MEET YOUR PROBLEM SOLVER.

Are you having problems? Do they plague your marriage? Are your children—if you have any—adding to your problems? Do problems seep into your relationships? Do you encounter problems at work? With your parents? With a bully? If you find yourself pestered by those pesky little creatures, who, for some odd reason, always seem to be bigger—in most cases—than they (truly) are, look no further than Chicago native Avery Chambers. Avery Chambers, a forty-one-year-old former licensed therapist now operating as a consultant, no thanks to losing her license, has a solution for any problem you may have.

Yes, Avery Chambers has seen it all, so she claims. And there is no one who she can't help, cure, renew, or revive. Avery Chambers is the crème de la crème of her profession, the very best, indeed. And she is quick to state the obvious. Unlike her therapeutic peers, Avery Chambers never believed in rules or playing by them. She did it her way. And her way proved sufficient every time. The secret to her success? A 10-session program in which Avery Chambers enrolls all of her clients. The process is controversial, but Avery Chambers is confident that it works: all of her former clients have had success stories to tell after completing her complex process. And it is a process from which Avery does not shy away. One very prominent publication calls her a 'Maverick Therapist,' and for Avery Chambers, it's just as well. Avery knows what she's doing. And she does not need the naysayer—whomever that person might be. Avery has an insatiable appetite for the truth. And she pursues it avidly.

Avery Chambers. She's quite a gal: assured, with a confidence bordering on cockiness. She wants it all, and she will have it all. Yes, Avery Chambers can be very infectious. And that may very well be what earned her the starring role on the pages of the brilliant psychological thriller currently under review: The Golden Couple.

Dear reader? Let us follow her lead.

A BISHOP THEN MUST BE BLAMELESS (I)

Marissa Bishop—tall, beautiful, wealthy, and elegant—has everything good in life. The sleek and ultra-chic Marissa is the owner of the boutique Coco and the loving mother of an eight-year-old son named Bennett. Marissa is also the wife of Matthew Bishop, a partner in a prominent law firm in D.C.

Matthew is as successful as he is neglectful. And we make the acquaintance of both he and his stunning wife Marissa when the couple enters the cozy confines of Casa Avery: for Avery Chambers is now "consulting" clients from an office in her home. The Bishops are imposing in stature, fair-haired, and the epitome of class. Yes, at a glance, one would be content to believe what they see—on the surface. The Bishops look like a happy couple; therefore, they must be. Of course, Avery Chambers might have believed the first impression, too, were they not there to seek her professional help. A deceived Matthew thinks he and his wife are seated before Avery to discuss their son, Bennett, and the child's troubles with a bully at his school. But the truth of why they're (really) there, in Avery's office, is far more sordid: Marissa is about to admit to having an extramarital affair.

I WANNA BE THE ONE IN CONTROL.

Avery Chambers prides herself on the infamous 10-session program she uses on her clients. And Matthew and Marissa Bishop are the latest test subjects. After Marissa's bombshell confession of infidelity, Avery devises a plan as to how the wealthy couple might be able to work out their differences and heal their wounded marriage. However, there is one condition: Avery needs to have "free rein" in their life. According to Avery Chambers, she can only help the Bishops if she (really) knows the Bishops. Avery can by no means do her job to the best of her ability based only on what they tell her. Because for all Avery knows, one or both of the Bishops might be content to trifle with the truth; therefore, she, Avery, must take control.

I'M IN CONTROL, AND I LOVE IT.

Indeed, D.C.'s so-called Maverick Therapist, Avery Chambers, enjoys her new role, playing spy. Between spending time with her stepdaughter, Lana, and her newly-adopted pitbull, Romeo, Avery makes time to follow the Bishops—unknowingly, of course—all around town. The pair moves about separately, but Avery stays one step ahead. At liberty to do what she thinks is best, Avery goes one step further: she reaches out to the Bishops' acquaintances on her secret quest to gather data she considers vital to learn more about them and help with her counseling sessions. Avery wants to assist the Bishops on the road to restoring trust in their marital union. And given free rein, Avery takes full advantage of having control and holding all the cards. A good actress, she even had one particular woman named Natalie fooled. Yes, Avery has always been able to mold them like clay. Control. That is her modus operandi. A bender of the human mind, Avery Chambers is in control. And she loves it.

But is she really that good?

DOES POLLY WANNA CRACK HER?

Polly Walker is ever the eager beaver—subjecting herself to every whim of her mistress, er, employer, Marissa Bishop. Polly is Marissa's only employee at Coco. And the young assistant is nothing short of needy. Always appearing determined to please her classy boss Marissa, is Polly. She stays in Marissa's beautiful face, Polly. She's always Johnny-on-the-spot, Polly. When Marissa coughs, Polly immediately offers her a cough drop. If Marissa's tight-and-toned belly emits a growl, there is Polly, offering to run out and buy sandwiches—to make sure Marissa eats. Polly, Polly, Polly. Good golly, Miss Molly. The young, annoying assistant is driving Marissa up the wall.

Sycophantic men-pleasers. Polly Walker is one of such. But like with every coin, the same has two sides: from one end of the spectrum to the other. Behind her attentiveness, Polly conceals her true spirit: envious—and covetous. Polly wants to be Marissa. But Polly cannot be Marissa if Marissa is in the way: for Polly's ego can only suppress the weakling it is for so long.

LIKE SANDS THROUGH THE HOURGLASS.

Natalie is a woman who appears to have it all together. A sexy, voluptuous woman in the real estate trade, Natalie uses her hourglass figure, full, pouty lips, and money to woo her way through a cunning lifestyle. And other women, the ones with low self-esteem, follow her backbiting lead. For these group-minded women pride themselves on gossip and belittling the little guy. When Natalie gets sick, they all get sick. And whatever—or whoever—Natalie hates, her weak followers hate. That would include the woman they all work so hard to exclude from their passive/aggressive circle: Marissa Bishop.

Their children all attend the same private school, and they're all wealthy individuals, but none of this is good enough for Natalie. No, she must have it all—like Marissa. No matter how successful Natalie may appear, she still feels inadequate in her skin. And she feels inferior to Marissa. Natalie is covetous toward everything in Marissa's possession, including the latter's chic boutique—and her spouse. Indeed, Natalie would do anything to secure Matthew Bishop as her own. Anything. And she's content to not only make Marissa's life a living hell but destroy it—completely.

Women like Natalie love to make life hard for other women, particularly the ones they envy. But what happens when they propel themselves into the wrong woman? What becomes of such women when they finally meet their cold-hearted match?

THE INDELIBLE MISTAKE.

Marissa's lover, the mystery man with whom she had a steamy affair—frolicking with disloyalty while it thumbed its nose at her marriage vows—must have enjoyed her erotic offerings because he's back for more. This time, though, he brings along an expensive bottle of Argentinian Malbec—and a short-of-breath conclusion that not only our cast members but also the reader will never see coming.

For it is written: Whoever commits adultery with a woman lacks understanding; he who does so destroys his (own) soul.
—Proverbs 6:32

Yes, indeed; wide-and-spacious is the road by which a great proverb travels.

KEEPING SECRETS: REMEMBERING FINLEY JONES.

26-year-old Finley Jones shared with Avery the trouble she was having at her job working for a big pharmaceutical company. And then Finley was no longer. Finley Jones is also the reason Avery now sleeps with one eye open. What is Acelia? And why do those human operatives in the shadowy company—with tens of thousands of employees worldwide—want Avery Chambers dead?

Who murdered Finley Jones? And how does her brutal killing tie in with our all-star cast?

KEEPING SECRETS: REMEMBERING TINA LENNOX.

Tina Lennox, the "Lily Parker" of this literary script—and Marissa's best friend from childhood—played with desire and churned; flirted with fire and burned. Tina had been the ultimate tease. And then she was no longer.

Who murdered Tina Lennox on one fateful night in a cozy little seaside town? And how does her savage killing tie in with our all-star cast?

SKIP TO MY LOU?

Real estate developer Skip is a man with whom Avery could've had a deep relationship. But Skip, short for Skipper due to him being a sailing enthusiast, might be too good to be true.

Indeed, Skip seems nice enough to be a potential love interest. But is he—really that nice?

A BISHOP THEN MUST BE BLAMELESS (II)

Who is Chris Bishop? Chris Bishop is the father of Matthew, the father-in-law of Marissa, and a gentle grandpa to little Bennett. The powerful and well-connected Chris Bishop is a quiet man—not at all close to his son, Matthew, but cordial. He's always there to lend a helping hand whenever his grandson, Bennett, needs him. And he is as good a father-in-law to Marissa as can be.

But something is off; Avery can sense it. Chris Bishop does not like Avery Chambers. That much is evident. Whenever he sees her, his eyes betray his distaste. For it is said that the eyes are the windows of the soul. And Chris Bishop has a pair of arctic-blue peepers that will make one's blood flow ice-cold. Even Avery's.

NOW, BACK TO ACELIA.

Those with the capacity to rule within Acelia only want one thing from Avery: a name. All they want is a name, they claim. They want the name of the whistleblower that nearly destroyed a subsidiary company of Acelia. Avery has the answer; she knows the name, but she wouldn't dare reveal it because Avery Chambers has a stiff neck and a hard head. The powers that be at Acelia know this.

They also know this:

In addition to her professional work in therapy, Avery Chambers has a bit of "Nancy Drew" in her. She's now out to expose whatever the shady Acelia is and crack a disturbing mystery wide open. Or so she thinks.

There is no way they will allow her to live long enough to do so. Not her or anyone else in her orbit.

ENTER THE GUEST STARS:

Awkward, suspenseful, exciting, thrilling, emotional, callous, vindictive, envious, jealous-hearted, conniving, deceptive, and two-faced is this nebulous thriller. And the stars of this show couldn't get a good night's sleep unless they had others either helping them do evil or assisting them in fighting against the forces of it.

Those who join our starring leads on the narrow road leading to destruction—or the wider road leading to peace and salvation—are none-other than the following:

• Lana Chambers is Avery's beloved stepdaughter. Lana has a new beau, Greg, who's helping her forget the grief of losing her famous dad, Paul Chambers—a renowned author. Lana, who was never rooted in self-esteem, has a knack for selecting all the wrong guys. For so long, she couldn't get it right. But has she finally struck pay dirt with the ever-attentive Greg? Or has her meager judgment failed her—yet again?

• Ray is a homeless Vietnam vet sent by an embittered mystery man to stir up conflict.

• Derrick is a 26-year-old security systems tech—and Avery's lover. Besides being a counselor and a makeshift sleuth, Avery Chambers is a lust-filled cougar. Having her proverbial cake and eating it to her heart's content, Avery might be skating a twirl on a (very) thin layer of icing with the younger Derrick.

• Cameron and Skylar Sullivan co-star as the two people who caused Avery to lose her license. Avery Chambers has accumulated many enemies over time, and Skylar Sullivan ranks high on the list. Skylar is a hateful control freak who has never appreciated Avery's influence on her passive husband, Cameron.

Together with a handful of bit players who serve an excellent purpose as complements to an impressive ensemble, these supporting cast members will leave a lasting impression on the reader long after the script reaches its shocking crescendo.

Indeed, there are a lot of what-ifs on these pages. But the most important question will be, Who's playing who?

GREER AND SARAH: THE OTHER DYNAMIC DUO.

I, as a reader, don't tend to impress easily. I'll admit that. But with The Golden Couple, Hendricks and Pekkanen proceeded to successfully shove me over the threshold into the blissful confines of utter awe. Stupendous writing on the part of the two!

The method of each chapter spotlighting the lead characters from multiple viewpoints is a well-known trademark of the Hendricks and Pekkanen tale. And on the thrilling pages of The Golden Couple, the points of view of Avery and Marissa are impeccable.

It's usually after the first few pages when I know whether or not I will like a book. And with The Golden Couple, after reading the first few pages, I got up, brewed a fresh pot of French roast, then returned to dive in and submerge myself in the plot before finally resurfacing to wade.

Once again, the dynamic (writing) duo of Greer Hendricks and Sarah Pekkanen spoke my language. And they did so fluently! Indeed, the ladies do psychological thrillers well. And as far as this, their latest joint effort, is concerned, each woman should be well pleased with her respective contribution to it.

Five lustrous-and-shining stars!

• REVIEWER'S NOTE: It is a pleasure to thank St. Martin's Press and NetGalley for the advanced review copy (ARC) of The Golden Couple in exchange for my honest review.

Analysis of The Golden Couple by Greer Hendricks and Sarah Pekkanen is courtesy of the Reviews by Cat Ellington book series.

• DISCLOSURE: The reference to the fictional character “Lily Parker” is from the 2015 film “Strangerland,” directed by Kim Farrant.

©2022 Quill Pen Ink Publishing. Reviews by Cat Ellington. The Cat Ellington Literary Collection. All rights reserved.

I'm starting to think the first book by this author was a one off for me. I want to love this duo again, but I keep struggling to stay engaged.

The Golden Couple is an entertaining domestic thriller. I read this in two sittings and had fun trying to put all the pieces of the story together. Greer Hendricks and Sarah Pekkanen make a fantastic duo and I look forward to reading more of their work.

Thank you to NetGalley and the publisher for the copy!

Two stand alone authors combine their talents to tell a tale of marital deceit, The Golden Couple is a tale of a couple that isn’t quite as golden as the title implies. Marissa and Matt seems to “have it all” until cracks in the veneer begin to appear during counseling sessions with a therapist who has been stripped of her license (but somehow still has a reputation for being highly effective. Ok. Let’s just go with the premise.) This was an easy read for me and I don’t want to criticize a novel that isn’t my usually style so I’ll just say that if you are a fan of the authors, you will probably enjoy this novel. Many thanks to NetGalley for the chance to read this prior to publishing in exchange for my honest opinion.

The Golden Couple is actually Hendricks and Pekkanen. This friend team writes an amazing thriller and this latest did not disappoint. It was such a twisty story, I had no idea what the outcome was going to be. Electric and thrilling, 100% recommend.

The golden couple is about this perfect couple. Marissa and Matthew Bishop, blonde, happy, and they seem to have everything. Except their marriage is falling apart and they need help. Marissa knows her son doesn't want to stay with his dad if they get a divorced. She's upset her son knows that their marriage is in trouble. They turn to Avery Chambers to help them with their marriage.

Avery Chambers lost her license because of her unauthoridox ways. She's still wanting to help people, and will do so. The problem is she's needing her new clients the bishops to be truthful to her. If they aren't there's no way she can help them save their marriage.

This story has a lot of twists and turns, it keeps you on your feet and you're not sure who to trust or who has the complete truth.

Marissa and Matthew Bishop are the golden couple. They seem to have it all; good looks, great jobs, wealth and a perfect child. ​
Everything on the surface is perfect and wonderful until Marissa cheats on Matthew and now are trying to save their perfect union.​
Avery Chambers is not your typical therapist. She uses unconventional methods and has a ten session approach to “fixing” people and their problems. Marissa is willing to do whatever she can to save her marriage but there are some problems due to untold secrets in this marriage.​
Unless they are honest with her, Avery cannot help the Bishops and her eccentric program is sure to fail.​ As issue after issue after issue is revealed, we hold our breath wondering if the tarnish can be removed and the golden couple re-emerge.
There are a lot of mysteries, secrets and lies to unravel in The Golden Couple and for fans of authors Greer Hendricks and Sarah Pekkanen, this book will satisfy all of your cravings. ​
I received an advance copy of this book from NetGalley. #NetGalley #TheGoldenCouple

The Golden Couple was a wild ride from start to finish! This was my third book by the author duo and my favorite to date. I picked this book up and was not able to put it down. I loved all the surprises and twists that made up this story.

The Golden Couple is based on a married couple who seeks out an alternative form of therapy. The therapist has some secrets of her own and is easily woven in to this couples life and narrative. Since this is a thriller I do not want to give away the details and really feel that it's best to go in blind.

A big thank you to NetGalley and St. Martin's Press for allowing me to read a copy of this book. I cannot wait to see what this author duo comes out with next.

Absolutely gripping that kept me reading from page one. Like all of their books, this one had surprises galore that I never saw coming and that made the story that much more enticing.

This story was so much fun. Lots of twists, turns, and red herrings. Just when you think someone is a good person, something happens to make you question that opinion. At the very beginning of the story, I didn't think I was going to like Avery but it didn't take me long to see that I liked her a lot, unethical behavior or not. Actually, I ended up liking a lot of the characters despite their imperfections. This was a very satisfying story and I enjoyed the way it was laid out for us.

I just don’t feel like The Golden Couple lived up to the early works of this writing duo. The twists just didn’t wow me like The Wife Between Us and An Anonymous Girl. I will still look forward to the next thriller from Greer and Sarah.

When Matthew and Marissa arrived for their first appointment with Avery, they appear to have it all but then Marissa reveals a secret that changes everything. So begins The Golden Couple. Told from both the perspective of Avery, the therapist whose license was recently revoked, as well as Marissa, the wife who has been keeping something from her husband. While that storyline would have been enough, a second mystery adds to the tension. Avery recently became a not-so-anonymous whistleblower to the FDA and now she is constantly looking over her shoulder for the pharmaceutical company she turned in to come after her. Again, I feel like this storyline could have been its own book. While I found this thriller to be fun and tense, it was also a bit hard to follow all the storylines and characters. The end was also a but disappointing as I felt things were wrapped up a bit too nicely with a bow. All in all, a solid thriller but with some minor negatives.

I’m in the minority of how I felt about this book. I’ve read The Wife between us (4 stars) and
An Anonymous Girl (3 stars). Lately I’ve just not been drawn to books that feel like they are trying too hard to shock and awe. The Golden Couple felt predictable at times, even starting out with characters who have it all. The reasons for infidelity where you literally are risking it all just doesn’t sit with me. It’s incredibly immature. I stuck with it because I was hoping for a shocking ending but it just ended flat and anticlimactic. This writing duo definitely has fan support and overwhelmingly the book had success.

This type of general fiction isn't usually my go to genre, which I think is why I struggled with this one. I couldn't connect to the characters. The writing was good, but the story fell for me.

https://www.tiktok.com/@bettysbooklist/video/7070222741479312686?is_copy_url=1&is_from_webapp=v1&lang=en

I absolutely loved this audiobook so the book was an absolute quick and delightful snack for me. I was hooked from the beginning. These two authors always deliver something fresh- and The Golden Couple was no exception. Definitely a book I will recommend to others and put in my LFL!! Thank you so much Hendricks, Pekkanen, St. Martin’s Press, and NetGalley for the advanced copy in exchange for an honest review

Like so many of this duo's books before this one it's entertaining enough, story was interesting and even a page turner but let me be very clear it's completely forgettable and for that reason I can't recommend it for anyone

I love this writing duo, and this book didn't disappoint! Might be my favorite so far! They really know how to create a page turner.

I always love new Hendricks/Pekkanen releases! I've read them all! This was a fun domestic suspense with a great therapist element with bits of cat & mouse antics, and it was a really enjoyable reading experience! It wasn't my favorite of theirs, but it made for an entertaining, quick read, and I really did enjoy it! I'll read everything they write always!

3.5

I'm so glad I finally got around to reading this! A library patron insisted I read it, so I did. Suspense storytelling at its finest with twists and turns that will keep you guessing right up until the end.