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The Ex-Husband
You thought you were safe. Until he moved in next door…
I haven’t lived here long. The house is small and a little rundown, but each piece of faded floral wallpaper I peel away feels like unwrapping the second chance I never thought I’d get. I’m finally free to wear what I want, and I don’t flinch when I accidently burn dinner. My new home is warm, and the kids are safe inside. Anywhere would feel idyllic after the nightmare marriage I’ve just escaped.
But then I see my ex-husband Craig stroll past my window and let himself into the house next door. Fear chokes me. How did he find me? Does he want me back, or to destroy me for good?
As the removals van pulls away, Craig tells me it’s just a coincidence, that we can all get along and be good neighbours. But at night I lie awake listening to the sound of laughter and lovemaking through the thin wall that separates us, wondering if his new girlfriend is safe. And in the morning, I rifle through his trash, trying to guess his next move. I know how crazy I look, but I’d do anything to protect my children.
Weeks later, when the night air fills with smoke, and this quiet street dances with blue and red flashing police lights, all the secrets behind our two closed doors will be revealed. But after everything that’s happened, will anyone believe I’m innocent?
An absolutely unputdownable psychological thriller from an Amazon No1. bestseller that will keep you turning pages long into the night. Fans of The Wife Between Us, The Family Upstairs and The Girl on the Train will be totally hooked!
I haven’t lived here long. The house is small and a little rundown, but each piece of faded floral wallpaper I peel away feels like unwrapping the second chance I never thought I’d get. I’m finally free to wear what I want, and I don’t flinch when I accidently burn dinner. My new home is warm, and the kids are safe inside. Anywhere would feel idyllic after the nightmare marriage I’ve just escaped.
But then I see my ex-husband Craig stroll past my window and let himself into the house next door. Fear chokes me. How did he find me? Does he want me back, or to destroy me for good?
As the removals van pulls away, Craig tells me it’s just a coincidence, that we can all get along and be good neighbours. But at night I lie awake listening to the sound of laughter and lovemaking through the thin wall that separates us, wondering if his new girlfriend is safe. And in the morning, I rifle through his trash, trying to guess his next move. I know how crazy I look, but I’d do anything to protect my children.
Weeks later, when the night air fills with smoke, and this quiet street dances with blue and red flashing police lights, all the secrets behind our two closed doors will be revealed. But after everything that’s happened, will anyone believe I’m innocent?
An absolutely unputdownable psychological thriller from an Amazon No1. bestseller that will keep you turning pages long into the night. Fans of The Wife Between Us, The Family Upstairs and The Girl on the Train will be totally hooked!
344 pages, Paperback
First published June 28, 2022
2216 people are currently reading
2215 people want to read
About the author
Samantha Hayes
52 books1,449 followersHello!
Thanks for stopping by my Goodreads page!
My latest psychological thriller THE ENGAGEMENT is out on 10th January 2023 from Amazon, available in ebook, paperback and audio formats. I do hope you love it!
If you love a good 'domestic noir' thriller that will mess with your mind and keep you turning the pages, then my books are for you! You can check out all my titles on my Amazon page here:
https://amzn.to/3jZ83zU
I do hope you'll love getting stuck into my books and enjoy reading them as much as I love writing them. And do let me know what you think - it's great to hear from readers! You can get in touch via my website where you'll find lots of info about me and my books - www.samanthahayes.co.uk or come and 'Like' my Facebook page at www.facebook.com/SamanthaHayesAuthor or follow me on Twitter too @samhayes or @samanthahayes.author on Instagram.
Happy reading!
Samantha xx
Thanks for stopping by my Goodreads page!
My latest psychological thriller THE ENGAGEMENT is out on 10th January 2023 from Amazon, available in ebook, paperback and audio formats. I do hope you love it!
If you love a good 'domestic noir' thriller that will mess with your mind and keep you turning the pages, then my books are for you! You can check out all my titles on my Amazon page here:
https://amzn.to/3jZ83zU
I do hope you'll love getting stuck into my books and enjoy reading them as much as I love writing them. And do let me know what you think - it's great to hear from readers! You can get in touch via my website where you'll find lots of info about me and my books - www.samanthahayes.co.uk or come and 'Like' my Facebook page at www.facebook.com/SamanthaHayesAuthor or follow me on Twitter too @samhayes or @samanthahayes.author on Instagram.
Happy reading!
Samantha xx
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 285 reviews
May 15, 2022
Thank you Bookouture and NetGalley for an ARC in exchange for an honest review. IYKYK, my reviews are always honest.
2.5 rounded up
Writing: 3/5 | Plot: 2.5/5 | Ending: im confusion (in a good way)/5
THE PLOT
Leah thinks she's free from her abusive ex-husband until BLOOP he moves into the home next door. Unsurprisingly he starts wreaking havoc, but when he pops up dead, everyone's secrets are at risk of being exposed.
MY OPINION
I'm gonna be honest, Samantha Hayes has joined Alafair Burke as my guilty pleasure author. You might be like HUH??? With a 2.5??? Yes... I know. But like I said, it's a GUILTY PLEASURE. Like Selling Sunset and Love is Blind, you know you shouldn't enjoy it, but yet you do? Objectively, I know this is not a literary masterpiece, but nonetheless I was entertained.
I've now read three Hayes novels including this one. The Trapped Wife was so hard to rate because I was so confused but that ending was banger!! And Date Night blindsided me again with a shocking twist. Out of the three, the Ex-Husband had the least shocking twist... or did it? I still don't know how to feel about those final couple of paragraphs and what that means in the grand scheme of things. If you read this, slide in my DMs. Because if she's saying what I think she's saying... game changer.
Hats off to Hayes for creating a truly unlikeable ex-husband. Everything Craig did is FIGHT TALK. I want to engage in a physical altercation of fisticuffs with him. I would love to kick him straight in the chest and watch his shoulders clap together like a standing ovation. I swear I'm not violent...
Like I said, this is the equivalent to a gossip magazine. If you want a breezy read on a Saturday afternoon, pick this up. This is your typical commercial domestic thriller with affairs galore, shallow characters, and cheap thrillers. It just didn't annoy the shit outta me because none of the characters were supposedly educated psychologists acting a fool for some dick.
PROS AND CONS
Pros: easy read, entertaining, final couple of paragraphs had me like WAIT A DAMN MINUTE
Cons: avg writing, one affair was particularly yucky, i wanted to fight Leah's "friends"
2.5 rounded up
Writing: 3/5 | Plot: 2.5/5 | Ending: im confusion (in a good way)/5
THE PLOT
Leah thinks she's free from her abusive ex-husband until BLOOP he moves into the home next door. Unsurprisingly he starts wreaking havoc, but when he pops up dead, everyone's secrets are at risk of being exposed.
MY OPINION
I'm gonna be honest, Samantha Hayes has joined Alafair Burke as my guilty pleasure author. You might be like HUH??? With a 2.5??? Yes... I know. But like I said, it's a GUILTY PLEASURE. Like Selling Sunset and Love is Blind, you know you shouldn't enjoy it, but yet you do? Objectively, I know this is not a literary masterpiece, but nonetheless I was entertained.
I've now read three Hayes novels including this one. The Trapped Wife was so hard to rate because I was so confused but that ending was banger!! And Date Night blindsided me again with a shocking twist. Out of the three, the Ex-Husband had the least shocking twist... or did it? I still don't know how to feel about those final couple of paragraphs and what that means in the grand scheme of things. If you read this, slide in my DMs. Because if she's saying what I think she's saying... game changer.
Hats off to Hayes for creating a truly unlikeable ex-husband. Everything Craig did is FIGHT TALK. I want to engage in a physical altercation of fisticuffs with him. I would love to kick him straight in the chest and watch his shoulders clap together like a standing ovation. I swear I'm not violent...
Like I said, this is the equivalent to a gossip magazine. If you want a breezy read on a Saturday afternoon, pick this up. This is your typical commercial domestic thriller with affairs galore, shallow characters, and cheap thrillers. It just didn't annoy the shit outta me because none of the characters were supposedly educated psychologists acting a fool for some dick.
PROS AND CONS
Pros: easy read, entertaining, final couple of paragraphs had me like WAIT A DAMN MINUTE
Cons: avg writing, one affair was particularly yucky, i wanted to fight Leah's "friends"
May 22, 2022
Leah is now so happy as she is finally free of her ex-husband Craig as she surveys the small old-fashioned house she’s managed to buy. She eagerly anticipate the DIY when she spots a removal van as her new neighbours arrive. She meets Gillian and anticipates meeting “Rexie“ when wait, what? Why is Craig walking down next doors path to the front door??? No way! Oh yes indeedy, yes way. What game is Craig playing now as the battle lines are drawn but who will emerge victorious?
It’s a bit slow to get going and I have to question why someone as nice as Leah would attach herself so long to a first class prize (feel free to insert your word of choice) as Craig. He is a fist clincher, preferably right in the middle of his smug chops. Leah does frustrate me at times but that’s another story!!
Of course this is entertaining and naturally because it’s Samantha Hayes it’s also madly OTT and bonkers but I couldn’t put it down! I just have to read on to see how it plays out with my fingers firmly crossed that one character gets their justs.
There are multiple twists and some are you’ve got to be kidding me, pull the other leg it’s got half a dozen clanging bells attached, but it’s so darn entertaining! You have to admire it! One twist is distinctly unsavoury, I think you could’ve spared us that thought Ms Hayes and at times the dialogue isn’t great!
Overall though, if you want something that’s quick and easy to read, doesn’t challenge your brain cells too much, that has moments of high drama and which is pleasingly diverting, then this is for you! This author always makes me smile with the audacity of her plots.
With thanks to NetGalley and especially to Bookouture for the much appreciated arc in return for an honest review.
3.5 rounded up for the entertainment value
It’s a bit slow to get going and I have to question why someone as nice as Leah would attach herself so long to a first class prize (feel free to insert your word of choice) as Craig. He is a fist clincher, preferably right in the middle of his smug chops. Leah does frustrate me at times but that’s another story!!
Of course this is entertaining and naturally because it’s Samantha Hayes it’s also madly OTT and bonkers but I couldn’t put it down! I just have to read on to see how it plays out with my fingers firmly crossed that one character gets their justs.
There are multiple twists and some are you’ve got to be kidding me, pull the other leg it’s got half a dozen clanging bells attached, but it’s so darn entertaining! You have to admire it! One twist is distinctly unsavoury, I think you could’ve spared us that thought Ms Hayes and at times the dialogue isn’t great!
Overall though, if you want something that’s quick and easy to read, doesn’t challenge your brain cells too much, that has moments of high drama and which is pleasingly diverting, then this is for you! This author always makes me smile with the audacity of her plots.
With thanks to NetGalley and especially to Bookouture for the much appreciated arc in return for an honest review.
3.5 rounded up for the entertainment value
July 1, 2022
Leah is so happy to have a home for herself and her children. It's small and homey with a yard she plants vegetables in. It is the perfect place to start over following her divorce. It's like a breath of fresh air until her ex-husband Craig and his partner, Gillian moves next door. It's the ultimate slap in the face. This was meant to be her happy place but now it's a nightmare.
They share a wall, and she gets to hear everything. It literally keeps her up at night. Plus, Craig is pulling out all the stops, except no one believes her. Then there is smoke in the air and as the police arrive, secrets will be exposed, and questions will be asked....
This book had DRAMA galore. Leah is having a rough time and she doesn't help her case at all by her actions in this book. There was a lot of head shaking done by me as I read. Then there is Craig - he is a major piece of work! That's all I'm going to say about him!
This read like a nighttime soap meets movie of the week and I mean that in a good way. It was dramatic, full of 'interesting' characters, lots of tension, anger, outlandishness, and nonsense. Put this on your guilty pleasure list. This book has drama galore, and it is nonstop for most of the book. There are plenty of twists and turns which shocked and had me once again thinking that this book was full of all kinds of crazy antics.
This was a book I easily read in one day and enjoyed from cover to cover.
#TheExHusband #NetGalley
Thank you to Bookouture and NetGalley who provided me with a copy of this book in exchange for an honest review. All the thoughts and opinions are my own.
Read more of my reviews at www.openbookposts.com
They share a wall, and she gets to hear everything. It literally keeps her up at night. Plus, Craig is pulling out all the stops, except no one believes her. Then there is smoke in the air and as the police arrive, secrets will be exposed, and questions will be asked....
This book had DRAMA galore. Leah is having a rough time and she doesn't help her case at all by her actions in this book. There was a lot of head shaking done by me as I read. Then there is Craig - he is a major piece of work! That's all I'm going to say about him!
This read like a nighttime soap meets movie of the week and I mean that in a good way. It was dramatic, full of 'interesting' characters, lots of tension, anger, outlandishness, and nonsense. Put this on your guilty pleasure list. This book has drama galore, and it is nonstop for most of the book. There are plenty of twists and turns which shocked and had me once again thinking that this book was full of all kinds of crazy antics.
This was a book I easily read in one day and enjoyed from cover to cover.
#TheExHusband #NetGalley
Thank you to Bookouture and NetGalley who provided me with a copy of this book in exchange for an honest review. All the thoughts and opinions are my own.
Read more of my reviews at www.openbookposts.com
May 31, 2022
The book starts with a body being found in a bonfire on Leah’s property. We don’t know who it is but just keep that in mind. Leah is so happy to move into her new cottage after finally getting through the divorce from her A-hole of a husband, Craig Forbes. She and the children (Zoe -14 and Henry - 7) can now relax and enjoy themselves. Leah even has plans for a vegetable garden in the big plot of land behind her courtyard. But - alas, their joy is short lived.
New people are moving into the much larger house next door that they share a wall with. Leah meets Gillian who seems quite nice and can’t wait until “Rexie” returns so they can have a little get together. But Leah’s jaw drops when she sees Craig walking up the path next door. It can’t be, but it is. Craig is Gillian’s Rexie!
Oh he is loving this. He takes every opportunity to deride Leah, to scare her, to gaslight her and all the other tricks that such abusers employ. It was actually a bit distressing for me to read about it. But wait - this is Samantha Hayes and she always has some surprises up her sleeve. Leah is not going to take this lying down.
There are some interesting supporting characters too, and they have secrets. One of them is a whopper. Meanwhile Craig is up to his usual tricks, it’s a wonder he can remember how many women he is stringing along at any given time. Things come to a head when the body is found and all the secrets are laid bare.
Poor Leah, she did some silly things but with the pressure she was under they were forgivable. Craig was an excellent villain, there was no chance of liking him even a little bit. The story is a little OTT and a lot bonkers and some suspension of disbelief is required but even so it is a very entertaining story with a good level of drama and suspense. Many thanks to Netgalley and Bookouture for the much appreciated arc which I reviewed voluntarily and honestly.
New people are moving into the much larger house next door that they share a wall with. Leah meets Gillian who seems quite nice and can’t wait until “Rexie” returns so they can have a little get together. But Leah’s jaw drops when she sees Craig walking up the path next door. It can’t be, but it is. Craig is Gillian’s Rexie!
Oh he is loving this. He takes every opportunity to deride Leah, to scare her, to gaslight her and all the other tricks that such abusers employ. It was actually a bit distressing for me to read about it. But wait - this is Samantha Hayes and she always has some surprises up her sleeve. Leah is not going to take this lying down.
There are some interesting supporting characters too, and they have secrets. One of them is a whopper. Meanwhile Craig is up to his usual tricks, it’s a wonder he can remember how many women he is stringing along at any given time. Things come to a head when the body is found and all the secrets are laid bare.
Poor Leah, she did some silly things but with the pressure she was under they were forgivable. Craig was an excellent villain, there was no chance of liking him even a little bit. The story is a little OTT and a lot bonkers and some suspension of disbelief is required but even so it is a very entertaining story with a good level of drama and suspense. Many thanks to Netgalley and Bookouture for the much appreciated arc which I reviewed voluntarily and honestly.
July 14, 2022
Samantha Hayes writes books that can be daunting, thrilling and sometimes plods along keeping the reader steadily reading and quietly intrigued.
I’ve read books by her that has made me gasp and some that I quietly finish and close the book with “I enjoyed that”. This was one of those plots.
It was interesting. It kept me reading. I wasn’t eagerly flicking the pages or want to stay up all night to finish it but I liked it. I have always loved her style of writing, the way she plans out her plots.
Meeting the characters she makes totally real to me whether I like them or not.
She’s living her life now with the children away from her ex.
She has been there living, running her salon, her kids are settled then….
Whose moved into the bigger house next to her?
Her ex and his new wife.
There’s room for trouble, right?
I found her a bit weak when it came to him suddenly seeing the kids more. Didn’t distract though, I just wanted to shake her is all!
If you like domestic noir or family drama with a mysterious edge to it, this might fulfil your needs.
Can’t wait for her next one now.
I’ve read books by her that has made me gasp and some that I quietly finish and close the book with “I enjoyed that”. This was one of those plots.
It was interesting. It kept me reading. I wasn’t eagerly flicking the pages or want to stay up all night to finish it but I liked it. I have always loved her style of writing, the way she plans out her plots.
Meeting the characters she makes totally real to me whether I like them or not.
She’s living her life now with the children away from her ex.
She has been there living, running her salon, her kids are settled then….
Whose moved into the bigger house next to her?
Her ex and his new wife.
There’s room for trouble, right?
I found her a bit weak when it came to him suddenly seeing the kids more. Didn’t distract though, I just wanted to shake her is all!
If you like domestic noir or family drama with a mysterious edge to it, this might fulfil your needs.
Can’t wait for her next one now.
June 29, 2022
This was a mixed bag!
I felt it took a while to suck me in- there was a little too much unnecessary 'house talk' for me, and I much prefer books that go straight into the drama!
We find out straight away that Leah is starting out anew after her divorce, only to find that her horrid ex-husband Craig is moving in next door!
Craig is a vile character, which certainly proves Hayes' talent to write such people so well, and it really helps adds to the tension throughout.
The story kept me engaged to the end and I did enjoy the twists as they played out.
I felt it took a while to suck me in- there was a little too much unnecessary 'house talk' for me, and I much prefer books that go straight into the drama!
We find out straight away that Leah is starting out anew after her divorce, only to find that her horrid ex-husband Craig is moving in next door!
Craig is a vile character, which certainly proves Hayes' talent to write such people so well, and it really helps adds to the tension throughout.
The story kept me engaged to the end and I did enjoy the twists as they played out.
June 21, 2022
I ( like many of us ) read many psychological thrillers and the title along with the blurb gave me a good indication of what was to come, for me the first part was good and the second part was very good…..I dont want to say anything about it other than just when I thought it was following ‘protocol’ for these kind of books it took a big ‘twist’ ( I know some object to this word but until we find another it has to do ) and the book took a very unexpected turn, not much surprises me when reading but this did 🤗
It honestly covers all bases as we would want but it goes that extra mile to add even more of a dark tinge to things and the whole thing ended very satisfyingly
Well written with a flurry of good characters and a tense storyline, a must for all lovers of psychological shenanigans
9/10
5 Stars
It honestly covers all bases as we would want but it goes that extra mile to add even more of a dark tinge to things and the whole thing ended very satisfyingly
Well written with a flurry of good characters and a tense storyline, a must for all lovers of psychological shenanigans
9/10
5 Stars
June 20, 2022
I haven't lived here long. The house is small and a little run down, but each piece of faded floral wallpaper I peel away feels like unwrapping the second chance I never thought I'd get. I'm finally free to wear what I want, and don't flinch when I accidently burn the dinner. My new home is warm, and the kids are safe inside. Anywhere would feel idyllic after the nightmare marriage I've just escaped. But then I see my ex-husband Craig stroll past the window and let himself into the house next door. Fear chokes me. How did he find me? Does he want me back, or to destroy me for good.
An ex-husband who will stop at nothing to ruin his ex-wife's life. I was immediately gripped by the storyline. This is a rollercoaster read with plenty of twists. I loved the authors writing style and I couldn't put the book down. My heart went out to Leah. Who would want their abusive ex living next door? The characters were well developed. The ending was satisfactory. I thoroughly enjoyed this book.
I would like to thank #Netgalley #Bookouture and the author #SamanthaHayes for my ARC of #TheExHusband in exchange for an honest review.
An ex-husband who will stop at nothing to ruin his ex-wife's life. I was immediately gripped by the storyline. This is a rollercoaster read with plenty of twists. I loved the authors writing style and I couldn't put the book down. My heart went out to Leah. Who would want their abusive ex living next door? The characters were well developed. The ending was satisfactory. I thoroughly enjoyed this book.
I would like to thank #Netgalley #Bookouture and the author #SamanthaHayes for my ARC of #TheExHusband in exchange for an honest review.
Read
June 21, 2022I can’t... just no. DNF at 5%.
Thank you to Netgalley and the publisher for this arc in exchange for my honest review.
Thank you to Netgalley and the publisher for this arc in exchange for my honest review.
May 18, 2023
having left a craigy husband
myself, I first felt hooked by
identification, then irritated
by exasperation, and finally
annoyed with frustration. :x
myself, I first felt hooked by
identification, then irritated
by exasperation, and finally
annoyed with frustration. :x
May 30, 2022
Samantha Hayes' novel The Ex-Husband is a psychological thriller with elements of mystery and suspense. As Hayes surprises her readers with her different takes on domestic situations, her ability to create spellbinding characters with a dissolving sense of reality stands out in this gripping book.
Synopsis:
Leah and her two children recently settled into a comfortable newly-acquired home away from the old memories of their former life. Craig, Leah's ex-husband is mentally and physically abusive. When Leah welcomes new neighbor Gillian to the neighborhood, she is shocked to meet Gillian's live-in partner Rexie. Craig known as "Rexie" to Gillian, is Leah's ex-husband. Craig is a powerful real estate agent who conveniently found Leah and bought the house next door. How far will Leah go to protect her children from Craig?
The Ex-Husband is edgy, chilling and foreboding. Hayes exposes the darker parts of the human psyche using fear and emotional vulnerabilities. The result is an intense story with a shocking unexpected plot. (3.5 bumped up to 4⭐⭐⭐⭐)
The Ex-Husband by Samantha Hayes is available on June 28th.
Thank you, NetGalley and Bookouture for allowing me to review this atmospheric book. Salute to bestselling author Samantha Hayes for her outstanding twenty fifth novel, The Ex-Husband.
Synopsis:
Leah and her two children recently settled into a comfortable newly-acquired home away from the old memories of their former life. Craig, Leah's ex-husband is mentally and physically abusive. When Leah welcomes new neighbor Gillian to the neighborhood, she is shocked to meet Gillian's live-in partner Rexie. Craig known as "Rexie" to Gillian, is Leah's ex-husband. Craig is a powerful real estate agent who conveniently found Leah and bought the house next door. How far will Leah go to protect her children from Craig?
The Ex-Husband is edgy, chilling and foreboding. Hayes exposes the darker parts of the human psyche using fear and emotional vulnerabilities. The result is an intense story with a shocking unexpected plot. (3.5 bumped up to 4⭐⭐⭐⭐)
The Ex-Husband by Samantha Hayes is available on June 28th.
Thank you, NetGalley and Bookouture for allowing me to review this atmospheric book. Salute to bestselling author Samantha Hayes for her outstanding twenty fifth novel, The Ex-Husband.
June 25, 2022
Leah thought she was finally free of her abusive ex-husband Craig. She had moved into a new house with her children, and finally felt happy and free. This soon changes when she meets her new neighbours - Craig and his new girlfriend Gillian! As Craig continues his manipulation, Leah's life spirals out of control.
I loved this book! It was absolutely fantastic, gripping and utterly brilliant. Craig was a character I absolutely detested, the manipulation can be felt vibrating through the pages. I can't wait to read more by this author!
I loved this book! It was absolutely fantastic, gripping and utterly brilliant. Craig was a character I absolutely detested, the manipulation can be felt vibrating through the pages. I can't wait to read more by this author!
July 18, 2022
You thought you were safe. Until he moved in next door…
Leah is divorced from her husband Crail and is revelling in the freedom life now offers where she can do what she wants without her ex being there to manipulate, degrade and basically make her life hell. She purchases an old property which she is beginning to do up. Her two kids are with her and her ex seems to hardly be interested in their lives which is at times making the children hurt and extremely upset.
Leah had wonderful neighbours when she purchased the house but before she knows it they are moving on. One day, while she is working in her daughters new bedroom, she sees a truck pull up and realises new neighbours will be moving in. This is the beginning of Leah's new nightmare and how her life is going to change from the peace she has now as her ex husband moves next door.
I found myself not wanting to put this down as I was wondering how it was all going to come together and what fate would await her abusive ex. Sometimes karma is a bitch and I was loving it. If you enjoy a fast paced thriller that you will enjoy this as I have with all the stories Samantha Hayes produced.
Thank you to Netgalley, the author and publisher for a copy of the book in exchange for and honest and unbiased review.
Leah is divorced from her husband Crail and is revelling in the freedom life now offers where she can do what she wants without her ex being there to manipulate, degrade and basically make her life hell. She purchases an old property which she is beginning to do up. Her two kids are with her and her ex seems to hardly be interested in their lives which is at times making the children hurt and extremely upset.
Leah had wonderful neighbours when she purchased the house but before she knows it they are moving on. One day, while she is working in her daughters new bedroom, she sees a truck pull up and realises new neighbours will be moving in. This is the beginning of Leah's new nightmare and how her life is going to change from the peace she has now as her ex husband moves next door.
I found myself not wanting to put this down as I was wondering how it was all going to come together and what fate would await her abusive ex. Sometimes karma is a bitch and I was loving it. If you enjoy a fast paced thriller that you will enjoy this as I have with all the stories Samantha Hayes produced.
Thank you to Netgalley, the author and publisher for a copy of the book in exchange for and honest and unbiased review.
September 3, 2022
What in the flippity freak did I just read??
I can say this book is definitely thrilling and full of suspense and that it is quite gruesome and detailed.
I questioned the writing style sometimes. For instance, it would leave a cliffhanger at the end of a chapter and not follow through with it at the beginning of the next, even though there aren't multiple narrators.
It was wild! I wish it had been a tad shorter but it was definitely worth the time. Literally wth lol still shook!
I can say this book is definitely thrilling and full of suspense and that it is quite gruesome and detailed.
I questioned the writing style sometimes. For instance, it would leave a cliffhanger at the end of a chapter and not follow through with it at the beginning of the next, even though there aren't multiple narrators.
It was wild! I wish it had been a tad shorter but it was definitely worth the time. Literally wth lol still shook!
Read
June 16, 2022OMG The Ex-Husband literally made my blood boil! Meet Craig, the ex, who is one of those characters that really gets under your skin and makes you want to kill them! The story had me gripped and had me picking up my Kindle at every opportunity to see how it would all end. A nail-biting read!
October 7, 2023
So much longer than it needs to be...
May 13, 2022
Leah is finally able to get away from her husband Craig after her divorce. She is now happily settling into a new house with her two children. A new neighbor named Gillian moves in next door and they become fast friends. While attending a party at Gillian's house, she finds out that Gillian’s partner, who now goes by the name Rex, is really her ex-husband Craig. Now as her neighbor, Craig does whatever he can to ruin Leah's life going forward.
This was another great book by Samantha Hayes. I've read many of her books and she always has a surprise or two in store for you. This was no exception. There was a big twist close to the end of the book that I really didn't expect and that was quite shocking. If you are looking for a new thriller, I would add The EX-HUSBAND to your list for a quick and very entertaining read.
Many thanks to NetGalley and Bookouture for my ARC in exchange for my honest review.
This review will be posted to my Instagram Blog (@coffee.break.book.reviews) in the near future.
This was another great book by Samantha Hayes. I've read many of her books and she always has a surprise or two in store for you. This was no exception. There was a big twist close to the end of the book that I really didn't expect and that was quite shocking. If you are looking for a new thriller, I would add The EX-HUSBAND to your list for a quick and very entertaining read.
Many thanks to NetGalley and Bookouture for my ARC in exchange for my honest review.
This review will be posted to my Instagram Blog (@coffee.break.book.reviews) in the near future.
June 30, 2022
3.5 Worst Nightmare Stars
* * * 1/2 Spoiler Free
As someone who was very lucky in my marriage, the idea of finally getting away from an abusive husband and then having him move next door after you have found your new home would just make me lose my mind. This is the idea, the hook that grabbed me and made me start this book. OMG
This has the ugliest ex-husband that will cause you to think about doing vicious things to him that are unlike your actual character. That is how strong the feelings ran when it came to the ex.
Once this tale lays out this premise, the ex has a fateful end and now the ex-wife is under suspicion. Now we get to experience all the secrets, many I would rather have not learned, and then there is the end....Hmmmm
This book is like when you gobble up most of your kid's Halloween candy, knowing that candy isn't good for you, that your Dr. has even told you to stay away from it, but you gobble it up anyway.
A gifted copy was provided by Bookouture via NetGalley for an honest review.
For more Reviews, Free E-books and Giveaways
* * * 1/2 Spoiler Free
As someone who was very lucky in my marriage, the idea of finally getting away from an abusive husband and then having him move next door after you have found your new home would just make me lose my mind. This is the idea, the hook that grabbed me and made me start this book. OMG
This has the ugliest ex-husband that will cause you to think about doing vicious things to him that are unlike your actual character. That is how strong the feelings ran when it came to the ex.
Once this tale lays out this premise, the ex has a fateful end and now the ex-wife is under suspicion. Now we get to experience all the secrets, many I would rather have not learned, and then there is the end....Hmmmm
This book is like when you gobble up most of your kid's Halloween candy, knowing that candy isn't good for you, that your Dr. has even told you to stay away from it, but you gobble it up anyway.
A gifted copy was provided by Bookouture via NetGalley for an honest review.
For more Reviews, Free E-books and Giveaways
May 27, 2022
Leah has moved to a new house with her two children and is trying to get over her recent divorce.
When new neighbours move next door she is shocked to see that it’s her ex husband and his new partner.
Things go from bad to worse and Leah has to do something to get her life back on track.
A story that was unbelievable in parts with many twist and turns.
Thank you to NetGalley and Bookouture for my e-copy in exchange for an honest review.
When new neighbours move next door she is shocked to see that it’s her ex husband and his new partner.
Things go from bad to worse and Leah has to do something to get her life back on track.
A story that was unbelievable in parts with many twist and turns.
Thank you to NetGalley and Bookouture for my e-copy in exchange for an honest review.
July 2, 2022
I enjoyed most of this story.
It’s not something that I would specifically look for usually because there are some trigger warning involved ,but again, no real life is perfect and these things can happen to anyone we know without even realising.
I was invested in finding out why her ex husband moved next door and even why some of the characters were so blinded by the truth. I think the author has done a great job in mixing character traits that makes you stop and think about them.
I have to say that many times, her inner monologue were a bit too much to deal with, too overthinking, less facts , and while these are perfectly fine and reliable , it gets boring at times to read on and on about it.
Overall this is a story that many domestic thrillers readers will enjoy.
Very grateful to the publisher for my review copy and my spot in the blog tour.
3.5 stars
It’s not something that I would specifically look for usually because there are some trigger warning involved ,but again, no real life is perfect and these things can happen to anyone we know without even realising.
I was invested in finding out why her ex husband moved next door and even why some of the characters were so blinded by the truth. I think the author has done a great job in mixing character traits that makes you stop and think about them.
I have to say that many times, her inner monologue were a bit too much to deal with, too overthinking, less facts , and while these are perfectly fine and reliable , it gets boring at times to read on and on about it.
Overall this is a story that many domestic thrillers readers will enjoy.
Very grateful to the publisher for my review copy and my spot in the blog tour.
3.5 stars
September 5, 2023
You thought you were safe until he moved in next door.
Leah is happy to have a home for herself and her children. It is the perfect place to start again after the divorce. But sadly her joy is short lived.
New people are moving in next door. Leah meets Gillian who seems quite pleasant and is happy to accept an invitation to go around to her house ... well until she realises that Gillian's partner is none other than her ex husband Craig.
Soon everything goes crazy as Craig plays mind games, but no one believes her. One night as the air fills with smoke and the quiet street is awash with red flashing police lights, all the secrets behind these two closed doors will be revealed!!!
Full of drama and tension with twists and turns galore.
A book I happily read in one day.
Thank you to Netgalley for my copy in exchange for an honest review.
Leah is happy to have a home for herself and her children. It is the perfect place to start again after the divorce. But sadly her joy is short lived.
New people are moving in next door. Leah meets Gillian who seems quite pleasant and is happy to accept an invitation to go around to her house ... well until she realises that Gillian's partner is none other than her ex husband Craig.
Soon everything goes crazy as Craig plays mind games, but no one believes her. One night as the air fills with smoke and the quiet street is awash with red flashing police lights, all the secrets behind these two closed doors will be revealed!!!
Full of drama and tension with twists and turns galore.
A book I happily read in one day.
Thank you to Netgalley for my copy in exchange for an honest review.
September 29, 2022
3 stars! ⭐️⭐️⭐️
Whenever I see a new Samantha Hayes book on NetGalley, it’s an instant click to request for me. Her books usually have really good twists and turns that keep me thoroughly entertained and on the edge of my seat. Unfortunately, this book didn’t do that for me.
Leah has moved into a nice new home with her two kids after leaving a controlling, abusive marriage to her ex-husband Craig. When her new neighbors Gillian and Rex move into the house right next door, she immediately befriends Gillian who spends a lot of time alone since her man Rex travels frequently. One night, they decide to get together and that’s when Leah discovers that Rex is actually her ex-husband Craig.
The beginning of this one grabbed me immediately and I couldn’t wait to read more. However, this was more of a slow burn domestic thriller and that’s not my favorite style. The characters weren’t especially likable - Craig was revolting. The ending was ok.
I think I compare every Hayes book to Date Night, which I LOVED and was my first by her. I have yet to find another of her books as good as that one.
Thank you to Net Galley, Bookcouture and Samantha Hayes for the advanced copy to read and review.
Whenever I see a new Samantha Hayes book on NetGalley, it’s an instant click to request for me. Her books usually have really good twists and turns that keep me thoroughly entertained and on the edge of my seat. Unfortunately, this book didn’t do that for me.
Leah has moved into a nice new home with her two kids after leaving a controlling, abusive marriage to her ex-husband Craig. When her new neighbors Gillian and Rex move into the house right next door, she immediately befriends Gillian who spends a lot of time alone since her man Rex travels frequently. One night, they decide to get together and that’s when Leah discovers that Rex is actually her ex-husband Craig.
The beginning of this one grabbed me immediately and I couldn’t wait to read more. However, this was more of a slow burn domestic thriller and that’s not my favorite style. The characters weren’t especially likable - Craig was revolting. The ending was ok.
I think I compare every Hayes book to Date Night, which I LOVED and was my first by her. I have yet to find another of her books as good as that one.
Thank you to Net Galley, Bookcouture and Samantha Hayes for the advanced copy to read and review.
June 29, 2022
Well this was a book with a more grotesque start than I was expecting, nothing like a charred body to pique your interest. You will be surprised to learn though that things went even more downhill from there (in a good way I must add).
Speaking from experience there is not a divorced woman on the planet that won’t shudder reading this. Poor Leah has been enjoying her new home with her kids, finally free of Craig following a very acrimonious divorce. For him to only go and move in to the house next door with his new girlfriend. He is a manipulative, cheating, lying, devious, narcissistic gaslighter and his new woman Gillian is not much better.
It starts off with little things like stealing her bin and drilling a hole through her bedroom wall and then escalates with a sudden interest in having the kids when there was none before and turning her own friends against her. There is more but I don’t want to spoil the fun of you reading just how low he goes. I can say in all honesty this is the first book I have read which has made me contemplate murdering a character myself.
Then comes the twist………
This is one cleverly constructed thriller with crafty characters committing some seriously sinister deeds and I loved it.
Speaking from experience there is not a divorced woman on the planet that won’t shudder reading this. Poor Leah has been enjoying her new home with her kids, finally free of Craig following a very acrimonious divorce. For him to only go and move in to the house next door with his new girlfriend. He is a manipulative, cheating, lying, devious, narcissistic gaslighter and his new woman Gillian is not much better.
It starts off with little things like stealing her bin and drilling a hole through her bedroom wall and then escalates with a sudden interest in having the kids when there was none before and turning her own friends against her. There is more but I don’t want to spoil the fun of you reading just how low he goes. I can say in all honesty this is the first book I have read which has made me contemplate murdering a character myself.
Then comes the twist………
This is one cleverly constructed thriller with crafty characters committing some seriously sinister deeds and I loved it.
June 27, 2022
OMG what did I just read?! I absolutely adore Samantha Hayes books and have been a fan for years but this has to be her best one yet!! I physically couldn’t put it down and was still reading it at 2 in the morning as the twists just got bigger and better with every turn of the page! Make sure you clear your entire day when you pick up The Ex-Husband because it’s the most addictive book I’ve read this year!
The storyline was very clever here. We’ve all heard about nightmare neighbours from hell but what if that neighbour were your ex and his new partner? And he wants you all to get along for the sake of your children but your past abusive relationship makes it hard to trust anyone let alone the man you moved away from… Leah has a good life and is thriving after her divorce. She has her own business, lives in the same village as her parents and has developed a live of gardening and growing her own vegetables-she even keeps chickens! But that ideal life is shaken when one day she watches a furniture van unload next door and realised that her abusive ex-husband is now her next door neighbour. And as the plot progresses, it becomes very difficult not to feel very uneasy as everyone seems to believe the lies Craig is spreading about her. It is affecting her new relationship as well (which seems to be over before it really began) so will she ever be free from the hold Craig has over her?
I actually found myself getting really angry and frustrated whilst reading this which isn’t like me at all! But as Leah’s support network disappeared I found myself feeling so helpless on her behalf! Craig is a vile character with a narcissistic personality and so perfectly portrayed that my emotions just got the better of me! To evoke that level of frustration is so clever and has the plot line developed, I found myself wondering how long it would take for Craig to get his comeuppance or if he even would! And as the plot line delivered twist upon twist before delivering a couple of whoppers towards the end, I began to wonder if I had got it wrong…
The Ex-Husband is a brilliant book-it’s a gripping psychological thriller with a compelling storyline and some gasp out loud twists. I highly recommend it!
The storyline was very clever here. We’ve all heard about nightmare neighbours from hell but what if that neighbour were your ex and his new partner? And he wants you all to get along for the sake of your children but your past abusive relationship makes it hard to trust anyone let alone the man you moved away from… Leah has a good life and is thriving after her divorce. She has her own business, lives in the same village as her parents and has developed a live of gardening and growing her own vegetables-she even keeps chickens! But that ideal life is shaken when one day she watches a furniture van unload next door and realised that her abusive ex-husband is now her next door neighbour. And as the plot progresses, it becomes very difficult not to feel very uneasy as everyone seems to believe the lies Craig is spreading about her. It is affecting her new relationship as well (which seems to be over before it really began) so will she ever be free from the hold Craig has over her?
I actually found myself getting really angry and frustrated whilst reading this which isn’t like me at all! But as Leah’s support network disappeared I found myself feeling so helpless on her behalf! Craig is a vile character with a narcissistic personality and so perfectly portrayed that my emotions just got the better of me! To evoke that level of frustration is so clever and has the plot line developed, I found myself wondering how long it would take for Craig to get his comeuppance or if he even would! And as the plot line delivered twist upon twist before delivering a couple of whoppers towards the end, I began to wonder if I had got it wrong…
The Ex-Husband is a brilliant book-it’s a gripping psychological thriller with a compelling storyline and some gasp out loud twists. I highly recommend it!
June 23, 2022
Leah is excited to meet her new neighbors and quickly becomes Gillian’s new friend. When Leah is invited over to Gillian’s, imagine her shock when she finds out that Gillian’s partner is none other than her ex-husband Craig. Her abusive ex-husband. Leah and Craig have two children together.
Now he is her new next-door neighbor. Gillian does not sense the tension at first. Leah is beside herself. Is Craig going to torment her as he did when they were married now that they are living so close side-by-side? Imagine her shock when she also discovers that he opened a branch of his business very close to her hair salon.
Now that Leah is living in her dream home, she must figure out how to deal with the fact that Craig is living so close to her and the children. Navigating split custody has just become more complicated. Forced to put up a false façade in front of her children, sharing space with her ex so close is definitely going to be a trial. Ignore Craig, or get rid of him. Leah is certain that she will come up with a plan.
When Leah was married to Craig, not only was he an incessant cheater, he was controlling. He gaslighted her. She was filled with despair and fear. She thought she got away from all that and now she feels like she is back at square one.
The Ex-Husband is the fourth thrilling book I have had the pleasure of reading by Samantha Hayes. This intense domestic thriller filled me with angst as I read this book with bated breath. Impossible to put down, there was no doubt that something would happen, and with exciting twists and turns, culminating in a very satisfying ending, this is a book that I highly recommend.
Many thanks to Bookouture and to NetGalley for this ARC for review. This is my honest opinion.
Now he is her new next-door neighbor. Gillian does not sense the tension at first. Leah is beside herself. Is Craig going to torment her as he did when they were married now that they are living so close side-by-side? Imagine her shock when she also discovers that he opened a branch of his business very close to her hair salon.
Now that Leah is living in her dream home, she must figure out how to deal with the fact that Craig is living so close to her and the children. Navigating split custody has just become more complicated. Forced to put up a false façade in front of her children, sharing space with her ex so close is definitely going to be a trial. Ignore Craig, or get rid of him. Leah is certain that she will come up with a plan.
When Leah was married to Craig, not only was he an incessant cheater, he was controlling. He gaslighted her. She was filled with despair and fear. She thought she got away from all that and now she feels like she is back at square one.
The Ex-Husband is the fourth thrilling book I have had the pleasure of reading by Samantha Hayes. This intense domestic thriller filled me with angst as I read this book with bated breath. Impossible to put down, there was no doubt that something would happen, and with exciting twists and turns, culminating in a very satisfying ending, this is a book that I highly recommend.
Many thanks to Bookouture and to NetGalley for this ARC for review. This is my honest opinion.
February 14, 2026
Irgendwie Check ich nicht ganz den Thriller-Aspekt? Geht die ganze Zeit nur um Scheidung und die Ex-Beziehung, die durch häusliche Gewalt und Affären geprägt ist/war. Es kommt zwar ein Mord vor, aber es ist trotzdem kein Thriller für mich lol. Hat sich dennoch halbwegs gut gelesen
June 20, 2022
The Ex Husband will have you turning the pages quickly while cringing at all the nasty people.
The ex husband, Craig, is a nasty piece of work that is abusive not only to his ex wife Leah but to most of the people around him.
Leah is excited to be finally divorced and making a new life for herself.
Don't celebrate too quickly Leah as Craig is about to move next door with his new wife.
Things get crazy as Leah knee jerk reacts to Craig and the tension mounts.
So many secrets, so many lies.
You can't go wrong with a book by Samantha Hayes; you just know there will be a catch to two somewhere.
Thanks to NetGalley and Bookouture for twisted but oh so good read.
The ex husband, Craig, is a nasty piece of work that is abusive not only to his ex wife Leah but to most of the people around him.
Leah is excited to be finally divorced and making a new life for herself.
Don't celebrate too quickly Leah as Craig is about to move next door with his new wife.
Things get crazy as Leah knee jerk reacts to Craig and the tension mounts.
So many secrets, so many lies.
You can't go wrong with a book by Samantha Hayes; you just know there will be a catch to two somewhere.
Thanks to NetGalley and Bookouture for twisted but oh so good read.
June 27, 2022
Leah is a freshly divorced mother of two to 14 year old Zoey and 7 year old Henry. She recently got out of a controlling and abusive relationship with Craig, who repeatedly cheated on her, and now hardly ever sees his children or pays any maintenance. Leah recently started seeing Gabe, a tree surgeon and landscaper, who is a total opposite of Craig. As she doesn’t want to repeat the same mistakes, her and Gabe are taking things slowly.
Leah and her children have moved into a new small property, the Wash House, which is attached to an Old Vicarage, a grand house which now stands empty as the previous tenants have moved away. The Wash House and the Old Vicarage used to be one building, but were split into two properties.
Soon, Leah discovers that she has a new neighbour, a glamorous Gillian. She invites Leah round for coffee, where she discloses that she is married to Rex, who is currently away on a work trip.
When elusive Rex returns, Gillian invites Leah and Gabe round for drinks. You can imagine Leah’s shock when she discovers that Rex is Craig, her ex-husband…
Everyone around her keeps telling Leah that it will be great for the children to have their father living next door, but she isn’t sure. Her suspicions are correct, as from the get go, Craig plays mind games with her. Just small things to start with, but soon things escalate and Craig starts spreading rumours about Leah’s ‘unstable’ behaviour and tries to portray her as a bad mother. Even her children spend more and more time next door.
Leah’s mental health suffers as a result, but she is adamant she will uncover Craig’s deception and lies. Will she succeed?
You will have to read this book for yourselves to find out. I read it in two sittings, I was that engrossed in it.
I really liked Leah as a character, she was a good mother, who loved her children and would do anything for them. Craig was a sly and horrible man, he kept manipulating others around him and make people believe him over Leah. As I was reading the book, I was so annoyed at him and felt really sorry for the children, as they were in the middle of this awful situation.
There are a few twists in the book, I didn’t see them coming! Overall, I really enjoyed this psychological thriller.
Leah and her children have moved into a new small property, the Wash House, which is attached to an Old Vicarage, a grand house which now stands empty as the previous tenants have moved away. The Wash House and the Old Vicarage used to be one building, but were split into two properties.
Soon, Leah discovers that she has a new neighbour, a glamorous Gillian. She invites Leah round for coffee, where she discloses that she is married to Rex, who is currently away on a work trip.
When elusive Rex returns, Gillian invites Leah and Gabe round for drinks. You can imagine Leah’s shock when she discovers that Rex is Craig, her ex-husband…
Everyone around her keeps telling Leah that it will be great for the children to have their father living next door, but she isn’t sure. Her suspicions are correct, as from the get go, Craig plays mind games with her. Just small things to start with, but soon things escalate and Craig starts spreading rumours about Leah’s ‘unstable’ behaviour and tries to portray her as a bad mother. Even her children spend more and more time next door.
Leah’s mental health suffers as a result, but she is adamant she will uncover Craig’s deception and lies. Will she succeed?
You will have to read this book for yourselves to find out. I read it in two sittings, I was that engrossed in it.
I really liked Leah as a character, she was a good mother, who loved her children and would do anything for them. Craig was a sly and horrible man, he kept manipulating others around him and make people believe him over Leah. As I was reading the book, I was so annoyed at him and felt really sorry for the children, as they were in the middle of this awful situation.
There are a few twists in the book, I didn’t see them coming! Overall, I really enjoyed this psychological thriller.
May 24, 2022
There are few books you read in which, even though the plot is decent enough the characters make you want to tear your hair out and cry out in frustration. This was one of those books. I don't think there were any characters in the entire book here that I even liked a miniscule amount. Leah has just come out of an acrimonious divorce and a custody battle and she has moved to a new house in a hope to put her past behind and start a new life. But when her abusive and manipulative husband, Craig, moves into her next door house her hopes for a new and peaceful beginning are dashed mercilessly.
What then starts is a series of underhanded tactics by Craig to upend Leah's life and destroy her current and still new relationship with another man, Gabe. The way the plot moves you can feel Leah's frustration as Craig tries one dirty trick after another to prove that she is mentally unstable and not fit to take care of their children. But what really confounded me was Leah's behavior, especially in one particular scene. Although the book had a good beginning and quite a lot of twists and surprises towards the end, the middle of the book dragged with endless confrontation scenes between Craig and Leah.
Its only when a discovery is made of a badly charred body in Leah's vegetable garden, that the book picks up pace and I had some renewed hopes of completing this book. In the past couple of years there has been increased surge of domestic thrillers being published in the market. Some despite the tried and tested formulas accomplish to leave an impact with the readers. But unfortunately I didn't enjoy reading this book as much as I had hoped to.
Thanks to NetGalley, Bookouture and the author Samantha Hayes for an advanced copy of the book in exchange for an honest review.
What then starts is a series of underhanded tactics by Craig to upend Leah's life and destroy her current and still new relationship with another man, Gabe. The way the plot moves you can feel Leah's frustration as Craig tries one dirty trick after another to prove that she is mentally unstable and not fit to take care of their children. But what really confounded me was Leah's behavior, especially in one particular scene. Although the book had a good beginning and quite a lot of twists and surprises towards the end, the middle of the book dragged with endless confrontation scenes between Craig and Leah.
Its only when a discovery is made of a badly charred body in Leah's vegetable garden, that the book picks up pace and I had some renewed hopes of completing this book. In the past couple of years there has been increased surge of domestic thrillers being published in the market. Some despite the tried and tested formulas accomplish to leave an impact with the readers. But unfortunately I didn't enjoy reading this book as much as I had hoped to.
Thanks to NetGalley, Bookouture and the author Samantha Hayes for an advanced copy of the book in exchange for an honest review.
June 26, 2022
I am excited to be taking part in the #BooksOnTour #BlogTour for Samantha Hayes' chilling thriller THE EX-HUSBAND.
OMG!! This book literally made my blood boil! If ever there was ever a character to get under your skin it's Craig. I hated him with every fibre of my being that I could have murdered him myself. And as a domestic abuse survivor THE EX-HUSBAND hit very close to home in many ways that I found it uncomfortable at times - closer to home than many other thrillers featuring domestic abuse.
Leah Ward is finally free and has found the house of her dreams. Well, it will be once she has given it a good coat of paint and established her vegetable garden and hen house. It's the perfect place for her and the children - Zoey (14) and Henry (7) - to make a fresh start after her somewhat drawn out and acrimonious divorce.
But their joy is to be short-lived.
Leah notices moving vans pulling up next door and a well-dressed woman directing furniture and boxes into place. They have new neighbours in the Old Vicarage next door, a much larger grander house that shares a wall with her own, once known as the Wash House. She meets Gillian who is effervescent and friendly and can't wait until her partner "Rexie" returns from his business trip so they could enjoy neighbourly get-togethers.
But nothing prepares Leah for who she sees walking into the house, Gillian having invited her and boyfriend Gabe over for cocktails. No...it can't be. But it is. Craig, her ex-husband, is Gillian's partner and Leah's new neighbour. Could things get any worse? It appears they can.
But Leah knows Craig. She knows he is up to something. This cannot be a coincidence. Craig leaves nothing to chance. He plans everything.
And so the battle lines are drawn in a messy case of he said/she said; he's controlling, manipulative and abusive, no she's crazy and psychotic. Who do you believe? And Craig is loving the havoc he is creating, the distress he is causing Leah, isolating her from her friends with carefully planned lies and even her children, to petty misdemeanours that really do make her sound crazy. He takes every opportunity he can to annoy her, belittle her, scare her and gaslight her as well as all the other little manipulative tricks he employs. Such was the manipulation, the abuse, the accusations...it was actually quite distressing to read and at times I found it incredibly uncomfortable.
But never fear, for Samantha Hayes has some surprises in store with a few twists that will leave you wondering what the hell just happened. To be honest, I predicted most of the twists to come (including the one towards the end) but that doesn't spoil the story for me if it is well-written and intriguing as THE EX-HUSBAND is. Just about all the main players have secrets which will undoubtedly come out in the wash (pun intended), but none more than Craig Forbes. The man is a vile character but an excellent villain.
And then things come to a head when a body is found in a bonfire and all the secrets begin to unravel. But I was dying to know who the body was. I wanted it to be Craig so much...but that would be too easy, wouldn't it?
And Leah. Oh goodness, she made some stupid choices under pressure but it was understandable under the circumstances. Still...she did herself no favours and played right into creepy Craig's hands. And there was no way at all that he was ever going to be likeable. Not. A. Chance. IN. HELL.
I have read several thrillers by Samantha Hayes and most of them are intricately slow burns but I stick with them because I know they are worth it in the end. THE EX-HUSBAND, however, began with a steady pace that only increased as the story unfolded and, as uncomfortable as I found the "closer to home abuse", this has to be her best thriller yet. I literally read it in one sitting and I am sitting here at 3.30am writing my review while it is all still fresh in my mind, having started the book when I climbed into bed around 9pm and finishing it just under six hours later.
THE EX-HUSBAND is a well-written domestic and psychological thriller that was gripping from very first page right up until the last. It is absolutely brilliant - every manipulative moment of it. It really is a book that gets under your skin by way of the most abhorrent villain in Craig.
WOW! Just wow...is all I have right now. As I closed my kindle I was speechless. THE EX-HUSBAND is dark, disturbing and chilling and so damn twisted. And Samantha Hayes' best yet.
I would like to thank #SamanthaHayes, #NetGalley and #Bookouture for an ARC of #TheExHusband in exchange for an honest review.
This review appears on my blog at https://stinathebookaholic.blogspot.com/.
OMG!! This book literally made my blood boil! If ever there was ever a character to get under your skin it's Craig. I hated him with every fibre of my being that I could have murdered him myself. And as a domestic abuse survivor THE EX-HUSBAND hit very close to home in many ways that I found it uncomfortable at times - closer to home than many other thrillers featuring domestic abuse.
Leah Ward is finally free and has found the house of her dreams. Well, it will be once she has given it a good coat of paint and established her vegetable garden and hen house. It's the perfect place for her and the children - Zoey (14) and Henry (7) - to make a fresh start after her somewhat drawn out and acrimonious divorce.
But their joy is to be short-lived.
Leah notices moving vans pulling up next door and a well-dressed woman directing furniture and boxes into place. They have new neighbours in the Old Vicarage next door, a much larger grander house that shares a wall with her own, once known as the Wash House. She meets Gillian who is effervescent and friendly and can't wait until her partner "Rexie" returns from his business trip so they could enjoy neighbourly get-togethers.
But nothing prepares Leah for who she sees walking into the house, Gillian having invited her and boyfriend Gabe over for cocktails. No...it can't be. But it is. Craig, her ex-husband, is Gillian's partner and Leah's new neighbour. Could things get any worse? It appears they can.
But Leah knows Craig. She knows he is up to something. This cannot be a coincidence. Craig leaves nothing to chance. He plans everything.
And so the battle lines are drawn in a messy case of he said/she said; he's controlling, manipulative and abusive, no she's crazy and psychotic. Who do you believe? And Craig is loving the havoc he is creating, the distress he is causing Leah, isolating her from her friends with carefully planned lies and even her children, to petty misdemeanours that really do make her sound crazy. He takes every opportunity he can to annoy her, belittle her, scare her and gaslight her as well as all the other little manipulative tricks he employs. Such was the manipulation, the abuse, the accusations...it was actually quite distressing to read and at times I found it incredibly uncomfortable.
But never fear, for Samantha Hayes has some surprises in store with a few twists that will leave you wondering what the hell just happened. To be honest, I predicted most of the twists to come (including the one towards the end) but that doesn't spoil the story for me if it is well-written and intriguing as THE EX-HUSBAND is. Just about all the main players have secrets which will undoubtedly come out in the wash (pun intended), but none more than Craig Forbes. The man is a vile character but an excellent villain.
And then things come to a head when a body is found in a bonfire and all the secrets begin to unravel. But I was dying to know who the body was. I wanted it to be Craig so much...but that would be too easy, wouldn't it?
And Leah. Oh goodness, she made some stupid choices under pressure but it was understandable under the circumstances. Still...she did herself no favours and played right into creepy Craig's hands. And there was no way at all that he was ever going to be likeable. Not. A. Chance. IN. HELL.
I have read several thrillers by Samantha Hayes and most of them are intricately slow burns but I stick with them because I know they are worth it in the end. THE EX-HUSBAND, however, began with a steady pace that only increased as the story unfolded and, as uncomfortable as I found the "closer to home abuse", this has to be her best thriller yet. I literally read it in one sitting and I am sitting here at 3.30am writing my review while it is all still fresh in my mind, having started the book when I climbed into bed around 9pm and finishing it just under six hours later.
THE EX-HUSBAND is a well-written domestic and psychological thriller that was gripping from very first page right up until the last. It is absolutely brilliant - every manipulative moment of it. It really is a book that gets under your skin by way of the most abhorrent villain in Craig.
WOW! Just wow...is all I have right now. As I closed my kindle I was speechless. THE EX-HUSBAND is dark, disturbing and chilling and so damn twisted. And Samantha Hayes' best yet.
I would like to thank #SamanthaHayes, #NetGalley and #Bookouture for an ARC of #TheExHusband in exchange for an honest review.
This review appears on my blog at https://stinathebookaholic.blogspot.com/.
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