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Tajná manželka
UVĚZNĚNÁ. V OČÍCH SVĚTA MRTVÁ. DOKÁŽE ROSEN PŘEŽÍT MANŽELOVU KRUTOU HRU? Rosen Trevelyanová údajně zahynula při požáru svého venkovského sídla Crows-an-Wra v odlehlé části západního Cornwallu. Jenže ona nezemřela. Rosen se probouzí v neznámém zamčeném pokoji a nechápe, proč jí manžel Richard něco takového udělal. A co jejich dcerka Sophie? Skutečně uhořela, jak jí ostatní tvrdí? S příjezdem tajemné cizinky na panství Rosen konečně pochopí, proč ji Richard uvěznil, a také jí dojde, že se jí manžel bude potřebovat co nejdřív zbavit. Ale mohla by tahle zvěstovatelka Roseniny smrti být současně její spásou? Rosen nezbývá než přetrpět kruté zacházení manžela i jeho nenávistné matky Mariah v naději, že se jednoho dne znovu shledá s dcerou. Jenže jí dochází čas. Dokáže neznámá žena odhalit pravdu dřív, než bude pro obě pozdě?
272 pages, Hardcover
First published May 27, 2020
170 people are currently reading
257 people want to read
About the author
Steve Robinson
10 books818 followersSteve Robinson is a London-based crime writer. He was sixteen when his first magazine article was published and he’s been writing ever since. A keen interest in family history inspired his first million-copy bestselling series, the Jefferson Tayte Genealogical Mysteries, and with 'The Penmaker's Wife' and 'The Secret Wife' he is now expanding his writing to historical crime, another area he is passionate about.
The idea for his Jefferson Tayte series came to him in 2007, on his return from a trip to Cornwall, where the first book is set. In the five years that followed, he wrote the first three books in the series, all the while trying to find a publisher for them. In 2012 he published the books via Kindle Direct Publishing, and following their success, eighteen months later he signed a four-book deal with Amazon Publishing. The books were released in March 2014 under the Thomas & Mercer mystery and thriller imprint, and since then a further three books in the series have been published, taking the total to seven.
In December 2019 his first non-Jefferson Tayte book, The Penmaker’s Wife, was released. It was chosen as an ‘Editor’s Choice’ book, and was nominated for the 2020 Crime Writer’s Association Historical Dagger award, and the 2020 Costa Coffee book award in the ‘Best Novel’ category.
Steve can be contacted via his website, www.steve-robinson.me, or his Facebook page, www.facebook.com/SteveRobinsonAuthor, where you can also keep up to date with his latest news.
The idea for his Jefferson Tayte series came to him in 2007, on his return from a trip to Cornwall, where the first book is set. In the five years that followed, he wrote the first three books in the series, all the while trying to find a publisher for them. In 2012 he published the books via Kindle Direct Publishing, and following their success, eighteen months later he signed a four-book deal with Amazon Publishing. The books were released in March 2014 under the Thomas & Mercer mystery and thriller imprint, and since then a further three books in the series have been published, taking the total to seven.
In December 2019 his first non-Jefferson Tayte book, The Penmaker’s Wife, was released. It was chosen as an ‘Editor’s Choice’ book, and was nominated for the 2020 Crime Writer’s Association Historical Dagger award, and the 2020 Costa Coffee book award in the ‘Best Novel’ category.
Steve can be contacted via his website, www.steve-robinson.me, or his Facebook page, www.facebook.com/SteveRobinsonAuthor, where you can also keep up to date with his latest news.
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 60 reviews
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June 4, 2020It's my new book, The Secret Wife. If you plan to read it, I very much hope you enjoy it.
July 25, 2020
The tagline about Room and Rebecca first drew me to this book, but then seeing the author's name sealed the deal. I loved Steve Robinson's Jefferson Tayte genealogical mystery series, so I was excited to see a standalone novel.
This was just fabulous. It was definitely reminiscent of the aforementioned novels, along with a Jane Eyre vibe. The story doesn't lag, but the second half zoomed by. I could not put it down - and I didn't until I reached the end, adrenaline racing and pages (digitally) flying.
The story does follow the basic plot line common to the thriller/suspense genre, but the magic is in how it all comes together, the smaller details, the characters themselves. It's not overly complicated with heavy character backstories and is mostly plot-driven. It's actually a great introduction for someone looking to get into this type of book.
This was just fabulous. It was definitely reminiscent of the aforementioned novels, along with a Jane Eyre vibe. The story doesn't lag, but the second half zoomed by. I could not put it down - and I didn't until I reached the end, adrenaline racing and pages (digitally) flying.
The story does follow the basic plot line common to the thriller/suspense genre, but the magic is in how it all comes together, the smaller details, the characters themselves. It's not overly complicated with heavy character backstories and is mostly plot-driven. It's actually a great introduction for someone looking to get into this type of book.
June 28, 2020
Steve Robinson’s historical mysteries are my favourites and he conjures up past times very believably. Here we discover very soon that Rosen, the mistress of Crows-an-Wra manor, has been imprisoned so that her husband can remarry. We find out why later. Her mother-in-law is deliciously villainous and heartless; a brilliant creation. There were times I had my heart in my mouth and the excitement and tension built towards the unexpected but satisfying ending. Another triumph for a writer whose work I’ve admired for a long time. I’d love to think there might be a sequel.
July 7, 2020
Need a dark Gothic thriller - then this is for you!
I’m not sure whether I liked this book or not. A haunting thriller it certainly is! It’s the tale of two wives, the first condemned by her husband and his mother to imprisonment because she did not produce what they wanted. The second wife arrives, while the first is still living, and finds her husband is not at all what he appeared to be. If you’re squeamish at all, then this book is not for you. It contains acts of domestic and sexual violation, and I literally had to walk away from it to recover. However, each time it drew me back as I needed to know the outcome - the sign of a good thriller! And as to that, you need to read it yourself. I have read all of Steve Robinson’s books, and this one is perhaps more in the Gothic style - the coldest, darkest and most haunting volume he has written.
I’m not sure whether I liked this book or not. A haunting thriller it certainly is! It’s the tale of two wives, the first condemned by her husband and his mother to imprisonment because she did not produce what they wanted. The second wife arrives, while the first is still living, and finds her husband is not at all what he appeared to be. If you’re squeamish at all, then this book is not for you. It contains acts of domestic and sexual violation, and I literally had to walk away from it to recover. However, each time it drew me back as I needed to know the outcome - the sign of a good thriller! And as to that, you need to read it yourself. I have read all of Steve Robinson’s books, and this one is perhaps more in the Gothic style - the coldest, darkest and most haunting volume he has written.
December 6, 2020
This stand alone historical crime book by Steve Robinson was very good.
As in all his books he writes from two perspectives and he does it very well.
In The Secret Wife we have Rosen and Grace, whose story unfolds through their eyes.
Initially there is similarity to Du Maurier’s Rebecca, a new wife, the dead first wife and sinister housekeeper but that’s where the similarity ends.
The only character I found difficult to believe in was Sophie the six year old daughter of Rosen, she is described as being mature for her years but, from my forty years experience of young children what she does at the end of the story, I think is physically impossible.
However, it was a compulsive read and I highly recommend it.
As in all his books he writes from two perspectives and he does it very well.
In The Secret Wife we have Rosen and Grace, whose story unfolds through their eyes.
Initially there is similarity to Du Maurier’s Rebecca, a new wife, the dead first wife and sinister housekeeper but that’s where the similarity ends.
The only character I found difficult to believe in was Sophie the six year old daughter of Rosen, she is described as being mature for her years but, from my forty years experience of young children what she does at the end of the story, I think is physically impossible.
However, it was a compulsive read and I highly recommend it.
December 28, 2020
I have to admit that the main reason I chose this book was that I thought it would be a quick read, which it was. However, I was expecting more, the "Room meets Rebecca" tag line drew me in wondering what he'd done that would make this book different and unfortunately the answer was 'Not much'.
The characters were very one dimensional and I didn't feel that the book brought anything to the 'madwoman in the attic' genre. I still don't know why Richard kept his first wife alive, everything would have been so much easier if he'd just let her die in the fire as he pretended. I'll stick to Steve Robinson's Jefferson Tayte books in future.
The characters were very one dimensional and I didn't feel that the book brought anything to the 'madwoman in the attic' genre. I still don't know why Richard kept his first wife alive, everything would have been so much easier if he'd just let her die in the fire as he pretended. I'll stick to Steve Robinson's Jefferson Tayte books in future.
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
June 28, 2020
I've read all of Steve's books and this one does not disappoint. Although I have missed his usual character JT, the change to something different in The Secret Wife and his previous book, The Penmakers Wife have been a joy to read. Slightly darker then usual but told in an amazing way that you just can't put it down. A must read
October 5, 2020
Gothic thrillers are not usually my thing, but I saw this one from Steve Robinson, author of Jefferson Tayte genealogical/historical mysteries and was intrigued. - Room meets Rebecca and then it gets dark. I’m so glad I was not born a women in the 1800’s! Women were not valued, apparently. I liked it, though, and the book was perfect for October.
September 7, 2020
Heart stopping!!
An incredible story! As I got towards the end of the book, I couldn’t read the words fast enough to find out how it ended!! Absolutely brilliant book!!!
An incredible story! As I got towards the end of the book, I couldn’t read the words fast enough to find out how it ended!! Absolutely brilliant book!!!
July 1, 2020
When a new Steve Robinson book comes out, you can pretty much be guaranteed to find my nose buried in my kindle in all my free moments. The Secret Wife is no exception, I had a hard time putting this book down and literally did not allow myself to change the page to the next chapter when reading night so that I could get to sleep! I finished the book in just a couple days. The Secret Wife has some plot twists that keep you wondering what will happen next, will the "bad guys" get caught? Will the "good guys" survive?
August 26, 2020
Picture a small room with only a sky-light, a locked door with only a small hatch, and a boarded up window. How can a writer keep a reader enthralled for the first 20% of the book inside this tiny room? Steve Robinson did. Rosen is kept locked in this room by her husband and mother-in-law with only a few books to read and the birds and rabbits to talk to. With Rosen locked away and people thinking she’s dead he’s free to re-marry. What happens next? You’ll have to read it to find out. But you won’t be disappointed.
August 26, 2020
Bravo Steve! Thrilling page turner set in an 1800s Cornish manor home
One of Robinson's best. From the first page to the last he painted a picture with words so captivating about the time and locale that I could see and smell the beautiful setting. I liked the instant action that drew me into the pain and mystery surrounding the characters. And several twists and turns towards the end kept me guessing how it could be resolved!
One of Robinson's best. From the first page to the last he painted a picture with words so captivating about the time and locale that I could see and smell the beautiful setting. I liked the instant action that drew me into the pain and mystery surrounding the characters. And several twists and turns towards the end kept me guessing how it could be resolved!
February 19, 2021
A tale of deception and desperation.
My oh my. Steve Robinson has done it again and written another captivating historical novel. The description of the Secret Wife as Room meets Rebecca couldn't be more apt. I enjoyed the dual perspective of the story being told by Richard's old and new wife. This allowed us to be led through the stages of captivity and attempts for escape by Rosen and also the confusion and growing suspicions of Grace. I would highly recommend.
My oh my. Steve Robinson has done it again and written another captivating historical novel. The description of the Secret Wife as Room meets Rebecca couldn't be more apt. I enjoyed the dual perspective of the story being told by Richard's old and new wife. This allowed us to be led through the stages of captivity and attempts for escape by Rosen and also the confusion and growing suspicions of Grace. I would highly recommend.
April 29, 2021
Excellent, such a great thrill ride,from start to finish there is no let up on how great this book is, it kept me up late at night.
Great characters, great plot and I always love a historical setting. What would have made it even greater would have been what had happened next, like 12 months what had happened to the main characters but hey ho :)
Highly recommended, well worth its 5 stars
Great characters, great plot and I always love a historical setting. What would have made it even greater would have been what had happened next, like 12 months what had happened to the main characters but hey ho :)
Highly recommended, well worth its 5 stars
July 14, 2020
Spellbinding story, set in the 19th century of a family's need to find a male heir to a landed estate in Cornwall. What lengths will mother and son go to in order to achieve their goal? This book is written in the first person, throughout and gives the feeling of actually living through the period, a bit like a time warp.
First class writing from an exceptional author.
First class writing from an exceptional author.
January 4, 2021
Excellent book. I've read all the Jefferson Tayte genealogical books but this was my first historical mystery by Steve Robinson. I really enjoyed it, and was disappointed to get to the end. Just remembered, I did attempt to read The Penmaker's Wife earlier in the year, but didn't get on with it at all.
June 8, 2021
I wasn’t really sure about this book when I first started reading it not wanting to give up on it! I’m really glad I didn’t, it was a really good read, it had plenty of twists and as I got further into it I couldn’t wait to see what happened. Great strong characters, really pleased they got their just deserts at the end.
April 5, 2024
I did not enjoy this novel very much.
The characters are very black and white - almost like caricatures. They have no nuance and their motivations are just as crude and obvious.
The setting is supposed to be the 19th century but the writing is so generic you often forget what time period you are in.
Not well written, not particularly exciting, not recommended.
The characters are very black and white - almost like caricatures. They have no nuance and their motivations are just as crude and obvious.
The setting is supposed to be the 19th century but the writing is so generic you often forget what time period you are in.
Not well written, not particularly exciting, not recommended.
July 3, 2020
Good book, I enjoyed the characters. Seemed to go on in some spots and I think I would have liked more at the end. This was the first book I read from this author, I will probably read more from him.
July 6, 2020
Brilliant
Another great book by this author.I had enjoyed the Jefferson rate books.his first in a different genre "the penmaker wife" was fantastic too.can't wait for another of his books already.he is enroute to becoming one of my favourite authors
Another great book by this author.I had enjoyed the Jefferson rate books.his first in a different genre "the penmaker wife" was fantastic too.can't wait for another of his books already.he is enroute to becoming one of my favourite authors
July 27, 2020
Another riveting story
Great story and just the right length. There wasn’t a single boring part anywhere. I hope the author continues with these alternative stories to the Jefferson Tate mysteries.
Great story and just the right length. There wasn’t a single boring part anywhere. I hope the author continues with these alternative stories to the Jefferson Tate mysteries.
December 23, 2020
Page Turner
As always, another good book from Robinson. Enjoyed that it was a break from the usual JT story yet it was very creative. I felt like I was sitting next to Rosen through the whole book. That says something.
As always, another good book from Robinson. Enjoyed that it was a break from the usual JT story yet it was very creative. I felt like I was sitting next to Rosen through the whole book. That says something.
July 16, 2020
Awesome
A great story! I enjoyed this book, a great plot with various twists and turns. I look forward to Steve’s next book.
A great story! I enjoyed this book, a great plot with various twists and turns. I look forward to Steve’s next book.
July 26, 2020
This was another great suspenseful read by this author who appears to be branching out from his previous Jefferson Tayte genealogical mysteries, which I hope he will continue to write.
August 7, 2020
This was a departure from the usual genealogy style book Steve writes but I enjoyed it! Hard to believe people can be so awful. But good prevailed fortunately!
December 7, 2020
I keep waiting for Jefferson Tayte, but
This was an excellent read. I wasted the good part of a day because I couldn't put it down. Highly recommend.
This was an excellent read. I wasted the good part of a day because I couldn't put it down. Highly recommend.
February 13, 2021
Enjoyed book
I enjoyed the book and became very involved with it. I hope however that he writes another Jefferson Tate geneology book.
I enjoyed the book and became very involved with it. I hope however that he writes another Jefferson Tate geneology book.
May 25, 2021
Twisted
Oh my! This is not a Jefferson Tate book. Steve Robinson has written a dark story that is gripping and hard to put down.
Oh my! This is not a Jefferson Tate book. Steve Robinson has written a dark story that is gripping and hard to put down.
May 26, 2021
Great book.
This book is one you cannot put down. You hold your breadth in places. A very well written exciting book.
This book is one you cannot put down. You hold your breadth in places. A very well written exciting book.
June 11, 2021
A Real Page Turner
Loved the characters and all their flaws! Was an exciting book with many twists and turns right up to the final page. Excellent!
Loved the characters and all their flaws! Was an exciting book with many twists and turns right up to the final page. Excellent!
Displaying 1 - 30 of 60 reviews