Wow. The last 100 pages or so threw me all over the place. First it was one shock, then another. The actual killer was NOT who I thought at all. Then another twist thrown in at the very end. I’m really becoming a fan of D. J. Palmer. I’m never disappointed with any of his books. There is always at least one shock guaranteed. Thank you to Netgalley for my early read.

My Wife is Missing, by D. J. Palmer is an absolutely gripping, intriguing, twisty mystery that I thoroughly enjoyed reading.

Natalie and her two children disappear one night upon their arrival in New York for their family vacation. When her husband, Michael returns from picking up pizza and finds his family missing, he is obviously frantic with worry! Though the police aren’t willing to take his concerns seriously, she is a legal guardian, afterall, and free to leave if she chooses, Michael knows something is drastically wrong and decides to pursue his family regardless of the cost. From here the tension-wrought adventure begins.

This is the kind of story that causes you to constantly question who to believe, whom you can trust, and who to root for. This story is filled with red herrings, surprises at every turn, and plenty of reasonable doubt that will keep you questioning until the very end.

My Wife is Missing held my attention throughout its entirety and I found the plot immensely fascinating. The conclusion was shocking and the epilogue, satisfying. This was yet another entertaining, well-written, cleverly-plotted novel by D. J. Palmer and one you’ll definitely want on your TBR.

Wow! DJ Palmer knows how to keep you on the edge of your seat. I thoroughly enjoyed this book. Palmer has a way of writing a story that completely blows your mind. What you think you know, you can throw completely out of the window, because he will give you an ending that's so far out of left field. You never see it coming! These characters were so convincing with their sides of the events, and that made it so hard to determine what was truth or lie. I really felt sorry for the children most of all, because they were constantly scared and confused throughout the book. Natalie felt she was doing the right thing by running with them, and as a mother I couldn't fault her. If Michael hadn't had his share of secrets then none of the events would have occurred in the first place. You never get bored reading a DJ Palmer book that's for sure. The man is pure genius when it comes to all the psychological aspects of the stories he writes. Add in the mystery, suspense, and thrills then you have the perfect book in my opinion.

As expected, it was a page turner and the last part had so many good twists. It starts off in an explosive way when Natalie runs away with her two kids without a word to her husband, Michael. he seemed shady and his secrets keep coming out one at a time causing more confusion and then he also looks connected to two gruesome murders, which sends his wife to supposedly escape from him. Her run kept me hooked but midway, the pace was missing with too much detail. The midway pace drop is literally the only issue I had with this one, other than that it was a good domestic thriller with all the drama!

I enjoyed reading this book. The plot was well thought out, it kept me turning the pages to find out what happened. There were several twists in the book, but I only figured out one of the last ones a page or two before the main character did. The medical issues that may occur when you are suffering from continuing insomnia were well defined and played a major part in the book. If you are planning on an escape trip from your spouse, here is the outline of your trip!

2.5 stars
This was a sort of mediocre story. The premise was interesting but the story seemed to be drawn out. The premise is a wife with insomnia leaves her husband after finding out he had an affair.(at least she thinks so). Natalie, the wife, is definitely not a character I felt much for as I do believe taking your children from their father without telling him you were leaving is both cruel and unfeeling. I could not wrap my arms around the fact that Natalie pretends to go on vacation in NYC with Michael and the children and then runs away. It made little sense to me. A lot gets blame on Natalie's inability to sleep. It's the baseline for their failing marriage. She withholds sex and any kind of touching from her husband. She always is reading something into what her husband Michael said.

Michael has some adverse traits as well. For one, he carries around a big secret and as he pals up with a police lieutenant (somewhat unwillingly which was strange really as they wind out of state where the lieutenant had no jurisdiction?) to try and find Nicole and his family, little bits and pieces come out about Michael.

Then there was Audrey, the supposed paramour of Michael's who is found murdered by Natalie and Nat was sure that her murder was caused by Michael.

Natalie finds solace at her friend's farm and makes some disturbing finds while at the farm. There are many ominous happenings which you are not sure if Natalie is actually hearing or is she hallucinating as she has done in the past. Her mind is exhausted and much is because of the lack of sleep. Definitely Natalie was losing it.

Was her state of mind, the culmination of the insomnia or was there something to her thoughts and musings that confirms her mistrust of Michael?

This story moved along slowly and as I mentioned my dislike of the main character probably colored my view.
Definitely recommended to those who enjoy a character who portrays so much need, she becomes annoying. 🤷‍♀️

There are many others who enjoyed this story so please do check out their reviews
Thank you to D.J. Palmer, St Martin's Press, and NetGalley for a copy of this book.

I read on my kindle 60% of the book and listened to the rest courtesy of Macmillan Audio.

What starts off as a normal trip quickly erupts into chaos when Michael Hart discovers that his wife, Natalie, has taken their two children and run away after he stepped out of the hotel to pick up some food. Natalie has been suffering from insomnia and Michael fears what she might do in her hallucination prone state. Meanwhile, Natalie has uncovered secrets from Michael’s past that may actually be what sent her running. “My Wife is Missing” by D. J. Palmer is a gripping must read for any thriller lover.

Whew, what a book. This fast-paced thriller had me on my toes with twist after twist. Even after I felt like I knew what was happening, there were still new secrets to be revealed as the last few chapters unfolded. Some of it was predictable, but a few aspects were surprising. I love when an author can add a new twist that I didn’t guess.

Overall, this book was definitely a 5 star read for me. The character voices were clear and interesting, leaving me hooked until the last page. In fact, most of this book was a one day binge for me, only setting it down to get some work done.

Thanks to NetGalley and St. Martin’s Press for the ARC in exchange for my honest review. “My Wife is Missing” by D. J. Palmer will be available May 10th, be sure to check it out!

A family of four takes a short get-away trip to NYC. When dad (Michael) returns from picking up dinner for them, he finds his family is gone without a trace except for his son's teddy bear in the hallway near their room. I was immediately drawn in by Michael's anxiety and panic when he realizes his family is missing.

Natalie, wife to Michael, and mother to young Addie and Bryce, has been suffering from insomnia for months. She stumbles through her days as a working mother exhausted and barely functioning. It's gotten to the point that even she isn't sure if her thoughts and emotions are real and valid anymore. What she does know for a fact is that her marriage to Michael is in trouble. They've tried marriage counseling which didn't work, and things are approaching the breaking point.

The story is told from the POVs of Michael and Natalie. Natalie is an unreliable narrator, but if even part of what she suspects about Michael is true, he is not to be trusted. The race is on as Michael tries to find his wife and children with the help of NY Detective Kennett, and the reader tries to determine what is true and what is not. Is Natalie paranoid if what she believes, and fears is true?

Palmer paces the book well with a feeling of tension and suspense throughout. The ending is guaranteed to surprise!!

This is a very entertaining suspense and rates 4 stars from me.

My thanks to St. Martin's Press for allowing me to read an ARC of this novel via NetGalley. The book is scheduled for publication on 5/10/22. All opinions expressed in this review are my own and are freely given.

YOU GUYS!!!! This book was PHENOMENAL! It was my first DJ Palmer book- but I can say with certainty, it will not be my last!

This was the perfect domestic thriller with twist after twist after twist. I didn’t know what to think throughout a lot of this book- and that is just how I like it! Told from Michael and Natalie’s points of view- this gripping novel will keep you on the edge of your seat!

When a woman disappears with her two children, one husband will do anything to find them—even confront the secrets of his own past (and present.)

Go get this book on May 10 when it is released! Thank you @stmartinspress for sending me an advanced reader copy to review! I LOVED IT!!

My Wife is Missing
By D. J. Palmer

An enjoyable Runaway Family Drama With Tons of Twists

⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️

SUMMARY
Michael Hart is taking his family to NYC for a little vacation. When Michael returns to the hotel after picking up a pizza on their first evening in the city, he finds his wife and two children have disappeared. He fears they’ve been kidnapped but soon discovers that his wife, Natalie, appears to have left on her own, taking their children with her. The police want to know why, and so does Michael, while keeping his past a secret.

Natalie thinks she has Michael all figured out and has hatched a plan to escape from him permanently. Her plans to run away with the children, however, are threatened by her insomnia. Ever since she learned of Michael’s infidelity and his past, she has not been able to sleep more than a few hours a night, and now she is suffering from delusions. So what is real and what is she imagining, and who can she trust.

REVIEW
Both Michael and Natalie tell their version of the story. Natalie's viewpoint is from both the past and the present. Michael's version of the story is told only from his present-day journey to reunite with his family.

The characters are interesting. Natalie's insomnia and delusions make her story doubtful. But we soon learn that Michael has secrets all his own. Throughout the book, you will be questioning the integrity of every version of the story our characters tell. Everyone, even the police officer who volunteers to help Michael, seems to have an ulterior motive.

While the story is a little far-fetched at times, it was enjoyable. The writing is solid, and the pacing is quick.

Author Daniel J. Palmer Writes psychological thrillers and family dramas. His previous novels include The Perfect Daughter (2021) and The New Husband (2021).

Thanks to Netgalley for an advance reading copy of this book in exchange for an honest review.


Publisher St. Martin’s Press
Published May 10, 2022
Review www.bluestockingreviews.com

D.J. Palmer I just finished reading my second book of yours, My Wife is Missing, and it was another roller coaster ride! It was a slow climb to the top of the roller coaster but once it hit the top it was full speed ahead with flip, after flip, after flip!

I love a great mystery to help me escape. I whacked my brain trying to figure out who murdered Brianna Sykes with no success!

3.75 stars….. thank you NetGalley and St. Martin’s Press for an ARC of this book in exchange for an honest review. Look for this book on the shelves May 10, 2022.

This is a fast-paced, action-filled thriller/mystery. This is ideal for readers who want something relatively light, quick and entertaining with a lot of heart-pounding action and suspense. The characters were relatively flat but the frenetic pace makes up for it. The ending is satisfying and has a couple of twists.

This was full of action, basically a cross country chase mixed with a mystery. It's told from 2 points of view (Natalie and her husband's) and had more than one twist at the end. I wish it made my heart pound a bit more, but it was entertaining and well written. And I really like that I didn't figure out the mysteries before the reveal, like at all.

My Wife is Missing by D.J. Palmer is a fun read. The story is full of twists and turns. I was excited to read D.J. Palmers newest thriller. I have enjoyed his other books so I was looking forward to reading this one and it did not disappoint. Natalie and Michael Hart are having marital problems. Natalie is a busing mother of two with a job outside of the house. Michael is distant and spending time at his job and the gym. I could relate to how two people with busy lives can grow apart. Natalie questions Michael's fidelity. Michael is distant and keeping secretes especially about his past. The story unfolds with many truths and lies coming out in the open.

I don't want to write a lot about this plot because many things have cause and effect and I do not want to give any spoilers away. I enjoyed the book and it kept me turning pages well into the evening and at the pool. I would like to thank NetGalley for an advanced copy of this book in exchange for an honest review. #NetGalley #DJPalmer #MyWifeIsMissing

I wish to thank Netgalley and St. Martin's Press for the chance to read the early electronic copy of this book, to be published on May 01. This was an intriguing psychological thriller and domestic drama. Its combatants are a married couple, Natalie and Michael Hart, whose marriage is deeply troubled. Natalie is stressed at work and in caring for their two young children. She has insomnia to the extent of paranoia, blackouts, and hallucinations. She has become forgetful, delusional, and often misjudged people's expressions and intentions. She is overcome with exhaustion.

I felt I should sympathize with Natalie because of her confused mental/emotional state, but I found her unlikeable and annoying. She made many reckless decisions based on some delusional beliefs. Her behaviour was stressful for the children. Michael seemed to be supportive and patient but was frustrated with her coldness towards him and accusing him of having an affair, which he insisted was unfounded. We have hints that he hides a dark secret that he wishes never to be disclosed.

Natalie fears that Matthew is having an affair with someone from her office and is convinced she knows who it is. She has a supportive and sympathetic office friend who tends to confirm Natalie's fantasies. Aiming to confront her, Natalie goes to the woman's apartment. She discovers the woman she believed was Matthew's lover lying in a pool of blood. She thinks she has been murdered by her unfaithful husband but also fears that she may be blamed for the woman's death.

In a panic, she is now afraid that Matthew plans to kill herself and their children. Natalie has carefully planned to escape with her children before Matthew can carry out murdering his family. The family goes on a trip to NYC and check-in at a hotel overlooking Times Square. She sends him out for pizza, and when he returns, he is shocked to find she has taken her luggage and fled with the children. He pleads with the police for help but is told there is little they can do.

Michael begins a lengthy search for his wife and children. A police officer accompanies him on a long cross-country trip. Natalie has made remarkable efforts to cover her tracks. The policeman drops some subtle references to Matthew's past, causing him to fear that he is being set up to be blamed for the woman's murder. When they eventually track Natalie down, Michael seems delighted that his family is safe.

Later, when back home, there is an arrest, serious injuries, and another death. It was incredible that Natalie, who was always exhausted and delusional, suddenly became more rational and gained the energy to become a vicious fighter.

I had a mixed reaction to the book. The plot was compelling, but I thought it convoluted, implausible, and repetitious. It was, at times, a tedious read.
I would have preferred a shorter book and more relatable characters. The central relationship was left unresolved. I continued with the story since I was invested in what would happen. I never guessed the final twist. The identity of the murderer made sense, but the conclusion seemed somewhat contrived.

4.5 Stars! My Wife is Missing is my first book by author, D. J. Palmer, but it certainly will not be my last! This domestic thriller captured my interest immediately. Although, I do feel it was little monotonous in the middle, the fast-paced ending, full of twists and turns, made up for it!

Husband, Michael, and wife, Natalie, take their two children on a trip to New York City. While Michael is picking up pizza, Natalie flees the city with their two children. The pursuit for finding Natalie begins and the reason for her departure slowly develops within the pages.

Told from three viewpoints: Natalie now, Michael now, and Natalie previously, the details Palmer puts into his writing make you feel as if you are there with the characters.

Thank you, NetGalley and St. Martin’s Press, for the ARC in exchange for my honest review. All thoughts and opinions expressed above are my own.

#MyWifeisMissing

Good thrillers hook you and then consume your thoughts until you reach the resolution. I started MY WIFE IS MISSING and expected a domestic thriller with plot twists, but it was far more layered than I could've guessed and kept me guessing until the very end.

I couldn't put this down and when I did manage to put it down, I thought about when I could finally get back to reading. It was so intriguing and while I had my suspicions and ideas about where it was headed, it still managed to surprise me. I didn't want it to end. I kept thinking about how I wish more thrillers made me feel like this one did.

I highly recommend this one.

*Thank you NetGalley and St. Martin's Press for the ARC*

This book is very twisty and fast paced! Once you get started you don't want to put it down. Lies, and unreliable narrators keep the reader guessing! Greatly enjoyed this one. Any thriller or fan of domestic suspense is sure to enjoy!

My Wife is Missing was a great story. Michael comes back to his hotel room after picking up a pizza and finds his entire family gone. The only thing left is his son's teddy bear in the middle of the hallway.

The husband is always the main suspect in situations like these... however Michael's wife Natalie turns out to be more of a runaway than missing. The story unfolds to find out why Natalie ran... who/what is she running from?

This is told from Michael and Natalie's POV, but Natalie also has dual timelines which made me have to pay extra attention.

My only thing is this book seemed to be a lot longer than it needed to be. I feel like the beginning, building the backstory was a little too drawn out. Also, I did think I figured out the twist and I was only slightly off - that slight change though definitely made a difference to the story! Overall a great read. Will pick up some more DJ Palmer in the future!

D..J Palmer books never fail me. They suck me in so completely that I just can't put it down until long after I stop reading! Compelling story, full of twists and turns and an ending that'll have you saying "what the.....?????!!!!" Simply fantastic