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The Lost Wife
You always underestimated me and I always overestimated you.
Maybe that was our problem.
A woman and a child arrive at a cottage in the Peak District in the dead of night.
Alone. Desperate. Hunted.
She knows they’re coming for her. It’s only a matter of time.
Because her husband kept a secret from her. Until he was ready to destroy her.
Now, it’s her turn.
Maybe that was our problem.
A woman and a child arrive at a cottage in the Peak District in the dead of night.
Alone. Desperate. Hunted.
She knows they’re coming for her. It’s only a matter of time.
Because her husband kept a secret from her. Until he was ready to destroy her.
Now, it’s her turn.
255 pages, ebook
First published April 8, 2023
112 people are currently reading
1337 people want to read
About the author
Georgina Lees
5 books104 followersGeorgina studied creative writing and film at university and has since pursued a career in video-games journalism, covering some of the most popular games in the world. Her psychological thrillers are inspired by her surroundings, from the congested London streets to the raw English countryside. She can be found playing games, writing stories, and reading anything from fantasy to crime fiction.
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 236 reviews
February 25, 2023
Thank you Harper Collins UK/One More Chapter and NetGalley for the ARC in exchange for an honest review. IYKYK, my reviews are always honest.
BIG ASS TRIGGER WARNING: animal cruelty
Writing: 4/5 | Plot: 4/5 | Ending: *throws kindle across room*/5
SYNOPSIS
In the present, a woman arrives at a cottage on the run because her husband was a sneaky snake. And in the past, a woman comes to terms with the fact her husband isn't who she thinks she is.
MY REVIEW
So I absolutely loved Georgina Lees' writing in After the Party, but I felt she was trying too hard to make it a thriller and I, an insignificant reader, recommended she focus more on a character-driven story. Now, do I think Lees actually read my review and said Girlwiththepinkskimask, you right!!!?? No. But regardless, this book is definitely more character driven and less like its trying to fit the mold.
Did you like Greenwich Park?? Yes?? Okay then there's an 85% chance you'll enjoy this too. If you hated that book (Kat, especially LOL), avoid! This one has a protagonist that may rub you the wrong way. Usually, I'm easily annoyed by people acting out of pocket, but its mostly because their inner monologue is so balls to the wall delusional I want to shake the silly right out of them. But in this case, the MC is quite aware of her shortcomings as a mother and doesn't talk herself up to be some kind of Wonder Woman. It's clear to the reader that the MC is a flawed protagonist. She's flawed, but in a relatable sense.
Now, the downfall of this book happens at 93%. I mean tbh 88%-93% was a lil questionable, but I could still look past it and finish the book with positive vibes. But after 93%? Absolutely not. Haterific vibes only. This is my official petition to stop Scooby Doo endings. Just PLEASE trust that your readers can put the missing puzzle pieces together. We don't actually need the baddie play-by-play after the "final showdown." Just wrap this up and let me put down my Kindle without cringing. A la Verity, we're forced to endure a tell-all letter to the victim from the baddie. But why? It always makes it worse. Some things are better left unexplained.
SPOILER ALERT SO SCROLL TO THE BOTTOM
To keep it completely 100 with ya'll, this is the designer version of The Wife Between Us. I absolutely hated TWBU because of the amateur hour writing, but Lees can actually write, so the twists landed better. I couldn't make this comparison without the spoiler warning because now you know wassup. Anyways. I don't think it was a rip off, but it's definitely similar.
My rich homie qualm, other than the ending, was the whole Owen thing. I get he was necessary for propping up that thinly veiled twisty twist, but BLEHHHHH. Maybe it's because I'm not close with my brother, but I ain't doing all that for him. Not a chance in hell. Sorry you got played but I'm not committing felonies. Also... the baddie fell flat for me. She was doing a lot just because her husband was a bum. I needed a little more backstory to understand why cheating would cause someone to become a full-on stalker who refused to divorce the man but also wanted him to d!e. It just seemed like she went 0-100. And lastly, Meghan and Felicity are terrible "friends." If I was Felicity, I'd be singing like a canary on crack.
PROS AND CONS
Pros: great prose, feelings were felt, solid pacing, Lea is a well-developed character
Cons: Scooby Doo reveal, baddie's character fell a bit flat
BIG ASS TRIGGER WARNING: animal cruelty
Writing: 4/5 | Plot: 4/5 | Ending: *throws kindle across room*/5
SYNOPSIS
In the present, a woman arrives at a cottage on the run because her husband was a sneaky snake. And in the past, a woman comes to terms with the fact her husband isn't who she thinks she is.
MY REVIEW
So I absolutely loved Georgina Lees' writing in After the Party, but I felt she was trying too hard to make it a thriller and I, an insignificant reader, recommended she focus more on a character-driven story. Now, do I think Lees actually read my review and said Girlwiththepinkskimask, you right!!!?? No. But regardless, this book is definitely more character driven and less like its trying to fit the mold.
Did you like Greenwich Park?? Yes?? Okay then there's an 85% chance you'll enjoy this too. If you hated that book (Kat, especially LOL), avoid! This one has a protagonist that may rub you the wrong way. Usually, I'm easily annoyed by people acting out of pocket, but its mostly because their inner monologue is so balls to the wall delusional I want to shake the silly right out of them. But in this case, the MC is quite aware of her shortcomings as a mother and doesn't talk herself up to be some kind of Wonder Woman. It's clear to the reader that the MC is a flawed protagonist. She's flawed, but in a relatable sense.
Now, the downfall of this book happens at 93%. I mean tbh 88%-93% was a lil questionable, but I could still look past it and finish the book with positive vibes. But after 93%? Absolutely not. Haterific vibes only. This is my official petition to stop Scooby Doo endings. Just PLEASE trust that your readers can put the missing puzzle pieces together. We don't actually need the baddie play-by-play after the "final showdown." Just wrap this up and let me put down my Kindle without cringing. A la Verity, we're forced to endure a tell-all letter to the victim from the baddie. But why? It always makes it worse. Some things are better left unexplained.
SPOILER ALERT SO SCROLL TO THE BOTTOM
To keep it completely 100 with ya'll, this is the designer version of The Wife Between Us. I absolutely hated TWBU because of the amateur hour writing, but Lees can actually write, so the twists landed better. I couldn't make this comparison without the spoiler warning because now you know wassup. Anyways. I don't think it was a rip off, but it's definitely similar.
My rich homie qualm, other than the ending, was the whole Owen thing. I get he was necessary for propping up that thinly veiled twisty twist, but BLEHHHHH. Maybe it's because I'm not close with my brother, but I ain't doing all that for him. Not a chance in hell. Sorry you got played but I'm not committing felonies. Also... the baddie fell flat for me. She was doing a lot just because her husband was a bum. I needed a little more backstory to understand why cheating would cause someone to become a full-on stalker who refused to divorce the man but also wanted him to d!e. It just seemed like she went 0-100. And lastly, Meghan and Felicity are terrible "friends." If I was Felicity, I'd be singing like a canary on crack.
PROS AND CONS
Pros: great prose, feelings were felt, solid pacing, Lea is a well-developed character
Cons: Scooby Doo reveal, baddie's character fell a bit flat
April 8, 2023
Georgina Lees excels at writing character-driven thrillers, and The Lost Wife is no exception.
A woman is on the run with a wounded arm, a bloody veil in the passenger seat, and a child in the back seat.
I don’t want to reveal too much about the plot because it would be easy to give something away.
This psychological thriller has two timelines. The tension and secrets mount with each chapter. The reader feels all the oppressive anxieties the characters do.
It discusses difficult parent/child relationships, gaslighting, and control.
This novel has a lot of brutality and a violent scene that may trigger animal lovers.
Many of the problems could have been resolved if the characters had tried communicating with one another rather than keeping everything locked up.
I feel like Georgina Lees is an underrated author. But she is quickly becoming my go-to thriller author.
If you enjoy evenly-paced, character-driven thrillers featuring characters that might not always be likeable, then you may enjoy this novel.
Thank you to One More Chapter for providing a widget via Netgalley in exchange for an honest review.
https://booksandwheels.com
A woman is on the run with a wounded arm, a bloody veil in the passenger seat, and a child in the back seat.
I don’t want to reveal too much about the plot because it would be easy to give something away.
This psychological thriller has two timelines. The tension and secrets mount with each chapter. The reader feels all the oppressive anxieties the characters do.
It discusses difficult parent/child relationships, gaslighting, and control.
This novel has a lot of brutality and a violent scene that may trigger animal lovers.
Many of the problems could have been resolved if the characters had tried communicating with one another rather than keeping everything locked up.
I feel like Georgina Lees is an underrated author. But she is quickly becoming my go-to thriller author.
If you enjoy evenly-paced, character-driven thrillers featuring characters that might not always be likeable, then you may enjoy this novel.
Thank you to One More Chapter for providing a widget via Netgalley in exchange for an honest review.
https://booksandwheels.com
November 1, 2025
The twist made all the difference for me, I honestly didn’t expect that. But I wasn’t sold on the motivation for doing all that the main character did.
April 10, 2023
EXCERPT: Do you know what I loved most about you, Harry? It was how little you spoke; you were all actions instead of words. You'd leave arguments before they even began. You'd kiss me instead of telling me you loved me. You'd not come home if you were mad at me. I got more from your actions than I ever did from your words, but they could not save you - save us - in the end.
When I found out who you really were, I surprised you, didn't I? That's why we're here, because your favourite thing about me was that, as you said, 'You're always full of surprises.' You underestimated me, Harry, made me your puppet, satisfied me when I needed satisfying, but you went too far, and so did I. We never should have gotten married; that day should never have been allowed to happen. I guess if we spoke, if we used words, it wouldn't have. Because our worst trait, our shared deplorable quality, is that we're liars, to each other and to ourselves.
ABOUT 'THE LOST WIFE': You always underestimated me and I always overestimated you.
Maybe that was our problem.
A woman and a child arrive at a cottage in the Peak District in the dead of night.
Alone. Desperate. Hunted.
She knows they’re coming for her. It’s only a matter of time.
Because her husband kept a secret from her. Until he was ready to destroy her.
Now, it’s her turn.
MY THOUGHTS: I really wanted to love this, just as I loved this author's previous book, The Girl Upstairs, but unfortunately it just didn't happen.
There's not a great deal of happiness in The Lost Wife, not exactly what you'd expect with a wedding in the offing.
The author has written a relatively suspenseful novel, but spoiled by the amount of repetition it contains, and whingeing. Lordy, Lea is a whinger! 'If you can't stand the heat, get out of the kitchen,' is the saying that comes to mind. It is told over two timelines, the present and one year earlier.
None of the characters are particularly likeable except for Lea's mum, although I did have, by the end, a modicum of liking for Felicity. The men are, by and large, terrible. I felt so very sorry for the child, Josh. No child deserves parents like his.
I didn't like the letter at the end. It didn't really clarify anything and was totally unnecessary.
The Lost Wife is a slightly better than an okay read, but definitely doesn't live up to this author's first book.
⭐⭐⭐.2
#TheLostWife #NetGalley
I: #georginaleesauthor @onemorechapterhc
T: @GLees_author @OneMoreChapter_
#contemporaryfiction #domesticdrama #psychologicaldrama
THE AUTHOR: Georgina studied creative writing and film at university and has since pursued a career in video-games journalism, covering some of the most popular games in the world. Her psychological thrillers are inspired by her surroundings, from the congested London streets to the raw English countryside. She can be found playing games, writing stories, and reading anything from fantasy to crime fiction.
DISCLOSURE: Thank you to Harper Collins UK, One More Chapter, via Netgalley for providing both a digital and audio ARC of The Lost Wife by Georgina Lees for review. All opinions expressed in this review are entirely my own personal opinions.
When I found out who you really were, I surprised you, didn't I? That's why we're here, because your favourite thing about me was that, as you said, 'You're always full of surprises.' You underestimated me, Harry, made me your puppet, satisfied me when I needed satisfying, but you went too far, and so did I. We never should have gotten married; that day should never have been allowed to happen. I guess if we spoke, if we used words, it wouldn't have. Because our worst trait, our shared deplorable quality, is that we're liars, to each other and to ourselves.
ABOUT 'THE LOST WIFE': You always underestimated me and I always overestimated you.
Maybe that was our problem.
A woman and a child arrive at a cottage in the Peak District in the dead of night.
Alone. Desperate. Hunted.
She knows they’re coming for her. It’s only a matter of time.
Because her husband kept a secret from her. Until he was ready to destroy her.
Now, it’s her turn.
MY THOUGHTS: I really wanted to love this, just as I loved this author's previous book, The Girl Upstairs, but unfortunately it just didn't happen.
There's not a great deal of happiness in The Lost Wife, not exactly what you'd expect with a wedding in the offing.
The author has written a relatively suspenseful novel, but spoiled by the amount of repetition it contains, and whingeing. Lordy, Lea is a whinger! 'If you can't stand the heat, get out of the kitchen,' is the saying that comes to mind. It is told over two timelines, the present and one year earlier.
None of the characters are particularly likeable except for Lea's mum, although I did have, by the end, a modicum of liking for Felicity. The men are, by and large, terrible. I felt so very sorry for the child, Josh. No child deserves parents like his.
I didn't like the letter at the end. It didn't really clarify anything and was totally unnecessary.
The Lost Wife is a slightly better than an okay read, but definitely doesn't live up to this author's first book.
⭐⭐⭐.2
#TheLostWife #NetGalley
I: #georginaleesauthor @onemorechapterhc
T: @GLees_author @OneMoreChapter_
#contemporaryfiction #domesticdrama #psychologicaldrama
THE AUTHOR: Georgina studied creative writing and film at university and has since pursued a career in video-games journalism, covering some of the most popular games in the world. Her psychological thrillers are inspired by her surroundings, from the congested London streets to the raw English countryside. She can be found playing games, writing stories, and reading anything from fantasy to crime fiction.
DISCLOSURE: Thank you to Harper Collins UK, One More Chapter, via Netgalley for providing both a digital and audio ARC of The Lost Wife by Georgina Lees for review. All opinions expressed in this review are entirely my own personal opinions.
April 18, 2023
marriage noir at its peak,
this drama kept me glued
on adrenaline and vibes of
gone girl and runaway bride,
mixed up in the bizarro world. ;)
this drama kept me glued
on adrenaline and vibes of
gone girl and runaway bride,
mixed up in the bizarro world. ;)
March 29, 2023
**TRIGGER WARNING** Animal Cruelty - Dog Death
A woman and a child arrive at a cottage in the Peak District in the dead of night. Alone. Desperate. Haunted. She knows they're coming for her. It's only a matter of time. Because her husband kept a secret from her. Until he was ready to destroy her.
This story has a dual timeline - the present day and the past - one year ago. A new wife, a bloodied veil, and a child taken his father were more than enough to pique my interest. With secrets being kept and some really good twists, I couldn't turn the pages quickly enough. I had to know what the something terrible that had happened was. The tension builds throughout. I did not care much for Lea or Harry. This fast-paced read held my attention throughout. I never saw the last twist coming.
I would like to thank #NetGalley #HarperCollinsUK #OneMoreChapter and the author #GeorginaLees for my ARC of #TheLostWife in exchange for an honest review.
A woman and a child arrive at a cottage in the Peak District in the dead of night. Alone. Desperate. Haunted. She knows they're coming for her. It's only a matter of time. Because her husband kept a secret from her. Until he was ready to destroy her.
This story has a dual timeline - the present day and the past - one year ago. A new wife, a bloodied veil, and a child taken his father were more than enough to pique my interest. With secrets being kept and some really good twists, I couldn't turn the pages quickly enough. I had to know what the something terrible that had happened was. The tension builds throughout. I did not care much for Lea or Harry. This fast-paced read held my attention throughout. I never saw the last twist coming.
I would like to thank #NetGalley #HarperCollinsUK #OneMoreChapter and the author #GeorginaLees for my ARC of #TheLostWife in exchange for an honest review.
July 18, 2023
This is the second book I’ve read by this author and I did like this one slightly more. It’s a suspenseful psychological thriller told in a dual timeline, so the past one year previously working up until the present day and then in real-time.
My main issue with this that prevented me from fully enjoying it was that it was quite depressing there wasn’t ever anything happy occurring and again like the previous book by this author the main characters were by and large rather unlikable. Despite the above, this was well written and the story relatively gripping it definitely kept me turning the pages and wanting to reach the conclusion for answers.
This past story follows Leah as she finally prepares to marry her successful partner Harry who’s also the father of her child and from the instant he proposes things start to unravel and further escalate as they reach full momentum. Leah is largely dissatisfied with her current life but trying to convince herself she’s not and Harry who is secretive and becoming increasingly controlling.
Then the present shows us mother and young son Josh running from an unknown threat that is steadily looming in the background and as time progresses she becomes increasingly violent and unhinged willing to go to an extreme level to protect Josh from harm.
There was also a big twist which I actually hadn’t seen coming so that was well done and then the conclusion did manage to give me some closure but I wasn’t a fan of the letter. Overall this was a decent well written psychological thriller it just didn’t have any feel-good vibes to it so was equally quite depressing. I voluntarily reviewed a copy of The Lost Wife.
Reviewed By Beckie Bookworm
https://www.facebook.com/beckiebookworm/
www.beckiebookworm.com
February 18, 2023
Mixed feelings about this one, it took a long time for the twist to come and for a lot of the book, the main character was impossible to relate to, trigger warning animal abuse. It is told both in the present and the few months leading to the present and it was hard to make sense of why she was staying with him and why she would marry a man that was so distant with so many secrets. Never became clear. So it was interesting in some ways and disturbing in other ways, but not the good kind of disturbing for me
April 19, 2023
Told via a 'before and after' format, this thriller was twisty, disturbing, and unsettling.
In the present we meet a woman and a young boy who are on the run. They go to a holiday cottage in the Peak District. Their presence there seems to have been arranged before hand. The woman has little money, even less petrol, and is becoming more and more desperate. Also, she has a nasty knife wound on her arm. She dare not go to a hospital because someone is after her... The wound turns septic... The little boy, Josh, becomes more and more traumatized though the woman is trying to protect him.
In the time leading up to the event we meet Lea, Harry, and their son Josh. They are not married, but Harry finally springs the question after their son is five years old. Harry's proposal sets events in motion. For Lea is not sure this is the life she wants. Harry seems to harbour many secrets. Lea is twenty-six years old and seems to regret her lost freedom. She even seems to regret the existence of her son at times. Weird things seem to happen to Lea. There are cameras in every room of her house. She gets fired from her job through no fault of her own. Harry keeps his office in their home locked at all times. What is he hiding?
This novel has lot of elements that will appeal to those who love psychological thrillers. Uncertainty about what led to a mysterious, pivotal event - and what was the event??? With an extremely unreliable narrator, the reader is never really certain of what is really going on. The writing is compelling, the characters unlikable (with the exception of Josh), and the plot is serpentine. Hold on to your hat! Georgina Lees has done it again!
In the present we meet a woman and a young boy who are on the run. They go to a holiday cottage in the Peak District. Their presence there seems to have been arranged before hand. The woman has little money, even less petrol, and is becoming more and more desperate. Also, she has a nasty knife wound on her arm. She dare not go to a hospital because someone is after her... The wound turns septic... The little boy, Josh, becomes more and more traumatized though the woman is trying to protect him.
In the time leading up to the event we meet Lea, Harry, and their son Josh. They are not married, but Harry finally springs the question after their son is five years old. Harry's proposal sets events in motion. For Lea is not sure this is the life she wants. Harry seems to harbour many secrets. Lea is twenty-six years old and seems to regret her lost freedom. She even seems to regret the existence of her son at times. Weird things seem to happen to Lea. There are cameras in every room of her house. She gets fired from her job through no fault of her own. Harry keeps his office in their home locked at all times. What is he hiding?
This novel has lot of elements that will appeal to those who love psychological thrillers. Uncertainty about what led to a mysterious, pivotal event - and what was the event??? With an extremely unreliable narrator, the reader is never really certain of what is really going on. The writing is compelling, the characters unlikable (with the exception of Josh), and the plot is serpentine. Hold on to your hat! Georgina Lees has done it again!
June 20, 2023
This story is set over two timelines, the present, and the months leading up to present day. It’s not a book where you will find yourself rooting for anyone in particular. I didn't really like Lea, the main character as she wasn't exactly the sharpest tool in the shed. She had a weird feeling about her fiance, but didn't act on it and kinda blamed her BFF for not warning her sooner. Also, I am usually not one to need trigger warnings before reading, but that animal killing scene kinda messed with me. Plus, the way the woman treated the boy didn't sit well with me either.
I also didn't like how the author felt the need to add a chapter explaining what had happened. It's like they didn't trust the reader to figure it out on their own.
On the other hand, it's a super fast and intense read so I breezed right through it. I didn't see the plot twist coming and I thought that was brilliant.
I also didn't like how the author felt the need to add a chapter explaining what had happened. It's like they didn't trust the reader to figure it out on their own.
On the other hand, it's a super fast and intense read so I breezed right through it. I didn't see the plot twist coming and I thought that was brilliant.
February 18, 2023
3,5 ⭐️
Recensie volgt nog...
Recensie volgt nog...
June 26, 2023
I had to keep reading to get to the twist. It was a really crappy twist. Also, wasn’t Owen a “young” father. Then he turns out to be the first wife’s “older” brother ?????
July 14, 2023
Well, this was painfully boring. Nothing really happened here. I'm not a fan of the writing style, the characters were boring and I don't even think this is a thriller.
![Profile Image for Sarah [ Page.Turning.Thrills ].](/_next/image?url=https%3A%2F%2Fi.gr-assets.com%2Fimages%2FS%2Fcompressed.photo.goodreads.com%2Fusers%2F1640267564i%2F7857013._UX200_CR0%2C0%2C200%2C200_.jpg&w=128&q=75)
April 7, 2023
Thank you so much, publisher One More Chapter, and author Georgina Lees, for allowing me to participate in the read-along for The Lost Wife this week.
THIS BOOK IS OUT TODAY! 🥳
💭 𝘔𝘠 𝘛𝘏𝘖𝘜𝘎𝘏𝘛𝘚
Thriller lovers, please add this to your tbr immediately! This story is twisty and shocking, and I would be surprised if anyone can predict the ending. I know almost everyone in our read-along was unable to make an accurate prediction.
I enjoyed the way the author wrote this book. For example, without spoilers of course, the author uses a duel timeline and moves the past closer to the present throughout the book. It never jumps around which makes it a lot easier to comprehend and follow.
However, the ending did have some misguided information about the characters ages that our read-along team noticed. However, it was pretty insignificant and it could have been the author's intention or possibly because it was an ARC copy. Let's face it, ages are tricky to determine with appearances alone. I should know personally, as I get mistaken for a twenty-something-year-old frequently.
𝘖𝘝𝘌𝘙𝘈𝘓𝘓...
I highly recommend this book to thriller, suspense, and mystery lovers alike! It's a fast read at only ~255 pages, and short chapters. Go download your copy today and you will have a great read over the holiday weekend.
⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐ 5/5 (CAWPILE 9.57/10)
THIS BOOK IS OUT TODAY! 🥳
💭 𝘔𝘠 𝘛𝘏𝘖𝘜𝘎𝘏𝘛𝘚
Thriller lovers, please add this to your tbr immediately! This story is twisty and shocking, and I would be surprised if anyone can predict the ending. I know almost everyone in our read-along was unable to make an accurate prediction.
I enjoyed the way the author wrote this book. For example, without spoilers of course, the author uses a duel timeline and moves the past closer to the present throughout the book. It never jumps around which makes it a lot easier to comprehend and follow.
However, the ending did have some misguided information about the characters ages that our read-along team noticed. However, it was pretty insignificant and it could have been the author's intention or possibly because it was an ARC copy. Let's face it, ages are tricky to determine with appearances alone. I should know personally, as I get mistaken for a twenty-something-year-old frequently.
𝘖𝘝𝘌𝘙𝘈𝘓𝘓...
I highly recommend this book to thriller, suspense, and mystery lovers alike! It's a fast read at only ~255 pages, and short chapters. Go download your copy today and you will have a great read over the holiday weekend.
⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐ 5/5 (CAWPILE 9.57/10)
April 3, 2023
It should have been have been the happiest day of their lives. They should have had a lifetime of happiness together. But at the end of the wedding, she is fleeing her husband covered in blood…
The Lost Wife is a story that I was quickly immersed in and that I raced through. The story unfolds in two different timelines - the lead up to the wedding and the aftermath of the wedding day. It’s not a book where you will find yourself rooting for anyone. Aside from one minor character and a small child, the characters are fairly unlikeable, and act in fairly peculiar ways. There some very uncomfortable reading featuring animal abuse and child neglect.
On the flip side, it’s a fast paced and tense read so I flew through it. I didn’t guess a major twist and when I looked back all the clues were embedded in the story all along.
I would recommend it to my fellow domestic thriller readers but perhaps not as the best example of the genre.
Thanks to the author, One More Chapter and NetGalley for the opportunity to review an advanced copy of the book in exchange for an honest review
The Lost Wife is a story that I was quickly immersed in and that I raced through. The story unfolds in two different timelines - the lead up to the wedding and the aftermath of the wedding day. It’s not a book where you will find yourself rooting for anyone. Aside from one minor character and a small child, the characters are fairly unlikeable, and act in fairly peculiar ways. There some very uncomfortable reading featuring animal abuse and child neglect.
On the flip side, it’s a fast paced and tense read so I flew through it. I didn’t guess a major twist and when I looked back all the clues were embedded in the story all along.
I would recommend it to my fellow domestic thriller readers but perhaps not as the best example of the genre.
Thanks to the author, One More Chapter and NetGalley for the opportunity to review an advanced copy of the book in exchange for an honest review
July 30, 2023
This story is told in 2 timelines, the present time and a year earlier.
In the present time we have Lea and her son Josh who are on their way to stay at Bramble Cottage. This was supposed to be a happy day and the idyllic cottage was originally booked for her honeymoon.
What happened to make them flee and why is Lea injured and very afraid?
This book is so addictive, I really didn't know what was going to happen next and I found myself sitting on the edge of the sofa as the tension built to a boiling point!!!
A fantastic must read book.
Thank you to Netgalley for my copy in exchange for an honest review.
In the present time we have Lea and her son Josh who are on their way to stay at Bramble Cottage. This was supposed to be a happy day and the idyllic cottage was originally booked for her honeymoon.
What happened to make them flee and why is Lea injured and very afraid?
This book is so addictive, I really didn't know what was going to happen next and I found myself sitting on the edge of the sofa as the tension built to a boiling point!!!
A fantastic must read book.
Thank you to Netgalley for my copy in exchange for an honest review.
February 18, 2023
You always underestimated me and I always overestimated you.
Maybe that was our problem.
A woman and a child arrive at a cottage in the Peak District in the dead of night.
Alone. Desperate. Hunted.
She knows they’re coming for her. It’s only a matter of time.
Because her husband kept a secret from her. Until he was ready to destroy her.
Now, it’s her turn.
'The lost wife' has two storylines. One is set in the present and the other one is set a year before Lea and Harry's wedding. You get closer and closer to the day of the wedding and in the meantime you read more and more about Lea and Harry's relationship. It seems that Harry has something to hide. He throws himself completely into work and Lea regularly cannot get in touch with him. What is he hiding from her?
The present is set during Lea and Harry's wedding day and is about a woman on the run. I can't say too much about this, but you feel that certain things are not right. I found the atmosphere mysterious and the tension was slowly built up. The alternation between the past and the present was nice, but I found the plot a bit disappointing, despite a number of plot twists.
'The lost wife' was fun to read and I want to say a big thank you to @netgalley for this review copy!
Rating: 3,0 ⭐️
Maybe that was our problem.
A woman and a child arrive at a cottage in the Peak District in the dead of night.
Alone. Desperate. Hunted.
She knows they’re coming for her. It’s only a matter of time.
Because her husband kept a secret from her. Until he was ready to destroy her.
Now, it’s her turn.
'The lost wife' has two storylines. One is set in the present and the other one is set a year before Lea and Harry's wedding. You get closer and closer to the day of the wedding and in the meantime you read more and more about Lea and Harry's relationship. It seems that Harry has something to hide. He throws himself completely into work and Lea regularly cannot get in touch with him. What is he hiding from her?
The present is set during Lea and Harry's wedding day and is about a woman on the run. I can't say too much about this, but you feel that certain things are not right. I found the atmosphere mysterious and the tension was slowly built up. The alternation between the past and the present was nice, but I found the plot a bit disappointing, despite a number of plot twists.
'The lost wife' was fun to read and I want to say a big thank you to @netgalley for this review copy!
Rating: 3,0 ⭐️
March 12, 2023
Thanks Netgalley for allowing me to read this book. This book was a page turner that kept me interested from the start. Secrets have a way of destroying individuals. A must read.
April 1, 2023
Moving between the present time and then moving from a year before gradually closing the gap, this story left me with mixed feelings. I felt I was reading about a woman who was gradually being separated from friends and work by a controlling partner - which to some extent was true. Yet Lea had so many opportunities to escape this relationship, right up until her wedding day. The relationship between Josh and his parents did not seem natural - a father who was always working but invariably there with a solid close relationship with his son and Josh's strained relationship with his mother.
The twist in the plot was clever and explained much once the twist was revealed.
The letter of explanation at the end was a spoiler - did the author not trust the reader to read between the lines?
Nevertheless a page turner. Three and a half stars for me!
Many thanks to Netgalley/Georgina Lees/HarperCollins UK, One More Chapter for a digital copy of this title. All opinions expressed are my own.
The twist in the plot was clever and explained much once the twist was revealed.
The letter of explanation at the end was a spoiler - did the author not trust the reader to read between the lines?
Nevertheless a page turner. Three and a half stars for me!
Many thanks to Netgalley/Georgina Lees/HarperCollins UK, One More Chapter for a digital copy of this title. All opinions expressed are my own.
April 18, 2024
Really enjoyed this, wasn’t expecting a wife at the end to kill Harry.. was so good didn’t want put down
August 28, 2023
Loved from start to finish!!
The odd few graphic bits that aren’t for the faint hearted and such a sick twist at the end.
The odd few graphic bits that aren’t for the faint hearted and such a sick twist at the end.
February 9, 2023
"Life will never be the same again. She will never be the same because she never really knew her husband."
Somewhere in the Peak District, are a woman and a child. Being alone, scared, and persecuted. Can they escape the bad guys?
The novel begins with a love story: Harry and Lea are getting married, but things are not as perfect as they appear. Harry is constantly at work and seems to be concealing something, but what? Lea wonders what her life might be like if she had made a different decision.
A gripping domestic psychological thriller that examines all facets of a relationship, from infatuation, jealousy, control, deception, and ambition to parenthood, friendship, and self-questioning whether what we're doing is right. Is it OK to forego our own happiness in order to make someone else happy?
The plot is conveyed beneath a veil of claustrophobia in this somewhat grim novel since everyone is imprisoned in their own private emotional universe. Even a smidgeon of kindness and childlike innocence fails to untie this Gordian knot.
Overall a good read with many twists and turns.
3/5
Somewhere in the Peak District, are a woman and a child. Being alone, scared, and persecuted. Can they escape the bad guys?
The novel begins with a love story: Harry and Lea are getting married, but things are not as perfect as they appear. Harry is constantly at work and seems to be concealing something, but what? Lea wonders what her life might be like if she had made a different decision.
A gripping domestic psychological thriller that examines all facets of a relationship, from infatuation, jealousy, control, deception, and ambition to parenthood, friendship, and self-questioning whether what we're doing is right. Is it OK to forego our own happiness in order to make someone else happy?
The plot is conveyed beneath a veil of claustrophobia in this somewhat grim novel since everyone is imprisoned in their own private emotional universe. Even a smidgeon of kindness and childlike innocence fails to untie this Gordian knot.
Overall a good read with many twists and turns.
3/5
April 10, 2023
First off: Huge trigger warning of animal abuse. If this is an issue for you, please be aware that this takes place. It’s not a major plot line or anything, but it happens and I would have liked to know about it ahead of time, so I want to make sure to make others aware.
Ok, that being said…
The story takes place in two timelines, the present and the months leading up to the present day. When the book starts, a woman is leaving in a hurry from something dramatic with a child in the backseat. She’s on the run from the “bad people” as she refers to them to the child, but why? And who are they?
I have mixed feelings about this one and it’s hard to go into without spoilers so I’m going to leave it at that. It wasn’t my favorite but I’ve definitely read much worse.
Thanks to One More Chapter and NetGalley for this eArc in exchange for my review
Ok, that being said…
The story takes place in two timelines, the present and the months leading up to the present day. When the book starts, a woman is leaving in a hurry from something dramatic with a child in the backseat. She’s on the run from the “bad people” as she refers to them to the child, but why? And who are they?
I have mixed feelings about this one and it’s hard to go into without spoilers so I’m going to leave it at that. It wasn’t my favorite but I’ve definitely read much worse.
Thanks to One More Chapter and NetGalley for this eArc in exchange for my review
April 7, 2023
The Lost Wife by Georgina Lees is a tense and twisty psychological thriller. However there is a big trigger warning for animal lovers. This book features a fair bit of violence to humans but also includes an animal death.
The plot is fast and addictive and I just couldn't put it down. The story is told over dual timelines, before the wedding of Harry and Lea and the present. I did like the reveal when it came and it made sense out of the events leading up to the wedding and how I felt about what was happening in the present.
Thank you to Netgalley and the publisher for the ARC.
The plot is fast and addictive and I just couldn't put it down. The story is told over dual timelines, before the wedding of Harry and Lea and the present. I did like the reveal when it came and it made sense out of the events leading up to the wedding and how I felt about what was happening in the present.
Thank you to Netgalley and the publisher for the ARC.
October 10, 2023
I felt like this was a bit better than the last thriller I read while simultaneously also being worse? I hated all of the characters if I’m being completely honest, I didn’t enjoy a single one of them. So they all could’ve been murdered and I wouldn’t have twitched an eyelid.
March 11, 2024
3.75/5. The animal abuse was just not it 💔 Genuinely lost a star for that one. Having said that - it was a proper page turner! The author had me fooled because I would have NEVER guessed the twist. We love an unpredictable book
July 12, 2023
For better for worse, till death do us part...I will find you...
**TRIGGER WARNING**
Animal cruelty, brutal dog death
OK, so firstly, THAT alone brings the rating down for me. Why kill an animal so brutally? Why kill it at all? To me, it is senseless. I know it fitted in with the context of the story and by the end it did make a whole lot of sense but still...killing a dog, let alone bashing its head in with a shovel, is a big no no and my rating down will reflrect this.
A woman and child arrive at Bramble Cottage in the Peak District in the dead of night. Alone. Desperate. And hunted. They are coming for her, she knows It's only a matter of time. All because of the secret her husband kept.
The story unfolds through the alternating timelines of the present and respective months leading up to the present day. It follows Lea who has lived happily with Harry, the father of her four year old son Josh, for the past five years. Until someone plants the idea of marriage in her head. And Lea wants to know why Harry doesn't want to get married. Or is it that he just doesn't want to marry her? Until the night he surprises her by proposing. And then things slowly start to unravel as well as escalate.
Lea loves Harry...or at least she's convinced she does. Just as she has convinced herself she is happy when it is clear she is not. Nothing in her life has turned out the way she thought and she finds herself a mother too young and tied down at twenty six. She is largely dissatisfied and has no idea what to do about it. I hardly think marrying Harry is the solution but she seems to think it is. But Harry isn't who she thinks he is...and he has become increasingly secretive and controlling.
The story takes us right up to the day of the wedding and beyond. I was eager to know what she was running from and why. And what big secret Harry was keeping, because it was clear that he was. There is an impending sense of doom looming with an unknown threat lurking in the background. Lea is on tenterhooks and is beginning to wonder if she is imagining things.
I enjoyed this story until about halfway. Then the dog was killed and that took away most of my enjoyment by which time I just wanted to know how it all ended. I didn't care either way. My main issue with the story, apart from the brutal slaying of the dog, is that it is largely depressing. Nothing happy happens in the book. Not even the wedding was a happy occasion. Or the engagement before that. Everything is shrouded in a shadow of despondency.
There is a twist at the end of the book which I think is quite cleverly done and is probably its saving grace. The letter, however, I think was a bit drawn out and superfluous. I could have done without it. It took me 20 minutes to read it, that's how long it was. But it did manage to give some closure of sorts.
My first read by Lees and I would give her another read in the future. Just no killing of dogs, PLEASE!!
I would like to thank GeorginaLees, #Netgalley and #OneMoreChapter for an ARC of #TheLostWife in exchange for an honest review.
This review appears on my blog at https://stinathebookaholic.blogspot.com/.
**TRIGGER WARNING**
Animal cruelty, brutal dog death
OK, so firstly, THAT alone brings the rating down for me. Why kill an animal so brutally? Why kill it at all? To me, it is senseless. I know it fitted in with the context of the story and by the end it did make a whole lot of sense but still...killing a dog, let alone bashing its head in with a shovel, is a big no no and my rating down will reflrect this.
A woman and child arrive at Bramble Cottage in the Peak District in the dead of night. Alone. Desperate. And hunted. They are coming for her, she knows It's only a matter of time. All because of the secret her husband kept.
The story unfolds through the alternating timelines of the present and respective months leading up to the present day. It follows Lea who has lived happily with Harry, the father of her four year old son Josh, for the past five years. Until someone plants the idea of marriage in her head. And Lea wants to know why Harry doesn't want to get married. Or is it that he just doesn't want to marry her? Until the night he surprises her by proposing. And then things slowly start to unravel as well as escalate.
Lea loves Harry...or at least she's convinced she does. Just as she has convinced herself she is happy when it is clear she is not. Nothing in her life has turned out the way she thought and she finds herself a mother too young and tied down at twenty six. She is largely dissatisfied and has no idea what to do about it. I hardly think marrying Harry is the solution but she seems to think it is. But Harry isn't who she thinks he is...and he has become increasingly secretive and controlling.
The story takes us right up to the day of the wedding and beyond. I was eager to know what she was running from and why. And what big secret Harry was keeping, because it was clear that he was. There is an impending sense of doom looming with an unknown threat lurking in the background. Lea is on tenterhooks and is beginning to wonder if she is imagining things.
I enjoyed this story until about halfway. Then the dog was killed and that took away most of my enjoyment by which time I just wanted to know how it all ended. I didn't care either way. My main issue with the story, apart from the brutal slaying of the dog, is that it is largely depressing. Nothing happy happens in the book. Not even the wedding was a happy occasion. Or the engagement before that. Everything is shrouded in a shadow of despondency.
There is a twist at the end of the book which I think is quite cleverly done and is probably its saving grace. The letter, however, I think was a bit drawn out and superfluous. I could have done without it. It took me 20 minutes to read it, that's how long it was. But it did manage to give some closure of sorts.
My first read by Lees and I would give her another read in the future. Just no killing of dogs, PLEASE!!
I would like to thank GeorginaLees, #Netgalley and #OneMoreChapter for an ARC of #TheLostWife in exchange for an honest review.
This review appears on my blog at https://stinathebookaholic.blogspot.com/.
April 5, 2023
3.5 ☆
please check the trigger warnings before reading this book!!!
i have a lot of mixed opinions about this book. starting off, the writing in this book was super good which made the plot twists land well! i liked reading between the different time zones as well! the pacing of the book was also superrr good which made the story even better!
unfortunately, i feel like parts of this book were very confusing which made it difficult to read and understand. i also wasn’t a big fan of any of the characters especially lea and how naive she was. additionally, i didn’t like the ending and how the author decided to explain the book rather than let the reader interpret it and figure it out.
still, this book was definitely a thrilling, page turner, and with the exception of a few parts i really enjoyed it! this book is also very dark so please make sure you check the trigger warnings beforehand!
please check the trigger warnings before reading this book!!!
i have a lot of mixed opinions about this book. starting off, the writing in this book was super good which made the plot twists land well! i liked reading between the different time zones as well! the pacing of the book was also superrr good which made the story even better!
unfortunately, i feel like parts of this book were very confusing which made it difficult to read and understand. i also wasn’t a big fan of any of the characters especially lea and how naive she was. additionally, i didn’t like the ending and how the author decided to explain the book rather than let the reader interpret it and figure it out.
still, this book was definitely a thrilling, page turner, and with the exception of a few parts i really enjoyed it! this book is also very dark so please make sure you check the trigger warnings beforehand!
April 9, 2023
This book is told in two timelines. One in the now and one from a year ago. When the story begins, it is apparent that something has gone horribly wrong. A woman and child arrive at Bramble cottage, rented for memorial honeymoon. But where is the groom, why is the woman injured and hurt and the child so upset. What happened to make a perfect day go so horribly wrong?
This is one of those books where almost everything I want to say, is surrounded by shark infested, spoiler waters( and it had a heck of a twist🤫). I can say that the relationship between Lea and Harry seems pretty perfect at first glance, but fairly soon, secrets and lies are flying out of their closets. So no, this is not a they lived happily ever after tale. It was, however, a twisty one, and it took me a while to figure out what was going on with these characters. An enjoyable plot that kept me flipping my Kindle pages to figure out just what the heck happened to ruin this relationship and the perfect wedding day.
This is one of those books where almost everything I want to say, is surrounded by shark infested, spoiler waters( and it had a heck of a twist🤫). I can say that the relationship between Lea and Harry seems pretty perfect at first glance, but fairly soon, secrets and lies are flying out of their closets. So no, this is not a they lived happily ever after tale. It was, however, a twisty one, and it took me a while to figure out what was going on with these characters. An enjoyable plot that kept me flipping my Kindle pages to figure out just what the heck happened to ruin this relationship and the perfect wedding day.
April 7, 2023
Authour: Georgina Lees
Genre: Thriller
Rating: 🌟🌟🌟🌟🌟
Format: Paperback
Wow. Wow. Wow. I loved this book so much! After reading lots of different genres recently, Georgina has totally rekindled my love of thrillers!
As a massive thriller fan I read a lot of them and ultimately started finding some a little predictable. However, that was definitely not the case with this one!
The lost wife had me guessing the whole way through, right until the very end, and I was still a millions miles off predicting the amazing twist.
This is a fast paced, dual timeline thriller that I was unable to put down and had me reading ahead whilst taking part in the @onemorechapterhc #thelostwifereadalong
If you enjoy thrillers then I definitely recommend The Lost Wife. The perfect book to devour in one sitting! ❤️💍🔪
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