You know that feeling you get when you start a book and just know it’s going to be a 5 star read? That’s the emotion I felt when reading Sally Hepworth’s latest book The Younger Wife. The combination of Mysteries & Thrillers and Women’s Fiction make this book engaging and highly entertaining. This book publishes April 5, 2022.
From The Publisher:
Stephen Aston is getting married again. The only problem is, he’s still married to his first wife, even though she is in a care facility for dementia. But he’ll take care of that easily, by divorcing her–even if his adult daughters protest.
Tully and Rachel Aston look upon Heather as nothing but an interloper. Heather is the same age as Rachel and even younger than Tully. Clearly she’s a golddigger and after their father’s money. Heather has secrets that she’s keeping close, and reasons of her own for wanting to marry Stephen.
With their mother unable to speak for herself, Tully and Rachel are determined to get to the truth about their family’s secrets, the new wife closing in, and who their father really is. But will getting to the truth unleash the most dangerous impulses…in all of them?
Book Review:
This is such an interesting book! The writer excels in character development, relayed carefully as the book progresses. The story is told from the perspectives of Tully, Rachel and Heather in an expertly crafted plot. I could not put this book down!
The book begins with a murder at Stephen and Heather’s wedding. There is a scream while the couple are signing the register and later a body is removed. This part of the story is told by someone other than one of the central characters. Who is murdered, and by whom is not disclosed until later in the book.
Without giving too much away, the characters each suffer from a psychological disorder which for me really amped up the impact of this book. Each woman carries a secret, unbeknownst to others. These secrets are slowly revealed at appropriate moments to keep the reader riveted.
The concept of this book was founded in part by the author’s own experience with her Great-Aunt. If you love psychological mysteries/thrillers or women’s fiction I highly recommend The Younger Wife.
Audiobook Review:
The audiobook version of The Younger Wife which was narrated by Barrie Kreinik, Caroline Lee, Jessica Douglas-Henry and Zoe Carides. I appreciate when publishers decide to use multiple narrators as it helps provide another layer of personality to each of the characters. The audiobook version is so well performed that I highly recommend listening to this edition of the book if you appreciate this format.
What I Liked:
- The level of character development of the three protagonists
- The psychological aspects of an engaging plot
- The use of multiple narrators
I Recommend This Book To:
Those readers who enjoy Mysteries and Thrillers or Women’s Fiction.
My Rating:
⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️
Add The Younger Wife to your Goodreads shelf
Acknowledgments:
Thank you to St. Martin’s Press, Macmillan Audio and Netgalley for the ARC of this book and audiobook in exchange for an honest review.
Similar Books I’ve Reviewed:
The Good Sister by Sally Hepworth
The Mother-in-Law by Sally Hepworth
The Newcomer by Mary Kay Andrews
Do you enjoy the combination of Mysteries & Thrillers and Women’s Fiction? Is there a book you would recommend? Let me know in the comments!
Wendy Williams
I’ve heard this was a great book, and I’m so glad you enjoyed it, Jodie. I also enjoy multiple narrators for audiobooks.
thathappyreader
Thanks for reading Wendy!
Her Digital Coffee
It’s the best feeling when you start a new book and immediately know it’ll be worth 5 stars. The Younger Wife sounds like something I’d enjoy. That’s really cool that they had multiple narrators, is that usually rare for audiobooks? Thank you for sharing! I hope you have a great weekend.
thathappyreader
Great question! It is not common for audiobooks to have more than one narrator. Most often there is one, sometimes two but rarely four! Thanks for reading and I hope you have a great weekend too.
Katie
I’ve read The Good Sister and The Mother In-Law and loved them both! This is definitely on my TBR list right now! Thanks for sharing your review. I have a feeling I’ll like it just as much as you did.
thathappyreader
I hope you do Katie! Thanks for reading.
Carla
I have the audiobook of The Younger Wife and am looking forward to listening to it. Wonderful review Jodie.
thathappyreader
Thank you Carla! ☺️
Jenny in Neverland
I’ve struggled to get into Thrillers recently so I really need a firecracker to get me out of the Thriller rut and this sounds like the perfect choice!
thathappyreader
This would be a great choice Jenny! I’d love to read your review if you decide to read it. Thanks for stopping by!
Molly | Transatlantic Notes
It’s always good to find a book that you can’t put down! Great review — this sounds like a story I’d enjoy too.
thathappyreader
It’s a great feeling! Thanks for reading Molly. ☺️
Karalee Shotola
I haven’t heard of this book before, but I love psychological thrillers so this one is right up my alley. It’s great to hear that you also enjoyed the audiobook and I agree it is nice when publishers do have multiple narrators.
thathappyreader
Thanks for reading Karalee!
Aspen Hite
Love psychological thrillers, especially those that come with a 5 star review! Adding it to my ever-growing list now. 📚
thathappyreader
I hope that you enjoy it Aspen! Thanks for reading.☺️
Miriam Jones
OooOh this sounds so good! I must add it to my TBR list.
thathappyreader
I hope that you enjoy it Miriam! Thanks for reading.