The Soulmate by Sally Hepworth: Book Review

The Soulmate is a well-crafted thriller about secrets, marriage and mental health. It was propulsive and entertaining.

Acknowledgments:

Thank you to St. Martin’s Press and Macmillan Audio for the ARC’s of this book and audiobook. The thoughts and opinions expressed here are my own.

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From The Publisher:

There’s a cottage on a cliff. Gabe and Pippa’s dream home in a sleepy coastal town. But their perfect house hides something sinister. The tall cliffs have become a popular spot for people to end their lives. Night after night Gabe comes to their rescue, literally talking them off the ledge. Until he doesn’t.

When Pippa discovers Gabe knew the victim, the questions spiral…Did the victim jump? Was she pushed?

And would Gabe, the love of Pippa’s life, her soulmate…lie? As the perfect facade of their marriage begins to crack, the deepest and darkest secrets begin to unravel.

My Thoughts:

Having read several of Sally Hepworth’s books before, I couldn’t wait to start reading The Soulmate. Told from multiple points of view and dual timelines, this book did not disappoint.

Pippa and Gabe are a happily married couple who have recently moved into a new home. Their property runs adjacent to a cliff which they quickly learn is a popular spot for suicidal persons. Gabe has become a bit of an expert in talking people off the cliff while awaiting a police response.

That is until the day a woman is seen on the edge of the cliff.

The author unfolds a series of reflections about the health of individuals and of their marriages. Backstories and secrets are also revealed. The story is well-crafted giving the reader just enough information to have them guessing what will happen next. Mental health is discussed and the author writes this with respect. The conclusion is satisfying.

I listened to the audiobook version of this book which was narrated by Barrie Kreinik and Jessica Douglas-Henry. Their performances were articulate and believable and added to this already great story. I was able to listen to the book at my usual 1.5X speed. Those readers who enjoy audiobooks will appreciate their performances.

I recommend this book to readers who enjoy Mysteries & Thrillers.

What I Liked:

• The use of dual timelines and multiple POVs.
• The coastal setting
• The execution of this well-crafted thriller

Other Books I’ve Reviewed From Sally Hepworth:

The Mother-in-Law

The Good Sister

The Younger Wife