I do think it was still worth the read giving it 3.5 stars and will come back to this author again in the future.
I received an advance copy from the publisher via NetGalley.
For more reviews please visit https://carriesbookreviews.com/
June 23, 2018
5 Addictive Stars!
Wow, this one sure kept me guessing. Clever, original, and well-executed, I read it over a day, frantically turning the pages, desperate to know how it ended. A quick read, that flowed well, with short chapters, and few POV’s. 75% in and I was still clueless as to how the characters were all connected. I had my theories but couldn’t quite get them to all fit together. And those twists – just when you think you know everything there is to know there’s more – and then more. The first couple of chapters in Vicki’s POV were a little slow – although if you’re really into aromatherapy you’ll probably enjoy them – hee.
This is Jane Corry’s third novel, and her previous two novels were also 5-star reads for me. She’s the Queen of the psychological thriller in my book. I dare you to pick up this book, and see if you can figure it out.
Wow, this one sure kept me guessing. Clever, original, and well-executed, I read it over a day, frantically turning the pages, desperate to know how it ended. A quick read, that flowed well, with short chapters, and few POV’s. 75% in and I was still clueless as to how the characters were all connected. I had my theories but couldn’t quite get them to all fit together. And those twists – just when you think you know everything there is to know there’s more – and then more. The first couple of chapters in Vicki’s POV were a little slow – although if you’re really into aromatherapy you’ll probably enjoy them – hee.
This is Jane Corry’s third novel, and her previous two novels were also 5-star reads for me. She’s the Queen of the psychological thriller in my book. I dare you to pick up this book, and see if you can figure it out.
July 9, 2018
"The Dead Ex" is the third novel from Sunday Times Bestseller, Jane Corry, the Queen of the twisty read. It is the first of her books that I have read, the rest are already on my TBR list. The advance praise from some of the best writers in the business drew me into reading it.
I have to say I was a little disappointed by my first foray into Corry's novels. It was an addictive and, on the whole, easy read, but the multiple points-of-view made for a complex and sometimes confusing narrative. I felt I had to consider things a bit too much as I prefer my thrillers to be light and not too taxing in order to relax. I carried on with it as I wanted to know how the different characters were connected and how the story concluded.
Some of the subject matter explored was rather sad. There is no doubt that this is a clever story with many interwoven threads, but the combination of the confusing narrative and unlikable characters made for a book that I liked less than I thought I would unfortunately.
I would definitely try another Jane Corry title in the future and will attempt to read her previous two in the hope that I enjoy them more than I did this.
Many thanks to Penguin (UK) for an ARC. I was not required to post a review and all thoughts and opinions expressed are my own.
I have to say I was a little disappointed by my first foray into Corry's novels. It was an addictive and, on the whole, easy read, but the multiple points-of-view made for a complex and sometimes confusing narrative. I felt I had to consider things a bit too much as I prefer my thrillers to be light and not too taxing in order to relax. I carried on with it as I wanted to know how the different characters were connected and how the story concluded.
Some of the subject matter explored was rather sad. There is no doubt that this is a clever story with many interwoven threads, but the combination of the confusing narrative and unlikable characters made for a book that I liked less than I thought I would unfortunately.
I would definitely try another Jane Corry title in the future and will attempt to read her previous two in the hope that I enjoy them more than I did this.
Many thanks to Penguin (UK) for an ARC. I was not required to post a review and all thoughts and opinions expressed are my own.
April 9, 2018
The Dead Ex by Jane Corry is a thriller about Vicki who is diagnosed with epilepsy. Her husband Daniel then leaves her for his mistress. Vicki is left struggling to cope with living with her condition on her own. A few years later the police visit her to tell her that Daniel is missing and they think that she may have harmed him. Vicky is now trying to prove that she had nothing to do with his disappearance. This story has many twists and turns. I would like to thank NetGalley and Penguin Books UK for my e-copy in exchange for an honest review.
August 6, 2018
The Dead Ex is the first book by Jane Corry that I've read but it won't be the last.
The Dead Ex is a psychological thriller that is full of twists, turns and with moments of shock.
This book is fast paced and easy to follow you never get confused or lost as the chapters are told by 3 different people.
The Dead Ex is an easy enjoyable psychological thriller which I recommend if these are your kind of books.
The Dead Ex is a psychological thriller that is full of twists, turns and with moments of shock.
This book is fast paced and easy to follow you never get confused or lost as the chapters are told by 3 different people.
The Dead Ex is an easy enjoyable psychological thriller which I recommend if these are your kind of books.
February 5, 2019
I know many people are kinda over the whole unreliable narrator thing in psychological thrillers but for me, when they're done well I'm all about it. This one was done incredibly well and the unreliability kept me constantly guessing and then second guessing myself, I just love that!
This is told from a few perspectives, first you have Vicki who suffers from epilepsy and between the seizures she has and the medications she has to take her memory and recollection is hazy at best. Then you have Scarlet, a little girl who is sent to foster care after her mother is sent to jail. It flips back and forth between the two and it also alternates timelines and I really wasn't sure how they could possibly be connected. When things finally did start to come together it was nothing that I saw coming ahead of time, it was really clever and well executed.
Characterization is Corry's strong suit, even though Vicki was hard to read in terms of dependability she was very well drawn and extremely interesting. Poor Scarlet broke my heart, she was so little when her mom was locked up and had some rough times. Between the great characters, the strong writing and the twisty storyline I was totally engrossed and eager to see how it would work out in the end, and the conclusion was really strong, the author threw in one more sucker punch of a twist that was utterly satisfying. Highly recommended for fans of psychological thrillers, especially those who like to be left guessing.
The Dead Ex in three words: Addictive, Unpredictable and Engrossing.
This is told from a few perspectives, first you have Vicki who suffers from epilepsy and between the seizures she has and the medications she has to take her memory and recollection is hazy at best. Then you have Scarlet, a little girl who is sent to foster care after her mother is sent to jail. It flips back and forth between the two and it also alternates timelines and I really wasn't sure how they could possibly be connected. When things finally did start to come together it was nothing that I saw coming ahead of time, it was really clever and well executed.
Characterization is Corry's strong suit, even though Vicki was hard to read in terms of dependability she was very well drawn and extremely interesting. Poor Scarlet broke my heart, she was so little when her mom was locked up and had some rough times. Between the great characters, the strong writing and the twisty storyline I was totally engrossed and eager to see how it would work out in the end, and the conclusion was really strong, the author threw in one more sucker punch of a twist that was utterly satisfying. Highly recommended for fans of psychological thrillers, especially those who like to be left guessing.
The Dead Ex in three words: Addictive, Unpredictable and Engrossing.
August 21, 2020
I enjoyed this a lot more than I thought I would! I really liked how all the characters linked together with twists I never saw coming. I loved how it showed the history of Vicki and her strength. There's nothing better than a strong main character that can have weaknesses but still find strength.
I liked how there was the parts with Scarlet, how she had a really traumatic time and how factors can affect upbringing. I loved how Scarlet and her mother did end up coming back into the book but in a very surprise way that actually made me go wow.
Then the final twist after I thought all the twists were over - I did not see it coming! It was a twist that actually made me feel anger for Vicki - she had it tough and then it was like one last stab in the back for her. It made the book even better though. I love books that can make you feel real emptions. Really good read.
I liked how there was the parts with Scarlet, how she had a really traumatic time and how factors can affect upbringing. I loved how Scarlet and her mother did end up coming back into the book but in a very surprise way that actually made me go wow.
Then the final twist after I thought all the twists were over - I did not see it coming! It was a twist that actually made me feel anger for Vicki - she had it tough and then it was like one last stab in the back for her. It made the book even better though. I love books that can make you feel real emptions. Really good read.
January 29, 2019
I loved this book. It was so well written and easy to read. It flowed well and the character development was really well done. I loved the characters. The book is broken into three sections. I have to admit I was a little thrown when a new character showed up in Part 2 by the name of Helen. It didn't take long for it to fall into place though.
The story was intriguing and I didn't want to put the book down. The story had enough little twists in it to keep you interested. It was the character development that hooked me though. I loved the characters and their little quirks. I found myself always trying to figure them out; what were they up to and what did they have planned. This is always one of my favorite things and what ultimately makes or breaks a book for me.
Jane Corry writes well and the story was different; not what I am used to reading about. Vicki's career choice was interesting. I really did enjoy this and would definitely recommend!
The story was intriguing and I didn't want to put the book down. The story had enough little twists in it to keep you interested. It was the character development that hooked me though. I loved the characters and their little quirks. I found myself always trying to figure them out; what were they up to and what did they have planned. This is always one of my favorite things and what ultimately makes or breaks a book for me.
Jane Corry writes well and the story was different; not what I am used to reading about. Vicki's career choice was interesting. I really did enjoy this and would definitely recommend!
July 16, 2018
The Dead Ex was a brilliantly gripping thriller that kept me guessing. This book kept me company during a long night with a poorly baby and definitely helped make the hours go by faster!
The story is told from the point of view of both Vicki, an aromatherapist with a murky past, and Scarlett a little girl who has been used as a pawn for her mum’s drug dealing. I found this very intriguing as it wasn’t immediately obvious why the story was being told from both perspectives. My first view of the characters was that they were, to use my mum’s expression, more to be pityied than scolded. They’ve both had hard lives and have had a lot of different things to deal with. This opinion did change throughout the book as the story unfolds.
I really enjoyed how this story progressed. The author slowly releases little snippets of information about the book and the mystery at a great pace that kept me interested and turning the pages. The reader is aware almost from the start that something is not quite right with Vicki’s narrative and her past which helped add to the tension as I tried to work out what it was. There were a lot of twists and turns which I loved. As soon as I thought I’d figured out what was happening, something would happen to send it in a completely different direction. The ending was brilliant a great way to end this fabulous book.
Huge thanks to Hannah Ludbrooke and Viking Penguin for my copy of this book and inviting me onto the blog tour. If you like gripping, fast paced thrillers with some fantastic twists and turns you’ll love this book!
The story is told from the point of view of both Vicki, an aromatherapist with a murky past, and Scarlett a little girl who has been used as a pawn for her mum’s drug dealing. I found this very intriguing as it wasn’t immediately obvious why the story was being told from both perspectives. My first view of the characters was that they were, to use my mum’s expression, more to be pityied than scolded. They’ve both had hard lives and have had a lot of different things to deal with. This opinion did change throughout the book as the story unfolds.
I really enjoyed how this story progressed. The author slowly releases little snippets of information about the book and the mystery at a great pace that kept me interested and turning the pages. The reader is aware almost from the start that something is not quite right with Vicki’s narrative and her past which helped add to the tension as I tried to work out what it was. There were a lot of twists and turns which I loved. As soon as I thought I’d figured out what was happening, something would happen to send it in a completely different direction. The ending was brilliant a great way to end this fabulous book.
Huge thanks to Hannah Ludbrooke and Viking Penguin for my copy of this book and inviting me onto the blog tour. If you like gripping, fast paced thrillers with some fantastic twists and turns you’ll love this book!
October 25, 2025
2.5 stars not rounded up
This is not a bad book but imagine you're driving from Boston to New York and instead of going straight you drive-through Chicago first or even Seattle. That's how this book turned out to be.
A very long, winded road, peppered with too many details, situations that bear little significance.
Also, the story is extremely predictable. Once again, the police is failing to properly investigate things.
And we also have a main character that keeps lying. I understand that the author probably wanted to offer some misdirection, but an unreliable main character, who is telling the story as it goes is actually quite annoying.
The only thing that I really enjoyed was the writing style. Jane Corry is such an amazing writer and I really enjoy her work.
This is not a bad book but imagine you're driving from Boston to New York and instead of going straight you drive-through Chicago first or even Seattle. That's how this book turned out to be.
A very long, winded road, peppered with too many details, situations that bear little significance.
Also, the story is extremely predictable. Once again, the police is failing to properly investigate things.
And we also have a main character that keeps lying. I understand that the author probably wanted to offer some misdirection, but an unreliable main character, who is telling the story as it goes is actually quite annoying.
The only thing that I really enjoyed was the writing style. Jane Corry is such an amazing writer and I really enjoy her work.
July 20, 2018
Having enjoyed both of Jane’s previous books, My Husband’s Wife and Blood Sisters , I was delighted to receive a review copy of the latest, The Dead Ex.
The Dead Ex is an intriguing and absorbing read; told from the first and third person perspectives of 3 characters over 2 timelines, the different narrators have their own story to tell (some of which makes for difficult reading) and although I wondered at the beginning how they were connected, all did become clear. Each chapter is clearly headed with the character name and date so there is no confusion.
Vicki Goudman is one of those characters who hasn’t had an easy life and when things go wrong, they go wrong spectacularly. Bruised by previous experiences, she has rather a nomadic life, lives quietly and simply, working from home as an aromatheraperist. Her ex-husband David, is missing, presumed dead and Vicki appears to be the number one suspect. Her problem is that no-one, especially the police, seem to believe her innocence. Indeed, Vicki herself is unsure, the medication she takes for her epilepsy causes some memory issues. Could she have killed him and if so, why can’t she remember anything at all about it.
David Goudman is one of those characters that it is REALLY difficult to feel any sympathy for. He can turn on the charm and give the appearance of being solicitous and thoughtful but under the surface is actually rather unpleasant, a little part of me, (perhaps rather cruelly), hoped that he had met an untimely end!
I felt much sympathy for Vicki, but I also felt frustrated with her. I wanted to believe her innocence but when you feel that a character is deliberately holding something back and not disclosing information, there is that feeling of uncertainty and I didn’t entirely trust her.
The story starts slowly, whilst it builds the characters and backstory but then moves on at a pace. There are some diverse characters – some are very unpleasant indeed but skilled plotting across timelines, together with perhaps a touch of misdirection (it certainly seemed that way to me at times) bring everything together to form a suspenseful story which keeps the reader guessing. What I particularly enjoy about Jane’s books are her complex characters. As with real life, none are perfect, and its their vulnerabilities which make them feel realistic. Quite a bit of a story here takes place in a prison with the dramas and traumas faced by both staff and inmates. The author has experience in this field which adds a level of authenticity. As you would expect, there are twists in the tale and surprises and although I had correctly worked out part of the conclusion, there was one aspect that I was completely unprepared for.
Another very enjoyable read from Jane Corry. Three books in, she has cemented her place in my list of ‘must read’ authors.
The Dead Ex is an intriguing and absorbing read; told from the first and third person perspectives of 3 characters over 2 timelines, the different narrators have their own story to tell (some of which makes for difficult reading) and although I wondered at the beginning how they were connected, all did become clear. Each chapter is clearly headed with the character name and date so there is no confusion.
Vicki Goudman is one of those characters who hasn’t had an easy life and when things go wrong, they go wrong spectacularly. Bruised by previous experiences, she has rather a nomadic life, lives quietly and simply, working from home as an aromatheraperist. Her ex-husband David, is missing, presumed dead and Vicki appears to be the number one suspect. Her problem is that no-one, especially the police, seem to believe her innocence. Indeed, Vicki herself is unsure, the medication she takes for her epilepsy causes some memory issues. Could she have killed him and if so, why can’t she remember anything at all about it.
David Goudman is one of those characters that it is REALLY difficult to feel any sympathy for. He can turn on the charm and give the appearance of being solicitous and thoughtful but under the surface is actually rather unpleasant, a little part of me, (perhaps rather cruelly), hoped that he had met an untimely end!
I felt much sympathy for Vicki, but I also felt frustrated with her. I wanted to believe her innocence but when you feel that a character is deliberately holding something back and not disclosing information, there is that feeling of uncertainty and I didn’t entirely trust her.
The story starts slowly, whilst it builds the characters and backstory but then moves on at a pace. There are some diverse characters – some are very unpleasant indeed but skilled plotting across timelines, together with perhaps a touch of misdirection (it certainly seemed that way to me at times) bring everything together to form a suspenseful story which keeps the reader guessing. What I particularly enjoy about Jane’s books are her complex characters. As with real life, none are perfect, and its their vulnerabilities which make them feel realistic. Quite a bit of a story here takes place in a prison with the dramas and traumas faced by both staff and inmates. The author has experience in this field which adds a level of authenticity. As you would expect, there are twists in the tale and surprises and although I had correctly worked out part of the conclusion, there was one aspect that I was completely unprepared for.
Another very enjoyable read from Jane Corry. Three books in, she has cemented her place in my list of ‘must read’ authors.
April 9, 2022
Domestic Thrillers / Women's Divorce Fiction / Prison
Publication Date: July 23, 2019
"How do we really know what someone is like underneath?"
Vicki is in her 40s, childless, divorced, living on her own and working as an aromatherapist. She also suffer from epilepsy and seizures. One day Vicki has just finishing up with a new client when the police arrive on her doorstep with questions about Vicki’s ex-husband David. It seems that his new wife has reported him missing. Vicki is stunned. Surely they can't believe that she had anything to do with his disappearance. Or could she?
THE DEAD EX is told via multiple storylines and different timelines. Even thought the chapters are short, I felt like it went back and forth too long. At the beginning I was confused why do we have Scarlet's POV. Never enjoyed her chapters nor warmed up to her! Vicki was another one of those unreliable characters who you can not completly trust because of her lies and memory lapses.
Given Vicki's background, I found it odd why she would allow the police to treat her like that. But I also felt sorry for Vicki. Even though I found her obsession with her ex odd, many women suffer when their husband has left them for another woman (especially after Vicki's tragedy). Also many women rush into a relationship because their biological clock is ticking and they feel the need to get married.
Overall I liked this story very much and enjoyed its many twist and turns. Its sad and warning story, but also hopeful.
"Time is a great healer. You never forget, but you learn to live with it."
If you enjoyed this story, then I'd like to recommend My Husband's Wife by Jane Corry and The Girl on the Train by Paula Hawkins.
Publication Date: July 23, 2019
"How do we really know what someone is like underneath?"
Vicki is in her 40s, childless, divorced, living on her own and working as an aromatherapist. She also suffer from epilepsy and seizures. One day Vicki has just finishing up with a new client when the police arrive on her doorstep with questions about Vicki’s ex-husband David. It seems that his new wife has reported him missing. Vicki is stunned. Surely they can't believe that she had anything to do with his disappearance. Or could she?
THE DEAD EX is told via multiple storylines and different timelines. Even thought the chapters are short, I felt like it went back and forth too long. At the beginning I was confused why do we have Scarlet's POV. Never enjoyed her chapters nor warmed up to her! Vicki was another one of those unreliable characters who you can not completly trust because of her lies and memory lapses.
Given Vicki's background, I found it odd why she would allow the police to treat her like that. But I also felt sorry for Vicki. Even though I found her obsession with her ex odd, many women suffer when their husband has left them for another woman (especially after Vicki's tragedy). Also many women rush into a relationship because their biological clock is ticking and they feel the need to get married.
Overall I liked this story very much and enjoyed its many twist and turns. Its sad and warning story, but also hopeful.
"Time is a great healer. You never forget, but you learn to live with it."
If you enjoyed this story, then I'd like to recommend My Husband's Wife by Jane Corry and The Girl on the Train by Paula Hawkins.
December 26, 2018
★★★☆
Almost exactly two years ago, I read Corry's My Husband's Wife. Sometimes I like to go back to my review of the first book I've read by an author just to see what my first impression may have been. Seems I'm a bit on the same side with both books! (Never judge a book by its cover and never judge an author by the first book you read by them, good, bad or in the middle!)
Here's what I love about Corry's writing - it's completely addicting and the short chapters leave you needing to get to the next one to see what's going to happen and you just read chapter after chapter after chapter until you've lost all sense of time. I know I've stayed up later than I needed to the last couple of nights because of this story.
This book starts off strong. We get multiple POVS, but the main POV is Vicky and she's QUITE the unreliable narrator. However, while in My Husband's Wife I felt the uplead was a bit slow, the ending is what flew. The opposite, for me, is what happened with The Dead Ex. The beginning and middle are on fire... however, the ending didn't quite give the pow that I thought the first two parts would bring. I also felt the epilogue was a bit unnecessary. While it did add that "oh wow, person, ok then **raised eyebrow**", I don't know if it was needed for any type of shock value.
I do think that my complete lack of interest in essential oils and their helpful properties made some of the book a bit eye glazed. That's just a me thing though. I do love the way Corry brings together all of these characters together towards the end... this is definitely a crazy character laden story and I love that. I don't think I really felt myself feeling engaged with any of them, but I will say I was fascinated with Scarlet's chapters above all else. Uff, this girl. ❤
Corry is a fun thriller writer to read. I think the way she keeps you engaged to each story line with each word and how the full circle brings the characters together is something that will keep me picking up her books.
Thank you to the publisher for this copy!
Almost exactly two years ago, I read Corry's My Husband's Wife. Sometimes I like to go back to my review of the first book I've read by an author just to see what my first impression may have been. Seems I'm a bit on the same side with both books! (Never judge a book by its cover and never judge an author by the first book you read by them, good, bad or in the middle!)
Here's what I love about Corry's writing - it's completely addicting and the short chapters leave you needing to get to the next one to see what's going to happen and you just read chapter after chapter after chapter until you've lost all sense of time. I know I've stayed up later than I needed to the last couple of nights because of this story.
This book starts off strong. We get multiple POVS, but the main POV is Vicky and she's QUITE the unreliable narrator. However, while in My Husband's Wife I felt the uplead was a bit slow, the ending is what flew. The opposite, for me, is what happened with The Dead Ex. The beginning and middle are on fire... however, the ending didn't quite give the pow that I thought the first two parts would bring. I also felt the epilogue was a bit unnecessary. While it did add that "oh wow, person, ok then **raised eyebrow**", I don't know if it was needed for any type of shock value.
I do think that my complete lack of interest in essential oils and their helpful properties made some of the book a bit eye glazed. That's just a me thing though. I do love the way Corry brings together all of these characters together towards the end... this is definitely a crazy character laden story and I love that. I don't think I really felt myself feeling engaged with any of them, but I will say I was fascinated with Scarlet's chapters above all else. Uff, this girl. ❤
Corry is a fun thriller writer to read. I think the way she keeps you engaged to each story line with each word and how the full circle brings the characters together is something that will keep me picking up her books.
Thank you to the publisher for this copy!
January 12, 2022
Ne kartą esu minėjusi, tačiau panašu, jog pasikartosiu dar kartelį 🤭 Psichologiniai trileriai yra mano silpnybė. Be galo juos mėgstu ir stengiuosi jų skaitymo nepraleisti. Kažkuo traukė mane ši knyga, tad vos tik atkeliavo ji į mano namus - čiupau skaityti.
Viktorija Gudman - aromaterapijos specialistė, kuri savo kabinete maišo bei ekspermentuoja su įvairiausiais eteriniais aliejais. Iš pirmo žvilgsnio atrodo, jog jos gyvenimas teka sava, įprasta vaga.. Iki kol vieną dieną prie jos namų durų išdygsta policija. Jie moteriai praneša apie jos buvusio vyro Deivido Gudmano dingimą. Moteris teigia savo vyrą paskutinį kartą mačiusi prieš daugelį metų, kuomet vyko jų skyrybos. Paaiškėja, jog Vikė slepia tiesą apie tai, kada ji paskutinį kartą matė Deividą. Tad policijai kyla klausimas.. Ką dar ji nuo jų slepia?
O Skarletė bei jos motina Zelda Darling visais įmanomais būdais paprasčiausiai stengiasi išgyventi.. Skarletei vos aštuoneri, tad ji nesuvokia, kad mamos "žaidimai" tėra gudrus būdas narkotikams platinti. Zelda atsiduria kalėjime, o Skarletei tenoa ne vienerius metus praleisti globėjų šeimose. Taip jau nutinka, jog šis pokytis kardinaliai pakeičia mergaitės gyvenimą.
Tania susirūpinusi dėl Deivido dingimo. Ji įsitikinusi, jog vyras negalėjo taip imti ir prapulti lyg niekur nieko.. Klausimų daugiau nei atsakymų.. Jie visi glūdi šioje istorijoje, kurioje persipina šių keturių moterų likimai..
Paslapčių kupina, bet tikrai labai labai įtraukianti istorija. Nuo pat šios knygos pradžios sunkiai galėjau atsitraukti. Buvo be galo įdomu kaip toliau klostysis istorija ir kas laukia jos veikėjų. Nors vietomis man pasirodė, jog autorė truputį "perspaudė", tačiau nepaisant to, man šis psichologinis trileris tikrai labai patiko ir skaityti nebuvo nuobodu. Tiesą pasakius, Deivido personažas mane erzino ir vertė "vartyti akis", bet čia jau mano problema 😁
Prieš keletą metų skaičiau šios autorės "Mano vyro žmona", kuri man taip pat paliko labai neblogą įspūdį. Tad tikrai šio žanro gerbėjams rekomenduoju perskaityti bent vieną šios autorės knygą.
Viktorija Gudman - aromaterapijos specialistė, kuri savo kabinete maišo bei ekspermentuoja su įvairiausiais eteriniais aliejais. Iš pirmo žvilgsnio atrodo, jog jos gyvenimas teka sava, įprasta vaga.. Iki kol vieną dieną prie jos namų durų išdygsta policija. Jie moteriai praneša apie jos buvusio vyro Deivido Gudmano dingimą. Moteris teigia savo vyrą paskutinį kartą mačiusi prieš daugelį metų, kuomet vyko jų skyrybos. Paaiškėja, jog Vikė slepia tiesą apie tai, kada ji paskutinį kartą matė Deividą. Tad policijai kyla klausimas.. Ką dar ji nuo jų slepia?
O Skarletė bei jos motina Zelda Darling visais įmanomais būdais paprasčiausiai stengiasi išgyventi.. Skarletei vos aštuoneri, tad ji nesuvokia, kad mamos "žaidimai" tėra gudrus būdas narkotikams platinti. Zelda atsiduria kalėjime, o Skarletei tenoa ne vienerius metus praleisti globėjų šeimose. Taip jau nutinka, jog šis pokytis kardinaliai pakeičia mergaitės gyvenimą.
Tania susirūpinusi dėl Deivido dingimo. Ji įsitikinusi, jog vyras negalėjo taip imti ir prapulti lyg niekur nieko.. Klausimų daugiau nei atsakymų.. Jie visi glūdi šioje istorijoje, kurioje persipina šių keturių moterų likimai..
Paslapčių kupina, bet tikrai labai labai įtraukianti istorija. Nuo pat šios knygos pradžios sunkiai galėjau atsitraukti. Buvo be galo įdomu kaip toliau klostysis istorija ir kas laukia jos veikėjų. Nors vietomis man pasirodė, jog autorė truputį "perspaudė", tačiau nepaisant to, man šis psichologinis trileris tikrai labai patiko ir skaityti nebuvo nuobodu. Tiesą pasakius, Deivido personažas mane erzino ir vertė "vartyti akis", bet čia jau mano problema 😁
Prieš keletą metų skaičiau šios autorės "Mano vyro žmona", kuri man taip pat paliko labai neblogą įspūdį. Tad tikrai šio žanro gerbėjams rekomenduoju perskaityti bent vieną šios autorės knygą.
February 25, 2019
This is my first novel by Corry and I have to say I was so excited to read it. The cover alone is beautiful and just the intricacy of it I foudn very intriguing. I think the title is so intersting and it's tricky becaus eyou think you know who the dead ex is but you really don't.
I loved everything about this book down to every little detail. Vicki was my favourite character in the book. I loed how she was such an unreliable narrator and it gave the novel such a nice suspensful vibe because we don't really know what happens to her during her seizures. She is also full of secrets and her storyline was just so enjoyable to read.
Scarlet and Zelda's story was very touching and also very distrubing. I mean Scarlet is a young child who is driug dealing for her mother? She's definitely bound to grow up with some issues! I loved how it was told from Scarlet's perspective, it's much more fun when the story is told from the point of view form a young child rather than an adult.
This novel was full of turns and twists and I didn't know who to trust or what to believe. It was such a great thriller with so many secrets and lies and I’m very glad that I have read my first Corry novel.
I loved everything about this book down to every little detail. Vicki was my favourite character in the book. I loed how she was such an unreliable narrator and it gave the novel such a nice suspensful vibe because we don't really know what happens to her during her seizures. She is also full of secrets and her storyline was just so enjoyable to read.
Scarlet and Zelda's story was very touching and also very distrubing. I mean Scarlet is a young child who is driug dealing for her mother? She's definitely bound to grow up with some issues! I loved how it was told from Scarlet's perspective, it's much more fun when the story is told from the point of view form a young child rather than an adult.
This novel was full of turns and twists and I didn't know who to trust or what to believe. It was such a great thriller with so many secrets and lies and I’m very glad that I have read my first Corry novel.
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