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The Wake
Discover this addictive and totally gripping psychological suspense from the bestselling author of Girl, Lost.
Can death bring a family together or will it tear them apart?
Every family has its secrets.
When Richard Asquith dies in a car crash, it sets in motion a series of events that threaten to destroy his family and those around him.
Richard has left behind children who dislike him, women who are bitter and a question lingering over the disappearance of his daughter many years ago.
As the family gather at his wake, secrets from the past come to light and the tension starts to boil over.
Can Richard’s death bring a fractured family together, or will it tear them apart?
'A spellbinding novel with characters who get under your skin and into your heart. Loved it.' - Lesley Sanderson, author of The Orchid Girls
'An outstanding piece of writing... What a triumph this book is.' - J.A. Baker, author of The Woman at Number 19
A gripping and suspenseful psychological thriller by the bestselling author Vikki Patis. The Wake will appeal to fans of domestic noir, as well as to readers of authors like C.L. Taylor, Claire McGowan and B A Paris.
Can death bring a family together or will it tear them apart?
Every family has its secrets.
When Richard Asquith dies in a car crash, it sets in motion a series of events that threaten to destroy his family and those around him.
Richard has left behind children who dislike him, women who are bitter and a question lingering over the disappearance of his daughter many years ago.
As the family gather at his wake, secrets from the past come to light and the tension starts to boil over.
Can Richard’s death bring a fractured family together, or will it tear them apart?
'A spellbinding novel with characters who get under your skin and into your heart. Loved it.' - Lesley Sanderson, author of The Orchid Girls
'An outstanding piece of writing... What a triumph this book is.' - J.A. Baker, author of The Woman at Number 19
A gripping and suspenseful psychological thriller by the bestselling author Vikki Patis. The Wake will appeal to fans of domestic noir, as well as to readers of authors like C.L. Taylor, Claire McGowan and B A Paris.
- GenresThriller
262 pages, Paperback
First published October 27, 2020
787 people are currently reading
339 people want to read
About the author
Vikki Patis
14 books201 followersThis author is also published under the pen name Victoria Hawthorne.
Vikki Patis is an author of suspense novels with a gothic twist. Her latest novel, Return to Blackwater House, was published in March 2022 by Hodder & Stoughton, and her debut horror novel will be published in 2026.
She also writes historical fiction as Victoria Hawthorne. Her debut historical suspense novel, The House at Helygen, was published in April 2022 by Quercus and later became a bestseller. The Darkest Night was published in April 2024 and was the runner-up for the ADCI Literary Prize.
She lives in Scotland with her wife, two wild golden retrievers, and an even wilder cat.
Vikki Patis is an author of suspense novels with a gothic twist. Her latest novel, Return to Blackwater House, was published in March 2022 by Hodder & Stoughton, and her debut horror novel will be published in 2026.
She also writes historical fiction as Victoria Hawthorne. Her debut historical suspense novel, The House at Helygen, was published in April 2022 by Quercus and later became a bestseller. The Darkest Night was published in April 2024 and was the runner-up for the ADCI Literary Prize.
She lives in Scotland with her wife, two wild golden retrievers, and an even wilder cat.
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 82 reviews
October 28, 2020
This was a fantastic read from Patis that had me interested from the very beginning. I found the structure of the story very similar to her other book, so I think this had me more prepared about the shifting narrative perspectives.
A lot of that happens in this book. The chapter switches between a large cast of characters and I found this definitely forced me to slow down my consumption of the book. Significantly, each chapter is not titled after the character’s name, but their relationship with the deceased. This added a level of ambiguity and I found, even still when nearing the end, I had to pause and think about who the chapter was being narrated by.
Consequently, Patis creates a web of a plot with many different facades. I loved how the chapters were named because it represented how Richard, the deceased, could still have control and influence over these lives, despite no longer being around. He was a powerful man in life and it seems that this has not lessened in death.
The narrative is split between the funeral and subsequent wake, to flashbacks in the past. Patis gradually reveals the different relationships that each character has with Richard and there remains mystery and intrigue throughout the story, even when you think you have figured out all of the connections. This definitely added to the suspense of the book and I found I just could not put it down: I needed to know how the characters were going to move on from Richard’s death.
This book felt like a unique read and an exciting narrative. Don’t be put off by the different perspectives because I think that, whilst it may seem complicated, the strength of the narrative makes this challenge worth-while. It has many elements in a book that I enjoy: mystery, family deception and full of suspense. I think this will appeal to many fans of this genre.
With thanks to Bloodhound books for providing me with a copy of this book in exchange for an honest review.
A lot of that happens in this book. The chapter switches between a large cast of characters and I found this definitely forced me to slow down my consumption of the book. Significantly, each chapter is not titled after the character’s name, but their relationship with the deceased. This added a level of ambiguity and I found, even still when nearing the end, I had to pause and think about who the chapter was being narrated by.
Consequently, Patis creates a web of a plot with many different facades. I loved how the chapters were named because it represented how Richard, the deceased, could still have control and influence over these lives, despite no longer being around. He was a powerful man in life and it seems that this has not lessened in death.
The narrative is split between the funeral and subsequent wake, to flashbacks in the past. Patis gradually reveals the different relationships that each character has with Richard and there remains mystery and intrigue throughout the story, even when you think you have figured out all of the connections. This definitely added to the suspense of the book and I found I just could not put it down: I needed to know how the characters were going to move on from Richard’s death.
This book felt like a unique read and an exciting narrative. Don’t be put off by the different perspectives because I think that, whilst it may seem complicated, the strength of the narrative makes this challenge worth-while. It has many elements in a book that I enjoy: mystery, family deception and full of suspense. I think this will appeal to many fans of this genre.
With thanks to Bloodhound books for providing me with a copy of this book in exchange for an honest review.
July 2, 2022
4.5 stars
This was a different kind of thriller. A family mourns a father, husband and lover who was killed suddenly in a car accident.
It gets abit confusing because there's multiple povs from his daughter, daughter in law, wife and mistress. Also the celebrant James who knew the family well.
The goes from before and after the accident.
A build up of what kind of man Richard Asquith was and the secrets he kept.
I found the clever twists and writing were good once I got a feel for all the characters.
The ending was very appropriate for this kind of story.
This was a different kind of thriller. A family mourns a father, husband and lover who was killed suddenly in a car accident.
It gets abit confusing because there's multiple povs from his daughter, daughter in law, wife and mistress. Also the celebrant James who knew the family well.
The goes from before and after the accident.
A build up of what kind of man Richard Asquith was and the secrets he kept.
I found the clever twists and writing were good once I got a feel for all the characters.
The ending was very appropriate for this kind of story.
October 27, 2020
The Wake is a new family drama/suspense novel set in Cornwall by an author I’d heard of but not read before, about the secrets, lies and resentment that come to light when a wealthy man dies. It follows a similar plot structure to Big Little Lies and The Guest List - multiple POVs and flashbacks surrounding the death of a key character, but for me this didn’t work as well and I was disappointed by the rather predictable reveal.
Richard Asquith, a wealthy property developer, has died suddenly, and as his family and friends gather for his funeral, we gradually learn why almost everyone hated him. There’s James the celebrant, who he bullied, Skye, the remaining daughter from his first family, estranged following the disappearance of her sister. Lexi the daughter-in-law is terrified that the secrets of her past will emerge, and Ellie the mistress had a very different perspective of a man most would recognise as a malignant narcissist. We also meet the bitchy wife, Fiona, and her sons, petulant Felix and sensitive Tobias, through the eyes of the deceased, an entitled selfish man perpetually dissatisfied by his life and the people in it - but did he deserve to die?
This started well for me, and having read plenty in this genre I was hoping for more of a mystery, but as it progressed I tired of being inside the heads of such an awful collection of people. They’re all emotional cowards, who refused to confront Richard in life, instead taking his money and simmering in their jealousy. There are two mysteries running through this, what happened to 11 year old Saffy, and what caused Richard’s accident, but both end up being rather damp squibs. The two key female characters are repeatedly described as being very similar, but this meant I had to keep checking whose voice this chapter was in as it got very confusing - especially with the clumsy present tense narration.
Thanks to Bloodhound Books for the ARC which allowed me to give an honest review. At this point I’m very much an outlier and this has a string of 5 star reviews so please don’t let my lukewarm response to this put you off if it sounds like your cup of tea. The Wake is available now.
Richard Asquith, a wealthy property developer, has died suddenly, and as his family and friends gather for his funeral, we gradually learn why almost everyone hated him. There’s James the celebrant, who he bullied, Skye, the remaining daughter from his first family, estranged following the disappearance of her sister. Lexi the daughter-in-law is terrified that the secrets of her past will emerge, and Ellie the mistress had a very different perspective of a man most would recognise as a malignant narcissist. We also meet the bitchy wife, Fiona, and her sons, petulant Felix and sensitive Tobias, through the eyes of the deceased, an entitled selfish man perpetually dissatisfied by his life and the people in it - but did he deserve to die?
This started well for me, and having read plenty in this genre I was hoping for more of a mystery, but as it progressed I tired of being inside the heads of such an awful collection of people. They’re all emotional cowards, who refused to confront Richard in life, instead taking his money and simmering in their jealousy. There are two mysteries running through this, what happened to 11 year old Saffy, and what caused Richard’s accident, but both end up being rather damp squibs. The two key female characters are repeatedly described as being very similar, but this meant I had to keep checking whose voice this chapter was in as it got very confusing - especially with the clumsy present tense narration.
Thanks to Bloodhound Books for the ARC which allowed me to give an honest review. At this point I’m very much an outlier and this has a string of 5 star reviews so please don’t let my lukewarm response to this put you off if it sounds like your cup of tea. The Wake is available now.
October 27, 2020
THE WAKE is a gripping psychological suspense by Vikki Patis.
Her Novels include:
The Diary (2018)
The Girl Across the Street (2019)
Girl, Lost (2020)
The Wake (2020)
On a stormy night, Richard had driven off the road and crashed his car into a tree, killing him instantly. He had been three times over the limit and died on impact.
In the wake of Richard Asquith's death, his family come together to say goodbye. A man's life is told from different viewpoints, including his own, his wife, daughter, daughter in law, mistress, and the celebrant who is conducting his funeral and is a longstanding friend of the deceased's wife. They all have different views of him and have different secrets they are keeping. They are there to celebrate the life of Richard Asquith.
Richard’s 1st Marriage to Fearne-2 daughters-Skye and Saffy (died)
Richard’s 2nd Wife-Fiona-2 Sons-Felix (engaged to Lexi & his son Leo) & Toby
Richard’s Mistress-Eleanor
Richard had four children with four women, and barely five years between them. How much longer could he continue living this double life…juggling Fearne and Fiona, splitting his time between the two houses.
The Daughter
Skye hasn't seen her father in years. Can she ever forgive him for what he did?
The Daughter-in-Law
Lexi hopes her secrets have died with Richard. Can she keep the truth to herself forever?
The Mistress
Eleanor is heartbroken, but is her grief clouding her judgement?
The Celebrant
James has had enough of death. Can he give Richard the send-off he deserves?
Everyone has something to hide but buried secrets always surface…
This fast-paced story is told from five different perspectives, but very easy to follow, with short chapters and characters that relay so much drama. I felt that I could relate to all of them, as the author manages to bring each person to life.
Who was the real Richard Asquith? He wanted it all but none of them were enough.
Many thanks to the author and Bloodhound Books for my digital copy. Highly recommend!
Her Novels include:
The Diary (2018)
The Girl Across the Street (2019)
Girl, Lost (2020)
The Wake (2020)
On a stormy night, Richard had driven off the road and crashed his car into a tree, killing him instantly. He had been three times over the limit and died on impact.
In the wake of Richard Asquith's death, his family come together to say goodbye. A man's life is told from different viewpoints, including his own, his wife, daughter, daughter in law, mistress, and the celebrant who is conducting his funeral and is a longstanding friend of the deceased's wife. They all have different views of him and have different secrets they are keeping. They are there to celebrate the life of Richard Asquith.
Richard’s 1st Marriage to Fearne-2 daughters-Skye and Saffy (died)
Richard’s 2nd Wife-Fiona-2 Sons-Felix (engaged to Lexi & his son Leo) & Toby
Richard’s Mistress-Eleanor
Richard had four children with four women, and barely five years between them. How much longer could he continue living this double life…juggling Fearne and Fiona, splitting his time between the two houses.
The Daughter
Skye hasn't seen her father in years. Can she ever forgive him for what he did?
The Daughter-in-Law
Lexi hopes her secrets have died with Richard. Can she keep the truth to herself forever?
The Mistress
Eleanor is heartbroken, but is her grief clouding her judgement?
The Celebrant
James has had enough of death. Can he give Richard the send-off he deserves?
Everyone has something to hide but buried secrets always surface…
This fast-paced story is told from five different perspectives, but very easy to follow, with short chapters and characters that relay so much drama. I felt that I could relate to all of them, as the author manages to bring each person to life.
Who was the real Richard Asquith? He wanted it all but none of them were enough.
Many thanks to the author and Bloodhound Books for my digital copy. Highly recommend!
Read
November 9, 2020It's the day of Richard Asquith's funeral and his family has gathered to say goodbye. But things don't go as planned when sparks fly and a fight breaks out. But why is there so much tension among the family? And what happened to his daughter, Saffy, who went missing decades ago?
The Wake brings together a fascinating cast of characters, each with their own agendas, secrets, and past mistakes. Skye wants to find out what happened to her sister all those years ago. Richard's current wife Fiona is preoccupied with his mistress, Eleanor arriving at the wake. And daughter-in-law Lexi is hoping no one will uncover her secrets.
I really enjoyed this suspenseful read. It's perfect for readers craving suspense without too much violence, as many of us are right now. But, the mystery and interesting characters will still have you turning the pages. We get to see how events turned sour through a series of flashbacks going back to when the children were young, all the way up to the day Richard died. I love how rich this makes the character backstories, meaning that you begin to root for them in different ways.
This is a book full of wonderful storytelling that throws in a few twists and turns along the way. Perfect for fans of Paula Hawkins or Shalini Boland.
The Wake brings together a fascinating cast of characters, each with their own agendas, secrets, and past mistakes. Skye wants to find out what happened to her sister all those years ago. Richard's current wife Fiona is preoccupied with his mistress, Eleanor arriving at the wake. And daughter-in-law Lexi is hoping no one will uncover her secrets.
I really enjoyed this suspenseful read. It's perfect for readers craving suspense without too much violence, as many of us are right now. But, the mystery and interesting characters will still have you turning the pages. We get to see how events turned sour through a series of flashbacks going back to when the children were young, all the way up to the day Richard died. I love how rich this makes the character backstories, meaning that you begin to root for them in different ways.
This is a book full of wonderful storytelling that throws in a few twists and turns along the way. Perfect for fans of Paula Hawkins or Shalini Boland.
October 12, 2020
An outstanding piece of writing. What a triumph this book is. Written from the perspectives of those he left behind, The Wake follows the narrative of the family of Richard Asquith, a deceased man with many secrets.
With a missing child, offspring he starved of love and attention, and a mistress who believed she could change him, Richard Asquith's life provides the perfect storm as the funeral gets underway and the skeletons in the family cupboard all come tumbling out.
You definitely don't want to miss this one! A solid 5* from me.
With a missing child, offspring he starved of love and attention, and a mistress who believed she could change him, Richard Asquith's life provides the perfect storm as the funeral gets underway and the skeletons in the family cupboard all come tumbling out.
You definitely don't want to miss this one! A solid 5* from me.
October 25, 2020
The Wake is my first read by this author.
Richard Asquith wasn’t a nice man. His daughter Skye returns for his funeral. As his secrets are revealed we see the effect it has on his family.
We hear the story through several points of view. Usually this has me lost but the author wrote it in such a way I followed it without any problems.
Richard Asquith wasn’t a nice man. His daughter Skye returns for his funeral. As his secrets are revealed we see the effect it has on his family.
We hear the story through several points of view. Usually this has me lost but the author wrote it in such a way I followed it without any problems.
January 2, 2021
Back in July I read by first Vikki Patis novel (Girl, Lost) and concluded by saying that it would absolutely not be my last book by this author. Well, it's taken a while - too many books, too little time - but I have finally read my second. Let me make it clear: I really, really liked it and this won't be my last either.
But I have to start with what for me were the book's problems. These begin with the front cover. The cover that displays on Goodreads is not the current one. I think it's a shame that it ever got changed, because I like the original far, far better. I love the image of the girl, standing barefoot on the rocks with her back to the observer and the sea spraying in her face. Is she looking at something? Or for someone? I want to know. I want to be allowed into her world. But the new cover doesn't do any of that. It's just the title and the author's name on a brightly-coloured background. Eye-catching it is, but intriguing it just isn't.
Moving inside, I struggled a little bit with the structure of the book. The story is told from the multiple points of view of relatives and acquaintances - the term 'friends' wouldn't be accurate - of Richard Asquith who are in attendance at his funeral, as well as a few 'Then' chapters from Richard himself. The trouble is that each chapter is headed not by the name of the narrator, but by his or her relationship to 'The Deceased' (namely 'The Daughter', 'The Daughter-in-Law', 'The Mistress' and 'The Celebrant'). However, because several of the characters had similar tendencies, there were a few occasions when I had to stop and remind myself which character filled which role.
There's also the point that the narratives of the female characters are in the first person, whilst those of the male ones are in the third. I didn't understand the reason for this.
Those are the minor problems with this book. We have to go to the back cover for the main one. The book's own description states that it's a "psychological suspense thriller", but it really isn't. Read it as such and it will likely fall a bit flat. There are no major twists. The two main revelations, which concern Richard's death and the historical disappearance of his eldest daughter Saffy, are ones that are fairly predictable. And the one 'hold your breath' moment is over so quickly that if you had spent the whole book waiting for it, you'd probably be thinking "is that it"?
However ...
Read it instead as a family drama and it all falls into place.
'The Deceased', was a wealthy, ambitious and sometimes ruthless property developer. 'The Daughter' is his second daughter Skye, who has been estranged ever since her elder sister's disappearance. 'The Daughter-in-Law' Lexi is the wife of Richard's son Felix by second wife Fiona, and Felix seems to have inherited all of his father's unpleasant qualities and none of his redeeming features. 'The Celebrant' is James, who Richard bullied for being homosexual but who, even though he despises him, has agreed to host the funeral out of kindness to Fiona. 'The Mistress' is Eleanor, who initially shows us what she saw as a different side to Richard but who later found her own reason to hate him. None of these characters knows each other well, if at all. They are united only by a combination of perceived duty in attending the funeral, and what once was love for the patriarch but has now turned into grievance.
The writing is just beautiful. I had no difficulty at all in relating to, and sympathising with each of the main characters. Of course some of them have similar tendencies: they're all either descendants of, or people who fell in love with the same man after all. And Richard's own chapters show that he isn't quite the total bastard that some of the other narrators portray him to be. He's just flawed. He's just human.
Viewed in the right light, the revelations towards the end of the book are in fact perfectly conveyed as the results of long-standing misunderstandings and resentments, which are quickly overcome in the way that such things so often are. And the concluding chapters, which show that all of the main characters have been able to move on and in some cases form new friendships with each other, are both believable and delightful.
So to conclude: dare I suggest that Vikki, or someone on her behalf needs to have a word with whoever is writing the summaries of her books. Because The Wake is a great novel that's in danger of being spoiled as a result of its own blurb generating the wrong expectations.
But I have to start with what for me were the book's problems. These begin with the front cover. The cover that displays on Goodreads is not the current one. I think it's a shame that it ever got changed, because I like the original far, far better. I love the image of the girl, standing barefoot on the rocks with her back to the observer and the sea spraying in her face. Is she looking at something? Or for someone? I want to know. I want to be allowed into her world. But the new cover doesn't do any of that. It's just the title and the author's name on a brightly-coloured background. Eye-catching it is, but intriguing it just isn't.
Moving inside, I struggled a little bit with the structure of the book. The story is told from the multiple points of view of relatives and acquaintances - the term 'friends' wouldn't be accurate - of Richard Asquith who are in attendance at his funeral, as well as a few 'Then' chapters from Richard himself. The trouble is that each chapter is headed not by the name of the narrator, but by his or her relationship to 'The Deceased' (namely 'The Daughter', 'The Daughter-in-Law', 'The Mistress' and 'The Celebrant'). However, because several of the characters had similar tendencies, there were a few occasions when I had to stop and remind myself which character filled which role.
There's also the point that the narratives of the female characters are in the first person, whilst those of the male ones are in the third. I didn't understand the reason for this.
Those are the minor problems with this book. We have to go to the back cover for the main one. The book's own description states that it's a "psychological suspense thriller", but it really isn't. Read it as such and it will likely fall a bit flat. There are no major twists. The two main revelations, which concern Richard's death and the historical disappearance of his eldest daughter Saffy, are ones that are fairly predictable. And the one 'hold your breath' moment is over so quickly that if you had spent the whole book waiting for it, you'd probably be thinking "is that it"?
However ...
Read it instead as a family drama and it all falls into place.
'The Deceased', was a wealthy, ambitious and sometimes ruthless property developer. 'The Daughter' is his second daughter Skye, who has been estranged ever since her elder sister's disappearance. 'The Daughter-in-Law' Lexi is the wife of Richard's son Felix by second wife Fiona, and Felix seems to have inherited all of his father's unpleasant qualities and none of his redeeming features. 'The Celebrant' is James, who Richard bullied for being homosexual but who, even though he despises him, has agreed to host the funeral out of kindness to Fiona. 'The Mistress' is Eleanor, who initially shows us what she saw as a different side to Richard but who later found her own reason to hate him. None of these characters knows each other well, if at all. They are united only by a combination of perceived duty in attending the funeral, and what once was love for the patriarch but has now turned into grievance.
The writing is just beautiful. I had no difficulty at all in relating to, and sympathising with each of the main characters. Of course some of them have similar tendencies: they're all either descendants of, or people who fell in love with the same man after all. And Richard's own chapters show that he isn't quite the total bastard that some of the other narrators portray him to be. He's just flawed. He's just human.
Viewed in the right light, the revelations towards the end of the book are in fact perfectly conveyed as the results of long-standing misunderstandings and resentments, which are quickly overcome in the way that such things so often are. And the concluding chapters, which show that all of the main characters have been able to move on and in some cases form new friendships with each other, are both believable and delightful.
So to conclude: dare I suggest that Vikki, or someone on her behalf needs to have a word with whoever is writing the summaries of her books. Because The Wake is a great novel that's in danger of being spoiled as a result of its own blurb generating the wrong expectations.
October 14, 2020
I’ve read and loved all previous books by Vikki Patis, and was so excited to read this one after hearing in a livestream back in May that this is her favourite that she’s written so far! I can easily see why.
This story is told from five different perspectives, but it’s fast paced and not overbearing. The chapters are short enough that you never get bored of the characters, and I’m impressed by how seamlessly everybody's stories fit together. Despite each character subsequently getting less screen time (page time?) than a standard one person perspective, I still felt like I knew enough about each character to empathise with them, to dislike them, to fear for them, etc. Vikki manages to bring each person to life so believably, and while I guessed some of the twists, I definitely didn’t get them all. As usual, Vikki seems to have nailed the inclusivity of lgbtq+ characters which is wonderful, but I’ve come to expect nothing less!
This story has a bit more of a bite to it than her others, but if you liked those you’ll love this one too. You can really see Vikki growing as an author with each book and I’m just as excited for the next one now! Definitely a new favourite.
This story is told from five different perspectives, but it’s fast paced and not overbearing. The chapters are short enough that you never get bored of the characters, and I’m impressed by how seamlessly everybody's stories fit together. Despite each character subsequently getting less screen time (page time?) than a standard one person perspective, I still felt like I knew enough about each character to empathise with them, to dislike them, to fear for them, etc. Vikki manages to bring each person to life so believably, and while I guessed some of the twists, I definitely didn’t get them all. As usual, Vikki seems to have nailed the inclusivity of lgbtq+ characters which is wonderful, but I’ve come to expect nothing less!
This story has a bit more of a bite to it than her others, but if you liked those you’ll love this one too. You can really see Vikki growing as an author with each book and I’m just as excited for the next one now! Definitely a new favourite.
October 27, 2020
This one is right up my street - I adore stories told from multiple points of view!
Unusually, this book begins with a funeral. Richard Asquith is the deceased who we know nothing about until his life is related through four different attendees: his daughter, his daughter-in-law, his mistress and the celebrant. Each one has differing experiences of the man now dead and, as the tale unfolds, we learn not only about him but also about each of them.
Everyone, in all walks of life, has secrets; big ones, little ones, the ones we kid ourselves that don't matter - but we all have them. And boy, there are some whoppers among this lot! I love the style of writing in this novel - the story just flew past so quickly! It takes some very clever planning to fit so much into such an easy, flowing read and I really felt as if I had known all the characters personally, including Richard. Original and engaging, definitely one to recommend and earning 4.5 stars.
Unusually, this book begins with a funeral. Richard Asquith is the deceased who we know nothing about until his life is related through four different attendees: his daughter, his daughter-in-law, his mistress and the celebrant. Each one has differing experiences of the man now dead and, as the tale unfolds, we learn not only about him but also about each of them.
Everyone, in all walks of life, has secrets; big ones, little ones, the ones we kid ourselves that don't matter - but we all have them. And boy, there are some whoppers among this lot! I love the style of writing in this novel - the story just flew past so quickly! It takes some very clever planning to fit so much into such an easy, flowing read and I really felt as if I had known all the characters personally, including Richard. Original and engaging, definitely one to recommend and earning 4.5 stars.
September 11, 2022
The tagline for this book “an absolutely gripping psychological suspense” is kind of a whopper of a statement and set the bar pretty high. And by default, made some level of disappointment an inevitability. I found the story pretty mundane, nothing even remotely approaching “gripping suspense”. The plot merely plays out as the reader learns about characters, most of whom were either maladjusted or toxic or unlikable or some combination of all three, and watch as they act manipulatively, unfaithfully, treacherously, cruelly. For me, this was one of those books where you feel almost slimy reading it bc the characters are just so yuck. Narrator was talented, great with accents, so there's that.
October 27, 2020
Another triumph from this talented author. This book is set at the wake of the main character Richard and told from the perspectives of different people whose lives he had affected. Talk about dysfunctional families - this one has everything! The prologue is fantastic and I could visualise it as a slo mo movie scene, setting us up for what is to come. So well written, this has you wondering what the prologue was really about, and what happened in the past to get us to that point, right up to the ending. Fabulous!
October 28, 2020
Thank you to Vikki Patis for sending me a copy of her book in exchange for an honest review.
I’m gutted to say that I just didn’t love this one. I enjoyed it, and it was a good read, but I feel a bit disappointed by it. I was hooked by the prologue, but I feel like that was the most interesting part of the book - but I also feel like, after finishing the book, the prologue was a bit irrelevant. The prologue is of something that happens later in the book, but it then didn’t happen or is told completely differently. I struggled at the start because all of the characters are introduced at the same time, which did make it a bit confusing. I also feel like it took too long for anything to happen, so I was losing motivation to keep reading. However, I loved most of the characters and that’s what made me keep reading. I felt sorry for most of them, and they were really likeable characters. There were a few I didn’t like, but they’re the ones that you weren’t supposed to like. I really liked reading about all the different characters, and that the ending told you what happened to them all after. I like that they got the proper ending that they deserved. This is my least favourite book from Vikki Patis, but I have enjoyed her previous books so I will definitely be looking out for her future books.
I’m gutted to say that I just didn’t love this one. I enjoyed it, and it was a good read, but I feel a bit disappointed by it. I was hooked by the prologue, but I feel like that was the most interesting part of the book - but I also feel like, after finishing the book, the prologue was a bit irrelevant. The prologue is of something that happens later in the book, but it then didn’t happen or is told completely differently. I struggled at the start because all of the characters are introduced at the same time, which did make it a bit confusing. I also feel like it took too long for anything to happen, so I was losing motivation to keep reading. However, I loved most of the characters and that’s what made me keep reading. I felt sorry for most of them, and they were really likeable characters. There were a few I didn’t like, but they’re the ones that you weren’t supposed to like. I really liked reading about all the different characters, and that the ending told you what happened to them all after. I like that they got the proper ending that they deserved. This is my least favourite book from Vikki Patis, but I have enjoyed her previous books so I will definitely be looking out for her future books.
May 12, 2022
Interesting read although there are a lot of characters and at times it's hard to remember their relationship.
Perhaps a family tree at the beginning would have helped.
A believable story apart from the last paragraph.
Perhaps a family tree at the beginning would have helped.
A believable story apart from the last paragraph.
February 7, 2021
This was all very predictable, there were no shocks or surprises because everything was signposted before, and it felt like a book I'd read, many times.
November 3, 2020
An intriguing family saga with many point of view, seamlessly woven together.
This is the first novel I've read by Vikki Patis. I'm looking forward to reading her others! The Wake is full of colourful characters and their sometimes tragic secrets.
Richard, recently deceased, is at the heart of this troubled and fractured family. We learn about him in flashback chapters and through the eyes of the people he has wronged. He was mostly feared not loved by his family and as the story unfolds, we see the extent of his selfish, bigoted behaviour. As his secrets surface we see the heavy toll it has had on his family. I think a wake is a clever plot device which Patis uses brilliantly to tell this story. I was surprised by the ending but not disappointed. A thoroughly enjoyable read! Highly recommended.
This is the first novel I've read by Vikki Patis. I'm looking forward to reading her others! The Wake is full of colourful characters and their sometimes tragic secrets.
Richard, recently deceased, is at the heart of this troubled and fractured family. We learn about him in flashback chapters and through the eyes of the people he has wronged. He was mostly feared not loved by his family and as the story unfolds, we see the extent of his selfish, bigoted behaviour. As his secrets surface we see the heavy toll it has had on his family. I think a wake is a clever plot device which Patis uses brilliantly to tell this story. I was surprised by the ending but not disappointed. A thoroughly enjoyable read! Highly recommended.
October 28, 2020
When Richard Asquith dies, his legacy will go on but for all the wrong reasons. The wife, the mistress, the celebrant, the Daughter and the daughter in law all have reasons to hate him but could they kill him?
Another great read from Vikki and always a pleasure to read her books as she builds up depth to her characters and the way this flowed was brilliant. Thank you to the author for giving me a copy in exchange for my honest review.
Another great read from Vikki and always a pleasure to read her books as she builds up depth to her characters and the way this flowed was brilliant. Thank you to the author for giving me a copy in exchange for my honest review.
March 13, 2021
This is my second read by the talented Vikki Patis and I enjoyed it just as much as the first. I’ve said it once and I’ll say it again—she is an author to keep an eye out for. The opening scenes are as gripping as you could hope for, where we learn about Richard Asquith, the husband and father in question, who is being buried. His somewhat extraordinary life unfolds through the lives of those attending the ‘wake’ and this proved to be an enthralling introduction. From that moment I was spellbound and as keen as his other family members to find out what happened to him. Each chapter, told through a different character’s POV, has their own story to tell. Some add up and others, well…. not quite. But everything comes together in the end, in a perfectly thrilling denouement. A highly rated five stars from me. I’m already looking forward to my next read from Ms Patis.
June 14, 2025
Vikki Patis has done it again! Just when I thought that her last book, Girl Lost, was the best book she has written, in she swoops with The Wake! This book totally blew me away and I absolutely loved it! If you are a fan of psychological suspense and family sagas, you most definitely will love this book too!
Vikki Patis has become an author to me where I no longer have to read the blurb first before I commit to reading her books. You just know that what she comes up with is going to fantastic and The Wake is no exception. Her talent just shines through the pages of this book and she brings it to life beautifully.
The prologue had my heart racing and I couldn’t wait to see it come back full circle to that particular moment after learning of the events in the lead up to it. It really sets up the tone of the story perfectly. The story itself had me completely immersed and invested and I just could not tear myself away from it. Not that I wanted to mind you.
I really enjoyed the structure of the book and how each chapter is labeled. There are a few characters in this book with multiple points of view, so this made each chapter clear and concise, without any confusion and having to flip back to see who’s perspective you were reading from.
The characters are the perfect mix of likeable and unlikable and each has been very well developed. The story has been well plotted and it moves at the right pace. The tension and suspense builds up along the way, where it boils over to a very satisfying outcome. I was actually sad when it came to the end as I was enjoying it so much!
Vikki Patis really knows how to tell a story and I think that she is one of the most exciting authors in the psychological suspense genre. Each book she writes is written so flawlessly and they are always masterfully put together. I just can’t praise The Wake enough and it is another to add to my best books for 2020!
Vikki Patis has become an author to me where I no longer have to read the blurb first before I commit to reading her books. You just know that what she comes up with is going to fantastic and The Wake is no exception. Her talent just shines through the pages of this book and she brings it to life beautifully.
The prologue had my heart racing and I couldn’t wait to see it come back full circle to that particular moment after learning of the events in the lead up to it. It really sets up the tone of the story perfectly. The story itself had me completely immersed and invested and I just could not tear myself away from it. Not that I wanted to mind you.
I really enjoyed the structure of the book and how each chapter is labeled. There are a few characters in this book with multiple points of view, so this made each chapter clear and concise, without any confusion and having to flip back to see who’s perspective you were reading from.
The characters are the perfect mix of likeable and unlikable and each has been very well developed. The story has been well plotted and it moves at the right pace. The tension and suspense builds up along the way, where it boils over to a very satisfying outcome. I was actually sad when it came to the end as I was enjoying it so much!
Vikki Patis really knows how to tell a story and I think that she is one of the most exciting authors in the psychological suspense genre. Each book she writes is written so flawlessly and they are always masterfully put together. I just can’t praise The Wake enough and it is another to add to my best books for 2020!
October 31, 2020
Almost all the people in this are messed up. One relationship is messed up beyond imagination. Brimmed with loathsome characters who were hypocrites, self-centered, oppressive, and home wreckers.
This starts with the funeral of Richard, who was in mid-fifties. Survived by a daughter Skye from first wife, second wife Fiona, with two sons Felix and Toby, and mistress Eleanor.
Skye was estranged from her father and mother after a devastating event had broker her family. Richard abrasive, selfish to the core, bigot, homophobic, rules members of his family with an iron fist. Felix is spitting image of his father.
Story is told from many members’ point of view, flips back to when Richard was alive. Pattis let the reader know from the beginning that everyone is hiding terrible secrets, all would come out in the open by the end of funeral. As the story continued through the family members, the events were repeated and it was boring to read them again and again.
I was amazed at the foolishness of women in this? They were under the illusions they tamed the leopard with their beauty, slimness, youngness but they never heard of the expression “The Leopard never change his spots”.
When this story’s pace and snail were put to a race, the snail wins without a shred of doubt. Why hadn’t I abandoned it? At first, I found the family dynamics intriguing, wanted to find what everyone is hiding? Has the persistence paid off? Sadly, no. The secrets were insipid.
There was one relationship that annoyed hell out of me. How the people involved it can be that reprehensible and immoral? The revelations were dull as ditch water.
The idea of funeral and secrets tumbling out has great potential but fizzled out. I lost the motivation to read many times but kept on reading, hoping I would be rewarded with riveting secrets. It was a disappointing read.
This starts with the funeral of Richard, who was in mid-fifties. Survived by a daughter Skye from first wife, second wife Fiona, with two sons Felix and Toby, and mistress Eleanor.
Skye was estranged from her father and mother after a devastating event had broker her family. Richard abrasive, selfish to the core, bigot, homophobic, rules members of his family with an iron fist. Felix is spitting image of his father.
Story is told from many members’ point of view, flips back to when Richard was alive. Pattis let the reader know from the beginning that everyone is hiding terrible secrets, all would come out in the open by the end of funeral. As the story continued through the family members, the events were repeated and it was boring to read them again and again.
I was amazed at the foolishness of women in this? They were under the illusions they tamed the leopard with their beauty, slimness, youngness but they never heard of the expression “The Leopard never change his spots”.
When this story’s pace and snail were put to a race, the snail wins without a shred of doubt. Why hadn’t I abandoned it? At first, I found the family dynamics intriguing, wanted to find what everyone is hiding? Has the persistence paid off? Sadly, no. The secrets were insipid.
There was one relationship that annoyed hell out of me. How the people involved it can be that reprehensible and immoral? The revelations were dull as ditch water.
The idea of funeral and secrets tumbling out has great potential but fizzled out. I lost the motivation to read many times but kept on reading, hoping I would be rewarded with riveting secrets. It was a disappointing read.
October 26, 2020
A compelling domestic suspense novel, full of secrets and lies!
Cleverley plotted; this story is told from five different perspectives. The Deceased – Richard Asquith, The Daughter – Skye, The Daughter-in-Law – Lexi, The Mistress – Eleanor and the Celebrant – James. As well as these characters there are a few more that you get to know along the way who are also a big part of this story.
Richard is the kind of man I despise, he is a very wealthy man, one who gets what he wants in life and not a man people say no to! Killed in a car accident, we find ourselves at Richards wake where family and friends have come to pay their respects, but most have come to say good riddance!
As the story progresses secrets and lies from the past are revealed and we learn that Richard is at the heart of them all. My opinions changed on a few of the characters along the way as I realised most had just been living under the thumb of the deceased, so they had been unable to be their true selves for a very long time.
The ending was surprising, and I really liked the way it all wrapped up. I felt like a fly on the wall whilst reading this book, looking down upon the wake, making my judgments on all these characters. I loved the short chapters, making this book a nice easy read. It works so well having all the different perspectives and helps keep the reader’s interest throughout.
Most of the book is set in Cornwall and Devon, which is where I’m from so this meant I was able to picture everything perfectly, right down to the restaurant on the Barbican in Plymouth!
A great read, perfect for fans of domestic noir!
Thank you to Vikki Patis and Bloodhound Books for my ARC in exchange for an open, honest review.
Cleverley plotted; this story is told from five different perspectives. The Deceased – Richard Asquith, The Daughter – Skye, The Daughter-in-Law – Lexi, The Mistress – Eleanor and the Celebrant – James. As well as these characters there are a few more that you get to know along the way who are also a big part of this story.
Richard is the kind of man I despise, he is a very wealthy man, one who gets what he wants in life and not a man people say no to! Killed in a car accident, we find ourselves at Richards wake where family and friends have come to pay their respects, but most have come to say good riddance!
As the story progresses secrets and lies from the past are revealed and we learn that Richard is at the heart of them all. My opinions changed on a few of the characters along the way as I realised most had just been living under the thumb of the deceased, so they had been unable to be their true selves for a very long time.
The ending was surprising, and I really liked the way it all wrapped up. I felt like a fly on the wall whilst reading this book, looking down upon the wake, making my judgments on all these characters. I loved the short chapters, making this book a nice easy read. It works so well having all the different perspectives and helps keep the reader’s interest throughout.
Most of the book is set in Cornwall and Devon, which is where I’m from so this meant I was able to picture everything perfectly, right down to the restaurant on the Barbican in Plymouth!
A great read, perfect for fans of domestic noir!
Thank you to Vikki Patis and Bloodhound Books for my ARC in exchange for an open, honest review.
June 16, 2022
What would you like to be remembered for when you die? This book starts with disaster and blood and then we learn that our main character Richard has just passed away and now his funeral/wake is coming up and it looks like there is more than one person who wanted or is relieved that Richard is dead. Richard wasn't a nice person, he was someone who wanted respect and didn't care who he hurt, and also, he was all for instant gratification. This book is told from several characters' POVs. We have James - the funeral celebrant who hated Richard for ruining his chances of love from Tom and Peter, Fiona - Richard's current wife and previous mistress, Eleanor - Richard's current mistress, Felix, and Toby - his sons from Fiona, Skye - his daughter from his first marriage to Fearne, Lexi - Felix's fiancé. This book talks about the day Skye's sister Saffy went missing on the beach and the racist/ prejudice that Richard held and now sadly his son Felix is the same personality. I have to admit, I was glad that Richard was dead as, to be honest, good riddance as he caused more drama than needed and even after death, he still managed to cause chaos as dark family secrets were revealed. The Wake was a good read that held my interest and was written well normally a book with lots of characters can get too busy, but this one worked very well and flowed nicely. This was the first one I had read from this author and I am now looking forward to reading more of this author's books.
October 26, 2020
Vikki Patis new novel is set in Cornwall, a beautiful setting to tell a dark tale of family secrets and revenge.
I must admit I read this book late into the night as I was so caught up with the Asquith family. Asquith being my maiden name may have helped! Although my dad was definitely not like Richard!
As the family gather at the funeral of Richard Asquith there is one mourner who is hoping to find out what happened to her sister all those years ago! Skye was ill in bed when her sister went off to the beach with her father, but Saffy never returns and her body is never found. The consequences of what happened that day rebound on all the family members down through the years.
Although there are a lot of characters in this book, the author outlined each of them in their own chapter which made it very easy to keep track of who was who. Every person at the funeral has been affected by knowing the deceased and not in a good way, including his current mistress. But the only question on Skye’s lips is what did happen to her sister all those years ago! As the wake gets underway, we begin to realise just what a nasty piece of work Richard Asquith is!
Congratulation Vikki, this book is another winner.
I must admit I read this book late into the night as I was so caught up with the Asquith family. Asquith being my maiden name may have helped! Although my dad was definitely not like Richard!
As the family gather at the funeral of Richard Asquith there is one mourner who is hoping to find out what happened to her sister all those years ago! Skye was ill in bed when her sister went off to the beach with her father, but Saffy never returns and her body is never found. The consequences of what happened that day rebound on all the family members down through the years.
Although there are a lot of characters in this book, the author outlined each of them in their own chapter which made it very easy to keep track of who was who. Every person at the funeral has been affected by knowing the deceased and not in a good way, including his current mistress. But the only question on Skye’s lips is what did happen to her sister all those years ago! As the wake gets underway, we begin to realise just what a nasty piece of work Richard Asquith is!
Congratulation Vikki, this book is another winner.
October 29, 2020
As a family prepare for a funeral in Cornwall..each of the family gather for the day.Richard Asquith was a man who had it all ..the big house ,money and a seemingly perfect life .As his life is seen in flashbacks by those who attend ,and through the eyes of those that loved him and those who despised him through his funeral and his wake...we discover exactly what kind of man he was..For Skye his estranged daughter who lives in France with her partner, this is the first time in years that she will make the journey back .The memories of her sister Saffy's disappearance still hurt after all this time..Richard's second wife Fiona is a cold distant woman - of her two sons Felix is selfish and uncaring whereas Tobias is a gentle, kind soul .As you see more into Richard's life you get a deeper insight into all those present at the funeral and the parts they played into this mans life . At the centre of the story there are sins..and so many lies ..And a secret that will shatter the lives of all that are gathered this day ..Fractured Splintered lives ..events that can break or shape ..Resentment, hate and shadows ..and the greatest gift of all love ..A beautiful beautiful read ..❤ I loved this story
October 29, 2020
I really enjoyed this book there was so much going on and so many different points of view that I found I read this book a lot slower and sometimes had to reread bits in order to take it all in.
Richard Asquith has tragically died in a car accident leaving behind many family members, friends and work colleagues. As all these people come together to say goodbye to Richard and mourn his loss many have other secrets of their own and want to tie up lose ends.
There was plenty going on in this book to keep you interested and making you want to read on Richard and his double life 4 children age 5 and under 2 girls with one wife, 2 boys with another and a mistress on the side never a dull moment.
This book is told from 5 different points of view and instead of the chapters being the name of the character they are titled with the relation to Richard. All these people have unresolved questions, can they come together in order to resolve them. This book really was a great read and although I sometimes struggled to keep up with it and at times I did get things muddled in my head it was a really good book and had a really lovely ending.
Richard Asquith has tragically died in a car accident leaving behind many family members, friends and work colleagues. As all these people come together to say goodbye to Richard and mourn his loss many have other secrets of their own and want to tie up lose ends.
There was plenty going on in this book to keep you interested and making you want to read on Richard and his double life 4 children age 5 and under 2 girls with one wife, 2 boys with another and a mistress on the side never a dull moment.
This book is told from 5 different points of view and instead of the chapters being the name of the character they are titled with the relation to Richard. All these people have unresolved questions, can they come together in order to resolve them. This book really was a great read and although I sometimes struggled to keep up with it and at times I did get things muddled in my head it was a really good book and had a really lovely ending.
October 20, 2020
A twisty thriller that just keeps on giving.
When Skye returns to Cornwall for her fathers funeral, long buried secrets become uncovered as years of family lies unravel.
The disappearance of her beloved sister Saffy, the breakdown of her relationship with her family in particular have kept Skye away, but now she has had to return.
Maybe it’s just to make sure that the man she came to detest so much, she wanted to put an end to all the tears of hatred she felt.
Even before they get to the wake, at the crematorium you can tell that it’s a simmering pot just waiting to boil over.
Richard Askwith has a lot to answer for, too many infidelities, so many women, and children coming from those relationships... it’s just a car crash waiting to happen.
This initially took me a little time to get into, but I’m so glad I stayed with it. Because once I was hooked it is a really good read.
Brilliant ending.
When Skye returns to Cornwall for her fathers funeral, long buried secrets become uncovered as years of family lies unravel.
The disappearance of her beloved sister Saffy, the breakdown of her relationship with her family in particular have kept Skye away, but now she has had to return.
Maybe it’s just to make sure that the man she came to detest so much, she wanted to put an end to all the tears of hatred she felt.
Even before they get to the wake, at the crematorium you can tell that it’s a simmering pot just waiting to boil over.
Richard Askwith has a lot to answer for, too many infidelities, so many women, and children coming from those relationships... it’s just a car crash waiting to happen.
This initially took me a little time to get into, but I’m so glad I stayed with it. Because once I was hooked it is a really good read.
Brilliant ending.
October 11, 2020
I loved Girl,Lost by Vikki Patis so was thrilled to be asked to read a preview copy of her new book The Wake. This novel brings together a diverse cast of characters for the funeral of Richard Asquith who has recently passed away. Told from the point of view of several different characters this is an enthralling read. Characters are so well developed, and with many of them having credible grievances towards Richard Asquith The circumstances surrounding his death become a focus of the book.
The novel is fast paced and the Cornwall setting is well used to add to the emotions aroused in the characters as they strive to uncover who Richard really was. The outcome was emotional and credible and a devious little twist at the end was particularly satisfying. I look forward to reading more from this talented author.
The novel is fast paced and the Cornwall setting is well used to add to the emotions aroused in the characters as they strive to uncover who Richard really was. The outcome was emotional and credible and a devious little twist at the end was particularly satisfying. I look forward to reading more from this talented author.
October 23, 2020
A brilliant concept for a book. A man's life is told from different viewpoints, including his own and that of his wife, mistress, daughter, daughter in law and the celebrant who is conducting his funeral and is a longstanding friend of the deceased's wife. They all have different views of him and have different secrets they are keeping. The threads are woven so that they all come together at the end.
Richard, the deceased, is not liked by many, apart from his mistress who believes he was going to leave his wife for her. His daughter cut her ties with him, blaming him for the death of her sister, and his wife has become cold. James, the celebrant, dislikes Richard for mocking him for being gay.
There are lots of secrets that are uncovered and various twists that made it unputdownable and a brilliant read!
Richard, the deceased, is not liked by many, apart from his mistress who believes he was going to leave his wife for her. His daughter cut her ties with him, blaming him for the death of her sister, and his wife has become cold. James, the celebrant, dislikes Richard for mocking him for being gay.
There are lots of secrets that are uncovered and various twists that made it unputdownable and a brilliant read!
November 7, 2020
Great read!!! This book told the story of a family that was dealing with the death of their husband, boyfriend, father-in-law, and dad. Each of the characters had a story of their life with the man who died. However, not everyone had good memories of him. Apparently to a lot of people he was not a good man. He lied and mistreated many people. But these lies will be found out during his wake. There were many surprising and shocking things found out during this man's wake. However, these realization of these lies changed the loves of the characters in this story. Loved the story line and all the shocking revelations. Overall the thing I liked most about this book is how it ended. This books shows how even bad blood between people can actually bring them together. I highly recommend this book.
November 18, 2020
Not So Much a Gripping Psychological Thriller...
But an excellent story of the lies and deceit that families, at least a great many, perpetuate. Endeavoring to spare family members from the pain and hurt the truth would cause is never a good idea. Words of wisdom "The cover-up is always worse than the crime." Same holds true with betrayal in family deception. I enjoyed this book very much. I loved the way it was told. I really enjoyed the variety of characters and felt the Author did an excellent job weaving together all of the varying degrees of love and hatred shared amongst what could only be described as a very dysfunctional family having a massive yet cathartic eruption at The Wake. A very worthwhile read. Although not properly categorized. (In my opinion.) I look forward to reading more from this Author and I highly recommend this book.
But an excellent story of the lies and deceit that families, at least a great many, perpetuate. Endeavoring to spare family members from the pain and hurt the truth would cause is never a good idea. Words of wisdom "The cover-up is always worse than the crime." Same holds true with betrayal in family deception. I enjoyed this book very much. I loved the way it was told. I really enjoyed the variety of characters and felt the Author did an excellent job weaving together all of the varying degrees of love and hatred shared amongst what could only be described as a very dysfunctional family having a massive yet cathartic eruption at The Wake. A very worthwhile read. Although not properly categorized. (In my opinion.) I look forward to reading more from this Author and I highly recommend this book.
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