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The Trapped Wife
My family gathers around the large oak table in our beautifully renovated home. I’ve put on a dress and lit candles, and there’s a wonderful aroma coming from the dinner you’ve so lovingly prepared. I feel your hand squeeze mine as you top up my glass and ask about my day as a doctor in our small town. It’s the perfect domestic scene, except for one tiny fact: I think my husband is dead, and you are just another patient of mine…
I had no choice but to let you in. If I laugh at your jokes and run my fingers through your hair, maybe I can delete the photos on your phone and find the truth about the night I can’t remember, just before my husband left on the trip he never returned from. Perhaps my son and I will have a chance at a normal life again.
But as I carefully piece together the shards of what really happened that fateful night, only one thing can possibly be true: everyone is lying, even me…
I had no choice but to let you in. If I laugh at your jokes and run my fingers through your hair, maybe I can delete the photos on your phone and find the truth about the night I can’t remember, just before my husband left on the trip he never returned from. Perhaps my son and I will have a chance at a normal life again.
But as I carefully piece together the shards of what really happened that fateful night, only one thing can possibly be true: everyone is lying, even me…
268 pages, Kindle Edition
First published September 8, 2021
707 people are currently reading
3165 people want to read
About the author
Samantha Hayes
45 books1,420 followersHello!
Thanks for stopping by my Goodreads page!
My latest psychological thriller THE ENGAGEMENT is out on 10th January 2023 from Amazon, available in ebook, paperback and audio formats. I do hope you love it!
If you love a good 'domestic noir' thriller that will mess with your mind and keep you turning the pages, then my books are for you! You can check out all my titles on my Amazon page here:
https://amzn.to/3jZ83zU
I do hope you'll love getting stuck into my books and enjoy reading them as much as I love writing them. And do let me know what you think - it's great to hear from readers! You can get in touch via my website where you'll find lots of info about me and my books - www.samanthahayes.co.uk or come and 'Like' my Facebook page at www.facebook.com/SamanthaHayesAuthor or follow me on Twitter too @samhayes or @samanthahayes.author on Instagram.
Happy reading!
Samantha xx
Thanks for stopping by my Goodreads page!
My latest psychological thriller THE ENGAGEMENT is out on 10th January 2023 from Amazon, available in ebook, paperback and audio formats. I do hope you love it!
If you love a good 'domestic noir' thriller that will mess with your mind and keep you turning the pages, then my books are for you! You can check out all my titles on my Amazon page here:
https://amzn.to/3jZ83zU
I do hope you'll love getting stuck into my books and enjoy reading them as much as I love writing them. And do let me know what you think - it's great to hear from readers! You can get in touch via my website where you'll find lots of info about me and my books - www.samanthahayes.co.uk or come and 'Like' my Facebook page at www.facebook.com/SamanthaHayesAuthor or follow me on Twitter too @samhayes or @samanthahayes.author on Instagram.
Happy reading!
Samantha xx
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 332 reviews
October 30, 2021
My thanks to the author, publisher and NetGalley for an ARC of this novel in exchange for an honest review.
The first half of this long and tangled tale was certainly suspenseful. Did I guess whodunit? Yes, I most certainly did, but the author’s skillful misdirection had me doubting myself more than once.
Jenn’s beloved husband, Jeremy, is dead - killed in an avalanche during a skiing strip in the Alps. Several weeks later, Jenn is still grieving, but she is also hiding a secret – one that might ruin her reputation as a trusted and revered local GP in her small rural community.
When Jenn returns to work, one of Jenn’s patients starts to take an unusual amount of interest in her, and we begin to fear that he is indeed stalking her. What is going on? Why does Jenn give him so much leeway? Is Jenn in danger?
. . . . . .
The conclusion of this twisted tale will confound and surprise many (but I have to confess that I suspected much – but not ALL - of the truth almost from the very beginning. There were plenty of clues left lying about, but of course we usually accept things at face value.
A very clever story indeed, with excellent writing although some parts seemed to stretch on a bit too long, and there were quite a few repetitive scenes and inner monologues towards the end.
I will also have to admit that the last chapter and even the Epilogue had me worried for a while there. I didn’t know who I was rooting for anymore. Was justice done in the end? Did the guilty parties pay for their crimes? You will have to read this winding, red herring-filled thriller for yourself to find out! I’m rating this one a 3.5 out of 5 stars, rounded down to a 3 because of some uneven bits in the writing.
The first half of this long and tangled tale was certainly suspenseful. Did I guess whodunit? Yes, I most certainly did, but the author’s skillful misdirection had me doubting myself more than once.
Jenn’s beloved husband, Jeremy, is dead - killed in an avalanche during a skiing strip in the Alps. Several weeks later, Jenn is still grieving, but she is also hiding a secret – one that might ruin her reputation as a trusted and revered local GP in her small rural community.
When Jenn returns to work, one of Jenn’s patients starts to take an unusual amount of interest in her, and we begin to fear that he is indeed stalking her. What is going on? Why does Jenn give him so much leeway? Is Jenn in danger?
. . . . . .
The conclusion of this twisted tale will confound and surprise many (but I have to confess that I suspected much – but not ALL - of the truth almost from the very beginning. There were plenty of clues left lying about, but of course we usually accept things at face value.
A very clever story indeed, with excellent writing although some parts seemed to stretch on a bit too long, and there were quite a few repetitive scenes and inner monologues towards the end.
I will also have to admit that the last chapter and even the Epilogue had me worried for a while there. I didn’t know who I was rooting for anymore. Was justice done in the end? Did the guilty parties pay for their crimes? You will have to read this winding, red herring-filled thriller for yourself to find out! I’m rating this one a 3.5 out of 5 stars, rounded down to a 3 because of some uneven bits in the writing.
August 14, 2021
If you’ve ever read a book by Samantha Hayes then you’ll know she’s a specialist in the plot twist with curveballs that enthral and misdirect and fool you once, twice and maybe more! Is there a connection between a young boy from many years ago who is a loner, full of dark thoughts and who meets a like minded kindred spirit with recently widowed Dr Jen Miller in the present day? Jen is hiding a dark secret of which she only has fleeting memories and she hasn’t even confided in her best friend Rhonda. The story is told principally by Jen and Rhonda but also takes a deep dive into the uncomfortable past whence many a dark deed lurks waiting to be uncovered.
There are several storylines in this one and they’re all dark and parts of the unfolding drama are absolute shockers, real chin droppers with bombshells that blow your mind. The plot is very clever, it’s well written with all the different ‘cloudy’ strands being woven intriguingly together until your visions clears and it all starts to make horrible ‘sense’. The final plot revelation is a belter and I should know that with this author that she’s the mistress of the deliciously unexpected bolt out of the blue! The writing is claustrophobic at times, it’s very intense and you become suspicious of everyone, some with mighty good reason. Jen’s stress, anxiety and grief are well portrayed as her life implodes around her and her emotions feel like they’re just contained like a pressure cooker about to blow its top. The presence of Jeremy, her dead husband, is felt throughout and seems a constant presence on the pages and leads to many questions not just from Jen. Rhonda’s discoveries help to illuminate things that characters are desperate to conceal and her narrative is really helpful in drawing it all together.
Overall, I really like how all this comes together so convincingly. I’d say this is yet another winner for the talented author.
4.5 rounded up.
With thanks to NetGalley and especially to Bookouture for the much appreciated arc in return for an honest review.
There are several storylines in this one and they’re all dark and parts of the unfolding drama are absolute shockers, real chin droppers with bombshells that blow your mind. The plot is very clever, it’s well written with all the different ‘cloudy’ strands being woven intriguingly together until your visions clears and it all starts to make horrible ‘sense’. The final plot revelation is a belter and I should know that with this author that she’s the mistress of the deliciously unexpected bolt out of the blue! The writing is claustrophobic at times, it’s very intense and you become suspicious of everyone, some with mighty good reason. Jen’s stress, anxiety and grief are well portrayed as her life implodes around her and her emotions feel like they’re just contained like a pressure cooker about to blow its top. The presence of Jeremy, her dead husband, is felt throughout and seems a constant presence on the pages and leads to many questions not just from Jen. Rhonda’s discoveries help to illuminate things that characters are desperate to conceal and her narrative is really helpful in drawing it all together.
Overall, I really like how all this comes together so convincingly. I’d say this is yet another winner for the talented author.
4.5 rounded up.
With thanks to NetGalley and especially to Bookouture for the much appreciated arc in return for an honest review.
August 31, 2021
This has to be one of the best books Ms Hayes has written recently. There are many threads to this story and some of them reach right back into the past. This book is a triumph of misdirection! It started out what some might call slowly but I really enjoyed getting to know these characters. Jen is the quintessential small town GP who still does home visits to her elderly patients. Her story is superbly told and I couldn’t wait for the action to start. And start it did!
Dr Jen Miller has just returned to work six weeks after the death of her husband, Jeremy, in a an avalanche while he was skiing in the Swiss Alps. Jeremy often travelled for his documentary work. Jen’s first day back also coincides with her finding out she is pregnant two months after a night of drunken revelry while at a medical conference in Oxford. She cannot remember much about that night and has no idea who the father is. She already has a sixteen year old son, Kieran. The story is told through the POV of both Jen and her best friend, Rhonda - a teacher. There are also some flashbacks to many years ago to the increasingly disturbing actions of two 12 year olds.
Jeremy is never far from Jen’s or Kieran’s thoughts and Rhonda (Ron) tries to prop her friend up as best she can but when Scott appears on the scene she is troubled by Jen’s reactions and behaviour. Scott is super creepy, he really sent shivers down my spine. First he turns up as a patient of Jen’s then, before we know it, he is worming his way into her life. Just what sort of hold does he have over her? Whatever you are thinking, the reality is worse. But this twisty has tale has more surprises in store.
Jen had been having suspicions that the sainted Jeremy was having an affair before he died. Again, things here are not as they seem. It is again far worse. Jen’s increasing fear grips you as she struggles like a bug pinned to a display to get out from under the crushing weight of impending doom. It gets very intense and claustrophobic. Not only is Jen completely frazzled but Ron learns some really disturbing information and the children - both Kieran and Rhonda’s 16 year old daughter Caitlin, are behaving very oddly. This one went down to the wire before all the layers were peeled away and I can thoroughly recommend it to all psychological thriller lovers. Thanks to Netgalley and Bookouture for the much appreciated ARC which I reviewed voluntarily and honestly. 4.5 stars rounded up.
Dr Jen Miller has just returned to work six weeks after the death of her husband, Jeremy, in a an avalanche while he was skiing in the Swiss Alps. Jeremy often travelled for his documentary work. Jen’s first day back also coincides with her finding out she is pregnant two months after a night of drunken revelry while at a medical conference in Oxford. She cannot remember much about that night and has no idea who the father is. She already has a sixteen year old son, Kieran. The story is told through the POV of both Jen and her best friend, Rhonda - a teacher. There are also some flashbacks to many years ago to the increasingly disturbing actions of two 12 year olds.
Jeremy is never far from Jen’s or Kieran’s thoughts and Rhonda (Ron) tries to prop her friend up as best she can but when Scott appears on the scene she is troubled by Jen’s reactions and behaviour. Scott is super creepy, he really sent shivers down my spine. First he turns up as a patient of Jen’s then, before we know it, he is worming his way into her life. Just what sort of hold does he have over her? Whatever you are thinking, the reality is worse. But this twisty has tale has more surprises in store.
Jen had been having suspicions that the sainted Jeremy was having an affair before he died. Again, things here are not as they seem. It is again far worse. Jen’s increasing fear grips you as she struggles like a bug pinned to a display to get out from under the crushing weight of impending doom. It gets very intense and claustrophobic. Not only is Jen completely frazzled but Ron learns some really disturbing information and the children - both Kieran and Rhonda’s 16 year old daughter Caitlin, are behaving very oddly. This one went down to the wire before all the layers were peeled away and I can thoroughly recommend it to all psychological thriller lovers. Thanks to Netgalley and Bookouture for the much appreciated ARC which I reviewed voluntarily and honestly. 4.5 stars rounded up.
January 7, 2022
What a tangled web we weave! There are so many lies and deception, it was hard to decide which character I disliked the most. Usually when I don’t like many of the characters, it’s hard for me to get into the story. That was definitely not the case this time. The Trapped Wife pulled me in immediately. Although some of the plot points were predictable, I was still engaged and invested. This unputdownable thriller had me racing to the end for the shocking, twisted conclusion. The plot is twisted, disturbing and at times heartbreaking.The main character frustrated me, while keeping me on her side, yet shaking my head at the same time. Trigger warning: death of a child. Thank you NetGalley and Bookouture for my copy.
September 6, 2021
Jennifer is juggling a lot in her life. She is a respected doctor and mother who had life throw her a curveball recently. Coping with said, curveball she gets a surprise that leaves her reeling. I won’t go into further detail as this is a book to go into knowing as little as possible about the plot.
This book is told through dual timeline and through the POV's of Jen and her best friend, Rhonda. The timeline in the past is about a boy and the club he makes with a new friend. His storyline is dark and sad. In the present, we see Jen (and Rhonda) as Jen is dealing with the current situation(s) in her life. While reading, I was wondering how these two very distinct and seemingly opposite storylines would merge.
There is tension and unease throughout this book. Rhonda tries her best to help and understand Jen as Jen does her best to maintain control in her life and guard her secret(s). As the plot unfolds, we learn more about each woman, other characters and about Jen's marriage. These further builds intrigue and piqued my interest.
There are several twists, turns and reveals in this book. This kept me on my toes and engaged. I had several “come on already” and “what is wrong with you” thoughts while reading this book. It’s frustrating when a character behaves in a way, that at the time doesn’t make sense. I never quite knew where the plot was going to go, and I rather enjoyed this. Hayes did a great job pulling the wool over my eyes. This book starts out a little slow, but the pace soon picks up and keeps gathering speed until it's shocking conclusion.
Unpredictable, shocking, and gripping!
Thank you to Bookouture and NetGalley who provided me with a copy of this book in exchange for an honest review. All the thoughts and opinions are my own.
Read more of my reviews at www.openbookposts.com
This book is told through dual timeline and through the POV's of Jen and her best friend, Rhonda. The timeline in the past is about a boy and the club he makes with a new friend. His storyline is dark and sad. In the present, we see Jen (and Rhonda) as Jen is dealing with the current situation(s) in her life. While reading, I was wondering how these two very distinct and seemingly opposite storylines would merge.
There is tension and unease throughout this book. Rhonda tries her best to help and understand Jen as Jen does her best to maintain control in her life and guard her secret(s). As the plot unfolds, we learn more about each woman, other characters and about Jen's marriage. These further builds intrigue and piqued my interest.
There are several twists, turns and reveals in this book. This kept me on my toes and engaged. I had several “come on already” and “what is wrong with you” thoughts while reading this book. It’s frustrating when a character behaves in a way, that at the time doesn’t make sense. I never quite knew where the plot was going to go, and I rather enjoyed this. Hayes did a great job pulling the wool over my eyes. This book starts out a little slow, but the pace soon picks up and keeps gathering speed until it's shocking conclusion.
Unpredictable, shocking, and gripping!
Thank you to Bookouture and NetGalley who provided me with a copy of this book in exchange for an honest review. All the thoughts and opinions are my own.
Read more of my reviews at www.openbookposts.com
November 8, 2021
3.25 Stars
Told in multiple POV, both in 1st and 3rd person, it’s a standalone novel. The story started off very slow but then the second half got better and faster-paced. To me, it was unpredictable with a satisfying ending. I was so frustrated with Jen because of her bad decisions. I couldn’t understand why she let a stranger takes control of her life considering she had a child. It was quite unbelievable. All in all, it was an OK read, and hope you enjoy it more than me!
Told in multiple POV, both in 1st and 3rd person, it’s a standalone novel. The story started off very slow but then the second half got better and faster-paced. To me, it was unpredictable with a satisfying ending. I was so frustrated with Jen because of her bad decisions. I couldn’t understand why she let a stranger takes control of her life considering she had a child. It was quite unbelievable. All in all, it was an OK read, and hope you enjoy it more than me!
February 19, 2022
I...I honestly don't know how I feel about this one. I'm throwing this one 2.5 stars rounded up to 3 stars.
THE PLOT
Jen is a respected doctor who's husband died in a tragic skiing accident. Her bad luck continues when she finds out she's pregnant by a man who definitely sexed her without consent. Things get even worse when he decides to move in a play house, putting Jen in an awk position to say the least. She needs to dig deep to get herself out of this pretzel.
MY OPINION
That was a wild ride. I was confused... about how confused I was. Objectively, I know the writing was trashola. It was Unmissing / Stay Awake level. I KNOW that. But for some reason, I couldn't summon the level of hatred I usually do for poor writing because I was CONFUSED. So kudos, Samantha Hayes. You got me caught up in this BS and I actually kinda liked it.
I tried to solve the mystery, and while some parts were obvious, the author did throw a fair amount of curveballs in there to keep me guessing. And THAT ENDING THO... ok, I didn't see that coming. Not at all.
ANd YES there are lots of plot holes and weird moments where Jen seems unfazed even though a full blown psycho is dead ass squatting in her place... but since the ending was *chef's kiss* and I was taken for a wild ride while seemingly blindfolded, I kinda wanna read her other books??? AM I OK???
PROS AND CONS
Pros: Satisfying and surprising ending, good pace, I was lost
Cons: Poor writing, low key corny, no logic
THE PLOT
Jen is a respected doctor who's husband died in a tragic skiing accident. Her bad luck continues when she finds out she's pregnant by a man who definitely sexed her without consent. Things get even worse when he decides to move in a play house, putting Jen in an awk position to say the least. She needs to dig deep to get herself out of this pretzel.
MY OPINION
That was a wild ride. I was confused... about how confused I was. Objectively, I know the writing was trashola. It was Unmissing / Stay Awake level. I KNOW that. But for some reason, I couldn't summon the level of hatred I usually do for poor writing because I was CONFUSED. So kudos, Samantha Hayes. You got me caught up in this BS and I actually kinda liked it.
I tried to solve the mystery, and while some parts were obvious, the author did throw a fair amount of curveballs in there to keep me guessing. And THAT ENDING THO... ok, I didn't see that coming. Not at all.
ANd YES there are lots of plot holes and weird moments where Jen seems unfazed even though a full blown psycho is dead ass squatting in her place... but since the ending was *chef's kiss* and I was taken for a wild ride while seemingly blindfolded, I kinda wanna read her other books??? AM I OK???
PROS AND CONS
Pros: Satisfying and surprising ending, good pace, I was lost
Cons: Poor writing, low key corny, no logic
August 21, 2021
Jennifer is a doctor who’s life is falling apart. Her husband has gone on a skiing trip with his assistant and Jennifer thinks they are having an affair. They are now both missing presumed dead in an avalanche.
She also thinks that when she was away at a business conference that she was drugged and raped. Now she is sure someone is following her.
I found this story quite unbelievable and slow to start. Most of the characters are extremely unlikeable and there are some horrific incidents.
Thank you to NetGalley and Bookouture for my e-copy in exchange for an honest review.
She also thinks that when she was away at a business conference that she was drugged and raped. Now she is sure someone is following her.
I found this story quite unbelievable and slow to start. Most of the characters are extremely unlikeable and there are some horrific incidents.
Thank you to NetGalley and Bookouture for my e-copy in exchange for an honest review.
August 25, 2021
My family gathers around the large oak table in our beautifully renovated home. I've put on a dress and lit candles, and there's a beautiful aroma coming from dinner you've so lovingly prepared. I feel your hand squeeze mine as you top up my glass and ask about my day as a doctor in out small town, It's the perfect domestic scene, except for one fact: I think my husband is dead, and you're just another patient of mine.
What an intriguing book this is to read. The plotline has been cleverly crafted, multi-layered and well written. It's full of twists and flashbacks to the past. I did workout a few of the twists but the ending was a surprise. Even though the story did start off quite slow, I could not put this book down and I was gripped from the first few pages. But it's not long before it picks up it's pace. I was not sure how the dual timeline of the then and now were going to gel together, but they did, seamlessly.
I would like to thank #NetGalley #Bookouture and the author #SamanthaHayes for my ARC of #TheTrappedWife in exchange for an honest review.
What an intriguing book this is to read. The plotline has been cleverly crafted, multi-layered and well written. It's full of twists and flashbacks to the past. I did workout a few of the twists but the ending was a surprise. Even though the story did start off quite slow, I could not put this book down and I was gripped from the first few pages. But it's not long before it picks up it's pace. I was not sure how the dual timeline of the then and now were going to gel together, but they did, seamlessly.
I would like to thank #NetGalley #Bookouture and the author #SamanthaHayes for my ARC of #TheTrappedWife in exchange for an honest review.
April 12, 2023
Review coming soon.
March 27, 2022
I thought I had everything figured out but that reveal at the end had me staring blankly for a solid few minutes . This is officially one of my favourite thrillers.
Prajwal thank youuuuuuuu for finding this for me😭😭😭😭
Prajwal thank youuuuuuuu for finding this for me😭😭😭😭
August 16, 2021
When I read my first book by this author back in 2018 - The Reunion - I called it one of the best books of the year. No surprise, then, that I jumped at the chance to read and review a pre-release copy of this one, thanks to the publisher, via NetGalley. It also was no surprise, at least to me, that I enjoyed this one very much as well, although a titch less than the other one.
The plot is complex enough to be totally confusing, but - thanks to the author's writing skills - it's relatively easy to follow even before all the loose ends start coming together. Readers get a glimpse of a years-ago "friendship" between two school kids that turns evil; then one of Jenn, a recent widow with fuzzy memories of something awful that happened in her past. Then suddenly, we're in her present, as she learns she's unexpectedly pregnant and gets an unwanted visitor named Scott, who makes her skin crawl but won't leave. Chapters shift perspective from one of the youngsters to Jenn to that of her good friend, Rhonda. Tossed into the mix are Jenn's teenage son, Kierin, and Rhonda's teenage daughter, Caitlin.
Questions loom large: Who were those two young schoolyard friends, and are they related to what's going on now? What happened to Jenn (and maybe more important, what really happened to her husband)? Who is the house-crasher and why can't Jenn - a physician, for crying out loud - make him go away? That last part is the only thing I had a bit of trouble with; I'm never been a fan of women who try to rationalize behavior that's outside of what my idea of a "normal" woman would (or, IMHO, should) do - kind of like those idiots in horror movies who run toward a dark alley instead of a well-lit store when a monster is chasing them. By the end, the real reason for Jenn's lack of backbone becomes evident, though, thus changing the opinion I had of her throughout most of the book (whether for better or worse I'll never tell).
All the parts herein are intricately and expertly woven and come together in the end - complete with a couple of knock-out surprises. In short, it was well worth the time I spent reading it. Recommended!
The plot is complex enough to be totally confusing, but - thanks to the author's writing skills - it's relatively easy to follow even before all the loose ends start coming together. Readers get a glimpse of a years-ago "friendship" between two school kids that turns evil; then one of Jenn, a recent widow with fuzzy memories of something awful that happened in her past. Then suddenly, we're in her present, as she learns she's unexpectedly pregnant and gets an unwanted visitor named Scott, who makes her skin crawl but won't leave. Chapters shift perspective from one of the youngsters to Jenn to that of her good friend, Rhonda. Tossed into the mix are Jenn's teenage son, Kierin, and Rhonda's teenage daughter, Caitlin.
Questions loom large: Who were those two young schoolyard friends, and are they related to what's going on now? What happened to Jenn (and maybe more important, what really happened to her husband)? Who is the house-crasher and why can't Jenn - a physician, for crying out loud - make him go away? That last part is the only thing I had a bit of trouble with; I'm never been a fan of women who try to rationalize behavior that's outside of what my idea of a "normal" woman would (or, IMHO, should) do - kind of like those idiots in horror movies who run toward a dark alley instead of a well-lit store when a monster is chasing them. By the end, the real reason for Jenn's lack of backbone becomes evident, though, thus changing the opinion I had of her throughout most of the book (whether for better or worse I'll never tell).
All the parts herein are intricately and expertly woven and come together in the end - complete with a couple of knock-out surprises. In short, it was well worth the time I spent reading it. Recommended!
December 30, 2021
THE TRAPPED WIFE is a standalone psychological thriller by bestselling author Samantha Hayes. This novel will mess with your mind and keep you turning the pages until you reach the end. A definite winner!
Her Novels:
In Too Deep (2016)
The Reunion (2018)
Tell Me a Secret (2018)
The Liar's Wife (2018)
Date Night (2019)
The Happy Couple (2020)
Single Mother (2021)
The Trapped Wife (2021)
The novel opens with Dr. Jen Miller’s first day back to work since the accident, six weeks ago when she lost her husband, Jeremy. Jeremy was killed in an avalanche, while on a skiing trip in Switzerland, while making documentaries and filming of travel destinations. Her husband went on a ski trip and never returned. He is now presumed dead.
But Jen suspected her husband was having an affair with Madeleine, a travelling work associate.
Jen and her teenage son, Kieran both took time off to grieve their loss, but now after Kieran has returned to school, Jen returns to her practice and her patients at the Waverly Medical Practice, a community practice.
But before her husband’s death, Jen had a one-night stand with a man named Scott Shaw at the medical conference in Oxford. She soon discovers that she is pregnant with Scott’s baby. But she couldn’t remember that night!
Scott ends up showing up at her practice posing as a new patient, who seems so familiar to her! He then shows up at her home and wants to be a part of Jen’s and the baby’s lives. Jen is ashamed of her behavior and lets Scott blackmail her into letting him move into her home. She doesn’t want her best friend, Rhonda or husband, Chris, a cop or teenage daughter Caitlin to discover the truth.
What is Jen thinking of? Why would she allow this stranger to just move in to her home with her son? What is Scott up to?
I won’t say anymore. You must read this book to find out.
The story is told in multiple POV, both in 1st and 3rd person. The ending was a real surprise and one that I didn’t see coming.
Many thanks to NetGalley and Bookouture for my digital copy.
Her Novels:
In Too Deep (2016)
The Reunion (2018)
Tell Me a Secret (2018)
The Liar's Wife (2018)
Date Night (2019)
The Happy Couple (2020)
Single Mother (2021)
The Trapped Wife (2021)
The novel opens with Dr. Jen Miller’s first day back to work since the accident, six weeks ago when she lost her husband, Jeremy. Jeremy was killed in an avalanche, while on a skiing trip in Switzerland, while making documentaries and filming of travel destinations. Her husband went on a ski trip and never returned. He is now presumed dead.
But Jen suspected her husband was having an affair with Madeleine, a travelling work associate.
Jen and her teenage son, Kieran both took time off to grieve their loss, but now after Kieran has returned to school, Jen returns to her practice and her patients at the Waverly Medical Practice, a community practice.
But before her husband’s death, Jen had a one-night stand with a man named Scott Shaw at the medical conference in Oxford. She soon discovers that she is pregnant with Scott’s baby. But she couldn’t remember that night!
Scott ends up showing up at her practice posing as a new patient, who seems so familiar to her! He then shows up at her home and wants to be a part of Jen’s and the baby’s lives. Jen is ashamed of her behavior and lets Scott blackmail her into letting him move into her home. She doesn’t want her best friend, Rhonda or husband, Chris, a cop or teenage daughter Caitlin to discover the truth.
What is Jen thinking of? Why would she allow this stranger to just move in to her home with her son? What is Scott up to?
I won’t say anymore. You must read this book to find out.
The story is told in multiple POV, both in 1st and 3rd person. The ending was a real surprise and one that I didn’t see coming.
Many thanks to NetGalley and Bookouture for my digital copy.
September 10, 2021
“Whatever you think you know – You’re wrong”
Oh! My Word! That tagline is so right on the mark, I don’t really need to write any more of a review than that!
In fact, to write too much of an in depth review at all might prove to be a fatal mistake, as it will be all too easy to give a vital clue away and I really wouldn’t want to do that, as you definitely need to read this one for yourself – very carefully, or you might blink and miss something!!
The Trapped Wife was billed as a domestic/psychological thriller, but believe me – there is nothing ‘domestic’ about this storyline, it messed with my head and tied me up in knots. Narrated in multiple voices and dual timelines, the short chapters are well signposted and kept me on track, and boy, did I need it. The first lines had the story set in motion and hitting the ground running. The multiple strands of the intense and ever-changing plot, meant that there was never a dull moment, as one mind-blowing twist followed another and I needed to keep my wits about me, although to be fair, the pace was never frenetic. The clues were all there and I came close to predicting the ending; ‘close but no cigar’ as the saying goes, when Samantha threw in that one last curved ball which I just wasn’t expecting.
There were two more or less separate storylines, but each was multi-layered and not at all what they seemed at first glance, especially not as they began to be drawn together in the ever-decreasing circle of sanity and reality (mine that is, not the characters!). The story concerning Rhonda’s daughter, Caitlin, was probably a little weak, if I am being really picky! If I had been Rhonda, who is a teacher, or her second husband Chris, who is a policeman, the incident definitely wouldn’t have been brushed under the carpet, as neatly as it was! However, this was just too good a read to get pernickety over, as the many layers just kept peeling away, to reveal something even more unexpected and destructive underneath.
This slowly unfolding, neatly structured, unconventional and evolving storyline; was dark and highly textured; claustrophobic and immersive; rich in detail, atmosphere and tension. The gripping narrative was confidently written, with an assured almost desperate intensity, yet with complete confidence and assurance in the storyline, both in the way and at the speed it needed to unravel., which it did to perfection.
Samantha created a cast of characters, which although well developed and drawn, were not authentic or likable, just as she had, I suspect, intended. There was little natural synergy or dynamism between them, in which to invest. Multi-faceted, duplicitous, manipulative and self-centred definitely; emotionally complex, with a raw passion maybe; but never genuine or totally believable. They were definitely given free rein to command and control this storyline, which they did assuredly and completely. At times it was really difficult not to get drawn into their downward spiral of selfish retribution and payback. ‘The apple never falls far from the tree’ and that is certainly true in this story, where feuds, grudges and secrets from the school playground come back to haunt a generation.
Ultimately, some of the miscreants got their comeuppance, which I have to say I heartily cheered – The past will always find you out, and revenge is definitely a dish best served cold, especially when it is served by a deadly female who has been scorned. This story puts a visit to the GP into an entirely new perspective. I’ll definitely be watching my back in future!
Samantha Hayes was a new to me author, but I shall most definitely be making time to catch up with some of her previous books and make sure I grab any new releases in the future.
The Trapped Wife took me on a rollercoaster of a journey, so why not read it for yourself and see where it leads you?
To meet the author and share some memorable extracts from the story, visit...
https://www.fiction-books.biz/reviews...
Oh! My Word! That tagline is so right on the mark, I don’t really need to write any more of a review than that!
In fact, to write too much of an in depth review at all might prove to be a fatal mistake, as it will be all too easy to give a vital clue away and I really wouldn’t want to do that, as you definitely need to read this one for yourself – very carefully, or you might blink and miss something!!
The Trapped Wife was billed as a domestic/psychological thriller, but believe me – there is nothing ‘domestic’ about this storyline, it messed with my head and tied me up in knots. Narrated in multiple voices and dual timelines, the short chapters are well signposted and kept me on track, and boy, did I need it. The first lines had the story set in motion and hitting the ground running. The multiple strands of the intense and ever-changing plot, meant that there was never a dull moment, as one mind-blowing twist followed another and I needed to keep my wits about me, although to be fair, the pace was never frenetic. The clues were all there and I came close to predicting the ending; ‘close but no cigar’ as the saying goes, when Samantha threw in that one last curved ball which I just wasn’t expecting.
There were two more or less separate storylines, but each was multi-layered and not at all what they seemed at first glance, especially not as they began to be drawn together in the ever-decreasing circle of sanity and reality (mine that is, not the characters!). The story concerning Rhonda’s daughter, Caitlin, was probably a little weak, if I am being really picky! If I had been Rhonda, who is a teacher, or her second husband Chris, who is a policeman, the incident definitely wouldn’t have been brushed under the carpet, as neatly as it was! However, this was just too good a read to get pernickety over, as the many layers just kept peeling away, to reveal something even more unexpected and destructive underneath.
This slowly unfolding, neatly structured, unconventional and evolving storyline; was dark and highly textured; claustrophobic and immersive; rich in detail, atmosphere and tension. The gripping narrative was confidently written, with an assured almost desperate intensity, yet with complete confidence and assurance in the storyline, both in the way and at the speed it needed to unravel., which it did to perfection.
Samantha created a cast of characters, which although well developed and drawn, were not authentic or likable, just as she had, I suspect, intended. There was little natural synergy or dynamism between them, in which to invest. Multi-faceted, duplicitous, manipulative and self-centred definitely; emotionally complex, with a raw passion maybe; but never genuine or totally believable. They were definitely given free rein to command and control this storyline, which they did assuredly and completely. At times it was really difficult not to get drawn into their downward spiral of selfish retribution and payback. ‘The apple never falls far from the tree’ and that is certainly true in this story, where feuds, grudges and secrets from the school playground come back to haunt a generation.
Ultimately, some of the miscreants got their comeuppance, which I have to say I heartily cheered – The past will always find you out, and revenge is definitely a dish best served cold, especially when it is served by a deadly female who has been scorned. This story puts a visit to the GP into an entirely new perspective. I’ll definitely be watching my back in future!
Samantha Hayes was a new to me author, but I shall most definitely be making time to catch up with some of her previous books and make sure I grab any new releases in the future.
The Trapped Wife took me on a rollercoaster of a journey, so why not read it for yourself and see where it leads you?
To meet the author and share some memorable extracts from the story, visit...
https://www.fiction-books.biz/reviews...
August 26, 2021
Jennifer, a 40-something GP in a small community is trying to piece her life back together after her husbands' accidental death and simultaneously having to deal with the consequences of a sultry night of adultery. Or wasn't it? In a second storyline, we follow two young boys, outcasts who find some relieve of their hopeless and loveless lives in an unusual friendship. From the start you'll know that the two stories will intertwine and it is the readers' guess how. It is thanks to this part of the story that I got through the first third of the book, as Jennifer came across as a very helpless damsel in distress who could just have slammed the door in the face of the stranger who tried to get into her life. Instead, she just did every stupid thing a woman can do and I silently screamed "you stupid woman" a few times.
But I'm glad I pushed through, because when everything starts to properly unravel, that is when it finally starts to make sense and that you get into a "wait wait what?"- whirlwind and when you realize you get wrong-footed every few pages. This is when I started to skip some chores just to keep reading, as I wanted to readjust every piece of the puzzle after each new development. I'll warn you: keep some take-away menus at the ready, as you will want to keep reading instead of thinking about dinner. Even after having read the final chapter, I'll start to see connections that weren't obvious whilst reading, which is always a good indicator.
Absolutely gripping and intriguing, but I only gave it 4 stars -3,5 rounded up, as there are some loose ends .
A sincere thanks to NetGalley, Bookouture and the author for an ARC in exchange for my honest review.
But I'm glad I pushed through, because when everything starts to properly unravel, that is when it finally starts to make sense and that you get into a "wait wait what?"- whirlwind and when you realize you get wrong-footed every few pages. This is when I started to skip some chores just to keep reading, as I wanted to readjust every piece of the puzzle after each new development. I'll warn you: keep some take-away menus at the ready, as you will want to keep reading instead of thinking about dinner. Even after having read the final chapter, I'll start to see connections that weren't obvious whilst reading, which is always a good indicator.
Absolutely gripping and intriguing, but I only gave it 4 stars -3,5 rounded up, as there are some loose ends .
A sincere thanks to NetGalley, Bookouture and the author for an ARC in exchange for my honest review.
September 2, 2021
Jen is a well known doctor who is married with one teenage son. Her husband went on a ski trip and never returned. He is now presumed dead. So Jen has taken some time off from work to grieve. But before her husband’s death, Jen has a one night stand with a man named Scott on a work trip she took to Oxford. She finds herself in a bad situation when she discovers that she is pregnant with Scott’s baby. With no memory of that night, Scott ends up showing up at her work and even at her home. He desperately wants to be a part of Jen’s and the baby’s lives. But out of fear of looking bad amongst friends and patients, she lets Scott blackmail her into letting him move into her home. Is Scott really who he says he is? Is he dangerous? What mess has Jen gotten herself into? I don't want to say anymore. You must read this book to find out.
Overall this was another incredible book by skilled author, Samantha Hayes. I know when I read her books I will get a great story. This one definitely blew me away. I didn't see the ending coming and it was quite a shocking twist. If you're looking for a great domestic thriller that you can easily read and get absorbed in, pick this one up.
Many thanks to NetGalley and Bookouture for my ARC in exchange for my honest review.
This review will be posted to my Instagram Blog (@coffee.break.book.reviews) on September 8, 2021.
Overall this was another incredible book by skilled author, Samantha Hayes. I know when I read her books I will get a great story. This one definitely blew me away. I didn't see the ending coming and it was quite a shocking twist. If you're looking for a great domestic thriller that you can easily read and get absorbed in, pick this one up.
Many thanks to NetGalley and Bookouture for my ARC in exchange for my honest review.
This review will be posted to my Instagram Blog (@coffee.break.book.reviews) on September 8, 2021.
September 1, 2021
I’m so excited to be approved for an ARC from Bookouture via NetGalley. I read and loved previous Samantha Hayes novels—Date Night and The Happy Couple. And let me tell you, this book is just as incredible. I loved the plot, it’s absolutely bonkers, unpredictable, and gripping!
The multiple timeline follows the paths of (then) Evan and Mac, two unpopular kids who are classmates, and (now) Dr. Jen and her best friend Rhonda who are trying to find answers as life unravels around them.
This story gave me an uncomfortable, creepy, sinister feeling right from the start. With deeply disturbing characters, layer upon layer of secrets, and sooo many lies…it’s like a wickedly-dark nighttime soap. Murder. Affairs. Blackmail. Wow was my head spinning…but in the best way. I assure you it all ties together. This ended with a mind-blowing twist that came out of left field…I was floored. This is one of the best (domestic/psychological suspense) thriller’s I’ve read all year.
The multiple timeline follows the paths of (then) Evan and Mac, two unpopular kids who are classmates, and (now) Dr. Jen and her best friend Rhonda who are trying to find answers as life unravels around them.
This story gave me an uncomfortable, creepy, sinister feeling right from the start. With deeply disturbing characters, layer upon layer of secrets, and sooo many lies…it’s like a wickedly-dark nighttime soap. Murder. Affairs. Blackmail. Wow was my head spinning…but in the best way. I assure you it all ties together. This ended with a mind-blowing twist that came out of left field…I was floored. This is one of the best (domestic/psychological suspense) thriller’s I’ve read all year.
Read
November 10, 2021⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐
Christ on a cracker, this book was something else! Halfway through I was feeling all smug with myself thinking I had things ALL figured out. Turns out I did not. 😮 This was a brilliantly plotted psychological thriller. I can't even complain about the one thing that annoyed me because it turns out there was intent behind this person's actions. 🤷🏻♀️ That's about all I am going to say about this one. It needs to be enjoyed with no preconceived ideas. Trust me, though, you do not want to miss this one!
**ARC Via NetGalley**
Christ on a cracker, this book was something else! Halfway through I was feeling all smug with myself thinking I had things ALL figured out. Turns out I did not. 😮 This was a brilliantly plotted psychological thriller. I can't even complain about the one thing that annoyed me because it turns out there was intent behind this person's actions. 🤷🏻♀️ That's about all I am going to say about this one. It needs to be enjoyed with no preconceived ideas. Trust me, though, you do not want to miss this one!
**ARC Via NetGalley**
August 16, 2021
Thanks to the publisher for providing an eARC of The Trapped Wife in exchange for an honest review.
While I can see some mystery readers enjoying it, I think the description could make it attract the wrong kind of mystery thriller fan (hint: it's me). Described as an "addictive psychological thriller", you get the idea that this is a fast page turner when it's just not. This is a really slowburn mystery which would be fine if it was marketed as such, but as is I was a bit let down by the pace.
While I can see some mystery readers enjoying it, I think the description could make it attract the wrong kind of mystery thriller fan (hint: it's me). Described as an "addictive psychological thriller", you get the idea that this is a fast page turner when it's just not. This is a really slowburn mystery which would be fine if it was marketed as such, but as is I was a bit let down by the pace.
February 15, 2022
Dr. Jen Miller is back to work after she lost her husband Jeremy six weeks ago while on a skiing trip in Switzerland. She is also pregnant because of a one-night stand she had while at the medical conference in Oxford and now that the guy, Scott, shows up at her practice and wants to be a part of Jen’s and the baby’s lives.Can Jen trust Scott or does he have ulterior motives ?
The Trapped Wife by Samantha Hayes is a fast paced psychological thriller. . This book was certainly not what I was expecting, a story that twists and turns so fast and so abruptly that it made me question everything that I thought I knew.
I would like to thank Bookouture & NetGalley for providing an ARC of this book in exchange for my honest and fair review.
The Trapped Wife by Samantha Hayes is a fast paced psychological thriller. . This book was certainly not what I was expecting, a story that twists and turns so fast and so abruptly that it made me question everything that I thought I knew.
I would like to thank Bookouture & NetGalley for providing an ARC of this book in exchange for my honest and fair review.
August 24, 2021
Gah, where do I start with this review? I didn't care for the characters or lack of growth or connection. I found myself not on anyone's side or anyone's corner, it felt flat to read without rooting for a champion so to speak.
I was quite confused for a bit on why the main character would simply roll over and allow someone to take up residence in their home and put their child at risk. I still felt the answer to that was meh, this truly gave away the twist here.
It was pretty fast paced and if you aren't paying enough attention a few things may surprise you.
Thank you to NetGalley and Bookouture for the advanced copy to review.
I was quite confused for a bit on why the main character would simply roll over and allow someone to take up residence in their home and put their child at risk. I still felt the answer to that was meh, this truly gave away the twist here.
It was pretty fast paced and if you aren't paying enough attention a few things may surprise you.
Thank you to NetGalley and Bookouture for the advanced copy to review.
August 22, 2021
Ooh I love a good twisted psychological thriller and this is another fab book by the author.
When we first meet Jen, I felt so much empathy for this woman. She has been dealt a tough deal recently and things seem to be going from bad to worse. She is a woman being pushed to her limits of which Rhonda her best friend, is trying to be there for her the best she can but Jen isn't forthcoming with what has recently been happening in her life.
Things start off being quite intriguing with a recent night that Jen, apart from the odd flashback, has no real recollection of. The further into the story we get, the more we also learn about Jen and her husband's marriage which raises lots of questions. It has you questioning how well you truly know your partner.
The Trapped Wife is a wickedly deceptive read that will shock you to the core when the truth comes to light. I had to pick my jaw up off the ground as the author totally had me hoodwinked and I was in my element as the story got even more sinister and twisted. It sent my heart racing and it's still beating ten to the dozen just thinking about it even now! Brilliant!
When we first meet Jen, I felt so much empathy for this woman. She has been dealt a tough deal recently and things seem to be going from bad to worse. She is a woman being pushed to her limits of which Rhonda her best friend, is trying to be there for her the best she can but Jen isn't forthcoming with what has recently been happening in her life.
Things start off being quite intriguing with a recent night that Jen, apart from the odd flashback, has no real recollection of. The further into the story we get, the more we also learn about Jen and her husband's marriage which raises lots of questions. It has you questioning how well you truly know your partner.
The Trapped Wife is a wickedly deceptive read that will shock you to the core when the truth comes to light. I had to pick my jaw up off the ground as the author totally had me hoodwinked and I was in my element as the story got even more sinister and twisted. It sent my heart racing and it's still beating ten to the dozen just thinking about it even now! Brilliant!
September 12, 2021
Wowza, a twisted story indeed. A few characters, two to begin with, Jen and Rhonda, and their friendship started off this book, when the plotline steadily moved in such convoluted ways that I was left unsure about what I knew and what I would come to know ahead.
A trickle of adrenaline started flowing as author Samantha Hayes used all her wily ways to keep me confused. That was not fair. I like knowing I am right. Well, that didn’t happen here. I tell ya, these authors of Bookouture are a cunning lot.
The book started with recently widowed Jen not knowing the truth about a dark night. And her best friend Rhonda too was hiding something. Then came the dark tendrils of past winding into the present. And the book turned over itself, right about halfway through..
The writing was slow to begin with, but slowly the atmosphere became dark as the sense of impending danger increased. And continued on till the last page. Layered, well-written with many twists, the book was quite entertaining.
A trickle of adrenaline started flowing as author Samantha Hayes used all her wily ways to keep me confused. That was not fair. I like knowing I am right. Well, that didn’t happen here. I tell ya, these authors of Bookouture are a cunning lot.
The book started with recently widowed Jen not knowing the truth about a dark night. And her best friend Rhonda too was hiding something. Then came the dark tendrils of past winding into the present. And the book turned over itself, right about halfway through..
The writing was slow to begin with, but slowly the atmosphere became dark as the sense of impending danger increased. And continued on till the last page. Layered, well-written with many twists, the book was quite entertaining.
September 4, 2021
★★★★★ 4.5 stars (rounded up)
I am excited to be taking part in the #BooksOnTour #BlogTour for Samantha Hayes' twisted thriller THE TRAPPED WIFE.
Whenever I begin a book by Samantha Hayes I am then reminded that her thrillers are slow burns which are not generally my favourite. But from past experience, despite their slow beginnings I am often pleasantly surprised to find that the book then redeems itself by everything coming together in a deluge of twists that have been expertly and intricately woven together. However I was more than surprised with THE TRAPPED WIFE because, despite being a slow burn, I was completely absorbed in the story from the very beginning. It honestly has to be one of the best books Samantha Hayes has written complete with complexities, twists and misdirection.
When we first meet Jen, she's still in the midst of grieving the loss of her husband Jeremy, killed in an avalanche whilst skiing in Switzerland. But life hadn't been all that easy for her prior to this either...not when she suspected Jeremy of having an affair with his attractive much younger French assistant Madeleine. So when she travelled to a three-day conference in Oxford just before Christmas, Jen trailed behind her colleagues into a bar where she indulged in a few too many wines which lead to cocktails being bought for her by some random stranger. After that, things kind of got a little hazy but she remembered waking up in her hotel room...naked...and in bed with someone who was not her husband. Just a couple of weeks later, on 2nd January, Jeremy was killed.
Now almost two months have passed and Jen is staring at the two lines on the stick she holds in her hand. She's pregnant. And Jeremy cannot be the father. Which means only one thing. One drunken night with a random stranger in Oxford. Oh gosh...what has she done?
With no real recollection of that night, except through the odd flashback, Jen's world begins to crumble as she must deal with an unexpected pregnancy at 42, her teenage son's unrequited love for her best friend's daughter Caitlin on top of his grief for his dad as well as her own barrage of emotions. To top things off, she gains a new patient at the surgery where she works as a GP who soon ingratiates himself in her life and her home where he has other plans for her.
From the first moment Scott Shaw enters Jen's surgery with his piercing gaze that never leaves her, it's apparent that he has a hidden agenda. What that is, we've yet to find out. If Jen thought him a bit intense on his first visit, imagine her surprise when he turns up at her house complete with hold-all containing several of his belongings and an excuse ready for his intrusion. I knew then that he wasn't going anywhere. He had something on Jen and he was going to milk it for all it was worth. As his intentions become clearer, Jen realises she has made a huge mistake and must now live with the consequences...because Scott is going nowhere.
Best friend Rhonda tries to support Jen as best she can but with Scott's sudden appearance comes the troubling sense of foreboding as well as her friend's unusual behaviour. She is concerned that there is something off about her friend's new house guest despite Jen assuring her that all is well and that he is an old friend of Jeremy's. She tries confiding in her copper husband Chris and as good a sounding board he is he isn't convinced that there is anything to worry about. If something is worrying Jen, why hasn't she confided in her, her best friend? And then she comes across some old photos and news clippings from the mid-90s before the school in which she now teaches became private. Photos that showed a very younger Jen, Jeremy and the face of a child killer. The news clippings relate to that tragedy in which 3 year old Lenny Taylor was lured from his grandmother's yard and later found beaten and drowned in the nearby reservoir. But it's what she sees in these photos that spurs her to delve further and find out the truth.
Alongside the present day story is one from the past. Evan Locke is a lonely 12 year old boy who has an appalling home-life in the nearby council estate. With no friends he soon becomes target to the mean girl who humiliates him in a way he could never forget. Just when life seems at its bleakest, Mac enters his life and they become firm friends. Best friends. They hang out, pilfer snacks from the nearby store and create a den in the woods where they could just be. Evan thought his luck had changed when he met Mac. At last he had a friend...someone he could count on to have his back. And he just knew that they would be friends forever.
But how does the past tie in with the present? Who is Evan to Jen, if he even is at all? And what has Rhonda uncovered in her quest for answers to Jeremy's alleged affair? When Rhonda notices Jeremy's ski equipment buried in the garage, she begins to wonder what really happened to him? Is Jeremy still alive and living in secret with his girlfriend? Who the hell is Scott and what does he really want with Jen? And why oh why can't she get rid of him? And what really happened on that drunken night in Oxford?
So many questions with so few answers...or are there? As the reader we have been tasked with trying to unravel the complexities and tie them together seamlessly before it's too late.
The story unfolds over the past and the present, expertly told by Jen and Rhonda in the present with Evan's narrative detailing the past which becomes disturbing as it unravels. At first I empathised with Jen and her situation but it isn't long before I became frustrated by her actions and decisions. Rhonda truly cares for her friend and wants to help her but for some reason Jen is keeping her at arm's length. Does this have anything to do with Scott? And as for his nibs, he is super creepy. He made my skin crawl from the first moment and I became even more uncomfortable by his unwanted presence and the story unfolded.
Intricately and expertly woven, THE TRAPPED WIFE is an addictive read from beginning to end. The undercurrent of malevolence, the sense of foreboding, the claustrophobic feeling in which you feel as powerless as Jen, who is trapped in a quagmire of her own making. You'd think as a doctor, an educated woman no less, she could find her way out of this situation with as little trouble as possible...but no. She just continues to make bad decision after bad decision. To be fair, she didn't want to disrupt her son Keiran's life any more than it already was. But she was also thinking of her own reputation as a doctor, a respected GP, if her secret was to get out. A secret of which she has little recollection...until the flashbacks become clearer and reveals every shocking moment.
THE TRAPPED WIFE is as intriguing as it is deceptive. As Jen's life unravels as the story progresses, every nuance, every secret is about to be revealed with an ending that will shock you. I wasn't completely hoodwinked though, having pieced together most of the puzzle of secrets but there was one final piece that I didn't see coming...and that DID shock me! Seriously...WOWsers! Could this tale get any more twisted?
I thoroughly enjoyed THE TRAPPED WIFE which literally blew me away. Certainly one of Ms Hayes' best thrillers to date. I have no doubt fans of domestic thrillers will devour this addictive read. Highly recommended.
I would like to thank #SamanthaHayes, #NetGalley and #Bookouture for an ARC of #TheTrappedWife 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 Samantha Hayes' twisted thriller THE TRAPPED WIFE.
Whenever I begin a book by Samantha Hayes I am then reminded that her thrillers are slow burns which are not generally my favourite. But from past experience, despite their slow beginnings I am often pleasantly surprised to find that the book then redeems itself by everything coming together in a deluge of twists that have been expertly and intricately woven together. However I was more than surprised with THE TRAPPED WIFE because, despite being a slow burn, I was completely absorbed in the story from the very beginning. It honestly has to be one of the best books Samantha Hayes has written complete with complexities, twists and misdirection.
When we first meet Jen, she's still in the midst of grieving the loss of her husband Jeremy, killed in an avalanche whilst skiing in Switzerland. But life hadn't been all that easy for her prior to this either...not when she suspected Jeremy of having an affair with his attractive much younger French assistant Madeleine. So when she travelled to a three-day conference in Oxford just before Christmas, Jen trailed behind her colleagues into a bar where she indulged in a few too many wines which lead to cocktails being bought for her by some random stranger. After that, things kind of got a little hazy but she remembered waking up in her hotel room...naked...and in bed with someone who was not her husband. Just a couple of weeks later, on 2nd January, Jeremy was killed.
Now almost two months have passed and Jen is staring at the two lines on the stick she holds in her hand. She's pregnant. And Jeremy cannot be the father. Which means only one thing. One drunken night with a random stranger in Oxford. Oh gosh...what has she done?
With no real recollection of that night, except through the odd flashback, Jen's world begins to crumble as she must deal with an unexpected pregnancy at 42, her teenage son's unrequited love for her best friend's daughter Caitlin on top of his grief for his dad as well as her own barrage of emotions. To top things off, she gains a new patient at the surgery where she works as a GP who soon ingratiates himself in her life and her home where he has other plans for her.
From the first moment Scott Shaw enters Jen's surgery with his piercing gaze that never leaves her, it's apparent that he has a hidden agenda. What that is, we've yet to find out. If Jen thought him a bit intense on his first visit, imagine her surprise when he turns up at her house complete with hold-all containing several of his belongings and an excuse ready for his intrusion. I knew then that he wasn't going anywhere. He had something on Jen and he was going to milk it for all it was worth. As his intentions become clearer, Jen realises she has made a huge mistake and must now live with the consequences...because Scott is going nowhere.
Best friend Rhonda tries to support Jen as best she can but with Scott's sudden appearance comes the troubling sense of foreboding as well as her friend's unusual behaviour. She is concerned that there is something off about her friend's new house guest despite Jen assuring her that all is well and that he is an old friend of Jeremy's. She tries confiding in her copper husband Chris and as good a sounding board he is he isn't convinced that there is anything to worry about. If something is worrying Jen, why hasn't she confided in her, her best friend? And then she comes across some old photos and news clippings from the mid-90s before the school in which she now teaches became private. Photos that showed a very younger Jen, Jeremy and the face of a child killer. The news clippings relate to that tragedy in which 3 year old Lenny Taylor was lured from his grandmother's yard and later found beaten and drowned in the nearby reservoir. But it's what she sees in these photos that spurs her to delve further and find out the truth.
Alongside the present day story is one from the past. Evan Locke is a lonely 12 year old boy who has an appalling home-life in the nearby council estate. With no friends he soon becomes target to the mean girl who humiliates him in a way he could never forget. Just when life seems at its bleakest, Mac enters his life and they become firm friends. Best friends. They hang out, pilfer snacks from the nearby store and create a den in the woods where they could just be. Evan thought his luck had changed when he met Mac. At last he had a friend...someone he could count on to have his back. And he just knew that they would be friends forever.
But how does the past tie in with the present? Who is Evan to Jen, if he even is at all? And what has Rhonda uncovered in her quest for answers to Jeremy's alleged affair? When Rhonda notices Jeremy's ski equipment buried in the garage, she begins to wonder what really happened to him? Is Jeremy still alive and living in secret with his girlfriend? Who the hell is Scott and what does he really want with Jen? And why oh why can't she get rid of him? And what really happened on that drunken night in Oxford?
So many questions with so few answers...or are there? As the reader we have been tasked with trying to unravel the complexities and tie them together seamlessly before it's too late.
The story unfolds over the past and the present, expertly told by Jen and Rhonda in the present with Evan's narrative detailing the past which becomes disturbing as it unravels. At first I empathised with Jen and her situation but it isn't long before I became frustrated by her actions and decisions. Rhonda truly cares for her friend and wants to help her but for some reason Jen is keeping her at arm's length. Does this have anything to do with Scott? And as for his nibs, he is super creepy. He made my skin crawl from the first moment and I became even more uncomfortable by his unwanted presence and the story unfolded.
Intricately and expertly woven, THE TRAPPED WIFE is an addictive read from beginning to end. The undercurrent of malevolence, the sense of foreboding, the claustrophobic feeling in which you feel as powerless as Jen, who is trapped in a quagmire of her own making. You'd think as a doctor, an educated woman no less, she could find her way out of this situation with as little trouble as possible...but no. She just continues to make bad decision after bad decision. To be fair, she didn't want to disrupt her son Keiran's life any more than it already was. But she was also thinking of her own reputation as a doctor, a respected GP, if her secret was to get out. A secret of which she has little recollection...until the flashbacks become clearer and reveals every shocking moment.
THE TRAPPED WIFE is as intriguing as it is deceptive. As Jen's life unravels as the story progresses, every nuance, every secret is about to be revealed with an ending that will shock you. I wasn't completely hoodwinked though, having pieced together most of the puzzle of secrets but there was one final piece that I didn't see coming...and that DID shock me! Seriously...WOWsers! Could this tale get any more twisted?
I thoroughly enjoyed THE TRAPPED WIFE which literally blew me away. Certainly one of Ms Hayes' best thrillers to date. I have no doubt fans of domestic thrillers will devour this addictive read. Highly recommended.
I would like to thank #SamanthaHayes, #NetGalley and #Bookouture for an ARC of #TheTrappedWife in exchange for an honest review.
This review appears on my blog at https://stinathebookaholic.blogspot.com/.
September 8, 2021
3.5 Stars
Jen is a GP in the same small town she grew up in. She’s also newly widowed, a mother to a teen son, and currently pregnant. She’s grieving the death of her husband when things start to crash around her.
Who is the mysterious man who claims to know her so well? What is it that she doesn’t remember? Can she ignore the breaking shards of her marriage before her husband died?
How will she survive the pressure mounting on her from all sides?
The cover is fab, and when the title appeared too frequently on my timeline, I went ahead and requested an ARC.
Now, I’m in two minds about it. For starters, don’t focus on the blurb. It’s a roundabout representation of the storyline.
Second, the first half is too slow to sustain interest. This is my second consecutive slow book, and that doesn’t work in its favor (sorry). The second half is a lot better, but the story makes more sense only when you read the author’s note. And no, don’t read it first if you want to enjoy at least half of the book.
Third, the characterization is decent, and I liked how I couldn’t fully trust any of them. However, Rhonda could have had a little more role towards the end. Don’t look for character growth here. The graph goes the other way (it’s a thriller, after all).
Fourth, some of the story seemed too far-fetched, even with the explanation. And an important theme has been dealt with, but it comes at a time when the focus is on revealing the mystery, and that dilutes its impact. I feel a topic like that needs more space, especially since it’s not as uncommon as we want to pretend.
The good news is that a part of the twist was well executed. It makes up for some of the other stuff. The book is pretty much a mix of things, and for me, the result is the same.
To sum up, The Trapped Wife is an intriguing thriller if you are willing to deal with the first half of it with some patience. If not anything else, you’ll at least get to talk about quite a few themes from the book.
I received an ARC from NetGalley and Bookouture and am voluntarily leaving a review.
#NetGalley #TheTrappedWife
Jen is a GP in the same small town she grew up in. She’s also newly widowed, a mother to a teen son, and currently pregnant. She’s grieving the death of her husband when things start to crash around her.
Who is the mysterious man who claims to know her so well? What is it that she doesn’t remember? Can she ignore the breaking shards of her marriage before her husband died?
How will she survive the pressure mounting on her from all sides?
The cover is fab, and when the title appeared too frequently on my timeline, I went ahead and requested an ARC.
Now, I’m in two minds about it. For starters, don’t focus on the blurb. It’s a roundabout representation of the storyline.
Second, the first half is too slow to sustain interest. This is my second consecutive slow book, and that doesn’t work in its favor (sorry). The second half is a lot better, but the story makes more sense only when you read the author’s note. And no, don’t read it first if you want to enjoy at least half of the book.
Third, the characterization is decent, and I liked how I couldn’t fully trust any of them. However, Rhonda could have had a little more role towards the end. Don’t look for character growth here. The graph goes the other way (it’s a thriller, after all).
Fourth, some of the story seemed too far-fetched, even with the explanation. And an important theme has been dealt with, but it comes at a time when the focus is on revealing the mystery, and that dilutes its impact. I feel a topic like that needs more space, especially since it’s not as uncommon as we want to pretend.
The good news is that a part of the twist was well executed. It makes up for some of the other stuff. The book is pretty much a mix of things, and for me, the result is the same.
To sum up, The Trapped Wife is an intriguing thriller if you are willing to deal with the first half of it with some patience. If not anything else, you’ll at least get to talk about quite a few themes from the book.
I received an ARC from NetGalley and Bookouture and am voluntarily leaving a review.
#NetGalley #TheTrappedWife
January 5, 2022
*I received a free copy of this novel from NetGalley and Bookouture for my honest review.*
I'm not gonna lie.... the tag line is spot on for this book! Every time I thought I knew what was happening, it was wrong! For the entire book!
The novel unfolds in dueling time lines. Now, Dr. Jen is grieving her husband's death and dealing with a new pregnancy that is the result of a possible rape. Then, the story is about 2 youngsters who are outcasts and struggling to make it through school.
Jen is trying to come to terms with the pregnancy and loss when a new patient worms his way into her life and home and she has no choice but to let him.
This was my first novel from Samantha Hayes, but I will be reading more. So many twists and turns! I felt like I would miss something if I blinked.
I'm not gonna lie.... the tag line is spot on for this book! Every time I thought I knew what was happening, it was wrong! For the entire book!
The novel unfolds in dueling time lines. Now, Dr. Jen is grieving her husband's death and dealing with a new pregnancy that is the result of a possible rape. Then, the story is about 2 youngsters who are outcasts and struggling to make it through school.
Jen is trying to come to terms with the pregnancy and loss when a new patient worms his way into her life and home and she has no choice but to let him.
This was my first novel from Samantha Hayes, but I will be reading more. So many twists and turns! I felt like I would miss something if I blinked.
August 15, 2022
The Trapped Wife is a twisted, compelling book that seems like you know where its headed but you don't really know. The book has chapters of sexual assault which were difficult for me to read. However they were essential to the plot of the book. This was a quick read just because it was unputdownable. Every chapter reveals just enough to keep you hooked and going into the mext one. I really hate gullible characters and Jen ticked most of all those boxes. That is until I reached the end. The story was laid out very cleverly and every question or confusing thought was answered in the end. The twists really keep coming towards the end and they're absolutely mind blowing. Every character and their backstory was expertly crafted and it all ties in wonderfully on the end.
Thank you, NetGalley Bookouture and Samantha Hayes for this arc!
Thank you, NetGalley Bookouture and Samantha Hayes for this arc!
January 10, 2022
Wow - what a gripping read! There are so many threads to this story as it weaves together. It is a complete jigsaw of mystery pieces and one of the best thrillers I’ve read.
Jen is a GP in a small community surgery and she has a lot going on in her life , the story is told from the POVs of Jen & her best friend Rhonda. There really is so much going on in the book from the murder of a 3 year old boy, school bullying, death , rape, lies , secrets, revenge and so so much more. I honestly didn’t see half of the story coming until it had hit me in the face.
This is well worth a read and I highly recommend
Jen is a GP in a small community surgery and she has a lot going on in her life , the story is told from the POVs of Jen & her best friend Rhonda. There really is so much going on in the book from the murder of a 3 year old boy, school bullying, death , rape, lies , secrets, revenge and so so much more. I honestly didn’t see half of the story coming until it had hit me in the face.
This is well worth a read and I highly recommend
October 28, 2021
2.5 stars. The Trapped Wife is a domestic, tension packed popcorn thriller about Jenn who has just found out that she's pregnant. She hasn't had sex with her husband for about three months, her husband who has just been killed in an avalanche during a skiiing trip... the baby isn't his. She doesn't know whose it is.
Grieving the loss of her husband and trying to come to terms with her pregnancy, worried about her reputation after an uncharacteristic one night stand - Jenn returns to work as a GP. It is then that a new patient takes an alarming amount of interest in her.
This guy was such a manipulative prick! But Jenn did herself no favours. Her level of weakness was almost unbelievable. How you could let anyone walk all over you that way is beyond me. The choices she made were rattling.
I got slightly lost with all the different storylines. It was verrrry slow paced yet oddly addictive perhaps due to it being well-written... but I didn't really care for any of the characters at all.
Grieving the loss of her husband and trying to come to terms with her pregnancy, worried about her reputation after an uncharacteristic one night stand - Jenn returns to work as a GP. It is then that a new patient takes an alarming amount of interest in her.
This guy was such a manipulative prick! But Jenn did herself no favours. Her level of weakness was almost unbelievable. How you could let anyone walk all over you that way is beyond me. The choices she made were rattling.
I got slightly lost with all the different storylines. It was verrrry slow paced yet oddly addictive perhaps due to it being well-written... but I didn't really care for any of the characters at all.
July 4, 2023
Many thanks to NetGalley and Bookouture for gifting me a digital copy of the latest psychological thriller by Samantha Hayes - 4.5 stars for a twisty, creepy thriller!
Dr Jen Miller is a GP, practicing in a small town. Jen’s husband was killed in a skiing accident and Jen is trying to get life back to normal for her and Kieran, their teenage son. But when she realizes that she’s pregnant after attending a medical conference and someone she vaguely remembers meeting there turns up as a patient, life becomes anything but normal.
Told from the points of view of Jen and her best friend, Rhonda, there are also intermittent chapters from the past, hinting at evil deeds. This author is skilled at plot twists and these had me shocked at the ending. This is a quick read, mainly because it’s hard to put down!
Dr Jen Miller is a GP, practicing in a small town. Jen’s husband was killed in a skiing accident and Jen is trying to get life back to normal for her and Kieran, their teenage son. But when she realizes that she’s pregnant after attending a medical conference and someone she vaguely remembers meeting there turns up as a patient, life becomes anything but normal.
Told from the points of view of Jen and her best friend, Rhonda, there are also intermittent chapters from the past, hinting at evil deeds. This author is skilled at plot twists and these had me shocked at the ending. This is a quick read, mainly because it’s hard to put down!
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