The Guilty Couple

by C.L. Taylor

He framed her. Now she'll destroy him.

Five years ago, Olivia Sutherland was wrongfully convicted of plotting to murder.

Now she's finally free, Olivia has three goals: repair her relationship with her daughter, clear her name, and bring down her husband – the man who framed her.

Just how far is she willing to go to get what she wants? And how far will her husband go to stop her? Because his lies run deeper than Olivia could ever have imagined – and this time it’s not her freedom that’s in jeopardy, but her life…

The international million copy bestseller returns with her most pulse-pounding, page-turning book yet.

Genres: Thriller, Mystery, Fiction, Crime, Audiobook, Book Club, Mystery Thriller

352 pages, Hardcover

First published June 23, 2022

About the author

C.L. Taylor is an award winning Sunday Times bestselling author of ten gripping psychological thrillers including THE GUILTY COUPLE, a Richard and Judy Book Club pick for summer 2023 and SLEEP, a Richard and Judy Book Club pick for autumn 2019. Her books are not a series and can be read in any order:

2014 - THE ACCIDENT / Before I Wake (U.S.)
2015 - THE LIE
2016 - THE MISSING
2017 - THE ESCAPE
2018 - THE FEAR
2019 - SLEEP
2020 - STRANGERS
2021 - HER LAST HOLIDAY
2022 - THE GUILTY COUPLE
2024 - EVERY MOVE YOU MAKE
2025 - IT'S ALWAYS THE HUSBAND

She has also written two Young Adult thrillers, THE TREATMENT and THE ISLAND.

C.L. Taylor's books have sold in excess of two million copies, been number one on Amazon Kindle, Kobo, iBooks and Google Play and have been translated into over 25 languages and optioned for TV.

She lives in Bristol with her partner and son.

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Reviews

[Lit with Leigh · Rating 1 out of 5]

UPDATE TO MY PREVIOUS UPDATE Thank you to my fellow Goodreads buddy for letting me know my review has also been wiped off NetGalley :). Not misleading whatsoever....

UPDATE After reviewing this book, the publisher swiftly rejected my request for another one of their books stating my "review rating" on NetGalley wasn't high enough (needs to be 50% minimum). It's currently 94% with 29 books reviewed this year but go off LOL. I get that you don't want people "trashing" your books but... What if I actually liked the next one? And I can still read this book and review it once it's published soo???

Thank you Avon Books UK and NetGalley for an ARC in exchange for an honest review. IYKYK, my reviews are always honest.

Writing: 1/5 | Plot: 1/5 | Ending: 1/5

THE PLOT

Olivia is out of jail after being sentenced for hiring a hit man to murk her husband, Dominic, so she can trot off into the sunset with her lover, Jack. She knows she's innocent, and she's determined to prove it. But is she more determined than her husband is to stop her? Let's find out.

MY OPINION

Full disclaimer: I read every single word until the halfway point, but that's as far as my will to torture myself goes. From there I skimmed and then read the last 15% or so.

Ok Ms. Taylor, we need to talk. Whoever writes the synopsis for your books needs a raise or a book deal of their own. They ALWAYS get my ass, and then I start reading and I'm like wtf. This is literally a toxic relationship. Stop doing this to me!!!

So where do I start? Well it's a 1 star review so you know the vibes. This is honestly a rip off of Wendy Owen's My Husband's Fiancee but worse. Way worse. It's really the writing that makes it so bad, because I honestly don't care if it's a similar concept, but at least come through with some creative prose.

In this book we have:
- Random government names being used throughout even though we know the characters.
- Unnecessary play-by-play closed caption ass descriptions (literally: I knocked on her red door while I checked my cell phone. I promise you I don't care at all about the door colour)
- Illogical behaviour on everyone's behalf
- Shit that just doesn't make sense. Like why is Dani, a cop, also a personal trainer? How does she have the time?
- Affairs galore. Anyone ever heard of a divorce or nah?
- Unoriginal motive: something that happened 20 yrs ago
and it goes on and on...

PROS AND CONS

Pros: I was approved for this ARC quickly. I appreciate that.
Cons: everything else

[Sandysbookaday (taking a step back for a while) · Rating 2 out of 5]

EXCERPT: The usher turns to address the court and a wave of fear crashes over me. It doesn't feel real, this, me in a courtroom, waiting for a verdict. If they find me guilty, I'll get between seven and ten years. Grace is only seven. She'll be a teenager before I am free.

The usher turns to the jury. 'Would the foreman please stand.'

Sarah-Helen rises from her seat and smooths the crumpled skirt of her floral cotton dress. She's nervous. That makes me feel worse.

'Madam Foreman,' the usher's voice rings out through the wood-panelled courtroom. 'On this indictment have the jury reached a verdict upon which you are all agreed'

Sarah-Helen clears her throat lightly. All eyes are on her and the stress of the spotlight pinkens her cheeks. 'Yes, we have.'

'On count one,' the usher says, 'do you find the defendant guilty or not guilty?'

Time slows as Sarah-Helen's lips part. Please, I silently pray. Please, please. I didn't conspire to have Dominic murdered. I don't know who did, but it wasn't me.

'Guilty.'

ABOUT 'THE GUILTY COUPLE': Five years ago, Olivia Sutherland was wrongfully convicted of plotting to murder her husband.

Now she's finally free, Olivia has three goals: repair her relationship with her teenage daughter, clear her name, and bring down her husband – the man who framed her.

Just how far is she willing to go to get what she wants? And how far will her husband go to stop her? Because his lies run deeper than Olivia could ever have imagined – and this time it’s not her freedom that’s in jeopardy, but her life…

MY THOUGHTS: The Guilty Couple was a quick, but not a satisfying read for me. I have always enjoyed this author's books in the past, but this lacks the subtlety and finesse I have come to expect from her writing. Her wry sense of humour was also missing.

There's not one character, except for the guilty couple's daughter Grace, that I felt any empathy for. As far as I'm concerned, her parents deserved each other. I don't require that a story has likeable characters for me to appreciate the book, I love characters I love to hate, but I really couldn't have cared less about what happened to Olivia, Dominic, Dani or Jack.

The characters are unrealistic - let's take Dani as an example. She's a cop, a personal trainer, and yet she doesn't seem to work at all! She spends all her time either following Olivia around or trying to rescue her sister from her drug addiction.

The plot didn't hold together for me. It bordered on ridiculous and far-fetched. To be honest, if I hadn't read and enjoyed this author's previous books, this would have been a dnf for me. I kept reading hoping that Taylor would redeem herself, pull a rabbit out of her hat and stun me with The edge-of-your-seat, gasp-out-loud crime thriller for 2022 that I was promised. It didn't happen.

⭐⭐ very dejected stars

#TheGuiltyCouple #NetGalley

I: @cltaylorauthor @avonbooksuk

T: @callytaylor @AvonBooksUK

THE AUTHOR: Cally Taylor was born in Worcester and spent her early years living in various army camps in the UK and Germany. She studied Psychology at the University of Northumbria and went on forge a career in instructional design and e-Learning before leaving to write full time in 2014. She lives in Bristol with her partner and son.

DISCLOSURE: Thank you to Avon Books UK via Netgalley for providing a digital ARC of The Guilty Couple by C.L. Taylor for review. All opinions expressed in this review are entirely my own personal opinions.

For an explanation of my rating system please refer to my Goodreads.com profile page or the about page on sandysbookaday.wordpress.com

This review and is also published on Twitter, Amazon, Instagram and my webpage https://sandysbookaday.wordpress.com/...

[Ceecee · Rating 4 out of 5]

In 2014 Olivia Sutherland is on trial. Is she the monster the prosecution paint her to be? Has she been desperate enough to arrange to have her husband Dominic killed? He testifies that indeed she has but who exactly is the guilty one in this couple? Fast forward to 2019, Olivia is now out of prison, she’s extremely anxious to see her daughter Grace but is also in a very vengeful mood.

After an initial cracking start the pace drops as the scene sets but this feels a bit clunky to me as it feels fragmented. However, the plot definitely thickens, the pace quickens as does my interest and it becomes a pretty intense read with short sharp chapters keeping you invested. There are some good and unpredictable twists and turns, tension and suspense is maintained and it’s become compelling reading.

The characterisation is good, they are a mixed bunch and there are a few you possibly wouldn’t trust in a million years. Can we for example trust Olivia as she so clearly has revenge on her mind? My favourite character is Smithy, who Olivia meets in prison, I think she’s gutsy and a terrific personality and she makes me smile, she probably shouldn’t but there you go!

The themes are manifold, guilt guilt and more guilt, cheating and exemplary lying, lovers enemies and masterful manipulation and criminality. There are toxic relationships in every direction you turn for example Dominic and Olivia but the crux of Olivia‘s motivation through it all boils down to love for her daughter Grace.

Overall, it’s highly entertaining once it gets off the starting blocks and that’s all we can ask for in our fiction!

With thanks to NetGalley and especially to Avon books for the much appreciated arc in return for an honest review.

[Tonya · Rating 5 out of 5]

I went into this book not knowing what to expect. I was expecting your average domestic thriller. What I got was a very unexpected surprise. This was less of a domestic thriller and more of a game of cat and mouse. The last twenty percent of the story had me reeling until the jaw dropping conclusion. There were many twists and turns I never saw coming, adding to this gripping tale of betrayal and revenge. To say it was entertaining is an understatement. Thank you NetGalley and Harper 360 for my copy. ⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️

[Kaceey · Rating 4 out of 5]

Another propulsive read by C.L. Taylor.

After enduring five long years in prison, Olivia Taylor has finally been released. She’s maintained her innocence from day one. Interestingly enough, it was her husband who wanted her behind bars. (So much for wedded bliss!) The obvious question is why?

Olivia has been waiting desperately for this day to begin her search for answers. But it may cost Olivia her freedom… maybe even her life.

C.L. Taylor delivers a twisty thriller that’ll keep you up late wanting answers just as much as our MC Olivia! I had a few pieces to the puzzle figured out…but was delighted to be surprised by a few of the twists too!

This is the third read I’ve enjoyed by this talented author and I have her latest Every Move You Make on my shelf waiting for me! (Not for long- I’ll be diving in soon).

I listened to the audio and enjoyed the narration provided by Clare Corbett.

[chantalsbookstuff · Rating 4 out of 5]

Olivia has been in prison for 5 years and was wrongly accused. She believes that her husband framed her. Now that she is free she fights to clear her name and repair her relationship with her 12 year old daughter. With the help of her friends she fights for what is hers.

I honestly feel that this book was great, the storyline was catchy and the plot had you going for a while. The second half of the book could have been a bit more twisty.

The Narration was really good. A very enjoyable story that I think many will enjoy.

My thanks to Netgalley and HarperCollins UK Audio for this ARC!

[Debra · Rating 3 out of 5]

The Guilty Couple, although entertaining at times, didn't entirely work for me.

The premise sucked me in. I loved the idea of a woman, wrongly convicted of plotting to kill her husband, gets out of jail and vows revenge. This sounded like it would be a suspenseful and tense thriller with some twists and turns along the way. I was hoping to be wowed and dazzled by the book. In the end, it was enjoyable and entertaining and did have the twists and yet, it failed to entirely wow me.

I can say I enjoyed this but didn't love it. Others have loved it, so please read their reviews as well.

Thank you to Avon Books UK, 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

[Pat · Rating 4 out of 5]

That was one of the better C.L. Taylor books I have read. Olivia Sutherland has just been released from prison, on parole, after serving 5 years of a 10 year sentence for conspiring to murder her husband, Dominic. Her alleged co-conspirator and lover, Jack Law, disappeared and has not been seen since. Olivia is desperate to see her daughter, Grace, who is now 12 years old but Grace doesn’t want to know her. She is also subject to a restraining order and cannot go near Dominic or Grace apart from a few visits with Grace under the supervision of her grandparents - Dominic’s parents.

Liv is staying with her friend, Ayesha, she wants to clear name but has no idea how. But soon she meets up with “Smithy” her former cell mate. Smithy is an accomplished, thief, pickpocket, and lock picker with lots of street smarts so she soon has Liv sneaking around looking for a chink in Dom’s armour. Meanwhile Dom has his own nefarious plans and he has been seeing a lot of Dani - a Detective Sergeant as ‘friends with benefits’. She wants more money from Dom to put her drug addled sister, Casey, through a longer stint of rehab. Dom and Dani have dirt on each other and Dani is really crossing some red lines job wise.

But in this story, things are not as they seem. Everyone has their secrets, there are some very unreliable narrators and some people will stop at nothing to get their way! As Liv learns a few things she realises that she doesn’t really know Dom at all. But worse is to come. She will be betrayed by someone she trusted.

This was a wonderful twisty domestic suspense story. There was a delicious sense of creeping menace throughout. I loved the characters, even the bad guys, as they played their roles to perfection. My nerves were shredding as Liv broke into a few places looking for evidence to clear her name. She is a complete novice at this so, of course, I could relate as I could never do such a thing. I can’t even imagine entering a home where the door is open if no one answers the call.

This was a tautly plotted mystery with plenty of surprises to keep you on your toes. It was a fun, entertaining and suspenseful read. Many thanks to Netgalley and Avon Books UK for the much appreciated arc which I reviewed voluntarily and honestly.

[ReadAlongWithSue ★⋆. ࿐࿔catching up · Rating 4 out of 5]

I’ll make no bones that I’ve read almost every book written by this author.
I’ll also say they range from 3.5 to 5 stars.

The blurb makes no bones of doubt that Olivia had been imprisoned for plotting to murder her husband. But she’s innocent.
During that time she’s not seen her daughter either.
When release day comes, would you go on you’re merry way and just get on with life?
Olivia doesn’t, she can’t, she won’t.

She made a good friend in prison.

She wants to reunite with her daughter but how? She’s not allowed to see her alone.
Her husband has fed in doubts of her credibility to her daughter.

Dominic is not up for forgiving his wife. Why should he?
So when the press question him what does he say? He’s a suave chartered accountant in his late thirties. His wife had a lover. He almost died.

Why would Olivia who had it all attempt to murder her husband when she had it all?
She had a new love, why not just leave her husband?

There were several turns in this book that lead me astray in my thoughts but, even when I pieced a few things together I just didn’t know why. I needed to know why, I yearned to know why and what’s lead up to this?

The alternating chapters between various characters put a very good tease to the chapters.

I had to reread several times the last few pages not because I didn’t understand it, oh no, it was “how on earth did I miss that!”.
A compelling, complex addictive plot.

No wonder this author has sold more than a million copies.

Due out June 2022

[Jayne · Rating 3 out of 5]

Too many side plots, too little time.

The book's premise was very intriguing: a woman wrongfully convicted of attempting to murder her husband gets released from jail and plots revenge on the husband who allegedly framed her.

Had the author kept things simple and more focused on the development of the book's main protagonist's revenge plans, I would have enjoyed this book much more.

Instead, the author introduced waaaay too many characters and head-spinning side plots.

I listened to the audiobook read by Clare Corbett, one of my favorite narrators. Even though Clare Corbett's narration was 5-star, the book would have benefited from multiple narrators since it was told from different POVs.

Yes, I am guilty of wishing that "The Guilty Couple" was a more compelling read.

Special thanks to NetGalley and the publisher for providing me with this audiobook in exchange for an honest review.

2.5 stars rounded up.

[Heather Adores Books · Rating 4 out of 5]

3.5⭐ rounded up.

Featuring ~ multiple 1st & 3rd person POV, references to an extramarital affair, revenge

Olivia was convicted of a crime she says she did not commit. After 5 years in the slammer she's released and out for revenge. Her husband, Dominic, had accused her and her lover, Jack, of conspiring to kill him and she says he's framed her. Do we believe the cheating wife or the jilted husband? And where is Jack now to help shed light on the case?

It alternates between Olivia, Dominic (ex-husband) and Dani's (detective) POV's. I loved that for this one, even though odd it was in both 1st & 3rd, because it showed that there were plenty of secrets. There were some edge of my seat moments.

Olivia made a true friend in prison, Smithy. She was really there for her when she needed help to try to bring Dom down and prove she was set up. I didn't care for Dani at all ~ she's a little over ambitious being a detective and a person trainer, weird. Award goes to Dom for being the jerkiest of all jerks.

Narrated by Clare Corbett for 8 hours and 10 minutes, she did a pretty good job. I do wish there was a male narrator for Dom's parts, but at least she didn't even try to do his voice. Sweet spot was 1.75x for this one, my usual 2x didn't work for this narrator.

Overall, I was pretty engrossed in the story throughout. If you enjoy a wrongfully convicted leading to a revenge plot story then give this one a try.

*Thanks to Harper Collins UK, C.L Taylor and NetGalley for the advance audiobook. I am voluntarily leaving my honest review*

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[Theresa Alan · Rating 5 out of 5]

4.5 stars. I wouldn’t recommend drinking too much coffee before reading this novel because from page one, it’s anxiety-inducing and fraught with tension. The pacing is relentless—in a good way.

Five years ago, Olivia Sutherland was put in prison for a crime she didn’t commit. Now that she’s out, she wants to repair her relationship with her now-12-year-old daughter and find out who framed her. She has her suspicions that it’s her ex-husband, so she calls on her old friends and her newer friends she found while incarcerated to get to the truth and put her life together again.

This is a lot of fun and a super-fast read. Thanks to NetGalley for the opportunity to read this novel, which RELEASES JUNE 29, 2022.

[Claire Douglas · Rating 5 out of 5]

I am a huge fan of C L Taylor's books but this is my new favourite. Wow, what a rollercoaster of a read! I was gripped from the very first page and I couldn't put it down. My heart was in my mouth as Olivia investigated why her husband, Dominic would set her up. Every page was tense with so many brilliantly executed twists that I never saw coming. Taut writing, brilliant characterisation and a clever, unpredictable plot makes this an unmissable thriller. And that ending! I had shivers. I'd love to see this made into a TV series. Highly highly recommended.

[Mandy White (mandylovestoread) · Rating 5 out of 5]

CL Taylor has been an auto read author for me for a long time now and I am always excited when she has a new book for us to devour. Once again, she has nailed it with this fast paced, twisted story where it is impossible to o know who to trust. Yes, some of it was far fetched and hard to believe but isn’t that why we read fiction? I couldn’t stop reading this and was finished in less than 24 hours. So fun and addictive 😊

Olivia was such a mess of a character. She was framed for conspiracy to kill her husband, Dom, and sent away for 5 years. On her release, she is determined to show her daughter, Grace, how much she loves her and prove her innocence. But he lover has disappeared, she has no money or job and is sleeping on a friends couch.

This is full of unlikeable characters, and people who cannot be trusted. Olivia will do anything to get her name cleared and Olivia back in her life, but it seems that Dom will do anything to stop her learning the truth. The the short chapters always had me wanting more. So much going on in this book with a lot of characters, but it wasn’t hard to stay on track, it all comes together in a shocking ending.

Really well done and highly recommended. Thanks to Avon Books UK and NetGalley for my advanced copy of this book to read. Published on June 23rd.

[Gary · Rating 4 out of 5]

One thing you can always count on with this author is an exciting read full of twists and turns and plenty of thrills along the way. Yet again author Cally Taylor comes up with a winner, sure to please her readers.

Olivia Sutherland is free, release from prison after being wrongly convicted of planning to murder. Now five years later she is out and desperate to repair her relationship with her daughter, clear her name, and bring down her husband, the man who framed her.

These goals are not going to be easy to achieve, just how far will Olivia or husband go to determine whether she is successful or not.

Fast paced thrills make this an exciting read from start to finish.

I would like to thank both Netgalley and Avon Books for supplying a copy of this novel in exchange for an honest review.

[Natalie "Curling up with a Coffee and a Kindle" Laird · Rating 4 out of 5]

I was so excited for this audiobook! The narrator is so talented and couldn't wait to get stuck in.
This was a fantastic listen. One I would listen to at any opportunity (the biggest sign for me) and I loved the pacing and tension as things played out.
The plot sang to me. I love framed characters, wrongful convictions and the like.
For some reason, I just couldn't get my head around the characters. Which one was her husband, her lover, the friend, the policewoman just got constantly confused in my mind and I couldn't seem to keep them straight. This made it rather difficult and I lost a lot of the impact of the ending.
Overall, a great thriller!

[Nicole · Rating 3 out of 5]

This books characters infuriated me, especially the husband. I was hooked from page one and was completely enthralled in all their drama. There were a few places I thought it dragged but overall it was a pretty good read.

Thank you to Netgalley and the publisher for this arc in exchange for my honest review.

[Andrea · Rating 4 out of 5]

Firstly I would like to thank Avon books and the author C.L Taylor and netgalley for a copy of her book to read.

This is my third book ive read from this author, This was a quick enjoyable read.It tells you a story of Olivia who was in prison convicted of trying to murder her husband Dominic.Did she? or was it a set up.when she leaves prison she wants one thing to see her daughter.Dominic has a lover Dani is she involved? This book has so many twists and turns making it an exciting read.Highly recommend and looking forward to reading more books from this author.

[Jasmine from How Useful It Is · Rating 5 out of 5]

Great read and audiobook! Some good twists I didn't see coming. Some good humor too. The narrator did a great job. I love her accent for Smithy. I enjoyed Dom's view. I liked how it was all explained at the end with all characters and left no loose ends. I didn't like that it took too long for Olivia to find out what happened but I couldn't fault her, she's investigating her ex-husband's wrongdoing alone and her experience was art.

This story followed Olivia. She was sent to prison under the reasons that her and her lover had her husband Dom killed. She swore revenge when she gets out of prison. The second view was Dom. He has many secrets and many plans. He's looking forward to the near future when all of his problems could be gone. The third view was Danny. She's the local police who do things on the side for extra cash to help her sister. She almost lost control and lose it all until she got the career criminal in her pocket. There's another surprise view at the end. I enjoyed the mini cliffhangers at the end of each chapter.

Thank you HarperCollins 360 for the opportunity to read and review!

[Caroline Mitchell · Rating 5 out of 5]

Another great read by the talented Cally Taylor. Revenge is a dish best served cold for Olivia Sutherland, who emerges from prison determined to find out why she has been set up by her husband. But be warned, once you start reading this book, you won't be able to put it down. With razor sharp writing and twists that will give you whiplash it's a highly recommended read.

[Rachel the Page-Turner · Rating 4 out of 5]

When I read the synopsis for this book, I was dying to read it! A woman finds herself in prison after wrongfully being accused of plotting to murder her husband. She’s now getting out, and wanting revenge. I immediately got “Double Jeopardy” vibes, but this was totally not that. This was SO MUCH JUICER than even the synopsis would leave you to believe…

This woman, Olivia, was framed in this alleged murder plot and yes, she is now being released from prison. She hasn’t seen her daughter in years, and she now carries a social taint with many of their common friends. She’s a convicted … murder hirer? Murder plotter? She can’t go near her ex-husband, Dominic, and only has supervised visitation with her daughter, Grace. She has no job, nowhere to live, and a lot less friends than she once had. Worst of all? She was innocent, and she knows her husband and his mistress were to blame.

The rest? I can’t get into it, or I’d be giving out spoilers, but like I said - very juicy, very entertaining and a very enjoyable read. It’s told from the points of view of several people, and the chapters fly by. The entire book, I was thinking I’d give this four stars. Then, towards the end I decided to raise it to 4.5, after a couple huge twists that I didn’t see coming. THEN, it could have ended several times and still been great, but there were a few closing chapters that revealed even more.

(Thank you to Harper 360, C.L. Taylor, and NetGalley for the ARC in exchange for my review.)

[Holly B]

Setting aside at 15%
May pick it up again later, but I'm force reading and not in the mood for it! My books shelf keeps reverting back to "read" and I keep changing it.

[Nevin · Rating 3 out of 5]

If my mind wonders while I’m listening or reading a book, that means it didn’t captivate me! My mind wondered several times 😆 That says it all for me. However, I was interested enough to keep on going for what would happen next? It was a good enough plot to keep me going but did not hit the mark. NEXT!…..

[Mark · Rating 3 out of 5]

I do enjoy this authors writing, she engages the reader and writes in a accessible style for us 😀, this book holds true to this but for me the story and characters was just about on the threshold of going from believability to something else, the writing though carries it and I forgave the unlikelihood of the progressing story
Enough said tbh, to sum up very readable, not so believable

6/10
3 Stars

[Sue · Rating 4 out of 5]

THE GUILTY COUPLE is a psychological thriller by bestselling author of nine gripping standalone psychological thrillers C. L. Taylor.

Her novels include:
Before I Wake (2014)
aka The Accident
The Lie (2015)
The Missing (2016)
The Escape (2017)
The Treatment (2017)
The Fear (2018)
Sleep (2019)
Strangers (2020)
The Island (2021)
Her Last Holiday (2021)
The Guilty Couple (2022)

This is my review of The Guilty Couple.

Five years ago, Olivia Sutherland was wrongfully convicted of plotting to murder her husband.

The Prosecutor had made her out to be a liar and a cheat, a woman filled with hatred and obsessed with money and death, who had attempted unsuccessfully to have her husband, Dominic killed, in order to keep her lifestyle, her daughter Grace and her lover, Jack. Dominic did not defend her in court.

Olivia, a mother and wife, and an art gallery owner felt she had been set up. She was found guilty and sent to prison for five years.

Why would she choose to have her husband murdered, instead of just leaving him?

Now she's finally free, Olivia has three goals: repair her relationship with her teenage daughter, clear her name, and bring down her husband – the man who framed her.

Dominic is on the verge of bankruptcy, his ex-wife is out of prison, and Dani, his ex-lover, a police officer wants money.

A story full of twists and turns with a gripping conclusion.

Many thanks to the author, Avon Books UK and NetGalley for my digital copy.

[Louise Wilson · Rating 4 out of 5]

3.5 stars rounded up

Five years ago, Olivia Sutherland was wrongfully convicted of plotting to murder. Now she's finally free, Olivia has three goals: repair her relationship with her daughter, clear her name, and bring down her husband - the man who framed her. Just how far is she willing to go to get what she wants? And how far will her husband go to stop her? Because his lies run deeper than Olivia could ever have imagined - and this time it's not her freedom that's in jeopardy but her life....

Olivia, Dominic and Dani are complex characters, the story is told from their perspectives. It's descriptively written and the pace is fast. We start at the guilty verdict being read, then it jumps to five years later and the sentence has been served, Now Olivia wants to prove that she was innocent. This is a tense and twisted read. I did guess correctly at some of the reveals, but not them all. This is an enjoyable thriller that held my attention throughout.

I would like to thank #NetGalley #AvonBooksUK and the author #CLTaylor for my ARC of #TheGuiltyCouple in exchange for an honest review.

[Karly · Rating 1 out of 5]

Olivia is framed for trying to have her husband murdered and is sent to prison for 5 years. Her lover is no where to be found and her husband has a bagful of lies at the ready. When Olivia is let out of prison she is on a mission to prove her innocence and get her daughter back… will she survive the ride?

Sounds good right?? Well…. It wasn’t. I was completely let down!!

This book is told from multiple POV which I like…normally…but, why is this told in first and third person in the different POV… it makes no sense and it gives the whole book a wonky feel. I didn’t enjoy that at all.

You also get EVERY SINGLE DETAIL there the colour of the lanyard, the colour of the tape on the key. There were unnecessary references to a person’s race. Also when the taxi driver was speaking there was no reference to his race however his English was broken in the dialogue which came across as unnecessary and kind of racist if you ask me.

The story was was over the top and the ending was even more EXTRA. In the beginning you kind of get a bit of a view into Olivia in jail she seems like she has some scrap in her but when she gets out she is floundering around running from pillar to post to try and prove her innocence without having any rational thought. She has no common sense at all.

Dani is a crooked cop - and a PT WHY!!! That makes zero sense… she mentioned she doesn’t keep relationships due to the ridiculous hours she keeps at work but no worries can run a bunch of PT sessions in all her SPARE time… nope. Also she never actually seems to be at work in this book… just seemed unlikely to me and she was ANNOYING!!!

Dominic is a complete jerk, plays the part well but seemingly is keen to make a nice life for his daughter who he comes across as not giving two hoots about… the bullying she seemingly is either participating in or experiencing is dismissed by Dom but is never revisited so there are storyline’s galore that are never expanded so no resolution, which is weird because my hand was held every step of the way throughout the rest of the story.

There are so many storyline’s and characters that were not required - perhaps it was an attempt at ‘red herrings’ but for me it just messed with the story.

Overall the TWISTS that kept coming were annoying and nonsensical. This was not for me… I appreciate the opportunity to read before publish date but it did not hit the mark.

Thank you to NetGalley, Avon Publishing and the author for an advance copy for an honest review.

[Lee · Rating 5 out of 5]

Another wonderful book by C.L Taylor, definitely one of my favorite authors and again I have not been let down. As soon as I see a book from her I automatically purchase it.

Olivia has spent the last five years in goal convicted of plotting to murder her husband Dominique, this also means she has spent five years away from her beautiful daughter Grace who she loves so much. Once I started reading I couldn't put it down. This story has it all, a great plot with twists that keep you engaged throughout. A brilliant set of characters that intensified the drama and kept me on the edge of my seat. This is another book that I read late into the night until finished it, a perfect story of revenge exceptionally well executed.

If you have not read any of this authors books you really should pick up one, I can guarantee you will not be disappointed. Reading is all about escapism to me, and this wonderful book took me away from the real world for a few hours which I think we can all do with due to our very busy lives. Thank you to Netgally and the publisher for providing me with a copy of the book in exchange for an honest review. Five stars!

[Laura Wonderchick · Rating 5 out of 5]

Hot damn!! I loved this one! I legit couldn’t put it down until I’d finished the last gripping page! This was twisty turny and kept me guessing for quite awhile how it was all going to end. Delightfully original! Many thanks to the publisher for this early copy for review

[bookswithpaulette · Rating 3 out of 5]

Enjoyed this one but but too predictable for me