What do you think?
Rate this book
His Hidden Wife
The first time you see them, out for an evening walk on the cliffs, you’ll think they’re the perfect family. You’ll see a wife who looks so happy, strolling peacefully beside her husband in his dark winter coat, holding her daughter’s hand. But you have no idea what’s really happening in their house…
If you come a little closer you might hear the way the man speaks to his wife.
You might notice that the woman doesn’t have any close friends. That sometimes her husband doesn’t want her to leave the house. You might wonder if that’s a scar her beautiful daughter is hiding on her neck.
When you read the local newspaper and hear the news that the wife has fallen from the cliffs, you’ll question whether it was really an accident at all.
And when the husband starts dating someone new – a woman with the same long dark hair and big blue eyes as his wife – will you say something this time?
Because someone has to protect the little girl and stop history from repeating itself. And it may already be too late.
A thrilling and twisty tale, His Hidden Wife will keep you up all night, desperate to race through to its final conclusion. Readers of Gone Girl, The Couple Next Door and Lisa Jewell will be hooked.
If you come a little closer you might hear the way the man speaks to his wife.
You might notice that the woman doesn’t have any close friends. That sometimes her husband doesn’t want her to leave the house. You might wonder if that’s a scar her beautiful daughter is hiding on her neck.
When you read the local newspaper and hear the news that the wife has fallen from the cliffs, you’ll question whether it was really an accident at all.
And when the husband starts dating someone new – a woman with the same long dark hair and big blue eyes as his wife – will you say something this time?
Because someone has to protect the little girl and stop history from repeating itself. And it may already be too late.
A thrilling and twisty tale, His Hidden Wife will keep you up all night, desperate to race through to its final conclusion. Readers of Gone Girl, The Couple Next Door and Lisa Jewell will be hooked.
320 pages, Kindle Edition
First published February 4, 2021
About the author
Wendy Clarke
30 books239 followersWendy Clarke has had over three hundred short stories published in national women’s magazines. With a degree in psychology, and intrigued with how the human mind can affect behaviour, it was inevitable she would eventually want to explore her darker side. What She Saw is her debut psychological thriller, published by Bookouture. Wendy lives with her husband, cat and step-dog in Sussex and when not writing is usually dancing, singing or watching any programme that involves food!
Ratings & Reviews
Friends & Following
Create a free account to discover what your friends think of this book!
Community Reviews
Displaying 1 - 30 of 164 reviews
January 20, 2021
This is a Suspenseful Thriller with twists and turns that will keep you guessing. WOW... There is not a lot of thrillers that have me totally blinded sided. I cannot say how much I loved this thriller. In this book we follow two different points of view. This book pulled me in right away and it had me guessing from the beginning. I really did not seeing it ending like it did, but it was not an ending that was not believable. I loved this whole book, and it was so well written. The characters where so well done, and you either love them or hated them. Which was what the book wanted to do. This book will get into your head. This is a must pick up thriller, and the hidden secrets will have you guessing. I was kindly provided an e-copy of this book by the publisher (Bookouture) or author (Wendy Clarke) via NetGalley, so I can give honest review about how I feel about this book. I want to send a big Thank you to them for that.
Merged review:
This is a Suspenseful Thriller with twists and turns that will keep you guessing. WOW... There is not a lot of thrillers that have me totally blinded sided. I cannot say how much I loved this thriller. In this book we follow two different points of view. This book pulled me in right away and it had me guessing from the beginning. I really did not seeing it ending like it did, but it was not an ending that was not believable. I loved this whole book, and it was so well written. The characters where so well done, and you either love them or hated them. Which was what the book wanted to do. This book will get into your head. This is a must pick up thriller, and the hidden secrets will have you guessing. I was kindly provided an e-copy of this book by the publisher (Bookouture) or author (Wendy Clarke) via NetGalley, so I can give honest review about how I feel about this book. I want to send a big Thank you to them for that. (*)
Merged review:
This is a Suspenseful Thriller with twists and turns that will keep you guessing. WOW... There is not a lot of thrillers that have me totally blinded sided. I cannot say how much I loved this thriller. In this book we follow two different points of view. This book pulled me in right away and it had me guessing from the beginning. I really did not seeing it ending like it did, but it was not an ending that was not believable. I loved this whole book, and it was so well written. The characters where so well done, and you either love them or hated them. Which was what the book wanted to do. This book will get into your head. This is a must pick up thriller, and the hidden secrets will have you guessing. I was kindly provided an e-copy of this book by the publisher (Bookouture) or author (Wendy Clarke) via NetGalley, so I can give honest review about how I feel about this book. I want to send a big Thank you to them for that. (*)
January 30, 2021
His Hidden Wife is a suspenseful book. I enjoyed that I couldn’t figure out the ending. Everyone in His Hidden Wife is keeping secrets. There were many revelations throughout the book that kept the reader engaged. I found it interesting the book was told from Maya, the daughter, and Theresa, the friend, perspective. I felt like His Hidden Wife is Stephen’s story, but the story being told from two other perspectives made Stephen even more of a mystery. Maya and Stephen have an interesting father/ daughter relationship. I found it interesting to see how their relationship changed and Maya’s reactions when she finds out questionable information about her father. Maya feels like she can’t go away to school because she is worried about leaving her father alone. Maya’s reaction to Amy was very realistic. Theresa’s story was also very interesting. She has many of her own secrets and is constantly debating what to tell Stephen.
I recommend His Hidden Wife to anyone that likes suspenseful domestic thrillers.
Thank you Bookouture and NetGalley for His Hidden Wife.
Full Review: https://justreadingjess.wordpress.com...
I recommend His Hidden Wife to anyone that likes suspenseful domestic thrillers.
Thank you Bookouture and NetGalley for His Hidden Wife.
Full Review: https://justreadingjess.wordpress.com...
May 3, 2021
All Maya has left of her mother are memories. After her mother’s tragic death twelve years ago, Maya has felt responsible for her father’s well being and happiness, even if that meant sacrificing her own. Her are her father are very close and have a bond that she feels can never be broken. When a new woman enters her father’s life, the past and present collide. Amy, her father’s new girlfriend is eerily similar to Maya’s beloved deceased mother. The likeness triggers memories that are troubling and confusing. What happened to her mother? Was it a horrible accident or something more malicious? This was a slow burn mystery that started to pick up in the last third of the story. The ending was surprising and had a twist I didn’t see coming. Thank you NetGalley and Bookouture for my copy.
December 29, 2020
This is one of those books where I can't decide if I really liked it or not, even a couple days after finishing. The ending was interesting and the reveal was twisty, but the characters were hard to connect with. It centers primarily on Maya, whose mother tragically fell from the cliffs near their home when she was only 6 years old. Now 18, she has been taking care of her dad, Stephen, and enjoying their isolated lifestyle, when he suddenly shows up with a new love, Amy, who looks creepily like Maya's dead mother. There are also chapters told from the POV of Stephen's colleague, Teresa, who is secretly in love with him and working up the nerve to tell him.
Maya is the primary narrator, and I struggled to connect with her. We don't really know why she felt that her dad needed her to step into the caretaker role or why she favored that over leaving home and going to college. I wish that the author had done more to show the reader the level of attachment between Maya and Stephen, though that became somewhat more clear at the end. I thought that the relationship with Stephen and Amy moved extremely quickly, which was also confusing- he had no girlfriend for 12 years and all of a sudden he is in a serious relationship?
When it starts to come to light what is really going on, the pace of the book picks up a great deal. I thought that the storyline was interesting and unique, and it did answer some questions I had about Maya and Stephen earlier in the book. I figured out the final twist but it felt satisfying, though perhaps a bit out of character for the person involved. Overall, I enjoyed the ending though.
I'd give this book a solid 3 stars- I think it's worth reading and has an interesting storyline, but it is a slow burn for much of the book and I couldn't connect to the characters. I also cannot figure out the relevance of the title to the story- maybe I missed something but it didn't make sense to me. Thanks to Netgalley for providing me a copy of this book in exchange for an honest review.
Maya is the primary narrator, and I struggled to connect with her. We don't really know why she felt that her dad needed her to step into the caretaker role or why she favored that over leaving home and going to college. I wish that the author had done more to show the reader the level of attachment between Maya and Stephen, though that became somewhat more clear at the end. I thought that the relationship with Stephen and Amy moved extremely quickly, which was also confusing- he had no girlfriend for 12 years and all of a sudden he is in a serious relationship?
When it starts to come to light what is really going on, the pace of the book picks up a great deal. I thought that the storyline was interesting and unique, and it did answer some questions I had about Maya and Stephen earlier in the book. I figured out the final twist but it felt satisfying, though perhaps a bit out of character for the person involved. Overall, I enjoyed the ending though.
I'd give this book a solid 3 stars- I think it's worth reading and has an interesting storyline, but it is a slow burn for much of the book and I couldn't connect to the characters. I also cannot figure out the relevance of the title to the story- maybe I missed something but it didn't make sense to me. Thanks to Netgalley for providing me a copy of this book in exchange for an honest review.
January 10, 2021
This book is centred around behavioural psychologist Stephen and two women whose lives revolve around him. First, there is daughter Maya; her mother died in a tragic accident when she was 6 and she’s been alone with her dad ever since. He suffers from occasional dark moods and Maya is convinced there’s a secret surrounding her mother’s accident. A secret they have to keep at all cost. She’s dedicated to her dad to the extent that she didn’t go to university when she had the opportunity. The other important woman is Teresa, Stephen’s colleague and long-term friend. She’s married to Garry, a controlling buffoon and on top of that, her mother is suffering from the onset of dementia. She’s had a crush on Stephen since she was a student and is still obsessed with him and constantly thinks “Stephen would understand; he would calm me down; I wish Stephen was here …” Then, something unthinkable happens. Stephen falls in love with a younger woman; a woman that looks a lot like his dead wife.
Although Stephen is the central character, the book is solely told from the POV of the 2 women who love him. I have to say that none of them is likeable at first sight. I warmed up to Maya, the daughter as her love for her dad is genuine and unconditional.
The story starts out rather slow but that gives an excellent opportunity to meet the main characters and form an idea about them and their psychological make-up. You’re slowly drawn into the story, and when you think you figured it all out (I had 2 or 3 possible scenarios as possibilities at first), you’ll learn something new or something unexpected happens, and you have to rethink everything. There is a major twist near the end that puts everything that we assumed to know in question again.
I’m slowly getting fed up with books where the main character is struggling with a parent with dementia. It’s an ugly and cruel disease and deserves a place, but it seems to be a prevalent theme these days; last year I had the same thing with missing family members that popped up in almost every book. That’s just a personal musing; it doesn’t interfere with the quality of the book. If this is Wendy’s debut; well done and I’ll look out for more stories.
The title feels a bit as misdirection. The subject pops up near the end but is in my eyes a minor issue in the whole of the narrative.
I thank Netgalley and Bookouture for the free ARC they provided and this is my honest review of it.
Although Stephen is the central character, the book is solely told from the POV of the 2 women who love him. I have to say that none of them is likeable at first sight. I warmed up to Maya, the daughter as her love for her dad is genuine and unconditional.
The story starts out rather slow but that gives an excellent opportunity to meet the main characters and form an idea about them and their psychological make-up. You’re slowly drawn into the story, and when you think you figured it all out (I had 2 or 3 possible scenarios as possibilities at first), you’ll learn something new or something unexpected happens, and you have to rethink everything. There is a major twist near the end that puts everything that we assumed to know in question again.
I’m slowly getting fed up with books where the main character is struggling with a parent with dementia. It’s an ugly and cruel disease and deserves a place, but it seems to be a prevalent theme these days; last year I had the same thing with missing family members that popped up in almost every book. That’s just a personal musing; it doesn’t interfere with the quality of the book. If this is Wendy’s debut; well done and I’ll look out for more stories.
The title feels a bit as misdirection. The subject pops up near the end but is in my eyes a minor issue in the whole of the narrative.
I thank Netgalley and Bookouture for the free ARC they provided and this is my honest review of it.
January 25, 2021
Word of warning, make sure when you start this book that you don't have anything planned for the rest of the day. Believe me, when you pick this one up, you won't want to go anywhere until you've read it!
This is an author who knows how to pull the wool over her readers eyes. When I think back over the course of the story and the little bits of information that are revealed which had me thinking all sorts and none of it was correct. The last part of the story had me going into a frenzy as I tried to absorb the revelations as they hit me and my race to turn the pages for the thrilling conclusion. My heart is still beating ten to the dozen now just thinking about it.
His Hidden Wife is such a compulsive read with lots of shocking twists and turns. A couple of times, I was like, WTH at what I was reading as I hadn't seen any of it coming. I could feel the excitement in me growing as I carried on reading and devoured this deviously clever story. Brilliant, absolutely loved it!
This is an author who knows how to pull the wool over her readers eyes. When I think back over the course of the story and the little bits of information that are revealed which had me thinking all sorts and none of it was correct. The last part of the story had me going into a frenzy as I tried to absorb the revelations as they hit me and my race to turn the pages for the thrilling conclusion. My heart is still beating ten to the dozen now just thinking about it.
His Hidden Wife is such a compulsive read with lots of shocking twists and turns. A couple of times, I was like, WTH at what I was reading as I hadn't seen any of it coming. I could feel the excitement in me growing as I carried on reading and devoured this deviously clever story. Brilliant, absolutely loved it!
February 3, 2021
3.5 stars rounded up to 4
Everyone in town said i was a mercy that ahe remembered so little. But there's some things Mya has never forgotten: that her mother was beautiful, kind and she loved Mya very much. It's what her father Stephen always tells her about his perfect wife.
Stephen had always tried to do his best for his daughter Mya. Stephen had always told Mya how beautiful her mother was and how much he had loved her. But when Stephen brings home his new girlfriend Amy, she looks and acts like Mya's mother.
The story starts off with a slow pace. This is a good psychological thriller that's filled with twists and family secrets. This is an atmospheric read and it's really easy to follow. The story had me guessing all the way through.
I would like to thank #NetGalley, #Bookouture and the author #WendyClarke for my ARC in exchange for an honest review.
Everyone in town said i was a mercy that ahe remembered so little. But there's some things Mya has never forgotten: that her mother was beautiful, kind and she loved Mya very much. It's what her father Stephen always tells her about his perfect wife.
Stephen had always tried to do his best for his daughter Mya. Stephen had always told Mya how beautiful her mother was and how much he had loved her. But when Stephen brings home his new girlfriend Amy, she looks and acts like Mya's mother.
The story starts off with a slow pace. This is a good psychological thriller that's filled with twists and family secrets. This is an atmospheric read and it's really easy to follow. The story had me guessing all the way through.
I would like to thank #NetGalley, #Bookouture and the author #WendyClarke for my ARC in exchange for an honest review.
February 10, 2021
“He has kept more than one secret from you”
This book has definitely set the benchmark for creepy and twisted psychological thrillers, for the rest of 2021! – And I’m never ever making an appointment for a consultation with a therapist, that’s for sure! Even travelling to Lyme Regis and Bridport, two of my favourite places on the Jurassic Coast, will never be the same again, especially some of the many clifftop walks I have enjoyed so much in the past!
The opening lines from the prologue set up the backstory; with that same image and physical location being the focal point, which is revisited on several occasions during the course of this engrossing and disturbing storyline; leading to an ending which although consigned to a box in the back of my mind, and that of our main protagonist, still leaves that echo of doubt niggling away, that everything is not quite as cut and dried as we might have been led to believe!
Multi-layered is probably an understatement when it comes to trying to analyse the complexity of the story which opened up before me. I felt a palpable tension in the air as I began reading, with the suspense only intensifying as the storyline unfolded, leaving this a far from relaxing read, as I was continually on edge and needing to turn the pages ever faster! The twists and turns in this multi-faceted plot, just kept coming and there were more than enough red herrings to trip up even the most consummate thriller reader and they did me, constantly. Several times I had the storyline all worked out and straight in my mind; who was fooling who, who might have committed murder, who might be planning murder, who was bad pretending to be good, and who was good but was fooling everyone because they were really only covering their tracks; and every time, with the mere turn of a page, my mind was changed again!
This plot was compellingly and intricately built, lie by lie like the bricks of a child’s construction set, then dismantled piece by piece like a game of Jenga, until that one vital corner was pushed out in error and the whole thing collapsed into an untidy mess. A richly crafted and masterfully written, penetrating insight into the vagaries of the human mind, as witnessed from multiple perspectives, but with no single one of them being any less twisted than the others, until I wasn’t really sure exactly who was fooling who!
Whilst in itself this was not a particularly fast paced story, some mature and effortlessly skilled narrative and dialogue kept things seamlessly moving along, with the compelling blend and ever shifting sands of multiple duplicitous characters, the never-ending stream of secrets, and game changing event dynamics. There were only ever going to be two losers in this whole sorry affair and unfortunately those were the two young people involved, who both in different ways and with individual outcomes, have had their lives changed, and in Maya’s case completely rewritten, forever.
Talking about characters, which I suppose I must! There was not a particularly big cast of primary characters and although they were well drawn and developed, I found it really difficult to relate to, or engage with, any single one of them, which I suspect, was exactly as the had author intended. Keeping true to the personalities they had each been allocated, they were all far too complex and ‘needy’ to have any synergy going on between them. Add to that the many layers of facade, lies, deceit, secrets, selfishness, guilt, vindictiveness and vengeful thoughts, they all seemed to be harbouring, one against another, and you can see why I found none of them particularly likeable or investable!
There really are no winners in this story! – “Hell hath no fury like a woman scorned”
This book has definitely set the benchmark for creepy and twisted psychological thrillers, for the rest of 2021! – And I’m never ever making an appointment for a consultation with a therapist, that’s for sure! Even travelling to Lyme Regis and Bridport, two of my favourite places on the Jurassic Coast, will never be the same again, especially some of the many clifftop walks I have enjoyed so much in the past!
The opening lines from the prologue set up the backstory; with that same image and physical location being the focal point, which is revisited on several occasions during the course of this engrossing and disturbing storyline; leading to an ending which although consigned to a box in the back of my mind, and that of our main protagonist, still leaves that echo of doubt niggling away, that everything is not quite as cut and dried as we might have been led to believe!
Multi-layered is probably an understatement when it comes to trying to analyse the complexity of the story which opened up before me. I felt a palpable tension in the air as I began reading, with the suspense only intensifying as the storyline unfolded, leaving this a far from relaxing read, as I was continually on edge and needing to turn the pages ever faster! The twists and turns in this multi-faceted plot, just kept coming and there were more than enough red herrings to trip up even the most consummate thriller reader and they did me, constantly. Several times I had the storyline all worked out and straight in my mind; who was fooling who, who might have committed murder, who might be planning murder, who was bad pretending to be good, and who was good but was fooling everyone because they were really only covering their tracks; and every time, with the mere turn of a page, my mind was changed again!
This plot was compellingly and intricately built, lie by lie like the bricks of a child’s construction set, then dismantled piece by piece like a game of Jenga, until that one vital corner was pushed out in error and the whole thing collapsed into an untidy mess. A richly crafted and masterfully written, penetrating insight into the vagaries of the human mind, as witnessed from multiple perspectives, but with no single one of them being any less twisted than the others, until I wasn’t really sure exactly who was fooling who!
Whilst in itself this was not a particularly fast paced story, some mature and effortlessly skilled narrative and dialogue kept things seamlessly moving along, with the compelling blend and ever shifting sands of multiple duplicitous characters, the never-ending stream of secrets, and game changing event dynamics. There were only ever going to be two losers in this whole sorry affair and unfortunately those were the two young people involved, who both in different ways and with individual outcomes, have had their lives changed, and in Maya’s case completely rewritten, forever.
Talking about characters, which I suppose I must! There was not a particularly big cast of primary characters and although they were well drawn and developed, I found it really difficult to relate to, or engage with, any single one of them, which I suspect, was exactly as the had author intended. Keeping true to the personalities they had each been allocated, they were all far too complex and ‘needy’ to have any synergy going on between them. Add to that the many layers of facade, lies, deceit, secrets, selfishness, guilt, vindictiveness and vengeful thoughts, they all seemed to be harbouring, one against another, and you can see why I found none of them particularly likeable or investable!
There really are no winners in this story! – “Hell hath no fury like a woman scorned”
February 2, 2021
This psychological thriller is narrated from three different perspectives, a father, his daughter and a therapist colleague. It begins with a flashback, but the story is focused on the family and events as they currently unfold. At its centre is the tragic death of the wife twelve years previously and how it impacts on various characters and the choices they make. Full of twists and the ongoing effect of trauma on daily life, the resulting choices make danger inevitable. The interconnectedness of the narrative is a real strength and the psychological underpinning ensures an enthralling tale of a roller coaster read. A four-star read rating. As an independent reviewer, my thanks to the author for a copy gratis prior to publication. All opinions expressed herein are freely given and totally my own.
February 4, 2021
His Hidden Wife is a gritty, emotional and all too realistic domestic thriller that reminds us that no matter how well we think we know a family, behind closed doors everything can change. Stephen McKenzie is a kind, compassionate guy who uses his time to help others at his Wellbeing Clinic as he approaches retiring age. Sadly, he lost his wife, Cheryl, many years previous and now it is just he and daughter, Maya, left. Maya has recently abandoned her dreams of attending university and becoming a doctor in order to care for her ageing father. Teresa is a councillor at the clinic working alongside Stephen; she was a close friend of Cheryl's and has always had a "thing" for him. A candle she's held for all these years. But when Stephen brings home his new beau Amy, Maya is thrown straight back into a whirlwind of grief and pain. Amy is the spitting image of her mother Cheryl and Maya struggles to look at a woman who appears to be a lookalike or replacement for her mum, which makes her nauseous. She begins to question if her mum actually died that day on the cliff edge when Maya was only 6 or whether she has finally come back and was alive all this time. Is she going mad?
Her mannerisms, her features, her voice - everything is too perfectly Cheryl. Did Cheryl die that day in a tragic accident and is this just a cruel twist of fate that is playing with Maya's emotions? This is a riveting, addictive and brilliantly unique thriller that is simply overflowing with intense drama and exploding with secrets galore as the story unfolds. It's one of those reads you are pulled into almost immediately and stay glued to the pages through til the dawn chorus. It's disturbingly believable and there are enough exciting twists and surprises to turn this into a one sitting spectacular. The cast is comprised of primarily unlikeable characters although it's testament to Clarke's skill and talent that she manages to elicit sympathy for them despite this. No one is who they say they are and no one should be trusted throughout the story as it's a whole lot twister and messier than I could ever have imagined. It starts at a steady pace before Clarke turns up the heat and the suspense continues to rise as the plot progresses until it's all too palpable. This is an absorbing and captivating domestic thriller and a page-turner I highly recommend.
Her mannerisms, her features, her voice - everything is too perfectly Cheryl. Did Cheryl die that day in a tragic accident and is this just a cruel twist of fate that is playing with Maya's emotions? This is a riveting, addictive and brilliantly unique thriller that is simply overflowing with intense drama and exploding with secrets galore as the story unfolds. It's one of those reads you are pulled into almost immediately and stay glued to the pages through til the dawn chorus. It's disturbingly believable and there are enough exciting twists and surprises to turn this into a one sitting spectacular. The cast is comprised of primarily unlikeable characters although it's testament to Clarke's skill and talent that she manages to elicit sympathy for them despite this. No one is who they say they are and no one should be trusted throughout the story as it's a whole lot twister and messier than I could ever have imagined. It starts at a steady pace before Clarke turns up the heat and the suspense continues to rise as the plot progresses until it's all too palpable. This is an absorbing and captivating domestic thriller and a page-turner I highly recommend.
December 17, 2020
Gasp.. yes this book made me gasp outloud!!!!
What a great ride. Pulls you in like nothing else. One of the best books that I have read this year. It's over but I dont want it to be. So suspenseful, fantastic read everything about it is great.
More than 5 stars if i could. Put this on your reading list you wont he disappointed.
Thanks to the author the publisher and NetGalley for an early release of this book.
What a great ride. Pulls you in like nothing else. One of the best books that I have read this year. It's over but I dont want it to be. So suspenseful, fantastic read everything about it is great.
More than 5 stars if i could. Put this on your reading list you wont he disappointed.
Thanks to the author the publisher and NetGalley for an early release of this book.
February 6, 2021
2.5 stars
January 25, 2021
Maya was just six years old when she witnessed her mother plunge to her death on the cliffs near their house. But there are some things Maya has never forgotten: that her mother was beautiful and kind, and she loved Maya very much. It’s what her father Stephen always tells her, about his perfect wife.
Years later, Stephen introduces Maya to his new girlfriend Amy, and Maya starts to feel uneasy. With her soft dark hair and big blue eyes, Amy looks just like Maya’s mother. The more time they spend together the more Maya notices just how similar they are.
Maya begins to wonder what really happened to her mother. Whether there was really an accident at all?
I loved the cover and the premise was intriguing, so I did have high expectations.
The plot was well narrated but it was definitely slow paced. The side plot involving Stephen's colleague, Teresa, was interesting and added an extra element of suspense to the plot.
However, I could not really understand or connect with any of the characters, especially Maya. Her reason for not going to college so as to take care of her dad (who is a therapist himself!) did not make any sense. And I did not love any of the other characters to care much about them.
It was mainly the twists and the creepiness in the plot, that held my interest right till the end. Also, the suspense over what had happened on the day Maya’s mother died is maintained right till the last.
So, overall an enjoyable read which does keep you guessing about the wife till the end!
Years later, Stephen introduces Maya to his new girlfriend Amy, and Maya starts to feel uneasy. With her soft dark hair and big blue eyes, Amy looks just like Maya’s mother. The more time they spend together the more Maya notices just how similar they are.
Maya begins to wonder what really happened to her mother. Whether there was really an accident at all?
I loved the cover and the premise was intriguing, so I did have high expectations.
The plot was well narrated but it was definitely slow paced. The side plot involving Stephen's colleague, Teresa, was interesting and added an extra element of suspense to the plot.
However, I could not really understand or connect with any of the characters, especially Maya. Her reason for not going to college so as to take care of her dad (who is a therapist himself!) did not make any sense. And I did not love any of the other characters to care much about them.
It was mainly the twists and the creepiness in the plot, that held my interest right till the end. Also, the suspense over what had happened on the day Maya’s mother died is maintained right till the last.
So, overall an enjoyable read which does keep you guessing about the wife till the end!
February 4, 2021
I have read books by this author before and I am a fan. Needless to say that I was looking forward to this one too.
It’s true that not every book grabs you by the throat straight away with a lot of action going on, but that’s not a problem for me. As long as the author can keep me interested, that is what I am looking for. I know that somewhere, sometime, the story will explode and that I will be lost to the world.
First of all I like the cover, but that’s me loving jewellery. You can’t go wrong there. 😉 Good choice.
When I read the title, I had some scenarios in my head, but none of them were the right ones. Kudos to the author for this. 😊
After having read a book, I take a few moments to think about it and especially how the cover and title fit the story. I already talked about the cover. So, how did I feel about the title? I quite like it when the title summarizes the whole book, but sometimes it’s indicating something else too. It focusses then on one important part of the story and this was the case this time in my opinion. It was only a very small part in the book, but when that was revealed, for me, that’s when all hell broke loose.
I never knew who to trust and I love that. It shows the author’s background in psychology. She uses it to create interesting stories. 5 stars.
Thank you, Wendy Clarke and Bookouture
It’s true that not every book grabs you by the throat straight away with a lot of action going on, but that’s not a problem for me. As long as the author can keep me interested, that is what I am looking for. I know that somewhere, sometime, the story will explode and that I will be lost to the world.
First of all I like the cover, but that’s me loving jewellery. You can’t go wrong there. 😉 Good choice.
When I read the title, I had some scenarios in my head, but none of them were the right ones. Kudos to the author for this. 😊
After having read a book, I take a few moments to think about it and especially how the cover and title fit the story. I already talked about the cover. So, how did I feel about the title? I quite like it when the title summarizes the whole book, but sometimes it’s indicating something else too. It focusses then on one important part of the story and this was the case this time in my opinion. It was only a very small part in the book, but when that was revealed, for me, that’s when all hell broke loose.
I never knew who to trust and I love that. It shows the author’s background in psychology. She uses it to create interesting stories. 5 stars.
Thank you, Wendy Clarke and Bookouture
December 30, 2020
Maya was six when her mother dies falling off a cliff near their family home. She can’t remember the full details to what happened that day. All she remembers is her lying under some pylons and someone grabbing her and pulling her away. Twelve years later, her Dad Stephen a psychologist says that she is suppressing her own emotions after the terrible trauma she endured. She lives with her father ever since. He tells her of her happy childhood and years ever since.
When one day, Stephen comes home and introduces Maya to his new girlfriend Amy who looks the spitting image of her mother. She seems to keep him calm and happy. As Stephen gets older, he is starting to have bad mood swings that Maya can’t always deal with. Maya is not happy at first but accepts Amy until Maya starts getting flashbacks to the time when her mother died. Is her Dad telling the truth to what happened that day?
Thank you Bookouture for a copy of His hidden wife by Wendy Clarke. I have mixed feelings for this book. This is a beautifully written book, told in several points of view which for me personally find a bit confusing at times and it found it to be a really slow paced. If you like that sort of thing that this book for you. Sadly, I found this too slow for me
When one day, Stephen comes home and introduces Maya to his new girlfriend Amy who looks the spitting image of her mother. She seems to keep him calm and happy. As Stephen gets older, he is starting to have bad mood swings that Maya can’t always deal with. Maya is not happy at first but accepts Amy until Maya starts getting flashbacks to the time when her mother died. Is her Dad telling the truth to what happened that day?
Thank you Bookouture for a copy of His hidden wife by Wendy Clarke. I have mixed feelings for this book. This is a beautifully written book, told in several points of view which for me personally find a bit confusing at times and it found it to be a really slow paced. If you like that sort of thing that this book for you. Sadly, I found this too slow for me
January 1, 2021
After her mother's death twelve years ago, Maya and her father Stephen have formed a close (if not codependent) relationship with each trying to protect the other from the past. It's just been them against the world, and Maya likes it that way. Suddenly the status quo is shifted when Stephen brings home a new girlfriend.
The presence of this strange woman begins to transform their once close relationship, and Maya is curious to know why Stephen's new girlfriend looks and acts just like her mother. This odd coincidence (or is it?) stirs up a lot of questions in Maya. Though her father has always refused to talk about her wife's death, Maya knows he is keeping secrets from her and is determined to find out what they are.
Was her mother's death a tragic accident? Was it suicide? Or was it something far more sinister?
This story had a lot of twists and turns.
It was an unpredictable, exciting and often emotional journey that focused on the power of memories: How they define us, how they reshape and change with time and how they bleed the past into our present.
Another thing I enjoyed about this story is Clarke's ability to create such vivid landscapes. It really pulls the reader in, as does her ability to write endearing characters.
Thank you to NetGalley and Bookouture for the ARC in exchange for an honest review.
The presence of this strange woman begins to transform their once close relationship, and Maya is curious to know why Stephen's new girlfriend looks and acts just like her mother. This odd coincidence (or is it?) stirs up a lot of questions in Maya. Though her father has always refused to talk about her wife's death, Maya knows he is keeping secrets from her and is determined to find out what they are.
Was her mother's death a tragic accident? Was it suicide? Or was it something far more sinister?
This story had a lot of twists and turns.
It was an unpredictable, exciting and often emotional journey that focused on the power of memories: How they define us, how they reshape and change with time and how they bleed the past into our present.
Another thing I enjoyed about this story is Clarke's ability to create such vivid landscapes. It really pulls the reader in, as does her ability to write endearing characters.
Thank you to NetGalley and Bookouture for the ARC in exchange for an honest review.
December 11, 2020
Do you remember anything about your childhood? Are they your memories or facts someone has told you that you’ve turned into ‘memories’? Wendy Clarke, in her new psychological thriller, ‘His Hidden Wife,’ examines the lengths we’ll go to protect the ones we love – even if it means helping them with their memories. Due to be published February 4, 2021, this is a book to put on your must-have list!
Mya McKenzie was only 6 years old when she witnessed her mom plunge to her death on the cliffs by their home. She has struggled for most of her childhood and teenage years trying to remember what her mom looked like and why she was driven to end her life so tragically. The loss of her mother has created a strong bond between Mya and her dad. In fact, she postpones med school to stay and look after her dad another year. You can imagine Mya’s shock when he arrives home with his new girlfriend, Amy, one night and she looks and sounds eerily like Cheryl, Mya’s mom. It’s only when Mya finally resolves to accept Amy that disaster happens. The past can’t stay buried forever and Amy is going to make sure of that!
What an absolutely amazing read! As is true of all exceptional psychological thrillers, the emphasis is on the plot rather than the characters. Although this is true, Clarke has crafted realistic and dynamic characters who fully support the outstanding plot and end up tangled in the web of deceit. Set in the Dorset Jurassic Coast with enveloping mist, churning waters, biting wind, and a secluded home set on a hill, the thriller has a unique story dealing with reality, secrets, perception, death and identity. I love how the author has created atmosphere and a sense of foreboding when she aptly named the site of the accident as Crewl Point and the McKenzie house as Crewl House. You’ll have to read to find out what I mean! The star of the show is the plot. Without giving too much away, the first thing you’ll notice is the layered conflicts and how they escalate. Next, the plot becomes complicated with twists and turns and has everyone questioning reality. Finally, you’ll be racing to the last page to discover who the villain is and the revealing of his/her calculated last move. In addition to this five-star read being a little intense with a high level of anticipation, it’s also full of uncertainty, anxiety and rounded out with nerve-wracking tension. It’s expertly crafted and left me eagerly wanting to read more of Clarke’s work.
Thank you to Wendy Clarke, Bookouture, and NetGalley for this five-star advance copy in exchange for my honest review.
Mya McKenzie was only 6 years old when she witnessed her mom plunge to her death on the cliffs by their home. She has struggled for most of her childhood and teenage years trying to remember what her mom looked like and why she was driven to end her life so tragically. The loss of her mother has created a strong bond between Mya and her dad. In fact, she postpones med school to stay and look after her dad another year. You can imagine Mya’s shock when he arrives home with his new girlfriend, Amy, one night and she looks and sounds eerily like Cheryl, Mya’s mom. It’s only when Mya finally resolves to accept Amy that disaster happens. The past can’t stay buried forever and Amy is going to make sure of that!
What an absolutely amazing read! As is true of all exceptional psychological thrillers, the emphasis is on the plot rather than the characters. Although this is true, Clarke has crafted realistic and dynamic characters who fully support the outstanding plot and end up tangled in the web of deceit. Set in the Dorset Jurassic Coast with enveloping mist, churning waters, biting wind, and a secluded home set on a hill, the thriller has a unique story dealing with reality, secrets, perception, death and identity. I love how the author has created atmosphere and a sense of foreboding when she aptly named the site of the accident as Crewl Point and the McKenzie house as Crewl House. You’ll have to read to find out what I mean! The star of the show is the plot. Without giving too much away, the first thing you’ll notice is the layered conflicts and how they escalate. Next, the plot becomes complicated with twists and turns and has everyone questioning reality. Finally, you’ll be racing to the last page to discover who the villain is and the revealing of his/her calculated last move. In addition to this five-star read being a little intense with a high level of anticipation, it’s also full of uncertainty, anxiety and rounded out with nerve-wracking tension. It’s expertly crafted and left me eagerly wanting to read more of Clarke’s work.
Thank you to Wendy Clarke, Bookouture, and NetGalley for this five-star advance copy in exchange for my honest review.
February 12, 2021
His hidden wife a story centred around Teresa and Maya. Maya lives with her psychologist father who hasn't been the same since the death of his wife 25 years ago. Maya is very over protective of her father and isn't happy when he introduces her to his new girlfriend Amy. Teresa is in love with Steven and works with him at his well being clinic as a psychologist aswell but Teresa's partner is dangerous she needs help. Whilst Maya starts to question her memories of what happened the day of her mums suicide.
This is a slow starter I must say and I kept waiting for a hidden wife to appear, not sure why that's the title honestly but that's pedantic of me. I loved to see the relationship between Steven and both woman his daughter and Teresa are extremely protective of him because they love him. It's interesting to see how each one responds when they are told a certain narrative.
I liked the fact that this focused more on the psychological side, the idea of memories how they work and how they can be manipulated. It was an interesting narrative and I found myself questioning throughout the book what was true and what wasn't. Turns out I was in for a surprise.
Both leading protagonist aren't the most inspirational women it has to be said. But they are how they are due to circumstances in life that has worn them down. I liked both and found myself rooting for both women throughout. The chapters are separated by each woman although the story isn't told in first person it felt quite appropriate for it not to be.
This isn't one of your action packed psychological thrillers however it keeps you guessing. I would recommend to anyone who wants an easy read psychological thriller and likes to be kept guessing throughout. The fact the author centre it around memories is clever and thought revoking. The last few chapters throw me completely in a good way and the final chapter my jaw dropped. Thats why I am awarding the missing wife 4 stars.
Thank you to Netgalley, bookouture publishing and ofcourse Wendy Clarke fir the digital advanced copy in exchange for my fair and honest review.
This is a slow starter I must say and I kept waiting for a hidden wife to appear, not sure why that's the title honestly but that's pedantic of me. I loved to see the relationship between Steven and both woman his daughter and Teresa are extremely protective of him because they love him. It's interesting to see how each one responds when they are told a certain narrative.
I liked the fact that this focused more on the psychological side, the idea of memories how they work and how they can be manipulated. It was an interesting narrative and I found myself questioning throughout the book what was true and what wasn't. Turns out I was in for a surprise.
Both leading protagonist aren't the most inspirational women it has to be said. But they are how they are due to circumstances in life that has worn them down. I liked both and found myself rooting for both women throughout. The chapters are separated by each woman although the story isn't told in first person it felt quite appropriate for it not to be.
This isn't one of your action packed psychological thrillers however it keeps you guessing. I would recommend to anyone who wants an easy read psychological thriller and likes to be kept guessing throughout. The fact the author centre it around memories is clever and thought revoking. The last few chapters throw me completely in a good way and the final chapter my jaw dropped. Thats why I am awarding the missing wife 4 stars.
Thank you to Netgalley, bookouture publishing and ofcourse Wendy Clarke fir the digital advanced copy in exchange for my fair and honest review.
February 8, 2021
This, my third novel by Wendy Clarke proved to be equally as enjoyable as the other two.
Stephen McKenzie runs a Wellbeing Clinic aided by Teresa, a partner at the practice. The other women in the generally laid back psychologist's life are his adult daughter, Maya, his romantic interest, Amy, and his dead wife, Cheryl who died in a tragic accident when Maya was six. Totally devoted to her dad, Maya has remained in the family's clifftop home, evening passing up on the chance to go to University, taking a job as a care assistant, preferring instead to be on-hand when he suffers from his dark moods. When Stephen meets Amy, brings her to Crewl House and introduces her to Maya, everything changes.
This was one of those compelling novels that I didn’t want to put down! Right from the start, I was absorbed by the suspense and the intriguing story-line. Wendy Clarke effortlessly brought to life some interesting characters in this gripping thriller, as well as delving into their thoughts. Memories and secrets surfaced and the author was in complete control as she brilliantly manoeuvred the tale, creating sinister tones and heightening the mystery. Wendy Clarke’s skilled writing made this appear effortless, keeping the story flowing so that I was never bored. With a few noteworthy twists I was totally engaged all the way through, until the strong conclusion. Atmospheric and chilling, I flew through this unpredictable, entertaining psychological thriller.
Overall, Wendy Clarke’s special way with the narrative made this arresting tale quite distinct, resulting in His Hidden Wife being a very worthwhile read. I will certainly be looking out for more of this talented author’s work in the future. Well worth five stars!
I received a complimentary copy of this novel at my request from Bookouture via NetGalley and this review is my unbiased opinion.
Stephen McKenzie runs a Wellbeing Clinic aided by Teresa, a partner at the practice. The other women in the generally laid back psychologist's life are his adult daughter, Maya, his romantic interest, Amy, and his dead wife, Cheryl who died in a tragic accident when Maya was six. Totally devoted to her dad, Maya has remained in the family's clifftop home, evening passing up on the chance to go to University, taking a job as a care assistant, preferring instead to be on-hand when he suffers from his dark moods. When Stephen meets Amy, brings her to Crewl House and introduces her to Maya, everything changes.
This was one of those compelling novels that I didn’t want to put down! Right from the start, I was absorbed by the suspense and the intriguing story-line. Wendy Clarke effortlessly brought to life some interesting characters in this gripping thriller, as well as delving into their thoughts. Memories and secrets surfaced and the author was in complete control as she brilliantly manoeuvred the tale, creating sinister tones and heightening the mystery. Wendy Clarke’s skilled writing made this appear effortless, keeping the story flowing so that I was never bored. With a few noteworthy twists I was totally engaged all the way through, until the strong conclusion. Atmospheric and chilling, I flew through this unpredictable, entertaining psychological thriller.
Overall, Wendy Clarke’s special way with the narrative made this arresting tale quite distinct, resulting in His Hidden Wife being a very worthwhile read. I will certainly be looking out for more of this talented author’s work in the future. Well worth five stars!
I received a complimentary copy of this novel at my request from Bookouture via NetGalley and this review is my unbiased opinion.
February 3, 2021
★★★★ 3.5 stars (rounded up)
I am excited to be taking part in the #BooksOnTour #BlogTour for Wendy Clarke's latest psychological thriller HIS HIDDEN WIFE.
Throughout this book I couldn't decide whether I liked it or not, despite not being able to put it down...lol There was something engaging in the plot that just made you want to keep reading but I'm not sure what it was. Is it the underlying mystery of what happened to Maya's mother? Is it the sinister feel that shrouds you as the fog on the Dorset clifftop? Or is it that everyone is hiding a secret you simply have to uncover? Whatever it is, it makes HIS HIDDEN WIFE an intense and addictive read.
The story centres around behavioural psychologist Stephen and his 18 year old daughter Maya who was just six when she witnessed her mother plunge to her death from the cliffs behind their house. Her memories are understandable sporadic from her childhood but the father and daughter are incredibly close and Stephen has never failed to let Maya know how much her mother loved her. Every night, instead of a storybook that most children go to bed with, Stephen would open the photo album and tell Maya stories of her mother before she was born and when she was growing up. So Maya has always known how much her mother loved her.
But life at Crewel House hasn't always been rosy. Since her mother's death twelve years before, Maya has witnessed the dark moods that envelops her father. The times when he would shut himself away in his room, he won't eat, he won't talk to her...just lay in the dark until those moods subside. She also recalls a time, not long after her mother died, when she discovered him standing before a desk lined with tablets of all kinds. She was too younger to understand at the time, but she now realises her father must have been in the depths of despair after losing her mother that he felt he couldn't live without her.
Maya has always worried about her father, which is why she didn't go to university to study medicine as she had always wanted to. Instead she stayed behind and took up a job as a care assistant at Three Elms, a care home that specialised in those with dementia. Maya loves her job and her patients. But it's when she comes home that she dreads finding her father in one of his dark moods. She must protect him from the past and from himself.
Then one day, Stephen announces he has met someone. And suddenly Maya fears that she will not be able to protect him with the presence of another. But it is when he brings his new girlfriend Amy home and introduces her that Maya is shocked. Amy is not only half his age but is the spitting image of her mother, with her soft dark hair and big blue eyes. Maya starts to feel uneasy as this rather odd coincidence begins to stir up a lot of questions. Her father has always refused to talk of her mother's death - why? She has no recollection of seeing her mother fall and yet she was found at the top of the cliff - but why won't her father tell her what she possibly saw? And then there are the whispers in the village about the arguments her parents used to have, but her father always told her how happy they were - is this a lie? But it's when he sees the bruises on Amy's arms that she has covered that Maya really begins to question how well she knows her father. She knows she has been keeping secrets from her and is determined to find out what they are.
Was her mother's death a tragic accident? Was it suicide? Or was it something far more sinister?
But these questions and the memories that are beginning to surface from the past confuse Maya. And so she seeks refuge in Teresa, another therapist in her father's Wellbeing Clinic, knowing that whatever she discusses with her will remain confidential. But the questions she raises in her sessions Teresa quickly debunks, offering plausible explanations. If I were Maya, I'd be thoroughly confused!
We meet Teresa in the beginning as her chapters alternate with Maya's. It is clear from the beginning that she has a crush on Stephen, despite being married herself, although her marriage is not a happy one. Teresa has known Stephen since university but parted ways many years before. When he set up the Clinic he contacted Teresa and asked her if she would be interested in joining.
Teresa's story is a sad one. After confiding in Stephen about her marriage, he offers her the cottage he keeps for holiday rentals for both her and her teenage son Dale. And then there is her mother who has dementia and is proving to be unable to remain at home, particularly after she receives a call to say she has had a break-in and yet nothing was taken. Teresa moves her mother into the cottage with her until she can find something more permanent for her. It's then she remembers Maya working at Three Elms.
Although Teresa's is a side story to the main one revolving around Maya, Stephen and Amy, it is also integral to the bigger picture. Particularly when Maya comes to Teresa for therapy. Why is it that Teresa is so quick to dismiss Maya's concerns about her father? Is it her desire to protect Stephen due to her feelings for him? Or is it something more sinister? Does she know more than she is letting on?
HIS HIDDEN WIFE is certainly unpredictable as I didn't see the twist coming until right before it was revealed. But more than than, it is an emotional tale that focused on the power of memories - how they define us, how they shape us, how they can change over time and how they blend into our present.
A well written tightly told plot, HIS HIDDEN WIFE has a bit of everything throw in - secrets, lies, deception, manipulation, gaslighting, threats and murder...or was it suicide? Everyone has secrets to hide and no one is to be trusted. Even Maya and Teresa are unreliable narrators due to Maya's confused memories and Teresa's blindness towards Stephen. Neither can relate the truth as they are unable to see it. Which makes HIS HIDDEN WIFE a somewhat clever tale.
I won't lie, HIS HIDDEN WIFE is a slow burn but there is something underlying that just makes you want to keep reading. It is compelling and compulsive and makes for addictive reading. The ending, I felt, was a little anti-climatic but that's just personal opinion. The book is still an enjoyable read.
Recommended for fans of psychological and domestic thrillers with a creepy undertone.
I would like to thank #WendyClarke, #NetGalley, #Bookouture for an ARC of #HisHiddenWife in exchange for an honest review.
This review appears on my blog at https://stinathebookaholic.blogspot.com/.
I am excited to be taking part in the #BooksOnTour #BlogTour for Wendy Clarke's latest psychological thriller HIS HIDDEN WIFE.
Throughout this book I couldn't decide whether I liked it or not, despite not being able to put it down...lol There was something engaging in the plot that just made you want to keep reading but I'm not sure what it was. Is it the underlying mystery of what happened to Maya's mother? Is it the sinister feel that shrouds you as the fog on the Dorset clifftop? Or is it that everyone is hiding a secret you simply have to uncover? Whatever it is, it makes HIS HIDDEN WIFE an intense and addictive read.
The story centres around behavioural psychologist Stephen and his 18 year old daughter Maya who was just six when she witnessed her mother plunge to her death from the cliffs behind their house. Her memories are understandable sporadic from her childhood but the father and daughter are incredibly close and Stephen has never failed to let Maya know how much her mother loved her. Every night, instead of a storybook that most children go to bed with, Stephen would open the photo album and tell Maya stories of her mother before she was born and when she was growing up. So Maya has always known how much her mother loved her.
But life at Crewel House hasn't always been rosy. Since her mother's death twelve years before, Maya has witnessed the dark moods that envelops her father. The times when he would shut himself away in his room, he won't eat, he won't talk to her...just lay in the dark until those moods subside. She also recalls a time, not long after her mother died, when she discovered him standing before a desk lined with tablets of all kinds. She was too younger to understand at the time, but she now realises her father must have been in the depths of despair after losing her mother that he felt he couldn't live without her.
Maya has always worried about her father, which is why she didn't go to university to study medicine as she had always wanted to. Instead she stayed behind and took up a job as a care assistant at Three Elms, a care home that specialised in those with dementia. Maya loves her job and her patients. But it's when she comes home that she dreads finding her father in one of his dark moods. She must protect him from the past and from himself.
Then one day, Stephen announces he has met someone. And suddenly Maya fears that she will not be able to protect him with the presence of another. But it is when he brings his new girlfriend Amy home and introduces her that Maya is shocked. Amy is not only half his age but is the spitting image of her mother, with her soft dark hair and big blue eyes. Maya starts to feel uneasy as this rather odd coincidence begins to stir up a lot of questions. Her father has always refused to talk of her mother's death - why? She has no recollection of seeing her mother fall and yet she was found at the top of the cliff - but why won't her father tell her what she possibly saw? And then there are the whispers in the village about the arguments her parents used to have, but her father always told her how happy they were - is this a lie? But it's when he sees the bruises on Amy's arms that she has covered that Maya really begins to question how well she knows her father. She knows she has been keeping secrets from her and is determined to find out what they are.
Was her mother's death a tragic accident? Was it suicide? Or was it something far more sinister?
But these questions and the memories that are beginning to surface from the past confuse Maya. And so she seeks refuge in Teresa, another therapist in her father's Wellbeing Clinic, knowing that whatever she discusses with her will remain confidential. But the questions she raises in her sessions Teresa quickly debunks, offering plausible explanations. If I were Maya, I'd be thoroughly confused!
We meet Teresa in the beginning as her chapters alternate with Maya's. It is clear from the beginning that she has a crush on Stephen, despite being married herself, although her marriage is not a happy one. Teresa has known Stephen since university but parted ways many years before. When he set up the Clinic he contacted Teresa and asked her if she would be interested in joining.
Teresa's story is a sad one. After confiding in Stephen about her marriage, he offers her the cottage he keeps for holiday rentals for both her and her teenage son Dale. And then there is her mother who has dementia and is proving to be unable to remain at home, particularly after she receives a call to say she has had a break-in and yet nothing was taken. Teresa moves her mother into the cottage with her until she can find something more permanent for her. It's then she remembers Maya working at Three Elms.
Although Teresa's is a side story to the main one revolving around Maya, Stephen and Amy, it is also integral to the bigger picture. Particularly when Maya comes to Teresa for therapy. Why is it that Teresa is so quick to dismiss Maya's concerns about her father? Is it her desire to protect Stephen due to her feelings for him? Or is it something more sinister? Does she know more than she is letting on?
HIS HIDDEN WIFE is certainly unpredictable as I didn't see the twist coming until right before it was revealed. But more than than, it is an emotional tale that focused on the power of memories - how they define us, how they shape us, how they can change over time and how they blend into our present.
A well written tightly told plot, HIS HIDDEN WIFE has a bit of everything throw in - secrets, lies, deception, manipulation, gaslighting, threats and murder...or was it suicide? Everyone has secrets to hide and no one is to be trusted. Even Maya and Teresa are unreliable narrators due to Maya's confused memories and Teresa's blindness towards Stephen. Neither can relate the truth as they are unable to see it. Which makes HIS HIDDEN WIFE a somewhat clever tale.
I won't lie, HIS HIDDEN WIFE is a slow burn but there is something underlying that just makes you want to keep reading. It is compelling and compulsive and makes for addictive reading. The ending, I felt, was a little anti-climatic but that's just personal opinion. The book is still an enjoyable read.
Recommended for fans of psychological and domestic thrillers with a creepy undertone.
I would like to thank #WendyClarke, #NetGalley, #Bookouture for an ARC of #HisHiddenWife in exchange for an honest review.
This review appears on my blog at https://stinathebookaholic.blogspot.com/.
February 13, 2021
Quick, A 99 Cent Deal!!!
3 Nothing As It Seems Stars
* * * Spoiler Free-A Quick Review
When I was younger, my father taught me a very important lesson. Unless you are a fly on someone's wall, you have no idea what goes on when people are together at home. It was something that stuck with me and still holds true.
We may think we have a handle on people, their relationships, who they are...but do we really. Sometimes, we may not.
His Hidden Wife takes this concept to another level with multiple points of view, mysterious relationships between father and daughter, coworkers, and a new wife who looks so much like the old one. This had lots of elements, not so likeable characters and twists happening.
His Hidden Wife
https://www.goodreads.com/review/show...
A gifted copy was provided by NetGalley for an honest review
For more Reviews, Free E-books and Giveaways
3 Nothing As It Seems Stars
* * * Spoiler Free-A Quick Review
When I was younger, my father taught me a very important lesson. Unless you are a fly on someone's wall, you have no idea what goes on when people are together at home. It was something that stuck with me and still holds true.
We may think we have a handle on people, their relationships, who they are...but do we really. Sometimes, we may not.
His Hidden Wife takes this concept to another level with multiple points of view, mysterious relationships between father and daughter, coworkers, and a new wife who looks so much like the old one. This had lots of elements, not so likeable characters and twists happening.
His Hidden Wifehttps://www.goodreads.com/review/show...
A gifted copy was provided by NetGalley for an honest review
For more Reviews, Free E-books and Giveaways
February 28, 2021
Oh my freak!! What was this book which kept me confused all through?! I kept twirling all around to get to the truth.
Maya had a great relationship with her father Steven with very few memories of her mother. Until Amy showed up. She was her father’s new girlfriend but a doppelganger of her mother. She even sang the same lullaby. Steven’s colleague Theresa had her own crush on him.
Told in dual POV of Maya and Theresa, I got completely twisted around by the author’s words. I really didn’t know whom or what to believe. Add to that, the other townsfolk added their own information to the past of Maya’s mother.
The author Wendy Clarke was a wizard who kept moving the secret farther as soon as I came close to discovering it. I turned the pages faster and faster and faster. Come on… Tell me now… But the clever minx kept me waiting till the last few pages to disclose the truth.
And it was explosive, like standing at the edge of the cliff, waiting for a freefall to happen. What a rush!!
Maya had a great relationship with her father Steven with very few memories of her mother. Until Amy showed up. She was her father’s new girlfriend but a doppelganger of her mother. She even sang the same lullaby. Steven’s colleague Theresa had her own crush on him.
Told in dual POV of Maya and Theresa, I got completely twisted around by the author’s words. I really didn’t know whom or what to believe. Add to that, the other townsfolk added their own information to the past of Maya’s mother.
The author Wendy Clarke was a wizard who kept moving the secret farther as soon as I came close to discovering it. I turned the pages faster and faster and faster. Come on… Tell me now… But the clever minx kept me waiting till the last few pages to disclose the truth.
And it was explosive, like standing at the edge of the cliff, waiting for a freefall to happen. What a rush!!
February 2, 2021
His Hidden Wife is a edge of your seat book. Suspenseful and mystery. The book was great because the ending as shocking. Maya has gaps in her memory about her childhood. She lives with her dad who is a therapist. She knows her mom fell off a cliff when she was six. All Maya remembers is being found by her father. Lots of twists and turns in this book. #netgally #goodreads
February 5, 2021
His Hidden Wife by Wendy Clarke is a psychological thriller with many twists you will never see coming.
Maya lives with her father in their cliffside home. The same cliffside where her mother lost her life twelve years earlier when Maya was a young child. Now at nineteen, Maya has given up her dreams of going to university to stay close and take care of her father, Stephen. She works at the local care home and although the job might not be what she wanted, it is ideal as it keeps her in the place she most wants to be….close to home. But, it seems Maya is keeping secrets, secrets she has never told anyone including her father. Maya is not the only one with secrets though. Stephen is keeping his own secrets as well as his co-worker, Teresa at the Wellbeing clinic where they both work. What secrets are true and better yet which one of them is telling the truth?
Wendy Clarke really leads you on a merry goose hunt with His Hidden Wife. I was really at a loss for a good part of this book going back and forth wondering who I could trust. I will admit to liking stories where the answer isn’t always right in your face and Clarke did such a fantastic job at keeping you guessing throughout most of the story. I would definitely say this story is very character driven and with that comes a very slow burn moving plot as we get to know all of the major players in the game.
I do admit trying to figure out how Teresa fits into Maya and Stephen’s story especially since the story is primarily told between Maya and Teresa in back and forth chapters. Maya, on the other hand, is not necessarily a character I enjoyed. She is rather dull and I never found myself quite warming up to her at all. She also seemed a little too much involved with her father in a sort of co-dependent and maybe a little creepy kind of way (or at least this is how I felt). Especially when Stephen lets out a little secret about Amy, his new girlfriend who looks eerily similar to maya’s mother. Yeah, that is not weird at all!
If you enjoy a slow burn story, one that will keep you on your toes, confuse you along in the process and keep you guessing all the way till the end then you do not want to miss Wendy Clarke’s newest release, His Hidden Wife.
Maya lives with her father in their cliffside home. The same cliffside where her mother lost her life twelve years earlier when Maya was a young child. Now at nineteen, Maya has given up her dreams of going to university to stay close and take care of her father, Stephen. She works at the local care home and although the job might not be what she wanted, it is ideal as it keeps her in the place she most wants to be….close to home. But, it seems Maya is keeping secrets, secrets she has never told anyone including her father. Maya is not the only one with secrets though. Stephen is keeping his own secrets as well as his co-worker, Teresa at the Wellbeing clinic where they both work. What secrets are true and better yet which one of them is telling the truth?
Wendy Clarke really leads you on a merry goose hunt with His Hidden Wife. I was really at a loss for a good part of this book going back and forth wondering who I could trust. I will admit to liking stories where the answer isn’t always right in your face and Clarke did such a fantastic job at keeping you guessing throughout most of the story. I would definitely say this story is very character driven and with that comes a very slow burn moving plot as we get to know all of the major players in the game.
I do admit trying to figure out how Teresa fits into Maya and Stephen’s story especially since the story is primarily told between Maya and Teresa in back and forth chapters. Maya, on the other hand, is not necessarily a character I enjoyed. She is rather dull and I never found myself quite warming up to her at all. She also seemed a little too much involved with her father in a sort of co-dependent and maybe a little creepy kind of way (or at least this is how I felt). Especially when Stephen lets out a little secret about Amy, his new girlfriend who looks eerily similar to maya’s mother. Yeah, that is not weird at all!
If you enjoy a slow burn story, one that will keep you on your toes, confuse you along in the process and keep you guessing all the way till the end then you do not want to miss Wendy Clarke’s newest release, His Hidden Wife.
December 21, 2020
Maya’s mother died when she was only six. She barely remembers anything from that day– or her childhood up until that point. The memories she does have were given to her by her father Stephen. Tales of her loving, doting mother. Stories of the happy life they shared. But that changes when he brings new girlfriend Amy home. With her help, Maya starts to remember fragments from the past, but they don’t match her father’s bright and cheery version. Combined with his sometimes dark moods, it makes her wonder what he is hiding and why. She’s always protected him, but should she fear him instead?
Teresa’s a psychologist in Stephen’s practice. She’s known him for years and has been in love with him for just as long. Her own life in shambles due to a bad marriage and a troubled teenage son, she also senses Stephen is keeping secrets. Like his daughter, she’ll do anything to protect him. But when she stumbles upon the truth, it’s Maya she must suddenly protect. But from whom?
Dark, brooding, and hauntingly eerie, “His Hidden Wife” makes you question how many of your memories are facts and how many are alternative versions implanted in your mind by others. Set in Stephen’s house atop a seaside cliff, the wispy fog that hangs over the landscape adds an ominous feel to the story while foreshadowing the peril that lies ahead for the characters. While the story moves at a brisk pace, the author remains vague about the details of the past and present, making it highly suspenseful and hard to put down. A few shocking twists toward the end help to lift the fog, but it’s the final twist that will knock you off the cliff before you see it coming.
Despite not liking any of the characters except for Maya, I still found “His Hidden Wife” to be highly engaging from nearly the very first page to the last. Author Wendy Clarke’s pairing of setting and plot was like pinot noir and chocolate: deliciously brilliant. It’s what makes this novel stand out– and above a lot of others.
Thank you to Wendy Clarke and Bookouture for a complimentary eARC in exchange for an honest review.
Teresa’s a psychologist in Stephen’s practice. She’s known him for years and has been in love with him for just as long. Her own life in shambles due to a bad marriage and a troubled teenage son, she also senses Stephen is keeping secrets. Like his daughter, she’ll do anything to protect him. But when she stumbles upon the truth, it’s Maya she must suddenly protect. But from whom?
Dark, brooding, and hauntingly eerie, “His Hidden Wife” makes you question how many of your memories are facts and how many are alternative versions implanted in your mind by others. Set in Stephen’s house atop a seaside cliff, the wispy fog that hangs over the landscape adds an ominous feel to the story while foreshadowing the peril that lies ahead for the characters. While the story moves at a brisk pace, the author remains vague about the details of the past and present, making it highly suspenseful and hard to put down. A few shocking twists toward the end help to lift the fog, but it’s the final twist that will knock you off the cliff before you see it coming.
Despite not liking any of the characters except for Maya, I still found “His Hidden Wife” to be highly engaging from nearly the very first page to the last. Author Wendy Clarke’s pairing of setting and plot was like pinot noir and chocolate: deliciously brilliant. It’s what makes this novel stand out– and above a lot of others.
Thank you to Wendy Clarke and Bookouture for a complimentary eARC in exchange for an honest review.
December 20, 2020
This is an engaging psychological thriller that kept me guessing till the end. Set in an idyllic, seaside backdrop in Dorset, the story is a slow burn.
The plot revolves around the lives of widower, Dr. Stephen Mckenzie and his daughter Maya who has put aside her ambitions of becoming a doctor, to take care of her father. Their routine, seemingly perfect life begins to develop cracks when Stephen introduces his new girlfriend, Amy who bears an eerie resemblance to Maya's own mother who passed away twelve years ago. Soon memories begin to surface that has Maya questioning everything she knew about her life thus far.
The story is narrated in alternative POVs of Maya and Stephen's colleague Teresa (which was a little confusing for me, as in, why have Teresa's POV at all?). Despite the slow pace, the author has spun plenty of twists throughout the story to keep one's curiosity piqued; just when you think you have it all figured out, yet another twist smacks you in the face.
Though I did think there were some inconsistencies in the age/timeline of one of the characters, overall this was an enjoyable read.
A big thanks to Bookouture and Netgalley who approved my request for a digital copy of this book in exchange for an honest review.
The plot revolves around the lives of widower, Dr. Stephen Mckenzie and his daughter Maya who has put aside her ambitions of becoming a doctor, to take care of her father. Their routine, seemingly perfect life begins to develop cracks when Stephen introduces his new girlfriend, Amy who bears an eerie resemblance to Maya's own mother who passed away twelve years ago. Soon memories begin to surface that has Maya questioning everything she knew about her life thus far.
The story is narrated in alternative POVs of Maya and Stephen's colleague Teresa (which was a little confusing for me, as in, why have Teresa's POV at all?). Despite the slow pace, the author has spun plenty of twists throughout the story to keep one's curiosity piqued; just when you think you have it all figured out, yet another twist smacks you in the face.
Though I did think there were some inconsistencies in the age/timeline of one of the characters, overall this was an enjoyable read.
A big thanks to Bookouture and Netgalley who approved my request for a digital copy of this book in exchange for an honest review.
December 16, 2020
This story swirls around Stephen, a psychologist and the four women in his life. There is Maya, his adult daughter, living at home who feels she needs to protect him from his dark moods and rumors of her mothers suicide off the cliffs by the remote Dorset coastline. There is Theresa, Stephens partner in his practice, who has known and has loved him since their college days. There is Amy, a women Stephen meets and their romance brings Amy into the house and seems to threaten the status quo. There is Cheryl, Maya’s mother and now we all wonder whether it was suicide or murder. Memories tie everything and everyone together, memories that can be manipulated, real or planted. Maya, the daughter, Theresa, the fellow therapist, and Amy, the new girlfriend, try to decipher the truth about Stephen who is seemingly so different in each of their memories which influenced their perceptions and reactions to him. A slightly underwhelming ending after a tense, unpredictable story. Perhaps that was the point, memories WERE the story.
February 6, 2021
Thank goodness they changed the blurb for this book because the story had nothing to do with the description I read when I requested this book, hence my confusion and somewhat disappointment as I made my way through the story. It’s a slow burn mystery that had me wondering what was going on throughout. I didn’t see that ending coming. I thank Netgalley for the opportunity to read and review this book.
December 17, 2020
I couldn’t put this book down. It was well written and the author did a great job with the twists and turns. I liked that the characters felt real to me and they all had issues that are common in the real world. This was a great, fast paced thriller!
January 3, 2021
One word, brilliant! This book had so many twists I felt dizzy and loved every single minute of it! Another fabulous psychological thriller that had me gripped from page one, and just as I thought I had the plot figured out, another plot twist happened. Highly recommended
Displaying 1 - 30 of 164 reviews