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He Said He Would Be Late
A fast-paced, twisty psychological debut about the complexities of marriage and new motherhood, told through the frenetic lens of a wife seeking the truth about her husband, at all costs, as the validity of the life she once knew unravels page by page.
Liz Bennett knows that she is one of the lucky ones. Wealthy and charming, Arno is a supportive husband to Liz and a doting father to their daughter, Emma. A rising banker at a top firm in the Boston area, he is the picture of perfection, rounding off their idyllic New England life. But when Liz sees a text on Arno's phone with a kissy-face emoji, her anxiety kicks into overdrive and she begins to worry that her luck has run out.
In Justine Sullivan's ingenious debut, He Said He Would Be Late, a wife decides—as any wife would—that she must uncover the truth about her husband. So she takes a deep breath and dives down the rabbit hole. As Liz peels back layers of deceit and tracks down every lead, a frenzy begins to take over her life. Could Arno really be unfaithful? Or is Liz's imagination getting the best of her? When everyone around her is convinced she's become unhinged, she must prove, if only to herself, that a woman's intuition expands beyond a single cryptic text.
Liz Bennett knows that she is one of the lucky ones. Wealthy and charming, Arno is a supportive husband to Liz and a doting father to their daughter, Emma. A rising banker at a top firm in the Boston area, he is the picture of perfection, rounding off their idyllic New England life. But when Liz sees a text on Arno's phone with a kissy-face emoji, her anxiety kicks into overdrive and she begins to worry that her luck has run out.
In Justine Sullivan's ingenious debut, He Said He Would Be Late, a wife decides—as any wife would—that she must uncover the truth about her husband. So she takes a deep breath and dives down the rabbit hole. As Liz peels back layers of deceit and tracks down every lead, a frenzy begins to take over her life. Could Arno really be unfaithful? Or is Liz's imagination getting the best of her? When everyone around her is convinced she's become unhinged, she must prove, if only to herself, that a woman's intuition expands beyond a single cryptic text.
304 pages, Hardcover
First published March 14, 2023
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March 14, 2023
HE SAID HE WOULD BE LATE.
Almost any wife who hears that too many times, is going to become suspicious. Right?
I know the title drew me in, hook, line and sinker!
When Liz Bennet sees a text message on her husband Arno’s phone, that ends with a “kissing-face emoji”, she becomes obsessed with the idea that he is cheating on her, and she runs with it!!
After all, he rarely makes it home by midnight, let alone for dinner.
Isn’t that a tell-tale sign?!
When the book first started, I WASN’T sure if I could spend 256 pages, inside of Liz’s head. She is an author with a fairly successful first novel, but she has developed writer’s block and some resentment at being left at home with a new baby by a husband who is rarely in it, and she didn’t always come across as rational in her thoughts or actions…
Was she suffering from Postpartum Depression? Or would this story be a slow descent into alcohol or madness-a trope that has been done many times before?
They say to trust your instincts- intuition doesn’t lie.
She began to stalk Viv-the beautiful co-worker who had sent the text, and all of a sudden, I just HAD to know if my suspicions were correct.
Ultimately, they were-on all accounts-as the ending confirmed for me…but that didn’t detract from my enjoyment at all.
In fact, I felt quite smug that I had actually gotten it right! 😉
3.75 rounded up! 🍿
AVAILABLE NOW!
Thank You to Henry Holt & Company for the gifted ARC provided through NetGalley! It was my pleasure to offer a candid review!
Almost any wife who hears that too many times, is going to become suspicious. Right?
I know the title drew me in, hook, line and sinker!
When Liz Bennet sees a text message on her husband Arno’s phone, that ends with a “kissing-face emoji”, she becomes obsessed with the idea that he is cheating on her, and she runs with it!!
After all, he rarely makes it home by midnight, let alone for dinner.
Isn’t that a tell-tale sign?!
When the book first started, I WASN’T sure if I could spend 256 pages, inside of Liz’s head. She is an author with a fairly successful first novel, but she has developed writer’s block and some resentment at being left at home with a new baby by a husband who is rarely in it, and she didn’t always come across as rational in her thoughts or actions…
Was she suffering from Postpartum Depression? Or would this story be a slow descent into alcohol or madness-a trope that has been done many times before?
They say to trust your instincts- intuition doesn’t lie.
She began to stalk Viv-the beautiful co-worker who had sent the text, and all of a sudden, I just HAD to know if my suspicions were correct.
Ultimately, they were-on all accounts-as the ending confirmed for me…but that didn’t detract from my enjoyment at all.
In fact, I felt quite smug that I had actually gotten it right! 😉
3.75 rounded up! 🍿
AVAILABLE NOW!
Thank You to Henry Holt & Company for the gifted ARC provided through NetGalley! It was my pleasure to offer a candid review!
December 28, 2022
An innocent text, or something more? Are you ready to follow Liz down the rabbit hole?
Liz is happily married to her wealthy, successful husband Arno. With a beautiful daughter, life is good. Although, Arno does work long hours and sometimes doesn’t come home till the wee hours of the morning. But hey! It’s one big happy family. She has nothing to worry about…right!?
What a difference a day makes. Liz just stumbled across a text on Arno’s phone from a female coworker thanking him. Followed by a kissing face emoji! Well my friends, that changes everything!
Now Liz is on a mission to find out if Arno and this coworker Viv are having an affair. It may require some serious reconnaissance, stalking both online and in person! Whatever lengths she needs to go to find answers! Hell hath no fury….
This was a quick read that I ended up thoroughly enjoying. Though I questioned many of her antics, it was fun to follow along in her quest for answers!
On a side note…the author added an over-abundance of descriptions of Liz sweating. And I mean A LOT! I get it already! It was hot outside!🤣
Overall it was a fun thriller and I’m looking forward to more from this author!
Thank you to NetGalley and Henry Holt & Company
Liz is happily married to her wealthy, successful husband Arno. With a beautiful daughter, life is good. Although, Arno does work long hours and sometimes doesn’t come home till the wee hours of the morning. But hey! It’s one big happy family. She has nothing to worry about…right!?
What a difference a day makes. Liz just stumbled across a text on Arno’s phone from a female coworker thanking him. Followed by a kissing face emoji! Well my friends, that changes everything!
Now Liz is on a mission to find out if Arno and this coworker Viv are having an affair. It may require some serious reconnaissance, stalking both online and in person! Whatever lengths she needs to go to find answers! Hell hath no fury….
This was a quick read that I ended up thoroughly enjoying. Though I questioned many of her antics, it was fun to follow along in her quest for answers!
On a side note…the author added an over-abundance of descriptions of Liz sweating. And I mean A LOT! I get it already! It was hot outside!🤣
Overall it was a fun thriller and I’m looking forward to more from this author!
Thank you to NetGalley and Henry Holt & Company
February 7, 2023
By all accounts, Liz should be happy. She has a gorgeous, wealthy husband, a cute one-year-old daughter, and has published a book. But she finds herself growing dissatisfied with her life, even more so when she sees a text from a coworker on her husband’s phone that includes some kissy-face emojis. Hoping to find the truth, Liz obsessively begins to keep track of her husband and learn everything she can about this coworker. But how far is she willing to go to find the truth?
First things first: DO NOT go into this expecting a thriller, suspense, a “twisty psychological” read (though it could maybe be classified as “slightly bendy”}, or even a mystery. This book should simply be classified as general fiction. That being said, DO go into this work expecting it to be more of a character study, one that delves deep into motherhood, postpartum depression, anxiety, and a general unraveling of one’s self.
This author excelled at writing characters that felt like real people. The amount of personality that was present is what made this read enjoyable. I found Liz to be extremely relatable for the first half of the book, enjoying her sense of humor and inner dialogue. The way the author portrayed her flaws and insecurities made her realistic, and it was interesting to watch her unravel as the book went on. But despite being in her head the whole book, we don’t learn much about her – I would have liked to have a bit more information incorporated about her as a person.
This work is detail-heavy when it comes to Liz’s daily life, so when the book ended so abruptly it was a little jarring. Having an open-ended conclusion for a read this character-oriented was a little unsatisfying. I also felt that there was a glaring inconsistency with the ending, but I can’t say anything about it without major spoilers.
While this read didn’t feel like anything particularly unique, it was enjoyable overall. What did it for me was how relatable Liz was and how much I enjoyed wondering if she was an unreliable narrator or if her husband was actually cheating. My thanks to NetGalley and Macmillan Audio for allowing me to read this work, which will be published March 14, 2023. All thoughts and opinions expressed in this review are my own.
First things first: DO NOT go into this expecting a thriller, suspense, a “twisty psychological” read (though it could maybe be classified as “slightly bendy”}, or even a mystery. This book should simply be classified as general fiction. That being said, DO go into this work expecting it to be more of a character study, one that delves deep into motherhood, postpartum depression, anxiety, and a general unraveling of one’s self.
This author excelled at writing characters that felt like real people. The amount of personality that was present is what made this read enjoyable. I found Liz to be extremely relatable for the first half of the book, enjoying her sense of humor and inner dialogue. The way the author portrayed her flaws and insecurities made her realistic, and it was interesting to watch her unravel as the book went on. But despite being in her head the whole book, we don’t learn much about her – I would have liked to have a bit more information incorporated about her as a person.
This work is detail-heavy when it comes to Liz’s daily life, so when the book ended so abruptly it was a little jarring. Having an open-ended conclusion for a read this character-oriented was a little unsatisfying. I also felt that there was a glaring inconsistency with the ending, but I can’t say anything about it without major spoilers.
While this read didn’t feel like anything particularly unique, it was enjoyable overall. What did it for me was how relatable Liz was and how much I enjoyed wondering if she was an unreliable narrator or if her husband was actually cheating. My thanks to NetGalley and Macmillan Audio for allowing me to read this work, which will be published March 14, 2023. All thoughts and opinions expressed in this review are my own.
June 8, 2023
Liz is a good-looking, wealthy, young wife and mother who is happily married of four years until she finds a kissy-face emoji text on her husband's phone from a co-worker who he has never mentioned to her. Her husband (Arno) works very hard to provide the lifestyle that they live including many, very late night hours and occasional business trips which Liz never thought twice about until this one particular text. Liz quickly becomes obsessed with Arno's actions including backtracking her memories to see if there's been signs of him cheating that she's overlooked in the past because he is a very handsome and charming man who could have his pick of any woman he wanted.
So the cycle continues, Liz starts drinking everyday and can't sleep at night although the precious little one sleeps 10-12 hours a night. Liz begins stalking the co-worker while trying to be the perfect wife and although she never finds any definitive signs of Arno being unfaithful but she can't let the matter drop until she finds out for certain that she's wrong. Why is she doing this to herself? Is it her female intuition telling her the truth will come out or is she suffering from some unaddressed postpartum depression? One thing is certain, Liz is unraveling fast and if she doesn't stop the crazies she will soon find herself and her life in shambles.
This was a fast-paced story more of a character study and psychological drama instead of a thriller. The writing was good and I loved the humorous moments continuously thrown in about how silly Liz would make herself in so many situations. Liz appeared to be a narcissistic personality even as far as her baby was concerned. She wasn't very likeable as a mother to me and I found that inexcusable unless she was suffering from post-partum depression although the book never really lets you know, so maybe the author intended the reader to make their own decision about that diagnosis.
Liz was judgemental about everyone and was selfish in all her relationships except with her husband. So, although unlikable I still felt sorry for her and felt she needed more help with her mental health issues and also marital problems because Arno was not the perfect husband. Even if he was not unfaithful (not too sure about that) he was guilty about holding back important information that was critical to having a solid and healthy relationship so that had me not trusting him very much.
There definitely was something very wrong with their marriage. I really liked the way the story came to an abrupt ending. The author "Justine Sullivan" seemed to want the reader to come to their own conclusion that Arno really was cheating but wanted to keep his family too or that Liz would always find reasons to distrust her husband whether she was right or wrong. I found this to be a very entertaining book and recommend it to anyone who enjoys a good domestic drama.
I want to thank the publisher "Henry Holt & Company" for the opportunity to read this story and any thoughts or opinions expressed are unbiased and mine alone!
I have given a rating if 3 1/2 SUSPICIOUS AND ENTERTAINING 🌟🌟🌟🌠 STARS!!
So the cycle continues, Liz starts drinking everyday and can't sleep at night although the precious little one sleeps 10-12 hours a night. Liz begins stalking the co-worker while trying to be the perfect wife and although she never finds any definitive signs of Arno being unfaithful but she can't let the matter drop until she finds out for certain that she's wrong. Why is she doing this to herself? Is it her female intuition telling her the truth will come out or is she suffering from some unaddressed postpartum depression? One thing is certain, Liz is unraveling fast and if she doesn't stop the crazies she will soon find herself and her life in shambles.
This was a fast-paced story more of a character study and psychological drama instead of a thriller. The writing was good and I loved the humorous moments continuously thrown in about how silly Liz would make herself in so many situations. Liz appeared to be a narcissistic personality even as far as her baby was concerned. She wasn't very likeable as a mother to me and I found that inexcusable unless she was suffering from post-partum depression although the book never really lets you know, so maybe the author intended the reader to make their own decision about that diagnosis.
Liz was judgemental about everyone and was selfish in all her relationships except with her husband. So, although unlikable I still felt sorry for her and felt she needed more help with her mental health issues and also marital problems because Arno was not the perfect husband. Even if he was not unfaithful (not too sure about that) he was guilty about holding back important information that was critical to having a solid and healthy relationship so that had me not trusting him very much.
There definitely was something very wrong with their marriage. I really liked the way the story came to an abrupt ending. The author "Justine Sullivan" seemed to want the reader to come to their own conclusion that Arno really was cheating but wanted to keep his family too or that Liz would always find reasons to distrust her husband whether she was right or wrong. I found this to be a very entertaining book and recommend it to anyone who enjoys a good domestic drama.
I want to thank the publisher "Henry Holt & Company" for the opportunity to read this story and any thoughts or opinions expressed are unbiased and mine alone!
I have given a rating if 3 1/2 SUSPICIOUS AND ENTERTAINING 🌟🌟🌟🌠 STARS!!
August 11, 2023
Liz Bennet has a nice home. She is married to Arno, a quite successful businessman. They have a small daughter, Emma.
Liz has been experiencing some difficulties. She is a published author and her first novel was successful. However, since delivering the baby, she has suffered from writer's block and has been unable to finish her second one. Having her agent call her on her progress is not helping. The second issue she is dealing with is the lack of a bond she has with her daughter. Then, things get worse when one morning, her husband receives a text from a female worker. Liz becomes suspicious of Arno. Is he cheating? Are all those late nights not really work-related?
Liz spirals into a frenzy of stalking the woman's social media and her husband's other coworkers in the hope of finding clues.
I didn't mind following Liz's decompensation. She was a little nuts for sure. I also thought her postpartum depression had something to do with her paranoia. The narrator, Kelli Tager did a great job in making me feel sorry for Liz's predicament. I did love how lucky Liz got with her babysitter. She was awesome to Emma and Liz.
Cliffhanger: No
4/5 Fangs
A complimentary copy was provided by Macmillan Audio via Netgalley in exchange for an honest review.
MrsLeif's Two Fangs About It | Facebook | Twitter | Instagram
Liz has been experiencing some difficulties. She is a published author and her first novel was successful. However, since delivering the baby, she has suffered from writer's block and has been unable to finish her second one. Having her agent call her on her progress is not helping. The second issue she is dealing with is the lack of a bond she has with her daughter. Then, things get worse when one morning, her husband receives a text from a female worker. Liz becomes suspicious of Arno. Is he cheating? Are all those late nights not really work-related?
Liz spirals into a frenzy of stalking the woman's social media and her husband's other coworkers in the hope of finding clues.
I didn't mind following Liz's decompensation. She was a little nuts for sure. I also thought her postpartum depression had something to do with her paranoia. The narrator, Kelli Tager did a great job in making me feel sorry for Liz's predicament. I did love how lucky Liz got with her babysitter. She was awesome to Emma and Liz.
Cliffhanger: No
4/5 Fangs
A complimentary copy was provided by Macmillan Audio via Netgalley in exchange for an honest review.
MrsLeif's Two Fangs About It | Facebook | Twitter | Instagram
February 12, 2023
Very entertaining, well-performed audiobook about a perfect housewife and her anxiety over her successful and charming husband, who may be cheating. Suspenseful and interesting throughout, as we follow Elizabeth Bennett (the name is intentional!) through her new mom anxieties, her suspicions about her seemingly perfect husband, and her crazy behavior as she digs deep to find the truth. I thought the audiobook was really well-acted and gave me more sympathy for Liz and her obliviousness than I may have had just reading the words. The narrator and the writer do a great job of communicating Liz's conflicting feelings about giving up her own goals and profession to raise a family with a man who may be losing interest. The characters are well-drawn and Sullivan does a great job making Liz unaware of problems the reader can see more clearly. I would have given this five stars if the ending was just a little bit more satisfying. Still, I was thoroughly entertained throughout and will definitely be on the lookout for this author's next work! Thanks to NetGalley, Henry Hold, and Macmillan audio for this great read.
April 7, 2023
The premise here is a simple one: Liz accidentally sees a text on her husband Arno’s phone and spirals out of control for the entire book. That’s it. As the quote below states . . . .
“Nothing crazy, just a text thanking Arno for all his help on some major project and then a stupid kissy-face emoji. From someone named ‘Viv’ who I’ve never met before.” Tracy’s eyebrows lift even higher. “What else?” “Huh?” “I mean, what else?” “That’s it. Nothing else. The text is what made me feel suspicious.” “That’s it?” “Er, yeah.” “No suspicious phone calls late at night? Maybe from an unfamiliar name that sounds fake, or just an initial, like ‘F’?” “No.” “No weird receipts for lingerie that he never gives you, or designer chocolates?” “Nope.” “No unexplained work trips to Miami that get extended because of ‘bad weather’?” “No.” “No burner phones?”
Of course she never bothered asking and OF COURSE he’s probably cheating and OF COURSE Liz has not only a generalized anxiety disorder but is also a pretty solid drunk once the baby goes to bed. But the biggest problem? This could have been some poolside fun in the sun if it had been approached as a dark comedy. Around the 40% mark Liz goes in for a total makeover and I’m telling you I laughed out loud. And then I realized . . . .
Too bad because it was not great the way it was presented.
AND ALSO QUIT MAKING EVERY FEMALE LEAD A DRUNK. FFS. That’s so dang tired.
“Nothing crazy, just a text thanking Arno for all his help on some major project and then a stupid kissy-face emoji. From someone named ‘Viv’ who I’ve never met before.” Tracy’s eyebrows lift even higher. “What else?” “Huh?” “I mean, what else?” “That’s it. Nothing else. The text is what made me feel suspicious.” “That’s it?” “Er, yeah.” “No suspicious phone calls late at night? Maybe from an unfamiliar name that sounds fake, or just an initial, like ‘F’?” “No.” “No weird receipts for lingerie that he never gives you, or designer chocolates?” “Nope.” “No unexplained work trips to Miami that get extended because of ‘bad weather’?” “No.” “No burner phones?”
Of course she never bothered asking and OF COURSE he’s probably cheating and OF COURSE Liz has not only a generalized anxiety disorder but is also a pretty solid drunk once the baby goes to bed. But the biggest problem? This could have been some poolside fun in the sun if it had been approached as a dark comedy. Around the 40% mark Liz goes in for a total makeover and I’m telling you I laughed out loud. And then I realized . . . .
Too bad because it was not great the way it was presented.
AND ALSO QUIT MAKING EVERY FEMALE LEAD A DRUNK. FFS. That’s so dang tired.
January 30, 2023
I’m not sure where to start with this review! This book could be summed up in one sentence: A woman sees a suspicious text from a beautiful woman on her husband’s phone, then spends about 300 pages trying to catch him cheating.
That is the book’s premise, and I kept wondering when something was going to happen. This woman, Liz, is your typical thriller housewife. She’s got a husband, a toddler, and a nanny. She’s an author who can’t seem to finish her second book. She’s on the anxious side, and self-medicates. And she’s incredibly paranoid about her husband. I never felt like I got to know her as a character, because she is so flighty and her actions were quite repetitive.
Despite this being such a one-track book, I still enjoyed it. The writing was good, and I eventually got sucked in and was waiting to see what would happen in the end. I pretty much figured out the ending, but it was nice to see it play out. Overall I’m giving this three stars, rounded up to 3.5 for being a debut. A little variety would’ve been nice, but I think it was still a good read.
(Thank you to Henry Holt & Co., Justine Sullivan, and NetGalley for the ARC in exchange for my review. This book is slated to be published on March 14, 2023.)
That is the book’s premise, and I kept wondering when something was going to happen. This woman, Liz, is your typical thriller housewife. She’s got a husband, a toddler, and a nanny. She’s an author who can’t seem to finish her second book. She’s on the anxious side, and self-medicates. And she’s incredibly paranoid about her husband. I never felt like I got to know her as a character, because she is so flighty and her actions were quite repetitive.
Despite this being such a one-track book, I still enjoyed it. The writing was good, and I eventually got sucked in and was waiting to see what would happen in the end. I pretty much figured out the ending, but it was nice to see it play out. Overall I’m giving this three stars, rounded up to 3.5 for being a debut. A little variety would’ve been nice, but I think it was still a good read.
(Thank you to Henry Holt & Co., Justine Sullivan, and NetGalley for the ARC in exchange for my review. This book is slated to be published on March 14, 2023.)
March 7, 2023
I listened to the audiobook of this one and I have to say that the narrator was amazing. She really brought the story to life and did a great job with the characters. The story itself was enjoyable, but I struggle a little with calling it a thriller. While the book centers around the main character being convinced her husband is cheating the story moved so slowly that it didn’t seem like a thriller to me. I didn’t really like the characters which I think make it harder to stay engaged through some of the slower bits. I did really like the ending (that was my guess about what was happening!). This is a hard one to talk about without spoiling anything. Is ill say it was an enjoyable read and as I said before definitely one to consider for audiobook. Overall I gave this one 3.5 stars rounded up for the narration.
July 1, 2023
2 1/2 Stars
I was really excited when my hold for this book came in! Especially after just dnf a book at 35%, I was looking forward to reading Justine Sullivan’s debut novel!!
Let's just first say, if you're expecting an intense psychological thriller, or a page turning, domestic suspense novel, this isn't it. Though I seem to be in the minority on this one.
Although the writing was good, the whole book was extremely repetitive, and it felt like it just couldn't get out of its own way.
Despite this, the strong character development of at least our main protagonist, at first, kept me initially invested, but yet this book proved ultimately disappointing to me. I came extremely close to dnf, yet another book! I decided to stick with it, but this is truly an extremely slow, slow burn of a book.
Though it tackles many important issues, ranging from postpartum depression, parental indifference/ abandonment, insomnia, intense anxiety, to the intricacies and trust, or lack of trust in a marriage, it is unbelievably repetitive!
Based on a text seen on the husband's phone, the protagonist is convinced her husband is cheating on her. She goes to unbelievable lengths, that get more and more ott, to find out if this is indeed true, over and over, again through the entire book!
Basically, I kept waiting for something, anything, to happen!
It's also yet another book which depicts what seems to be the “ perfect marriage”, complete with the beautiful baby, handsome, successful husband and the exquisite home, in a desirable neighborhood, with the perfectly manicured lawns….but… As is often the case, with the husband continually working later and later hours, the wife is left to think…is he really working late, night after night? Especially, given the fact she is overwhelmed, and not exactly connecting with her newborn baby daughter.
As I mentioned, the character development of the protagonist is good, and really helps get the reader inside her head. You couldn't help but empathize with the frustrations and struggles she's having being a new Mom, feeling like she's losing her identity, barely leaving the house, and unable to focus long enough to try to complete her 2nd novel.
I didn't like, as more and more books seem to do, the portrayal of a female lead, self medicating while drinking increasingly, excessive amounts of alcohol, as her anxiety level keeps cranking up, and spiraling out of control!
Is her husband cheating on her, or is she delusional? Is she being overly paranoid, as her therapist seems to think… or is she over catastrophizing , once again??
Although the addition of a wonderful nanny to her life is helpful, Liz seems to use this additional free time to spend even more hours on this obsession, more hours of self delusion, while seemingly neglecting almost everything in her life.
We surmise some of the source of her mental health struggles are quite complex.
Just how much is attributed to past parental abandonment, or is it postpartum depression untreated, or the controlling behavior from her husband?
I did enjoy reading about the newly hired nanny, and the relationships formed between her and the baby.
The ending was a bit abrupt and I was left feeling like I waited for something major to happen, and it just wasn't there!
Although repetitive, the writing was strong on many levels. I would give this author another chance.
I was really excited when my hold for this book came in! Especially after just dnf a book at 35%, I was looking forward to reading Justine Sullivan’s debut novel!!
Let's just first say, if you're expecting an intense psychological thriller, or a page turning, domestic suspense novel, this isn't it. Though I seem to be in the minority on this one.
Although the writing was good, the whole book was extremely repetitive, and it felt like it just couldn't get out of its own way.
Despite this, the strong character development of at least our main protagonist, at first, kept me initially invested, but yet this book proved ultimately disappointing to me. I came extremely close to dnf, yet another book! I decided to stick with it, but this is truly an extremely slow, slow burn of a book.
Though it tackles many important issues, ranging from postpartum depression, parental indifference/ abandonment, insomnia, intense anxiety, to the intricacies and trust, or lack of trust in a marriage, it is unbelievably repetitive!
Based on a text seen on the husband's phone, the protagonist is convinced her husband is cheating on her. She goes to unbelievable lengths, that get more and more ott, to find out if this is indeed true, over and over, again through the entire book!
Basically, I kept waiting for something, anything, to happen!
It's also yet another book which depicts what seems to be the “ perfect marriage”, complete with the beautiful baby, handsome, successful husband and the exquisite home, in a desirable neighborhood, with the perfectly manicured lawns….but… As is often the case, with the husband continually working later and later hours, the wife is left to think…is he really working late, night after night? Especially, given the fact she is overwhelmed, and not exactly connecting with her newborn baby daughter.
As I mentioned, the character development of the protagonist is good, and really helps get the reader inside her head. You couldn't help but empathize with the frustrations and struggles she's having being a new Mom, feeling like she's losing her identity, barely leaving the house, and unable to focus long enough to try to complete her 2nd novel.
I didn't like, as more and more books seem to do, the portrayal of a female lead, self medicating while drinking increasingly, excessive amounts of alcohol, as her anxiety level keeps cranking up, and spiraling out of control!
Is her husband cheating on her, or is she delusional? Is she being overly paranoid, as her therapist seems to think… or is she over catastrophizing , once again??
Although the addition of a wonderful nanny to her life is helpful, Liz seems to use this additional free time to spend even more hours on this obsession, more hours of self delusion, while seemingly neglecting almost everything in her life.
We surmise some of the source of her mental health struggles are quite complex.
Just how much is attributed to past parental abandonment, or is it postpartum depression untreated, or the controlling behavior from her husband?
I did enjoy reading about the newly hired nanny, and the relationships formed between her and the baby.
The ending was a bit abrupt and I was left feeling like I waited for something major to happen, and it just wasn't there!
Although repetitive, the writing was strong on many levels. I would give this author another chance.
November 26, 2022
Thank you to NetGalley for an ARC of
He Said He Would Be Late.
Full disclosure: I read a lost of suspense, especially domestic suspense.
I requested this because I had vague hopes the author had an unique story, a twist I haven't seen in so many books of this very tired genre.
Sadly, I was not impressed. I was bored. Terribly, horribly bored.
Liz Bennet is a caricature of all the women who have come before her.
Married to a (naturally) hot, handsome, and very rich man. She's a writer, but has (naturally) forsaken her identity and talents to be a wife and mother.
Basically, she's boring.
We know nothing about her, what she likes or dislikes, her hobbies. She's got writer's block and when she seems a flirty text on her husband's cell phone, she becomes obsessed with the fact that he's cheating,
And down the boring, tedious, rabbit hole of nothingness we go.
We get dull recaps of her mommy makeovers, gabbing and hanging out with her neighbors, enduring insufferable office parties with the privileged and elite, people her husband work for and she can't stand, stalking the woman she's sure her husband is sleeping with.
Liz's repetitive thoughts about her husband cheating, her downward spiral into obsessing about her husband and the colleague he's hooking up (naturally, she's gorgeous and super smart and a yogi, too).
The narrative is monotonous, repetitive and just plain dull.
There's no urgency, no suspense, no tension, nothing remotely dramatic, not even when Liz flies out to Vegas to try to 'catch' her husband in the act.
The revelation at the end is no shocker.
I already guessed the identity of the homewrecker, which makes no sense.
When would Liz's child ever see the other woman?
Liz's child is always with the nanny or with Liz.
This was a dud so read at your own risk!
Full disclosure: I read a lost of suspense, especially domestic suspense.
I requested this because I had vague hopes the author had an unique story, a twist I haven't seen in so many books of this very tired genre.
Sadly, I was not impressed. I was bored. Terribly, horribly bored.
Liz Bennet is a caricature of all the women who have come before her.
Married to a (naturally) hot, handsome, and very rich man. She's a writer, but has (naturally) forsaken her identity and talents to be a wife and mother.
Basically, she's boring.
We know nothing about her, what she likes or dislikes, her hobbies. She's got writer's block and when she seems a flirty text on her husband's cell phone, she becomes obsessed with the fact that he's cheating,
And down the boring, tedious, rabbit hole of nothingness we go.
We get dull recaps of her mommy makeovers, gabbing and hanging out with her neighbors, enduring insufferable office parties with the privileged and elite, people her husband work for and she can't stand, stalking the woman she's sure her husband is sleeping with.
Liz's repetitive thoughts about her husband cheating, her downward spiral into obsessing about her husband and the colleague he's hooking up (naturally, she's gorgeous and super smart and a yogi, too).
The narrative is monotonous, repetitive and just plain dull.
There's no urgency, no suspense, no tension, nothing remotely dramatic, not even when Liz flies out to Vegas to try to 'catch' her husband in the act.
The revelation at the end is no shocker.
I already guessed the identity of the homewrecker, which makes no sense.
When would Liz's child ever see the other woman?
Liz's child is always with the nanny or with Liz.
This was a dud so read at your own risk!
September 14, 2022
Liz is a published author, new mom to a baby girl named Emma, and married to the handsome, successful, and sweet Arno. One day she sees a text on his phone from a co-worker with a kissing face emoji. After this, her anxiety sets in and she begins to suspect that Arno is cheating on her. She looks up the co-worker, named Vivienne, and she is a stunning beauty! This just makes Liz more frazzled and she decides to explore further to see what her husband is up to. Is he cheating or is Liz just imagining things?
This was a great book! I had a hard time putting it down and became highly invested in the story line. I loved the idea of this book and the ending left me speechless. I would love to read more from author Justine Sullivan in the future. If you like suspenseful dramas, I would say this is one for you.
Many thanks to NetGalley and Henry Holt & Company for my ARC in exchange for my honest review.
This was a great book! I had a hard time putting it down and became highly invested in the story line. I loved the idea of this book and the ending left me speechless. I would love to read more from author Justine Sullivan in the future. If you like suspenseful dramas, I would say this is one for you.
Many thanks to NetGalley and Henry Holt & Company for my ARC in exchange for my honest review.
July 19, 2023
Where there’s smoke there’s fire, or is there? That is the driving question behind this drama. I definitely wouldn’t classify this as a thriller. The story centers around Liz. She is a new mom that is convinced her husband is being unfaithful. Is she paranoid or perceptive? Is she unhinged or intuitive? Although it lacked thrills, it kept me interested in Liz’s predicament. Saying she has issues is an understatement. The audiobook is entertaining with suspense sprinkled throughout. There were also bits of humor and I appreciated the pop culture references. The narrator brought the characters to life while adding a dose of realism. Thank you, NetGalley and Macmillan Audio for my audiobook.
February 18, 2023
The overall plot of this book seems like it’d be a good idea but I just didn’t love the execution of it. The main storyline is that he’s cheating with Viv and it’s just a wife trying to figure out if her husband is cheating. The ending was good though, a quick twist.
🌀Synopsis
Liz is settling into motherhood and living a fairly wonderful life. Until she sees a “flirty” text on her husband’s phone. A woman from his work? He must be cheating.
Liz is now determined to catch Arno in the act. She begins following and social stalking the woman he works with. Finally, she follows him on a work trip and finds out that woman is a lesbian. All fears put to rest, Liz moves on.
They move to a new house together and life is pretty much a dream. When she surprises Arno for lunch in the city they run into a different co-worker and it takes Liz a bit to put the pieces together but she finds out she was right all along- she just had the wrong woman.
🌀Synopsis
Liz is settling into motherhood and living a fairly wonderful life. Until she sees a “flirty” text on her husband’s phone. A woman from his work? He must be cheating.
Liz is now determined to catch Arno in the act. She begins following and social stalking the woman he works with. Finally, she follows him on a work trip and finds out that woman is a lesbian. All fears put to rest, Liz moves on.
They move to a new house together and life is pretty much a dream. When she surprises Arno for lunch in the city they run into a different co-worker and it takes Liz a bit to put the pieces together but she finds out she was right all along- she just had the wrong woman.
August 27, 2022
Every single character in this book was terrible, except for the nanny.
June 11, 2023
Justine Sullivan's clever debut, HE SAID HE WOULD BE LATE is a twisty domestic suspense about motherhood, marriage, and a search for the truth.
Liz Bennet is married to a wonderful man, Arno, and a mother to Emma. She has never had an issue trusting her husband until she sees a text on her husband's phone from a work colleague with a kissy face.
Now, this is all she can think about. She becomes obsessed, determined to find out the identity of this woman. Arno works long hours at a banking firm in downtown Boston while Liz and Emma are home.
However, nothing is as it appears.
Liz is an author with one published book but she cannot get into her current book. She cannot concentrate thinking of her husband traveling and enjoying life while she is at home with a baby and trying to write.
She has a nanny but is following her husband instead of writing. He gets home late, and Liz starts sleuthing, determined to discover what he is up to.
Is he faithful or not?
HE SAID HE WOULD BE LATE is an emotional, insightful, and compelling exploration of marriage and motherhood. Beautifully written with humor, rich character development, and a satisfying conclusion. I would class this as a suburban mystery.
The book shines with the witty dialogue inside Liz's head as she second-guesses everything. Add in a therapist, neighbors, and friends to weigh in.
The audiobook was outstanding, performed by narrator Kelli Tager. I love the cover, and the book draws you in. Highly recommend the audiobook.
It would make an interesting book club pick. Look forward to reading more from this author. For fans of Nora Murphy and Stacy Willingham.
Thank you to #MacmillanAudio and #NetGalley for a gifted ALC in exchange for an honest review.
Blog review posted @
www.JudithDCollins.com
@JudithDCollins | #JDCMustReadBooks
Pub Date: March 14, 2023
My Rating: 4.5 Stars
March 2023 Must-Read Books
Liz Bennet is married to a wonderful man, Arno, and a mother to Emma. She has never had an issue trusting her husband until she sees a text on her husband's phone from a work colleague with a kissy face.
Now, this is all she can think about. She becomes obsessed, determined to find out the identity of this woman. Arno works long hours at a banking firm in downtown Boston while Liz and Emma are home.
However, nothing is as it appears.
Liz is an author with one published book but she cannot get into her current book. She cannot concentrate thinking of her husband traveling and enjoying life while she is at home with a baby and trying to write.
She has a nanny but is following her husband instead of writing. He gets home late, and Liz starts sleuthing, determined to discover what he is up to.
Is he faithful or not?
HE SAID HE WOULD BE LATE is an emotional, insightful, and compelling exploration of marriage and motherhood. Beautifully written with humor, rich character development, and a satisfying conclusion. I would class this as a suburban mystery.
The book shines with the witty dialogue inside Liz's head as she second-guesses everything. Add in a therapist, neighbors, and friends to weigh in.
The audiobook was outstanding, performed by narrator Kelli Tager. I love the cover, and the book draws you in. Highly recommend the audiobook.
It would make an interesting book club pick. Look forward to reading more from this author. For fans of Nora Murphy and Stacy Willingham.
Thank you to #MacmillanAudio and #NetGalley for a gifted ALC in exchange for an honest review.
Blog review posted @
www.JudithDCollins.com
@JudithDCollins | #JDCMustReadBooks
Pub Date: March 14, 2023
My Rating: 4.5 Stars
March 2023 Must-Read Books
September 9, 2023
4.75/5
I am a little shocked by the low average for He Said He Would Be Late by Justine Sullivan on Goodreads because I thought this was a deviously delicious read! There is a little bit of repetition, and if I never hear the words 'he said he would be late' ever again I would be fine with it, but that didn't really take away from my enjoyment. You are doing a deep dive into Liz as a character and not only getting to see her struggles with motherhood but also her eventual obsession with trying to figure out if her husband is cheating. It was wild to see the lengths she would go to, and it made for a very captivating read since I kept thinking that Liz's life as she knew it was about to blow up.
I'm still undecided about how I feel regarding the ending, and I will say that while it confirmed some suspicions I was having, it also left me a little unsatisfied. In reality, it was probably a brilliant way to end the story and is left a bit open to interpretation as well. I got to listen to the audiobook, and I thought Kelli Tager was an absolutely brilliant narrator. Even if you don't like the book, you can't dispute how great the audiobook is, and I loved how Tager brought Liz to life and made her feel like a real live person and someone who could be sitting right next to me. There is lots of drama and sneakery going on and a couple of times I thought it was downright suspenseful! This debut was a winner for me, and I can't wait to see what Sullivan will write next.
I received an advanced listening copy of this book. Opinions expressed in this review are completely my own.
I am a little shocked by the low average for He Said He Would Be Late by Justine Sullivan on Goodreads because I thought this was a deviously delicious read! There is a little bit of repetition, and if I never hear the words 'he said he would be late' ever again I would be fine with it, but that didn't really take away from my enjoyment. You are doing a deep dive into Liz as a character and not only getting to see her struggles with motherhood but also her eventual obsession with trying to figure out if her husband is cheating. It was wild to see the lengths she would go to, and it made for a very captivating read since I kept thinking that Liz's life as she knew it was about to blow up.
I'm still undecided about how I feel regarding the ending, and I will say that while it confirmed some suspicions I was having, it also left me a little unsatisfied. In reality, it was probably a brilliant way to end the story and is left a bit open to interpretation as well. I got to listen to the audiobook, and I thought Kelli Tager was an absolutely brilliant narrator. Even if you don't like the book, you can't dispute how great the audiobook is, and I loved how Tager brought Liz to life and made her feel like a real live person and someone who could be sitting right next to me. There is lots of drama and sneakery going on and a couple of times I thought it was downright suspenseful! This debut was a winner for me, and I can't wait to see what Sullivan will write next.
I received an advanced listening copy of this book. Opinions expressed in this review are completely my own.
April 3, 2023
I found an audiobook of HE SAID HE WOULD BE LATE by Justine Sullivan on the Libby app. Check for your local library on the app and read great books for free!📚
Liz is a beautiful housewife to Arno. She's also new mother to Emma, and she published that one novel once when her life was still pursuing her dreams in graduate school. She lives to feel Arno's embrace, the weight of his regard. But one morning, over breakfast, Arno steps away and leaves his phone behind just as a text comes in, a text from "Viv" complete with a 😘. What follows is a spiral of domestic suspense, paranoid, and toxicity that's fun to read.
None of it is very believable unfortunately, but it doesn't really have to. Whatever the reason, the narrator proves herself to be unreliable; we can accept a lot of shenanigans from her. If you can get past that part, you'll have a better time with this read.
Here's my trigger warning for antiquated gender roles and violence against children.
Rating: 👗👗👗 / 5 party dresses
Recommend? Yea, it's fun
Finished: March 28 2023
Read this if you like:
💜 Ruth Ware
🏡 Domestic thriller
👀 Suspense
👨👩👧 Family drama
Liz is a beautiful housewife to Arno. She's also new mother to Emma, and she published that one novel once when her life was still pursuing her dreams in graduate school. She lives to feel Arno's embrace, the weight of his regard. But one morning, over breakfast, Arno steps away and leaves his phone behind just as a text comes in, a text from "Viv" complete with a 😘. What follows is a spiral of domestic suspense, paranoid, and toxicity that's fun to read.
None of it is very believable unfortunately, but it doesn't really have to. Whatever the reason, the narrator proves herself to be unreliable; we can accept a lot of shenanigans from her. If you can get past that part, you'll have a better time with this read.
Here's my trigger warning for antiquated gender roles and violence against children.
Rating: 👗👗👗 / 5 party dresses
Recommend? Yea, it's fun
Finished: March 28 2023
Read this if you like:
💜 Ruth Ware
🏡 Domestic thriller
👀 Suspense
👨👩👧 Family drama
July 30, 2023
3.5 stars
In the same vein as We Spread by Ian Reid, this book is a character driven thriller about postpartum depression. Although intensely psychological, it is slow moving and focuses on the downward spiral of mental illness.
Liz Bennet is a new mom. Since having her daughter Emma, she has had great difficulty embracing motherhood and bonding with Emma. She has lost her identity as a writer and she no longer feels attractive. Meanwhile her handsome and successful husband Arno spends most nights working late and focused on getting a promotion. This leaves little time for Liz and Arno as a couple. One day, Liz happens to see a text from one of Arno’s female colleagues that could be benign but could also indicate there’s something more going on between them than just work. The idea that Arno and Viv are having an affair slowly consumes Liz and her precarious mental health.
I will emphasize that readers looking for a twisty plot driven thriller should look elsewhere. He Said He Would Be Late isn’t that kind of thriller. It is a full on character study that examines the horrors of postpartum depression. Having experienced symptoms of PPD first hand, I could totally relate to Liz and had much empathy for her plight. As a reader, we are faced with the task of having to decide if Arno is really having an affair or if Liz’s paranoia is a symptom of PPD. I thought the author balanced both possibilities brilliantly, keeping the reader guessing. And that ending was the icing on the cake!
The audio performance was engaging with the narrator using a wide range of voices. It brought the story to life.
Thank you #NetGalley for an advanced audiobook in exchange for an honest review.
In the same vein as We Spread by Ian Reid, this book is a character driven thriller about postpartum depression. Although intensely psychological, it is slow moving and focuses on the downward spiral of mental illness.
Liz Bennet is a new mom. Since having her daughter Emma, she has had great difficulty embracing motherhood and bonding with Emma. She has lost her identity as a writer and she no longer feels attractive. Meanwhile her handsome and successful husband Arno spends most nights working late and focused on getting a promotion. This leaves little time for Liz and Arno as a couple. One day, Liz happens to see a text from one of Arno’s female colleagues that could be benign but could also indicate there’s something more going on between them than just work. The idea that Arno and Viv are having an affair slowly consumes Liz and her precarious mental health.
I will emphasize that readers looking for a twisty plot driven thriller should look elsewhere. He Said He Would Be Late isn’t that kind of thriller. It is a full on character study that examines the horrors of postpartum depression. Having experienced symptoms of PPD first hand, I could totally relate to Liz and had much empathy for her plight. As a reader, we are faced with the task of having to decide if Arno is really having an affair or if Liz’s paranoia is a symptom of PPD. I thought the author balanced both possibilities brilliantly, keeping the reader guessing. And that ending was the icing on the cake!
The audio performance was engaging with the narrator using a wide range of voices. It brought the story to life.
Thank you #NetGalley for an advanced audiobook in exchange for an honest review.
October 19, 2022
This was a quick read but I felt like nothing really happened. Liz lives a seemingly perfect life (which she reminds the reader of constantly) but becomes convinced her husband is cheating on her and does a lot of ridiculous things to get to the bottom of it. I didn't really connect with Liz and felt like the story was somewhat repetitive, though the ending, while not necessarily surprising, was satisfying.
As stated, this one moves at a fast clip and some of the things Liz does are pretty funny. However, I never felt like I really understood WHO she was or what really made her tick, nor what made her marriage work. It seemed that her husband Arno did some pretty strange things during the book but I never got an indication of whether this was out of character or not, and what their marriage was like.
All in all, OK read but I am not sure it's totally memorable. Thanks to Netgalley for providing me with a copy of this book in exchange for an honest review.
As stated, this one moves at a fast clip and some of the things Liz does are pretty funny. However, I never felt like I really understood WHO she was or what really made her tick, nor what made her marriage work. It seemed that her husband Arno did some pretty strange things during the book but I never got an indication of whether this was out of character or not, and what their marriage was like.
All in all, OK read but I am not sure it's totally memorable. Thanks to Netgalley for providing me with a copy of this book in exchange for an honest review.
September 21, 2022
This one really disappointed me. I requested He Said He Would Be Late because I was hoping it had a unique story, a twist I haven't seen before in this overdone genre…
Sadly, I was not impressed. I was bored.
Liz Bennet is the picture of all the women who have come before her. Married to a handsome, and very rich man, Arno- She's a writer, but has (naturally) forsaken her identity and talents to be a wife and mother. Basically, she's lost. We know nothing about her, what she likes or dislikes, her hobbies. She's got writer's block and drinks a lot. She also sees a flirty text on her husband's cell phone, she becomes obsessed with the fact that he's cheating. The entire book is Liz trying to prove Arno is really cheating on her. The storyline itself had some pretty humorous parts, I laughed quite a few times but the end fell very very flat. Trust me when I say this has been done so many times already and this one was no different than the others you gave read. The cover is lovely- storyline is boring.
Thanks to Netgalley and publisher for giving me an advance copy.
May 8, 2023
This was a gentle, chatty chick lit offering with no real mystery and a very sad, confused narrator. I felt terribly sorry for Liz Bennett (no, not that one) and started off thinking she struggled with vernacular English, since she has a stilted, unnatural way of speaking. Characters “guzzle down cocktails thirstily” and she describes the baby “emitting” sounds. “I shake the memory from my periphery like a dog dispelling water after a bath” - okay, this isn’t the character, it’s the author showing off her dubious creative writing class skills. Even the title reads awkwardly - I'd have called it He Said He'd Be Late. The only character who spoke naturally was Emma the toddler. There are a number of very silly clichés and tropes here - the main character puts on a wig to disguise herself from the woman she thinks her husband is seeing - and an unoriginal ending.
Sorry, gotta run - my dog’s dispelling water in my periphery. 2 stars.
Sorry, gotta run - my dog’s dispelling water in my periphery. 2 stars.
November 3, 2022
A pacey, compelling tale of obsession that's also an insightful and intimate look at marriage and the many vulnerabilities of new motherhood, this gorgeous debut truly shines!
April 10, 2023
Review to come…
March 6, 2023
She had it all or did she? Doubt and insecurities drove this suspense. She’s a new mom, at her worst for feelings, body image and forgetfulness. So needless to say, she’s starts questioning everything. Been there??
I gave this a 3.5⭐️. I felt like it was a bit long for the situation but I highly suggest listening to it. The narrator was amazing. This was a debut novel and the author has talent. I’m telling you this story made me uncomfortable almost the entire time. And then the ENDING! What?!
So yes, it was engaging and nail biting if you like that sorta thing.
Thanks Macmillan Audio via NetGalley.
I gave this a 3.5⭐️. I felt like it was a bit long for the situation but I highly suggest listening to it. The narrator was amazing. This was a debut novel and the author has talent. I’m telling you this story made me uncomfortable almost the entire time. And then the ENDING! What?!
So yes, it was engaging and nail biting if you like that sorta thing.
Thanks Macmillan Audio via NetGalley.
March 3, 2023
I have never read a crazier character than Liz Bennett. The amount of disdain I have for this woman isn’t something I can even put into words.
I listened to this on audiobook and it was truly so hard to get through. Don’t hear what I’m not saying, the writing was well done. The author was intelligent and I believe she does and will continue to write great novels. It’s Liz Bennett. She is 1000% terrible and it was torturous for me to listen to.
**Potential spoiler** There were so many triggering things in this for me. She’s a new Mom and I’m quite certain she truly HATES her daughter. She’s a paranoid narcissist. She projects and blames everyone and is never at fault. She’s also so insecure and her need for validation, love, and approval was painstakingly cringy.
I have never felt such strong dislike over a novel before in my life. I feel terrible writing this review but I also feel so strongly in my thoughts about this it that I had to write it.
I would love for someone else to read it so we could discuss either similar feelings or to hear a contrasting viewpoint!
I listened to this on audiobook and it was truly so hard to get through. Don’t hear what I’m not saying, the writing was well done. The author was intelligent and I believe she does and will continue to write great novels. It’s Liz Bennett. She is 1000% terrible and it was torturous for me to listen to.
**Potential spoiler** There were so many triggering things in this for me. She’s a new Mom and I’m quite certain she truly HATES her daughter. She’s a paranoid narcissist. She projects and blames everyone and is never at fault. She’s also so insecure and her need for validation, love, and approval was painstakingly cringy.
I have never felt such strong dislike over a novel before in my life. I feel terrible writing this review but I also feel so strongly in my thoughts about this it that I had to write it.
I would love for someone else to read it so we could discuss either similar feelings or to hear a contrasting viewpoint!
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
April 16, 2023
🌟🌟🌟.75
This is Justine Sullivan’s debut novel. A psychological thriller that explores the intricacies of marriage and the fragile emotional state of a new mother dealing with more than she can handle.
This story will appeal to anyone who has been in Liz’s situation. If you haven’t suffered from depression or suspected your spouse of cheating, you may find it hard to sympathize with Liz’s feelings and what seems like annoyingly over-the-top behavior. This book probably isn’t for you.
I’m a sucker for a beautiful cover so I couldn’t pass this one up! Justine Sullivan’s writing is very good. I alternated between reading the book and listening to the audiobook, narrated by Kelli Tager. The narration is excellent. The characters are fully developed. Liz’s story is plausible. However, the story is slow-paced and fairly predictable. I feel like a shorter version would improve the read. It picks up speed at the very end, but by that point, I figured out the final twist.
The writing of the author’s debut is impressive and I’m excited to see what she comes out with next!
Sincere thanks to Henry Holt Books and the author for this gifted book. This review is my honest opinion.
#HeSaidHeWouldBeLate #JustineSullivan #debutthriller #HenryHoltBooks #honestreview #giftedARC #honestreview #psychologicalthriller #thrillerfriendsunite #mysteryandthrills #readwithme #bookaddict #thrilleraddict #thrillersofinstagram #bookstagrammer #lovebooks #bookreviewersofinstagram #lovetoreadbooks #cantstopreading #fortheloveofbooks #audiobookreview #libbyapp #newmother #emotionallyfragile
This is Justine Sullivan’s debut novel. A psychological thriller that explores the intricacies of marriage and the fragile emotional state of a new mother dealing with more than she can handle.
This story will appeal to anyone who has been in Liz’s situation. If you haven’t suffered from depression or suspected your spouse of cheating, you may find it hard to sympathize with Liz’s feelings and what seems like annoyingly over-the-top behavior. This book probably isn’t for you.
I’m a sucker for a beautiful cover so I couldn’t pass this one up! Justine Sullivan’s writing is very good. I alternated between reading the book and listening to the audiobook, narrated by Kelli Tager. The narration is excellent. The characters are fully developed. Liz’s story is plausible. However, the story is slow-paced and fairly predictable. I feel like a shorter version would improve the read. It picks up speed at the very end, but by that point, I figured out the final twist.
The writing of the author’s debut is impressive and I’m excited to see what she comes out with next!
Sincere thanks to Henry Holt Books and the author for this gifted book. This review is my honest opinion.
#HeSaidHeWouldBeLate #JustineSullivan #debutthriller #HenryHoltBooks #honestreview #giftedARC #honestreview #psychologicalthriller #thrillerfriendsunite #mysteryandthrills #readwithme #bookaddict #thrilleraddict #thrillersofinstagram #bookstagrammer #lovebooks #bookreviewersofinstagram #lovetoreadbooks #cantstopreading #fortheloveofbooks #audiobookreview #libbyapp #newmother #emotionallyfragile
September 15, 2022
What is wrong with Liz Bennett? She has a drop dead gorgeous husband, a beautiful baby girl and a nanny to help her so she can work on her second book. Oh, and her husband is wealthy, with a promising career and even wants to buy her a new house in a charming Boston suburb. So what’s wrong? Why is Liz convinced that handsome Arno is having an affair? The more suspicious Liz becomes, the kinder, more caring Arno becomes. Even Liz’ therapist thinks she’s delusional. But is she?
This is a hard review to write without spoilers. Please trust me and read this 5 star domestic thriller. This is a new author for me but I know that in a short period of time, readers who are now saying “for fans of Lucy Foley and Ruth Ware’ will be saying “for fans of Justine Sullivan” instead. He Said He Would Be Late is perfectly paced. Sullivan makes you feel the drag of long days with a baby, the anxious overreactions that Liz is prone to and the desperation that drives her impetuous acts. You believe Liz, then you don’t. And you will not see the conclusion coming. 5 stars.
Thank you to NetGalley, Henry Holt and Company and Justine Sullivan for this ARC.
This is a hard review to write without spoilers. Please trust me and read this 5 star domestic thriller. This is a new author for me but I know that in a short period of time, readers who are now saying “for fans of Lucy Foley and Ruth Ware’ will be saying “for fans of Justine Sullivan” instead. He Said He Would Be Late is perfectly paced. Sullivan makes you feel the drag of long days with a baby, the anxious overreactions that Liz is prone to and the desperation that drives her impetuous acts. You believe Liz, then you don’t. And you will not see the conclusion coming. 5 stars.
Thank you to NetGalley, Henry Holt and Company and Justine Sullivan for this ARC.
August 22, 2022
The cover on this book, "He Said He Would be Late," is gorgeous. While I don't fault the author for her writing (a pet peeve of mine is when the writing doesn't flow;) I do wonder if the plot was imagined to be something more. I started out excited, then started waiting for something, anything to happen. Then, I became irritated with Liz, a mother of a young daughter with a husband who often works late. Honestly, it was about then that I was skipping pages, trying to get somewhere with it. While I didn't guess the ending, it seemed like it was hanging in thin air.
Thank you to NetGalley and Henry Holt and Company for an e-ARC of this title in exchange for my honest review.
Thank you to NetGalley and Henry Holt and Company for an e-ARC of this title in exchange for my honest review.
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