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The Wife You Know
Everything he knows about his wife is called into question when she mysteriously vanishes in a breathtaking novel of suspense by Amazon Charts bestselling author Chad Zunker.
Widower Luke Driskell didn’t expect to fall in love and marry again so quickly. But Ashley and her daughter, Joy, are special—a quality borne out when Ashley rushes into a burning day-care center to save the children. Immediately she’s a social media sensation and hero. Then, just as suddenly, Ashley and Joy disappear into the bitterly cold night.
With no trace of their whereabouts, Luke begins a panicked investigation. Alarmingly, he can find no proof that the woman he loves even exists. Left behind: just a hidden stash of fake IDs. Different names. Different cities. Same haunted face. Now the devastated husband has only questions: Who did he marry? What is she hiding?
Luke’s cross-country pursuit of the truth soon spins into something more dangerous than he imagined. Because Ashley’s secrets run so deep and dark that finding her could threaten all their lives.
Widower Luke Driskell didn’t expect to fall in love and marry again so quickly. But Ashley and her daughter, Joy, are special—a quality borne out when Ashley rushes into a burning day-care center to save the children. Immediately she’s a social media sensation and hero. Then, just as suddenly, Ashley and Joy disappear into the bitterly cold night.
With no trace of their whereabouts, Luke begins a panicked investigation. Alarmingly, he can find no proof that the woman he loves even exists. Left behind: just a hidden stash of fake IDs. Different names. Different cities. Same haunted face. Now the devastated husband has only questions: Who did he marry? What is she hiding?
Luke’s cross-country pursuit of the truth soon spins into something more dangerous than he imagined. Because Ashley’s secrets run so deep and dark that finding her could threaten all their lives.
205 pages, Kindle Edition
First published February 27, 2024
2845 people are currently reading
11216 people want to read
About the author
Chad Zunker
15 books883 followersCHAD ZUNKER is the author of the David Adams legal thriller, An Equal Justice, as well as The Tracker, Shadow Shepherd, and Hunt the Lion in his Sam Callahan series. Chad has worked for some of the country’s most powerful law firms and serves at Community First! Village, a 51-acre master planned community that provides affordable, permanent housing and a supportive community for men and women coming out of chronic homelessness. He lives in Austin with his wife, Katie, and their three daughters, and is hard at work on his next novel. For more information visit www.chadzunker.com.
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 706 reviews
February 27, 2024
What if the wife you know, doesn’t actually exist?
Luke Driskell is forced to question everything he thinks he knows about his new wife after she mysteriously vanishes with her young daughter, his stepdaughter Joy.
After rushing into a burning day-care center to save the eight children trapped inside, Ashley immediately becomes a local hero and a social media sensation.
Then, she disappears from the hospital before she can even be released, and vanishes into the bitterly cold night wearing only a thin hospital gown.
With no trace of their whereabouts, Luke makes a plea to the Public for help-and offers a substantial reward for any information that can help reunite him with Ashley and Joy.
Little did he realize that his wife is extremely private for a reason, and he has just put a target on her back.
Luke begins a dangerous cross-country pursuit of his family, and the truth, which will ultimately test a vow he made to Ashley when she accepted his proposal.
This was my first time reading Amazon Charts bestselling author Chad Zunker and I devoured this quick and engaging 205 page story in one sitting!
Admittedly, the writing is a bit simplistic, and let’s face it-a woman with second degree burns on both arms and her neck, would be highly unlikely to just walk out of a hospital hours after she is admitted 🤦🏻♀️
BUT-it reads like a fun, two hour action movie that I might watch on the screen, so I just went with it, and enjoyed the show! 😉🍿
I got David Bell vibes with this one, so if you enjoy his work, you may want to give this author a try! I would definitely read him again!
3.5 ⭐️ rounded up!
Available Now!!
Thank You to Thomas & Mercer for the gifted copy provided through NetGalley. It was my pleasure to offer a candid review!
Luke Driskell is forced to question everything he thinks he knows about his new wife after she mysteriously vanishes with her young daughter, his stepdaughter Joy.
After rushing into a burning day-care center to save the eight children trapped inside, Ashley immediately becomes a local hero and a social media sensation.
Then, she disappears from the hospital before she can even be released, and vanishes into the bitterly cold night wearing only a thin hospital gown.
With no trace of their whereabouts, Luke makes a plea to the Public for help-and offers a substantial reward for any information that can help reunite him with Ashley and Joy.
Little did he realize that his wife is extremely private for a reason, and he has just put a target on her back.
Luke begins a dangerous cross-country pursuit of his family, and the truth, which will ultimately test a vow he made to Ashley when she accepted his proposal.
This was my first time reading Amazon Charts bestselling author Chad Zunker and I devoured this quick and engaging 205 page story in one sitting!
Admittedly, the writing is a bit simplistic, and let’s face it-a woman with second degree burns on both arms and her neck, would be highly unlikely to just walk out of a hospital hours after she is admitted 🤦🏻♀️
BUT-it reads like a fun, two hour action movie that I might watch on the screen, so I just went with it, and enjoyed the show! 😉🍿
I got David Bell vibes with this one, so if you enjoy his work, you may want to give this author a try! I would definitely read him again!
3.5 ⭐️ rounded up!
Available Now!!
Thank You to Thomas & Mercer for the gifted copy provided through NetGalley. It was my pleasure to offer a candid review!
February 27, 2024
This isn't a bad read, but I didn't connect with it the way I wanted to.
The premise is great: Luke is a widower who marries Ashley, a woman with a young daughter Joy. One day Ashley saves a bunch of children from a burning day care, and is injured herself so is staying in the hospital at least overnight. Luke receives a phone call from the hospital asking if Ashley came home, because she isn't at the hospital. When he checks Joy's room, she's gone too--Ashley and Joy have disappeared. Luke begins to investigate what happened to them and he uncovers layers of secrets.
The execution was a bit too simplistic. I think the main problem for me was Luke's first person present tense point of view. It made the narrative choppy and awkward much of the time. Overall, the mystery ended up being fairly interesting, but I thought it took a bit too long for Luke to uncover all of the pieces, there were too many flashbacks about how Luke and Ashley's relationship developed that didn't really have much to do with the story. And I felt like only having Luke's perspective really limited things, I didn't care about Ashley very much because I didn't know anything about her, she's barely in the story.
Overall, if you're looking for a clean, easy to read mystery, this one might resonate with you. I found it just okay, but it is decently entertaining.
I voluntarily reviewed a complimentary copy of this book all opinions are my own.
The premise is great: Luke is a widower who marries Ashley, a woman with a young daughter Joy. One day Ashley saves a bunch of children from a burning day care, and is injured herself so is staying in the hospital at least overnight. Luke receives a phone call from the hospital asking if Ashley came home, because she isn't at the hospital. When he checks Joy's room, she's gone too--Ashley and Joy have disappeared. Luke begins to investigate what happened to them and he uncovers layers of secrets.
The execution was a bit too simplistic. I think the main problem for me was Luke's first person present tense point of view. It made the narrative choppy and awkward much of the time. Overall, the mystery ended up being fairly interesting, but I thought it took a bit too long for Luke to uncover all of the pieces, there were too many flashbacks about how Luke and Ashley's relationship developed that didn't really have much to do with the story. And I felt like only having Luke's perspective really limited things, I didn't care about Ashley very much because I didn't know anything about her, she's barely in the story.
Overall, if you're looking for a clean, easy to read mystery, this one might resonate with you. I found it just okay, but it is decently entertaining.
I voluntarily reviewed a complimentary copy of this book all opinions are my own.
April 16, 2024
A very enjoyable audio! I was held in suspense throughout and loved the investigative part of the story. Luke lost his first wife and never thought he would remarry so quickly, but he fell in love with Ashley and her daughter Joy.
After Ashley rushed into a burning daycare to save some children, she was broadcast on social media and the news as a hero. She is hospitalized for burns and smoke inhalation, so Luke takes Joy home to shelter her from the truth.
The next morning Luke is informed Ashley left the hospital and finds Joy missing from her bed. With no clue to what happened to them he sets out to investigate with the help from police and friends. What he finds out is that he doesn't know his wife at all. Locating several fake IDs and addresses of previous cities she lived in, leads to several people that knew her as a different person. When people get involved they also become endangered. He offers a one million dollar reward and ups the playing field. I loved the way it comes together and the author's way of revealing each clue.
After Ashley rushed into a burning daycare to save some children, she was broadcast on social media and the news as a hero. She is hospitalized for burns and smoke inhalation, so Luke takes Joy home to shelter her from the truth.
The next morning Luke is informed Ashley left the hospital and finds Joy missing from her bed. With no clue to what happened to them he sets out to investigate with the help from police and friends. What he finds out is that he doesn't know his wife at all. Locating several fake IDs and addresses of previous cities she lived in, leads to several people that knew her as a different person. When people get involved they also become endangered. He offers a one million dollar reward and ups the playing field. I loved the way it comes together and the author's way of revealing each clue.
January 19, 2024
Rating: ⭐⭐⭐ ½
Genre: Mystery Thriller
The Wife You Know is a mystery thriller story that revolves around widower Luke Driskell. Luke falls in love and marries Ashley. Ashley has a daughter (Joy) from her previous marriage. One day, Ashley heroically rescues all the children at a daycare center from a big fire. Her heroic act is captured on video and goes viral on all social networks. She becomes a local hero. Ashley, who was admitted to the hospital due to some burns, disappears along with her daughter.
Luke is in shock and needs to figure out what happened to his wife and her daughter. In this adventure to find the truth, he gradually uncovers the secrets his wife has been hiding from him.
I have never read anything by this author before. I think the author has done a great job maintaining the story's pace. This is a suspense thriller, so the story is fast and steady, which is suitable for such a genre.
This book succeeds in its intended function of providing entertainment, but it does so at the expense of some implausible aspects of the plot, as is typical of thrillers. Overall, this was a fun read, and I think it can be turned into a very entertaining movie too.
Thanks to Netgalley and the publisher for the ARC of this book.
Genre: Mystery Thriller
The Wife You Know is a mystery thriller story that revolves around widower Luke Driskell. Luke falls in love and marries Ashley. Ashley has a daughter (Joy) from her previous marriage. One day, Ashley heroically rescues all the children at a daycare center from a big fire. Her heroic act is captured on video and goes viral on all social networks. She becomes a local hero. Ashley, who was admitted to the hospital due to some burns, disappears along with her daughter.
Luke is in shock and needs to figure out what happened to his wife and her daughter. In this adventure to find the truth, he gradually uncovers the secrets his wife has been hiding from him.
I have never read anything by this author before. I think the author has done a great job maintaining the story's pace. This is a suspense thriller, so the story is fast and steady, which is suitable for such a genre.
This book succeeds in its intended function of providing entertainment, but it does so at the expense of some implausible aspects of the plot, as is typical of thrillers. Overall, this was a fun read, and I think it can be turned into a very entertaining movie too.
Thanks to Netgalley and the publisher for the ARC of this book.
March 24, 2024
Widower Luke Driskell meets Ashleigh and her daughter Joy, they fall in love and marry quickly. However, Ashleigh has a mysterious past and after a dramatic incident when she rescues children from a fire at a day care centre, she and Joy disappear.
A pick, fast paced, suspenseful and entertaining easy read.
Kindle Unlimited.
A pick, fast paced, suspenseful and entertaining easy read.
Kindle Unlimited.
February 28, 2024
Just read this bc I had it on my tbr and saw it was released today. It was definitely a popcorn thriller. It was just all a little too dramatic and not believable enough for me to really like it that much 😕
September 15, 2023
: ̗̀➛3.75 ⭐ i must say this book is a real page-turner, with a fast-paced plot. i absolutely loved the short chapters and the subtle involvement of global politics. however, i have to admit that i had mixed feelings about it. while it's perfect for a one-sit reading session, it's not the kind of book that'll stay with you long after you've finished it. but don't let that stop you!
if you're a fan of thrilling mysteries that involve missing spouse, fbi, and corruption, then this book is def for you!
i've to admit, the beginning of the book had me hooked with its lightning-fast pace. however, as i delved deeper into the writing, i found it to be rather indifferent. but hold on, because the last 25-30% of the book is where things really start to get interesting because the pace picks up and the story takes on a whole new level of excitement.
despite everything, i found the book to be thoroughly enjoyable from start to finish. it was an absolute delight to uncover ashley's past along with her husband, luke.
thank you to the author, Chad Zunker, Thomas & Mercer and Netgalley for providing this ARC in exchange for an honest review!
–––––––––
pre-review
you guys already know how i'm all about a juicy mystery thriller novel! ♡
if you're a fan of thrilling mysteries that involve missing spouse, fbi, and corruption, then this book is def for you!
i've to admit, the beginning of the book had me hooked with its lightning-fast pace. however, as i delved deeper into the writing, i found it to be rather indifferent. but hold on, because the last 25-30% of the book is where things really start to get interesting because the pace picks up and the story takes on a whole new level of excitement.
despite everything, i found the book to be thoroughly enjoyable from start to finish. it was an absolute delight to uncover ashley's past along with her husband, luke.
thank you to the author, Chad Zunker, Thomas & Mercer and Netgalley for providing this ARC in exchange for an honest review!
–––––––––
pre-review
you guys already know how i'm all about a juicy mystery thriller novel! ♡
March 11, 2024
I have to admit, this book was very engaging, with a fast-paced plot that kept the pages turning. I was completely immersed in the storyline and the characters.
If I were to base my review solely on the story's first half and the final chapter, this would be an easy 4-star book. However, I didn't love the reason behind the mystery. The twist was unsatisfying to me, but don't let that discourage you from reading it.
If you're a fan of thrilling mysteries involving missing spouses, the FBI, corruption, and a hint of global politics, this book is worth checking out! I give it 3.75 stars, but I'm rounding up because I loved most of the book.
If I were to base my review solely on the story's first half and the final chapter, this would be an easy 4-star book. However, I didn't love the reason behind the mystery. The twist was unsatisfying to me, but don't let that discourage you from reading it.
If you're a fan of thrilling mysteries involving missing spouses, the FBI, corruption, and a hint of global politics, this book is worth checking out! I give it 3.75 stars, but I'm rounding up because I loved most of the book.
May 8, 2024
I think I’m sat on outlier island here, when I read the blurb I wasn’t sure if this book was for me and I should have listened to my gut. If it hadn’t been a relatively short read I would have given up but I did want to see how it ended. For me there were no twists or turns and no real pace. I wouldn’t pick up another book by this author
March 12, 2025
This is my second read by this author, and I really enjoyed it.
September 29, 2023
The Wife You Know follows widower, Luke Driskell who hadn’t planned to fall in love as fast as he had with his new wife, Ashley and stepdaughter, Joy. Everything seems to be going great until his wife lands in the hospital after heroically saving all the children at a daycare centre, causing her to be the centre of attention by the nation’s media stations. The next morning, Luke discovers that his wife and stepdaughter have vanished. As he attempts to locate them, Luke begins to unravel the lies that surround his new wife and stepdaughter. Ashley and Joy aren’t their real names and he isn’t the only person searching for them.
This book was fantastically paced and I was hooked from the very first page. I loved feeling like I was investigating the mystery alongside Luke. I feel like this would be a great movie.
While trying to avoid giving spoilers in my review, I do wish I was able to get some closure surrounding the people that were to cause of the disappearance and lies told by Ashley. I understand why there wasn’t but now I’m left thinking about the what-ifs and the scenarios of what will happen after the events of the books have taken place.
However, I think this is a fantastic Thriller and I can’t wait to read more by this author.
Thank you to NetGalley and Thomas & Mercer for providing me with this ARC. I received an advance review copy for free, and I am leaving this review voluntarily.
This book was fantastically paced and I was hooked from the very first page. I loved feeling like I was investigating the mystery alongside Luke. I feel like this would be a great movie.
While trying to avoid giving spoilers in my review, I do wish I was able to get some closure surrounding the people that were to cause of the disappearance and lies told by Ashley. I understand why there wasn’t but now I’m left thinking about the what-ifs and the scenarios of what will happen after the events of the books have taken place.
However, I think this is a fantastic Thriller and I can’t wait to read more by this author.
Thank you to NetGalley and Thomas & Mercer for providing me with this ARC. I received an advance review copy for free, and I am leaving this review voluntarily.
September 23, 2023
Many thanks to both Thomas & Mercer and NetGalley for the opportunity to read and review an early copy of The Wife You Know, by Chad Zunker. Expected publication: February 27, 2024.
Everything Luke knows about his wife is called into question when she mysteriously vanishes. Alarmingly, he can find no proof that the woman he loves even exists.
I have loved both of the series written by Mr. Zunker: Sam Callahan and, also David Adams. This is the second standalone of his I've read and the second book I haven't liked as well as Mr. Zunker's two series. I struggled to like the main character. Luke's supposed to be intelligent and mega-rich but he kept doing the most illogical things. Eye-rollingly illogical.
As I was reading, I kept feeling like the content did not seem to be intended for a mature audience. It had a more youthful tone to it.
Still, The Wife You Know was a fast read, with a storyline filled with a missing spouse, the FBI, the CIA, and an utterly adorable child named Joy!
Everything Luke knows about his wife is called into question when she mysteriously vanishes. Alarmingly, he can find no proof that the woman he loves even exists.
I have loved both of the series written by Mr. Zunker: Sam Callahan and, also David Adams. This is the second standalone of his I've read and the second book I haven't liked as well as Mr. Zunker's two series. I struggled to like the main character. Luke's supposed to be intelligent and mega-rich but he kept doing the most illogical things. Eye-rollingly illogical.
As I was reading, I kept feeling like the content did not seem to be intended for a mature audience. It had a more youthful tone to it.
Still, The Wife You Know was a fast read, with a storyline filled with a missing spouse, the FBI, the CIA, and an utterly adorable child named Joy!
January 13, 2024
Ashley and Luke are only married a few months when Ashley goes missing and she’s nothing what he thinks she is. This was a pretty good thriller and kept me wanting more. Thanks to NetGalley and the publisher for this early release in exchange for my honest review.
March 13, 2025
A quick and easy thriller
September 14, 2023
I received this book from NetGalley.
Luke is so worried about his wife but he doesn't go to the police at first? That's so bizarre. His wife left the hospital, he's not sure she's okay, and she took her daughter. How can he not go to the police immediately? When he eventually goes to the police and they don't do much, why doesn't he get a private investigator? He has the money.
Also, when Luke decides to go on TV and plead for her, he knows that Ashley won't like it but quite frankly, good for him. She just disappeared. She wasn't honest and didn't respect him enough to tell him the truth about her life.
While I understand that Luke loves her, he gave up everything to be with someone he doesn't even know. She lied to him about everything. Honestly, I think she should have just left and been done with it. It's not fair to ask him to make a choice.
Overall, not a bad book, but I think it could make a better movie.
Luke is so worried about his wife but he doesn't go to the police at first? That's so bizarre. His wife left the hospital, he's not sure she's okay, and she took her daughter. How can he not go to the police immediately? When he eventually goes to the police and they don't do much, why doesn't he get a private investigator? He has the money.
Also, when Luke decides to go on TV and plead for her, he knows that Ashley won't like it but quite frankly, good for him. She just disappeared. She wasn't honest and didn't respect him enough to tell him the truth about her life.
While I understand that Luke loves her, he gave up everything to be with someone he doesn't even know. She lied to him about everything. Honestly, I think she should have just left and been done with it. It's not fair to ask him to make a choice.
Overall, not a bad book, but I think it could make a better movie.
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
August 10, 2024
Dollycas's Thoughts
After the tragic death of his wife and the little girl, he never got to hold Luke Driskell made a commitment to himself to seize the moment and take more risks. He never expected he would meet Ashley and her daughter Joy and fall completely in love or have marriage happen so quickly.
One day while Luke was away on a business trip, Ashley put her life on the line to save children from a daycare fire. She was heralded as a hero and videos of her efforts went viral on social media. Then in the middle of the night, Ashley and Joy disappear. Luke is frantic to find his family, first by himself, then with help from the police, a local television station, and the FBI. He has no idea where she would go and can't even find proof that she existed. He does find fake IDs, with her face. Different cities. Different names.
He loves her. He needs to find her. He needs answers. He needs to understand. In his quest to find Ashley and Joy, he realizes his own life is in danger and so are theirs.
_____
I have enjoyed other books by Chad Zunker so was excited to read The Wife You Know, especially after reading the synopsis. I wasn't disappointed.
I was captivated by Luke's story. Suffering the horrific loss of his wife and unborn child and being able to find love again was compelling. Still, Ashley was different and there were major clues he missed or things he ignored long before she went missing. He is also a wealthy man and while she wasn't interested in his money, someone without the big bucks wouldn't have been able to go to such lengths to try to find her. Luke did make some bad choices that I didn't think someone of his status would make but it was a frantic time so I rolled with it. Even though I had figured out the major premise, I was drawn into the story and had to know how it would end.
The use of flashbacks was interesting, as was the trip Luke takes across the country to find answers and the truth. I do wish the story wasn't only from Luke's point of view. I wanted Ashley to tell more of her story.
The author has a talent for writing a book with a brisk pace and that creates vivid images in your mind. It is like you are watching an exciting movie. In fact, his books would make great movies like you see on Lifetime and NetFlix.
The Wife You Know was a very entertaining read with an intriguing ending. I read it all in one evening. Yes, you have to suspend reality here and there and I am not sure the ending put the danger fully to rest. It may be fun to revisit these characters for another round of suspense.
*This book is part of my private collection.
After the tragic death of his wife and the little girl, he never got to hold Luke Driskell made a commitment to himself to seize the moment and take more risks. He never expected he would meet Ashley and her daughter Joy and fall completely in love or have marriage happen so quickly.
One day while Luke was away on a business trip, Ashley put her life on the line to save children from a daycare fire. She was heralded as a hero and videos of her efforts went viral on social media. Then in the middle of the night, Ashley and Joy disappear. Luke is frantic to find his family, first by himself, then with help from the police, a local television station, and the FBI. He has no idea where she would go and can't even find proof that she existed. He does find fake IDs, with her face. Different cities. Different names.
He loves her. He needs to find her. He needs answers. He needs to understand. In his quest to find Ashley and Joy, he realizes his own life is in danger and so are theirs.
_____
I have enjoyed other books by Chad Zunker so was excited to read The Wife You Know, especially after reading the synopsis. I wasn't disappointed.
I was captivated by Luke's story. Suffering the horrific loss of his wife and unborn child and being able to find love again was compelling. Still, Ashley was different and there were major clues he missed or things he ignored long before she went missing. He is also a wealthy man and while she wasn't interested in his money, someone without the big bucks wouldn't have been able to go to such lengths to try to find her. Luke did make some bad choices that I didn't think someone of his status would make but it was a frantic time so I rolled with it. Even though I had figured out the major premise, I was drawn into the story and had to know how it would end.
The use of flashbacks was interesting, as was the trip Luke takes across the country to find answers and the truth. I do wish the story wasn't only from Luke's point of view. I wanted Ashley to tell more of her story.
The author has a talent for writing a book with a brisk pace and that creates vivid images in your mind. It is like you are watching an exciting movie. In fact, his books would make great movies like you see on Lifetime and NetFlix.
The Wife You Know was a very entertaining read with an intriguing ending. I read it all in one evening. Yes, you have to suspend reality here and there and I am not sure the ending put the danger fully to rest. It may be fun to revisit these characters for another round of suspense.
*This book is part of my private collection.
February 10, 2024
The wife you know is a tense, compelling book up until the very end - well, almost. For all its great tense moments, the ending failed to live up to the thrill it was set to deliver for me. I loved the story and enjoyed every bit of info on Ashley and Luke and the life they led. Everything leading up to Ashley's disappearing act and even till the last but few chapters was a thrill chase for me. This book was a page turner for sure. But something about the end felt rushed, and like taking an easy way out. Throughout the book I had come to expect twisted but engaging stuff which the end was definitely not. Overall I enjoyed this book but tgat ending could definitely have been much better.
Thank you Netgalley, Chad Zunker & Thomas and Mercer for the arc!
Thank you Netgalley, Chad Zunker & Thomas and Mercer for the arc!
June 25, 2025
Audiobook: Luke’s wife Ashley heroically saves a bunch of kids from a burning daycare. She’s burned and hospitalized, but it isn’t serious and should be coming home in a day. Luke returns home and the following day learns that his wife has checked herself out and is missing with his stepdaughter named Joy.
Luke is panicked and looking for her and throughout this ordeal, we learn how they met and learn more about Ashley. Ashley is a very private, weird, cagey person. Like, why tf did Luke marry her? Nothing about her was appealing and she barely seems interested. Luke’s character is naïve, flat and dumb. Zero character development. The whole book is told from his point of view and makes it worse. We literally just follow him around with his endless money and resources trying to find his wife. I was just ready for her to show up already and be done already. It’s very religious and Christian. Hard pass.
Luke is panicked and looking for her and throughout this ordeal, we learn how they met and learn more about Ashley. Ashley is a very private, weird, cagey person. Like, why tf did Luke marry her? Nothing about her was appealing and she barely seems interested. Luke’s character is naïve, flat and dumb. Zero character development. The whole book is told from his point of view and makes it worse. We literally just follow him around with his endless money and resources trying to find his wife. I was just ready for her to show up already and be done already. It’s very religious and Christian. Hard pass.
September 16, 2023
Thank you so much to Chad Zunker, Thomas & Mercer, and NetGalley for this ARC
Pros: I easily read this in a few hours. The quick chapters and readable sentences/paragraphs makes this a book to read quickly.
Cons: I struggled to like the husband, Luke. He supposedly came from a tragic background, but I had a hard time believing his narrative. The plot seemed implausible, and I often doubted the scenarios faced by the characters.
Overall, this was a struggle for me to become invested in this story since the majority of the book felt forced and unlikely to be believable.
Pros: I easily read this in a few hours. The quick chapters and readable sentences/paragraphs makes this a book to read quickly.
Cons: I struggled to like the husband, Luke. He supposedly came from a tragic background, but I had a hard time believing his narrative. The plot seemed implausible, and I often doubted the scenarios faced by the characters.
Overall, this was a struggle for me to become invested in this story since the majority of the book felt forced and unlikely to be believable.
December 9, 2024
Great book..sucks you in right from the start.
October 3, 2023
verything he knows about his wife is called into question when she mysteriously vanishes in a breathtaking novel of suspense. Widower Luke Driskell didn’t expect to fall in love and marry again so quickly. But Ashley and her daughter, Joy, are special—a quality borne out when Ashley rushes into a burning day-care center to save the children. Immediately she’s a social media sensation and hero. Then, just as suddenly, Ashley and Joy disappear into the bitterly cold night. With no trace of their whereabouts, Luke begins a panicked investigation. Alarmingly, he can find no proof that the woman he loves even exists. Left just a hidden stash of fake IDs. Different names. Different cities. Same haunted face. Now the devastated husband has only Who did he marry? What is she hiding?
I love this authors books and have never been disappointed in any one that I have read. Firstly great short chapters that make you do that one more chapter before bed when you then end up reading another ten. Straight off the bat, the book starts strongly drawing you in, I did find it got a little slower in the middle but that was ok and the last part of the book really led things to a fantastic ending. This book also did have a feel of being directed to a slightly younger audience which is unusual for Chad Zunker, but again that did not bother me, I was still engaged throughout. I thought the plot was strong and the characters all fell into place to play their part in creating a very enjoyable book. Thank you to NetGalley and the publisher for an advanced copy in exchange for an honest review. Four stars.
I love this authors books and have never been disappointed in any one that I have read. Firstly great short chapters that make you do that one more chapter before bed when you then end up reading another ten. Straight off the bat, the book starts strongly drawing you in, I did find it got a little slower in the middle but that was ok and the last part of the book really led things to a fantastic ending. This book also did have a feel of being directed to a slightly younger audience which is unusual for Chad Zunker, but again that did not bother me, I was still engaged throughout. I thought the plot was strong and the characters all fell into place to play their part in creating a very enjoyable book. Thank you to NetGalley and the publisher for an advanced copy in exchange for an honest review. Four stars.
December 31, 2023
⭐️⭐️⭐️💫 3.5 STARS ROUNDED UP This was my first Chad Zunker book and I really flew through it. It was a little slow to start, and the writing was a tad amateur which I didn’t expect from a seasoned author. There was a lot of the author speaking to the reader rather than the reader reading the story and being able to intone for themselves what is going on. The last 30% is when it really got good because the pace picked up.
I found it interesting that the author added a lot about himself in the book. His football career in college, product development, and his religion was definitely a key plot point.
I liked the main character Luke, but for someone that used to be dirt poor, he was a tad tone deaf about money and that didn’t sit well with me. His assertion that his wife should get a new car because there were 150k miles on it and they had already replaced (I think) brakes and the alternator was a tad insane to me. Statements like this made me feel like I couldn’t relate to this great character because the author wrote him as entirely too focused on money. While that too does come together, it left a bad taste in my mouth. Also, his referral to his step daughter as “her daughter” when speaking to his wife….. someone that has taken on someone else’s child isn’t going to refer to that as their spouses child. It was just something else that made me feel like the author was a little out of touch.
Now, while those things were an issue for me I gave this book four stars because I felt it really came together at the end. The character development was great and the plot development was equally satisfying. I liked where the author went with this story.
Great for readers that like:
-fast reads
-short chapters
-a little action
-missing spouse
-minor political/international political plot lines
Thank you to netgalley and Thomas and Mercer for this ARC!
I found it interesting that the author added a lot about himself in the book. His football career in college, product development, and his religion was definitely a key plot point.
I liked the main character Luke, but for someone that used to be dirt poor, he was a tad tone deaf about money and that didn’t sit well with me. His assertion that his wife should get a new car because there were 150k miles on it and they had already replaced (I think) brakes and the alternator was a tad insane to me. Statements like this made me feel like I couldn’t relate to this great character because the author wrote him as entirely too focused on money. While that too does come together, it left a bad taste in my mouth. Also, his referral to his step daughter as “her daughter” when speaking to his wife….. someone that has taken on someone else’s child isn’t going to refer to that as their spouses child. It was just something else that made me feel like the author was a little out of touch.
Now, while those things were an issue for me I gave this book four stars because I felt it really came together at the end. The character development was great and the plot development was equally satisfying. I liked where the author went with this story.
Great for readers that like:
-fast reads
-short chapters
-a little action
-missing spouse
-minor political/international political plot lines
Thank you to netgalley and Thomas and Mercer for this ARC!
October 2, 2023
Luke is devastated when his wife vanishes into the freezing night. He searches frantically for her, only to discover that he may not have known her as well as he thought. Despite his efforts, he cannot find any proof of her existence.
The story in this book is an exciting adventure, packed with action and suspense. It will grab your attention from beginning to end with numerous unexpected surprises that will keep you engaged until the very last page. The complete truth won't be revealed until the very end.
In my personal opinion, I have some conflicting thoughts about the book. The tone of the story seems to be geared towards a younger audience, so it may not resonate with everyone. Moreover, I found the protagonist, Luke, to be less believable in his problem-solving skills, and his behavior was not very rational. The narrative mostly centers around Luke, but I would have preferred to read more about the heroine and her emotions regarding her predicament. If you are into stories about the FBI, CIA, chases, and global affairs, this could be the book for you. I appreciate the clean language used in this book.
Thank you, NetGalley and Thomas & Mercer for providing me with an eARC. All opinions are my own.
The story in this book is an exciting adventure, packed with action and suspense. It will grab your attention from beginning to end with numerous unexpected surprises that will keep you engaged until the very last page. The complete truth won't be revealed until the very end.
In my personal opinion, I have some conflicting thoughts about the book. The tone of the story seems to be geared towards a younger audience, so it may not resonate with everyone. Moreover, I found the protagonist, Luke, to be less believable in his problem-solving skills, and his behavior was not very rational. The narrative mostly centers around Luke, but I would have preferred to read more about the heroine and her emotions regarding her predicament. If you are into stories about the FBI, CIA, chases, and global affairs, this could be the book for you. I appreciate the clean language used in this book.
Thank you, NetGalley and Thomas & Mercer for providing me with an eARC. All opinions are my own.
November 29, 2023
This is the first book I read from this author and I love his writing style ! First person POV all throughout, fast paced. As Luke went on a quest to find the truth, every twist revealed made me want to know more ! The end is bittersweet in my mind, but still, I loved it !
Thanks to Netgalley and Thomas & Mercer for access to this arc in exchange for my honest review.
Thanks to Netgalley and Thomas & Mercer for access to this arc in exchange for my honest review.
September 5, 2024
For this book being only 199 pages, it was an ok read! I hate when mystery/thriller novels have a lot of repetitive content in each chapter, but because this novel was so short they weren't able to do that. The only downfall was you really only got to know 1 character throughout the book.
April 4, 2024
Mans was just trying to find his wife the whole book
July 9, 2024
Eh, it was okay. Felt repetitive sometimes, and the story seemed superficial.
October 15, 2024
A nice quick read but I found myself bored more often than not. I’m not a fan of the constant internal monologuing. But I was captivated enough to finish and see it through.
September 7, 2023
This was my first Chad Zunker book and I really flew through it. It was a little slow to start, and the writing was a tad amateur which I didn’t expect from a seasoned author. There was a lot of the author speaking to the reader rather than the reader reading the story and being able to intone for themselves what is going on.
The last 30% is when it really got good because the pace picked up. I found it interesting that the author added a lot about himself in the book. His football career in college, product development, and his religion was definitely a key plot point.
I liked the main character Luke, but for someone that used to be dirt poor, he was a tad tone deaf about money and that didn’t sit well with me. His assertion that his wife should get a new car because there were 150k miles on it and they had already replaced (I think) brakes and the alternator was a tad insane to me. Statements like this made me feel like I couldn’t relate to this great character because the author wrote him as entirely too focused on money. While that too does come together, it left a bad taste in my mouth. Also, his referral to his step daughter as “her daughter” when speaking to his wife….. someone that has taken on someone else’s child isn’t going to refer to that as their spouses child. It was just something else that made me feel like the author was a little out of touch.
Now, while those things were an issue for me I gave this book four stars because I felt it really came together at the end. The character development was great and the plot development was equally satisfying. I liked where the author went with this story.
Thank you to netgalley and Thomas and Mercer for this ARC!
The last 30% is when it really got good because the pace picked up. I found it interesting that the author added a lot about himself in the book. His football career in college, product development, and his religion was definitely a key plot point.
I liked the main character Luke, but for someone that used to be dirt poor, he was a tad tone deaf about money and that didn’t sit well with me. His assertion that his wife should get a new car because there were 150k miles on it and they had already replaced (I think) brakes and the alternator was a tad insane to me. Statements like this made me feel like I couldn’t relate to this great character because the author wrote him as entirely too focused on money. While that too does come together, it left a bad taste in my mouth. Also, his referral to his step daughter as “her daughter” when speaking to his wife….. someone that has taken on someone else’s child isn’t going to refer to that as their spouses child. It was just something else that made me feel like the author was a little out of touch.
Now, while those things were an issue for me I gave this book four stars because I felt it really came together at the end. The character development was great and the plot development was equally satisfying. I liked where the author went with this story.
Thank you to netgalley and Thomas and Mercer for this ARC!
June 28, 2024
I was super disappointed by this book.
To start with, a woman with those injuries can’t just walk out of a hospital. I mean, MAYBE with all the pain meds… but she isn’t going to get far in her desperate attempt to escape. Also, wouldn’t she have expected Luke to go public when she disappeared? Wouldn’t that have been factored in when she came for Joy and her bag? All Luke knows is that she’s a very private person; he doesn’t know that her safety depends on anonymity. If she’s leaving because she fears exposure from her heroic actions, wouldn’t she have talked to Luke or left some sort of clue that she was okay and needed him to trust her?
And as far as Luke goes… if he’s such a loving, super concerned husband, why the hell did it take so long to get the police involved in Ashley’s disappearance? He’s worried Ashley suffered some sort of head trauma and is a risk to herself and their daughter, but sure- let’s just fly around on a private jet and run our own investigation instead of getting any sort of actual help. That’s a totally sane and logical move given his concerns. At the very least, why not hire a private detective? He certainly could have afforded it and a PI could have helped him uncover critical information involving Ashley’s past.
I didn’t care about any of the characters and the pacing seemed too slow. I think a big part of that was the choppy, overly simplistic syntax and dialogue; it made the book feel so much longer than it actually was and reduced my interest in the characters.
Overall, there was a lot of potential in this story but in my opinion, it missed the mark in being an entertaining psychological thriller.
To start with, a woman with those injuries can’t just walk out of a hospital. I mean, MAYBE with all the pain meds… but she isn’t going to get far in her desperate attempt to escape. Also, wouldn’t she have expected Luke to go public when she disappeared? Wouldn’t that have been factored in when she came for Joy and her bag? All Luke knows is that she’s a very private person; he doesn’t know that her safety depends on anonymity. If she’s leaving because she fears exposure from her heroic actions, wouldn’t she have talked to Luke or left some sort of clue that she was okay and needed him to trust her?
And as far as Luke goes… if he’s such a loving, super concerned husband, why the hell did it take so long to get the police involved in Ashley’s disappearance? He’s worried Ashley suffered some sort of head trauma and is a risk to herself and their daughter, but sure- let’s just fly around on a private jet and run our own investigation instead of getting any sort of actual help. That’s a totally sane and logical move given his concerns. At the very least, why not hire a private detective? He certainly could have afforded it and a PI could have helped him uncover critical information involving Ashley’s past.
I didn’t care about any of the characters and the pacing seemed too slow. I think a big part of that was the choppy, overly simplistic syntax and dialogue; it made the book feel so much longer than it actually was and reduced my interest in the characters.
Overall, there was a lot of potential in this story but in my opinion, it missed the mark in being an entertaining psychological thriller.
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