What do you think?
Rate this book
Till Death Do Us Part
An emotional rollercoaster from start to finish!
The wedding vows are exchanged, then the nightmare begins…It was supposed to be the happiest day of her life…
Alice Tandy has dreamed of her wedding since she was a little girl. The perfect venue, the perfect dress, the perfect groom. It’s all going exactly to plan.
But then her whole world comes tumbling down. Just as she and her new husband Ben are cutting their wedding cake, three policemen storm in and arrest Ben. Alice looks on in horror, unable to comprehend what is happening. Did they say murder?
The next day, Ben is released on bail, but for Alice, the nightmare is only just beginning. And as more details about the murder of Kerry Valentine emerge she starts to realise that everyone around her is keeping secrets. Can she trust anyone? And who really killed Kerry?
Perfect for fans of Louise Jensen, Kerry Wilkinson and Carol Wyer323 pages, ebook
First published May 17, 2019
122 people are currently reading
407 people want to read
About the author
Stephen Edger
51 books144 followersStephen Edger is the Amazon bestselling author of psychological and crime thrillers, including Little Girl Gone, Snatched, and the Kate Matthews series. Born in the north-east of England, he now lives in Southampton where most of his stories are set, allowing him to use his insider knowledge to deliver realistic and unsettling suspense on every page.
With books published by Harper Collins, Bookouture, and Endeavour Media, you wouldn’t believe that writing is still only a hobby for Stephen. A hobby that has seen him write more than twenty novels in the last decade, whilst balancing a full-time job with a young family.
Away from writing, Stephen loves to read anything that will keep him awake at night. He’s also a passionate advocate for contemporary cinema and binge-watching the latest offerings from streaming services. He is married with a son and a daughter, and two dogs. Stephen is a member of the International Thriller Writers (ITW) Association, the Crime Writers Association (CWA), and loves to engage with his readers on his Facebook author page and Twitter.
If you have a question for him, he can be reached at:
www.facebook.com/AuthorStephenEdger
www.twitter.com/StepheEdger
www.stephenedger.com
With books published by Harper Collins, Bookouture, and Endeavour Media, you wouldn’t believe that writing is still only a hobby for Stephen. A hobby that has seen him write more than twenty novels in the last decade, whilst balancing a full-time job with a young family.
Away from writing, Stephen loves to read anything that will keep him awake at night. He’s also a passionate advocate for contemporary cinema and binge-watching the latest offerings from streaming services. He is married with a son and a daughter, and two dogs. Stephen is a member of the International Thriller Writers (ITW) Association, the Crime Writers Association (CWA), and loves to engage with his readers on his Facebook author page and Twitter.
If you have a question for him, he can be reached at:
www.facebook.com/AuthorStephenEdger
www.twitter.com/StepheEdger
www.stephenedger.com
Ratings & Reviews
Friends & Following
Create a free account to discover what your friends think of this book!
Community Reviews
Displaying 1 - 30 of 99 reviews
May 9, 2019
I am a big fan of Stephen Edger's books so I was very excited to read this book. And it was everything that I expected and more. I read this book in a day, I did not want to put it down and I could not see how it was going to end. If you want a fast paced story about trust and lies then this book is definitely for you.
Alice and Ben are finally married, It is a day that Alice and planned for months and wanted it to be perfect. And it was perfect - until it came time to cut the cake. As they are cutting their wedding cake 3 policemen storm the room and Ben is arrested for murder. That is the beginning of Alice's nightmare. Ben is released on bail the next day and swears that he is innocent of the murder of Kerry Valentine - a dancer from his bucks party. As Alice looks into this more, the more she realises that she doesn't really know her husband. Ben has a past that she knows nothing about and the shocks keep coming. The ending of this book was a surprise, one that I did not see coming. Bravo Mr Edger!!
Thanks to Harper Impulse and Killer Reads and Netgalley for my advanced copy of this book to read. All opinions are my own and are in no way biased.
Alice and Ben are finally married, It is a day that Alice and planned for months and wanted it to be perfect. And it was perfect - until it came time to cut the cake. As they are cutting their wedding cake 3 policemen storm the room and Ben is arrested for murder. That is the beginning of Alice's nightmare. Ben is released on bail the next day and swears that he is innocent of the murder of Kerry Valentine - a dancer from his bucks party. As Alice looks into this more, the more she realises that she doesn't really know her husband. Ben has a past that she knows nothing about and the shocks keep coming. The ending of this book was a surprise, one that I did not see coming. Bravo Mr Edger!!
Thanks to Harper Impulse and Killer Reads and Netgalley for my advanced copy of this book to read. All opinions are my own and are in no way biased.
May 16, 2019
Till Death Do Us Part is a book based around secrets and lies, past lives and the fact that you can never really know someone, even if you've lived or been in a relationship with them for many years, if they are the type of person who is inclined to hide secrets or their true self. This leads to a wickedly clever and gripping story where nothing is what it seems and almost everyone is pretending to be someone they are not. The characters are relatable and written so well that you sympathise with Anna especially.
Edger explores the strength of the bond of marriage and the inner conflict and confusion Anna feels when attempting to determine whether to stand by her husband or denounce him as a murderer. It's the type of book you binge on and devour quickly thanks to the potent mix of engaging plot, fast pace and snappy chapters, and the twists and turns take the book in several unpredictable directions so there are definitely some surprises and shocks in store for readers. Many thanks to Killer Reads for an ARC.
Edger explores the strength of the bond of marriage and the inner conflict and confusion Anna feels when attempting to determine whether to stand by her husband or denounce him as a murderer. It's the type of book you binge on and devour quickly thanks to the potent mix of engaging plot, fast pace and snappy chapters, and the twists and turns take the book in several unpredictable directions so there are definitely some surprises and shocks in store for readers. Many thanks to Killer Reads for an ARC.
October 13, 2019
I did think this book was enjoyable. I didn’t really like the characters much and I didn’t especially like the main character Alice. I found her to be really annoying and extremely nosy. Especially with things that didn’t concern her. The story itself was good. There were lots of little mysteries in one and it seemed that everyone in the story had their own secrets which made the book better. I don’t think there was a big reveal as such but it was good how the story was put together. All in all it was a great read and I look forward to reading more from this author.
April 24, 2019
When reviewing this one, I find myself contrasting Stupid Character Syndrome with Entertainment Value.
The book is highly entertaining. I definitely wanted to know if he did it, if he didn’t do it who did, and how it would all play out.
But, oh, our main character was horrendously, would-slap-her-in-real-life Stupid. I understood literally none of the choices she made. Hubby gets arrested at the wedding? Have the reception anyway because he’s soooooooooooooooo trustworthy they’ll surely let him out in a minute. Total randos start spilling tea on this man you trust implicitly? Yeah, sure…I’ll go chat you up in a strange place. Find out accused-of-murder hubby just might be hiding something? Let me give you some marital advice ‘cause I’ve got this down!
Oof.
But, yes, it was entertaining as could be and the who was a bit surprising – the details even more so. But even that got stupid. Entertainingly so, but stupid.
Definitely a beach read!
*ARC Provided via Net Galley
May 17, 2019
Til Death Do Us Part by Stephen Edger is a psychological thriller
First, let me thank NetGalley, the publisher Harper Collins and Killer Reads, and of course the author, for providing me with a copy of this book in exchange for an honest review. All opinions are my own.
My Synopsis: (No major reveals, but if concerned, skip to My Opinions)
Alice Tandy’s wedding day was a disaster. She’d spent the better part of two years making sure every detail would be perfect, anticipating every possible problem and coming up with a solution. She never anticipated that her new husband would be arrested for murder just after the ceremony.
It quickly becomes apparent that there are things that Ben has not been telling her. What does she really know about Ben and his friends? She is determined to find out.
My Opinions:
Another story about a naïve woman who suddenly finds her strength. Another book about lies. I think I have to find another genre. It's getting frustrating....and honestly a little hard to review without showing my exasperation. So I am going to try and base my review on this book alone, but with so many similarities to others I’ve read, it’s going to be hard.
To start....Unfortunately, none of the characters were likable, so it’s hard to get behind any of them. All of the women were weak except maybe Tara, who didn’t play much of a role, and Hazelton. The men were all A$$’es….all of them.
The writing was fine, and it had a surprising twist at the end. I enjoyed that. It was entertaining, so that was another point in its favor.
Overall, it was okay, and I know some will love it, just as I have enjoyed some of this author’s other books. To each their own. It is not a bad book. This one just didn't have the zing I look for.
For a more complete review of this book and others, please visit my blog: http://katlovesbooksblog.wordpress.com/
May 17, 2019
This is a gripping crime thriller full of twists and turns.
Alice is shocked when her new husband Ben is arrested for murder on their wedding night, and is determined to find out what happened.
He’s soon released but with no passport, they can’t go on their honeymoon.
Ben’s friend Dave seems to be spending more time at theirs and Alice knows the pair of them are hiding something.
Alice’s close friend soon needs her and once again more secrets seem to be coming to the surface.
The woman murdered was the stripper at Ben’s stag do but Alice can’t bring herself to believe he was involved.
Soon she starts to receive letters saying Ben is a killer and she needs to leave him, but she has no idea who they’re from.
Events take a turn for the worse and soon there’s another life in danger.
This is a great psychological crime thriller they had me hooked.
Thanks to Harper Impulse and Killer Reads and NetGalley for the opportunity to read this book.
Alice is shocked when her new husband Ben is arrested for murder on their wedding night, and is determined to find out what happened.
He’s soon released but with no passport, they can’t go on their honeymoon.
Ben’s friend Dave seems to be spending more time at theirs and Alice knows the pair of them are hiding something.
Alice’s close friend soon needs her and once again more secrets seem to be coming to the surface.
The woman murdered was the stripper at Ben’s stag do but Alice can’t bring herself to believe he was involved.
Soon she starts to receive letters saying Ben is a killer and she needs to leave him, but she has no idea who they’re from.
Events take a turn for the worse and soon there’s another life in danger.
This is a great psychological crime thriller they had me hooked.
Thanks to Harper Impulse and Killer Reads and NetGalley for the opportunity to read this book.
August 6, 2019
Thank you @NetGalley for this ebook.
What a page turning thriller; sure to keep you wondering who-dunnit from page one.
This book starts with a BANG. Right off the bat a woman, Kerry, is killed by this mystery man she clearly knows; but we don't.
We are then introduced to Alice Tandy who is getting married to Ben Goodman. What is supposed to be the most perfect day, I mean Alice has planned this day down to the minute for the last two years, ends with Ben being led away from their wedding reception in handcuffs. What bride doesn't want her husband accused of murder on their wedding day?
Is Ben a killer? How could Alice be so blinded by her love for him she didn't see any warning signs? Is Ben being set-up for the murder? I mean his was the only DNA found on the deceased body. Oh yeah.... also someone is leaving very cryptic messages for Alice warning her that Ben has killed before and gotten away with it... so why not this time too.
As the story unfolds your head will be left spinning trying to figure out who killed Kerry. I swear every other chapter my thought was "OOOHHH yeah this is for sure the creep" Ha nope.
Stephen Edger proved to be a fantastic writer who keeps us readers on the edge until the very end.
What a page turning thriller; sure to keep you wondering who-dunnit from page one.
This book starts with a BANG. Right off the bat a woman, Kerry, is killed by this mystery man she clearly knows; but we don't.
We are then introduced to Alice Tandy who is getting married to Ben Goodman. What is supposed to be the most perfect day, I mean Alice has planned this day down to the minute for the last two years, ends with Ben being led away from their wedding reception in handcuffs. What bride doesn't want her husband accused of murder on their wedding day?
Is Ben a killer? How could Alice be so blinded by her love for him she didn't see any warning signs? Is Ben being set-up for the murder? I mean his was the only DNA found on the deceased body. Oh yeah.... also someone is leaving very cryptic messages for Alice warning her that Ben has killed before and gotten away with it... so why not this time too.
As the story unfolds your head will be left spinning trying to figure out who killed Kerry. I swear every other chapter my thought was "OOOHHH yeah this is for sure the creep" Ha nope.
Stephen Edger proved to be a fantastic writer who keeps us readers on the edge until the very end.
May 27, 2019
I'll be honest, I picked up this book only because I found the cover so damn enticing and dark! I had no intention of getting wound in a domestic pity-party because that is what I thought of this book to be until I actually read it.
Till Death Do Us Part opens with a tragic and dark chapter and manages to keep you going till the very end. I liked this book a lot, until the end. That, to be honest, I did not like!
Alice Tandy has dreamed of her wedding since she was a little girl. The perfect venue, the perfect dress, the perfect groom. It’s all going exactly to plan. But then her whole world comes tumbling down. Just as she and her new husband Ben are cutting their wedding cake, three policemen storm in and arrest Ben. Alice looks on in horror, unable to comprehend what is happening. The next day, Ben is released on bail, but for Alice, the nightmare is only just beginning. And as more details about the murder of Kerry Valentine emerge she starts to realize that everyone around her is keeping secrets. Can she trust anyone? And who really killed Kerry?
The storyline of this book is compelling and makes you want to keep reading the next chapter and then the next. This whodunnit keeps you guessing till the very end.
There was a sub-plot in here, related to Mary which I felt could have been covered in a bit more detail. Basically, all I gathered from that subplot was a 'he said-she said' scenario which left a few questions in my head. The ending also didn't sit too well on me. And, although I didn't like the turns the story took, the writing is very good, the characters are well-defined.
Thank you, NetGalley, Killer Reads & Stephen Edger for an arc!
Till Death Do Us Part opens with a tragic and dark chapter and manages to keep you going till the very end. I liked this book a lot, until the end. That, to be honest, I did not like!
Alice Tandy has dreamed of her wedding since she was a little girl. The perfect venue, the perfect dress, the perfect groom. It’s all going exactly to plan. But then her whole world comes tumbling down. Just as she and her new husband Ben are cutting their wedding cake, three policemen storm in and arrest Ben. Alice looks on in horror, unable to comprehend what is happening. The next day, Ben is released on bail, but for Alice, the nightmare is only just beginning. And as more details about the murder of Kerry Valentine emerge she starts to realize that everyone around her is keeping secrets. Can she trust anyone? And who really killed Kerry?
The storyline of this book is compelling and makes you want to keep reading the next chapter and then the next. This whodunnit keeps you guessing till the very end.
There was a sub-plot in here, related to Mary which I felt could have been covered in a bit more detail. Basically, all I gathered from that subplot was a 'he said-she said' scenario which left a few questions in my head. The ending also didn't sit too well on me. And, although I didn't like the turns the story took, the writing is very good, the characters are well-defined.
Thank you, NetGalley, Killer Reads & Stephen Edger for an arc!
December 28, 2019
What a Brilliant Book Till Death Do Us Part by Stephen Edger was. WoW................I was hooked from the very first few pages and I was gripped, its defiantly a page turner.
This book is full of secrets and lies amongst friends and family. What was meant to be the happiest day of your life your wedding day is ruined. Your new husband is arrested for MURDER. WoW what a start of a book.............A simple Stag night celebration that went wrong.
This book kept me guessing until the big reveal I was shocked. OMG.........didn't see that coming!
Great easy read book and will have you gripped......
Highly recommend this Author Stephen Edger. His books just get better and better.
5 Big Fat stars.
I would like to thank Stephen Edger, Harper Impulse and Killer Reads and Netgalley for the ARC in return for giving an honest review. I loved it.
This book is full of secrets and lies amongst friends and family. What was meant to be the happiest day of your life your wedding day is ruined. Your new husband is arrested for MURDER. WoW what a start of a book.............A simple Stag night celebration that went wrong.
This book kept me guessing until the big reveal I was shocked. OMG.........didn't see that coming!
Great easy read book and will have you gripped......
Highly recommend this Author Stephen Edger. His books just get better and better.
5 Big Fat stars.
I would like to thank Stephen Edger, Harper Impulse and Killer Reads and Netgalley for the ARC in return for giving an honest review. I loved it.
January 25, 2022
This has been the best book I’ve read this year so, probably because the author’s name is Stephen, spelt just like my name. LOL!!!
Seriously it was a great read, couldn’t put it down, I would have had it finished sooner but that thing called work got in the way.
Twists and turns, people you thought you knew, who you could rely on but not in this case. Lies, deceit, this book had it all. Who could you trust, at every corner another falsehood.
I will definitely have to read another one of Stephen’s books or more before the year is out.
Look at me, still 6 days left this month and I’ve completed my 5th book already. At this rate I’m on tap to read 60 books..........well let’s not get carried away but I certainly feel I’m off to a good start.
Now let me see what I can find to read as my 6th book of 2022. My goal this year was 15 but I think I will beat that for sure now. Time will tell.
Seriously it was a great read, couldn’t put it down, I would have had it finished sooner but that thing called work got in the way.
Twists and turns, people you thought you knew, who you could rely on but not in this case. Lies, deceit, this book had it all. Who could you trust, at every corner another falsehood.
I will definitely have to read another one of Stephen’s books or more before the year is out.
Look at me, still 6 days left this month and I’ve completed my 5th book already. At this rate I’m on tap to read 60 books..........well let’s not get carried away but I certainly feel I’m off to a good start.
Now let me see what I can find to read as my 6th book of 2022. My goal this year was 15 but I think I will beat that for sure now. Time will tell.
February 3, 2024
The book started off with a good premise. Who killed Stripper Kerry?
On the day that Alice marries the man of her dreams Ben, he is arrested for the murder of stripper Kerry.
Alice is a character I couldn't really like even from the beginning. She gets warning after warning about Ben and even when she catches him out in a lie she still believes him. Big massive eye roll. Her character is portrayed as a weak niave girl.
Alice then begins to play detective to try and prove that Ben is not the murderer. She finds out numerous lies and secrets about her husband and his friends. She's keeps the information to herself for a while each time until revealing to Ben who then feeds her another lie or is it the truth?
There are too many storylines within this book which I feel the author tried to do to mislead the reader but because there was so much the ending actually fell quite flat. Some of the storyline went no where and were actually pointless to the story.
The prologue was what had me hooked with this book which was the initial telling from the dead stripper herself, revealing how she died. However, the killers version does not match those intial events which left me confused and feeling like I had read 2 different books.
Overall an OK book.
On the day that Alice marries the man of her dreams Ben, he is arrested for the murder of stripper Kerry.
Alice is a character I couldn't really like even from the beginning. She gets warning after warning about Ben and even when she catches him out in a lie she still believes him. Big massive eye roll. Her character is portrayed as a weak niave girl.
Alice then begins to play detective to try and prove that Ben is not the murderer. She finds out numerous lies and secrets about her husband and his friends. She's keeps the information to herself for a while each time until revealing to Ben who then feeds her another lie or is it the truth?
There are too many storylines within this book which I feel the author tried to do to mislead the reader but because there was so much the ending actually fell quite flat. Some of the storyline went no where and were actually pointless to the story.
The prologue was what had me hooked with this book which was the initial telling from the dead stripper herself, revealing how she died. However, the killers version does not match those intial events which left me confused and feeling like I had read 2 different books.
Overall an OK book.
June 18, 2019
Pretty Good
I admit that I almost abandoned this one right at the onset - the amount of emphasis placed on “her perfect wedding day” and the details were not for me. I know some people look forward to all this and love the planning and that’s cool I just don’t want to read about them. Save that effort for the marriage...
Alice was an ok character for me. Some reviewers are saying she comes across quite dumb but I never looked to see if my husband had an arrest record. Going forward she was definitely naive, I’ll give you that.
There are some different plot lines running through this which made identifying the culprit a bit trickier, for me anyway. There were some surprises and twists. Decent conclusion and would read more by this author.
Thanks to NetGalley, the author and Harper Impulse and Killer Reads for a copy in exchange for a review.
I admit that I almost abandoned this one right at the onset - the amount of emphasis placed on “her perfect wedding day” and the details were not for me. I know some people look forward to all this and love the planning and that’s cool I just don’t want to read about them. Save that effort for the marriage...
Alice was an ok character for me. Some reviewers are saying she comes across quite dumb but I never looked to see if my husband had an arrest record. Going forward she was definitely naive, I’ll give you that.
There are some different plot lines running through this which made identifying the culprit a bit trickier, for me anyway. There were some surprises and twists. Decent conclusion and would read more by this author.
Thanks to NetGalley, the author and Harper Impulse and Killer Reads for a copy in exchange for a review.
November 5, 2019
I received a digital copy of this from NetGalley in exchange for an honest review
I've read a couple of Stephen's books before and have loved them all. This was no exception! I couldn't put it down and was gripped from the first page. My theory about who the murderer was changed a few times throughout this book but when it was revealed, boy was I in for a shock! I certainly hadn't expected that! I had however worked out who was leaving the notes at the house, but it didn't lessen the thrill of the story for me.
Another great book by Stephen and I can't wait to read more by him in the future. I definitely recommend this book.
I've read a couple of Stephen's books before and have loved them all. This was no exception! I couldn't put it down and was gripped from the first page. My theory about who the murderer was changed a few times throughout this book but when it was revealed, boy was I in for a shock! I certainly hadn't expected that! I had however worked out who was leaving the notes at the house, but it didn't lessen the thrill of the story for me.
Another great book by Stephen and I can't wait to read more by him in the future. I definitely recommend this book.
July 17, 2019
Wowzer!! Thank you to netgalley for giving me the opportunity to read this book in exchange for an honest opinion. This book started off at a fast pace and stayed there. I read this book in one day. This book had everything that it took to keep my attention. Once you start reading you won’t want to do anything else. This book will reel you all the way in. this book was everything that I expected and much more. I definitely recommend this book! My rating is 5 stars.
April 24, 2019
I received this book free from netgalley for an honest review.
I thought this book had a good start which grabbed my attention. The pace of the story was good and it kept me guessing all the way through. I read a lot of these types of books and didn't guess who had done it even though I had several suspicions throughout.
I found it a very easy read and all of the characters were well described with enough information to create a picture in my mind.
I really enjoyed this book and the way it was written.
I thought this book had a good start which grabbed my attention. The pace of the story was good and it kept me guessing all the way through. I read a lot of these types of books and didn't guess who had done it even though I had several suspicions throughout.
I found it a very easy read and all of the characters were well described with enough information to create a picture in my mind.
I really enjoyed this book and the way it was written.
May 29, 2019
Wow, what a page turner, this was a fantastic first-rate read and one I could easily read again and again. If you haven't tried this author before then this is a fab way to start. Will definitely be checking out his other reads.
March 31, 2023
This was a brilliant read! I couldn't put it down and there was what felt like constant twists. I would definitely recommend
May 21, 2019
I was gripped from the start with this book. When Ben was arrested at his wedding to Alice, suspected of murder, It became a roller coaster of a ride. So many lies, secrets and revelations. Who to believe and who not to believe. So many suspects to choose from. A brilliant standalone thriller.
March 2, 2020
The story was entertaining enough, I just could not connect with any of the characters, especially Alice. Wanting to know the who and why kept me going, the characters not so much.
April 16, 2020
If the plot of this book by Stephen Edger is similar to his other books, I will not be reading any more from this author. This book is full of awful treatment of women at every turn and makes most of the women appear weak and naive. Not for me.
I chose this book for March Mystery Madness. Here's hoping that the next book I am reading for this challenge is a vast improvement.
I chose this book for March Mystery Madness. Here's hoping that the next book I am reading for this challenge is a vast improvement.
September 21, 2019
"He pulled his Mercedes up into the driveway next to her Audi convertible. He turned off the engine and sighed.
" All OK between us now? " He asked, his deep brown eyes searching hers, his hair flopping over his forehead.
She was thinking about their row earlier that day. Did he intend to be so mean? Was it a flaw in his character that was only now just emerging?
"I hope so." she muttered in a small voice. Her hand gripped the door handle. She swung the door open and hooked her handbag over her shoulder.
"What shall we do this evening?" He touched her arm lightly with his long fingers. "We could watch a movie and I'll cook steak?" He sounded almost imploring.
She did not reply. She felt a single tear track down her cheek and drip onto her linen skirt. Pulling herself out of the car, hearing the leather of the seat squeaking, she rubbed at her eyes in frustration. Without a single glance backwards she walked up the path to the front door. Was he being genuine? Why did she feel a cold trepidation throughout her body? Maybe she should just give him the benefit of the doubt and relax. She fished her key out of her bag. He was standing behind her. Very close. She felt unaccountably claustrophobic."
OK. No, that is not a direct quote. But this is very much how I experienced the style of writing.
The premise is intriguing, Alice's husband is arrested for murder at their wedding reception. Great opening yes?
However it wasn't long before I got bogged down. The stilted language, the equally stilted dialogue, do these people really know each other? They are so awkward and formal in their conversation. And the mind numbing detail. Every thought and tiny action laid out in all its glorious tedium.
Alice irritated the hell out of me. Bland Ben was just constantly bland.
I read the reviews before purchasing this. I struggled through about 100 pages before deciding enough is enough. I'm in the process of scanning through the rest to see the ending. I'm not excited enough about any potential denouement to wait till then before writing a review.
Others will and do love this book. But there ya go. It's just not for me.
" All OK between us now? " He asked, his deep brown eyes searching hers, his hair flopping over his forehead.
She was thinking about their row earlier that day. Did he intend to be so mean? Was it a flaw in his character that was only now just emerging?
"I hope so." she muttered in a small voice. Her hand gripped the door handle. She swung the door open and hooked her handbag over her shoulder.
"What shall we do this evening?" He touched her arm lightly with his long fingers. "We could watch a movie and I'll cook steak?" He sounded almost imploring.
She did not reply. She felt a single tear track down her cheek and drip onto her linen skirt. Pulling herself out of the car, hearing the leather of the seat squeaking, she rubbed at her eyes in frustration. Without a single glance backwards she walked up the path to the front door. Was he being genuine? Why did she feel a cold trepidation throughout her body? Maybe she should just give him the benefit of the doubt and relax. She fished her key out of her bag. He was standing behind her. Very close. She felt unaccountably claustrophobic."
OK. No, that is not a direct quote. But this is very much how I experienced the style of writing.
The premise is intriguing, Alice's husband is arrested for murder at their wedding reception. Great opening yes?
However it wasn't long before I got bogged down. The stilted language, the equally stilted dialogue, do these people really know each other? They are so awkward and formal in their conversation. And the mind numbing detail. Every thought and tiny action laid out in all its glorious tedium.
Alice irritated the hell out of me. Bland Ben was just constantly bland.
I read the reviews before purchasing this. I struggled through about 100 pages before deciding enough is enough. I'm in the process of scanning through the rest to see the ending. I'm not excited enough about any potential denouement to wait till then before writing a review.
Others will and do love this book. But there ya go. It's just not for me.
April 4, 2020
Alice Tandy's wedding day has finally arrived. She has been dreaming of this day since she was young. Everything is going exactly as she had planned.. except she hadn't planned on her new husband, Ben, being arrested as they're cutting their wedding cake. The next day Ben is released on bail but Alice's nightmare is just beginning. Who killed Kerry Valentine? And how many secrets is Ben keeping from her?
Unpopular opinion here, but I hated this book. When I began reading I just knew that I wasn't going to be gripped at any point. At 20% I began skimming. And when I got to the big reveal I just wished I listened to myself at about 20% and put it in my DNF pile. There is absolutely nothing I liked about this book. I didn't particularly enjoy the writing, I didn't like the characters and there was lots of filler. An unbelievable story.
Thank you to Netgalley and HarperImpulse & Killer Reads for an ARC.
Unpopular opinion here, but I hated this book. When I began reading I just knew that I wasn't going to be gripped at any point. At 20% I began skimming. And when I got to the big reveal I just wished I listened to myself at about 20% and put it in my DNF pile. There is absolutely nothing I liked about this book. I didn't particularly enjoy the writing, I didn't like the characters and there was lots of filler. An unbelievable story.
Thank you to Netgalley and HarperImpulse & Killer Reads for an ARC.
August 27, 2019
I find it very difficult to get behind a character whose legs give way every time something mildly distressing happens.
June 17, 2019
I received an ARC of this book thanks to Net Galley and publisher Killer Reads in exchange for an honest review
Oh dear, another thriller I absolutely love until the ending. I am so disappointed to not be able to rate this book more highly because it started off so well. This is a thriller about a woman whose husband gets arrested for murder on their wedding day and this is such a fantastic premise for a thriller in my eyes. The main character was very well-written and I really felt for her as she had to navigate the horror of having her wedding spoiled by something so out of the ordinary. The other characters varied from alright to somewhat flat but in general, the writing was compelling and I was invested in the story. Not a ton happens during the middle section admittedly but my interest in the protagonist and the situation kept me reading.
Sadly I did not find the solution a satisfying one. Without giving too much away. there are two components to the conclusion of this mystery. The first one was decent enough and I actually would have preferred it if that character was responsible for the whole thing. The second one involved a character I forgot existed which is a massive problem. I can't really be shocked by something if I have no idea who the person it involves is. I really wish the ending of this had been different as it had huge potential and I enjoyed the other 75% of the book enormously.
Overall, this isn't a bad book by any means and I would definitely be interested in checking out more from the author. He crafts an interesting situation and populates it with decent characters. It's just a shame that the payoff wasn't as good as the set-up.
Overall Rating: 3/5
Oh dear, another thriller I absolutely love until the ending. I am so disappointed to not be able to rate this book more highly because it started off so well. This is a thriller about a woman whose husband gets arrested for murder on their wedding day and this is such a fantastic premise for a thriller in my eyes. The main character was very well-written and I really felt for her as she had to navigate the horror of having her wedding spoiled by something so out of the ordinary. The other characters varied from alright to somewhat flat but in general, the writing was compelling and I was invested in the story. Not a ton happens during the middle section admittedly but my interest in the protagonist and the situation kept me reading.
Sadly I did not find the solution a satisfying one. Without giving too much away. there are two components to the conclusion of this mystery. The first one was decent enough and I actually would have preferred it if that character was responsible for the whole thing. The second one involved a character I forgot existed which is a massive problem. I can't really be shocked by something if I have no idea who the person it involves is. I really wish the ending of this had been different as it had huge potential and I enjoyed the other 75% of the book enormously.
Overall, this isn't a bad book by any means and I would definitely be interested in checking out more from the author. He crafts an interesting situation and populates it with decent characters. It's just a shame that the payoff wasn't as good as the set-up.
Overall Rating: 3/5
May 24, 2019
Alice and Ben have just gotten married and are heading to their wedding reception. Alice teaches school, Ben owns a successful logistics company, and they live in a large and beautiful home.
Alice has been planning her wedding for a long time and wants everything to be perfect. Just as they are cutting the cake, the police arrive and arrest Ben for the murder of a young woman named Kerry Valentine. Kerry was a strip dancer who used this job to make extra money to care for her young son whom she adored.
Kerry had been hired by one of Ben’s friends to do a strip tease and a lap dance for Ben at his bachelor’s party. Now, police want to know how she ended up being stabbed to death and with Ben’s DNA on her.
When Ben is released from police custody the next day. Alice is frantic to know what happened. When anonymous notes start arriving for her saying Ben is a murderer, she is so confused and doesn’t know what to do and whom to trust.
Follows is the fallout of Ben’s arrest and all of his friends' possible involvement. Is Ben telling the truth when he says he is innocent? How can that be when so many things happen that question his innocence?
The group of Ben’s friends are all a bunch of immature jerks, but they have been friends for many years and they are loyal to one another. There are simply too many different storylines happening in this book that make it a bit too busy. I did not like Alice because I feel she is a naive, trusting fool. An OK mystery but not one I would care to read again.
Copy provided by NetGalley in exchange for a fair and honest review.
Alice has been planning her wedding for a long time and wants everything to be perfect. Just as they are cutting the cake, the police arrive and arrest Ben for the murder of a young woman named Kerry Valentine. Kerry was a strip dancer who used this job to make extra money to care for her young son whom she adored.
Kerry had been hired by one of Ben’s friends to do a strip tease and a lap dance for Ben at his bachelor’s party. Now, police want to know how she ended up being stabbed to death and with Ben’s DNA on her.
When Ben is released from police custody the next day. Alice is frantic to know what happened. When anonymous notes start arriving for her saying Ben is a murderer, she is so confused and doesn’t know what to do and whom to trust.
Follows is the fallout of Ben’s arrest and all of his friends' possible involvement. Is Ben telling the truth when he says he is innocent? How can that be when so many things happen that question his innocence?
The group of Ben’s friends are all a bunch of immature jerks, but they have been friends for many years and they are loyal to one another. There are simply too many different storylines happening in this book that make it a bit too busy. I did not like Alice because I feel she is a naive, trusting fool. An OK mystery but not one I would care to read again.
Copy provided by NetGalley in exchange for a fair and honest review.
April 24, 2020
It is really hard to write a review of this book. So much happens in this novel, and it is all meant to be one twist or reveal after another, so there is very little I can say plot-wise. I will say that this book literally kept me up all night. So much was happening so fast there was no way I could put it down. This book is extremely fast-paced and I warn you, make sure you have time carved out to read this book possibly in one sitting. It is that riveting. It definitely kept me entertained. I have to say it does have a few downsides though. You have to suspend disbelief more and more as the book goes on. It doesn't cross into the fantastical or anything, but so much happens, it becomes hard to believe. I will say though...I really wanted to believe and I went with it even though I did have a small voice in the back of my mind saying, ok this would never happen. There are many books like that though, so it really depends on how much you are willing to let your imagination flow and just go with it. It is a hard book to rate also, because I really enjoyed it, but I had trouble believing it. I guess I would give it 3 and a half stars. I liked it and almost really liked it. I think anyone that likes thrillers and suspense should give it a chance.
April 24, 2020
It is really hard to write a review of this book. So much happens in this novel, and it is all meant to be one twist or reveal after another, so there is very little I can say plot-wise. I will say that this book literally kept me up all night. So much was happening so fast there was no way I could put it down. This book is extremely fast-paced and I warn you, make sure you have time carved out to read this book possibly in one sitting. It is that riveting. It definitely kept me entertained. I have to say it does have a few downsides though. You have to suspend disbelief more and more as the book goes on. It doesn't cross into the fantastical or anything, but so much happens, it becomes hard to believe. I will say though...I really wanted to believe and I went with it even though I did have a small voice in the back of my mind saying, ok this would never happen. There are many books like that though, so it really depends on how much you are willing to let your imagination flow and just go with it. It is a hard book to rate also, because I really enjoyed it, but I had trouble believing it. I guess I would give it 3 and a half stars. I liked it and almost really liked it. I think anyone that likes thrillers and suspense should give it a chance.
September 21, 2023
Synopsis:
On her wedding day, school teacher Alice's husband Ben is arrested for the murder of Kerry Valentine, a stripper and mother of a small child. When anonymous letters start turning up at Ben and Alice's house one day, all signs start pointing in the direction of Ben - now acquitted - being the killer. Soon, Alice is starting to form her own suspicions about who might have killed the stripper on that fateful night...
I thoroughly enjoyed reading this book because I kept second-guessing myself every time I thought I was being presented with new "evidence". I love that the author keeps deliberately tricking his readers and stringing them along. The amount of gaslighting I've endured in this book and the emotional rollercoaster I went on was right up my alley.
I will be honest that I did not see the ending coming at all - the timing of the plot twist was excellent and the outcome was entirely unexpected and well constructed. I do think the final chapter could have been a bit longer as it could almost have been considered an open ending, but that's entirely subjective and doesn't put a dent in the overall reading experience.
I would highly recommend this book to anyone in need of a thrilling read and will definitely check out more books by Stephen Edger.
On her wedding day, school teacher Alice's husband Ben is arrested for the murder of Kerry Valentine, a stripper and mother of a small child. When anonymous letters start turning up at Ben and Alice's house one day, all signs start pointing in the direction of Ben - now acquitted - being the killer. Soon, Alice is starting to form her own suspicions about who might have killed the stripper on that fateful night...
I thoroughly enjoyed reading this book because I kept second-guessing myself every time I thought I was being presented with new "evidence". I love that the author keeps deliberately tricking his readers and stringing them along. The amount of gaslighting I've endured in this book and the emotional rollercoaster I went on was right up my alley.
I will be honest that I did not see the ending coming at all - the timing of the plot twist was excellent and the outcome was entirely unexpected and well constructed. I do think the final chapter could have been a bit longer as it could almost have been considered an open ending, but that's entirely subjective and doesn't put a dent in the overall reading experience.
I would highly recommend this book to anyone in need of a thrilling read and will definitely check out more books by Stephen Edger.
December 16, 2020
3.5/5
I was expecting the storyline to be a little more like Gone Girl, a little more twisted and psychopathic. But overall this was a good, solid read. I had been put off reading crime/thrillers (and it's my favourite genre!) so I was a little on edge starting this book. It turned out to be a pleasure to read, had me hooked from the very beginning and had me guessing.
The redherrings were expertly placed to mislead the reader. Though the loose ends were tied up to complete the novel, it could have been better. The single most upsetting thing about it all was Scott's story.
~
~
~
~
~
**SPOILERS AHEAD**
~
~
~
~
~
Dave was a little disappointing, the build up made us think he was dangerous but it amounted to nothing, it was a little overkill for it to be a decent redherring.
Scott was perfect until the last 3rd of the book, his arc was a little unnecessary. He wasn't implicated in the overriding murder mystery. It just ruined his character. And there was no "his side of the story". I would have been okay with the unfortunate turn of events had there been a Scott's pov.
I wanted more Isabelle and Alice ft Faye. I LOVED THAT ARC.
Happy Reading xx
I was expecting the storyline to be a little more like Gone Girl, a little more twisted and psychopathic. But overall this was a good, solid read. I had been put off reading crime/thrillers (and it's my favourite genre!) so I was a little on edge starting this book. It turned out to be a pleasure to read, had me hooked from the very beginning and had me guessing.
The redherrings were expertly placed to mislead the reader. Though the loose ends were tied up to complete the novel, it could have been better. The single most upsetting thing about it all was Scott's story.
~
~
~
~
~
**SPOILERS AHEAD**
~
~
~
~
~
Dave was a little disappointing, the build up made us think he was dangerous but it amounted to nothing, it was a little overkill for it to be a decent redherring.
Scott was perfect until the last 3rd of the book, his arc was a little unnecessary. He wasn't implicated in the overriding murder mystery. It just ruined his character. And there was no "his side of the story". I would have been okay with the unfortunate turn of events had there been a Scott's pov.
I wanted more Isabelle and Alice ft Faye. I LOVED THAT ARC.
Happy Reading xx
November 14, 2025
Wasn't this a great read!! I mean, anything narrated by Imogen Church I am here for - and that made this book so much sweeter!!
There is nothing more terrifying than your wedding day being crashed by the police! Not only that, but your brand-new sparkly husband has been arrested for killing someone, and apparently, it's not the first time!
I love this web of deceit, secrets and lies - just everything. I was fascinated by the fallout and the cracks that start to show in every relationship we are privy to.
The lies are big; the admissions are huge, and the explosion at the end is massive!
We meet Kerry at the beginning, but then, sadly, this story isn't about her. It's about the truth, but Alice does a fab job at keeping Kerry alive for us.
I love what Edgar did here, making it feel more human. Yes, Alice is on a mission to find the truth, but everything felt believable and realistic and also heartbreaking. The ending too... chef kiss as we do not have a Hollywood ending - I was here for that too!
Definitely recommend this, once I sunk my teeth into it, the story didn't let go!
There is nothing more terrifying than your wedding day being crashed by the police! Not only that, but your brand-new sparkly husband has been arrested for killing someone, and apparently, it's not the first time!
I love this web of deceit, secrets and lies - just everything. I was fascinated by the fallout and the cracks that start to show in every relationship we are privy to.
The lies are big; the admissions are huge, and the explosion at the end is massive!
We meet Kerry at the beginning, but then, sadly, this story isn't about her. It's about the truth, but Alice does a fab job at keeping Kerry alive for us.
I love what Edgar did here, making it feel more human. Yes, Alice is on a mission to find the truth, but everything felt believable and realistic and also heartbreaking. The ending too... chef kiss as we do not have a Hollywood ending - I was here for that too!
Definitely recommend this, once I sunk my teeth into it, the story didn't let go!
Displaying 1 - 30 of 99 reviews