The Wife Between Us by Greer Hendricks and Sarah Pekkanen (St. Martin's Press)

The Wife Between Us by Greer Hendricks and Sarah Pekkanen is a psychological thriller that challenges your assumptions and keeps you guessing. It appears to be about Vanessa, a jealous ex-wife obsessed with her ex-husband Richard's new fiancée, Emma. However, as the story progresses, you realize there's much more to it than meets the eye.

The narrative intertwines Vanessa and Emma's lives, revealing layers of trauma, manipulation, and emotional abuse. After her divorce from Richard, whose charismatic façade hides a darker side, Vanessa's life unravels. 

The authors adeptly switch between Vanessa and Emma's perspectives, gradually exposing the reasons behind Vanessa's fixation and Richard's abusive nature. This approach engages readers, continually questioning their beliefs about loyalty and betrayal.

The book explores themes of identity, control, and how past traumas can shape us. It examines how relationships can distort our sense of self and how emotional abuse leaves long-lasting scars. The mood is tense and suspenseful, with an underlying sadness as Vanessa tries to come to terms with her past and protect Emma from suffering the same fate.

One of the book's strengths is its well-developed characters. Vanessa, although deeply flawed and prone to questionable actions, is relatable, and her struggles elicit sympathy. Emma initially seems gullible, but her character becomes more intricate as she learns the truth about Richard. 

The writing style is accessible and engaging, focusing on emotional depth rather than flowery language.

Some readers might find the pacing slow at times, and certain twists might be predictable. Nevertheless, the authors build suspense through meticulous character exploration, not relying only on plot twists.

Greer Hendricks and Sarah Pekkanen are celebrated for their collaborative storytelling, and this novel is a testament to their success in psychological fiction. Their ability to blend suspense with serious themes makes The Wife Between Us a memorable read that stays with you long after you finish it. 

Overall, it's an intriguing tale that questions perceptions of love and obsession, keeping readers engaged until the final page.

3.5/5