On a frigid winter night, Daniel Klein was stabbed to death in his penthouse suite by his wife, Julia. At least that’s what the police report reads. The truth, however, is far more sinister…
Details on Book 2 in the Mad Women Series coming soon.
Amanda McKinney is the Amazon Charts bestselling and multi-award-winning author of more than thirty romance and thriller novels. Her books have received over fifteen literary awards and nominations, including the prestigious Daphne du Maurier Award for Excellence, and have been included in lists such as POPSUGAR's 12 Best Romance Books, and featured on the Today Show.
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“After all you put me through You’d think I despise you But in the end I want to thank you Cause you made me that much stronger” (Christina Aguilera, Scott Storch)
This is a short read coming in at under 200 pages but there’s a lot jammed into each and every one!
Julia has escaped an abusive marriage. In the end, she was forced to kill him to get away. She’s determined to move on. But as is typically the case, the past just won’t stay put and is hot on her heels. Beginning with her deceased husband’s brother knocking on her door! Now what does HE want!?
This book flew by with short chapters and a compelling story that gripped me immediately with some surprising moments along the way.
I am all about shorter books but I would have loved to have had this one stretched out a bit more...maybe another 100+ pages. Yes, it was just that good and had the potential to be a top thriller!
This is my second book by Amanda McKinney in her Mad Woman’s Series. There is a reading order to this series though each truly stands on its own. I have the next already sitting on my kindle waiting for me!
Although Goodreads lists this as book #1 in the Mad Women Series, it was actually published after "The Widow of Weeping Pines"which makes it the 2nd book. Luckily I don't think they particularly need to be read in order.
Julia Klein is trying to pick up the pieces of her life after stabbing her abusive husband Daniel to death in self defense. She relocates to their remote cabin in the mountains. Strange things start to happen after her brother-in-law, Logan, shows up unannounced on her doorstep. He happens to be a former police officer who believes that someone else was involved in his brother's death.
Bravo, Amanda McKinney! This book was so much fun. Fantastic writing, an interesting story, and short chapters made it impossible to stop reading/listening. While I love shorter books, this one would have benefitted from being a bit longer. This is a short listen/read at 2 hours and 21 minutes at 1.5 speed, kindle version is just under 200 pages. I already have "The Widow of Weeping Pines" queued up to go after really enjoying this one so much.
Great psychological thriller. Easy read, the story line made me want to keep reading and figure out the mystery and the unexpected twist at the end 🤯 MIND BLOWN.
So good, that I read it in one sitting. This is a well written psychological thriller with a dash of spice and unexpected twists and turns. If you're expecting a traditional story, then this isn't it. Loved it!
First off I want to thank @amandamckinney for my free ARC copy in exchange for an honest review.
I am really loving these thriller novellas that the author is concocting. This continues the Mad Women series and wow it was good.
As usual Mckinney's writing is amazing, I feel that with each book I read it gets better. Although it did start on the slower side for me, when it picked up and the action started happening it just didn't stop from there.
I was hooked, on the edge of my seat, confused, as the author plunges you into this twisty deranged plot, you can't turn the pages fast enough. I thought I guessed the twist, but boy was I wrong. I really liked how Mckinney portrayed the emotions and feelings of a domestic abuse victim, in my opinion is was done perfectly.
If you want an edge of your seat, action packed, twisty thriller grab this one!
What a twisted plot! Never saw the ending coming. But I have to imagine that when a person has had enough, they either wilt away or stand up and fight back. This sure was one crazy story of revenge.
Ok, let me come clean here – from now on, that’s official, I have some *issues* with this author. The main issue is – how the eff can anyone write crazy books that are so crazy good? I have not read her non-thrillers though. But maybe I should. Her writing is so good, maybe I could close my eyes on all the romance going on in her other books. I haven’t decided yet. maybe I will.
Either way, The Raven’s Wife. Part of the mad women series. Book three. Let’s take a look at my notes. I’m at 32% and ok, I really don’t see anyone potentially mad here. Everyone is normal. So, a woman killed her husband. She is too ducking damn normal. Why is she so normal? I’m at 44% oh, I love Julia. The lip gloss and the snarky comment? Love it. I love everything about her. I’m at 79% and what. What in high hell is happening here? I’m at 85% you guys, you have Xanax in BOTTLES?
And then. The end. The madness in this book was so strangely relatable and so strangely human, and so strangely understandable. It made so much sense to me. It made me wonder if all this crazy people reading has maybe done something irreversible to my mind, to my thinking, to my values, to my judgment.
But, no. It just brings my inner psychopath out in me. Not out OUT, but a little bit. Because, “after all, behind every crazy woman is a man who made her that way.”
So, Amanda did it again. She has delivered way beyond my expectations with this book. A book with a twisted story, you read it and have no idea what is going on, but it is so gripping and captivating, it just won’t let you go until you read the last page of it. And then. Then you let out a breath you didn’t know you were holding (ok, this author does not use those words, she absolutely does not, yet have you seen this phrase making its rounds all over bookish internets?) and sit and be with it, all the confusion and then the extra added layer of confusion brought on by the story being too damn relatable. What is wrong with me? WHAT IS WRONG WITH ME?
A simple self-defence death? The truth is far more sinister!
Just when you think Amanda can't get any better she releases yet another awesome book.
Like the previous book in the series Narrative of a Mad Woman, this is a psychological thriller, this time following the story of Julia Klein, an abused wife who kills her husband in self-defence during one final argument. But did she do it?
Her brother-in-law, ex police officer Logan thinks not. He believes that someone else was involved and has decided to investigate what actually happened himself. But someone doesn't want the truth to come out, putting Julia in danger. Or so it would seem.
I could not put this book down and read it in one day. I have always loved the way that Amanda writes and especially like the way you are always left guessing as to what truly happens. The Raven's Wife is no different, however you will find the ending not what you expected no matter who you think was at fault you will probably be wrong. The answer to the mystery is far more sinister than a simple self-defence death.
You will be taken on twists and turns that for some may confuse, but I loved it and love where Amanda's writing is taking her. I can't wait to read the next in the series to see what is in store for us next.
Thank you Amanda for allowing me to read an ARC copy of your book and for all of the stories you write for us.
Just ask Julia Klein. She's finally ended a tragic relationship the hard way. One of them never got the option of walking away.
Julia is the victim of self-imposed widowhood. But she had no choice. After years of enduring both mental and physical abuse from her demented husband, Daniel, Julia finally ended his life during one of those heartless escapades of his. The police called it self-defense.
Every day brings that suffocating realization to Julia. It's not easy to put a lid on it. Toxic abuse and control is a nesting place within the mind that eventually becomes a daily routine. Breaking away completely is easier said than done.
That's why Julia is having private sessions with her best friend, Reese, who operates a women's shelter for those victims of domestic violence. With Reese's help, she's trying to reinvent herself and stabilize the constant quakes from within. She's making progress until Daniel's brother, Logan, shows up out of the blue. Exactly what does Logan want and why?
This is my first novel by Amanda McKinney. It's part of her Mad Women's Series......and I'm madly ordering the rest of the series on Amazon. The Raven's Wife is gripping and it carries out its agenda in less than 200 pages. Short, sizzlin' chapters that fly by. Pull back the curtains and see just which avenue Julia will travel down after encountering Logan. Ya gotta know.....
The Raven’s Wife by Amanda McKinney Narrative of a Mad Woman Mad Women Series Book 2
Dark, gritty, intriguing story with twists and turns aplenty – a great GOTCHA moment and much to ponder after reading this, the second book, in a thought-provoking series.
What I liked: * That the drew me in, made me feel, and care what happened * Julia’s strength and will to survive the abuse her husband dished out * That I did not know exactly what happened even though I did read the last few pages of the book to see what would happen…something I often do * That what I thought was going on wasn’t always right – loved the surprises * Thinking about genetics, nature, and nurture in how people turn out as they do and just how this might apply to more than one character in the book * That this story will stay with me for a while * Thinking about families and friends and how they can be wonderful or not so wonderful and being glad mine ARE wonderful * Thinking about good versus evil and then about the shades of gray somewhere in between * All of it really except…
What I didn’t like: * Who and what I was meant not to like * Thinking about domestic abuse and how prevalent it is in the world
Did I enjoy this book – yes Would I read more in this series – definitely
Thank you to the author for the ARC – This is my honest review.
Julia Klein is still recovering from the abuse she was subjected to by the man who was supposed to love her, her husband Daniel. She killed him and admits to it as it was ruled self-defense. But was it? He started out so loving, but then…he wasn’t. Her nightmares have led her to confide in her friend, a friend in whom she has placed her complete trust. When she tries to move on with her life, she receives a visit from Daniel’s brother, Logan. He is a retired police officer and has questions in regards to Daniel’s death. When dead ravens are left on her porch, Logan wants to protect her. Not everything is as it seems, as Julia plans her future without Daniel. A future she and her new friend will have when all of the wrongs have been righted and the slates wiped clean. A twisted mystery that the author wraps up nicely for the reader. I received an advance review copy at no cost and without obligation, from the author, for an honest review. (paytonpuppy)
First of all, this isn't a romance. It's a mind f**kery journey that had me flipping pages needing to find out what would come next. Who really did it. I was not expecting the way this journey played out. Showcasing spousal abuse, it grabbed me in the heart because of the reality of the subject matter and how helpless true victims must feel. No control, self blame, always trying to be better for their beloved. Highly emotive in here. A vigilante system seems quite apropos--trying to get back some of what was stolen from them--power, dignity, choice. Plus, I would think it'd feel awesome administering some reverse medicine. And, there's the twist in the book, and my feelings. The flip side, however, maybe too simply put, but, two wrongs never give any rights. An emotionally fraught read I didn't want to put down until finished. I'm still not feeling it's finished, but wowza, one hella trip. I'm ready for another.
The Raven's Wife is a thriller-ish tale by Amanda McKinney. Ms. McKinney has once again provided readers with a well-written book. The characters are a surprise a minute, with this book you never know what to expect. Mystery-thriller? Or just plain creepy? While I liked Ms. McKinney's first books better than these most recent ones, I have to admit, once you start reading, you don't want to put it down. Julia killed her husband. She's shocked when her brother shows up at the cabin she's holed up in. Julia's story is all kinds of twisted and creepy. Buckle up for this wild ride. And beware of the twists in the story. I sure didn't see this ending coming. This is a complete book, not a cliffhanger.
I voluntarily read and reviewed an advanced copy of this book that I received from Bookfunnel. All thoughts and opinions are my own.
THE RAVEN’S WIFE is a twisty (and twisted) psychological tale, that, similar to a train wreck, is something too horrifying to imagine and yet too fascinating not to watch. Whether you figure it out or not is not what’s important. It’s the complex and compelling journey to getting there that is what this story is all about. There are a lot of ins and outs in this story’s telling, some you may expect, but most will be surprising, and a few totally unexpected. Overall, this is a mixture of Alfred Hitchcock and The Twilight Zone, a story that may catch you completely off-guard with an ending you’ll find hard to believe. But, trust me, it’s a journey into the mind you’re not going to want to miss.
The Raven's Wife is the second book in in Mad Women Series. It's another domestic psychological thriller with a who-dunn-it mystery. It gradually gives plethora of drama and dysfunction but in the perfectly imperfect way. It's relatively fast paced and character driven with an unpredictable twists and turns that make you question everything you thought you knew. Amanda McKinney weaved compelling and tantalizingly twisted thriller with her well known signature.
I feel like the emotions, actions and their consequences are more visible in this book because it's both character driven and plot driven. This is a superb, dark, callous novella yet it's more than that.
Every book in this series can be read as a standalone. Another great addition to this series. Take a chance and read it.
Seriously, this new series Amanda McKinney is writing will drive me to the nut house! This is book two in the series, and it completely gave me chills throughout the story. You are seriously taken down several twists and turns that leave you wondering who the real psychopath is, and gotta say, I was dumbfounded at the end. Honestly, this type of genre isn't one I normally read, but I've read everything from this author, so I had to continue the journey with her. It will take a day or so to calm down, but boy what a ride. Definitely well written, definitely a page turner, definitely worth the read!
• short story • psych thriller • mystery suspense • spicy scenes • single POV •
I recently finished A Marriage of Lies and liked it, so I thought maybe I'd found a new author to binge. This was my next book by her—and sadly, now I'm not sure how I feel since I didn't care for this at all. It was just so cheesy to me. Even the ending, which might have had potential, fell short because of the cheesy writing.
🎙️ I'm not sure if Talon David's narration was entirely responsible for my reaction to this book or just partly to blame. I'm inclined to think it was a combination of narration and story issues.
This new series of shorter, but no less intriguing, stories of women who kill is nothing short of fantastic! You will never see the ending coming! This page turner is not really scary but intense because she fits so much into so few words. Julia is moving on in her life after stabbing her abusive husband in self-defense. She still has her moments of doubt but new friends are helping her. And then her former BIL stops by for a visit and the excitement begins! No fair telling you what happens from this point – you have got to simply get the book and find out! Great story telling!
Total twister A great read that kept me fully engrossed in the book from beginning to the very end. There is a very sinister plot unfolding as our main character is piecing together her past as the case is verging on being re opened. I loved this twisting psychological tale, there was plenty of suspense, it kept me guessing as to what was going on. Which also is why it was such a quick read, because I could not put it down. Very well written with a unique plot. Highly recommend to read. I received this book for free and voluntarily reviewed.
That was freaky! I did not expect that, Ms. McKinney! Definitely a thriller as you mostly write, but a most unique one. There is little I can say about this book without giving it away. However, I can definitely say, I was had hook, line, and sinker! I'm was drawn in by the events, excellent hook opening with the main character " in therapy" with her best friend, kept captivated by them, and totally blown away by the ending! I cannot wait for the next! An amazing thriller!
Amanda McKinney can really write! I love this Mad Women series! The Raven’s Wife, while not as good as The Keepers Closet, was my kind of thriller! The twists don’t start happening until about the 60% mark when the reader starts to grasp that there’s more to the story of this widow, Julia, who killed her abusive husband in self defense.
Mckinney’s characters are strong women who rise above circumstance and take control of their lives. The question is: Are the “mad” as in “angry”? Or are they just MAD?
I received an advance review copy for free, and I am leaving this review voluntarily. This is my own opinion and was not influenced by anyone.
The Raven's Wife is twisted. The book started a little slow but it ramped up quickly. I was on the edge of my seat and the plot kept me guessing. Julia may have killed her husband but things aren't as they seem. It is the quality of the suspense created that makes this a great read
Wow. Grab some pizza for the family and some treats for yourself and enjoy. This is one of my fav by this author. It’s griping and twisted - a rollercoaster ride of sorts and yet, the awfulness stayed with me for a few days. It’s a story you don’t forget right away. The story is both complicated and compelling. I started and couldn't put it down so block off some time. This is a short review because I don’t want to risk giving anything away. This is not to be missed.
The mad women series so far has been great! I am happy to have been recommended her first book in this series! I devoured it! This one was the same. I couldn’t turn the pages fast enough! It’s a nice turn to see the women not just play victim! If you have not read these you definitely should! I’ll be digging into her other works while I wait on the next book to come out!
A.M. has become a must read author for me. Her books feature complex, conflicted characters who lead complicated lives. This book keeps the momentum going, weaving elements together creating a messy, mysterious, morally ambiguous Machiavellian story. Just when I thought I knew what was happening, I was left thinking wait, what now!? I enjoyed the story which tosses the preconceived concept of right and wrong on its ear.
Julia killed her husband in self-defense. He had been abusing her for years. After the trial, she sold her house and moved to the woods to start fresh, a new beginning. Just when she's going to therapy and trying to come to terms with what she did, her dead husband's brother comes knocking on her door with new information from that night.
I listened to the audiobook version of this, and I thoroughly enjoyed it. It was gripping and intense and shocking.
The author has given us a heart pounding thriller that pulls us into the life of Julia from the very beginning. The story is full of suspense, danger and twists that there is no way you can stop turning the pages. Even after the end, your mind remains stuck in the book.
I received a free copy of this book and am voluntarily leaving a review.
I had to read this in one sitting. I could not put it down. I would figure it out, but know I was probably wrong. Then, when I was, it would all happen again. Twists and turns, twists and turns. What a great psychological mystery thriller. Girl power at its finest! I voluntarily reviewed a complimentary copy of this book.