First up: the actual book. Let me start off by saying that I love these authors, loved their previous novel, and was so excited to get my hands on their latest endeavor! Maybe I hyped it up too much because this one just didn’t work for me. There were several simultaneous plot lines: a decades old murder of a best friend, a pharmaceutical company seeking revenge against a whistleblower, marital infidelity, and a potential stalker. Although the authors attempted to seamlessly weave these multiple scenarios together, to me the result felt muddled and forced. There were too many paths to follow that I ended up not really caring too much about any of them, inherently relieving me of feeling any suspense, something I desperately want to feel when reading a thriller. Nothing was overly gory or trigger-worthy so it may be a good choice for readers who like their thrillers without a side of disturbance. I appreciated the fast pace and excitement of the ending even if I thought it wrapped up a little too neatly.

Next up: the narration. This was my first time listening to an audiobook with two narrators and I love the concept, especially when the book is divided into two POVs. I appreciated how the narrators had completely different voices; one conventional, breathy and overly articulate (Marissa) and another slightly edgier and street wise (Avery), perfectly suited for the characters. The problem for me, though, was that since the POVs are third person and not first, listeners hear characters speak through these two very distinct voices and, frankly, it was jarring. Matthew sounded completely different from each narrator’s voice (in one he was a dead ringer for a frat boy) as did Avery and Marissa. I wish, somehow, that the narrators could have represented one character so that there was a continuity in that character’s voice, but with the third person POV that would have been extremely laborious. Perhaps for some readers it will add to the excitement of the listen but for me it created feelings of detachment. Both narrators have good pacing and articulation but I think the range for the male characters was lacking (the older homeless guy sounded exactly like the young businessmen, for example). The novel lends itself well to an audiobook and kept my attention.

While this novel and narration didn’t completely come together for me, I think it would be enjoyed by readers looking for an interesting yet tame thriller. The multiple storylines provide lots of opportunities for guessing and red herrings to throw readers off, elements that mystery fans will certainly enjoy.

Many thanks for NetGalley and Macmillan Audio for the advance audiobook in exchange for an honest review.

I thank Macmillan Audio and the authors for access to a pre-publication audio version of this novel.

This is a classic domestic suspense thriller, with pressure built by the framework of a maverick therapist who uses non-traditional methods and inserts herself well beyond the normal limits of distance into her patients’ lives. The murder mystery and other secrets are mostly in the past, among a web of relationships that begin to feel claustrophobic and poisonous.

That feeling of dread is compounded by my distaste for all the characters—that’s quite a trick to write. The poor little lonely rich wife, the distant husband, the arrogant and manipulative therapist, the husband’s nasty jealous ex-girlfriend, even the needy vanity-store shop assistant—I finished the book because I loathed them all. I was hoping for some come-uppance and learning but I don’t think that will happen offstage. They’ll all stay safe in their cocoon of big fancy houses and swank private schools, lacking for nothing.

The plotting was solid and the pace kept me interested until the end. I give this one 2.5 stars.

Was sucked into this book from the first chapter and could not put it down! Read/listened to this one in two days. The narrators were amazing and compelling. Did not see the ending coming!
Thank you to net galley and the publishers for an ALC (advanced listener copy) of this book.

The audio of this was well down definitely captivated and kept my attention for this intriguing psychological thriller. I loved the alternating chapters between characters it really caught my attention and drew me into the story and love when the storyline finally comes together

The dynamic writing duo have done it again! Many thanks to NetGalley & MacMillan Audio for this ARC!

When Marissa brings her husband to an unconventional therapist under false pretenses, we learn very quickly that she’s not the only one who is hiding something.

This book has everything you’ve come to live from a Hendricks/Pekkanen psychological thriller: great characters with twists & turns that leave you wanting more!

Having devoured this duo’s other books in quick succession last summer, I couldn’t wait to get my hands on this one! It did not disappoint! This psychological thriller will keep you guessing until the final twist. As is typical of this pair’s writing style, multiple storylines seamlessly converge throughout the book. There are enough breadcrumbs dropped along the way that savvy readers can eventually piece most of the stories together.

This is probably my favorite book by these authors. I enjoyed the dual perspectives of two very different, well-developed characters. Avery’s world of sleuthing and problem solving as a consultant (ex-therapist) contrasts well with Marissa’s (seemingly) picture perfect working-mom-who-has-it-all-together lifestyle. My favorite thing about this duo’s writing style is how they introduce the reader to a character and then slowly breakdown all of the assumptions they have led the reader to make about that character. This definitely happened in The Golden Couple.

Thank you to St. Martin’s Press and Net Galley for the advance electronic copy of The Golden Couple in exchange for my honest review!

This audiobook is pure perfection! Marin Ireland and Karissa Vacker have long been two of my very favorite narrators and to see them together narrating they latest release from Greer Hendricks & Sarah Pekkanen?! Check. Mate.

Also, this book is incredible! It is a delicious psychological suspense with twists and turns that keep you guessing until the very end. This is definitely my favorite book this duo has written (and that’s saying a lot since I’ve loved their other books)!

I don’t want to say too much, other than please read this book! The Golden Couple is chilling psychological suspense at its very best.

Marissa and Mathew Bishop seem like the golden couple--until Marissa cheats. She wants to repair things, both because she loves her husband and for the sake of their 8-year-old son. After a friend forwards an article about Avery, Marissa takes a chance on this maverick therapist, who lost her license due to controversial methods.

The Golden Couple took quite a few twists and turns. There are a lot of threads that lead to one big ball of yarn. I guessed what was going on but not too early on. It was still a fun ride!

Avery has some controversial techniques to help her clients work through their problems. Her clients, Marissa and Mathew, are quite the challenge because she knows both are keeping secrets. Marissa slept with her husband’s best friend, and she hopes Avery can mend their marriage. Mathew is livid but is willing to try to make the marriage work. Marissa has a boutique that takes a lot of her time and the girl she hired seems to be a little too friendly. The man she slept with is trying to connect with Marissa. She wishes he would go away. There is a lot going on in the book and new twists and turns that will keep you guessing. Great book!

I have yet to be disappointed by anything written by this duo, and Hendricks and Pekkanen continue to impress with The Golden Couple. The narration was wonderful and I always enjoy a book that is able to capture you from the beginning vs. a slow burn. There are alternating POVs (therapist & client), which I loved and felt that this really propelled the story forward. The fantastic mystery writing really kept me listening and the twist at the end was definitely unexpected which made things so much more enjoyable. The characters were all engaging and despite their many secrets - you can't help becoming invested in their story lines. Definitely would recommend if you are looking for a domestic suspense.

I had been really looking forward to The Golden Couple by Hendricks/Pekkanen but unfortunately it fell a little flat for me. I struggled getting into the story. The start was really slow and the alternating POV chapters between Avery and Marissa wasn't doing it any favors. Neither character was particularly interesting , likeable or well developed. Additionally there was a host of side characters who added very little to the story. The first half was a bit of a slog to get through before the story line picked up, but even then it felt like a been there, done that trope.
Maybe it is just that domestic thrillers have been woefully overdone and it is getting increasingly difficult to come up with fresh ideas. Now granted, the gone rogue couples therapist did sound like it was a new take, but in the end that idea alone didn't save the story as I just didn't care about anyone in the book, wasn't properly invested in the storyline and found it overall less than thrilling. In fact, I think labeling The Golden Couple a mystery or thriller is misleading, as it really is more of a suspense novel. I really am sorry that it didn't click with me, and a lot of early reviewers seem to have a very different opinion, so maybe it's just me.
Therefore, if domestic suspense is your thing, give it a go and try it for yourself!
On the upside, however, the audio recording was very well done and highly enjoyable. Karissa Vacker and Marin Ireland usually do a superb job every time!

The Golden Couple is another great thriller/mystery from Greer Hendricks and Sarah Pekkanen! The narration of this audiobook was perfect! The characters came alive and made the story that much more addictive. I couldn’t stop listening. I thought I had this one figured out, but I was so wrong!
A great thriller, sure to be a hit!

Thank you to NetGalley and Macmillan Audio for the opportunity to listen to this audiobook for an honest review.

Sometimes the evil that is woven into everything about you is so intricate that it blends into the fabric of your life, and you never see it.

Marissa Bishop wants to fix her marriage. To do so, she must confess infidelity to her husband, Matthew, and he must forgive her. Based upon a recommendation from a friend, they seek the help of Avery Chambers. Avery still uses unconventional methods to treat her clients even though she lost her license to practice. The three of them become intertwined in the cause of saving the Bishop’s marriage. Strange occurrences result in more questions that resolutions and it is difficult to determine who needs to accept responsibility for what.

As the novel progresses, the reader becomes unsure of who is telling any part of the truth at all. The lies and misleading statements compound and send the story in a different direction at every turn. Typical of all novels written by these two authors, it is difficult to figure out the puzzle until it is revealed at the end. The suspense is deep, and the twists are thrilling. The characters are deceptive at every turn. Nobody is complete honest about what they think or do. Even knowing this, they are believable and most likeable. Another great book by two of my favorite authors. The narrators simply enhance the excitement of this story!


I received an ARC and an audiobook from St. Martin Press and Macmillan Audio through NetGalley. This in no way affects my opinion or rating of this book. I am voluntarily submitting this review and am under no obligation to do so.

I was so excited to find out I received this book as an ARC from the publisher and netgalley in exchange for an honest review.

The thing I liked most about this one was the character of Avery. , She was straightforward and a badass! I love that she does what is best to help her clients that she sometimes goes to unconventional methods to get there, regardless of the consequences. The whole book was a slow burn, and things were revealed to the reading throughout the book about Marissa and Matthew- the Golden Couple (who are more gilded than gold.)

This is the fourth book I've read from this writing duo. I've loved everything they have written, and this one did not disappoint. I recommend it if you like domestic slow burn suspense novels.

TW: Cheating, death of a spouse, stalking, cancer, suicide, miscarriages,

*****SPOILERS*****
About the book: If Avery Chambers can’t fix you in 10 sessions, she won’t take you on as a client. Her successes are phenomenal--she helps people overcome everything from domineering parents to assault--and almost absorb the emptiness she sometimes feels since her husband’s death.Marissa and Mathew Bishop seem like the golden couple--until Marissa cheats. She wants to repair things, both because she loves her husband and for the sake of their 8-year-old son. After a friend forwards an article about Avery, Marissa takes a chance on this maverick therapist, who lost her license due to controversial methods.When the Bishops glide through Avery’s door and Marissa reveals her infidelity, all three are set on a collision course. Because the biggest secrets in the room are still hidden, and it’s no longer simply a marriage that’s in danger.
Release Date: 03/08/2022
Genre: Domestic Thriller
Pages: 336
Rating: ⭐⭐⭐⭐

What I Liked:
• I love this writing team
• The plot sounds juicy
• All the characters felt real

What I Didn't Like:
• The ending was too perfectly wrapped up

Overall Thoughts: I love the authors. This book kept me guessing and then reguessing what I thought was happening. I would think it's one person only to be tricked into that it was someone else. Everyone was fucking weird and had a motive.

There are all these red flags warning her that Polly is off somehow. She lies about having mice in the apartment but then comes up with this lame excuse as to why she's staying in the store. Why couldn't she have said that first excuse? It wasn't like it was a bad one. Then Marissa decides in an emergency to call her to watch her son. Like why? Just take your son with you!

The part I felt was the weakest was the whole plot of Avery reporting on the medical Company. It pops up so randomly and out of the blue that at certain points you totally forget about it. When it does come up it seems so terminanter like.

The ending I felt was pretty lame. Of course it's the husband it's always the husband. It just felt like it was off. Why was Tina killed? Because Tina didn't like Mathew the way that Tina liked Skip? The whole time we keep going back on Tina being murdered and then we get to the reveal of who murdered her and it's like two sentences. Tina deserves way more than that and I didn't even know Tina. I just feel like the ending was lazy.

Oh and then it just drove me crazy how everybody's lives were intertwined with each other. Natalie knew Polly because her dad gave her a job at Marissa's store. Then we find out that Skip was really best friends with Matthew and Marissa. Skip is the person that went on a date with Avery and suggested her to Mathew and Marissa to see for therapy. Mathew's dad is the one that has been following Avery around threatening her with the who pharmaceutical company. It's just too much.

Final Thoughts: overall I really enjoyed this book. It kept me guessing and the writing was just really good. I will definitely continue on reading the books these authors put out.

This author duo does it again! the Golden Couple tells the tale of Marissa and Matthew Bishop. The couple who appears to have it all. What could go wrong? Well, things are not golden and they seek out help from Avery—a therapist who recently lost her license to practice and has her own issues. Lies and twists abound and you will gobble this book up in one setting.

These two authors have really hit the ball out of the park with this book. I listened to this book in one sitting and didn't want it to end. It has slot of nice twists and turns, but yet is not too convoluted. No spoilers here, you won't believe the final twist that these two ladies have in store for you.

Thank you NetGalley and Macmillan Audio for the advanced copy.

WOW. I love mystery books and find it disappointing when I can guess the ending. THIS BOOK WAS NOT THAT! I loved hearing the story from the point of view of the two female leads and felt really drawn in. The view from the therapist and from the wife were stop on and really helped you feel connected to both sides of the story. I really though I was following the story and had guessed the ending but Greer Hendricks & Sarah Pekkanen really surprised me. This fast paced book is a wonderful opportunity to get lost in a mystery you think you're one step ahead, when really your three steps behind.

Marissa and Matthew appear to have it all. From an outsider’s perspective, they seem “golden.” But there has been an infidelity, which leads them to Avery Chambers, a therapist who recently lost her license for her “unconventional” treatment methods. A friend recommends Avery to Marissa, and they begin couples therapy with the unorthodox counselor, hoping to put their relationship back together.

This book takes the reader on a wild ride, with endless twists and turns. The story is told from the perspectives of Marissa and Avery; it is fast-paced and suspenseful right up to the very end.

I listened to the audiobook, and loved the way the women were portrayed by two different narrators. This is a multi-layered psychological thriller with engaging characters and an abundance of lies and betrayals coming from all sides.

Thanks to NetGalley for an ALC of this terrific book.

Even though I felt like this was a little on the slow side it kept me entertained. But I’m sorry, the end is quite ridiculous. All of the sudden she’s frightened of her husband? Out of nowhere? That was out of left field and unbelievable. I feel like it was purely for shock value. The only other part I hated- when she baby-talked to her son. Barf.