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What His Wife Knew
Sorry.
Beth Lomas thought she knew her late husband. But this one small word, written on the back of a discarded envelope and left on their kitchen table convinces the police that Oscar took his own life. As the police announce they are not seeking anyone else in connection with Oscar's death, Beth is convinced that there is more to the story.
As she sets out to discover what really happened, Beth uncovers shocking truths about the man she thought she knew better than anyone. In their small town it seems like every stone she turns hides an ugly secret and it's not long before her own dark past begins to rise to the surface.
What His Wife Knew is an enthralling, page-turning mystery concerned with what it means to love, and the importance of female friendship in the face of the darkest situations life can throw at us.
Beth Lomas thought she knew her late husband. But this one small word, written on the back of a discarded envelope and left on their kitchen table convinces the police that Oscar took his own life. As the police announce they are not seeking anyone else in connection with Oscar's death, Beth is convinced that there is more to the story.
As she sets out to discover what really happened, Beth uncovers shocking truths about the man she thought she knew better than anyone. In their small town it seems like every stone she turns hides an ugly secret and it's not long before her own dark past begins to rise to the surface.
What His Wife Knew is an enthralling, page-turning mystery concerned with what it means to love, and the importance of female friendship in the face of the darkest situations life can throw at us.
354 pages, Kindle Edition
Published February 17, 2022
18 people are currently reading
739 people want to read
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 136 reviews
February 8, 2022
A good robust whodunit and a story that kept me interested throughout
Beth has a good life with Oscar, not perfect but good but then when Oscar is found dead all the things she worried about when he was alive become reality, she had wondered what her husband was up to but she had no idea so much would be revealed on his death…..
Exploring the stages of grief the book takes you through Beth’s experiences and as she begins to think there is more to Oscars death than the Police do,secrets become general knowledge and the mystery deepens
Good characters, the theme of suspected suicide handled sensitively and very readable writing including some very darkly funny but true observations about how people react to grief made this a book I enjoyed
8/10
4 Stars
Beth has a good life with Oscar, not perfect but good but then when Oscar is found dead all the things she worried about when he was alive become reality, she had wondered what her husband was up to but she had no idea so much would be revealed on his death…..
Exploring the stages of grief the book takes you through Beth’s experiences and as she begins to think there is more to Oscars death than the Police do,secrets become general knowledge and the mystery deepens
Good characters, the theme of suspected suicide handled sensitively and very readable writing including some very darkly funny but true observations about how people react to grief made this a book I enjoyed
8/10
4 Stars
January 23, 2022
Beth Lomas thought she her late husband. But this one small word, written on the back of a discarded envelope and left in their kitchen table convinces the police that Oscar took his own life. As the police announce that they are not seeking anyone else in connection with Oscar's death, Beth is convinced that there is more to the story. As she sets out to discover what really happened, Beth uncovers shocking truths about the man she thought she knew better than anyone.
The pace is fast, It's full of twists and the plotline is gripping. I could not put it down. The characters are well developed but not all likeable. It's tense, filled with secrets, lies and it's well written. Beth doesn't know who she can trust anymore. There's plenty of suspects to choose from. The ending is finished off satisfactory. All the loose ends are ties up. This is a most enjoyable read.
I would like to thank #Netgalley #RandomHouseUK #Vintage for my ARC of #WhatHisWifeKnew in exchange for an honest review.
The pace is fast, It's full of twists and the plotline is gripping. I could not put it down. The characters are well developed but not all likeable. It's tense, filled with secrets, lies and it's well written. Beth doesn't know who she can trust anymore. There's plenty of suspects to choose from. The ending is finished off satisfactory. All the loose ends are ties up. This is a most enjoyable read.
I would like to thank #Netgalley #RandomHouseUK #Vintage for my ARC of #WhatHisWifeKnew in exchange for an honest review.
March 14, 2022
I love going into a book blind. What His Wife Knew was so, so good! I need Jo Jakemans backlist asap.
Cleverly written, twisty and packed full of untrustworthy characters. I'm always here for a solid roller coaster ride!! - But only in books because, motion sickness, HA! -
And that twist, stellar! The storyline kept me guessing the whole way through. Highly recommend!
Huge thank you to Penguin Random House Canada for my gifted copy!
Cleverly written, twisty and packed full of untrustworthy characters. I'm always here for a solid roller coaster ride!! - But only in books because, motion sickness, HA! -
And that twist, stellar! The storyline kept me guessing the whole way through. Highly recommend!
Huge thank you to Penguin Random House Canada for my gifted copy!
November 20, 2021
I would like to thank both Netgalley and Random House UK for supplying a copy of this novel in exchange for an honest review.
Oscar Lomas wrote sorry on the back of an envelope, left on his kitchen table and that was enough to convince the police that he had taken his own life. The police announce they are not looking for anyone else in connection with his death but his wife Beth is convinced that there is more to the story. She is determined to find out the truth which may mean she learns a lot more about her husband. Her search for the truth uncovers secrets some of which she may have wished had stayed hidden.
The novel is well plotted and full of interesting characters making this an interesting read.
Oscar Lomas wrote sorry on the back of an envelope, left on his kitchen table and that was enough to convince the police that he had taken his own life. The police announce they are not looking for anyone else in connection with his death but his wife Beth is convinced that there is more to the story. She is determined to find out the truth which may mean she learns a lot more about her husband. Her search for the truth uncovers secrets some of which she may have wished had stayed hidden.
The novel is well plotted and full of interesting characters making this an interesting read.
March 25, 2022
📚 Hello Book Friends! WHAT HIS WIFE KNEW by Jo Jakeman is such an exhilarating thriller. The characters are awesomely written, and the plot is mind-blowing. I just could not put it down. The twist was a surprise, and the ending was satisfying. This thriller has many layers and reveals bit by bit the fantastic plot. This is a tense and expertly written thriller that does not disappoint.
#bookstadog #poodles #poodlestagram #poodlesofinstagram #furbabies #dogsofinstagram #bookstagram #dogsandbooks #bookishlife #bookishlove #bookstagrammer #books #booklover #bookish #bookaholic #reading #readersofinstagram #instaread #ilovebooks #bookishcanadians #canadianbookstagram #bookreviewer #bookcommunity #bibliophile #whathiswifeknew #jojakeman #penguincanada #vickingbooks #bookreview
January 7, 2022
Ben has the perfect marriage with her husband Oscar. But when his dead body is found at the bottom of Cloud drop with a note, the police claim it as a suicide. Beth has misgivings of the verdict. Why would her husband commit suicide where they are both happy in their marriage and they have two great kids?
When also the cabin at the bottom of the garden is burgled and Beth sees someone watching her from the bottom of the garden, she knows something is not right. She instead thinks that Oscar has been murdered and she goes out of her way to find out the truth. But when she investigates, she finds out she does not know her husband at all. And finds out that her marriage wasn’t solid as she thought.
Thank you, Random house for a copy What his wife knew by Joe Jakeman. This is a tense cleverly written thriller which I really enjoyed. This had well developed characters but weren’t that likeable and some great twists in the story especially the one at the end. 4 stars from me.
March 22, 2022
This was quite the entertaining and twisty whodunit!
Domestic suspense is such a fun sub genre and even when I find some parts of a plot predictable, there is always a new twist revealed that keeps me continually guessing and hooked until the very end!
This was a fast paced psychological thriller full of drama and secrets and I love a totally untrustworthy cast and this one delivered just that!
Domestic suspense is such a fun sub genre and even when I find some parts of a plot predictable, there is always a new twist revealed that keeps me continually guessing and hooked until the very end!
This was a fast paced psychological thriller full of drama and secrets and I love a totally untrustworthy cast and this one delivered just that!
April 29, 2022
What would you do if everything you knew, everything you lived for was suddenly snatched away at the drop of a hat? What His Wife Knew is a novel portraying a Wife’s denial and grief at being told her husband has died by Suicide. The remnants of her and her children’s lives are now a scattered ruin. She doesn’t know how to parent them in a way that they need, she can’t face doing the things that gave her pleasure…she is left in a wasteland of pain. With all, why does her husband committing suicide feel so wrong?
The situation in What His Wife Knew is one of my worst fears. How can you be just getting on with life one day and the next to find yourself without a husband, and your children without a father? Beth’s husband Oscar has been identified dead after falling from a large drop in the peak district. Alongside his brother, Harvey they were keen hikers and knew the area around Cloud’s drop very well. The only thing he left behind was a note that simply said Sorry and his wedding ring. Why if it was suicide did, he take his wedding ring off?
In dealing with the aftermath of Oscar’s discovery his wife, Beth is dealing with denial. She knows he’s been identified as the dead body, but suicide is just not in his scope. He is described as self-important and couldn’t imagine a life without him in it…I think he thinks a little too much of himself. She begins to wonder if he could have been murdered rather than a cut and dry suicide. As she searches for the truth, she discovers that he has more than one skeleton in the closet. His ill deeds pile up and she can imagine more than one person may want him dead.
What His Wife Knew is a taut and highly emotive thriller that had the heat prickling upon my skin. With the added element of DC Lowry investigating the crime we get a sense that even she has her doubts. Jakeman provides the right amount of details to feed the reader’s appetite. You think there’s only one mystery to decode but there are several and it works incredibly well. Old and new faces alike suddenly are criticized under the harsh glass of a microscope, leaving the reader to play a shrewd game of Cluedo.
What His Wife Knew is an addictive thriller with a secretive centre. My brain felt like popping with the pressure and the intensity of a family with more issues than vogue. Fantastic.
The situation in What His Wife Knew is one of my worst fears. How can you be just getting on with life one day and the next to find yourself without a husband, and your children without a father? Beth’s husband Oscar has been identified dead after falling from a large drop in the peak district. Alongside his brother, Harvey they were keen hikers and knew the area around Cloud’s drop very well. The only thing he left behind was a note that simply said Sorry and his wedding ring. Why if it was suicide did, he take his wedding ring off?
In dealing with the aftermath of Oscar’s discovery his wife, Beth is dealing with denial. She knows he’s been identified as the dead body, but suicide is just not in his scope. He is described as self-important and couldn’t imagine a life without him in it…I think he thinks a little too much of himself. She begins to wonder if he could have been murdered rather than a cut and dry suicide. As she searches for the truth, she discovers that he has more than one skeleton in the closet. His ill deeds pile up and she can imagine more than one person may want him dead.
What His Wife Knew is a taut and highly emotive thriller that had the heat prickling upon my skin. With the added element of DC Lowry investigating the crime we get a sense that even she has her doubts. Jakeman provides the right amount of details to feed the reader’s appetite. You think there’s only one mystery to decode but there are several and it works incredibly well. Old and new faces alike suddenly are criticized under the harsh glass of a microscope, leaving the reader to play a shrewd game of Cluedo.
What His Wife Knew is an addictive thriller with a secretive centre. My brain felt like popping with the pressure and the intensity of a family with more issues than vogue. Fantastic.
February 11, 2022
3.5 stars
This is a good read that will definitely keep you guessing.
Beth is devastated to hear her husband’s body has been found and cannot believe it was suicide. He left a note saying ‘Sorry’ so the Police want her to accept it, but Beth knows it’s not like her husband to kill himself.
Lots of things come out about Oscar as Beth starts digging and she’s shocked by what she finds out.
There’s lots of people hiding things in this book and the mystery of Oscar’s death becomes more and more complex.
A good read.
Thanks to Random House UK and NetGalley for the opportunity to read this book.
This is a good read that will definitely keep you guessing.
Beth is devastated to hear her husband’s body has been found and cannot believe it was suicide. He left a note saying ‘Sorry’ so the Police want her to accept it, but Beth knows it’s not like her husband to kill himself.
Lots of things come out about Oscar as Beth starts digging and she’s shocked by what she finds out.
There’s lots of people hiding things in this book and the mystery of Oscar’s death becomes more and more complex.
A good read.
Thanks to Random House UK and NetGalley for the opportunity to read this book.
February 12, 2022
Snuffle Fluffle!! 😯😳😯
Well holy shishkabob! This novel through me for a loop! While I had the "who" figured out about 3/4 of the way through, how it all worked out and led up to it, I did not see coming at all! 😳 this was a darn, deep twisting thriller & suspense. It makes you wonder how well you really know your significant other. Oscar's body is found after what's believed to be due to suicide at a hiking cliff point. His wife, Beth is devastated and can't understand how. Very quickly Beth realizes no one and nothing is what it seems, and her perfect marriage & family life portrayed were nothing more than that. She realizes Oscar isn't the husband she believed & starts to uncover more and more about this deceiving husband and father to her 2 children. So did Oscar really commit suicide, or was it far more sinister? And could they be after Beth next? I absolutely loved every moment of this and disliked Oscar with such a passion! This domestic thriller had it all and more! So twisted, delish and unbelievable how and who had their own secrets.
Thank you to NetGalley and Penguin Random House Canada for this ARC.
Release date: March 1, 2022
I give this 4 / 5 snowflakes! ❄️
Well holy shishkabob! This novel through me for a loop! While I had the "who" figured out about 3/4 of the way through, how it all worked out and led up to it, I did not see coming at all! 😳 this was a darn, deep twisting thriller & suspense. It makes you wonder how well you really know your significant other. Oscar's body is found after what's believed to be due to suicide at a hiking cliff point. His wife, Beth is devastated and can't understand how. Very quickly Beth realizes no one and nothing is what it seems, and her perfect marriage & family life portrayed were nothing more than that. She realizes Oscar isn't the husband she believed & starts to uncover more and more about this deceiving husband and father to her 2 children. So did Oscar really commit suicide, or was it far more sinister? And could they be after Beth next? I absolutely loved every moment of this and disliked Oscar with such a passion! This domestic thriller had it all and more! So twisted, delish and unbelievable how and who had their own secrets.
Thank you to NetGalley and Penguin Random House Canada for this ARC.
Release date: March 1, 2022
I give this 4 / 5 snowflakes! ❄️
January 10, 2026
Really interesting plot and character development. Ending was a bit far fetched but did tie the story together. Would definitely read more of Jo Jakeman!
June 16, 2023
3.5 ⭐️
February 19, 2022
A superb story of domestic suspense What His Wife Knew is a dark and disturbing read. Oscar Lomas, an experienced hiker, is found dead at the bottom of a remote cliff in the Peak District of England. DC Lowry Endecott is investigating the incident; did Oscar commit suicide and if so, why when he was happily married to Beth? Widow Beth is compelled to search for the truth. A riveting standalone mystery/ psychological thriller I'm pleased to have picked up.
I received a complimentary copy of this novel from Random House UK, Vintage via NetGalley at my request and this review is my own unbiased opinion.
I received a complimentary copy of this novel from Random House UK, Vintage via NetGalley at my request and this review is my own unbiased opinion.
March 9, 2022
The Story:
Beth Lomas did not believe that her husband, Oscar Lomas, died of suicide. She is convinced that he is murdered and as she begins her own investigations, she uncovers shocking truths about her husband, a man she thought she knew well.
My thoughts: Holy smokes! This was one superb at the edge of your seat kind of domestic suspense/thriller! I went into this book blind and it turned out to be one heck of a read!
There are a lot of lies, secrets and deceptions in this story and the author kept the suspense throughout the book - like really until the very end! You have no idea who to trust in this book. Everyone is hiding something!
The story building was super intense and the slow-burn pace just makes it more interesting! I loved the sporadic twists as they kept me engaged and invested in the story. And the big shocking twist towards the end made this book a five-star read for me!
Overall, this was a twisty, dark and gripping read and I enjoyed it more than I expected! I definitely want to check out the author's backlist books now!
Pub. Date: March 8th, 2022
***Thank you Penguin Random House Canada for this gifted review copy. All opinions expressed are my own.***
My thoughts: Holy smokes! This was one superb at the edge of your seat kind of domestic suspense/thriller! I went into this book blind and it turned out to be one heck of a read!
There are a lot of lies, secrets and deceptions in this story and the author kept the suspense throughout the book - like really until the very end! You have no idea who to trust in this book. Everyone is hiding something!
The story building was super intense and the slow-burn pace just makes it more interesting! I loved the sporadic twists as they kept me engaged and invested in the story. And the big shocking twist towards the end made this book a five-star read for me!
Overall, this was a twisty, dark and gripping read and I enjoyed it more than I expected! I definitely want to check out the author's backlist books now!
Pub. Date: March 8th, 2022
***Thank you Penguin Random House Canada for this gifted review copy. All opinions expressed are my own.***
March 17, 2022
Thank you to the publisher for sending me a copy of What His Wife Knew in exchange for an honest review!
The drama! 😲 If I was capable of pulling an all-nighter, I would have finished this book in one sitting! Alas, I started it late Monday evening- and had to force myself to put it down when I caught myself falling asleep mid chapter!
If you've been following me for a while, then you know that I love a whodunit, but I've never read one quite like this!
This was told using the five stages of grief, and with each new stage- the twists kept getting bigger and bigger!
The drama! 😲 If I was capable of pulling an all-nighter, I would have finished this book in one sitting! Alas, I started it late Monday evening- and had to force myself to put it down when I caught myself falling asleep mid chapter!
If you've been following me for a while, then you know that I love a whodunit, but I've never read one quite like this!
This was told using the five stages of grief, and with each new stage- the twists kept getting bigger and bigger!
February 17, 2022
I did not see it coming!
Beth is distraught when her husband disappears and the police class it as a suicide as he left a note saying ‘sorry’. She knows better; Oscar would never have left her on her own with their two children – but how can she get them to understand? Then, as details of his life begin to be uncovered Beth realises that she didn’t know her husband as well as she thought – in fact, did she really know him at all?
What a good read! Beth’s sorrow is palpable and her struggle to cope with her children is all too real. There is quite a lot going on in this one, and each character is carefully crafted to fit into the story. I was easily drawn into it and the surprises along the way came as quite a shock! Beautifully written in a timely manner, this is an author who knows how to keep her secrets until almost the very end. Very enjoyable and, hopefully, not the only one I shall read by Jo Jakeman. Definitely a recommended read and one I’m happy to give 4.5*.
Beth is distraught when her husband disappears and the police class it as a suicide as he left a note saying ‘sorry’. She knows better; Oscar would never have left her on her own with their two children – but how can she get them to understand? Then, as details of his life begin to be uncovered Beth realises that she didn’t know her husband as well as she thought – in fact, did she really know him at all?
What a good read! Beth’s sorrow is palpable and her struggle to cope with her children is all too real. There is quite a lot going on in this one, and each character is carefully crafted to fit into the story. I was easily drawn into it and the surprises along the way came as quite a shock! Beautifully written in a timely manner, this is an author who knows how to keep her secrets until almost the very end. Very enjoyable and, hopefully, not the only one I shall read by Jo Jakeman. Definitely a recommended read and one I’m happy to give 4.5*.
August 9, 2024
Pretty good book! Ending was lighthearted and fun it was a good read I enjoyed it.
May 15, 2022
Reading Stuff 'n' Things
Was it suicide or was it murder? That is the question and one that this book does a great job of unravelling.
Oscar is found dead by his brother at the bottom of Cloud Drop; a note is found which just says "sorry" and his wedding ring in his car - a slam bunk you might say but his wife, Beth, is having none of it and the more she delves, the more she realises her husband is not who she thought he was but neither are those around her.
This was proper good! The story was compelling with plenty of twists and turns to keep you guessing and although I guessed the main twist, it didn't ruin the story for me at all as it was great getting there. The main characters are excellent and well developed and the pace is good.
All in all, a great psychological/domestic thriller and one which I would recommend to lovers of this genre.
Thank you Penguin Random House UK and NetGalley for my copy in return for an honest, unbiased and unedited review.
Was it suicide or was it murder? That is the question and one that this book does a great job of unravelling.
Oscar is found dead by his brother at the bottom of Cloud Drop; a note is found which just says "sorry" and his wedding ring in his car - a slam bunk you might say but his wife, Beth, is having none of it and the more she delves, the more she realises her husband is not who she thought he was but neither are those around her.
This was proper good! The story was compelling with plenty of twists and turns to keep you guessing and although I guessed the main twist, it didn't ruin the story for me at all as it was great getting there. The main characters are excellent and well developed and the pace is good.
All in all, a great psychological/domestic thriller and one which I would recommend to lovers of this genre.
Thank you Penguin Random House UK and NetGalley for my copy in return for an honest, unbiased and unedited review.
February 9, 2022
I blooming loved this book. It restored my faith in a genre that, for me, had been getting a bit samey. This book was a refreshing change from the mundane and had me literally on the edge of my seat all the way through.
Oscar Lomas is found dead at the bottom of a remote cliff in an area well used by hikers. He being an experience hiker himself, the police are baffled as to what has happened. But when combined with a "sorry" note left for Beth, his wife, they rule suicide. Beth is not convinced, not at all, and is determined to figure out what really happened. His family aren't sure, brother and parents alike. But has Beth bitten off more than she can chew as she starts to uncover secret after secret about Oscar and discovers a whole other life she was previously unaware of? But that still doesn't mean he took his own life... she just has to prove it...
Oh my! This book had me running around, chasing my tail all the way through as I tried, in vain, to second guess what in the heck was going on. What was the truth? Oscar has been keeping so many secrets, telling so many lies and displaying so much duplicitous behaviour that I am surprised he had time for all the mundane things in life. Oh and he had a few enemies to boot!
I pretty much gave up trying to work it all out and, about half way through, just buckled up, sat back and enjoyed the roller coaster ride the book took me on. To be honest, when all was said and done, and the eventual truth all came out, apart from one thing that I did manage to guess right, the rest pretty much slapped me in the face, I didn't see the half of it. Not that it came out of left field, I hasten to add. I have to give the author credit for planting all the subtle clues that I pretty much just trod all over on my way to the finish!
This is the third book I have read my this author and it's the third 5star book. I really do have to admire both her plotting and execution, as well as creating characters that really do get under your skin. Only bad thing is that now I have to wait ages for her next book.
My thanks go to the Publisher and Netgalley for the chance to read this book.
Oscar Lomas is found dead at the bottom of a remote cliff in an area well used by hikers. He being an experience hiker himself, the police are baffled as to what has happened. But when combined with a "sorry" note left for Beth, his wife, they rule suicide. Beth is not convinced, not at all, and is determined to figure out what really happened. His family aren't sure, brother and parents alike. But has Beth bitten off more than she can chew as she starts to uncover secret after secret about Oscar and discovers a whole other life she was previously unaware of? But that still doesn't mean he took his own life... she just has to prove it...
Oh my! This book had me running around, chasing my tail all the way through as I tried, in vain, to second guess what in the heck was going on. What was the truth? Oscar has been keeping so many secrets, telling so many lies and displaying so much duplicitous behaviour that I am surprised he had time for all the mundane things in life. Oh and he had a few enemies to boot!
I pretty much gave up trying to work it all out and, about half way through, just buckled up, sat back and enjoyed the roller coaster ride the book took me on. To be honest, when all was said and done, and the eventual truth all came out, apart from one thing that I did manage to guess right, the rest pretty much slapped me in the face, I didn't see the half of it. Not that it came out of left field, I hasten to add. I have to give the author credit for planting all the subtle clues that I pretty much just trod all over on my way to the finish!
This is the third book I have read my this author and it's the third 5star book. I really do have to admire both her plotting and execution, as well as creating characters that really do get under your skin. Only bad thing is that now I have to wait ages for her next book.
My thanks go to the Publisher and Netgalley for the chance to read this book.
March 15, 2022
I'm sad to say that I hadn't heard much about this book before receiving my review copy (Thanks Penguin Random House Canada!). It was so good!! It was a great domestic thriller. It was a whodunit type story that had me guessing the whole way through. A few clevely placed twists actually had me questioning the theories I had formed. It was a page turner that kept me reading at a fast pace.
I love a thriller/domestic suspense novel that is full of lies, secrets and drama and this one had so much of that. It was one of those books with so many shady characters, that everyone was a suspect and I had no idea who was actually reliable. A great read for sure and one that many thriller lovers will enjoy! On my way now to search for more titles from Jo Jakeman!
I love a thriller/domestic suspense novel that is full of lies, secrets and drama and this one had so much of that. It was one of those books with so many shady characters, that everyone was a suspect and I had no idea who was actually reliable. A great read for sure and one that many thriller lovers will enjoy! On my way now to search for more titles from Jo Jakeman!
May 17, 2022
This is my first experience with author Jo Jakemans books... Damn. I'm not upset by it, at all. I'm definitely going to check out the other books she has written. I went into this book pretty blind, I only quickly skimmed the back of the book, before I threw in onto of my groceries at Wal-mart. One of my absolute favorite ways to buy books!
The twists in the story were lovely! It was so clevery done, with shady characters that you want to find out more about. I was kept guessing right until the end. It was a quick read, I didnt find it to drag. You get the perspective of multiple characters, and none of the chapters are very long.
This is definitely a story I'd love to see as a movie! All round awesome thriller, it truly is a satisfying read!
The twists in the story were lovely! It was so clevery done, with shady characters that you want to find out more about. I was kept guessing right until the end. It was a quick read, I didnt find it to drag. You get the perspective of multiple characters, and none of the chapters are very long.
This is definitely a story I'd love to see as a movie! All round awesome thriller, it truly is a satisfying read!
July 23, 2022
So good! Kept me guessing till the very end and such a good twist!!
“The human body was designed to heal from cuts and breaks, but there were no assurances that emotional wounds would ever heal.”
“If there was one failing of the law, it was that people couldn't be arrested for breaking your heart.”
“The human body was designed to heal from cuts and breaks, but there were no assurances that emotional wounds would ever heal.”
“If there was one failing of the law, it was that people couldn't be arrested for breaking your heart.”
April 21, 2024
4.5 stars! This was a good one. It’s not the typical heart racing thriller but the secrets and reveals will keep you glued and entertained. The chapters are short, the pacing was right and the writing great. I definitely recommend this one.
April 19, 2023
This was a good read and deserved a solid 3.5/5 rating. It was fast paced and although I did start to guess the twist before it happened, it still kept me very interested.
January 31, 2023
This book caught my eye in the library, it was a completely new author for me. Wow what a book. The story was very engaging with plenty going on. I'll definitely look out for this author again.
December 12, 2021
This was excellent! It also contains the most realistic hangover scene I've ever read, poor Molly I too have had that give me Lucozade now horror the morning after!
So Oscar Lomas is found dead after jumping/falling/being pushed to his death. His wife Beth is distraught at first but then strangely relieved as life goes on with her teenage children and she starts to blossom without the controlling behaviour of Oscar. I really liked her friendship with Molly and we find out what actually happened to them both in their teens. The one thing I wish is that people would speak to each other, if only they and Hattie had discussed the night of the party at the time, so many misunderstandings could have been avoided.
As someone who has a terror of rats, I did wonder why they kept being mentioned. I am glad to say they were there for a purpose and what a tool of revenge they made!
DC Lowry Endecott was a fantastic character, I have gone off police procedurals lately but her inclusion was great as she was interesting and quirky enough, but her presence didn't take over the whole story.
A lot of twists and red herrings and some real surprises, I also like how we get an epilogue as I do love all the lose ends being tied up.
So Oscar Lomas is found dead after jumping/falling/being pushed to his death. His wife Beth is distraught at first but then strangely relieved as life goes on with her teenage children and she starts to blossom without the controlling behaviour of Oscar. I really liked her friendship with Molly and we find out what actually happened to them both in their teens. The one thing I wish is that people would speak to each other, if only they and Hattie had discussed the night of the party at the time, so many misunderstandings could have been avoided.
As someone who has a terror of rats, I did wonder why they kept being mentioned. I am glad to say they were there for a purpose and what a tool of revenge they made!
DC Lowry Endecott was a fantastic character, I have gone off police procedurals lately but her inclusion was great as she was interesting and quirky enough, but her presence didn't take over the whole story.
A lot of twists and red herrings and some real surprises, I also like how we get an epilogue as I do love all the lose ends being tied up.
January 17, 2025
Excellent. Super-twisty. Satisfying ending.
November 12, 2021
What His Wife Knew is a tense psychological thriller. Beth’s husband Oscar is missing. A body is found, an apparent suicide. The crux of the story lies around. Was it suicide? Or was it murder? As the list of Oscar’s enemies grows, grieving widow Beth is compelled to search for the truth.
The book is well plotted and tense in parts but I found it difficult to find any sympathy for the characters. Oscar isn’t the nicest person. His morals are questionable. He’s controlling, manipulative and arrogant. Beth irritated the hell out of me. I wanted to give her to grow a backbone. Rather than confronting certain issues head on, she buries her head in the sand. On the plus side, seeing an abuser getting his comeuppance always makes for a satisfying read!
As the list of suspects grows, Jo Jakeman convinces the reader that every character is untrustworthy, that each one is hiding something that’s explosive. The tension ebbs and flows throughout as the mystery deepens and well buried secrets are deftly revealed.
When I read a psychological thriller, I look forward to an element of surprise. Unfortunately it never came! Maybe it’s because I have read so many books in this genre I’m able to work out the plot twist fairly on, and in this case I was spot on, so it slightly spoilt my enjoyment of this read. Don’t get me wrong, What His Wife Knew made for an enjoyable read, but guessing the big reveal, and my lack of connection with the characters stopped it from being an outstanding read.
The book is well plotted and tense in parts but I found it difficult to find any sympathy for the characters. Oscar isn’t the nicest person. His morals are questionable. He’s controlling, manipulative and arrogant. Beth irritated the hell out of me. I wanted to give her to grow a backbone. Rather than confronting certain issues head on, she buries her head in the sand. On the plus side, seeing an abuser getting his comeuppance always makes for a satisfying read!
As the list of suspects grows, Jo Jakeman convinces the reader that every character is untrustworthy, that each one is hiding something that’s explosive. The tension ebbs and flows throughout as the mystery deepens and well buried secrets are deftly revealed.
When I read a psychological thriller, I look forward to an element of surprise. Unfortunately it never came! Maybe it’s because I have read so many books in this genre I’m able to work out the plot twist fairly on, and in this case I was spot on, so it slightly spoilt my enjoyment of this read. Don’t get me wrong, What His Wife Knew made for an enjoyable read, but guessing the big reveal, and my lack of connection with the characters stopped it from being an outstanding read.
March 16, 2022
I was going to go with 4.5 stars.
Then I got to the ending and up it went to 5 stars.
There are so many twists and turns in this book that pages turned quickly and the lights stayed on late into the night.
What His Wife Knew is full of characters that you can hiss at, ( love it) they are just nasty people.
Then there is Beth who's whole world is blown apart on the death of her husband and now she has to learn to stand up for herself.
She stumbles but she does well.
Put What His Wife Knew to the top of your TBR pile; you won't be disappointed.
Thanks to NetGalley and Penguin Random House Canada, Viking for a captivating read.
Then I got to the ending and up it went to 5 stars.
There are so many twists and turns in this book that pages turned quickly and the lights stayed on late into the night.
What His Wife Knew is full of characters that you can hiss at, ( love it) they are just nasty people.
Then there is Beth who's whole world is blown apart on the death of her husband and now she has to learn to stand up for herself.
She stumbles but she does well.
Put What His Wife Knew to the top of your TBR pile; you won't be disappointed.
Thanks to NetGalley and Penguin Random House Canada, Viking for a captivating read.
January 3, 2022
So fast paced and full of plot twists at every corner. Couldn’t put it down. A perfect ending to a treacherous man and what he did to his entire family. You really don’t know a person at all sometimes.
Thank you NetGalley for this arc
Thank you NetGalley for this arc
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