When Connor Ford walks back into Tabitha Girard's life she doesn't know what to think. Years ago preppy Connor broke Tabitha's heart and her relationship with him negatively impacted her grandparents, the people who raised her. Now Connor is married to an immensely wealthy older woman but reveals that though he is not happy, leaving is not easy. When Nina commits suicide, they can finally be together. An investigation into Nina's death makes Connor the prime suspect, but Tabitha's own behavior isn't so squeaky clean. Who is Connor Ford and was Nina's death really a suicide?

Michele Campbell weaves a story that keeps readers on the edge of their seat until the very end.

You may think you are sick of reading husband-wife-mistress/second wife novels. Another one? The premise sounds like something I've read before. Stop with those thoughts! The Wife Who Knew Too Much is still worth the time (you will want to read it in one sitting) and the twists make it worth it.

The book opens with ultra wealthy wife, Nina sharing her fears that her second husband, Conner is cheating, and she is in fear for her life. The next thing we know, she has drowned in the pool! Now it's time for a who done it, and what exactly is going on.

This book has a lot of suspects and potential villains, including childhood friend, Tabitha, who just happens to be pregnant with Conner's child. But their love feels so genuine! How can it be? Ms. Campbell will keep you guessing until the end, with no slow periods in the book. The pace is fast throughout, making this a perfect summer/beach thriller.

Thank you to the publisher and NetGalley for my advanced review copy.

***Thank you to NetGalley and St. Martin's Press for an advance copy of this book in exchange for an honest review. Expected release date July 28, 2020.***

3 - 3.5 stars

I'm a bit conflicted regarding this book. The start felt a little slow, but there was a lot of back-story presented so that's OK. Once we got past that, HOLY COW, it really picked up speed for an enjoyable ride. There was a definite twist at the end that I didn't see coming. On that note, the ending felt a bit rushed for me.

Overall, an enjoyable thriller.

Tabitha is a small town girl who is a waitress. Ten years ago she fell in love with Connor, but it seemed like just a summer fling, until suddenly, out of the blue, Connor shows up at the restaurant. It seems that Connor is married to very rich and well known Nina, but neither is happy in the marriage. Tabitha and Connor still have very strong feelings for each other and plan a secret weekend away. Tabitha wants to know more about his life and crashes a party being held in his luxurious home. But something terrible happens that night which will turn Tabitha's life around in a way that is unimaginable.
This is a fast paced story with a good plot on the lines of Rebecca.

This book was entertaining but a little predictable and unrealistic. For most thrillers you have to suspend your disbelief- I get that. However, it kept me turning the pages to see if I was right. There was a slight twist I didn’t see coming but was otherwise predictable. The characters had no redeeming qualities (except for Nina), and Tabitha was naive and made terrible choices in basically everything she did. I just wanted to shake her through the entire book. She doesn’t gain much for intelligence by the end either.

I enjoyed the alternating stories of Nina and Tabitha. It starts with a bang, the middle kind of slows down as you shake your head at the naive Tabby, and the end picks up speed again. I did enjoy reading this one and would recommend to any looking for a fast-paced summer thriller!

Many thanks to Netgalley and St. Martin’s Press for the eARC!

Tabitha Girard is a small-town girl living a small-town life as a divorced from an ex-con waitress at a lesser restaurant and wondering how life got so bad. When she was a teenager she had a summer fling and fell in love with the ‘dream boy,’ Connor Ford, who was good looking, smart, well connected and a pay grade or three above her station in life and the town around her made sure she was well and truly aware of the discrepancy. They are torn apart and Connor is too cow-tied to his family to make a stand and loses Tabitha, apparently forever.

Unexpectedly one-night Connor comes back into Tabitha’s life and the sparks still fly between the two. Problem is, he is unhappily married to Nina, an older, extraordinarily wealthy woman who has a personal emotional suitcase set to make Samsonite proud - and astonishingly rich. On the night of the Fourth of July party that is the annual party of the season Nina plans to invoke her prenup clause and divorce Connor for his apparent infidelities, but that very night Nina turns up face first in her Olympic sizes swimming pool with a blood reading sky high on medications and suicide is first suggested. But little clues come out that reveal that maybe this conclusion isn’t accurate and that Nina was murdered, with Connor and Tabitha becoming the prime suspects, and although Tabitha protests her innocence, Connor behaves in a manner that doesn’t seem to coincide with hers
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Suddenly, newly pregnant Tabitha must navigate a world beyond her comprehension and questions over her relationship with Connor arise with alarming regularity. Was it true love between the two of is she part of a plan to pin the crime on an innocent? Why was Nina killed? How is it that the ties that bind are wrapping themselves around Tabitha, threatening to choke her? The more she tries, the deeper she falls into the darkness and uncertainty of her position in the world, and the more she learns, the more it becomes clear that her knowledge is enough to kill her.

This gripping mystery keeps one guessing until the end of the story and rewards the reader with an unexpected twist to make it truly satisfying. Tabitha’s confusion at the machinations going on around her, the lifestyle that is beyond her imagination, the fear and horror of the situation are all fully exposed in this novel of tension and fear. It is clever and intriguing; it turns the Cinderella fairytale on its head. Fast-paced, with enough twists and turns to make anyone happy, the conclusion was satisfying because it wasn’t a happily ever after rerun that would have been easy for the author to write. What begins as a romance novel soon turns into a whodunnit that keeps the adrenalin levels peaking on a regular basis. The characters are well-drawn and although you tend to hate almost everyone, you cannot help but keep turning the page to read more. You also can’t help but wonder if the apparently innocent Tabitha might actually be guilty of the crime and did Connor set her up as a patsy?

Enjoyable.

This book was everythinggg I wanted in a thriller! The plot line wasn’t dragged out. Consistent excitement throughout the whole book. So many twists and turns. Characters popping in and out who constantly have you guessing “did THAT ONE kill her?” It’s honestly a book I could have sat and read within 6 hours (and I have a bad attention span 🙃) I absolutely loveddd this book and I’m already putting other Michele Campbell books on my TBR shelf.

Thank you @netgalley for this ARC in return for a honest review*

Love that it starts out with a reading from a diary stating that if she (Nina) is found dead, that it's her husband who has killed her. And off we go, digging into the story to find out how we got to this place in time. Nina's husband Cooper is a younger man had a high school love Tabitha that he never quite forgot, and very shortly after Nina's death they marry. An investigation into Nina's death begins and Tabby, after finding Nina's diary begins to wonder if she can trust Connor and even more, if she is being set up to take the blame for Nina's death. A very good, who-done-it thriller with many suspects.

I was very disappointed by The Wife Who Knew Too Much. It was described as a thriller, but it read more as a romance novel with a minor mystery. I felt the dialogue read like the script from a soap opera. I'd give examples, but that's not allowed pre-publication. There was also very little character development. Each main character came across as a textbook stereotype. The main character, Tabitha, was a particularly annoying ninny. In all, the storyline had potential, but the writing and dialogue couldn't carry through.

Thank you to NetGalley and St. Martin's Press for providing a digital ARC in exchange for an honest review. The publication date for The Wife Who Knew Too Much is July 28, 2020.

The Wife Who Knew Too Much is so ridiculously over the top it shouldn't work as well as it does. The title could refer to multiple wives-but the problem isn't they know too much, the problem is they don't know enough, especially when it comes to using common sense. Decades before the plot starts uber wealthy Edward Levitt, head of Levitt Gobal Enterprises, leaves his wife for the much younger Nina. But because a leopard rarely changes his spots, Edward continues his cheating ways, leaving Nina lonely and bereft. When Edward dies (no foul play suspected), Nina inherits his billion dollar business. Since everyone in The Wife Who Knew Too Much likes to mix business with pleasure, Nina has a brief fling with Hank, Edward's right hand man who has idolized Nina for years. Hank leaves his wife Lauren (also a Levitt Gobal employee) for Nina but Nina only sees Hank as a friend. Lauren turns to her subordinate at Levitt Global, Connor, for comfort after being dumped by Hank, but Connor leaves Lauren for Nina. Supposedly there's a "no fraternization" clause in the HR directory at Levitt Global, but nobody seems to have read it. Meanwhile back at the ranch (ok, it's a greasy spoon diner), Tabitha still holds a torch for her first love Connor. Throw in a spectacular mansion that Nina thinks is haunted, lavish parties with trips to exotic locales, and a personal assistant who is almost too perfect, and The Wife Who Knew Too Much becomes "The Young and The Restless" on speed. The writing is wobbly, but the chapters are quick and brisk. The Wife Who Knew Too Much does keep you guessing until the very end-not an insignificant feat considering all the balls it has to juggle. Like most soap opera type stories, The Wife Who Knew Too Much features wealthy people with too much time on their hands behaving very badly. It makes a middle class existance look extremely appealing by contrast..

I have read every book Michele Campbell has written and this is her fourth book and she never disappoints her readers. So, as you know from the blurb Connor is married to Nina, an older woman who is fabulously wealthy. Now, there is Tabitha, a girl Connor was involved with when they were much younger. Tabitha was from the wrong side of the tracks so to speak. So when his rich grandmother found out about their relationship, she forced Connor to end it with her. Now, back to present day, 13 years later Connor walks into the diner where Tabitha is working. They begin am affair which results in Tabatha getting pregnant. And also in those 13 years that have passed Tabatha was married and divorced from a drug dealer who is out of prison and stalking her. Then Nina dies, first it appears like a suicide. But Nina left a diary. I do not want to continue with my review because I do not want to give away any spoilers. This book keeps you guessing right up to big reveal who the real culprit is. The twist and turns that this author is known for keep on coming. I received this book as an ARC from net galley and the publisher. I want to thank them for this ARC.. I highly recommend this book if you are a fan of psychological thrillers with many twists and turns. (less)

I’m torn on how to rate this one. There were many, many contrived eye-rolling, not plausible situations, but I was interested and kept reading. There are way too many inconsistencies that just don’t fit add up that can’t be explained here without a Spoiler or two.

This book gives new meaning to the word obsessed. That’s what Tabitha was about Connor. Yes, of course there’s a hitch. Connor’s married to someone else with a ten million dollar pre-up hanging in the balance. The love story between these 30-something adults was er, ah, sappy at best.

Person A is married to Person B but is loved by Person C. Person C is married to Person D. Person A doesn’t love Person C, but loves Person E who had a relationship with Person D. There’s more. On and on it goes.

In summary, Connor was a money grubbing, sleazebag liar, and Tabitha was a ditz. The ending? Uh-huh, more eye-rolling.

Thank you to NetGalley for the opportunity to read and review The Wife Who Knew Too Much in exchange for an honest review. I wish my review were more favorable.

3 stars!

LOVE this cover!

This one hooked me and had my attention from the beginning chapters, but then slowly as I read on, I found myself losing interest with the characters. I don’t know if it was because I was reading this while also reading another book, however it just didn't hold my interest like a thriller normally does.

I did enjoy the past/present and diary entries though!

Thank you to netgalley & the publisher - out 7/28!

The Wife Who Knew Too Much, is a suspenseful and gripping story which is built around three main characters, Mr Connor Ford, the first Mrs. Ford (Nina Levitt) and the second Mrs. Ford (Tabitha Girard)

It begins with Nina’s diary: “I’m writing this to raise an alarm in the event of my untimely death” so it’s hard not to be hooked from the first page… Then you’re brought back to the very beginning of this twisty ride.

The book tackles the themes of love and money and you keep wondering all along, who is the victim, who is the killer, since they all seems to have a motive…

Michele Campbell's writing is very clear and fluid and the characters’ feelings and reactions are well described.

Hope you’ll enjoy this twisted psychological thriller.

An intriguing story

A thriller that will keep you reading and not wanting to stop. You will fall for Mr. Ford, even when you shouldn't. The kind of story to read in silence to find out the truth without interruptions. I voluntarily reviewed an ARC of this book.

Connor was Tabitha's one true love. Years ago, Tabitha worked at a country club where Connor's family were members. He seemed out of her league, but they became infatuated with each other. When Connor's grandmother found out about their relationship, she put an end to it. Tabitha never really got over Connor. Fast forward to years down the road when Connor reappears in Tabitha's life. All those feelings come rushing back - not just for Tabitha, but for Connor, too. The two couldn't be any more different - Tabitha is a waitress is the same town and Connor is married to an older woman, who happens to be extremely wealthy. Connor wants out of his marriage, but there's that pesky prenup to consider. When Connor's wife commits suicide, it seems that events are falling into place for Connor and Tabitha to be together (and for him to take over his wife's estate). It all seems a little too neat and tidy... Did Connor's wife really commit suicide? Is Connor who he claims to be?

There were many twists and turns in this one; one of the major twists I had guessed early on. As much as I tried, I found it really difficult to find Tabitha as a likable character. Her naivety and complete trust of Connor was bordering on annoying. I can understand why the author made her this way - so many women are completely trusting of their significant others. Overall, I liked this one, but I didn't love it. I'd still like to check out more titles by this author.

Thank you to St. Martin’s Press, NetGalley and Michele Campbell for the ARC I received in exchange for an honest review. Tabitha Girard is a waitress in Baldwin Lake where she grew up. She has never forgotten her teenage boyfriend Connor Ford who has come back into her life and is a married man. Against her better judgement she spends time with him and is drawn into a new and terrifying life that she may not escape from alive. With many twist and turns the story moves to the Hamptons and then to Dubai and back. Tabitha does not know who she can trust and who she can’t. This books has a lot of action and an exciting ending. I have read all of Ms. Campbell’s books and am looking forward to her next one.

3.5 stars

What girl doesn’t dream of being swept up by a handsome man and thrown into the jet setting world of the rich and famous? For the main character, Tabitha, the handsome man happens to be Connor, an ex-boyfriend who had married rich and was unhappy in his marriage. The two reunite with plans of Connor leaving his rich wife, until the rich wife turns up dead.

The writer did a great job setting up believable characters in engrossing situations. The big reveals at the end were set up well enough to be somewhat guessed earlier on in the reading but vague enough with enough misleads that I was still guessing if I was right.

I gobbled this book up in two days and really enjoyed it. It was the first book I’ve read by Michele Campbell but I’ll definitely be looking for her other titles!

Huge thank you to St. Martin’s Press for the advanced reader’s copy to review.

“The Wife Who Knew Too Much” is the newest psychological thriller by Michele Campbell. If you doubt whether authors grow weary of creating fast-paced tales without becoming routine, the answer in Michele Campbell’s case is thankfully, "no way!"

Tabitha is coming out of a short-term summer fling with Connor, who was all that and a bag of chips. While Tabitha and Connor soon go their separate ways, chance brings Connor back into Tabitha’s life by surprise. The fact that Connor is married to wealthy and successful Nina does not diminish the attraction he has for Tabitha. While ready to leave his wife, Connor is tasks with finding a loophole to his prep-nup so he does not lose out on a big payout. He would be willing to do anything to end up with Tabitha, but does that mean he is willing to murder Nina?

Do not expect an easy answer as Michele Campbell is at the top of her game. The author keeps you at the edge of your seat and is a master of both pace and timing. While I did not necessarily like the characters, especially Tabitha, it was not because they were not well-developed. This book is much more than an “easy beach read.”

I won’t let you know whether the ending is expected or not, but I assure you that Michele Campbell excels at beckoning you down one pathway, waiting until you start to relax, and then yanking you through a previously unknown hidden door.

I blame Michele Campbell for the fact that I ignored my hefty pile of papers to grade to finish this novel.

Fans of Michele Campbell’s previous work will not be disappointed. I'd like to thank NetGalley, Michele Campbell and St. Martin’s for providing me an advanced copy of this novel.

I was excited to receive an ARC of The Wife Who Knew Too Much after reading A Stranger on the Beach, also by Michele Campbell. You sort of find out what's going to happen in the book in the first few pages, but you can't stop reading. Things slow down a little bit while you get the background of what led up to this. You are never really sure which characters to trust and which not to trust. This is a real quick psychological thriller read, perfect for the beach!