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The Prisoner’s Wife
Her first mistake was falling in love with a monster.
Her second was not running when she could…
Emma’s husband is in prison.
Emma’s husband claims he is innocent.
Emma’s husband is a liar.
And he’s not done with her yet…
A pacy and gripping read with a deliciously dark twist, perfect for fans of My Lovely Wife, Blood Orange and The Perfect Couple.
Her second was not running when she could…
Emma’s husband is in prison.
Emma’s husband claims he is innocent.
Emma’s husband is a liar.
And he’s not done with her yet…
A pacy and gripping read with a deliciously dark twist, perfect for fans of My Lovely Wife, Blood Orange and The Perfect Couple.
400 pages, Kindle Edition
First published February 2, 2023
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 130 reviews
October 11, 2024
3⭐
Genre ~ domestic fiction
Setting ~ England
Publication date ~ February 2, 2023
Publisher ~ Avon
Est Page Count ~ 375 (p+ 69 chapters +e)
Audio length ~ 9 hours 23 minutes
Narrator ~ Rebecca Courtney
POV ~ single 1st person POV, present tense
Featuring ~ debut, multiple timelines, controlling husband, an abundance of unlikable characters, dumb choices, infidelity, murder
Classic case of a waitress rushing into marriage with a wealthy fella because she thinks she’s found the perfect guy with his charming ways.
They’ve only been married for 18 months, but Emma is thrilled when her husband, Tommy, is found guilty of having a firearm and sent to prison. Maybe she can finally be free of his controlling ways. Soon she finds out that Tommy has no interest in letting her go. With help from his mother, brother and lawyer, he makes sure Emma knows that she’ll never be able to leave him and MUST be waiting for him when he’s released in 5 years.
Y'all these characters were awful. And Emma makes some dumb choices. Girl, grab your sister and get out of there! But it’s like a trainwreck and you can’t look away just waiting to see what sort of mess will happen next.
Overall, it was fine for a debut. I was quite pleased with the ending.
Side note ~ love when the cover properly depicts the storyline, and this one's eye-catching.
I was able to listen to a copy as well.
Narration notes:
An outstanding performance with proper emotions.
✔️ed another old one off the list 🙌
Connect with me ➡ Blog ~ Facebook ~ Twitter
Genre ~ domestic fiction
Setting ~ England
Publication date ~ February 2, 2023
Publisher ~ Avon
Est Page Count ~ 375 (p+ 69 chapters +e)
Audio length ~ 9 hours 23 minutes
Narrator ~ Rebecca Courtney
POV ~ single 1st person POV, present tense
Featuring ~ debut, multiple timelines, controlling husband, an abundance of unlikable characters, dumb choices, infidelity, murder
Classic case of a waitress rushing into marriage with a wealthy fella because she thinks she’s found the perfect guy with his charming ways.
They’ve only been married for 18 months, but Emma is thrilled when her husband, Tommy, is found guilty of having a firearm and sent to prison. Maybe she can finally be free of his controlling ways. Soon she finds out that Tommy has no interest in letting her go. With help from his mother, brother and lawyer, he makes sure Emma knows that she’ll never be able to leave him and MUST be waiting for him when he’s released in 5 years.
Y'all these characters were awful. And Emma makes some dumb choices. Girl, grab your sister and get out of there! But it’s like a trainwreck and you can’t look away just waiting to see what sort of mess will happen next.
Overall, it was fine for a debut. I was quite pleased with the ending.
Side note ~ love when the cover properly depicts the storyline, and this one's eye-catching.
I was able to listen to a copy as well.
Narration notes:
An outstanding performance with proper emotions.
✔️ed another old one off the list 🙌
Connect with me ➡ Blog ~ Facebook ~ Twitter
December 21, 2022
3.5 rounded down
The prisoners wife is Emma, wife of Tommy Driscoll, head of an organised crime group in South London, who is sent down for five years for firearms possession. Tommy wants to continue to dominate and control Emma from his prison cell, making her a virtual prisoner in her home. Tommy’s mother, Ruby and brother Liam watch over her, enforcing Tommy’s unreasonable rules. Can Emma break away as as she has to pay a high price for playing the role of loyal wife??? The novel back tracks to Tommy coming into her life and sweeping her off her feet with a charm offensive, alternating with the story from Tommy’s sentencing.
This is an easy read page turner with a quick pace and you can easily picture Tommy with insidious power oozing from his pores and his smothering cruelty. You sense Emma‘s anxiety and tension, though I find her hard to connect with as some of her actions are both naive and foolish. As you’d expect with a gangster as a central protagonist, there is threat, menace and danger with walls closing in as Emma finds herself between a rock and a hard place.
However, although it is entertaining, it’s a bit one-dimensional and there is too much repetition, especially of Emma‘s feelings. The story is dramatic and yet in places the delivery is low-key, perhaps because it’s from Emma‘s perspective and she’s trying to survive. You definitely required those infamous far-fetched disbelief suspenders at times and the ending is packaged up far too neatly and tidily considering the build up.
Overall though it’s a diverting and enjoyable read and the debut shows promise.
With thanks to NetGalley and especially to Avon Books U.K. for the much appreciated arc in return for an honest review.
The prisoners wife is Emma, wife of Tommy Driscoll, head of an organised crime group in South London, who is sent down for five years for firearms possession. Tommy wants to continue to dominate and control Emma from his prison cell, making her a virtual prisoner in her home. Tommy’s mother, Ruby and brother Liam watch over her, enforcing Tommy’s unreasonable rules. Can Emma break away as as she has to pay a high price for playing the role of loyal wife??? The novel back tracks to Tommy coming into her life and sweeping her off her feet with a charm offensive, alternating with the story from Tommy’s sentencing.
This is an easy read page turner with a quick pace and you can easily picture Tommy with insidious power oozing from his pores and his smothering cruelty. You sense Emma‘s anxiety and tension, though I find her hard to connect with as some of her actions are both naive and foolish. As you’d expect with a gangster as a central protagonist, there is threat, menace and danger with walls closing in as Emma finds herself between a rock and a hard place.
However, although it is entertaining, it’s a bit one-dimensional and there is too much repetition, especially of Emma‘s feelings. The story is dramatic and yet in places the delivery is low-key, perhaps because it’s from Emma‘s perspective and she’s trying to survive. You definitely required those infamous far-fetched disbelief suspenders at times and the ending is packaged up far too neatly and tidily considering the build up.
Overall though it’s a diverting and enjoyable read and the debut shows promise.
With thanks to NetGalley and especially to Avon Books U.K. for the much appreciated arc in return for an honest review.
January 20, 2023
Emma's husband is in prison. Emma's husband claims he's innocent. Emma's husband is a liar. And he's not done with her yet....
This story is so farfetched, but there's something compelling you to keep reading. And now I've finished the book, I've no idea what it was. The pace is fast. Tommy has been jailed for five years and Emma is ecstatic. She has been a victim of coercive control and sees his imprisonment as a way for her to escape. But Tommy threatens he will harm her and her family if she leaves him. The story is a bit predictable, but you still find yourself rooting for Emma. The characters are believable but not all likeable. This is a good debut novel. I will look out for the author again.
I would like to thank #NetGalley #AvonBooksUK and the author #AliBlood for my ARC of #ThePrisonersWife in exchange for an honest review.
This story is so farfetched, but there's something compelling you to keep reading. And now I've finished the book, I've no idea what it was. The pace is fast. Tommy has been jailed for five years and Emma is ecstatic. She has been a victim of coercive control and sees his imprisonment as a way for her to escape. But Tommy threatens he will harm her and her family if she leaves him. The story is a bit predictable, but you still find yourself rooting for Emma. The characters are believable but not all likeable. This is a good debut novel. I will look out for the author again.
I would like to thank #NetGalley #AvonBooksUK and the author #AliBlood for my ARC of #ThePrisonersWife in exchange for an honest review.
January 29, 2023
Thank you to Netgalley and the publisher for the opportunity to read this book before it's publish date.
I was not a fan of this book. Much of it read like a young woman writing in her diary, chronicling every detail of her day. The rest of it read like a college essay that needs to be 20 pages long, but you've only got it to 17 pages - so you go back and find ways to repeat what you've already said, just in a slightly different way. So very repetitive.
I couldn't connect with the main character at all. She seemed immature and self centered. She got herself into a bad situation, and then just kept making even more bad choices to try to get herself out of it. When she wasn't making bad choices, she was (pretty much in her own words) "doing nothing, in the hopes that everything would all just work itself out". I couldn't find any sympathy for her. Her husband, the prisoner, was supposed to be a big bad guy, but his character just came across as completely flat in all their interactions.
Due to all of this, I would not recommend this book.
I was not a fan of this book. Much of it read like a young woman writing in her diary, chronicling every detail of her day. The rest of it read like a college essay that needs to be 20 pages long, but you've only got it to 17 pages - so you go back and find ways to repeat what you've already said, just in a slightly different way. So very repetitive.
I couldn't connect with the main character at all. She seemed immature and self centered. She got herself into a bad situation, and then just kept making even more bad choices to try to get herself out of it. When she wasn't making bad choices, she was (pretty much in her own words) "doing nothing, in the hopes that everything would all just work itself out". I couldn't find any sympathy for her. Her husband, the prisoner, was supposed to be a big bad guy, but his character just came across as completely flat in all their interactions.
Due to all of this, I would not recommend this book.
October 27, 2022
I was at the edge of my seat the whole time. So much drama, a crazy, screwed up family that I couldn't wait to find out what happens. Such a good book. A definite recommend.
Thank you Avon Books and NetGalley.
Thank you Avon Books and NetGalley.
February 14, 2023
One of those books you knew what was going to happen but went through the motions of getting through the chapters
July 18, 2023
Emma’s husband has been sentenced to five years behind bars something she’s secretly pleased by. What began as a fairytale whirlwind romance swiftly evolved into a controlling abusive toxic obsession. Tommy Emma’s husband is not prepared to let her go and as a notorious dangerous gangster, Emma’s options are looking extremely limited. The clock is now also ticking as Emma’s secrets start to unravel.
I thought this was going to be more of a psychological thriller but instead, we spend the majority of this inside Emma’s head where she internalises a lot of her own thoughts whilst also reminiscing about just how she arrived at her current predicament. I found it mostly ok a trifle long-winded and quite slow and somewhat predictable with not a lot occurring here to keep my attention. The ending well it kind of resolved itself with Emma not having to do much at all to achieve her end-goals.
The writing was good and I found the writing style easy to follow it just was not much of a page-turner as there wasn’t a great deal going on. It also felt a lot depressing defeatist and morose. Overall this one just wasn’t my cup of tea but there wasn’t really anything wrong with it either. I voluntarily reviewed a copy of The Prisoners Wife.
Reviewed By Beckie Bookworm
https://www.facebook.com/beckiebookworm/
www.beckiebookworm.com
March 18, 2023
Very good read
March 20, 2023
I’ve given 1 star because the ending was OK and redeemed an otherwise boring read. I was determined not to give up on it but I just couldn’t make myself like the main character. I had no empathy for her whatsoever. I just had to read it as quickly as possible so that I could move on to something else. My advice if you’re thinking of giving this book a go is don’t waste your time.
March 5, 2024
A really good, easy read and page turner, with a good ending too. What's not to love.
January 22, 2023
Wow - this was a great debut! I devoured this over 24 hours, it was addictive and fast paced. The story is one that will keep you intrigued and needing to know what will happen. I found myself just continuously turning those pages eager to know what comes next.
It’s well written and there’s so much tension. A bundle of varied characters, mainly not so nice people, one desperate to get away from being so cornered and forced to follow rules made by her husband who is head of the organised crime group. It really is an entertaining read and one I enjoyed.
The ending was unexpected which is always good, but it did happen quite quickly and I would have liked just a little bit more after the reveal. But other than that - great read and I’ll definitely read more of Ali Blood’s work!
It’s well written and there’s so much tension. A bundle of varied characters, mainly not so nice people, one desperate to get away from being so cornered and forced to follow rules made by her husband who is head of the organised crime group. It really is an entertaining read and one I enjoyed.
The ending was unexpected which is always good, but it did happen quite quickly and I would have liked just a little bit more after the reveal. But other than that - great read and I’ll definitely read more of Ali Blood’s work!
February 17, 2023
The Prisoners Wife
Earc
Publisher
Publication Date
Genre
I felt dejavu reading this book. The pacing is slow.
Emma is a weak character, and I could not connect to her. Tommy is just a typical criminal who has a control issue, therefore causing Stockholm syndrome for Emma. The family structure was similar to that of numerous similar novels/TV dramas, with the hating mother-in-law and the dimwitted brother. Tommy's hitman Jack, the strong man with a soft spot for Emma, was also noticeable.
The story had several twists and turns, but it was, generally speaking, a well-written, straightforward read. I believe The Prisoner's Wife is Ali Blood's debut novel, and while I couldn't give it more stars, I would be interested to see what she comes up with next.
Earc
Publisher
Publication Date
Genre
I felt dejavu reading this book. The pacing is slow.
Emma is a weak character, and I could not connect to her. Tommy is just a typical criminal who has a control issue, therefore causing Stockholm syndrome for Emma. The family structure was similar to that of numerous similar novels/TV dramas, with the hating mother-in-law and the dimwitted brother. Tommy's hitman Jack, the strong man with a soft spot for Emma, was also noticeable.
The story had several twists and turns, but it was, generally speaking, a well-written, straightforward read. I believe The Prisoner's Wife is Ali Blood's debut novel, and while I couldn't give it more stars, I would be interested to see what she comes up with next.
April 5, 2024
Emma is the wife of Tommy. Tommy, as the author explained *many* times is a businessman who goes to lots of business meetings. As a result of his‘meetings’ and the fact he’s actually a gangster Tommy goes to prison.
There is so much repetition within the text: of events, Emma’s feelings and over explaining of certain facts (for example, Tommy is a businessman arrrgh!).
Tommy and his family are beyond controlling, even behind prison bars. Emma is determined to break free from their family and control but doesn’t make great decisions. (Definitely not final girl material)
I was happy that I persevered with this book to discover the ending, which has some great twists after such a long wait for ‘action’, however there were several times when I was tempted to throw the towel in!
July 18, 2023
I couldn’t even put this book down it got to the point where I had to take a break just so this book wouldn’t finish and I could drag it out as long as possible.
Very easy to read, short chapters and every chapter revealed some sort of backstory into the marriage between the main characters.
The ending was neat and tidy and verrry satisfying although it does feel like a convenient ending and it probably wouldn’t have worked out the same way in the real world
Very easy to read, short chapters and every chapter revealed some sort of backstory into the marriage between the main characters.
The ending was neat and tidy and verrry satisfying although it does feel like a convenient ending and it probably wouldn’t have worked out the same way in the real world
January 27, 2024
Really enjoyed this debut novel of the author. Well
Written and believable characters.
Emma is wooed by Tommy and marriirs him. Unbeknown to Emma , Tommy is not who he portrayed to Emma . He is a violent heartless thug, who soon begins to isolates and control Emma. When he gets sent to prison Emma believes she can start afresh but controlling Tommy tightens the grip from inside. Lots of good plot twists turns and surprises. Great book thank you
Written and believable characters.
Emma is wooed by Tommy and marriirs him. Unbeknown to Emma , Tommy is not who he portrayed to Emma . He is a violent heartless thug, who soon begins to isolates and control Emma. When he gets sent to prison Emma believes she can start afresh but controlling Tommy tightens the grip from inside. Lots of good plot twists turns and surprises. Great book thank you
January 15, 2023
I loved this from the first page. Although I didn't like a few of the characters, it didn't put me off reading, in fact their nastiness added to the dialogue. I had guessed Emma's secret but again didn't detract from the story. It was gripping, believable and kept me turning the pages until the very end.
June 19, 2023
An easy read. Sometimes the one perspective could get a bit boring, another story along side it would have helped but the writing was good. The ending was actually unexpected for me and I was happy for the main character.
August 2, 2024
Total page turner. I couldn't put it down. It could be triggering for some readers as there is alot of domestic violence. Psychological, emotional and physical. There were parts of the story that were graphic and hard to read but the ending made it all worth it.
July 5, 2023
Really liked this....kept me wondering how it was going to end for the wife!
July 23, 2023
Slow start but once it got going it was brilliant. Recommend this book
February 20, 2023
Great Read. Debut novel. Unexpected ending. Really enjoyed this kindle read. Drama filled and kept me wanting to read. Would definitely recommend 💕
August 17, 2024
It was a good easy read
January 25, 2025
Blooming loved this book, reminded me of the Kray twins and the wife of the crime lord, real page turner and great to lose myself in while waiting at Belfast airport over New Year. As usual though, the end felt a little rushed and predictable. I was very emotionally invested in her character throughout though and felt for her and the rules she was expected to follow.
August 21, 2023
I liked it, I just didn't love it. There were a couple of things that surprised me but other than that, I honestly found Emma to be a whingey, woe is me type person. Just my own personal opinion. I still wanted to know what happened and did read it quickly so good in that respect.
July 2, 2026
The Prisoner's Wife by Ali Blood is another excellent novel from an author who has clearly mastered the art of keeping readers emotionally invested while skillfully concealing the truth until the very end.
To be completely honest, I had mixed feelings during the first half of the book. Initially, I believed I knew exactly where the story was heading. It appeared to be another novel centered on domestic abuse, with the victim enduring an increasingly oppressive and heartbreaking situation. While the writing was engaging, I found myself becoming frustrated and even angry as the story unfolded. The apparent imbalance between the victim and the abuser made my blood boil, and for a while I wondered whether the remainder of the novel would simply continue along the same predictable path.
Fortunately, I have always had one personal rule when it comes to reading: once I start a book, I finish it, regardless of whether I find it slow, disappointing, or even boring. I believe every author deserves the opportunity to tell their complete story before being judged. In this case, that habit rewarded me many times over.
What I initially believed was a straightforward story turned out to be anything but. As the novel progressed, subtle clues began to emerge, but never enough to reveal the full picture. Then came the conclusion—and what an ending it was. I can honestly say I never saw it coming. The final twist completely changed my perspective on everything I had read beforehand and transformed what I thought was a predictable novel into one of the most satisfying psychological thrillers I have read in quite some time.
That kind of storytelling is a genuine credit to Ali Blood. Constructing a plot that successfully misdirects the reader while remaining believable is no easy task. Many thrillers attempt surprise endings, but too often they feel forced or implausible. Here, however, the twist fits naturally within the story and rewards readers who remain patient until the final chapters.
Another strength of the novel is its pacing. The story develops steadily, allowing the characters and their relationships to evolve naturally. As I approached the final quarter of the book, I became slightly concerned that the author might rush the ending—a flaw that unfortunately affects many otherwise excellent novels. It is all too common for writers to spend hundreds of pages building suspense, only to compress the resolution into a few hurried chapters.
Thankfully, Ali Blood avoids that trap completely. The conclusion is carefully constructed, satisfying, and perfectly timed. Rather than feeling rushed, every revelation is given the space it deserves, allowing the story to conclude in a way that is both convincing and deeply rewarding. It reminded me of watching an Olympic gymnast execute a flawless routine before landing perfectly—a performance worthy of a perfect score.
Without revealing any spoilers, I would strongly encourage readers not to make the same assumptions I did during the first half of the novel. If, like me, you begin to think you have the story figured out, keep reading. Your patience will almost certainly be rewarded.
Overall, The Prisoner's Wife is a compelling psychological thriller filled with tension, emotion, and masterful storytelling. It demonstrates just how effective careful plotting and well-developed characters can be when combined with an ending that genuinely surprises the reader without feeling artificial.
I have no hesitation in recommending this book to anyone who enjoys suspense, psychological drama, and novels with intelligent, well-executed twists. It is a thoroughly satisfying read that kept me thinking long after I had turned the final page.
For me, this is an easy 5-star novel. Ali Blood has once again proven why she is so highly regarded, delivering a story that is gripping, emotionally engaging, and finished with absolute perfection.
★★★★★ (5/5 Stars)
To be completely honest, I had mixed feelings during the first half of the book. Initially, I believed I knew exactly where the story was heading. It appeared to be another novel centered on domestic abuse, with the victim enduring an increasingly oppressive and heartbreaking situation. While the writing was engaging, I found myself becoming frustrated and even angry as the story unfolded. The apparent imbalance between the victim and the abuser made my blood boil, and for a while I wondered whether the remainder of the novel would simply continue along the same predictable path.
Fortunately, I have always had one personal rule when it comes to reading: once I start a book, I finish it, regardless of whether I find it slow, disappointing, or even boring. I believe every author deserves the opportunity to tell their complete story before being judged. In this case, that habit rewarded me many times over.
What I initially believed was a straightforward story turned out to be anything but. As the novel progressed, subtle clues began to emerge, but never enough to reveal the full picture. Then came the conclusion—and what an ending it was. I can honestly say I never saw it coming. The final twist completely changed my perspective on everything I had read beforehand and transformed what I thought was a predictable novel into one of the most satisfying psychological thrillers I have read in quite some time.
That kind of storytelling is a genuine credit to Ali Blood. Constructing a plot that successfully misdirects the reader while remaining believable is no easy task. Many thrillers attempt surprise endings, but too often they feel forced or implausible. Here, however, the twist fits naturally within the story and rewards readers who remain patient until the final chapters.
Another strength of the novel is its pacing. The story develops steadily, allowing the characters and their relationships to evolve naturally. As I approached the final quarter of the book, I became slightly concerned that the author might rush the ending—a flaw that unfortunately affects many otherwise excellent novels. It is all too common for writers to spend hundreds of pages building suspense, only to compress the resolution into a few hurried chapters.
Thankfully, Ali Blood avoids that trap completely. The conclusion is carefully constructed, satisfying, and perfectly timed. Rather than feeling rushed, every revelation is given the space it deserves, allowing the story to conclude in a way that is both convincing and deeply rewarding. It reminded me of watching an Olympic gymnast execute a flawless routine before landing perfectly—a performance worthy of a perfect score.
Without revealing any spoilers, I would strongly encourage readers not to make the same assumptions I did during the first half of the novel. If, like me, you begin to think you have the story figured out, keep reading. Your patience will almost certainly be rewarded.
Overall, The Prisoner's Wife is a compelling psychological thriller filled with tension, emotion, and masterful storytelling. It demonstrates just how effective careful plotting and well-developed characters can be when combined with an ending that genuinely surprises the reader without feeling artificial.
I have no hesitation in recommending this book to anyone who enjoys suspense, psychological drama, and novels with intelligent, well-executed twists. It is a thoroughly satisfying read that kept me thinking long after I had turned the final page.
For me, this is an easy 5-star novel. Ali Blood has once again proven why she is so highly regarded, delivering a story that is gripping, emotionally engaging, and finished with absolute perfection.
★★★★★ (5/5 Stars)
February 2, 2023
MY RATING: ⭐️⭐️⭐️ (3/5)
READ IF YOU LIKE:
👀 A single POV
🎥 LEGEND
🎭 Lots of drama
🔪 Mafia/gang trope
⏰ Books you can read in one sitting
👋🏼 Unlikeable characters
DISCLAIMER:
I was provided an advanced copy of this book in return for my honest thoughts - all opinions are my own.
☁️ THOUGHTS:
This was Blood’s debut novel and I preface this review almost with an apology.. I hate writing ‘negative’ reviews but we can’t like everything we read! *Types super quickly and just hits post*
Starting with the positives: I read this super quickly in two days, it was an easy read, there was lots of drama and I spent the whole book imagining Tommy abd Emma as Reggie Kray and Frances (it gave me major Legend vibes) which was fun.
But. This left NOTHING to the imagination. And I mean NOTH👏🏼ING. Everything from the plot, to the characters, to the twists was spelled out, leaving us with no shocks, no suspense, no having to work things out, no tension. Perhaps I do read too many in the thriller/mystery genre but I like to be SHOCKED or at least surprised and in my view, this was another slow-paced domestic drama labelled as a psychological thriller. The biggest and only (?) twist came right at the end, and the ending began and was wrapped up in about four pages.
The potential was definitely there and I will still read more by this author! Don’t let this put you off: if you don’t read much of this genre, you may enjoy it a lot more + as always these are just my thoughts. This one just wasn’t for me! 🙌🏼
READ IF YOU LIKE:
👀 A single POV
🎥 LEGEND
🎭 Lots of drama
🔪 Mafia/gang trope
⏰ Books you can read in one sitting
👋🏼 Unlikeable characters
DISCLAIMER:
I was provided an advanced copy of this book in return for my honest thoughts - all opinions are my own.
☁️ THOUGHTS:
This was Blood’s debut novel and I preface this review almost with an apology.. I hate writing ‘negative’ reviews but we can’t like everything we read! *Types super quickly and just hits post*
Starting with the positives: I read this super quickly in two days, it was an easy read, there was lots of drama and I spent the whole book imagining Tommy abd Emma as Reggie Kray and Frances (it gave me major Legend vibes) which was fun.
But. This left NOTHING to the imagination. And I mean NOTH👏🏼ING. Everything from the plot, to the characters, to the twists was spelled out, leaving us with no shocks, no suspense, no having to work things out, no tension. Perhaps I do read too many in the thriller/mystery genre but I like to be SHOCKED or at least surprised and in my view, this was another slow-paced domestic drama labelled as a psychological thriller. The biggest and only (?) twist came right at the end, and the ending began and was wrapped up in about four pages.
The potential was definitely there and I will still read more by this author! Don’t let this put you off: if you don’t read much of this genre, you may enjoy it a lot more + as always these are just my thoughts. This one just wasn’t for me! 🙌🏼
February 5, 2023
Based off of the premise of this book, I went into it with really high expectations. I love a well-written novel where the husband is incarcerated but still manages to wreak havoc on his wife's life, but this just wasn't it.
To begin with, the plot moved about as fast as a snail going in reverse. I felt like I would read chapter after chapter and never really feel that the story was going anywhere or feel the tension that I think the author wanted us to feel. This was made even more upsetting by the fact that this story is told in dual timelines (the past, where Emma met her husband, up to him getting arrested, and then the present time with her dealing with the fallout of his conviction).
I could have potentially overlooked that had all of the characters not been very flat and one-dimensional. Emma was a very "let me play the naive victim" type of character. Yes, she fell for the bad guy, but I felt like when she had options, she either did nothing at all, or made the worst possible choice ever. And then there was her husband, who, despite being every mobster trope thrown into one character, was ultimately laughable. Somehow he had access to a personal cell phone (sure, he had some officers supposedly on his payroll, but it certainly wasn't all of them), and he loved to throw his weight around and threaten her, but it was really just.... annoying.
DISCLAIMER: I received a complimentary copy of this novel from the publisher. This has not affected my review in any way. All thoughts and opinions expressed in this review are 100% my own.
To begin with, the plot moved about as fast as a snail going in reverse. I felt like I would read chapter after chapter and never really feel that the story was going anywhere or feel the tension that I think the author wanted us to feel. This was made even more upsetting by the fact that this story is told in dual timelines (the past, where Emma met her husband, up to him getting arrested, and then the present time with her dealing with the fallout of his conviction).
I could have potentially overlooked that had all of the characters not been very flat and one-dimensional. Emma was a very "let me play the naive victim" type of character. Yes, she fell for the bad guy, but I felt like when she had options, she either did nothing at all, or made the worst possible choice ever. And then there was her husband, who, despite being every mobster trope thrown into one character, was ultimately laughable. Somehow he had access to a personal cell phone (sure, he had some officers supposedly on his payroll, but it certainly wasn't all of them), and he loved to throw his weight around and threaten her, but it was really just.... annoying.
DISCLAIMER: I received a complimentary copy of this novel from the publisher. This has not affected my review in any way. All thoughts and opinions expressed in this review are 100% my own.
February 2, 2023
After a whirlwind romance followed by a luxury wedding, Emma soon discovers her marriage to wealthy businessman Tommy Driscoll isn’t the happy ever after she thought it would be. Tommy soon reveals himself as a controlling bully, who treats her as a possession and takes away her liberty. When he is convicted of the possession of a firearm and given a five year sentence, she thinks this will free her. However, she has no idea what Tommy has put in place to make sure he retains control of her.
Written from Emma’s POV, I found this a little slow to start. Emma’s character felt a little one dimensional although the way the story moved between past and present helped get a feeling for her current situation. I also felt given her comments about some of the hard faced men she met while with Tommy, that she didn’t realise his true vocation. Tommy was the archetypal gangster, and a controlling bully. The family structure following that of many similar novels/TV dramas - the hateful mother in law and the not so smart brother. There was also Tommy’s henchman Jack, the hard man with a soft spot for Emma.
There were one or two twists and turns in the story, but all in all, nothing really grabbed me. Although I didn’t particularly enjoy The Prisoner’s Wife – which I gather is a debut novel – I would be interested in seeing what Ali Blood comes up with next.
I would like to thank Avon, Ali Blood and Netgalley for an ARC of The Prisoner’s Wife in exchange for an honest review.
Written from Emma’s POV, I found this a little slow to start. Emma’s character felt a little one dimensional although the way the story moved between past and present helped get a feeling for her current situation. I also felt given her comments about some of the hard faced men she met while with Tommy, that she didn’t realise his true vocation. Tommy was the archetypal gangster, and a controlling bully. The family structure following that of many similar novels/TV dramas - the hateful mother in law and the not so smart brother. There was also Tommy’s henchman Jack, the hard man with a soft spot for Emma.
There were one or two twists and turns in the story, but all in all, nothing really grabbed me. Although I didn’t particularly enjoy The Prisoner’s Wife – which I gather is a debut novel – I would be interested in seeing what Ali Blood comes up with next.
I would like to thank Avon, Ali Blood and Netgalley for an ARC of The Prisoner’s Wife in exchange for an honest review.
June 24, 2023
When I first started reading this book, I thought the British slang was overused and forced. “Bruv” “clobber” - it’s like the author used the dictionary and typed in “uncommon British slang”. As a British person myself, I didn’t know how to feel about all these weird words implemented in the story. It would have been more realistic if the author used “mate”, rather than “bruv”. I think the only realistic one was “tart”, which is commonly used.
This story is slow, but it was interesting because I wanted to see how she got in the back of a vehicle at the start. Usually, the two years ago backstory chapters annoy me, but it was implemented throughout the story rather than a whole backstory of 25 chapters, which I liked. 150 pages in, it’s a repetition of the same stuff. The Driscoll family telling her over and over again that she has to be loyal - perhaps it’s used for the build up? But it’s not the greatest for character development, all I know is that Emma likes Jack Fraser and the rest are d*cks.
The whole Tommy Driscoll and Emma Driscoll reminded me of Doris Driscoll from Stranger Things - I don’t know why, it’s all I could think about. 🤣
I didn’t understand the plot. The main character wanted to keep the baby of a person who gropes women- my first question is why? Like not only was her life in risk, but she’s keeping the baby of a shitty man whom she killed
But anyway, two stars for the okay ending.
This story is slow, but it was interesting because I wanted to see how she got in the back of a vehicle at the start. Usually, the two years ago backstory chapters annoy me, but it was implemented throughout the story rather than a whole backstory of 25 chapters, which I liked. 150 pages in, it’s a repetition of the same stuff. The Driscoll family telling her over and over again that she has to be loyal - perhaps it’s used for the build up? But it’s not the greatest for character development, all I know is that Emma likes Jack Fraser and the rest are d*cks.
The whole Tommy Driscoll and Emma Driscoll reminded me of Doris Driscoll from Stranger Things - I don’t know why, it’s all I could think about. 🤣
I didn’t understand the plot. The main character wanted to keep the baby of a person who gropes women- my first question is why? Like not only was her life in risk, but she’s keeping the baby of a shitty man whom she killed
But anyway, two stars for the okay ending.
February 2, 2023
What an outstanding read. Being married to a manipulating and controlling gangster has its drawbacks, only Emma didn’t realise her husband was keeping such dangerous company when she married him. Even backed by an expensive legal team can’t get Tommy off. So when he’s found guilty for possession of a firearm and sentenced to five years in prison, this means freedom for Emma. Or does it?
Left with a list of rules while he’s inside, Tommy ensures Emma is watched night and day and not by a security firm as one would imagine, but by his mother and brother. Having broken Emma’s spirit over a period of two years, he has no idea she has been playing her part of the loyal wife rather well. Since the Driscoll family regard south London as their stamping ground, Emma doesn’t have a means of escaping their clutches that easily.
There’s Tommy’s history to contend with, plus the mental rules she has to follow. Liam is just as horrendous. But can Emma truly be rid of the Driscoll’s. Or will she be up to her neck in guilt? If she ever gets her life back will it be with conditions?
This is a book you can easily read in one sitting. Well-written and fast-paced, you’ll be desperate to know how Emma can escape such a terrifying situation. Author Ali Blood is definitely one to watch and I’ll be excited to read her next book.
Left with a list of rules while he’s inside, Tommy ensures Emma is watched night and day and not by a security firm as one would imagine, but by his mother and brother. Having broken Emma’s spirit over a period of two years, he has no idea she has been playing her part of the loyal wife rather well. Since the Driscoll family regard south London as their stamping ground, Emma doesn’t have a means of escaping their clutches that easily.
There’s Tommy’s history to contend with, plus the mental rules she has to follow. Liam is just as horrendous. But can Emma truly be rid of the Driscoll’s. Or will she be up to her neck in guilt? If she ever gets her life back will it be with conditions?
This is a book you can easily read in one sitting. Well-written and fast-paced, you’ll be desperate to know how Emma can escape such a terrifying situation. Author Ali Blood is definitely one to watch and I’ll be excited to read her next book.
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